U.S. patent application number 14/297608 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for blanket with multiple functionality and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Simcha Brown. Invention is credited to Simcha Brown.
Application Number | 20150026884 14/297608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389198 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150026884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Simcha |
January 29, 2015 |
BLANKET WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONALITY AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A blanket with multiple functionality and a system for
organizing articles with the blanket is disclosed and described.
This multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to
provide comfort and protection from the elements to a user. In
various exemplary embodiments, this multiple functionality may
comprise the blanket functioning to permit removable attachment of
the blanket to various objects, such as to strollers and to
child-carriers by an edge-attachment-means. In various exemplary
embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket
functioning to permit holding of various articles in at least one
pocket. The at least one pocket may be in direct communication with
the blanket and may be integral with the blanket. In some
embodiments, the at least one pocket may further comprise a means
for removably tethering the various articles to the at least one
pocket, such that loss of the article may be mitigated.
Inventors: |
Brown; Simcha; (Cedarhurst,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Simcha |
Cedarhurst |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52389198 |
Appl. No.: |
14/297608 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61832044 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/413R ;
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 31/11 20130101;
A47G 9/083 20130101; B60N 2/5816 20130101; B62B 9/108 20130101;
B62B 9/26 20130101; A47D 15/00 20130101; G03B 21/145 20130101; E04H
15/02 20130101; E04H 15/34 20130101; A47G 9/0223 20130101; A47G
9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/413.R ;
5/485 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02; A47G 9/04 20060101 A47G009/04; A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00; A47G 9/08 20060101 A47G009/08 |
Claims
1. A blanket with multiple functionality, wherein the blanket
comprises: four-edges defining a periphery of the blanket, wherein
the four-edges comprise: a first-edge, a second-edge, a third-edge,
and a fourth-edge, wherein the first-edge is in communication with
the second-edge and the fourth-edge, wherein the second-edge is
also in communication with the third-edge, wherein the third-edge
is also in communication with the fourth-edge; two-surfaces,
wherein the two-surfaces comprise a first-surface and a
second-surface disposed oppositely of the first-surface; wherein
the four-edges bound both the two-surfaces; wherein each of the
two-surfaces comprises an exterior-surface; and at least one
pocket, wherein the at least one pocket comprises an opening to a
cavity, wherein the cavity is of a volume configured to contain
various articles; wherein the at least one pocket is located on
either of the exterior-surfaces or located proximally to one of the
exterior-surfaces, separated from the one exterior-surface by a
second-pocket which is located on the one exterior-surface.
2. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the four-edges
comprises four-corners, wherein the four-corners comprise: a
first-corner, a second-corner, a third-corner, and a fourth-corner,
wherein the first-corner links the first-edge to the second-edge,
wherein the second-corner links the second-edge to the third-edge,
wherein the third-corner links the third-edge to the fourth-edge,
and wherein the fourth-corner links the fourth-edge to the
first-edge.
3. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the first-edge is
substantially parallel to the third-edge, wherein the first-edge is
substantially separated from the third-edge by the second-edge and
the fourth-edge; wherein the second-edge is substantially parallel
to the fourth-edge, wherein the second-edge is substantially
separated from the fourth-edge by the first-edge and the
third-edge.
4. The blanket according to claim 2, wherein each of the four-edges
comprises an edge-attachment-means, wherein the
edge-attachment-means of any of the four-edges is configured to
removably attach to any edge-attachment-means of the
four-edges.
5. The blanket according to claim 4, wherein when the
edge-attachment-means of the first-edge is removably attached to
the edge-attachment-means of the third-edge, the
edge-attachment-means of the fourth-edge removably attaches to
itself to form a sleeping bag.
6. The blanket according to claim 4, wherein each edge-attachment
means is configured to removably attach to a frame-member of a
stroller or to removably attach to a child-carrier.
7. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
pocket comprises a closure-means, wherein the closure-means is
configured to removably seal the opening.
8. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises a
surface-geometry configured to frictionally grip a bottle, such
that the surface-geometry functions as a bottle-holder.
9. The blanket according to claim 8, wherein the surface-geometry
is formed substantially from an elastomeric-material.
10. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
pocket comprises an insulated-pocket, wherein the insulated-pocket
is formed by insulating-materials substantially bounding the
cavity, wherein the insulating-materials comprise insulation
properties.
11. The blanket according to claim 10, wherein the
insulating-materials are selected from one or more of the group
consisting of ethylene vinyl acetate foams, polyurethane foams,
polystyrene foams, and polypropylene foam.
12. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
pocket comprises at least one contents-tether, wherein the at least
one contents-tether is configured to removably attach the article
to the at least one contents-tether, wherein the at least one
contents-tether comprises: a tether, wherein the tether comprises a
first-terminal-end and a second-terminal-end disposed opposite of
the first-terminal-end, wherein the second-terminal-end is attached
to a cavity-surface, wherein the cavity-surface is an exterior
surface of the cavity; a contents-attachment-means, wherein the
contents-attachment-means removably attaches the article to the
first-terminal-end.
13. The blanket according to claim 12, wherein the
second-terminal-end is either permanently attached to the
cavity-surface or removably attached to the cavity-surface.
14. The blanket according to claim 12, wherein the
contents-attachment-means is a loop configured to removably attach
to a bottle or a clip for removably attaching to a pacifier.
15. The blanket according to claim 1, wherein the blanket comprises
a second-pocket, wherein the second-pocket comprises a
second-opening to a second-cavity, wherein the second-cavity is of
a second-volume configured to contain various articles, wherein the
second-pocket is located in communication with the at least one
pocket.
16. The blanket according to claim 15, wherein the second-pocket is
disposed between the at least one pocket and one of the
exterior-surfaces of the two-surfaces, such that the second-pocket
is an inner-pocket and the at least one pocket is an external
pocket.
17. The blanket according to claim 15, wherein the second-pocket
comprises at least one second-contents-tether, wherein the at least
one second-contents-tether is configured to removably attach the
article to the at least one second-contents-tether, wherein the at
least one second-contents-tether comprises: a second-tether,
wherein the second-tether comprises a third-terminal-end and a
fourth-terminal-end disposed opposite of the third-terminal-end,
wherein the fourth-terminal-end is attached to a
second-cavity-surface, wherein the second-cavity-surface is an
exterior surface of the second-cavity; a
second-contents-attachment-means, wherein the
second-contents-attachment-means removably attaches the article to
the third-terminal-end.
18. The blanket according to claim 17, wherein the
fourth-terminal-end is either permanently attached to the
second-cavity-surface or removably attached to the
second-cavity-surface.
19. The blanket according to claim 17, wherein the
second-contents-attachment-means is configured to removably attach
to one or more articles, wherein the articles are handheld
toys.
20. A system for organizing children's articles with a blanket,
wherein the system comprises: a bottle or a pacifier; at least one
handheld toy; a blanket, wherein the blanket comprises: four-edges
defining a periphery of the blanket, wherein the four-edges
comprise: a first-edge, a second-edge, a third-edge, and a
fourth-edge, wherein the first-edge is in communication with the
second-edge and the fourth-edge, wherein the second-edge is also in
communication with the third-edge, wherein the third-edge is
communication with the fourth-edge; wherein each of the four-edges
comprises an edge-attachment-means, wherein the
edge-attachment-means of any of the four-edges is configured to
removably attach to any edge-attachment-means of the four-edges or
to a frame-member of a stroller or to removably attach to a
child-carrier; two-surfaces, wherein the two-surfaces comprise a
first-surface and a second-surface disposed oppositely of the
first-surface; wherein the four-edges bound both the two-surfaces;
wherein each of the two-surfaces comprises an exterior-surface; at
least one pocket, wherein the at least one pocket comprises an
opening to a cavity, wherein the cavity is of a volume configured
to contain the bottle or the pacifier; wherein the at least one
pocket comprises at least one contents-tether, wherein the at least
one contents-tether is configured to removably attach the bottle or
the pacifier to the at least one contents-tether, wherein the at
least one contents-tether comprises: a tether, wherein the tether
comprises a first-terminal-end and a second-terminal-end disposed
opposite of the first-terminal-end, wherein the second-terminal-end
is attached to a cavity-surface, wherein the cavity-surface is an
exterior surface of the cavity; a contents-attachment-means,
wherein the contents-attachment-means removably attaches the bottle
or the pacifier to the first-terminal-end; and a second-pocket,
wherein the second-pocket comprises a second-opening to a
second-cavity, wherein the second-cavity is of a second-volume
configured to contain the at least one handheld toy, wherein the
second-pocket is disposed between the at least one pocket and one
of the exterior-surfaces of the two-surfaces, such that the
second-pocket is an inner-pocket and the at least one pocket is an
external pocket; wherein the second-pocket comprises at least one
second-contents-tether, wherein the at least one
second-contents-tether is configured to removably attach the at
least one handheld toy to the at least one second-contents-tether,
wherein the at least one second-contents-tether comprises: a
second-tether, wherein the second-tether comprises a
third-terminal-end and a fourth-terminal-end disposed opposite of
the third-terminal-end, wherein the fourth-terminal-end is attached
to a second-cavity-surface, wherein the second-cavity-surface is an
exterior surface of the second-cavity; and a
second-contents-attachment-means, wherein the
second-contents-attachment-means removably attaches the at least
one handheld toy to the third-terminal-end.
Description
PRIORITY NOTICE
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/832,044 filed on Jun. 6, 2013, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP
[0002] No part of this invention was a result of any federally
sponsored research.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to blankets with multiple
functionality and to systems for organizing articles with such
blankets, wherein such multiple functionality may comprise the
blanket functioning to provide: comfort and protection from the
elements to a user; removable attachment of the blanket to
strollers and to child-carriers; and holding articles in at least
one pocket; wherein the at least one pocket may comprise additional
features such as tethers and/or insulation.
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE
[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
[0005] Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or
registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated
with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of
example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the
scope of this invention to material associated only with such
marks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is well known that infants, and to a lesser degree
toddlers, and to a lesser degree still may require traveling with
various objects to facilitate ease of transportation. Such objects
may include the physical means for assisting in safe
transportation, such as strollers, car seats (including booster car
seats), and infant carriers (described as child-carriers herein).
Additionally because of their small size, they are prone to
becoming too cold in even mild weather. Thus, it is often desirable
to transport such individuals with various blankets to at a minimum
provide some degree of comfort and possibly warmth to these
individuals. In addition, these individuals also often travel with
various articles, with various children's articles. Such articles
may comprise handheld items, i.e. items that may be held in one
hand of an infant, toddler, child, or small adult. Such articles
may comprise: baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, handheld
snacks, handheld food, pacifiers, teething toys, handheld toys,
handheld books, and the like.
[0007] And as any parent, guardian, babysitter, and caregiver can
attest to, such individuals routinely drop and/or lose such
articles, where in the process of such loss, even if only a
temporary loss while driving, translates into frustration,
annoyance, and aggravation for the parent, guardian, babysitter,
and caregiver.
[0008] There is a need in the art for a blanket that may be
removably attached to such strollers and/or child-carriers such
that the blanket itself does not become easily lost or misplaced.
In addition, there is a need in the art for a blanket that may
provide a means for associating such articles with the blanket, so
as to mitigate against such loss.
[0009] It is to these ends that the present invention has been
developed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to
minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and
understanding the present specification, the present invention
describes a blanket with multiple functionality and a system for
organizing articles with the blanket. This multiple functionality
may comprise the blanket functioning to provide comfort and
protection from the elements to a user. In various exemplary
embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket
functioning to permit removable attachment of the blanket to
various objects, such as to strollers and to child-carriers by an
edge-attachment-means. In various exemplary embodiments, this
multiple functionality may comprise the blanket functioning to
permit holding of various articles in at least one pocket. The at
least one pocket may be in direct communication with the blanket
and may be integral with the blanket. In some embodiments, the at
least one pocket may further comprise a means for removably
tethering the various articles to the at least one pocket, such
that loss of the article may be mitigated.
[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
blanket that may be used by a user to provide comfort.
[0012] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may be used by a user to provide warm.
[0013] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may be used by a user to provide protection from the
elements, i.e. the blanket may be waterproof and/or windproof.
[0014] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may be removably attached to a stroller, such that a
user riding within the stroller may receive the benefit of the
blanket.
[0015] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may be removably attached to a child-carrier, such
at a user riding within the child-carrier may receive the benefits
of the blanket.
[0016] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket for holding
(storing, containing) various articles associated with infants,
toddlers, children, and/or small adults.
[0017] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be
integral with the blanket, wherein the at least one pocket may be
permanently attached to the blanket.
[0018] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be
removable from the blanket.
[0019] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be
configured as a bottle holder, utilizing elastomeric materials that
may frictionally grip the bottle being removably held within the at
least one pocket.
[0020] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may be
substantially surrounded (bounded) by insulating materials such
that the at least one pocket may be an insulated-pocket, wherein
the insulated-pocket may protecting articles being removably held
within the insulated-pocket from heating and/or cooling too
quickly.
[0021] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may further
comprise a tethering means (leashing means) for removably attaching
an article to the at least one pocket.
[0022] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may further
comprise a tethering means (leashing means), wherein the tethering
means may removably attach a bottle and/or a pacifier to the at
least one pocket.
[0023] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise at least one pocket that may comprise
an opening, wherein the opening may be removably closed
(sealed).
[0024] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, in addition to the at
least one pocket.
[0025] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the
second-pocket may be in communication with the at least one
pocket.
[0026] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the
second-pocket may be disposed between the at least one pocket and
an exterior-surface of the blanket.
[0027] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the
second-pocket may be configured to contain (hold, store) at least
one handheld toy.
[0028] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a blanket that may comprise a second-pocket, wherein the
second-pocket may comprise a second-tethering means, wherein the
second-tethering means may removably attach at least one handheld
toy to the second-pocket.
[0029] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the
present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the
art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and
how to make the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding
of these various elements and embodiments of the invention.
Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well
understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to
provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment a blanket, shown in a
flat configuration from a front view.
[0032] FIG. 2(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket in a
process of being rolled into a sleeping bag configuration, shown
from a longitudinal side view.
[0033] FIG. 2(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket,
shown in a sleeping bag configuration, shown from a longitudinal
side view, and showing an edge-attachment-means.
[0034] FIG. 2(c) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket,
shown in a sleeping bag configuration, from a longitudinal side
view, and one pockets.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket
removably attached to a stroller.
