GB2282407A - Releasable fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to attachment means one part (fig 2) of which can be releasably attached to the strap or handle of a travel bag, which attachment means also comprises one (fig 3) of a number of members interengageable with the (fig 2) part and which are adapted to carry one or more travel items such as a map, compass, water bottle, or the like. The interengaging formations may be resilient studs 5 and sockets 2 or, in an alternative embodiment, figs 5 and 6 (not shown) may be resilient grooves (3a) and projections (5). <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements Relating to Attachment Means The invention relates to an attachment means for use particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to rucksacks, holdalls, rambling cases and the like.

However, the invention has application to any item of luggage or strapworn device.

It is well known for individuals who participate in long distance activities such as walking, rambling, orienteering and the like to require certain items such as a map, compass, radio, water bottle or drinking cup. When participating in challenge events it is efficient and time saving to have all these potentially essential items to hand quickly. Further, when not participating in challenges it is convenient to have ali these potentially essential items to hand without the need to rummage through a rucksack or the like. However, there is at present no means for ensuring that such items are readily available to a long distance walker or runner. As a result of this, such individuals when requiring liquid refreshment or a knowledge of their present location or indeed which direction to proceed, have to stop and remove and unpack their travel bag.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a means whereby potentially essential items for walkers or runners are provided in an efficient and convenient way.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a means whereby items can be attached to a body strap so that such items are conveniently to hand.

This latter object is thought to be particularly advantageous for invalids or elderly people who may experience difficulty in finding and subsequently manipulating such items.

According to the invention there is therefore provided a kit of parts for use in attaching items to the outermost part of a rucksack or travel bag comprising at least one first attachment member having at least one first connection means; and at least one second mating member including: at least one second connection means complementary to said first connection means, and an item carrying portion, whereby location of the first attachment member onto a travel bag and engagement of the first and second connection means enables a pre-selected item to be conveniently transported on the outermost part of the bag.

Typically, the first attachment means is located on a shoulder strap of a travel bag using adhesive tape or the like. Thus the attachment member can be selectively and removably positioned and ideally on a shoulder strap but in any preferred position on a rucksack or travel bag.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the item carrying portion is sized and shaped so as to accommodate a water bottle. Thus such a portion comprises at least one and ideally two spaced circular bottle support members so as to frictionally and releasably engage with a bottle.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the item carrying portion comprises a clip member and preferably a biased clip member for firmly holding a map or any other sort of sheet containing instructions.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the item carrying portion comprises a pivotal support adapted to engage with a compass so that the compass can be pivoted, by a user, into and out of view. Ideally, the support is adjustable so as to accommodate compasses of different shapes and sizes.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention the item carrying portion comprises a cradle in which delicate, damagable or expensive items such as radios and the like can be housed.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention the item carrying portion comprises a hook, clip or catch member adapted to engage the handle of a cup, beaker or the like.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein; Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a user wearing a travel bag; Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a first attachment member in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a mating member means in accordance with the invention.

Figure 4a represents a front view of an alternative mating member in accordance with the invention; Figure 4b represents a side view of the mating member shown in Figure 4a.

Figure 5 represents a side view of an alternative mating member in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 represents a perspective view of an alternative first attachment member in accordance with the invention.

Referring to the Figures and firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a user wearing a conventional rucksack. The rucksack has conventional shoulder straps which are attached to a first uppermost end of the rucksack in a spaced and aligned relationship and to a second lowermost end in simiiar relationship. Thus a wearer using the rucksack is able to carry same by positioning said strap over his or her shoulders.

Referring now to the invention and firstly to Figure 2 wherein there is shown a first attachment member. This member is elongate and substantially planar and further includes two spaced raised members 1, each of square section. Members 1 have located therethrough central apertures 2.

In use, the first attachment member is located in a preferred position on either a body strap or one of the two rucksack shoulder straps, that is either on the left or right shoulder strap, and is attached thereto using straps, adhesive tape or any other conventional means. Ideally, adhesive tape is wound about the middle portion 3 of the attachment member and the shoulder strap. Once this operation is complete the first attachment member is secured in position.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a first mating member in accordance with the invention which comprises an item carrying means.

The mating member, in use, has a rear rigid and substantially planar spine 4. Attached to the rearmost surface of spine 4 is a pair of spaced and aligned connection members 5. Members 5 are sized and shaped so as to frictionally engage with apertures 2. Attached to the foremost side of spine 4 are a pair of spaced circular support members which are sized and shaped so as to frictionally but releasably, engage with a water bottle.

Thus, in use, connection members 5 are inserted through apertures 2 in the first attachment member and then a water bottle or the like can be located within support 6. In the instance where the water bottle includes a tubular feed member 7 it will be apparent that a user can obtain fluid without even having to remove a bottle from supports 6.

Referring now to Figures 4a and 4b there is shown a further mating member for use in the invention. Figure 4a shows a front view of the mating member and Figure 4b shows a side elevation view of the mating member.

The carrying means of the mating member may either be directly attached to the foremost surface of spine 4, or alternatively, the mating member may be attached to the foremost surface of at least one of the support members 6 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The carrying means shown in Figures 4a and 4b is illustrated attached to the front most surface of supports 6. There is therefore provided a rigid and substantially elongate member 7 which is fixably attached to the front most surface of upper and lower supports 6. However, it is to be stressed that support member 7 may be dispensed with and the features to be described hereinafter may be directly attached to either one of supports 6.

An intermediary connection member 8 is secured to the front most surface of member 7. A first clip lever 9 is attached to the front most surface of member 8. Biased clip 10 is sandwiched between said first and a second clip levers 9 such that bringing theretogether the two uppermost ends of clip levers 9 results in the opening of clip 10 so that a map, handle of a cup or beaker, or indeed any other preferred item can be inserted therebetween so as to be carried by the invention.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown a further mating member for use in the invention which mating member comprises spine 4 having connection members 5 located on one side thereof and located on the opposite side thereof is a support 11.

Support 11 comprises a first mounting block 12 having pivotally attached thereto, via pivot pin 13, a pivoting member 14. The uppermost side of member 14 comprises a ridge member 15 and spaced therefrom an adjustable member 16.

A compass 17 is mounted onto a backplate 18 which backplate is sized and shaped such that a first end A fits within ridge 15 and a second end B makes contact with adjustable member 16.

Adjustable member 16 comprises a threaded bar having attached at the upper end thereof a screw member. The screw member is wound along the bar until it makes contact with the uppermost end B of backplate 18.

Once this mating member has been attached to the first attachment member shown in Figure 2, the compass can be viewed by pivoting same about the pivot axis defined by pin 13.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown an alternative first attachment member in accordance with the invention. This member is again elongate and substantially planar and includes two spaced raised members la each of square section. Members 1 a have located thereon channel members 2a including elongate essentially circular channels 3a. Channel members 2a are ideally made of a resilient material which can be suitably deformed, under pressure, to enable mating members to engage with channel 3a.

In use, this alternative attachment member is located in a preferred position on either a body strap or one of the two rucksack shoulder straps and is attached thereto using straps, adhesive tape or any other conventional means. Again, ideally, adhesive tape is wound about the middle portion 4a of the alternative attachment member.

A mating member for use in connection with the alternative member comprises members as detailed in Figures 3, 4a, 4b and 5, except in that, instead of circular projecting connection members 5 there is provided a pair of spaced cylindrical ridge members which are sized and shaped so as to frictionally engage with channel members 2a, and more specifically, to be seated within channeis 3a.

The invention therefore provides a kit including at least one attachment means and at least one other preferred mating or carrying means.

However, the kit may include a number of attachment means and carrying means so that a number of potentially essential items can be carried on the outermost side of a rucksack or travel bag. The positioning of the items on the outermost side of the rucksack or travel bag will be determined according to the location of the item in accordance with the invention.

The invention thus ensures that a walker, runner or the like can have quick, easy and efficient to any potentially essential items.

Claims (15)

1. A carrying system for use in attaching items to the outermost part of a rucksack or travel bag comprising: at least one first attachment member having at least one first connection means; and at least one second mating member including at least one second connection means complementary to said first connection means, and an item carrying portion, whereby location of the first attachment member onto a travel bag and engagement of the first and second connection means enables a pre-selected item to be conveniently transported on the outermost part of the bag.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein means are provided for attaching said system to the strap of a rucksack or travel bag.

3. A system according to claims 1 and 2 wherein said item carrying portion is sized and shaped so as to accommodate a water bottle.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein said portion comprises at least one circular bottle support member.

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5. Nn item > according to claim 4 wherein said portion comprises a plurality of aligned and spaced circular support members.

6. A system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said item carrying portion comprises a clip member.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said clip member is biased.

8. A system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said item carrying portion comprises a circular support.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein said support is adapted to accommodate a compass.

10. A system according to claims 8 or 9 wherein said support is adjustable so as to accommodate compasses of different shapes and sizes.

11. A system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said item carrying portion comprises a cradle adapted to hold a pre-determined item.

12. A system according to claims 1 or 2 wherein said item carrying portion comprises a hook member.

13. A kit of parts comprising a system according to any pre-selected combination of the foregoing claims.

14. A system as substantially hereindescribed and/or with reference to the accompanying figures.

15. A kit of parts as substantially hereindescribed and/or with reference to the accompanying figures.