GB2502892A

GB2502892A - Belt with removable pods

Info

Publication number: GB2502892A
Application number: GB201309478A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Amy Corbett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-03
Filing date: 2013-05-28
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Also published as: GB201309478D0; GB201209902D0

Abstract

A transportable system comprises of a belt 1 to which attach a series of detachable pods 2 with varying function. The belt may be configured as a clothing accessory, such as an accessory to attach around the waist of a child or infant, or configured to be worn as a bandolier. The pods may be configured to store items needed for travel. The system can be used by a child or guardian as a means of providing entertainment during travel.

Description

Travel System

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of travelling, in particular, travelling with infants and/or children.

Background

Travelling with children is challenging for many. Whether it be, for example, a long-haul flight or simply a short trip to the shops.

Existing travel items aimed at easing the problems faced often lack versatility and can be bulky, making them difficult to transport and unsuitable for use in the cramped conditions often posed by travel, such as that of a car or aeroplane cabin.

This background serves only as a means of selling the scene in order to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the description to follow. None of the above discussion, therefore, should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the preceding discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the

background issues.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a travel system comprising a belt, and one or more pods, each of the pods being removably attachable to the belt.

The belt may be configured as a clothing accessory. The belt may be configured to attach around a child, infant or the like. For example, the belt may be configured to attach around the waist of a child or infant. The belt may be configured to attach around a child or infant as a bandolier. The belt may be configured to secure to a seat (e.g. car seat, plane seat, etc.). The belt may be configured to secure to a tray, such as a folding tray provided on transport vehicles (e.g. buses, planes, or the like). The belt may be configured, in a first arrangement to attach around a child, and in a second arrangement to attach around a seat, tray, or the like.

The, or each, pod may be removably attachable by attachment means. The attachment means may comprise complementary male and female portions. The attachment means may be configured with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise lugs and protrusions provided with the male and female portions. The attachment means may be configured such that, once engaged, relative rotational movement of the pod with respect to the belt causes locking of the pod to the belt.

Similarly, removal may be actuated by relative rotation of the pod with respect to the belt.

In other embodiments, the at least one attachment means may comprise overlapping members. The overlapping members may be hook and loop fasteners.

In other embodiments there may be a plurality of attachment means. In some embodiments there may be a first attachment means and a second attachment means.

In these embodiments, the first attachment means may be adapted to releasably secure the at least one pod to the belt. The first attachment means may be adapted to releasably secure the at least one part of the belt such that the/each pod are in direct contact with the belt. Further, in some of these embodiments, the second attachment means may be adapted to prevent the at least one pod from fully separating from the belt.

The locking mechanism may comprise interlocking components. The locking mechanism may be a clasp.

The pods may be interchangeable. At least one pod may be configured as a storage pod (e.g. to permit storage of a portable electronic device, toys, or the like). At least one pod may comprise a handle. The handle may be configured to assist with transport of the pod when not located with the belt. The handle may be configured to assist with transport of the pod(s) and belt. At least one pod may comprise a storage compartment, for retaining pens or the like. The compartment may be configured in a complementary manner for a pen, or the like. In those examples, some or all of an outer surface of a pod may be configured to be written on.

The system may comprise a plurality of pod, some or all of the pods providing a different function.

According to a second aspect there is provided one or more pods, for use with a travel system according to the first aspect.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in travel, particular with infants or children.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of Figures

A description is now given, by means of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 shows an example arrangement of a travel system; Figure 2 shows an example of the modular design of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an example of a attachment between pods and belt of an exemplary travel system; and Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 shows exemplary pods for use with a travel system.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1 shows an exemplary arrangement of a travel system. The system comprises a series of pods 2, which attached to a belt 1. This could be, for example, an arrangement of three pods on a single strap as is shown in Figure 1. However, in further examples more or less pods 2 may be provided. In some example, the system is configured to be worn by a user. In other examples, the system is configured to attach to other apparatus (e.g. to attach around a car seat, travel seat, or the like).

Figure 2 shows an example in which the system is configured as a modular design, with each pod 2 securing to the belt 1 via a chosen attachment means 3, 4.

The system could, for example, utilise a locking means for retaining and allowing for release of the or each pod 2 from the belt 1. A turn attachment method, as shown in figure 3, may be used. This may comprise of two parts, a female attachment 3 and a male attachment 4. The female attachment may be fixed to the strap or belt 1, and the male attachment may be fixed to the pod 2. Complementary lugs and recesses at a perimeter region of the attachment means 3, 4 can be aligned in order to permit engagement of each means.

Upon insertion of the male attachment 4 into the female attachment 3, a twisting action may be performed by the user, perhaps in a clockwise direction, to form an attachment between the two parts.

Figure 3 shows side and plan view of the pods 2 and the belt 1.

Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate some potential functions of the pods 2. As explained, each may be removably attachable to the belt 1 via a chosen method, for example, the quarter turn attachment as defined in figure 3.

Figure 4 depicts a potential form of the basic pod 5, which, in some examples, is configured to be resiliently deformable and so provide a pleasing haptic response to an infant or child The pod 6 shown in Figure 5 may comprise of a soft, stuffed shape for use to aid sleeping. In some examples, the pods may feature a pocket 7 to permit storage or items (e.g. travel items). In the example shown in Figure 5, the pocket 7 may be configured to store infant and child sleeping accessories, such as diapers, or the like.

The pod 8 shown in Figure 6 may be specifically configured to storing/and or carrying items such as portable electronic devices, for example, games consoles, games or other equipment. This could, for example, be made from a padded material such as neoprene in order to provide a protective shell 9 for the items enclosed. In some examples, the pod 8 may also feature one or more additional compartments 10, 11, which may permit storing of associated items, such as power cables, headphones, etc. The pod 12 shown in Figure 7 may serve the function of providing storage for items, for example toys. There may be an opening 13 to allow the insertion of items into the compartment. The pod 12 shown in Figure 7 could, for example, feature a carry handle 1410 allow for use as an individual item. Of course, any of the further described pods 2 may additionally comprise a carry handle.

The pod 15 shown in Figure 8 is configured to serve the function of storing/carrying items of food or drink. This could, for example, feature an insulated shell 16. It may also feature a carry handle 17 to allow for individual use and a lid 18 to allow access.

Figure 9 shows a further exemplary on pod 19. Here, the pod 19 is configured to allow for a user to draw on some or all of a surface region of the pod 19. The pod may be configured to be washable, wipeable, or the like, to permit removal of drawings. As such, any drawings could then, for example, be washed off and the item could be used again. The pod may be made from a material so as to achieve a washable shell 20. In the example shown, there are also specific apertures or recesses, defined by the pod 19, for the storage of suitable drawing implements. These may be considered storage compartment 21.

By way of an example only, features in the figures can be broadly identified as the by the reference numbers/items below.

1-Belt 2-Pod 3-Female attachment 4-Male attachment 5-Basic Pod 6-Sleep pod 7-Pocket 8-Gaming pod 9-Protective shell 10-Compartment 1 11-Compartment 2 12-Toy pod 13-Opening 14-Carry handle 15-Snack pod 16-Insulated shell 17-Carry handle 18-Lid 19-Draw-on pod 20-Washable shell 21-Storage compartment However, it will readily be appreciated that the invention need not be so limited. For example, while male and female attachments have been described, it will readily be appreciated that other attachment means may be used. Furthermore, in alternative examples, the pod may be provided with female attachments and the belts provided with male attachments. Similarly, while the above example is describe din relation to an infant, or the like, in further examples, the belt may be configured for use with an adult (e.g. an adult accompanying a child or infant). A skilled reader will readily be able to implement those alternative embodiments accordingly. In other embodiments, one or more of the pods may transform into a child's toy. The transformation may be by inversion. The child's toy may be a soft toy.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A travel system comprising a belt, and one or more pods, the or each of the pods being removably attachable to the belt.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the belt is configured as a clothing accessory, such as an accessory to attach around the waist of a child or an infant, or configured to attach around a child or an infant as a bandolier.
3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the belt is configured in use, to be secured to a seat, such as a car seat.
4. The system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the belt is configured in use, to be secured to a tray, such as a folding tray provided on transport vehicles.
5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the belt is configured, in use, in a first arrangement, to attach around a child and, in a second arrangement, to attach to a seat or tray.
6. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each pod is removably attachable by at least one attachment means.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one attachment means comprises complementary male and female portions.
8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one attachment means comprises overlapping members.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the overlapping members are hook and loop fasteners.
10. The system according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein, there are a plurality of attachment means.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, there is a first attachment means and a second attachment means.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the first attachment means is adapted to releasably secure the at least one pod to the belt.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first attachment means is adapted to releasably secure the at least one pod to the belt, such that the at least one pod and the belt are in direct contact.
14. The system according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the second attachment means is adapted to prevent the at least one pod from fully separating from the belt, where the at least one pod is released from the belt by the first attachment means.
15. The system according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second attachment means is a locking mechanism.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism comprises inter-locking components.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism is a clasp.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that once the attachment means is engaged, relative rotational movement of the pod with respect to the belt causes locking of the pod to the belt, and removal is actuated by relative rotation of the pod with respect to the belt.
19. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one pod is configured as a storage pod, or comprises a handle, or comprises a storage compartment, for retaining drawing implements, the compartment being configured in a complementary manner for the drawing implements.
20. The system according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of pods, wherein some or all of the pods providing a different function.
21. One or more pods, for use with a travel system according to any of the claims 1 to 20.
22. A system, belt or pods, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying figures.