[0036] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a blanket
comprising an inner pocket, shown in a flat configuration and from
a perspective view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] A blanket with multiple functionality is disclosed and
described. A system for organizing children's articles with the
blanket is also disclosed and described. In various exemplary
embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket
functioning as a normal blanket, i.e. to provide comfort and
protection from the elements to a user. In various exemplary
embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket
functioning to permit removable attachment of the blanket to
various objects, such as to strollers (e.g. by removably attaching
to frame-members of the stroller) and to child-carriers. As used
herein, "child-carrier" refers to infant-carriers and car-seats,
including booster car-seats, wherein in car-seats may be used for
infants, toddlers, children, and small adults. In various exemplary
embodiments, this multiple functionality may comprise the blanket
functioning to permit holding (containment) of various articles in
at least one pocket. The at least one pocket may be in direct
communication with the blanket. In some embodiments, the at least
one pocket and the blanket may constructed as a singled finished
article of manufacture. Such articles may comprise handheld items,
i.e. items that may be held in one hand of an infant, toddler,
child, or small adult. Such articles may comprise: baby bottles,
sippy cups, water bottles, handheld snacks, handheld food,
pacifiers, teething toys, handheld toys, handheld books, and the
like. Such articles may be designated with 900 series reference
numerals in this disclosure. The number of articles held
(contained) is limited by a size of the at least one pocket and by
a size of the blanket. In some embodiments, the at least one pocket
may further comprise a means for removably tethering (leashing) the
various articles to the at least one pocket, such that loss of the
article may be mitigated.
[0038] In the following discussion that addresses a number of
embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where
depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment a blanket 100, shown
in a flat configuration from a front view. Blanket 100 may
comprise: a periphery, two-surfaces (e.g. 109 and 110), and at
least one pocket 200. The periphery may comprise four-edges. The
four-edges may comprise: a first-edge 101, a second-edge 102, a
third-edge 103, and a fourth-edge 104. First-edge 101 may be in
communication with second-edge 102 and fourth-edge 104. Second-edge
102 may also be in communication with third-edge 103. Third-edge
103 may also be in communication with the fourth-edge 104. In some
embodiments, this communication may be direct physical contact,
such that first-edge 101, second-edge 102, third-edge 103, and
fourth-edge 104 may all be constructed as a single finished article
of manufacture.
[0040] In some embodiments, the four-edges may also comprise
four-corners. The four-corners may comprise: a first-corner 105, a
second-corner 106, a third-corner 107, and a fourth-corner 108.
First-corner 105 may link first-edge 101 to second-edge 102.
Second-corner may link second-edge 102 to third-edge 103.
Third-corner may link third-edge 103 to fourth-edge 104.
Fourth-corner 108 may link fourth-edge 104 to first-edge 101.
[0041] In some embodiments, first-edge 101 may be substantially
parallel to third-edge 103. First-edge 101 may be substantially
separated from third-edge 103 by a length of second-edge 102 and a
length of fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may be substantially
parallel to fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may be substantially
separated from fourth-edge 104 by a length of first-edge 101 and a
length of third-edge 103. In some embodiments, first-edge 101 and
third-edge 103 may have substantially similar lengths. In some
embodiments, second-edge 102 and fourth-edge 104 may have
substantially similar lengths. The lengths of first-edge 101 and
third-edge 103 may be different than the lengths of second-edge 102
and fourth-edge 104. The geometric relationships between the
various four-edges discussed above in this paragraph may be with
respect to when blanket 100 may be laid out flat upon a flat
surface.
[0042] These four-edges may bound the two-surfaces. The
two-surfaces may comprise a first-surface 109 and a second-surface
110 disposed oppositely of first-surface 109. See the FIG. 2 series
of figures for second-surface 111. First-surface 109 may be
depicted in all the figures. Each of the two-surfaces may comprise
an exterior-surface 111, i.e. exterior in the sense that a user may
interact and physically touch either exterior-surface 111.
[0043] In some embodiments, the two-surfaces may be made of one
piece of fabric. In some embodiments, the two-surface may be made
from two pieces of fabric. When two pieces of fabric may be used to
form the two-surfaces, an interior-space disposed between the
two-surfaces may be formed. In some embodiments, this
interior-space may be filled with an interior-insulating-material.
For example, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, this interior-insulating material may comprise down
feathers.
[0044] In some embodiments, the four-edges may comprise an
edge-attachment-means 112. Edge-attachment-means 112 of any of the
four-edges may be configured to removably attach to any
edge-attachment-means 112 of the four-edges. In some embodiments,
edge-attachment-means 112 may be selected from one or more of the
group comprising Velcro.RTM., zippers, snap connectors, buttons,
and the like. Velcro.RTM. as used herein may be a removable
fastening system comprising a plurality of hooks on one surface and
a complimentary plurality of loops of on another surface.
[0045] For example, in embodiments wherein edge-attachment-means
112 comprises Velcro.RTM., edge-attachment-means 112 may be
structurally arranged as follows: along each of the four-edges,
there may be alternating regions of a plurality of hooks, which may
alternate with a complimentary plurality of loops. In some
embodiments, these alternating regions may comprise one by one inch
squares located along each of the four-edges. For example,
edge-attachment-means 112 as depicted in FIG. 1 may be this
embodiment. In other embodiments, these alternating regions may be
of different dimensions.
[0046] FIG. 2(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of blanket 100 in
a process of being rolled into a sleeping bag configuration, shown
from a longitudinal side view. FIG. 2(b) depicts an exemplary
embodiment of blanket 100, shown in a sleeping bag configuration,
shown from a longitudinal side view, and showing
edge-attachment-means 112. FIG. 2(c) depicts an exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 2(b), showing the sleeping bag configuration,
from a longitudinal side view, and at least one pocket 200.
[0047] In some embodiments (e.g. in the FIG. 2 series of figures),
when edge-attachment-means 112 (e.g. Velcro.RTM.) of second-edge
102 may be removably attached to edge-attachment-means 112 of
fourth-edge 104, and edge-attachment-means 112 of third-edge 103
may removably attach to itself to form the sleeping bag
configuration. Such a sleeping bag configuration of blanket 100 may
be used to wrap around an infant, toddler, a child, a small adult,
and the like.
[0048] Note in the FIG. 2 series of figures, edge-attachment-means
112 may further comprise a plurality of straps. Each strap may
comprise two terminal ends, wherein one terminal end may be
attached to blanket 100 (e.g. by stitching) and the other remaining
terminal end may comprise Velcro.RTM.. In some embodiments, any two
perpendicular edges (e.g. 101 and 102, 102 and 103, 103 and 104, or
104 and 101) may only comprise the plurality of straps, such that
the Velcro.RTM. terminals ends of the straps may removably attach
to the two remaining edges, at edge-attachment-means 112 of those
two edges which do not comprise the plurality of straps, wherein
complimentary Velcro.RTM. may be located. In some embodiments, all
four edges may comprise the plurality of straps, wherein one
terminal end has Velcro.RTM.. In some embodiments, each strap of
the plurality of straps may be removable, i.e. each terminal end
may comprise Velcro.RTM. or some other attachment means. In some
embodiments the straps may have a means for adjusting strap length.
In some embodiments, the straps may be six inches or less.
[0049] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of blanket removably
100 attached to a stroller 810. In some embodiments, each
edge-attachment means 112 may be configured to removably attach to
a frame-member 811 of stroller 810, as depicted in FIG. 3 or to
removably attach to a child-carrier (not depicted). Removable
attachment of blanket 100 to stroller 810 may be such that the user
riding within stroller 810 may receive the benefits of blanket 100,
i.e. blanket 100 may substantially cover the user and/or the user
may be able to access at least one pocket 200 and/or second-pocket
300. In some embodiments, edge-attachment-means 112 may be selected
from one or more of the group comprising hooks, bungees with
connectors, Velcro.RTM., zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the
like. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, edge-attachment-means 112 may comprise a plurality of
plastic hooks wherein each plastic hook may be configured to
removably clip onto frame-member 811. For example, and without
limiting the scope of the present invention, edge-attachment-means
112 may comprise a plurality of short straps comprising Velcro.RTM.
wherein each short strap may be configured to wrap around
frame-member 811 such that each short strap may Velcro.RTM. to
itself. In such embodiments, the short straps may be less than six
inches in length. In some embodiments, the straps may be
adjustable.
[0050] In some embodiments, the four-corners may comprise a
corner-attachment-means 113. Each corner-attachment means 113 may
be configured to removably attach to frame-member 811 of stroller
810 or to removably attach to the child-carrier. In some
embodiments, corner-attachment-means 113 may be selected from one
or more of the group comprising hooks, bungees with connectors,
Velcro.RTM., zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the like. For
example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,
corner-attachment-means 113 may comprise a plurality of plastic
hooks wherein each plastic hook may be configured to removably clip
onto frame-member 811.
[0051] At least one pocket 200 may comprise: an opening 201 and a
cavity. See e.g. FIG. 1, FIG. 2(c), and FIG. 3. Opening 201 may
provide access to the cavity. The cavity may be of a volume
configured to contain the various articles 900, i.e. to removably
contain one or more articles 900. In some embodiments, at least one
pocket 200 may be located on either or both of the two
exterior-surfaces 111. In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200
may be located proximally to one of the exterior-surfaces 111,
separated from one (closest) exterior-surface 111 by a
second-pocket 300. Second-pocket 300 may be located on the one
exterior-surface 111 closest to at least one pocket 200.
Second-pocket 300 is discussed further in a discussion of FIG. 4,
after a more detailed discussion of at least one pocket 200.
[0052] In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of pockets
200. Such a plurality of pockets 200 may all be located on the same
exterior-surface 111. Such a plurality of pockets 200 may be
located such that some pockets 200 may be located on one
exterior-surface 111, while the remaining pockets 200 may be
located on the other exterior-surface 111. A number (quantity) of
pockets 200 that may be located on blanket 100 is physically
limited by the size of the blanket 100, i.e. by an available
surface area of each exterior-surface 111.
[0053] In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise a
closure-means 203. Closure-means 203 may be configured to removably
seal opening 201. In some embodiments, closure-means 203 may be
selected from the group comprising Velcro.RTM., Ziploc.RTM. type
fasteners, zippers, snap connectors, clips, hooks, and the like.
Closure-means 203 may comprise two complimentary surfaces to
removable mating. In some embodiments, closure-means 203 may
additionally comprise a flap 212 of material which may removably
fold over opening 201, e.g. flap 212 may be depicted in FIG. 1,
FIG. 2(c), and FIG. 3.
[0054] In some embodiments, the cavity may comprise a
surface-geometry. The surface-geometry may be configured to
frictionally grip a bottle 930, such that the surface-geometry may
function as a bottle-holder. The surface-geometry may be formed
substantially from an elastomeric-material. In some embodiments,
the elastomeric-material may be selected from one or more of the
material comprising various foams, gels, rubbers (including natural
and/or synthetic), silicones, and the like. Such foam materials may
be further selected from one or more of the group comprising:
Neoprene.RTM., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polypropylene,
polyurethane foams, polystyrene (e.g. Styrofoam.RTM.), and the
like. In such foam materials, a foam density may be varied by
choice of formulation to result in desirable compressibility
properties. Likewise, with the non-foam elastomeric-materials (e.g.
rubber and/or silicone) durometer may be varied by choice of
formulation to result in desirable elastomeric properties.
[0055] In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise an
insulated-pocket. The insulated-pocket may function to slow down
heating or cooling of articles 900 held within the cavity. The
insulated-pocket may be formed by insulating-materials
substantially bounding the cavity. The insulating-materials may
comprise insulation properties. The insulating-materials may
comprise materials with low thermal conductivity that may be
typical for insulating beverages in cup holders. In some
embodiments, the insulating-materials may be selected from one or
more of the group comprising EVA foams, polyurethane foams,
polystyrene foams (e.g. Styrofoam.RTM.), polypropylene foam, and
the like. In some embodiments, the insulating-materials may be
selected from one or more of the group comprising Neoprene.RTM.,
gels, and the like.
[0056] Alternatively or in addition to, the insulated-pocket may be
formed by structure bounding the cavity, wherein the structure
encapsulates air pockets around the cavity. For example, and
without limiting the scope of the present invention, this structure
may comprise a plurality of closed cells, wherein each cell
encapsulates air.
[0057] In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise
surfaces (e.g. surface-geometry or cavity-surface) wherein the
surfaces may be easily cleanable, wipeable, and/or sanitizable.
This function may be accomplished by at least one pocket 200
comprising structure which may be smooth. This function may be
accomplished by at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which
may minimize surface textures. This function may be accomplished by
at least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may mitigate
against excessive folding. This function may be accomplished by at
least one pocket 200 comprising structure which may not be
porous.
[0058] In some embodiments, at least one pocket 200 may comprise at
least one contents-tether 205. For example, see FIG. 1, the FIG. 2
series and FIG. 3. At least one contents-tether 205 may be
configured to removably attach articles 900 to at least one
contents-tether 205. At least one contents-tether 205 may comprise
a tether and a contents-attachment-means 209.
[0059] The tether may comprises a first-terminal-end 206 and a
second-terminal-end disposed opposite of first-terminal-end 206.
The second-terminal-end may be attached to a cavity-surface. The
cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the cavity. The tether
may be strapping or cordage. The tether may have elastomeric
properties, e.g. resembling Bungee.RTM. cord elastomeric
properties. In some embodiments, the second-terminal-end may be
either permanently attached to the cavity-surface or removably
attached to the cavity-surface. For example, and without limiting
the scope of the present invention, the second-terminal-end may be
attached to the cavity-surface by stitching (e.g. when both the
second-terminal-end and the cavity-surface may be fabric type
materials), stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat welding,
solvent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like.
[0060] Contents-attachment-means 209 may removably attach articles
900 to first-terminal-end 206. Contents-attachment-means 209 may be
permanently attached to first-terminal-end 206.
Contents-attachment-means 209 may be integral with
first-terminal-end 206.
[0061] In some embodiments, contents-attachment-means 209 may
comprise a loop 210 or a clip, wherein loop 210 and the clip may be
configured to removably attach to bottle 930 and/or to removably
attach to a pacifier 940. Contents-attachment-means 209 may
comprise typical fastener hardware, such as rings, carabiners, side
release buckles, snaps, and the like. For example, and without
limiting the scope of the present invention,
contents-attachment-means 209 in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 series, and FIG. 3
that may connect to pacifier 904 may be a ring; whereas,
contents-attachment-means 209 that may connect to bottle 930 may
loop 210. In some embodiments, loop 210 may be a sealed loop with a
defined and non-adjustable diameter. In some embodiments, loop 210
may be the sealed loop, but with an adjustable diameter. In some
embodiments, loop 210 may be openable. In some embodiments, loop
210 may be either adjustable or non-adjustable. In some
embodiments, the clip may be spring loaded.
[0062] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of blanket 100
comprising an inner pocket 300, as a second-pocket 300, shown in a
flat configuration and from a perspective view. In some
embodiments, blanket 100 may comprise second-pocket 300.
Second-pocket 300 may comprise a second-opening 301 and a
second-cavity. Second-opening 301 may provide access to the
second-cavity. The second-cavity may be of a second-volume
configured to contain articles 900. Second-pocket 300 may be
located in communication with at least one pocket 200. In some
embodiments, second-pocket 300 may be disposed between at least one
pocket 200 and one of the exterior-surfaces 111 of the two-surfaces
(e.g. 109 or 110). In such embodiments, second-pocket 300 may be an
inner-pocket 300 and at least one pocket 200 may be an external
pocket. Such an embodiment, may be depicted in FIG. 4, wherein at
least one pocket 200 may be the external pocket, and inner-pocket
300 may be disposed between exterior-surface 111 and at least one
pocket 200.
[0063] In some embodiments, second-pocket 300 may comprise a
second-closure-means. The second-closure-means may be configured to
removably seal second-opening 301. In some embodiments, the
second-closure-means may be selected from the group comprising
Velcro.RTM., Ziploc.RTM. type fasteners, zippers, snap connectors,
clips, hooks, and the like. In some embodiments, the
second-closure-means may additionally comprise a flap of material
which may removably fold over second-opening 301.
[0064] In some embodiments, second-pocket 300 may comprise at least
one second-contents-tether 305. See e.g. FIG. 4. At least one
second-contents-tether 305 may be configured to removably attach
articles 900 to at least one second-contents-tether 305. At least
one second-contents-tether 305 may comprise a second-tether and a
second-contents-attachment-means 309. The second-tether may
comprise a third-terminal-end 306 and a fourth-terminal-end
disposed opposite of third-terminal-end 306. The
fourth-terminal-end may be attached to a second-cavity-surface. The
second-cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the
second-cavity. Second-contents-attachment-means 309 may removably
attach articles 900 to third-terminal-end 306.
[0065] The second-tether may be strapping or cordage. The
second-tether may have elastomeric properties, e.g. resembling
Bungee.RTM. cord elastomeric properties. In some embodiments, the
fourth-terminal-end may be either permanently attached to the
second-cavity-surface or removably attached to the
second-cavity-surface. For example, and without limiting the scope
of the present invention, the fourth-terminal-end may be attached
to the second-cavity-surface by stitching (e.g. when both the
fourth-terminal-end and the second-cavity-surface may be fabric
type materials), stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat
welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive, and the like.
[0066] In some embodiments, second-contents-attachment-means 309
may be configured to removably attach to one or more articles 900,
wherein articles 900 may be are handheld toys 950. For example and
without limiting the scope of the present invention,
second-contents-attachment-means 309 may comprise a ring with a
plurality of clips attached to the ring. Each clip of the plurality
of clips may removably attach to a given handheld toy 950. The ring
may also be attached to third-terminal-end 306. In such
embodiments, a single second-contents-attachment-means 309 may
removably attach to the plurality of handheld toys 950.
[0067] Regarding attaching at least one pocket 200 and/or
second-pocket 300 to exterior-surface 111, and/or attaching at
least one pocket 200 to second-pocket 300, such an attachment means
may be permanent. In some embodiments, such an attachment means may
be by stitching, stapling, riveting, ultrasonic welding, heat
welding, solvent bonding, chemical adhesive (e.g. gluing), and the
like. Obviously, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that some attachment means may be dependent upon the underlying
materials of construction to be joined. For example, and without
limiting the scope of the present invention, some of the above
named attachment means (e.g. ultrasonic welding and solvent
bonding) may be more suitable for joining two plastic (or
synthetic) materials and not appropriate for joining two or more
pieces of cotton fabric.
[0068] Regarding attaching at least one pocket 200 and/or
second-pocket 300 to exterior-surface 111, and/or attaching at
least one pocket 200 to second-pocket 300, such an attachment means
may be removable. In some embodiments, such an attachment means may
be by Velcro.RTM., zippers, snap connectors, buttons, and the
like.
[0069] In some embodiments, blanket 100 may be substantially
constructed of various fabrics, wherein the resulting blanket 100
may function to provide comfort, warmth, and/or protection from the
elements to the user of blanket 100. Such fabrics may be typical of
the materials ordinarily used to in manufacturing blankets for
infants, toddlers, and/or small children. Such fabrics may be soft.
Such fabrics may be selected from natural and/or synthetic
materials. For example, and without limiting the scope of the
present invention, natural materials may be selected from one or
more of the group comprising cotton, silk, wool, linen, hemp,
leather, and the like. For example, and without limiting the scope
of the present invention, synthetic materials may be selected from
one or more of the group comprising polypropylene, polyester,
acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, and the like. In some
embodiments, first-surface 109 and/or second-surface 110 may
comprise exterior-surface 111 that may be constructed of a
waterproof and/or a windproof material, such as Gore-Tex.RTM..
[0070] With respect to use of "substantially," in the above
paragraph, note blanket 100 may comprise other materials. For
example, in some embodiments, metals may be employed in the various
fastener and attachment means, e.g. with zippers. For example, in
some embodiments, foams may be employed in embodiments which may
comprise the insulated-pocket. For example, in some embodiments,
various elastomers may be employed in embodiments which may
comprise the bottle-holder to form fit and frictionally grip bottle
930.
[0071] Note with respect to the materials of construction disclosed
herein, it is not desired nor intended to thereby unnecessarily
limit the present invention by reason of such restricted
disclosure.
[0072] In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a
system for organizing children's articles with blanket 100. Such
children's articles may comprise: baby bottles, Sippy cups, water
bottles, handheld snacks, handheld food, pacifiers, teething toys,
handheld toys, handheld books, and the like. Such articles may be
designated with 900 series reference numerals in this disclosure.
Such organizing may entail providing a means for removable storing
(containing) of the children's articles within blanket 100. Such
organizing may entail providing a means for mitigating against loss
of children's articles (e.g. by inclusion of tethers and/or leashes
to removably attach to such children's articles, linking them to
blanket 100). Such systems may comprise bottle 930 and/or pacifier
940, at least one handheld toy 950, and blanket 100 as described
and disclosed above.
[0073] For example, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, blanket 100 may comprise: four-edges, two-surfaces, at
least one pocket 200, and second-pocket 300. The four-edges may
define the periphery of blanket 100. The four-edges may comprise:
first-edge 101, second-edge 102, third-edge 103, and fourth-edge
104. First-edge 101 may be in communication with second-edge 102
and fourth-edge 104. Second-edge 102 may also be in communication
with third-edge 103. Third-edge 103 may be communication with
fourth-edge 104.
[0074] Each of the four-edges may comprise edge-attachment-means
112. Edge-attachment-means 112 of any of the four-edges may be
configured to removably attach to any edge-attachment-means 112 of
the four-edges or to frame-member 811 of stroller 810 or to
removably attach to the child-carrier.
[0075] The two-surfaces may comprise first-surface 109 and
second-surface 110 disposed oppositely of first-surface 109. The
four-edges bound both the two-surfaces. Each of the two-surfaces
(e.g. 109 and 110) may comprise exterior-surface 111.
[0076] At least one pocket 200 may comprises opening 201 and the
cavity. Opening 201 may provide access to the cavity. The cavity
may be of a volume configured to contain the children's articles
900, i.e. to removably contain one or more articles 900. The cavity
may be of the volume configured to contain bottle 930 and/or
pacifier 940.
[0077] At least one pocket 200 may comprise at least one
contents-tether 205. At least one contents-tether 205 may be
configured to removably attach bottle 930 and/or pacifier 940 to at
least one contents-tether 205. At least one contents-tether 205 may
comprise the tether and contents-attachment-means 209.
[0078] The tether may comprise first-terminal-end 206 and the
second-terminal-end disposed opposite of first-terminal-end 206.
The second-terminal-end may be attached to the cavity-surface. The
cavity-surface may be an exterior surface of the cavity.
[0079] Contents-attachment-means 209 may removably attach bottle
930 and/or pacifier 940 to first-terminal-end 206.
[0080] Second-pocket 300 may comprise second-opening 301 and the
second-cavity. Second-opening 301 may provide access to the
second-cavity. The second-cavity may be of the second-volume
configured to contain at least one handheld toy 950. Second-pocket
300 may be disposed between at least one pocket 200 and one of the
exterior-surfaces 111 of the two-surfaces (109 or 110), such that
second-pocket 300 may be the inner-pocket and at least one pocket
200 may be the external pocket.
[0081] Second-pocket 300 may comprise at least one
second-contents-tether 305. At least one second-contents-tether 305
may be configured to removably attach at least one handheld toy 950
to at least one second-contents-tether 305. At least one
second-contents-tether 305 may comprise the second-tether and
second-contents-attachment-means 309.
[0082] The second-tether may comprise third-terminal-end 306 and
the fourth-terminal-end disposed opposite of third-terminal-end
306. The fourth-terminal-end may be attached to the
second-cavity-surface. The second-cavity-surface may be an exterior
surface of the second-cavity.
[0083] Second-contents-attachment-means 309 may removably attach at
least one handheld toy 950 to third-terminal-end 306.
[0084] A blanket with multiple functionality and a system for
organizing children's articles with the blanket have been
described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary
embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of
illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0085] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *