U.S. patent application number 12/964263 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for ponchillow: poncho style blanket with attached pillow and hood.
Invention is credited to Matthew Nejad.
Application Number | 20120144550 12/964263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46197840 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120144550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nejad; Matthew |
June 14, 2012 |
PONCHILLOW: PONCHO STYLE BLANKET WITH ATTACHED PILLOW AND HOOD
Abstract
One garment which represents an innovative poncho style blanket
presenting users with an unparalleled experience of comfort, warmth
and support. The Ponchillow allows its consumers to sleep and sit
virtually anywhere with the support of its unique neck pillow and
removable seat cushion, carry personal items easily and tie it
altogether with the warmth of its fleece poncho style blanket
construction. The expressed qualities of the Ponchillow allow for
it to be used but not limited to; driving or riding in a car,
flying in plane, everyday shopping, watching a movie or your child
play their favorite outdoor sports. Blankets today don't offer the
all-in-one convenience that the Ponchillow offers. Consumers are
forced to carry multiple items such as; blankets, neck support,
head coverings, storage device and pillows for support and cushion.
The Ponchillow is uniquely designed to combine all these features
into one compact, comfortable and portable product.
Inventors: |
Nejad; Matthew; (San
Clemente, CA) |
Family ID: |
46197840 |
Appl. No.: |
12/964263 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/84 ; 2/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20130101; A41D
15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/84 ; 2/88 |
International
Class: |
A41D 3/08 20060101
A41D003/08; A41D 27/00 20060101 A41D027/00; A41D 3/00 20060101
A41D003/00 |
Claims
1. A poncho style blanket comprising: a broad flat sheet of
substantially rectangular, flexible and soft material, said sheet
having a back, a front, side edges, bottom edges, and a circular
cut in the center of the said sheet creating a neckline for a head
opening.
2. The blanket of claim 1 further including second sheet, composed
of flexible and soft material, being of a triangular shape with
three sides, in which two of the sides are attached along side the
back neckline of a circular cut in said blanket, said attachment
made between said blanket and said second sheet whereby forms a
hood covering a wearer's head.
3. The blanket of claim 1, further including a second attachment
pillow, composed of soft and flexible material, being of an
elliptical shape with a longer rectangular edge along approximately
one fourth of the circumference of the elliptical pillow, said
elliptical pillow sandwiched between back neckline of a circular
cut in said blanket of claim 1 and said hood of claim 2, using
elliptical pillow's rectangular edge.
4. The blanket of claim 1, further including a third sheet,
composed of soft and flexible material, being of a rectangular
shape with four sides, in which the two longer sides are attached
horizontally to the front interior of the blanket of claim 1, said
attachment made between said blanket and said third rectangular
sheet whereby forms a pocket that protects wearer's hands.
5. The blanket of claim 1 further including a fourth smaller
rectangular sheet, affixed to said pocket created in claim 4, with
four edges, in which two of the short edges and the bottom longer
edge are attached to the exterior of said rectangular pocket of
claim 4, said attachment made between rectangular pocket of claim 4
and said second smaller rectangular sheet whereby forms an
additional pocket, further said created pocket is divided into
three segments with three openings for storage of mundane
items.
6. The blanket of claim 1, further including a fourth sheet,
composed of soft and flexible material, being of a rectangular
shape with four sides, in which the two shorter sides and the
longer side located near the edge of said blanket of claim 1 are
attached to the back interior of blanket of claim 1, said
attachment made between said blanket and said third rectangular
sheet whereby forms a pocket that holds a seat cushion.
7. A rectangular shaped pillow seat cushion, composed of soft and
flexible material, made to fit in said rectangular back pocket of
claim 6.
8. The pillow seat cushion of claim 7, further described in that
said pillow is composed of two rectangular sheets, with four edges,
stuffed with fiber for the pillow shape, and attached together at
all four sides.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] The present invention relates to a garment, my Ponchillow,
for use as a blanket, a cushion, a neck support, hand warmers, and
an all-in-one poncho with a hood.
BACKGROUND
Prior Art
[0005] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that
presently appears relevant:
TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Patent Number Issue Date Patentee
5,920,931 1999 Jul. 13 Zuehlke et al. Des. 430721 2000 Sep. 12
Beauchan 5,987,667 1999 Nov. 23 Haverly et al. 5,657,489 1997 Aug.
