PORTABLE BEACH PILLOW

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, the present invention pertains to a portable beach pillow, comprising, a pillow-body, the pillow-body defining at least one cavity. A foldable truss-arm, a detachable base plate, the base plate demountably coupled with said truss-arm; and a carrying strap, the carrying strap demountably fastened to said pillow body. The wherein the said at least one magnetic clamp is adapted to couple with at least one accessory a one end of the foldable truss-arm. One of the accessories being a sun-shade visor or a fan. All of the elements of the portable beach pillow are stored within the pillow body for easy carry and protection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the art of beach pillows and tanning prevention devices.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. One American dies from skin cancer every hour. Unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. While melanoma accounts for about three percent of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur on body areas exposed to the sun. The face, and the “V” of the neck are especially susceptible to this type of lesion.

Specially in the face area, exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after a person's sun exposure. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. With proper protection from UV radiation, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

Problems exist in traditional shades, visors or beach accessories, that if they cover the entire face it does not allow to see anything through and enjoy the beach view. So beach-goers are thorn between using sunglasses and protecting the eyes but not protecting the face, or using a shade but not seeing anything.

Protection for the eyes is specially important. Other kinds of eye damage include pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (the part of the retina where visual perception is most acute). All of these problems can be lessened with proper eye protection.

One of the main issues is that most people enjoy the beach and sun, but do not want to have the face burned. Sunglasses alone does not protect the face.

There is a need in the industry to create a portable beach pillow that incorporates a clear visor and protects the face against the damaging UV rays at the same time.

There is a further need for the beach pillow to be compact so it does not require mayor assembly and that it holds itself while sunbathing. Also, the possibility of adding accessories if necessary such as fan, books, magazines or an electronic reading device while on the beach.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For illustrating the invention, the figures are shown in the embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the portable beach pillow.

FIG. 2 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the sun-shade visor.

FIG. 3 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a cross-section view of the sun-shade visor.

FIG. 4 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of a magazine held by the demountable coupling element.

FIG. 5 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of a book held by the demountable coupling element.

FIG. 6 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of how the sun-shade visor is removed.

FIG. 7 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of how the sun-shade visor is attached.

FIG. 8 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of how the sun-shade visor is held in place with magnetic element.

FIG. 9 depict at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a side-angular view of how the sun-shade visor is attracted and attached with magnetic element.

FIG. 10 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of portable beach pillow and how it is used on the beach.

FIG. 11 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of portable beach pillow and how it is used on the beach.

FIG. 12 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of portable beach pillow and how a fan is attached.

FIG. 13 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of portable beach pillow and how the foldable truss arm disassembles.

FIG. 14 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of portable beach pillow and how the sun-shade visor disassembles.

FIG. 15 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the portable beach pillow on the beach.

FIG. 16 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the portable beach pillow and how it is assembled.

FIG. 17 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the portable beach pillow and how it is assembled in the inner cavities.

FIG. 18 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the portable beach pillow and how the base plate raises the viewing angle of the pillow.

FIG. 19 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the base plate is folded together.

FIG. 20 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the base plate is levered up using the base arm, the base hinge and the base slots.

FIG. 21 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention, namely a front-angular view of the base plate is levered at a lower angle using the base arm, the base hinge and the base slots.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention depicts an inventive solution to the aforementioned issues related to beach-pillows and sun-shades.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. Many of the techniques and procedures described, or referenced herein, are well understood and commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “demountably disposed” or “demountably coupled” refers to the placement of two faces wherein the two elements can be removed and placed together with little effort many times. As a matter of example and in no means to be used as a limit to the words “demountably disposed” comprises the use of; threads, loop and hooks, double sided tapes, adhesives, magnetics, VELCRO or any combination thereof.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “Interiorly” means partially or fully situated within or inside; relating to the inside or inner compartments of a body.

In at least one embodiment, the present invention pertains to a portable beach pillow, comprising, a pillow-body, the pillow-body defining at least one cavity. A foldable truss-arm, a detachable base plate, the base plate demountably coupled with said truss-arm; and a carrying strap, the carrying strap demountably fastened to said pillow body. The wherein the said at least one magnetic clamp is adapted to couple with at least one accessory a one end of the foldable truss-arm. One of the accessories being a sun-shade visor or a fan. All of the elements of the portable beach pillow are stored within the pillow body for easy carry and protection.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, an adjustable pillow is shown in FIG. 1. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the invention pertains to a portable beach pillow 100 comprising, a pillow body 102, at least one cavity 103 or 104 located interiorly of the pillow body 102. A detachable base plate 105, a carrying strap 101. The whole assembly is designed to be used on the sand 106.

In one alternative embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2 one of the accessories to be used with the portable beach pillow 100 is a sun-shade visor 201 that is demountably coupled to foldable truss-arm 202. The said sun-shade visor, further comprises at least one reflective coating 301 and 302. The sun-shade visor was made out of polycarbonate. Other translucent materials such as glass, plexiglass sheets, acrylic, styrene, Lexan, acrylic mirror, Sintra, Expanded PVC, PETG, and Styrene can be used of for the same function, in the same way to accomplish the same result. The coatings used on the sun-shade visor comprise; antireflective coating, polarizing film, scratch resistant coating, mirror coating. The sun-shade visor comprise the following embodiments; tinted, polarized, photochromic, mirrored. Other embodiments of the sun-shade visor comprise:

Tinted—The color of the tint determines the parts of the light spectrum that are absorbed by the lenses. Manufacturers use different colors to produce specific results.

Polarized—Polarized filters are most commonly made of a chemical film applied to a transparent plastic or glass surface. The chemical compound used will typically be composed of molecules that naturally align in parallel relation to one another. When applied uniformly to the lens, the molecules create a microscopic filter that absorbs any light matching their alignment.

Photochromic—Sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses that darken when exposed to the sun are called photochromic, or sometimes photochromatic. Photochromic lenses rely on a specific chemical reaction to UV radiation.

Mirrored—The lenses in these glasses have a reflective coating applied in a very thin, sparse layer—so thin that it's called a half-silvered surface. The name half-silvered comes from the fact that the reflective molecules coat the glass so sparsely that only about half the molecules needed to make the glass an opaque mirror are applied.

In one embodiment of the invention, the portable pillow body 201 is made out of Linear low density Polyethylene. Polyethylene is classified into several different categories based mostly on its density and branching. This material was chosen because it allows for the pillow body to be comfortable and at the same time water resistant. The pores inside the polymer foam does not allow sand to and moisture to inter inside of the pillow body.

The following Polyethylene materials can be used for the same purpose to accomplish the same result. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), Ultra low molecular weight polyethylene (ULMWPE or PE-WAX), High molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), High density polyethylene (HDPE), High density cross-linked polyethylene (HDXLPE), Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE), Medium density polyethylene (MDPE), Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), Low density polyethylene (LDPE), and Very low density polyethylene (VLDPE).

In yet another embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the sun-shade visor 201 can be used along with a magazine 401 by demountably coupling it with demountable coupling element 403. The clamp 105 is adapted to receive both the sun-shade visor 201 and at magazines 401 or book 501. The demountable coupling element 403 is the connection to the foldable truss-arm 202. Many other accessories could be demountably coupled with demountable coupling element 403.

In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the mechanical clamp 105 at one of the foldable truss-arm 202, allows for the easy attachment and release of the visor 201. The clamp used in the embodiment herein was made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel was chosen because of the non-corrosive properties. Other materials that can be used for the same purpose to accomplish the same result include; aluminum, and carbon-fiber composites.

In yet another embodiment of the demountable coupling element 403 of the invention as depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is a magnetic clamp 801 on one of the ends of foldable truss-arm 202. This is an ingenious way for easy attachment of the accessories to the foldable truss-arm 202. The magnetic demountable coupling element 901 comprises two parts. A magnetic part 801 and a metallic part 901. The magnets magnetic part 801 is selected form the group consisting of; Alnico Magnets and alloys, Rare earth magnets, Ceramic magnets (ferrite), bonded magnets and flexible magnets. As shown in FIG. 9, the sun-shade visor 201 can easily slide and lock into place.

FIG. 10, depicts how the invention is used. Here, the harmful rays of the sun 1001, are blocked by sun-shade visor 201. Both the face and the eyes are blocked from the sun, thereby solving the previously issues presented. The comfortable pillow body 102 rests on the sand 106. Here in the sun-shade visor 201, the magnetic coupling element 403, the foldable truss-arm 202 is held in place by the weight of the head on the plate 105.

FIG. 11 shows how the invention ingeniously moves in three degrees of freedom. Here, the invention uses the ball joints 203 to move around the face to cover it or not to cover it. By doing this, you can see around you and at the same time your face is covered from the damaging rays of the sun.

FIG. 11 depicts at least one embodiment of the invention. A portable beach pillow 100, comprising; a pillow-body 102, said pillow-body 102 defining at least one cavity 103, at least one foldable truss-arm 202, said at least one foldable truss-arm 202. At least one ball joint 203, at least one mechanical buckle-clip 1302 at a first end, and at least one demountable coupling element 801 at a second end. A detachable base plate 105, said detachable base plate demountably coupled with said mechanical buckle-clip 1302 at said first end; and a carrying strap 101, said carrying strap 101 demountably fastened to said pillow body. Wherein the said at least one demountable coupling element 801 is adapted to couple with at least one accessory 201.

Here, the at least one accessory 201 is a sun-shade visor, said sun-shade visor 201 demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said demountable coupling element 801. The sun-shade visor 201 wherein the said foldable demountable coupling element is magnetic. The sun-shade 201 wherein the said sun-shade visor, further comprises at least one reflective coating. Also the portable beach pillow 100 detachable base pate is used as a base to hold said foldable truss-arm 202 and said accessory 201 by the weight of a person's head.

FIG. 12, in one embodiment of the invention, one of the accessory is a fan 1201. The fan 1201 is dismountable coupled with demountable coupling element 403 which in this embodiment is a magnetic coupling 801. The same magnetic coupling 801 that is used to couple the sun-shade visor 201 will couple the fan 1201. Here the fan is powered by an internal battery or a sun-powered solar cell. The foldable truss-arm 202 is held in place by the weight of the head on the detachable base plate 105 on the sand 106. The carrying strap 101 will also serve to stabilize the beach pillow 100.

FIG. 13 depicts how the foldable truss-arm 202, is demountable coupled to the detachable base plate 105, by mechanical buckle-clip 1302 and 1303 respectively. Here the pillow-body 102 defines cavity 103 and cavity 104. FIG. 13 also depicts how at least one demountable coupling 403 is a magnetic clip 801 adapted to couple with at least one accessory. This figure also depicts how the carrying strap 101 can be adjusted using a buckle.

In one embodiment of the invention, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 depicts how at least one demountable coupling 403 is a mechanical buckle clip 1401 and the sun-shade visor 201 is ingeniously used as the female clip 1402. The sun-shade visor 201 can be easily “clicked” or demountably coupled in and out of the buckle clip 1401. This makes it very easy to take apart. This is also a good alternative and more economical way to manufacture than the magnetic clip above. The foldable truss-arm 202 comprises a first end 1101 and a second end 1102, wherein said foldable truss-arm 202 further comprises a mechanical buckle-clip 1401 at said first end, and another mechanical buckle-clip 1302 said second end. As an alternative embodiment one of the ends can use a magnetic clamp such as 801.

FIG. 16 depicts how the portable pillow 100 is ingeniously assembled for portability. Here, the foldable truss-arm 202 and at least one accessory 201 is stored within said pillow body 102 inside said at least one cavity 104. A pillow body 102 with a first end 1601 and a second end 1602 at least one cavity 104 is located interiorly of said pillow body 102. The carrying strap 101, extends from the first end 1601 to the second end 1602 of said pillow body. Here, as an embodiment of the invention the foldable truss-arm 202 comprises two mechanical buckle-clips 1401 and 1302.

FIG. 17 depicts how the portable beach pillow 100 is assembled for mobility. It comprises: a pillow body 102 with a first end 1601 and a second end 1602, at least one cavity 104, and 202 located interiorly of said pillow body 102. A detachable base plate 105, wherein said plate 105 is located exteriorly of said pillow body 102. A carrying strap 101, wherein said carrying strap 101 extends from at least the first end 1601 to at least the second end 1602 of said pillow body 102. In an alternative embodiment, a pillow-casing, wherein the pillow casing covers said pillow body exteriorly.

A foldable truss-arm 202 with a first end 1101 and a second end 1102, wherein said foldable truss-arm 202 further comprises a mechanical buckle-clip 1302 at said first end 1101, and a magnetic-clamp 801 at said second end 1102. The mechanical buckle-clip 1302 is adapted to demountably couple with said base plate 105, and said magnetic clamp 801 is adapted to demountably couple with at least one accessory 201. The detachable base plate 105 is located exteriorly of said pillow body 102.

In FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, are views of one of the embodiments of the invention. Detachable base plate 105, comprises a base platform 1801, a buckle clip 1303 and at least one base hinge 1803 and 2002. The base platform 1801 further comprising at least one base slot 1804. Wherein base hinge 1803 hinges the detachable base plate 105 in an upward direction 1803, and 2002 hinges the base arm 1802 on a first end. Wherein the base arm 1802 demountably couples 2001 to at least one base slot 1804 on a second end.

In FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, are views of one of the embodiments of the invention. It depicts how the Detachable base plate 105 and base hinge 1803 allows the base plate 105 in an upward direction 1803 in order to demountably couple buckle clip 1303 and elevate the portable beach pillow 100 to a higher viewing angle. The multiple base slots 1804 arranged in an array pattern on the base platform 1801 in order to demountably couple to at least one base slot 1804 on the base arm 1802 to hinge with 2002 the base plate 105 into a preferred position.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Abstract section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Abstract section may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable beach pillow, comprising:

a pillow-body, said pillow-body defining at least one cavity;

at least one foldable truss-arm, said at least one foldable truss-arm comprising; at least one ball joint, at least one mechanical buckle-clip at a first end, and at least one demountable coupling element at a second end;

a detachable base plate, said detachable base plate demountably coupled with said mechanical buckle-clip at said first end; and

a carrying strap, said carrying strap demountably fastened to said pillow body; wherein the said at least one demountable coupling element is adapted to couple with at least one accessory.

2. The portable beach pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is a sun-shade visor, said sun-shade visor demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said demountable coupling element.

3. The sun-shade visor of claim 2, wherein the said foldable demountable coupling element is magnetic.

4. The sun-shade visor of claim 2, wherein the said sun-shade visor, further comprises at least one reflective coating.

5. The portable beach pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory is a fan, said fan demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said magnetic clamp.

6. The portable beach pillow of claim 1, wherein said detachable base pate is used as a base to hold said foldable truss-arm and said accessory by the weight of a person's head.

7. The portable beach pillow of claim 1, wherein the detachable base plate further comprises, a base platform, at least one base hinge, a base arm and at least one base slot.

8. The portable beach pillow of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory and said foldable truss-arm are stored internally within said portable pillow in said at least one cavity.

9. A portable beach pillow, comprising:

a pillow body with a first end and a second end; at least one cavity is located interiorly of said pillow body;

a detachable base plate, wherein said plate is located exteriorly of said pillow body;

a pillow-casing, wherein the pillow casing covers said pillow body exteriorly;

a carrying strap, wherein said carrying strap extends from at least the first end to at least the second end of said pillow body; and

a foldable truss-arm with a first end and a second end, wherein said foldable truss-arm further comprises a mechanical buckle-clip at said first end, and a magnetic-clamp at said second end;

wherein said mechanical buckle-clip is adapted to demountably couple with said base plate, and said magnetic clamp is adapted to demountably couple with at least one accessory.

10. The portable beach pillow of claim 9, wherein said foldable truss-arm and said at least one accessory is stored within said pillow body inside said at least one cavity.

11. The portable beach pillow of claim 9, wherein the at least one accessory is a sun-shade visor, said sun-shade visor demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said magnetic clamp.

12. The sun-shade visor of claim 11, wherein the said foldable truss-arm, further comprises a mechanical clamp, said mechanical clamp adapted to receive a magazine or book.

13. The sun-shade visor of claim 11, wherein the said sun-shade visor, further comprises at least one reflective coating.

14. The portable beach pillow of claim 9, wherein the at least one accessory is a fan, said fan demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said magnetic clamp.

15. The portable beach pillow of claim 9, wherein said detachable base is used as a base to hold said foldable truss-arm and said accessory by the weight of a person's head.

16. A portable beach pillow comprising:

a base plate to hold at least one foldable truss-arm, said foldable truss arm further comprising a magnetic clamp and a mechanical buckle-clip, said mechanical buckle-clip adapted to demountably couple with said base plate;

and

a sun-shade visor adapted to demountably couple with said foldable truss-arm at said magnetic clamp;

wherein the weight of a persons head on said base plate holds the foldable truss-arm plus said at least one sun-shade visor, and said sun-shade visor and said foldable truss-arm is stored interiorly of said portable beach pillow.

17. The sun-shade visor of claim 16, wherein the said sun-shade visor, further comprises at least one reflective coating.

18. The portable beach pillow of claim 16, wherein a fan is demountably coupled with said foldable truss-arm by said magnetic clamp.

19. The portable beach pillow of claim 16, wherein the portable beach pillow further comprises; a pillow-casing, said pillow-casing covers the pillow body exteriorly.

20. The portable beach pillow of claim 16, wherein the detachable base plate further comprises, a base platform, at least one base hinge, a base arm and a plurally base slots.