Support device and article therefor

Abstract

A support device (12) for attaching an article, such as a water bottle (14), purse, tools and the like to a body and method of using same. The method includes attaching a support device (12) to the body and releasably clipping (26, 28, 37, 38) the object to the body. The support device (12) comprises a stiff member (16) having front and reverse sides that are spaced from each other, with the reverse side being concavely curved along one axis; means on the member (30, 32) for attaching the member to the body; and spaced attachment means (26, 28) on the front side of the member for releasably engaging the object. The stiff member comprises a peripheral frame (16) and an array of ribs (20) extending substantially across the frame to permit cooling air to flow through the member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to South African Provisional Patent Application No. 2004/1125 filed Feb. 12, 2004 and South African Patent Application No. ZA 2004/1125 filed Jan. 12, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a support device that is attachable to a body, such as the human body, and that removably holds an article that is to be carried.

BACKGROUND ART

Current health consciousness dictates exercising, replenishing body fluids, electrolytes and nutrients; and avoiding pathogens. It is often difficult to observe these principles simultaneously, however. For example, it is impractical to hold a water bottle, so as to prevent others using it to avoid picking up another's bottle while exercising in a health centre, or to exercise freely. The same applies in nightclubs, running marathons, walking activities and the like and also to objects other than water bottles, such as wallets, jewellery and the like.

Thus the invention seeks to provide a support device for holding an object on a manner that resolves the above mentioned problems in a reasonably satisfactory manner.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides a method of holding an object on a body including the steps of: attaching a support device to the body; and releasably clipping the object to the body.

Preferably the method includes the steps of inter-engaging first engagement formations on the support device and the object at one position on the support device and the object and moving the support device and object relatively to one another to a inter-engage second engagement formations on the support device and the object, the first and second engagement formations being spaced from each other on each of the support device and the object.

Another aspect of the invention provides a support device for holding an object on a body comprising a stiff member having front and reverse sides that are spaced from each other, with the reverse side being concavely curved along one axis; means on the member for attaching the member to the body; and spaced attachment means on the front side of the member for releasably engaging the object.

Preferably the stiff member comprises a peripheral frame and an array of ribs extending substantially across the frame. The ribs space the front and reverse sides from each other. Preferably the ribs define spaces between one another to permit the flow of fluid, such as air through the member.

Preferably the member is of an insulating material, such as an appropriate plastics.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides an object carrying kit comprising a support device attachable to a body; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

Preferably the support device is of the type described above.

Further features, variants and/or advantages of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of examples of the invention made with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a kit of the invention comprising a support device and a water bottle releasably attached thereto;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the support device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the support device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the support device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings show a kit 10 for carrying water comprising a support device 12 and a water bottle 14 releasable attachable to the support device.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3 to 5, the support device 12 is of polypropylene, or other suitable plastics, and comprises an elongate peripheral frame 16, a central longitudinal rib 18 and a plurality of transverse ribs 20. The device has front 22 and reverse 24 sides, with the reverse side 24 being concave about its longitudinal axis as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4. A headed pin 26 is provided on the upper edge of the frame on the front side. An upturned finger 28 is provided on the lower edge of the frame, the finger projecting outwardly away from the front side. A strap 30 provided with inter-engaging hook and loop material 32 is threaded across the device for attaching the device to an arm or leg as desired.

The bottle 14 has a body 34, a cap 36 and a base 37. An undercut open-ended groove or slot 38 is formed on each side of the bottle adjacent the cap. The base 37 of the bottle is concave.

In use the bottle is engaged with the support device by engaging the head of the pin 26 in the groove in the bottle and rotating the bottle, either from left to right or forwards to backwards (as desired) about the pin until the rim of the base of the bottle passes over the finger. The finger engages in the concave base of the bottle so that the bottle is retained or clipped between the pin and the finger. The bottle is removable by pulling its base away from the finger and then lifting it out of engagement with the headed pin.

This combination enables a bottle of water, and the like or jewellery, cell phones and the like valuables to be carried during exercising, without fear of losing it or it being exchanged with anyone else's bottle. The construction of the support device ensures that the water bottle is spaced from the user to prevent discomfort from contact with a chilled bottle or warming of the liquid from contact with the user. The support device may be strapped to any convenient part of the body, such as an arm or leg as desired.

The invention is not limited to the precise details described above and shown in the drawings. Modifications may be made and other embodiments developed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the shape of the bottle may be varied as desired. Also instead of a headed pin the bottle may be located between two fingers 28, the bottle being formed with a suitable concave recess for the upper finger.

Claims

1. A method of holding an object on a body including the steps of attaching a support device to the body and releasably clipping the object to the body.

2. The method of claim 1, including the steps of inter-engaging first engagement formations on the support device and the object at one position on the support device and the object and moving the support device and object relatively to one another to inter-engage second engagement formations on the support device and the object, the first and second engagement formations being spaced from each other on each of the support device and the object.

3. A support device for holding an object on a body comprising a stiff member having front and reverse sides that are spaced from each other, with the reverse side being concavely curved along one axis; means on the member for attaching the member to the body; and spaced attachment means on the front side of the member for releasably engaging the object.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the stiff member comprises a peripheral frame and an array of ribs extending substantially across the frame.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the ribs space the front and reverse sides from each other.

6. The device of claims 4 wherein the ribs define spaces between one another to permit the flow of fluid, such as air through the member.

7. The device of claim 3 wherein the member is of an insulating material, such as an appropriate plastics.

8. An object carrying kit comprising a support device attachable to a body; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

9. An object carrying kit comprising a support device as claimed in claim 3; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

10. A bottle formed with two spaced apart attaching formations for engaging a support device as claimed in claim 3.

11. The device of claim 5 wherein the ribs define spaces between one another to permit the flow of fluid, such as air through the member.

12. The device of claim 4 wherein the member is of an insulating material, such as an appropriate plastics.

13. The device of claim 5 wherein the member is of an insulating material, such as an appropriate plastics.

14. The device of claim 6 wherein the member is of an insulating material, such as an appropriate plastics.

15. An object carrying kit comprising a support device as claimed in claim 4; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

16. An object carrying kit comprising a support device as claimed in claim 5; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

17. An object carrying kit comprising a support device as claimed in claim 6; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

18. An object carrying kit comprising a support device as claimed in claim 7; means for attaching the support device to a body; an article to be carried; and inter-engaging formations on the support device and the article for releasably attaching the article to the support device.

19. A bottle formed with two spaced apart attaching formations for engaging a support device as claimed in claim 6.

20. A bottle formed with two spaced apart attaching formations for engaging a support device as claimed in claim 18.