MULTI-FUNCTIONAL BLANKET SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A multi-functional blanket system; the multi-functional blanket system includes a blanket that is convertible a variety of configurations including a blanket, a poncho, a backpack, a tote, and a seat cushion. The blanket may be provided with at least one strap and one or more fasteners for converting the blanket into one or more of the configurations. The multi-functional blanket system is useful for providing an all-in-one blanket, poncho, backpack, tote, and seat cushion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of blankets and coverings of existing art and more specifically relates to a blanket reconfigurable into one or more uses.

RELATED ART

Many people spend time in outdoor environments. When spending time outdoors, such as when hiking or attending sporting events, users may be uncomfortable due to being cold and wet. In order to achieve comfort, warmth and protection from the elements, users often have to transport and travel with five or more separate items. This can be inconvenient and consumes valuable space in the home. Also, attempting to carry multiple items can be next to impossible when traveling. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,083 to Carl J. November relates to a multiple use blanket convertible into sleeping bag and cushion configurations. The described multiple use blanket convertible into sleeping bag and cushion configurations may be converted into a sleeping bag or pouch configuration and into a compact cushion, pillow or storage configuration. In a fully unfolded configuration, the blanket may be used as a blanket, wrap or, when provided with a water-resistant outer layer, as a poncho-like wrap. The blanket has a closure system (e.g., a zipper, hook and loop system, snaps, buttons, a zip lock system, etc.) in a central region of the blanket into which the blanket can be folded or otherwise manipulated, and the closure system closed around the compacted blanket to provide the compact configuration of the blanket. The location of the closure system provides a neat, clean and convenient way to compact the blanket, and an attractive appearance, as well as functionality as a pillow or cushion. Another closure system is provided about the periphery of the blanket which allows the blanket to be folded and configured as a sleeping bag or stadium bag or pouch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known reconfigurable blanket art, the present disclosure provides a novel multi-functional blanket system and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a multi-functional blanket system for providing an all-in-one blanket, poncho, backpack, tote, and seat cushion.

A multi-functional blanket system is disclosed herein. The multi-functional blanket system includes a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket. The blanket further includes an opening therein and one or more fasteners coupled to the blanket.

In addition, the multi-functional blanket system is provided with at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners and a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners. The multi-functional blanket system may be configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration. The multi-functional blanket system may also be configured to be used as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations.

According to another embodiment, a method of using a multi-functional blanket system is also disclosed herein. The method includes a providing a multi-functional blanket system as described above and wearing the blanket as a poncho with the hood attached thereto.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a multi-functional blanket system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the multi-functional blanket system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multi-functional blanket system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrates folding of the multi-functional blanket system of FIG. 1 into a tote or a backpack, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-functional blanket system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a multi-functional blanket system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a reconfigurable blanket or covering and more particularly to a multi-functional blanket system and method as used to improve the multifunctional use of a blanket.

Generally, the present invention provides a multi-functioning system that offers the benefits of a poncho, blanket, tote, backpack, and seat cushion. It benefits users looking to enjoy the outdoors, such as while hiking, picnicking, attending sporting events, tailgating, or visiting the beach. The device enables users to carry one compact item as opposed to five different items, saving space and providing convenience. It allows users to experience the outdoors more fully year-round by providing protection from the elements. The present invention affords comfort, convenience, warmth, storage, protection, and more.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a multi-functional blanket system 100.

FIG. 1 shows a multi-functional blanket system 100. As illustrated, the multi-functional blanket system 100 may include a blanket 110 having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are joined together about their (shared) perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side 113 and the second sheet of material forming a second side 115 of the blanket 110. Preferably, the first sheet of material is water-resistant, and the second sheet of material is comprised of a plush textile.

The blanket 110 further includes an opening 116 therein and one or more fasteners 118 coupled to the blanket 110 in preferred embodiments. The multi-functional blanket system 100 may be provided with at least one strap 120 removably attachable to the blanket 110 via the fasteners 118 and a hood 130 removably attachable to the blanket 110 via the fasteners 118. The multi-functional blanket system 100 may be configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration. The multi-functional blanket system 100 may also be configured to use as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations.

The blanket 110 may further include (and be joined by) seam-lines 140 dividing the blanket 110 into sections 142. The sections 142 and the seam-lines 140 can be used to guide folding of the blanket 110 into the one or more folded configurations. The blanket 110 may include a middle-pleat 144 traversing the blanket 110 and perpendicular to the seam-lines 140. The middle-pleat 144 may include a drawstring 146 threaded therein. The drawstring 146 is accessible at each end of the middle-pleat 144. The drawstring 146 can be used to provide a closure for the multi-functional blanket system 100 when used as the backpack.

In addition, a pocket 150 may be formed between the first-side 113 and the second-side 115 of the blanket 110. The pocket 150 includes pocket-openings 152 at each end. The pocket-openings 152 are accessible from the first-side 113 of the blanket 110. The pocket-openings 152 may include a selectively openable securing means (i.e., zipper or other suitable fastener) for closing the pocket-openings 152.

FIG. 2 shows the multi-functional blanket system 100 of FIG. 1, during an ‘in-use’ condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the multi-functional blanket system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to wear the blanket 110 as the poncho with the hood 130 attached thereto. As above, the multi-functional blanket system 100 may include the blanket 110 having the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material. The first sheet of material and the second sheet of material are joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming the first side 113 and the second sheet of material forming the second side 115 of the blanket 110. The blanket 110 further includes the opening 116 therein and one or more fasteners 118 coupled to the blanket 110. The strap(s) 120 (as shown in FIG. 1) and the hood 130 may be removably attachable to the blanket 110 via the fasteners 118. The hood 130 may be removably attachable on the middle-pleat 114 adjacent to the opening 116 such that the hood 130 can be placed on the user's 40 head when worn as the poncho.

As illustrated, the opening 116 in the blanket 110 may be adjacent to the middle-pleat 144 between the pocket 150 and the middle-pleat 144. The opening 116 is large enough to accommodate the user's 40 head with the blanket 110 being draped around the upper body of the user 40. The opening 116 may further include at least one movable flap 160 that extend(s) downwardly from the opening 116 when opened and selectively closes the opening 116 when closed. The opening 116 can be closed via fasteners 118 such as zippers (zipping fasteners or other suitably equivalent means). The movable flap(s) 160 may provide a stylish exterior as well as a closure for when the blanket 110 is desired to be used as the backpack, the tote, and/or the seat cushion.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrates folding of the multi-functional blanket system 100 into the backpack and the tote of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The blanket 110 may include seam-lines 140 dividing the blanket 110 into sections 142. The sections 142 and the seam-lines 140 can be used to guide folding of the blanket 110 into the one or more folded configurations. The sections 142 formed by the seam-lines 140 may be substantially rectangular.

As described above, the blanket 110 may include one or more fasteners 118. The fasteners 118 include hook-and-loop, zippers, buckles, snaps, hooks, and a combination thereof. The fasteners 118 may further include combination of male and female mating. The fasteners 118 may be arranged on the blanket 110 to facilitate converting the blanket 110 into the tote, the backpack, and alternatively the seat cushion (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the fasteners 118 can be coupled along the middle-pleat 144 and the seam-lines 140 with one fastener 118 being placed in the middle of one of the sections 142 such that a bottom of the tote and the backpack can be closed (shown in FIGS. 3E-3F).

The strap(s) 120 may be attachable to the blanket 110 in a way to be used as the tote when in the folded configuration. In this embodiment, the strap(s) 120 may be attached such that they form a single shoulder strap (as shown in FIG. 3E). Alternatively, the strap(s) 120 may be attachable to the blanket 110 in a way to be used as the backpack when in the folded configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 3F, the strap(s) 120 may be attached such that they form a pair of shoulder straps.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multi-functional blanket system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to one embodiment, the multi-functional blanket system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the multi-functional blanket system 100 may further include a set of instructions 107. The instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the multi-functional blanket system 100 such that the multi-functional blanket system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner. As illustrated, the kit 105 may include the blanket 110, the at least one strap 120, and the hood 130. The blanket 110 is shown in one of the folded configurations as the seat cushion.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a multi-functional blanket system 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method of using the multi-functional blanket system 500 may include one or more components or features of the multi-functional blanket system 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method of using the multi-functional blanket system 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a multi-functional blanket system 100 including a blanket 110 having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side 113 and the second sheet of material forming a second side 115 of the blanket 110, the blanket 110 including an opening 116 therein, one or more fasteners 118 coupled to the blanket 110, at least one strap 120 removably attachable to the blanket 110 via the fasteners 118, and a hood 130 removably attachable to the blanket 110 via the fasteners 118; and step two 502, wearing the blanket 110 as a poncho with the hood 130 attached thereto. The blanket 110 includes seam-lines 140 dividing the blanket 110 into sections 142, the sections 142 and the seam-lines 140 are configured to guide folding of the blanket 110 into the one or more folded configurations, the method further comprising the steps of: step three 503, folding the blanket 110 using the seam-lines 140 as guides and using the fasteners 118 to maintain the blanket 110 into the one or more folded configurations; step four 504, converting the blanket 110 into a backpack by attaching the at least one strap 120 to form a pair of shoulder straps; and step five 505, converting the blanket 110 into a tote, when desired, by attaching the at least one strap 120 to form a single shoulder strap.

It should be noted that step 504 and 505 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. The blanket 110 can be used exclusively in unfolded configurations if desired without additional steps. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for converting the multi-functional blanket system 100 into the folded configurations [NOTE: e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps (for example, folding the blanket 110 into the seat cushion), including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A multi-functional blanket system convertible in a variety of configurations, the system comprising: a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including an opening therein, andone or more fasteners coupled to the blanket;at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners; anda hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration; andwherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to use as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations.

2. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, further comprising seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more said folded configurations.

3. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 2, wherein the sections formed by the seam-lines are substantially rectangular.

4. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 3, further comprising a middle-pleat traversing the blanket and perpendicular to the seam-lines.

5. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 4, wherein the middle-pleat includes a drawstring threaded therein, the drawstring is accessible at each end of the middle-pleat.

6. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 5, wherein a pocket is formed between the first-side and the second-side of the blanket.

7. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 6, wherein the pocket includes pocket-openings at each end, the pocket-openings accessible from the first-side.

8. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 7, wherein the pocket-openings include a selectively openable securing means for closing the pocket-openings.

9. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 8, wherein the opening in the blanket is adjacent to the middle-pleat between the pocket and the middle-pleat.

10. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 9, wherein the opening includes at least one movable flap that extend(s) downwardly from the opening when opened and selectively closes the opening when closed.

11. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 10, wherein the hood is removably attachable on the middle-pleat adjacent to the opening.

12. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, wherein the fasteners include hook-and-loop, zippers, buckles, snaps, hooks, and a combination thereof.

13. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the backpack when in the folded configuration.

14. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the tote when in the folded configuration.

15. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, wherein the first sheet of material is water-resistant.

16. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 1, wherein the second sheet of material is comprised of a plush textile.

17. A multi-functional blanket system: a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including an opening therein, andone or more fasteners coupled to the blanket;at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;wherein the blanket includes seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more said folded configurations;wherein the sections formed by the seam-lines are substantially rectangular;wherein the blanket includes a middle-pleat traversing the blanket and perpendicular to the seam-lines;wherein the middle-pleat includes a drawstring threaded therein, the drawstring is accessible at each end of the middle-pleat;wherein a pocket is formed between the first-side and the second-side of the blanket;wherein the pocket includes pocket-openings at each end, the pocket-openings accessible from the first-side;wherein the pocket-openings include a selectively openable securing means for closing the pocket-openings;wherein the opening in the blanket is adjacent to the middle-pleat between the pocket and the middle-pleat;wherein the opening includes at least one movable flap that extend(s) downwardly from the opening when opened and selectively closes the opening when closed;wherein the hood is removably attachable on the middle-pleat adjacent to the opening;wherein the fasteners include hook-and-loop, zippers, buckles, snaps, hooks, and a combination thereof;wherein the first sheet of material is water-resistant;wherein the second sheet of material is comprised of a plush textile;wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration;wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations;wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the backpack when in the folded configuration; andwherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the tote, when desired, when in the folded configuration.

18. The multi-functional blanket system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the multi-functional blanket system is arranged as a kit.

19. A method of using a multi-functional blanket system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a multi-functional blanket system including a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including an opening therein, one or more fasteners coupled to the blanket, at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners, and a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners; andwearing the blanket as a poncho with the hood attached thereto.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blanket includes seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more folded configurations, the method further comprising the steps of: folding the blanket using the seam-lines as guides and using the fasteners to maintain the blanket into the one or more folded configurations;converting the blanket into a backpack by attaching the at least one strap to form a pair of shoulder straps; andconverting the blanket into a tote, when desired, by attaching the at least one strap to form a single shoulder strap.