U.S. patent application number 09/833332 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for corner pouch blanket.
Invention is credited to Phillips, Leon Hugh.
Application Number | 20010044964 09/833332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26892960 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phillips, Leon Hugh |
November 29, 2001 |
Corner pouch blanket
Abstract
A blanket having one or more corner pouches for receiving a body
portion of a user, or a pillow or other object. A rectangular
blanket has a triangular panel of material attached to one or more
corners of the blanket, with the hypotenuse of each triangular
panel not being attached to the blanket, thus forming a pouch.
Inventors: |
Phillips, Leon Hugh; (Rocky
Face, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF MEHRMAN & JOSEPHIC, P.C.
PAPER MILL VILLAGE, BUILDING 23
600 VILLAGE TRACE, SUITE 300
MARIETTA
GA
30067
US
|
Family ID: |
26892960 |
Appl. No.: |
09/833332 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60197564 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/064 20130101;
A47G 9/062 20130101; A47G 9/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/485 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A blanket comprising: a sheet of material having first and
second edges intersecting to form a corner; and a corner pouch
panel comprising a first pouch edge, a second pouch edge, and a
third pouch edge; wherein said first pouch edge is attached to the
first edge of said sheet of material adjacent the corner, said
second pouch edge is attached to the second edge of said sheet of
material adjacent the corner, and at least a portion of said third
pouch edge is unattached to said sheet of material, thereby forming
a pouch between said sheet of material and said corner pouch
panel.
2. The blanket of claim 1, wherein said corner pouch panel is
generally triangular, and wherein first ends of said first pouch
edge and said second pouch edge intersect at a vertex, and wherein
said third pouch edge extends along a hypotenuse between second
ends of said first pouch edge and said second pouch edge.
3. The blanket of claim 2, wherein said sheet of material is
generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein said
blanket comprises first and second corner pouch panels attached at
first and second corners of said generally rectangular sheet of
material.
4. The blanket of claim 3, wherein said first and second corner
pouch panels are attached at diagonally opposite corners of said
generally rectangular sheet of material.
5. The blanket of claim 3, comprising four corner pouch panels, one
corner pouch panel being attached at each of said four corners of
said generally rectangular sheet of material.
6. The blanket of claim 5, wherein said generally rectangular sheet
of material is generally square.
7. The blanket of claim 1, wherein said sheet of material and said
corner pouch panel are formed of like materials.
8. The blanket of claim 1, wherein said corner pouch panel is
attached to said sheet of material by stitching.
9. The blanket of claim 1, further comprising at least one
releasable fastener attached to said blanket.
10. The blanket of claim 1, defining a passage through said sheet
of material.
11. A blanket comprising a flexible sheet of material with
adjoining first and second edges, said first edge having a first
length and said second edge having a second length; said blanket
further comprising a corner pouch panel having a first pouch edge
and a second pouch edge; wherein said first pouch edge is connected
to the first edge of said flexible sheet of material along a
portion of the first edge thereof comprising less than the first
length, and said second pouch edge is connected to the second edge
of said flexible sheet of material along a portion of the second
edge thereof comprising less than the second length.
12. The blanket of claim 1 1, wherein said sheet of material is
generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein said
blanket comprises first and second corner pouch panels attached at
diagonally opposite first and second corners of said generally
rectangular sheet of material.
13. The blanket of claim 12, wherein said generally rectangular
sheet of material is generally square, and further comprising four
corner pouch panels, one corner pouch panel being attached at each
of said four corners of said sheet of material.
14. The blanket of claim 11, further comprising at least one
releasable fastener attached to said blanket.
15. The blanket of claim 11, defining a passage through said
flexible sheet of material.
16. A blanket comprising a pouch for receiving an object, said
pouch formed between a flexible sheet of material and a pouch
panel, said flexible sheet of material and said pouch panel
comprising separate pieces of material joined together by
stitching, wherein said pouch has a depth of at least about eight
inches and an opening width of at least about twelve inches.
17. The blanket of claim 16, wherein said flexible sheet of
material is generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein
said blanket comprises first and second pouch panels attached at
diagonally opposite first and second corners of said generally
rectangular sheet of material.
18. The blanket of claim 16, wherein said flexible sheet of
material is generally square, and further comprising four pouch
panels, one pouch panel being attached at each of said four corners
of said sheet of material.
19. The blanket of claim 16, further comprising at least one
releasable fastener attached to said blanket.
20. The blanket of claim 16, defining a passage through said
flexible sheet of material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/197,564, filed Apr. 17, 2000, the
entire scope and content of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a blanket or
throw suitable for use both in and beyond the bed, by a human or
animal user; and more particularly to such a blanket or throw
having one or more corner pouches to receive an object such as a
user's feet, head, hands and/or a pillow.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Blankets or throws are commonly used to retain body heat for
warmth in bed and in places other than a bed. They are used, for
example, as a person is sitting, reading, traveling, watching
sporting events, sleeping on a couch or bed, or in an airplane, bus
or train. Standard blankets that are typically used in situations
like the aforementioned could be improved upon, however.
[0006] For example, if a user moves around or shifts position under
a standard blanket, his or her feet often become exposed to outside
elements. A person using a traditional blanket as a covering or
wrap while viewing a spectator event typically leaves their head
exposed to the elements. Additionally, if a person in a position
other than lying down (e.g., seated, standing) wishes to maintain a
pillow, heating element or other object in position adjacent the
blanket, it is generally difficult to accomplish, as movement or
shifting of the user causes the pillow to be displaced due to
gravity acting on the pillow. With traditional blankets, all of
these drawbacks may be frustrating and/or impossible to
overcome.
[0007] Thus it can be seen that needs yet exist for an improved
blanket or covering. For example, it has been found that a need
exists for a blanket that permits the user to more securely
position the blanket over one or more portions of the user's body,
and/or to maintain a pillow or other object in position. It is also
desirable to provide an improved blanket that may be fabricated by
simple modification of an existing blanket, and that makes full use
of the dimensions of an existing blanket. It is to a blanket
meeting these and other needs that the present invention is
primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an improved blanket having
one or more corner pouches or pockets. Advantageously, a corner
pouch of the blanket can be used to keep a person's feet covered at
all times no matter how much the person may wrestle or tug on the
blanket, and/or can be worn over the head in the manner of the hood
of a poncho to keep the head warm. Additionally or alternatively, a
corner pouch of the blanket can be used to hold a pillow or other
object in place during storage or transport, or while the blanket
is wrapped around a person so that the pillow or other object
remains securely in place.
[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is a blanket including
a sheet of material having first and second edges intersecting to
form a corner. The blanket preferably further includes a corner
pouch panel comprising a first pouch edge, a second pouch edge, and
a third pouch edge. The first pouch edge is preferably attached to
the first edge of the sheet of material adjacent the corner, the
second pouch edge is attached to the second edge of the sheet of
material adjacent the corner, and at least a portion of the third
pouch edge is unattached to the sheet of material. In this manner,
a pouch is formed between the sheet of material and the corner
pouch panel.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is a blanket
including a flexible sheet of material with adjoining first and
second edges. The first edge has a first length and the second edge
has a second length. The blanket further includes a corner pouch
panel having a first pouch edge and a second pouch edge. The first
pouch edge is preferably connected to the first edge of the
flexible sheet of material along a portion of the first edge
thereof comprising less than the first length. The second pouch
edge is preferably connected to the second edge of the flexible
sheet of material along a portion of the second edge thereof
comprising less than the second length.
[0011] In still another aspect, the present invention is a blanket
having a pouch for receiving an object. The pouch is preferably
formed between a flexible sheet of material and a pouch panel. The
flexible sheet of material and the pouch panel are preferably
formed of separate pieces of material joined together by stitching.
The pouch preferably has a depth of at least about eight inches and
an opening width of at least about twelve inches.
[0012] These and other objects, features and advantages of
preferred forms of the present invention are described in greater
detail herein with reference to preferred and example
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a blanket according to a preferred
form of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the blanket of FIG. 1, according to a preferred
form of the present invention, with a corner pouch receiving a
pillow.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a blanket having a corner pouch thereof placed
over the head of a user, in the manner of a hood of a poncho,
according to a preferred form of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a blanket having corner pouches thereof placed
over the head and hands of a user according to another preferred
form of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a blanket having a corner pouch thereof
containing the feet of a user according to another preferred form
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout, preferred forms of the
present invention will now be described. As seen best with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the blanket 10 of the present invention
preferably generally comprises a flexible sheet of material 12, and
a pouch panel 14. The flexible sheet 12 and the pouch panel 14 are
preferably formed of materials of construction that are similar or
identical to materials commonly used to produce blankets. Example
materials include synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic or
nylon and natural fibers such as cotton or wool. These fibers can
be blended or used in full percentage, and optionally can be
water-proofed for use outdoors. The materials of construction can
be woven, knitted, needle-punched or any other non-woven process.
The flexible sheet 12 and the pouch panel 14 are preferably formed
of like materials. Alternatively, the flexible sheet 12 and the
pouch panel 14 are formed of different materials. The flexible
sheet 12 can comprise a pre-finished standard commercially
available blanket, and the pouch panel 14 can comprise a cutout
segment of a pre-finished standard commercially available blanket.
Alternatively, each can be specially fabricated for use in
constructing the blanket 10 of the present invention.
[0019] In preferred form, the flexible sheet 12 is generally
rectangular in overall shape. Optionally, the flexible sheet 12 is
generally square. Alternatively, the flexible sheet 12 can comprise
a triangular or other polygonal shape, or a circular, oval, or
otherwise rounded shape. A generally rectangular embodiment is
depicted in the figures, and comprises a flexible sheet 12 having a
first edge 16, a second edge 18, a third edge 20 and a fourth edge
22. Adjoining edges intersect at a first corner 24, a second corner
26, a third corner 28 and a fourth corner 30. In the depicted
embodiment, the first and third edges 16, 20 have a first length
(alternately referred to as the length of the blanket 10), and the
second and fourth edges have a second length (alternately referred
to as the width of the blanket 10). The length of the blanket 10 is
preferably at least about 42 inches and preferably not more than
about 78 inches. Of course, smaller or larger blankets can be
provided within the scope of the invention, for example for use by
infants or taller people. For the average adult, the preferred
length is between about 55 inches to about 78 inches. For a child,
the blanket should preferably be between about 45 inches to about
72 inches long. The width of the blanket 10 is preferably between
about 30 inches wide to about 85 inches wide. Of course, smaller or
larger blankets can be provided within the scope of the invention.
For example, the width of the blanket 10 can be greater if the
blanket is intended for use by two or more people together.
[0020] The pouch panel 14 is preferably a separate piece of
material, and is joined to the sheet of material 12 by stitching,
adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, zipper, snap, buttons or other
attachment means. A surge stitch is preferred but most any suitable
stitch can be used to attach the pouch panel 14 to the material 12.
Additional stitching may or may not be provided to reinforce one or
more edges of the pouch. The pouch panel 14 is preferably a corner
pouch panel comprising a first pouch edge 40, a second pouch edge
42, and a third pouch edge 44. The first pouch edge 40 is
preferably attached to the first edge 16 of the sheet of material
12, and the second pouch edge 42 is preferably attached to the
second edge 18 of the sheet of material 12. At least a portion of
the third pouch edge 44 is unattached to the sheet of material 12,
thereby forming a pouch 50 between the sheet of material 12 and the
pouch panel 14. Preferably, the pouch panel 14 is triangular,
wherein first ends of the first and second pouch edges intersect at
a common vertex, and the third pouch edge extends along a
hypotenuse between second ends of the first and second pouch edges.
Most preferably, the pouch panel 14 has the shape of a right
triangle. Placement of the one or more pouches 50 at corners of the
blanket 10 advantageously maximizes the length of the usable area
of the blanket, in that corner-to-corner measurements of a
rectangular blanket are longer than end to end measurements.
[0021] The first pouch edge 40 is preferably connected to the sheet
of material 12 along only a portion of the first edge 16, and the
second pouch edge 42 is preferably connected to the sheet of
material 12 along only a portion of the second edge 18, whereby
length and width of the pouch 50 are less than the full length and
width of the blanket 10. The depth of the pouch 50 should
preferably be at least about eight inches, measuring from the
hypotenuse of the triangle to the vertex, and preferably no more
than about forty inches. The width of the opening along the third
pouch edge 44 into the pouch 50 is preferably at least about twelve
inches. It is preferable that the pouch 50 be about eighteen inches
deep and have an opening width of about twenty-four inches, thus
providing enough room in the pocket for both feet of a user 100 to
fit comfortably in the pouch as shown in FIG. 5, and allowing for
room to move the feet with little resistance. Of course, smaller or
larger pockets can be provided within the scope of the invention.
One or more elastic bands can optionally be provided along the
opening of the pouch to provide more secure containment of objects
therein.
[0022] One or more releasable fasteners 60, such as hook-and-loop
fasteners, zippers, snaps or buttons are optionally provided on the
blanket 10 for securing the blanket about a user or an object
during use or storage, or to bind the blanket into a compact bundle
for storage or transport. A slit or other passage 62 is optionally
provided through the sheet of material 12 to permit a user 100 to
pass a hand or other body part therethrough.
[0023] In further preferred and optional embodiments, the blanket
10 comprises two or more pouch panels 14, attached to the sheet of
material 12 as described above, to form two or more pouches 50. For
example, first and second corner pouch panels can be attached at
diagonally opposite corners of the sheet 12 to form first and
second pouches 50a, 50c, as seen with reference to FIG. 4. A user
100 may place his right hand in the first pouch 50a, and his left
hand in the second pouch 50b. Alternatively, the user 100 can place
his head in the first pouch and his feet in the second pouch. In a
further preferred embodiment, a corner pouch panel is attached at
each of the four corners of a rectangular or square sheet of
material 12, thereby forming four pouches 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d.
As seen with reference to FIG. 4, a user 100 may place hands, feet
and head in the pouches.
[0024] The blanket 10 of the present invention enables a number of
advantageous methods of use. For example, the blanket 10 of the
present invention facilitates a method of maintaining body
temperature, including the steps of: (1) providing a blanket having
at least one corner pouch, substantially as described above; (2)
placing a portion of the user's body, such as the head, hands or
feet, within the corner pouch; and (3) wrapping the main portion of
the blanket about the user's body. The blanket 10 also allows a
user to place a pillow 70 and/or other object (such as, for
example, a heating pad, cold pack, heat pack, massage device,
and/or similar gratifying device) in the pouch 50 as shown in FIG.
2, and wrap the blanket around the user so that the pillow remains
in place while the user can rest against the pillow or other object
and move about within the blanket, without displacing the pillow
from the pouch. The blanket 10 of the present invention also
provides a convenient storage compartment for a pillow 70 during
storage and transport, so that the blanket and pillow can be
securely stored together until needed for use.
[0025] Various example manners of use of the blanket 10 of the
present invention are depicted in the figures. For example, FIG. 2
shows a corner pouch 50 receiving a pillow 70 so that the pillow
will be retained in place, such as resting against the head of a
user, while the blanket is wrapped around the person in the nature
of a shawl. FIG. 3 shows a person utilizing the blanket 10 of the
present invention as a poncho, with the corner pouch 50 placed
about the user's head as a hood. The pouch 50 secures the blanket
over the user's head, and the main portion of the blanket is
wrapped around the person's body to protect from wind and cold. The
releasable fasteners 60 can be attached to secure the blanket 10 in
place. If the user needs to pass an object from inside the blanket
to outside the blanket (or vice versa), the object can be passed
through the passage 62, without the need for opening the blanket 10
and releasing body warmth. FIG. 4 shows a person utilizing another
embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention as a poncho.
The user wears one pouch 50c on the head as a hood, while wrapping
the main portion of the blanket around the user's body to protect
from wind and cold. Each hand is placed in a pouch 50a, 50c, and
the feet may be placed in another pouch 50d, as desired. FIG. 5
shows a person utilizing the blanket 10 of the present invention to
secure their feet in a pouch 50. The corner pouch 50 makes it
possible to maintain full control of the blanket as the user moves
around, thereby helping to insure that the person's feet will
remain covered and warm.
[0026] The blanket 10 of the present invention can be manufactured
from virtually any insulative or protective material, such as
woven, knitted or non-woven, that could possibly serve as a
blanket, and can be manufactured in all colors, patterns and print
designs. In alternate embodiments, the blanket 10 comprises a
sun-block material for protecting the user against harmful effects
of the sun's rays, and/or a reflective or brightly colored covering
for signaling rescuers in the event a user is lost or injured. The
blanket of the present invention can be manufactured using
inexpensive disposable non-woven materials making the blanket
practical and affordable in large volumes, such as for airline
usage. In other embodiments, the blanket is manufactured from full
plush fabrics, and/or includes insulative fill such as down or
polyester fiber fill to make a the warmest high-quality blanket
desired. The blanket 10 can be made in a variety of sizes in order
to be suitable for the end user to fulfill the purpose they deem
appropriate for the blanket. The blanket 10 can be made in larger
sizes to accommodate two or more persons. The blanket 10 can be
used in locations beyond a bed, such as a chair, recliner, couch,
futon, bleachers, stadium seat, airplane, train, car, boat, bus,
walking, standing, or anywhere a user would desire to keep their
feet covered, their head covered or to hold objects for comfort
such as a pillow. The blanket 10 of the present invention can also
be fabricated in sizes suitable for use by a dog, a horse, or
another animal.
[0027] Thus, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that many additions, modifications and deletions can be
made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *