NZ711410A - Comfort Apparatus - Google Patents
Comfort ApparatusInfo
- Publication number
- NZ711410A NZ711410A NZ711410A NZ71141015A NZ711410A NZ 711410 A NZ711410 A NZ 711410A NZ 711410 A NZ711410 A NZ 711410A NZ 71141015 A NZ71141015 A NZ 71141015A NZ 711410 A NZ711410 A NZ 711410A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- pouch
- condition
- user
- open end
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000001364 Upper Extremity Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 210000003932 Urinary Bladder Anatomy 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000003141 Lower Extremity Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000000284 resting Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001131 transforming Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003414 Extremities Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drugs Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
Abstract
The invention relates to an apparatus in the form of an item 10 intended for use by, for example, children, elderly or patients to rest comfortably. The item 10 can be transformed (converted) between two conditions. In the first condition, the item 10 may have one or more uses, including for example as a sleeping bag/sack, a mat upon which the user can sit or lay, a blanket, and a wrap which can be positioned around the user to provide warmth or comfort. The item 10 may also be used users while sitting on wheelchairs, couches, vehicles and planes among others to keep the lower and upper extremities of the user warm and dry. In the second condition, the item 10 can function as a cushion upon which a user can sit or rest. In this condition, the item 10 is also compact for storage. e as a sleeping bag/sack, a mat upon which the user can sit or lay, a blanket, and a wrap which can be positioned around the user to provide warmth or comfort. The item 10 may also be used users while sitting on wheelchairs, couches, vehicles and planes among others to keep the lower and upper extremities of the user warm and dry. In the second condition, the item 10 can function as a cushion upon which a user can sit or rest. In this condition, the item 10 is also compact for storage.
Description
Comfort Apparatus
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to apparatus for providing a comforting function to a user.
More particularly, the invention concerns apparatus transformable between two
conditions, one condition providing a cushioned support upon which a user can rest or
sit comfortably and the other condition providing another comforting function to a user,
such as a sleeping bag/sack, a mat, a blanket or a wrap.
BACKGROUND ART
The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an
understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement
or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general
knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
The invention is particularly applicable to children having a need to rest
comfortably in while away from home, such as for example in early childhood centres.
Accordingly, the invention will primarily be discussed in relation to its application to
provision of comforting functions to young children.
Children in early childhood centres may be provided with cushions upon which to
sit, and sleeping bags/sacks or mats upon which to rest, in conjunction with
accompanying pillows and blankets. Typically, these facilities are provided as separate
items, and maintaining an orderly environment can be problematic, with the likelihood
that cushions, sleeping bags/sacks or mats, as well as pillows and blankets, become
scattered. Additionally, storage of these items in a compact and orderly fashion can also
be problematic.
Moreover, in many circumstances the elderly and patients while using wheel
chairs wrap blankets around their lower extremities for keeping these extremities warm
and dry. Also, they may use gloves for keeping warm and dry their upper extremities
such as the hands.
However, wrapping the lower portion of the body with a blanket is not an easy
task and in particular for the elderly or a patient. Moreover, typically when blankets are
used for wrapping the lower portions of human bodies, the edges and corners of the
blankets may get caught in the wheels of the wheelchair during movement thereof.
Also, using gloves for resting on a wheelchair for an elderly or patient is not
convenient in view that gloves reduce the sensibility of the fingers making handling of
articles and maneuvering of, for example, remote controls of electronic devices
cumbersome because it requires periodical removal of the gloves for handling, for
example, the remote controls.
It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.
In particular, the present invention seeks to provide an integrated item which can
be transformed between different conditions to offer several functions.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus
transformable between first and second conditions, the apparatus comprising: a first
portion defining a pouch having an open end and a first zone adjacent the open end; a
second portion configured as a flexible bag, the bag having an open end and a second
zone connected to the first zone whereby the first and second portions are integrally
connected; the second portion being selectively movable into and out of the pouch of
the first portion; whereby the apparatus can assume the first condition when the second
portion is out of the pouch and the second condition when the second portion is in the
pouch; and wherein the second portion when in the pouch cooperates with the first
portion to define a cushioned support.
Preferably, the first condition constitutes an extended condition in which the
second portion extends from the first portion to be functional.
Preferably, in the extended condition the apparatus defines a front face
comprising the open end of the pouch and the open end of the bag, and a rear face
being adapted to rest on a support surface.
Preferably, the open end of the bag is adjacent the second zone.
Preferably, the open end of the pouch and the open end of the bag are facing
each other.
Preferably, the bag is adapted to receive at least a lower portion of the body of a
user.
Preferably, the bag is configured to receive at least a lower portion of the body of
the user with at least a portion of the upper extremities of the user being inserted within
the first portion. With this arrangement, the first portion may be configured to provide a
pouch for storing goods and for keeping the at least a portion of the upper extremities
warm. This arrangement is particularly useful for users while sitting. In particular, this
arrangement is particularly useful for users while sitting on wheelchairs because the fact
that the second portion is a bag (and not a blanket) (1) ensures that the entire lower
portion of the user’s body is enclosed by the bag and (2) that no portions of material of
the blanket get caught by the wheels of the wheelchair during movement of the wheel
chair.
Preferably, the bag comprises a top section of fabric material and a bottom
section of fabric material, with the two sections sewn together alongside edges and
bottom end so as to define an area enclosed by the two sections.
In an alternative arrangement, the two sections are at least partially sewn
together and partially joined by a zipper.
In a further alternative arrangement, the two sections are joined together through
a zipper.
In an alternative arrangement, the bag is configured to receive the body of a user
with the head of the user resting on the first portion. With this arrangement, the first
portion may be configured to provide a head support for the user.
Preferably, the first portion is adapted to afford cushioned support for the head of
the user. In this arrangement the first portion may function as a pillow.
The first portion may be adapted to afford cushioned head support in any
appropriate way.
Preferably, the first portion comprises a removable cushioned insert such as an
insert formed of resiliently compressible foam. In another arrangement, the first portion
may be constructed to afford cushioned support; for example, by incorporating
cushioning material or a bladder adapted to receive inflation air to provide cushioning.
Preferably, the insert is removable to allow selective displacement between a
condition located within the first portion and another condition outside the first portion.
When the second portion is received within the pouch of the first portion, it
functions as a cushioned filling for the pouch, transforming to first portion into a
cushioned support such as, for example, a cushion upon which a user may rest or sit.
The cushioning afforded by the cushioned filling provided by the second portion
received within the pouch may be supplemented by existing cushioning within the first
portion such as, for example, any resiliently compressible foam present within the first
portion.
Preferably, the comfort apparatus comprises provision for holding or carrying the
apparatus when in the second condition.
Preferably, the provision comprises any one of a handle, holding tab and grip
Preferably, the first portion comprises the provision.
While the second portion may be configured as a bag adapted to receive the
body of a user, it need not necessarily always be used as a bag. It may be used for one
or more other purposes; for example as a mat, blanket or a wrap for a user.
Preferably, the first and second portions comprises two separate pieces of
material, whereby the first portion comprises a first piece of material having a first edge
which defines the first zone, and the second portion comprises a second piece of
material having a second edge which defines the second zone, wherein the first and
second edged are interconnected to provide the integral connection between the first
and second portions.
Preferably, the pieces of material comprise fabric material.
In an alternative arrangement, the first and second portions comprise a common
piece of material whereby the first and second portions merge at the junction between
the first and second zones to provide the integral connection between the first and
second portions.
Because the first and second portions comprise a common piece of material,
there is a continuous transition between the two zones in this arrangement.
Consequently, there is no discrete first edge at the first zone and no discrete second
edge at the second zone and. However, it can be considered that the there is a notional
first edge at the first zone and a notional second edge at the second zone, with the two
edges being contiguous.
Preferably, the second condition constitutes a folded condition in which the
second portion is folded and stowed in the pouch of the first portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following
description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for
the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a
restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out
above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the apparatus in a first
condition;
Figure 2 is an underside view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is schematic top perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic top perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus
in a second condition;
Figure 5 is a schematic top perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus
in the first condition and the second option available for use.;
Figure 6 is a schematic top perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus
in the first condition but with an insert removed and shown position adjacent the
remainder of the apparatus;
Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a first arrangement of the embodiment of the
apparatus in the second condition;
Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a second arrangement of the embodiment of
the apparatus in the second condition;
Figure 9 is a schematic end view of the apparatus show in figure 8; and
Figure 10 is a schematic top perspective view of the embodiment of the
apparatus in the first condition and the first option available for use.
In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the
several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.
The figures depict an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment illustrates
certain configurations; however, it is to be appreciated that the invention can take the
form of many configurations, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, whilst
still embodying the present invention. These configurations are to be considered within
the scope of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to apparatus in the form of an
item 10 intended for use by a young child to rest comfortably. The item 10 can be
transformed (converted) between two conditions, as will be explained in detail below.
In the first condition, the item 10 may have one or more uses, including for
example as a sleeping bag/sack, a mat upon which the child can sit or lay, a blanket,
and a wrap which can be positioned around the child to provide warmth or comfort.
In the second condition, the item 10 can function as a cushion upon which a child
can sit or rest. In this condition, the item 10 is also compact for storage
It is a particular feature of the item 10 that it can be readily washed or otherwise
laundered as necessary to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
The item 10 comprises a main body 11 made from fabric material which is
washable. The item 10 further comprises an insert 13 which is received in the main
body 11 and which can be selectively removed to facilitate washing of the main body.
The insert 13 is shown in Figure 6 removed from the main body 11.
The main body 11 is of integrated construction and is made from the fabric
material. In this embodiment, the fabric material comprises a fleece fabric for the
comfort of the user, but of course other fabric material(s) can be used. Typically, the
main body 11 is assembled from sections of the same fabric material cut into shape and
sewn together. However, the main body 11 could, of course, be assembled from
sections of different materials.
The main body 11 is of integrated construction in the sense that it is assembled
to constitute a one-piece unit, even though it may be made
from different pieces of material sewn (or otherwise connected) together.
The main body 11comprises a first portion 15 and a second portion 17 connected
together at junction 19.
The first portion 15 defines a pouch 21 having an open end 23 and a first zone
adjacent the open end 23. In the arrangement shown, the first zone 25 is defined by
a hem line 27 on the first portion 15. More particularly, the pouch 21 comprises a top
section 28 of fabric material and a bottom section 29 of fabric material, with the hem line
27 being on the bottom section 29.
The second portion 17 can be folded and stowed the pouch 21 through the open
end 23 as will be explained later.
The first portion 15 can also receive the removable insert 13 within the pouch 21.
The removable insert 13 can introduce into and removed from the pouch 21 though the
open end 23.
In the arrangement shown, the removable insert 13 comprises a body 31 of
resiliently compressible material such as a foam material, as shown in Figure 6. When
the body 31 is within the pouch 21, the first portion 15 can function as a pillow 33 upon
which the head of a child can rest, as will be explained further later.
The second portion 17 is configured as a bag or sack 41 allowing at least a lower
portion of the body to be contained within bag. The item 10 may be used in at least two
conditions.
In a first condition the item 10 may be used to provide comfort to users when
sitting. For example, the item 10 in accordance with the present embodiment of the
invention is particularly useful to provide comfort to users sitting on wheelchairs. This is
because, as will be described with the method of operation of the item 10, the fact that
the item 10 comprises the bag 41 impedes the edges of material to get trapped in the
wheels of the wheelchair; and it also provides an enclosed area (the pouch) for
receiving at least portions of the upper extremities of the user (such as the hands) as
well as goods such as books, handcraft work, remote controls of electronic devices
among others.
In the second condition the bag 41 may receive the body of a user, with the
head of the user resting on the pillow 33.
The bag or sack 41 has an open end 43 and a second zone 45 adjacent the
open end 43. In the arrangement shown in figures 1 to 6, the second zone 45 is defined
by a hem line 47 on the second portion 17. More particularly, the bag or sack 41
comprises a top section 51 of fabric material and a bottom section 53 of fabric material,
with the two sections 51, 53 sewn together alongside edges 55 and bottom end 57 so
as to define an area enclosed by the two sections 51 and 53.
The two sections 51 and 53 may not be sewn together along the entire side
edges and bottom end 57 as shown in figures 1 to 6. Alternatively, the bag 41 may
include a zipper 76 permitting open at least one side of the bag 41 to facilitate
introduction of the lower portion of the body into the bag 41. Figure 7 and figures 8 and
9 show two arrangements of bag including the zipper 76. The arrangement of figure 7,
shows one zipper 76 extending partially along only one side section 55; in another
configuration of this arrangement there may be a zipper 76 extending partially along
both side sections 55. The arrangement of figures 8 and 9 show one zipper 76
extending entirely along one side sections 55 and along the bottom end 57.
The first and second portions 15, 17 are interconnected at junction 19 by hem
line 27 on the first portion 15 and hem line 47 on the second portion 17 being sewn
together. In this way, the body 11 is assembled as a one-piece unit.
In the extended condition, the item 10 defines a front face 80 comprising the
open end 23 of the pouch 21 and the open end 43 of the bag 41, and a rear face 82
being adapted to rest on a support surface. As shown in, for example, figures 1, The
open end 23 of the pouch 21 and the open end 43 of the bag 41 are facing each other.
While the second portion 17 is configured as the bag or sack 41, it need not
necessarily always be used for such a purpose. The second portion 17 may, for
example, be used for one or more other purposes according to the needs of the user;
for example, the second portion 17 may be used as a mat upon which a child can sit or
lay, or may be used as a blanket or a wrap.
When the second portion 17 is folded and stowed within the pouch 21 of the first
portion 15, the top section 51 of fabric material and the bottom section 53 of fabric
material provide a cushioned filling 59 for the pouch 21, transforming to first portion 21
into a cushioned support such as, for example, a cushion 61(as depicted in Figure 4)
upon which a child may rest or sit.
The cushioning (which is afforded by the cushioned filling 59 provided by the
second portion 17 received within the pouch 21) is supplemented by the cushioning
present within the pouch 21 by virtue of the removable insert 13 formed of resiliently
compressible material.
The item 10 has provision for holding or carrying it when in the second condition.
In the arrangement shown, such provision a holding tab 63 provided on the first portion
As mentioned above, the item 10 can be used for various purposes, according to
the needs of the user.
In the first condition, the item may be used either in a first option while the user is
sitting or a second option while the user is lying down.
In the first option, the user may have the lower portion of the user’s body within
the bag 41 and the pouch 21 may be lying on the user’s lap - see figure 10. For using
the item 10 in the first option, the user introduces the lower portion of her/his body into
the bag 41 such that the front face 80 (see figures 7 to 9) of the item 14 covers the rear
portion of the user’s body. In this particular position, the pouch 21 locates itself adjacent
the rear face 82 of the bag 41. Once the lower portion of the user’s body in contained in
the bag 41, the user may sit, for example, on a wheel chair or a couch. In this first
option, while the user is situated in the sitting position, the pouch 21 is located on the
user’s lap. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the user to introduce at
least portions of her/his upper extremities (such the hands) into the pouch 21 to protect
them from the cold and wind. In this first option, the pouch 21 may also act as a storage
device for storing articles such as books, remote controls, medicines, among others.
In the second option, which is shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5 and in which the
second portion 17 is removed from the pouch 21 within the first portion 15, the item 10
can be used for a variety of purposes, including in particular for sleeping, napping or
resting, with the body of a child positioned in the bag or sack 41 and the head of the
child resting on the pillow 33. This is depicted in Figure 5 in which a toy 71 represents a
child, with the body portion 73 of the toy positioned in the bag or sack 41 and the head
portion 75 resting on the pillow 33.
In the second condition, which is shown in Figure 4 and in which the second
portion 17 is folded and stowed within the first portion 15, the item 10 can be used as
cushion 61 upon which a child may rest or sit. In this condition, the item 10 also
assumes compact condition which is convenient for storage.
Because the body 11 is of integrated construction in the sense that it is
assembled to constitute a one-piece unit, the item 10 remains intact whether being
used in either the first condition or second condition, and also while being transformed
between those two conditions. The removable insert 13 normally remains in place
within the pouch 21 whenever the item 10 is in the first and second conditions, and
while being transformed between those two conditions. Typically, the removable insert
13 is only removed from the pouch 21 when the body 11 is to be washed. The feature
whereby the insert 13 can be readily removed from the pouch 21 is advantageous as it
makes washing of the body 11 easier. The insert 13 is shown removed from the body
11 in Figure 6.
Reference to positional descriptions, such as "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom" and
“sides”, are to be taken in context of the embodiment depicted in the drawings, and are
not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather
as would be understood by the skilled addressee.
Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word
"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to
imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any
other integer or group of integers.
Claims (15)
1. An apparatus transformable between first and second conditions, the apparatus comprising: a first portion defining a pouch having an open end and a first zone adjacent the open end; a second portion configured as a flexible bag, the bag having an open end and a second zone connected to the first zone whereby the first and second portions are integrally connected; the second portion being selectively movable into and out of the pouch of the first portion; whereby the apparatus can assume the first condition when the second portion is out of the pouch and the second condition when the second portion is in the pouch; and wherein the second portion when in the pouch cooperates with the first portion to define a cushioned support.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first condition constitutes an extended condition in which the second portion extends from the first portion to be functional.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein in the extended condition the apparatus defines a front face comprising the open end of the pouch and the open end of the bag, and a rear face being adapted to rest on a support surface.
4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the open end of the bag is adjacent the second zone.
5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the open end of the pouch and the open end of the bag are facing each other.
6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bag is adapted to receive at least a lower portion of the body of a user.
7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second portion of the bag is configured to receive at least a lower portion of the body of a user and the first portion is configured to receive at least a portion of the upper extremities of a user.
8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bag comprises a top section of fabric material and a bottom section of fabric material, with the two sections sewn together alongside edges and bottom end so as to define an area enclosed by the two sections.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the top and bottom sections are partially sewn together and partially joined by a zipper.
10.The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the two sections are joined together through a zipper.
11.The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion comprises cushioning material.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the cushioning material comprises a removable cushioned insert.
13.The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion comprises a bladder adapted to receive inflation air to provide cushioning.
14.The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus further comprises a provision for holding or carrying the apparatus when in the second condition.
15.The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion comprises the provision.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2014903351 | 2014-08-25 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ711410A true NZ711410A (en) |
Family
ID=
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