Abstract:
A combination beach mat and carrying bag comprising a cylindrical pocket member having a cylindrical cavity and closed and open ends and adapted to receive an exercise mat in a rolled configuration, the open end having a movable closure panel to enclose the cavity and a releasable fastener to enable the opening and closing of the closure member, an elongate fabric member having a first end connected to the pocket member along a longitudinal edge, wherein the fabric member may be rolled around the pocket member to provide a cylindrical compact configuration, a fastening means situated at the second end of the fabric member and on a corresponding portion of the bottom surface when in the compact configuration to releasably secure the second end to the bottom surface for maintaining the carrying bag in the compact configuration, and a carrying strap affixed to each end of the pocket member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention pertains to leisure accessories for beach, pool, and vacation situations, and more particularly pertains to a portable, lightweight, combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Exercise mats of the roll up variety are known in the art and are widely used in floor exercise such as yoga. Carrying bags for such mats are also available, which may comprise a cylindrical pocket configured to receive a rolled up exercise mat there within and having a closed end and a zippered open end. Such carrying bags may also include a shoulder strap. 
         [0005]    Generally, individuals who use exercise mats are typically fit and also go to the beach or swimming pool as a leisure activity. At the beach or pool, it is often common to see people laying prone upon a beach towel, whether it be on the concrete edge of a pool, a grassy area or on the sand. Many beach or pool-goers that enjoy reading or observing of the surroundings attempt to elevate their head by resting it upon a beach bag, a towel, or other bulky item. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a roll up beach mat with a convenient headrest to provide comfort to users. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In some aspects, the present invention provides a rollup beach mat with a built in head rest pocket that also acts as storage for rollup exercise mats, which provide the head rest cushioning for the apparatus. Alternatively, a foam bolster may be inserted into the head rest pocket for providing the cushion for the head rest. 
         [0007]    In some aspects the present invention provides a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag comprising: a cylindrical pocket member having a closed end and an open end, and defining an outer surface and a cylindrical cavity adapted to receive an exercise mat in a rolled configuration, the open end of the pocket member having a movable closure panel to selectively enclose the cavity and a releasable fastening member cooperating with the open end and the closure panel to releasably secure the closure panel to the open end of the pocket member; an elongate fabric member having opposing first and second ends, opposing sides, and a top and bottom surface, the first end of the fabric member being connected to the pocket member along a longitudinal edge of the outer surface, wherein the fabric member may be rolled around the pocket member to provide a cylindrical compact configuration; a fastening means situated at the second end of the fabric member and on a corresponding portion of the bottom surface when in the compact configuration to releasably secure the second end to the bottom surface for maintaining the carrying bag in the compact configuration; and a carrying strap affixed to each end of the pocket member allowing the carrying bag to be easily transported. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the pocket member may be shape retaining resilient such that the pocket member yields to deformation upon an application of force but returns to its cylindrical shape in the absence of the force. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the releasable fastening member may be a zipper on a circumference of the closure member and a corresponding edge on the open end of the pocket member. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the shape retaining resilience may be provided a thin foam cylinder secured within the cavity of the pocket member such that the pocket member and foam cylinder combination yields to deformation upon an application of force but returns to a cylindrical shape in the absence of the force. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the fabric member may comprise one or more panels of material that define a rectangular shape having a width substantially equal to the width of the pocket member, and a length of about between 3 ft.-8 ft. In some embodiments, the fabric member may comprise one or more panels of material that define a rectangular shape having a width substantially equal to the width of the pocket member, and a length sufficient to extend beyond the feet of a person of average height reclined on the device with the person&#39;s head resting on the pocket member. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the fabric member may further include on the top surface a planar second pocket extending substantially across a width of the fabric member and configured to receive a folded towel or cloth therein. In some embodiments, the second pocket may be situated adjacent the second end of the fabric member. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the fastening means may comprise a plurality of button snap fasteners on the top surface adjacent the second end and at complementary locations on the bottom surface. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the fastening means may comprise a plurality of side release buckles adjacent the second end and at complementary locations on the bottom surface. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, a removable foam insert may be included within the cavity of the pocket member. In some embodiments, the foam insert may define a longitudinal cavity sized to receive one or more beverage containers therein to thermally insulate the one or more beverage containers from the atmosphere. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, a closeable third pocket may be included at the closed end of the pocket member and sized to correspond with a circumference of the pocket member at the closed end. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, a closeable fourth pocket may be included on the bottom surface sufficiently proximate to the second end such that the fourth pocket remains exposed with the fabric member being rolled onto the pocket member. 
         [0018]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    In drawings which illustrate by way of example only embodiments of the invention: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a left side view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a right perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  shown partially unrolled; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  shown completely unrolled; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a left perspective view of combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to another embodiment of the invention shown partially unrolled; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 7  shown completely unrolled; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  further including a thin foam cylinder; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  shown with a rolled up exercise mat; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a right perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  shown partially unrolled; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  shown completely unrolled; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a right perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a front view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a left perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 10  shown with a foam tubular; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to an embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  10 . The device  10  includes a cylindrical pocket member or pocket  12  that is attached along a longitudinal edge  14  to a fabric member such as mat portion  16 . Preferably, the pocket  12  and the mat portion  16  are made of a fabric material, and preferably a material that is comfortable, durable, and water resistant. 
         [0041]    The pocket  12  is configured to receive within its cavity a rolled up exercise mat  18 , such as a yoga mat. Alternatively, a tubular foam bolster (not shown) may be used in place of a rolled up exercise mat for provided a cushion to the pocket  12 . Accordingly, the cylindrical pocket  12  and an exercise mat  18  or foam bolster received within it provides a head or neck support to a user who reclines on the device. 
         [0042]    The pocket  12  includes trim  20  on both ends to help maintain the cylindrical shape of the pocket when it is empty, which eases the insertion of an exercise mat  18  or foam bolster into the pocket  12 . 
         [0043]    At an open end of the pocket  12  is provided a draw string closure  22  that is configured to completely close off the end for retaining exercise mat  18  there within in a closed configuration, and to completely open to the circumference of the cylindrical pocket to allow the insertion and withdrawal of exercise mat  18  or foam bolster. The opposite end of the cylindrical pocket  12  is closed with a circular end panel of fabric (not shown). A zippered accessory pocket  24  is provided at the closed end for storage of keys, phone, wallets and other small items. As well, a mesh pocket  26  with an elasticized opening  28  is provided on the outside of zippered pocket  24  for the storage of other items. Both zippered pocket  24  and mesh pocket  26  are configured to face open side upwards when the beach mat  10  is unrolled and rolled up in carrying position. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, it may be preferable to include a thin foam cylinder  54  that is sewn or secured into the cylindrical pocket  12  to provide additional shape to the pocket  12  when empty. The thin foam cylinder  54  acts as a framework to keep the cylindrical shape when pocket  12  is not being used as storage, and allow for ease of insertion or withdrawal of a rolled up mat  18  or foam bolster from the pocket  12 . The thin cylinder has an inside diameter large enough to accommodate a rolled up mat  18  or foam bolster, and allow easy usage of draw string closure  22 . 
         [0045]    The pocket  12  also includes a releasable hook  30  to which is attached a ring  32  of a shoulder strap  34 . The other end of the shoulder strap is attached to the opposite end of the pocket adjacent the zippered pocket  24 . Hence the end of the shoulder strap  34  adjacent the hook  30  may be released from the device  10 , and it may be conveniently folded and stored within the mesh pocket  26 . The adjustable and detachable carrying strap gives a wider base and distributes the bag in a more balanced way that allows for multiple comfortable carrying positions, compared to carrying straps that are attached at narrower angle, and it can be easily adjusted for comfort. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mat portion  16  comprises one or more panels of material that define a rectangular shape having a width substantially equal to the width of the cylindrical pocket  12 , and a length at least equal to a distance between the back of the head to the seat of a person of average height. Preferably, the mat portion  16  is of sufficient length to extend beyond the feet of a person of average height when such person is reclined on the device  10  such that his or her head rests on the cylindrical pocket  12 . Thus, for example, the mat portion  16  may be about between 3 ft.-8 ft. or 4, 5, 6 or 7 feet in length. 
         [0047]    The inside surface  38  toward the terminal end  40  of the mat portion  16  is provided with a plurality of male button snap fasteners  42  that align with complementary female button snap fasteners  45  provided on a button flap  46  the bottom or outer surface  44  of the mat portion  16  (see  FIG. 1 ) when the mat portion  16  is rolled onto the cylindrical pocket  12 , as in the rolled configuration of the device  10  shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, the snap button fasteners  42  and  45  retain the device  10  in a rolled configuration, and a user unsnaps them to allow the device  10  to be unrolled. Button snap fasteners secure the beach mat when rolled up. The button snap fasteners are an easier and more secure way compared to buttons and slits, which will break down and stretch with usage. The snap button fasteners provide a tightly rolled beach mat device  10 . Velcro could also be used as an alternative. 
         [0048]    The terminal end  40  preferably also includes truncated diagonal corners  41  to allow for a tight and seamless tuck while secured as the diagonal corners  41  slide easily under the button flap  46  to secure efficiently for a tight secure fit and easy closure. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another embodiment of the present invention which includes a pocket  48  on the inside surface  38  on the mat portion  16 , towards the terminal end  40 . The pocket  48  is configured to receive a folded towel  50  therein for convenient storage of same as well as to provide a cushioned area on the mat portion  16  that may be used as a seat cushion. Instead of a towel  50 , one may use a planar foam cushion with the pocket  48 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-18 , a combination beach mat and exercise mat carrying bag according to another embodiment of the invention is shown generally at  100 . The device  100  includes a cylindrical pocket member or pocket  112  that is attached along a longitudinal edge  114  to an elongate fabric member such as mat portion  116 . 
         [0051]    The pocket  112  is configured to receive within its cavity a rolled up exercise mat  18 , such as a yoga mat. Alternatively, a tubular foam bolster as mentioned above may be used in place of a rolled up exercise mat for provided a cushion to the pocket  112 . Accordingly, the cylindrical pocket  112  and an exercise mat  18  or foam bolster received within it provides a head or neck support to a user who reclines on the device. 
         [0052]    Preferably, the mat portion  116  is made of a fabric material, and preferably a material that is comfortable, durable, and water resistant. For example, Cordura™ fabric Denier  1000  having a rubberized bottom surface for abrasion resistance and durability as used for downward facing side of the mat when unrolled. 
         [0053]    The pocket member  112  is made of a thin walled cylindrical foam tube within a fabric overlay. Alternatively, just the pocket may comprise of the foam tube alone. The foam tube maintains the shape of the pocket member  112 , such that it is shape retaining resilient—i.e. the pocket member yields to deformation upon an application of force but returns to its cylindrical shape in the absence of the force. The pocket member  112  thus maintains its cylindrical shape when it is empty, which eases the insertion of an exercise mat  18  or foam bolster into the pocket  112 . An example of the dimensions of the pocket member  112  include a length of approximately 26 inches and an inside diameter of approximately 5 inches. The material is approximately ⅜″ thick and of a foam having approximate density of 2 lbs/cubic ft. These dimensions accommodate the typical rolled up exercise mat. Other suitable materials and construction methods may be used that provide shape retaining resilience. 
         [0054]    At an open end of the pocket  112  is provided a zippered closure  122  that is configured to completely close off the open end for the purpose of retaining an exercise mat  18  within when the pocket is in a closed configuration, and to completely open to the circumference of the cylindrical pocket to allow the insertion and withdrawal of an exercise mat  18  or a foam bolster. The zippered closure  122  securely stores items inside the cavity of the pocket member  112  even if the device is held vertically while being carried. While in the illustrated embodiment a zipper is shown as a releasable fastening member, other releasable fasteners may be used, such as for example hook and loop type fasteners, as well as others know in the art. 
         [0055]    The opposite end of the cylindrical pocket  112  is a closed end with a circular end panel of fabric (not shown). A zippered accessory pocket  124  is provided at the closed end for storage of keys, phone, wallets and other small items. The zippered pocket  124  may be configured to face open side upwards when the device  100  is unrolled and rolled up in carrying position. 
         [0056]    The pocket  112  also includes a releasable buckle  130  anchored near the open end to which is attached an adjustable shoulder strap  134 . The other end of the shoulder strap is anchored to the opposite end of the pocket adjacent the zippered pocket  124 . Hence the end of the shoulder strap  134  adjacent the buckle  130  may be released from the device  100 . The adjustable and detachable carrying strap gives a wider base and distributes the bag in a more balanced way that allows for multiple comfortable carrying positions, compared to carrying straps that are attached at narrower angle, and it can be easily adjusted for comfort. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the mat portion  16  comprises one or more panels of material that define a rectangular shape having a width substantially equal to the width of the cylindrical pocket  112 , and a length at least equal to a distance between the back of the head to the seat of a person of average height. Preferably, the mat portion  116  is of sufficient length to extend beyond the feet of a person of average height when such person is reclined on the device  100  such that his or her head rests on the cylindrical pocket  112 . Thus, for example, the mat portion  116  may be about between 3 ft.-8 ft. or 4, 5, 6 or 7 feet in length. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , the mat portion  116  includes a pocket  148  on the inside surface  138  towards the terminal end  140 . The pocket  148  is configured to receive a folded towel  50  therein for convenient storage of same as well as to provide a cushioned area on the mat portion  116  that may be used as a seat cushion. Instead of a towel  50 , one may use a planar foam cushion with the pocket  148 . The pocket  148  is has an open seam along one edge of the mat  117  to enable a pocket flap  119  to be opened for easier access to the pocket. Hook and loop fasteners  123  (such as Velcro™) in a top corners of the pocket  148  and flap  119  secures the flap against the mat  116 . The towel pocket flap seam along edge  117  is not open to all the way to the terminal end of mat as this provides another secure pocket when rolled and carried vertically as items will not slide out the bottom. Preferably the towel pocket is the length of one full circumference of the cylinder pocket to maintain the cylindrical shape when rolled up and storing a folded towel. Also included are snap button stops  127  that are configured for partial unrolling of the mat to gain access to towel pocket, when for example, a user wants access to the pocket  148  but not wanting to unroll the mat completely. 
         [0059]    A releasable fastening means such as two plastic side release buckles  115  with adjustable straps are provided anchored near the terminal edge  140  and to a corresponding location on the bottom surface  144  of the mat portion  116 , when the mat is rolled onto the pocket with the top surface to the inside, to secure the device in the rolled configuration. The adjustable straps allow for expansion when storing towel as described herein. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , an accessory tube insert  170  is shown that may be placed within the pocket member as a thermal beverage insulator that also doubles as a head rest. The accessory tube insert  170  comprises a thick walled foam tube having an inside cavity with a diameter approximating typical cold beverage containers so that the tube insert  170  can hold bottles or cans whereby the foam tube acts as an insulator for cold beverages. The tube insert  170  may include a slit running the length of the tube to allow for expansion when used as beverage storage and for compression and comfort when empty and being used as head rest. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , some additional features are shown that may be employed separately or in combination with other features in variants of the present invention. There is shown a large expandable front pocket  156  with a flap  157  and Velcro™ closure and an expandable folding seam to allow various sized items to be stored, such as a cell phone, tablet, water bottle, sunscreen bottle, book or sunglass case. When empty, the pocket  156  folds and secures with a low profile. Also shown is a draw string front pocket  164  used for quick and easy access and securing of loosely stored items on outside of bag. Usually a rolled up clothing item or towel. 
         [0062]    The features described may be combined in various combinations in some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the inside pockets ( 48  or  148 ) may be used in some embodiments or omitted in others, and either may be combined with the snap fasteners  42  or used with the side buckles  115 . Likewise, the drawstring closure  22  or the zippered closure  122  may be combined with other features such as the pocket  157  or  164 , or pocket  124 , and the like. Other combinations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the teaching herein. 
         [0063]    It is understood that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The invention may include variants not described or illustrated herein in detail. Thus, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be considered to limit the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.