Roll pack

A roll pack (10) is formed from a sheet of material having first and second edges. A first storage pocket (12) is positioned along the first edge of the sheet of material. An enclosure (20) is positioned along a second edge of the sheet. A strap (26) is attached to the second edge of the sheet near the enclosure (20). The strap (26) may be confined by the enclosure (20). When extended the strap (26) is used to secure the sheet of material when rolled up.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally relates to devices employed to carry 
objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pack which 
may also be used as, e.g., a towel or blanket. 
People frequently engage in activities which require that a towel or picnic 
blanket be carried in addition to various accessory items. For example, 
people commonly tote a towel along with books, suntan lotion, car keys, 
and other items to, e.g., a beach to sunbathe or swim. In the past, these 
individuals had to lug a knapsack or bag to carry the accessory items. The 
towel or blanket had to be carried separately or stuffed into the bag. In 
a similar situation, people living in barracks or dormitories frequently 
cart a towel, shaving kit, and shampoo to their community shower area. 
Carrying these items can become awkward and unwieldy. It is desireable, 
for the sake of convenience, efficiency, and simplicity, to provide a 
towel or blanket capable of carrying these accessory items. 
Mats and pads have been designed in a manner which permit them to be easily 
carried. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,111 issued Mar. 1, 1983 to 
Hall, and 4,671,393 issued Jun. 9, 1987 to Rainey, each describe semirigid 
mats which can be folded to facilitate carrying using either integral 
handles or by inserting the mat into a bag. However, no provision is made 
to carry a towel and other accessory items. The Rainey and Hall references 
increase, rather than reduce, the number of items to be carried, e.g., to 
a beach, shower, or picnic site. 
Others have provided bags which include portions that unroll into a mat 
providing a dry and clean place to sit. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,068,786 issued 
Jan. 17, 1978 to Taniguchi, 4,154,323 issued May 15, 1979 to Sneider, and 
French Patent No. 2,687,554 published Aug. 27, 1993 to Juttet, each 
describe some form of tote bag which includes a folding mat portion. 
Again, however, a towel must still be carried by a user in addition to the 
tote bag. Further, the tote bags of Sneider and Juttet do not provide a 
full and comfortable surface upon which to recline. Sunbathers, for 
example, generally prefer to recline in a supine position. Any portion of 
the mat or tote which adds bulk can make the sunbather uncomfortable. Tote 
straps and handles get in the way, present dangers of entanglement, and 
can make a user uncomfortable. It is desirable to provide a device which 
eliminates or reduces the discomfort for a user while continuing to 
provide storage and carrying capabilities. 
Sleeping bags and pads allow a user to fully recline. Some have also been 
designed with storage pockets. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 730,877 issued 
Jun. 16, 1903 to Clapham and 4,587,682 issued May 13, 1986 to Schultz each 
describe a sleeping bag arrangement which includes some storage for, e.g., 
clothing. Each of these designs, however, suffer in that a number of 
straps and buckles are required and because storage for bulky items are 
not provided. If, e.g., a book were stored in either the Schultz or 
Clapham designs, a user would not be able to comfortably recline on the 
bag. Further, these sleeping bags can not be used as towels. Not only is 
it desireable to provide a device which is comfortable and which has 
storage for bulky items, it is also desireable to permit the user to be 
able to dry off with, and wash the device as a normal towel. 
Other designs have also been described. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 
4,101,994 issued Jul. 25, 1981 to Hoyt, 4,197,891 issued Apr. 15, 1980 to 
Comollo, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,110,219 issued May 5, 1992 to Lopes, each 
describe folding beach mats and tote bags. None satisfy the need to 
provide a device which can function as a towel and as a tote. None permit 
a user to recline on the mat without discomfort from, e.g., stored items 
or handles. And further, none provide a simple approach to converting the 
mat into a carrying configuration. 
Several designs have incorporated towels into a bag configuration. For 
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,308 issued Sep. 13, 1994 to Buhot et al. 
details a beach towel which may be folded into a rucksack configuration. 
However, the design suffers in that complex folding and manipulation is 
required to perform the conversion. Further, a user of the Buhot device 
will suffer from discomfort from having to recline on the storage bag 
portion of the towel. If items are stored in the towel, a user is forced 
to lay on top of the items. In addition, once the towel becomes wet, any 
items carried in the rucksack will also become wet. French Patent No. 
2577-406-A published Aug. 22, 1986 suffers from similar deficiencies in 
that the towel must be folded in a number of directions to place the towel 
in the bag portion. Items cannot be stored in the towel when the towel is 
in use. 
A number of the above-noted references also suffer in that they use 
hardware and carrying straps which may clog or fail when used, e.g., on a 
beach. Sand can clog or damage unprotected hardware or straps. Further, 
sand tends to infiltrate pockets and other storage locations, making them 
unsuitable for the storage of items, such as eye glasses or food items, 
which could be harmed by the abrasive and intrusive effects of sand. 
It is, therefore, desirable to provide a device which functions as a towel, 
which is readily converted to a carrying configuration, and which provides 
weather and sand-proof storage for items typically carried, e.g., to the 
beach. The device should also provide a place on which to sit or lie free 
from uncomfortable and annoying straps, pockets or other obstructions. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, a roll pack is provided which is formed from a sheet of 
material having first and second edges. In one specific embodiment, a 
first storage pocket is positioned along the first edge of the sheet of 
material. A strap pocket is positioned along a second edge of the sheet. A 
strap is attached to the second edge of the sheet near the strap pocket. 
The strap may be stored in the strap pocket. When extended, the strap is 
used to secure the sheet of material when rolled up. 
The roll pack may include several pockets along the first edge, each of 
which may have waterproof lining and may be sealed using, e.g., 
hook-and-loop fasteners. A second roll strap may also be provided to 
secure the roll. The second roll strap may also be stored in a strap 
pocket. This serves to both protect the roll straps and to ensure that a 
user of the roll pack is not disturbed or annoyed by the roll straps. One 
of the pockets along the first edge may be formed to store a pillow. The 
other pockets may store items to be carried using the roll pack. A user 
may comfortably lie on top of the sheet while items are stored in the 
pockets. 
In one embodiment, the sheet of material is a towel, and the entire roll 
pack may be used as a towel. In another embodiment, the sheet of material 
is a blanket. 
Carrying hardware may also be provided to facilitate carrying of the roll 
pack once in a rolled configuration. A removable shoulder strap and 
carrying handle may be provided. 
For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, 
reference should be made to the ensuing description taken in conjunction 
with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by first 
referring to FIG. 1, where a top view of a roll pack 10 is shown. Roll 
pack 10, in one specific embodiment, may include a top surface 11 having a 
length and a width. Several pockets are formed on the roll pack 10. Side 
pockets 16a,b and center pocket 12 are positioned along one end of the 
roll pack while roll strap pockets 20a,b are positioned along a second end 
of the roll pack 10. Roll straps 26a,b are coupled to the second end of 
the roll pack. These straps may be stored within roll strap pockets 20a,b. 
Each pocket, including side pockets 16a,b, center pocket 12, and roll 
strap pockets 20a,b, may be closed to protect items stored therein. In the 
embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, roll strap pockets 20a,b are formed on the 
top surface of the roll pack 10. This permits easy access to the roll 
straps when the roll pack is spread out on the ground. However, the roll 
strap pockets 20a,b may also be formed on the bottom surface of the pack 
or split among both surfaces. 
In one specific embodiment designed for use as a beach towel, roll pack 10 
may be formed from terry cloth or other suitably absorbant material. Each 
of the pockets may be formed from similar material to permit the entire 
roll pack 10 to be used as a towel. The pockets may be sealed to protect 
and secure items contained therein. In one embodiment, side pockets 16a,b 
and center pocket 12 are sealed using side pocket flaps 18a,b and a center 
pocket flap 14. Each of these flaps may be provided with pocket closures 
30a-e. These pocket closures 30a-e mate with pocket fasteners 28a-e 
provided on a surface of the side pockets 16a,b and the center pocket 12. 
In one specific embodiment, pocket closures 30a-e and pocket fasteners 
28a-e may be formed using matching strips of hook-and-loop fasteners. 
Pocket closures 30a-e and pocket fasteners 28a-e may be secured to the 
flaps 14, 18a,b and pockets 12, 16a,b respectively, by stitches, glue, or 
the like. 
Any or all of the pockets 12, 16a,b may be formed to have a depth. For 
example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, center pocket 12 has a 
depth 15 to accommodate larger items. For example, a pillow 22 may be 
inserted into pocket 12. Pillow 22 may be constructed from foam and 
provided with an exterior cover which contains, e.g., pillow pockets 24 
positioned at one or both ends of the pillow 22. These pillow pockets 24 
may be concealed, and may be used to store valuable items which require an 
extra measure of security such as car keys or money. Pillow 22 and center 
pocket 12 are preferably positioned in the center of one end of the roll 
pack 10 to permit, e.g., a sunbather to comfortably lie on the roll pack 
10 without discomfort. Side pockets 16a,b are sized to permit the storage 
of relatively large items, such as a book, suntan lotion, or the like. 
These pockets are preferably positioned on each side of the center pocket 
12. The result is a roll pack which can store items in side pockets 16a,b 
while permitting a user to comfortably lie on top of the towel. In a 
preferred embodiment, pockets 12 and 16a,b are separated from each other 
by stitching between the pockets. Alternatively, a single large pocket may 
be formed with hook-and-loop fasteners placed to separate portions into a 
center pocket portion and side pocket portions. In another embodiment of 
the present invention, pillow 22 is formed of closed cell foam designed to 
provide flotation. In this manner, a roll pack 10 may be used as an 
emergency flotation aid. 
Roll strap pockets 20a,b may also be sealed from the environment. In one 
specific embodiment, the roll strap pockets are not provided with flaps. 
Instead, connector strips 31a-d may be provided to securely close roll 
strap pockets 20a,b. These connector strips 31a-d may also be formed from, 
e.g., matching hook-and-loop fastener strips. Connector strips 31a-d may 
be secured to the roll strap pockets 20a,b using stiches, glue, or other 
methods known in the art. Roll strap pockets 20a,b are used to hold and 
protect roll straps 26a,b. Roll straps 26a,b may be placed inside roll 
strap pockets 20a,b and secured by coupling connectors 31a-d. Each of the 
pockets 12, 16, and 20 may include an inner waterproof lining 27. The 
under portion of flaps 14, 18 may also include a waterproof lining 27. 
This waterproof lining serves to protect items stored within pockets 12, 
16 and 20. 
The use of the closures and fasteners in conjunction with the lined pockets 
enables a user to seal the pockets from the environment, effectively 
protecting the contents of the pockets from water, sand, dirt, sun, or 
other potentially damaging matter. Further, the flaps and fasteners ensure 
that items stored in the pockets do not fall out when the roll pack 10 is 
carried by a user or when the pack is used as a towel to dry a user off. 
Roll straps 26a,b are coupled to a second end of the roll pack 10. These 
straps are secured to the roll pack 10, e.g., using stitches, glue or the 
like, and are used to secure roll pack 10 when assembled into a carrying 
configuration as described below. In one embodiment, the straps may be 
formed from, e.g., nylon webbing or other sturdy material. Roll straps 
26a,b are provided with mating roll strap connector strips 36a-d attached 
to the straps. These connector strips may be formed from matching 
hook-and-loop fastener strips sewn, glued, or otherwise attached to the 
roll straps. Roll strap pockets 20a,b are positioned to receive the roll 
straps 26a,b when the straps are folded or otherwise placed inside pockets 
20a,b. The pockets, which may be sealed from the environment as described 
above, allow the roll straps 26a,b to be stored neatly and out of the way 
so that, e.g., a sunbather does not become entangled in or bothered by the 
straps. Protection from the environment ensures the roll strap connector 
strips 36a-d are preserved. If, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners are 
used, the pockets will permit storage and protection of these fasteners, 
ensuring they are not clogged with, e.g., sand or dirt. The performance of 
hook-and-loop fasteners can be degraded or impaired when such materials 
foul the hooks and/or loops. Thus, the useful life of the roll pack 10 may 
be extended by providing pockets for the roll straps 26a,b. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, the bottom portion of a specific embodiment of the 
roll pack 10 is shown. The roll pack 10 includes a bottom surface 13, a 
support strip 34, carrying hardware 48, and a carrying handle 52. Support 
strip 34 may be formed from a thin strip of material to provide lateral 
support to the roll pack 10 when carried while permitting use of the roll 
pack as a flexible, absorbant towel. This support strip 34 may be sewn, 
glued or otherwise attached to the bottom surface 13 of the roll pack 10. 
Carrying hardware 48 and carrying handle 52 may be attached to roll pack 
10 and to the support strip 34. Carrying hardware 48 may include a pair of 
D-rings 50a,b coupled to a shoulder strap 44 and to the carrying handle 52 
via detachable clips 51a,b. The carrying handle 52 may be formed from a 
thin strip of nylon webbing which may be reinforced with, e.g., a leather 
carrying strap. In one embodiment, the carrying handle 52 is removably 
coupled to the pair of D-rings using detachable clips 51a,b. 
The carrying hardware 48 is placed on the bottom portion 13 of the roll 
pack 10 to ensure that a user, such as a sunbather, may lie in a prone 
position on the top surface of the roll pack without experiencing 
discomfort from the carrying hardware. Typically, a user will lie in a 
position such that her head rests on pillow 22 positioned within center 
pocket 12. In this fashion, carrying hardware 48 is located at or near the 
users knees. User comfort may be further enhanced by forming support strip 
34 from a length of terry cloth material or the like. This shelters a user 
from the carrying hardware while providing some support to the roll pack 
10 when carried. A user will typically remove the carrying handle 52 and 
shoulder strap 44 to further maximize comfort while lying or sitting on 
the roll pack 10. The handle and strap may be stored in one of the pockets 
12, 16a,b of the roll pack 10. Other types of carrying hardware 48 may 
also be used to facilitate carrying of the pack and to improve user 
comfort. 
Roll pack 10 may be formed into a pack to permit easy carrying of both the 
roll pack as well as the items stored within pockets of the pack. The roll 
pack 10 is rolled from the end having center pocket 12 toward the end 
having roll strap pockets 20a,b. Roll straps 26a,b are then wrapped around 
the exterior of the rolled pack to secure the towel in the rolled 
configuration. Roll straps 26a,b are secured by mating roll strap 
connector strips 36a/36b and 36c/36d to one another. A roll pack 10 in 
pack form is shown in FIG. 3. This configuration ensures that items stored 
within the center or side pockets are very secure during transport, 
protected by both securing the flaps and by rolling the pockets within the 
pack. Stored items will be securely contained within the pack during a 
long walk even if a user forgets to close a flap. The roll pack 10 may be 
quickly assembled into pack form. No complex folding is required. Further, 
the capacity of the pack may be expanded if a larger item is carried 
within one of the pockets--to accommodate a larger item, roll straps 26a,b 
are simply expanded accordingly. 
A shoulder strap 44 may be coupled to carrying hardware 48 to permit easy 
carrying of the roll pack. Shoulder strap 44 may include a shoulder patch 
45 to provide further carrying comfort. In one embodiment, the strap is 
formed from a strip of nylon webbing, although any durable material may be 
used. A strip of terry cloth material may also be used, for example. A 
pair of clips 49a,b may be used to secure the shoulder strap to the 
carrying hardware 48 via D-rings 50a,b, although other attachment 
mechanisms may be used, including, as examples, buttons, snaps, 
hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. Preferably, any attachment 
mechanism used will permit ready removal of the shoulder strap 44 to 
ensure user comfort when the roll pack 10 is laid out for use or when the 
roll pack is used as a towel. 
The result is a device which easily converts from, e.g., a towel to a pack. 
The device is comfortable to lie on, as it does not have any obstructions 
or bulky portions. Protective pockets are provided which permit dry and 
sand free storage of items typically carried, e.g., to the beach. The 
device, thus, functions as a towel, as a pack, and as a comfortable place 
on which to sit or lie. 
