Foldable Beach Chair Mat

Abstract

A foldable beach chair mat includes two chair support pads, each comprising a respective rigid planar body. An elongated edge of the first rigid planar body has a first semicircular aperture comprising a first concave end face, and a corresponding elongated edge of the second rigid planar body has a second semicircular aperture comprising a second concave end face. An elongated hinge is positioned between and pivotally connects the elongated edges, to pivot and fold the first rigid planar body towards the second rigid planar body to a face-to-face abutment, to fold the mat. In an extended position, the first rigid planar body and the second rigid planar body are coplanar. The mat includes a carry strap for carrying the mat in a folded state and also has a retention strap for maintaining the folded state. A plurality of cupholders are defined by the rigid planar bodies for accommodating beverage containers.

Claims

1. A beach chair mat device comprising: a first chair support pad comprising a first rigid planar body having at least a first elongated edge defining a first semicircular aperture comprising a first concave end face; a second chair support pad comprising a second rigid planar body having at least a second elongated edge defining a second semicircular aperture comprising a second concave end face; an elongated hinge disposed between and pivotally connecting the at least first elongated edge of the first rigid planar body and the at least second elongated edge of the second rigid planar body, said first rigid planar body pivotally movable relative to the second rigid planar body about the elongated hinge between a folded position in face-to-face abutting relation and an extended flat position in a coplanar relation, wherein the first semicircular aperture and the second semicircular aperture are in a concentric alignment about an axis in the folded position, wherein the first rigid body and the second rigid body form a circular support aperture adapted to receive and laterally support an umbrella pole upon a vertical sliding movement of the umbrella pole through the circular support aperture; and a carry strap having a first end opposite a second end, the first end connected to a proximal end of the elongated hinge, the second end connected to a distal end of the elongated hinge.

2. The beach chair mat device of claim 1, further comprising: a first semicylindrical support member formed of a first arcuate upstanding wall, a first semicircular base disposed at a bottom of the first arcuate upstanding wall, and a first top semicylindrical rim extending outwardly from a top of the first arcuate upstanding wall, said first arcuate upstanding wall fitted against the first concave end face of the first rigid planar body; and a second semicylindrical support member formed of a second arcuate upstanding wall, a second semicircular base disposed at a bottom of the second arcuate upstanding wall, and a second top semicylindrical rim extending outwardly from a top of the second arcuate upstanding wall, said second arcuate upstanding wall fitted against the second concave end face of the second rigid planar body.

3. The beach chair mat device of claim 2, wherein the first semicylindrical support member and the second semicylindrical support member define a cylindrical support passageway extending through the first chair support pad and the second chair support pad when the beach chair mat device is in the extended flat position, said cylindrical support passageway configured to receive and secure against lateral movement the umbrella pole when extended therethrough said cylindrical support passageway.

4. The beach chair mat device of claim 3, wherein the first semicylindrical support member and the second semicylindrical support member are each formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE).

5. The beach chair mat device of claim 1, wherein the elongated hinge comprises: a first elongated leaf fixed to the at least one elongated edge of the first rigid planar body; and a second elongated leaf fixed to the at least one elongated edge of the second rigid planar body.

6. The beach chair mat device of claim 5, further comprising a non-slip textured rubber coating surface adhered to a top surface of the first rigid planar body of the first chair support pad.

7. The beach chair mat device of claim 6, further comprising a non-slip textured rubber coating surface adhered to a top surface of the second rigid planar body of the second chair support pad.

8. The beach chair mat device of claim 7, further comprising at least a first cupholder comprising a cylindrical member formed of an arcuate upstanding wall, a circular base, and a rim extending outwardly of the arcuate upstanding wall, said arcuate upstanding wall of the at least a first cupholder disposed within a first round aperture defined by the first rigid planar body, said rim positioned atop a top surface of the first rigid planar body.

9. The beach chair mat device of claim 8, further comprising at least a second cupholder comprising a cylindrical member formed of an arcuate upstanding wall, a circular base, and a rim extending outwardly of the arcuate upstanding wall, said arcuate upstanding wall of the at least a second cupholder disposed within a second round aperture defined by the second rigid planar body, said rim positioned atop a top surface of the second rigid planar body.

10. The beach chair mat device of claim 9, wherein the at least first cupholder and the at least second cupholder are each formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE).

