Background of the invention

The invention relates to a pole climbing shoe.

A pole climbing shoe is an accessory adapted around a normal shoe, which may be used when climbing to a wooden, concrete, composite, or steel pole or post, tree, or similar item or structure. A pole climbing shoe comprises a bottom part forming the body of the pole climbing shoe, on top of which a normal shoe is placed as the pole climbing shoe in put on. The pole climbing shoe is fixed to the leg by fastening means formed by straps, bands, or buckles, arranged on the pole climbing shoe. A pole climbing shoe usually also includes a support element arranged in connection with the bottom part of the pole climbing shoe, directed upwards, to support the leg in the pole climbing shoe.

WO publication 2011/048262 A1 discloses a pole climbing shoe. Brief description of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide a novel pole climbing shoe.

The pole climbing shoe according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the independent claim.

The pole climbing shoe comprises a bottom part forming the body of the pole climbing shoe, and a calf support arranged in connection with the bottom part and directable upwards from the bottom part. The calf support comprises a slide plate movable parallel to the calf support, adapted to set against the rear part of a leg of a user of the pole climbing shoe and move upwards and downwards following the movement of the user's leg in response to the movement of the leg of the user of the pole climbing shoe parallel to the calf support.

The slide plate arranged in the calf support allows the leg of the pole climbing shoe user to bend and straighten relatively freely during a climb to a climbable object or a descend from there, and when walking with the pole climbing shoes on. The calf supports provides, through the slide plate, continuous support to the pole climbing shoe user's leg from the behind, but at the same time allows the user's leg to move relatively freely upwards and downwards as the leg bends and then straightens again. Consequently, the movement of the pole climbing shoe user leg closely resembles moving without pole climbing shoes both when climbing and when walking on the ground. Some embodiments of the pole climbing shoe according to the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the figures

The invention is now described in closer detail in connection with preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic diagonal top view of a pole climbing shoe;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 1 , seen from the inner edge,

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 1 , seen from the outer edge,

Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 1 ,

Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 1 ,

Figure 6 is a schematic bottom view of the pole climbing shoe of

Figure 1 ,

Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure

1 ,

Figure 8 shows, schematically from the rear, a partially cross- sectional detail of a pole climbing shoe according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 1 in the usage position installed against a pole being climbed,

Figure 10 is a schematic front view, as seen obliquely from above, of a second pole climbing shoe, and

Figure 1 1 is a schematic rear view, as seen obliquely from above, of the pole climbing shoe of Figure 10.

For reasons of clarity, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures in a simplified form. In the figures, like reference numerals identify like elements.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 is a schematic diagonal top view of a pole climbing shoe 1 . The pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 which may be made of, for example, plastic, a composite material, or another non-conductive material. The bottom part 2 may also be made of, for example, steel or aluminium and, if need be, coated by plastic to become electrically non-conductive. The bottom part 2 forms the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , in connection with which the other parts of the pole climbing shoe 2 are adapted and on top of which a user of the pole climbing shoe 1 places his shoe when putting on the pole climbing shoe 1. The pole climbing shoe 1 and correspondingly the bottom part 2 have a front part 3, directed to the direction indicated by the tip of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's shoe, a rear part 4 directed to the direction indicated by the heel of said shoe, an inner edge 5 directed to the direction indicated by the inner edge of the shoe, and an outer edge 6 directed towards the direction indicated by the outer edge of the shoe. Further, the pole climbing shoe 1 and correspondingly the bottom part 2 have a bottom part 7 or bottom surface 7 directed downwards, and top part 8 or top surface 8 directed upwards.

The front part 3 of the bottom part 2 has, on is top surface, a front support 9 to support the pole climbing shoe 1 user's shoe in the region of the toes and ball of the foot. The front support 9 is of one uniform structure with the bottom part 2, but it may also be arranged to be detachably fixed to the bottom part 2, whereby the position of the front support 9 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 between the front part 3 and rear part 4 of the bottom part 2 may also be continuously or stepwise adjusted. In connection with the front support 9 there is arranged a fastening buckle 10 of another alternative fastening means to fasten the pole climbing shoe 1 user's shoe to the pole climbing shoe 1 by its front part 3. In connection with the front support 9 it is also possible to arrange a toecap to protect the toes of the pole climbing shoe 1 user. Said toecap may also be made of an electrically non-conductive material.

