GB2270251A - Spectator aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A spectator aid for use at sporting and outdoor events comprises in combination a single self-supporting step 1 providing a raised stand for the spectator and defining beneath it an open space. A storage bag 2, for example a cool-bag, is contained within the open space. A carrying strap 3 is provided in the form of a recoil shoulder strap. The bag and step may be connected by a touch and close fastening. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECTATOR AID This invention relates to a spectator aid for improving a spectator's enjoyment of sporting and outdoor events, particularly outside sporting events such as golf tournaments.

For example, at professional golf tounaments spectators move from hole to hole to watch the play and at very popular tournaments this means that there can be several rows of people around a green. If a spectator is unfortunate enough to be in one of the rear rows his view of the play can be very poor unless he has a viewing aid. Such aids can take the form of a viewing aid, such as a crude cardboard periscope which does not provide a very satisfactory view, or some form of raised 'stand, such as a step -ladder which is cumbersome to carry around the course.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved form of spectator aid.

According to the invention a spectator aid comprises in combination a single self-supporting step providing a raised stand for the spectator and defining beneath it an open space and a carrying strap.

The step is preferably made as a one piece plastics moulding.

The storage bag may be like a rucksack and used to store items such as rainproof outer clothing and other items which the spectator may require.

Alternatively it may be a so called cool bag suitable for food and drink storage. such cool bags are known and have inner and outer walls of flexible textile material with flexible insulating material between them.

The storage bag is preferably releasably secured to the step for example by Velcro (R.T.M.) fastenings.

The strap is preferably a recoil shoulder strap.

All the items in the spectator aid should be selected so that they are as light as possible. A target weight for the spectator aid would be about 1 kg, allowing it to be easily carried over several miles if required.

One form of spectator aid in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of the step used in the spectator aid, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cool-bag and shoulder strap used, Figure 3 is a perspective view from below of the assembled spectator aid, Figure 4 shows the spectator aid being carried by its shoulder strap,and Figure 5 shows the spectator aid in use as a raised stand.

Referring to the drawings, the spectator aid comprises a step 1, a cool-bag 2 and a shoulder strap 3.

The step 1 is a one piece plastics moulding of for example polypropylene.

It comprises a top (4) providing the standing surface, a continuos side-wall (5) extending downwardly as a skirt from the top(4) and four legs(6) extending downwardly from the bottom of the side-wall (5) at the corners of the step 1. Hand holes (7) are provided in the side-wall(5).

As can be appreciated from the drawings the step 1 is of a kind in common use for example as caravan steps and is designed for minimum weight consistent with required strength. It provides a standing surface about nine inches from the ground beneath which there is an open space defined by the side-wall(5) and the legs(6).

The cool-bag 2 is of known construction as described above and is contained in the open space beneath the top(4) and within the confines of the side-wall(5) and legs(6). t is releasably secured in position for example by Velcro (R.T.M.) fastenings. The dimensions of the bag 2 are such that it only extends part way down the legs(6) and so remains clear of the ground when the spectator aid is in use as a stand as seen in figure 5.

The bag 2 has a zipped lid(8), which faces downwardly from the underside of the step 1. Thus access to the contents of the bag can be obtained by inverting the step and resting it on its top and then unzipping the lid(8) as seen in Figure 3. The cool-bag 2 may be replaced by a conventional 'non-cool' type rucksack bag, if required.

The shoulder strap 3 is secured at its ends to opposite sides of the cool-bag 2 by appropriate connectors(l0). Thus the spectator aid can be readily carried about as shown in Figure 4. The strap is preferably a recoil strap so that when the spectator aid is in use as a stand as seen in Figure 5 the strap 3 is drawn automatically around the legs(6) and is clear of the ground.

The strap is preferably attached to the bag rather than the step because, should the bag be accidentally overloaded, then , if the strap was attached to the step then there would be a danger of the bag load exceeding the strength of the fasteners and the bag and its load falling out. By attaching to the bag, however, the worst danger is only of the step falling off, which , weighing only approximately Xkilo and being of sturdy construction would not be damaged or be a danger.

Claims (7)

1. A spectatol- aid comprising in combination a single self-supporting step providing a raised stand for t!1e spectator and defining beneath it an open space) a storage bag contained within the open space and a carrying strap.

2. A spectator aid accci:ding to Clan; 1, wherein the step is made as a single one piece plastics moulding.

3. A spectator aid according to Claim 1 or 2,wherein the storage bag is releasably secured to the step.

4. A spectator aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the storage bag is a cool bag.

5. A spectator aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the strap is a recoil strap.

6. A spectator aid according to any preceding Claim, wherein the strap is connected to the storage bag.

7. A spectator aid substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.