UNIVERSAL SKATEBOARD AND SURFBOARD TOOL

Abstract

A compact, lightweight, universal multi-functional tool that can be used on the fly to adjust and repair surfboards and skateboards is disclosed. The tool includes a housing and an adjustment member. The housing comprises an elongated cylindrical member having a first elongated cylindrical member end and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end; a first socket head integrally connected to the first elongated cylindrical member end, the first socket head defining a first hexagonal socket; a second socket head integrally connected to the second elongated cylindrical member end, the second socket head defining a second first hexagonal socket; and a cavity extending horizontally through the first socket head, the elongated cylindrical member, and the second socket head. The adjustment member, configured to be received within the cavity, the adjustment member comprises a first arm; and a second arm, the second arm integrally connected, and perpendicular to, the first arm.

Claims

1. A universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool, comprising: a housing, comprising: an elongated cylindrical member having a first elongated cylindrical member end and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end; a first socket head integrally connected to the first elongated cylindrical member end, the first socket head defining a first hexagonal socket; a second socket head integrally connected to the second elongated cylindrical member end, the second socket head defining a second first hexagonal socket; and a cavity extending horizontally through the first socket head, the elongated cylindrical member, and the second socket head; an adjustment member configured to be received within the cavity, the adjustment member comprising: a first arm; and a second arm, the second arm integrally connected, and perpendicular to, the first arm.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first arm terminates in a Phillips head.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the second arm terminates in an Allen key.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a magnet on an outer surface of the second socket head.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a socket hole located in a base of the second hexagonal socket for allowing air to enter the cavity.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the socket hole is offset from the center of the base of the second hexagonal socket.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the base of the second hexagonal socket is tapered creating a funnel inside the second hexagonal socket.

8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first hexagonal socket is smaller than the diameter of the second hexagonal socket.

9. The tool of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a third hexagonal socket, the third hexagonal socket is located in the same vertical plane as the second hexagonal socket where the second horizontal socket is located at a first vertical end of the vertical plane and the third horizontal socket is located at an opposing second vertical end of the vertical plane.

10. The tool of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first second hexagonal socket is smaller than the diameter of the third hexagonal socket.

11. A universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool, comprising: a housing, comprising: an elongated cylindrical member having a first elongated cylindrical member end and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end; a first socket head integrally connected to the first elongated cylindrical member end, the first socket head defining a first hexagonal socket; a second socket head integrally connected to the second elongated cylindrical member end, the second socket head defining a second first hexagonal socket; a cavity extending horizontally through the first socket head, the elongated cylindrical member, and the second socket head; a socket hole located in a base of the second hexagonal socket for allowing air to enter the cavity; and a magnet on an outer surface of the second socket head; and an adjustment member configured to be received within the cavity, the adjustment member comprising: a first arm; and a second arm, the second arm integrally connected, and perpendicular to, the first arm.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the first arm terminates in a Phillips head.

13. The tool of claim 11, wherein the second arm terminates in an Allen key.

14. The tool of claim 11, wherein the socket hole is offset from the center of the base of the second hexagonal socket.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the base of the second hexagonal socket is tapered creating a funnel inside the second hexagonal socket.

16. The tool of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the first hexagonal socket is smaller than the diameter of the second hexagonal socket.

17. The tool of claim 11, wherein the housing further comprises a third hexagonal socket, the third hexagonal socket is located in the second socket hole and that same vertical plane as the second hexagonal socket where the second horizontal socket is located at a first vertical end of the vertical plane and the third horizontal socket is located at an opposing second vertical end of the vertical plane.

18. The tool of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the first second hexagonal socket is smaller than the diameter of the third hexagonal socket.

19. A universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool, consisting of: a housing, consisting of: an elongated cylindrical member having a first elongated cylindrical member end and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end; a first socket head integrally connected to the first elongated cylindrical member end, the first socket head defining a first hexagonal socket; a second socket head integrally connected to the second elongated cylindrical member end, the second socket head defining a second first hexagonal socket; a cavity extending horizontally through the first socket head, the elongated cylindrical member, and the second socket head; a socket hole located in a base of the second hexagonal socket for allowing air to enter the cavity; a magnet located on an outer surface of the second socket head; and a third hexagonal socket, the third hexagonal socket is located in the second socket hole and that same vertical plane as the second hexagonal socket where the second horizontal socket is located at a first vertical end of the vertical plane and the third horizontal socket is located at an opposing second vertical end of the vertical plane; and an adjustment member configured to be received within the cavity, the adjustment member consisting of: a first arm terminating in a Phillips head; and a second arm terminating in an Allen key, the second arm integrally connected, and perpendicular to, the first arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Various features, nature, and advantages may become apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skateboard and surfboard tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a right-side elevation view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a front-end view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1 showing an adjustment member separated from a housing.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the flow of air when in use as a pipe for smoking tobacco products.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the adjustment member extending outward from the distal end of the housing.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of skateboard and surfboard tool according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Overview

[0045] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool. The universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool as herein described may be primarily structured and sized for use on skateboards and surfboards, such as for adjusting the wheel mount nuts and wheel-trucks and associated fasteners of skateboards and adjusting the fins, decks, and leash of a surfboard. Although the present invention is described for use with skateboards and surfboards, this is by way of example only and the present tool can also be used on other equipment including, but not limited to, in-line skates, bicycles, and snowboards.

[0046] The universal multifunctional tool is small, lightweight, and compact enough for an individual to carry the tool while skateboarding or surfing so the tool is readily available to make repairs and adjustments to the equipment. That is, the portability of the tool allows for on-the-fly repair of equipment without having to return to a different location for retrieving the tool. Furthermore, the structure or configuration of the tool provides portability allowing the tool to be carried in a pocket so that the user is unlikely to become injured by the tool should he or she fall. For example, the tool may be carried in the watch pocket of a pair of jeans or other pocket of a piece of clothing such as the pocket of a shirt, coat, or jacket.

[0047] The present universal multifunctional tool, when partly disassembled or reconfigured from its stored state, allows for convenient pipe smoking whenever one wishes.

Skateboard and Surfboard Tool

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skateboard and surfboard tool of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right-side elevation view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a left-side elevation view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front-end view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a rear end view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the skateboard and surfboard tool of FIG. 1 showing an adjustment member separated from a housing. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the flow of air when in use as a pipe for smoking tobacco products. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the adjustment member extending outward. FIG. 12 is a top plan view of skateboard and surfboard tool according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12. The following discussion refers interchangeably to FIGS. 1-13.

[0049] As shown, the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 includes a housing 101 adapted to receive an adjustment member 122. The housing 101 comprises an elongated cylindrical member 102 integrally connected between a first socket head 108, at a distal end of the tool 100, and a second socket head 112 at a proximal end of the tool 100. The elongated cylindrical member 102 is defined by an annular sidewall having a first elongated cylindrical member end 104 integrally connected to the first socket head 108 and an opposing second elongated cylindrical member end 106 integrally connected to the second socket head 112.

[0050] The first socket head 108 includes an annular sidewall defining a first hexagonal socket 110. The second socket head 112 includes an annular sidewall defining a second hexagonal socket 116 at a first vertical end and a third hexagonal socket 118 at a second vertical end, where the second and third second hexagonal sockets 116, 118 are located within the same vertical plane. The third hexagonal socket is located in the same vertical plane as the second hexagonal socket where the second horizontal socket is located at a first vertical end of the vertical plane and the third horizontal socket is located at an opposing second vertical end of the vertical plane.

[0051] According to one aspect, the diameter of the first hexagonal socket 110 is smaller than the diameter of the second hexagonal socket 116 while the diameter of the second hexagonal socket 116 is smaller than the diameter of the third hexagonal socket 118. Each of the annular sidewalls of the first, second and third hexagonal sockets 110, 116, 118 extend at a right angle to the lengthwise axis of the elongated cylindrical member 102 and are for use in manipulating nuts and bolt heads. The hexagonal sockets may be any size, including but not limited to, a ⅜.sup.th, ½, 9/16.sup.th, and 3/32.

[0052] While the socket heads illustrated in the figures have generally cylindrical outer contours and have smooth outer surfaces, the socket heads may have any suitable outer shape, including, but not limited to, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and rectangular.

[0053] In one embodiment, the housing 101 of the multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 may include a cavity 120 extending horizontally through the first socket head 108, the elongated cylindrical member 102, and the second socket head 112. The cavity 120 extends from a first hole 121 located in an outer surface of the annular side wall of the first socket head 108 and terminates at a second hole 123 located in an outer surface of the annular sidewall of the third hexagonal socket 118 of the second socket head 112. According to one aspect, the first and second holes 121, 123 may be located in the same horizontal plane allowing for the adjustment member 122 to be received within the cavity 120.

[0054] When the adjustment member 122 is fully received within the cavity 120 of the housing 101, the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 is in an assembled configuration. When in the assembled configuration, the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 is light-weight, compact, and portable allowing for the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 to be safely stored in a pocket of clothing, for example, so that the person is unlikely to become injured by the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 should he or she fall during an event. As described in more detail below, when the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 is in a disassembled configuration from its stored state, the housing 101 allows for convenient pipe smoking whenever one wishes.

[0055] In one embodiment, the adjustment member 122 may be a combination of an Allen key on one end and a Phillips head on the other end. As shown, the adjustment member 122 may comprise a first arm 124, terminating in a Phillips head 126, integrally connected to a second arm 128, terminating in an Allen key 130, where the first arm 124 is perpendicular to the second arm 128. (See FIGS. 5-7) Alternatively, the first arm 124 may terminate in an Allen key and the second arm 128 may terminate in a Phillips head. In another embodiment, both the first arm 124 and the second arm 128 may terminate in Philips heads or both may terminate in Allen keys (see FIG. 8). The first arm may be longer 124 than the second arm 124.

[0056] According to one aspect, the adjustment member 122 may utilize standard Phillips and/or Allen key heads allowing for the user to easily replace the adjustment member 122 if lost or damaged with an Off the shelf adjustment member 122 that may be found at any local hardware store. The Allen key heads may be any size Allen key head, including but not limited to, ⅛.sup.th and 3/32.sup.nd.

[0057] One or more magnets may be utilized to detachably secure the adjustment member 122 within the housing of the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, a magnet 132 may be located on the outer surface of the annular sidewall of the second socket head 112 above the second hole 123, where the second hole 123 is adapted to receive the adjustment member 122. When the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool 100 is in the fully assembled configuration, the adjustment member 122 is fully received within the cavity 120 of the housing 101 such that the second arm 128 of the adjustment member 122 is detachably connected to the magnet 132, and the first arm 124 extends through the cavity 120 and protrudes through the first hole 121 in the first socket head 108 beyond the distal end of housing 101.

[0058] To release the adjustment member 122 from the housing 101, the user presses or pushes the protruding portion of the adjustment member 122 inward along the axial direction of the cavity 120 causing the adjustment member 122 to be released from the magnet 132 allowing the adjustment member 122 to be removed from the cavity 120 of the housing 101.

[0059] As mentioned previously, when in a disassembled configuration and the adjustment member is removed from the housing 101, the housing 101 may be used as a pipe to smoke tobacco. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the flow of air when in use as a pipe for smoking tobacco products. As shown in FIG. 10, the first socket head 108 serves as a mouthpiece end or mouth end to be engaged by the smoker's lips when housing 101 is used to smoke tobacco. Tobacco may be placed in the bowl of the second hexagonal socket 116 and when lit, the smoke and air from the burning tobacco may be drawn into the cavity 120 by the smoker when the housing 101. Air may be drawn into the cavity from a socket hole 140 in the base of the second hexagonal socket 116 and the second hole 123.

[0060] When in the disassembled configuration, a user may insert the end of the first arm of the adjustment member into the first hole 121 in the first socket head 108. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard and surfboard tool showing the adjustment member extending outward from the distal end of the housing 101. As shown, the end of the first arm of the adjustment member 122 is inserted into the cavity 120 via the first hole 121 until the end of the adjustment member extends through the first hexagonal socket 110 and is engaged on the opposite side. By configuring the tool as shown in FIG. 11, the housing 101 may be used as an extension to the adjustment member 122 providing the user with additional leverage when making adjustments. Furthermore, the extension allows for the tool to rotate on the end of the axis without touching or interfering with the deck of the skateboard.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the universal multifunctional skateboard and surfboard tool according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, the first socket head 108 serves as a mouthpiece end or mouth end to be engaged by the smoker's lips when housing 101 is used to smoke tobacco. Tobacco may be placed in the bowl of the second hexagonal socket 116 and when lit, the smoke and air from the burning tobacco may be drawn into the cavity by the smoker when the housing 101 is being used as a pipe to smoke tobacco. The base 144 of the second hexagonal socket 116 may be sloped or tapered to one side creating a funnel inside the second hexagonal socket 116 so that air may be drawn into the cavity from an offset socket hole 142 in the base 116 of the second hexagonal socket 116 and the second hole 123. That is, the offset socket hole 142 is offset from the center of the base of the second hexagonal socket 116. By offsetting the offset socket hole 142 in the base 116 of the second hexagonal socket 116, a smoker may utilize a finger over the first hole 121 acting as a carburetor regulating the flow of air through the cavity 120 and directing the heat away from the fingers of the smoker.

CONCLUSION

[0062] Within the present disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another-even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first object may be coupled to a second object even though the first object is never directly physically in contact with the second object. The terms “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0063] Within the present disclosure, use of the construct “A and/or B” may mean “A or B or A and B” and may alternatively be expressed as “A, B, or a combination thereof” or “A, B, or both”. Within the present disclosure, use of the construct “A, B, and/or C” may mean “A or B or C, or any combination thereof” and may alternatively be expressed as “A, B, C, or any combination thereof”.

[0064] One or more of the components, steps, features and/or functions illustrated herein may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and/or components illustrated herein may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and/or embedded in hardware.

[0065] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of:” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

[0066] While the foregoing disclosure shows illustrative aspects, it should be noted that various changes and modifications could be made herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The functions, steps or actions of the method claims in accordance with aspects described herein need not be performed in any particular order unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although elements may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.