A second specific embodiment of a roll pack 70 according to the present 
invention will now be described by first referring to FIG. 4. In this 
specific embodiment, roll pack 70 may be used as, e.g., a bath towel. Roll 
pack 70 has a top surface 72, two roll strap pockets 20a,b and a pair of 
roll straps 26a,b on one end of the roll pack 70. A large segmented pocket 
76 is placed on the other end. Large segmented pocket 76 may be divided 
into a number of smaller pockets 76a-c. This division may be permanently 
made, by stitching, gluing or otherwise dividing pockets 76a-c. 
Alternatively, the division may be nonpermanent. For example, pockets 76a 
and 76b may be separated using buttons or hook-and-loop construction. Such 
a division would permit expansion or contraction of the pockets as needed, 
e.g., from a single large pocket to three smaller pockets to one large 
pocket and one small pocket. 
Each pocket, including roll strap pockets 20a,b and pockets 76a-c, may be 
closed using pocket closures 31a-d and 77, 78. These pocket closures may 
be formed from strips of matching hook-and-loop fasteners. Each of the 
pockets may also be provided with waterproof lining to protect items 
stored therein. 
Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom surface 74 of roll pack 70 is shown. In 
this particular embodiment, no devices or attachments are exposed on the 
bottom surface, freeing the entire surface for use, e.g., as a bath towel. 
Shoulder strap 44 is shown-attached to roll straps 26a,b. Shoulder strap 
is removably coupled to the roll straps at attachment points 80a,b. In one 
embodiment, shoulder strap 44 may be attached using buttons, one 
positioned at point 80a, and one at point 80b. In another embodiment, the 
shoulder strap 44 may be attached using hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps. 
Other fasteners may also be employed. Every component, including the 
pockets, the roll straps, and the shoulder strap of roll pack 70 may be 
formed from terry cloth or other suitably absorbant material. This 
facilitates use of the entire device as a bath towel. A typical user of 
roll pack 70 is a dormitory resident. The resident's shaving kit may be 
placed in waterproof pocket 76b, while a change of underwear or other 
items may be placed in pockets 76a or 76c. These items will be protected 
by the waterproof lining of the pockets. The roll pack 70 may then be 
rolled into a carrying configuration as shown in FIG. 6. Items stored in 
the pockets 76a-c will be securely stowed within the roll pack 70. The 
dormitory resident may then easily carry the entire pack, e.g, slung over 
her shoulder, to the dormitory showering facility. Once there, the pack 
may be unrolled and the roll straps, carrying handle, and shoulder strap 
stored within the pockets of the roll pack. The pack may then function as 
a bath towel. 
The result is a pack which functions both as a carrying device as well as a 
towel. The roll pack 70 is easily assembled into a carrying configuration, 
and securely stores items to be carried. Items stored within the roll pack 
70 are protected by a waterproof lining. Further, the entire configuration 
may be washed as a normal towel. 
As will be appreciated by those familiar with the art, the present 
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from 
the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, a shoulder 
strap and roll straps may be incorporated into a single element by using a 
shoulder strap with two loops large enough to receive a roll pack in a 
rolled configuration. The shoulder strap and loops may be formed from a 
length of nylon webbing. In this embodiment, roll straps and roll strap 
pockets do not need to be provided on the roll pack, thereby minimizing 
cost and construction time. 
Roll packs according to the present invention may also be used to carry 
larger quantities of accessory items. For example, a picnic blanket may be 
provided with pockets and roll straps as detailed above. Additional 
pockets may also be provided along the spare edges of the picnic blanket 
to store further items. Further still, and caps may be provided to secure 
items stored within the blanket. These end caps may be circular in shape 
and may be positioned in the open ends of the rolled blanket. The end caps 
may be secured using, e.g., draw strings. These end caps may serve double 
duty by also being used as plates for a picnic. 
Other variations and embodiments are also possible. For example, while 
hook-and-loop fasteners have been described, other fasteners known in the 
art may also be used. In addition, while roll strap pockets have been 
described, other enclosures for the straps may be provided. Roll straps 
have been described to secure the roll pack. However, any of a number of 
attachment methods Nay be used to secure the pack, including buttons, 
straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and the like. 
Accordingly, the disclosure of the invention is intended to be 
illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set 
forth in the following claims.