Beach blanket

Abstract

A beach blanket comprising at least one hole for receiving an umbrella so that when the shaft of the umbrella is positioned over the blanket, the canopy of the umbrella provides shade over the blanket. The blanket further includes an upper side, a lower surface and a peripheral edge wherein at least one pocket is affixed to the lower surface of the blanket adjacent to the peripheral edge for receiving ballast material or valuables.

1 . A beach blanket comprising an upper side, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, wherein said beach blanket comprises at least one hole extending from the upper side through to the lower surface for selectively receiving the shaft portion of an umbrella, and wherein the lower surface comprises at least one pocket adjacent to the peripheral edge.  
   
   
       2 . The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pocket further comprises an opening for selectively receiving ballast materials.  
   
   
       3 . The blanket of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one pocket further comprises closing means for selectively closing the opening.  
   
   
       4 . The blanket of  claim 3 , wherein the closing means comprises one of a hook and loop closure fastener or a zipper.  
   
   
       5 . The blanket of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one pocket further comprises a substantially waterproof lining.  
   
   
       6 . The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the hole further comprises a sealing means for selectively sealing the hole.  
   
   
       7 . The blanket of  claim 6 , wherein the sealing means comprises one of a hook and loop fastener, snap, tie or a zipper.  
   
   
       8 . The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the lower surface comprises a tightly woven, water resistant, fade resistant and mildew resistant material.  
   
   
       9 . The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the blanket comprises a flexible material.  
   
   
       10 . The blanket of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible material comprises a fabric selected from the group consisting of acrylic and polyester.  
   
   
       11 . The blanket of  claim 1 , wherein the blanket is substantially square and wherein the peripheral edge defines four corners and wherein each corner is provided with a pocket affixed to the lower surface.