US20120073046A1

US20120073046A1 - Multipurpose Blanket

Info

Publication number: US20120073046A1
Application number: US13/009,550
Authority: US
Inventors: Melinda Inge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-21
Filing date: 2011-01-19
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

A multi-layered protective barrier that comprises a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is comprised of a polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric and is intended to contact an outdoor support surface such as grass or soil, and to protect the user and the blanket from attracting dirt or absorbing moisture. The top side is intended to contact the user and is comprised of a soft cotton or wool material. Between the top and bottom side layers is an interior core stuffed with batting filler to provide increased cushion and separation between the top and bottom side. In use the multi-layered barrier provides an outdoor blanket or covering that is comfortable and durable. The blanket can also be folded in half and fastened together, improving transportability, as well as provide the user with a seat cushion or baby diaper changing platform. The entire assembly is machine-washable and machine-dryable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61296956 filed on Jan. 21, 2010, entitled Koca Blanket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-layered blanket comprised of a polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL) bottom side layer, a soft top side layer and a filler core. The blanket may be used as a protective barrier between the user and the ground, or as a comfortable seat or baby changing platform.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Outdoor activities such as picnics and sporting events often take place on soil and grass surfaces. In the absence of seats or stands, activity goers tend to lay blanket ground covers to prevent the surface from transferring dirt and sediment to their clothing. The blanket provides a physical separation between the user and the elements. However, these devices have several known drawbacks.
The first of these drawbacks is that typical ground covers and blankets are thin gauge or single-layered. This provides little cushion between the ground and the user, which can be particularly uncomfortable on hard or rocky surfaces. Single-layered blankets are also designed for either comfort or utility, since they are composed of a uniform material. This material is generally intended for durability or comfort, not for both. Soft material such as cotton and wool may be comfortable to lie upon, but these materials provide very little resistance to dirt or moisture. Dirt clings to the bottom surface of these blankets and ground moisture is able to permeate the thickness of the blanket and cause the user to be exposed.
Multi-layered covers are known in the art to provide resistance to moisture, but typically contain a vinyl or other non-machine washable and dryable material as a barrier. They must be hand washed or sprayed down after each use, and are not conducive for multiple purposes like a ground cover, cushioned seat and baby diaper changing platform.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,683 to MacColl, U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,005 to Harvey and U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,367 to French describe multi-layer blankets and ground covers providing both a weatherproof ground layer and a comfortable second layer. U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,033 to Theriault describes another multi-layer mat that may include a first waterproof layer, and a second optionally foam-filled layer. However, none of these patents describe a multi-layered blanket or cover that provides both comfort and waterproof layer that is easily washable or dryable. They also do not describe layers that are separated by a cushioned filler layer. Additionally, these patents describe inventions for a singular purpose, such as a sun bathing mat or weatherproof sleeping cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of multi-layered blankets now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new blanket wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience to the user when partaking in outdoor activities where ground seating is necessary, and using the same blanket as a cushioned seat or baby changing platform.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-layered blanket with a top and bottom side, separated by an inner core of cushioned material. The bottom side contacts the ground and acts as moisture barrier. The top side is designed for user comfort, and the core provides additional cushioning and separation between sides.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket that can be folded and secured for transforming the blanket into a comfortable seat cushion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket that can be folded and secured for transforming the blanket into a baby diaper changing platform.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket where the bottom side is comprised of polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric that is both water impermeable and easily washable and dryable.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of the multi-layered blanket in an expanded state.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the multi-layered blanket cross-section that highlights the separate layers and their stack-up.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the multi-layered blanket in a collapsed and secured state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the multi-layered blanket in its expanded state with a first edge 11, a second edge 12, a third edge 13 and fourth edge 14. Included on the second edge 12 and fourth edge 14 are a first strap 15 and a second strap 16. The end of the first strap 16 includes two rings, wherein the second strap 15 fits between the two rings of the first strap 16. These straps act as a closure means for securing the blanket together in a collapsed state. To collapse the blanket, the blanket is first folded along its second 12 and fourth edges 14. The blanket is then folded along the first 11 and third 14 edges to collapse the blanket to a surface area that is a quarter size of its expanded surface area. The straps 15,16 secure the blanket in its collapsed state. The means for securing the first and second strap may also include a belt buckle, a snap buckle, a pinch buckle, or other similar method of joining two straps together.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-section view of the multi-layered blanket that includes a top side 18, a bottom side 19 and a core 20. The bottom side 19 is in contact with the ground or other support surface. The bottom side 19 layer is comprised of polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric. PUL fabric is a polyester laminated fabric with a waterproof polyurethane coating that provides a durable, water-impermeable layer. PUL fabric is malleable, machine-washable and machine-dryable, thus making it ideal for a layer that needs to be cleaned often. The upper side 18 is supported by a core 20 and the bottom side 19 layer, and is in contact with the user. The upper side 18 layer is comprised of a soft material that is comfortable to lay upon, such as cotton, wool or other suitable material. The upper side 18 layer may include material that is stain resistant, machine washable and machine dryable.
A core 20 separates the top and bottom side 18,19 layers, and provides an additional layer of comfort for the user. The core 20 functions as a cushion to allow the user to lay comfortably on uneven, rocky or hard surfaces. The material used to fill the core 20 includes cotton or wool batting filler, down feathers or any similar filling material. All materials in the blanket may include hypoallergenic and non-flammable material.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the blanket in its collapsed and secured state. The blanket may be collapsed in a manner to place the top or bottom side layers facing out 22. Facing the top side layer outward allows the soft material to be outward facing, producing a comfortable platform to sit upon. Facing the bottom side layer outward allows the water-impermeable material to face outward, producing a cushioned seat to sit upon a wet surface or to change a baby's diaper upon. The collapsed state is also useful for improving the transportability of the blanket by reducing its overall size. Securing the blanket it its collapsed state are the two straps 15,16 and a dual ring closure 22 or other suitable connection means.
In use an individual uses the blanket in its expanded state as a ground over, comfortable outdoor blanket and a baby changing support. The blanket provides a barrier between a user and the support surface, which protects the user from exposure to dirt, moisture and sediment. The cross-section of the blanket is composed of three layers that are used in conjunction to provide comfort, durability, washability and moisture protection. In its collapsed state, the blanket can be used as a cushioned seat, a moisture-barrier seat, and a baby changing support.
Each layer of the blanket is easily cleaned using a machine washer and machine dryer. The use of PUL fabric bottom side layer in conjunction with other machine-washable layers provides an assembly that does not have to be specialty cleaned or hand washed. The entire blanket can be placed in a machine washer and cleaned, and dried using a machine dryer. This improves the utility of the blanket above standard single and multi-layered blankets and covers.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A multi-layer blanket for outdoor use, comprising:

A top side layer, a bottom side layer, and a core that separates said top and bottom side layers; said top side layer is a soft, comfortable material while said bottom side layer is a water-impermeable material; said core is a thick, cushioned layer of batting filler material;

said blanket is foldable to a collapsed state one quarter of said top side layer's surface area; said collapsed state is secured using a first and second strap; said first strap and second strap include connection means for securing each strap together.

2) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bottom side layer is comprised of water impermeable polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric.

3) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top side and bottom side layers and core are comprised of machine washable and machine dryable materials.

4) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top side layer and core is comprised of cotton or wool material.

5) A multi-layer blanket for outdoor use, comprising:

A top side layer, a bottom side layer, and a core that separates said top and bottom side layers; said top side layer is a soft, comfortable material while said bottom side layer is comprised of water-impermeable polyurethane laminated (PUL) fabric; said core is a thick, cushioned layer of batting filler material;

6) The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said top side and core are comprised of machine washable and machine dryable materials.

7) The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said top side layer and core is comprised of cotton or wool material.