Removable fastening device

Abstract

A removable fastening device (60) configured to removably connect an accessory (1) to a vehicle (V) is described, said removable fastening device comprising: - a first portion (65) configured to be fixable to the vehicle and equipped with a section comprising a central body (85) from which a first arm (90) and a second arm (95) extend, a second portion (110) configured to be fixable to the accessory (1) or to be part of an accessory (1) and equipped with a first housing seat (115) configured to accommodate at least one coupling section (100) of the first arm (90) and equipped with an inlet opening (125) of such first arm, and a second housing seat (120) configured to accommodate at least one coupling section (105) of the second arm (95) and equipped with an inlet opening (130) of such second arm, and a removable fastening mechanism configured to connect between their removably the first portion and the second portion and equipped with at least one locking seat (150,155) made in the first portion (65) or in the second portion (110) and a locking element, which locking element (160,165) is movable with respect to the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) between a working position, in which it is inserted in the locking seat (150,155) and connects the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) to each other, and a rest position, in which it is external to the locking seat (150,155) and allows the mutual separation between the first portion and the second portion. The first arm (90) and the second arm (95) can be inserted into their respective housing seats through the corresponding input openings (125,130) by moving the first portion (65) and / or the second portion (110) along a coupling direction A. At least one housing seat, and / or the coupling section (100,105) has a tapered shape.

Description

[0001] REMOVABLE FASTENING DEVICE

[0002] * * *

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a removable fastening device configured to allow the removable and rapid fastening, i.e. without the use of tools, of one or more accessories to a vehicle. Such a vehicle is in particular a self-propelled two-wheeled vehicle, i.e. equipped with an engine, preferably a motorcycle. However, it is not excluded that the vehicle may also be a vehicle with more than two wheels, for example not equipped with a passenger compartment, such as quads. It is also not excluded that the vehicle may also be a scooter or a bicycle.

[0005] In the following, reference will be mainly made to a removable fastening device configured to allow the attachment of an accessory, such as a smartphone, a bag or a helmet holder, to the fuel tank of the motorcycle; however, it is not excluded that the vehicle may be of another type and that the element to which the accessory is attached is another, such as the handlebars of the vehicle or a frame configured to allow the attachment of a top box or a suitcase.

[0006] TECHNIQUE NOTE

[0007] It is known that in vehicles, particularly on motorcycles in general, removable fastening devices are used. Such devices are configured to allow the removable attachment of an accessory, such as a bag or a smartphone, to an element of the vehicle itself, generally the tank or the handlebars.

[0008] Such fasteners typically comprise a first portion adapted to be rigidly attached to the vehicle, a second portion adapted to be directly attached to the accessory, and a removable fastening mechanism that allows the first portion and the second portion to be selectively rigidly coupled and uncoupled.

[0009] This fastening mechanism usually includes protruding bodies, such as hooks or latches or levers, which, by fitting into appropriate seats in the first or second portion, allow them to be rigidly connected.

[0010] In order to be able to insert the protruding bodies into their respective seats, the first portion and the second portion must be oriented with respect to each other according to a predetermined orientation and a felt need is to make the orientation operation as easy and quick as possible for the user by creating appropriate guiding portions, generally designed to guide the second portion into the correct position when it is coupled with the first portion. For example, in document ITMI20100199, annular flanges are used to achieve the desired centering. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a removable fastening device which is an alternative to those of the prior art and which allows for quicker and easier centering by the user.

[0012] In particular, the invention provides a removable fastening device configured to removably connect an accessory to a vehicle, said removable fastening device comprising:

[0013] - a first portion equipped with a section that includes a central body from which a first arm and a second arm develop,

[0014] - a second portion and equipped with a first housing seat configured to accommodate at least one coupling section of the first arm and equipped with an inlet opening for the entry of such first arm into the first housing seat itself, and a second housing seat configured to accommodate at least one coupling section of the second arm and equipped with an inlet opening for the entry of such second arm into the second housing seat itself, wherein the first portion is configured to be attachable to the vehicle and the second portion is configured to be attachable to the accessory, or be part of an accessory, or the first portion is configured to be attachable to the accessory, or be part of an accessory, and the second portion is configured to be attachable to the vehicle, said removable fastening device also comprising a removable fastening mechanism configured to removably connect the first portion and the second portion together and having at least one locking seat formed in the first portion or in the second portion and a locking element, which locking element is movable with respect to the first portion and the second portion between a working position, in which it is inserted into the locking seat and connects, or locks, the first portion and the second portion together, and a rest position, in which it is external to the locking seat and allows the first portion and the second portion to move away from each other, where the first arm and the second arm can be inserted into their respective housing seats through the corresponding input openings by moving the first portion and / or the second portion along a coupling direction, and in which at least one housing seat between the first and the second has at least one section with a variable cross-section that can be contacted by the respective arm, in which the cross-section of said housing seat decreases from the inlet opening of said seat along the coupling direction, away from the respective inlet opening, and / or the coupling section of the arm between the first and second insertable in the housing seat has a variable cross-section, with a cross-section that decreases from a cross-section that enters the housing seat last when the arm is inserted into said seat along the coupling direction, to a crosssection that enters the housing seat first when the arm is inserted into the housing seat along the coupling direction.

[0015] Thanks to this solution, by inserting the arms into the housing seats, even if they are not perfectly aligned with the housing seats, the shape of these elements, or the variable crosssection, allows a self-centering and an automatic orientation following the sole push of the arms towards the inside of the seats by a user who holds the first portion or the second portion and wants to couple them. This self-centering has substantially the purpose, or is shaped in such a way as to correctly position, or to align with each other, the locking element and its seat. This self-centering is similar to, but less efficient than, a self-centering that would substantially occur for example by pushing a cylindrical element inside a funnel or pushing a cone inside a cylindrical hole.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the cross-section may decrease both along a first direction perpendicular to the coupling direction and along a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the coupling direction, optionally also coplanar to the first direction.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the second portion may comprise a groove located between the first housing seat and the second housing seat, into which at least a portion of the first arm and / or the second arm and / or the central body is inserted with little or no play when the section of the arm insertable into the housing seat is inserted into the housing seat.

[0018] This improves the connection stability between the first portion and the second portion of the removable fastener.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, said groove may have a variable section which decreases as one moves from an opening through which the central body enters the groove, in the direction of movement away from said opening, or in the direction of movement towards a bottom wall of said groove.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the cross-section of at least one arm or seat, optionally each arm or seat, may have a perimeter of at least partially rounded shape, optionally entirely rounded. By way of example and not limited to, the perimeter may be circular or semicircular or elliptical or semi-elliptical or polygonal with rounded edges.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, each arm may have an elliptical cross- section at least in correspondence with the section that can be inserted into the housing seats.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the arms can be oriented so that the minor axis of the elliptical section is perpendicular to a plane of support on which lie a central axis of the first housing seat and a central axis of the second housing seat.

[0023] In this way the first arm and second arm have a substantially flattened shape in a direction perpendicular to the said plane of arrangement and therefore present greater rigidity in the case of forces acting along this perpendicular direction.

[0024] The invention may further provide that the device may comprise an electric or electromechanical release actuator configured to actuate the locking element at least from the working position to the rest position.

[0025] This feature makes hooking and unhooking easier, as the user does not have to apply force to the work element, which is particularly convenient, especially when the user wears gloves and is consequently hindered in the movements of the fingers.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the release actuator may comprise a device configured to generate a force on the locking member in the direction of maintaining the locking member in the working position.

[0027] In this way, it is possible to obtain an automatic engagement of the locking element in the locking seat as soon as the seat and the locking element are aligned with each other, in particular thanks to the self-centering guaranteed by the particular conformation of the arms and / or seats according to the invention.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the first portion and the second portion may be rigid bodies, in particular the arms and the first portion portions that make the housing seats and / or the groove available.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, when the coupling section is fully inserted into its respective housing seat, the locking element is in a position such that it is insertable into its locking seat, i.e., it is aligned with it and is insertable into it. That is, when the first coupling section is fully inserted into the first housing seat and the second coupling section is fully inserted into the second housing seat, the first locking element is in a position such that it is insertable into the first locking seat, i.e., it is aligned with it, e.g., the first pin is aligned with the hole of the first locking seat, and the second locking element is in a position such that it is insertable into the second locking seat, i.e., it is aligned with it, e.g., the second pin is aligned with the hole of the second locking seat. By fully inserted we mean that the entire coupling section is inserted into the housing seat.

[0030] In this condition, it may also happen, depending on how much the housing seat and the coupling section are complementary to each other, and on how much play there is between them, that a push on the second portion in the said coupling direction and which brings the second portion closer to the first portion, does not allow the coupling section to be pushed further into the coupling seat. The impossibility of pushing further may occur, also taking into account the fact that both the first portion and the second portion are rigid bodies, either because the free end of the arm touches a back wall of the housing seat distal to the inlet opening, or because a section of the arm between the coupling section and the central body the section of the arm is larger than the passage section of the housing seat and therefore cannot advance. The smaller the tolerances and clearances between the housing seat and the coupling section, the easier it is for the fully inserted to be characterised by a condition in which the arm inserted into the housing seat cannot advance further, and for example go beyond the alignment between the locking element and its locking seat.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the removable fastening mechanism, in addition to the locking element, i.e. a first locking element, may also comprise a second locking element, and in addition to the locking seat, i.e. a first locking seat, may also comprise a second locking seat into which the second locking element can be inserted, which, like the first locking element, is movable with respect to the first portion and the second portion between a working position, in which it is inserted into the second locking seat and connects the first portion and the second portion to each other, and a rest position, in which it is external to the second locking seat and allows the first portion and the second portion to move away from each other, and wherein the first locking seat is provided in the first arm, for example near its free end, and the second locking seat is provided in the second arm, for example near its free end.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, the release actuator may comprise a fixed body and a movable body, movable relative to the fixed body along an actuation axis between a first portion and a second position, wherein the first locking element comprises a pin movable along a first locking direction transverse to the actuation axis and the second locking element comprises a pin movable along a second locking direction transverse to the actuation axis, and wherein the pin of the first locking element and the pin of the second locking element are both actuated into their respective working and rest positions, for example simultaneously, by the movable body, to which they are connected by a kinematic mechanism, i.e. a kinematic chain.

[0033] In this way the device is cheaper and lighter, since with a single actuator it is possible to control two pins.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the kinematic mechanism may comprise:

[0035] - a first guide body of the pin of the first locking element, to which said pin is slidably associated along the first locking direction

[0036] - a second guide body of the pin of the second locking element, with which said pin is slidably associated along the second locking direction

[0037] - a first rotating body, which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body around a first axis of rotation and to which the pin of the first locking body is rotatably associated with respect to a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation

[0038] - a second rotating body, which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body about a third axis of rotation and to which the pin of the second locking body is rotatably associated with respect to a fourth axis of rotation parallel to the third axis of rotation

[0039] - a first connecting rod that connects the moving body of the actuator to the first rotating body

[0040] - a second connecting rod that connects the moving body of the actuator to the second rotating body.

[0041] This makes the pin drive particularly robust, efficient and lightweight.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the removable fastening mechanism may include a manual release actuator bypass assembly.

[0043] In this way, even in the event of a malfunction of the release actuator, it is possible to unlock the second portion from the first portion.

[0044] Optionally, such a manual bypass group may comprise a push body configured to push the actuator's moving body against the force exerted by the elastic element.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the push body may comprise a cam, rotatable with respect to a cam axis perpendicular to a plane of the drive axis, operated by a manual body manipulable by a user.

[0046] The invention further provides a removable fastening device configured to removably connect an accessory to a vehicle, said removable fastening device comprising:

[0047] - a first portion configured to be fixable to the vehicle and equipped with a section that includes a central body from which a first arm and a second arm develop,

[0048] - a second portion configured to be attachable to the accessory or to be part of an accessory and provided with a first housing seat configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first arm and provided with an inlet opening for such first arm, and a second housing seat configured to accommodate at least a portion of the second arm and provided with an inlet opening for such second arm,

[0049] - a removable fastening mechanism configured to removably connect the first portion and the second portion to each other and having at least one locking seat, formed in the first portion or in the second portion, and a locking element, which locking element is movable with respect to the first portion and the second portion between a working position, in which it is inserted into the locking seat and connects the first portion and the second portion to each other, and a rest position, in which it is external to the locking seat and allows the first portion and the second portion to move away from each other, where the first arm and the second arm can be inserted into their respective housing seats through the corresponding input openings by moving the first portion and / or the second portion along a coupling direction, wherein the second portion comprises a groove located between the first housing seat and the second housing seat, into which at least a portion of the central body is inserted, for example with little or no play, when the section of the arm insertable into the housing seat is inserted into the housing seat, and in which said groove has a variable section which decreases as it goes from an opening through which the central body enters the groove, in the direction of movement away from said opening, or in the direction of movement towards a bottom wall of said groove.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the cross-section of the groove is concave in shape, specifically semi-elliptical.

[0051] The invention also provides a self-propelled vehicle equipped with the removable fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first portion is fixed directly to a component of said vehicle, or is integrated into a component of said vehicle.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 is a side orthogonal view of a removable fastening device according to the invention.

[0054] Figure 2 is a side view of a first portion and a second portion of the device of Figure 1, isolated from other elements and illustrated in an uncoupled position.

[0055] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the fastener of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an orthogonal view of part of the removable fastening device of the support apparatus.

[0056] Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the elements shown in Figure 4.

[0057] Figure 6 is an orthogonal plan view of Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 7 is a section view along section plane VII-VII of Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 8 is a section view along section plane VIII-VIII of Figure 6.

[0060] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the fastening device from the previous figures.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the attached figures.

[0063] In particular, in the figures, the reference numeral 60 indicates a removable fastening device comprising a first portion 65 and a second portion 110, wherein the second portion is configured to be connected to the first portion 65 by means of a removable fastening mechanism.

[0064] The removable fastening device 60 is configured to allow the fixing of an accessory 700 or a container 800 to a vehicle, in particular the first portion 65 is configured to be fixable, for example by means of threaded or snap-on connecting members, to an element of a vehicle, in particular to a tank of a motorcycle.

[0065] In even more detail, the first portion 65 is configured to be fixable to a flange of a fuel tank cap of the vehicle, or of the motorcycle, by means of threaded connection members.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 65 comprises a flange 75 provided with through holes 80 configured to be traversable by threaded connection members, for example in the form of screws. This flange 75 may be annular in shape, for example semicircular, or circular as illustrated in the figures.

[0067] The first portion 65 also comprises a section equipped with a central body 85, for example directly and rigidly connected, preferably without residual degrees of freedom, to the flange 75, and a first arm 90 and a second arm 95, for example having the same length starting from the central body, which develop starting from the central body 85 along a respective first development axis Bl as regards the first arm 90 and along a respective second development axis B2 as regards the second arm 95. The arms 90,95 are for example also mirrored with respect to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry equidistant from them and which intersects the central body in a central area thereof. In particular, said arms develop along the respective development axes Bl, B2 from opposite ends, for example longitudinal, of the central body and can also be directly and rigidly connected (without residual degrees of freedom) to the flange 75. At least one between the central body, the first arm 90 and the second arm 95 is directly and rigidly connected, preferably without residual degrees of freedom, to the flange 75.

[0068] The first arm 90 and the second arm 95 may be parallel to each other or preferably divergent from each other, for example with respect to said plane of symmetry, and as a whole they develop from the central body in the same direction of departure from it. In other words, the central body 85, the first arm 90 and the second arm 95 as a whole form a body shaped like a fork, or U or C, in particular in which the minimum reciprocal distance between the arms, measured transversely to the respective development axes, increases going from the central body to the respective free ends. In further detail, in the illustrated embodiment, the first arm, the second arm and the central body extend substantially along a path defined by the imaginary perimeter of a semi-ellipse, cut in proximity to the minor axis by a section plane parallel to the minor axis, or perpendicular to the major axis of the ellipse.

[0069] The first arm 90 and the second arm 95 can be coplanar with each other, for example the first development axis Bl and the second development axis B2 can lie on a same plane, optionally substantially perpendicular to the central axes of the through holes 80 of the flange 75.

[0070] The first arm 90 and the second arm 95 can be externally delimited in their extension by a respective external surface coaxial to the corresponding development axis B1,B2, for example substantially tubular, preferably also substantially planar, i.e. free from functional grooves or protuberances, in particular also substantially smooth.

[0071] However, it is not excluded that in an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the external surface could comprise one or more centering teeth, for example made in correspondence with the central body, suitable for fitting into appropriate grooves of the second portion 110. In particular, the tooth could be only one and could be made in correspondence of plane of symmetry.

[0072] Each arm 90, 95 can extend from the central body 85 to a respective free end 90a, 95a, which has for example a tapered trend with respect to the rest of the arm and in which the extension of the cross-section of the arm (transverse with respect to the respective axis of development) decreases gradually by advancing along the axis of development for at least a length equal to at least one third of the width of the section of the arm immediately upstream of the free end. In particular, the decrease in cross-section between two sections at a predetermined distance from each other in the free end can be greater, for example at least 20%, but not more than 60%, for example between 20% and 30%, compared to the decrease in crosssection between two sections at a predetermined distance from each other in the arm immediately upstream of the free end. In particular, the free end can be shaped like a semisphere or a semi-ellipsoid, or a semi-spheroid, or a cone, or a truncated cone, or a pyramidal prism, or a truncated pyramidal prism. In further detail, each free end 90a , 95a has a length in the direction of the development axis of the corresponding arm at least equal to one third of the maximum width of the cross-section of the arm immediately upstream of the free end. In even greater detail, each free end has a cross-section that gradually disappears and is coaxial to the respective development axis.

[0073] Each arm 90,95 can comprise a respective coupling section 100,105, the function of which will be explained below, which can be coaxial to the respective development axis B1,B2 and / or can develop starting from the free end and can, as in the illustrated embodiment, comprise the respective free end 90a ,95a.

[0074] Each arm 90, 95 can extend up to the respective free end 90a , 95a with a preferably tapered trend at least in correspondence with the coupling section, for example along the entire extension of the arm going from the central body to the respective free end.

[0075] It is specified that by "decreasing section" in reference to the arms, it can be understood that each arm, at least in the coupling section, can comprise a first portion of external surface and a second portion of external surface, which second portion is opposite to the first with respect to a plane on which the development axis of the respective arm lies, or which is tangent to the development axis of the respective arm in correspondence with an area of the arm where said first and second portion of external surface are identified, where said first and second portion of external surface are convergent with respect to each other going from the central body towards the respective free end 90a, 95a. Furthermore, more specifically in the embodiment illustrated, by "decreasing section" in reference to the arms it can also be understood that at least one of the length of the perimeter of the cross section, the extension of the width of the cross section and the extension of the height (to be understood as a dimension perpendicular to the width) of the perimeter of the cross section, or possibly all three dimensional aspects, varies, at least in correspondence with the coupling section 100,105, decreasing between two adjacent cross sections of the coupling section going from the central body to the respective free end.

[0076] For example , the cross-section can decrease both along a first direction, corresponding for example to the width of the perimeter of the cross-section, perpendicular to the coupling direction A, and along a second direction, for example corresponding to the height of the perimeter of the cross-section, which second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the coupling direction A, for example also coplanar to the first direction . In further detail, the first and second directions can be perpendicular to a straight line tangent to the respective development axis B1,B2 at the point of intersection with a section plane defining the crosssection.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the entire perimeter of the cross sections can vary in length (the shape of the cross section remains substantially the same at least along the coupling section, for example along the entire arm with the possible exclusion of the rounded free end) decreasing, for example in a monotonous manner, going from the central body to the respective free end, at least in correspondence with the coupling section 100,105, for example along the entire arm.

[0078] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sections may have a perimeter of substantially the same shape, at least in the coupling section, for example along the entire arm (with the possible exclusion of the free end), and such perimeter may be for example of a rounded shape, in the sense that at least a quarter, for example at least half, preferably the entire perimeter comprises one or more curved lines.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter of the cross-section may be elliptical. However, it is not excluded that in alternative embodiments not illustrated and less preferred, the perimeter of the cross-section may be circular or semi-circular or semi-elliptical or polygonal with rounded edges. In practice, the perimeter of the cross-section may be partially rounded or entirely rounded.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, at least the coupling sections are radially delimited in a direction away from the respective development axis by a tubular lateral surface, which for example has the characteristics described above with regard to the shape and variation of the cross-section.

[0081] Regardless of the exact shape of the cross-section of the arms, the arms 90,95, and for example also the central body 85, have a flattened shape along a direction perpendicular to a plane of the development axes Bl and B2. In particular, the height of the arms, and for example also of the central body, perpendicular to said plane of the development axes Bl and B2 is less than the width of these elements identified by a section with the plane of the development axes Bl, B2. For example, said height may be less than 2 / 3 of the width, or preferably equal to or less than 1 / 2 of the width.

[0082] With reference to the illustrated embodiment in which the cross-section is elliptical, this ellipse is arranged with the minor axes perpendicular to a plane wherein the development axes Bl and B2 lay.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 90,95 are not rectilinear, but curved, and the respective development axes are curvilinear, for example the first development axis Bl can develop along a section of a first quarter of an imaginary ellipse and the second development axis B2 can develop along a section of a second quarter of such imaginary ellipse mirrored to the first quarter with respect to a semi-axis, preferably major, of such ellipse. In particular, the central body and the arms 90,95 develop overall along the perimeter of a C or of a semi-ellipse cut along the minor axis or along a plane parallel to the minor axis and perpendicular to the major axis or along the major axis or along a plane parallel to the minor axis.

[0084] As a further detail, the cross-section of the central body is also of the same shape as the cross-sections of the arms, thus for example elliptical.

[0085] Depending on the roundness of the cross-sections, the first arm and the second arm, possibly also the central body, or their respective external surfaces, have an internal edge 106, which extends from the free end 95a to the free end 90a and which is interposed between the arms, which is rounded. Furthermore, this internal edge 106 follows the path of the development axes, therefore in the illustrated embodiment the edge extends along the perimeter of a semiellipse. Similarly, it also includes an external edge, opposite to the internal edge and which extends from one free end to the other and is also rounded in shape.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 65 is constituted by the flange 75, the central body 85, the first arm 90 and the second arm 95.

[0087] The removable fastening device 60 also includes a second portion 110 configured to act as a housing seat for at least part of the first portion 65 and to be attachable to the accessory or container to be connected to the vehicle.

[0088] The second portion 110 can be found at the first end of the tubular external surface 30 and the second end of such surface 30 is therefore distal from the removable fastening device. In further detail, when the first portion is inserted into the second portion, the development axes of the arms 90,95 of the first portion lie on a plane substantially perpendicular to the Z axis. Even more precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, the Z axis is parallel to the central axes of the through holes 80 when the first portion is inserted into the second portion. The second portion 110 is equipped with a first housing seat 115 configured to accommodate, in particular with little or no play, at least part of the first arm 90, or at least the coupling section 100, and a second housing seat 120 configured to accommodate, in particular with little or no play, at least part of the second arm 95, or at least the coupling section 105.

[0089] The first housing seat 115 comprises a respective inlet opening 125 of the first arm 90, which is the first element of the housing seat to be passed through by the first arm, or by its free end 90a, during the insertion of the first arm into the first housing seat. Similarly, the second housing seat 120 comprises a respective inlet opening 130 of the second arm 95, which is the first element of the housing seat to be passed through by the second arm, or by its free end 95a, during the insertion of the second arm into the second housing seat. Such inlet openings 125,130 are for example made in the tubular external surface 30.

[0090] As stated above, the first arm 90 and the second arm 95 can be inserted, for example simultaneously, into the respective housing seats 115,120 (and extracted from them) by inserting them through the corresponding input openings 125,130, in particular by moving the first portion 65 with respect to the second portion 110 and / or the second portion 110 with respect to the first portion 65 and / or by moving them simultaneously in approach, for example only, along one, for example single, coupling direction A.

[0091] When inserting the arms into their respective housings, the first portion must be oriented by arranging the plane of the development axes Bl and B2 parallel to the coupling direction A.

[0092] The coupling direction A is determined by the seating seats, for example, i.e. it is parallel to a central axis of each seating seat which passes through the inlet opening of the respective seating seat.

[0093] In particular, such central axis is the central axis of an internal surface of each housing seat, which internal surface is at least partially annular, and / or formed by multiple portions of annular surface, preferably tubular, and / or formed by multiple portions of tubular surface. Such annular or tubular surfaces, or a set of portions thereof, are substantially coaxial to said central axis. Such internal surface is a surface of the housing seat that can be contacted by the free end 90a , 95a and / or by the coupling portion 100,105 of the respective arm 90,95 while this is inserted inside the housing seat.

[0094] The housing seats 115,120 may be mirrored to each other with respect to a plane of symmetry parallel to the central axes of the housing seats and equidistant from them.

[0095] Each housing seat, i.e. its internal surface, has at least one section that can be contacted by the respective arm, in particular contactable at least by the coupling section of the respective arm and / or by the free end of the respective arm, which section of the housing seat for example has a tapered path going from the inlet opening 125,130 of the respective housing seat away from the inlet opening, along the coupling direction A.

[0096] In detail, by tapered it is meant that the cross-section of said contactable portion of the housing seat, identified by the intersection with a section plane perpendicular to the respective central axis of the housing seat or perpendicular to the coupling direction A, decreases, for example in a monotonous manner, going from the inlet opening of the respective housing seat away from the inlet opening, along the coupling direction A.

[0097] It should be noted that by "decreasing section" in reference to the housing seats, it can be understood that each housing seat, at least in the section contactable by the arm, can comprise a first portion, for example of internal surface, and a second portion, for example of internal surface, which second portion is opposite to the first with respect to a plane on which the central axis of the respective housing seat lies, or on which the coupling direction A lies, where such opposing portions of the housing seat converge with respect to each other going from the inlet opening of the respective housing seat away from the inlet opening, along the coupling direction A. Furthermore, more specifically in the embodiment illustrated, by "decreasing section" in reference to the housing seats, it can also be understood that at least one of the length of the perimeter of the cross-section, the extension of the width of the section and the extension of the height (to be understood as a dimension perpendicular to the width) of the perimeter of the cross-section of the seat, or possibly all three dimensional aspects, varies, at least in correspondence with the section contactable by the respective arm, decreasing between two adjacent cross-sections of the section contactable by the arm going from the inlet opening of the respective housing seat away from the inlet opening, along the coupling direction A.

[0098] For example, the cross-section can decrease both along a first direction, corresponding for example to the width of the perimeter of the cross-section, perpendicular to the coupling direction A, and along a second direction, for example corresponding to the height of the perimeter of the cross-section, which second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and to the coupling direction A, for example also coplanar to the first direction. In further detail, the first and second directions can be perpendicular to the central axis of the internal surface of the seat.

[0099] Alte r native ly or in addition, this section of the housing seat that can be contacted by the respective arm, or this section with variable cross-section of the housing seat, can be defined as a section in which the passage section available to the respective arm decreases, going from the inlet opening 125,130 of the respective housing seat away from the inlet opening, along the coupling direction A.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing seat, or almost the entire housing seat, has the tapered section described above. In other words, the portion contactable by the respective arm extends across the entire, or almost the entire, of the respective housing seat.

[0101] The variable section of each seat is, for example, step-free, preferably planar, i.e. substantially smooth, in the sense of free from protuberances or depressions of a nature that could hinder the sliding of the arm in its respective seat.

[0102] Similarly, for each arm, as previously stated, the coupling section of each of these arms has a variable section (and for example is free of steps, preferably the surface is substantially planar or smooth, free from protuberances or depressions of such a nature as to be able to hinder the sliding of the arm in its respective seat), with reference to the coupling direction A, the section of said coupling section of each arm, which decreases from a section which enters its respective housing seat last when the arm is inserted into said housing seat along the coupling direction A, to a section which enters the housing seat first when the arm is inserted into the housing seat along the coupling direction A.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the coupling section of each arm decreases from the central body towards the free end, along the coupling direction A.

[0104] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, both the coupling section of the arms and the housing seat have a variable cross-section in order to obtain optimal centering, however this does not exclude the fact that the invention also includes devices in which the housing seat has a variable cross-section (as described above) and the arms have at least a constant or variable cross-section in the coupling section, but with a trend opposite to the decrease in section described above. Similarly, the invention also includes devices in which the housing seats have a constant or variable cross-section, but with a trend opposite to the decrease in section described above, and the arms have at least a variable cross-section in the coupling section (as described above).

[0105] In addition or as an alternative to the characteristics described above of each housing seat, the section of the housing seat that can be contacted by the respective arm, therefore the internal surface of the housing seat, in particular the section with variable section, may have a cross-section whose perimeter may be, for example, rounded in shape, in the sense that at least a quarter, for example at least half, preferably the entire perimeter comprises one or more curved lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter of the cross-section may be elliptical. However, it is not excluded that in alternative embodiments not illustrated and less preferred, the perimeter of the cross-section may be circular or semi-circular or semi-elliptical or polygonal with rounded edges. In practice, the perimeter of the cross-section may be partially rounded or entirely rounded.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the section of the housing seat at least in the section contactable by the arm has the same cross-section as the corresponding arm in the coupling section, so that the arm is inserted with very little play or ideally without play and without even interference, in said contacting part.

[0107] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sections of each housing seat may have a perimeter of substantially the same shape, at least in the section contactable by the corresponding arm, for example along the entire seat.

[0108] Alternatively or in addition to the features described above, each housing seat can be shaped like a blind hole, for example it can be shaped like a blind hole complementary to the free end and to the coupling section of the arm insertable into it. However, it is not excluded that in alternative embodiments each housing seat can be a through hole that can be passed through from one side to the other by the respective arm.

[0109] The second portion 110 may comprise, in addition to the housing seats, a groove 145 (of elongated shape, for example shaped like a channel) that extends between the first housing seat 115 and the second housing seat 120, for example it extends from the first to the second housing seat joining them. At least part of the central body 85 is inserted into the groove 145, in particular with little or no play, for example also part of the arms 90,95 included between the central body and the respective coupling section.

[0110] The groove 145 may be made in the tubular outer surface 30.

[0111] The groove 145 is shaped to at least partially support the arms and / or the central body of the first portion, or to prevent movement of the arms and / or the central body of the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the coupling direction and / or to a plane of the development axes of the arms.

[0112] In addition or as an alternative to the coupling between the housing seats and the arms described above, the groove 145 has a variable cross-section (with respect to a section plane perpendicular to the coupling direction A) which decreases as it goes from an opening through which the central body enters the groove in a direction away from said opening, along the coupling direction A. In other words, the groove is concave and has side walls which move closer from the opening of the groove to a bottom wall of the groove itself.

[0113] The groove 145 may have a cross-section, cut with respect to section planes perpendicular to a longitudinal extension path of the groove itself and / or parallel to the central axes of the housing seats, concave, for example U or V-shaped, in particular shaped as a part, for example substantially half, of ellipses,

[0114] The groove 145 in the illustrated embodiment may extend along the same curved path, for example half of an ellipse, as the arms and central body of the first portion. In particular, it may be the same semi-ellipse along which the internal edge 106 of the first portion extends.

[0115] Regardless of the exact shape of the groove 145, at least one third, for example at least half, of the inner edge of the first portion, preferably the entire inner edge 106 of the first portion 65 between the coupling section 100 and the coupling section 105, fits, in particular with little or no play, into the groove 145. For example, the groove 145 can be defined by a concave surface (substantially like a channel) complementary to a portion of the first portion 65, or a portion of the arms and / or central body, in particular complementary to at least a portion of the inner edge of the first portion 65, preferably complementary to the entire inner edge of the first portion that extends between the coupling section of the first arm and the coupling section of the second arm. Therefore,

[0116] Compressively, the entire internal edge 106 of the first portion 65 is inserted partly into the first and second housing seats and partly into the groove 145.

[0117] It is not excluded that in alternative embodiments not illustrated, the groove may be rectilinear or have another shape based on how the arms and the central body are shaped overall. In the case in which the groove is rectilinear, it cannot join the two housing seats, but only be spatially interposed between them.

[0118] The housing seats, the arms, the central body and the groove 145 can be shaped and sized so that the free ends of the arms, and for example at least a portion of the coupling sections, enter the openings of the respective housing seats before the arms and / or the central body enter the groove 145. In particular, the distance measured along the coupling direction A, between the openings of the housing seats and a point of the opening of the groove 145 into which the first portion is insertable, most distant from said housing seats and equidistant from said housing seats, is less than the minimum distance, measured along said coupling direction A, between the free ends of the arms and an internal edge point most distant from said free ends and equidistant from both free ends.

[0119] The second portion 110 can be provided with a plate-like body, equipped with a first larger face facing the first portion, or the flange of the first portion, an opposite second larger face, and a lateral surface, for example of annular shape, which connects said two faces.

[0120] In this case, the openings of the housing seats and the groove 145 can be made in said lateral surface of the plate-like body, in particular with the groove placed between said seats.

[0121] Regardless of the exact shape of the arm housing seats and the presence or absence of the groove, the removable fastening device 60 may comprise a removable fastening mechanism configured to connect the first portion 65 and the second portion 110 together in a rigid and removable, or resolvable, manner. In particular, this removable fastening mechanism selectively prevents and allows the arms to slide along the coupling direction A with respect to the housing seats and / or the groove 145 of the second portion 110.

[0122] The removable fastening mechanism may be provided with at least one locking seat, for example shaped like a hole or slot, made in the first portion 65, or in one of the first arm 90 and the second arm 95, or in the second portion 110, or in the first housing seat 115 or in the second housing seat 120 (in the sense that the hole or slot of the locking seat intersects the housing seat). The removable fastening mechanism is also provided with a locking element, for example a pin that can be inserted with little or no play into the locking seat, or into the hole or slot of the locking seat. The locking element is movable with respect to the first portion 65 and the second portion 110 between a working position, in which it is inserted into the locking seat and connects the first portion 65 and the second portion 110 to each other, i.e. it blocks the arm that carries the locking element or the locking seat to the respective housing seat, and a rest position, in which it is external to the locking seat and allows the first portion 65 and the second portion 110 to move away from each other, i.e. it allows the arm that carries the locking element or the locking seat to disengage from the respective housing seat.

[0123] The locking element is movable along a sliding axis which may be transverse, for example perpendicular, to the coupling direction A and / or to the first development axis Bl or to the second development axis B2, depending on which of the two arms is affected by the movable element or the locking seat.

[0124] The removable fastening mechanism can also be substantially defined as a latch system, which therefore comprises a locking seat, i.e. a through or blind hole, into which a pin is selectively inserted which, when inserted into the seat, prevents movements of the body in which the hole is made and of the body with respect to which the pin is slidable in directions transverse to a sliding axis of the pin with such seat, for example creating a form connection.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking seat is made, for example as a hole, in one of the two arms 90,95, in particular at or near the free end of that arm or in the coupling section of that arm, while the locking element, i.e. the pin, moves with respect to the second portion 110 along the respective sliding axis passing through a hole that intersects the housing seat of the corresponding arm equipped with the locking seat.

[0126] In further detail, to ensure greater locking stability, in the illustrated embodiment, the removable fastening mechanism of the illustrated embodiment comprises a first locking seat 150, i.e. a first hole, made in the first arm 90, in particular at, or near, the free end of such arm or the coupling section of the first arm, a second locking seat 155, i.e. a second hole, made in the second arm 95, in particular at, or near, the free end of such arm or the coupling section of the second arm.

[0127] Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the removable fastening mechanism comprises a first locking element 160, i.e. a first pin 160, slidably associated with the second portion 110 in correspondence with the first housing seat 115, or slidably inserted into a guide hole made in the second portion, for example in correspondence with the first housing seat 115, and having a central axis perpendicular to the coupling direction A and / or to the first development axis Bl, and a second locking element 165, i.e. a second pin 165, slidably associated with the second portion 110, for example in correspondence with the second housing seat 120, or slidably inserted into a guide hole made in the second portion, for example in correspondence with the second housing seat 120, and having a central axis perpendicular to the coupling direction A and / or to the second development axis B2.

[0128] Both the first locking element 160 and the second locking element 165 are movable, between the working and rest positions described above. In particular, in the rest position, these locking elements are entirely contained in the second portion 110 and do not protrude inside the respective housing seat, or in any case do not protrude in such a way as to interfere with the respective arm 90,95.

[0129] For example, when moving from the rest position to the working position, the first and second locking elements move away from each other. The locking mechanism may comprise a device, for example in the form of one or more elastic elements 195, configured to exert on the locking element, i.e. on the first locking element 160 and on the second locking element 165, a force in the direction of maintaining the locking element in the working position. In this way, by inserting the arms of the first portion into the housing seats of the second portion, the locking element, i.e. the first locking element 160 and the second locking element 165, when it is aligned with the locking seat, i.e. when they are respectively aligned with the first locking seat and the second locking seat, is automatically inserted into said seat, or are automatically inserted into said seats, locking the second portion 110 to the first portion 65.

[0130] In order to automatically perform such insertion, the coupling section and / orthe free end is configured to push, during insertion of the arm into the housing seat, on the locking element, or on the pin of the locking element, pushing it towards the rest position in contrast to the device configured to exert a force in the direction of maintaining it in the working position. As a result, as soon as the locking element is aligned with the locking seat, the force exerted by said pushing device inserts the locking element into the locking seat.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, each coupling section 100,105 and / or the free end 90a, 95a is configured to push, during the insertion of each arm into its respective housing seat, respectively on the first locking element, i.e. on the pin 160, and on the second locking element, i.e. on the second pin 165, pushing these locking elements towards the rest position in contrast to the device configured to exert a force in the direction of maintaining it in the working position. As a result of this, as soon as the first locking element, i.e. the first pin 160, is aligned with the first locking seat, i.e. the first hole 150, and the second locking element, i.e. the second pin 165, is aligned with the second locking seat, i.e. the second hole 155, the force exerted by said pushing device automatically inserts the locking elements, for example simultaneously, into their respective locking seats.

[0132] When the coupling section is fully inserted into the respective housing seat, i.e. only when the coupling section is fully inserted into the respective housing seat, the locking element is in a position such that it can be inserted into its locking seat, i.e. it is aligned with it and can be inserted into it. In the illustrated embodiment, insertion is automatic thanks to the push device configured to exert a force on the locking element, i.e. on the first locking element 160 and on the second locking element 165, in the direction of holding the locking element in the working position. When, or only when, the first coupling section is fully inserted into the first housing seat and the second coupling section is fully inserted into the second housing seat, the first locking element is in a position such that it can be inserted into the first locking seat, or is aligned with it, for example the first pin 160 is aligned with the hole 150 of the first locking seat, and the second locking element is in a position such that it can be inserted into the second locking seat, or is aligned with it, for example the second pin 165 is aligned with the hole 155 of the second locking seat.

[0133] The removable fastening mechanism may comprise a release actuator 180, such as an electric or electromechanical type, configured to actuate the locking element, i.e. the first locking element and the second locking element, at least from the working position to the rest position.

[0134] It is not excluded that in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the release actuator may be manual. It is also not excluded that in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the device that pushes the locking element into the working position, i.e. the spring 195, may not be present and that the release actuator, whether manual or electrically actuated, may also be configured to move the locking element, or locking elements, into the working position, as well as into the rest position.

[0135] Regardless of these considerations, the release actuator 180 may comprise a fixed body 185, for example rigidly connected to the second portion in the illustrated embodiment where the locking elements are slidably associated with the second portion, and a movable body 190, for example in the form of a stem, which moves relative to the fixed body along an actuation axis X (for example parallel to direction A) between a first position, in which the locking element is in the working position, i.e. the first and second locking elements are in the working position, and a second position, in which the locking element is in the rest position, i.e. the first and second locking elements are in the rest position. As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment, the actuator is configured to selectively generate a force only to bring the movable body 190 into the second position only. It is then a pushing device, for example in the form of one or more elastic elements 195 to bring (and maintain) the mobile body 190 in the first position.

[0136] While it is not excluded that there may be a release actuator 180 for each locking element, in the illustrated embodiment there is only one release actuator 180 connected to the first locking element and the second locking element by means of a kinematic mechanism, i.e. a kinematic chain.

[0137] For example, the kinematic mechanism may include: - a first guide body 200 (for example a body integral with the second portion 110 in which a through hole is made into which the first pin is inserted) of the first locking element, or of the first pin, to which said first locking element is slidably associated along the sliding axis of the first locking element itself,

[0138] - a second guide body 205 (for example a body integral with the second portion 110 in which a through hole is made into which the second pin is inserted) of the second locking element, or of the second pin, to which said second locking element is slidably associated along the sliding axis of the second locking element itself,

[0139] - a first rotating body 210 (for example a disk), which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body 185 around a first rotation axis, for example said first rotation axis lying on a plane perpendicular to the drive axis and being transverse (perpendicular) to the sliding axis of the first locking body; the first locking body, or its pin, is (at least) rotatably associated with the first rotating body at least with respect to a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis (for example the first locking body comprises a protrusion transverse to the sliding axis of the first locking body itself, which is inserted into a rectilinear slot made in the first rotating body),

[0140] - a second rotating body 215 (for example a disk), which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body 185 around a third rotation axis, for example said third rotation axis lying on a plane perpendicular to the drive axis and being transverse (perpendicular) to the sliding axis of the second locking body; the second locking body, or its pin, is (at least) rotatably associated with the second rotating body with respect to at least a fourth rotation axis parallel to the third rotation axis (for example the second locking body comprises a protrusion transverse to the sliding axis of the second locking body itself, which is inserted into a rectilinear slot made in the second rotating body),

[0141] - a first connecting rod 220 that connects the moving body 190 of the actuator to the first rotating body 210,

[0142] - a second connecting rod 225 that connects the moving body 190 of the actuator to the second rotating body 215.

[0143] In this way, when the moving body moves along the drive axis, this sliding is transmitted to both rotating bodies by means of the first and second connecting rods, which rotating bodies, being dragged by said connecting rods, rotate with respect to the first rotation axis and the third rotation axis and dragging in this rotation the locking bodies which, by virtue of the guide covers, slide along the respective sliding axes. Since the locking elements 160,165 are connected by the kinematic mechanism, regardless of how this is specifically implemented, this kinematic mechanism can be configured to allow the automatic insertion of the locking bodies into their respective locking seats, for example , only simultaneously, i.e. only if both are aligned with their respective locking seats.

[0144] The removable fastening mechanism may comprise a manual bypass assembly of the release actuator 180, which manual bypass assembly may comprise a push body configured to push the movable body of the actuator towards the second position, for example in opposition to the force exerted by the device which pushes towards the locking position the locking element or elements, or the one or more elastic elements in the illustrated embodiment.

[0145] This push body may comprise a cam 230 (or any other body eccentric with respect to a rotation axis), for example rotatable with respect to a cam axis perpendicular to a plane of the actuation axis of the release actuator, operated by means of a manual body that can be manipulated by a user.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the manual body that can be manipulated by a user comprises a lock 235 connected for example to the second portion 110, which is connected by means of a shaft 240 to the cam 230. In particular, the shaft is connected to the lock and to the cam in a rigid manner, so that a rotation of a predetermined key inserted inside the lock causes a rotation of the shaft and therefore of the cam 230, which, following this rotation, pushes the mobile body of the release actuator towards its second position.

[0147] It cannot be excluded that in an alternative form of implementation not illustrated, both the movement to the working position and to the rest position may occur through the action of the electro-mechanical actuator.

[0148] Furthermore, it is not excluded that in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, both the movement of the movable body of the release actuator towards its first position and towards its second position may be controlled by the lock, in particular so that rotation of the lock in one direction leads to movement of the movable body in the first position, or leads directly (for example by means of kinematic mechanisms) to bringing the locking bodies into the working position, and that rotation of the lock in an opposite direction leads to movement of the movable body in the second position, or leads directly (for example by means of kinematic mechanisms) to bringing the locking bodies into the rest position.

[0149] In order to power the release actuator, the removable fastening device may be equipped with an electrical power source, for example an electrical connection cable or an electrical power battery, for example at least partially housed in the second portion in the illustrated embodiment which provides that the locking elements are slidable with respect to the second portion 110. In further detail, in the illustrated embodiment a electrical power battery is used, for example fixed, preferably without residual degrees of freedom to the second portion 110.

[0150] Furthermore, the removable fastening device may comprise an electronic control and command unit, not shown in the figures, configured to operate the release actuator, in particular by selectively supplying it with electrical energy.

[0151] Such an electronic control and command unit may be connected to an on-site user interface unit, for example on the second portion, preferably in the form of one or more buttons, or to a remote user interface unit, for example forming part of a remote control device, preferably a smartphone, wirelessly connectable to the electronic control and command unit. The user interface unit is configured to send predetermined control signals to the electronic control and command unit based on predetermined input received from the user, and the electronic control and command unit is configured to selectively send predetermined actuation commands to the release actuator based on the predetermined control signals received.

[0152] As previously stated, the second portion may allow the connection of an accessory, for example it may comprise, or act as a support for, a retaining device 700, preferably removable, of the accessory, for example comprising arms and / or retaining mechanisms for retaining an accessory, or a seat or case for receiving the accessory. As an alternative to the retaining device 700, a resealable container 800, such as a bag or sack or suitcase, may be fixed to the second portion, for example rigidly and without residual degrees of freedom, preferably permanently. These elements will not be detailed below as they are within the scope of the technician in the sector and extremely variable based on the accessory that is intended to be connected by means of the removable fastening device.

[0153] The operation of the removable fastening device according to the invention is as follows. Starting from a condition in which the first portion 65 is fixed to an object, for example to a vehicle, in particular to a motorcycle, the user, holding the second portion 110, inserts the free ends 90a, 95a of the arms 90, 95 into the housing seats 115 and 120, which guide, possibly also thanks to the groove 145, said arms under the user's thumb, until the first hole 150 and the second hole 155 are aligned respectively with the first pin 160 and the second pin 165, which, under the force exerted by the elastic element or elastic elements that insist on them, are automatically inserted into the holes 150 and 155. If the user wishes to release the second portion 110 from the first portion, he can do so either by pressing a button on the second portion (which can optionally be pressed after sending an unlocking security code to the electronic control and command unit), or by sending a command signal via the remote device, as a result of which the release actuator 180 moves the pins 160 and 165 to the rest position, thus allowing the extraction of the arms 90,95 from their respective housing seats.

[0154] In the event that the release actuator 180 does not work, for example because the device's power supply battery is flat, the user can switch to the manual by-pass group by inserting the key into the appropriate lock and turning it. By turning the lock, the push body rotates and pushes the actuator's mobile body towards the second position.

[0155] In this description, reference has often been made to a vehicle, which may for example be a vehicle without a cockpit, preferably two-wheeled, even more preferably self-propelled, equipped with a tank. For example, a motorcycle is illustrated in the attached figures and the first portion 65 is fixed to a tank of such a motorcycle. For example, the first portion 65 of the removable fastening device may be fixed, preferably by means of threaded connecting members, to the tank of the motorcycle. However, it is not excluded that in alternative embodiments the first portion 65 may be made integral, or in a single body, with an element of the vehicle, for example with the tank of the vehicle, in particular with a protective casing of said tank.

[0156] It should be noted that in this discussion, when an element is defined as "rigid", it is understood that it is not significantly deformable under the normal workloads to which it is subjected. In particular, unlike an element defined as "elastic", a rigid body does not perform its function primarily on the basis of its own deformation.

[0157] In the foregoing, the preferred embodiments have been described and some variations of the present innovation have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the relevant scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A removable fastening device (60) configured to removably connect an accessory (700) or container (800) to a vehicle, said removable fastening device comprising:- a first portion (65) equipped with a section that includes a central body (85) from which a first arm (90) and a second arm (95) develop,- a second portion (110) equipped with a first housing seat (115) configured to accommodate at least one coupling section (100) of the first arm (90) and equipped with an inlet opening (125) for the entry of at least part of such first arm (90) into the first housing seat itself, and a second housing seat (120) configured to accommodate at least one coupling section (105) of the second arm (95) and equipped with an inlet opening (130) for the entry of at least part of such second arm (95) into the second housing seat itself, wherein the first portion (65) is configured to be attachable to the vehicle and the second portion (110) is configured to be attachable to the accessory (700) or container (800), or be part of an accessory (700) or container (800), or the first portion (65) is configured to be attachable to the accessory (700) or container (800), or be part of an accessory (700) or container (800), and the second portion (110) is configured to be attachable to the vehicle, said removable fastening device (60) also comprising a removable fastening mechanism configured to removably connect the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) to each other and equipped with at least one locking seat (150,155) formed in the first portion (65) or in the second portion (110) and a locking element (160,165), which locking element (160,165) is movable with respect to the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) between a working position, in which it is inserted into the locking seat (150,155) and connects the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) to each other, and a rest position, in which it is external to the locking seat (150,155) and allows the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) to move away from each other, where the first arm (90) and the second arm (95) can be inserted into the respective housing seats (115,120) through the corresponding input openings (125,130) by moving the first portion (65) and / or the second portion (110) along a coupling direction (A), and wherein at least one housing seat between the first housing seat (115) and the second housing seat (120) has at least one section with a variable cross-section contactable by the respective arm (90,95), in which the cross-section of said housing seat (115,120) decreases going from the inlet opening of said housing seat along the coupling direction (A), away from therespective inlet opening, and / or the coupling section (100,105) of the arm between the first arm (90) and the second arm (95) insertable into the respective housing seat (115,120) has a variable cross-section, with a crosssection that decreases from a cross-section that enters the housing seat (115,120) last when the arm (90,95) is inserted into said seat along the coupling direction, to a cross-section that enters the housing seat (115,120) first when the arm (90,95) is inserted into the housing seat along the coupling direction.

2. Removable fastening device (60) accordingto claim 1, wherein the second portion (110) comprises a groove (145) located between the first housing seat (115) and the second housing seat (120), into which at least a portion of the first arm (90) and / or of the second arm (95) and / or of the central body (85) is inserted with little or no play when the coupling section (100,105) is inserted into the housing seat (115,120).

3. Removable fastening device (60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each arm (90,95) has an elliptical cross-section at least in correspondence of the respective coupling section (100,105).

4. Removable fastening device (60) according to claim 3, wherein the arms (90,95) are oriented so that the minor axis of the ellipse is perpendicular to a lying plane on which lie a central axis of the first housing seat (115) and a central axis of the second housing seat (120).

5. A removable fastening device (60) according to claim 1, comprising an electric or electromechanical release actuator (180) configured to actuate the locking element (160,165) at least from the working position to the rest position.

6. A removable fastening device (60) of claim 1 or 2, comprising a device configured to generate a force on the locking element (160,165) in the direction of maintaining the locking element in the working position.

7. Removable fastening device (60) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the removable fastening mechanism in addition to the locking element, therefore a first locking element (160), also comprises a second locking element (160), and in addition to the locking seat, therefore a first locking seat (150), also comprises a second locking seat (155) in which the second locking element (165) can be inserted, which, like the first locking element, is movable with respect to the first portion (65) and the second portion (110) between a working position, in which it is inserted into the second locking seat and connects the first portion and the second portion to each other, and a rest position, in which it is external to the second locking seat andallows the first portion and the second portion to move away from each other, and wherein the first locking seat is made in the first arm and the second locking seat is made in the second arm.

8. Removable fastening device (60) according to claim 5, wherein the release actuator (180) comprises a fixed body (185) and a movable body (190), movable with respect to the fixed body along an actuation axis between a first portion and a second position, wherein the first locking element comprises a pin (160) movable along a first locking direction transverse to the actuation axis and the second locking element comprises a pin (165) movable along a second locking direction transverse to the actuation axis, and wherein the pin (160) of the first locking element and the pin (165) of the second locking element are both actuated into their respective working and rest positions by the movable body (190), to which they are connected by means of a kinematic mechanism, i.e. a kinematic chain.

9. Removable fastening device (60) according to the preceding claim, wherein the kinematic mechanism comprises: a first guide body (200) of the first locking element (160) to which said first locking element is slidably associated along the first locking direction, a second guide body (205) of the second locking element (165), to which said second locking element is slidably associated along the second locking direction, a first rotatable body (210), which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body (185) around a first rotation axis, and to which said first locking body is rotatable with respect to at least a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, a second rotatable body (215), which is rotatable with respect to the fixed body (185) around a third rotation axis, and to which said second locking body is rotatable with respect to at least a fourth rotation axis parallel to the third rotation axis, a first connecting rod (220) which connects the movable body (190) of the actuator to the first rotating body (210), and a second connecting rod (225) which connects the moving body (190) of the actuator to the second rotating body (215).

10. Self-propelled vehicle equipped with the removable fastening device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first portion (65) is fixed directly to a component of said vehicle, or is integrated into a component of said vehicle.

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