19 Ponstein 5,946,723 1999 Sep. 07 DiPrato et al. 6,643,870 2003
Nov. 11 Bertrand
[0006] Retail stores and specialty stores commonly supply consumers
with blankets, hooded and non-hooded sweatshirts, jackets, pillows,
robes and similar products to provide consumers with warmth,
support, and comfort. Although each of these products are capable
of standing alone, they are inferior to the embodiment of my
Ponchillow's design which incorporates key needs of consumers in
one convenient product.
[0007] Numerous blankets and ponchos have been provided in the
above list as examples of inventions created in an attempt to
provide consumers with warmth, comfort and convenience. Such
patents include the following U.S. Pat. Nos.; 5,920,931 to Zuehlke
et al., 430,721 to Beauchan, 5,987,667 to Haverly et al., 5,657,489
to Ponstein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,723 to DiPrato et al., and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,643,870 to Bertrand.
[0008] The design by Zuehlke, the "Pillow Blanket," is a fleece
blanket with a corner pocket that allows the user to fold the
blanket into it, thus creating a pillow or seat cushion. Although
this invention may keep consumers warm and potentially keep them
comfortable, it limits them to one or the other and cannot
simultaneously satisfy both needs.
[0009] The "Convertible Blanket and Pillow," by Haverly et al. is
yet another blanket which compacts into a pillow. Haverly's
invention faces the same disadvantage of Zueklke's invention in
that it cannot be both a blanket and a pillow simultaneously.
[0010] As listed above, Beauchan patented the "Poncho," which
consists of little description under its patent due to its
simplistic structure and use as a standard poncho with hood.
Although similar to the embodiment of my Ponchillow, Beauchan's
invention lacks the ability to perform multiple functions. Its
potential is limited to providing consumers with warmth and
protection against harsh weather. Further, Beauchan's invention
does not provide support in the form of a pillow or a seat cushion,
nor does it provide convenient storage for loose items.
[0011] Ponstein's patent, "Blanket with Head and Hand Openings," is
simply a blanket that resembles a poncho and allows for two people
to utilize it for warmth and comfort. It is limited in the fact
that its main purpose is to support multiple people, movement is
restricted by the co-wearers desires, it does not have pockets for
storage, and it does not provide the users with any form of pillow
support. If two users are sharing the "Blanket with Head and Hand
Openings," and one decides to get a drink of water, he or she will
be faced with being uncovered by the blanket while they get the
glass of water.
[0012] The "Stadium Sack," was patented by DiPrato et al. and is a
multipurpose garment which allows its users to transform it into a
blanket or cushion; however, it does not allow for the user to take
advantage of each function simultaneously. The "Stadium Sack" fails
to allow users to store mundane objects, such as keys and wallets,
while wearing the garment. Further, the "Stadium Sack" does not
allow the user to enjoy the support of a seat cushion while using
the "Stadium Sack" as a blanket/poncho with hood. For a user to
have the comfort of a seat cushion, they have to fold the blanket
into a pillow style cushion and risk being cold.
[0013] The last patent cited in the prior art was issued to
Bertrand and is referred to as a "Blanket." Bertrand patented a
blanket consisting of a neck tie (to hold it in place), an interior
pouch to keep a user's hands warm, and is long enough to have a
pouch to keep a user's feet warm. Though the "Blanket," may have
these features, it leaves the wearer's back open, can only be used
in a stationary position as it confines ones feet, restricts hand
movement as it has no hand openings, has no cushion for rear
support, and lacks a warm and comfortable feature for the wearer's
neck.
[0014] Although these listed designs may serve their purpose, they
are inferior to the convenient and resourceful design of the
embodiment of my Ponchillow, which is designed for maximum comfort,
support, convenience, and simultaneous use of features.
SUMMARY
[0015] The instant invention relates mainly to ponchos, blankets
and pillows, but more specifically to the Ponchillow. The
embodiment of my blanket consists of a rectangular blanket with a
center cut which creates a poncho style fit. The embodiment of my
blanket thus consists of an oval shaped pillow, with allotted
slack, attached to the rear neck portion of the blanket which adds
support for the neck and shoulder regions (depending on the
positioning of the pillow).
[0016] In addition, the design will include a back interior pocket
which fits a removable seat cushion that will offer added support
and comfort for the buttocks region. Amongst the previously listed
features of the garment, the front interior portion of the blanket
will include an interior front pocket for extra warmth and support
of the hands. Featured on the exterior of the interior front pocket
will be three subdivided pockets for easy access and storage of
every day items. Not to be excluded, there will be an attached hood
for added warmth to the average, mundane blankets available on the
market today. Amongst the previously listed prior art, the most
powerful asset the embodiment of the Ponchillow presents is the
simultaneous ability to provide warmth for the entire body
(including hands and head), support for the neck with a neck
pillow, support for the buttocks region with a removable seat
cushion, and storage of mundane items with the interior front
pouches.
