WO2012142156A2

WO2012142156A2 - Consumer products

Info

Publication number: WO2012142156A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/033116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian CIESLA; Andre DETTLER; Carlos PAUL; Joseph A. MOYA; Angus Davidson; Iain Scorgie; David Block; Adam HAYES; Lisa COURTOIS
Original assignee: Mindsinsync (Hong Kong) Limited
Priority date: 2011-04-11
Filing date: 2012-04-11
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Also published as: WO2012142156A3

Abstract

Various consumer products are disclosed, including, among others, beach towels, transportable beach mats and towels, towel/cooler combos, head wraps, towel ponchos, beach caddies, cabana canopies, beach game towels, toy storage devices, stool sets, stools with removable cushions, outdoor cushions, chairs, and ottomans, outdoor mats, picnic sets, cooler bags, kitchen mitts, trivets, organizers, and aprons with detachable attachments (e.g. towels with water resistant covers).

Description

CONSUMER PRODUCTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to products that may be used at the beach, to bath products, outdoor products and kitchen products.

BACKGROUND

This application claims priority to US Provisional Applications 61/476,587, 61/492,691, 61/493,128, 61/521,592 and 61/474,104, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Beach Towels

FIGURES 1A-B show a set of beach towels that are connected at their corners with links. The corner of each towel may have a grommet. The link may be c-shaped. Other types of links or fasteners may also be used.

The grommets may allow the towel to be secured to the ground by driving stakes through one or more of the grommets. FIGURES 2A-D show how the above-ground portion of the stake can be configured to serve one or more additional purposes. For example, one embodiment of a stake can be used as a cup holder. Other potential embodiments may be decorative in nature - for example, a stake can also serve as a flag to help make identification of a particular location easier. As shown, the beach towel may also be secured to the ground by a beach umbrella inserted through the grommet.

The towels may be made of any number of suitable fabrics and materials, including microfiber and terry cloth. The grommets may be made of any number of suitable metals or plastics.

FIGURES 3A-B show a beach towel with corner pockets. Weights, sand or other objects may be placed into the pockets to weigh down the towel and help keep it in place. The pockets may be formed of fabric, plastics, or other suitable materials. Transportable Beach Mats and Towels

FIGURES 4A-B show a beach towel or mat that has a rigid central tray attached to the center of the mat. The mat can be folded and placed into a bag for easy transportation. The mat may also have a pocket into which the bag can be stored when the mat is being used.

FIGURES 5A-B show a beach mat with an attached bolster. When transporting, the mat may be rolled around the bolster and inserted into a bag with a strap. The bag may be stored within the bolster.

The bolster may be made of any number of materials depending upon the properties desired. For example, the bolster may be composed of memory foam or other types of foam to provide comfort. The bolster may also contain a gel or other material that may be cooled and maintains its colder temperature.

Towel/Cooler Combo

FIGURES 6A-B show a towel/cooler combination product. In use, a hole is first dug into the sand to accommodate the cooler, and then the cooler is placed into the hole with the towel laying on top of the surrounding sand. This takes advantage of the cooler temperature of the sand that typically exists under the top surface layer. The cooler may be removably attached to the towel, allowing them to be cleaned separately.

Head Wrap and Towel Poncho

FIGURES 7A-B show a head wrap, which may include a gel pack that can be cooled and then maintain its temperature.

FIGURES 8A-B show a towel shaped in the form of a poncho. The towel may have one or more pockets on the interior and/or exterior of the poncho.

Beach Caddy

FIGURES 9A-B show a beach caddy. The beach caddy may have one or more pockets of different types to carry various items. For example, the embodiment shown in FIGURE 9A includes a mesh pocket, a clear or see-through plastic pocket, and an insulated pocket.

As shown in FIGURE 9B, a first end of the beach caddy may be inserted into a loop at the second end of the beach caddy, forming a loop into which a rolled up towel, mat, or other item may be placed and secured by tightening the loop. The caddy may then be carried by means of a strap or loop attached to the first end.

Cabana Canopy

FIGURES 10 and 11A-B show a cabana or canopy. FIGURES 11A-B show how the canopy can be compressed and then bent to form a hoop, where the ends of the legs may be tucked into the fabric of the canopy to secure them. The canopy can then be more easily stored and/or transported.

Beach Game Towel

FIGURE 12 shows a towel that may be used to play one or more games at the beach. Towel has a hole in the center, and one or more scoring areas are defined. A bean bag, ball, or other item may be tossed at the towel and the results tallied.

Toy Storage Device

An embodiment of the toy storage device is shown in FIGURES 13-17.

The device comprises a head and a bracket. The head is comprised of a lower portion and an upper portion. In a particular embodiment, the head may be formed in the shape of a crocodile head. Other shapes representing other animals may also be readily used.

Head is removably attached to a bracket that may be placed over the side wall of a bathtub. The bracket may be adjustable to fit over bathtub walls of different widths. In an

embodiment, an adjustable L-shaped slide is used. The slide may have an insert made of rubber or other suitable material.

The upper portion and lower portion of the head may be hinged to allow the jaws of the head to open. A handle may be formed on the head. In an embodiment, the handle is formed at the top of the upper portion of the head. The top of the head has an opening, allowing toys or other objects to be placed in side the head cavity.

In use, the device may be removably affixed to the bath tub by placing the bracket over the bathtub wall, with the head attached and toys or other objects placed inside the head cavity. During bathtime, the jaws of the head may be opened, allowing the toys or objects to spill out of the mouth and into the bath. The head may then be removed from the bracket, and with the jaws in the closed position, the head may then be used to gather up the toys by either scooping them out of the water with the head or by picking them up by hand and placing them back into the head.

The bracket may be used to hold or store items. For example, in the embodiment shown, the bracket may have a soap dish, which may be removable. Other types of storage spaces or attachments may also be provided.

As shown in FIGURE 13, the head may also be attached to a mount that is affixed to a wall. The wall mount may be removably attached (for example, by suction cups) or may be permanently attached (for example by screws, bolts, and/or adhesives).

Stool Set

An embodiment of a stool set in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGURES 18-21. The stool set comprises a first stool and a second stool.

The first stool has four legs and a seat. The seat may be padded. In a particular embodiment, the pad is composed of memory foam and covered with a microfiber fabric, and is attached to the seat of the first stool by way of a strap that may be inserted through holes or slots. Other padding and/or fabric may also be used. The seat of the first stool may have a shallow cavity to accommodate the pad. In an embodiment, the pad is removably attached to the stool such that it can be put in place for sitting and removed for using the stool as a step.

The legs of the first stool may have their ends coated with a material that makes the stool more resistant to slipping or skidding. Alternatively, ends made of a suitable material may be attached to the legs by adhesives, over-molding, or other methods.

The second stool may have four legs and a platform. The top of the platform may be treated, for example with a coating, to make it more slip-resistant. EPR or other rubbers may be useful in this regard. The legs of the second stool may be also treated or tipped with ends to make it more resistant to slipping or skidding on the floor.

The first stool may fit on top of the second stool, thereby increasing the height of the seat of the first stool off the ground. The second stool may include cavities that allow the legs of the stool to fit inside, providing a stable fit. The second stool may likewise be padded, or may have a removably attached pad as with the first stool.

The stools may be made of a rigid plastic or other suitable materials. Stools are typically made of a hard or rigid material that can be uncomfortable to sit on. Cushions or pads may be placed on the seating surface, made of one or more softer materials. However, if a cushion is permanently attached, then it is harder to clean and difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

Conversely, removable cushions that exist in the art can still move around or slip relative to the seating surface of the stool. This presents a potentially dangerous situation if the stool is stepped on.

The inventors have developed a new stool that securely fastens a removable cushion so as to minimize the risk of slipping.

Stool with Removable Cushion

In an embodiment, the stool may be constructed as illustrated in FIGURES 22-25. The stool has four legs and a seat with a seating surface. A clamping rim is removably attached to the perimeter of the seat. The edges of a cushion or pad are trapped between the outer edge of the seat and the ring. As shown in FIGURE 25, the cushion/pad is thus held in place by an interference fit. The seat edges and ring may be configured to optimize this interference fit.

The entire perimeter of the cushion is thus securely fastened to the stool, reducing and/or minimizing the chance that the cushion can slip relative to the stool when it is stepped upon. The cushion can be removed by first removing the ring, allowing the cushion to be cleaned separately and then reattached to the stool.

In an embodiment, the ring is attached to the perimeter of the stool by way of four snap fasteners, one fastener on each of the four sides of the seat. However, other methods of attachment may be used.

In an embodiment, the pad is composed of memory foam and covered with a microfiber, and is attached to the seat of the first stool by way of a strap that may be inserted through holes or slots. Other types of padding and fabric may also be used. The shape of the cushion or pad may also be configured to optimize the interference fit or other desired characteristics. For example, in the embodiment the edge of the cushion is the same thickness as the rest of the pad, but in other embodiments the cushion may be thicker, thinner, or made of a different material if desired. In another embodiment, the edge of the cushion may have one or more holes or slits, and the clamping ring or seat edge may have one or more corresponding pegs or projections that fit through the holes or slits when the ring is secured to the seat, providing further protection against the edge of the cushion slipping out of the interference fit.

To further minimize the chance of slipping, the bottom surface of the cushion may be comprised of a slip-resistant material, and the upper surface of the seat may be textured or coated to increase the amount of friction between the seat and the cushion.

The legs of the stool may have their ends coated with a material that makes the stool more resistant to slipping or skidding, or that are intended to reduce the likelihood of scratching floor surfaces during use or movement of the stool. Alternatively, ends made of a suitable material may be attached to the legs by adhesives, over-molding, nails, or other well-known methods.

Outdoor Cushions, Chairs and Ottomans

FIGURES 26 and 27 show ottomans that can be connected together. The ottomans can be connected serially to form a chain of cushions that a person can lie down upon.

Alternatively, the ottomans can be stacked on top of each other as desired to provide a raised seating surface. Loops and snaps may be used to connect the ottomans together, but other types of fasteners or fastening methods may also be used. As shown in Figure 27, the fasteners may also be used to attach a tray or other accessory to the ottoman(s).

FIGURES 28A and B shown a folding seat cushion in both its extended and folded configuration. The folding seat cushion comprises a bottom cushion and a top cushion. The seat cushion exterior may be made of microfiber or other suitable fabric. The inside of the cushion may be composed of memory foam or a combination of memory foam and other foam or stuffing. Handles may be provided to allow for easier carrying. One or more surfaces of the seat cushion may be composed of a water resistant or waterproof material to prevent the cushion from absorbing water when placed on wet ground or a wet surface. The bottom surface of the bottom cushion may also be designed to provide slip resistance.

FIGURE 29 shows a single outdoor seat cushion that has many of the features described above, including a weather resistant exterior and memory foam. This embodiment may be more suitable when a back is not needed or desired, or when space for transporting the cushion is more limited. FIGURE 30 shows a folding chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Chair includes surfaces composed of a microfiber outer layer and a cushioning layer made of memory foam. Other suitable fabrics or foams may also be used.

FIGURE 31 shows a hammock in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Hammock includes a top section composed of a microfiber outer layer and a cushioning layer made of memory foam. The top section may be composed of multiple sections, with one or more sections being thicker than the other sections so as to act as a pillow.

Outdoor mats

FIGURES 32A-B and 33 A-B show outdoor mats that provide decor to an outdoor space. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a top layer, a middle layer, and a bottom layer. The top layer of the mat may be composed of a material or materials that simulate rock, grass, or other environmental features. For the middle layer, a closed-cell foam or other types of foam or cushioning may be used between the top surface and the bottom layer to provide a cushioning effect when stepped or sat upon. The bottom surface of the bottom layer may be comprised of a rubber or other similar material and may include features, such as spikes, to help the mat grip into the ground or surface on which the mat is placed upon.

FIGURE 34A-C show a picnic mat composed of weather-resistant exterior, memory foam for cushioning. As shown in FIGURES 34B and 34C, the mat may be folded and carried by handles that may be attached. Furthermore, the mat may have one or more exterior pockets that are positioned on the outside of the mat when in its folded configuration.

Picnic sets and cooler bags

FIGURES 35 A-B and 36A-B show picnic sets. The picnic sets may be transported in a closed configuration and then may be opened and folded out during use. The picnic sets may include one or more zip-off seat cushions containing memory foam. The exterior of the picnic sets may be made of a weather-resistant material.

FIGURE 37A and B show a cooler bag. The bag includes a first chamber that may be used like a knapsack for storing blankets or other items, and includes an opening that may be closed with a drawstring or other types of closures. The bottom of the bag includes a second chamber that is a cooler. The second chamber may be accessed and closed by a zipper. The portion of the bag surrounding the second chamber may be composed of materials that have a low heat conductivity. One or more portions of the bag may be made of a rigid material as desired to provide additional stability.

FIGURE 38A and B show a second embodiment of a cooler bag. In this embodiment, the bag is formed more in the shape of a handbag or tote and may include a shoulder strap and/or a hand strap. The cooler bag may include a securable top cover and a rubberized base. The cooler bag may include features such as elastic straps on the interior of the lid for holding tools such as a corkscrew

Kitchen Mitts

Several embodiments of new kitchen mitts are illustrated in FIGURES 39 to 46.

Several improvements are incorporated into one or more of the embodiments disclosed, including:

• mitts that are more comfortable in use and conform more readily to a user's hand;

• mitts designed for use with either hand;

• mitts having a non-traditional shape, such as a circle or oval;

• mitts that combine multiple materials;

• mitts that provide additional protection to the user.

For example, the mitts shown in FIGURES 39 to 42 are rounded in shape and is designed so that a user's thumb and/or fingers are fitted into pockets on one surface, and the opposite surface of the mitt is the "working surface", e.g. the surface that comes into contact with hot items, such as pots and pans. As shown in FIGURES 40 and 41, the mitts contour more easily to the shape of the user's hand than a traditional oven mitt, which is typically designed so that the thumb of the mitt is in the same plane as the fingers, which makes for an uncomfortable or awkward fit and can make it difficult to use.

In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 42, the mitt incorporates a large central pocket and a pair of marginal pockets at either side. This embodiment is designed to allow a user to insert the fingers of either the right hand or left hand into the center pocket, and the thumb into the appropriate thumb pocket. The kitchen mitt may then be used comfortably with either hand.

Another embodiment, shown in FIGURES 43 and 44, while more traditional in shape, incorporates multiple panels on both side of the mitt. The panels may be made of materials having different properties than the material used to make the mitt. An inner sleeve or webbing is also shown, which may be used to improve fit and/or comfort. Any number of suitable materials may be used depending upon the intended use of the mitt. For example, heat-resistant materials are desirable for an oven mitt, while materials with different properties would be used for a mitt for washing or drying dishes. The use of multiple materials may result in several benefits, including improving the performance of the mitt, reducing costs, and/or achieving a desired appearance or aesthetic. As shown in Figure 44, panels of secondary material may be on both sides of the mitt, though embodiments in which the material is on only one side are also envisioned.

FIGURE 45 shows a mitt having a sleeve that extends along the length of the forearm, providing additional protection for the user. This is especially useful for an oven mitt to be used around hot surfaces.

The features of the different embodiment may be combined in different ways. For example, FIGURE 46 shows a one-sided mitt having a rounded shape that has a sponge attached to the surface, so that it may be used to wash and/or dry dishes. A layer of waterproof material may be positioned between the sponge and the rest of the mitt to prevent the mitt and the user's hands from getting wet.

In the embodiments shown in FIGURES 47A-C (large mitt) and 48 A-C (small mitt), the mitts are formed of a cotton fabric exterior from pieces that are die-cut. The mitt may be lined with a microfiber fabric. A layer of batting may also be included in between the outer fabric and the inner lining. Other suitable materials may also be used.

As seen in FIGURES 47B and 48B, the openings of the mitts may have one or more cut-out sections where elastic material is sewed on or otherwise attached. This allows the mitt to fit more closely around a user's arm when worn. The presence of the elastic material sections also help to keep the opening of the mitt slightly open when the mitt is not being worn, allowing a user to more easily slide his or her hand into the mitt without needing to use their other hand.

FIGURES 49A-C show an alternate embodiment of a mitt having a circular shape.

As shown in the figures, sew lines (shown as dashed lines) along several points in the palm of the mitt allow the mitt to more naturally flex when in use. Silicone may be applied to the outer fabric exterior to aid in heat-resistance and/or improve the tackiness of the mitt. In an embodiment, the silicone is applied in a cross-hatch pattern to both sides of the mitt using a roller printing process. The enhanced tackiness also improves the ability of a user to be able to slide the mitt on using just one hand when the mitt is laying on a surface.

It is readily appreciated that these mitts can be readily put on using just one hand - there is no need for a user to have to use their other hand to wear the mitt, a significant improvement to traditional oven mitts.

Trivet

Several embodiments of trivets are shown in FIGURES 50-52.

The trivet disclosed in FIGURE 50A and 5 OB is square, but other shapes may readily be used. Trivet has a loop and may have . When trivet is to be store away, trivet may be rolled so that the end with the loop is on the outside with a button facing outward. One surface of the trivet may be scored, making the trivet easier to roll up. The loop can then be wrapped around the trivet and hooked around the button, securing it in rolled up configuration so that it may readily be stored away. As shown in FIGURES 51 A and 5 IB, a loop may be used without the button by simply wrapping the loop around the rolled trivet. As shown in FIGURES 52A and 52B, a snap may be used instead. Other closures such as hooks or Velcro may also be used. In an embodiment, the loop is elastic.

The trivet may be made of any number of suitable materials. Desired characteristics for the materials selected may include heat resistance, durability, stain resistance and/or ease of washing. It can readily be appreciated that the trivet may be manufactured using multiple materials. For example, a slip-resistant backing may be applied to the surface of the trivet that comes into contact with the surface upon which the trivet rests during use.

Organizers

FIGURES 53 to 59 show several embodiments of organizers. Organizers have one or more openings and inner spaces to store items.

The organizer may be made of flexible materials, such as nylon fabric, felt, or other suitable fabrics or cloths. This allows the organizer to be stored in a variety of ways, as it can be folded or rolled. The organizer can be attached to a vertical surface in several ways. In one embodiment, magnets may be used to attach the organizer to a refrigerator door. In another embodiment, a hole or opening is provided in the organizer so that it can be placed upon a hook on a wall. Permanent or temporary adhesives may also be used.

A cut-out may be provided to allow a user to hold the top of the organizer, making it easier to carry from location to location.

In certain embodiments, the organizer can be taken off the vertical surface and then folded so that it can be placed upon a horizontal surface while the tools in a propped up position for easier accessibility. For example, the embodiment in FIGURE 56 may be folded so that it forms a triangular prism. Snaps or other fastening devices may be used to attach one end of the organizer to the other in this configuration. It can readily be seen that other folded configurations may be used.

Apron

FIGURES 60-63 and FIGURES 64A-B and 65 A-C show an apron having an attachment. The inner surface of the attachment includes a layer of microfiber that can be used to dry dishes or wet surfaces. Other absorbent materials may also be used. The outward facing surface of the attachment may be made of a waterproof or water resistant material, keeping the inner layer of microfiber protected from spills. Thus, the attachment is more convenient than having the user carry a towel all around the kitchen, leaving the user's hands free to perform other tasks.

The attachment may be attached with one or more buttons or other well-known devices, such as snaps or Velcro (e.g., hook-and-loop fastener). The apron may have one or more pockets, including underneath the attachment, for holding other tools. Furthermore, the attachment may also be combined with a belt or other accessory so that it can be worn separately from the apron.

The apron may also incorporate microfiber and/or memory foam, for example in the loop that goes around the user's neck, to increase the comfort of the user when wearing the apron.

FIGURES 64A-B show an embodiment of the towel from a front (FIGURE 64 A) and rear (FIGURE 64B) view. FIGURES 65 A-C show an embodiment of the apron. In FIGURE 65A, the towel is attached, while FIGURES 65B-C show the towel removed and the back of the apron respectively.

Although the inventions have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention in not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apron system comprising:

an apron configured to be worn by a person; and

an attachment detachably connected to a front of the apron, the attachment comprising an outer layer that is at least water-resistant; and

an inner layer disposed between the apron and the outer layer, the inner layer comprising an absorbent material.

2. The apron system of claim 1, wherein the attachment is detachably connected to the front of the apron via one of: a snap, a hook-and-loop fastener, or a button.

3. The apron system of claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a towel.

4. The apron system of claim 1, wherein the apron comprises a pocket that is at least partially covered by the attachment.