Abstract:
The present invention comprises a cover and a compartment having an interior space. The cover is attached to the bottom edge of the compartment such that the cover can be compacted to fit substantially within the interior space of the compartment. The invention further includes a cushion attached to the compartment. The cover is configurable to substantially envelop the upper torso of a user while the user is sitting on the compartment. The present invention provides for a multi-use article that protects a user from the elements and provides a cushion for comfort while being compact, easily transportable and configurable to add aesthetically pleasing as well as functional accessories.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/407,460, filed Aug. 30, 2002, which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to pillow toys and, more specifically, to multi-use pillow toys.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Covers such as blankets, tarps and jackets have long been used to protect a user from the elements. Pillows have been used to provide cushion and thus comfort to the head, torso or other region of the user&#39;s anatomy. Stuffed toys are common collectibles of children and adults alike. A user desiring the benefits of each of these, however, must arrange for the transport and storage of each article separately. Depending on the size of each of these articles, transporting and using each of these at particular events or in given circumstances can be inconvenient or even difficult.  
           [0004]    Thus, there is a need for a multi-use article designed to provide the benefits of protecting a user from the elements and providing a cushion for comfort while being compact, easily transportable and configurable to add aesthetically pleasing as well as functional accessories.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a multi-use pillow toy including a cover and a compartment having a top section having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge. The compartment has an interior space defined by attaching the top edge, left edge and right edge of the top section to the cover. The cover can be compacted to fit substantially within the interior space of the compartment.  
           [0006]    In an alternative embodiment, the multi-use pillow toy includes a cover and a compartment having a top section and a bottom section, the top section and the bottom section each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a left edge and a right edge. The compartment has an interior space defined by attaching the top edge, left edge and right edge of the top section to the top edge, left edge and right edge of the bottom section, respectively. The cover is attached to the bottom edge of the compartment such that the cover can be compacted to fit substantially within the interior space of the compartment.  
           [0007]    In accordance with yet other aspects of the invention, the multi-use pillow toy further includes a cushion attached to the compartment.  
           [0008]    In accordance with still other aspects of the invention, the cover is configurable to substantially envelop the upper torso of a user while the user is sitting on the compartment.  
           [0009]    Accordingly, the present invention provides for a multi-use article that protects a user from the elements and provides a cushion for comfort while being compact, easily transportable and configurable to add aesthetically pleasing as well as functional accessories.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a multi-use pillow toy in its expanded form made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a view of the multi-use pillow toy shown in FIG. 1, partially compacted;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a view of the multi-use pillow toy shown in FIG. 1, completely compacted;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a front view of the side of the compacted multi-use pillow toy shown in FIG. 3;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a multi-use pillow toy in its expanded form made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a view of the multi-use pillow toy shown in FIG. 5, partially compacted;  
         [0017]    FIGS.  7 - 11  are perspective views of various embodiments of a multi-use pillow toy made in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 12 is an illustration of a multi-use pillow toy in its expanded form as used to shelter a user while providing comfortable seating. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0019]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a multi-use pillow toy designed to provide compact storage and easy portability while expanding to provide a cushioned seat support while allowing concurrent head or body coverage of a blanket or other cover. By way of overview, the present invention consists of a carrying case or pouch enclosing a blanket or other covering material that is amenable to compaction into the pouch.  
         [0020]    The pouch is preferably made of a polar fleece type material, but any material susceptible to pouch configuration may be used. Likewise, the blanket is preferably made of a polar fleece type material, but may be made of any material usable as a blanket or covering material. The material used for both the pouch and blanket is preferably water-repellent and washable, but may be of virtually any type or makeup (e.g., fabric, leather, vinyl, foil, plastic, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the pouch is square in shape and sized approximately sixteen inches. Alternative shapes and sizes are anticipated, for example, circular, oval, heart-shaped, triangular, various cookie-cutter shapes, etc.  
         [0021]    As better understood with reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the pillow toy  10  of the present invention includes a sheet or blanket  12  having a top edge  14 , a bottom edge  16 , a left edge  18  and a right edge  20 . The pillow toy  10  further includes a carrying case or pouch  30  having a top edge  32 , a bottom edge  34 , a left edge  36  and a right edge  38 . The blanket  12  is preferably attached to one or more edges of the pouch  30  by thread, Velcro, adhesive or other methods of permanent or removable attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the blanket  12  is attached to the pouch  30  along the pouch top edge  32 , left edge  36  and right edge  38  using thread  42 ,  44  and  46 , respectively, which also defined the interior space of the pouch  30 . In the expanded form shown in FIG. 1, the blanket  12  of the pillow toy  10  extends beyond the parameter of the pouch  30  for use as a traditional blanket or other covering.  
         [0022]    As described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 4 , the blanket  12  may be folded such that it compacts to fit within the pouch  30 . The blanket section  50  is preferably folded underneath the blanket section  60  along line  52 . The blanket section  54  is preferably folded underneath the blanket section  60  along line  56 . The order in which blanket sections  50  and  54  are folded underneath blanket section  60  may be reversed.  
         [0023]    As described with reference to FIG. 2, the blanket section  60  is folded up to fit within pouch  30 . Subsection  62  of the blanket section  60  is folded onto subsection  64  of the blanket section  60  along line  66 . Subsection  62  and subsection  64  of the blanket section  60  are folded onto subsection  68  of the blanket section  60  along line  70 . All three of the blanket section  60  subsections ( 62 ,  64 ,  68 ) are folded and placed into the pouch  30  through pouch opening  46  along the unattached bottom edge of the pouch  30 . As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in compacted form, the blanket  12  is substantially enclosed within the pouch  30 , save along the opening  46  and the bottom of the blanket forming the underside of the pouch  30 .  
