Suspension for Application to Sports Devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray can (20) for applying adhesive (3) and anti-slip particles (2) to sports devices (10). The spray can (20) comprises an at least partially pressurized body (4) with a spray nozzle (5), which is filled at least partially with a propellant. In addition to the propellant, at least one adhesive (3) and anti-slip particles (2) are contained in the spray can (20). In order to increase the static friction on sports devices (1), possibly also for just a short time, anti-slip particles (2) and adhesive (3) are applied with the aid of the spray can (20). In this way, the static friction on holding elements, in particular of sports devices (10), can be increased very quickly. The spray can (20) can be designed in one part or in two parts. In a one-part design, the anti-slip particles are added directly to the adhesive. In a two-part design, the anti-slip particles are stored in a second chamber of the spray can (20). In the two-part design, anti-slip particles can be added to the adhesive.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national stage of International Application No. PCT/DE2011/001973, filed on Nov. 11, 2011, and claims the benefit thereof. The international application claims the benefits of German Application No. 102010051090.4 filed on Nov. 12, 2010; all applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a spray can comprising an at least partially pressurized body with a spray nozzle that is at least partially filled with a propellant.

It is very important for the user to get a firm hold on the sports device when using sports devices such as skateboards, scooters, boots, motor scooters or the like. Strips with abrasive or anti-slip particles to be affixed in the form of adhesive elements are known in the prior art to increase the static friction on the standing and holding areas.

Adhesive strips of that type are available in standard dimensions and have to be applied to the respective sports device in a complicated way and cut to size. A further drawback to these adhesive strips arises because of the fact that a new strip has to be applied as soon as the anti-slip particles are worn away. The old, worn-away strip has to be removed from the sports device in the process. The sports device can occasionally be damaged when the adhesive strip is removed. Furthermore, it turns out to be extremely difficult to remove the entire adhesive strip with all residuals so that a new adhesive strip can be cleanly applied. The replacement of an adhesive strip of that type therefore takes a long time and can also only be done with a great deal of effort. Specifically in the case of sports events, this amount of time is not available to a sufficient extent.

Moreover, a combination of a separate adhesive and ground glass for application to sports devices can be found in the prior art. This application serves to provide a point-by-point improvement of worn-away areas of the adhesive element of a sports device. The adhesive is applied to the areas to be repair, and the ground glass is sprinkled on. The adhesive that is used has a drying time of more than 40 minutes. The ground glass that is used has an average size of 40 μm. A major drawback of this application is that it cannot be applied over large areas of the sports device.

The ground glass is not suitable for a large-surface application. To apply this over a large area, a very large quantity of material has to be applied to the sports device due to the small grain size. The large stock of ground glass has to be kept available. It is necessary to carry out the repair work in a workshop for this. This is extremely restrictive, because a mobile application is not possible as a result of that.

Furthermore, the long drying time of the adhesive is especially disadvantageous for quick repairs of the adhesive element. Making the sports device available and ready for use again in a very short period of time is especially important in the area of sports. As an example, the adhesive element should be touched up or replaced during short rest periods. A setting time of more than 40 minutes is therefore not suitable for use with sports devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The object of the invention is to therefore provide an agent that can be simply and quickly applied, that increases the static friction on sports devices and that therefore improves the hold of the user.

The problem as per the invention is solved by including at least an adhesive and anti-slip particles in addition to the propellant. Further advantageous design forms of the invention follow from the sub-claims.

The special advantage of a spray can in contrast to the prior art is that it can always be carried around everywhere by the user. A small embodiment can be carried along in a jacket or pants pocket, for instance. Moreover, it is also conceivable to design a spray can in terms of its size, shape and weight so that it can be carried along in a sports bag, for example.

The pressure in the spray can and the propellant in the can make simple spraying of the adhesive possible with the aid of a spray nozzle. The adhesive can therefore be simply applied to an adhesive element, for instance that of a sports device. The user has to only actuate the spray nozzle for that and evenly apply the adhesive to the adhesive element of the sports device at a specified distance form the spray nozzle.

A complicated process of cutting adhesive strips to the size of the surface of the sports device to be treated is not necessary. The spray can be used for a surface of any size and shape. Even hard-to-reach areas of sports devices are consequently accessible, for instance round areas of handles.

The anti-slip particles are also added to the adhesive in an advantageous design form; they have an average size of 50 to 1,000 μm, preferably 100 to 500 μm, and especially preferably 50 to 250 μm. When the anti-slip particles are added to the adhesive, the static friction on the holding element of sports devices, for instance, is especially increased with the application of the adhesive. The static friction can hereby be applied to anti-slip surfaces that already exist.

The average size of the anti-slip particles that are used can be adapted to the application in the process. As an example, a larger grain size with an average size of up to 1,000 μm is advantageous for sports devices for which the adhesive element is intended to be used with shoes. That is the case for skateboards that the user stands on with his shoes to carry out tasks and exercises, for instance. A large average size of the anti-slip particles is advantageous in connection with this, because the contact surface and therefore the static friction are substantially increased as a result of that.

A smaller average size of the anti-slip particles is preferred with other application variants in which the adhesive element makes contact with the skin of the user. That is the case, as an example, for surfboards for which the user stands with bare feet on the sports device or lies on it wearing only swimming trunks. A large grain size of the anti-slip particles will be perceived as unpleasant by the user in connection with this. A smaller grain size of 100 to 500 μm reduces the contact surface vis-a-vis the above-mentioned large grain size and permits more pleasant handling of the sports device. That is necessary, among other reasons, to avoid injury by the adhesive element.

High levels of holding force can be built up, because the contact surface and therefore the static friction are large in the case of a large average size of the anti-slip particles. If the force with which the user is at risk of slipping off exceeds the opposing force of the static friction, unpleasant injuries such as abrasions could come about when the user slips off the sports device.

Sports devices that come into contact with especially sensitive areas of the skin can be provided with an even finer grain size of the anti-slip particles, for instance with an average size of 150 to 250 μm. That is especially the case for surfboards that are used in a prone position by the user. Furthermore, it is conceivable to also use this for handles of bicycles, tennis rackets or the like.

In a further advantageous design form, the body of the spray can comprises two chambers; one chamber is provided to hold at least propellant and adhesive, and the second chamber is provided to hold anti-slip particles with an average size of 200 to 2,000 μm, preferably 500 to 1,250 μm. The fact that especially large average sizes of the anti-slip particles are used is especially advantageous in this embodiment. The two chambers of the body can be designed as one piece, as an example. An embodiment with a double base particularly suggests itself for this.

A two-piece design with chambers that can be separated from one another is likewise conceivable. The upper chamber can be filled with the adhesive and the propellant and provided with a spray nozzle here. The lower chamber is filled with anti-slip particles. The lower chamber is provided with at least a closable opening in this embodiment. The anti-slip particles can escape through this opening.

The use of the spray can then provides for a prior spraying of the adhesive onto the adhesive element with the aid of the propellant and a subsequent application of the anti-slip particles. The anti-slip particles that are included separately from the adhesive in the spray can could have an especially coarse grain size here. Particles with an average size of up to 2,000 μm can be included in connection with this. The opening in the second chamber can be towards the side or towards the bottom, for instance. The anti-slip particles can be simply applied to the sports device with the aid of the opening.

The opening is adapted to the size of the anti-slip particles in the process. The opening can be provided with a screen in connection with this that at least partially closes the opening with different mesh sizes. A slider or twisting closure can be provided here. Different mesh sizes of the screen are selected by sliding or twisting the closure to apply anti-slip particles of different sizes. That is particularly advantageous when anti-slip particles with different sizes are stored in the second chamber.

The spray can be used for a multitude of different applications because of the use of screens with different mesh sizes. This extends from the application to skateboards with an especially coarse grain size to the application to handles with an especially find grain size. In particular, anti-slip particles with an average size of up to 2,000 μm can be used in this embodiment. The contact surface and therefore the static friction are increased even further because of the use of anti-slip particles of that size.

It is also possible in this embodiment to add anti-slip particles to the adhesive in addition to the anti-slip particles in the second chamber.

In an especially advantageous design form, anti-slip particles with an average size of 50 to 1,000 μm are added to the adhesive in the first chamber and anti-slip particles with an average size of 200 to 2,000 μm are provided in the second chamber of the body.

Enriching the anti-slip particles with a proportion by weight of 10 to 80% vis-a-vis the proportion of adhesive, 30 to 60% is especially preferred, is particularly advantageous. This range results for the use of different particles. A proportion by weight of the particles of 10% can already be adequate when certain particles and adhesives are used. A proportion of anti-slip particles of up to 80% can be necessary for other mixtures. This is particularly the case when the spray can has to be optimized for certain applications. For instance, also increasing the static friction for moist to wet conditions. The range from 30 to 60% by weight has an especially preferential suitability, because this range provides an optimal result for the majority of anti-slip particles and adhesive mixtures.

The increase in static friction is enabled by the use of anti-slip particles, especially if they are made up of stone chippings, garnet, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum-zinc oxide, chromic oxide, ceramic aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or rubber particles, either as individual components or a mixture of these components. In particular, a mixture of two or more components of the particles listed above is especially suitable for increasing the static friction.

The adhesive is a physically setting, chemically hardening adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive depending on the requirements on the spray can. Furthermore, paint can be mixed in with the adhesive. The desire to be different is especially great in youth and leisure sports. The paint that is mixed in permits the user to also individually design the surface of the sports devices.

The adhesive has a hardening time of 3 to 5 minutes, preferably less than 2 minutes, in an advantageous design form. Only a short drying time of that type makes it possible for the user to quickly use the spray can without major restrictions, for instance during breaks in the competition, to increase the static friction and the hold.

The suspension has the major advantage vis-a-vis the prior art that it is easy to apply. The suspension can either be sprayed on, painted on or dabbed on. A complicated process of cutting it to the size of the surface of the sports device to be treated is not required, in contrast to the prior art. The suspension can be applied to a surface of any size and shape and can therefore even increase the static friction and therefore the hold in hard-to-reach areas of the sports device. The suspension can likewise be applied to the existing anti-slip surfaces in an advantageous way; their static friction can be quickly applied without taking a great deal of time, particularly during sports competitions, and the grip is consequently substantially increased because of this. This type of application can be repeated several times, one after the other, in connection with this.

To make the application easier, the suspension is provided in a spray can that ensures simple handling; the suspension can be applied especially quickly because of that. The suspension can be carried along by the user and quickly sprayed on between uses, if necessary, to also quickly increase the static friction.

In particular, the suspension can be used in competitions to quickly increase the static friction between two runs or presentations, for example, and to therefore achieve optimal conditions for the user. Furthermore, the suspension offers the advantage that it does not have to be removed again from the sports device in a time-consuming way after it wears away, in contrast to the adhesive strips from the prior art; instead, the suspension can be simply and quickly applied to the sports device once again.

The static friction of the surface of the sports device and therefore the user's hold are improved by the use of anti-slip particles with an average size of 50 to 2,000 μm. The choice of the average size of the anti-slip particles depends on the circumstances, for instance large particles are required for a moist to wet application environment and small particles are sufficient when there is skin contact or indirect contact, for example shoes.

The static friction can already be increased to an adequate degree with an average particle size of 50 μm with certain mixtures of particles and adhesives. An average particle size of 2,000 μm could be required for other applications, especially for wet environments. An average particle size of 150 to 250 μm or of 500 to 1,250 μm is sufficient to appropriately increase the static friction for most application areas and particle-adhesive mixtures.

To apply the suspension in an especially easy way, it can be sprayed on, painted on or dabbed on. The special advantage vis-a-vis the prior art is the simple and quick application that permits the suspension to be newly applied in a very short period of time, for instance when there are breaks in the competition. Use of the sports device is possible after a short period of time in combination with a quickly setting glue.

The suspension is especially intended to be used for application to sports devices, such as skateboards and surfboards, to increase the static friction. Improving the contact between the user and the sports device is very important with regard to sports devices. That is especially the case when the user's hold on the sports device is only ensured with the static friction, for instance in the case of skateboards and surfboards, to carry out the desired figures and exercises.

A drying time of three to five minutes, preferably less than two minutes, ensures that the suspension can be quickly used. This short drying time makes it possible for the user to quickly apply the suspension without major restrictions, for instance during breaks in the competition, to increase the static friction and the hold.

Furthermore, paint can be mixed in with the adhesive. The desire to be different is especially great in youth and leisure sports. The paint that is mixed in permits the user to also individually design the surface of the sports devices.

The adhesive is a physically setting, chemically hardening adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive depending on the requirements on the suspension. A physically setting or chemically hardening adhesive is outstandingly suitable for painting and dabbing applications, for example. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is especially suitable for sprayable applications.

Furthermore, a spray can is particularly suitable for applying the suspension to sports devices in a special way; the spray can comprises a pressurized body with a spray nozzle, which is at least partially filled with a propellant. An adhesive and the anti-slip particles are contained in the spray can for this, in addition to the propellant. The spray can allows the user to apply the suspension in an especially simple fashion, because the spray can is carried along by the user and can be used at any time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained once again below with the aid of the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a sports device with applied suspension in an oblique view,

FIG. 2 shows a spray can with suspension being discharged and

FIG. 3 shows a spray can comprising two chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A sports device 10 is shown in an oblique view in FIG. 1. A suspension 1 with anti-slip particles 2 and an enriched adhesive 3 is applied to the surface of the sports device 10. The static friction and therefore the hold of the user on the surface of the sports device 10 are increased via the anti-slip particles 2. FIG. 2 shows a spray can 20 with a discharging suspension 1 with anti-slip particles 2 and an enriched adhesive 3. The spray can 20 comprises a pressurized body 4 with a spray nozzle 5.

The spray can 20 is at least partially filled with a propellant to spray the suspension 1. The spray can 20 allows the suspension 1 to be applied to sports devices 10 in an especially quick and simple way.

FIG. 3 shows a special embodiment of the spray can; the body 4 comprises a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 23. The first chamber 22 holds the adhesive 3 in connection with this. It can be discharged through a spray nozzle 5 with the aid of a propellant contained in the first chamber 22 and the pressure built up in the first chamber 22 and applied to a sports device 10. The second chamber 23 holds anti-slip particles 2. The anti-slip particles 2 can be brought out through the opening that is provided with a screen 24. The screen 24 also preferentially has a closure that is not shown here. The anti-slip particles 2 can therefore be brought out of the second chamber 23 with a simply shaking of the spray can 20. The embodiment of the spray can 20 shown here is especially advantageous for using anti-slip particles with a coarse grain size and an average size of 200 to 2,000 μm, preferably 500 to 1,250 μm. Anti-slip particles 2 that have an average grain size of 50 to 1,000 μm, preferably 100 to 500 μm, with a special preference for 150 to 250 μm, can also be added to the adhesive 3.

The anti-slip particles 2 are applied to a sports device 10 as follows. First off, the adhesive 3 that has already been provided with anti-slip particles 2 under certain circumstances is applied to the adhesive element of the sports device 10 with the aid of the spray nozzle 5. If anti-slip particles with a coarse grain size are to be used on the adhesive element, anti-slip particles 2 can be applied from the second chamber 23 with the aid of the screen 24 over the sports device 10 supplied with adhesive 3 with a simple shaking of the spray can 20. A spray can 20 in accordance with this example is especially advantageous for applications in which high static friction is required, for instance for skateboards.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Suspension

2 Anti-slip particles

3 Adhesive

4 Body

5 Spray nozzle

10 Sports device

20 Spray can

22 First chamber

23 Second chamber

24 Screen

Claims

1. Spray can (20) comprising an at least partially pressurized body (4) with a spray nozzle (5) that is at least partially filled with a propellant,

characterized in that

at least one adhesive (3) and anti-slip particles (2) are included in addition to the propellant.

2. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

anti-slip particles (2) that have an average grain size of 50 to 1,000 μm, preferably 100 to 500 μm, with a special preference for 150 to 250 μm, are also added to the adhesive (3).

3. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the body (4) is comprised of two chambers, wherein one chamber is provided to hold at least propellant and adhesive (3) and the second chamber is provided to hold antis lip particles (2) with an average grain size of 200 to 2,000 μm, preferably 500 to 1,250 μm.

4. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the anti-slip particles (2) have a proportion by weight of 10 to 80%, preferably 30 to 60%, vis-a-vis the proportion of adhesive.

5. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the first chamber is provided with a spray nozzle (5) and the second chamber is provided with at least, a closable opening.

6. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the minimum of one opening can be at least partially closed via screens with different mesh sizes.

7. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the minimum of one opening can be closed via sliders or a twisting closure and/or that the twisting closure has openings with different mesh sizes.

8. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the adhesive (3) is a physically setting, chemically hardening adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive and/or paint can be mixed in with the adhesive.

9. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the adhesive has a hardening time of three to five minutes, preferably less than two minutes.

10. Spray can (20) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the anti-slip particles (2) that are used are made up of stone chippings, garnet, corundum, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum-zinc oxide, chromic oxide, ceramic aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide or rubber particles in the form of individual components or a mixture of these components.

11. Use of a suspension (1) comprising at least one adhesive (3) and anti-slip particles (2) for partial application to sports devices (10).

12. Suspension (1) for application to sports devices (10),

characterized in that

the suspension (1) is an adhesive (3) with anti-slip particles mixed in.

13. Suspension (1) according to claim 12,

characterized in that

it can be used for sports devices, especially skateboards and surfboards, to increase the static friction.

14. Suspension (1) according to claim 12,

characterized in that

the suspension (1) can be sprayed on, painted on or dabbed on.