U.S. patent application number 13/874999 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for multi-purpose blanket and arm pad.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kelly Douglas. Invention is credited to Kelly Douglas.
Application Number | 20130305450 13/874999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580044 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305450 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Douglas; Kelly |
November 21, 2013 |
MULTI-PURPOSE BLANKET AND ARM PAD
Abstract
A multi-purpose device configurable between a blanket and a pad,
such as an arm pad includes a fabric sheet forming at least a
portion of the blanket. A first fastener is disposed on the first
surface of the sheet and a second fastener, distally located from
the first fastener, is disposed on the second surface of the sheet.
The sheet is configurable in a non-folded arrangement as a blanket
such that the first and second fasteners are not fastened, and the
blanket is configurable in a folded arrangement as a pad such that
the first and second fasteners are connected. The pad may be
configured to be wrapped around and fastened to an object, such as
a car seat handle.
Inventors: |
Douglas; Kelly; (Naperville,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Douglas; Kelly |
Naperville |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580044 |
Appl. No.: |
13/874999 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61640943 |
May 1, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/484 ;
5/486 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/003 20130101;
A47G 9/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/484 ;
5/486 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A multi-purpose blanket and pad device comprising: a fabric
sheet having a first surface and a second surface; a first fastener
disposed on the first surface of the fabric sheet; and a second
fastener disposed on the second surface of the fabric sheet and
distally located from the first fastener, wherein the fabric sheet
is configurable in a non-folded arrangement with the first and
second fasteners not fastened to form the blanket, and the fabric
sheet is configurable in a folded arrangement to form a pad, and
wherein the pad is configured to be wrapped about at least a
portion of an object and the first fastener is arranged to be
releasably fastened to the second fastener to retain the pad around
the object.
2. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
at least one line of weakness about which the fabric sheet is
folded.
3. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 2, wherein the at
least one line of weakness is formed at least partially by
stitches.
4. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a third fastener disposed on the first side of the fabric sheet
proximate to the first fastener, wherein the first and third
fastener are connectable in the non-folded arrangement to hide at
least a portion of at least one of the first or second
fasteners.
5. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1 wherein the first
and second fasteners are complementary hook and loop fasteners.
6. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
at least one of a padding or filler material disposed at least
partially between the first surface and the second surface.
7. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
at least one of a water-proof, water-resistant, or germ resistant
material disposed at least partially between or within the first
surface and the second surface.
8. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a flap extending from a portion of a perimeter of the fabric sheet,
wherein the first fastener is disposed on the flap.
9. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric
sheet is generally circular in shape.
10. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first surface and the second surface comprises an
interactive element.
11. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 10, wherein the
interactive element is a mirror.
12. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one item attachment point disposed on at least
one of the first or second surfaces.
13. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 12, wherein the item
attachment point is a loop of material.
14. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 12, wherein the item
attachment point is disposed along a perimeter of the fabric
sheet.
15. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 12, wherein the item
attachment point is disposed on the second surface such that the
item attachment point is exposed when the device is in the folded
arrangement and wrapped around the object.
16. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, further
comprising two parallel lines of weakness extending at least
partially across the length of the fabric sheet, wherein the
blanket is foldable about the lines of weakness.
17. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 16, wherein the two
parallel lines of weakness generally divide the fabric sheet into
thirds.
18. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 16, further
comprising a flap having a width extending from a portion of a
perimeter of the fabric sheet, wherein the first fastener is
disposed on the flap, and wherein the lines of weakness are
disposed approximately the width of the flap apart.
19. A multi-purpose device as recited in claim 1, wherein the
object is a handle of an infant care product.
20. A method of converting a blanket into an arm pad for a handle
comprising: providing a fabric sheet forming a blanket, the blanket
having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface
including a first fastener, and the second surface including a
corresponding second fastener; folding the blanket; wrapping the
folded blanket about the handle; coupling the first fastener to the
second fastener to releasable fasten the wrapped blanket around the
handle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/640,943,
filed May 1, 2012, incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present description relates generally to an infant care
product and more particularly to a multi-purpose blanket and arm
pad.
BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART
[0003] Providing physical and mental stimulation at an early age
has become an accepted norm for raising an infant. It is typically
accepted that babies need to sleep on their backs, but should spend
awake time on their tummies. Recent research has shown that babies
who do not spend enough time on their tummies, may fall behind on
their developmental milestones. It is also generally recommended
that infants be supervised by an adult during tummy time and tummy
time sessions should also always be held on the floor. While
providing a soft, safe location for an infant on the floor may be
relatively easy at home, when away from the house, adults may
prefer to resort to utilizing a blanket to protect the infant
against dirt, germs, etc. Thus, in light of the typically active
lifestyle of today's parents, it is oftentimes beneficial for a
parent to carry and provide a comfortable and portable blanket for
an infant to rest upon during tummy time sessions.
[0004] In addition, most states currently have laws requiring
infants to be restrained in special safety seats whenever they are
travelling in vehicles. Therefore every parent is required by law
in most places to place their infants in such seats. Ideally
parents desire one seat that they can place their infant in, can
carry them around, and if travelling by a vehicle, strap the infant
in the same seat. Most infant car seats, however, will accommodate
an infant up to at least 22 pounds, which may make carrying the
infant in the car seat difficult, awkward, and in some instance,
painful. While some infant car seats available in the market
include a carrying handle, the provided handle oftentimes comes
with minimal padding, usually inadequate to protect and/or pad the
adult's hand and/or crook of the elbow. Thus, there is an
identifiable need to provide a product that cushions and prevent
the car seat handle from digging into and injuring the carrier's
arm.
[0005] In light of these issues, it is evident that packing for an
excursion out of the house can be an ordeal for people with small
children. Bags can easily become filled with toys, blankets, pads,
and other child-care-related items, including diapers, sanitary
wipes, clothing, powders, pacifiers, etc. Thus, providing a blanket
that allows for a parent to provide an infant with a clean,
cushioned place for a tummy time session and also providing an
additional cushion for protecting the parent's arm when carrying
the car seat simply adds to the number of items that the parent
must remember to pack and/or carry while out of the house.
[0006] Accordingly, there is real need for a multipurpose device
that can be utilized both as a blanket and as an arm pad for a car
seat, thereby providing for a solution while eliminating at least
one extra item that an adult must carry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example multipurpose
blanket of the present disclosure shown in its expanded state.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the example blanket
of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the example blanket
showing a first side of the blanket being folded onto a center
portion.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the example blanket
showing a second side of the blanket being folded onto the center
portion.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the example blanket
showing a first portion of the center portion of the blanket being
folded into an arm pad.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the example blanket
showing a second portion of the center portion of the blanket being
folded into an arm pad.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the example arm pad formed
by folding the blanket as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the example arm pad shown
attached to an infant car seat handle.
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the example
fastener located on the top face of the example blanket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following description of example methods and apparatus
is not intended to limit the scope of the description to the
precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead the following
description is intended to be illustrative so that others may
follow its teachings.
[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example multipurpose
blanket 10 is shown in its expanded state with a generally circular
perimeter 14. In FIG. 1, a first face 12 of the example blanket 10
is shown. In FIG. 2, a second face 16 of the example blanket is
shown. In this example, the two faces 12, 16 are manufactured from
two separate fabrics, sewn together along the perimeter 14 to form
the blanket 10. It will be appreciated, however that the two faces
12, 16 may be made from any combination of fabrics and/or suitable
materials, including a single layer, multiple layers and/or various
combinations of layers and/or materials as desired.
[0018] In regard to the material utilized, each of the two faces
12, 16 may be made from any suitable foldable fabric and/or
material as desired, including, for example, a fleece-type
material. In at least one embodiment, the material is preferable
machine-washable, but the blanket 10 may be manufactured from any
washable and/or non-washable material as desired. Additionally, as
mentioned, the two example faces 12, 16 may be suitably attached
via any means including sewing, fastening, etc., and in at least
some embodiments, the two faces 12, 16 may be at least partially
separable, such as, through the use of a zipper, buttons, ties,
hook and loop, and/or other fastener. Additionally, in at least one
example, the blanket 10 may include padding and/or other filler
material (not shown). Still further, at least one face 12, 16 of
the blanket 10 may be integrally or separately provided with a
water-proof, water-resistant, and/or germ resistant material as
preferred.
[0019] In this example, the first face 12 of the example blanket 10
includes at least one interactive element 20, such as, for example,
a flexible mirror to provide stimulation to an infant placed on the
blanket 10. While a mirror is shown, the blanket 10 may include
other interactive elements including colors, patterns, tactile
elements, visual elements, tie, buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks,
etc. In this example, the first face 12 is intended to be used as
the primary space for an infant to be placed, but it will be
appreciated that either side of the blanket 10 may be used. Still
further, while the blanket 10 is currently illustrated as being
generally circular in shape, any suitable shape may be provided,
including simply geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles,
etc. and/or complex geometric shapes such as characters, animals,
objects, etc.
[0020] For attaching the blanket to a car seat handle, the first
surface 12 is provided with a flap 22 having a first fastener 24.
In this example, the first fastener 24 includes either a hook or
loop material as is well known in the art. Complimentarily, for
receiving the first fastener 24, attached to the second surface 16
is a corresponding second fastener 26, which in this example
includes the corresponding hook or loop material to couple to the
first fastener 24 when the blanket 10 is folded as described. To
better provide a soft material surface for an infant, the fastener
24 may be provided with a mating fastener 28 that allows the flap
22 to fold over such that the fastener 24 is no longer exposed,
thereby preventing accidental contact with either of the fasteners
24, 28 when in normal use. An example of the flap 22 in a folded
position may be seen in FIG. 9. Although a hook and loop fastener
structure/material is described and shown, it is to be understood
that the materials may be connected via any suitable fastening
means including buttons, buckles, ties, etc., as desired.
[0021] At least one of the first and second surfaces 12, 16 may be
provided with optional creases and/or fold-lines 30a, 30b for
assisting in folding the blanket 10 as desired. For example, as
illustrated in the present example, the fold lines 30a, 30b are
formed through use of stitching such as, for example, quilting
stitches. The example fold lines 30a, 30b generally divide the
blanket 10 into a first portion 31a, a second portion 31b, and a
center portion 31c. It will be appreciated, however, that the
fold-line, if present, may be provided via any suitable means
including different fabrics, patches, etc. and may divide the
blanket 10 into any number of portions suitable for folding.
[0022] FIGS. 3-7 show one method of folding the blanket 10 into a
compact form, which may be used as a pad 32 such as an arm pad for
use as with a handle 34 of an infant car seat 36 as illustrated in
FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the blanket 10 is folded along
the fold lines 30a, 30b so that, in this example, the blanket 10 is
folded approximately in thirds with the first and second portion
31a, 31b being folded onto the center portion 31c. Thus, as
illustrated, the partially folded blanket 10 is approximately the
width of the flap 22, but it will be understood that the width of
the folded blanket 10 (e.g. the center portion 31c) and/or the
width of the flap 22 may vary.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the blanket 10 may then be
further folded to bring the fastener 26 into mating contact with
the fastener 24. For instance, the example blanket 10 is again
folded in third, as shown in FIG. 5, and in third again as shown in
FIG. 6. It will be understood that the blanket 10 may be
alternatively folded in various ways including, for example, by
rolling, folding in fourths, etc.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 6, the folded blanket 10 generally
defines a centerline 40. In this example, the object (e.g., the
handle 34) about which the blanket 10 is to be attached to form the
pad 32 is brought into contact with the centerline 40 for the final
step. More particularly, the blanket 10 aligned such that the
handle 34 is placed on the centerline 40 and the blanket 10 is
folded about the centerline 40 to form the pad 32 illustrated in
FIG. 7. To secure the pad 32 to the handle 34, the flap 22 is
pulled over the surface 16 to couple the fastener 24 to the
fastener 26, thereby removably attaching the pad 32 over the handle
34. FIG. 8 illustrates one example of the blanket 10 folded about
the handle 34 of the car seat 36 to form an arm pad 32.
[0025] Sill further, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the surface
16 of the blanket 10 may include at least one item attachment
point, such as for example loops 46, ties, buttons, etc., for
attaching an object to the pad 32. Additionally, as best
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the perimeter 14 of the blanket 10
may include at least one item attachment point such as a loop 47
for attaching an object to the blanket 10 in the extended state.
For instance, the loops 46, 47 may be utilized to attach toys
and/or other visually and/or physically stimulating items above the
car seat 36 and/or on the blanket 10 when extended. Still further,
the surfaces 12, 16 of the blanket 10, and thus the outer surface
of the pad 32 may be provided with visually interesting patterns,
colors, etc. to simulate and engage an infant placed on the blanket
10 or in the car seat 36.
[0026] Although certain example methods and apparatus have been
described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,
apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the
scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine
of equivalents.
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