U.S. patent application number 11/607630 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for recreational blanket with integral compartments.
Invention is credited to Philip R. Allen.
Application Number | 20080127414 11/607630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39474074 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080127414 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Allen; Philip R. |
June 5, 2008 |
Recreational blanket with integral compartments
Abstract
A recreational blanket configured to maintain positional
stability when superposed on a suitable support structure during
periods of increased wind velocity. The recreational blanket
further includes a body that is configured in a substantially
planar manner. A plurality of compartments integrally formed with
the body are configured to receive material therein in order to
increase the weight of the recreational blanket. The compartments
are proximate the peripheral edge of the body. The recreational
blanket further includes a storage container configured to receive
objects therein that is substantially water resistant.
Inventors: |
Allen; Philip R.; (Kew
Gardens, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Galasso & Associates, LP
P.O. Box 26503
Austin
TX
78755-0503
US
|
Family ID: |
39474074 |
Appl. No.: |
11/607630 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/417 ; 5/420;
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/417 ; 5/485;
5/420 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. A barrier configured to be superposed on a support structure for
providing a usable area to an individual, comprising: a body, said
body configured in a substantially planar manner, said body further
being flexible, said body having a first surface and a second
surface; and at least one compartment, said compartment being
configured to receive material therein to increase the weight of
said barrier.
2. The barrier as recited in claim 1, wherein said compartment is
integrally formed with said first surface of said body.
3. The barrier as recited in claim 2, wherein said body further
includes a peripheral edge with said compartment being integrally
formed with said first surface of said boyd proximate said
peripheral edge.
4. The barrier as recited in claim 3, wherein said compartment
further includes a first layer and a second layer, said first layer
and said second layer being configured to be releasably secured to
each other such that when said first layer is secured to said
second layer, said compartment operable to retain material placed
in said compartment.
5. The barrier as recited in claim 4, and further including an
attachment mechanism, said attachment mechanism for releasably
securing said first layer to said second layer.
6. The barrier as recited in claim 5, and further including a
container, said container being integrally formed with said first
surface of said body, said container configured to receive objects
therein.
7. The barrier as recited in claim 6, wherein said attachment
mechanism is a zipper.
8. A blanket comprising: a flexible body; and a plurality of
compartments, with each of said plurality of compartments being
integrally formed with said body, each of said plurality of
compartments having a cavity configured to receive materials
therein for increasing the weight of the blanket.
9. The blanket as recited in claim 8, wherein each of said
plurality of compartments further includes a first layer and a
second layer with said cavity being formed intermediate thereto,
said first layer and said second layer being configured to be
releasably secured to each other to substantially retain materials
placed in said cavity.
10. The blanket as recited in claim 9, wherein each of said
plurality of compartments is operable to increase the positional
stability of the blanket when said body is superposed on a suitable
support structure and materials are placed in said plurality of
compartments.
11. The blanket as recited in claim 10, wherein said body further
includes a peripheral edge and wherein at least one of said
plurality of storage compartments is integrally formed with said
body proximate said peripheral edge.
12. The blanket as recited in claim 11, wherein at least one of
said plurality of compartments includes an attachment mechanism,
said attachment mechanisms being configured to releasably secure
said first layer and said second layer of said at least one of said
plurality of compartments.
13. The blanket as recited in claim 12, wherein said attachment
mechanism is a zipper.
14. The blanket as recited in claim 13, and further including a
container, said container being integrally formed with said body,
said container being configured to receive objects therein, said
container being proximate said peripheral edge.
15. A beach towel comprising: a body, said body configured in a
substantially planar manner and being substantially rectangular in
shape with four corners, said body having a first surface and a
second surface, said body having a peripheral edge and being
flexible; a plurality of compartments, each of said plurality of
compartments being integrally formed with said first surface of
said body, each of said compartments having a first layer and a
second layer with a cavity configured to receive materials therein
for increasing the weight of said beach towel to increase the
positional stability of said beach towel; and a storage container,
said storage container being integrally formed with said first
surface of said body, said storage container being configured to
receive objects therein, said storage container being positioned
intermediate two of said plurality of compartments.
16. The beach towel as recited in claim 15, wherein at least four
of said plurality of compartments are positioned with a compartment
proximate each of said four corners of said body.
17. The beach towel as recited in claim 16, wherein each of said
plurality of compartments includes an attachment mechanism, said
attachment mechanism for releasably securing said first layer to
said second layer to substantially retain materials disposed
therein.
18. The beach towel as recited in claim 17, wherein each of said
attachment mechanisms of said plurality of compartmtnes is a
zipper.
19. The beach towel as recited in claim 18, wherein said storage
container is further configured to be water resistant.
20. The beach towel as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one of
said plurality of compartments being positioned intermediate two of
said corners of said body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable blanket, more
specifically but not by way of limitation, a beach blanket designed
with a plurality of storage compartments configured to receive
material therein for increasing the overall weight of the beach
blanket to assist in maintaining the positional stability of the
beach blanket subsequent to placing it on a suitable support
structure in instances of increased wind velocity.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Millions of individuals routinely engage in outdoor
activities such as camping, hiking or going to a beach adjacent to
a lake or ocean. Individuals engaging in these activities routinely
include picnicking or sunbathing as part of the activities planned
for the day. Most individuals that plan to engage in sunbathing or
picnicking usually transport with them a barrier such as a towel or
blanket to place on the ground to provide an area for placing food
and other items or to provide comfort for those engaging in
sunbathing.
[0003] One problem that exists when a user places a blanket or
towel on the ground is that there is usually no method to secure
the blanket or towel to the ground. A gust of wind can blow the
towel or blanket away when the user is not sitting or laying on the
towel or blanket. Commonly, a user will superpose a variety of
other objects that are available such as coolers in strategic
location on the perimeter of the towel or blanket in order to
maintain the towel or blanket in position for use. While this
solution has been proven useful to maintain the orientation of the
towel or blanket, it also limits the available space remaining on
the towel or blanket to be utilized by the user. Additionally,
these objects can also create tripping hazards for the user. While
other devices have addressed methods of securing a towel or blanket
to an item such as a chair, no current devices have been shown to
possess a method of integrally mounting storage compartments
configured to receive materials therein for assisting in
maintaining the orientation of the towel or blanket during periods
of increased wind velocity.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a blanket or towel that has
integral storage compartments configured to receive material
therein in order to assist in maintaining the orientation of the
towel or blanket on a suitable support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a
blanket being configured in such a manner as to provide assistance
in maintaining the orientation of the blanket subsequent to
placement of the blanket on a suitable support structure.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
blanket that has a plurality of integral storage compartments
configured to receive material therein for facilitation of
maintaining the orientation of the blanket.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
blanket that further includes at least one compartment that is
configured in such a manner that it is water resistant.
[0008] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a blanket that is capable of maintaining a consistent position
during periods of increased wind velocity that is relatively
lightweight and inexpensive.
[0009] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the
present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the
drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as
being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of
the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and
appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
Drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed partial view of one of the
integrally mounted storage compartments and enclosure mechanism of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2. In these figures, the various elements depicted therein
are not necessarily drawn to scale. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a
preferred embodiment of a recreational blanket 100 constructed
according to the principles of the present invention.
[0014] The recreational blanket 100 comprises a body 10 that is
generally rectangular in shape and configured in a substantially
planar manner. The body 10 is manufactured from suitable durable
and comfortable materials such as but not limited to cotton or
terry cloth. The body 10 has two opposing surfaces 12, 14. Although
the body 10 is illustrated in the drawings submitted herewith as
being rectangular in shape, it is further contemplated within the
scope of the present invention that the body 10 could be
manufactured in numerous different shapes and sizes. More
specifically, but not by way of limitation, the body 10 could be
circular or oval in shape.
[0015] Superposed on one surface 12 of the body 10 and proximate
the peripheral edge 30 are a plurality of compartments 20. The
compartments 20 are integrally formed with the body 10 by suitable
mechanical or chemical methods or a combination thereof. As shown
in particular in FIG. 2, the compartments 20 are configured
utilizing a first layer 22 and a second layer 26 forming a cavity
28 therebetween.
[0016] The compartments 20 are integrally formed with the body 10
and located proximate each corner 45 of the body 10. The
compartments 20 function to receive suitable material therein such
as but not limited to rocks or sand. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that numerous materials could be utilized to add weight
to the compartments 20 in order to achieve the functionality as
described herein. Subsequent to placing materials in the
compartments 20 the compartments 20 having materials now disposed
therein function to provide positional stability for the
recreational blanket 100. The weighted compartments 20 function to
maintain the positional stability of the recreational blanket 100
on a suitable support structure such as the ground or a beach
chair. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
recreational blanket 100 could be manufactured to be many different
types of suitable barriers that has perimeter weights integrally
formed therewith. More specifically but not by way of limitation, a
picnic blanket, a children's play blanket, or a tablecloth could be
manufactured according to the principles of the present invention
in order to provide positional stability subsequent to being placed
on a desired location.
[0017] Additional side compartments 18 are located intermediate the
corners 45 along the lateral edges 55. The side compartments 18 are
manufactured and function similar to the compartments 20 being
configured to receive materials therein adding weight to the side
compartments 18 in order to increase the positional stability of
the recreational blanket 100 when it is placed in its desired
position on a suitable support structure. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that numerous different shapes, sizes and amounts of
the side compartment 18 could be utilized in order to achieve the
functionality as described herein.
[0018] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, an attachment mechanism 24
is disposed along the edges 32 of the first layer 22 and second
layer 24 of the compartments 20. The attachment mechanism 24
functions to releasably secure the first layer 22 to the second
layer 26 thereby substantially capturing any material placed in the
cavity 28. While the attachment mechanism 24 illustrated in the
drawings submitted herewith is a zipper, those skilled in the art
should recognize that numerous different types of attachment
mechanisms could be utilized to releasably secure the layers 22, 24
of the compartment 20. More specifically but not by way of
limitation, the attachment mechanism 24 could be manufactured with
a hook and loop fastener device.
[0019] Although the recreational blanket 100 is illustrated in the
drawings submitted herewith as having compartments 20 proximate
each corner 45 and two side compartments 18 integrally secured
along the lateral edges 55 it is further contemplated within the
scope of the present invention that the body 10 could have
integrated thereon numerous different amounts of compartments 20
configured to receive material therein in order to achieve the
desired positional stability of the recreational blanket 100
subsequent to its placement on a suitable support structure in
instances such as but not limited to increased wind velocity.
[0020] Intermediate two corners along one end 60 secured between
the compartments 20 is a storage container 40. The storage
container 40 is integrally formed with the body 10 by suitable
mechanical or chemical methods. The storage container 40 is
constructed similar to the compartments 20 as described herein
having a cavity 28 intermediate two layers 42, 44 sufficient to
receive therein a variety of objects. The two layers 42, 44 of the
storage container 40 are releasably secured with an attachment
mechanism 24 such as but not limited to a zipper. It is further
contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the
storage container 40 has substantially disposed therein a
waterproof liner in order to inhibit liquids from propagating into
the cavity 28. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
numerous different types of materials could be utilized to provide
water resistance such as but not limited to plastic or rubber. The
recreational blanket 100 further functions as a protective barrier
whereby one surface 14 is superposed on a support structure such as
the ground and the opposing surface 12 provides a more desirable
surface 12 for the user to engage.
[0021] Referring in particular to FIG. 1, a description of the
operation of the recreational blanket 100 is as follows. In use, a
user will transport the recreational blanket 100 to a desired
location such as a beach. The user will position the recreational
blanket 100 in a desired position on a suitable support structure
such as beach. The user then utilizes the attachment mechanism 24
to open the compartments 20 in order to access the cavity 28 and
deposit the desired amount of sand or rocks therein. This is
performed for all of the compartments 20 and side compartments 18
disposed along the peripheral edge 30 of the surface 12 that is
opposite the suitable support structure.
[0022] Once the cavity 28 of each compartment 20 and side
compartment 18 has had materials deposited therein, the user closes
the compartments 20 and side compartments 18 in order to retain the
material within the cavity 28. The material disposed within the
compartments 20 add sufficient weight whereby to substantially
inhibit the recreational blanket 100 from moving on its support
structure. Upon completion of use of the recreational blanket 100
the user removes the material disposed within the compartments 20
and stores in a desired location for subsequent use thereof.
[0023] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and
certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is
to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized
and that logical changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain
information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding
detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to
the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is
intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.
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