U.S. patent application number 12/291930 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-20 for convertible multifunction covering.
Invention is credited to Lisa S. Reid, Wanda Wall.
Application Number | 20100122395 12/291930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42170846 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100122395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wall; Wanda ; et
al. |
May 20, 2010 |
Convertible multifunction covering
Abstract
A covering, such as a blanket or a poncho, that is successively
convertible into and from a stadium seat cushion and a tote bag,
employs a conversion means comprised of at least one fastening flap
and at least one hanging pocket. The fastening flaps wrap around
the folded covering and hold the folded covering in the desired
configuration, while the hanging pocket holds small items or
beverages while the user is using the folded covering as a seat
cushion. The method of folding the covering to convert it from a
blanket or poncho into a seat cushion and a tote bag is also
described.
Inventors: |
Wall; Wanda; (Rutledge,
GA) ; Reid; Lisa S.; (Madison, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hill, Kertscher & Wharton, LLP
3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 800
Atlanta
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
42170846 |
Appl. No.: |
12/291930 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/88;
224/577; 383/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/04 20130101;
A45F 4/12 20130101; A45F 2004/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/88;
383/4; 224/577 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; B65D 30/00 20060101 B65D030/00; A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: A foldable covering, A conversion means
attached to said covering; and At least one carrying means
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conversion means
comprises at least one fastening flap and at least one hanging
pocket allowing said foldable covering to be converted into a seat
cushion and a tote.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the long axes of said at least
one fastening flap and said at least one hanging pocket are
substantially perpendicular to each other.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said at least one fastening
flap is elongated.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said covering is a poncho.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said covering has a hood.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said covering is a blanket.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said covering is
rectangular.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said foldable covering has
guide seams emplaced thereto and fastening means attached
thereto.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one carrying
means is attached in such a way as to allow said covering to be
carried like a backpack when folded.
11. A multifunction convertible covering, comprising: A rectangular
foldable covering having two parallel long sides and two parallel
short sides, and a centerline parallel to said parallel long side,
A conversion means attached to said covering comprising: One or
more substantially rectangular fastening flaps having a long axis
and short axis, said one or more fastening flaps having one end
attached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are parallel to a
short side of said covering and that are attached in proximity to
said short side; A hanging pocket having a long axis and a short
axis, said pocket having one end attached to said covering so that
said hanging pocket's long axis is equidistant from said parallel
long sides and perpendicular to said one or more fastening flaps'
long axes; and At least one carrying means. Wherein said conversion
means allows said covering to be folded into a seat cushion having
at least one hanging pocket, and a tote bag.
12. A multifunction convertible covering of claim 11 wherein said
at least one carrying means is attached in such a way as to allow
said covering to be carried like a backpack when folded.
13. A multifunction convertible covering, comprising: A rectangular
foldable covering having two parallel long sides and two parallel
short sides, and a centerline parallel to said parallel long side,
and A conversion means attached to said covering comprising: Two
fastening flaps having long axes and short axes, said flaps having
one end attached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are
parallel to a short side of said covering and that are attached in
proximity to said short side A hanging pocket having a long axis
and a short axis, said pocket having one end attached to said
covering so that said hanging pocket's long axis is equidistant
from said parallel long sides and perpendicular to said fastening
flaps' long axes.
14. A method for converting a foldable covering having conversion
means attached thereto into a seat cushion with at least one
hanging pocket or a tote bag comprising the steps of: folding said
covering in such a way that the at least one fastening flap of said
conversion means hold said covering in the desired folded
configuration.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said folding is facilitated by
means of guide seams and fastening means.
16. A method of assisting a user in folding a foldable covering
having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion and
into a tote bag comprising the steps of Emplacing guide seams in
said foldable covering, and Attaching guide fastening means to said
foldable covering.
17. A method of assisting a user in converting a foldable covering
having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with a
hanging pocket and a tote bag comprising the step of instructing
the user to fold the covering in such a way that one or more
fastening flaps hold said foldable covering in a folded
configuration.
18. A method of assisting a user in converting a foldable covering
having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with a
hanging pocket and a tote bag comprising the step of instructing
the user to: Lay the completely unfolded covering on a flat,
horizontal surface so that the covering, with conversion means
facing downwards; Fold the top half of the covering over the lower
half of the covering along a guide seam emplaced in said covering;
Fold the right one-third of the covering so folded over the left
one-third of the covering using guide seams emplaced in said
covering; Fold the top half of the covering so folded over the
bottom half of the covering; and, Engage the fastening flaps of
said conversion means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention is a covering, such as a poncho or blanket
(including a ground covering such as a picnic blanket) that can be
reconfigured to serve as a seat cushion or a tote bag.
[0004] There are blankets convertible to tote bags in the prior
art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,515 to Bird; U.S. Pat. No.
3,976,113 to Kim; and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. US2008/0083066 to Linn,
et. al. These inventions solve the convertibility problem by means
of pockets in the blanket itself (see Bird); an elaborate system of
zippers (see Kim); and pouches and elaborate methods of folding
(see Linn). In these inventions, the conversion process is
relatively complex, making use of these inventions somewhat
difficult.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention simplifies the conversion process. It
is a covering that can, depending on whether a hole is cut in the
center and a hood attached, be used as both a poncho, blanket, or
ground cover and can be converted into not only a tote bag, but a
stadium seat cushion as well. Unlike the prior art, the present
invention solves the convertibility problem by using a conversion
means comprised of one or more fastening flaps and one or more
hanging pockets attached to one side of the covering in a "T"
configuration, where the long axes of the one or more fastening
flaps and the long axis of one or more hanging pockets are
perpendicular. By folding the covering as described herein, the
folded covering itself, using the conversion means and unlike the
prior art, creates the storage cavity of the tote, instead of
relying on pockets or pouches, as in Linn. The one or more hanging
pockets function both as a pocket for the seat cushion and as a
flap covering the opening to the tote bag. One or more carrying
means are attached at key locations on the covering, such as
handles made of fabric, wood, leather, or other commonly-used
materials, or straps for a backpack, which allow the covering to be
conveniently carried by the user when configured as a tote.
[0006] Using this conversion means, the covering when folded as
described forms first a seat cushion with one or more hanging
pockets conveniently located to hold small items such as
sunglasses, suntan lotion, binoculars, or even beverages for the
person sitting on the seat cushion and then a tote bag for holding
items such as books. The fastening flap(s) of the conversion means
wrap around the exterior of the folded covering to prevent the
covering from unfolding during its use as a tote bag or as a seat
cushion. The free end of the hanging pocket may have a fastening
means attached to it, allowing the free end to be removably secured
either outside or inside the folded covering when the folded
covering is used as a tote bag. Although the preferred embodiment
of the invention contemplates a multiple-layer covering comprised
of a top and bottom layer of fabric with a filler material between
the top and bottom layers, the covering can also consist of a
single layer of fabric, which can be waterproof or water-resistant
on one or both sides.
[0007] As mentioned above, the covering may have a hole
substantially in the center of the covering with a hood sewn to the
edges of the hole, so that the covering when completely unfolded
can be used as a poncho. In the preferred embodiment, one side of
the covering and one side of the poncho hood is made of a
water-resistant material, facilitating the use of the covering as a
poncho, and also so that the covering can be used as a picnic
blanket when laid on the ground with the water-resistant side down
(i.e. in substantial contact with the ground) and the fabric side
up.
[0008] This convertible multifunction covering is ideal for going
to the beach, where items like sunglasses, beverages, and suntan
lotion can be carried in the covering folded as a tote bag, which
can then be unfolded at the beach into a beach blanket or a seat
cushion, or used as a poncho during a sudden rain shower. It is
also ideal for use at a NASCAR race, a football game, or other
stadium events where items can be carried in the covering folded as
a tote, then it can be unfolded and used as a seat cushion, used as
a poncho in case of rain, or as a blanket to be used in cold
weather. The embodiments of the covering having backpack straps as
carrying means are particularly suitable for young school children,
who can use the covering to carry books and other supplies to
school, then use it as a seat cushion and as a sleeping mat or a
blanket while at school.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows the lower side of the preferred embodiment of
the invention configured as a hooded poncho, with a cutaway showing
the filler material.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows the upper side of the covering, including the
configuration of the conversion means and its placement on the
upper side of the covering.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows an alternate configuration of the conversion
means using only one fastening flap.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows the multifunction covering with straps
configured to allow the tote to be carried as a backpack.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the method of folding to accomplish the
conversion of the covering into a tote.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the covering configured as a seat cushion.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows the covering configured as a tote.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows the covering with the conversion means
integrating fastening flaps and the hanging pocket into either one
or two assemblies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Turning to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the invention
consists of a rectangular hooded foldable covering 1, such as a
hooded poncho, comprising an upper side 2, and lower side 3.
