Delineator pole
AssigneeReliable Racing Supply, Inc.
InventorJohn F. Jacobs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fixed or self-redressing delineator pole comprising a lower portion for insertion into a support structure and an upper portion which serves as a marker such as for a slalom gate, a parking lot, a field, or a road. The delineator pole uses an impact absorbing material over a rigid or semi-rigid inner tube to create a cushioned extended surface which absorbs impact. Ski racing, for example, involves full contact between skiers travelling at high rates of speed and the slalom poles resulting in numerous injuries to the skier and damage to the pole. This delineator pole reduces injury to the pole and other objects resulting from objects colliding with the pole.
Claims20
An elongate relatively small diameter delineator pole for use on a ski slope comprising:
- a lower portion which is shaped for piercing insertion into said slope and an upper portion serving as a marker, said upper portion comprising:
- a hollow tube which is formed from a first material and which extends upwardly from the lower portion of the pole to an upper end of the pole, said hollow tube being formed of a material which is at least semi-rigid, said first material being selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, composites, thermoplastics, metals, wood, bamboo and rubber;
- a first layer formed from an impact absorbing foam material which remains resilient at zero to sub-zero freezing temperatures, said first layer being attached to and surrounding said hollow tube to reduce impact resulting from a collision between a skier and the pole;
- and
- an optional outer layer formed from a third material which is attached to and surrounds said first layer to cover and protect said pole.
A self-redressing delineator pole for use on a ski slope comprising:
- a lower portion held in position by a support structure, and an elongate small diameter upper portion of sufficient length to serve as a ski course marker, said upper portion comprising:
- a tube which is formed from a first material and which extends upwardly from the lower portion of the pole to an upper end of the pole, said tube being formed of a material which is at least semi-rigid, said first material being selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, composites, thermoplastics, metals, wood, bamboo and rubber;
- and
- a first layer formed from an impact absorbing foam material which remains resilient in a temperature range including zero to sub-zero freezing temperatures, said first layer being attached to and surrounding said tube to reduce impact resulting from a collision between a skier and the pole,
- said tube and said first layer defining means which endows sufficient strength and flexibility on said upper portion such that said upper portion can re-right itself and return to an upright position after contact with a skier.
A self-redressing slalom gate pole for use on a ski slope comprising:
- a lower portion held in position by a support structure, and an upper elongate small diameter portion serving as a ski course marker, said upper portion comprising:
- a tube formed from a first material extending upwardly from the lower portion of the pole to an upper end of the pole, said tube being formed of a first material which is at least a semi-rigid, said first material being selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, composites, thermoplastics, metals, wood, bamboo and rubber;
- a first layer formed from a second impact absorbing foam material attached to and surrounding said tube to reduce the impact resulting from a collision between a moving skier and the pole;
- an outer layer formed from a third material attached to and surrounding said first layer to protect and cover said pole;
- and
- a hinge at the boundary of said lower portion and said upper portion, said tube and said first layer providing sufficient strength and flexibility such that, in combination with said hinge, said pole can tilt and subsequently re-right itself about said hinge and return to an upright position after contact with a skier.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.