U.S. patent application number 13/906571 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for stadium blanket with accessories kit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gary Benz. Invention is credited to Gary Benz.
Application Number | 20130318711 13/906571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668465 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130318711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benz; Gary |
December 5, 2013 |
STADIUM BLANKET WITH ACCESSORIES KIT
Abstract
An improved stadium blanket is described with having storage
capacity for storing accessories, some of which may be provided
with the stadium blanket, brought to events.
Inventors: |
Benz; Gary; (Brentwood,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Benz; Gary |
Brentwood |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49668465 |
Appl. No.: |
13/906571 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61653666 |
May 31, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/485 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/06 20060101
A47G009/06 |
Claims
1. A stadium blanket comprising: at least one compartment having
storage capability for storing accessories or valuables brought to
an event; and at least one accessory selected from the group
consisting of hat, scarf, and gloves.
2. The stadium blanket of claim 1, further comprising: an internal
surface and an external surface, wherein said stadium blanket is
foldable for making a folded configuration, wherein said folded
configuration is for using said stadium blanket as a seat cushion
or for transport or storage of said stadium blanket; a flap member
with a flap member connector for securing said stadium blanket in
said folded configuration; and a receiving connector on a surface
of said stadium blanket for connecting with said flap member
connector for securing said stadium blanket in said folded
configuration.
3. The stadium blanket of claim 2, further comprising: at least one
external handle for carrying said stadium blanket in said folded
configuration.
4. The stadium blanket of claim 3, further comprising: a shoulder
strap for carrying said stadium blanket in said folded
configuration.
5. The stadium blanket of claim 3, wherein said at least one
compartment further has a window for conveniently holding
identification material.
6. The stadium blanket of claim 5, wherein said at least one
accessory selected from the group consisting of hat, scarf, and
gloves is/are designed to aesthetically match said stadium
blanket.
7. The stadium blanket of claim 5, further comprising: a logo or
other identifying mark on at least one of the group consisting of
said stadium blanket, said flap member, and said at least one
accessory.
8. The stadium blanket of claim 5, wherein said at least one
compartment is internally disposed when said stadium blanket is in
said folded configuration.
9. The stadium blanket of claim 8, further comprising: at least a
second compartment having storage capability for storing
accessories or valuables brought to an event, wherein said at least
a second compartment is externally directed so as to be readily
accessible when said stadium blanket is in said folded
configuration.
10. The stadium blanket of claim 9, wherein said internal surface
is made from a fabric or textile.
11. The stadium blanket of claim 10, wherein said fabric or textile
is a natural or synthetic fleece, wool, or wool-blend material.
12. The stadium blanket of claim 10, wherein said external surface
is a waterproof or weatherproof material.
13. The stadium blanket of claim 9, wherein said stadium blanket
has segments defined by a plurality of seams for conveniently
folding said stadium blanket into said folded configuration.
14. The stadium blanket of claim 9, wherein said stadium blanket is
substantially rectangular in shape.
15. A kit comprising: a stadium blanket that is foldable for making
a folded configuration for using said stadium blanket as a seat
cushion or for transport or storage of said stadium blanket; said
stadium blanket having an internal surface, an external surface, a
plurality of edges, a flap member on one said plurality of edges
with a flap member connector for securing said stadium blanket in
said folded configuration, a receiving connector on a surface of
said stadium blanket for connecting with said flap member connector
for securing said stadium blanket in said folded configuration, and
at least one compartment having storage capability for storing
accessories or valuables brought to an event; and at least one
accessory selected from the group consisting of hat, scarf, and
gloves.
16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising: at least one external
handle for carrying said stadium blanket in said folded
configuration.
17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising: a shoulder strap for
carrying said stadium blanket in said folded configuration.
18. The kit of claim 17, further comprising: a logo or other
identifying mark on at least one of the group consisting of said
stadium blanket, said flap member, and said at least one
accessory.
19. The kit of claim 18, further comprising: at least a second
compartment having storage capability for storing accessories or
valuables brought to an event, wherein said at least a second
compartment is externally directed so as to be readily accessible
when said stadium blanket is in said folded configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/653,666 by Benz, filed May 31, 2012, which is
incorporated herein by reference in entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a stadium blanket, such as
could be provided with an accessories kit which may preferably be
utilized by those attending various functions where attendees could
possibly be expecting to be sitting on bleachers, stadium seats or
the like, and particularly those exposed to the elements such as
cold weather environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Although some companies sell coordinating hats, scarves
and/or mittens for outdoor wear, these are believed to be sold in
traditional retail packaging where the packaging is discarded after
opening.
[0004] There is not believed to be a convenient way to maintain
these articles together, after initial use other than placing in
another carrier especially if one were to attend an outdoor
activity and want a convenient way of carrying those articles.
Furthermore, absolutely no combination of a stadium blanket is
known to exist with accessories worn by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, it is a present object of many embodiments of
the present invention to provide an improved stadium blanket having
a storage capability for storing accessories brought to events.
[0006] It is another object of many embodiments of the present
invention to provide a stadium blanket which conveniently fits
within most stadium seat configurations in a folded configuration
which can be potentially sat upon as a cushion when not in use.
[0007] It is another object of many embodiments of the present
invention to provide a stadium blanket which provides a way of
carrying identification material in addition to accessories and/or
valuables. In some embodiments, a pouch or compartment of the
stadium blanket is detachable to create a purse for conveniently
carrying identification material in addition to accessories and/or
valuables when away from the stadium blanket.
[0008] It is another object of many embodiments of the present
invention to provide an improved stadium blanket kit which provides
a stadium blanket having at least one pouch provided with and
configured to retain the hat of a user, the gloves of a user,
and/or a scarf of a user. Potentially, in some embodiments, all
three set of articles are provided so that a user can take one
simple package to a stadium or other location and enjoy the
sporting event or other activity and the gloves, hat, scarf and/or
the stadium blanket can be employed as desired in an effort to
regulate the temperature of the user. After use, the articles can
be conveniently repackaged.
[0009] Accordingly, in accordance with many presently preferred
embodiments of the present invention, an improved kit is provided
having an improved stadium blanket in accordance with the presently
preferred embodiment of the present invention, possibly in
combination together with at least some of a hat, gloves and/or a
scarf.
[0010] In order to accomplish the presently preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the stadium blanket provided for at least
some embodiments provides what is believed a unique folding
configuration whereby the blanket can fold to a compact state and
provide a pouch for receiving such things as identification
material and possibly holding small articles such as keys and/or
wallets which can be folded to be disposed internally for
protection when in the storage configuration and also preferably
cover over an externally directed pocket in the storage condition
which receives the gloves, hat and/or scarf to provide the kit
form.
[0011] The blanket can have seams as shown to facilitate the
intended folding locations to facilitate a user being able to
repackage the device once opened in a quick and convenient manner.
One or more handles or straps can also be provided to provide a
shoulder strap and/or a handle for carrying in the compact storage
configuration. The accessories may be removed as desired and worn
by the user and/or the blanket may be deployed as desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The particular features and advantages of the invention as
well as other objects will become apparent from the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the blanket in an unfolded
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view thereof;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a back elevational view thereof;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view thereof;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top elevational view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view thereof in a folded storage
configuration; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a exploded perspective view showing the
installation of components in kit form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Starting with FIG. 8, an exploded view of a kit form of the
presently preferred embodiment shows a kit 10. Kit 10 preferably
includes a stadium blanket 12 and possibly at least one, if not a
plurality of, hat 14, scarf 16, and gloves 18.
[0022] Scarf 16, gloves 18, and hat 14 can be of various
constructions as are known in the art.
[0023] The hat 14 is preferably a skull style hat and can be made
of fleece or other fabric such as wool, etc., of a desired weight.
The scarf 16 could be made of similar or dissimilar material as the
hat, as could the gloves 18. Furthermore, with branding
opportunities, logos such as first and second logos 20,22 similar
or dissimilar, could be provided by a coordinated configuration
particularly in combination with the other logos which could be
provided with the blanket 12 such as logo 37 shown in FIG. 7.
[0024] In addition to providing first closure 26 which may assist
in enclosing the pocket 24 with another (not shown) on the other
surface 30 of blanket 12, an external receiving connector 32 is
useful particularly in combination with flap connector 34 to secure
the flap 36 to the receiving external connector 32 to further
secure the articles such as hat 14, scarf 16, gloves 18 in the
pocket 24 in a convenient carrying configuration.
[0025] A carrying strap 38 may be stored internal to the flap 36 in
a storage configuration. An external handle 40 as is shown in FIG.
7 and others may also be utilized. Further configurations may have
other handles or shoulder strap configurations, if they are
utilized.
[0026] With the articles stored in the kit 10, the articles may be
transported such as is shown in FIG. 7. No other manufacturer is
believed to provide a blanket 12 which not only receives and
stores, but is also provided with a hat 14, scarf 16, and/or gloves
18.
[0027] This configuration is particularly attractive for outdoor
stadium events such as football games and the like. The stadium
blanket is configured to have a width W and/or a length L to
conveniently fit within the confines of major league stadium
seating as well as NFL stadium seating in virtually all, if not
all, newer professional team stadiums across America. The blanket
12 when in a storage configuration as shown can be loaded with the
accessories in the form of the hat 14, scarf 16, and/or gloves 18,
while allowing the user to relatively easily sit on the blanket 12
in the storage configuration as illustrated in FIG. 7. When
expanded, the width-2 W.sub.2 and length-2 L.sub.2 having preferred
dimensions of at least 42''.times.60'' and more preferably
dimensions such as about 62''.times.44''. Other embodiments may
provide other dimensions. The blanket 12 for many embodiments
preferably has sufficient dimensions to cover at least over a
portion of a person if not persons when in use.
[0028] Although there are other blankets available in the
marketplace that could be carried to a stadium, none are believed
to provide the unique folding characteristic of blanket 12
particularly in relationship to be able to store accessories for
maintaining a user warm at many outdoor events.
[0029] The extended blanket 12 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. In preferred
embodiments, the blanket has a width-2 W.sub.2 of roughly 44'' but
little less than on average 9'' per segment S with the frame
segment S.sub.2, preferably having a larger width than that of the
remaining segments. Segments S can be distinguished by seams such
as seam 42 which could be a single, double, or other appropriate
seam to facilitate in having the user refold the blanket 12 after
use. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first segment 44 can be first
folded onto the frame segment 46 and then the second segment 48
preferably folded over the seam 42 onto third segment 50. These two
can then be folded over seam 52 onto fourth segment 54 which can
then be folded over seam 56 onto frame segment 46 such as atop or
under segment 44. In this way, the flap 36 can remain external to
the folded segments during this process. As can be seen from the
figures, it is possible that the internal surface 58 of blanket 12
could be fleece, wool, wool-blend, or other appropriate fabric
while the external surface 60, such as shown in FIG. 3 could be a
waterproof surface or other appropriate surface.
[0030] Of course, it is also possible to fold the second 48, third
50, and fourth segments 54 onto the frame segment 46 and then to
fold the first segment 44 over top thereof for many
embodiments.
[0031] After making these folds, it is anticipated that the blanket
12 will be folded along the length-2 L.sub.2 such as by starting at
end 62 and then folding over and over. It is anticipated folding
three folds before reaching the pocket 24 and then another fold
after the pocket 24 such as would then leave second pocket 69
available for use for at least some embodiments as is shown in FIG.
8. Pocket 69 may or may not have the placket 28 as provided for
pocket 24 such as shown in FIG. 8. Other embodiments may have a
different number of folds or even fold differently than the
preferred embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a first compartment 64 or pouch internal to the
flap 36 which could hold an identification card (i.e., a drivers'
license, etc.) such as by providing a window 66. Furthermore, a
second compartment 68 could be provided which could also hold
money, credit cards, cell phones, or other small items and/or
valuables. In some embodiments, at least one compartment is
designed to be optionally detachable, such as by using a connector
pair located on the back of the compartment and the internal side
of the flap 36 (e.g., a Velcro.RTM. or other appropriate means), to
provide a purse for a convenient way to carry an identification
card and/or valuables when away from the stadium blanket. The
detachable purse preferably can be securely closed by zipper,
magnet, button, hook and loop, or other appropriate means. The
purse can optionally have a window 66 on the front of the purse.
Flap 36 is shown overlapping a portion of the blanket 12 as is
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in the folded/storage configuration to
assist in retaining material in the compartment or compartments
64,68.
[0033] When in the closed or open configurations of FIGS. 7 and 8,
respectively, the blanket 12 provides a relatively convenient
location for storing the accessories such as a scarf 16, hat 14,
and gloves 18 therein. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the handle
40 provides a convenient carrying means for carrying the blanket 12
or storing the blanket 12 in a storage location. Further, the
shoulder strap 38 may be deployed and utilized as will be
understood by those skilled in the art as provided.
[0034] Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to
be understood that the present disclosure relates to the preferred
embodiments of the invention which is for purposes of illustration
only and not to be construed as a limitation of the invention. All
such modifications which do not depart from the spirit of the
invention are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *