WO2010103307A1

WO2010103307A1 - Sand bag

Info

Publication number: WO2010103307A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek John Burgin
Original assignee: Derek John Burgin
Priority date: 2009-03-09
Filing date: 2010-03-09
Publication date: 2010-09-16
Also published as: GB0903936D0; GB2468482A

Abstract

A sand bag (10) comprises a first U-shaped fabric panel (12), a second U shaped panel (14) of similar size and shape, the first and second panels (12, 14) being connected together to form a bag with an open end (15), a seam (16) provided around the periphery of the open end of the bag, and at least a first drawstring (22) provided partly in the seam for closing the open end of the sand bag, in use, the sand bag taking the shape of a substantially spherical ball when filled to capacity and the first drawstring (22) tightened, and the free drawstring (22) after tightening forming a loop of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the ball for wrapping around the circumference of the bag (10).

Description

SAND BAG

The present invention relates to a sand bag and particularly to a sand bag for use on the beach.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When on the beach, it is often difficult to prevent personal items, including towels, parasols and the like from being blown away by the sea breeze. It is known to provide wind breaks with spaced legs, which can be pushed into the beach in order to try and secure them, but sometimes, these wind breaks can become dislodged themselves and are prone to blowing over. Another problem with a wind break is that it can obscure the path of the sun, preventing effective sun bathing.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sand bag which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a sand bag comprising a first U- shaped fabric panel, a second U shaped panel of similar size and shape, the first and second panels being connected together to form a bag with an open end, a seam provided around the periphery of the open end of the bag, and at least a first drawstring provided partly in the seam for closing the open end of the sand bag, in use, the sand bag taking the shape of a substantially spherical ball when filled to capacity and the first drawstring tightened, and the free drawstring after tightening forming a loop of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the ball for wrapping around the circumference of the bag.

The sand bag is advantageous because it can be taken to a beach, for example, and filled with sand, pebbles or other loose materials and be used to weigh down a parasol, towel, wind break or the like. At the end of the visit to the beach, the bag can be emptied and taken home for re -use. A second drawstring may be provided partly in the seam for closing the open end of the sand bag, in use, the second drawstring forming a loop of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the ball for wrapping around the circumference of the bag, when the sand bag is filled to capacity and the second drawstring is tightened.

A releasable tab may be provided on the underside of the bag for retaining the drawstring. This prevents the drawstring from becoming loose and ensures that the mouth of the bag remains closed in use.

One end of the releasable tab may be stitched to the bag. The other end of the releasable tab may be attached to the bag by means of a press stud or hook and eye fastener.

The width of each U-shaped fabric panel may be approximately 150mm and the length of each U-shaped panel may be approximately 220mm. The bag may be made in other sizes, but ideally in the same proportions.

The seam around the periphery of the open end of the bag may have two opposed apertures therein, one end of the drawstring passing through a first aperture, through the seam and being fixed adjacent the second aperture, the other end of the drawstring passing through the second aperture, through the seam on the other side of the bag and being fixed adjacent the first aperture.

The first aperture may be disposed at a first corner of the bag and the second aperture may be disposed at a second corner of the bag, when in the empty condition.

In one arrangement, first and second apertures may be provided in the seam of each of the first and second fabric panels.

The first drawstring may pass into the seam through the first aperture of one of the panels, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the first aperture of the other panel, and the second drawstring may pass into the seam through the second aperture of said one panel, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture of said other panel. Alternatively, the first drawstring may pass into the seam through the first aperture of the first panel, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture of the first panel, and the second drawstring may pass into the seam through the first aperture of the second panel, through the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture of the second panel.

At least one of the drawstrings may include at least a portion which is elastic. This means that further pebbles and/or sand can be added to the sand bag without having to untie the drawstring. The user stretches the mouth of the bag, adds further pebbles and/or sand, and then releases the mouth of the bag, which by virtue of the elasticated drawstring, retracts back into its pre-stretched state.

A maximum elongation of the elastic portion may enable the loop of the drawstring to have a longitudinal extent which is substantially equal to the circumference of the ball when the sand bag is filled to capacity. This means that when the sand bag is filled to capacity, the drawstring or drawstrings is/are still able to provide support to the sand bag and can be wrapped around the bag to prevent the mouth of the bag from opening.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of temporarily creating a weight, for example, for weighing down a towel, comprising filling a sand bag in accordance with the first aspect of the invention with sand, closing the mouth of the sand bag with the or each drawstring, and wrapping the or each drawstring around the circumference of the bag to retain the drawstring in a tightened position around the mouth of the sand bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an empty sand bag; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the sand bag of Figure 1 filled with sand;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the sandbag of Figure 1 being used as a carrier with another folded sand bag;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a drawstring of the sand bag of Figure 1 being tightened;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a plurality of sand bags, similar to that of Figure 1, in a filled condition for use;

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of sand bag in an empty condition; and

Figure 7 shows a side view of the sand bag of Figure 6 in a filled and closed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a first embodiment of sand bag suitable for use on a beach is indicated generally at 10. The sand bag 10 includes a first U-shaped fabric panel 12 connected to a second U-shaped fabric panel 14 of similar size and shape. The panels 12, 14 are stitched together around their periphery between points A and B, as indicated, around the curved part of the fabric panels. The upper end of the fabric panels, indicated at 15 is left un- stitched and forms the open end or mouth of the sand bag 10. A continuous seam 16 extends around the upper end of the panels 12, 14 around the mouth 15 and is apertured on either side with respective apertures, 18, 20. A drawstring 22 extends through the internal passage of the seam 16, and forms a loop at the top of the bag 10, which can be used as a handle.

With reference also to Figure 4, one end 24 of the draw string 22, to the right hand side as viewed, passes into the seam 16 through the aperture 20, through the seam along the top of the second panel 14 and is secured adjacent the mouth of the first aperture 18, at B. Similarly, the other end 26 of the drawstring 22 passes through the aperture 18 and along the edge of the first panel 12 through the seam 16 and is secured adjacent the mouth of the aperture 20, at A. When the drawstring 22 is pulled from both ends as indicated in Figure 4, the drawstring gathers in the material at the seam 16 and closes the mouth 15 of the bag. If the bag is filled with sand, or other materials, then when the drawstring 22 is tightened, the sand bag 10 takes the form of a ball, as indicated in Figure 2.

As can also be seen from Figure 2, the length of the drawstring in the tightened condition is such that the residual loop of drawstring is substantially equal to the circumference of the ball. This being the case, if the loop of drawstring is passed around the underside of the sand bag 12, then the drawstring 22 is held relatively tightly, and the gathered seam 16 does not unravel, thus preventing the mouth of the bag from becoming opened. The filled bag tends to bulge on either side of the loop of drawstring disposed around the bag, thus tending to hold it in place. A material tab may be provided between the first and second panels 12, 14 at their base, which may be used to retain the drawstring at the base of the ball. The tab may be secured by stitching to one panel, and may be realisably secured to the other panel by a press stud or hook and eye fastener, such as Velcro (RTM).

Referring now to Figure 3, the sand bag 10 is shown in an open condition, with an article 28 being passed through the mouth of the bag 10 for carriage. A further bag 10 is indicated at the right hand side of the drawing, and is folded. A plurality of bags 10 folded in this manner may be placed within another bag 10 for carriage, for carrying to for example a beach or other area. The width of the panels is approximately 150mm, and the total depth of the bag is approximately 220mm, as indicated.

In use, a sand bag 10 can be used to carry items, for example, to or from a beach and can be filled with sand, pebbles or other loose material and the drawstring tightened and restrained as explained above in order to keep the bag closed. The bag 10 can then be used as a weight to hold down items, for example towels and wind breaks, on a windy beach. It will be appreciated that the sand bag can be used in other applications, such as when picnicking in order to hold a picnic blanket in position on the ground, and a plurality of sand bags as indicated in Figure 5 can be used in combination. If desired, items can be attached to the drawstring or retained between the drawstring and bag body. On leaving the beach or other destination, the sand or pebbles can be emptied back onto the beach and the bag folded flat and taken home ready for re -use, as desired.

In a second embodiment of sand bag, indicated at 30 in Figure 6, the drawstring arrangement is different, but the bag is otherwise the same as that previously described. Common reference numerals will be used to describe features in common between the embodiments. In this embodiment the seam 16 is apertured in four places. The seam portion 16 on each panel 12, 14 has a first aperture 32a,32b and a second aperture 34a, 34b. A first drawstring 36 forms a first loop and passes through the first aperture 32a, around the majority of the inside of the seam 16 and out through the aperture 32b. The ends of the drawstring are tied at 38 to form the loop. The drawstring may optionally emerge briefly from the seam at apertures 34a, 34b on the other side of the bag 30. The second drawstring 40 forms a second loop and passes through the second aperture 34a, around the majority of the inside of the seam 16 and out through the aperture 34b. The ends of the drawstring 40 are tied at 42 to form the loop. The drawstring 40 may similarly optionally emerge briefly from the apertures 32a, 32b on the other side of the bag 30.

The sand bag 30 is shown in the filled condition in Figure 7. The mouth of the bag 30 is closed and the drawstrings 36, 40 are wrapped around the bag to hold them in place. The paths of the drawstrings around the rear of the bag are shown in dotted outline.

Each drawstring 36, 40 is typically a length of cord, formed in a conventional manner. It may be elastic along its entire length or alternatively it may be substantially inextensible along its entire length. Optionally, one or more portions of each drawstring may be elastic in combination with portions that are inelastic, that is, both drawstrings may include at least one elasticated portion. The inclusion of at least one elasticated portion is beneficial as it means that even when the bag is not filled to capacity, i.e., when it is only partially full, the mouth of the bag is kept closed. It may not be necessary to fill the sand bag to capacity in order to weight down objects such as beach towels, depending on the strength of the wind, amount of shelter etc. If the bag is only partially filled, by virtue of the elasticity of the drawstring, the mouth of the bag is retained in a closed position, thereby preventing sand from accidentally spilling out from the sandbag and onto the user, or onto items of clothing or food.

When the elongation of the elastic portion is at a maximum, the loop of the drawstring may have a longitudinal extent which is substantially the same as the circumference of the ball when it is filled to capacity. This ensures that even when the sand bag is filled to such an extent, the loop of the drawstring may still be passed around the ball to help retain the mouth of the bag in a closed position.

As in the first embodiment, the sand bag 30 can be used to carry items, for example, to or from a beach and can be filled with sand, pebbles or other loose material and the drawstrings tightened and restrained as explained above in order to keep the bag closed. The sandbags 10 and 30 can be used in similar manner. Both drawstrings 36,40 of the bag 30 can be utilised as handles.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features.

Claims

1. A sand bag comprising a first U-shaped fabric panel, a second U shaped panel of similar size and shape, the first and second panels being connected together to form a bag with an open end, a seam provided around the periphery of the open end of the bag, and at least a first drawstring provided partly in the seam for closing the open end of the sand bag, in use, the sand bag taking the shape of a substantially spherical ball when filled to capacity and the first drawstring tightened, and the free drawstring after tightening forming a loop of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the ball for wrapping around the circumference of the bag.

2. A sand bag as claimed in claim 1, in which a second drawstring is provided partly in the seam for closing the open end of the sand bag, in use, the second drawstring forming a loop of a length substantially equal to the circumference of the ball for wrapping around the circumference of the bag, when the sand bag is filled to capacity and the second drawstring is tightened.

3. A sand bag as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which a releasable tab is provided on the underside of the bag for retaining the or each drawstring.

4. A sand bag as claimed in claim 3, in which one end of the releasable tab is stitched to the bag.

5. A sand bag as claimed in claim 4, in which the other end of the releasable tab is attached to the bag by means of a press stud.

6. A sand bag as claimed in claim 4, in which the other end of the releasable tab is attached to the bag by means of hook and eye fastener.

7. A sand bag as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the width of each U- shaped fabric panel is approximately 150mm.

8. A sand bag as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the length of each U- shaped panel is approximately 220mm.

9. A sand bag as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the seam around the periphery of the open end of the bag has two opposed apertures therein, one end of the first drawstring passing through a first aperture, through the seam and being fixed adjacent the second aperture, the other end of the drawstring passing through the second aperture, through the seam on the other side of the bag and being fixed adjacent the first aperture.

10. A sand bag as claimed in claim 9, in which the first aperture is disposed at a first corner of the bag and the second aperture is disposed at a second corner of the bag, when in the empty condition.

11. A sand bag as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, when dependent on claim 2, in which first and second apertures are provided in the seam of each of the first and second fabric panels.

12. A sand bag as claimed in claim 11, in which the first drawstring passes into the seam through the first aperture on one of the panels, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the first aperture on the other panel, and the second drawstring passes into the seam through the second aperture on said one panel, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture on said other panel.

13. A sand bag as claimed in claim 11, in which the first drawstring passes into the seam through the first aperture on the first panel, through the majority of the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture on the first panel, and the second drawstring passes into the seam through the first aperture on the second panel, through the seam and out of the seam through the second aperture on the second panel.

14. A sand bag as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one said drawstring includes at least a portion which is elastic.

15. A sand bag as claimed in claim 14, in which a maximum elongation of the elastic portion enables the said loop of the drawstring to have a longitudinal extent which is substantially equal to the circumference of the ball when the sand bag is filled to capacity.

16. A method of temporarily creating a weight comprising filling a sand bag as claimed in any preceding claim with sand or loose material, closing the mouth of the sand bag with the or each drawstring, and wrapping the or each drawstring around the circumference of the bag to retain the drawstring in a tightened position around the mouth of the sand bag.

17. A sand bag substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.