BEACH BLANKET

Abstract

An improved beach blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/502,737, filed May 7, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of cooling devices and more specifically relates to an improved beach blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days.

2. Description of the Related Art

Consider, for example, the need that virtually all of us have for feeling the sunlight on our skin. Our need for the sun on our skin is not only physiological, in terms of synthesizing Vitamin D, but also psychological and emotional—and as long as we don't overdo it, we just plain feel better, psychologically, emotionally, physically, and in terms of our appearance, when we've taken the time to soak up some rays. Unfortunately, reclining on a lounge-chair in the summer sun is also hot—so hot that we need, from time to time, a way to cool ourselves off. Therefore, a need exists for a way for a user to cool themselves while stretched out soaking up the sun.

Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in cooling device art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0319382 to Linda Marie Burrini; U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0112501 to William M. Estes; U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,594 to Scott R. Wolas; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,354 to Deborah Ann Tolbert. This prior art is representative of cooling devices for use on blankets and outdoor furniture.

Ideally, an improved beach blanket should be user-friendly and safe in-use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for an improved beach blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known of cooling device art, the present invention provides a novel improved food bowl. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide an improved beach blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days.

An improved beach blanket comprising: a main body; at least one pillow member; and four sand pockets. The main body includes: a top layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; a bottom layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; at least one refrigerant canister including a refrigerant therein; and at least one hollow coil member.

Wherein the top layer and said bottom layer are connected to one another along respective outer peripheries thereof and form an interior volume. Wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are substantially rectangular and when connected form four corners. Wherein the at least one refrigerant canister is located within the interior volume and is adapted to provide the refrigerant to at least one hollow coil member. Wherein the at least one hollow coil member is located within the interior volume and is adapted to receive the refrigerant therethrough and reduce the temperature of the top and bottom layers.

Wherein the at least one pillow member is attached to the outer surface of the top layer of the main body. Wherein the four sand pockets are attached to respective the four corners of the main body. Wherein each of the four sand pockets are adapted to retain sand therein in order to weigh down each respective corner of the main body and thereby hold in place said improved beach blanket against a supporting surface.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an improved beach blanket. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, an Improved Beach Blanket, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating an improved beach blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a bottom perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of the improved beach blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating carrying bag of the improved beach blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating a valve member; a motor member, a power source, and an on/off switch according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a power cord to power Improved Beach Blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cooling device and more particularly to an Improved Beach Blanket comprising inflatable pillows and a carrying bag structured and arranged to provide the relaxing sun-worshiper with a cool, comfortable surface upon which to lay over hot sand and other surfaces thereby offering constant refreshment on the hottest of summer days

Generally speaking, the Improved Beach Blanket comprises a specially designed compact, portable, and easily affordable personal cooling mat, designed to inflate via internal air canisters that keep the surface of the mat refreshingly cold when used under a blazing summer sun.

The Improved Beach Blanket would consist of a rectangular blanket fashioned from durable and weather-proof rubber or canvas materials. The exterior of the blanket would boast integrated inflatable pillows, with at least two (2) located at the proximal end of the unit. To facilitate security of the Improved Beach Blanket to a sandy ground or poolside surface, each corner would be augmented with sand weighted pockets. An external On/Off switch would activate the blanket's cooling capabilities. Inside, canisters filled with a refrigerant substance such as Freon would be released, distributed through a series of coils traversing the blanket just beneath its surface.

The Improved Beach Blanket could also be customized by preferred temperature; its external control would allow the user to select the desired level of coolness emanating from the blanket. A convenient carrying bag will also be included to facilitate transport of the Improved Beach Blanket. As mentioned, the Improved Beach Blanket product line could be expanded to include outdoor furniture such as wicker sets featuring removable, all-weather covers, as well as indoor furniture including leather recliners, love seats, and more. Units designated for outdoor use could operate via solar power.

Delivering continued coolness, the Improved Beach Blanket would facilitate an automated, hands-free means of “cooling down” when sunbathing or relaxing indoors or out. The Improved Beach Blanket would eliminate the discomfort from heat and perspiration that can result when bathing in the sun, or simply on an extra hot day. Extremely simple to use, this product could be secured and ready to work in a matter of minutes. Whether on a public beach or private resort, lounging by the backyard swimming pool, or even lying supine on the deck of cruise ship, the versatile Improved Beach Blanket would ensure an optimal tanning experience without fear of overheating. With many applications, indeed the Improved Beach Blanket is a concept with great potential. Thus, once successfully pursued and developed to the point of mass-production, marketing, and distribution, the Improved Beach Blanket should find a wide and enthusiastic.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-2, perspective views illustrating improved beach blanket 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Improved beach blanket 100 comprising: main body 110; at least one pillow member 170; and four sand pockets 180. Main body 110 includes: top layer 120 having outer surface 126 and inner surface 132; bottom layer 150 having outer surface 156 and inner surface 162; at least one refrigerant canister 300 including refrigerant 304 therein; and at least one hollow coil member 310.

Wherein top layer 120 at least one hollow coil member 310. and bottom layer 150 are connected to one another along respective outer peripheries thereof and form interior volume 140. Wherein top layer 120 and bottom layer 150 are substantially rectangular and when connected form four corners. Wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are formed from rubber.

Wherein at least one refrigerant canister 300 is located within interior volume 140 and is adapted to provide refrigerant 304 to at least one hollow coil member 310. Wherein refrigerant 304 is FREON.

Wherein at least one hollow coil member 310 is located within interior volume 140 and is adapted to receive refrigerant 304 therethrough and reduce the temperature of top layer 120 and bottom layer 150. Wherein at least one hollow coil member 310 is formed in undulating pattern 314 and adapted to cover a substantial surface area of inner surface 132 of top layer 120 of main body 110 as shown in FIG. 3A. Wherein there are plurality of parallel and spaced hollow coil members 310 attached to and adapted to cover substantial surface area of inner surface 132 of top layer 120 of main body 110.

Wherein the at least one pillow member 170 is attached to outer surface 126 of top layer 120 of main body 110. Wherein four sand pockets 180 are attached to respective the four corners of main body 110. Wherein each of four sand pockets 180 are adapted to retain sand therein in order to weigh down each respective corner of main body 110 and thereby hold in place improved beach blanket 100 against a supporting surface. Wherein there are two pillow members 172 attached to outer surface 126 of top layer 120 of main body 110; and wherein two pillow members 172 are spaced from one another and both located in proximity to one edge of main body 110. Wherein at least one pillow member 170 is formed from a flexible material, includes valve member 174, and is adapted to be inflated with air through valve member 174. Wherein said at least one pillow member 170 is formed from a plastic material.

The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising carrying bag 200 as shown in FIG. 2. Wherein carrying bag 200 is sized and adapted to allow improved beach blanket 100 to be stored and transported therein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 illustrating is a perspective view illustrating valve member 320; motor member 330, power source 340, and on/off switch 350 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Improved beach blanket 100 further comprising: valve member 320; motor member 330, power source 340, and on/off switch 190. Wherein valve member 320 is located within interior volume 140, is connected to at least one refrigerant canister 300, and controls the amount of refrigerant 304 flowing from at least one refrigerant canister 300 and to and through at least one hollow coil member 310. Wherein motor member 330 is located within interior volume 140, is connected to valve member 320, and is adapted to control valve member 320 between open and closed positions. Wherein power source 340 is located within interior volume 140, is electrically connected to motor member 330, and is adapted to supply motor member 330 with electrical power. Wherein power source 340 is formed as at least one battery member 342 as shown in FIG. 3A. Wherein power source 340 includes power cord 380 adapted to extend from main body 110 and releasably connect with an external electrical power supply as shown in FIG. 3B.

Wherein said on/off switch 190 is attached to outer surface 126 of top layer 120 of main body 110, is electrically connected between power source 340 and motor member 330, and is adapted to turn power on and off to motor member 330 to thereby control when refrigerant 304 flows from at least one refrigerant canister 300 to and through at least one hollow coil member 310 and thereby cooling improved beach blanket 100.

Improved beach blanket 100 further comprises temperature control member 194 as shown in FIG. 1. Wherein temperature control member 194 is attached to outer surface 126 of top layer 120 of main body 110, is electrically connected between on/off switch 350 and motor member 330, and is adapted to allow control the temperature of improved beach blanket 100 via refrigerant 304 and at least one hollow coil member 310.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. An improved beach blanket comprising:

a main body including: a top layer including: an outer surface; and an inner surface; a bottom layer including; an outer surface; and an inner surface; wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are connected to one another along respective outer peripheries thereof and form an interior volume; and wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are substantially rectangular and when connected form four corners; at least one refrigerant canister including: a refrigerant therein; wherein said at least one refrigerant canister is located within said interior volume and is adapted to provide said refrigerant to at least one hollow coil member; at least one hollow coil member; wherein said at least one hollow coil member is located within said interior volume and is adapted to receive said refrigerant therethrough and reduce the temperature of said top and bottom layers; at least one pillow member; wherein said at least one pillow member is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body; and four sand pockets; wherein said four sand pockets are attached to respective said four corners of said main body; and wherein each of said four sand pockets are adapted to retain sand therein in order to weigh down each respective corner of said main body and thereby hold in place said improved beach blanket against a supporting surface.

2. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein there are two pillow members attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body; and wherein said two pillow members are spaced from one another and both located in proximity to one edge of said main body.

3. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said at least one pillow member is formed from a flexible material, includes a valve member, and is adapted to be inflated with air through said valve member.

4. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising:

a valve member; wherein said valve member is located within said interior volume, is connected to said at least one refrigerant canister, and controls the amount of refrigerant flowing from said at least one refrigerant canister and to and through said at least one hollow coil member;

a motor member; wherein said motor member is located within said interior volume, is connected to said valve member, and is adapted to control said valve member between open and closed positions;

a power source; wherein said power source is located within said interior volume, is electrically connected to said motor member, and is adapted to supply said motor member with electrical power; and

an on/off switch; wherein said on/off switch is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body, is electrically connected between said power source and said motor member, and is adapted to turn power on and off to said motor member to thereby control when refrigerant flows from said at least one refrigerant canister to and through said at least one hollow coil member and thereby cooling said improved beach blanket.

5. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said top layer and said bottom layer are formed from rubber.

6. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said refrigerant is FREON.

7. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, further comprising:

a temperature control member; wherein said temperature control member is attached to said outer surface of said top layer of said main body, is electrically connected between said on/off switch and said motor member, and is adapted to allow control the temperature of said improved beach blanket via refrigerant and said at least one hollow coil member.

8. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, further comprising:

a carrying bag; wherein said carrying bag is sized and adapted to allow said improved beach blanket to be stored and transported therein.

9. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein said at least one hollow coil member is formed in an undulating pattern and adapted to cover a substantial surface area of said inner surface of said top layer of said main body.

10. The improved beach blanket of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of parallel and spaced hollow coil members attached to and adapted to cover a substantial surface area of said inner surface of said top layer of said main body.

11. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, wherein said power source is formed as at least one battery member.

12. The improved beach blanket of claim 4, wherein said power source includes a power cord adapted to extend from said main body and releasably connect with an external electrical power supply.

13. The improved beach blanket of claim 3, wherein said at least one pillow member is formed from a plastic material.