Patent Application
20150026884
No part of this invention was a result of any federally sponsored research.
The present invention relates to blankets with multiple functionality and to systems for organizing articles with such blankets, wherein such multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to provide: comfort and protection from the elements to a user; removable attachment of the blanket to strollers and to child-carriers; and holding articles in at least one pocket; wherein the at least one pocket may comprise additional features such as tethers and/or insulation.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.
It is well known that infants, and to a lesser degree toddlers, and to a lesser degree still may require traveling with various objects to facilitate ease of transportation. Such objects may include the physical means for assisting in safe transportation, such as strollers, car seats (including booster car seats), and infant carriers (described as child-carriers herein). Additionally because of their small size, they are prone to becoming too cold in even mild weather. Thus, it is often desirable to transport such individuals with various blankets to at a minimum provide some degree of comfort and possibly warmth to these individuals. In addition, these individuals also often travel with various articles, with various children's articles. Such articles may comprise handheld items, i.e. items that may be held in one hand of an infant, toddler, child, or small adult. Such articles may comprise: baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, handheld snacks, handheld food, pacifiers, teething toys, handheld toys, handheld books, and the like.
And as any parent, guardian, babysitter, and caregiver can attest to, such individuals routinely drop and/or lose such articles, where in the process of such loss, even if only a temporary loss while driving, translates into frustration, annoyance, and aggravation for the parent, guardian, babysitter, and caregiver.
There is a need in the art for a blanket that may be removably attached to such strollers and/or child-carriers such that the blanket itself does not become easily lost or misplaced. In addition, there is a need in the art for a blanket that may provide a means for associating such articles with the blanket, so as to mitigate against such loss.
It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.
To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes a blanket with multiple functionality and a system for organizing articles with the blanket. This multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to provide comfort and protection from the elements to a user. In various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to permit removable attachment of the blanket to various objects, such as to strollers and to child-carriers by an edge-attachment-means. In various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to permit holding of various articles in at least one pocket. The at least one pocket may be in direct communication with the blanket and may be integral with the blanket. In some embodiments, the at least one pocket may further comprise a means for removably tethering the various articles to the at least one pocket, such that loss of the article may be mitigated.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may be used by a user to provide comfort.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may be used by a user to provide warm.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may be used by a user to provide protection from the elements, i.e. the blanket may be waterproof and/or windproof.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may be removably attached to a stroller, such that a user riding within the stroller may receive the benefit of the blanket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may be removably attached to a child-carrier, such at a user riding within the child-carrier may receive the benefits of the blanket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket for holding (storing, containing) various articles associated with infants, toddlers, children, and/or small adults.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be integral with the blanket, wherein the at least one pocket may be permanently attached to the blanket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be removable from the blanket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be configured as a bottle holder, utilizing elastomeric materials that may frictionally grip the bottle being removably held within the at least one pocket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be substantially surrounded (bounded) by insulating materials such that the at least one pocket may be an insulated-pocket, wherein the insulated-pocket may protecting articles being removably held within the insulated-pocket from heating and/or cooling too quickly.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may further comprise a tethering means (leashing means) for removably attaching an article to the at least one pocket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may further comprise a tethering means (leashing means), wherein the tethering means may removably attach a bottle and/or a pacifier to the at least one pocket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may comprise an opening, wherein the opening may be removably closed (sealed).
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, in addition to the at least one pocket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the second-pocket may be in communication with the at least one pocket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the second-pocket may be disposed between the at least one pocket and an exterior-surface of the blanket.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the second-pocket may be configured to contain (hold, store) at least one handheld toy.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the second-pocket may comprise a second-tethering means, wherein the second-tethering means may removably attach at least one handheld toy to the second-pocket.
These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.
Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.
a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket in a process of being rolled into a sleeping bag configuration, shown from a longitudinal side view.
b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket, shown in a sleeping bag configuration, shown from a longitudinal side view, and showing an edge-attachment-means.
c) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket, shown in a sleeping bag configuration, from a longitudinal side view, and one pockets.
A blanket with multiple functionality is disclosed and described. A system for organizing children's articles with the blanket is also disclosed and described. In various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning as a normal blanket, i.e. to provide comfort and protection from the elements to a user. In various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to permit removable attachment of the blanket to various objects, such as to strollers (e.g. by removably attaching to frame-members of the stroller) and to child-carriers. As used herein, “child-carrier” refers to infant-carriers and car-seats, including booster car-seats, wherein in car-seats may be used for infants, toddlers, children, and small adults. In various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to permit holding (containment) of various articles in at least one pocket. The at least one pocket may be in direct communication with the blanket. In some embodiments, the at least one pocket and the blanket may constructed as a singled finished article of manufacture. Such articles may comprise handheld items, i.e. items that may be held in one hand of an infant, toddler, child, or small adult. Such articles may comprise: baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, handheld snacks, handheld food, pacifiers, teething toys, handheld toys, handheld books, and the like. Such articles may be designated with 900 series reference numerals in this disclosure. The number of articles held (contained) is limited by a size of the at least one pocket and by a size of the blanket. In some embodiments, the at least one pocket may further comprise a means for removably tethering (leashing) the various articles to the at least one pocket, such that loss of the article may be mitigated.
In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
In some embodiments, the four-edges may also comprise four-corners. The four-corners may comprise: a first-corner 105, a second-corner 106, a third-corner 107, and a fourth-corner 108. First-corner 105 may link first-edge 101 to second-edge 102. Second-corner may link second-edge 102 to third-edge 103. Third-corner may link third-edge 103 to fourth-edge 104. Fourth-corner 108 may link fourth-edge 104 to first-edge 101.
In some embodiments, first-edge 101 may be substantially parallel to third-edge 103. First-edge 101 may be substantially separated from third-edge 103 by a length of second-edge 102 and a length of fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may be substantially parallel to fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may be substantially separated from fourth-edge 104 by a length of first-edge 101 and a length of third-edge 103. In some embodiments, first-edge 101 and third-edge 103 may have substantially similar lengths. In some embodiments, second-edge 102 and fourth-edge 104 may have substantially similar lengths. The lengths of first-edge 101 and third-edge 103 may be different than the lengths of second-edge 102 and fourth-edge 104. The geometric relationships between the various four-edges discussed above in this paragraph may be with respect to when blanket 100 may be laid out flat upon a flat surface.
These four-edges may bound the two-surfaces. The two-surfaces may comprise a first-surface 109 and a second-surface 110 disposed oppositely of first-surface 109. See the
In some embodiments, the two-surfaces may be made of one piece of fabric. In some embodiments, the two-surface may be made from two pieces of fabric. When two pieces of fabric may be used to form the two-surfaces, an interior-space disposed between the two-surfaces may be formed. In some embodiments, this interior-space may be filled with an interior-insulating-material. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, this interior-insulating material may comprise down feathers.
In some embodiments, the four-edges may comprise an edge-attachment-means 112. Edge-attachment-means 112 of any of the four-edges may be configured to removably attach to any edge-attachment-means 112 of the four-edges. In some embodiments, edge-attachment-means 112 may be selected from one or more of the group comprising Velcro®, zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the like. Velcro® as used herein may be a removable fastening system comprising a plurality of hooks on one surface and a complimentary plurality of loops of on another surface.
For example, in embodiments wherein edge-attachment-means 112 comprises Velcro®, edge-attachment-means 112 may be structurally arranged as follows: along each of the four-edges, there may be alternating regions of a plurality of hooks, which may alternate with a complimentary plurality of loops. In some embodiments, these alternating regions may comprise one by one inch squares located along each of the four-edges. For example, edge-attachment-means 112 as depicted in
a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of blanket 100 in a process of being rolled into a sleeping bag configuration, shown from a longitudinal side view.
In some embodiments (e.g. in the
Note in the
In some embodiments, the four-corners may comprise a corner-attachment-means 113. Each corner-attachment means 113 may be configured to removably attach to frame-member 811 of stroller 810 or to removably attach to the child-carrier. In some embodiments, corner-attachment-means 113 may be selected from one or more of the group comprising hooks, bungees with connectors, Velcro®, zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, corner-attachment-means 113 may comprise a plurality of plastic hooks wherein each plastic hook may be configured to removably clip onto frame-member 811.
At least one pocket 200 may comprise: an opening 201 and a cavity. See e.g.
In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of pockets 200. Such a plurality of pockets 200 may all be located on the same exterior-surface 111. Such a plurality of pockets 200 may be located such that some pockets 200 may be located on one exterior-surface 111, while the remaining pockets 200 may be located on the other exterior-surface 111. A number (quantity) of pockets 200 that may be located on blanket 100 is physically limited by the size of the blanket 100, i.e. by an available surface area of each exterior-surface 111.
In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise a closure-means 203. Closure-means 203 may be configured to removably seal opening 201. In some embodiments, closure-means 203 may be selected from the group comprising Velcro®, Ziploc® type fasteners, zippers, snap connectors, clips, hooks, and the like. Closure-means 203 may comprise two complimentary surfaces to removable mating. In some embodiments, closure-means 203 may additionally comprise a flap 212 of material which may removably fold over opening 201, e.g. flap 212 may be depicted in
In some embodiments, the cavity may comprise a surface-geometry. The surface-geometry may be configured to frictionally grip a bottle 930, such that the surface-geometry may function as a bottle-holder. The surface-geometry may be formed substantially from an elastomeric-material. In some embodiments, the elastomeric-material may be selected from one or more of the material comprising various foams, gels, rubbers (including natural and/or synthetic), silicones, and the like. Such foam materials may be further selected from one or more of the group comprising: Neoprene®, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polypropylene, polyurethane foams, polystyrene (e.g. Styrofoam®), and the like. In such foam materials, a foam density may be varied by choice of formulation to result in desirable compressibility properties. Likewise, with the non-foam elastomeric-materials (e.g. rubber and/or silicone) durometer may be varied by choice of formulation to result in desirable elastomeric properties.
In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise an insulated-pocket. The insulated-pocket may function to slow down heating or cooling of articles 900 held within the cavity. The insulated-pocket may be formed by insulating-materials substantially bounding the cavity. The insulating-materials may comprise insulation properties. The insulating-materials may comprise materials with low thermal conductivity that may be typical for insulating beverages in cup holders. In some embodiments, the insulating-materials may be selected from one or more of the group comprising EVA foams, polyurethane foams, polystyrene foams (e.g. Styrofoam®), polypropylene foam, and the like. In some embodiments, the insulating-materials may be selected from one or more of the group comprising Neoprene®, gels, and the like.
Alternatively or in addition to, the insulated-pocket may be formed by structure bounding the cavity, wherein the structure encapsulates air pockets around the cavity. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, this structure may comprise a plurality of closed cells, wherein each cell encapsulates air.
In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise surfaces (e.g. surface-geometry or cavity-surface) wherein the surfaces may be easily cleanable, wipeable, and/or sanitizable. This function may be accomplished by at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may be smooth. This function may be accomplished by at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may minimize surface textures. This function may be accomplished by at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may mitigate against excessive folding. This function may be accomplished by at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may not be porous.
In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise at least one contents-tether 205. For example, see
The tether may comprises a first-terminal-end 206 and a second-terminal-end disposed opposite of first-terminal-end 206. The second-terminal-end may be attached to a cavity-surface. The cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the cavity. The tether may be strapping or cordage. The tether may have elastomeric properties, e.g. resembling Bungee® cord elastomeric properties. In some embodiments, the second-terminal-end may be either permanently attached to the cavity-surface or removably attached to the cavity-surface. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the second-terminal-end may be attached to the cavity-surface by stitching (e.g. when both the second-terminal-end and the cavity-surface may be fabric type materials), stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like.
Contents-attachment-means 209 may removably attach articles 900 to first-terminal-end 206. Contents-attachment-means 209 may be permanently attached to first-terminal-end 206. Contents-attachment-means 209 may be integral with first-terminal-end 206.
In some embodiments, contents-attachment-means 209 may comprise a loop 210 or a clip, wherein loop 210 and the clip may be configured to removably attach to bottle 930 and/or to removably attach to a pacifier 940. Contents-attachment-means 209 may comprise typical fastener hardware, such as rings, carabiners, side release buckles, snaps, and the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, contents-attachment-means 209 in
In some embodiments, second-pocket 300 may comprise a second-closure-means. The second-closure-means may be configured to removably seal second-opening 301. In some embodiments, the second-closure-means may be selected from the group comprising Velcro®, Ziploc® type fasteners, zippers, snap connectors, clips, hooks, and the like. In some embodiments, the second-closure-means may additionally comprise a flap of material which may removably fold over second-opening 301.
In some embodiments, second-pocket 300 may comprise at least one second-contents-tether 305. See e.g.
The second-tether may be strapping or cordage. The second-tether may have elastomeric properties, e.g. resembling Bungee® cord elastomeric properties. In some embodiments, the fourth-terminal-end may be either permanently attached to the second-cavity-surface or removably attached to the second-cavity-surface. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, the fourth-terminal-end may be attached to the second-cavity-surface by stitching (e.g. when both the fourth-terminal-end and the second-cavity-surface may be fabric type materials), stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like.
In some embodiments, second-contents-attachment-means 309 may be configured to removably attach to one or more articles 900, wherein articles 900 may be are handheld toys 950. For example and without limiting the scope of the present invention, second-contents-attachment-means 309 may comprise a ring with a plurality of clips attached to the ring. Each clip of the plurality of clips may removably attach to a given handheld toy 950. The ring may also be attached to third-terminal-end 306. In such embodiments, a single second-contents-attachment-means 309 may removably attach to the plurality of handheld toys 950.
Regarding attaching at least one pocket 200 and/or second-pocket 300 to exterior-surface 111, and/or attaching at least one pocket 200 to second-pocket 300, such an attachment means may be permanent. In some embodiments, such an attachment means may be by stitching, stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive (e.g. gluing), and the like. Obviously, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some attachment means may be dependent upon the underlying materials of construction to be joined. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, some of the above named attachment means (e.g. ultrasonic welding and solvent bonding) may be more suitable for joining two plastic (or synthetic) materials and not appropriate for joining two or more pieces of cotton fabric.
Regarding attaching at least one pocket 200 and/or second-pocket 300 to exterior-surface 111, and/or attaching at least one pocket 200 to second-pocket 300, such an attachment means may be removable. In some embodiments, such an attachment means may be by Velcro®, zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the like.
In some embodiments, blanket 100 may be substantially constructed of various fabrics, wherein the resulting blanket 100 may function to provide comfort, warmth, and/or protection from the elements to the user of blanket 100. Such fabrics may be typical of the materials ordinarily used to in manufacturing blankets for infants, toddlers, and/or small children. Such fabrics may be soft. Such fabrics may be selected from natural and/or synthetic materials. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, natural materials may be selected from one or more of the group comprising cotton, silk, wool, linen, hemp, leather, and the like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, synthetic materials may be selected from one or more of the group comprising polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, and the like. In some embodiments, first-surface 109 and/or second-surface 110 may comprise exterior-surface 111 that may be constructed of a waterproof and/or a windproof material, such as Gore-Tex®.
With respect to use of “substantially,” in the above paragraph, note blanket 100 may comprise other materials. For example, in some embodiments, metals may be employed in the various fastener and attachment means, e.g. with zippers. For example, in some embodiments, foams may be employed in embodiments which may comprise the insulated-pocket. For example, in some embodiments, various elastomers may be employed in embodiments which may comprise the bottle-holder to form fit and frictionally grip bottle 930.
Note with respect to the materials of construction disclosed herein, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such restricted disclosure.
In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a system for organizing children's articles with blanket 100. Such children's articles may comprise: baby bottles, Sippy cups, water bottles, handheld snacks, handheld food, pacifiers, teething toys, handheld toys, handheld books, and the like. Such articles may be designated with 900 series reference numerals in this disclosure. Such organizing may entail providing a means for removable storing (containing) of the children's articles within blanket 100. Such organizing may entail providing a means for mitigating against loss of children's articles (e.g. by inclusion of tethers and/or leashes to removably attach to such children's articles, linking them to blanket 100). Such systems may comprise bottle 930 and/or pacifier 940, at least one handheld toy 950, and blanket 100 as described and disclosed above.
For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, blanket 100 may comprise: four-edges, two-surfaces, at least one pocket 200, and second-pocket 300. The four-edges may define the periphery of blanket 100. The four-edges may comprise: first-edge 101, second-edge 102, third-edge 103, and fourth-edge 104. First-edge 101 may be in communication with second-edge 102 and fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may also be in communication with third-edge 103. Third-edge 103 may be communication with fourth-edge 104.
Each of the four-edges may comprise edge-attachment-means 112. Edge-attachment-means 112 of any of the four-edges may be configured to removably attach to any edge-attachment-means 112 of the four-edges or to frame-member 811 of stroller 810 or to removably attach to the child-carrier.
The two-surfaces may comprise first-surface 109 and second-surface 110 disposed oppositely of first-surface 109. The four-edges bound both the two-surfaces. Each of the two-surfaces (e.g. 109 and 110) may comprise exterior-surface 111.
At least one pocket 200 may comprises opening 201 and the cavity. Opening 201 may provide access to the cavity. The cavity may be of a volume configured to contain the children's articles 900, i.e. to removably contain one or more articles 900. The cavity may be of the volume configured to contain bottle 930 and/or pacifier 940.
At least one pocket 200 may comprise at least one contents-tether 205. At least one contents-tether 205 may be configured to removably attach bottle 930 and/or pacifier 940 to at least one contents-tether 205. At least one contents-tether 205 may comprise the tether and contents-attachment-means 209.
The tether may comprise first-terminal-end 206 and the second-terminal-end disposed opposite of first-terminal-end 206. The second-terminal-end may be attached to the cavity-surface. The cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the cavity.
Contents-attachment-means 209 may removably attach bottle 930 and/or pacifier 940 to first-terminal-end 206.
Second-pocket 300 may comprise second-opening 301 and the second-cavity. Second-opening 301 may provide access to the second-cavity. The second-cavity may be of the second-volume configured to contain at least one handheld toy 950. Second-pocket 300 may be disposed between at least one pocket 200 and one of the exterior-surfaces 111 of the two-surfaces (109 or 110), such that second-pocket 300 may be the inner-pocket and at least one pocket 200 may be the external pocket.
Second-pocket 300 may comprise at least one second-contents-tether 305. At least one second-contents-tether 305 may be configured to removably attach at least one handheld toy 950 to at least one second-contents-tether 305. At least one second-contents-tether 305 may comprise the second-tether and second-contents-attachment-means 309.
The second-tether may comprise third-terminal-end 306 and the fourth-terminal-end disposed opposite of third-terminal-end 306. The fourth-terminal-end may be attached to the second-cavity-surface. The second-cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the second-cavity.
Second-contents-attachment-means 309 may removably attach at least one handheld toy 950 to third-terminal-end 306.
A blanket with multiple functionality and a system for organizing children's articles with the blanket have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/832,044 filed on Jun. 6, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61832044 | Jun 2013 | US |
