Patent Application
20220175161
The present invention relates generally to blankets and coverings. More particularly, disclosed herein is a blanket for acting as a barrier to the transfer of heat and moisture and as protection against the elements. The blanket is convertible from usage as a traditional blanket disposed under, over, or around one or more individuals to usage as a wrap draped around one or more standing, sitting, or prone individuals. A wearer's hands can be selectively retained within insulative pockets of the convertible blanket or passed at least partially through secondary openings in the pockets to permit use of the wearer's hands to accomplish tasks.
Blankets and other coverings for providing protection and warmth have existed for thousands of years. Modern blankets are typically formed in a rectangular shape with one or more layers of material chosen for desired performance characteristics. Blankets can be configured to overlie or enfold a bed or other sleeping area. The prior art discloses blankets with fasteners, such as zippers or buttons, along edges thereof to retain a folded configuration in which a person or persons can be enveloped and protectively insulated against heat loss and the elements.
There are many circumstances where a person will seek to use a blanket nor merely as a covering or underlayment while prone but alternatively as a wrap for protective warmth while sitting, standing, walking, and performing various tasks. By way of non-limiting example, campers might seek to have a wrapped layer of protection while moving about a campsite and performing various tasks. Likewise, persons attending an outdoor event, such as a sporting event, may require the added layer protection and warmth that a wrapped blanket can provide. One will be aware of numerous other instances where a protective wrap would be sought.
A plain blanket can be wrapped about a user, such as by a gripping of the edges or corners of the article and pulling it around one's body. However, consistently maintaining the blanket so configured typically requires a constant grip over the corners or edges of the blanket. A user seeking to perform some other task will often find the blanket falling to the ground or spinning off of her or his body. The wearer's hands are thus effectively occupied in securing the blanket in place with little ability to do much else. Meanwhile, the user's hands receive little by way of insulative protection against the cold and the elements whose effects are sought to be resisted.
Recognizing the need for permitting a covering to be wrapped and maintained about a wearer and the limitations presented by traditional blankets, a number of skilled inventors have sought to provide blankets and wraps that can be effectively retained to surround a wearer. For example, a number of structures, such as the Protective Garment of U.S. Pat. No. 3,798,676 to Shanks et al., provide generally rectangular coverings with first and second straps adjacent to corners thereof through which a user can pass his or her arms. However, such arm straps provide substantially no protection to the wearer's hands and, unless gripped directly, do not provide a direct, retaining engagement between the user's hands and the covering. Other coverings, such as the Self-Storing Combination Blanket and Neck Roll Assembly of Mangano's U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,492 and the Blanket Wrap of Anderson et al.'s U.S. Pat. No. D601,327, have been disclosed wherein full pockets are fixed adjacent to opposed corners of a rectangular wrap. While such blankets provide dedicated, protective enclosures for the wearer's hands, they block the wearer from using those hands to accomplish any tasks with manual dexterity. The wearer can pull his or her hands from the pockets, but this leaves the person with the falling and unwrapping characteristics of the original, loose blanket.
There is thus a long-recognized need for an article that can be effectively used as a blanket that is also readily converted for use as a stably-retained insulative wrap, that renders insulative protection for a wearer's hands available while nonetheless selectively permitting effective use of those hands to accomplish necessary tasks, including gripping, manipulation, and other needed actions.
With an awareness of the foregoing, the present inventors set forth with the basic object of providing a multi-functional blanket that can be used to cover or enfold one or more individuals and that can alternatively be applied as a wrap to provide protection and insulation to a wearer.
An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a multi-functional blanket that permits the blanket to be retained in a stable manner as a wrap while providing dedicated protection to the hands of a wearer.
A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a multi-functional blanket that permits stable retention of the blanket as a wrap while providing a wearer with selective usage of his or her hands to perform manual tasks with dexterity.
In certain embodiments, yet another object of the invention is to provide a convertible blanket that can additionally or alternatively act as a head covering concomitantly to aid in the retention of the blanket and to provide protection and insulation to the head of the wearer.
Still another object of certain embodiments of the invention is to provide a convertible blanket that can be selectively adjusted to a compact, storage condition.
These and further objects, advantages, and details of the present invention will become obvious not only to one who reviews the present specification and drawings but also to those who have an opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the multi-functional, convertible blanket disclosed herein. Although the accomplishment of each of the foregoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may be possible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need to accomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless, all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention.
In carrying forth the foregoing objects, one embodiment of the present invention for a multi-functional, convertible blanket is founded on a blanket panel. First and second pockets are retained by the blanket panel with the first pocket spaced from the second pocket and a portion of the blanket panel interposed therebetween. Each of the first and second pockets has an entrance opening, an inner volume, and an end. A secondary opening is disposed in each pocket between the entrance opening and the end. Under this construction, the convertible blanket can be used in a blanket configuration or in a wrap configuration, and a hand of a wearer can be caused to pass through the entrance openings of the first and second pockets to retain the convertible blanket relative to the wearer. The hands of the wearer can be selectively retained within the inner volume of the pocket, such as for insulative warmth and protection, or passed at least partially through the secondary opening of the pocket, such as to permit use of the wearer's hands to accomplish tasks.
Each of the first and second pockets can be defined by a first wall and a second wall. The first wall can be formed from one or more panels affixed to the blanket panel, and an underlying portion of the blanket panel can form the second wall. The secondary opening can be considered to span laterally across the first or outer wall of each of the first and second pockets. The first walls of each of the first and second pockets have a localized width in alignment with the secondary opening, and the secondary opening can span across substantially the entire localized width in alignment with the secondary opening.
Each secondary opening can be considered to have a length, and a connected location along the secondary opening can connect the pocket to separate the secondary opening into first and second segments. The first segment can be smaller than the second segment. In use, the first and second segments can separately receive, for example, the thumb and fingers of the wearer with the connected location therebetween.
As disclosed herein, with each of the first and second pockets being defined by a first wall and a second wall, the first wall can be formed by first and second panels. The second panel can overlap the first panel over an overlapping portion, and the secondary opening can be formed as a passage between the overlapping portion between the first and second panels. The secondary opening can span laterally across the first wall of each of the first and second pockets. Moreover, where the first walls of each of the first and second pockets has a localized width in alignment with the secondary opening, the secondary opening can span across substantially the entire localized width in alignment with the secondary opening.
While other shapes are possible within the scope of the invention, embodiments of the blanket panel can be rectangular whereupon the first and second pockets can be retained to extend from corners of the blanket panel. In embodiments where the outer wall of the pockets are formed with first and second panels, the first panel can comprise a triangular panel fixed along legs thereof to the blanket panel to extend from corners of the blanket panel to form a distal portion of the pocket, and the second panel can comprise a band with mitered ends fixed to the blanket panel to form a proximal portion of the pocket.
The first and second panels of the first wall can incorporate insulative material, which can be similar to or different from the insulative material of the blanket panel. Still further, it is contemplated that the first and second panels can have different thermal resistance values. For example, the first panel, which forms a distal end portion of the pocket, could have a greater insulative value than that of the second panel.
The pockets of the convertible blanket can alternatively be employed to act as a head covering with a head of a wearer received partially into the inner volume of one of the pockets. Still further, it is contemplated that embodiments of the convertible blanket can further include a third pocket retained by the blanket panel. For instance, where the blanket panel is rectangular, the third pocket can extend from a third corner of the blanket panel. While it could be differently formed, the third pocket could similarly be constructed as the first and second pockets with an inner volume, an entrance opening, an end, and a secondary opening between the entrance and the end.
Manifestations of the convertible blanket are further disclosed wherein an integrated storage pouch is fixed to the blanket panel. For instance, the storage pouch can have a first shell fixed to the blanket panel with the first shell having an inner volume and a mouth. The storage pouch can further include a second shell, and the mouth can be shared by the first shell and the second shell. Under this construction, the storage pouch can be tucked into the blanket panel to be used for the protection and storage of articles, or the storage pouch can be extended from the blanket panel to receive and envelop the blanket panel, such as for storage and transport. A closure, such as a double-sided zipper, can be operable to close the mouth of the storage pouch selectively.
In practices of the invention, the multi-functional, convertible blanket can again be considered to be founded on a blanket panel. First and second hand-receiving structures are retained by the blanket panel. The first hand-receiving structure is spaced from the second hand-receiving structure with a portion of the blanket panel interposed between the first and second hand-receiving structures. Each of the first and second hand-receiving structures has an entrance opening and a width. The width of the hand-receiving structure is divided by a connected location into at least first and second segments for separately receiving the thumb and fingers of a user. So constructed, the convertible blanket can be used in a blanket configuration or in a wrap configuration. Further, the first segment of each hand-receiving structure can receive a thumb of a wearer and the second segment of each hand-receiving structure can receive the fingers of the wearer with the connected location disposed between the fingers and thumb of the wearer. With that, the blanket panel can be maintained in a stable manner while the fingers and the thumbs of the hands of the wearer can be selectively rendered available to accomplish tasks and to perform other functions.
While they could be differently formed, the first and second hand-receiving structures in such embodiments can comprise first and second pockets. Each pocket can have an inner volume and an end. In such embodiments, a secondary opening again can be disposed in each of the first and second pockets between the entrance and the end thereof to permit selective passage of at least a portion of a wearer's hands, such as the wearer's fingers, thumbs, or both the fingers and the thumbs.
One will appreciate that the foregoing discussion broadly outlines the more important goals and features of the invention to enable a better understanding of the detailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciation of the inventors' contribution to the art. Before any particular embodiment or aspect thereof is explained in detail, it must be made clear that the following details of construction and illustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the many possible manifestations of the invention.
In the accompanying drawing figures:
The multi-functional, convertible blanket disclosed herein is subject to a variety of embodiments, each within the scope of the invention. However, to ensure that one skilled in the art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practice the present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broader invention revealed herein are described below and shown in the accompanying drawing figures.
Turning more particularly to the drawings, a multi-functional, convertible blanket according to the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in
Within the scope of the invention, the blanket panel 12 can be formed form any suitable material or with multiple layers of material. By way of illustrative example and not limitation, an embodiment of the blanket panel 12 is formed with one or more exterior layers that envelop one or more insulative central layers. For instance, the exterior layers could be of a nylon ripstop material, and the central layer or layers could be a natural material, such as but not limited to down, or the central layer or layers could comprise synthetic filling, such as but not limited to polyester fiber, a synthetic microfiber thermal insulation material, or any other insulative material. One or more of the exterior layers can be water resistant thereby to act as a moisture barrier. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the exterior layers can be of a plush material for added comfort. In certain practices of the invention, a moisture barrier layer is laminated to an inner surface of an exterior layer. Additionally or alternatively, the exterior layers could incorporate or comprise woven or non-woven materials, including one or more layers of wool, bamboo fiber material, or any other material deemed suitable based on its performance, feel, or other characteristics. The central and exterior layers could be formed of partially or completely recycled material.
Binding 42 traverses the outer periphery of the blanket panel 12 to bind the edges of the exterior layers thereby encasing the insulative middle layers therebetween. Moreover, patterned stitching 44 interior to the periphery of the blanket panel 12 quilts the central layer or layers of insulative fill material in place.
The convertible blanket 12 has at least first and second pockets 14 and 16 retained by the blanket panel 12. The first and second pockets 14 and 16 are spaced from one another so that a portion of the blanket panel 12 spans therebetween. For example, where the blanket panel 12 is rectangular with opposed corners as in this non-limiting embodiment, the pockets 14 and 16 can be formed to extend from the opposed upper corners of the blanket panel 12.
With the first and second pockets 14 and 16 so provided, the convertible blanket 10 can be readily converted from use in a traditional blanket configuration as in
The structure and benefits of the pockets 14 and 16 can be better understood with additional reference to
Each pocket 14 and 16 has a secondary opening 36 disposed at a mid-portion of the outer wall of the respective pocket 14 or 16 spaced between the distal end and the proximal entrance 46 of the pocket 14 or 16. Again referencing the first pocket 14, the secondary opening 38 in this embodiment spans laterally with respect to the pocket entirely across the localized width of the pocket 14. With this, a wearer's hand 104 can be selectively caused to pass through the entrance 46 of the pocket 14 and then either retained within the inner volume of the pocket 14 or at least partially extended through the secondary opening 38.
Each secondary opening 38 can be considered to have a length that spans laterally across the respective pocket 14 or 16. The material of the outer walls of the pockets 14 and 16 is fixed together at a location along the length of the secondary opening 38 to separate the secondary opening 38 into first and second segments. The first segment is smaller than the second segment. The fixation of the material of the outer walls of the pockets 14 and 16 could be carried out in any effective manner. For instance, where the outer walls of the pockets 14 and 16 are formed with first and second panels 34 and 36 as illustrated, the panels 34 and 36 can be joined together at a connected location with a fastening mechanism 40, which could comprise stitching or any other effective fastening mechanism 40. It would also be possible for the secondary opening 38 and the first and second segments thereof to be formed in the outer wall of each pocket 14 and 16 as separate apertures divided by a connected location of the outer wall.
Under such constructions where first and second segments are disposed in the outer wall of each pocket 14 and 16, the first segment of the secondary opening 38 can receive and enable passage of the wearer's thumb 108, and the second segment of the secondary opening 38 can receive and enable passage of the wearer's fingers 106. Where the wearer's fingers 106 and thumb 108 are so received, the connected location between the segments acts as a stop to prevent further advancement of the wearer's hands 102 and 104. As seen in
In the depicted embodiment, the outer walls of the pockets 14 and 16 are formed with a first, triangular panel 34 fixed along the legs thereof to the blanket panel 12 and a second panel 36 comprising a wide band with mitered ends fixed to the blanket panel 12. As best seen in
The panels 34 and 36 are insulated and can be formed of similar or different materials with similar or different properties as compared to one another and as compared to the blanket panel 12. For instance, the first panel 34 in the present embodiment can have a higher thermal resistance value than the second panel 36 such that a portion of wearer's hand 102 or 104 received deep into a pocket 14 or 16 will receive greater thermal protection in adverse conditions. The pockets 14 and 16 have a custom, layered sewing pattern therealong to facilitate their structural integrity and to assist in protecting the wearer's hands 102 and 104 from cold and moisture. It is also contemplated that the pockets 14 and 16 can be lined with materials different than those of the blanket panel 12, such as with soft, plush, or otherwise desirable material.
The convertible blanket 10 thus allows a wearer to select between a mode of usage inserting his or her hands 102 and 104 fully into the pockets 14 and 16 as, for instance, in
The wearer 100 can readily switch between the first mode where full protection and warmth are sought and the second mode when independent use of his or her fingers 106 and thumb 108 is required, such as for gripping, actuating, and manipulating objects 200 as in
Of course, other permutations regarding the disposition of the wearer's hands 102 and 104 are possible. For instance, rather than exposing his or her fingers 106 and thumb 108, the wearer 100 could opt to extend only his or her fingers 106 through the secondary opening 38 while leaving his or her thumb 108 insulated within the respective pocket 14 or 16, or the wearer 100 could elect to extend only his or her thumb 108 through the secondary opening 38 while his or her fingers 106 are disposed within the insulated pocket 14 or 16.
Furthermore, based on the broad nature of the pockets 14 and 16, it is within the scope of the invention for a pocket 14 or 16 to be worn as a head covering as shown, for instance, in
Still further, the pockets 14 and 16 are reversible. As such, either or both pockets 14 and 16 could be adjusted to an inside-out configuration. The surfaces of the pockets 14 and 16, such as the inner and outer surfaces of the outer wall of the pockets 14 and 16 formed in the depicted example by the panels 34 and 36 and the underlying surfaces of the blanket panel 12, could be different in texture, color, performance, or other properties. With that, pockets 14 and 16 of different properties could be effectively created dependent on whether the pockets 14 and 16 are disposed in the configuration depicted, for instance, in
Looking to
The convertible blanket 10 can vary in size depending on the application. The blanket 10 can be sized for use by an individual or by multiple persons. In one embodiment, the convertible blanket 10 is formed to permit an adult of average height to stand with the blanket panel 12 draped over his or her shoulders without the blanket 10 touching the ground. A blanket 10 with a length of approximately seventy-five inches and a width of approximately fifty-two inches has been found to accomplish the foregoing.
As shown in
Under such constructions, not only can a given blanket panel 12 be formed into a sleeping bag configuration but also, as
As is also seen in
Yet another aspect of embodiments of the convertible blanket 10 can be understood with additional reference to the embodiment of
The convertible blanket 10 further incorporates an integrated storage pouch 24. The pouch 24 has a first shell 18 that is affixed to the blanket panel 12. The first shell 18 has an inner volume and a mouth 28. The mouth 28 is shared by a second shell 26 that also has an inner volume. The first and second shells 18 and 26 can be water resistant. A closure, such as but not limited to a drawstring, a zipper 30, or some other closure, selectively closes the mouth 28. The zipper 30 in the present embodiment is a double-sided zipper 30.
As in
A carrying strap, cord, or other carrying structure 32 is affixed to the outer surface of the second shell 26 to facilitate transport of the stored convertible blanket 10. Where the carrying structure 32 comprises a cord retained by first and second loops as illustrated, the carrying structure 32 can be applied over a user's shoulder, over both shoulders as a backpack, or as a carrying handle.
The location and orientation of the storage pouch 24 can vary within the scope of the invention. As in
It will be understood that any terms of orientation used herein merely provide a complete understanding of the disclosed convertible blanket 10 and are not limiting of the invention. Other nomenclature and conventions may be used without limitation of the teachings herein. Furthermore, the various components disclosed herein are merely illustrative and are not limiting. For example, except as limited by the claims, each of the components discussed herein may include subcomponents that collectively provide for the structure and function of the disclosed component. Furthermore, one or more components, sometimes referred to as members or otherwise herein, could be combined as a unitary structure while still corresponding to the disclosed invention. Additional components that provide additional functions or enhancements to those introduced herein may be included. For example, additional components or materials, combinations of components or materials, and perhaps the omission of components or materials may be used to create embodiments that are nonetheless within the scope of the invention.
When referencing or introducing elements of the present invention or embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. As used herein, the terms “example” and “exemplary” are not intended to imply a superlative example. Rather, such terms refer to an embodiment that is one of many possible embodiments.
With certain details and embodiments of the present invention for a multi-functional, convertible blanket 10 disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that numerous changes and additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mind that the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broader invention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those with major features of the invention in mind could craft embodiments that incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of the features included in the preferred embodiments.
Therefore, the following claims shall define the scope of protection to be afforded to the inventors. Those claims shall be deemed to include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that a plurality of the following claims may express, or be interpreted to express, certain elements as means for performing a specific function, at times without the recital of structure or material. As the law demands, any such claims shall be construed to cover not only the corresponding structure and material expressly described in this specification but also all legally-cognizable equivalents thereof.