11. The beach chair mat device of claim 1, the first rigid planar body and the second rigid planar body each extending a given length in a longitudinal direction and having a width in a transverse direction wherein width is less than the given length in the longitudinal direction.

12. The beach chair mat device of claim 1, further comprising at least one retention strap having a first end opposite a second end, said first end fixed to the first chair support pad, said second end having a hook-and-loop fastener removably connected to an opposing hook-and-loop portion fixed to the second chair support pad.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates the foldable beach chair mat in an extended position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the center of FIG. 1, showing the circular support aperture, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates the foldable beach chair mat in a folded position, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the foldable beach chair mat as laid out on an exemplary beach with a conventional beach umbrella inserted into the circular support aperture, and with a conventional beach chair positioned on top of the foldable beach chair mat, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates another close-up view of the center of FIG. 1, showing the circular support aperture, within which there is a first semicylindrical support member opposing a second semicylindrical support member, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing steps of folding the foldable beach chair mat for easy storage and transportability, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the elongated hinge showing first elongated leaf and the second elongated leaf, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a beachgoer carrying the foldable beach chair mat in the folded state, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0041] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5 and 7, the basic constructional details and principles of operation of embodiments of a foldable beach chair mat 100 are provided.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the disclosed foldable beach chair mat 100 includes a first chair support pad 102 having a generally square first rigid planar body 104 that includes a first elongated edge 106 having a first semicircular aperture 108 disposed around the center of the first elongated edge 106. The first semicircular aperture 108 includes a first concave end face 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The foldable beach chair mat 100 also includes a second chair support pad 112 comprising a second rigid planar body 114 that includes at least a second elongated edge 116 having a second semicircular aperture 118 disposed around the center of the second elongated edge 116. The second semicircular aperture 118 includes a second concave end face 110 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The first semicircular aperture 108 and the second semicircular aperture 118 are symmetric and congruent and are configured to form a circular support aperture 126 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in a preferred embodiment, the first rigid planar body 104 has a non-slip textured rubber coating surface 210 on the top surface 180 of the first chair support pad 102. The non-slip textured rubber coating surface 210 preferably adhesively fixed to the top surface 180 of the first chair support pad 102 with glue. Similarly, in one embodiment, the second rigid planar body 114 has a non-slip textured rubber coating surface 212 adhesively fixed onto a top surface 204 of the second chair support pad 112. The non-slip surfaces 210,212 can be attached using an adhesive or any other fastening means and prevents an object placed thereon from slipping. Further, the non-slip surfaces 210,212 are washable and weatherproof and can come in different colors and designs.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, the non-slip surfaces 210,212 are respectively formed as integral parts of the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112, when the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 are each formed from a mold. In other words, in such embodiment, the first chair support pad 102 has a non-slip surface 210 which is part of the first rigid planar body 104, as a homogenous material; and the second chair support pad 112 has a non-slip surface 212 which is part of the second rigid planar body 114, as a homogenous material.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the first rigid planar body 104 of the first chair support pad 102 and the second rigid planar body 114 of the second chair support pad 112 are each made from a sturdy clear polycarbonate. In another embodiment, the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 are each made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In yet another embodiment, they are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the circular support aperture 126 is adapted to receive and laterally support an umbrella pole 208 upon a vertical sliding movement of the umbrella pole 208 through the circular support aperture 126. The circular support aperture 126 provides support and stability to the umbrella pole 208 and thereby prevents the umbrella pole 208 from swaying or falling due to wind. The foldable beach chair mat 100 can be used on a beach surface to support a chair, as illustrated in FIG. 4. As can be appreciated from the disclosure herein, referring to FIG. 4, the foldable beach chair mat 100 can also be used on a grass surface to support a chair in an upright position, such as on a field or at a ballpark, and can also be used on a gravel surface to support a chair in an upright position, such as on top a gravel driveway or private road. In each of such aforementioned instances, the foldable beach chair mat 100 supports a chair such that it prevents the legs of the chair from penetrating the ground surface, allowing the chair to remain upright and balanced.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 are positioned substantially flat on a surface in a coplanar relation when the mat 100 is an extended position (Arrow B, FIG. 1). The mat 100 in the extended position can be laid on any beach or other types of surfaces, and any conventional beach umbrella 208 can be inserted into the circular support aperture 126 (FIG. 2).