Covering 1 has a hole 5 in the upper and lower sides of the
covering, located substantially in the center with a diameter
sufficient to allow a human head to pass through (typically
9''-16''). A hood 6 is sewn to the edge of hole 5. Drawstring 7 is
contained in a channel 8 in hood 6 that allows the wearer of the
poncho to pucker the opening of the hood, thereby sealing the edges
against the wearer's face. Although the preferred embodiment is
rectangular, coverings that are in other, non-rectangular shapes
may also be used.
[0018] The covering in the preferred embodiment has a long axis and
a short axis, two substantially parallel long edges and two
substantially parallel short edges. The long axis of the covering
in the preferred embodiment is longer than the short axis by a
ratio of 2:1. The covering may also be a simple blanket without a
hole and hood, but which employs the conversion means as described
below.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows that the covering itself can be comprised of a
single layer of fabric or multiple layers of either the same or
different types of fabric, each layer stitched together using
commonly-known techniques. For example, in the preferred
embodiment, the fabric is stitched together at the edges, but it
could also be quilted. If multiple layers of fabric are used,
different types of fabric can be used in each layer. For example,
in the preferred embodiment of the invention, upper side 2 is
comprised of a soft material, such as plain, napped, or coated
fabrics (i.e. cotton or fleece), and lower side 3 is comprised of a
water-resistant fabric including, but not limited to,
Gore-Tex.RTM., rubberized or coated canvas, or nylon. A filler
material 4 may also be sandwiched between multiple layers of fabric
to serve as insulation and cushion.
[0020] The element common to all embodiments is a conversion means
which holds the covering in a folded configuration when it is
folded up into a seat cushion or a tote bag. The conversion means
has two components, one or more fastening flaps 9 and one or more
hanging pockets 10. Although fastening flaps 9 and hanging pocket
10 are shown as separate components in FIG. 2, it is desirable from
a manufacturing point of view to minimize the amount of stitching
and materials required. Thus, in certain embodiments of the
invention, fastening flaps 9 and hanging pocket 10 can be
incorporated into one (see FIG. 8A), two (see FIG. 8B), or three
separate components (as in the preferred embodiment).
[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the conversion means has two
fastening flaps 9. The function of these fastening flaps is to hold
the covering in a folded configuration when being used as either a
tote or a seat cushion. The fastening flaps have a long axis and a
short axis; in the preferred embodiment, they are rectangular with
two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides. The fastening
flaps may be made out of any suitable material including but not
limited to cloth or leather, but are typically made of material
similar to that of the covering itself. The flaps have one of their
short sides attached to the upper side 2 of covering 1, and the
distal side of these flaps each have complementary parts of
fastening means 14 attached thereto. This fastening means is most
commonly Velcro.RTM., a snap fastener, buttons, or even magnets
sewn into pockets in the fabric. The fastening means at the distal
end of each flap mates with its complementary part to hold said
ends of the flaps securely joined when the flaps are wrapped around
the folded covering.
[0022] In an embodiment where there is only one fastening flap that
wraps around the folded covering, the fastening means mates with
its complement that is attached to the upper side 2 of covering 1
as shown in FIG. 3. Although the flaps in the preferred embodiment
are substantially rectangular, they are not required to be so, as
some embodiments of the invention feature fastening flaps that are
highly elongated ellipses. Other embodiments of the invention have
square fastening flaps. In these embodiments, the square fastening
flaps have no long or short axis; however, one side is fastened to
the upper side 2 of covering 1 as described above, with the
opposite edge having fastening means 14 attached thereto. The
square fastening flaps are aligned so that the edges adjacent to
the side fastened to the upper side 2 are perpendicular to the long
axis of hanging pocket 10.
[0023] At least one hanging pocket 10 is the second component of
the fastening means. Each pocket has a long axis and a short axis
and is typically composed of multiple layers of fabric sewn
together with seam stitches. One or more of the layers of fabric
composing the hanging pocket may be waterproof or
water-resistant.
[0024] Turning to the preferred embodiment, hanging pocket 10 is
rectangular and has two parallel long sides and two parallel short
sides corresponding to its long axis and its short axis,
respectively. Hanging pocket 10 is attached to upper side 2 of
covering 1 at one end defined by its long axis so that the cavity
therein 16 is disposed on its distal end, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3,
4, and 8. The opening of cavity 16 has a fastening means 14
attached thereto, so that the complementary parts of the fastening
means allow the user to unseal and reseal the cavity of the hanging
pocket easily.
[0025] The conversion means is composed of the aforementioned
fastening flaps 9 and one or more hanging pockets 10 disposed so
that the long axes of the fastening flaps and the long axis of the
one or more hanging pockets are substantially perpendicular. In
other words, fastening flaps 9 and one or more hanging pockets 10
are disposed in a "T" configuration, with hanging pockets 10
defining the stem of the "T" and fastening flaps 9 as the cross of
the "T" as shown in FIG. 2.
[0026] Turning to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
fastening flaps 9 are placed so that their long axis is parallel to
the short axis of covering 1. As mentioned above, covering 1 in the
preferred embodiment is substantially rectangular, with two long
sides with parallel edges, and two short sides with parallel edges.
The centerline long axes of each of fastening flaps 9 are
approximately 1/4 to 3/8 of the length of the long axis of covering
1 from one of its short sides. The attached edges of fastening
flaps 9 are fastened to upper side 2 at a distance from the long
sides of covering 1 equal to approximately 1/3 the length of the
short axis of covering 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pocket 13 is
placed between fastening flaps 9 and is formed by rectangular cloth
with upper and lower faces and attached on three sides to upper
side 2, the fourth side having a fastening means 14 attached on the
lower face abutting upper side 2, with its complementary fastening
means attached directly to upper side 2, allowing the opening to
the cavity thereby defined to be sealed and unsealed. Hanging
pocket 10 is attached with its long axis along the centerline of
the long axis of covering 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The distal
end of hanging pocket 10 extends along the centerline of covering 1
toward the center of the covering, with the pocket 16 facing down;
that is, abutting upper side 2, when the pocket and the covering
are lying flat. Thus, the fastening flaps 9 and the hanging pocket
10 that comprise the conversion means define a "T" shape, with
hanging pocket 10 as the stem and fastening flaps 9 as the
cross.
[0027] Note that in this specification, the term "centerline long
axis" refers to an axis that is equidistant from the long sides of
a rectangular component such as covering 1, fastening flap 9, or
hanging pocket 10.
[0028] The conversion means is positioned on the upper edge 2 of
covering 1, so that when covering 1 is folded, fastening flaps 9
extend around to the opposite side of the folded covering. As
described above, the complementary parts of fastening means 14 that
are attached to the distal ends of the fastening flaps engage,
thereby holding the covering in a folded configuration.
[0029] The conversion means can also consist of a single fastening
flap (as shown in FIG. 3), with a long axis and a short axis and
corresponding long and short sides with one short side attached to
the upper side 2 of covering 1. The long axis of the single
fastening flap is disposed perpendicular to the long axis of
hanging pocket 10, and there is a fastening means attached to the
distal end which engages a complementary fastening means 14
attached to the upper side 2 when the single fastening flap extends
around the folded covering, thereby holding the covering in a
folded configuration. In general, whether a single flap or multiple
flaps are used the fastening flaps or ribbons 9 hold covering 1 in
a folded configuration and the long axes of the one or more
fastening flaps and the hanging pocket are perpendicular.
[0030] Although the preferred embodiment of the invention uses
fastening means 14 described above, fastening means 14 is not
strictly required. If fastening flaps 9 are highly elongated, where
the ratio of the length of the long axis to the length of the short
axis is greater than 10 to 1, it may not be feasible or desirable
to use a fastening means at the distal end. Instead, the distal
ends of the fastening flaps may simply be tied together. Or, if
only one fastening flap is used that wraps around the periphery of
the folded covering, it can be tied around an anchor loop placed in
the appropriate location on the upper side 2 to hold the end of
fastening flap 9 in place when the covering is folded.
[0031] Although the exact placement of the conversion means is
described in detail for the preferred embodiment above, the
conversion means can be attached to the upper side 2 of the
covering 1 in a number of locations, except for the exact center
when hole 5 is present. Although it would be necessary to fold the
covering differently in order to form the seat cushion and tote,
the function of the conversion means does not change, namely, it
still serves to hold the folded covering together in the desired
configuration using at least one fastening flap.
[0032] Carrying means such as handles 11 and 12 in the preferred
embodiment are typically straps made of nylon, canvas, or any other
suitable sturdy material and allow the fully-folded covering to be
easily carried as a tote. However, the carrying means can encompass
a system of attachments (such as rings) attached to the covering,
to which a rigid or non-rigid handle or strap is clipped, as is
common in some handbags, duffels, and the like.
[0033] Turning to the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2,
handle 11 is attached to the upper side 2 of covering 1, on the
same half of the upper side as the conversion means. The two ends
of handle 11 are attached to upper side 2 within 5'' of one short
side of covering 1, and are positioned so that each end is
symmetrically disposed across the centerline long axis of covering
1. Handle 12 is a strap of similar length to handle 11 whose ends
are attached within 5'' of the opening of pocket 13 and which are
disposed symmetrically along either side of the centerline long
axis of covering 1.
[0034] It is also possible, in an alternate embodiment of the
invention, to use a single strap 11 instead of dual straps and
fasten both the loop and the free ends of the straps in such a way
that the strap fits over both shoulders, allowing the tote to be
carried like a backpack as shown in FIG. 4.
[0035] To convert the covering from a poncho into a seat cushion
and then a tote, it is necessary to fold the covering in a specific
manner so that the conversion means' fastening flaps 9 wrap around
the folded covering to prevent the covering from unfolding. To
facilitate ease of folding, guide seams 20, 21, 22 and guide
fastening means 18 shown in FIG. 2 are used as guides for the user.
Guide seams 21, 22 are sewn into upper side 2 parallel to the long
axis of covering 1 and are spaced approximately 1/3 of the distance
of the short axis of covering 1 from the long edge of covering 1.
Guide seam 20 is sewn into upper side 2 at a distance approximately
1/2 of the length of the long axis from the short edges of covering
one. The guide seams 20, 21, 22 facilitate correct folding of
covering 1 because the seams are emplaced so that the user simply
folds the covering along the guide seams. Guide fastening means 18,
which are similar to fastening means 14, work with the guide seams
to facilitate correct folding of the covering by the user, so that
the complementary parts of the fastening means mate when the poncho
is correctly folded along guide seams 20, 21, and 22. Guide
fastening means 18 also serve to seal the tote's cavity, as
described below.
[0036] To covert the preferred embodiment of covering 1 to a seat
cushion and then a tote, the unfolded covering is placed flat on a
substantially level surface with upper side 2 down as shown in FIG.
5A. The half of covering 1 that does not have the conversion means
attached is folded over toward the user, so that upper side 2 is
now on the outside of the covering, and lower side 3 is in the
interior of the folded covering. The conversion means should now be
on the bottom of the covering so folded, as shown in FIG. 5B. The
resulting folded covering should now have a top, bottom, left, and
right sides, as viewed from the user's perspective and as shown in
FIG. 5B. The right 1/3 and the left 1/3 of covering 1 so folded
should be folded over each other so that both lie over the center
1/3 of covering 1. Fastening flaps 9 of the conversion means should
now be extended so they are perpendicular to the left and right
sides of the covering so folded; a "cross" configuration, as viewed
from the user's perspective, and as shown in FIG. 5C. Next, the
user should first fold the top 1/3 of the covering over the center
1/3 (see FIG. 5D), so that the hanging pocket has been uncovered by
the now-folded top 1/3 of the covering. Next, fold the bottom 1/3
of the covering over the top 1/3, so that both top and bottom
portions are folded over the center, as shown in FIG. 5E. The
fastening means at the distal ends of fastening flaps 9 should then
be engaged to hold these ends securely and maintain the covering in
a folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 5F. The folded covering
may now be used as a seat cushion, with hanging pocket 10 extended
so that it hangs between the legs of a person sitting on the folded
covering, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0037] The seat cushion becomes a tote bag when the cushion is
suspended by handles 11, 12, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Hanging
pocket 10 then serves as a cover to the tote's cavity opening when
folded under fastening flaps 9. It can also be detachably secured
by attaching complementary parts of fastening means 14 to both the
distal end of hanging pocket 10 and the portion of upper side 2
that abuts the distal end of hanging pocket 10. In the ultimate
configuration, pocket 13 is on the outside of the tote, on the
opposite side from the joined distal ends of fastening flaps 9. The
cavity formed by the covering so folded can be used to carry books
and other items. As configured, the tote's cavity 23 may have holes
in the bottom and at the sides where small items may fall out.
However, guide fastening means 18 (i.e. strips of Velcro.RTM.)
serve to seal any portion of the tote cavity that is not sealed by
fastening flaps 9.
[0038] It should be understood that the description above only
reflects one particular embodiment of the invention. Variations on
this invention involve the relative dimensions of covering 1,
whether or not hole 5 and hood 6 are integrated into the covering,
and the placement of the conversion means, as described above.
Different conversion means placement will necessitate different
handle placement and methods of folding, although the objective of
the handle placement and folding method is the same: to allow one
or more fastening flaps of the conversion means to wrap around the
folded covering in the tote/seat cushion configuration and prevent
it from unfolding. A person of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that there are various placements of the conversion means
which would require only slight changes in the folding method to
accomplish the identical function of conversion and it is the
intent of the inventor to capture each of those slight
modifications within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *