A plush children's lounge is provided. The lounge includes a sidewall connected to a base. The lounge is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a fastener is provided. When the fastener is connected, the lounge defines a closed configuration having a reduced length and suitable for portability. Backpack straps are provided so that the lounge can be carried on the back. The sidewall is resilient such that the lounge springs into the open configuration when the fastener is released. When in the open configuration, a child can recline inside the lounge. Scallops in the sidewall serve as a headrest for the lounger and a plush toy head with eyes is connected to the lounge such that the child can see the plush toy while lying in the lounge. The lounge further includes arms and legs that resemble an animal or other creature.

Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for adjustable length, multi-segment, weighted trekking pole are provided. Two or three-segment trekking (or other) poles may benefit from removable slotted annular-shaped weights that may provide liquid storage and may be configured to fit around the pins of a pin-and-hole coupling mechanism that attaches the pole segments together.

Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for adjustable length, multi-segment, weighted trekking pole are provided. Two or three-segment trekking (or other) poles may benefit from removable slotted annular-shaped weights that may provide liquid storage and may be configured to fit around the pins of a pin-and-hole coupling mechanism that attaches the pole segments together.

A backpack apparatus equipped with an extendable inflatable sleep surface is shown. The apparatus is configured to appear similar to that of a conventional backpack, having dual straps for shoulder carry, as well as wheels and an extendable handle. An inflatable sleeping surface is concealed within the apparatus, and is configured to extend out from the apparatus when desired. Horizontal straps ensure that the sleeping surface remains retracted during travel, or the surface is housed within a compartment of the apparatus. A retractable awning is disposed at a top of the apparatus, and is configured to extend in order to provide shade during rest. The awning is equipped with a night light. The apparatus is preferably equipped with an internal battery, which may be used to recharge portable electronics via a USB output.

A backpack apparatus equipped with an extendable inflatable sleep surface is shown. The apparatus is configured to appear similar to that of a conventional backpack, having dual straps for shoulder carry, as well as wheels and an extendable handle. An inflatable sleeping surface is concealed within the apparatus, and is configured to extend out from the apparatus when desired. Horizontal straps ensure that the sleeping surface remains retracted during travel, or the surface is housed within a compartment of the apparatus. A retractable awning is disposed at a top of the apparatus, and is configured to extend in order to provide shade during rest. The awning is equipped with a night light. The apparatus is preferably equipped with an internal battery, which may be used to recharge portable electronics via a USB output.

A plush children's lounge is provided. The lounge includes a sidewall connected to a base. The lounge is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a fastener is provided. When the fastener is connected, the lounge defines a closed configuration having a reduced length and suitable for portability. Backpack straps are provided so that the lounge can be carried on the back. The sidewall is resilient such that the lounge springs into the open configuration when the fastener is released. When in the open configuration, a child can recline inside the lounge. Scallops in the sidewall serve as a headrest for the lounger and a plush toy head with eyes is connected to the lounge such that the child can see the plush toy while lying in the lounge. The lounge further includes arms and legs that resemble an animal or other creature.

A plush children's lounge is provided. The lounge includes a sidewall connected to a base. The lounge is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a fastener is provided. When the fastener is connected, the lounge defines a closed configuration having a reduced length and suitable for portability. Backpack straps are provided so that the lounge can be carried on the back. The sidewall is resilient such that the lounge springs into the open configuration when the fastener is released. When in the open configuration, a child can recline inside the lounge. Scallops in the sidewall serve as a headrest for the lounger and a plush toy head with eyes is connected to the lounge such that the child can see the plush toy while lying in the lounge. The lounge further includes arms and legs that resemble an animal or other creature.

A portable beach pole consists of a pole and a support base. The support base can be separated from the pole, and the pole itself can be separated into two or more pole pieces along its length, so that the support base and pole pieces can be easily transported from home to car to beach, in a bag. One or more of the pole pieces includes integral hooks from which wet beach towels, clothing and other items such as toys, food/beverage bags and beach bags may be hung. The pole pieces and support base can be quickly assembled into the beach pole, whereby the beach pole can be just as quickly disassembled. The support base provides a sturdy and secure structure for maintaining the beach pole vertical and in place.

A portable beach pole consists of a pole and a support base. The support base can be separated from the pole, and the pole itself can be separated into two or more pole pieces along its length, so that the support base and pole pieces can be easily transported from home to car to beach, in a bag. One or more of the pole pieces includes integral hooks from which wet beach towels, clothing and other items such as toys, food/beverage bags and beach bags may be hung. The pole pieces and support base can be quickly assembled into the beach pole, whereby the beach pole can be just as quickly disassembled. The support base provides a sturdy and secure structure for maintaining the beach pole vertical and in place.

A carrier for transporting and storing elongate, flexible, buoyant articles having a body having a pre-determined length and a pre-determined width, and adapted to encircle the plurality of buoyant articles, a fastener cooperating with the body for releasably maintaining the body in an encircled position relative to the plurality of the buoyant articles, and a float connected to the body for providing buoyancy to the carrier when not carrying the buoyant articles.