[0048] For folding the foldable beach mat 100 of the present invention and achieving a pivotal movement of the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 for folding the mat 100 as illustrated in FIG. 3, an elongated hinge 122 is positioned along the elongated edges 106,116, and the elongated hinge 122 pivotally connects the first elongate edge 106 and the second elongate edge 116. More specifically, the elongated hinge 122 includes a first elongated leaf 164 and a second elongated leaf 166, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0049] The first elongated leaf 164 is fixed to the first elongated edge 106 of the first rigid planar body 104, and the second elongated leaf 166 is fixed to the second elongated edge 116 of the second rigid planar body 114. The elongated hinge 122 allows a user to pivotally move the first rigid planar body 104 relative to the second rigid planar body 114 about the elongated hinge 122 to bring the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 in face-to-face abutting relation as illustrated in FIG. 3. The mat 100 in the folded position (Arrow A, FIG. 3) is easy to carry and store and provides convenience to a beachgoer.

[0050] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the first rigid planar body 104 has a first cupholder 168 disposed within a first round aperture 178 defined by the first rigid planar body 104. The first cupholder 168 is preferably designed to hold any conventional cup or other beverage container. The first cupholder 168 is formed of a cylindrical member 170 having an arcuate upstanding wall 172, and a circular base 174. A circular rim 176 is positioned on the top surface 180 of the first rigid planar body 104 and extends outwardly of the arcuate upstanding wall 172 for providing support to an accommodated drinking vessel.

[0051] For providing additional space to store a beverage container, the second rigid planar body 114 has a second cupholder 182 disposed within a second round aperture 192 defined by the second rigid planar body 114. The second cupholder 182 has a similar structure like of the first cupholder 168 and is formed of a cylindrical member 184 having an arcuate upstanding wall 186 and a circular base 188. A circular rim 190 is positioned on top surface 204 of the second rigid planar body 114 and extends outwardly of the arcuate upstanding wall 186 for providing support to an accommodated drinking vessel. The first cupholder 168 and the second cupholder 182 enable a beachgoer to rest a beverage container safely against spillage.

[0052] The at least first cupholder and the at least second cupholder are each formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Preferably, the at least first cupholder and the at least second cupholder are each formed of HDPE.

[0053] The foldable beach mat 100 of the present invention has a durable, tear-resistant, and lightweight construction. The mat 100, preferably has a foam construction and can be easily moved along the beach when in its expanded use condition as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. However, the mat 100 is sufficiently heavy to resist movement by normal wind action when unoccupied. A beachgoer can easily lie on the mat 100 with head and/or feet resting on one or both of the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114. Cup holders 168,182 provide a stable holder for cups, bottles or cans of beverages, without fear of spilling.

[0054] The foldable beach mat 100, in different embodiments, can be made from one of water-resistant polyester, fleece, parachute nylon, and microfiber. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the mat 100 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.

[0055] When use of the foldable beach chair mat 100 is no longer desired, the mat 100 is easily folded into a folded or compact condition for easy transportation and storage, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, for easy transportation of the mat 100 in a folded state, an ergonomic, soft and durable carry strap 128 having a first end 130 and an opposite second end 132 is provided. The first end 130 is connected to a proximal end 134 of the elongated hinge 122 and the second end 132 is connected to a distal end 136 of the elongated hinge 122. The first end 130 and the second end 132 can be sewn or can be connected using an adhesive or any other fastener known in the art for a strong connection, thereby allowing a user to carry the mat 100 on a shoulder like a conventional shoulder bag.

[0056] The carry strap 128 can be made of nylon webbing and has a length in the range of 3′-5′ to meet requirements of different users. Further, the carry strap 128 comes in different colors and designs to match the colors and designs of the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114.

[0057] For folding the mat 100, the first rigid planar body 104 is pivotally moved from an extended position as illustrated in FIG. 1 relative to the second rigid planar body 114 to bring the first rigid planar body 104 in face-to-face abutting relation with the first semicircular aperture 108 and the second semicircular aperture 118 oriented in a concentric alignment about an axis 124. The first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 are symmetrical and have substantially equal dimensions, thereby, folding the mat 100 effectively reduces the longitudinal length of the mat 100, thus making easy for a user to carry and store.

[0058] For maintaining the mat 100 in the folded stated as illustrated in FIG. 3 with the first rigid planar body 104 and second rigid planar body 114 remain in face-to-face abutting relation, the mat 100 has a longitudinal retention strap 194 having a first end 196 and an opposite second end 198. The first end 196 is fixed (preferably sewn) to the first chair support pad 102 and the second end 198 has a hook-and-loop fastener 200, such as, preferably, a VELCRO® brand of hook-and-loop fastener 200. The second end 198 is a free end and the VELCRO® hook-and-loop fastener 200 can have a GSM in the range of 200-400 GSM. A hook and loop portion 202 is fixed to the second chair support pad 112 and is configured to removably attach the VELCRO® hook-and-loop fastener 200 for allowing the retention strap 194 to maintain face-to-face abutting relation of the first rigid planar body 104 and second rigid planar body 114. Both the first end 196 and the hook and loop portion 202 can be sewn using a sewing technique like zig zag or straight sewing. The retention strap 194 has a length adapted to remain intact and does not lag when the VELCRO® hook-and-loop fastener 200 is releasably attached to the hook and loop portion 202.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 have a given length in a longitudinal direction shown by Arrow D and having a width in a transverse direction illustrated by Arrow E. The width of both the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 is substantially same and the longitudinal length of the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 is also substantially same. The transverse width is less than the longitudinal length, and preferably, the width of the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 is one-half of the corresponding longitudinal length.

[0060] Now referring to FIG. 5, for further supporting the umbrella pole 208 positioned laterally in the circular support aperture 126 as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first rigid planar body 104 has a first semicylindrical support member 138 formed of a first arcuate upstanding wall 140, a first semicircular base 142 disposed at a bottom 144 of the first arcuate upstanding wall 140. A first top semicylindrical rim 146 is configured to extend outwardly from a top 148 of the first arcuate upstanding wall 140 for providing additional support to the umbrella pole 208. The first arcuate upstanding wall 140 is fitted against the first concave end face 110 of the first rigid planar body 104 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0061] Similarly, a second semicylindrical support member 150 is disposed in the second rigid planar body 114 and formed of a second arcuate upstanding wall 152 and a second semicircular base 154 disposed at a bottom 156 of the second arcuate upstanding wall 152. A second top semicylindrical rim 158 is configured to extend outwardly from a top 160 of the second arcuate upstanding wall 152 for providing additional support to the umbrella pole 208. The second semicylindrical support member 150 is fitted against the second concave end face 120 of the second rigid planar body 114 (illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the first semicylindrical support member 138 and the second semicylindrical support member 150 are each formed of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0063] In the extended position of the foldable beach chair mat 100, the first semicylindrical support member 138 and the second semicylindrical support member 150 form a cylindrical support passageway 162 surrounding the circular support aperture 126. The cylindrical support passageway 162 extends through the first chair support pad 102 and the second chair support pad 112 in the extended flat position. The cylindrical support passageway 162 is configured to receive and secure against lateral movement the umbrella pole 208 when extended therethrough. In such manner, through embodiment of the invention, a beachgoer can enjoy sitting underneath the umbrella without fear of umbrella pole 208 getting unstable and fall.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method 300 of folding the foldable beach chair mat 100 for easy storage and transportability. The method includes a first step 302 of pivotally moving the first rigid planar body 104 towards the second rigid planar body 114 along the elongated hinge 122. The pivotal movement is performed till the first rigid planar body 104 abuts against the second rigid planar body 114. The elongated hinge 122 provides frictionless and smooth pivotal movement of the first rigid planar body 104. Once the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 abut in face-to-face orientation, then, in second step 304, then, the VELCRO® hook-and-loop fastener 200 of the second end 198 of the retention strap 194 is attached to the hook and loop portion 202 for securing the first rigid planar body 104 and the second rigid planar body 114 in folded position. Finally, in the third step 306, the mat 100 is carried on shoulder or in hand using the carry strap 128 by a user.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a beachgoer 206 is carrying the beach mat 100 of the present invention in a folded state as illustrated in FIG. 3. The folded state of the mat 100 eliminates the requirement of a user to drag the mat 100 along the sand of a beach and therefore, helps in easy portability and storage thereof.

[0066] Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

[0067] This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.