Abstract:
This invention relates to beach equipment and the packing thereof for conveyance by a beach-goer to and from a beach. More particularly it provides a towel and a carrier for the towel and a pillow as well as other items that a beach-goer may wish to take with them. The invention may be provided in kit form, or as a beach bag assembly that comprises a wall of flexible sheet material, comprising first and second portions, said first portion being configured to define a beach towel and the second portion being configured to define an internal stowage space suitable for stowage of said first portion. The bag may have a removable carry strap attached for ease of carrying, for example over the user&#39;s shoulder.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of AU Provisional Application No. 2015903202, filed 10 Aug. 2015. The information contained therein is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to beach equipment and in particular to apparatus of use in packing beach gear for conveyance. More particularly it provides a towel and carrier for a pillow. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Beach equipment used by beach goers or pool bathers typically includes a towel. To increase the comfort of the beach of poolside experience, some beachgoers may take a pillow with them. The very first thing others do is fashion a mound of sand into a pillow shape, or use a bag of some sort as a makeshift pillow or head-rest. Next they hide their valuables: Their towel is usually too small for all their comfort items and necessities, as well as their body. To add to the inconvenience, the batteries on their phones and tablets go flat. 
         [0006]    Inflatable pillows are known and are popular because they are able to be brought in a deflated state for ease pf transport. Often, beach-goers are required to walk significant distances between parking lots or public transport stops and the beach. The portage of beach paraphernalia hence becomes a significant obstacle to be overcome. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a beach bag assembly including a wall of flexible sheet material, comprising first and second portions, said first portion being configured to define a beach towel and the second portion being configured to define an internal stowage space suitable for stowage of said first portion. 
         [0008]    In a preferred form of the invention the assembly further comprises attachment means whereby the first portion is detachably attachable to the second. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes a flap arranged to cover the attachment means. 
         [0010]    In embodiments of the invention, the attachment means comprises zipper means, press stud means or buttons. 
         [0011]    In a further preferred form of the invention, the second portion is configured to define a compartment having an access-giving opening. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the compartment is located to be within said stowage space. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, the compartment is located to be externally adjacent said stowage space. 
         [0014]    In a further embodiment, the compartment opening is located to provide access from within the stowage space. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the compartment is configured for stowing a tablet computer or mobile telephone. 
         [0016]    Further, in an embodiment of the invention, the portions are made of different flexible materials. 
         [0017]    By way of example, further to this embodiment, the first portion includes a water-proof material and the second towelling linen. An example of a water-proof material suitable for the first portion is neoprene. Examples of material suitable for the second portion include cotton and microfibers and blends thereof. 
         [0018]    Further, according to the invention, the internal stowage space is configured for retaining a pillow when said pillow is in use. Preferably, the pillow is inflatable and deflatable, according to desire of the user. 
         [0019]    In a further preferred form of the invention, the assembly includes carry handles attached to the first portion. Preferably, the handles are adapted for temporary detachment. Preferably, the handles are configured so that, once detached, they are stowable in the stowage space or compartment for later re-attachment and carrying use. 
         [0020]    According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a beachgoer&#39;s convenience kit, comprising a pillow adapted for beach use and a bag comprising a flexible wall defining a stowage cavity suitable for stowing said pillow. In preferred embodiments, the pillow is of inflatable construction. 
         [0021]    In a preferred form of the invention, the cavity is adapted for stowing said pillow in head-supporting orientation in respect of a user&#39;s head. 
         [0022]    In a further preferred form of the invention, the kit further includes a beach towel adapted for being stowable in said cavity. 
         [0023]    In a further preferred form of the invention, the kit includes attachment means for removably attaching the towel to the bag. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the attachment means is configured for establishing removable attachment between a peripheral portion of said bag to a peripheral portion of the towel. The attachment preferably comprises a zipper located proximate a minor edge of the towel. 
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, the zipper is spaced from said minor edge so that a portion of the towel proximate said edge defines a flap that covers the zipper when attached. 
         [0026]    Further according to the invention, the bag wall is configured additionally to define a compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the compartment is adjacent the cavity. 
         [0027]    In a further preferred embodiment, the cavity is configured for stowage of solar powered battery charging means. 
         [0028]    In a further preferred form of the invention, the kit further comprises solar powered battery charging means stowable in the cavity. 
         [0029]    In a still further preferred form of the invention, the bag wall is configured additionally to define a stowage sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is configured to receive for stowage a tablet computer. 
         [0030]    The invention further provides for the kit to comprise any one or more of a drinks container, a sunscreen preparation, moisturizer, sun-protective headgear and a hairbrush. 
         [0031]    In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the bag is made from a laminar material that includes a waterproof layer. A preferred waterproof layer comprises neoprene. 
         [0032]    It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide practical means for a pedestrian to transport beach-goer&#39;s paraphernalia. 
         [0033]    Another object is to provide an integrated beach towel and carrier. 
         [0034]    The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application. 
         [0035]    Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense—that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not being limited to”—as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense—that is to say meaning “including this and nothing else”. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  shows in upper and lower perspective views a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention when folded closed for portability. 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the assembly of the invention folder open for use. 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a pillow for use in the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  provides a schematic cross section of the laminar composition of the material used for construction of the bag component in the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention with the towel and bag portion connected and spread out flat. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  shows the bag portion in the embodiment of  FIG. 5  from the opposite side. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    While the invention of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0044]    The equipment of the invention comprises a towel and a durable pillow that is either integrated with the towel, is attachable to it, or is retained in a container that is attachable to the towel. 
         [0045]    The pillow defines an internal chamber sealable to atmosphere with a valve adapted for self-inflation, but which allows supplementation by a user with as few as 1 or 2 breaths. Allowing the pillow to inflate to about 60% to 85%, and preferably 75% of its capacity, gives it a softer, more pliant feel. 
         [0046]    In an integrated configuration, being one embodiment of the invention, the towel and pillow, when not in use, are stowable in a pillow pocket configured at one side—for example the back—of the towel. To stow the towel away from an opened out condition, it should simply be folded up small enough to fit the pocket and, once so folded, have the pocket turned back over it. 
         [0047]    When required for use, the user need simply flip over the end of the towel where the pocket is, and turn out the pocket to release the towel and pillow. Once the pillow has inflated, it can be reinserted into the pocket, which would then serve as a pillow slip. Meanwhile the towel is unfurled and laid out for use. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, the towel is not integrally formed with a pocket portion, but is separate from a bag portion configured to provide the pocket. In this embodiment, the user would pull or shake out the towel from the pocket and attach it to the bag portion, which would then define a head end of the towel. 
         [0049]    To attach the towel to the bag portion, a zipper is provided, a first track thereof being sewn to the bag portion and a second track to the towel portion. Preferably the zipper has large chunky teeth to make it easy to attach and disassemble. The size of the zipper teeth is selected to be sufficiently large not to be susceptible to jamming by grains of sand. Preferably the zipper is also of the two-way kind, enabling attachment or detachment from either end. It will be appreciated that other attachment means can be substituted without departing from the invention. 
         [0050]    Once inflated to the desired level, the user may slide the pillow back into the pillow sleeve to render the assembly ready for use in supporting his head when recumbent. 
         [0051]    In a further variation, the pillow is fixed within the pocket and is inflated without the need for removing it. The pocket has an outer covering of towelling material which helps to protect the inflatable bag defining the pillow. 
         [0052]    For stowage of further convenience items for beachgoers, the invention provides embodiments having additional storage options. In a preferred embodiment, there is one large pocket to one side of the pillow pocket and another two smaller pockets on the opposite side. The smaller pockets are suitable for retaining various items that may be useful to the beachgoer, for example tablets, sunscreen, beverages, a mobile phone and solar charger and a hair brush or comb. The pockets are equipped with 2-way zips for allowing easy access from either end of the zip track. 
         [0053]    In preferred embodiments, there is an anchor point provided proximate each of the four corners of the towel to enable suitable anchoring to a peg or weighted article, so as to prevent wind gusts from blowing the towel away. 
         [0054]    The towel component in preferred embodiments is about  1 m wide by 1.4 m-2.0 m in area and made of velour or other soft and moisture-releasing material that results in a plush feel for the user. The bag component substantially matches the width of the towel portion and is in the range 400-500 mm long. Ideally, the components when connected together and laid out flat form an assembly about 1 m wide and 1.9 m long. 
         [0055]    Since the invention is intended for use in hot sunny conditions, all components of the towel are, in preferred embodiments, provided in forms that are burn-proof to the user. Thus all zips, eyelets and exposed metal from snap-on buttons or studs have coverings by towelling fabric or other heat-insulating material. By way of a non-limiting example, metal buttons are provided with rubber button caps and zips are concealed below flaps. 
         [0056]    When provided in the form of a beachgoer&#39;s convenience kit, the invention in an embodiment is additionally equipped with a 5000 mAh dual USB solar charger that is shock-, water- and dust-proof. This facilitates the simultaneous charging of two devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, media players, cameras, or video action-capturing devices. 
         [0057]    The charger is selected to have sufficient charge retention capacity to charge a typical mobile phone battery twice over before going flat and needing its on-board solar panel to be exposed to the sun for recharging. 
         [0058]    In a further embodiment, the equipment additionally includes a pocket containing an inbuilt LED flashlight that is able to be powered via the solar panel battery or from its own rechargeable battery cell, in case the user is out after sunset and needs a light source. 
         [0059]    For the ride home, everything folds up into a convenient beach bag, one configuration of which will be described below with reference to the accompanying illustrations. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment of this invention, the equipment of the invention is shown in portable arrangement, with pillow and towel within, and designated generally by the number  10 . It comprises a bag portion  12  formed of a sheet of flexible material, being a linen towelling fabric, having a first end  14  at a corresponding peripheral edge, and a second end  16 , distally opposite the first end. First end  14  is folded over to overlap end  16  for portage and is secured by means of snap studs  18 , located on the inwardly facing surface (therefore shown in broken lines), to end  16 . 
         [0061]    At a top edge  20  is a hem  22  and sewn on to the hem are rubberised metal eye ring pairs  24  to which carry straps (not shown) are removably attached. These may be hand straps or shoulder straps. The eye rings have inwardly opening hinges. As shown, the folded-over edges  14  and  16  cause the sheet material to define an internal sleeve  26 . The bottom opening of sleeve  26  is visible in  FIG. 1( b ) . 
         [0062]    At an edge opposite hem  22  is a zipper track  28 , running from the side edge at which end  14  terminates to the opposing edge at which end  16  terminates. 
         [0063]    Adjacent first end  14  are two generally rectangular compartments  30  and  32 , separated by a seam  34  and defined by further seams  36 ,  38 . Each has an open end  42 ,  44  for inserting and removing stowable items. 
         [0064]    Between seams  38  and  46  is defined a relatively larger compartment  48 , sized for receiving and retaining a towel and an inflatable pillow. Compartment  48  is open at an upper end corresponding to seam  52 . A closure is included in preferred embodiments, the closure being for example a zipper, or a fastening such as a button or row of studs. 
         [0065]    In this embodiment, on the opposite side of dividing seam  46 , bounded by seam  52  above and zipper end  28  below, and extending almost to edge  16  of the bag portion of the overall assembly  10 , is a sleeve-like side compartment  54 . This compartment has an access opening proximate end  16 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , towel portion  60  is shown spread out for a user to lie on and  FIG. 3  illustrates an inflatable pillow  70  (not to scale), both components having been withdrawn from pocket compartment  48 . Once inflated by way of self-inflating valve  72 , the pillow will be replaced in compartment  48  for use in cushioning the head (or feet, if desired) of the user (not shown). The pillow has peripheral press bonding as shown at  74  and is made of neoprene, or similar airtight sheeting. 
         [0067]    The towel is manufactured having a peripheral sewn hem  62 . A zip track  64  substantially completely extends across the towel width, a short distance away from minor edge  66 . Zip track  64  engages in conventional manner with mating zip track  28  on the bag component of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Minor edge  66  extends to cover the engaged zip tracks  28  and  64 , preventing direct contact between the user&#39;s skin and the tracks, in case of the tracks becoming excessively hot to the touch because of sun exposure. 
         [0068]    To cater for windy conditions, the towel has an eyelet  76  at each corner, through which a peg or other suitable item (not shown) may be passed to secure the assembly from lifting or being blown away. 
         [0069]      FIG. 4  shows partly cut away the laminar nature of the bag material of construction  80 . A waterproof, woven lining  82  defines an innermost layer of the composite and a towelling fabric the outermost layer  84 . The towelling fabric is selected from 100% cotton, 100% microfiber and suitable blends thereof. Sandwiched between these inner and outer layers is layer of neoprene, about 3 mm thick. Zip track  28  (see previous figures) is visible at what defines the open end of the bag component when folded in for its edges  14  and  16  to be connected (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Along, but displaced a short distance from folded edge  88  is a length of herringbone tape  90  added for edge stability. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated that the choice and thicknesses of the materials may differ. 
         [0071]    Instead of neoprene, a material such as Gore-Tex™ having water-resistant or waterproof properties may be used. The innermost fabric may for example be replaced with a lycra or similar product. 
         [0072]    Further pockets or sleeves may be added for additional stowage options. For example, a pocket is added to the back of the towel. It is suitable for stowage of flat items such as a magazine, newspaper of book. 
         [0073]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , illustrating an alternative embodiment of this invention to the one shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , like parts are designated by like numerals. The main towel portion  60  is shown velour side up and connected to bag portion at zipper interface  64 . 
         [0074]    In this embodiment, instead of an open end to each of the lateral pockets  30 ,  32  and  54 , zippers are provided beneath heat screening flaps  92 ,  94  and  96 . The zippers shielded under opposite side flaps  92  and  94  have double runners  104 , while the zipper under flap  96  has a single runner  106 . Eyelets  98  are provided for attachment of a removable carry strap with swivel hooks, when the assembly is folded up for portage. 
         [0075]    Also provided are 15 mm snaps  100  to secure the bag portion once folded to carrying or portage configuration. These snaps have optionally removable rubberized covers to guard against heat burn after exposure to the sun and are attached through three layers of fabric to inhibit accidental removal or loss. 
         [0076]    In  FIG. 6 , bag portion  12  from  FIG. 5  is illustrated from the reverse side. Again like parts are denoted by like numerals. Access to the central large pocket  48  is via opening  110  which is configured to have a pillowcase-style fold-back of about 100 mm width. This helps prevent the contents from protruding or being lost inadvertently. Zipper track  28  which connects with the zipper track on the towel portion of  FIG. 5  is an open end cast zip of size  10 , having a zip tape width of 20 mm. 
         [0077]    Clear advantages of the invention are its ease of portage and comprehensive provision of features to assist ardent beachgoers to take along comfort items as well as necessities. 
         [0078]    These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the beach gear of the invention, providing for the user&#39;s convenience in portability. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.