GB2576144A - Apparatus for mounting an object on a surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus 80 for mounting an object 10 such as a water bottle, torch or spare clothing, on a surface (92, figure 16a) such as a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard (SUP), comprising a base member 81 and securing means 91 such as an adhesive double sided pad, which secures the base to the surface. A retaining means retains the object on the apparatus, and comprises an elongate member 77 having an adjustable length, such as an elastic cord, attached to the base member. The retaining means may be detachably attached, at a number of fixing formations (75, 76, figure 14a)

Description

The invention relates to apparatus for mounting an object on a surface and especially, but not solely, on a surface of a watercraft.

With personal watercraft, such as stand up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, surf skis and surfboards, it is difficult to safely secure an object, such as a water bottle, to the watercraft. This problem can also apply to other watercraft, such as powered or sailing watercraft, such as windsurfers, jet skis, powerboats and sailing boats. The problem can also arise in situations other than watercraft where is it desired to carry or mount an object on a surface. For example, the surface could be the surface of a vehicle other than a watercraft, such as a land or air vehicle. Alternatively, it may be desired to mount an object, such as a water bottle, on a surface that is not on a vehicle. Other objects that a user may wish to mount on a watercraft include food, spare clothing for changing conditions, a torch, emergency flares and electronic devices, such as a VHF radio, for safety and communications. However, the object may be any other item that a user may wish to secure to or retain on the watercraft.

Most watercraft such as surfboards, kayaks, canoes, surf skis and paddle boards, do not generally have any means of securing an object to them. Some kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) have an elastic cargo net to hold objects. This is typically permanently attached to the watercraft, for example, with adhesive or bolts. However, these cargo nets are typically only suitable for holding large items and are not suitable in anything other than calm conditions. They are usually not able to hold smaller items securely, as smaller items tend to fall out of the netting through the holes in the mesh.

In addition, race watercraft (eg race SUPs, prone paddleboards and kayaks) generally have no storage facility to carry items. Cargo nets are not suitable due to weight and drag factors. Therefore, on long training practices carrying hydration, food and safety equipment is a problem.

Other attempts to overcome the problem of carrying water bottles on such watercraft have included permanently attaching water bottle holders (similar to bicycle water bottle holders) to the surface of the watercraft using screws.

This has the disadvantage that the carriers can only carry water bottles and so are not adaptable to be used to carry objects other than water bottles. There is also the disadvantage that attachment means results in permanent damage or other non-reversible alteration to the watercraft.

Furthermore, bicycle bottle holders, which are typically rigid, are not suitable for inflatable craft that need to be folded away for storage and are difficult to mount on an inflatable watercraft without puncturing the inflatable material.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for mounting an object on a surface, the apparatus comprising a base member; securing means adapted to secure the base member to the surface, in use; and retaining means adapted to retain the object on the apparatus, in use, the retaining means comprising an elongate member having an adjustable length attached to the base member.

In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a method of mounting an object on a surface, the method comprising:

providing apparatus comprising:

a base member;

securing means adapted to secure the base member to the surface, in use; and retaining means adapted to retain the object to the base member, the retaining means comprising an elongate member having an adjustable length;

attaching the apparatus to the surface using the securing means; locating the object between the base member and the elongate member; and adjusting the length of the elongate member to decrease its length to retain the object on the apparatus, and to thereby mount the object on the surface.

The invention has the advantage that providing apparatus having a base member with a retaining means with an elongate member having an adjustable length, it is possible to provide apparatus that can accommodate different size and different types of objects on a surface.

The length of the elongate member is adjustable to enable the object to be located on the apparatus between the base member and the retaining member and to retain the object on the apparatus, in use.

The method may further comprise adjusting the length of the elongate member to increase its length before locating the object between the base member and the retaining means. This increase in the length permits the object to located between the base member and retaining means.

Typically, the elongate member retains the object on the apparatus by exerting a force on the object towards the base member when the elongate member has its length decreased. The decrease in length of the elongate member acts to tighten the retaining means against the object to press the object towards the base member.

The elongate member may further comprise an adjustable member to adjust the effective length of the elongate member.

Preferably, the elongate member comprises an elastically deformable member and the length of the elongate member may be adjusted by an elastic deformation of the elastically deformable member.

