Multifunctional tool to increase urban mobility

Abstract

A multi-function tool that features: a main tool body with a top and a bottom, wherein the main tool body is adapted to receive at least one secondary tool body; a secondary tool body comprising: a first end in the form of a T-piece; a middle section; and a second end; wherein the T-piece of the first end is rotatably mounted on or in a first end of the main tool body about a pivot axis which is perpendicular to the top and / or bottom of the main tool body.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional tool for use in one or more of the following activities: skateboarding, inline skating, scooter riding, e-scooter riding, scooter riding, wheelchair riding, parkour, freerunning, street art and / or street workout. Background of the invention (and prior art)

[0002] Urban space is characterized by size, high population and development density, as well as functional-spatial specialization and socio-spatial differentiation. This gives rise to an interdisciplinary field of research known as "urban studies," which is dedicated to the study and description of cities from social, geographical, historical, ecological, and urban planning perspectives. Urban studies combines aspects of the natural sciences, engineering, and the humanities. The present invention lies in the field of urban studies.

[0003] With increasing population density and simultaneously increasing building density, the challenges in the area of ​​urban mobility, one of the many areas of urban planning mentioned above, also increase. This term covers all transport options and networks within urban areas that are available to people living there. There is a long list of challenges related to urban mobility that cities and metropolises around the world are currently battling: increasing traffic jams, rising accident rates, excessive private transport, long waiting times at traffic lights, a lack of parking spaces due to a lack of suitable open spaces, connections to parking spaces on the outskirts of a city, CO 2 - and particulate matter pollution, high noise and sound levels, increasing health problems, inefficient logistics, unattractive public transport options, etc.

[0004] Therefore, it is not only important to improve the urban mobility of the future with a view to sustainability, but also to improve access to public space and the existing options for transport, especially in inner cities, in a simple and practical way.

[0005] Against this background, the present invention aims at the creative redesign and use of urban spaces with the aid of a suitable multifunctional tool. It invites us to view the city not merely as a mere place of everyday life, but as a shared space that can be explored, interpreted, and redefined, and to explore the boundaries of public space. A central question is which (mobility) barriers actually physically restrict people in urban environments and which are merely anchored in people's minds based on habit and experience.

[0006] EP 0 619 167 A1 relates to a pocket knife with several functional parts arranged between two outer plates, each provided with a cover plate, and at least one central plate, which are connected to one another by rivet bolts that serve at least partially as a pivot axis for the functional parts. The functional parts interact with spring pieces arranged between the plates, which effect a force-locking locking of the functional parts in the end positions. The central plate is designed with at least one spring tongue acting transversely to the plate plane, which, in the end position of one of the functional parts, effect a form-locking locking of the respective functional part in the use position by means of the form-locking contact of the end face against a stop surface of the functional part.

[0007] However, a disadvantage of known tools such as EP 0 619 167 A1, particularly in the context of the current situation regarding urban mobility, is that they usually have at least one knife blade. Carrying knives, especially in central urban squares, city centers, and / or on public transport, including buses, trains, etc., is increasingly encountering problems or corresponding laws prohibiting their carrying.

[0008] Furthermore, these are extremely precise tools that are complex and expensive to manufacture. They are also not intended for use, for example, in prying open ventilation grilles to convert them into driveable ramps or for bypassing obstacles such as fences without damaging them. Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages described above and, in particular, to provide a multifunctional tool that is as cost-effective, robust and simple as possible and is suitable for improving urban mobility as well as the “city as a sports equipment” and a corresponding use of existing urban infrastructure in this context. Summary of the invention

[0010] The above-mentioned object and other problems are solved by a multifunctional tool according to the main claims. The subclaims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The invention relates to a multi-function tool comprising a main tool body having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the main tool body is configured to receive at least one secondary tool body. In addition, there is a secondary tool body comprising a first end in the shape of a T-piece, a middle part, and a second end, wherein the T-piece of the first end is mounted on or in a first end of the main tool body for rotation about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the top side and / or the bottom side of the main tool body. The main tool body can be elongated. However, it can also take on any other geometric shape, as long as the functionality of the individual features of the multi-function tool is maintained.

[0012] The main tool body can optionally have an anchoring device on its underside, which is suitable for releasably connecting the multi-function tool to a holder of a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, kick scooter, e-scooter and / or scooter frame, or a bicycle, kick scooter, e-scooter and / or scooter luggage rack, by means of a clamping connection. If the anchoring device is connected by means of the clamping connection, the multi-function tool can further be configured to carry a load, preferably a skateboard. For this purpose, the anchoring device can optionally further have at least one plate parallel to the main tool body, which plate is preferably rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped. Furthermore, the anchoring device for the clamping connection can have at least one wing screw connection or a lever clamping mechanism.

[0013] At least one side of the main tool body, preferably the top side, can have a surface with anti-slip properties. This can be a coating or a simple pattern incorporated into a material of the main tool body. The material of the multi-tool can be steel or a plastic with similar strength properties to steel. The multi-tool can optionally be painted, with the paint preferably having a signal color.

[0014] Furthermore, the main tool body can optionally have at least two gripping hooks at one end, preferably at the first end, particularly preferably at a thickened point at the first end of the main tool body. The two gripping hooks can have a round cross-section. Alternatively, they can be semicircular on the inside, with extensions of the gripping hooks having a different radius, preferably a larger one than on the inside, in order to improve the gripping properties. Additionally or alternatively, the gripping hooks can be roughened or coated on the inside in order to improve the gripping properties. The gripping hooks can each be configured to engage fences or similar lattice structures, so that after hooking in the multi-function tool, a step, a support, and / or a footrest is created, which enables the user, for example, to step stably onto the resulting structure in order to overcome an obstacle.Step, step, support, and / or footrest can optionally be created by creating an angle of approximately 80 to 85° between the auxiliary tool body and the main tool body after the gripping hooks have been hooked in, so that the auxiliary tool body rests against the fence or grid and does not slip away.

[0015] The multi-function tool may further comprise: a closed or folded state in which the sub-tool body lies on top of the main tool body; and an open state in which the sub-tool body is located within an angular range of 1 to 265° to the main tool body.

[0016] Furthermore, the T-piece of the secondary tool body may consist of a rotatable shaft arranged in at least one corresponding bore on or in the end of the main tool body. At the same time or alternatively, the middle part may be non-replaceably connected to the T-piece, preferably welded.

[0017] Optionally, the center section can have a stop directly above a connection point with the T-piece, which is preferably welded or integral with the center section. The stop can be located on the underside of the main tool body when the multi-function tool is in the open position.

[0018] At the same time or alternatively, the stop can be a multi-stage construction that allows for variable locking and / or variable positioning of the auxiliary tool body relative to the main tool body. This variable positioning can be within an angular range of 1 to 265° (starting from the closed position) or 0 to 85° (starting from a position already unfolded by 180°) to the main tool body. This can be useful in cases where the multi-function tool is used as a tripod to take pictures from a wide variety of angles or positions. This can also be helpful in cases where obstacles to be overcome, such as fences or similar lattice structures, are not perpendicular to the ground but at an angle.If optional gripping hooks (similar or identical to those described above) are inserted into such structures, the result would be an unsafe step or an unsafe foothold after the multi-function tool is hooked in, because, for example, the underlying angle is not sufficient to allow the user to step stably onto the resulting structure.

[0019] The central part can further comprise at least a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged substantially perpendicular to the central part. The first arm and / or the second arm at a free end can preferably be a bit holder, a socket holder, a screwdriver, a locking post wrench, or a corkscrew, or the first arm and / or the second arm at a free end can be configured to receive a bit holder, a socket holder, a screwdriver, a locking post wrench, a bottle opener, a can opener, or a corkscrew. Furthermore, the first arm and / or the second arm at the free end can preferably be angled by less than 90°, particularly preferably between 30 and 80°.

[0020] Optionally, the second end may comprise one or more of the following: a flattened tip, preferably at a flattening angle between 25 to 60°, more preferably 40°; at least one arm, which is preferably: shorter than and parallel to a first and / or a second arm of the central part; perpendicular to the second end; and / or a V-shaped notch, preferably with a tip angle of 30 to 55°.

[0021] Furthermore, all parts of the secondary tool body may have a substantially circular cross-section; and / or the second end, preferably including at least one arm at the second end, may have at least one flattened portion. The at least one flattened portion may be two flattened portions lying parallel to one another; and / or it may lie in the same plane as the at least one arm at the second end and / or as at least a first arm and a second arm at the central portion.

[0022] The multifunctional tool according to the invention can further be configured for use as at least one of the following: for one-handed use; in conjunction with a selfie stick; as a tripod for one or more mobile recording devices, preferably mobile phones, video cameras, separate sound and image recording devices; and as a stepping device when suspended in a fence- or grid-like structure.

[0023] The present invention further relates to a multifunctional tool for use in one or more of the following activities: skateboarding, inline skating, scooter riding, e-scooter riding, scooter riding, wheelchair riding, parkour, freerunning, street art and street workout, wherein the multifunctional tool comprises: a main tool body with a longitudinal axis, wherein the main tool body is configured to receive at least one auxiliary tool body; a secondary tool body which is rotatably mounted on or in one end of the main tool body about a pivot axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tool body. Short description of the drawings

[0024] The invention, as well as further details and advantages thereof, are explained below using preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Fig. 1 an isometric view of a multi-function tool; Fig. 2 shows a side view of the multi-function tool according to Fig. 1 in a closed or folded state; Fig. 3 shows a view of the multi-function tool according to Fig. 1 in an open state; Fig. 4 another view of the multi-function tool according to the Fig. 1 to 3; Fig. 5 an isometric view of another multi-function tool; and Fig. 6 an isometric view of another multi-function tool. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] In this description, the terms top, bottom, right, and left, as well as similar designations, refer to the orientations or arrangements shown in the figures and are used only to describe the embodiments. These terms may indicate preferred arrangements, but are not to be understood in a limiting sense.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms “substantially”, “approximately”, “about” and similar expressions mean that deviations of + / -10%, preferably + / -5%, from the stated value are permissible.

[0027] Unless explicitly excluded, the value ranges mentioned here are always understood to include lower boundary ranges with "≥", greater than or equal to, and upper boundary ranges with "≤", less than or equal to, within the specified value range. Thus, in particular, the boundary ranges themselves are either included in the respective range, but can alternatively also be (unilaterally) excluded.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a multi-tool. It includes a main tool body 10 with a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, and a first end 16 and a second end 18. The top surface 12 has transverse grooves to improve the feel of the multi-tool. Other surface patterns and / or coatings are also possible.

[0029] Fig. 1 further shows a secondary tool body 20 with a first end 22, here in the form of a T-piece 24, a middle part 26, and a second end 28. The T-piece 24 of the first end 22 of the secondary tool body 20 is mounted on or in the first end 16 of the main tool body 10 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis 30. The pivot axis 30 is or runs perpendicular to the top side 12 and / or the bottom side 14 of the main tool body 10 or to its longitudinal axis. The mounting is via two bores in a reinforced part 32 of the first end 16, into which the T-piece 24 is inserted. Due to the shape of the T-piece itself, it is necessary to provide a recess 40 in the material of the reinforced part 32 between the two bores in the reinforced part 32 so that the secondary tool body 20 is mounted so as to be rotatable through 360°. However, other storage options are also possible.

[0030] Fig. 1 further indicates an anchoring device 50 on the underside 14 of the main tool body 10, here exemplarily located at the other, namely the first end 16 opposite the second end 18 of the main tool body 10 (better visible in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The anchoring device 50 provides the possibility of attaching the multi-function tool, for example, to a bicycle rack (not shown), here by way of example using a clamp connection that uses an easily grippable wing screw 52.

[0031] The main tool body 10 according to Fig. 1 further comprises at the first end 16, more precisely in the reinforced part 32, two gripping hooks 60 which are open towards the underside 14.

[0032] Fig. 1 further shows that the central portion 26 of the secondary tool body 20 further comprises a first arm 70 and a second arm 72, which are arranged substantially perpendicular to the central portion 26. They are also arranged, for example, at the same height as the central portion 26 to facilitate grasping or gripping by a user's hand. One of the two arms is slightly longer than the other and angled at the free end, here approximately 45°. Such a construction is particularly suitable, for example, for attaching a skateboard or for better gripping the multi-function tool itself.

[0033] Fig. 1 further shows that the second end 28 of the secondary tool body 20 has a combination of several features and thus functionalities. First, there is a flattened tip 80, here flattened on one side with an angle of approximately 30 to 35°. The flattened tip 80 is rotated by approximately 90° to one side of the secondary tool body 20, which, in a folded state of the multi-function tool, comes to rest on the main tool body 10 (see Fig. 2). In addition, Fig. 1 at this point an arm 82 which is shorter than and runs parallel to the first arm 70 and the second arm 72 of the middle part 26, which is also perpendicular to the second end 28 of the auxiliary tool body 20. In addition, there is a V-shaped notch 84 in the arm 82, which is suitable, for example, for engaging in the grid struts of a ventilation grid (not shown) in order to raise the latter. The notch 84 here has an apex angle of approximately 45°. All arms 70, 72 and 82 can be one piece with the auxiliary tool body 20 or they can be subsequently welded on. A combination of both is also possible, for example the arm 82 can be one piece with the auxiliary tool body 20 while the arms 70 and 72 are welded on, or vice versa.In addition, the second end 28 has a flattened section 86, specifically on the side of the secondary tool body 20 which, when the multi-function tool is folded, comes to rest on the main tool body 10 (see . Fig. 2). The second end 28 may optionally have a further flattened section 86 (not shown) parallel to the already mentioned flattened section 86, which is opposite the side of the secondary tool body 20 which, in the folded state of the multi-function tool, comes to rest on the main tool body 10 (see Fig. 2).

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the multi-function tool according to Fig. 1 in a closed or folded state, in which the secondary tool body 20 lies on the upper side 12 of the main tool body 10. The shorter of the two arms 70, 72 is rotated in the image axis and has an exemplary bit holder.

[0035] Furthermore, Fig. 2 that the anchoring device 50 has a plate 54 parallel to the main tool body 10, here integral with the main tool body 10 and at a distance which is approximately four times the thickness of the main tool body 10.

[0036] The grappling hooks 60, as in Fig. 2, are circular and open in the range of approximately 50 to 60° toward the top 12. A shaft of the T-piece lies loosely rotatably in the holes in the reinforced part 32.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows another view of the multi-function tool according to Fig. 1 in an open state, in which the auxiliary tool body 20 is approximately at an angle of 180° to the main tool body 10. The plate 54 is shown here as an L-shaped example. In addition, the central part 26 of the first end 22 has a stop 90 directly above a connection point with the T-piece 24. The stop 90 comes to rest on the underside 14 of the main tool body 10 in an open state of the multi-function tool. Such a constellation is further described in Fig. 4, which shows another view of the multi-function tool according to the Fig. 1 to 3 shows.

[0038] Fig. Figure 5 shows an isometric view of another multi-tool. The multi-tool shown here is similar to those of Fig. 1 to 4 are similar in most parts. Only the anchoring device 50 is missing, ensuring the multi-tool's particularly slim design when folded. This improves its stowability, for example, in a backpack or trouser pocket, and reduces the overall weight. Furthermore, the bit holder has been replaced with an exemplary locking post wrench.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 shows an isometric view of another multi-tool, which, instead of the bit holder, shows an exemplary corkscrew, which could, however, also replace the other (slightly angled) arm. Instead, a can or bottle opener could also be attached. In particular, the Fig. 5 and Fig.6 illustrate the variability and flexibility of the multifunctional tool according to the invention, which can be adapted to individual needs. It should be mentioned, for example, that these may certainly have different priorities for wheelchair users than for, for example, parkour athletes or skaters. Industrial applicability

[0040] The invention described here is compact, easily portable, and completely eliminates the need for a knife or similar blade. No complicated spring mechanisms, as in known systems, are required to lock the individual parts of a multi-function tool according to the invention together. Furthermore, the pivot axes of the individual parts do not lie in a single (parallel) plane; rather, the underlying planes of the tool parts are perpendicular to each other. The overall design is thus simpler than any pocket knife.

[0041] The multi-tool according to the present invention plays with the boundaries of public spaces—both physical and psychological—and was specifically designed for, but not limited to, urban skateboarding experiences. It offers versatile applications:

[0042] Overcoming physical barriers: It helps, for example, skaters or wheelchair users overcome obstacles. Accessibility is improved by reversibly and non-damagingly converting everyday obstacles such as railings into ramps. It can be hung on certain fences or railing structures, creating a "step" to make it easier to cross.

[0043] Increased mobility: The multifunctional tool according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to attach a skateboard to a bicycle. This allows different means of transportation to be flexibly combined, especially in the city, for covering longer distances that would require long waits for buses or subways, or for which one might otherwise have to use a car, for which there might not be a parking space.

[0044] Spot modification: With the help of the inventive multi-tool, urban elements can be adapted, for example, lifting gratings to create impromptu ramps. The flattened tip allows it to hook into narrow gratings. The T-piece can generally be used as a handle for lifting the grating. The top tip of the multi-tool can help scrape out cracks, for example, to make removing a grating even easier.

[0045] Support for documentation: The multifunctional tool according to the invention can be used as a mini tripod for a smartphone, allowing skaters to film themselves without having to rely on assistance.

[0046] Tool for repairs: Equipped with a bit holder, the multi-function tool according to the invention can be used as a screwdriver.

[0047] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, whereby the individual features of the described embodiments can be freely combined and / or interchanged, provided they are compatible. Likewise, individual features of the described embodiments can be omitted unless absolutely necessary. Numerous modifications and embodiments are possible and obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. List of reference symbols 10 main tool bodies 12 Top 14 Bottom 16 first end 18 second end 20 secondary tool bodies 22 first end 24 T-piece 26 Middle section 28 second end 30 swivel axis 32 reinforced part 40 recess 50 Anchoring device 52 wing screw 54 plate 60 grappling hooks 70 first arm 72 second arm 80 flattened tip 82 Arm 84 notch 86 flattened section 90 stop QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 619 167 A1 [0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] A multi-function tool that has the following: a main tool body with a top and a bottom, wherein the main tool body is adapted to receive at least one secondary tool body; a secondary tool body comprising: a first end in the form of a T-piece; a middle section; and a second end; wherein the T-piece of the first end is rotatably mounted on or in a first end of the main tool body about a pivot axis which is perpendicular to the top and / or bottom of the main tool body. [2] The multi-function tool according to claim 1, wherein the main tool body further comprises an anchoring device on the underside, which is suitable for releasably connecting the multi-function tool to a holder of a vehicle, preferably a bicycle, scooter, e-scooter, wheelchair and / or scooter frame, or a bicycle, scooter, e-scooter, wheelchair and / or scooter luggage carrier or attachment, by means of a clamping connection. [3] The multi-function tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the anchoring device is connected by means of the clamping connection, the multi-function tool is arranged to carry a load, preferably a skateboard. [4] The multi-function tool according to claim 3, wherein the anchoring device further comprises at least one plate parallel to the main tool body, which plate is preferably rectangular, L-shaped or U-shaped. [5] The multi-function tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the anchoring device for the clamping connection comprises at least one wing screw connection or a lever clamping mechanism. [6] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one side of the main tool body, preferably the top side, has a surface with anti-slip properties. [7] The multifunctional tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main tool body has at least two gripping hooks at one end, preferably at the first end, particularly preferably at a thickened point or a reinforced part at the first end of the main tool body. [8] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-function tool comprises: a closed or folded state in which the auxiliary tool body lies on top of the main tool body; and an open state in which the secondary tool body is located within an angular range of 1 to 265° to the main tool body. [9] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the T-piece of the secondary tool body consists of a rotatable axis arranged in at least one corresponding bore on or in the end of the main tool body. [10] The multi-function tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle part is non-replaceably connected to the T-piece, preferably welded. [11] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part has a stop directly above a connection point with the T-piece, which stop is preferably welded or integral with the central part; and wherein the stop comes to rest on the underside of the main tool body in an open state of the multi-function tool. [12] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part further comprises at least a first arm and a second arm arranged substantially perpendicular to the central part; wherein the first arm and / or the second arm at a free end preferably: a bit holder, a socket holder, a screwdriver, a locking post wrench or a corkscrew; or is configured to receive a bit holder, a nut holder, a screwdriver, a locking post wrench, a bottle opener, a can opener, or a corkscrew; and wherein the first arm and / or the second arm is angled at the free end preferably by less than 90°, particularly preferably between 30 and 80°. [13] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end comprises one or more of the following: a flattened tip, preferably at a flattening angle between 30 and 60°, particularly preferably 35 to 45°; at least one arm, which preferably: is shorter than and parallel to a first and / or a second arm of the central part; is perpendicular to the second end; and / or a V-shaped notch, preferably with a tip angle of 30 to 55°. [14] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all parts of the secondary tool body have a substantially round cross-section; and / or wherein the second end, preferably including at least one arm at the second end, has at least one flattened portion. [15] The multi-function tool according to claim 14, wherein the at least one flattened portion: two flattened sections lying parallel to each other; and / or in the same plane as the at least one arm at the second end and / or as at least a first arm and a second arm at the middle part. [16] The multi-function tool according to any one of the preceding claims, further adapted for use as at least one of the following: for one-handed use; in connection with a selfie stick; as a tripod for one or more mobile recording devices, preferably mobile phones, video cameras, separate sound and image recording devices; and as a stepping device when hooked into a fence or grid-like construction. [17] A multi-function tool for use in one or more of the following activities: skateboarding, inline skating, scootering, e-scootering, scootering, wheelchair riding, parkour, freerunning, street art and street workout, the multi-function tool comprising: a main tool body having a longitudinal axis, the main tool body being adapted to receive at least one secondary tool body; a secondary tool body mounted on or in one end of the main tool body for rotation about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main tool body.

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