Pliant Sheet Article

Abstract

A generally rectangular pliant sheet article has a pole-receiving channel adjacent each of two of its opposed edges, lace-receiving means adjacent each of the channels, and set of relatively small holes adjacent each of the other two opposed edges of the sheet. The article may be used with laces as a stolelike garment or it may be used in combination with pole elements as a flag, a handbag or a canopy assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although many types of multiple purpose fabric articles such as that described herein have been proposed previously, it is believed that the acceptance of most of them has been quite limited because they are usually deficient in one aspect or another. In some cases, such articles appear overly complex to be well suited for convenient use; in many cases, the production expenses necessary are too high to make the product economically attractive; and frequently, the several uses thereof are not adequately related to one another or to consumer demand to render the article sufficiently appealing from a commercial standpoint.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel pliant sheet article which is adapted for a number of uses, which is attractive and of very simple construction, and which is convenient to use and economical to manufacture.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such an article having a number of practical uses which are sufficiently related and responsive to consumer demand to render the article attractive from a commercial standpoint.

Still another and more specific object is to provide such an article which is adapted for use as a garment, a flag, a handbag and a canopy assembly, and which is particularly suited for beach and sunbathing uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in a pliant sheet article comprising a generally rectangular pliant sheet with a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges. The sheet has a pole-receiving channel adjacent each of the first pair of edges, dimensioned and configured to seat a pole inserted axially thereinto. It also has lace-receiving means therein adjacent each of the pole-receiving channels, and the lace-receiving means locates a lace end portion at two points adjacent each of the channels, each of the two points also being adjacent one of the second pair of opposed edges of the sheet. In addition, the sheet also has a set of relatively small holes therein extending along and adjacent each of the second pair of edges thereof, and at least one of the holes in each set is spaced in each direction from the center of the sheet toward the first pair of edges, the sets of holes being adapted to receive a lace threaded therethrough.

Preferably, the edge portion of the sheet at each of the first pair of edges is folded back upon itself and secured to itself in the folded position to provide the pole-receiving channel. Each of the folded over edge portions may be secured in the folded position by a pair of spaced rows of fastening means extending generally parallel to the first pair of edges, and the pair of rows thus define a pair of channels in the double thickness of the sheet adjacent each of the first pair of edges. In such a construction, one channel of each pair is dimensioned and configured to seat a pole inserted axially thereinto to provide the pole-receiving channel, and the other channel of the pair provides the lace-receiving means. Most desirably, the edge portions are folded against the same surface of the sheet and the part of each edge portion defining the inner channel of each pair of channels has a pair of apertures therethrough. One aperture of each pair is spaced from the center of the sheet toward each of the second edges to provide the lace-receiving means in cooperation with the inner channel.

In one embodiment, a pole is inserted and secured in one of the pole-receiving channels of the sheet with a portion thereof protruding therefrom to provide a flag assembly supportable by the pole. In another embodiment, laces are included in the lace-receiving means with a first lace end portion adjacent each of the pole-receiving channels being secured to a second lace end portion adjacent the same channel and the opposite one of the second pair of edges to define an opening at each of the first pair of edges of the sheet through which a wearer's hand may be inserted, thereby providing a stolelike garment. Preferably, in the latter embodiment an additional lace is threaded through two of the relatively small holes in one set thereof adjacent one of the second pair of edges with the ends of the lace secured together to secure the garment about the wearer's neck.

In a further embodiment the article includes a pair of poles and a pair of laces. One of the poles is inserted into each of the pole-receiving channels and the poles so inserted are positioned adjacent and parallel to one another to fold the sheet into two plies of substantially equal area. One of the laces is threaded through at least one of the relatively small holes in each of the plies adjacent each of the second pair of edges to partially close the openings formed thereat to provide a handbag. That is, two laces are employed to close the openings; one lace is used for each set of holes and is threaded through at least two holes thereof, and one of those holes must be in each ply of the sheet.

In still another embodiment the edge portions of the sheet are folded against the same surface thereof, and each of the folded edge portions has a relatively large hole adjacent each of the second pair of edges to provide a blind aperture near each corner of the sheet on one surface thereof. The relatively large holes are dimensioned to receive support poles inserted axially thereinto and normal to the sheet, and, when the sheet is combined with poles in such a manner, a canopy assembly is provided thereby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pliant sheet article embodying the present invention and having a pair of laces threaded therein;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal view to a reduced scale of a telescoping-pole assembly usable with the pliant sheet article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view to a reduced scale of the pliant sheet of FIG. 1 with one of the laces removed and showing the telescoping-pole assembly of FIG. 2 inserted into one of the pole-receiving channels thereof for use as a flag on a sandy beach;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the pliant sheet article of FIG. 1 used as a stolelike garment worn by a user;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view to a reduced scale of a canopy assembly in which the pliant sheet is supported on a sandy beach by four sections from two-pole assemblies of the type illustrated in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pliant sheet of FIG. 1 with two sections of the pole assembly of FIG. 2 inserted into the pole-receiving channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now in detail to FIG. 1 of the appended drawings, an article embodying the present invention is made from a rectangular sheet 10 of a decorated pliant material. The end portions 12 at the narrow edges of the sheet 10 are folded back on themselves against the same surface of the sheet and are secured in the folded over portion by an outer row of stitches 14 adjacent each end to form a pair of outer pole-receiving channels 16. An additional row of stitches 18 in each end position spaced inwardly of the sheet from the outer row 14 defines an inner channel 20 therebetween which is parallel to the outer channel 16.

Apertures 22 are provided near both of the wide edges 13 through the part of each end portion 12 extending between the rows of stitches 14, 18 therein, and a lace 24 is threaded through each pair of apertures 22 to dispose it within the associated inner channel 20, so that the apertures 22 and channels 20 provide lace-receiving means at the two opposed edges 13 of the sheet 10. Reinforced holes 26, 26' are provided through one ply of each end portion 12 near the corners of the sheet 10 to provide blind apertures which are closed by the other ply of sheet material, the holes 26' being slightly larger than the holes 26 for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter. The sheet 10 also has a set of six relatively small holes 28 extending along and adjacent the wide edges 13 thereof; in each set, the holes 28 are approximately equidistantly spaced and three of them are spaced from the center of the sheet 10 toward each narrow end portion 12 thereof.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a telescoping-pole assembly is shown consisting of a large diameter section 30 and a smaller diameter section 32 telescopably seated therein. A multiplicity of holes 34 is spaced along the length of the larger section 30, and the smaller section 32 has a spring-loaded detent button 36 adjacent one of its ends. It will be appreciated that the length of the pole assembly can be varied by telescoping the sections relative to one another, and locking them in position with the detent button 36 releasably engaged in one of the holes 34, and that the sections can be separated entirely if desired.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the rectangular sheet 10 of FIG. 1 is combined with the pole assembly of FIG. 2 by inserting the larger section 30 into one of the outer pole-receiving channels 16 of the sheet 10 to provide a flag assembly. The end portions of the lace 24 disposed in the inner channel 20 are wound about the pole member 30 to secure the sheet 10 in assembly therewith, and the end of the smaller pole section 32 is buried in the sand 38 to provide support for the flag assembly.

In FIG. 4, the article of the present invention is depicted in use as a stolelike garment worn by a female user 40. In this application, the ends of each of the laces 24 are tied together to provide openings 42 at the narrow edge portions 12 of the sheet 10 through which the arms of the user 40 are inserted and the garment is draped over her shoulders. In addition, a third lace 44 is threaded through two of the relatively small holes 28 adjacent one of the wide edges 13 of the sheet 10, and the ends thereof are tied together about the neck of the user 40.

Turning now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the pole sections 30, 32 of the two-pole assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 2 are individually inserted axially and normal to the sheet 10 into the relatively large holes or blind apertures 26, 26' to provide support at the corners thereof. The pole sections 30 having the larger diameter are inserted into the larger holes 26' and the smaller diameter pole sections 32 are inserted into the smaller holes 26. With the other ends of the pole sections 30, 32 buried in the sand 38 and serving as legs, a canopy-type assembly is provided, and the part of the sheet overlying the holes 26, 26' prevents the pole sections 30, 32 from slipping entirely therethrough.

Turning finally to FIG. 6, a handbag is illustrated which is formed from the rectangular sheet 10 with two-pole sections 30 inserted in the pole-receiving channels thereof. The pole sections 30, and hence the end portions 12 of the sheet 10, are positioned adjacent one another to fold the body of the sheet 10 into a two-ply structure which may hold articles 46 between the plies. The openings 48 formed at the wide edges 13 of the sheet 10 are partially closed by threading additional laces 44 through the relatively small holes 28 thereadjacent, thus providing a more secure receptacle for the articles 46.

As is apparent from the foregoing, the basic element of the article of the invention is a pliant sheet, by which is meant a sheet which is readily foldable and drapable and which preferably has a good "hand" or feel. The particular material used for the sheet is relatively unimportant, and it may be a woven fabric, a plastic sheet or any other suitable material; in some cases it will be most desirable to utilize absorbent fabric such as terry cloth which is widely used for beach apparel and the like. The sheet should have a pattern or design on it, both to provide a distinctive flag to mark a location such as on a crowded beach, and also to make the article more attractive for its other uses; however, the sheet may be of a solid color if desired. The configuration of the sheet is generally rectangular, and it should be understood that the phrase "generally rectangular" is intended to encompass sheets which are square or rectangular as well as those having edges that deviate from linear. For example, the edges may be arcuate or scalloped, or they may be especially modified for a particular purpose, it being required only that a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges be definable on the sheet.

Although the pole-receiving channels and lace-receiving channels (when employed) adjacent the first pair of opposed edges of the sheet may be formed by securing a separate piece of material against a large piece of sheet material, it is generally most convenient and economical to fold the end portions of the sheet back against themselves to form two plies at the edges which provide the channels. Most desirably, such end portions are folded back against the same surface of the sheet. The means by which the two plies may be secured together includes rivets, pins, snap fasteners etc. However, the nature of the sheet material will generally make sewing the most feasible method of securing the plies together, and double rows of stitches may be used for greater security. The pole-receiving channels should be properly dimensioned and configured so that the poles fit rather tightly therein to avoid inadvertent disassembly; lace-receiving channels, on the other hand, need only be adapted in a general sense to receive a portion of a suitable lace. Pole-receiving and lace-receiving channels may be parallel and contiguous at each end portion of the sheet; their relative positions may be as shown in the drawings or reversed therefrom, but the illustrated relationship is preferred.

To allow the laces to be disposed in the channels with the ends thereof positioned at points spaced inwardly from the edges of the sheet, suitable apertures or slits may be provided in one ply of the material defining the channels; however, since the lace ends may suitably project out of the opposite ends of the channel at the opposed edges of the sheet, such apertures are not necessary. Preferably the ends of the laces will be disposed near the corners of the sheet, but any arrangement may be used in which the opposite lace end portions located adjacent each pole-receiving channel are spaced in both directions from the center of the sheet.

Although lace-receiving channels are preferred since they are simple to provide and avoid exposing the length of the laces on the outside surface of the sheet (which might be considered unsightly), other lace-receiving means may also be used. For example, the means may simply be a pair of apertures or slits through the sheet, through which the ends of a lace may be inserted. Alternatively, tabs or the like having suitable holes in them may be furnished on one surface of the sheet to receive the laces and avoid exposure of the length of the laces on the outside surface of the sheet; however, such a construction is somewhat complicated and expensive.

The sets of holes which are provided along the other two or second pair of opposed edges of the sheet (i.e., those to which the pole-receiving channels are perpendicular) should extend from the center of the sheet toward both of the first pair of edges. Normally, those sets of holes are quite close to the wide edges of the sheet; preferably the holes will be even in number, and most desirably equidistantly spaced. In one embodiment, one set of holes is used to receive a lace used as a tie to secure the article as a stole about the neck of the wearer; since, however, the holes are used in another embodiment to receive laces to partially close openings which may be formed at the edges of the sheet when used as a handbag, it is advantageous to have a sufficient number of them so that the laces can provide an adequate closure, and at least six holes are desirable in each set.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a relatively large hole is provided in the material adjacent each corner of the sheet, although a tripurpose article could be produced in accordance with the present invention without them. Such holes may be provided through the main portion of the sheet, but most desirably they are through one ply of the folded end portions so that the other ply lies against the holes to provide a means of preventing the support poles from passing through them. The dimensions of these holes will depend upon the dimensions of the poles to be employed therewith; most desirably they are of different sizes so that the members of a telescoping pole assembly may be secured therein in close-fitting engagement. It will be appreciated that all holes or apertures referred to herein may be reinforced by suitable means, although such reinforcement is most important with regard to the aforementioned pole-receiving holes at the corners since they are subjected to significant amounts of stress in supporting the sheet as a canopy.

The laces which are employed in combination with the sheet may be of virtually any suitable construction. In fact, the term "lace" is employed herein to encompass not only conventional laces of the type used for shoes and the like, but also cords, ropes, belts and similar elongated members which may be appropriately used in the indicated applications. Rather than use one lace to provide both of the lace ends adjacent each pole-receiving channel, a pair of laces can be used thereat and individually secured in the lace-receiving means, such as by knotting one end thereof when the lace-receiving means is provided by an aperture. It should also be appreciated that when reference is made herein to tying or securing the ends of the laces, any means of fastening the ends together is intended to be encompassed and auxiliary fastening members such as buckles, clips, and the like, may be employed.

Many types of poles and pole sections may be used in combination with the pliant sheet, and pole sections may be telescoped and locked in assembly such as by the detent and corresponding apertures illustrated in the drawing. Separable pole sections are advantageous since they provide at least two of the support poles or legs necessary when the article is employed as a canopy assembly and, although not illustrated, one pole assembly can include four telescoped sections to provide all of the legs necessary for the canopy. The pole assemblies may be made of any suitable material, but aluminum is particularly beneficially used because of its light weight, desirable appearance and resistance to corrosion.

When the sheet is assembled with the pole assembly to provide a flag as in FIG. 3, the pole assembly may be secured in the channel by wrapping the ends of the adjacent lace about it. Alternatively, one end of the channel can be fastened closed to stop the pole from passing entirely through it, or the pole can be inserted through the two relatively large holes at the corners of the sheet adjacent one edge; however, this may be somewhat less desirable because it tends to distort the sheet.

As assembled with the sheet to provide a handbag-type article, pole members are inserted into the channels to provide convenient handles. It should be appreciated that although only the larger of the two sections of two assemblies of the type illustrated in FIG. 2 are employed as handles in FIG. 6, the complete unit with the smaller member housed within the larger member could be substituted.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides an article which is adapted for a number of uses, which is attractive and of very simple construction and which is convenient to use and economical to manufacture. The article has a number of practical uses which may be sufficiently related and responsive to consumer demand to render the article attractive from a commercial standpoint. More specifically, the article is adapted for use as a garment, a flag, a handbag and a canopy assembly, and is particularly suited for beach and sunbathing uses.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A pliant sheet article comprising a plurality of laces and a generally rectangular pliant sheet with a first pair of opposed edges and a second pair of opposed edges, said sheet having:

A. a pole-receiving channel adjacent each of said first pair of edges dimensioned to seat a pole inserted axially thereinto;

B. means therein adjacent each of said pole-receiving channels for receiving at least one of said laces and for locating lace end portions at two points adjacent each of said channels, each of said two points adjacent each of said channels also being adjacent one of said second pair of edges;

C. a set of relatively small holes therein extending along and adjacent each of said second pair of edges, at least one of said holes in each of said sets being spaced in each direction from the center of said sheet toward said first pair of edges, said set of relatively small holes being adapted to receive a lace threaded therethrough; and

D. relatively large holes providing an aperture adjacent each corner of said sheet dimensioned to receive support poles inserted thereinto.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein the edge portions of said sheet at said first pair of edges are folded back onto themselves and secured in such folded position to provide said pole-receiving channels.

3. The article of claim 2 wherein each of said edge portions is secured in said folded position by a pair of spaced rows of fastening means extending generally parallel to said first pair of edges, said fastening means defining a pair of channels in the double thickness of said sheet adjacent each of said first pair of edges, one of each of said pair of channels being dimensioned to seat supporting poles inserted axially thereinto to provide said pole-receiving channels and the other of said pair of channels being of lesser width and providing said lace-receiving means.

4. The article of claim 3 wherein both of said edge portions are folded against the same surface of said sheet, and wherein the part of each of said edge portions defining the inner channel of each of said pairs of channels has a pair of apertures therethrough, one aperture of each pair being spaced from the center of said sheet toward each of said second pair of edges to provide said lace-receiving means in cooperation with said inner channel.

5. The article of claim 1 additionally including a pole inserted and secured in one of said pole-receiving channels with a portion thereof protruding therefrom to provide a flag assembly supportable by said pole, said lace end portions adjacent said one pole-receiving channel being secured about said pole to enhance engagement of said sheet thereon.

6. The article of claim 1 wherein a first lace end portion adjacent each of said pole-receiving channels is secured to a second lace end portion adjacent the same channel and the opposite one of said pair of second edges to define an opening at each edge through which the wearer's hand may be inserted, to provide a stolelike garment.

7. The article of claim 6 wherein an additional lace is threaded through two of said relatively small holes in one of said sets thereof adjacent one of said second pair of edges, with the ends thereof secured together to provide a means for securing said stolelike garment about the wearer's neck.

8. The article of claim 1 additionally including a pole in each of said pole-receiving channels, said poles being positioned adjacent and parallel to one another to fold said sheet into two plies of substantially equal area said article having one of said laces threaded through at least one of said relatively small holes in each of said plies adjacent each of said second pair of edges to partially close the openings formed thereat to provide a handbag.

9. The article of claim 2 wherein said edge portions are folded against the same surface of said sheet and each of said edge portions has a relatively large hole providing said corner apertures, said article additionally including a support pole inserted in each of said apertures normal to said sheet to provide corner supports therefor and to form a canopy assembly, said lace end portion resultingly located adjacent each of said poles being securable thereabout to enhance engagement of said sheet thereon.