The rear part 4 of the bottom part 2 has, in connection with the top surface 8 of the bottom part 2, a rear detent 1 1 to support the pole climbing shoe 1 user's shoe in the region of the heel of the foot. The rear detent 1 1 is detachably fixed to the bottom part 2 so that the position of the rear detent 1 1 in the longitudinal direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 between the front part 3 and rear part 4 of the bottom part 2 is adjustable. In the top surface 8 of the bottom part 2, adjustment openings 12 have been formed, at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2, which are schematically seen in Figure 7 and by means of which the rear detent 1 1 may be locked at a specific position in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 to make the pole climbing shoe 1 fit the user's shoe as regards its size. At the bottom surface of the rear detent 1 1 there is one or more locking members compatible with the adjustment openings 12, which when it/they set in the respective adjustment opening 12 / respective adjustment openings 12 establish a form locking with the respective adjustment opening 12 / respective adjustment openings 12, which locks the rear detent 1 1 in place in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2. For reasons of clarity, the figures do not show said one or more locking members the implementation of which is obvious for a person skilled in the art.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , seen from the inner edge 5, Figure 3 is a schematic view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , seen from the outer edge 6, Figure 4 is a schematic front view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , Figure 6 is a schematic bottom view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 , and Figure 8 shows schematically from the rear a partially cross-sectional detail of a pole climbing shoe 1 according to Figure 1 .

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises on the rear part 4 of the pole climbing shoe 1 a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directed substantially upwards to support the pole climbing shoe 1 user's leg at substantially the calf. The calf support 14 comprises an arm part 15, a first end 15' of which, directed downwards, is arranged in connection with the bottom part 2, and on second end 15" of which, directed upwards, there is arranged a support part 16 to settle substantially at the pole climbing shoe 1 user's calf. The surface of the support part 16, directed towards the front part 3 of the bottom part 2, has been formed concave to adapt to the shape of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's leg in the calf region. In the embodiments of the Figures, the arm part 15 and support part 16 are of one uniform structure, but they could also be two parts originally separate, but joined together. In such a case, the support part 16 could be arranged in connection with the arm part 15 telescopically, for example, whereby the distance of the support part 16 from the bottom part 2 could be altered according to the length of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's leg. Alternatively, the arm part itself could be telescopically implemented.

In connection with the support part 16 of the calf support 14, on the front part 3 side of the bottom part 2, a slide plate 17 has been arranged, which, when the pole climbing shoe 1 is being used, is adapted to be placed between the calf of the pole climbing shoe 1 user and the support part 16 of the calf support 14. The slide plate 17 is convex on its surface that comes into contact with the support part 16, substantially corresponding to the concave shaping of the surface of the support part 16, directed towards the front part 3 of the bottom part 2. The surface of the slide plate 17, directed towards the front part 3 of the bottom part 2, is concave adapting to the shape of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's leg in the calf region. The slide plate 17 is adapted in connection with the support part 16 so that the slide plate 17 is able to move in relation to the support part 16 upwards and downwards following the move- ment of the user's leg when the user's leg is fastened to the slide plate 17. In connection with the slide plate 17, fastening means are fixed, which in the embodiments of the figures is a fastening strap 18 by means of which the slide plate 17 and furthermore the calf support 14 in connection with it are fastened below the knee of the pole climbing shoe 1 user.

On the surface of the support part 16 of the calf support 14, directed towards the front part 3 of the bottom part 2, that is, the surface directed towards the slide plate 17, there is a slide rail 19 moving in a substantially vertical direction. On the surface of the slide plate 17, directed towards the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2, that is, the surface directed towards the support part 16, there is in turn a slot 46 compatible with said slide rail 19, in connection with which the slide rail 19 is adapted, whereby the slide plate 17 moves upwards in relation to the support part 16 of the calf support 14, guided by the integration of the slide rail 19 and said slot 46.

