Pocketed beach towel with pillow and straps

Abstract

A towel (1) having closeable pockets (4), a two-chambered compartment (6), fastening devices (5), and adjustable carrying straps (7) is provided, wherein the towel is useful for the beach, the swimming pool, a picnic, or any other leisure activity involving sitting or reclining on a relatively unimproved underlying surface from which the user may wish to be insulated.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] This invention is directed to a towel or blanket-like structure comprising closeable pockets, a two-chambered compartment, fastening devices, and adjustable carrying straps to increase its utility, wherein the towel or blanket-like structure is useful for the beach, the swimming pool, a picnic, etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] When engaging in any leisure activity that involves sitting, reclining or otherwise resting on a relatively unimproved surface, such as sunbathing at the beach, having an outdoor picnic in a field or meadow, or camping in the woods, a person normally utilizes a large towel or blanket device to insulate their body and belongings from the underlying substrate. One problem associated with existing devices is a lack of stability, which leads to their being easily displaced by wind or other mild disturbances common in outdoor environments. Another problem is that traditional blankets lack any means of supporting one's head while rec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention addresses the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a pocketed beach towel with pillow and carrying straps which allows the user full enjoyment of their leisure time while avoiding all the minor problems that occur when using a towel or blanket as a substrate at the beach, the pool, or at any other leisure site that involves sitting or reclining. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a towel device comprising pockets, a pillow compartment and carrying straps. The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a single towel device that solves many of the problems associated with known towel devices.

[0017] Located along the top or any other suitable location of the lateral margins of the towel are fastening devices, preferably of the hook and loop (Velcro™) type, that may be used to connect the -towel to others of this same type, thereby increasing the coverage provided by the towel. These fastening devices may also be used to join together the two edges of a single towel, to create a tube-like or sleeping bag-like device to provide greater protection against the elements, if so desired.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with existing devices is a lack of stability, which leads to their being easily displaced by wind or other mild disturbances common in outdoor environments.

Another problem is that traditional blankets lack any means of supporting one's head while recumbent thereon.

Such devices are also generally large and cumbersome to store and transport.

Transportation is especially a problem when faced with the need to also carry a host of other belongings, such as a wallet or billfold, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, food or drink, reading materials, car keys, etc.

None of the blankets disclosed in these applications provide mechanisms for the storage of additional items, nor for anchoring the blanket to the underlying surface.

The blanket disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,536 provides a mechanism for the storage and transportation of the blanket and for its attachment to other devices of similar design, but does not provide a mechanism for stabilizing the blanket against the wind by attaching it to other nearby objects such as beach chairs or pool lounges.

No mechanism, however, is provided for stabilizing this device.

No separate compartments are provided for the storage of small miscellaneous items, such as keys, sunglasses, money, etc., nor is there any mechanism provided to connect the blanket to others of similar configuration or to anchor it apart from weighing it down with sand or other ballast-like material.

While these prior art blanket or towel devices at least partially satisfy their respective intended objectives, none address all of the problems that might be encountered when using a towel or blanket at the beach, pool boat, picnic, etc.

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