Hiking staff, ski pole, or boat paddle, with integrated topographical representations of trails and or terrain
First Claim
1. A navigational aide in the form of a physical model for enhanced visualization of geographic terrain and routes comprising;
- a geometric shape providing a large visible exterior area in the form of a tubular map printed on a heat shrinkable polymer, and;
a means for integration with conventional equipment comprising a friction fit induced by shrinking the polymer sleeve by means of the application of heat, and;
2-Dimensional cartographic information illustrated thereon.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A navigational aide in the form of a physical model that may be integrated with conventional expedition equipment. The preferred embodiment comprises a hiking staff (5, 6) containing 2-D map data (3) and or 3-D topographical representations (1, 2) corresponding with specific geographic regions and or features. The 3-D surfaces may be sculpted about and along the model. Alternately, cross-sectional elevation profiles of routes may be presented in the form of a 3-D sculpted grooves or flutes along, about, and or around the shaft. A variety of configurations are presented for the purpose of maximizing the effective sculptable areas or edges, and to provide a shrouding effect for the protruding peaks that would otherwise be vulnerable to deformation and uncomfortable to grip. The 3-D elevations may be exaggerated to visually accentuate changes in elevation. Features such as trails may be represented as grooves to facilitate marking progress and position. 2-D cartographic data (7,8,9) may also be presented along with the 3-D data or alone as a mounted map. In an alternate embodiment, the invention comprises a toy for children, inspiring learning imagination and adventurous play. Several methods and materials for both computerized and conventional design and manufacturing are provided. The novel aspects of this invention may be incorporated in the original equipment manufacture, modification of existing equipment, and accessories for attachment to conventional equipment.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A navigational aide in the form of a physical model for enhanced visualization of geographic terrain and routes comprising;
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a geometric shape providing a large visible exterior area in the form of a tubular map printed on a heat shrinkable polymer, and; a means for integration with conventional equipment comprising a friction fit induced by shrinking the polymer sleeve by means of the application of heat, and; 2-Dimensional cartographic information illustrated thereon.
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2. Navigational equipment with integrated topographical and/or route representations for enhanced visualization and navigation of geographic terrain and/or routes comprising;
a geometric shape providing a large visible exterior and; 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology formed on the exterior areas; and 2-Dimensional cartographic information contained thereon; and a means for integration with or adaptation to a hiking pole. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 25, 26)
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9. Navigational equipment with integrated topographical and/or route representations for enhanced visualization and navigation of geographic terrain and/or routes comprising;
a geometric shape providing a large visible exterior and; 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology formed on the exterior areas; and 2-Dimensional cartographic information contained thereon; and a means for integration with or adaptation to a ski pole. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29)
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16. Navigational equipment with integrated topographical and/or route representations for enhanced visualization and navigation of geographic terrain and/or routes comprising;
a geometric shape providing a large visible exterior and; 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology formed on the exterior areas; and 2-Dimensional cartographic information contained thereon; and a means for integration with or adaptation to a boat paddle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32)
Specification