Advantages
[0017] The embodiment of my garment represents the first blanket
that provides its users with front and back coverage, while also
providing such amenities as the following: an attached pillow for
shoulder and neck support, full range of motion for arms and hands,
hood for extra warmth and protection, interior pockets for hand
warmth, convenient storage for every day items like keys, cell
phones and wallets. In addition, the embodiment of my garment
includes a removable seat cushion for extra support. The unique
design of the embodiment of my garment was created for the purpose
of eliminating the ever growing need for a product that will allow
an individual to stay warm, comfortable, maintain full body
mobility, have access to convenient storage and sleep almost
anywhere without carrying the numerous bulky items that it
traditionally takes to accomplish those desires.
[0018] The distinctive design of my Ponchillow makes it a superior
blanket compared to similar products being sold in today's market
because of its innovative all-in-one design. The focal point of
this progressive design is the fluffy, soft and supportive pillow
attached to the back neckline of the embodiment of my garment. Its
original design allows for its users to adjust the placement of the
pillow to a position which provides them with the best possible
support. The pillow is conveniently positioned on the garment to
allow it to comfortably hang for users to complete their everyday
errands. When individuals decide to sit or lay down, the embodiment
of my garment's pillow springs into action to immediately support
one's neck and shoulders, creating that unique feeling of being in
bed. In addition to the neck and shoulder pillow, the embodiment of
my garment outdoes itself by providing users with an extra
removable seat cushion in the buttocks region of the blanket. This
removable seat cushion is unique in the fact that it can be removed
or left in place based on each user's individual needs. The
removable seat cushion may be removed during normal activities such
as walking, cleaning the house and shopping. However, when one
needs that extra cushion for the rear, the embodiment of my garment
simply allows users to reinsert the seat cushion into its back
interior pocket for instant support and comfort. This feature is
great for watching one's children play sports on the hard/cold
bleachers, for picnics at the park and overall relief from daily
pressures placed on the buttocks and lower back. All this can be
accomplished while staying warm and by simply wearing one garment,
the present invention.
[0019] As well as the support provided by the previously listed
pillows, the embodiment of my garment includes other convenient
support features. One feature is the interior front pocket. This
feature allows its users to place their hands into it for extra
warmth and support without having to expose their hands or arms.
Attached to the interior front pocket are three subdivided pouches
which provide storage for everyday essentials such as: keys, cell
phones, wallets, money, credit cards, forms of identification,
cosmetics and snacks amongst many other items. The previously
mentioned features make this product especially good for those who
travel on a regular basis. It allows them to carry important
documentation easily and securely without added baggage or conflict
with airport officials. Also, it works equally well once they have
boarded the airplane. The embodiment of my garment provides them
with instant support and warmth without the added costs and health
concerns associated with commercial flights.
[0020] The overall design of the poncho style blanket accompanied
by the finishing touches of a warm hood, tie together all the great
features mentioned above. The hood protects the user during
undesirable conditions; these conditions may be encountered in
areas such as the following: airplanes, road trips with others,
shopping centers, frozen food sections at local grocery stores,
cold movie theaters, late night dog walks, and professional and
amateur sporting events amongst many other undesirable conditions.
The hood keeps the head, neck and ears warm while allowing one to
remove it if conditions are to change. The hood will not obstruct
one's mobility or any of the other unique features of the
embodiment of my garment. The typically rectangular cut of the
garment allows for a perfect balance of warmth, comfort, coverage
and mobility. One's hands have the freedom to stay supported along
the interior of the blanket or be quickly uncovered without any
effort. Once one's hands are removed, the body remains warm and
protected while the hands are free to manage the required tasks at
hand.
[0021] The special construction of the garment, as described above,
shows how the need to stay warm, comfortable, maintain a full body
mobility, have access to convenient storage and sleep almost
anywhere can be met with the production of this one novel product.
The distinctive design of the embodiment of my garment is generally
constructed of fleece, thread and premium polyester fiberfill.
However, the embodiment of my garment is not restricted to only
this material which adds to its more ideal use and future
potential.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0022] For a complete understanding of this invention, reference
should be had to the following detailed description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1: Ponchillow Exterior Front View
[0024] Illustrates the locations and shapes of the exterior
features such as; a hood at 1, a pillow at 2 and a blanket at
3.
