INTEGRATED TOTE AND PILLOW APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A method comprising providing a hot surface, a piled fabric, and the template. The piled fabric may be placed between the template and the hot plate. A force may be applied to create pressure on the piled fabric between the hot plate and the template. Heat may be transferred from the hot surface into the template to put a permanent set in the pile of the fabric. The underside of the template may be insulated to resist sinking of heat received by the template in a direction away from the hot plate.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to tote bags and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for increasing convenience and functionality thereof.

2. The Background Art

Toddlers and infants often are particularly fond of an become attached to particular toys, blankets, and other articles of comfort. Likewise, when parents gather up children at a daycare institution, or gather them up at home to go shopping or to go elsewhere in a vehicle, remembering and collecting all the articles associated with the child is problematic. For example, often a child will misplace a favorite toy such as a teddy bear or small blanket or other particularly favorite item. Likewise, many of these items may not fit or locate conveniently within a diaper bag, purse, or other handbag carried by the responsible adult. Also children often wish to hold on to their “comfort” possessions.

Likewise, children may have articles of clothing such as sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, and the like. These articles of clothing may often be forgotten as weather changes. For example, a child who arrives with a jacket in the cool of the morning may forget about the jacket in the warmth of an afternoon. Meanwhile, items such as blankets and pillows may be bulky, but may be an important part of a child's resting routine, and may provide some associated comfort by their mere presence.

Thus, small children have a variety of play and comfort accessories with which they typically travel. Gathering, collecting, storing, carrying, remembering, and otherwise servicing the variety of articles associated with the child may result in frequently misplaced or forgotten articles.

What is needed is a mechanism by way of a method and apparatus for stowing such items, collecting them, carrying them, and otherwise making them selectively accessible and storable according to whether they are needed, or need to be put away.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a combination tote bag and pillow may include a base of a comfortable fabric such as a flannel, fleece, or the like formed to have multiple pockets. The pockets may be sealable with a flap or closure that renders the pockets secure for storing various items. In certain embodiments, the apparatus may be provided with covers or liners containing images consistent with some theme.

For example, a theme may be an animated character theme in accordance with a favorite movie or cartoon character. The theme may be some other topic of interest to the child, such as trucks, fire engines, super heroes, comic book characters, Disney characters, or the like.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus may be personalized with a logo or other emblem embossed onto the fabric. In certain embodiments, a simple embossing template may be included or a personalized set of initials may be included for embossing at home according to a method in accordance with the invention. Alternatively, a retail distributor may conduct the embossing of personalized emblems on an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

In order to provide both stowage and a practical utility of a pillow, a tote in accordance with the invention may have a pocket configured to receive a coat, jacket, hoodie, sweater, pajamas, blanket, or the like. A suitably soft cover material, outside of a pocket shaped and sized to receive an article of clothing, blanket, or the like, may together combine to make a pillow out of the tote. Accordingly, accoutrements of a child my be easily stowed, and served double duty as padding for a pillow.

Likewise, a tote in accordance with the invention may include one or more other pockets shaped and sized to receive other articles associated with a child. These articles may include such items as a book or books, a bottle, toys, stuffed animals, wiping cloths, wet wipes, snack containers, a pacifier, toy cars, other favorite toys, and the like.

In certain embodiments, a tote in accordance with the invention may have a pocket near one surface thereof, a surface having a soft texture, for receiving soft items such as a pillow, jacket, hoodie, sweater, pajamas, blanket, or the like. On an opposite side or face of the tote, may be a pocket for receiving toys, pacifiers, containers, bottles, and so forth that are not soft.

Accordingly, when the harder or more rigid items in their respective pocket are placed facing down or in a downward aspect, then the softer pillow-like aspect of the tote faces upward and presented for use by a child. Thus, toys may be collected, along with various articles of clothing, all placed in the tote, and the tote becomes a pillow with the child's articles readily collected.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with the invention may be provided with a handle of suitable material for heavy carrying. The handle may be provided as a strap, shoulder strap, or simply a handle such as a satchel or briefcase would have.

In one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, the embossing may be done using a template formed of a hard, heat resistant material such as a metal or a metallized plastic. A flat surface on the face of the elements of the image to be embossed may be shaped in a reverse image of the image to be created.

A soft, fleecy, or otherwise napped or piled synthetic fabric may be laid over the embossing template.

A conventional hot iron such as is used for pressing clothing may be placed against a back side of the fabric, sandwiching the fabric in a compressed mode between the bottom, hot surface of the iron, and the flat, imaged, face of the embossing template. By applying pressure to the iron, only those portions of the fabric captured between the face of the iron and the face of the embossing emblem are tightly compressed. Elsewhere, the fabric is free to expand, maintaining a high volume of air, and thus a very low thermal conductivity.

Due to the increased thermal conductivity, and due to the heat of the iron the synthetic fabric of the article to be embossed may be melted or otherwise permanently compressed and consolidated to eliminate or reduce any pile or other light, thick, free nap of fibers or threads. Thus, the heat set of the material captured between the iron and the embossing emblem will make a positive image corresponding to the negative image of the embossing template.

In certain embodiments, the embossing template may be formed of a metal image formed as ridges with flat top faces for capturing fabric under an iron. In certain embodiments, insulating material, having a very poor thermal conductivity, may form a base for the emblem. In this way, heat from the iron that is transferred through the fabric and into the template is not transferred beyond the initial thickness of the emblem. Thus, the emblem will heat up faster, maintaining the desired temperature between the iron and the template in the fabric to be embossed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention illustrating a tote having a handle, pockets, and a closure flap;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a useable position ready to receive articles, as the pockets are accessible from the tops thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 through 3 in one embodiment, illustrating various articles associated with a child that may be placed in the pockets of the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, provided with a closure, as it appears with various articles associated with a child placed therein, and sealed up for use as a pillow;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of a pattern for fabric for an apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an embossing template on a base in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an embossing template having removable or custom placed plates for personalizing articles in accordance with the invention, and;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a process for embossing articles in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention may be formed to have a base 12 formed of a suitable fabric. The base 12 forms the back 12 of a satchel or tote in the illustrated embodiment. Typically, the base 12 may be formed of a soft fabric that is pleasant to the touch, and has a texture and feel that is comforting, soft, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 14 may be formed of a single piece of fabric, or of the same fabric as the base 12. The panel 14 serves to enclose the base 12, forming a pocket therebetween.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be provided with a flap 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 16 maybe formed as a continuous extension of the base 12 to be folded over the panel 14 in order to form a closure 16 for the apparatus 10.

As illustrated, the cover 18 may be formed of a different fabric from that of the panel 14 and base 12. This is not necessary. Nevertheless, in order to provide utility, and minimize thickness, the cover 18 need not be of a particularly soft or pleasant feel for a child. That is, the cover 18 in certain embodiments may serve only as the material of a suitable type to support the pockets 20, 22.

For example, in one embodiment, the cover 18 may be sewn or otherwise secured to the apparatus 10 to form a pocket 22 between the panel 14 and the cover 18. Likewise, the panel 18 may be provided with some type of a securement mechanism 26. For example, a button 26 may be secured opposite a button hole 24 in the flap 16 in order to secure the flap 16 as a cover for each of the pockets 20, 22.

In certain embodiment, the cover 18 may be formed of a fabric having images printed or otherwise placed thereon, providing a theme for the apparatus 10. For example, various themes from a child's experience or interests may be selected. In certain embodiments, for example, themes may represent a place, an experience, or interest. Themes such as music, sports, super heros, comic book characters, cartoon characters, events, and the like may be the subject of the images 28 on the fabric or of the material of the cover 18.

In certain embodiments, a handle 30 may secure to the apparatus 10 for carrying. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 30 is formed as a strap. Nevertheless, on the flap 16, or on the portion of the flap 16 closest to the base 12, on the outer surface thereof may be formed a handle such as a briefcase, suitcase, or other satchel would use. Likewise, both types of handles 30 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 30 may be formed to be of sufficient length, and sufficiently thin aspect that it may be placed into the pocket 20 when not desired as a handle, thus providing a clean outer aspect of the apparatus 10 suitable for a pillow.

Likewise, for purposes of safety, the handle 30 may be made sufficiently short that it cannot provide any type of a choking hazard or strangulation hazard to a child. In such embodiments, the length of the handle 30 may be comparatively short, such that it may be used as a carrying handle 30, but cannot extend inappropriately around a neck, head, or the like.

In certain embodiments, a securement 32 may be provided for the handle 30. In certain embodiments, a stitching pattern suitable for transferring force between the handle 30 and the apparatus 10, particularly to, for example, the base 12 or panel 14, or both, may provide an unobtrusive connection therebetween. Likewise, a sewn securement 32 may further maintain the flexible and soft aspect of the apparatus 10.

In certain embodiments, a lining 34 may be provided over the flap 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the lining 34 contains the same thematic images 28 as the cover 18. In certain embodiments, the pockets 20, 22 may be secured with zippers. Nevertheless, in certain embodiments, the pockets 20, 22 may simply be closed by the flap 16, the liner 34 forming the actual contact between the flap 16 and the panel 14, as well as the cover 18. Appropriate seams may be formed at the edges of fabric elements, and may include hems or other edge treatments to provide a finished look, and to prevent fraying or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, the back portion of the apparatus 10 may present the base 12 and the back surface of the flap 16 as a single, continuous portion of fabric. Likewise, the base 12 may be formed of a soft fabric such as a fleece, flannel, or the like. In certain embodiments, a synthetic fabric may serve best inasmuch as it may be permanently set or melted at a much lower temperature than natural fabrics such as wool and cotton. Likewise, cotton does not emboss well. Temperature sufficiently hot to mark cotton will typically scorch and damage it. By contrast, thermoplastic, synthetic fibers may take on a permanent set due to heat addition forming a suitable embossed image.

In the illustrated embodiment, a selection of text 36, and border 38 may form an embossing 40 or an emblem 40. In certain embodiments, certain personalization 42 or custom elements 42 may be added. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a set of personalized initials 42 may be provided. The personalized emblem 40 may be done as an entire embossing, or may involve a standard image, with only certain elements being personalized.

In certain embodiments, most of the embossing 40 may be done using a single, standard, template first, and then embossed in stages. Meanwhile, the personalized element 42 may actually be formed using a second embossing process thereafter. Accordingly, certain embossed elements 40 may be provided in advance in the product as received from a factory, while the personalized elements 42 may be added at a retail location or by a user thereafter.

For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus 10 may arrive from a factory with an embossing 40. Meanwhile, a purchaser may be provided a set of small, customized plates or templates for the personal initials of a user. Accordingly, the purchaser may then place the templates on the fabric and place an iron on the opposite side of the fabric. Accordingly, a purchaser may actually personalize the apparatus 10 after purchase.

Compressing the fabric of the flap 16 or the base 12 with pressure between an iron and an embossing template improves the thermal conductivity of the fabric, but only in the pressurized region. Meanwhile, the heat from the iron passes into the fabric compressed thereunder into the template for the embossing 40. Eventually, raising the temperature in the fabric sufficiently high will effectively exceed the glass transition temperature, permanently setting the fabric in the compressed state. The result is a personalized embossing 42.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4 an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention may be used as a tote 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the securement mechanisms 24, 26 may rely on any suitable mechanism including magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, buckles, or the like. In the upright position illustrated in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 may receive various articles in the pockets 20, 22. In the illustrated embodiment, two pockets are shown. Nevertheless, any shape or number of pockets may be formed (e.g. side by side, staggered, layered, etc.) between the lining 34 and flap 16. Likewise, any particular edge of any of the pockets 20, 22 may be closed with zippers or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 16 should suffice to close the pockets 20, 22.

The cover 18 may be formed to be somewhat shorter than the panel 14. Accordingly, the pocket 22 is easily accessible and easily separable from the pocket 20. In such an embodiment, the larger pocket 20 may be useful for storing soft articles such as those formed of various fabrics. For example, a pillow 44 may be placed in the pocket 20, the base 12 thus forming a cover for the pillow 44. Likewise, a coat or jacket 46 may be folded and placed in the pocket 20.

Alternatively, or in addition, a sweater 48, sweatshirt 48, or hoodie 48 may be folded and placed in the pocket 20. Likewise, various articles 46, 48, 50 may simply be stuffed rather than folded. For example, pajamas 50 may be a suitable article of clothing to be carried by a child or otherwise associated with a child. Thus, having access to the pajamas 50 in the pocket 20, is a useful function of the tote 10. Nevertheless, the pajamas 50 or other articles 44, 46, 48 likewise form the stuffing to render the tote 10 a comfortable pillow 10.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 and pocket 20 may be sized to receive a blanket 52 of a child. Thus, the blanket 52 may form the stuffing for a pillow 10, and may be removed for its own use. Likewise, the pocket 20 may be sized sufficiently large to received a blanket 52 and another of the articles 44, 46, 48, 50. In such an embodiment, the blanket 52 may be removed, and the other article 44, 46, 48, 50 may remain or be withdrawn from the pocket 20 as needed for stuffing or for its own use or utility.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the pocket 22 may receive various articles. These articles may be soft articles, such as those received by the pocket 20. Nevertheless, with some article in the pocket 20 providing additional thickness and stuffing, the pocket 22 may receive harder objects that are not comfortable. For example, the apparatus 10 may be placed with the pocket 22 down, and the base 12 up. Accordingly, whatever articles may be in the pocket 22 will not disturb the comfort of a child using the apparatus 10 as a pillow 10.

Typical articles that may be useful to a child and suitable for placement in the pocket 22 may include, for example, books 54, a bottle 56, various toys 58, or stuffed animals 60. Likewise, a parent may desire to place wipes 62 of either the reusable or disposable types. Likewise, a snack container 64 may be desirable. A pacifier 66 or other article suitable for an infant may be stored in the pocket 22. Various vehicles 68 such as cars, trucks, tractors, equipment and the like may be placed in the pocket 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 may serve as a collection point 10 for various articles associated with a child. In certain embodiments, the portion of the panel 14 exposed above the cover 18 may actually be provided with lines, a marking pen, or both. The marking pen may be permanent or temporary. Accordingly, a parent can actually jot down a list on the visible portion of the panel 14 identifying all of the articles that are to placed in the pocket 20, 22 or both.

Thus, gathering up the various articles according to the list may assure that none are left behind. In addition to a diaper bag that a parent may often times carry, an apparatus 10 may provide a satchel 10 for the child to carry, that will serve as a pillow to the child, reverting to a tote 10 for a parent or babysitter to stuff with all the child's accessories thereafter.

Referring to FIG. 5, an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention may be formed to completely close up such that the flap 16 is secured to leave the base 12 completely free for service as a pillow 10. The embossing 40 will typically not negatively effect the overall softness of the material of the base 12.

In certain embodiments, an extra panel 70 maybe secured to the apparatus 10 in order to provide expansion space. In other embodiments, the base 12 may be sewn to the panel 14 directly. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 70 may be provided with a fold 72 that permits the apparatus 10 to be folded flat.

Meanwhile, when the apparatus 10 is filled with articles, the expansion panel 70 may permit separation of the panel 14 from the base 12. Thus, the volume that may be contained by the pockets 20, 22 may be increased accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, the blank 74 or pattern 74 for an apparatus 10 may be formed of flat material such as suitable fabrics. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 16 along with the base 12 and panel 14 may be formed of a single piece of suitable fabric, such as a fleece, flannel, or the like. The flap 16 may be formed with a sufficient extension 76 or connector portion 76 to support expansion of the pocket 20 therebelow. The connector portion 76 may be associated with the base 12 or the flap 16, but represents a portion of material that may be folded over or may be extended between the main closure portion of the flap 16, and the bulk of the base 12 in order to span the top of the pocket 20 when filled.

In the apparatus 10, and particularly in the blank 74, clearances for hems may be added to all dimensions in order that seams may be formed at the boundaries. A finish hem allowance 78 may be provided at the top of the pocket 20 in order to provide a more finished appearance, and resist fraying, stretching, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, a main fold 80 may serve as the bottom of the pocket 20 as the panel 14 is folded up across the front of the base 12. Likewise, various folds, such as a fold 82 and the fold 84 are actually made any time the flap 16 is closed over the panel 14 to be secured as a closure for the pockets 20, 22.

The fold 86, may be selected to be placed at a suitable distance from the bulk of the panel 14 in order to provide a finished appearance. For example, in several embodiments, the hem portion 78 may measure only from about one quarter inch to one half inch. In other embodiments, the hem portion 78 may actually measure nearly and inch or more, thus providing a wide hem portion 78 above the fold 86 and providing a richer appearance.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embossing template 90 may include a plate 92. A plate 92 may be formed by casting, molding, machining, or the like. For example, the plate 92 may actually be formed of a plastic or other polymer that is resistant to heat, or which has a melting temperature sufficiently high to permit embossing of a synthetic fabric without destruction of the template 90.

The plate 92 may have a relieved surface 93 from which material has been removed, or in which no material has been placed. Accordingly, the image of the plate 92 may stand out in relief from the relief surface 93.

In certain embodiments, a base 94 may be formed of a material providing insulation qualities. For example, various foamed polymers, woods, and the like transfer of heat, and will not act as heat sinks to take heat out of the plate 92. An insulating base 94 provides improved (higher) temperatures in the plate 92, and thus better temperatures for more rapid embossing of fabrics.

In certain embodiments, a thickness 96 of the plate 92 may initially include the relief height of any emblems 100 or images 100. Accordingly, by machining, a metal or other material may be removed to leave in relief, for example, a border 102, a message 104, a slogan 106, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 98 of the base 94 may be selected to provide proper insulation to maintain heat within the emblem 100, rather than permitting it to be “heat sunk” into the base 94. In embossing, the upper surfaces of the emblem 100 may be completely level and within a single horizontal plane. By contrast, areas surrounding them will be placed therebelow, such as at the level of the upper surface 93 or relieved surface 93 of the plate 92.

The level of the relieved surface 93, and the areas surrounding the elements of the emblem 100 need not be at the same level. However, each should be sufficiently removed from the upper surface of the emblem 100 such as to impair thermal conductivity of the fabric being embossed. Compression and heat provide the improved thermal conductivity and temperature rise, respectively, required to put a permanent thermal set into the pile of the fabric of the apparatus 10, in order to create the embossing 40.

In certain embodiments, the personalization 42 may be done independently from the original emblem 100. For example, the initials 112, 114 may be formed in the template 90 when it is created. Alternatively, the personalization element 42 here illustrated as an element 110 having initials 112, 114 may actually be formed at a later time. For example, at the time of retail sale, or in the home of a purchaser, the personalization may be added.

Referring to FIG. 8, custom plates 116 may be formed on a plate 92 having a suitable base 94. Accordingly, alignment marks or other assistance may be provided to assist a user in locating the custom plates 116 on the plate 92, within the bounds of the emblem 100, or both. Accordingly, the purchaser may emboss the personalization 42 after the purchase.

Referring to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments, an apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention may be implemented using a template 90, under an iron 120. Typically, an iron used in pressing clothing may include a handle 122. Typically, an iron is provided with a control mechanism selecting a temperature suitable for the fabric 124 to be pressed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric 124 may be the material of a tote 10 or apparatus 10 in accordance with the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the fabric 124 is placed between the template 90 and the iron 120. Accordingly, the emblem 100 on the template 90 compresses the material of the fabric 124 between the heated surface 123 of the iron 120, and upper surface of the emblem 100 of the template 90.

As illustrated in the inset, the fabric 124 has a comparatively loose portion 126, and a comparatively compressed portion 128. The loose portion 126 exists wherever the fabric 124 is not captured between the anvil portion 130 of the template 90 (particularly the emblem 100) and the hot plate 132 typically represented by the hot surface 123 of the iron 120.

Between the anvil portion 130 of the emblem 100 and the hot surface 123 of the iron 120, as represented by the hot plate 132, in general, the thermal conductivity rises. A combination of the pressure of compression, the temperature elevation, and the contact between fibers in the fabric 124, the iron 120 or other hot plate 132 will transfer heat into the fabric in the compressed portion 128. Heat will likewise be transferred from the fabric in the compressed portion 128 into the anvil portion 130 of the emblem 100.

As the anvil portion 130 heats up, the temperature in the fabric portion 128 will rise to some value between those of the hot plate 132 and the anvil 130. Accordingly, once the temperature in the compressed portion 128 has exceeded the glass transition temperature of the polymer of the fabric, a permanent set will take place. Release and cooling will leave a permanent image in the dimensional change of the nap or pile of the fabric 124.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the illustrative embodiments are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A method for embossing a pile fabric, the method comprising: providing a template having an insulated base, a relieved portion, and an elevated anvil portion;providing a hot plate;compressing a pile fabric between the elevated anvil portion and the hot plate until the temperature and thermal conductivity of the pile fabric rises sufficiently to exceed a glass transition condition; andcooling the pile fabric to form an image.

2. A method comprising: providing a hot surface;providing a piled fabric;placing the piled fabric between the template and the hot plate;applying force to create pressure on the piled fabric between the hot plate and the template;transferring heat from the hot surface into the template to put a permanent set in the pile of the fabric; andinsulating the underside of the template to resist sinking of heat received by the template in a direction away from the hot plate.

3. An integrated pillow assembly comprising: a base;a panel forming a pocket with the base;a cover providing a pocket between the cover and the panel, the cover containing images corresponding to a theme;a handle attached to the apparatus for carrying the apparatus;a flap connecting the base to the cover and acting as a closure for the pockets between the base and the cover;a securement mechanism to secure the flap to the cover; and an article stuffed into one of the pockets to form a pillow; anda hard article located in the pocket opposite the base and protected by the pillow.