Patent Application
20130326810
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to systems for articles which provide protection from inclement weather, and more particularly to a multipurpose water and wind resistant reversible blanket.
2. Discussion of the Background
Outdoor events often occur when it is cool, cold, raining, or snowing. People attending these events need protection from these weather conditions. People also often need protection while camping, hunting, fishing, or picnicking. Additionally, a blanket or covering is often desired merely to provide warmth outside or inside the home. At outdoor events, a considerable amount of time is often spent positioning and then repositioning blankets known in the prior art in an effort to stay warm and dry due to functional design issues of those blankets.
People confined to wheelchairs have very few options in providing protection from inclement weather. Blankets known in the prior art do not provide blankets that collectively are easy to use, correctly sized, windproof, waterproof, covers the head, and can totally enclose and protect the front and back torso and feet. Blankets meant for indoor use also need improvements. It has always been difficult for those in wheelchairs to attend cold, windy, and wet outdoor events. They need a blanket for such events. What is needed is a blanket that can be laid on a chair and prepared for use prior to a wheelchair being occupied. A blanket that allows a user to enter and exit the chair from any direction.
Most college and professional sports stadiums do not allow the use of umbrellas or other similar articles. As a result, fans are somewhat limited options for providing protection at these events. Ponchos, rain suits, or sheets of clear plastic held over one's head often are used to provide some provide some protection. However, these typically only provide limited protection from inclement weather conditions and have other limitations. There are a number of single purpose blankets in the prior art that are designed to keep the lower torso more comfortable in cold wet conditions such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,597,764; 6,311,330; and D426049. However, these prior art solutions only provide limited protection and do not provide protection to the upper torso or head.
Various attempts have been made in the prior art to construct a blanket that can successfully provide multiple uses. There are a number of patents that proclaim to be multi-purpose blankets, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,414,881; 6,367,083; 6,851,127; 5,481,767; 5,657,489; 6,408,462; 6,393,637; and 5,454,125. Each of these prior art solutions provide only limited protection from inclement weather and multiple uses are narrow in scope. Typically, multi-purpose blankets known in the prior art are heavy, cumbersome, complicated and are not adaptable to changing conditions.
Thus, there currently exist deficiencies in multipurpose water and wind resistant reversible blankets.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a multi-purpose blanket including substantially rectangular first and second waterproof portions each having a first and second side, substantially rectangular first and second insulated portions, generally rectangular first and second insulated portions, first and second detachable attachment means connected to the first side of the first waterproof portion and extending substantially along the length of the first waterproof portion at opposing edges of the first waterproof portion, third and fourth detachable attachment means connected to the second side of the second waterproof portion and extending substantially along the length of the second waterproof portion at opposing edges of the second waterproof portion, and a substantially rectangular bottom waterproof portion interconnecting the first and second waterproof portions. The first insulated portion is connected to a first side of the first waterproof portion and the second insulated portion is connected to a second side of the second waterproof portion.
A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described.
There is an unmet need for a true multi-purpose blanket that can be used throughout the year in differing weather conditions that can be used to provide protection to a user's head, torso, and feet during inclement weather conditions. As used herein, inclement weather conditions, include, without limitation, cold, wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet, and the like.
The present invention provides a multi-purpose blanket that can be used inside or outside, in the summer for family outings, or in the winter during inclement weather conditions. The present invention also provides a light weight waterproof stadium blanket that is large enough to be shared by multiple users, such as, without limitation, five users, at a time without use of multiple blankets. The present invention further provides a waterproof windproof insulated blanket that can be used indoors or outdoors in the cold. The present invention provides a sleeping bag that can also double as a waterproof bevy cover to enhance the effectiveness of a separate sleeping bag. These and other unmet needs are solved by the present invention.
The present invention is a multi-purpose reversible blanket that keeps users comfortable in cold, wet, windy or drafty conditions. It is designed to provide a number of different uses, including without limitation a picnic blanket, a team blanket, a lightweight sleeping bag, a full body stadium covering, a fleece blanket, and the like. The multi-purpose reversible blanket is generally rectangular in shape and, according to at least one embodiment, generally consists of three pliable portions. According to one embodiment, these portions are separate components. However, it is understood that the portions may be formed individually or combined, or any combination thereof within the scope of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the first waterproof portion, second waterproof portion and waterproof bottom portion are each constructed using a durable waterproof windproof material on one side and an insulating layer on the opposite side. According to an alternate embodiment, the first waterproof portion, second waterproof portion and waterproof bottom portion are each constructed using a durable waterproof windproof material and do not utilize a fill insulation. It is understood that the first waterproof portion, second waterproof portion and waterproof bottom portion can use different materials within the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that other combinations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to
The multi-purpose blanket 100 may optionally include one or more draw-cords (114 and 116). Draw-cord 114 extends through an interior channel 126 along an outer edge of the first waterproof portion 102 and perpendicular to orientation of detachable attachment means (112a and 112b). Draw-cord 116 extends through an interior channel 128 along an outer edge of the second waterproof portion 106 and perpendicular to orientation of detachable attachment means (110a and 110b). Interior channels 126 and 128 may be formed by any means, including, without limitation, forming a flap at the outer edge of first waterproof portion 102 and second waterproof portion 106, respectively. The flaps may be secured by any known means, such as a sewn hemline. According to one embodiment, the one or more draw-cords (114 and 116) are double or single corded with core-locks 122 and 124 at respective end portions thereof as shown in
According to one embodiment, the first waterproof portion 102, the second waterproof portion 106, and the waterproof bottom portion 104, consist of coated oxford nylon fabric or various weights of packcloth. Coating may include without limitation polyurethane (PU). According to other embodiments, the first waterproof portion 102, the second waterproof portion 106, and the waterproof bottom portion 104, may consist of, without limitation, Cordura® fabric, breathable fabric, laminated fabric, ballistic nylon fabric, treated cotton canvas, synthetic fabric, plastic, polyethylene plastic material, PVC film, rubber, PVC polyester material, taffeta, polyester, varying weight of coated fabrics, and the like. According to one embodiment, the first insulated portion 103 and the second insulated portion 107 consist of fleece. The fleece may include without limitation micro, velour, Polar fleece, double-sided, single-sided, high pile, low pile, berber fleece and the like. One advantage of using fleece is that it does not absorb water so it weighs about the same wet or dry. However, according to other embodiments, the first insulated portion 103 and the second insulated portion 107 may consist of, without limitation, polyester film, polyester fleece, cotton fabric, foam insulation, Down, ColdBlock™ insulation, synthetic material, and the like. According to an alternate embodiment, the first insulated portion 103 and the second insulated portion 107 are not utilized by the present invention. According to an alternate embodiment, the first insulated portion 103 and the second insulated portion 107 are coated (known as “windblock”) to provide waterproof protection without use of the first waterproof portion 102 or the second waterproof portion 106.
According to one embodiment, the detachable attachment means (110a, 110b, 112a and 112b) consist of hook and loop or Velcro® having a width of approximately 1.5 inches. Obviously, smaller or larger widths are possible within the scope of the present invention. According to other embodiments, the detachable attachment means (110a, 110b, 112a and 112b) may be other attachment mechanisms, including without limitation, buttons, zippers, and the like. According to at least one embodiment, opposing edges of the first waterproof portion 102 are detachably connected to opposing edges of the second waterproof portion 106 by means of detachable attachment means (110a, 110b, 112a and 112b) using a hook and loop arrangement shown in
According to one embodiment, the first insulated portion 103 is sewn to the generally interior side 102b of the first waterproof portion 102 substantially along the outer perimeter thereof. Similarly, the second insulated portion 107 is sewn to the generally interior side 106b of the second waterproof portion 106 substantially along the outer perimeter thereof. Such sewing may utilize without limitation a single, double or surged stitch. It is understood that other means of attaching the first and second insulated portions (103 and 107) to the first and second waterproof portions (102 and 106), respectively, are possible within the scope of the present invention, including, without limitation, quilting, stitching, Velcro®, glue, hot-glue, epoxy, hooks, zippers, buttons and the like. It is understood that any sewing pattern is possible within the scope of the preset invention and that the present invention is not limited to sewing along the outer edges.
According to one embodiment, the first waterproof portion 102, the second waterproof portion 106 and the waterproof bottom portion 104 are sewn together to form the multi-purpose blanket 100 as shown in
According to at least one embodiment, the second waterproof portion 106 is longer in length than the first waterproof portion 102. This extended portion of the second waterproof portion 106 is represented by element 112. However, it is understood that other measurements are possible within the scope of the present invention. According to an alternate embodiment, second waterproof portion 106 is the same length as first waterproof portion 102.
The waterproof bottom portion 104 is configured to be located where a person would normally place their feet in a traditional sleeping bag. According to one embodiment, the waterproof bottom portion 104 consists of two layers of waterproof material. According to an alternate embodiment, the waterproof bottom portion 104 consists of a thicker waterproof material. Both of these configurations, provide additional strength where a person would normally place their feet, which is particular helpful in a standing position where a single layer of waterproof material or a thinner waterproof material might more easily wear due to contact with rough surfaces, such as, without limitation concrete and gravel.
In at least one embodiment, the waterproof bottom portion 104 does not include an insulation material to avoid dirt, mud or other debris from collecting where the person would normally place their feet. Not having an insulation material attached to the waterproof bottom portion 104 also provides a water buffer and drain. Notably, a user could stand in several inches of water, snow, ice, or other liquid without getting the insulation material attached to the first and second waterproof portions (102 and 106) wet. This is true even if the water, snow, ice, or other liquid enters the one or more holes 108 located at the bottom of the waterproof bottom portion 104. According to one embodiment, each corner of the rectangular the waterproof bottom portion 104 is mitered. The one or more holes 108 is in the shape of a donut shaped grommet. This grommet is centered on the waterproof bottom portion 104 and is used to drain water, such as melting snow, and to provide ventilation. When in the sleeping bag configuration, the multi-purpose blanket 100 can be opened and closed laterally down the entire length of the first and second waterproof portions (102 and 106) utilizing a hook and loop arrangement.
Referring to
The multi-purpose blanket 100 can be quickly transformed to provide (i) an improved sleeping bag as shown in
In one of the configuration it can provide a person head to toe protection from the wind, cold, rain and snow while standing or sitting, such as shown in
According to at least one embodiment, the multi-purpose blanket 100 uses various embellishments to allow it to function as an improved designed sleeping bag that opens laterally down both sides, a waterproof picnic blanket exceeding eleven feet in length, and a four layer thick fleece blanket utilizing two layers of fleece and two of waterproof nylon. For example, the configuration of the detachable attachment means (110a, 110b, 112a and 112b) allow a user to extend their arms out the side of the multi-purpose blanket 100 by forming optional small openings in the detachable attachment means (110a, 110b, 112a and 112b) at the arm positions as shown in
The multi-purpose blanket 100 can be used as a stadium blanket that can be shared by up to five people in the stands or players sitting on the bench. Sliding a typical insulated sleeping bag inside the multi-purpose blanket 100 when it is in the sleeping bag configuration provides a warmer and dryer environment for the user.
In poor outdoor weather conditions a person can get inside the multi-purpose blanket 100 and totally cover the upper and lower portions of the body along with the head. In this arrangement, the extended portion 112 of the second waterproof portion 106 is used to cover the head. The extended portion 112 of the second waterproof portion 106 allows a user to pull it up over the shoulders and cover the head much like a hood. This extended portion 112 of the second waterproof portion 106 can also be used to lay the user's head when the multi-purpose blanket 100 is being utilized in a sleeping bag arrangement.
According to one embodiment, the multi-purpose blanket 100 has no interior insulation that would require quilting. Quilting, which is used in most sleeping bags, causes pin holes which will eventual leak.
According to one embodiment, the multi-purpose blanket 100 utilizes a lightweight insulation material, which gives the flexibility to use it in both cool and cold conditions. However, it is understood that use of a lightweight insulation is not intended to be limiting and that heavier insulation materials may be utilized in alternate embodiments within the scope of the present invention. The multi-purpose blanket 100 can take the place of all standard blankets, or depending on the conditions, replace or supplement, rain gear, wind breakers, sleeping bags, umbrellas, or heavy coats.
The multi-purpose blanket 100 can be used by a person indoors or outdoors, anytime drafts, wind, rain, snow, wet conditions, or any other times when an extra layer of environmental protection is desired.
Advertisements or team logos can be place on the generally exterior sides 102a and 106a of the first and second waterproof portions 102 and 106, respectively, or patterned on the insulating material. Special fabric treatment or other process may be required to do so. The multi-purpose blanket 100 can be used by schools, corporations, sports teams, or any other group to promote and/or show support for their products or teams. The multi-purpose blanket 100 can be manufactured a one or two person configuration.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the individualized health evaluation system and method of the present invention without departing form the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Obviously, many other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the disclosed concept, the invention may be practiced otherwise then as specifically described.
The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/657,025, entitled “The Blockit Blanket,” filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 8, 2012, having at least one common inventor as the present document and hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61657025 | Jun 2012 | US |
