U.S. patent application number 11/582028 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for child activity blanket.
This patent application is currently assigned to Popadu, LLC.. Invention is credited to Mark Campbell, Rachel Winderweedle.
Application Number | 20070087657 11/582028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37948714 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070087657 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campbell; Mark ; et
al. |
April 19, 2007 |
Child activity blanket
Abstract
An activity blanket provides stimulation for a child. According
to one implementation, an activity blanket includes front and rear
surfaces and an internal pocket between these surfaces. The front
surface has an aperture positioned to allow access to the pocket.
According to another aspect, an activity blanket is configurable
for transition between open and stowed configurations. The blanket
has a two-piece interlocking handle that includes an engaging
member and a receiving member, each attached to the perimeter of
the blanket at different locations. The receiving member is
receives the engaging member when the blanket transitions to the
stowed configuration. According to another aspect, an activity
blanket in a stowed configuration has exposed blanket portions and
a stowed concealed blanket portion between the exposed blanket
portions. The blanket also has a two-piece interlocking handle with
an engaging member and a receiving member attached to opposing
outer edges of the blanket.
Inventors: |
Campbell; Mark; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Winderweedle; Rachel; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOPE BALDAUFF HARTMAN, LLC
1720 PEACHTREE STREET, N.W
SUITE 1010
ATLANTA
GA
30309
US
|
Assignee: |
Popadu, LLC.
|
Family ID: |
37948714 |
Appl. No.: |
11/582028 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60728363 |
Oct 19, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/482 ;
5/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/482 ;
005/655 |
International
Class: |
A63H 3/52 20060101
A63H003/52 |
Claims
1. An activity blanket, comprising: a front material surface; a
rear material surface opposing the front material surface; an
internal pocket disposed between the front material surface and the
rear material surface; and an aperture in the front material
surface positioned to allow access to the internal pocket through
the front material surface.
2. The activity blanket of claim 1, further comprising a two-piece
interlocking handle.
3. The activity blanket of claim 2, wherein the two-piece
interlocking handle comprises: a first handle piece comprising a
sphere attached to a first end of a protrusion, wherein a second
end of the protrusion is attached to a blanket perimeter; and a
second handle piece comprising a receiving member, wherein the
receiving member comprises a concave surface configured to receive
the surface of the sphere and a slot for receiving the
protrusion.
4. The activity blanket of claim 1, further comprising stitching,
wherein the stitching secures the front material surface to the
rear material surface and creates the internal pocket disposed
between the front material surface and the rear material
surface.
5. The activity blanket of claim 4, wherein the stitching creates a
plurality of internal pockets and wherein the activity blanket
further comprises an aperture located in the front material surface
at each of the plurality of internal pockets.
6. The activity blanket of claim 1, further comprising a plush toy
sized for insertion within the aperture.
7. The activity blanket of claim 1, further comprising a collar
secured to a perimeter of the aperture.
8. The activity blanket of claim 1, comprising a flap secured to a
portion of a perimeter of the aperture such that the flap may be
raised to expose the aperture or lowered to cover the aperture.
9. The activity blanket of claim 1, wherein the internal pocket
comprises pocket material having an outer perimeter secured to a
perimeter of the aperture and disposed between the front material
surface and the rear material surface.
10. An activity blanket configurable for transitioning between an
open configuration and a stowed configuration, the activity blanket
comprising: a blanket material; and a two-piece interlocking handle
comprising an engaging member attached to a perimeter of the
blanket material at a first location, and a receiving member
attached to the perimeter of the blanket material at a second
location and configured to receive the engaging member when the
activity blanket transitions to the stowed configuration from the
open configuration.
11. The activity blanket of claim 10, wherein when the receiving
member is mated to the engaging member, the blanket material
comprises a front exposed blanket portion, a rear exposed blanket
portion, and a stowed concealed blanket portion disposed between
the front exposed blanket portion and the rear exposed blanket
portion.
12. The activity blanket of claim 10, further comprising at least
one storage pocket located on the blanket material at a position
that allows for external access when the activity blanket is in the
stowed configuration with the receiving member mated to the
engaging member of the two-piece handle.
13. The activity blanket of claim 12, wherein the at least one
storage pocket is removably attached to the blanket material.
14. The activity blanket of claim 10, wherein the blanket material
comprises: a front material surface; a rear material surface
opposing the front material surface; an internal pocket disposed
between the front material surface and the rear material surface;
and an aperture in the front material surface positioned to allow
access to the internal pocket through the front material
surface.
15. The activity blanket of claim 14, further comprising a collar
secured to a perimeter of the aperture.
16. The activity blanket of claim 15, comprising a flap secured to
a portion of the collar such that the flap may be raised to expose
the aperture or lowered to cover the aperture.
17. An activity blanket in a stowed configuration, comprising: a
front exposed blanket portion; a rear exposed blanket portion; a
stowed concealed blanket portion disposed between the front exposed
blanket portion and the rear exposed blanket portion; and a
two-piece interlocking handle comprising an engaging member
attached to an outer edge of the activity blanket, and a receiving
member attached to an opposing outer edge of the activity blanket
and mated to the engaging member.
18. The activity blanket of claim 17, wherein each of the front
exposed blanket portion and the rear exposed blanket portion
comprises approximately 1/6 of the surface area of one side of the
activity blanket.
19. The activity blanket of claim 17, further comprising an
aperture in the front exposed blanket portion positioned that
allows access to an internal pocket through the front material
surface.
20. The activity blanket of claim 17, wherein the front exposed
blanket portion and the rear exposed blanket portion comprise a
center blanket panel approximately 1/3 the size of the activity
blanket, and wherein the stowed concealed blanket portion comprises
two panels, each panel adjacent to the center blanket panel, each
panel comprising approximately 1/3 the size of the activity
blanket, and each panel folded behind the center blanket panel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Blankets are common accessories for parents with children.
Child blankets are used in a variety of ways. Blankets are often
used not only as a cover to keep a child warm, but also as a floor
covering to prevent a child from coming into contact with the floor
or other surface underneath the blanket. When used in this latter
capacity, blankets sometimes incorporate various colors and
patterns in an attempt to provide stimulation to a child that may
be sitting or lying on top of the blanket. Some blankets are used
in conjunction with attached structures from which toys may be
attached, such as a blanket with an archway extending over the
blanket with attachment points for hanging toys over a child. These
blankets are often called activity mats since they provide a
surface on which a child may lie and interact with toys. However,
typical child blankets and activity mats are not versatile enough
to be used in both capacities, while also providing a self-
contained, convenient configuration that allows for compact storage
and easy carrying.
[0002] It is with respect to these considerations and others that
the various embodiments of the disclosure presented herein have
been made.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure presented herein,
an activity blanket includes front and rear material surfaces. An
internal pocket is positioned between the front and rear surfaces
of the blanket. The front surface has an aperture that allows
access to the internal pocket. According to other implementations,
the activity blanket has a two-piece interlocking handle. One
handle piece attached to the blanket perimeter may have a sphere
attached to a protrusion, while the other handle piece has a
concave surface for receiving the surface of the sphere and a slot
for receiving the protrusion.
[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure presented
herein, an activity blanket is configured for transitioning between
an open configuration and a stowed configuration. The blanket
includes a blanket material and a two-piece interlocking handle.
The handle includes an engaging member and a receiving member. Each
handle member is attached to a perimeter of the blanket material at
a different location. The receiving member and the engaging member
are mated together in order to transition the activity blanket from
the open configuration to the stowed configuration.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure presented
herein, an activity blanket in a stowed configuration has a front
blanket portion that is exposed, a rear blanket portion that is
exposed, and a stowed blanket portion that is concealed between the
front and rear exposed portions. The activity blanket also has a
two-piece interlocking handle. The handle has an engaging member
and a receiving member attached to opposing outer edges of the
activity blanket.
[0006] Other apparatus, systems, and/or methods according to
embodiments described herein will be or become apparent to one with
skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and Detailed
Description. It is intended that all such additional apparatus,
systems, and/or methods be included within this description, be
within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the
accompanying claims.
[0007] It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to
introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are
further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary
is not intended to identify key features or essential features of
the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit
the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view of an activity blanket in an open
configuration illustrating pockets and a two-piece handle according
to one embodiment presented herein;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a panel of an activity
blanket illustrating a pocket with a plush toy inserted according
to one embodiment presented herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pocket along line 3-3
as shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a pocket configuration according
to one embodiment presented herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pocket along line 4-4
as shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a pocket configuration according
to one embodiment presented herein; FIG. 5A is a top view of an
activity blanket in an open configuration illustrating a first fold
axis according to one embodiment presented herein;
[0012] FIG. 5B is a top view of an activity blanket in a partially
stowed configuration illustrating a second fold axis according to
one embodiment presented herein;
[0013] FIG. 5C is a top view of an activity blanket in a partially
stowed configuration illustrating a third fold axis according to
one embodiment presented herein;
[0014] FIG. 5D is a top view of an activity blanket in a stowed
configuration illustrating a folded blanket with a locked handle
according to one embodiment presented herein;
[0015] FIG. 5E is a top view of an external storage pocket
illustrating pockets for storing toys according to one embodiment
presented herein;
[0016] FIG. 5F is a top view of an activity blanket in a stowed
configuration illustrating a folded blanket with a locked handle
and attached external storage pocket according to one embodiment
presented herein;
[0017] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two pieces of a handle
illustrating the pieces in an unlocked configuration according to
one embodiment presented herein; and
[0018] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a two-piece handle
illustrating the two pieces of the handle in a locked configuration
according to one embodiment presented herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following detailed description is directed to an
activity blanket that provides children with cognitive stimulation
and that can be folded and secured for storage. These embodiments
may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural
changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present disclosure. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of
the disclosure presented herein is defined by the pending claims
and their equivalents.
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer
to like elements through the several figures, aspects of the
activity blanket will be described. FIG. 1 shows an activity
blanket 100 in an open configuration according to one
implementation. Although FIG. 1 shows the activity blanket 100 as
being substantially square in shape, it is to be understood that
the activity blanket 100 may be any shape and size. The activity
blanket 100 is made up of a series of panels 102. Alternatively,
the activity blanket 100 may include a single panel or any number
of panels of any shape, dimension, and configuration. The panels
102 are manufactured by sewing together top and bottom layer
material and will be discussed in further detail below with respect
to FIGS. 3 and 4. The panels 102 may be various colors and textures
to provide visual and tactile stimulation to a child lying on the
activity blanket 100.
[0021] As seen in FIG. 1, one or more of the panels 102 may include
a pocket 106. The activity blanket 100 is shown as having two
different types of pockets 106, open pockets 106A and covered
pockets 106B. The pockets 106A and 106B will be described in detail
below with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively. The activity
blanket 100 has a border 104 sewn around each outer edge to prevent
the top and bottom layers of the activity blanket 100 from
separating. A handle 108 is included to facilitate carrying the
activity blanket 100 when folded into a storage configuration. The
handle 108 may also function as toy to provide a child using the
activity blanket 100 with further stimulation. The handle 108 has
two pieces, handle piece 108A and handle piece 108B, located at
opposing edges of the activity blanket 100. Although each handle
piece 108A and 108B is shown to be located substantially at the
midpoint of the edge on which it is attached, it should be
appreciated that the handle pieces 108A and 108B may be located at
any position along an edge of the activity blanket 100 that will
allow for the activity blanket 100 to be folded into a storage
configuration in a similar manner as to that described below with
respect to FIGS. 5A-5F. A configuration and method for mating the
handle pieces 108A and 108B will be described in more detail below
with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The design of the handle 108 as
described throughout this disclosure represents peas in a pod when
the handle pieces 108A and 108B are mated together. It should be
appreciated that the number of potential designs for the handle 108
is virtually limitless. The handle 108 may be manufactured to
represent any object, person, animal character, plant, or
combination thereof.
[0022] According to one implementation, the handle 108 is a plush
toy. "Plush" as used throughout this description may be a cloth or
other pliable material that is stuffed to create an item is soft to
the touch and safe for a small child. It should be appreciated that
any soft, non-hazardous fillings that meet toy safety standards may
be used to stuff any of the plush aspects of the activity blanket
100 described herein, including the plush toys described below. It
should also be understood that the handle 108 and any other plush
aspect of the activity blanket 100 may be manufactured using
child-safe foam or other pliable material, without utilizing a
stuffing process wherein an outer material is stuffed with an inner
filling material. A plush item may have plastic, metal, or other
rigid material within the item to provide some rigidity to the
otherwise pliable item. Further, the handle 108 and any or all of
the plush aspects of the activity blanket 100 and associated toys
described below may alternatively be manufactured from a
non-pliable material such as plastic to provide a child with
alternative surfaces and textures to provide increased stimulation
and development.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a panel 102 having a pocket 106A. The pockets
106 are for inserting one or more plush toys 200. It should be
understood that while the pockets 106 are described herein as being
used with the plush toys 106, any toy suitable for the age of a
child using the activity blanket 100 may be used with the pockets
106. The activity blanket 100 is shown throughout the figures as
having a "garden" theme. The handle piece 108B resembles peas while
the handle piece 108A resembles a pea pod. When assembled, the
two-piece handle 108 resembles peas in a pod. Similarly, the plush
toy 200 shown resembles a carrot. Other plush toys for an activity
blanket 100 having a garden theme might include various other
vegetables. It should be appreciated that the activity blanket 100
may be manufactured in any number of other themes with a
coordinated handle 108 and plush toys 200.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 3, a cross-section of the pocket 106A,
taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment will be
described. As seen in FIG. 3, the blanket 100 includes a top layer
308 and a bottom layer 310. The space between the top layer 308 and
the bottom layer 310 defines an interior 306 of the activity
blanket 100. The interior 306 may be occupied by air or a stuffing
material depending on the desired characteristics of the activity
blanket 100. As described above with respect to the plush toys 200,
the stuffing material may be any non-hazardous filling material
that meets appropriate safety standards. The pocket 106A includes a
collar 300 and an interior chamber 304.
[0025] According to one implementation, the interior chamber 304 is
disposed entirely within the interior 306 of the activity blanket
100. The interior chamber 304 is defined by pocket material 309
sewn to an interior side of top layer 308. The pocket material 309
is sewn around the circumference of an aperture in the top layer
308, allowing the remainder of the pocket material 309 to float
within the interior 306 of the activity blanket 100 to create the
pocket 106A. The pocket material 309 may be a single piece of
fabric or may be composed of multiple pieces of fabric sewn
together. Alternatively, the interior chamber 304 may be defined
solely by the interior 306 of the activity blanket 100 rather than
sewing or otherwise securing the pocket material 309 to the top
layer 308 in order to create the pocket 106A. In this alternative
embodiment, the panel 102 would define each pocket 106 since the
stitching that creates each panel operates to seal off the interior
306 of the blanket 100 along the seams of each panel 102. According
to further embodiments, each pocket 106A and 106B may be removably
or fixedly attached to an exterior surface of the top layer
308.
[0026] The collar 300 creates a raised, plush entranceway to the
pocket 106A. The collar 300 may be sewn together from a single
piece of material or from multiple pieces of material sewn
together. The interior of the collar 300 is filled with a stuffing
material 302 to give the collar 300 the desired shape and
pliability. Alternatively, as discussed above with respect to the
handle 108, the collar 300 may be formed from a single piece of
pliable material such as foam. The collar 300 is sewn along the
circumference of an aperture in top layer 308 that serves as the
entranceway to the pocket 106A. While the pockets 106A are shown to
have circular apertures as entranceways and the pockets 106B are
shown to have square apertures as entranceways, it should be
appreciated that any shape and size of aperture may be used for any
pocket entranceway. Similarly, any number and configuration of
pockets 106 may be incorporated into the activity blanket 100
without departing from the scope of the disclosure presented
herein. By providing different shapes and configurations of pockets
106, the activity blanket 100 may be used to further increase a
child's cognitive development.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the pocket 106B, taken along
line 4-4 shown in FIG. 1. The pocket 106B is an alternative type of
pocket, which includes a plush flap 402 over the entranceway to the
pocket 106B rather than an open collar. As described above, the
activity blanket 100 includes the top layer 308 and the bottom
layer 310. The space between the top layer 308 and the bottom layer
310 defines the interior 306 of the activity blanket 100. The
interior 306 may be occupied by air or stuffing material as
described above depending on the desired characteristics of the
activity blanket 100. The pocket 106B includes a collar 400, a flap
402 and an interior chamber 404. The collar 400 presents a raised
surface over which the flap 402 is mounted. The flap 402 is sewn
along a single edge to the collar 400 such that the flap 402 may be
raised to expose the interior chamber 404 of the pocket 106B by
pulling up an edge that is not sewn to the collar 400. It should be
understood that the flap 402 may be secured directly to the top
layer 308 without utilizing the collar 400. The flap 402 is filled
with pliable material 412 such as the stuffing materials described
above or may alternatively be a single piece of material such as a
foam material. By having the flap 402 over one or more of the
pockets 106B of the activity blanket 100, a child or parent may
hide toys within the pockets 106B, introducing sensory principles
of occlusion to the child and enhancing play. It should be
appreciated that the opening method for the flaps may vary,
including multiple flaps over a single pocket, flaps that partially
expose the interior of the pocket, or flaps that securely close
using zippers, snaps, ties, buttons, or any combination thereof of
these or any other closing means.
[0028] The interior chamber 404 is entirely within the interior 306
of the activity blanket 100. The interior chamber 404 is defined by
pocket material 409 sewn to an interior side of the top layer 308.
The pocket material 409 is sewn around the circumference of an
opening in top layer 308, allowing the remainder of the pocket
material 409 to float within the interior 406 of the activity
blanket 100 to create the pocket 106B. As stated above with respect
to the pocket 106A and the pocket material 309, the pocket material
409 may be a single piece of fabric or may be composed of multiple
pieces of fabric sewn together. Also as discussed above, the
interior chamber 404 may be defined solely by the interior 406 of
the activity blanket 100 rather than including material sewn to the
top layer 308 in order to create the pocket 106B. In this
alternative embodiment, the panel 102 defines each pocket 106B
since the stitching that creates each panel 102 operates to seal
off the interior 306 of the activity blanket 100 along the seams of
each panel 102. By utilizing the interior pockets 106 in
combination with plush toys 200, toys may be hidden within the
activity blanket 100 to stimulate a child's perception of
permanence, as well as to encourage reaching, rolling, and crawling
from one pocket to another. In addition, adult users may create any
number of games for their children such as matching games between
pockets 106 and plush toys 200. It should also be understood that
the interior chambers 304 and 404 of pockets 106A and 106B
respectively may include other items to stimulate exploration, such
as hidden, attached plush figures. The interior chambers 304 and
404 may be of varying sizes, shape, texture, and color.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5F, a stowed configuration 514 of
the activity blanket 100 and the transition between an open
configuration 500 and the stowed configuration 514 will be
described. FIG. 5A shows the activity blanket 100 in the open
configuration 500 according to various embodiments described
herein. The blanket 100 has a first section 504, a second section
506 abutting the first section, and a third section 508 abutting
the second section 506. Each section 504, 506, and 508 is
approximately one third the size of the activity blanket 100. The
second section 506 includes the two-piece handle 108, with the
handle pieces 108A and 108B attached to opposing sides of the
second section 506. According to one implementation for
transitioning between the open configuration 500 and the stowed
configuration 514, the first section 504 is folded along a first
axis 502 behind the second section 506. FIG. 5B shows the results
of this operation. The third section 508 is then folded behind the
second section 506 along a second axis 510 parallel to the first
axis 502. FIG. 5C shows the results of this second folding
operation. The second section 506 is folded along an axis 512 that
is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 502 at a location
substantially midway between the opposing sides of the second
section that is equidistant from the handle pieces 108A and 108B.
In doing so, a lower section 522 is folded backwards behind an
upper section 524 such that the two-piece handle 108 comes
together. The handle piece 108B locks into the handle piece 108A to
secure the activity blanket 100 in the stowed configuration 514,
shown in FIG. 5D.
[0030] When the activity blanket 100 is in the stowed configuration
514, only the lower section 522 and the upper section 524 are
exposed such that approximately one sixth of the blanket is
viewable from the front or the rear of the activity blanket 100
when in the stowed configuration 514. The lower section 522
provides a rear exposed blanket portion since it is folded behind
the upper section 524, which becomes a front exposed blanket
portion. The first section 502 and the third section 508 become
concealed between the front and rear exposed blanket portions when
the activity blanket is transitioned to the stowed configuration
514. It should be understood that method for transitioning the
activity blanket 100 from the open configuration 500 to the stowed
configuration 514 may include folding portions of the activity
blanket 100 that are of any size and shape in any sequence.
Further, the handle pieces 108A and 108B may be attached to any
edge of the activity blanket 100 at any location. According to
alternative embodiments, when the handle pieces 108A and 108B are
mated together to form the handle 108, a portion of the activity
blanket 100 is concealed between exposed portions of the activity
blanket 100 to create a stowed configuration. The resulting stowed
configuration does not need to resemble the shape and proportions
of the stowed configuration 514 shown in FIG. 5D.
[0031] External pockets for storing toys may be permanently or
removably attached to the outside of the blanket when in the stowed
configuration 514. FIG. 5E shows a storage panel 516, which
contains three storage pockets 518. It should be understood that
the storage panel 516 may include any number of storage pockets of
any size and configuration. The storage pockets 518 may be sewn
such that they are open on one end, or may include closing means
such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties or
any other means for closing the pockets to secure the contents.
FIG. 5F shows a stowed configuration 520, wherein the storage panel
516 is affixed to the activity blanket 100 in the stowed
configuration 514.
[0032] It should be understood that storage panel 516 may be
permanently or removably attached to the activity blanket 100. If
permanent, the storage panel 516 may be sewn to either the top
layer 308 or the bottom layer 310 of the activity blanket 100,
depending on folding preference. If it is desired that the storage
panel 516 be hidden from view when the activity blanket 100 is in
use, then the storage panel 516 may be sewn to the bottom layer 310
of the activity blanket 100. The activity blanket 100 sections
shown in FIGS. 5A-5C would then be folded forwards rather than
backwards such that the bottom layer of the blanket 100 is visible
when the blanket is in the stowed configuration 520. It should be
noted that the plush toys 200 may also be stored directly in the
pockets 106 or placed in the center of the activity blanket 100
prior to transitioning the activity blanket from the open
configuration 500 to the stowed configuration 514 or 520, such that
the toys 200 are folded into the activity blanket 100.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 6A, the handle 108 will be fully
described. The handle 108 includes the handle pieces 108A and 108B.
As described above, the handle pieces 108A and 108B are shown as
representing a pod and peas, respectively. It should be appreciated
to one with skill in the art that any desired form may be used for
the handle pieces 108A and 108B depending on the desired theme for
the blanket. The handle piece 108A includes a receiving slot 608, a
locked position 610, a grip portion 604, a tab 614, a tab groove
618, and an aperture 622. The handle piece 108B includes a grip
portion 602, a neck 606, a tab 612, a tab groove 616, and an
aperture 620.
[0034] When locking the handle pieces 108A and 108B together, a
neck 606 of the handle piece 108B engages and traverses the slot
608 on the handle piece 108A. The slot 608 is manufactured in the
grip portion 604 such that the gap in the grip portion 604 created
by the slot 608 is slightly narrower than the diameter of the neck
606. Because the gap in the slot 608 is narrower than the diameter
of the neck 606, a small amount of force is required to push the
neck 606 through the gap, extending the gap, until the neck 606
reaches the locked position 610. When the neck 606 reaches the
locked position 610, the gap returns to its original dimension
since the diameter of the aperture at the end of the gap is larger
than the diameter of the neck 606, and thus allows the gap to close
behind the neck 606. This feature prevents the handles from
uncoupling without a small amount of force being applied to the
handle piece 108B in order to extend the slot 608 to a position
that will allow the neck 606 to pass back through.
[0035] In addition to the frictional aspect of the narrow slot 608
that locks the neck 606 into place, the handle 108 also requires a
rotation of the handle pieces 108A and 108B with respect to one
another prior to locking or unlocking the handle. As seen in FIGS.
6A and 6B, the grip portion 604 of the handle piece 108A is concave
so that grip portion 602 of the handle piece 108B is cradled
within. The sides of the grip portion 604 extend above the bottom
of the grip portion 602 when the neck 606 of the grip portion 602
is in the locked position 610. Consequently, the grip portion 602
is prevented from laterally sliding out of the slot 608 without
rotating the handle piece 108B as shown in FIG. 6A. It should be
understood that a handle without a concave piece requiring handle
rotation does not depart from the scope of the disclosure presented
herein.
[0036] The tabs 614 and 612 are used to secure the handle pieces
108A and 108B to the activity blanket 100. One edge of the activity
blanket 100 slides into the tab 614 in the handle piece 108A and is
sewn into place. Similarly, an opposing edge of the activity
blanket 100 slides into the tab 612 of the handle piece 108B and is
sewn into place. It is to be understood that any means may be
employed for securing the tabs 614 and 612 to the activity blanket
100. Sewing is preferred since the handle pieces 108A and 108B are
plush items, made from cloth and stuffed with a suitable material.
Because the handle 108 is plush, it may serve not only as a tool
for carrying the blanket, but also as a toy for a child to enjoy.
The manner in which the handle 108 locks together further
stimulates the cognitive development of a child when the child
reaches the age that she is able to explore this locking feature.
The apertures 622 and 620 align when the handle 108 is in a locked
position and provide a means for hanging the activity blanket 100
on a hook when configured for storage.
[0037] The activity blanket 100 is a versatile accessory. In
addition to the uses and configurations described above, the
activity blanket 100 may be used for numerous other applications.
The pocket system may be used for storage of other toys and items
or as a closet organizer. The blanket may be used as a wall hanging
or room decoration. The interlocking, themed handles may be applied
to bags, pillow, or any fabric closure. In this regard, the handles
may be removably attached to the blanket so that they may be
applied to items other than the blanket. The pockets, handles,
toys, pocket collars, and panels may include means for making
noise, such as rattles or squeakers, as well as light-emitting
devices, to further stimulate a child's development and
enjoyment.
[0038] Although the subject matter presented herein has been
described in conjunction with one or more particular embodiments
and implementations, it is to be understood that the invention
defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the
specific structure, configuration, or functionality described
herein. Rather, the specific structure, configuration, and
functionality are disclosed as example forms of implementing the
claims.
[0039] The subject matter described above is provided by way of
illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various
modifications and changes may be made to the subject matter
described herein without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described, and without departing from
the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set
forth in the following claims.
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