FI20215688A1

FI20215688A1 - Assembly for ski pole

Info

Publication number: FI20215688A1
Application number: FI20215688A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Mika Björklund
Original assignee: Bjoerklund Mika
Priority date: 2021-06-14
Filing date: 2021-06-14
Publication date: 2022-12-15
Also published as: EP4104911A1

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) to be attached to a stick portion (220) or a grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200). The assembly (100) comprises an elongated hand rest (110), which has a first upper end (111) and a second downward end (112). Said hand rest (110) at its first upper end (111) is configured to be attached to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) in a first angle (α), to fit underneath the hand (230) of a user gripping the grip portion (210), and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist (260) of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR SKI POLE FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to ski poles, particularly to ski poles used in cross-country skiing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Ski poles, also referred to as poles, sticks, or stocks, are used by skiers in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and cross-country skiing. Modern ski poles are most commonly made from aluminum and carbon fiber, which provide lightness and stiffness while being extremely strong.

[0003] Ski poles used for cross-country skiing are used for the purposes of balancing, braking, turning and propulsion. Usually two poles are used to provide greater balance and make pushing through the snow easy. — [0004] The ski pole comprises a grip portion attached to the upper part of the pole. The grip portion can be eguipped with is a strap. The strap is slip over the wrist to improve the skiers hold on the grip and to prevent the loss of the pole in the event of a fall. However, there is still a need for improve a power output of the ski pole as well as the usability of the pole in various skiing technigues, and improve the ergonomics of the hand — and wrist.

N O N

S + SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION E [0005] The object of the present invention is to improve power output from the ski © pole. Further, the object of the present invention is to improve the ergonomics of the hand DO 25 — and the wrist for reducing the skier’s energy consumption and thus improving the skier's O endurance. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to improve usability of the pole in various skiing technigues, such as freestyle skiing (skating) or classic skiing.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly for a ski pole to be attached to a stick portion or a grip portion of the ski pole comprising an elongated hand rest, which has a first upper end and a second downward end, wherein said hand rest at its first upper end is configured to be attached to the stick — portion or the grip portion in a first inclined angle (a), to fit underneath the hand of a user gripping the grip portion, and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said first angle a between the hand rest and the stick portion is 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 degrees, when the assembly is connected to the stick portion or the grip portion of the ski pole, and the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest extends substantially to a wrist of the user gripping the grip portion.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, centerlines of the stick — portion and the hand rest are arranged in a second angle (B) between themselves in a lateral cross-section plane of the hand rest, whereby said second angle is 10 to 20 degrees, preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 degrees when the assembly is connected to the ski pole.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest extends substantially to an elbow of the user gripping the grip portion.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest is 5 articulately attached to the stick portion or the grip portion of the ski pole. & O [0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, assembly comprises a = connecting part for attaching the assembly to the stick portion or the grip portion of the ski = 25 — pole. a a [0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest D comprises attachment means for attaching the hand rest to the connecting part.

N N [0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, assembly comprises a support part, which is attached to the second downward end of the hand rest for providing support to a palm or an arm of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, assembly comprises a fastening element for fastening the arm of the user to the hand rest.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises a side handle having a first upper end and a second downward end, which second downward end is configured to be attached to the hand rest, which side handle is configured to provide support to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest comprises carbon fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest is partially or fully perforated.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ski — pole comprising a stick portion, a grip portion and a hand rest, wherein the hand rest is an elongate member having a first upper end and a second downward end, wherein said hand rest at its first upper end is attached to said stick portion or said grip portion in a first angle a to fit underneath the hand of a user gripping the grip portion, and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said first angle a N between the hand rest and the stick portion is 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 degrees,

N O more preferably about 30 degrees, when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during

O + skiing. E 25 [0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest extends a substantially to a wrist of the user gripping the grip portion. 8 N [0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, centerlines of the stick

O N portion and the hand rest are arranged in a second angle B between themselves in a lateral cross-section plane of the hand rest, whereby said second angle is 10 to 20 degrees, — preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 degrees.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest extends substantially to an elbow of the user gripping the grip portion.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest is articulately attached to the stick portion or the grip portion of the ski pole.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, ski pole comprises a connecting part, which is attached to the stick portion or the grip portion, by which connecting part the hand rest is connected to the stick portion or the grip portion.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest comprises attachment means for attaching the hand rest to the connecting part.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support part is attached to the second downward end of the hand rest for providing support to a palm or an arm of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hand rest comprises a fastening element for fastening the arm of the user to the hand rest.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ski pole comprises a side handle having a first upper end and a second downward end, which second downward end is attached to the hand rest, which side handle is configured to provide support to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ski pole comprises = a basket, which basket comprises a claw portion, which is an elongated member, which & extends substantially perpendicular to the ski pole and substantially parallel to direction of S propagation of the user, when it is attached to the ski pole, a curved spring portion J extending backwardly and upwardly from the claw portion towards the ski pole, which E 25 — spring portion comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, which lower portion is a attached on the claw portion and the upper portion is attached to the ski pole, and a space D for receiving the ski pole, which space is arranged into the claw portion and the lower

N S portion of the spring portion attached to the claw portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIGURE 1 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to a wrist of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; 5 [0032] FIGURE 2 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to a wrist of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIGURE 3 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to a wrist of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIGURE 4 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to an elbow of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIGURE 5 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to an elbow of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIGURE 6 illustrates an assembly for a ski pole having a hand rest which extends substantially to an elbow of an user gripping a grip portion of the ski pole in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIGURE 7 illustrates a basket of the ski pole illustrated from above in = accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention; and

O

N O [0038] FIGURE 8 illustrates a side view of a basket of the ski pole from above in

O + accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

I a a co 2 25 EMBODIMENTS

LO O [0039] FIGURE 1 illustrates a ski pole 200. The ski pole 200 comprises a grip portion 210 and a stick portion 220. The grip portion 210 is attached or formed to an upper part of the ski pole. The grip portion 210 may be eguipped with is a strap (not illustrated),

which can be slipped over a wrist of the skier to improve the skiers hold on the grip portion and to prevent the loss of the ski pole in the event of a fall.

[0040] FIGURE 1 further illustrates an assembly 100 for the ski pole 200. The assembly 100 can be attached to the stick portion 220 or to the grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200. The assembly 100 comprises an elongated hand rest 110, which has a first upper end 111 and a second downward end 112. The hand rest 110 at its first upper end 111 is configured to be attached to the stick or grip portion 220, 210 in a first inclined angle a to fit underneath the hand 230 of a user gripping the grip portion 210. The hand rest 110 provides additional support along its length to at least part of the wrist 260 of the user when the ski pole 200 is being used for thrusting during skiing. The inventive assembly improves power output from the ski pole 200, as well as providing usability of the pole in various skiing techniques, such as freestyle skiing (skating) or classic skiing. The assembly thus improves the ergonomics of the hand and the wrist, which in turn reduces the skier’s energy consumption and thus improves the skier’s endurance.

[0041] The inventive assembly enables natural positioning of the palm. When skiing using the assembly and thrusting the pole against the ground, the palm s top part in the hand 230 turns slightly inwards, i.e. the left hand (not shown) turns clockwise and the right hand 230 counterclockwise CC, whereby the lower hypothenar edge 240 of the hand’s palm is located slightly outwards compared to the upper thenar edge 250. This angle induced to the hand by the inventive assembly allows better and more efficient use of the arm, both the forearm and the upper arm, and better and more efficient use of the large muscles of the back. The particular benefit of the assembly is in a heavy terrain, such as pushing an uphill.

O N [0042] FIGURE 1 illustrates that the hand rest 110 extends substantially to the wrist S 25 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210. The hand rest 110 extends underneath the = wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210. Thus, the hand rest provides support z along its length to the hand 203 and the wrist 260 of the user.

2 [0043] The hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 of the user 5 gripping the grip portion 210 has a length and the width. The length of the hand rest 110 N 30 extends substantially according to the arm of the user when the user is gripping the hand rest. The width extends substantially perpendicularly to the length.

[0044] The length of the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 can be for example, 70 to 130 mm, preferably 90 to 110 mm, more preferably about 100 mm.

[0045] The width of the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 of the — user gripping the grip portion 210 can be for example, 10 to 40 mm, preferably 15 to 25 mm, more preferably about 20 mm.

[0046] FIGURE 1 illustrates the first angle a. The first angle a is the angle between the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 and the stick portion. The angle a can be 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 — degrees, more preferably about 30 degrees when the assembly 100 is connected to the ski pole 200. The angle a provides a good position for the palm and the arm of the skier providing better and more efficient use of the arm and the large muscles of the back.

[0047] FIGURE 2 illustrates a ski pole 200 having a hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 viewed from a user gripping the ski pole 200. Centerlines of the stick portion 220 and the hand rest 110 are arranged in a second angle B between themselves in a lateral cross-section plane of the hand rest 110. The ski pole 200 is for a right hand, and is thus in a right hand of the user. The hand rest 110 points to the right in the second angle 3. Respectively, the hand rest 110 points to the left in a ski pole for the left hand. The second angle can be 10 to 20 degrees, preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 degrees when the assembly 100 is connected to the ski pole 200.

[0048] The assembly 100 having the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the N wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 can be attached to the stick portion 220 3 or the grip portion 210 by fastening means, such as a screw, a rivet or a glue. K 25 [0049] FIGURE 3 illustrates an assembly 100 for a ski pole 200. The hand rest 110 z extends substantially to the wrist 260 of the user gripping the grip portion 210. The 2 assembly 100 comprises a support part 120. The support part 120 is attached to the second D end 112 of the hand rest 110 for providing support to the hypothenar eminence side of the S palm or the arm of a user when the ski pole 200 is being used for thrusting during skiing. — The support part enables a natural position of a palm. The support part provides a good position for the palm and the arm of the skier providing better and more efficient use of the arm and the large muscles of the back. The assembly improves the accuracy of the operation of the ski pole, which is important for example, in sprint skiing, where inaccurate pole work often causes collisions and falls. The assembly enables focusing better control to the ski pole.

[0050] The support part 120 can be an elongated member. It can be a plate-like member. The support part 120 can extend perpendicularly related to the support part.

[0051] The support part 120 has a length and a width. The length can be greater than the width. The length of the support part can be 8 to 15 mm, preferably 12 mm. The width of the support part can be 5 to 12 mm, preferably 10 mm.

— [0052] FIGURE 4 illustrates an assembly 100 for a ski pole 200. The assembly 100 can be attached to the stick portion 220 or to a grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200. The assembly 100 comprises an elongated hand rest 110. The hand rest 110 extends substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210. The hand rest has a first upper end 111 and a second downward end 112. The first upper end 111 is configured — to be attached to the stick or grip portion 220, 210 in a first angle a to fit underneath the hand 230 of a user gripping the grip portion 210.Thus, the hand rest provides support along its length to the forearm. Further, it provides better and more efficient use of the arm and the deep abdominal muscles and large muscles of the back.

[0053] The hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 has a length and — the width. The length of the hand rest 110 extends substantially according to the arm of the user when the user is gripping the hand rest The width extends substantially perpendicularly to the length.

R [0054] The length of the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 can S be for example, 250 to 350 mm, preferably 290 to 330 mm, more preferably about 310 = 25 mm.

T S [0055] The width of the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 can E be for example, 10 to 40 mm, preferably 15 to 25 mm, more preferably about 20 mm.

O [0056] According to some embodiments, the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 is articulately attached to the stick portion 220 or to a grip portion 210 of the — ski pole 200. So, when throwing the ski pole backwards after pushing with the ski pole, the hand rest 110 turns to its upper position. Further, the angle of the hand rest 110 to the ski pole 200 can be adjusted. Furthermore, articulated attachment enables of use of the hand rest 110 when necessary, especially in an uphill. Thus, the hand rest 110 can be deactivated by setting it to its lower position towards to the pole portion 220 of the ski pole 200 and the — ground when it is not needed.

[0057] In addition, the exact positioning of the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 relation to the ski pole 200 can be adjusted. The hand rest 100 hand be attached to a preferred position to the stick portion 220 or to a grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200. The position of the hand rest can be adjusted according to for example, — preferences of the skier and a size of the hand of the skier.

[0058] FIGURE 4 illustrates the first angle a. The first angle a is between the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 and the stick portion 220. The angle a can be 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 degrees, more preferably about 30 degrees, when the assembly 100 is connected to the ski pole 200 — and when the ski pole 200 is being used for thrusting during skiing. The angle provides a good position for the palm and the arm of the skier providing better and more efficient use of the arm and the large muscles of the back.

[0059] The hand rest 110 extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 can be articulately attached to the connecting part 130. So, — the angle of the hand rest 110 to the ski pole 200 can be adjusted. Further, articulated attachment enables of use of the hand rest 110 when necessary, especially in an uphill. In addition, the hand rest 110 can be deactivated when it is not needed. N [0060] FIGURE 5 illustrates a ski pole 200 having a hand rest 110 viewed from a > user gripping the ski pole 200The ski pole 200 is for a right hand, and is thus in a right I 25 — hand of the user. The hand rest 110 points to the right. Respectively, the hand rest 110 = points to the left in a ski pole for the left hand. a 2 [0061] FIGURE 5 illustrates that the assembly 100 comprising the hand rest 110 D extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises S a support part 120. The support part 120 is attached to the second end 112 of the hand rest

110. The support part 120 provides support to an arm of the user when the ski pole 200 is being used for thrusting during skiing. The support part provides support for the arm of the skier providing better and more efficient use of the arm and the large muscles of the back.

[0062] The support part 120 can be a fork-like member, which has two portions, which extend along the arm and at least partially around the arm of the user.

[0063] FIGURE 5 illustrates the assembly comprising the hand rest 110 extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises a fastening element 150 for fastening the arm of the user to the hand rest 110. The fastening element 150 secures that the arm of the user stays on the hand rest.

[0064] The fastening element 150 can be connected to the support part 120 or the hand rest 110, for example, to the second downward end 112 of the hand rest.

[0065] The fastening element 150 can be for example, a ring-like member into which the hand is set.

[0066] Alternatively, the fastening element 150 can comprise two bands or ribbons, which are tied around the arm. First ends of the bands or ribbons can be attached to the — support part and second ends of the bands or ribbons can be tied together or comprise hook-and-loop-fastener for attaching the second ends together.

[0067] FIGURE 6 illustrates that the assembly 100 comprising the hand rest 110 extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises a connecting part 130 for attaching the assembly 100 to the grip portion 210. The — connecting part can be attached to the stick portion 220 or the grip portion 210 by fastening means, such as a screw, a rivet or a glue. The connecting part 130 enables reliably and easy N attaching of the hand rest 110 to the grip portion.

N S [0068] The connecting part 130 can have a form of a half-circle, which straight side J is configured to be attached to the stick portion 220 or grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200.

I a = 25 [0069] Alternatively, the connecting part can be an elongated member, which is co 2 substantially parallel to the ski pole 200, when the connecting part 130 is connected to the

LO N grip portion 210.

O N

[0070] The hand rest 110 can be attached to the connecting part 130 via a hinge 140. The hinge 140 can be a pin hinge. The pin hinge can have bearings.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the hand rest 110 extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises attachment means for attaching the hand rest 110 to the connecting part 130. The attachment means provides simple and fast attachment of the hand rest 110 to the connecting part 130.

[0072] For example, the hand rest 110 can comprise a hole for receiving the connecting part 130 and the ski pole 200.

[0073] Alternatively, the first upper end 111 of the hand rest 100 can be fork-like having two spikes having a space between the spikes for receiving the connecting part 130 and the ski pole 200 between the spikes. — [0074] FIGURE 6 illustrates that the assembly comprising the hand rest 110 extending substantially to an elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises a side handle 160 having a first upper end 161 and a second downward end 162. The second downward end 162 is attached to the hand rest 110. The side handle 160 is configured to provide support to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole 200 — is being used for thrusting during skiing. The side handle 160 provides a good position for the palm.

[0075] The side handle 160 moves with the hand rest 110 because its second downward end 162 is attached to the hand rest 110. Thus, the side handle 160 can be deactivated when the hand rest 110 is deactivated. — [0076] According to some embodiments, the hand rest 110 extending substantially to the wrist 260 or the elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 comprises carbon = fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer. The carbon fiber provides lightness and stiffness N while being extremely strong. 3 + [0077] According to some embodiments, the hand rest 110 extending substantially to = 25 — the wrist 260 or the elbow 270 of the user gripping the grip portion 210 is partially or fully S perforated. Thus, at least portion of the hand rest 110 can be perforated. Alternatively, the E hand rest 110 can be hollow. This reduces the weight of the hand rest. O [0078] According to some embodiments, a ski pole 200 comprises a stick portion 220, a grip portion 210 and the hand rest 110 according to at least some of the above presented embodiments. The grip portion 210 may be equipped with is a strap (not illustrated). The hand rest 110 is an elongate member having a first upper end 111 and a second downward end 112, wherein said hand rest 110 at its first upper end 111 is attached to said stick portion 220 or said grip portion 210 in a first angle a to fit underneath the hand 230 of a user gripping the grip portion 210, and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist 260 of the user when the ski pole 200 is being used for thrusting during skiing.

[0079] The hand rest 110 can be attached or formed to the stick portion 220 or the grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200 during manufacturing of the ski pole 200. Thus, the hand rest 110 and the ski pole 200 can be manufactured simultaneously. The hand rest 110 and the ski pole 200 can comprise same material.

[0080] According to some embodiments, centerlines of the stick portion 220 and the hand rest 110 are arranged in a second angle B between themselves in a lateral cross- section plane of the hand rest 110. Said second angle can be for example, 10 to 20 degrees, preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 degrees.

[0081] The ski pole 200 can comprise the connecting part 130, which is attached to the stick portion 220 or the grip portion 210. The hand rest 110 can be connected to the stick portion 220 or the grip portion 210 by the connecting part 130. The connecting part 130 can be attached or formed during manufacturing of the ski pole 200 to the grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200.

— [0082] According to some embodiment, the hand rest 110 can be attached and removed from the connecting part 130, when the connecting part 130 is used to attach the hand rest 110 to the grip portion 210 of the ski pole 200. This enables of attaching of the N hand rest 110 to the grip portion 210, when there is need for e.g. increase the power output 3 of the ski pole, or removing the hand rest 110 for example, when skiing in a planar terrain. = 25 — [0083] The hand rest 100 can be attached to or removed from the grip portion 210 by E removing a basket of the ski pole 200. When the basket is removed from an end of the ski 2 pole, the hand rest can be set to or from the grip portion 210 through the end of the ski D pole.

O N [0084] FIGURE 7 illustrates a basket 300 of a ski pole 200 illustrated above. The — basket 300 can be attached to the stick portion 220 of the ski pole 200. Alternatively, the basket 300 formed to the stick portion 220 of the ski pole 200 during manufacturing of the ski pole 200. Thus, the basket 300 and the ski pole 200 can be manufactured simultaneously. The basket 300 enables better power output of the ski pole, and thus increases the speed of the skier.

[0085] The basket 300 and the ski pole 200 can comprise same material, such as — carbon fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

[0086] FIGURE 7 illustrates that the basket 300 comprises a claw portion 310. The claw portion 310 is an elongated member, which extends substantially perpendicular to the ski pole 200 and substantially parallel to direction of propagation of the user, when it is attached to the ski pole 200.

[0087] FIGURE 7 illustrates that the basket 300 comprises a curved spring portion

330. The spring portion 330 extends backwardly and upwardly from the claw portion 310 towards the ski pole 200. The spring portion 330 comprises a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is attached on the claw portion 310 and the upper portion can be attached to the ski pole 200. The lower portion extends substantially perpendicular to the — ski pole 200 and parallel to the claw portion.

[0088] Alternatively, the spring portion 330 and the claw portion 310 can comprise of one single element, into which both of them they are merged.

[0089] FIGURE 7 illustrates that the basket comprises a space for receiving the ski pole 200. The space 320 for receiving the ski pole 200 is arranged into the claw portion 310 and the lower portion of the spring portion 330.

[0090] FIGURE 8 illustrates a side view of the basket 300. The spring portion 330 N extends from the claw portion 310 to a side of the ski pole 200. The upper portion of the

N O spring portion 330 is substantially on the side of the ski pole, which side is opposite to the

O + direction of travel when the ski pole is used. E 25 [0091] The basket 300 can comprise carbon fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer. co 2 [0092] The upper portion of the spring portion 330 can be attached to the stick

LO N portion 220 of the ski pole 200 for attaching the basket 300 to the ski pole 200. The upper

O N portion of the spring portion 330 can be attached to the stick portion 220 by fastening means, such as a screw, arivet or a glue.

[0093] The basket 300 can be attached to the ski pole 200 having the presently disclosed hand rest 100 or it can be used without the hand rest 110.

[0094] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0095] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in — connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0096] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, — various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of SN one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the N present invention.

S < 25 — [0097] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be = combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following * description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One N skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced N 30 — without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0098] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0099] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor reguire the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", ie. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 assembly 110 hand rest 111 first upper end of hand rest 112 second downward end of hand rest 120 support part 130 connecting part 140 hinge 150 fastening element 160 side handle N 161 first upper end of side handle » 162 second downward end of side handle I 25 200 ski pole = 210 grip portion of ski pole * 220 stick portion & 230 hand

LO N 240 lower hypothenar edge N 30 250 upper thenar edge 260 wrist 270 elbow

300 basket of ski pole 310 claw portion 320 space for receiving the ski pole 330 spring portion

N O

N ©

O +

I a a © 00

O LO N O N

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) to be attached to a stick portion (220) or a grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200) comprising an elongated hand rest (110), which has a first upper end (111) and a second downward end (112), wherein said hand rest (110) at its first upper end (111) is configured to be attached to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) in a first angle (a), to fit underneath the hand (230) of a user gripping the grip portion (210), and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist (260) of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

2. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of claim 1, wherein said first angle (a) between the hand rest (110) and the stick portion (220) is 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 degrees, when the assembly (100) is connected to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200), and the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

3. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims , wherein the hand rest (110) extends substantially to a wrist (260) of the user gripping the grip portion (210).

4. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of claim 3, wherein centerlines of the stick portion (220) and the hand rest (110) are arranged in a second angle (B) between S 25 themselves in a lateral cross-section plane of the hand rest (110), whereby said second O angle is 10 to 20 degrees, preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 > degrees when the assembly (100) is connected to the ski pole (200). z © 5. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, O 30 wherein the hand rest (110) extends substantially to an elbow (270) of the user gripping N the grip portion (210).

N

6. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of claim 5, wherein the hand rest (110) is articulately attached to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200).

7. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 6, which assembly (100) comprises a connecting part (130) for attaching the assembly (100) to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200).

8. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of claim 7, wherein the hand rest (110) comprises attachment means for attaching the hand rest (110) to the connecting part (130).

9. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims, which assembly (100) comprises a support part (120), which is attached to the second downward end (112) of the hand rest (110) for providing support to a palm or an arm of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

10. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 9, which assembly (100) comprises a fastening element (150) for fastening the arm of the user to the hand rest (110).

11. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a side handle (160) having a first upper end (161) and a second downward end (162), which second downward end (162) is S 25 configured to be attached to the hand rest (110), which side handle (160) is configured O to provide support to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole (200) is x being used for thrusting during skiing. z ©

12. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims, O 30 wherein the hand rest (110) comprises carbon fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer. 3

13. The assembly (100) for a ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand rest (110) is partially or fully perforated.

14. A ski pole (200) comprising a stick portion (220), a grip portion (210) and a hand rest (110), wherein the hand rest (110) is an elongate member having a first upper end (111) and a second downward end (112), wherein said hand rest (110) at its first upper end (111) is attached to said stick portion (220) or said grip portion (210) in a first angle (a) to fit underneath the hand (230) of a user gripping the grip portion (210), and to provide support along its length to at least part of the wrist (260) of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

15. The ski pole (200) of claim 14, wherein said first angle (a) between the hand rest (110) and the stick portion (220) is 25 to 35 degrees, preferably 28 to 32 degrees, more preferably about 30 degrees, when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

16. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 15, wherein the hand rest (110) extends substantially to a wrist (260) of the user gripping the grip portion (210).

17. The ski pole (200) of claim 16, wherein centerlines of the stick portion (220) and the hand rest (110) are arranged in a second angle (B) between themselves in a lateral cross-section plane of the hand rest (110), whereby said second angle is 10 to 20 degrees, preferably 12 to 16 degrees, more preferably about 14 degrees.

18. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 15, wherein the hand _ rest (110) extends substantially to an elbow (270) of the user gripping the grip portion R 25 (210).

S >

19. The ski pole (200) of claim 18, wherein the hand rest (110) is articulately attached z to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210) of the ski pole (200). a co O 30

20. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 18 to 19, which ski pole N (200) comprises a connecting part (130), which is attached to the stick portion (220) or N the grip portion (210), by which connecting part (130) the hand rest (110) is connected to the stick portion (220) or the grip portion (210).

21. The ski pole (200) of claim 20, wherein the hand rest (110) comprises attachment means for attaching the hand rest (110) to the connecting part (130).

22. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 21, wherein a support part (120) is attached to the second downward end (112) of the hand rest (110) for providing support to a palm or an arm of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

23. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 18 to 22, wherein the hand rest (110) comprises a fastening element (150) for fastening the arm of the user to the hand rest (110).

24. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 18 to 23, wherein the ski pole (200) comprises a side handle (160) having a first upper end (161) and a second downward end (162), which second downward end (162) is attached to the hand rest (110), which side handle (160) is configured to provide support to at least part of the wrist of the user when the ski pole (200) is being used for thrusting during skiing.

25. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 24, wherein the hand rest (110) comprises carbon fibre or carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

26. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 25, wherein the hand rest (110) is partially or fully perforated. O 25

27. The ski pole (200) of any one of the preceding claims 14 to 26, which ski pole O (200) comprises a basket (300), which basket (300) comprises: < — a claw portion (310), which is an elongated member, which extends z substantially perpendicular to the ski pole (200) and substantially parallel to N direction of propagation of the user, when it is attached to the ski pole 00 O 30 (200), N — a curved spring portion (330) extending backwardly and upwardly from the N claw portion (310) towards the ski pole (200), which spring portion (330) comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, which lower portion is attached on the claw portion (310) and the upper portion is attached to the ski pole (200), and — a space (320) for receiving the ski pole (200), which space (320) is arranged into the claw portion (310) and the lower portion of the spring portion (330) attached to the claw portion (310).

N

O

N ©

I <

I a a © 0 ©

LO

N

O

N