PORTABLE DEVICE FOR TIGHTENING OR ADJUSTING SPORTS EQUIPMENT, PARTICULARLY FOR WATER SPORTS OR WATER SPORTS

Abstract

A portable device (1) for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or water sports, comprising: a body (2), itself comprising at least one spike (3); means for anchoring (5) the body (2) to an external support, such as a user or the equipment. The device (1) is configurable in a first condition, in which the spike (3) is not accessible for use, and a second condition, in which the spike (3) is accessible for use. At least in the second condition, the spike (3) protrudes from the body (2). [FIG. 1a]

Description

Title of the invention: PORTABLE DEVICE FOR TIGHTENING OR ADJUSTING SPORTS EQUIPMENT, IN PARTICULAR FOR WATER SPORTS OR WATER SPORTS

[0001] The present invention refers to a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or water sports. More specifically, this invention is used in tightening or adjusting hydrofoils in the field of surfing.

[0002] At the time of writing, it is common during activities water sports, that the user does not carry any adjustment tools with him. In the event of a loose screw or necessary adjustment of the board or hydrofoil equipment, you must quickly go to dry land and obtain an adjustment tool, such as an Allen key, a Torx, a screwdriver, etc. Sometimes it is necessary to leave the sports equipment unattended in order to retrieve the adjustment tool, for example from the car or a storage location.

[0003] There is therefore the problem of not being able to tighten or adjust the equipment in a timely manner, which leads to risks of premature wear of the sports equipment due to loosening of the screw during use, or loss of part of the equipment at sea in the event of detachment of the components, for example, in the event of excessive loosening of the screw.

[0004] In a less common case, the user carries the adjustment instrument with him during the sporting activity at sea, under his wetsuit or inside the sports clothing. This solution has multiple disadvantages. First of all, the adjustment tool is by nature composed of sharp and / or blunt shapes; therefore the fact that the user carries it makes it dangerous for the body, especially in case of impact. Moreover, the uncontrolled storage of this adjustment tool makes it dangerous even for the equipment, which is often delicate and susceptible to laceration, tearing and cracking easily. Moreover, during possible use in the open sea, or even only in shallow water near the shore, a traditional adjustment tool is neither buoyant nor visible. If it falls into the water, the tool will end up on the seabed and will therefore be lost.

[0005] In this context, the technical function underlying this invention is to provide a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, which overcomes the drawbacks of the technique known above.

[0006] In particular, the aim of this invention is to make available a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, which is easy to transport and use during the sporting activity.

[0007] Another aim of this invention is to provide a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, particularly for water sports or water sports, which can be transported and used safely.

[0008] The specified technical function and the specified objectives are essentially achieved by a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, comprising the technical features present in one or more of the unified claims.

[0009] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, as illustrated in the drawings in which:

[0010] - figures 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate a first condition (tip not accessible) of a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, according to the present invention, respectively in a perspective plan, profile view and top view; - Figures 2a, 2b and 2c illustrate a second condition (accessible tip) of a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports, according to the present invention, respectively in a perspective plane, profile view and top view; - [Fig.3] illustrates the device of figure 1 anchored to a support, in perspective; - [Fig.4] illustrates the device of figure 2 used for screwing a screw, seen from the side.

[0011] With regard to the figures, the number 1 indicates a portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or nautical sports. It will hereinafter be referred to briefly as a “device”.

[0012] The device 1 comprises a body 2. Preferably, the body 2 has an elongated development along a first direction A between two ends.

[0013] Preferably, excluding the ends, the body 2 has an essentially cylindrical development in the first direction A. The body 2 in turn comprises at least one tip 3 for tightening or screwing.

[0014] The device 1 is configurable in at least a first condition, in which the tip 3 is not accessible for use, and a second condition, in which the tip 3 is accessible for use. By use is meant that the tip 3 can be inserted into a suitable screw or similar elements to effect tightening or adjustment.

[0015] At least in the second condition, the tip 3 projects from the body 2. Preferably, the tip 3 is securely mounted on the body 2. In other words, the tip 3 is effectively connected to the body 2 regardless of the configuration of the device 1. In other words, the tip 3 remains connected to the body 2.

[0016] Preferably, the tip 3 is metallic. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the tip 3 projects from the body 2 in a direction transverse to it. In particular, the second direction B is transverse to the first direction A. More preferably, the first direction A and the second direction B are essentially orthogonal to each other. This makes it possible to obtain a good leverage effect and a good tightening torque.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tip 3 constitutes an extension of the elongated body 2. In other words, the tip 3 projects from one end of the body 2. Preferably, the second direction B is essentially parallel to the first direction A. In this case, the tip 3 projects from one end of the body 2. The device 1 in this embodiment has a function similar to that of a screwdriver.

[0018] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the device 1 comprises a cover 4 movable at least between a first and a second position. In the first position, the tip 3 is covered by the cover 4 and therefore cannot be used. Therefore, the first position of the cover 4 corresponds to the first condition of the device 1. Conversely, in the second position, the cover 4 is removed from the tip 3, which can be used. Therefore, the second position of the cover 4 corresponds to the second condition of the device 1.

[0019] In particular, to use the tip 3, it is sufficient to remove (i.e. the configuration in second position) the cover 4. The tip 3 will have a part in contact with the screw and a part which will remain inside the body 2. In other words, the device 1 is not presented as a simple container for the transport of the tip 3, but as a tool for

[0020] adjustment / screwing in its entirety. In particular, the tip 3 has a first part which is inside the body 2 and a second part which protrudes from its seat and will be used on site for tightening / rescrewing.

[0021] Preferably, the tip 3 is fixed to the body 2. In particular, the tip 3 is fixed internally by resin. Alternatively, the tip 3 is the end of an instrument incorporated in the body 2 and therefore the tip 3 is integral with the body 2.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 4 is mounted on the body 2 so as to remain connected to it even in the second position, i.e. when it is removed from the tip 3.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cover 4 is removably mounted on the body 2 so that it is separated therefrom in the second position.

[0024] Preferably, the tip 3 is completely enclosed, then hidden, in an environment delimited by the body 2 and the cover 4, when the cover 4 is in the first position.

[0025] Preferably, the body 2 has a re-entrant portion 2a from which the tip 3 projects. In the illustrated embodiment, the re-entrant portion 2a has a thinned development, that is to say with a section which gradually reduces in the development towards the end.

[0026] Preferably, the cover 4 is compatible so as to cover the retracting part 2a when it is in the first (closed) position.

[0027] In other words, the cover 4 is operatively associated with the re-entrant part 2a.

[0028] Preferably, the re-entrant part 2a and the cover 4 are mutually compatible so that the cover 4, when closed (i.e. when configured in the first position), does not constitute an additional bulk compared to the body 2. By "additional bulk", it is meant that the cover 4 does not increase the volume occupied in the lateral direction, i.e. transverse to the elongated development direction of the body 2 (first direction A). In the illustrated embodiment, the body 2 has an essentially truncated-cylindrical shape, with the ends curved. The cover 4 is compatible such that in the second position, the body 2 essentially forms a cylinder, with the ends curved.

[0029] According to a second embodiment, the tip 3 is movable relative to the body 2, at least between a retracted position and an extracted position. In the retracted position, the tip 3 is located largely inside the body 2 and therefore cannot be used. Therefore, the retracted position corresponds to the first condition of the device 1.

[0030] In the extracted position, the tip 3 has a protruding part on its seat and can be used. Therefore, the extracted position corresponds to the second condition of the device 1.

[0031] Preferably, the tip 3 moves between the retracted position and the extracted position, and vice versa, along the second direction B.

[0032] The device 1 comprises means 5 for anchoring the body 2 to a support

[0033] external. The external support may be, for example, the user himself or the equipment. Preferably, the anchoring means 5 comprise an elastic type anchoring system.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, this system is so as to be windable around it. In particular, the rope section 6 is connected to the body 2 at the two opposite ends.

[0035] A hooking element 7 is mounted on the rope section 6 to attach to a corresponding hooking part 2b of the body 2. The hooking element 7 and the hooking part 2b are mutually compatible so as to be coupleable.

[0036] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the anchoring means 5 alternatively comprise Velcro, a recessing system, a magnetic fixing system, a simple rope, etc. Preferably, the anchoring means 5 comprise a groove 8 obtained in the body 2. The groove 8 serves to facilitate the adhesion of the device 1 to the support.

[0037] Preferably, the groove 8 has an elongated development in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction A. In other words, the groove 8 is oblong like the body 2.

[0038] Preferably, the groove 8 has a curvilinear cross-section.

[0039] Preferably, the groove 8 is located on the body 2 on the side opposite the part 2b hook, when present.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 is buoyant. In other words, it is designed to be buoyant. Preferably, the device 1 is made of plastic, with the exception of the metal tip 3. It is possible to envisage making it from other materials, provided that buoyancy is respected.

[0041] Preferably, the device 1 has dimensions that make it suitable for use ergonomically with one or two hands.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the device 1 is configured so as to have no sharp edges.

[0043] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a whistle 9 integrated into the body 2.

[0044] In the description, the presence of a tip has been explicitly mentioned. 3 for tightening or adjustment, but the present finding provides for the implicit possibility that the body 2 comprises several points 3.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tip 3 may be an element in its own right or a constituent part of an instrument integrated inside the body 2.

[0046] The given description clearly indicates the characteristics of the portable device for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or water sports, according to the present invention, as well as the clear advantages resulting therefrom. In particular, the proposed device allows safe transport and improves the ease of use of the tightening device during the water sports activity. It is transportable and removable in a practical and safe manner for both the user and the equipment.

[0047] In addition, the fact that it is floating prevents it from being lost in the water during transport or use.

[0048] Furthermore, the anchoring means allow the device to be easily anchored and unanchored to the sports equipment and / or the user's body. At the same time, the anchoring provided is of the fixed type, so that the device does not oscillate relative to the support.

[0049] Furthermore, the proposed device finds in the oblong version its full capacity to express its ease of transport and its safety of use, entirely floating and without clear sharp edges.

Claims

Claims

1. A portable device (1) for tightening or adjusting sports equipment, in particular for water sports or water sports, comprising: a body (2), itself comprising at least one tip (3); means for anchoring (5) the body (2) to an external support, such as a user or the equipment; said device (1) being configurable in a first condition, in which the tip (3) is not accessible for use, and a second condition, in which the tip (3) is accessible for use; at least in this second condition, the tip (3) protrudes from the body (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one tip (3) is securely mounted on the body (2).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a cover (4) movable at least between a first position, in which it at least partially covers at least one tip (3) preventing its use, and a second position, in which it is removed from at least one tip (3) and allows its use.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein when the cover (4) is in the first position, the tip (3) is completely enclosed in an environment delimited by the body (2) and the cover (4).

5. Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the body (2) has a re-entrant portion (2a) in which at least one tip (3) projects, said cover (4) being compatible so as to close said re-entrant portion (2a) in the first position.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, in which the re-entrant part (2a) and the cover (4) are mutually compatible so that the cover (4) in the first position does not constitute an additional bulk compared to the body (2).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the cover (4) is mounted on the body (2) so that it remains connected thereto even in the second position.

8. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one tip (3) is movable relative to the body (2) at least between a retracted position and an extracted position, corresponding respectively to the first condition and second condition of the device (1).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said anchoring means (5) comprise an elastic type anchoring system.

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein said elastic type anchoring system comprises: - a section of rope (6) emerging from the body (2) so as to be windable around it; - a hooking element (7) mounted on the section of rope (6) and designed to attach to a corresponding hooking part (2b) of the body (2).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (2) has an elongated development in a first direction (A), said tip (3) extending therefrom transversely to said first direction (A).

12. Device (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least one tip (3) projects from the body (2) with a development essentially orthogonal to the first direction (A).

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the body (2) has an elongated development in a first direction (A) between two ends, comprises at least one point (3) projecting from the body (2) at one of the two ends.

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, wherein at least one tip (3) projects from one of the two ends of the body (2) with a development essentially parallel to said first direction (A).

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said anchoring means (5) comprise a groove (8) located in the body (2) to facilitate adhesion to the support.

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body (2) has an elongated development along a first direction (A), said groove (8) having an elongated development along a direction substantially parallel to said first direction (A).

17.

18.

19.

20.

21. Device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said groove (8) has a curvilinear cross-section. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip (3) is fixed to the body (2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, made so as to be floating. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, designed so as to have no sharp edges. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a whistle (9) integrated in the body (2).

Images