Beach blanket with pockets
An oversize beach blanket with a large pocket in each corner and Velcro closures for the pockets to hold beach articles for security and to also hold the beach blanket in place. Tie-down loops at the corners may also hold the beach blanket using stakes. The blanket is of sufficient size to accommodate users completely within the inner user space not occupied by the pockets.
This application claims the benefits of prior filed, co-pending provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/485,621 filed on Jul. 8, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to portable ground coverings for one or more users to sit or recline on the ground, and more particularly relates to an improved beach blanket with pockets to be used for multiple purposes and for convenience of the user.
Probably the most well known example of a ground covering for seated or reclining users is the beach blanket. As is well known, beach blankets are spread out over sandy surfaces to use for sunning, drying, eating or playing games while protecting the users from the sand at the beach. Since beach-going entails carrying along many objects such as cameras, sandals, cosmetics, bathing wear, games and miscellaneous other things, there is a need to keep these items organized and under control. Moreover, it is often desired to leave valuables such as purses, wallets, cameras and jewelry in a location out of view of passers-by.
Another well known problem with beach blankets is a tendency to become disarranged, or even blown away by the wind and sometimes scatter objects in the sand.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved beach blanket with pockets adapted to hold articles so as to prevent damage or pilferage.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved beach blanket with means to hold the beach blanket in place against the wind.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved beach blanket of sufficient size to accommodate users despite the existence of pockets for storage for beach accessories.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly stated, the invention comprises an improved beach blanket comprising a rectangular fabric member having four corners surrounding an inner user space, each of the four corners having a fabric pocket with an open end adapted to receive articles. The articles hold the beach blanket in place as well as protecting the article from damage or pilferage. The blanket is dimensioned to be of sufficient size to accommodate users within the inner user space not occupied by the pockets.
Preferably the open ends of the pockets are provided with closure means such as Velcro, zippers or snap fasteners for added security. Preferably the corners of the beach blanket are also provided with tie-down loops arranged to receive stakes to hold the corners down.
DRAWINGSThe invention will be better understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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It is important to note that the blanket is dimensioned to be of sufficient size to accommodate users within the inner space not occupied by the pockets. For example, given the dimensions recited above, it would provide a linear dimension of 6′ 9″ as indicated by reference number 40 between opposed diagonal corners of pockets 14, 20. Thus the very large beach blanket size can accommodate one or more users within the inner user space not occupied by the pockets.
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While the article shown is depicted and described as a beach blanket, it is equally useful as a ground covering in other places such as a back yard, playground or similar recreational areas. Also other materials than the preferred 100% combed cotton terry textiles are useful, either patterned or unpatterned.
While there has been described what is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, other modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. It is desired to secure all such modifications within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A beach blanket comprising a rectangular fabric member having four corners surrounding an inner user space, said inner user space having dimensions of sufficient size to accommodate at least one seated user of said beach blanket,
- a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets being disposed in one of said corners so as to lie entirely outside of said user space and having an open end,
- said fabric member being of sufficient size to include both said inner user space and said plurality of pockets, and
- a tie-down loop attached to each of said corners.
2. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein the linear measurement across said inner user space between diagonal pockets is at least 6′-9″.
3. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein said pockets are constructed of fabric material.
4. The beach blanket according to claim 1, and further including closure members for selected pockets.
5. The beach blanket according to claim 4, wherein said closure members are selected from the group consisting of Velcro strips, snap fasteners and zippers.
6. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein said fabric member is constructed of combed cotton terry cloth material having a pattern thereon, and wherein said pockets are constructed of the same said material as said fabric member.
7. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein said fabric member has dimensions on the order of 76″ by 86″.
8. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein said pockets have dimensions on the order of 12″ by 12″
9. The beach blanket according to claim 1, wherein said inner user space has dimensions of sufficient size to accommodate at least two seated users of said beach blanket.
10. A beach blanket comprising a rectangular fabric member having four corners surrounding an inner user space, said inner user space having dimensions of sufficient size to accommodate at least one seated user of said beach blanket,
- a plurality of pockets of fabric material sewn to said rectangular fabric member, each of said pockets being disposed in one of said corners so as to lie entirely outside of said user space and having an open end,
- closure members for the open ends of selected pockets selected from a group consisting of Velcro strips, snap fasteners and zippers,
- said fabric member being of sufficient size to include both said inner user space and said plurality of pockets, and
- a tie-down loop attached to each of said corners.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 6, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2005
Applicant: Marks International Associates, Inc. (Staten Island, NY)
Inventors: Melissa Marks (Litchfield, CT), Sean Marks (Litchfield, CT)
Application Number: 10/886,440