Carrier

Abstract

A carrier for a rolled mat or cylindrical object, the carrier having a substantially cruciform body comprising a spine intersecting a belt, the belt being deformable into a loop which is closable by fastening means.

1 . A carrier ( 1 ) for a rolled mat ( 100 ) or cylindrical object, the carrier comprising:
 a substantially cruciform body ( 2 ) having a spine ( 3 ) oriented along a first axis (Y) and a belt ( 4 ) oriented along a second axis (X) which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the spine and the belt intersecting at a central portion ( 5 ) of the body;   the spine comprising a first end ( 3   a ) and a second end ( 3   b ), each end extending from the central portion and being provided with a mounting portion ( 6   a ,  6   b );   the belt comprising a first element ( 4   a ) and a second element ( 4   b ), each element extending from the central portion and being provided with fastening means ( 7   a ,  7   b );   the belt being deformable into a loop ( 8 ), the loop being closeable by the fastening means, to surround the rolled mat or cylindrical object.   
     
     
         2 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein at least one junction ( 9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d ) between a spine end and an adjacent belt element is curved in a concave manner. 
     
     
         3 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the or each mounting portion comprises at least one aperture through the body or at least one loop connected to or formed with the body. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening means is selected from the group consisting of an upstanding projection ( 10 ) provided on one belt element and at least one aperture or recess ( 11 ) provided in the other belt element, a buckle, a hook and loop fastener, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening means comprises a magnet ( 12 ) provided on or in one of the belt elements and a ferromagnetic portion ( 13 ) provided on or in the other belt element. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier of  claim 5 , wherein the ferromagnetic portion is flexible. 
     
     
         7 . The carrier of  claim 5 , wherein the ferromagnetic portion is provided in the form of a plurality of discrete strips ( 13   a ) parallel with the first axis. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening means comprises a buckle and the buckle comprises a male buckle part formed on or with one of the first element and the second element, and a female buckle part formed on or with the other of the first element and second element. 
     
     
         10 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the first element and/or the second element further comprises a strap or straps ( 31   a ,  31   b ) connecting the body to the buckle, preferably wherein the strap or straps are adjustable in length. 
     
     
         11 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a unitary body formed of silicone. 
     
     
         12 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the spine comprises a stiffening means ( 14 ) and is substantially non-flexible. 
     
     
         13 . The carrier of  claim 12 , wherein the stiffening means comprises a spine insert ( 15 ) provided in the body, which is optionally metal and is provided over substantially an entire length of the spine. 
     
     
         14 . The carrier of  claim 13 , wherein the spine insert is formed of or comprises metal. 
     
     
         15 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the spine comprises a stiffening means ( 14 ) that comprises a plurality of corrugations parallel with the first axis. 
     
     
         16 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the spine is at least partially concave in cross-section in a direction of the second axis. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap ( 20 ) configured for attachment at each end thereof to the mounting portions of the spine, wherein the strap is adjustable and optionally wherein the strap is padded at least partially over its length. 
     
     
         19 . The carrier of  claim 18 , wherein the strap is provided with a strap bag or pouch disposed on the length of the strap. 
     
     
         20 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising a strap ( 20 ), wherein the strap and/or a side of the spine which is in contact with a user's body in use is provided with an anti-slip means. 
     
     
         21 . The carrier of  claim 20 , wherein the anti-slip means comprises a non-slip pad or a plurality of non-slip projections of non-slip material. 
     
     
         22 . A kit comprising the carrier of  claim 1  and a mat selected from the group consisting of a yoga mat, a gym mat and a camping mat.