Many types of carrier exist for use in sports and leisure activities. One example is the rucsac, which is designed for use by campers and hikers and ensures the weight of specialised equipment, clothing and food, etc, is carried on the wearer's back and is evenly balanced. Another example of a specialised carrier is known as a stuff-bag; and is worn around a wearer's waist; and often contains lightweight or waterproof clothing such as a cape or jacket.

The present invention arose in order to provide an improved carrier, which is particularly of use for runners, especially long distance or marathon runners, cyclists, walkers, rowers, climbers, the disabled or elderly, etc..

According to the present invention there is provided a specialised carrier as specified in the claims.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which Figure 1 shows a specialised carrier according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a liquid reservoir comprising a demountable flexible bladder.

Figure 1 shows a specialised carrier, comprising a hollow flexible harness shown generally at 10. The harness comprises two shoulder straps 12 and 14 which in use are slung over a user's shoulders. A belt 16 connects the straps and is worn around the user's waist. In the present example the straps are made from 2mm thick lined neoprene, and the belt from 4mm thick lined neoprene. Pouch 18 defines a cavity located on the back surface of the belt 16 and receives reservoir 20.

A connector 22 permits connection of a resiliently deformable tube 24 at one end to reservoir 20. At the other end of tube 24 there is a demand valve 26. The demand valve 26 is arranged so that it can be pulled to a wearers mouth, sucked and then replaced. A clip (not shown) which may include Velcro, is arranged to restrain the valve 26 during exercise. In the present embodiment the pouch 18 extends up

into the straps 12,14, which are at least partly hollow to accept the liquid reservoir as shown in Figure 2. In the present example the straps are formed from 2mm thick lined neoprene, which is provided with velcro tabs so that when it is rolled towards itself it forms a cavity or pouch, which can be opened and resealed to remove the reservoir.

The reservoir may take the form of a re-usable container, such as for example a flexible bladder (made from a material such as, for example, polyurethane), and the means for delivering the liquid to be consumed may comprise a demountable or integral flexible tube; in which case the container can be removed from the carrier and cleaned. Alternatively, the reservoir may be in the form of a'once use'disposable drinking carrier with a suitable adapter for demountable connection to the means for delivering liquid. The bladder is preferably provided with a separate filling hole and cap (5).

Preferably a demand valve is disposed on the means for delivering liquid.

This enables a wearer to drink on demand, for example, whilst still running, without spilling or wasting the liquid.

The liquid reservoir is preferably spaced away from the body of a user, so that body heat is not transferred to the contents of the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition, an insulating layer may advantageously be placed between the wearer and the reservoir. Preferably the insulating layer surrounds the reservoir and may include a thermally reflective material to further insulate the contents of the reservoir from the surroundings. The insulating material may include Neopren or a similar polymer of very low thermal conductivity.

Pockets or pouches may optionally be provided in or on the harness for carrying items such as keys, money, mobile telephones, etc. This is particularly useful during training when a wearer is tired and wants to locate personal items quickly. Similarly personal stereos can be carried in the pockets or by the harness.

The pockets may be elasticised, and if made from a material such as neoprene will be waterproof.

A timing or prompting device may optionally be incorporated into the carrier. The timing or prompting device may be electronic and have an audible

alarm or buzzer. The device can be pre-set so as to remind a wearer to drink at certain times during, say, long races. This could assist the wearers performance and/or help to guard against dehydration. Other devices such as medical sensors for the infirm may be incorporated in such a specialised carrier.

The neck part of the harness (where straps 12 and 14 join behind the neck) may be connected to the waist part of the harness by a strap, for example made from a lightweight mesh fabric. This can provide a place (between the wearers body and the strap) where items such as waterproof jackets may be kept. The strap may optionally have an integral pocket for other small items.

The present invention provides a physically harmonious carrying and hydration system, which can be tailored to fit the user closely. The use of resilient materials such as neoprene allows for small differences in body shape to be accommodated easily.

The carrier is designed such that liquid is evenly distributed to minimise "sloshing"and is located around cooler regions of the torso. Mesh fabrics are used to promote efficient body cooling.

The carrier can include safety features such as reflective strips to improve visibility at night to motorists.

The invention has been described by way of example only and variation may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.