U.S. patent application number 12/558452 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for combination blanket, backpack, seat cushion and hooded coat.
Invention is credited to Daria Robinson, Steven W. Robinson.
Application Number | 20100059558 12/558452 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41798339 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059558 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson; Steven W. ; et
al. |
March 11, 2010 |
Combination Blanket, Backpack, Seat Cushion and Hooded Coat
Abstract
A multi purpose device for use in stadium and outdoor venues.
The device is user configurable to a blanket, poncho or coat, and a
pillow for use at the venue. The device also configures to a
pocketed backpack for transport by the user engaged with shoulder
straps to their body. An interior pocket when configured to a
backpack affords the device a storage compartment to transport
other items such as food and drink.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Steven W.; (Grants
Pass, OR) ; Robinson; Daria; (Grants Pass,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DONN K. HARMS;PATENT & TRADEMARK LAW CENTER
SUITE 100, 12702 VIA CORTINA
DEL MAR
CA
92014
US
|
Family ID: |
41798339 |
Appl. No.: |
12/558452 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61096183 |
Sep 11, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/155 ; 2/158;
2/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/04 20130101;
A45F 4/12 20130101; A47G 9/066 20130101; A41D 3/08 20130101; A45C
9/00 20130101; A45C 2009/002 20130101; A45F 2004/026 20130101; A45F
4/02 20130101; A45F 2004/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/155 ; 2/88;
2/158 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02; A41D 3/08 20060101 A41D003/08; A41D 19/01 20060101
A41D019/01; A45F 4/12 20060101 A45F004/12 |
Claims
1. A multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus, comprising: a
substantially rectangular body formed of at least two layers of
fabric material, said body having a first side surface opposite a
second side surface; said body having a central portion and two
adjoining side portions extending to two respective side edges;
said body having an upper edge and a lower edge both extending
between said two side edges; said body having a first
configuration, substantially planar with no folds and forming a
blanket; said body configurable to a second configuration as a
poncho-like garment, when in said first configuration, over the
shoulders of a user, with said central portion adjacent to said
user's back and with said second side surface adjacent to said
user, by: folding said two side portions around said user until
edge portions, of each receptive side portion achieve a contact
with each other along said respective edge portions; and employing
means to secure said edge portions to each other to hold said edge
portions in said contact; said body in said first configuration
being configurable to a third configuration, substantially forming
a seat cushion, by: folding said two side portions to a stacked
positioning upon said central portion; with said body in said
stacked positioning, placing said lower edge upon said body
substantially equidistant between said upper edge and said lower
edge, to form a double stacked position upon substantially one half
of said center section; and folding said one half of said central
section upon a remaining half of said central section, thereby
yielding said seat cushion substantially one third the size of said
central section.
2. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 1
additionally comprising: means to maintain said body in said third
configuration; a pair of straps engaged to said central section,
said straps adapted to engage over the shoulders of a user, whereby
said body may be worn on the back of a user for transport.
3. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 2
additionally comprising: a pocket formed in said body; said pocket
having an access in an exposed portion of said first surface with
said body in said third configuration; and said pocket adapted to
carry user-desired items therein.
4. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 1
additionally comprising: mitts positioned upon said second surface
in positions adapted for a user to insert their hands therein when
said body is in said second configuration and being worn by said
user.
5. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 2
additionally comprising: mitts positioned upon said second surface
in positions adapted for a user to insert their hands therein when
said body is in said second configuration and being worn by said
user.
6. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 3
additionally comprising: mitts positioned upon said second surface
in positions adapted for a user to insert their hands therein when
said body is in said second configuration and being worn by said
user.
7. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 1
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
8. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 2
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
9. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 3
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
10. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 4
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
11. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 5
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
12. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 6
additionally comprising: a hood, said hood positioned adjacent to
said upper edge of said body; and said hood so positioned
engageable upon a head of a user wearing aid body in said second
configuration.
13. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 1
additionally comprising: pleats sewn into said body in a direction
extending normal to said upper and lower edge, said pleats
providing visual and tactile means to certain dividers between said
central portion and said side portions as an aid to folding said
body.
14. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 2
additionally comprising: pleats sewn into said body in a direction
extending normal to said upper and lower edge, said pleats
providing visual and tactile means to certain dividers between said
central portion and said side portions as an aid to folding said
body.
15. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 3
additionally comprising: pleats sewn into said body in a direction
extending normal to said upper and lower edge, said pleats
providing visual and tactile means to certain dividers between said
central portion and said side portions as an aid to folding said
body.
16. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 4
additionally comprising: pleats sewn into said body in a direction
extending normal to said upper and lower edge, said pleats
providing visual and tactile means to certain dividers between said
central portion and said side portions as an aid to folding said
body.
17. The multipurpose backpack and pillow apparatus of claim 5
additionally comprising: pleats sewn into said body in a direction
extending normal to said upper and lower edge, said pleats
providing visual and tactile means to certain dividers between said
central portion and said side portions as an aid to folding said
body.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/096,183 filed on Sep. 11, 2008 and incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to sporting and outdoor event
seating. More particularly it relates to a device that provides a
combination seating pad, blanket, hooded coat, and is configurable
to a backpack for transport to and from a venue, all in a single
multi-configurable component.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Since the Romans, the attendance of spectators at sporting,
concert, and theatrical events, held in stadium venues, has been a
popular pastime. For just as long, attendees at such events have
had to put up with uncomfortable stadium seating, cold weather, and
wind, as well as having to carry food and drink and other
accouterments to and from the venue.
[0006] While many modern NFL football teams have stadiums which
offer individual seats which are indoors and weather protected, and
which have seats that are padded, this is not the case in many
other stadiums. Colleges, high schools, municipal amphitheaters,
and similar outdoor venues, frequently only offer seating on top of
concrete benches or the like. Further, even when venturing to
covered stadiums, attendees still have to leave in cold or wet
weather and generally bring food and drink with them to supplement
the expensive fare available at the venue.
[0007] As anyone who may have attended a game or event in a stadium
with hard seating will know, such seating, be it plastic chairs or
simply a hard concrete bench, can be extremely uncomfortable on the
user's backside after sitting a few hours. Further, if they carry
padding for the seating, coats for possible stormy weather, and
food or drinks, it can be extremely hard to carry all of the
different items in an orderly fashion while trying to walk amongst
crowds of people doing the same.
[0008] With regard to the posterior padding problem, over the years
pillows and portable chairs have been developed to aid in this
uncomfortable problem. However, the need to bring pillows or
chairs, in addition to clothing for cold and rainy weather, snacks,
drinks, noise makers, signs, binoculars, and other creature
comforts loads down the stadium attendee with multiple items to
carry which are easily lost or dropped to and from the seating.
Further, multiple items are just plain inconvenient to deal with
for most people, especially older fans who may have trouble
manipulating multiple items being carried to and from the
stadium.
[0009] The attendee might bag some of the food and drink, and use
straps or attachments to their body to carry pads or binoculars and
the like. However, this yields a multiplicity of effort to carry
what should be a single load to a single venue by a single person.
Such an effort also lends itself to set the attendee up to lose one
or more transported items since they are hooked to or carried upon
various parts of their body.
[0010] As such, there is an unmet need for an easily configurable
multiple-use stadium seating device which provides the user a
cushion for their stay at the venue. In addition to a dry and
padded seat cushion, such a device should be configured to be
easily carried by any user, be they an adult or child. To enhance
utility, such a device should be configurable to also provide a
shoulder mountable backpack with internal cavities to allow the
user to load items into it and thereby alleviate the need to carry
other items hooked to various positions on their body. Due to the
high potential for inclement weather, at any outdoor venue be it a
sporting event or theater, such a device should also be
configurable by the user to change from a pillow to a coat or a
rain slicker. Finally, such a device should be easily
reconfigurable in all of its various forms to its other forms and
should provide simple configurations for use in non stadium venues
such as a blanket at the park or beach.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The device herein disclosed and described herein provides
this multiple-utility and functionality in a manner which overcomes
the noted shortcomings of current stadium pillows and the like. To
that end, it is easily configurable to a plurality of forms by the
user. Each such configuration provides one of a plurality of uses
and functions to the user thereby alleviating the need to venture
out to a venue carrying multiple items for multiple individual
uses.
[0012] The disclosed device, amongst its multiple configurations,
has a first mode which forms a comfortable stadium seat cushion
which may be easily carried using attached straps on one side
surface which are slipped over the users shoulders. In this first
configuration, folded to a seat cushion, an exterior surface of the
device presents the user with sealable pockets. Each pocket access
is sealable and easily viewed. Each access when opened provides a
communication with an interior pocket adapted to hold cargo such as
food, drink, sunscreen, hats, or other items an individual user may
need during their stay at a venue. Thus, while in the seat cushion
mode, the device also functions as a shoulder engageable backpack
for carrying cargo to and from the destination venue. Each storage
pocket is easily accessible through a closure for each opening such
as a zipper or hook and loop fabric.
[0013] In a second or an unfolded mode, the disclosed device will
function for the user as either a blanket which may be worn over
the shoulders or lap of the user. Or, this mode allows use by the
user as a wearable poncho style coat for warmth should wind or
temperature require it.
[0014] For easy transformation between configurations, the device
provides the user a means to ascertain the proper folding to form
the desired configuration. Currently this visual aid to folding is
provided by a plurality of pleats in the fabric making up the
device which provide a visual reference for folding from the
unfolded mode where it may be worn or used as a blanket, to the
first configuration or folded mode where it may be used as a pillow
or backpack. Of course those skilled in the art will realize that
other visual means to guide the user between configurations might
be employed such as silkscreening markings on the fabric. As such,
any such means to guide the user as to proper folding to move
between configurations as would occur to those skilled in the art
are considered within the scope of this invention. However, the
pleats are particularly preferred due to their permanency since
silkscreen may wear off from use.
[0015] To configure the device to the second or the blanket or
poncho mode, fasteners such as zippers are engaged to a top side
edge of the device. These fasteners allow the user to fold the
device in half secured around the user like a coat or poncho using
the zippers to maintain the device in a poncho or coat-like
configuration.
[0016] It is well known that due to the high volume of blood flow
to the brain, that the head can function as a heat sink in cold
weather causing heat loss and rendering a person cold or
uncomfortable. The device herein provides additional utility to aid
in preventing this heat loss in cold weather or windy weather. This
functionality is provided by a deployable hood which is stored in a
pocket and accessed through a closure.
[0017] Another extremity which can suffer from cold and windy
weather are the hands. In cold and windy weather, hands can
actually go numb or become frost bitten, making a person terribly
uncomfortable and yielding possible injury. Since many outdoor
venues have events in winter, this is an especially vexing problem
for attendees. The device herein accommodates and solves this
problem by the provision of hand-covering mitts. These mitts are
easily accessed by the hands of the user while wearing the device
or using it as a shoulder blanket. The mitts are formed by a flap
having an access opening on the interior surface and insertion of a
user's hands therein insures hand warmth in cold weather should it
be needed.
[0018] As such, the device provides great utility due to its
multiple configurations providing multiple accommodations for
warmth as well as function. Reconfiguration is easy and is aided by
the visual reference formed into the body of the device for users
to read should they need it.
[0019] With respect to the above description of the disclosed
multiple configurable device, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangement of the components in this
specification or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed
multi-configurable cushion, blanket, and poncho is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways
which will be obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this
disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other multi-configurable
devices, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes
of the present disclosed individualized multi-configurable stadium
cushion. It is important, therefore, that the claims and disclosure
herein be regarded as including such equivalent construction and
methodology as would occur to those skilled in the art insofar as
they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.
[0021] It is an object of this invention to provide an easily
carried stadium cushion.
[0022] It is an additional object of this invention to provide such
a stadium cushion that also functions as a shoulder engageable
backpack or carrier for other items transported by the user.
[0023] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a
device which in a first mode as a cushion will reconfigure to a
coat, poncho, or blanket should it be desired.
[0024] It is yet another object of this invention that once
configured as a coat or blanket the device provides hand and head
warmth components, and is easily returned to function as a backpack
to and from the user's destination.
[0025] These together with other objects and advantages which
become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the
construction and operation as heretofore described with reference
being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,
wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a first side of the device in an unfolded
configuration also depicting hand mitts and a deployable hood which
may be used while the device functions as a coat or poncho or a
blanket.
[0027] FIG. 1a shows the device of FIG. 1, with two sides folded to
the middle to form a backpack with interior pockets and shoulder
straps, for carrying to and from a destination.
[0028] FIG. 1b depicts the opposite side of FIG. 1a and shows the
access top an interior pocket that is available in this backpack
mode to carry items with the device. In this mode the device also
functions as a seat cushion.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows the opposite side of the device from FIG. 1 in
an unfolded mode, with the two side portions folded away from the
middle portion. In this mode it may function as a blanket or may be
reconfigured into a coat with a hood or back into a pillow as in
FIG. 1b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Referring now to the drawings of FIGS. 1-2 showing a stadium
pillow device 10 which is easily user configurable to any of a
plurality of forms thereby providing the user with options for a
plurality of uses.
[0031] In FIG. 1, the device is depicted in an unfolded
configuration and showing the first side surface 11 of the planar
fabric body 13 forming the device 10. The body 13 is formed of at
least two layers of fabric. The first surface 11 of the body 13
would best be formed of sturdy fabric such as rip-stop or canvas
and water proof. The body 13 has a second fabric layer 15 forming
all or part of a second surface 15 of the body 13, as in FIG. 2, to
yield a multiple layered body 13. The second layer forming the
second surface 15 is best formed of soft and warm fabric such as
fleece, or wool, or the like so as to be warm and comfortable
against the user's body. The first surface 11 layer would be formed
of the second fabric providing a water and wind proof layer.
[0032] A pair of backpack straps 12 are attached to the first
surface 11, at an angle from a widest separation adjacent to an
edge to a narrow separation closer to the middle of the body 13.
These straps 12 are employable as shoulder straps when the device
10 folded as in FIG. 1a, with the two side sections 30 folded
toward the center 20 on the second surface 15 and the portion of
the body 13 above the narrow intersection of the straps 12
multi-folded on the second side 15. In this configuration, the
device 10 will function as a backpack as depicted in FIGS. 1a and
1b, with the straps 12 over the user's shoulders.
[0033] A storage pocket 14, between the first surface 11 and second
surface 15 of the body 13, is formed either by sewing the
rectangular pocket 14 with stitching between the first surface 11
and second surface 15 or other conventional means to form a pocket
14. The pocket 14, is accessible through a close able opening 16
which may employ a means for closure such as a zipper 21 or other
such closure means such as hook and loop fabric.
[0034] As noted, the body 13 has a center section 20 with two
adjoining side sections 30 as defined by pleats 17 formed into the
body 13 by sewing or other means to form the pleats 17. These
pleats 17 are most preferred in that they are positioned to provide
a visual means to the user to ascertain folding lines for side
sections 30 toward the second surface 15 and the center section, to
change configurations. In that pleats are sewn or otherwise formed
into the body 13, unlike indica or silkscreening, they will not
come off with wear and will work much better than indicia or an
instruction manual which might be lost.
[0035] Two zipper half portions 18, are engaged adjacent to a top
side edge of the body 13 as shown in FIG. 1. The half portions 18
of the zipper, are so positioned to allow the device 10, to easily
form a poncho for a user with the second surface 15 encircling
their back and arms. So positioned, the user, by folding the two
half portions 18 adjacent to each other may zip the formed zipper
and create a temporary attachment of the two side sections 30
around him and form a coat or poncho and allow their head would
stick up from the center section 20 above the straps 12.
[0036] When configured planar as a blanket, the device 10 has means
to secure the body 13 to the ground to prevent movement in the
wind. This is provided by grommets 19 which have a hole in their
center and communicate through the layered body 13. Nails or stays
may be engaged through the grommets into the ground.
[0037] In the coat or poncho mode, a hood 22 shown in FIG. 2, may
be deployed from a pocket 24 formed in a flap 26 engaged to the
center section 20 of the body 13 adjacent to the top edge. A
closure such as a zipper seals the pocket 24 when the hood is not
deployed.
[0038] Also on the flap 26 is a piece of hook and loop fabric 28
positioned to engage a mating piece of hook and loop fabric 29
attached to the first side surface 11 shown in FIG. 1.
[0039] To fold the device 10 to a pillow or backpack configuration,
as in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the two side sections 30 are folded in a
stacked configuration upon the center portion 30 of the second
surface 15 shown in FIG. 2. The second edge 31 opposite the top
edge where the flap 26 is located, then folded to position about
half way between the second edge 31 and the top edge and then
folded again. Means to maintain the device in this position is
provided by an engagement of the hook and loop fabric 28 on the
flap 26 with the hook and loop fabric 29 on the first side surface
11. The flap 26 will cover the engagement and will thereby provide
a means maintain the device in the pillow/backpack form of FIGS. 1a
and 1b. Also provided are mitts 32 which offer hand cavities
accessible through openings 34 for the user to slide their hands
into when used as a coat or poncho. The mitts 32 are formed of
small fabric sections sewn to the second surface 15 on three sides,
thereby yielding an opening 34 for the hands to slide into the
mitts 32.
[0040] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of
the cushion device herein which is reconfigurable to a blanket or
coat with hood and mitts herein have been shown and described, with
reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some
instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a
corresponding use of other features without departing from the
scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood
that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and
variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *