Not Applicable.
Not Applicable.
This embodiment relates to multi-purpose mats, and more particularly to a multi-purpose mat that may be converted into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter.
Traditional beach mats are rectangular in shape and must be picked up and rotated by a sunbather to adjust to the movement of the sun. They are typically too narrow to accommodate people and accessories, beach bags, etc. Traditional mats are light and often blow around or even blow away in shore winds. When it is time to clean up, wetsuit and other beach accessories may be wrapped up in the mat and carried to the car. However, traditional mats are not able to fully and securely close for transport and storage, leaving open the possibility that things may fall out and be lost during storage or transport. Multi-purpose mats are currently available that convert into storage bags. These mats utilize some form of cloth material having drawstrings or zippers along the perimeter thereof. However, the closure means may not be quickly and effectively operated to convert the multi-purpose mat into a storage bag. Also, they require the user to spend considerable time and effort to convert the device from a storage bag back into a mat, as none of the mats utilize structural members to help perform that function. Furthermore, certain mats do not provide a comfortable padded surface. Additionally, some mats converted into storage bags are cumbersome to transport from location to location. Currently available multi-purpose mats cannot be converted into more than two forms including a surfboard carrier sling and a beach tent.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,571 issued to Chalk on May 4, 1999 provides a combination beach towel, tote bag and beach umbrella system including a towel member, an umbrella member and an umbrella support. The towel member has a towel perimeter edge defining a towel shape, a drawstring sleeve provided adjacent to the towel perimeter, and a draw string having a first and second drawstring end positioned through the drawstring sleeve with the first and second drawstring ends extending out from the drawstring sleeve. The umbrella member has an umbrella perimeter defining an umbrella shape corresponding to the towel shape in a manner such that the umbrella perimeter and the towel perimeter can be placed in registration and four elongated, tubular shaped, fabric, pole attachment sleeves open at both ends thereof, each pole attachment sleeve attached to a first side of the umbrella member and extending from the umbrella perimeter radially toward the center of the umbrella member. The umbrella member and the towel members are securable together along their perimeters. The sectional umbrella support includes a two part vertical support pole including an umbrella spike having a diameter sized to pass through the umbrella spike aperture of the towel member, a central support having a first end adapted for connection with the vertical support pole and for horizontal support pole connecting members. However, the umbrella system is made from terry cloth which does not provide protection from rain since it is not waterproof. Further, the umbrella shade system provides less stability in windy conditions. Moreover, the tote bag is incapable of carrying heavy items such as surfboards, beach chairs etc.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,374 issued to Buhyoff on Jan. 9, 1996 describes a beach towel constructed with a polygonal center panel from which extend separate trapezoidal panels creating a towel with a substantially polygonal perimeter. The panels are sewn together to provide a strong reinforced structure, and a drawstring around the perimeter permits conversion of the towel into a bag-like structure. Cord casings surround the perimeter of the trapezoid panels. The cord casings are preferably made of a smooth fabric such as nylon which permits a draw cord to be easily drawn through cord casing. The openings between cord casings permit the cord to be staked down with stakes. In the preferred embodiment, a number of pockets are provided with Velcro closures. The pockets may be used for storing items such as sunscreens/lotions, keys, wallets, books, etc., or may be stuffed with clothing to make a pillow. A cord lock or cinch mechanism is provided to lock the cord when it is drawn to create a carry bag out of the towel. A carry strap is provided on the backside of the towel for carrying the towel when the cord is cinched to create a bag. The strap may have a zipper or Velcro pocket for storing a wallet, keys, etc. A telescoping pole allows the towel to be used as an umbrella. However, the set up of umbrella is time consuming and difficult. Further, the umbrella does not provide protection from rain. Moreover, the carry bag cannot carry large objects like surfboards and beach chairs.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,823 issued to Ferguson on Feb. 23, 1993 discloses an article which is capable of being configured as a blanket or mat or the like, or as a carrying bag or knapsack. The article is made of a fabric piece having two opposing arcuate fabric channel halves secured to the lower surface thereof, facing each other. The channel halves define a generally circular channel in the center of the fabric piece. Gaps between the opposing ends of the fabric channel halves expose at least one and preferably two separate continuous ropes which pass through the channel. The fabric piece has a generally circular central portion of smaller diameter than the channel, with at least one retaining loop secured near the circumference thereof. A carrying bag may be formed by folding those portions of the fabric piece which are outside the channel upwardly and in towards the center of the fabric piece, thereby exposing the ropes in the gaps, by then pulling the ropes to bunch the fabric channel halves thereon, and by then routing the pulled ropes through at least one retaining loop and tying them to define a carrying loop in the fashion of a shoulder strap. Where two ropes and two retaining loops are provided, a backpack configuration may be produced by securing one rope to each retaining loop, such that one rope goes over one shoulder, and the other rope goes over the other shoulder. Preferably, at least one pocket is provided on the underside of the fabric piece, outside the channels. However, the mat does not have a provision for providing shelter. Further, the carry bag cannot carry heavy and oversized gear such as surfboards, beach chairs and food coolers.
In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a multi-purpose mat that can be converted into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter. Such a needed multi-purpose mat would be easily configured to achieve the different forms. Such a multi-purpose mat would be circular in shape. The multi-purpose mat would comprise a cushiony waterproof foam surface that does not collect sand, dries quickly, and provides more surface area than a traditional beach towel. The mat would also comprise multiple pockets to stash sunglasses, wallet, cell phone etc. Further, the mat would be able to carry heavy gear such as surfboards, beach chairs, food coolers, and firewood. Such a unique multi-purpose mat would provide shelter from both sun and rain. The present embodiment accomplishes these objectives.
The present embodiment is a multi-purpose mat for surfers and beach goers. The multi-purpose mat provides a single product which can transform into four different forms including a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter. The multi-purpose mat comprises a circular flat body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a structural fold pattern that allows the multi-purpose mat to be transformed into the backpack bag. A plurality of wing pockets extends from a peripheral edge of the outer surface and spaced at ninety degree intervals from each other. A plurality of interior pockets is located between the inner surface and the outer surface and adjacent to the plurality of wing pockets. The plurality of wing pockets may be folded into the plurality of interior pockets. A drawstring is interwoven through a plurality of eyelets along the perimeter of the outer surface.
A pair of webbing straps is attached to the outer surface and positioned at right angles to each other. Each of the pair of webbing straps extends between at least two of the plurality of wing pockets on opposite edges of the outer surface and has a pair of grommets at opposing ends. A pair of pole pockets is attached to the outer surface and below the pair of webbing straps. At least one of the plurality of wing pockets includes a bag clip, a bag handle and a pair of clip receivers on both sides of the bag handle. The invention also includes a functional strap and a plurality of tent poles.
The multi-purpose mat provides a beach mat that offers more surface area than a traditional beach towel for sitting, or sunbathing or standing while changing into dry cloths. The inner surface of the mat is made of molded diamond EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) film cushion or the like which is waterproof. The water proof EVA film cushion provides padding, does not collect sand and dries quickly. The plurality of wing pockets and the plurality of interior pockets provide a means for storing accessories that may be chosen from a group including but not limited to: sunglasses, wallet, cell phone, surf wax and wet suit. The beach mat makes changing into a wetsuit on a rocky beach, dirt trail, or asphalt parking lot clean and comfortable. Further, the beach mat can be cleaned easily by hosing off and hanging to dry.
The multi-purpose mat provides a backpack bag that is capable of expanding to accommodate larger items that do not normally fit in a traditional backpack. The plurality of wing pockets is folded into the plurality of interior pockets, except the at least one of the plurality of wing pockets with the bag clip and the bag handle, which acts as a flap for closing the bag. The mat is transformed along the structural fold pattern into the shape of the backpack bag and the drawstring is drawn tight and tied with a cord lock to keep the backpack bag from unfolding. The pair of webbing straps provides a plurality of attachment points for the bag clip and the functional strap. The wing pocket flap is closed over the top of the bag and the bag clip is secured on at least one of the plurality of attachment points of the pair of webbing straps. The functional strap comprises an adjustable strap with a plurality of clips and a pair of shoulder pads closed over the adjustable strap. The functional strap may be converted into a backpack harness, a messenger bag harness or carry handle by changing the attachment points on the bag.
The multi-purpose mat provides a surfboard carrier sling that provides a versatile way to transport surfboards. The multi-purpose mat is folded in half along one of the pair of webbing straps and a surfboard is inserted in between the two halves of the mat. The mat folds over the surfboard and the wing pocket flap is secures closure by attaching the bag clip to one of plurality of attachment points on the pair of webbing straps, isolating the surf board in the sling. The pair of clips of the functional strap is attached to the pair of clip receivers on both sides of the bag handle. The functional strap provides a comfortable shoulder strap which makes it easy to transport the surfboard to the beach, while the EVA film cushion of the inner surface of the mat protects from dings while in transit. The surfboard carrier sling has an open ended design that adapts to fit all board sizes including short boards, long boards, fishes, eggs, body boards, kite boards, Stand up paddle boards and paddles. The surfboard sling is also capable of carrying firewood, food coolers, beach chairs, oversized gear or other hard to haul items.
The multi-purpose mat transforms into shade shelter that provides protection from both sun and rain. The plurality of tent poles are attached together and inserted into one end of each of the pair of pole pockets on the outer surface of the mat and taken out at the other end of each of the pair of pole pockets. The shade shelter is erected by pushing the plurality of tent poles up and together. The ends of the plurality of tent poles are inserted and pushed down into the sand for stability. The plurality of wing pockets of the mat allows for easy adjustment to any sun angle. The plurality of wing pockets also serve as tent pole stabilizers by allowing to have weight to the inside of the plurality of wing pockets which will help in stabilizing the shade shelter when it is in position.
The multi-purpose mat is made of opaque materials which virtually eliminates ultra-violet radiation. The waterproof material of the multi-purpose mat allows for use in rain. The plurality of tent poles deliver quick set-up of the shade shelter and provides more stability than traditional beach umbrellas in windy conditions. The pair of grommets at opposing ends of each of the pair of webbing straps allows the multi-purpose mat to be set up in different configurations of shelter. The multi-purpose mat can be tied onto trees, truck beds, picnic tables, bicycles and more when shelter is needed.
The present embodiment provides a multi-purpose mat that can be converted into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter. The multi-purpose mat is circular in shape and is easily configured to achieve the different forms. The multi-purpose mat comprises a cushy waterproof foam surface that does not collect sand, dries quickly, and provides more surface area than a traditional beach towel. The mat also comprises multiple pockets that provide a discreet way to stash sunglasses, wallet, cell phone etc. The multi-purpose mat can be configured as a backpack bag, messenger bag or quick carry bag. Further, the mat is able to carry heavy gear such as surfboards, beach chairs, food coolers, and firewood. Such a unique multi-purpose mat provides a stable shelter that offers protection from both sun and rain. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The following describes example embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. This invention, however, may be embodied in many different ways, and the description provided herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. Among other things, the following invention may be embodied as methods or devices. As such, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. The following detailed descriptions should not be taken in a limiting sense.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.
Referring to
Turning to
The functional strap 40 comprises an adjustable strap 44 with a plurality of clips 46 and a pair of shoulder pads 48 closed over the adjustable strap 44. Each of the pair of shoulder pads 48 are joined together at one end with a slit 50 in between. The adjustable strap 44 is inserted through the slit 50. The functional strap 40 may be converted into a backpack harness, a messenger bag harness or a carry handle and can be attached quickly. The adjustable strap 44 can be adjusted in length to suit the height of a user. When used as a backpack harness, each pair of shoulder pads 48 is closed over the adjustable strap 44 by means of Velco such that, two of the plurality of clips 46 comes at the opposing ends of the functional strap and one of plurality of clips 46 comes in between the pair of shoulder pads 48. When used as a messenger bag harness or a quick carry handle, a first one of the pair of shoulder pads 48 is removed from the adjustable strap 44 and closed over a second one of the pair of shoulder pads 48 to form a single pad 52 (
The backpack bag 70 (as shown in
Turning to
Referring to
The surfboard sling 80 provides a versatile way to carry surfboards. The functional strap 40 provides a comfortable shoulder strap which makes it easy to carry the surfboard to the beach, while the EVA film cushion of the inner surface 14 of the mat 10 protects the surfboard (not shown) from dings while in transit. The surfboard carrier sling 80 has an open ended design that adapts to fit all board sizes including short boards, long boards, fishes, eggs, body boards, kite boards, stand up paddle boards and paddles. The surfboard sling 80 is also capable of carrying firewood, food coolers, beach chairs, oversized gear or other hard to haul items.
The shade shelter 90 provides shelter from both sun and rain. The multi-purpose mat 10 is made of opaque materials which virtually eliminates harmful ultra-violet radiation. The waterproof material of the multi-purpose mat 10 allows for use in rain. The plurality of tent poles 42 deliver quick set-up of the shade shelter 90 and provides more stability than traditional beach umbrellas in windy conditions. The pair of clips or grommets 30 at opposing ends of each of the pair of webbing straps 28 allows the multi-purpose mat 10 to be set up in different configurations of shelter. The multi-purpose mat 10 can be tied onto trees, truck beds, picnic tables, bicycles and more when shelter is needed.
While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
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