Hiking staff, ski pole, or boat paddle, with integrated topographical representations of trails and or terrain

• US 7,261,564 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2002
• Issued: 08/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel P. Sutula Jr
• Original Assignee: Daniel P. Sutula Jr
• Inventors: Sutula, Daniel P. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fernstrom; Kurt
• Application Number:
  US10/116,444
• Publication Number:
  US 20040214142A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,972 Days
• Field of Search: 434/150, 434/151, 434/152, 434/153, 434/247, 434/253, 434/255, 409/04, 283/34, D19/61, 135/65, 135/66, 135/74, 135/75, 135/76
• US Class Current: 434/150
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 50/00 Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 25/06 for surveying; for geography, e.g. relief models globes G09B27/00; maps G09B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 25/08 of scenic effects, e.g. trees, rocks, water surfaces for stage purposes A63J1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/00 Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram star maps G09B27/04; devices for holding or supporting maps A47B97/02; for computing purposes G06G1/14, G09B1/16; display boards G09F

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.

Claims

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.

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.

3. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object.

4. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

a plurality of polygonal faces and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

5. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

one or more flutes or grooves and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

6. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of the geographic topology further comprises;

representations of the elevation profiles of particular hiking routes configured suitably along, around, and/or about, the exterior of the model.

7. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology further comprise;

sculpted surfaces representing the topology configured along, around, and/or about the exterior of the model.

8. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of 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 conventional hiking pole.

24. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory capable of being physically attached to the hiking pole.

25. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory in the form a conformal sleeve or wrap.

26. The navigational equipment of claim 2 wherein the means for integration comprises;

equipment specifically designed with a receiving means to accept interchangeable inserts; and

interchangeable inserts comprising geographical data designed to be mountable on said equipment.

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.

10. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object.

11. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

a plurality of polygonal faces and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

12. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

one or more flutes or grooves and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

13. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of the geographic topology further comprise;

representations of the elevation profiles of particular hiking routes configured suitably along, around, and/or about, the exterior of the model.

14. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology further comprise;

sculpted surfaces representing the topology configured along, around, and/or about the exterior of the model.

15. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of 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 conventional ski pole.

27. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory capable of being physically attached to the hiking pole.

28. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory in the form a conformal sleeve or wrap.

29. The navigational equipment of claim 9 wherein the means for integration comprises;

equipment specifically designed with a receiving means to accept interchangeable inserts; and

interchangeable inserts comprising geographical data designed to be mountable on said equipment.

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.

17. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object.

18. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

a plurality of polygonal faces and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

19. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the geometric shape comprises the form of a long slender object further comprising;

one or more flutes or grooves and resulting edges to maximize the visible area.

20. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of the geographic topology further comprise;

representations of the elevation profiles of particular hiking routes configured suitably along, around, and/or about, the exterior of the model.

21. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of geographic topology further comprise;

sculpted surfaces representing the topology configured along, around, and/or about the exterior of the model.

22. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the 3-Dimensional representations of 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 conventional ski pole.

23. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the model is integrated or adapted to a boat paddle.

30. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory capable of being physically attached to the hiking pole.

31. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the means for integration comprises a mountable accessory in the form a conformal sleeve or wrap.

32. The navigational equipment of claim 16 wherein the means for integration comprises;

equipment specifically designed with a receiving means to accept interchangeable inserts; and

interchangeable inserts comprising geographical data designed to be mountable on said equipment.