Typically, the elastically deformable member is elastically deformable along a longitudinal axis of the elastically deformable member.

The elastically deformable elongate member may comprise at least one of an elastic cord and an elastic strap.

Preferably, the retaining means is adapted to retain an object on a first side of the base member and the securing means is adapted to secure a second side of the base member to the surface. Typically, the second side is opposite the first side.

Preferably, the base member comprises a contact portion that contacts the surface when the base member is secured to the surface, in use, such that when the contact portion contacts the surface, in use, another portion of the base member is spaced from the surface.

Typically, the other portion comprises at least one of: a part of a peripheral edge of the base member and a part of the second surface on which a part of the retaining means is located.

Preferably, the retaining means is releasably secured to the base member.

Typically, the base member comprises at least one fixing formation to attach the retaining means to the base member. Preferably, the base member comprises at least two fixing formations. More preferably, the base member comprises four fixing formations.

Preferably, the at least one fixing formation may comprise an aperture in the base member through which the retaining means passes. The fixing formation may further comprise a slot extending between the aperture and an edge of the base member. This permits the retaining means to be removably inserted into the aperture through the slot.

The retaining means may be adapted to be removed from the base member while the base member is attached to the surface, in use.

Typically, when the base member comprises the contact portion, the retaining means may be attached to or removed from the base member while the base member is secured to a surface.

The method may further comprising removing the retaining means from the base member while the base member is attached to the surface.

The method may further comprise attaching the retaining means to the base member while the base member is attached to the surface.

In one example, the apparatus may further comprising another elongate member having an adjustable length.

Preferably, the securing means comprises an adhesive member attached on one side to a portion of an underside of the base member, the adhesive member having adhesive on another side of the adhesive member opposite the portion. The method may further comprise adhering the securing means to the surface using the adhesive on the second side of the adhesive member to attach the apparatus to the surface.

Alternatively, or in addition, the securing means may comprise one or more of: screws, bolts, an adhesive substance and a strap

Preferably, if the elongate member comprises an elastically deformable member, adjusting the length of the elongate member to increase its length comprises stretching the elastically deformable member.

Preferably, if the elongate member comprises an elastically deformable member, adjusting the length of the elongate member to decrease its length comprises allowing the elastically deformable member to recover from a stretched position.

The surface of the base member contacted by the object in use may comprise a coating and/or a texture to increase the friction of the surface. This may assist with retaining an object on the apparatus. For example, the coating may comprise a rubberised or elastomeric similar coating. The texture may comprise one or more of ribs and dimples.

The retaining means may comprise a coating and/or a texture to increase the friction of the retaining means. This may assist with retaining an object on the apparatus.

Examples of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1a to 1d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a first example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 2a to 2d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a second example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 3a to 3d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a third example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 4a to 4d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a fourth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 5a to 5d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a fifth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 5e to 5h show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a sixth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 6a to 6d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of a seventh example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 7a to 7d show a top view, a bottom view, a side view and an end view, respectively, of an eighth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 8a and 8b show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of a ninth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface, in a first configuration;

Figs. 9a and 9b show a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the ninth example in a second configuration;

Figs. 10a and 10b show a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the ninth example in a third configuration;

Figs. 11a and 11b show a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the ninth example in the third configuration shown being used to hold a water bottle;

Figs. 12a and 12b show a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the ninth example in a fourth configuration;

Figs. 13a and 13b show a top view and bottom view, respectively, of the ninth example in the fourth configuration being used to hold a water bottle;

Figs 14a and 14b show a top view and bottom view of a tenth example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 15a and 15b show a top view and bottom view, respectively, of an eleventh example of apparatus for mounting an object on a surface;

Figs. 16a and 16 b show a plan view and a side view respectively of the tenth example of the apparatus attached to a stand up paddle board; and Fig. 16c is an enlarged view of section A in Fig. 16 b.

Figs. 1a to 1d show apparatus 1 for mounting an object on a surface. The apparatus 1 which comprises a base plate 2 and two elasticated straps 3. Each of the elasticated straps 3 is attached to the base plate 2 at opposite ends 4, 5 by adhesive 6 to a top side 7 of the base plate 2. The elasticated straps 3 are elastically deformable (or stretchable) in a direction between the ends 4, 5. As shown in Figs. 1 a to 1 d, a water bottle 10 is shown being held or retained in the apparatus 1 between the straps 3 and the top side 7 of the base plate 2.

The length of the straps 3 is chosen such that when the bottle 10 is not located between the straps 3 and the base plate 2, the straps 3 lie flat against the top side 7 of the base plate 2 and are only slightly elastically deformed so that the slight elastic deformation of the straps 3 maintains straps 3 in position against the top side 7 of the base plate without any object located between the straps 3 and the top side 7 of the base plate 2. However, the straps 3 can be further elastically deformed (or stretched) to insert the water bottle 10 between the top side 7 and the straps 3. When the bottle 10 is located between the straps 3 and the top side 7 of the base plate 2, the straps 3 retain the bottle 10 in position on the base plate 2 by means of the restoring force of the elastically deformed straps 3 which exert a downward force on the bottle 10 towards the top side 7 of the base plate 2 to retain the bottle 10 in position between the straps 3 and the base plate 2. In other words, the restoring force of the deformed elasticated straps 3 acts to cause the bottle 10 to be gripped between the straps 3 and the top side 7 with sufficient force so as to retain the bottle 10 between the straps 3 and the base plate 2.

Furthermore, it is possible that the top side 7 of the base plate 2 may comprise a high friction surface, such as a rubber or an elastic coating material, to increase the friction between the bottle 10 and the top side 7. Similarly, the elastic straps 3 may also be coated with a friction material or have an external surface manufactured from a material which comprises a friction material. Optionally or in addition, the top side 7 and/or the surface of the straps 3 may be roughened to increase the friction of these surfaces.

In addition or as an alternative to holding the water bottle 10, the apparatus 1 may be used to hold other objects as desired by a user. For example, where the apparatus is attached to the surface of a watercraft, this could include one or more of food, a radio, a torch and emergency flares.

The apparatus 1 may typically have a double-sided adhesive pad attached to underside 8 of the base plate 2. This permits the holder 1 to be attached to a surface, such as a surface of a watercraft, for example, a surfboard, SUP, kayak, surf ski or canoe. Alternatively, adhesive may be applied directly to the underside 8 of the base plate 2 to attach the holder 1 to a surface. Preferably, the adhesive pad or the adhesive is removable which permits the apparatus 1 to be removed from the surface to which it has been attached, when desired by a user. In an alternative example, the plate 2 may be attached to the surface using any suitable means, such as by means of screws, bolts or a strap.

the term “double-sided adhesive pad” is used to denote a pad having adhesive on both sides to enable the adhesive pad to be used to attach or stick one object to another object with the adhesive pad forming an interface between the two objects. Preferably, the shear strength of the adhesive on at least one side of the pad is greater than a surface to which the pad is to be attached. This facilitates removal of the adhesive pad from the surface while minimising residual adhesive remaining on the surface after removal of the adhesive pad.

Figs. 2a to 2d show a second example of apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 is similar to the apparatus 1 except that the apparatus 20 uses two elasticated cords 22 in place of the elasticated straps 3. Each of the elasticated cords 22 are attached at opposite ends 23, 24 to a top side 26 of a base plate 21 using adhesive 23. The base plate 21 has an underside 27 that can be attached, preferably removably, to a surface, in a similar manner to the apparatus 1. For example, this may be by using a double-sided adhesive pad (not shown) attached to the underside 27 or adhesive applied directly onto the underside 27. The surface to which the apparatus 1 is attached may be, for example, a surface of a watercraft.

In use, the bottle 10 can be secured to the apparatus 20 by stretching the elasticated cords 22 to permit the bottle 10 the be inserted between the cords 22 and the plate 21 so that the bottle 10 is located between the elasticated cords 22 and the top side 26 and secured in position by means of the elastic restoring force of the elasticated cords 22 exerting a force on the bottle 10 towards the top side 26 such that friction between the elasticated cords 22 and the bottle 10 and between the bottle 10 and the top side 26 retains the bottle 10 on the plate 21 between the cords 22.

Figs. 3a to 3d show a third example of apparatus 30 for mounting an object on a surface. In this example, the apparatus 30 is similar to the apparatus 20 of the second example and identical parts have the same reference numerals as in the apparatus 20.

The main differences between the apparatus 30 and the apparatus 20 is that in the apparatus 30 two elasticated cords 31 are provided which extend between diagonally opposite corners of the top side 26 of the plate 21 as shown in Fig. 3a. This arrangement can be advantageous in enabling the elasticated cords 31 to be tighter than the elasticated cords 22 and/or enabling the apparatus 30 to better retain an object that is smaller than the bottle 10 and that is shorter in length than the distance between the cords 22 of the apparatus 20.

Figs. 4a to 4d show a fourth example of apparatus 35 for mounting an object on a surface. The apparatus 35 can be used in the same manner as the apparatus 1, 20, 30 of the first three examples. However, the construction of the apparatus 35 is slightly different from the apparatus of the first three examples.

The apparatus 35 comprises a base plate 36 with a top side 37 and an underside 38. The apparatus 35 also has an elasticated strap 39 that is formed in a continuous loop. The base plate 36 includes two apertures 40 on opposite sides of the base plate 36. A slot 41 extends between each aperture 40 and outer edge 43 of the base plate 36. Hence, the strap 39 can be removed from the base plate 36 by means of the slots 41. This can be useful, for example, for replacing the strap 39 in the event that the strap 39 requires replacement because of damage or if a user wishes to replace the strap 39 with a smaller or larger strap to accommodate a smaller or larger object.

The underside 38 of the plate 36 has two raised portions 42 that are spaced apart from each other so that the strap 39 extends across the surface 38 between the two raised portions 42. Adhesive pads or adhesive may be applied to the raised portions 42 to permit the apparatus 35 to be attached to a surface, such as a surface on a watercraft.

An advantage of the raised portions 42 is that the part of the strap 39 that passes across the underside 38 is spaced from the surface on which the apparatus 35 is mounted, so that the part of the strap 39 on the underside 38 can be elastically deformed to maximise the stretching of the strap 39 as it is not trapped between the underside 38 and the surface on which the apparatus is mounted. It also permits a more secure attachment as the apparatus 35 is not lifted off the surface on which it is to be mounted by the strap 39.

Figs. 5a to 5d show a fifth example of apparatus 45 for mounting an object, such as a water bottle 10, to a surface. The apparatus 45 is similar to the fourth example of the apparatus 35, except that the apparatus 45 includes two straps 39 and two pairs of apertures 40 and slots 41 instead of one strap 39 and one pair of apertures 40 and slots 41. In addition, base plate 46 of the apparatus 45 has three raised portions 49 on underside 48 instead of the two raised portions 42 on surface 38 of the apparatus 35.

The apparatus 45 is used in a similar manor to the apparatus 35 and the adhesive pads or adhesive are applied to the raised portions 49 and then the raised portions 49 located on a surface to which the apparatus 45 is to be mounted, for example, a surface of a watercraft. As explained above, an advantage of the raised portions 49 is that it enables the portion of the straps 39 that pass across the underside 48 to be spaced from the mounting surface.

In addition, the use of two straps 39 instead of a single strap 39, as in the apparatus 35, has the advantage of providing a more secure retention of an object between the straps 39. Alternatively, each strap could be used to secure a different object, or a combination of multiple objects could be located, between top side 47 and one or both of the straps 39.

Figs. 5e to 5h show a sixth example of apparatus 58 for mounting an object, such as the water bottle 10, on a surface. The apparatus 58 is similar to the apparatus 45 and the same reference numerals have been used to indicate the same parts. The only difference between the apparatus 58 and the apparatus 45 is that the apparatus 58 has only one raised portion 49 on underside 59. This single raised portion 49 is located centrally on the underside 59 between the two straps 39, as shown in Fig. 5f. Having only a single raised portion 49 has the advantage that it enables the straps 39 to be removed from the base plate 46 while the apparatus is attached to a surface by, for example, a doublesided adhesive pad located on the raised portion 49.

This has the advantage of enabling one or both of the straps 39 to be replaced or reconfigured without removing the base plate 71 from the surface to which it is attached.

Figs. 6a to 6d show a seventh example of apparatus 50 for mounting an object, such as the water bottle 10, on a surface. The apparatus 50 comprises a base plate 51 having a top side 52 and an opposite underside 53. The base plate 51 has two pairs of apertures 40 and two pairs of slots 41. Each slot 41 extends between an aperture 40 and an outside edge 54 of the plate 51. The underside 53 of the plate 51 includes a raised portion 55 that extends the length of the plate 51 between opposite pairs of apertures 40, as shown in Fig. 6b.

A continuous elasticated cord 56 passes through the apertures 40 between diagonally opposite apertures 40 across the top side 52 and between adjacent apertures 40 on the underside 53.

In use, elastically deforming (or stretching) the cord 56 away from the surface 52 enables an object, such as the water bottle 10, to be located between the elasticated cord 56 and the top side 52, as shown as Fig. 6a to 6d.

The apparatus 50 may be mounted on a surface by means of a double-sided adhesive pad positioned on the raised portion 55 or by means of adhesive applied directly to the surface of the raised portion 55. When the apparatus 50 is fixed to a surface, the raised portion 55 keeps the sections of the elasticated cord 56 that pass across the underside 53 spaced from the surface on which the apparatus is mounted. This enables the elasticated cord 56 to be removed from the plate 51 through the slots 41 without requiring the plate 51 to be removed from the surface on which it is mounted. This enables the cord 56 to be replaced with another cord, for example, if cord 56 is damaged or for it to be replaced with a shorter or longer cord 56 to enable the apparatus 50 to secure a smaller or larger object.

In addition, by enabling the cord 56 to be removed from the plate 51 without requiring the apparatus to be removed from the surface on which it is mounted also enables the cord 56 to be reconfigured by passing the cord 56 through the apertures 40 in different configurations (or patterns) so that the cord 56 passes across the top side 52 and the underside 53 in different configurations. For example, it may be threaded through the apertures 40 such that the cord does not extend to diagonal apertures but extends instead directly to the responding aperture on the opposite side of the plate 51. This reconfiguring of the cord 56 can be to retain different types of objects on the apparatus 50 and/or can be to make the cord 56 tighter or looser across the top side 52.

Figs. 7a to 7d show an eighth example of apparatus 60 which is similar to the apparatus 50. The main difference between the apparatus 60 and the apparatus 50 is that the apparatus 60 has a base plate 61 with two pairs of apertures 62. The apertures 62 are similar to the apertures 40 except that the apertures 62 do not have the slots 41 extending between edge 63 of the base plate 61 and the apertures 62. In addition, the apparatus 60 has two separate elasticated cords 64 which are looped through the apertures 62 as shown in Figs. 7a to 7d. Each elasticated cord 64 may be a continuous loop, such that the elasticated cords 64 are doubled across top side 66 between the apertures 62. Alternatively, the elasticated cord 64 may have a loop at each end which passes through the respective apertures 62 and around edge 63 of the base plates 61. As an alternative arrangement to that shown in Figs. 7a to 7d, instead of two elasticated cords 64 being provided, there could be a single elasticated cord similar to the elasticated cord 56 of the apparatus 50 and the elasticated cord could be threaded through the apertures 62 in similar configuration to the elasticated cord 56 in the apparatus 50.

The apparatus 60 also includes a raised portion 65 on the base plate 61 which performs the same function as the raised section 55 on the base plate 51 of the apparatus 50.

Figs. 8a and 8b show a ninth example of apparatus 70 for mounting an object on a surface. The apparatus 70 comprises a base plate 71 having a top side 72 and an underside 73. Located on the underside 73 is a raised portion 74 that performs a similar function to the raised portions 42, 49, 55, 65 of the apparatus 35, 45, 50, 60. The base plate 71 also has two pairs of apertures 75 with a slot 76 connecting each aperture 75 to an adjacent edge 78 of the base plate 71. Threaded through the apertures 75 is an elasticated cord 77 which is inserted into the apertures 75 by passing the cord 77 through the slots 76.

As in the fourth to eighth examples described above and shown in Figs. 4a to 7d, the apparatus 70 can be attached to a mounting surface by a double sided adhesive pad attached to the raised portion 74 or by adhesive applied directly on to the raised portion 74. In this manner, the apparatus 70 can be attached or secured to a surface of, for example, a watercraft. The elasticated cord 77 can be used to retain an object on the apparatus 70 by pulling the elasticated cord 77 away from base plate 71 to elastically stretch the cord 77 to permit an object to be inserted between the top side 72 of the base plate 71 and the elasticated cord 77. When the elasticated cord 77 is released, the restoring force of the elasticated cord 77 generates a downward force on the object to be retained and forces the object against the top side 72 to retain the object between the tope side 72 and the cord 77 on the apparatus 70.

In a similar manner to the raised portions 49, 55 of the apparatus 58, 50, the raised portion 74 is designed to enable the cord 77 to be removed from the base plate 71 while the base plate 71 is mounted on a surface. This enables the cord 77 to be replaced or reconfigured without removing the base plate 71 from the surface to which it is attached.

Figs. 8a and 8b show a first configuration of the elasticated cord 77, in which on the top side 72 the elasticated cord extends between diagonally opposite apertures 75 such that the elasticated cord 77 crosses over itself on the top surface 72. On the underside 73, the elasticated cord 77 extends between pairs of opposite holes 75 on the underside 73 of the base plate 71 and extends substantially parallel to the raised portion 74 and on opposite sides of the raised portion 74, shown in Fig. 8b.

Figs. 9a and 9b show a second configuration of the elasticated cord 77 on the apparatus 70. In the second configuration, the elasticated cord 77 appears visually the same on the top side 72 as in the first configuration. However, on the underside 73 the elasticated cord 77 extends between the apertures 75 adjacent each other and adjacent the same edge 78 of the base plate 71, as shown in Fig. 9b.

In the second configuration, the elasticated cord 77 is stretched less as the distance between the adjacent apertures 75 at the same edge 78 is less than the distance between the opposite apertures 75 on opposite edges 78, as in the first configuration. This second configuration may be suitable for retaining larger objects in place on the apparatus 70 where the object cannot be accommodated by the first configuration because there is insufficient stretch in the elasticated cords 77 in the first configuration to be able to insert the object between the elasticated cord 77 and the top side 72. The second configuration may also be used where it is desired to hold an object less tightly than in the first configuration.

Figs. 10a and 10b show a third configuration of the elasticated cord 77 on the apparatus 70. In this third configuration, on the top side 72, the elasticated cord 77 extends between opposite apertures 75, each aperture 75 adjacent an opposite edge of the base plate 71. Hence, the elasticated cords 77 on the top side 72 of the base plate 71 are parallel to each other, as shown in Fig. 10a. On the underside 73 of the base plate 71, the elasticated cord 77 extends between adjacent apertures 75, each aperture 75 adjacent the same edge 78 of the base plate 71, as shown in Fig. 10b.

This third configuration enables an object, such as a water bottle 10, to be retained by the elasticated cord 77 on the top side 72, as shown in Figs. 11a and 11b.

Figs. 12a and 12b show a fourth configuration of the elasticated cords 77 on the apparatus 70. This fourth configuration is effectively the reverse of the third configuration. Accordingly, the elasticated cord 77 on the top side 72 extends between adjacent apertures 75 adjacent the same edge 78 of the base plate 71. On the underside 73, the elasticated cord 77 extends between opposite apertures 75, each aperture 75 being adjacent an opposite edge 78 of the base plate 71. Hence, the elasticated cords 77 on the underside 73 are substantially parallel to each other and to the longer sides of the rectangle defined by the raised section 74, as shown in Fig. 12b.

The fourth configuration shown in Figs. 12a and 12b can be used to store an object, such as the water bottle 10, as shown in Figs. 13a and 13b. This fourth configuration for long objects which are relatively narrow relative to their length, such as the water bottle 10, has the advantage that the points where the elasticated cord 77 passes over the object is further apart thereby enhancing the mounting and retaining of the object on the apparatus 70.

Figs. 14a and 14b show a tenth example of apparatus 80 for mounting an object on a surface. The apparatus 80 is similar to the apparatus 70, except that base plate 81 of the apparatus 80 has scalloped sides 82 and has a top side 83 and an underside 84. The other parts of the apparatus 80 are similar to the apparatus 70 and the same reference numerals have been used to indicate the same parts. In particular, as with the apparatus 70, the apparatus 80 has a raised portion 74 on the underside 84 and has two pairs of apertures 75, each aperture 75 having a slot 76.

Apart from the scalloped side 82, the apparatus 80 operates in an identical manner to the apparatus 70. In particular, the apparatus 80 can have the cord 77 configured in the same alternative ways as the apparatus 70.

In the seventh, ninth and tenth examples of the apparatus 50, 70 and 80 it is possible to remove the elasticated cord 56, 77 from the respective base plates 51, 71, 81 without removing the base plate from the surface from which it is mounted. This is due to the raised sections 55, 74 which enable the apertures 40, 75 and the slots 41, 76 to be spaced from the surface on which the apparatus 50, 70, 80 is mounted thereby enabling the elasticated cord to be removed from the base plates 51, 71, 81. This enables the elasticated cords 56, 77 to be configured by a user, as desired and to suit, for example, different objects or different additions, such as sea state and/or wind. It also enables replacement of the elasticated cord 56, 77, for example, in the event of damage or breakage.

Figs. 15a and 15b show an eleventh example of apparatus 90 for mounting an object to a surface. The apparatus 90 comprises a base plate 91 having four slots 92. The apparatus 90 also includes two elasticated straps 93 with an elasticated strap 93 threaded through each pair of opposite slots 92, as shown in Figs. 15a and 15b. Each strap 93 has a buckle 94 to permit each strap 93 to be adjusted by sliding the buckle 94 along the strap 93 to shorten or lengthen the strap 93.

As shown in Fig. 15b, underside 96 of the base plate 91 has three raised sections 97. Adjacent raised sections 97 are separated by a strap 93. The raised sections 97 may have a double-sided adhesive pad attached to the surface of the raised section 97 to permit the apparatus 90 to be attached or secured to a surface, such as a surface of a watercraft.

In the apparatus 90, the advantage of the raised sections 97 is that when the apparatus 90 is attached to the mounting surface, the raised sections 97 prevent the straps 93 being entrapped between the underside 96 and the mounting surface. This permits the straps 93 to move across the underside 96 to facilitate adjustment of the straps 93 using the buckles 94. It also permits the straps 93 to be elastically deformed or stretched on the underside 96 as well as on the top side 95.

As show in Figs. 15a and 15b, an object such as a water bottle 10 can be mounted on the apparatus 90 by stretching the elasticated straps 93 away from top side 95 of the base plate 91 to permit the bottle 10 to be inserted between the straps 93 and the top side 95 of the apparatus 90 to secure the bottle to the apparatus 90. The straps 93 can be adjusted to put different sized objects and to secure an object either more tightly or more loosely depending on for example, weather conditions, sea condition or the object to which the apparatus 90 is mounted.

In the apparatus 90 described above, the straps 93 are elasticated to permit them to be elastically deformed (or stretched) and have the adjustable buckles 94 which can be used to tighten or loosen the straps. However, as an alternative to the elasticated straps 93, the apparatus 90 could be provided with nonelasticated straps. In this example, the water bottle 10 can be inserted between the base plate 91 and the non-elasticated straps by first adjusting the buckles 94 to loosen the straps. The water bottle 10 is then inserted between the straps and the base plate 91 and the straps then tightened around the water bottle 10 by adjusting the buckles 94 to shorten the straps and tighten them around the water bottle 10. Hence, the water bottle 10 is retained on the apparatus 90 by the tightness of the straps around the water bottle 10.

In all of the second to eleventh examples described above, the upper surfaces 26, 37, 47, 52, 66, 72, 95 of the base plates 21, 36, 46, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 and the cords 22, 31, 56, 64, 77 or straps 39, 93 can have their friction gripping properties enhanced in a similar manner to that described above for the surface 7 of the base plate 2 and the straps 3 of the first example.

Figs. 16a to 16c illustrate how the apparatus 80 can be mounted on a stand up paddle board 90. A double-side adhesive pad 91 is first attached to the raised portion 74 on the underside 84 of the base plate 81. The apparatus 80 with the adhesive pad 91 attached is then pressed down on to top surface 92 of the board 90 so that the adhesive causes the base plate 81 to attached to the surface 92 by means of the adhesive pad 9.

Hence, the apparatus 80 by being attached to the surface 91 of the board 90, enables an object, such as the water bottle 10, to be mounted on the surface 91 of the board 90.

The other examples of the apparatus 1, 20, 30, 35, 45, 50, 58, 60, 70, 90 can all be mounted to a surface, such as the surface 92 of the board 90 in a similar manner to that described above for the apparatus 80. In examples of the apparatus where there are multiple raised portions on the underside, an adhesive pad can be attached to each of the raised portions, only some of the raised portions or only one of the raised portions.

Advantages of the invention include being able to mount an object on a surface, such as a surface of a watercraft in addition, if movable adhesive or removable adhesive pads are used to attach the apparatus to the surface, the apparatus can be removed from the surface if it is not required or for replacement or repairs.

In addition, use of raised portions on the underside of the apparatus helps to prevent entrapment of the restraining device, for example the elasticated strap or elasticated cord, between the apparatus and the surface on which the apparatus is mounted. In certain examples a further advantage is that it enables the restraining device to be reconfigured as desired, for example, to suit different objects and/or different conditions.

Claims (25)

1. Apparatus for mounting an object on a surface, the apparatus comprising a base member; securing means adapted to secure the base member to the surface, in use; and retaining means adapted to retain the object on the apparatus, in use, the retaining means comprising an elongate member having an adjustable length attached to the base member.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the length of the elongate member is adjustable to enable the object to be located on the apparatus between the base member and the retaining member and to retain the object on the apparatus, in use.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elongate member retains the object on the apparatus by exerting a force on the object towards the base member when the elongate member has its length decreased to tighten the elongate member.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member further comprises an adjustable member to adjust the effective length of the elongate member.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate member comprises an elastically deformable member and the length of the elongate member can be adjusted by an elastic deformation of the elastically deformable member.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the elastically deformable elongate member is elastically stretchable along its longitudinal axis.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the elastically deformable elongate member comprises at least one of an elastic cord and an elastic strap.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member comprises a contact portion that contacts the surface when the base member is secured to the surface, in use, such that when the contact portion contacts the surface, in use, another portion of the base member is spaced from the surface.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the other portion comprises at least part of a peripheral edge of the base member.

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means is releasably secured to the base member.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member comprises at least one fixing formation to attach the retaining means to the base member.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one fixing formation comprises an aperture in the base member through which the retaining means passes.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fixing formation further comprises a slot extending between the aperture and an edge of the base member to permit the retaining means to be removably inserted into the aperture through the slot.

14. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be removed from the base member while the base member is attached to the surface, in use.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the base member comprises at least two fixing formations.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the base member comprises four fixing formations.

17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising another elongate member having an adjustable length.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing means comprises an adhesive member attached on one side to a portion of an underside of the base member, the adhesive member having adhesive on another side of the adhesive member opposite the portion.

19 A method of mounting an object on a surface, the method comprising: providing apparatus comprising:

a base member;

securing means adapted to secure the base member to the surface, in use; and retaining means adapted to retain the object to the base member, the retaining means comprising an elongate member having an adjustable length;

attaching the apparatus to the surface using the securing means; locating the object between the base member and the elongate member; and adjusting the length of the elongate member to decrease its length to retain the object on the apparatus, and to thereby mount the object on the surface.

20. A method according to claim 19, further comprising adjusting the length of the elongate member to increase its length before locating the object between the base member and the retaining means.

21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the securing means comprises an adhesive member, a first side of the adhesive member attached to a portion of an underside of the base member and the adhesive member having adhesive on a second side opposite the first side, the method further comprising adhering the securing means to the surface using the adhesive on the second side of the adhesive member to attach the apparatus to the surface.

22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, further comprising removing the retaining menas from the base member while the base member is attached to the surface.

23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, further comprising attaching the retaining means to the base member while the base member is attached to the surface.

24. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the elongate member comprises an elastically deformable member and adjusting the length of the elongate member to increase its length comprises stretching the elastically deformable member.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein adjusting the length of the elongate member to decrease its length comprises allowing the elastically deformable member to recover from a stretched position.