FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a strap. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application to a strap for a container. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Large containers such as flexible plastic tubs (which can also be referred to as buckets) have become popular with people for carrying their possessions to places such as the beach and swimming pools. These larger tubs between 20L to 50L can provide an advantage over other types of bags as they are watertight and generally flexible but rigid enough to stand upright on their own.

A person can easily place their wet clothing in a tub while limiting the amount of sand or dirt that comes in contact with the clothing. A person can also stand in some of the larger tubs while removing their clothing to further limit the amount of sand or dirt that comes in contact with the clothing.

The tubs are typically a fraction of the cost compared to bags that offer the same capacity, strength and waterproofness.

The tubs typically include handles so that they can be carried.

A problem with the handles is that they can easily break if too much weight is placed in the tubs or if the plastic material becomes brittle over time.

Additionally, the handles can be difficult to hold if the tub is too heavy to lift. The tubs also typically require a single user to use two hands, with one hand holding each handle. Alternatively, lifting may require two users.

An additional problem with single receptacle tubs is that both wet and dry items can mix together.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with flexible plastic tubs and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a strap for a container, the strap having a first portion; a second portion operatively attachable to the first portion; a first band portion attached to the first portion and attachable relative to the first portion to secure a first handle of the container to the first portion; and a second band portion attached to the second portion and attachable relative to the second portion to secure a second handle of the container to the second portion.

Preferably the first band portion is made of a fabric material. In one embodiment, the first band portion is attachable to itself. In a further embodiment, the first band portion is attachable to the first portion. Preferably the first band portion is attachable relative to the first portion by a hook and loop arrangement. Preferably the first band portion extends tangentially from the first portion.

Preferably the strap includes a third band portion attached to the first portion and attachable relative to the first portion. In one embodiment, the third band portion is attachable to itself. In another embodiment, the third band portion is attachable to the first band portion. In a further embodiment, the third band portion is attachable to the first portion. Preferably the third band portion is made of a fabric material. Preferably the third band portion is adapted to secure the first handle of the container to the first portion. Preferably the third band portion is attachable relative to the first portion by a hook and loop arrangement. Preferably the third band portion extends tangentially from the first portion.

Preferably the first band portion and the third band portion are made from one piece of material.

Preferably the second band portion is made of a fabric material. In one embodiment, the second band portion is attachable to itself. In a further embodiment, the second band portion is attachable to the second portion. Preferably the second band portion is attachable relative to the second portion by a hook and loop arrangement. Preferably the second band portion extends tangentially from the second portion. Preferably the strap includes a fourth band portion attached to the second portion and attachable relative to the second portion. In one embodiment, the fourth band portion is attachable to itself. In another embodiment, the fourth band portion is attachable to the second band portion. In a further embodiment, the fourth band portion is attachable to the second portion. Preferably the fourth band portion is made of a fabric material. Preferably the fourth band portion is adapted to secure the second handle of the container to the second portion. Preferably the fourth band portion is attachable relative to the second portion by a hook and loop arrangement. Preferably the fourth band portion extends tangentially from the second portion.

Preferably the second band portion and the fourth band portion are made from one piece of material.

Preferably the first portion is made of a fabric material. Preferably the first portion is elongate.

Preferably the second portion is made of a fabric material. Preferably the second portion is elongate.

Preferably the length of the first portion and/or the second portion can be adjusted.

Preferably the strap includes a shoulder pad. Preferably the shoulder pad is slidable on the first and/or second portion.

Preferably the strap includes an attachment portion. Preferably the attachment portion is located between the first portion and the second portion. Preferably the attachment portion is adapted to releasably secure the first portion to the second portion. Preferably in use the attachment portion is located above the two handles of the container. Preferably the attachment portion is a buckle assembly. In another embodiment, the attachment portion includes a hook and loop arrangement.

Preferably the strap includes an adjustment portion. Preferably the adjustment portion is located between the first and second portion. Preferably the adjustment portion allows adjustment of the strap between an extended and a retracted condition. Preferably in the retracted condition the strap can be used with a smaller container compared to the extended condition. Preferably in the extended condition the strap can be used with a larger container compared to the retracted condition. In one embodiment, the adjustment portion includes webbing and a webbing loop. Preferably the webbing is attached to one of the first or second portion and the webbing loop is attached to the other of the first or second portion. In another embodiment, the adjustment portion includes a hook and loop attachment assembly. In one embodiment, although a less preferred embodiment, the attachment portion and the adjustment portion are one and the same. Preferably in use, the adjustment portion is located adjacent a bottom portion of the container.

In another embodiment, the adjustment portion includes a first connector associated with one part of the adjustment portion and a second connector associated with another part of the adjustment portion. Preferably the first connector is a hook. Preferably the second connector is a loop. Preferably when the hook is connected to the loop, the adjustment portion is in a retracted condition. Preferably when the hook is disconnected from the loop, the adjustment portion is in an extended condition with the two parts of the adjustment portion adapted to be further apart from each other than in the retracted position. Preferably the adjustment portion further includes a third connector and a fourth connector on other parts of the adjustment portion. Preferably the third connector and the fourth connector operate in a similar fashion to the first connector and the second connector. Preferably the third connector is a hook. Preferably the fourth connector is a loop. In one embodiment, the hooks are G hooks. Preferably the loops are fabric loops.

Preferably the strap includes a support portion attached to the first and/or second portion. Preferably support portion adapted to support a lower portion of the container. Preferably the support portion is adapted to align the first and/or second portion adjacent a bottom portion of the container. Preferably the support portion defines a receptacle into which the lower portion of the container can be received. Preferably the support portion is made from an elasticised material. In one embodiment, the support portion is an elasticised net. In another embodiment the support portion is made from a flexible material. Preferably the support portion is a flexible net. In a further embodiment, the support portion is made of a webbing type of material or a solid fabric.

Preferably the strap includes one or more pockets. Preferably the one or more pockets are located on the first and/or second portions. Preferably the one or more pockets are located on an external surface of the first and/or second portions. In another embodiment, at least one pocket is located on an internal surface of the first and/or second portions. In one embodiment each of the one or more pockets includes a mesh material. Preferably the strap includes one or more hook portions. Preferably each of the one or more hook portions are fabric loops attached to the first and/or second portions. Preferably the one or more hook portions are located on an internal side of the strap. Preferably the one or more hook portions are adapted to connect to one or more bags. Preferably, when attached to a corresponding hook portion, each of the one or more bags is adapted to be at least partially located within the container.

In another embodiment, the strap includes one or more attachments associated with the first and/or the second portions. Preferably the one or more attachments are adapted to connect to one or more bags. In one embodiment, the one or more attachments are a hook or loop portion. Preferably the one or more bags are associated with the other of a hook or loop portion. In another embodiment, the one or more attachments are magnets and/or magnetic material. Preferably the one or more bags include magnets and/or magnetic material to attach to the one or more attachments. Preferably, when attached to a corresponding attachment, each of the one or more bags is adapted to be at least partially located within the container.

Preferably the strap includes the one or more bags. Preferably each of the one or more bags has a drawstring closure. In another embodiment, each of the one or more bags has a hook and loop closure, a zippered closure, and/or a magnetic closure.

Preferably the container is a tub. More preferably the container is a flexible tub. Preferably the container is made of a flexible plastic. Preferably the container is made of a plastic material. Preferably the container is made of PVC plastic material. Preferably the container has a capacity of substantially 60L. In another embodiment, the container has a capacity between 20L and 60L. In one embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 30L. In another embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 40L. In a further embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 50L.

In one embodiment, the strap includes a cover member. Preferably the cover member is adapted to cover the opening of the container. Preferably the cover member is located between the first portion and the second portion. In one embodiment, the cover member is attachable to the first portion and the second portion. In another embodiment, the cover member is attachable to the support portion. Preferably in use, the first portion is located through the first handle. Preferably in use, the second portion is located through the second handle. It will be appreciated that “through the handle” means through an opening defined between the corresponding handle and a top portion of the container.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a strap assembly having a container having an opening; and two handles located adjacent the opening, and a strap having a first portion; a second portion attachable to the first portion; a first band portion attached to the first portion and attachable relative to the first portion to secure a first of the two handles of the container to the first portion; a second band portion attached to the second portion and attachable relative to the second portion to secure a second of the two handles of the container to the second portion.

Preferably the strap is a strap as described in this specification.

Preferably the container is a tub. More preferably the container is a flexible tub. Preferably the container is made of a flexible plastic. Preferably the container is made of a plastic material. Preferably the container is made of PVC plastic material. Preferably the container has a capacity of substantially 60L. In another embodiment, the container has a capacity between 20L and 60L. In one embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 30L. In another embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 40L. In a further embodiment, the container has a capacity of substantially 50L.

Preferably the strap assembly further includes one or more bags attachable to the first and/or second portion. Preferably the one or more bags are locatable at least partially within the container.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of supporting a container with a strap, the container having an opening and two handles located adjacent the opening, the method including the steps of attaching a first band portion of a first portion of the strap to a first of the two handles of the container; and attaching a second band portion of a second portion of the strap to a second of the two handles of the container.

Preferably the method further includes the step of attaching a third band portion of the first portion of the strap to the first of the two handles of the container.

Preferably the method further includes the step of attaching a fourth band portion of the second portion of the strap to the second of the two handles of the container.

Preferably the method further includes inserting the first portion through the first handle.

Preferably the method further includes inserting the second portion through the second handle.

Preferably the method further includes adjusting an adjustment portion located between the first portion and the second portion.

Preferably the method further includes attaching the first portion to the second portion.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in in a strap for a container, the strap having a first portion; a second portion operatively attachable to the first portion; a first band portion attached to the first portion and attachable relative to the first portion to secure a first handle of the container to the first portion; a third band portion attached relative to the first portion and attachable relative to the first portion to secure the first handle of the container to the first portion; a second band portion attached to the second portion and attachable relative to the second portion to secure a second handle of the container to the second portion; a fourth band portion attached relative to the second portion and attachable relative to the second portion to secure the second handle of the container to the second portion; an attachment portion located between the first portion and the second portion and adapted to releasably secure the first portion to the second portion; and an adjustment portion located between the first and second portion, the adjustment portion adjustable between an extended and a retracted condition. ln one embodiment, the fabric material is Nylon. More preferably the fabric material is 840D ballistic Nylon.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the strap of Figure 1 with a container;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the strap of Figure 1 with a container and attachable bags;

Figure 4 is a view of the strap of Figure 3 in use;

Figure 5 is a side view of the strap and container of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a detailed view of a bag of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a detailed view of the first portion of the strap of Figure 2;

Figure 8 is a detailed view of the first portion of the strap of Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a detailed view of the first portion of the strap of Figure 2;

Figure 10 is top view of part of a strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a top view of the part of the strap of Figure 10 in a shortened configuration;

Figure 12 is a side view of the part of the strap of Figure 11 ;

Figure 13 is an inside view of the part of the strap in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a side view of a mesh net according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a partial inside view of the mesh net of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a flat view of the mesh net of Figure 14

Figure 17 is a first portion of a strap according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 is a second portion of a strap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a strap 10 for supporting a container (not shown, best seen in Figure 2), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The strap 10 has a first portion 12. The strap has a second portion 14 attached to the first portion 12. The first portion 12 is attached to the second portion 14 by an attachment portion in the form of a buckle and clasp 16. The first portion 12 is also attached to the second portion 14 by an adjustment portion 18. The adjustment portion 18 has a buckle 20 and webbing 22, which allows the distance between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 to be adjusted.

The strap 10 has a first band portion 24 and a third band portion 26 attached to the first portion 12. The strap 10 has a second band portion 28 and a fourth band portion 30 attached to the second portion 14. The band portions 24,26,28,30 secure the first and second portions 12,14 to handles of a container (not shown), this will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 2 and Figures 7-9.

The strap 10 has a support portion in the form of an elastic net 32. The elastic net 32 can receive a lower portion of a container (not shown, best seen in Figure 2). The elastic net 32 aids in keeping the lower parts of the first and second portions 12,14 centralised relative to a lower portion of a container. The elastic net 32 is attached to the first and second portions 12,14.

The strap 10 includes a shoulder pad 34. The shoulder pad 34 is slidable along the second portion 14.

The strap 10 includes two attachments in the form of loops of fabric 36 (only one shown). The loops of fabric 36 are adapted to attach a bag to the strap 10.

The strap 10 includes an external pocket 38 located on the first portion 12. A similar pocket (not shown) is located on the second portion 14.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown the strap 10 of Figure 1 supporting a container in the form of a flexible tub 50. The flexible tub 50 has an opening 52. The flexible tub has a first handle 54 and a second handle 56. The first portion 12 is passed through the handle 54. The second portion 14 is passed through handle 56. The first band portion 24 is wrapped around the first handle 54 and attached to the first portion 12, and the third band portion 26 is wrapped around the first handle 54 and attached to the first band portion 24 to secure the first handle 54 to the first portion 12. The first band portion 24 is attached to the first portion 12 by a hook and loop arrangement (not shown). The third band portion 26 is attached to the first band portion 24 by a hook and loop arrangement (not shown).

The second band portion 28 is wrapped around the second handle 56 and attached to the second portion 14, and the fourth band portion 30 is wrapped around the second handle 56 and attached to the second band portion 28 to secure the second handle 56 to the second portion 14. The second band portion 28 is attached to the second portion 14 by a hook and loop arrangement (not shown). The fourth band portion 30 is attached to the second band portion 28 by a hook and loop arrangement (not shown).

With reference to Figure 3, there is shown the strap 10 and tub 50 of Figure 2. The strap further includes two bags 60,62 attached to respective loops of fabric 36 (only one shown).

With reference to Figure 4, there is shown an in use depiction of the strap 10 and tub 50 arrangement.

With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a side view of the strap 10 and tub 50 arrangement of Figure 2. This view shows the external pocket 38 in more detail.

With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a more detailed view of the bag 60 of Figure 3. The bag 60 includes a draw string closure 64 (shown in an open condition). The bag 60 has a hook portion 66. The hook portion 66 is adapted to attach to the loop of fabric (36 as seen in Figure 3). The bag includes a front zippered pocket 68.

With reference to Figures 7 to 9, there is shown the first and third band portions 24,26 in more detail, and how the first portion 12 is secured to the first handle 54.

The first band portion 24 and the third band portion 26 is made from a single piece of material and attached to the first portion 12.

The first band portion 24 has a loop portion 40 which attaches to a hook portion 42 on the first portion 12 when the first band portion 24 is wrapped around the first handle 54. The third band portion 26 has a loop portion 44 which attaches to a hook portion 46 on the first band portion 24 when the third band portion 26 is wrapped around the first handle 54.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11 , there is shown a top down inside view of part of a strap 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The strap 100 has an adjustment portion 118. The adjustment portion 118 is located between a first portion 112 and a second portion 114. The adjustment portion 118 is shown in an extended condition in Figure 10 and a retracted condition in Figure 11. The adjustment portion 118 includes a first connector in the form of a hook 120. The adjustment portion 118 includes a second connector in the form of a loop 122. The hook 120 is adapted to connect with the loop 122 (as shown in Figure 11). The adjustment portion 118 includes a third connector in the form of a hook 124. The adjustment portion 118 includes a fourth connector in the form of a loop 126. The hook 124 is adapted to connect with the loop 126 (as shown in Figure 11).

The first portion 112 includes a bag 170 attached thereto. The second portion 114 includes a bag 172 attached thereto.

With reference to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown part of the strap 100 of Figures 10 and 11. The bag 170 is attached to the first portion 112. The adjustment portion 118 is in the retracted condition with hook 120 engaging with loop 122. Figure 13 shows an inside view and Figure 12 shows an outside view.

With reference to Figures 14 to 16, there is shown a mesh net 232 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mesh net 232 can be attached to a first portion and a second portion of a strap (not shown). The mesh net 232 includes a mesh portion 234. As seen in the exploded view in Figure 16, the mesh portion 234 is a single piece of mesh material. The sides of the mesh portion 234 are sewn together, resulting in the mesh net as seen in Figures 14 and 15. The mesh net 232 includes a cinch band 236 which defines an internal space. The cinch band 236 includes a cord 238. The cord 238 can be effectively shortened or lengthened to increase or decrease the opening of the mesh net 232. The cord 238 can be retained in a desired condition by a toggle 240. The mesh net 232 further includes side portions 242,244,246,248 which further secure the mesh net 232 to respective first and second portions of a strap (not shown).

With reference to Figure 17, there is shown part of a first portion 112 of a strap 100 as partially seen in Figure 10. The first portion 112 is attached to a second portion 114 (as seen in Figure 18) by an attachment portion 116. A first band portion 124 and a third band portion 126 are attached to the first portion 112. In this embodiment the first band portion 124 and the third band portion 126 are attached to each other. The band portions 124,126 secure the first portion 112 to a handle of a container (not shown). The first band portion 124 and the third band portion 126 has a loop portion (not shown) which attaches to a hook portion 142 on the first portion 112.

With reference to Figure 18, there is shown part of a second portion 114 of a strap 100 as partially seen in Figure 10. The second portion 114 is attached to a first portion 112 (as seen in Figure 17) by an attachment portion 117. The attachment portion 117 is adapted to engage with the attachment portion 116 of the first portion 112. A second band portion 128 and a fourth band portion 130 are attached to the second portion 114. In this embodiment the second band portion 128 and the fourth band portion 130 are attached to each other. The band portions 128,130 secure the second portion 114 to a handle of a container (not shown). The second band portion 128 and the fourth band portion 130 has a loop portion (not shown) which attaches to a hook portion 144 on the second portion 114. The second portion 114 includes a shoulder pad 134. The shoulder pad 134 is slidable along the second portion 114. The second portion 114 includes a strap adjuster 136. The strap adjuster 136 can be used to change the length of the second portion 114 by sliding the strap adjuster 136 up or down the second portion 114.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the strap includes an easier way to carry containers such as tubs. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the strap includes reducing the forces exerted on the handles of tubs when carrying heavy loads. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the strap includes the ability to adjust the size of the strap to accommodate different sized tubs. A further advantage of the strap includes the ability to hang bags or containers within a tub to separate and organise items.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word

“comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises" and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.