Hand strap entry device

Abstract

A ski pole strap entry device including a base member having a first side and an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed on the base member for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The first side includes an arcuate-shaped surface that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.

1 . A ski pole strap entry device comprising: 
 a fastener configured to engage the device to a portion of a ski pole strap without the device being in direct engagement with a portion of a ski pole; and    a base member defining a first side and a second, opposing side,    wherein the first side of the base member is arcuate-shaped in its natural state,    wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop after the device is engaged to the portion of the ski pole strap, and    wherein the loop formed by the base member is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate-shaped surface defines a radius from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the arcuate-shaped surface defines a radius from about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of L-brackets disposed on the second side of the base member.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of L-brackets define a slot therebetween, the slot providing a pathway for inserting the ski pole strap between the plurality of L-brackets.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a buckle disposed on the second side of the base member, the buckle adapted to receive one or more ends of the ski pole strap.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second side of the base member is arcuate-shaped in its natural state.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener requires no manipulation for securing the device to the portion of the ski pole strap.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener is configured to fasten first and second ends of the ski pole strap together.  
   
   
       10 . A ski pole comprising: 
 a shaft;    a strap affixed to a portion of the shaft; and    a ski pole strap entry device comprising: 
 a fastener engaging the device to a portion of the strap without the device being in direct engagement with a portion of the ski pole; and  
 a base member having, prior to engagement of the device to the portion of the strap, a non-planar form in the absence of any applied force,  
   wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop that is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.    
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the fastener requires no manipulation to engage the device to the portion of the strap.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the strap includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the fastener secures the first and second ends of the strap to one another to form a continuous loop.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the fastener comprises a plurality of L-brackets that define a slot therebetween, and wherein strap is received in the slot.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the base member of the device possesses a greater rigidity than the strap.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the base member of the device comprises a thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       16 . A ski pole comprising: 
 a shaft;    a strap assembly affixed to a portion of the shaft, the strap assembly comprising: 
 a strap having a first end and a second end; and  
 a ski pole strap entry device engaged to at least one of the first and second ends of the strap,  
   wherein the device comprises a fastener configured to secure the first and second ends of the ski pole strap to one another to form a continuous loop,    wherein the device further comprises a base member that is arcuate-shaped in its natural state, and    wherein the base member is sized to cause the ski pole strap to form a loop that is able to receive at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both after the first and second ends of the ski pole strap are secured to one another.    
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the fastener comprises a buckle.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the fastener comprises a first pair and a second pair of opposing tabs overhanging the base member, the second pair of opposing tabs being spaced apart from the first pair of opposing tabs.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the first and second pair of tabs face one another.  
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the fastener is coupled to the base member.