The slide plate 17 arranged in connection with the calf support 14 allows the leg of the pole climbing shoe 1 user to bend and straighten relatively freely during a climb to an object being climbed or a descend from there, and when walking with the pole climbing shoes 1 on. The support part 16 of the calf support 14 continuously supports, by the slide plate 17, the leg of the pole climbing shoe 1 user from behind, but at the same time the slide plate 17 al- lows the leg to move upwards and downwards in relation to the support part 16 so that the movement of the pole climbing shoe 1 user closely resembles movement without the pole climbing shoe 1 , which adds to work safety when pole climbing shoes 1 are being used.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises, both on the inner edge 5 and outer edge 6 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , support means, in this case support straps 20, which run between the bottom part 2 and the support part 16 of the calf support 14 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , and fastened to the bottom part 2 and support part 16, adapted to prevent excess turning of the calf support 14 rearwards in relation to the bottom part 2, or, in other words, limit the largest allowed angle of the calf support 14 rearwards in relation to the bot- torn part 2. First ends 20' of the support straps 20 are fixed to the bottom part 2, and second ends 20" to a fastening part 21 which is fixed to the support part 16 of the calf support 14, on its side directed towards the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2.

The support part 16 of the calf support 14, on its side directed to- wards the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2, has an adjustment rail 22 which has, in the substantially vertical direction of the support part 16, adjustment openings 23 at a distance from each other, in connection with which the fastening part 21 is fastenable for fastening the support straps 20 to the support part 16. The position of the fastening part 21 in relation to the support part 16 may be changed in the vertical direction of the support part 16 by shifting the position of the fastening part 21 in the adjustment rail 22 from one adjustment opening 23 to another, whereby the largest allowed rearwards angle between the calf support 14 and bottom part 2 changes.

So, the support straps 20 define the largest allowed rearwards angle between the calf support 14 and bottom part 2, which prevents the user of the pole climbing shoes 1 to fall backwards for more than its degree as a result of a potential tumble. When the position of the fastening part 21 in relation to the support part 16 is adjustable as described in the above, the largest allowed angle between the calf support 14 and bottom part 2, referred to in the above, may be adjusted to match each intended working situation. When walking with the pole climbing shoesl fastened to the legs, the support straps 20 also lessen the weight load at the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoes 1 on the front part of the user's foot and thus make walking easier when the pole climbing shoes are fastened on the legs.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises, in the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2, a joint 24 by means of which the calf support 14 is supported to the rear part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . In other words, the first end 15' of the arm part 15 of the calf support 14 is fastened to the joint 24 in order to fasten the calf support 14 to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1. Alter- natively, the joint 24 may be arranged on the rear detent 1 1 , whereby the posi- tion of the calf support 14 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 is adjustable by changing the position of the rear detent 1 1 .

With reference to Figure 8, in particular, the joint 24 comprises a joint body 25 and a shaft extension 27 arranged in connection with the joint body 25. In connection with the shaft extension 26, around it, a flexible bushing 26 is adapted to which the calf support 14 is supported and by means of the flexible bushing 26 the calf support 14 is floatingly arranged or supported in connection with the shaft extension 27 so that the calf support 14 may turn in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , that is, in the direction of the angle between the bottom part 2 and the calf support 14 of the pole climbing shoe 1 around a rotation axis defined by the shaft extension 27. In addition, the calf support 14 may, to a limited extent, turn in relation to the shaft extension 27 on the imaginary longitudinal horizontal plane of the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , or in other words, around an im- aginary vertical axis of the calf support 14. In addition, the calf support 14 may, to a limited extent, turn around an imaginary rotation axis defined by the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , that is, lateral tilting. Due to said functionality, the path of the leg and knee is rather free, the knee being able to carry out minor circular motion to the front-right-rear-left di- rections. To establish said feature, the flexible bushing 26 may be made of, for example, rubber so that the total diameter of the flexible bushing 26 is adapted to grow conically from the direction of the centre part of the flexible bushing 26 towards the ends of the flexible bushing 26. As a result of such a joint structure, the calf support 14 is able to follow the movement of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's leg also in case the leg turns or rotates in another direction than the angle between the bottom part 2 and the calf support 14 of the pole climbing shoe 1.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises a hook part 28, positioned on the front side of the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , which is supported to the object being climbed so that the climbable object goes between the hook part 28 and the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . The hook part 28 comprises an arm 29, extending at least partly inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and supported to the bottom part 2 to fasten the hook part 28 to the pole climbing shoe 1 , and a hook 30 adapted on the outer end of said arm 29 to be supported to the climbable object. The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises, on the inside of the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , an adjustment screw 31 adapted in connection with the arm of the hook part 28 and loaded by a loading spring 33, by means of which the position of the arm 29 of the hook part 28 inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 may be adjusted to adjust the distance between the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the hook 30 of the hook part 28 suitable for climbable objects having different diameters. The position of the adjustment screw 31 and, by means of it, the position of the hook part 28 arm 29 inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and, further, the distance between the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the hook 30 of the hook part 28 may be adjusted by rotating the adjustment screw 31 in the desired direction with a drive wheel 32 of the adjustment screw 31 , placed on the outer end of the adjustment screw 31 on the rear part of the pole climbing shoe 1. The ad- justment screw 31 together with the drive wheel 32 and loading spring 33 form possible means for adjusting the position of the hook part 28 in relation to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 in the longitudinal direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 to adjust the distance between the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the hook 30 of the hook part 28 suitable for climbable ob- jects having different diameters.

The hook part 28 comprises a first hook portion 34 and a second hook portion 35, the first hook portion 34 being intended to settle on the side of the object being climbed, which is on the side of the outer edge 6 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , and the second hook portion 35 being intended to settle on the opposite side of the object being climbed in relation to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . Between a first end 34' of the first hook portion 34 and the arm 29 of the hook part 28 there is a first joint 36 by means of which the first hook portion 34 is fixed to the arm 29 of the hook part 28 and by means of which the position of the first hook portion 34 may be changed in re- lation to the arm 29 of the hook part 28. The first joint 36 is further associated with a first locking screw 37 which forms possible locking means to lock the first hook portion 34 in the desired position in relation to the arm 29 of the hook part 28.

Between a second end 34" of the first hook portion 34 and a first end 35' of the second hook portion 35 there is a second joint 38 by means of which the second hook portion 35 is fixed to the first hook portion 34 and by means of which the position of the second hook portion 35 may be changed in relation to the first hook portion 34. The second joint 38 is further associated with a second locking screw 39 which forms possible locking means to lock the second hook portion 35 in the desired position in relation to the first hook por- tion 34. In the embodiment of the figures the first hook portion 34 and the second hook portion 35, which together form said hook 30, are substantially straight pipe sections, but the shape and manufacturing preform of the hook portions 34, 35 may vary.

The hook 30 may also comprise more hook portions joined together by joints of the type described in the above than the two hook portions 34, 35 described above.

When the pole climbing shoe 1 is prepared for use, the first hook portion 34 is turned and locked by means of the first joint 36 and the first locking screw 37 to such a position in relation to the arm 29 of the hook part 28 that the first hook portion 34 may be supported to the side of the object being climbed on the outer edge 6 side of the pole climbing shoe 1. In such a position, the second end 34" of the first hook portion is, in the vertical direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 , usually as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example, to some extent higher than the first end 34' of the first hook portion. Further, the second hook portion 35 is turned and locked by means of the second joint 38 and the second locking screw 39 to such a position in relation to the first hook portion 34 that the second hook portion 35 may be supported in a substantially horizontal position to the side of the object being climbed on the opposite side of the object being climbed in relation to the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . In this usage position, the first end 35' of the second hook portion 35 will position itself behind or on the side of the climbable object on the outer edge 6 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 , and the second end 35" of the hook portion 35 will position itself behind or on the side of the climbable object on the inner edge 5 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 . In this usage position, the climbable object is positioned in a fork forming between the hook portions 34, 35 of the hook 30, and the centre of gravity of the pole climbing shoe 1 user pries the hook 30 the more rigidly into the climbable object the heavier the pole climbing shoe 1 user or the remaining portion of the pole climbing shoe 1 is. In this usage position, the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 is not typically or necessarily set against the climbable object. Deviating from the embodiments of the figures, the arm 29, first hook portion 34, and the second hook portion 35 of the hook part 28 may each be, independently of each other, telescopically implemented, whereby the arm 29 and/or the first hook portion 34 and/or the second hook portion 35 may be telescopically extended and shortened.

Furthermore, the hook 30 of the hook part 28 comprises at least on its part positioning itself on the opposite side of the climbable object, in relation to the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , in other words the portion opposite to the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , in this case in the portion of the second hook portion 35 directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , at least one gripping element 40 directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , by means of which the hook part 28 is adapted to temporarily attach to the climbable object. In the embodiment shown in the figures, said gripping element 40 comprises gripping spikes 41 directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , which may be fixed, detachable or adjustable ones, and which form the gripping means of the gripping element 40, which are intended to dig into the wood and thus temporarily fasten the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object when the climbable object is a wooden pole, tree, or similar wooden object. If climbing takes places to a pole or similar objects made of metal of something other than wood, the gripping element may comprise as the gripping means one or more friction elements made of rubber or a similar material with a high friction coefficient to form the fastening or gripping between the hook portion directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the climbable object.

A gripping element provided with gripping spikes 41 or other gripping means may also be arranged as part of the first hook portion 34.

When the pole climbing shoe 1 is arranged for transport and/or storage, the second hook portion 35 may, by means of the second joint 38, be turned and locked next to the first hook portion 34 against it, and after this the first hook portion 34 and the second hook portion 35 may be turned and locked together by means of the first joint 36 against the front support 9 of the pole climbing shoe 1. If so desired, also the entire hook part 28 may be shifted by means of the adjustment screw 31 as close as possible to the remaining structure of the pole climbing shoe 1 . Furthermore, if so desired, the fastening part 21 of the supporting straps 20 may be detached from the support part 16 of the calf support 14, whereby the calf support 14, too, may be turned against the bottom part of the pole climbing shoe 1 . This way, the space that the pole climbing shoe needs may be minimized for transport and storage purposes.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a climbing detent 43 positioned near the front part 3 on the inner edge 5 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 and fastened to the bottom part 2 to be turnable by a joint 44, to fasten or support temporarily the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object. The climbing detent 43 may also comprise a gripping element 40 provided with fixed, detachable, or adjustable gripping spikes 41 of the type disclosed in the above to facilitate the temporary fas- tening of the climbing detent 43 to the climbable object. It is alternatively also possible to use friction elements of the type referred to in the above and made of a material with a high friction coefficient.

For climbing to the climbable object, the climbing detent 43 may be turned out by means of the joint 44, whereby the climbing detent 43 will during a climb set against the climbable object on the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 on the front side of the climbable object when the hook 30 of the hook part 28 and the gripping element 40 in it position on the opposite side of the climbable object. When the climbing detent 43 is not needed, it may be turned by means of the joint 44 back next to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , where it may be located, for example, in the lateral direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 substantially entirely under the front support 9. Deviating from the figures, the climbing detent 43 may also have been implemented as a telescopic structure, whereby the climbing detent 43 may be telescopically extended and shortened.

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 1 in its usage position set against a climbable pole 47, whereby the first hook portion 34 of the hook 30 of the hook part 28 sets against the pole 47 on the outer edge 6 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 , the second hook portion 35 sets against the back side of the pole 47, in relation to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , as the gripping spikes 41 penetrate to some extent the outer surface of the pole 47 made of wood, and the climbing detent 43 sets against the front side of the pole 47 as the spikes 41 in the climbing detent 43 to some extent penetrate the outer surface of the pole 47 made of wood. The first hook portion 34, second hook portion 35, and climbing detent 43 of the hook 30 form, as seen from the above, a U slot between the branches of which the climbable pole 47 is squeezed. The climbing detent 43 may comprise a plurality of portions interlinked to each other as the hook 30. Such an embodiment may be useful when climbing to poles or trees with a large diameter or multiform or unique objects as to their cross sectional profile, whereby the aim should be to place the hook 30 and climbing detent 43 against the climbable object on a large portion of the circumference of the climbable object.

An embodiment of the climbing detent 43, which comprises gripping spikes 41 on the gripping element 40, may also comprise a protective element 42 to protect said gripping spikes 41 in a situation where the climbing detent 43 is not positioned against the climbable object. In such an embodiment, the protective element 42 is at least partly adapted to be positioned around the gripping spikes 41 forming the gripping means of the gripping element 40 when the hook 30 is not set against the climbable object, whereby the gripping spikes 41 are protected against external impacts and, on the other hand, the user of the pole climbing shoe 1 is protected against the gripping spikes 41 . When the climbing detent 43 sets against the climbable object, the protective element 42 is adapted to move or withdraw from around the gripping spikes 41 by the effect of the force created between the climbing detent 43 and the climbable object, whereby the gripping spikes 41 can fasten to the climbable object. In such a case, when climbing to a climbable object or descending from there, the protective element 42 is adapted to move away from around the gripping spikes 41 as the climbing detent 43 sets against the climbable object and move back around the gripping spikes 41 as the climbing detect 43 detaches from the climbable object. When the protective element 42 is moving back to around the gripping spikes 41 , it may remove chips stuck to the gripping spikes 41 from the wood and thus clean the gripping spikes 41 for the subsequent fastening to a climbable object.

According to an embodiment, the protective element 42 of the type referred to may be formed of elastic, compressive rubber material whereby when the climbing detent 43 sets against the climbable object, the protective elements 42 is compressed and the gripping spikes 41 come out from the inside of the protective element 42 from openings formed in the protective element 42 for the gripping spikes 41 . Correspondingly, as the climbing detent 43 detaches from the climbable object, the protective element 42 is able to ex- pand and set itself back around the gripping spikes 41 . A similar protective element 42 may also be used on the hook 30 of the hook part 28 to protect and clean the gripping spikes 41 in the hook 30. In addition, the protective element 42 in its various embodiments may be utilized for the protection of friction surfaces or other gripping means arranged in the gripping element 40.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises, on the inner edge 5 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 , an arborist spike 45 to support the inner edge 5 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the arborist spike 45 comprises two spikes, separate from each other and directed downwards, but generally it could comprise one spike, only, or more than two separate spikes. The arborist spike 45 is adapted in the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , on the front side of the rear detent 1 1. The arborist spike 45 may be fixed to the bottom part 2, for example, to the adjustment openings 12 arranged for the rear detent 1 1 in the bottom part 2. The arborist spike 45 may also be formed as an integral part of the rear detent 1 1 , for example, in the portion of the rear detent 1 1 directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 .

The protective element 42 of the type disclosed in the above may also be used on the arborist spike 45 to protect and clean the spikes in the ar- borist spike 45.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, and support straps 20 on both on the inner edge 5 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and outer edge 6 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , running between the bottom part 2 and the calf support 14 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , which are adapted to define the largest allowed angle of the calf support 14 rearwards in relation to the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the other features disclosed in the above.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, as well as a joint 24 by means of which the calf support 14 is adapted in connection with the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 . In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the other features disclosed in the above.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, as well as a rear detent 1 1 , whose position in the longitudinal direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 between the front part 3 and rear part 4 of the pole climbing shoe 1 is adjustable, and against which the heel of the shoe of the pole climbing shoe 1 user is adapted to set when pole climbing shoe 1 is being used. In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the other features disclosed in the above. For example, according to an embodiment of this type, the calf support 14 is adapted by means of the joint 24 to the rear detent 1 1 .

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, as well as a hook part 28 supported to the climbable object. In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. According to such an embodiment, the hook part 28 may comprise an arm 29, positioned at least partly inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , to fasten the hook part 28 to the pole climbing shoe 1 , and a hook 30 adapted on the outer end of the arm 29 to be supported to the climbable ob- ject. According to a second embodiment of this kind, the pole climbing shoe 1 may comprise means to adjust the position of the hook part 28 in the longitudinal direction of the pole climbing shoe 1 between the front part 3 and the rear part 4 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to adjust the distance between the front part 3 of the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the hook 30 of the hook part 28. According to a third embodiment of this type, the hook 30 comprises at least one joint 38 to divide the hook 30 into at least two hook portions 34, 35, turnable in relation to each other. According to a fourth embodiment of this type, the hook 30 of the hook part 28 may comprise at least one gripping element 40 by means of which the hook part 28 is adapted to attach to the climb- able object. According to a fifth embodiment of this type, said at least one gripping element 40 may comprise at least one protective element to protect at least one gripping means of the gripping element when the hook 30 of the hook part 28 is not in contact with the climbable object. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the features disclosed in the above.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, as well as a climbing detent 43 adapted on the inner edge 5 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 in connection with the bottom part 2, to be turned by a joint 44, to support the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object. In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the other features disclosed in the above.

According to an embodiment, the pole climbing shoe 1 comprises a bottom part 2 forming the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , a calf support 14 arranged in connection with the bottom part 2 and directable upwards from the bottom part 2, as well as, adapted on the inner edge 5 side of the pole climbing shoe 1 , an arborist spike 45 to support the inner edge 5 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object. In this embodiment, the calf support 14 does not necessarily comprise a slide plate 17. The pole climbing shoe 1 may, however, additionally comprise one or more of the other features disclosed in the above.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagonal front view, as seen from above, of a second pole climbing shoe 1 , and Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagonal rear view, as seen from above, of the pole climbing shoe 1 of Figure 10, which as concerns its technical features is similar to the pole climbing shoe shown in Figures 1 to 9, but which differs in appearance from the pole climbing shoe shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 .

