US20050283910A1

US20050283910A1 - Weatherproof converting pillow blanket

Info

Publication number: US20050283910A1
Application number: US11/117,127
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael DuQue
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-23
Filing date: 2005-04-28
Publication date: 2005-12-29

Abstract

A blanket constructed of nylon shell (1.1), polyester filling (1.2), and polyester lining (1.3), sown together using polyester binding (1.4). A nylon pouch (1.5) and polyester pouch (1.6) are sown directly to the top center of their respected sides with the open end facing outward. Either side can be used in any weather conditions whether as a blanket (6), pillow (2), or hooded pancho weather protector (21). While in blanket form (6) it is easily converted into a pillow (2) by folding the blanket (6) in a symmetrical manner (13-17), then inserting the folded blanket into the permanently attached pouch (18). No straps or fasteners of any type are needed to maintain the pillow form. To use the blanket (6) as a hooded pancho weather protector (21) the user can place their head into the open end of the pouch, allowing the blanket to drape over the backside and shoulders (20). The top end of the blanket is pulled together and fastened by Velcro strips (1.7 a , 1.7 b) located to the right and left of the pouch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefits of provisional application Ser. No. 60/582,187, filed Jun. 23, 2004 by the present inventor.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to blankets and pillows, specifically to such blankets and pillows that are constructed in a manner so that the two can be converted from one form to the other.
2. Prior Art
Many inventors have created and patented several types of blankets with multiple uses and are constructed for convenience. For example, one convertible comforter in the known art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,829 to Elliott. This comforter has a pocket permanently secured to one side thereof in a position located substantially centrally along one side edge. The pocket is shaped and dimensioned so as to be turned inside out and have the comforter folded, rolled and tucked into the inside out pocket to form a standard size pillow. With this comforter having only one pocket it limits the decorative look and use of the comforter in its pillow form.
Another known prior art means is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,183,418 to Williams. This coverlet that is convertible into a pillow requires the use of a zipper to maintain its pillow form. The zipper adds to the complexity and cost in manufacturing and cleaning the coverlet, and, includes teeth and an extending operator that might harm small children or others using the coverlet.
Other known prior art means, are shown in the following U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,741 which discloses an infant blanket that may be converted into a pillow and secured in this pillow form by a zipper located centrally on one side of the blanket; U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,367 which discloses a stadium blanket that requires an attached storage bag that the blanket is folded into for carrying or storage; U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,768 to Shink which discloses a blanket that can be converted into a pillow and secured in pillow form by a pair of straps.
Some of these devices require some type of fastener to be used to allow the blanket to sustain its pillow form. The use of fasteners can increase the cost of manufacturing and can also make the device obsolete if the fastener in use malfunctions or breaks. Other known devices use either a separate cover or bag in which to store the folded blanket, making it easy for the user to misplace or lose the cover or bag.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:
(a) to provide a weatherproof blanket that can be converted into a weatherproof pillow and stay in pillow form without the use of fasteners or straps;
(b) to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that gives the user the option of using either of the two sides while in blanket or pillow form;
(c) to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that can be used either indoors or outdoors in any weather conditions;
(d) to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that while in blanket form can be used as a hooded pancho weather protector;
(e) to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that does not require an additional carrying bag or a pocket that must be turned inside out;
(f) to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that due to its simple pattern and design can be easily converted from blanket form to pillow form and vice versa.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a weatherproof pillow blanket that can be made of either patterned or solid materials. It can also brandish any logo, trademark or artwork desired by both the users and manufactures. Still further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a weatherproof converting pillow blanket that the user can use either indoors or outdoors under any weather circumstances. The present invention can be used to lay on or cover up with. While in pillow form it can be used to rest the users head on, a seat cushion, or even as a back support pillow while sitting upright.
The present invention has two permanently attached pouches one on each side of the blanket located directly top centered with opened end facing outward. The present invention while in blanket form is easily converted into a pillow by folding the blanket in a symmetrical manner, then inserting the folded blanket into the permanently attached pouch. The present invention will maintain its pillow form without the use of fasteners, straps or zippers.
The present invention while in blanket form can also be used as hooded a pancho weather protector. The user places their head into the open end of one of the permanently attached pouches then allows the blanket to drape over the users shoulders and backside. The present invention allows the user the option of using either side of the blanket while it is in blanket, pillow or hooded pancho weather protector form.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

The drawings included for the weatherproof converting pillow blanket are as follows:
FIG. 1—disassembled view of the components and materials used to make the weatherproof converting pillow blanket and the permanently attached pouch hood.
FIG. 2—top side view of the invention while in nylon shell pillow form.
FIG. 3—side view of the invention while in nylon shell pillow form.
FIG. 4—top side view of invention while in polyester lining pillow form.
FIG. 5—side view of invention while in nylon shell pillow form.
FIG. 6—diagonal view of the invention while in blanket form. The line patterns represent the nylon shell.
FIG. 7—diagonal view of the invention while in blanket form. The shaded pattern represents the polyester lining.
FIGS. 8 thru 13—described drawings of how to convert the weatherproof converting pillow blanket from pillow form to blanket form.
FIGS. 14 thru 19—described drawings of how to convert the weatherproof converting pillow blanket from blanket form to pillow form.
FIGS. 20 thru 21—described drawings of how to use the weatherproof converting pillow blanket as a hooded pancho weather protector while in blanket form.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

Here are the reference numerals for the components used to make the weatherproof converting pillow blanket and the permanently attached pouch hood:

1 nylon shell
2 polyester filling
3 polyester lining
4 polyester binding
5 nylon pouch hood
6 polyester pouch hood
7A velcro strip
7B velcro strip
7C velcro strip
7D velcro strip
8A nylon shell for pouch hood
8B polyester filling for pouch hood
8C nylon lining for pouch hood
8D polyester binding shell for pouch hood
9A polyester shell for pouch hood
9B polyester filling for pouch hood
9C polyester lining for pouch hood
9D polyester binding for pouch hood

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT—FIG. 1

Components for the weatherproof converting pillow blanket interact as follows:
Nylon shell 1, polyester filling 2, and polyester lining 3, all three components being of the same dimensions are sown together using the polyester binding 4. The polyester filling 2 adjoins both the nylon shell 1 and polyester lining 3.
The nylon pouch hood 5 is constructed using nylon shell 8A, polyester filling 8B, and nylon lining 8C and sowing them together using the polyester binding 8D. The polyester pouch hood 6 is constructed using polyester shell 9A, polyester filling 9B, and polyester lining 9C and sowing them together using the polyester binding 9D.
Nylon pouch hood 5 is sown directly to the top center of the nylon shell 1 with the open-end facing outward. Velcro strip 7A and 7B are sown 8 inches to the right and left of nylon pouch hood 5 at the top of the blanket.
Polyester pouch hood 6 is sown directly to the top center of the polyester lining 3 with the open-end facing outward. Velcro strips 7C and 7D are sown 8 inches to the right and left of polyester pouch hood 6 at the top of the blanket.
Operations—FIGS. 8 Thru 21
To convert the weatherproof converting pillow blanket from pillow form to blanket form:
FIG. 8—pull out the folded blanket that's inserted into the pouch;
FIG. 9—continue unfolding the folded blanket in a downward motion;
FIG. 10—flip the pouched section of the folded blanket upward;
FIG. 11—the top section of the folded blanket is pulled upwards and unfolded to the left;
FIG. 12—the next centered section of the folded blanket is pulled upwards and unfolded to the left;
FIG. 13—the weatherproof converting pillow blanket is now in complete blanket form.
To convert the weatherproof converting pillow blanket from blanket form back to pillow form:
FIG. 14—while in blanket form, take the right side of the blanket and pull upwards and fold over to the left, align directly over the centered pouch section.
FIG. 15—take left side of the blanket, pull upwards and fold over to the right, align directly over the two stacked sections of folded blanket.
FIG. 16—take the top section of the folded blanket and flip up and downwards so that the complete pouch is facing up and the open end is facing downwards.
FIG. 17—take the bottom section of the folded blanket, flip up and fold over twice towards the open end of the pouch that's facing up.
FIG. 18—the folded section of blanket is then folded inward into the pouch.
FIG. 19—the weatherproof converting pillow blanket is now in complete pillow form.
To use the weatherproof converting pillow blanket as a hooded pancho weather protector while it is in blanket form:
FIG. 20—place head into the open end of the pouch, allowing the blanket to drape over the users backside and shoulders.
FIG. 21—the top end of the blanket that is draped over the shoulders and chest are pulled together and fastened together by the Velcro strips located 8 inches from both sides of the pouch. The weatherproof converting pillow blanket is now being used as a hooded pancho weather protector.

DESCRIPTION—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Listed are the alternative methods that can be used to manufacture the weatherproof converting pillow blanket:
While nylon and polyester keep the weatherproof converting pillow blanket weatherproof, any type of cloth material can be used in place of the nylon and polyester. Please note that the cloth material can be solid, patterned or branded with a logo.
The polyester filling can be substituted with any other type of filling material such as goose feathers that will continue to allow the weatherproof converting pillow blanket to convert from pillow to blanket form and vice versa.
The thickness of the filling can range from larger or smaller than the standard dimension, which is a half inch in thickness.
The overall dimensions of the weatherproof converting pillow blanket and permanently attached pouch hood can range from larger or smaller than the standard dimensions, which are 6 ft in height and 6 ft in width for the blanket, and 2 ft in height and 2 ft in width for the permanently attached pouch hood.
Hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers can be used in place of the velcro strips. The spacing and placement of the fasteners can be to the desire of the manufacturer and consumer. However, the spacing and placement of the fasteners must enable the user the continued ability to attach the top ends of the blanket that is covering their shoulders and chest thereby creating a hooded pancho weather protector.
Additional pouches can be added to the weatherproof converting pillow blanket and can be placed where the manufacture chooses. However, the placement of the additional pouches must continue to allow the user to fold up the blanket and insert the folded blanket into the pouch thereby forming a pillow. The mandatory minimum for pouches to be applied is two, one on each side.
The polyester binding can be substituted with any other type of cloth binding material, or it can be excluded all together, depending on the procedure used to manufacture the weatherproof converting pillow blanket.
The pouches may be manufactured so that it can be sealed while not being used to store the folded blanket, by whatever means deemed by the manufacturer.
An electric heating system that is powered by either batteries or a powercord can be manufactured into the weatherproof converting pillow blanket. However, the cloth material being used must be conducive to safely withstanding the heat generated and must meet safety standards that are legally governed.
Handles made of the same or different material as the weatherproof converting pillow blanket can be added and also be made to be detachable. The handles must be positioned on the outer exterior of both pouches. The handles are in no way intended to make the product any type of carry bag, its only intention is to allow the user an alternative way of carrying the weatherproof converting pillow blanket while in pillow form.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly the reader will see that the weatherproof converting pillow blanket is one that can be used by any aged person. It is easily convertible from one form to another thus allowing young users the ability to use and convert the invention as well as older aged users. It gives any user the option to use it as a blanket to lie on or cover up with. It can be used as a pillow to rest the users head on, or as a cushion to sit on. The invention can even be used for back support when the user is sitting upright or lying on their back.
The materials used to make the weatherproof converting pillow blanket give it superior durability, and allow it to be used indoors or outdoors under any weather conditions. The user has the option to use either of the two sides in pillow, blanket or hooded pancho weather protecting form. The materials used to manufacture the invention allow it to be washable so that the user can maintain a clean and sanitary item.
The alternative methods listed give both consumers and manufactures options when purchasing or producing the weatherproof converting pillow blanket. This gives the invention a stronger market value that can lead to broader geographical market areas and age groups. The distinct method used to convert it from one form to another gives it a uniqueness that can be attractive to many consumers and manufacturers.
Although the descriptions above contain specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the weatherproof converting pillow blanket can have multiple pouches on both sides; the material used to construct the invention can be substituted with other materials such as cotton, wool or even linen; the dimensions of the invention can be altered to be either smaller or larger in size.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A weatherproof converting pillow blanket comprising:

a) one broad flat pliable sheet of nylon, one broad flat pliable sheet of polyester, one broad flat pliable sheet of polyester filling sandwiching said sheet of nylon and said sheet of polyester all being of same dimensions sewn together forming a square weatherproof blanket;

b) a square pouch member comprised and sewn together exactly as said square weatherproof blanket;

c) said square pouch member being permanently affixed directly top centered one on each side of said square weatherproof blanket with one open end facing outward and three closed sides sewn on said square weatherproof blanket, said pouch member being dimensioned so that when said square weatherproof blanket is folded up the said pouch member allows the insertion of folded said square weatherproof blanket thereby forming a pillow out of the said square weatherproof blanket.

2. A method of folding the weatherproof converting pillow blanket from blanket form to pillow form, comprising:

a) while in said square weatherproof blanket form take the right side of said square weatherproof blanket and pull upwards and fold over to the left aligning it directly over the centered said square pouch member section,

b) take left side of said square weatherproof blanket, pull upwards and fold over to the right and place on top of said right side of said square weatherproof blanket and centered said square pouch member section thereby forming three folded layers of said square weatherproof blanket,

c) take top section of said three folded layers of said square weatherproof blanket and flip up and fold downwards so that said square pouch member is facing up and open end of said square pouch member is facing downward,

d) take bottom section of said three folded layers of said square weatherproof blanket, flip up and fold over two times towards the open end of said square pouch member that's facing up,

e) the folded section of said three folded layers of said square weatherproof blanket is then folded inward into the open end of said square pouch member whereby converting the said square weatherproof blanket into weatherproof pillow form.

3. A method for using the weatherproof converting pillow blanket as a hooded pancho weather protector, comprising:

a) while said square weatherproof blanket is in blanket form a user places their head into the open end of said square pouch member then drapes the remainder of said square weatherproof blanket over the said users shoulders and backside,

b) the top end of said remainder of said square weatherproof blanket that is draped over said users shoulders and backside is pulled together at chest level of said user and fastened together by the velcro strips located to the right and left of said square pouch member whereby the said square weatherproof blanket is now being used as said hooded pancho weather protector.