         [0024]    In an alternative embodiment, the opening  46  and the bottom of the blanket forming the underside of the pouch  30  may be removably attached to substantially close the pouch  30 . Ways to removable attach the opening  46  and the bottom of the blanket include, for example, a zipper, Velcro, buttons and snaps.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the pillow toy  100  of the present invention. This embodiment of the present invention includes a sheet or blanket  112  having a top edge  114 , a bottom edge  116 , a left edge  118  and a right edge  120 . This embodiment further includes a carrying case or pouch  130  having a top edge  132 , a bottom edge  134 , a left edge  136 , a right edge  138 , a top section  122  and a bottom section  124  (not shown). The blanket  112  is preferably attached to the single edge  134  of the bottom section  124  (not shown) of the pouch  130  by thread, Velcro, adhesive or other methods of permanent or removable attachment. The blanket  112  may be attached to the single edge  134  of the top section  122  of the pouch  130 . In the preferred embodiment, the interior space of the pouch  130  is defined by stitching together the top section  122  and the bottom section  124  (not shown) along the top edge  132 , left edge  136  and right edge  138  using thread  142 ,  144  and  146 , respectively. In the expanded form shown in FIG. 5, the blanket  112  extends beyond the parameter of the pouch  130  for use as a traditional blanket or other covering.  
         [0026]    As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the blanket  112  may be folded such that it compacts to fit within the pouch  130 . The blanket section  150  is preferably folded on top of the blanket section  160  along line  152 . The blanket section  154  is preferably folded on top of the blanket section  160  along line  156 . The order in which the blanket sections  150  and  154  are folded on top of the blanket section  160  may be reversed.  
         [0027]    As described with reference to FIG. 6, the blanket section  160  is folded up to fit within pouch  130 . Subsection  162  of the blanket section  160  is folded onto subsection  164  of the blanket section  160  along line  166 . Subsection  162  and subsection  164  of the blanket section  160  are folded onto subsection  168  of the blanket section  160  along line  170 . Subsection  162  and subsection  164  and subsection  168  of the blanket section  160  are folded onto subsection  172  of the blanket section  160  along line  174 . All four of the blanket section  160  subsections ( 162 ,  164 ,  168 ,  172 ) are folded and placed into the pouch  130  through pouch opening  146  along the unattached bottom edge of the pouch  130 . In compacted form, the blanket  112  is substantially enclosed within the pouch  130 , save along the opening  146 .  
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, the opening  146  may be sealed by removably attaching the bottom edge  134  of the top section  122  to the bottom edge  134  of the bottom section  124  (not shown). Ways to removable attach the bottom edge  134  of the top section  122  to the bottom edge  134  of the bottom section  124  (not shown) include, for example, a zipper, Velcro, buttons and snaps.  
         [0029]    FIGS.  7 - 11  illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a pillow toy  10  or  100  wherein handles  200  are sewn or otherwise attached to the pouch to facilitate transportation of the pillow toy. FIG. 8 illustrates a pillow toy  10  or  100  wherein straps  202  are sewn or otherwise attached to the pouch to facilitate handling and transport of the pillow toy. In alternative embodiments other handles, belts or straps may be attached to the pouch to facilitate handling and transport. The pillow toy may be configured for carrying as a suitcase, belt attachment, backpack, etc.  
         [0030]    Alternative embodiments of the present invention contemplate the addition of various features and functionality to the exterior of the pouch. FIG. 9 illustrates a pillow toy  10  or  100  wherein a cushioning three-dimensional padded bear shape  204  is sewn, embroidered or otherwise attached on one or more sides of the pouch. This provides additional structural padding to the pillow toy beyond that provided for by the blanket, especially when the blanket has been expanded out of the pouch. Any type of three-dimensional image may be used with the pouch. Examples include other types of three-dimensional animals, car images, sports team logos, etc. The present invention contemplates use as a promotional device for or on behalf of schools, sports teams, businesses, non-profit organizations, etc. by incorporation of authorized branding as the three-dimensional images on the pouch, providing the dual benefits of cushioning support and marketing.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate yet alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates the incorporation of storage pockets such as a zipper pocket  206 , a button pocket  208  and a snap pocket  210 . These storage pockets may be integrated into the pouch or blanket to facilitate the storage of various items. In yet alternative embodiments, audio devices such as music or voice players may be sewn or otherwise integrated into the pouch or blanket. In alternative embodiments mirrors, reflectors or other ornamental devices may be sewn or otherwise integrated into the pouch or blanket. FIG. 11 illustrates the incorporation of an audio device  212 , a mirror  214  and pencil or pen holders  216 .  
         [0032]    The present invention has a variety of uses. By way of example only, in its stored mode, the present invention may be used as a pillow, snuggle toy, seat cushion, throw toy, storage container, carrying case or backpack, etc. In its expanded mode, the present invention may be used as a blanket, rain poncho/coat/covering, table cloth, etc. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 12, a user may use the pillow toy of the present invention as a seat cushion while covered for warmth or other protection from the elements by the blanket. In FIG. 12, the user is seated on the pouch  130  of the pillow toy  100  cushioned by a three-dimensional padded bear shape  204  or other shape or padding. The blanket  112  is expanded and used to wrap a substantial portion of the user against the elements. A portion or the entire blanket  112  may be used to cover various parts of the user.  
         [0033]    The present invention offers distinct benefits over known toys, pillows or blankets by providing a multi-use pillow toy having attributes associated with a variety of devices. These benefits make the invention useful in a wide variety of settings.  
         [0034]    While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.