US20050044606A1

US20050044606A1 - Beach wrap

Info

Publication number: US20050044606A1
Application number: US10/891,761
Authority: US
Inventors: Maureen Flanagan-Frazier
Original assignee: SURF RAP INTERNATIONAL Inc
Current assignee: SURF RAP INTERNATIONAL Inc
Priority date: 2003-08-28
Filing date: 2004-07-14
Publication date: 2005-03-03

Abstract

The invention is directed to a beach wrap or body covering garment that is easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer so that the wearer can easily change clothes in a public place without being seen. The beach wrap comprises an elongated fabric piece having an exterior layer formed of a flexible water absorbing material and an interior layer formed of a water impervious material. The beach wrap is fixed about the body of the wearer by attaching together first and second attachment elements. The beach wrap has a pair of elongated slits spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow the wearer to conveniently insert and withdraw the wearer's arms when the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer. Each slit has slit closure means. The beach wrap may further comprise at least one pouch formed of a water impervious material attached to the interior layer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/498,505, filed Aug. 28, 2003, titled “Surf Rap”, currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel and nonobvious body covering garment that can be easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer to cover the wearer's body and afford the wearer privacy for changing clothes in a public place while wearing the body covering garment. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a beach wrap within which a person may undress and dress in a public place without being seen by others.
Beach environments and public swimming pools are often lacking in sufficient or suitable changing facilities, and as a result, swimmers and surfers must attempt to change into and out of bathing suits and wetsuits under difficult conditions. Swimmers and surfers often wrap a regular beach towel around themselves while attempting to change into and out of bathing suits and wetsuits. However, this can be cumbersome, difficult, and lead to embarrassment if the beach towel becomes loose and falls off the wearer while the wearer is attempting to change. Another common method used by groups of swimmers and surfers is to take turns holding a towel or blanket around an individual who is changing. However, this method is ineffective and inconvenient and requires the time and cooperation of several individuals to carry out the job. In response to this problem, known body covering garments for use during changing clothes have been developed. However, such known body covering garments are often expensive to manufacture, cumbersome to use, unattractive, and do not allow for waterproof storage of an individual's personal items, such as keys, money, and wet swimsuits.
Accordingly, there is a need for a new and improved body covering garment or beach wrap that overcomes the problems associated with known body covering garments for changing in public places.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies these needs as well as provides a unique and advantageous body covering garment and beach wrap. The present invention can be used by swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, or anyone participating in a water sports or recreational activities. The beach wrap of the present invention is designed to stay securely in place around a person's body and allow a person to easily change into and out of a wetsuit, a bathing suit, or other clothing in a public place, such as a beach, without being exposed to others. The beach wrap of the present invention is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, is attractive, is easy to use, and allows for waterproof storage of an individual's personal items, such as keys, money, and wet swimsuits. The beach wrap of the present invention comes in various sizes and can be used by men, women, and children.
A version of the present invention is directed to a body covering garment or beach wrap that is easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer. The body covering garment comprises: an elongated fabric piece having an exterior layer formed of a flexible water absorbing material and an interior layer formed of a water impervious material, wherein the interior layer is attached to the exterior layer and is substantially the same size and shape as the exterior layer; a first attachment element located on the exterior layer and a second attachment element located on the interior layer, wherein the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer by attaching together the first and second attachment elements; a pair of elongated slits spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow the wearer to conveniently insert and withdraw the wearer's arms when the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer; at least one slit closure means along the interior of each of the openings to allow the wearer to open and close the slits; and, may comprise at least one pouch formed of a water impervious material attached to the interior layer, wherein the pouch has a pouch closure. The first attachment element and the second attachment element may comprise cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro. However, other suitable attachment elements may also be used. The slit closure means may also comprise cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro. However, other suitable slit closure means may also be used.
In another version of the present invention, the body covering garment or beach wrap may further comprise additional attachment elements on the bottom of the beach wrap for fast and convenient body contouring of the beach wrap.
In another version of the present invention, the body covering garment or beach wrap may further include a hood secured to the fabric piece for engaging over the head of the wearer. This version is particularly preferable for children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, where:
FIG. 1 is a front, exterior view of a version of the beach wrap of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a back, interior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 1 with a version of a closable pouch;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a version of the beach wrap of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an interior view of a version of the beach wrap of the present invention with another version of a closable pouch;
FIG. 5 is an exterior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a version of the beach wrap of the present invention designed for children and having a hood;
FIG. 7 is an interior view of another version of the beach wrap of the present invention with attachment elements at the bottom and a version of a closable pouch;
FIG. 8 is an exterior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 7; and,
FIG. 9 is an exterior view of the hooded beach wrap of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a novel and nonobvious body covering garment or beach wrap that is easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer. The beach wrap of the present invention allows a person to undress and dress in a public place without being seen by others. FIG. 1 is a front, exterior view of a version of a beach wrap 10 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a back, interior view of the beach wrap 10 of FIG. 1 with a version of a closable pouch. The beach wrap 10 comprises an elongated piece of fabric 12 having an exterior layer 14 (FIG. 1) with a top end 16, a bottom end 18, and sides 20, 22 and an interior layer or lining 24 (FIG.2) with a top end 26, a bottom end 28, and sides 30, 32. The interior layer 24 is attached to the exterior layer 14, preferably by sewing the two layers together at their respective edges. Preferably, the interior layer 24 and the exterior layer 14 are substantially the same size and shape. However, the interior layer 24 may also be sewn or attached to the exterior layer so that there is an exterior layer edge around the interior layer. Preferably, the elongated fabric piece of the beach wrap is of a unitary, substantially planar configuration. Preferably, the fabric piece of the beach wrap is of a sufficient size and shape to extend around the front and back of the wearer and of a sufficient length to extend down and cover at least part of the legs of the wearer. Preferably, the beach wrap is designed to hang to approximately mid-calf length of the user. The fabric piece defines an interior sufficient for receiving a person's body and enclosing it. The exterior layer 14 may be manufactured in a large size, such as the size of a large beach towel; a medium size, such as the size of a medium beach towel; or a small size, such as the size of a small beach towel for children. The beach wrap may be designed in sizes suitable for men, women and children. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a person wearing a version of the beach wrap of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a version of the beach wrap of the present invention designed for children and having a hood and shows a child wearing the beach wrap. Preferably, the exterior layer 14 is made of a flexible, water absorbing material, such as an organic stretch terry cloth knit or cotton, that provides elasticity and flexibility, and is water absorbent. Other suitable water absorbent, flexible materials may also be used. Preferably, the interior layer 24 is made of a water impervious or water resistant material, such as nylon, plastic, neoprene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, or another suitable water resistant material. The water resistant interior layer or lining helps to keep the exterior layer or towel layer dry so once a user has changed using the beach wrap, the user can dry his or her hair, face or other body areas with the dry exterior towel layer.
The beach wrap 10 further comprises a first attachment element 34 (FIG. 1) preferably located along a first edge portion 36 of the top end 16 of the exterior layer 14, and a second attachment element 38 (FIG. 2) preferably located along a second interior edge portion 40. The beach wrap or body covering garment 10 is fixed about the body of a wearer by attaching together the first attachment element 34 and the second attachment element 38. The beach wrap may be wrapped about the body of the wearer and the beach wrap adjustably fastened about the body by adjusting the first and second attachment elements 34, 38 to fit securely and comfortably about the body. The first and second attachment elements 34, 38 may preferably be comprised of elongated strips of weather resistant cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro. The first and second attachment elements may also be comprised of a plurality of separate, spaced weather resistant pieces of cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro, spaced along the first edge portion 36 and the second interior edge portion 40. The first and second attachment elements may also be comprised of male and female snap fasteners or snaps, a zipper fastener or zippers, a button and a cooperating button hole closure or buttons, or other suitable attachment means. Preferably, the elongated Velcro strips may be 8 inches to 24 inches in length, and less than 1 inch in width, so that a user can adjust the beach wrap around the body of the user and securely attach the attachment elements under the arm pits of the user. However, other lengths and widths of Velcro may also be used. In another version of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the first attachment element 34 may comprise a piece of weather resistant Velcro positioned along the first edge portion 36 of the top end 16 of the exterior layer 14, and the second attachment element 38 may comprise a piece of weather resistant Velcro that extends beyond the second interior edge portion 40 and beyond the side of the beach wrap. In addition, as shown in this version, attachment elements in the form of weather resistant Velcro pieces 42, 44 or other suitable attachment elements may also be provided on the bottom end of the beach wrap for fast and convenient body contouring of the beach wrap. Such attachment elements may also be provided in the version of the beach wrap shown in FIGS. 1-6.
The beach wrap 10 further comprises at least two or a pair of elongated, reinforced slits 46, 48 (FIG. 1) that form or provide openings or “mock” pockets 50, 52 (FIG. 2) through the exterior layer 14 and the interior layer 24. The pair of elongated slits 46, 48 are spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer 14 of the fabric piece of the beach wrap. The elongated slits 46, 48 each form an elongated opening or “mock” pocket 50, 52, respectively, through the exterior layer 14 and through the interior layer 24 of the fabric to allow the wearer to conveniently insert and withdraw the wearer's arms when the beach wrap or body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer. The slits 46, 48 allow a user to easily insert his or her hands and arms within the beach wrap openings 50, 52 to easily remove or put on swimsuits, wetsuits, or other clothing items underneath the beach wrap without risk of the user's body being exposed to those in view of the user. The length of the slits 46, 48 is preferably from about 8 inches to about 24 inches. However, the slits 46, 48 may also be of other lengths. The length of each opening 50, 52 formed from the slits is preferably from about 8 inches to 24 inches and preferably corresponds to the length of the slits. However, the openings 50, 52 may also be of other lengths. The slits 46, 48 may each have at least one slit closure means 54 along the interior of each of the openings 50, 52 to allow the slits to be releasably closed or opened. The slit closure means 54 may be in the form of one or more weather resistant cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro, male and female snap fasteners or snaps, a zipper fastener or zippers, a button and a cooperating button hole closure or buttons, or other suitable attachment means. Decorative material may also be provided along each opening or “mock” pocket 50, 52 area to avoid bunching of the beach wrap when changing cloths.
The beach wrap may further comprise at least one closable pouch 56 (FIGS. 2, 4) formed of a water impervious material and formed adjacent or near one of the openings or pockets 50, 52 along the interior layer 16 of the beach wrap closest to the body of a user. A version of the closable pouch is shown in FIG. 2. Another version of the closable pouch is shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The closable pouch 56 is preferably made of a water impervious or water resistant material such as nylon, plastic, neoprene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, or another suitable water resistant material. The pouch 56 preferably has a closure 58 on the pouch. The pouch closure 58 may be in the form of one or more weather resistant cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro, male and female snap fasteners or snaps, a zipper fastener or zippers, a button and a cooperating button hole closure or buttons, or other suitable attachment means. The pouch 56 allows a user to store personal items, such as keys, a wallet, a wet bathing suit, or other items that need to stay clear of any outdoor elements. FIG. 4 is an interior view of a version of the beach wrap of the present invention with a version of a closable pouch. FIG. 5 is an exterior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is an interior view of another version of the beach wrap of the present invention with attachment elements at the bottom and a version of a closable pouch. FIG. 8 is an exterior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 7.
The beach wrap may also comprise a separate or attached drawstring bag (not shown) made of the same or similar water resistant material as the interior layer or lining of the beach wrap, so that a user can store the beach wrap in the bag when not in use or store personal items if the user is wearing the beach wrap. The drawstring bag is preferably made of a water impervious or water resistant material such as nylon, plastic, neoprene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, or another suitable water resistant material. The drawstring bag is of a sufficient size to accommodate the beach wrap in a folded or unused state. The bag's drawstring will loosen or tighten as needed. The bag will also be of benefit when a user is done using the beach wrap and it is wet, so a user can place the wet beach wrap into the water resistant bag to avoid getting the user's car seats or other items wet. Once dry, the beach wrap can be stored in the drawstring bag as well. Preferably, the drawstring bag has a flotation element or device incorporated into the bag, so that if the bag is thrown or falls in the water, such bag will float on the surface of the water.
In another version shown in FIG. 6, a beach wrap 60 may be designed for children and very young children. FIG. 6 is a version of the beach wrap of the present invention designed for children. FIG. 9 is an exterior view of the beach wrap of FIG. 6. The beach wrap 60 preferably has an attached hood portion 62 for covering a child's head to keep the head and ears warm. The hood 62 is secured to the fabric piece of the beach wrap for engaging over the head of the child. This child's version of the beach wrap comprises at least two elongated, reinforced slits 64, 66 spaced opposite each other along each side of the beach wrap and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening or “mock” pocket 68, 70, respectively, through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow a parent or other adult to reach in from the exterior of the beach wrap and remove the child's wet swimsuit or clothing and add clothing in privacy while in public areas similar to the adult version. Preferably, each slit 64, 66 has slit closure means. This version of the beach wrap may further comprise at least one pouch formed of a water impervious material attached to the interior layer.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions of the invention are possible. In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein or to specific features shown, since the means and constriction shown, is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. It is also understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims

1. A body covering garment easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer, the body covering garment comprising:

an elongated fabric piece having an exterior layer formed of a flexible water absorbing material and an interior layer formed of a water impervious material, wherein the interior layer is attached to the exterior layer and is substantially the same size and shape as the exterior layer;

a first attachment element located on the exterior layer and a second attachment element located on the interior layer, wherein the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer by attaching together the first and second attachment elements;

a pair of elongated slits spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow the wearer to conveniently insert and withdraw the wearer's arms when the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer;

at least one slit closure means along the interior of each of the openings to allow the wearer to open and close the slits; and,

at least one pouch formed of a water impervious material attached to the interior layer, wherein the pouch has a pouch closure.

2. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the garment further includes a hood secured to the fabric piece for engaging over the head of the wearer.

3. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the elongated fabric piece is of a unitary, substantially planar configuration.

4. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the exterior layer is made of terry cloth.

5. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the interior layer is made of nylon.

6. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the interior layer is made of neoprene.

7. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the interior layer is made of polypropylene.

8. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprise cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro.

9. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the slit closure means comprises cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro.

10. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the slit closure means comprises male and female snap fasteners.

11. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the slit closure means comprises a button and a cooperating button hole closure.

12. The body covering garment of claim 1 further including a drawstring bag being of a sufficient size to accommodate the body covering garment in a folded state.

13. The body covering garment of claim 1 wherein the fabric is of a sufficient size and shape to extend around the front and back of the wearer and of a sufficient length to extend down and cover at least part of the legs of the wearer.

14. A beach wrap for covering a user's body and affording the user privacy for changing clothes while wearing the beach wrap, the beach wrap comprising:

a fabric piece having an exterior layer and an interior layer, wherein the interior layer is attached to the exterior;

a first attachment element located on the exterior layer and a second attachment element located on the interior layer, wherein the beach wrap is fixed about the user and underneath armpits of the user by attaching together the first and second attachment elements;

a pair of elongated slits spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow the user to conveniently insert and withdraw arms of the user when the beach wrap is fixed about the body of the user; and,

at least one slit closure means along the interior of each of the openings to allow the user to open and close the slits.

15. The beach wrap of claim 14 further including at least one pouch formed of a water impervious material attached to the interior layer

16. The beach wrap of claim 14 further including a hood secured to the fabric piece for engaging over the head of the user.

17. The beach wrap of claim 14 wherein the exterior layer is made of a flexible, water absorbing terry cloth.

18. The beach wrap of claim 14 wherein the interior layer is made of water resistant nylon.

19. The beach wrap of claim 14 wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element and the slit closure comprise cooperating hook and loop fabric attachment pads, i.e., Velcro.

20. A body covering garment easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer, the body covering garment comprising:

an elongated fabric piece having an exterior layer formed of a flexible water absorbing material and an interior layer formed of a water impervious material, wherein the interior layer is attached to the exterior layer and is substantially the same size and shape as the exterior layer, and further wherein the body covering garment has a hood secured to the fabric piece for engaging over the head of the wearer;