Article with expandable bladder

Abstract

Described is an article comprising a substantially flat piece of material with a first end and a second end. A pocket may be formed at the first end. The pocket may include at least a first opening, and may be configured to receive a bladder. The pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.

1 . An article, comprising: 
 a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and    a pocket formed at the first end, the pocket having at least a first opening, the pocket configured to receive a bladder, the pocket expanding when the bladder is in an expanded state.    
   
   
       2 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the article is one of a towel, a raft, a blanket and a sleeping bag.  
   
   
       3 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is formed by a slit in an edge of the material.  
   
   
       4 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is formed by a further piece of material attached to a surface of the piece of material.  
   
   
       5 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the material includes at least one further pocket.  
   
   
       6 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein, when the bladder is received in the pocket, the pocket prevents movement of the bladder in a first direction and allows movement of the bladder in a second direction.  
   
   
       7 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the pocket further includes a closure arrangement closing the first opening.  
   
   
       8 . The article according to  claim 7 , wherein the closure arrangement is one of a hook and a washer, a hook and a clasp, a button, a pair of Velcro patches and a string.  
   
   
       9 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the bladder further includes a sealing arrangement sealing a substance within the bladder.  
   
   
       10 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the pocket includes a second opening.  
   
   
       11 . An article, comprising: 
 a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and    a pocket formed at the first end, the pocket having a first opening and a second opening; and    a bladder insertable into the pocket via one of the first opening and the second opening,    wherein, the pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.    
   
   
       12 . The article according to  claim 12 , wherein the article is one of a towel, a raft, a blanket and a sleeping bag.  
   
   
       13 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the pocket is formed by a pair of slits in opposite edges of the material.  
   
   
       14 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the pocket is formed by a further piece of material attached to a surface of the piece of material.  
   
   
       15 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the material includes at least one further pocket.  
   
   
       16 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein, when the bladder is received in the pocket, the pocket prevents movement of the bladder in a first direction and allows movement of the bladder in a second direction.  
   
   
       17 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the pocket further includes a first closure arrangement temporarily closing the first opening and a second closure arrangement temporarily closing the second opening.  
   
   
       18 . The article according to  claim 17 , wherein the first and second closure arrangements are one of a hook and a washer, a hook and a clasp, a button, a pair of Velcro patches and a string.  
   
   
       19 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the bladder further includes a sealing arrangement sealing a substance within the bladder.  
   
   
       20 . An article, comprising: 
 a substantially flat piece of material having a first end and a second end; and    a pocket formed at the first end; and    a bladder housed within the pocket, the bladder including an opening exposed from the pocket;    wherein, the pocket expands when the bladder is in an expanded state.