U.S. patent application number 12/691162 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for hand muff with blanket.
Invention is credited to Scott R. Mackiewicz.
Application Number | 20100192271 12/691162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42396466 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100192271 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mackiewicz; Scott R. |
August 5, 2010 |
HAND MUFF WITH BLANKET
Abstract
A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus includes a hand
muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user,
a blanket for covering the lap of the user, and a first selectively
releasable fastener for attaching the blanket to the body.
Inventors: |
Mackiewicz; Scott R.;
(Millbury, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRASER CLEMENS MARTIN & MILLER LLC
28366 KENSINGTON LANE
PERRYSBURG
OH
43551
US
|
Family ID: |
42396466 |
Appl. No.: |
12/691162 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61149429 |
Feb 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/66 ; 2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/66 ; 2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/00 20060101
A41D001/00 |
Claims
1. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a hand
muff having a body with openings for receiving hands of a user; a
blanket for covering a lap of the user; and a first selectively
releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a strap
attached to said body for attaching said muff around a waist of the
user.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strap is
adjustable in length.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strap has two
portions, each portion having one end attached to said body and an
opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable
fastener.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said second
selectively releasable fastener is a buckle.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first
selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first
selectively releasable fastener is a zipper.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body has a
generally tubular shape.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second
selectively releasable fastener attached to at least one of said
body and said blanket to secure said blanket in a folded storage
position.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second
selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second
selectively releasable fastener is a buckle.
12. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a
hand muff having a body with openings for receiving hands of a
user; a blanket for covering a lap of the user; a first selectively
releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; and a
first strap attached to said body for securing said blanket in a
folded position.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a
second strap attached to said body for attaching said muff around a
waist of the user.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second strap
is adjustable in length.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second strap
has two portions, each portion having one end attached to said body
and an opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable
fastener.
16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first strap
is adjustable in length.
17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first
selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first
selectively releasable fastener is a zipper.
19. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said body has a
generally tubular shape.
20. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a
hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a
user; a blanket for covering the lap of the user while the blanket
is in an unfolded use position; a first selectively releasable
fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; a strap attached
to said body for attaching said muff around the waist of the user,
wherein said strap has two portions, each portion having one end
attached to said body and an opposite end attached to a second
selectively releasable fastener; and a third selectively releasable
fastener attached to at least one of said body and said blanket and
adapted to secure said blanket in a folded storage position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/149,429 filed Feb. 3, 2009, hereby
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a hand muff with a releasably
attached blanket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various devices are used by spectators at outdoor sporting
events to protect themselves from cold weather. For example, a
stadium blanket can be placed in a spread condition for use as a
wrap-around covering or a lap blanket. When used as a wrap-around
protective covering, the blanket is draped about the shoulders of
the user, and when used as a lap blanket, the blanket is draped
across the lap of the user. This class of blankets is particularly
well-suited for use by a spectator in an outdoor sports venue, such
as an open-air stadium, in which the spectator is normally exposed
to the outdoor weather.
[0004] However, a problem with stadium blankets is that the hands
and arms of the user must be exposed when performing such tasks as
applauding, eating and drinking. The user must either adjust the
blanket in order to uncover the hands and the arms, or take off a
pair of gloves to uncover the hands. Loose gloves are easily lost.
One solution to this problem is to use a hand muff having a strap
to secure the muff to the user's body. Such muffs typically are
tubular in shape and have an opening at each end for receiving the
user's hands.
[0005] It would be desirable to develop a combination hand muff and
blanket, wherein a user can attach the blanket to the muff for use
and detach the blanket from the muff for washing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a
combination hand muff and blanket, wherein a user can attach the
blanket to the muff for use and detach the blanket from the muff
for washing, has surprisingly been discovered.
[0007] In one embodiment, a combination hand muff and blanket
apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with openings for
receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of
the user; and a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching
said blanket to said body.
[0008] In another embodiment, a combination hand muff and blanket
apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with openings for
receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of
the user; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching
said blanket to said body; and a first strap attached to said body
for securing said blanket in a folded position.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, a combination hand muff and
blanket apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with
openings for receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering
the lap of the user while the blanket is in an unfolded use
position; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching
said blanket to said body; a strap attached to said body for
attaching said muff around the waist of the user, wherein said
strap has two portions, each portion having one end attached to
said body and an opposite end attached to a second selectively
releasable fastener; and a third selectively releasable fastener
attached to at least one of said body and said blanket and adapted
to secure said blanket in a folded storage position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above as well as other advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment
when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination hand muff and
blanket apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention with the blanket in a folded storage position;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 1 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and
disengaged from a hand muff;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and disposed on a
lap of a user;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combination hand muff and
blanket apparatus according to another embodiment of the present
invention with the blanket in a folded storage position; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 4 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and
disengaged from a hand muff.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] The following detailed description and appended drawings
describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled
in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to
limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the
methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and
thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.
[0017] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a combination hand muff and blanket
apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The apparatus 10
includes a hand muff 12 releasably attached to a blanket 14 by a
first selectively releasable fastener 15.
[0018] The hand muff 12 has a tubular body 16 with an opening 17 at
each end for receiving a hand of a user. Attached adjacent each end
of the body 16 is one end of an associated one of a pair of strap
portions 18, 20 which cooperate to form a strap 22 that is long
enough to extend about the waist of the user. Opposite ends of the
strap portions 18, 20 are attached to respective portions 24, 26 of
a second selectively releasable fastener 28. In certain
embodiments, the strap 22 is adjustable in length. For example, the
fastener portion 24 can be moved along the strap portion 18 in a
known manner. It is understood that the fastener portions 24, 26
can be any conventional type such as a buckle fastener or a hook
and loop fastener. Thus, the muff 12 can be releasably attached
around the waist of the user.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the blanket 14 is in a folded storage
position. The blanket 14 can be folded for carrying and retained in
the folded position by a pair of third selectively releasable
fasteners 30, 32. It is understood that the third fasteners 30, 32
can be any conventional fasteners such as snap fasteners, buckle
fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners, for example. It is further
understood that each of the third fasteners 30, 32 can be similar
to the second fastener 28.
[0020] In the embodiment shown, a plurality of retaining straps 34,
36 are disposed around a periphery of the muff 12 and extend around
the folded blanket 14 to secure the blanket 14 in the folded
position. Opposite ends of each of the straps 34, 36 are attached
to respective portions of the third fasteners 30, 32. In certain
embodiments, each of the retaining straps 34, 36 is adjustable in
length. For example, a portion of each of the third fasteners 30,
32 can be moved along the respective strap 34, 36 in a known
manner.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 10 with the blanket 14 in
an unfolded use position. The first selectively releasable fastener
15 is provided having a first portion 38 attached to the body 16. A
second portion 40 of the first fastener 15 is attached adjacent an
edge of a blanket 14. As shown, the portions 38, 40 of the first
fastener 15 are conventional snap fasteners known in the art.
However, it is understood that the portions 38, 40 of the first
fastener 15 can be any conventional type such as a zipper fastener
or a hook and loop fastener.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 10 in use. As shown, the
blanket 14 is in the unfolded position and held on the lap of the
user by the muff 12. Where a user is not engaging the muff 12, the
strap 22 continues to hold the blanket 14 in position on the lap of
the user. When it is desired to place the blanket in the stored
position, the user folds or rolls the blanket 14 into a stored
position and secures the folded blanket 14 using the second
fasteners 30, 32. In certain embodiments, the retaining straps 34,
36 are wrapped around a portion of the folded blanket 14 and
secured by the third fasteners 30, 32. When it is desired to clean
the blanket 14, the portions 38, 40 of the first fastener 15 are
easily disengaged to separate the blanket 14 from the muff 12. It
is understood that the muff 12 and the blanket 14 can be used
separately.
[0023] FIGS. 4-5 illustrate a combination hand muff and blanket
apparatus 10' according to another embodiment of the present
invention similar to the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-3 except as
described below. Structure repeated from the description of FIGS.
1-3 includes the same reference numeral. Variations of structure
shown in FIGS. 1-3 include the same reference numeral and a prime
(') symbol. The apparatus 10' includes a hand muff 12 releasably
attached to a blanket 14 by a first selectively releasable fastener
15'.
[0024] The hand muff 12 has a tubular body 16 with an opening 17 at
each end for receiving a hand of a user. Attached adjacent each end
of the body 16 is one end of an associated one of a pair of strap
portions 18, 20 which cooperate to form a strap 22 that is long
enough to extend about the waist of the user. Opposite ends of the
strap portions 18, 20 are attached to respective portions 24, 26 of
a second selectively releasable fastener 28. In certain
embodiments, the strap 22 is adjustable in length. For example, the
fastener portion 24 can be moved along the strap portion 18 in a
known manner. It is understood that the fastener portions 24, 26
can be any conventional type such as a buckle fastener or a hook
and loop fastener. Thus, the muff 12 can be releasably attached
around the waist of the user.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the blanket 14 can be folded for
carrying and retained in the folded position by a pair of third
selectively releasable fasteners 30', 32'. As shown, the third
fasteners 30', 32' are attached to the blanket 14 in a
pre-determined configuration so that each portion of the third
fasteners 30', 32' aligns with a respective locking portion when
the blanket 14 is in the folded position. As a non-limiting
example, each of the third fasteners 30', 32' is a conventional
snap fastener known in the art. It is understood that the third
fasteners 30', 32' can be any conventional fasteners such as buckle
fasteners and hook and loop fasteners, for example. It is further
understood that the third fasteners 30', 32' can be attached to any
portion of the blanket 14 and/or the muff 12 in order to secure the
blanket 14 in the folded position.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 10 with the blanket 14 in
an unfolded use position. The first fastener 15' is provided having
a first portion 38' attached to the body 16. A second portion 40'
of the first fastener 15' is attached adjacent an edge of a blanket
14. As shown, the portions 38', 40' of the first fastener 15' are
conventional zipper fasteners known in the art. It is understood
that the portions 38', 40' of the first fastener 15' can be any
conventional type such as a snap fastener or a hook and loop
fastener.
[0027] In use, the blanket 14 in the unfolded position can be held
on the lap of the user by the muff 12. Where a user is not engaging
the muff 12, the strap 22 continues to hold the blanket 14 in
position on the lap of the user. When it is desired to place the
blanket in the stored position, the user folds or rolls the blanket
14 into a stored position and secures the folded blanket 14 using
the third fasteners 30', 32'. When it is desired to clean the
blanket 14, the portions 38', 40' of the first fastener 15' are
easily disengaged to separate the blanket 14 from the muff 12. It
is understood that the muff 12 and the blanket 14 can be used
separately.
[0028] The apparatus 10, 10' of the present invention provides the
hand warming muff 12 attached to the waist of the user. The blanket
14 can be attached to the muff 12 for use in an unfolded use
position or for easy transport and storage in a folded position,
thereby freeing the hands of the user for other tasks. The blanket
14 can also be unattached for washing and separate use. As a
non-limiting example, a material used to form the muff 12 and
blanket 14 can be any color or pattern such as camouflage for
hunters. The muff 12 and blanket 14 could also include the colors
and logo of a particular college displayed thereon.
[0029] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes,
the present invention has been described in what is considered to
represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted
that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically
illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or
scope.
* * * * *