FIELD

The present invention relates to a carrier for carrying a cylindrical object, in particular for carrying a sports mat like a yoga mat or gym mat, a camping mat or a beach mat.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the art for users to require mats for various leisure activities. For example, a person participating in a yoga class may need a mat to place on the floor before commencing yoga exercises, to cushion and protect the body. Such mats may have a length equivalent to or less than a human height e.g. 180 cm and a width corresponding to a human body width e.g. 60 cm. Such mats may be manufactured of relatively thin e.g. 4 to 5 mm material such as a foam or plastic, or a natural material such as cork. Mats like this can be used in other leisure activities where the user’s body will lie on the ground and requires protection, for example floor exercises in a fitness studio, camping or lying on a rocky or pebbly beach.

Such mats, being relatively thin and flexible are typically rolled into a cylinder for transportation. Various arrangements are presently available on the market for carrying rolled mats. For example the rolled mat can be inserted into a cylindrical shaped bag which may be closed for example with a drawstring or zip. Such bags are provided with carrying handles. However, a problem with such bags is that the mat needs to be rolled relatively tightly to be inserted into the fixed dimension of the bag and, if the mat begins to unroll during insertion the mat will not fit and will need to be re-rolled.

Another alternative available on the market is a larger open top bag with a shoulder strap which is sized to accommodate a rolled mat. However, because the dimension of the bag is relatively large, once the rolled mat is inserted into the bag it may unroll and therefore become bulky and unsightly.

A further well-known alternative is a pair of loop straps which may be closed around the rolled mat for example with a buckle or so-called “backpack clip”. The two straps are connected by a handle which may be carried over the shoulder. However the problem with this arrangement is that it is difficult for the user to coordinate attachment of two individual loops around the rolled mat, without the mat becoming unrolled.

What is needed in the art is a stylish and compact carrier for carrying a rolled mat which is easy to use and which can accommodate mats which have different diameters when rolled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a carrier for a rolled mat or cylindrical object, the carrier comprising: a substantially cruciform body having a spine oriented along a first axis (Y) and a belt oriented along a second axis (X) which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the spine and the belt intersecting at a central portion of the body; the spine comprising a first end and a second end, each end extending from the central portion and being provided with a mounting portion; the belt comprising a first element and a second element, each element extending from the central portion and being provided with fastening means; the belt being deformable into a loop, the loop being closeable by the fastening means, to surround the rolled mat or cylindrical object.

Preferably, at least one junction between a spine end and an adjacent belt element is curved in a concave manner.

Conveniently, the or each mounting portion comprises at least one aperture through the body or at least one loop connected to or formed with the body.

Advantageously, the fastening means comprises an upstanding projection provided on one belt element and at least one aperture or recess provided in the other belt element.

Conveniently, the fastening means comprises a magnet provided on or in one of the belt elements and a ferromagnetic portion provided on or in the other belt element.

Preferably, the ferromagnetic portion is flexible.

Advantageously, the ferromagnetic portion is provided in the form of a plurality of discrete strips parallel with the first axis.

Alternatively the fastening means comprises a buckle.

Preferably the buckle comprises a male buckle part formed on or with one of the first element (4a) and the second element (4b), and a female buckle part formed on or with the other of the first element (4a) and second element (4b).

Advantageously the first element (4a) and/or the second element (4b) further comprises a strap or straps connecting the body to the buckle, preferably wherein the strap or straps are adjustable in length.

Preferably, the body comprises a unitary body, preferably of silicone. Advantageously, the spine comprises a stiffening means and is substantially non-flexible.

Conveniently, the stiffening means comprises a spine insert provided in the body, which is optionally metal and is preferably provided over substantially the entire length of the spine.

Preferably, the spine insert is formed of or comprises metal, preferably stainless steel.

Advantageously, the stiffening means comprises a plurality of corrugations parallel with the first axis.

Conveniently, the spine is at least partially concave in cross-section in the direction of the second axis.

Advantageously the fastening means comprises or further comprises a buckle and/or a hook and loop fastener.

Preferably the carrier further comprises a strap configured for attachment at each end thereof to the mounting portions of the spine, more preferably wherein the strap is adjustable and optionally wherein the strap is padded at least partially over its length.

Advantageously the strap is provided with a strap bag or pouch disposed on the length of the strap.

Conveniently the strap, if present and/or a side of the spine which is in contact with a user’s body in use, is provided with anti-slip means.

Advantageously the anti-slip means comprises a non-slip pad or a plurality of non-slip projections of non-slip material, preferably of rubber.

The invention further provides a kit comprising the carrier and a mat selected from a yoga mat, gym mat and camping mat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a carrier according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIGURE 1 ; FIGURE 3 is a cross-section through the line marked X-X in FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of the carrier of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a further carrier according to the invention;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-section through the line marked A-A in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of the carrier of FIGURE 5;

FIGURES 9A and 9B are perspective views of a carrier of the invention in use; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

An example of a carrier (1) according to the present invention is shown in figure 1. In this example, the carrier (1) is generally cross-shaped or cruciform having an elongate spine (3) in the direction of a first axis (the Y axis) and an elongate belt (4) oriented along a second, substantially perpendicular X axis. The spine (3) and belt (4) intersect at a central portion (5).

The overall construction of the carrier (1) is a body (2) which is preferably a single piece. Producing the body (2) from a single piece is advantageous because it entails a simpler manufacturing process and has fewer parts. Preferably the body (2) is of silicone or another plastics material. As will be described in further detail below, the spine (3) of the body (2) is substantially rigid and inflexible so as to support a rolled mat (100). This can be achieved by manufacturing the spine (3) to be of a thickness which is substantially rigid. Otherwise, as described later, stiffening means may be inserted into the body during manufacture for example by over moulding of silicone onto stainless steel pieces.

The belt (4) is substantially flexible because, in use, the belt needs to deform into a loop (8) in the manner of a watch strap or belt for trousers, to encircle or surround a rolled mat (100). The flexibility of the belt (4) can be achieved by manufacturing the belt (4) in a particular thickness of material (e.g. silicone) so that it remains flexible.

Returning to the spine (3), this is provided with mounting portions (6a, 6b) on each end (3a, 3b) thereof. As shown in figure 1 , the mounting portions (6a, 6b) are apertures through the spine (3) but other mounting portions are envisaged for example protruding loops or hooks formed with or on the body (2). As will be appreciated, a carrying strap (20) may be attached to the spine (3) via mounting portion (6a) and (6b), for example with carabiner clips. Such an arrangement is depicted in figure 5.

The belt (4) comprises a first element (4a) and a second element (4b), wherein the elements (4a) and (4b) extend away from the central portion of the body (2). The two elements of the belt (4) are provided with fastening means (7a, 7b) so that when the belt is deformed into a loop (8) it can be closed or fastened. As can be seen for example in figures 3 and 4, in the example depicted the fastening means comprises an upstanding projection (10) provided in a first element (4b) of the strap (4) and a series of corresponding apertures or recesses (11) provided in the other element (4a). As the skilled person will appreciate, when the belt (4) is looped e.g. around a mat (100), the projection (10) may be pushed into and retained inside one of the apertures (11), for example in an interference fit. The apertures or recesses (11) may be apertures passing all the way through the thickness of the strap (4) or they may be only partially through the thickness of the strap (4). The provision of several apertures or recesses (11) has the advantage that, when looped, the strap can adopt a variety of different diameters, therefore being capable of encircling a rolled mat (100) or other cylindrical object of different thickness.

Other fastening means are also envisaged as part of the present invention. For example instead of the depicted projections and corresponding recesses, the fastening means can comprise a buckle as known in the art and/or a hook and loop fastener fabric connection for example VELCRO® Brand fasteners.

The belt as shown includes additional magnetic means having the advantage that the extremity of the belt element (4a) always remains flush with belt element (4b) when the belt (4) is surrounding an object. As shown in the example, belt element (4a) includes a magnet (12). As depicted, this magnet (12) is embedded within the body (2) though it must be appreciated that the magnet could also be provided on the surface of the body (2). The magnet (12) may be any suitable magnet, for example of neodymium. Provided in the corresponding belt element (4b) is a ferromagnetic portion (13). This portion (13) is of a metal which is attracted to a magnet and, as shown, is also embedded within the body (2) though again may be provided on the surface of the body (2). Thus, when the upstanding projection (10) is engaged with one of the apertures (11), in the looped configuration of the belt (4), the magnet (12) comes into close proximity with the ferromagnetic portion (13) and the attraction between the two causes the belt element (4a) to lie flush against the surface of belt element (4b).

Bearing in mind that the belt (4) needs to be flexible, the ferromagnetic portion (13) should also be flexible, if provided. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a relatively thin ferromagnetic portion. While the ferromagnetic portion (13) is depicted as being embedded in the body (2) it is to be appreciated that a relatively thin metal portion could also be provided on the surface of belt element (4b). However, as shown in figure 4, preferably the ferromagnetic portion (13) has a ladder configuration and comprises a plurality of discrete strips (13a) of ferromagnetic material. These strips (13a) are parallel with the first Y axis and therefore perpendicular to the second X axis. Due to the gaps that are provided between the strips (13a) the belt (4) is still able to deform and surround a cylindrical object. As shown in figure 4, the strips (13a) are connected together by means of perpendicular connecting strips and this is for ease of manufacture because a single ferromagnetic portion (13) comprising strips (13a) may be embedded in the body (2) instead of having to insert plurality of strips (13a) without any connection between them. In alternative arrangements of the invention the extremity of the belt element (4a) can be kept flush with belt element (4b) using other means such as a buckle as known in the art and/or a hook and loop fastener fabric connection for example VELCRO® Brand fasteners.

While the example of the carrier (1) described herein has a single belt (4) it is to be appreciated that carriers falling within the scope of the invention may have more than one belt (4) perpendicular to and intersecting the spine (3), for example two or three belts (4). Providing more than one belt (4) may provide improved carrying of the mat (100) and make it less likely that a mat (100) being carried can slip out of position.

Concerning the important features of the spine (3) as depicted in the example, figure 3 shows how the spine may be at least partially concave in cross-section. The advantage of this is that the spine (3) is better able to support the cylindrical object (100) placed against the spine, as compared to a spine which is completely flat. As already mentioned, the spine should be relatively rigid so as to support the rolled mat (100) or other object. As shown in figure 5, it is not required that the spine (4) should have the same length as the object (100). The length of the spine (4) may be less than the rolled object (100). In any event it can be appreciated that in order to support and carry the object (100), the spine (4) should be sufficiently stiff. To this end, as already explained, the spine can simply be manufactured of a sufficiently thick material so as to be relatively inflexible. Alternatively, the spine (4) can be manufactured at the same thickness as other parts of the body (2), for example the spine (3) can be manufactured of a material of similar or same thickness to the belt (4). However, in that case the spine (3) requires some form of stiffening means to provide substantial inflexibility. As can be seen in the cross-section of figure 3, the spine (3) of the example includes a stiffening means (14), being an object in or on the body (2) to provide additional stiffness to the spine (3). As shown, the stiffening means (14) is provided as a piece provided within the body (2), for example via over moulding when the body (2) is manufactured.

The exploded view of figure 4 shows a stiffening means (14) provided in the form of a spine insert (15). As depicted, this insert is provided over substantially the entire length of the spine including mounting portions (6a) and (6b). Therefore the spine insert (15) is also provided with corresponding apertures (15a) and (15b) so that when the spine insert (15) is inserted within the spine (3), mounting portions (6a, 6b) (as shown: apertures) pass through the entirety of the spine (3). It is advantageous that the spine insert (15) should be provided substantially along the entire length of the spine (3), including the mounting portions (6a, 6b) so that when a strap is mounted on the mounting portion (6a, 6b) they are also stable and not deformed by any force provided to the strap.

The present inventors have found that it is particularly convenient to provide the spine insert (15) as a unitary piece of metal, for example stainless steel, which may be provided within the body (2) as the body (2) is moulded for example from silicone. In practice, when the body (2) is manufactured it may be manufactured by first of all providing a layer of plastics material for example silicone, laying on top the internal components of the holder (1) such as the spine insert (15), magnet (12), ferromagnetic portion (13) and upstanding projection (10) (see figure 4) and then over-moulding a further layer of silicone to produce an entirely sealed body (2) with the internal components embedded inside the body (2).

While the spine insert (15) is depicted as a stiffening means (14), it is to be appreciated that other stiffening means can be provided. For example, it is possible to provide corrugations, that is arrays of alternately thick and thin material parallel with the Y-axis in the spine (3), thereby running along from one end (3a) to the other end (3b). The corrugations provide stiffness to the spine (3) but also allow a degree of flexibility in the direction of the X-axis so that the spine (3) may deform and encircle a cylindrical object but only in the direction of the X-axis while remaining stiff in the direction of the Y- axis.

As can be seen from all of figures 1 to 4, while the body (2) is cruciform, the junctions between arms of the cross may be rounded off, so as to present a concave section, in plan view as shown in figure 1. For example, the junction between spine portion (3a) and strap portion (4a) is curved. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but also guards against any crack growth which could occur if the two limbs of the cross were instead perpendicular and square. In terms of dimensions, while not wishing to be limited by any particular dimensions the inventors have found that a preferable thickness for the body (2) as depicted in the example could be around 4 mm. In particular, a strap (4) which is 4 mm thick and constructed of silicone is sufficiently flexible to operate in the manner envisaged. If the entire body (2) is constructed of the same thickness material e.g. silicone then the embedded spine insert (15) may have a thickness of 1 mm, e.g. 1 mm stainless steel.

Figures 5 to 8 depict a further embodiment of the present invention in which, rather than a magnetic closure the strap 4 is fastened by means of a buckle (30). As shown in Figure 5, the buckle (30) comprises male buckle part (30a) disposed on first element (4a) and female buckle part (30b) disposed on second element (4b). In this regard, fastening means (7a) and (7b) comprise the buckle parts (30a) and (30b). The buckle (30) is closed as known in the art and may be any suitable type of buckle, for example a metal or plastic buckle or a rucksack clip.

The buckle male and female parts (30a) and (30b) may be directly attached to or formed with the first and second elements (4a) and (4b) respectively. Alternatively and as shown in Figure 5, the buckle parts (30a) and (30b) are attached to the first and second elements (4a) and (4b) using straps (31a) and (31b). The straps (31a) and (31b) are attached to the buckle male and female parts (30a) and (30b) as known in the art, on one end of the strap (31a) and (31b). The other end of each of the straps (31a) and (31 b) is attached in respective first element (4a) and (4b). This attachment between strap (e.g. 31a) and element (e.g. 4a) may be achieved, for example, by embedding the strap in the element, for example by over-moulding. Alternatively, to provide a reliable connection, each of the straps (31a) and (31 b) is attached in respective first element (4a) and (4b) using at least one mechanical connection, for example stiches or at least one or a plurality of rivets. When a mechanical connection such as rivets is used, a cover may be provided to hide the mechanical connection, making the arrangement more aesthetically pleasing.

As shown for example in Figure 7, the straps (31a) and (31b) may be embedded within the material which constitutes the body (2) including first element (4a) and second element (4b). That material may be silicone in preferred embodiments and the straps (31a) and (31b) may be embedded in the silicone during the moulding process. Figure 7 also shows how the straps (31a) and (31b) are looped through the male buckle part (30a) and female buckle part (30b) as known in the art. In this regard the straps (31a) and (31 b) may be adjustable in length; that is, excess strap (31a) or (31b) may be pulled through either male buckle part (30a) and/or female buckle part (30b) to a greater or lesser extent to shorten or lengthen the or each strap (31a) and/or (31 b). Both straps (31a) and (31b) may be adjustable. Alternatively, just one of such straps may be adjustable.

In preferred aspects of the invention, the straps (31a) and (31b) comprise nylon webbing. The present inventors have found that nylon webbing is suitable for being over-moulded into the first and second elements (4a) and (4b) for example when the body material is silicone. Over-moulding of straps (31a) and (31b) into the body (2) of the carrier (1) is advantageous because it avoids the necessity of providing additional stitching, which would be the case if the straps (31a) and (31b) had to be attached later to the body (2), after the over-moulding process was complete. However the straps (31a) and (31 b) are not limited to being of nylon webbing; the straps can be manufactured from any suitable material and could be, for example a resilient or flexible (“stretchable”) material which reduces or removes the need to tighten the straps to fit the diameter of the item to be carried.

When, as preferred, the carrier (1) is formed of silicone, this is both elastic and flexible allowing the belt (4) to be wrapped around rolled mats of different diameters, for example from between 75 mm to 110 mm diameter. The preferably adjustable straps (31a) and (31 b) allow for additional adjustability as well as fastening.

The exploded view of figure 8 shows the component parts of the carrier (1 ) including the spine (15) and straps (31a) and (31b) which are preferably over-moulded into the silicone material of the body (2) during manufacture. In this regard, the arrangement of the spine (15) and associated features is identical to the arrangement of figures 1 to 4.

Figure 9a is a front view showing the carrier (1 ) of the invention encircling and carrying a mat (100) together with a strap (20) for the user to carry the arrangement. While the arrangement shown in Figure 9 is that of Figures 5 to 8 with buckle (30), it is to be appreciated that the same configuration of the carrier (1) is adopted for the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 with alternative fastening means.

Figure 9b shows the reverse side of the carrier of figure 9a, identifying where the strap (20) is attached to the spine (3) by way of mounting portions (6a) and (6b) and carabiners.

In use, the holder (1) is configured so that the spine (3) lies against the circumference of a rolled object (100) such as a mat while the strap (4) is looped to encircle the object (100) and is fastened closed. As shown in figure 9, a strap (20) is attached at respective attachment points (6a) and (6b) so that the user can hold the entire arrangement of the object (100) and holder (1 ), for example over the shoulder. As known in the art the strap (20) may be adjustable to provide different lengths for the user.

The strap (20) may be a simple strap as known in the art, or it may be provided with a pouch or bag somewhere along its length. The pouch or strap bag is envisaged as a relatively small closeable bag (e.g. closeable using a zipper) which a user may use to keep small person items such as keys, coins, bank cards etc. Such a pouch or strap bag may be provided integrally with the strap (20) i.e. formed with the strap and not removable, or it may be detachable from the strap (20). For example the strap (20) may comprise two separate strap sections, each strap section being connectable with respective attachment points (6a) and (6b). The other ends of the strap sections which are not connectable to the attachment points may be connected to the strap bag or pouch, for example using carabiner clips for a secure connection.

The carrier or holder of the invention may also include one or more features to improve the user’s comfort when carrying the device. For example the strap (20) may be padded over part or all of its length (in particular it is important that the part of the strap which may be in contact with a user’s body may be padded. Likewise the reverse side of the spine which may be in contact with a user’s body may be padded. Also the strap or spine may be provided with non-slip elements in parts which contact a user’s body in use that is again the reverse side of the spine and or the strap. By “non-slip” it is meant an element or elements of a material which prevents the strap or spine from slipping out of position on the user, for example a projection, pad or plurality of projections. A suitable material to construct the non-slip elements(s) is rubber or vinyl.

While the present invention may be directed to the holder (1) it is to be appreciated that a user may be provided with both a holder (1) and a strap (20) so as to carry the object. The present invention also includes a kit comprising the carrier (1), optionally a strap (20) as well as a mat (100).

Additionally while the carrier or holder is describes as being carried by a user, it may alternatively be incorporated into a further piece of luggage such as a shoulder bag, wherein the spine is formed with or attached to the luggage and the belt described above fastens around a mat, thereby attaching it to the luggage

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

1. A carrier (1) for a rolled mat (100) or cylindrical object, the carrier comprising: a substantially cruciform body (2) having a spine (3) oriented along a first axis (Y) and a belt (4) oriented along a second axis (X) which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the spine and the belt intersecting at a central portion (5) of the body; the spine comprising a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), each end extending from the central portion and being provided with a mounting portion (6a, 6b); the belt comprising a first element (4a) and a second element (4b), each element extending from the central portion and being provided with fastening means (7a, 7b); the belt being deformable into a loop (8), the loop being closeable by the fastening means, to surround the rolled mat or cylindrical object.

2. The carrier of clause 1 wherein at least one junction (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) between a spine end and an adjacent belt element is curved in a concave manner.

3. The carrier according to clause 1 or clause 2 wherein the or each mounting portion comprises at least one aperture through the body or at least one loop connected to or formed with the body.

4. The carrier according to any preceding clause wherein the fastening means comprises an upstanding projection (10) provided on one belt element and at least one aperture or recess (11) provided in the other belt element.

5. The carrier according to any preceding clause wherein the fastening means comprises a magnet (12) provided on or in one of the belt elements and a ferromagnetic portion (13) provided on or in the other belt element.

6. The carrier of clause 5 wherein the ferromagnetic portion is flexible.

7. The carrier according to clause 5 or clause 6 wherein the ferromagnetic portion is provided in the form of a plurality of discrete strips (13a) parallel with the first axis.

8. The carrier according to any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the fastening means comprises a buckle. 9. The carrier according to clause 8 wherein the buckle comprises a male buckle part formed on or with one of the first element (4a) and the second element (4b), and a female buckle part formed on or with the other of the first element (4a) and second element (4b).

10. The carrier according to clause 8 or clause 9 wherein the first element (4a) and/or the second element (4b) further comprises a strap or straps connecting the body to the buckle, preferably wherein the strap or straps are adjustable in length.

11. The carrier according to any preceding clause wherein the body comprises a unitary body, preferably of silicone.

12. The carrier according to any preceding clause wherein the spine comprises a stiffening means (14) and is substantially non-flexible.

13. The carrier according to clause 12 wherein the stiffening means comprises a spine insert (15) provided in the body, which is optionally metal and is preferably provided over substantially the entire length of the spine.

14. The carrier according to clause 13 wherein the spine insert is formed of or comprises metal, preferably stainless steel.

15. The carrier according to clause 12 wherein the stiffening means comprises a plurality of corrugations parallel with the first axis.

16. The carrier according to any preceding clause wherein the spine is at least partially concave in cross-section in the direction of the second axis.

17. The carrier of any preceding clause wherein the fastening means comprises or further comprises a buckle and/or a hook and loop fastener.

18. The carrier of any preceding clause further comprising a strap (20) configured for attachment at each end thereof to the mounting portions of the spine, preferably wherein the strap is adjustable and optionally wherein the strap is padded at least partially over its length.

19. The carrier of clause 18 wherein the strap is provided with a strap bag or pouch disposed on the length of the strap.

20. The carrier of any preceding clause wherein the strap (20), if present and/or a side of the spine which is in contact with a user’s body in use, is provided with anti-slip means. 21. The carrier of clause 20 wherein the anti-slip means comprises a non-slip pad or a plurality of non-slip projections of non-slip material, preferably of rubber. 22. A kit comprising the carrier of any preceding clause and a mat selected from a yoga mat, gym mat and camping mat.