[0025] FIG. 2: Ponchillow Exterior Back View
[0026] Illustrates the back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow
including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, and
highlights an addition of a pillow slack at 4 which attaches a
pillow 2 to the back neckline of the embodiment of my blanket
3.
[0027] FIG. 3: Ponchillow Font View Showing Interior Pocket
[0028] Illustrates a front exterior of the embodiment of my
Ponchillow with a hood at 1, a blanket at 3 and an x-ray view of a
front interior pocket at 5 which can be used for storage and
keeping hands warm.
[0029] FIG. 4: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Back
Pocket
[0030] Illustrates the back exterior of the embodiment of my
Ponchillow with a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a
pillow slack at 4 and an x-ray style view of an interior back
pocket at 6 for a seat cushion 7A.
[0031] FIG. 5: Ponchillow Side Profile--Upper Portion
[0032] Illustrates a side profile view of the embodiment of my
Ponchillow including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3,
and a pillow slack at 4.
[0033] FIG. 6: Ponchillow Front View Showing Interior Pockets in
Use
[0034] Illustrates a front view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow
with a hood at 1, a blanket at 3 and an x-ray view of front
interior pockets at 5 being used for storage of everyday items and
hand warmth.
[0035] FIG. 7: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Rear Pocket
without Seat Cushion
[0036] Illustrates a back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow
including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a pillow
slack at 4, with an x-ray view showing a back interior pocket at 6
without a seat cushion 7A inserted.
[0037] FIG. 8: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Rear Pocket
with Seat Cushion
[0038] Illustrates a back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow
including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a pillow
slack at 4, with an X-ray style view showing a back interior pocket
at 6 and an inserted seat cushion at 7A.
[0039] FIG. 9: Ponchillow Seat Cushion Front View and Side View
[0040] Illustrates a front view and shape of a seat cushion at 7A
and a side view of a seat cushion at 7B.
[0041] FIG. 10: Multiple Illustrations Showing Various Uses of
Ponchillow
[0042] Illustrates a user resting their head comfortably on a
pillow 2 in an airplane at 10A; a user comfortably staying warm
while head is being supported as he/she is playing video games at
10B; a user comfortably enjoying an outdoor football game while
their rear is cushioned using seat cushion 7A from the harsh
material of the stadium seating at 10C; a user turning a normally
uncomfortable car ride into an enjoyable, supported ride at 10D; a
user showcasing the convenience of wearing a Ponchillow while
passing through airport security at 10E; a user enjoying the warmth
of the embodiment of my Ponchillow and resting their head on a
pillow 2 while watching a movie in a normally cold theater at 10F;
and a user warmly, and comfortably shopping unrestrictedly at
10G.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5
First Embodiment
[0043] FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 show the embodiment of my garment
3 worn as a poncho blanket. In one embodiment, poncho blanket is
made of a material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as
fleece. However, the poncho blanket can be constructed of any other
material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as cotton, wool,
cashmere, angora wool, etc. The embodiment of my garment 3 is
typically a rectangular shape, has dimensions that are roughly 3
feet in length and 5 feet in width when laid flat and open, and has
a circular cut typically in the center serving as an opening for
the wearer's head. As will be fully described below with respect to
FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, a hood 1 is affixed at the head opening of the
garment which covers and protects the head of the wearer from the
elements. The remainder of the garment is then placed to sit
comfortably over the shoulders and arms of the wearer, thus acting
as a full-body cover-up. In this embodiment, a hood 1 is made of a
material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as fleece.
However, a hood 1 can be constructed of any other material that is
soft, warm and comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, angora
wool, etc.
[0044] With respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 a pillow 2 is attached
to the back of the present invention 3, sandwiching its slack 4
between hood 1 and body of the present invention 3. A pillow 2 can
generally be used to support a wearer's neck while sitting on the
couch, driving, or sleeping almost anywhere. In one embodiment,
pillow 2 and its slack 4 are made of a material that is soft, warm,
and comfortable such as fleece. However, a pillow 2 and its slack 4
can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and
comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, angora wool, etc.
Another embodiment of a pillow 2 is that it is filled with a fiber
that maintains its form and supports the wearer's neck such as
polyester. However, the stuffing of a pillow 2 can consist of any
other material that can maintain its form and support the wearer's
neck such as cotton, down, flattened buckwheat hulls, etc.
FIGS. 3-4 and 6-8
Additional Embodiments
[0045] FIGS. 3 through 8 show an interior front pocket with three
pouches 5. As depicted in FIG. 6, an interior front pocket 5 is
used by a wearer to keep his or her hands warm and exterior pouches
of an interior front pocket 5 can be used for storage of mundane
objects. Typically an interior front pocket with three pouches 5 is
rectangular in shape, has one opening on each short end of interior
front pocket 5, has three pouches on the exterior of interior front
pocket 5, and is affixed to the interior of garment 3 by the longer
sides of the pocket which are horizontal. In one embodiment,
interior front pocket 5 is made of soft, warm, and comfortable
material such as fleece. However, an interior front pocket 5 can be
constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and
comfortable such as wool, cotton, cashmere, etc.
[0046] FIGS. 3 through 8 also show an interior back pocket 6.
Interior back pocket 6 is affixed to garment 3 typically by sewing
the two shorter, vertical edges of pocket 6 to garment 3 and sewing
the long horizontal lower edge of pocket 6 to garment 3. As
depicted in FIG. 8, an interior back pocket 6 holds a seat cushion
7A. Typically an interior back pocket is rectangular in shape, and
has overall dimensions of roughly 16.5 inches in length and 11
inches in width. In one embodiment, interior back pocket 6 is made
of soft, warm, and comfortable material such as fleece; however,
interior back pocket 6 can be constructed of any other material
that is soft, warm and comfortable such as wool, cotton, cashmere,
etc.
FIGS. 8 and 9
Additional Embodiments
[0047] FIG. 8 shows an interior back pocket 6 with a seat cushion
7A and FIG. 9 shows a seat cushion 7A and seat cushion's side view
7B. A seat cushion 7A is inserted in an interior back pocket 6 for
added support for a wearer's rear and back. Typically a seat
cushion 7A and 7B has dimensions that are roughly 12 inches by 14
inches and is constructed of soft and comfortable material such as
fleece and is stuffed with material to maintain its shape and give
support such as polyester fibers. However, a seat cushion 7A and 7B
can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm, and
comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, etc. Likewise, a seat
cushion 7A and 7B can be stuffed with any other material that can
maintain its shape and give support such as cotton, wool, foam
padding and polyester fiber, synthetic fibers, etc.
FIG. 10
Additional Embodiments
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a user in multiple activities 10A
through 10G. As depicted in FIG. 10, a user is shown resting their
head comfortably on pillow 2 in an airplane 10A all while wearing
garment 3. The same user is comfortably staying warm with a garment
3 while their head is being supported by pillow 2 as he/she is
playing video games 10B. In FIG. 10, 10C a user comfortably enjoys
an outdoor football game while their rear is cushioned using a seat
cushion 7A of garment 3 from the harsh material of the stadium
seating 10C.
[0049] The same user goes further and turns a normally
uncomfortable car ride into an enjoyable, supported ride with
garment 3 and the use of pillow 2 at 10D. The user showcases the
convenience of wearing a Ponchillow garment 3 while passing through
airport security at 10E. In FIG. 10, 10E the user stores their
belongings (such as passports, identification cards, etc) in
interior front pocket 5. Another use for garment 3 is depicted by
the user enjoying the warmth of the embodiment of my Ponchillow
garment 3 and resting their head on pillow 2 while watching a movie
in a normally cold theater at 10F. The last use depicted by the
user is the unrestricted use of garment 3 for warmth and comfort
during a shopping trip at 10G. Although uses 10A through 10G are
depicted, garment 3 can be used for other events, activities and
tasks such as camping, sleeping in bed, walking one's pets,
cleaning the house, running errands, etc.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, SCOPE
[0050] Accordingly, the reader will see that the embodiment of my
Ponchillow's features can be used to keep one warm, comfortable,
and supported without the use of multiple products. In addition,
when the present invention is used it does the previously mentioned
simultaneously and conveniently.
[0051] Furthermore, the embodiment of my Ponchillow has the
additional advantages in that: [0052] it permits the storage of
mundane items without requiring the user to carry additional
products like a belt-bag; [0053] it permits the protection of the
user's head from harsh weather without the user carrying additional
products like an umbrella; [0054] it permits the user to sleep
anywhere without packing additional items on a trip like a pillow;
[0055] it permits the user to sit comfortably on generally harsh
surfaces without carrying additional seat cushions to events;
[0056] it permits the use of all features at once or individually
without limiting the accessibility of any other feature.
[0057] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of
several embodiments. For example, the fabric used can be of many
colors, consistencies, raw materials, shapes, lengths, etc.; the
attached neck pillow can be of a larger and smaller size or of
different shapes, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.;
pouches on the exterior of an interior front pocket are not limited
to 3 pouches, but can be one large pouch or two pouches, etc.
[0058] Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by
the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *