Boat Technical Field

This invention relates to a boat, in particular a tender for a larger boat.

Background Art

There are prior art tenders which are used to allow the crew and guests of a large yacht to easily get about once the yacht has moored.

When the yacht is sailing normally, such tenders are placed in special garages. In the yacht, such garages reduce the on-board space which can be used for other purposes and in any case they have compact dimensions. To minimise the dimensions of such garages they are often positioned in a zone between the yacht motors and a sun deck.

Disclosure of the Invention

This invention has · for aiv aim- to- overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, by providing a boat whose dimensions can be minimised before it is placed in a garage.

This aim and others, which are more apparent in the description which follows, are achieved, in accordance with this invention, by a boat with the structural and functional features described in the independent claims herein. Alternative embodiments of the boat are described in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and in which: Figures 1 to 7 show in sequence the boat passage from a first to a second configuration;

Figures 8a and 8b compare the boat in the first and second configurations;

Figures 9 and 10 are top views of a mobile bow in two different configurations;

Figure 11a shows superposed images relating to boat movement from the first to the second configuration;

Figure lib shows, with images one below the other in sequence, the boat movement from the first to the second configuration;

Figures 12a and 12b show the boat in the first and second configurations;

Figure 13 shows a detail of the boat stern, with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;

Figures 14 and 15 show details of the boat bow.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference _ to _the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a boat ^" - with a - stern - bow longitudinal direction 2. The boat 1 may be of any size, but its length in the stern - bow longitudinal direction 2 is preferably less than 10 metres.

Appropriately, said longitudinal direction 2 is the main dimension of extension of the boat 1. The boat 1 comprises a first and a second element 3, 4 which at least in a boat 1 first configuration are respectively integrated in at least one stretch of a first side 30 of the boat 1 and in at least one stretch of a second side 40 of the boat 1.

The first and second sides 30, 40 extend from a front end to a rear end of the boat 1.

The boat 1 comprises at least a first and a second portion 91, 92 which, at least in the boat 1 first configuration, define a reference plane 200 relative to which the first and second portions 91, 92 are symmetrical with each other. The reference plane 200 is parallel with the longitudinal direction

2. In this text, referring to a plane as parallel with a direction means that a straight line whose orientation is in that direction is parallel with the plane or is entirely contained in the plane. Appropriately, the first and second portions 91, 92 substantially coincide with a first and a second half la, lb of the boat 1 (at least in a boat 1 predetermined configuration, for example that of Figure 2 or 7) . The boat 1 is substantially symmetrical relative to the reference plane 200.

The boat 1 comprises guide means 9 for the reciprocal movement of the first and second elements

3, 4. The guide means 9 allow the boat 1 to pass between the first configuration and a second configuration in which the distance between the first and second elements 3, 4 measured at a right angle to the reference plane 200 is less than in the first configuration. The guide_ means 9 allow the first element ^" 3 to move relative to the second element 4. The reference plane 200 is substantially at a right angle to a plane containing a boat 1 waterline established at the design stage. The reference plane 200 is substantially vertical when the boat 1 is floating in a still state in calm water.

In the second configuration the boat 1 dimensions, at a right angle to the reference plane 200 are therefore less than in the first configuration. This facilitates boat 1 positioning in a garage (such garages could, for example, be placed on a larger yacht or on dry land) . It also facilitates boat 1 stable positioning on a stern deck of a larger craft (advantageously, positioning the boat 1 with its longitudinal direction 2 at a right angle to the stern - bow direction of the larger craft) . The first configuration is a configuration in which the first and second elements 3, 4 are in the sailing configuration. The boat 1 second configuration is a configuration in which the first and second elements 3, 4 are in a garaging configuration. Assuming that the boat 1 is stationary and suspended in the air, at least the first element 3 is suitable for moving relative to an absolute reference which is fixed in space, keeping the remaining parts of the boat 1 fixed in space relative to said absolute reference. Preferably, the first and second elements 3, 4 are suitable for moving relative to the absolute reference, keeping the remaining parts of the boat 1 fixed in space (again assuming that the boat 1 is stationary and suspended in the air) .

Appropriately, the guide means 9 allow the first and second elements 3, 4 to move towards or away from the reference plane 200.

The boat 1 comprises a hull 6. In the preferred embodiment the first and second portions 91, 92 of the - boat are part of the- · ^: boat 1 -• ^• hull ^~ 6-. Advantageously, the boat 1 is a monohull vessel. Advantageously, the first and second portions 91, 92 substantially coincide with a first and a second half of the hull 6.

The longitudinal direction 2 is parallel with the reference plane 200. In the preferred embodiment the hull 6 is a planing hull.

For the boat 1 to be able to pass from the first to the second configuration and/or vice versa, the first element 3 must have, at least for one stretch of said passage, a component of movement in a direction that is at a right angle to the reference plane 200.

The boat 1 comprises a central portion 5. At least in the first configuration, the central portion 5 is interposed between. the first and second elements 3, 4.

Advantageously, the guide means 9 comprise means 31 for tipping the first element 3 relative to the central portion 5. The means 31 for tipping the first element 3 are used to allow the passage from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or vice versa.

The means 31 for tipping the first element 3 comprise at least one first hinge 32 connecting the first element 3 to the remaining parts of the boat 1 (appropriately, to the central portion 5) . The axis of rotation of the first hinge 32 is parallel with the longitudinal direction 2.

The following are defined:

- a first imaginary plane 21 at a right angle to the reference plane 200 and containing the axis of rotation of the first hinge 32; a first face 211 of said first plane 21 during sailing facing downwards relative to the physical vertical, a second face 212 of the first plane 21 facing the opposite way (that is to sayy- upwards); ^■■■

- a second imaginary plane 22 at a right angle to the first plane 21 and containing the axis of rotation of the first hinge 32, a first face 221 of the second plane 22 facing towards the central portion 5 of the boat 1, and a second face 222 of the second plane 22 facing in the opposite direction.

In the second configuration the first element 3 is mainly (or even exclusively) in a zone opposite the first face 211 of the first plane 21 and the first face 221 of the second plane 22.

In the first configuration the first element 3 is mainly (or even exclusively) in a zone opposite the second face 212 of the first plane 21 and the second face 222 of the second plane 22.

In a preferred embodiment both the first and the second elements 3, 4 are able to tip, allowing a reduction in the transversal dimensions of the boat 1 (that is to say, the maximum dimensions measured at a right angle to the reference plane 200) .

In the second configuration the distance between the first element 3 and the plane of symmetry 200 is less than in the first configuration. Appropriately, in the second configuration the distance between the second element 4 and the plane of symmetry 200 is less than in the first configuration.

Appropriately, during boat 1 passage from the first to the second configuration and/or vice versa, the first and/or second element 3, 4 has, at least for one stretch of said passage, a component of movement in a direction that is at a right angle to the reference plane 200.

The central portion 5 is delimitated by two planes which are parallel with the reference plane 200. In the second configuration the first and second elements 3, 4 substantially extend inside the space between the two parallel planes. In the first configuration- the first and second elements 3, 4 substantially extend outside the space between the two parallel planes.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, in addition to the means 31 for tipping the first element 3 relative to the central portion 5, the guide means 9 comprise means 41 for tipping the second element 4 relative to the central portion 5.

The means 31 for tipping the first element 3 and the means 41 for tipping the second element 4 are used to allow the passage from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or vice versa. To allow the passage from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or vice versa, the means 31 for tipping the first element 3 operate at least partly simultaneously with the means 41 for tipping the second element 4. ,

To allow the passage from the first configuration to the second configuration and/or vice versa, the means 31, 41 for tipping the first and second elements 3, 4 preferably operate simultaneously. As already indicated, the means 31 for tipping the first element 3 comprise at least one first hinge 32 connecting the first element 3 to the remaining parts of the boat 1.

The means 41 for tipping the second element 4 comprise at least one second hinge 42 connecting the second element 4 to the remaining parts of the boat 1.

The axes of rotation of the first and second hinges 32, 42 are parallel with the longitudinal direction 2.

Advantageously, the tipping means 31 comprise a plurality of first hinges 32 connecting the first element 3 to the remaining parts of the boat 1. The first hinges 32 have an axis of rotation which is parallel with the longitudinal direction 2.

Advantageously, the -tipping means 41 comprise• ^• ■ ^■• a plurality of second hinges 42 connecting the second element 4 to the remaining parts of the boat 1. The second hinges 42 have an axis of rotation which is parallel with the longitudinal direction 2.

To pass from the first to the second configuration the first element 3 and the second element 4 rotate in opposite directions. Similarly, to pass from the second to the first configuration the first element 3 and the second element 4 rotate in opposite directions. The directions of rotation of the first and second elements 3, 4 are relative to a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction 2.

Advantageously, the first hinge or hinges 32 connect the first element 3 to the central portion 5 of the boat 1. Advantageously, the second hinge or hinges 42 connect the second element 4 to the central portion 5 of the boat 1.

When passing from the first to the second configuration or vice versa, the first and second elements 3, 4 rotate respectively about the first and the second hinge 32, 42.

The following are defined:

- a first imaginary plane 21 at a right angle to the reference plane 200 and containing the axis of rotation of the first hinge 32; a first face 211 of said first plane 21 during sailing facing downwards relative to the physical vertical, a second face 212 of the first plane 21 facing the opposite way;

- a second imaginary plane 22 at a right angle to the first plane 21 and containing the axis of rotation of the first hinge 32;

- a third imaginary plane 23 parallel with the first plane 21 and containing the axis of rotation of the second hinge 42; a first face 231 of said third plane 23 during sailing facing downwards relative to the physical vertical,- a second- face 232 ^_ of the third plane 23 facing the opposite way;

- a fourth imaginary plane 24 at a right angle to the third plane 23 and containing the axis of rotation of the second hinge 42.

In the second configuration the first element 3 mainly extends in a first zone opposite the first face 211 of the first plane 21 and inside the space interposed between the second and the fourth planes 22, 24. In the first configuration the first element 3 mainly extends in a second zone opposite the second face 212 of the first plane 21 and outside the space interposed between the second and the fourth planes 22, 24.

In the second configuration the second element 4 mainly extends in a third zone opposite the first face 231 of the third plane 23 and inside the space interposed between the second and the fourth planes 22, 24. In the first configuration the second element 4 mainly extends in a fourth zone opposite the second face 232 of the third plane 23 and outside the space interposed between the second and the fourth planes 22, 24.

Appropriately, the first and third imaginary planes 21, 23 coincide.

The first element 3 comprises a first body 33 which mainly extends in the longitudinal direction 2 and comprises a first shell forming a first cavity containing a gaseous component, for example air.

The second element 4 comprises a second body 43 which mainly extends in the longitudinal direction 2 and comprises a second shell forming a second cavity containing a gaseous component, for example air. The first and/or the second shells is/are preferably flexible and the first and/or the second cavity is/are not in fluid communication with the outside. Therefore, the first and/or second body 33, 43 is/are - cushions which absorb impacts-.

The first and/or the second body 33, 43 are also buoyancy means. The first and second bodies 33, 43 substantially have an elongate shape in the longitudinal direction 2. The first and second bodies 33, 43 are inflatable tubular elements. The presence of the first and second bodies 33, 43, as well as facilitating floating allows the boat 1 to come alongside other craft, limiting the risk of damage to the boat 1. For that reason, the boat could be considered an inflatable dinghy.

Advantageously, the central portion 5 comprises a compartment 50 designed to accommodate the crew. The central portion 5 also comprises a control console. The central portion 5 comprises a first wall 51 designed to make contact with the first element 3 in the first configuration. The central portion 5 comprises a second wall 52 designed to make contact with the second element 4 in the first configuration. The first and second walls 51, 52 are opposite each other. The first and second walls 51, 52 preferably extend in the longitudinal direction 2. The compartment 50 designed to accommodate the crew is interposed between the first and second walls 51, 52.

Appropriately, the first element 3 comprises a first supporting structure 35 for the first body 33. This first supporting structure 35 is connected to the central portion 5 of the boat 1 by at least the first hinge 32.

Appropriately, the second element 4 comprises a second supporting structure 45, this second supporting structure 45 connecting the second body 43. The second supporting structure 45 is connected to the central portion 5 of the boat 1 by at least the second hinge 42.

The first supporting structure 35 comprises a first portion 351 and a second portion 352 which converge towards a joining zone that extends in the longitudinal direction 2. The first body 33 is housed inside a hollow formed by the first and second portions 351, 352. The first portion 351 is connected to the central portion 5 of the boat 1 by the at least one first hinge 32. The second portion 352 extends transversally (preferably at a right angle) to the first portion 351. The second portion 352 of the first supporting structure 35 in the first and/or in the second configuration is substantially at a right angle to the reference plane 200.

Similarly, the second supporting structure 45 comprises a first part 451 and a second part 452 which converge towards a joining zone that extends in the longitudinal direction 2. The second body 43 is housed inside a hollow formed by the first and second parts 451, 452 of the second supporting structure 45. The first part 451 is connected to the central portion 5 of the boat 1 by at least one second hinge 42. The second part 452 extends transversally (preferably at a right angle) to the first part 451. The second part 452 in the first and/or in the second configuration is substantially at a right angle to the reference plane 200. In the first configuration the first portion 351 of the first supporting structure 35 and the first part 451 of the second supporting structure 45 can be used as seats, whilst in the second configuration they protect the first and second bodies 33, 43 from tears caused by rubbing on an external support.

The first element 3 comprises at least three quarters of the first side 30. Appropriately, the second element 4 comprises, at least three quarters of the second side 40.

Appropriately, the hull 6 has a lower portion 61 which during sailing faces downwards relative to the physical vertical. In the second configuration at least one portion of the first and/or -the - second elements 3, 4 is opposite the lower portion 61 of the hull 6. Positioning the first and/or the second element 3, 4 below the lower portion 61 of the hull 6 allows the passage from the first to the second configuration even when one or more crew members are on the boat 1 (something which would not be possible if the first and second elements 3, 4 were positioned in the zone designed to accommodate the crew) .

In an embodiment not illustrated, the lower portion 61 of the hull 6 may comprise a first and a second hollow which are designed to face downwards during sailing and extend in the longitudinal direction 2. In the second configuration the first and second hollows receive respectively at least part of the first and of the second elements 3, 4. Between the first and second hollows there is a protrusion which helps to at least partly form the first and second hollows. The protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction 2 and helps to improve the stability and directional control of the boat 1.

The bow 7 can move at least between a first and a second position. In the first position the mobile bow 7 projects in front of the remaining parts of the boat 1 relative to the direction running from the stern 8 to the bow 7 of the boat 1. In the second position the mobile bow 7 is set back towards the stern 8 compared with the first position. In the second position the mobile bow 7 is at least above a treadable surface of the compartment 50.

In the first configuration, the portions of the first and second sides 30, 40 which are not part of the first and second elements 3,. 4 are at the bow 7 (at least when the bow is in its first position) and if necessary at the stern 8.

At the mobile bow 7 the first and second sides

30, 40 converge in a connecting zone 70. In said connecting zone 70 the boat 1·- comprises an- articulated joint 71 which allows at least a first side 74 of the mobile bow 7 which is located along the first side 30 of the boat and at least a second side 75 of the mobile bow 7 which is located along the second side of the boat 40 to move towards and/or away from each other. Consequently, the first and second sides 74, 75 form an angle whose vertex is at the articulated joint 71.

In this way, the dimensions of the mobile bow 7 can be reduced at a right angle to the reference plane 200.

Advantageously, the mobile bow 7 comprises a base body 901 located below the first and second sides 74, 75 of the mobile bow 7. Advantageously, the articulated joint 71 comprises a pin 904 which is integral with the base body 901. Advantageously, the first and second sides 74, 75 of the mobile bow 7 are integrated respectively in a first arm and a second arm 902, 903 of the mobile bow 7 which are hinged to the pin 904. Appropriately, there are stable positioning means for the first and second arms 902, 903 in at least a first and a second position relative to the base body 901. In the first position the first and second sides 74, 75 are close to each other, whilst in the second position the first and second sides 74, 75 are spaced out. To pass from the first to the second position the first and second arms 902, 903 rotate about the pin 904. The stable positioning means comprise a first insert 905 connected to the first arm 902 and a second insert 906 connected to the second arm 903. When the first and second arms 902, 903 are in the first position the first and second inserts 905, 906 are respectively inserted in a first and a second slot in the base body 901. When the first and second arms 902, 903 are in the second position the first and second inserts - are respectively inserted in a third and a fourth slot in the base body 901. Advantageously, to pass from the first to the second position or vice versa the first and second inserts 905, 906 are removed (usually by lifting up) from the first or second or from the third or fourth slot. At this point, the first and second arms 902, 903 can be moved to bring the first and second sides 74, 75 towards or away from each other. Advantageously, the first and second inserts 905, 906 are elastically drawn back downwards. In this way, if the first insert 905 surmounts one of the first or third slots it engages in it, stopping the movement of the first arm 902. Similarly, if the second insert 906 surmounts one of the second or fourth slots it engages in it, stopping the movement of the second arm 903.

Appropriately, the boat 1 comprises:

a zone 72 joining the mobile bow 7 to the remaining parts of the boat 1;

- means 73 for tipping the mobile bow 7 which are positioned at the joining zone 72, for moving the mobile bow 7 from the first to the second position and/or vice versa.

The means 73 for tipping the mobile bow 7 comprise at least one hinge.

Advantageously, the angle formed by the first and second sides 74, 75 may vary between a first and a second value. The first value is greater than the second value. The reduction of the angle formed by the first and second sides 74, 75 makes it easier to tip the mobile bow 7 from the first to the second position. During sailing, to optimise the hydrodynamic effect provided by the bow 7, the angle formed by the first and second sides 74, 75 should be greater than the second value, preferably equal to or close to the first value.

In order to be able to place the mobile bow 7 between the first and second elements 3, 4, the angle should be reduced as far as possible. The mobile bow 7 comprises a pin 921 (see Figure 17 or 18) which extends at a right angle to the reference plane 200 and which allows the mobile bow 7 to be tipped from the first to the second position and vice versa. The pin 921 in turn comprises a projection 922 which projects transversally to the first direction. In the first configuration the pin 921 and the projection 922 are at least partly inserted in a cavity in the first supporting structure 35 (in Figure 7 the cavity in the second supporting structure 45 is labelled 924, being symmetrical with the cavity in the first structure 35 relative to the plane 200) . In the second configuration the pin 921 and- the projection 922 are outside the cavity. A movement of the mobile bow 7 from the first to the second position and/or vice versa is associated with a rotation of the pin

921 and of the projection 922. In the boat 1 first configuration and in the mobile bow 7 first position the projection 922 engages in the cavity with a contact element integrated in the first supporting structure 35, thus preventing the first supporting structure 35 from moving away from the central body 5. In the mobile bow 7 second position the projection

922 and the contact element disengage, allowing the projection 922 to be removed from the cavity and the first supporting structure 35 to be moved away from the central body 5. Advantageously, the cavity is made in a protrusion of the first supporting structure 35 which in the first configuration is inserted in a recess in the first wall 51 (thus allowing stiffening of the connection between the first element 3 and the central 5 body) . Due to the substantial symmetry of the boat 1, the mobile bow 7 also comprises a corresponding pin with a projection designed " to interact with ·· ^· · a- cavity in the second supporting structure 45.

Advantageously, the boat 1 also comprises a console 76 for driving the boat 1 which folds down to reduce its vertical dimensions. Advantageously, the console 76 folds down over the mobile bow 7 when the latter is in the second position.

The boat 1 comprises linkages 97 for tipping a fixing plate 907 of an outboard motor 98 (see Figures 13 and from 4 to 6) . When the motor 98 is in the operating configuration, the fixing plate 907 is superposed on a panel 908 which is part of a wall 909 of the stern. The panel comprises a T-shaped pin which passes through the fixing plate 907. When it adopts a first orientation, the T-shaped pin can pass through a slit in the fixing plate 907, allowing the fixing plate.907 to be moved away from the wall 909 of the stern. In contrast, when it adopts a second orientation, rotated relative to the first orientation, the pin cannot pass through the slit in the fixing plate 907 and so prevents the fixing plate 907 from moving away from the wall 909 of the stern. The linkages 97 for tipping the fixing plate 907 comprise a first and a second arm 971, 972, each connected to the fixing plate 907 and to the central body 5 of the boat 1. The first arm 971 comprises a single rod 910 whose ends are hinged respectively to the central body 5 of the boat 1 and to the fixing plate 907. The second arm 972 comprises two rods 912, 913 connected to each other by articulated joints, one rod being rotatably connected to the central body 5 and the other being connected to the fixing plate 907 of the outboard motor 98.

Using the tipping linkages 97, when the boat 1 is not in the water the outboard motor 98 is usually put in a substantially horizontal position so as to raise the propeller. In this way, its dimensions in the longitudinal direction 2 are' increased. The tipping linkages 97 allow the motor 98 to be moved between a first position (see for example Figure 4) in which it is outside the boat and a second position (see for example Figure 6) in which it is almost completely on top of the central body 5.

In general, during use the first and second elements 3, 4 are positioned so that the boat 1 is in the first configuration. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the boat 1 passes from the first to the second configuration and/or vice versa when it is in the water. When passing from the second to the first configuration the thrust of the water on the first and second elements 3, 4 combined with the force of the weight acting on the central portion 5 of the boat 1 facilitates the movement of the first and second elements 3, 4. In the preferred embodiment the passage from the second to the first configuration is preceded by the passage of the mobile bow 7 from the first to the second position (as described above, this allows the first and second elements 3, 4 to be at least partly disengaged from the central body 5) . The tipping means 31, 41 comprise a first tie rod 93 comprising a first ring 931 at a first end 932. The first tie rod 93 slidably engages with a first return element 94 integral with the second element 4 and the first ring 931 engages with a first hook 95 integral with the first element 3 (usually the first tie rod 93 also slidably engages with a second return element 96 located on the central body 5) .

Let's define a first straight line which joins the. first return element 94 and the first hook 95. In the boat 1 first configuration, that first straight line is above (relative to the physical vertical) a second straight line which joins the first and second hinges 32, 42. In the boat 1 second configuration, the first straight line joining the first return element 94' and the first hook 95 is below ^: the second- straight line which joins the first and second hinges 32, 42.

By pulling a second end 933 of the first tie rod

93, if the first straight line is below the second straight line, a force is applied which facilitates the passage from the first to the second configuration. In contrast, if the first straight line is above the second straight line, a force is applied which facilitates the passage from the second to the first configuration. The first tie rod 93 is used to allow the passage from the first to the second configuration. In the first configuration, if the first and second elements 3, 4 are released from the central body 5, gravity causes them to move downwards, rotating about the first and second hinges 32, 42. In .this way, the first straight line is positioned below the second straight line. At this point, if the first tie rod 93 is pulled, the first and second elements 3, 4 are moved towards each other. The tipping means 31, 41 also comprise a second tie rod 914 comprising a second ring at a first end. The second tie rod 914 slidably engages with a third return element 917 integral with one of either the first element 3 or the second element 4 and the second ring engages with a second hook 918 integral with the other of either the first element 3 or the second element .

The second tie rod 914 in a stretch interposed between the second hook 918 and a stretch which engages with the third return element 917, slidably engages with a fourth return element 919 integral with the central body 5. Let's define a third straight line which joins the third return element 917 and the second hook 918. In the boat 1 first configuration the third straight line is above the first straight line which joins the first return element 94 and the first hook 95 of the fi-rst- tie rod 93. The second tie rod 914 is used to complete the passage from the second to the first configuration. In the second configuration, if the first and second elements 3, 4 are left free to rotate about the first and second hinges 32, 42, the thrust from the water pushes them upwards. At this point, the third straight line is above the second straight line, therefore if the second tie rod 914 is pulled the first and second elements 3, 4 are moved towards each other. By pulling a second end 920 of the second tie rod 914, if the third straight line is above the second straight line, a force is applied which facilitates the passage from the second to the first configuration. In contrast, if the third straight line is below the second straight line, a force is applied which facilitates the passage from the first to the second configuration. Appropriately, the first and/or the second tie rod 93, 914 is a cord. Appropriately, the boat 1 comprises a plurality of tie rods which perform an action on the first and the second elements 3, 4 at points distributed in the stern - bow longitudinal direction 2.

The invention brings important advantages.

In particular it allows the dimensions of the boat 1 to be reduced to facilitate its garaging when it is not in use.

The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, all of the materials used, as well as the dimensions may vary according to requirements.