The pole climbing shoe 1 according to Figures 10 and 1 1 comprises a bottom part 2 which forms the body of the pole climbing shoe 1 , in connection with which the other parts of the pole climbing shoe 1 are adapted and on top of which a user of the pole climbing shoe 1 places his shoe when putting on the pole climbing shoe 1 . The pole climbing shoe 1 and correspondingly the bottom part 2 have a front part 3, directed to the direction indicated by the tip of the pole climbing shoe 1 user's shoe, a rear part 4 directed to the direction indicated by the heel of said shoe, an inner edge 5 directed to the direction indi- cated by the inner edge of the shoe, and an outer edge 6 directed towards the direction indicated by the outer edge of the shoe. The front part 3 of the bottom part 2 has a front support 9 the position of which is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2. In the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2 there is a rear detent 1 1 the position of which is also adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises on the rear part 4 of the pole climbing shoe 1 a calf support 14 which is arranged in connection with the rear detent 1 1 and directed substantially upwards and which is supported by the joint 24 to the rear detent 1 1 . The calf support 14 comprises an arm part 15 and, adapted at its second end 15" directed upwards, a support part 16 setting substantially at the calf of the user of the pole climbing shoe 1 , which is of one uniform structure with the arm part 15. In connection with the support part 16 of the calf support 14, on the front part 3 side of the bottom part 2, a slide plate 17 has been arranged, which, when the pole climbing shoe 1 is being used, is adapted to be placed between the calf of the pole climbing shoe 1 user and the support part 16 of the calf support 14. The surface of the slide plate 17, directed towards the rear part 4 of the bottom part 2, has in the vertical direction at a distance from each other fastening bands or handles 48, or it has a least one fastening band or handle 48, which is/are adapted around the support part 16, or in other words, through which the support part 16 is arranged to pass when the slide plate 17 is arranged to the support part 16, whereby the slide plate 17 is adapted to move, in relation to the support part 16, in the substantially height direction of the support part 16 guided by the integration between said at least one fastening band or handle 48 and support part 16.

The slide plate 17 and further the calf support 14 in connection with it are fastened below the knee of the pole climbing shoe 1 user by means of a fastening strap 18, omitted from Figures 10 and 1 1 . The fastening part 21 of the support straps 20, left out from Figures 10 and 1 1 , forms a limiter which de- fines the highest possible position of the slide plate 17 as it slides in relation to the support part 16.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises a hook part 28, positioned on the front side of the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , which comprises an arm 29, extending at least partly inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and supported to the bottom part 2 to fasten the hook part 28 to the pole climbing shoe 1 and an one-piece hook 30 adapted on the outer end of said arm 29 to be supported to the climbable object, which forms a replaceable tip part of the hook part 28, whereby the best suited tip part for the climbable object may be placed to the hook part 28 on the basis of, for example, the material of the climbable object. The pole climbing shoe 1 further has, as shown in Figures 1 to 9, an adjustment screw positioned on the inside of the bottom part 2, and its drive wheel 32, by means of which the position of the arm 29 of the hook part 28 inside the bottom part 2 of the pole climbing shoe 1 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom part 2 may be adjusted to adjust the distance between the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 and the hook 30 of the hook part 28 suitable for climbable objects having different diameters. Furthermore, the hook 30 may comprise at least on its part positioning itself on the opposite side of the climbable object in relation to the front part 1 of the pole climbing shoe 3, in other words the portion opposite to the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , so in the portion directed towards the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 , at least one gripping element 40, by means of which the hook part 28 is adapted to temporarily attach to the climbable object.

The pole climbing shoe 1 further comprises a climbing detent 43 arranged on the front part 3 to fasten or support temporarily the front part 3 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object. The climbing detent 43 may also comprise a gripping element 40 provided with fixed, detachable, or adjustable gripping spikes 41 of the type disclosed in the above to facilitate the temporary fastening of the climbing detent 43 to the climbable object. It is alternatively also possible to use friction elements of the type referred to in the above and made of a material with a high friction coefficient. The climbing detent 43 may also comprise a protective element to protect the gripping spikes 41 in a situation where the climbing detent 43 is not positioned against the climbable object.

The pole climbing shoe 1 according to Figures 10 and 1 1 may fur- ther comprise an arborist spike, not shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 for reasons of clarity, to support the inner edge 5 of the pole climbing shoe 1 to the climbable object.

A person skilled in the art will find it obvious that, as technology advances, the basic idea of the invention may be implemented in many different ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not restricted to the above- described examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.