Patent Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow. The apparatus includes a blanket having arm apertures, and a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures. The apparatus also includes a pad having a durable surface, a plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The apparatus may also include a fastener disposed on the blanket to removably connect the blanket to the pad. The system includes the apparatus, cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface, and carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the pad. The method includes providing the apparatus, forming either a plush or a durable container by selecting the durable or plush surface to form the outside of the container, fastening the fastener, and placing the blanket inside the container.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/296,864 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BLANKET, PAD, AND PILLOW” and filed on Jan. 20, 2010 for Jacob C. Smoot and Reid S. Smoot, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to wearable blankets and more particularly relates to a container for wearable blankets that converts from a pillow into a seating pad. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many people enjoy being wrapped in a blanket while lounging around the house. However, blankets do not allow for the free motion of a person&#39;s arms. To overcome this, the sleeved blanket was developed. Sleeved blankets allow a person to, for example, read a book while enveloped in a blanket. Typically, sleeved blankets are made of a fleece or other plush, comfortable material. The sleeved blanket is ideal for keeping its wearer warm while the wearer watches TV, reads a book, or otherwise goes about his or her daily duties inside the house. 
         [0006]    However, as the use of sleeved blankets increases, people have begun to take sleeved blankets to outdoor activities such as sporting events, concerts, etc. The sleeved blanket is an ideal device for keeping a person warm at an outdoor spectator event. Unfortunately, the plush and comfortable nature of the sleeved blanket does little to protect the wearer from a wet, cold, or rigid seating surface. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available convertible pillows. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method for a convertible, blanket, pad, and pillow that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0008]    The apparatus includes a blanket having arm apertures, and a sleeve coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward from the blanket. The apparatus also includes a pad having a durable surface, a plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad. The fastener is configured to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The apparatus also includes a fastener disposed on the blanket configured to removably connect the blanket to the pad. 
         [0009]    In one example, the sleeves are removably coupled with the blanket; alternatively, the sleeves are integrally formed with the blanket. In another example, the apparatus includes cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface. The pad may form a plush container having the plush surface facing outward, or a durable container having the durable surface facing outward. The length of the pad, in one embodiment, is selected to accommodate at least two people. Additionally, the width of the pad is substantially equivalent to the width of a bleacher seat. The length of the pad may be in the range of between about two and five times the width of the pad. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, the blanket further comprises an adjustable neck fastener to fasten the blanket around a person&#39;s neck. The apparatus also may include carrying straps coupled to the pad. 
         [0011]    The system includes a blanket having arm apertures, a sleeve integrally coupled to each of the apertures and extending outward from the blanket, and a pad. The pad, in one example includes a durable surface, a plush surface, cushioning disposed between the durable surface and the plush surface, and a fastener disposed on a perimeter of the pad, the fastener configured to form the pad into a container to hold the blanket. The length of the pad is in the range of between about 2 and 5 times a width of the pad. The system also includes carrying straps extending from the perimeter of the pad, and a fastener disposed on the blanket configured to removably connect the blanket to the pad. 
         [0012]    A method of the present invention is also presented. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the apparatus, forming one of a plush container or a durable container by selecting the durable surface to form the outside of the container or selecting the plush surface to form the outside of the container, fastening the fastener, and placing the blanket inside the container. 
         [0013]    The method may also include fastening the blanket to the pad when the pad is in a seating configuration, and removably coupling each sleeve to each of the apertures. In another embodiment, the method includes integrally forming each sleeve to the blanket, and fastening the blanket around a person&#39;s neck. 
         [0014]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0016]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  depicts view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a blanket and pad; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a pillow; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pad for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  depicts a view of one embodiment of a blanket for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad with a carrying strap; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for wearing the device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one method of forming a pillow; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a convertible pillow and container; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a single person pillow/pad/container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0029]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0030]    The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0031]    Embodiments of a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow are described. The convertible blanket, pad, and pillow provide an easy to carry seating pad and an attachable, wearable blanket. In the pad and blanket configuration, the convertible blanket, pad, and pillow are useful for activities such as attending a sporting event in cold weather. The pad provides a comfortable, insulated seating surface on what could otherwise be a hard, cold bleacher. The wearable blanket provides comfortable, convenient insulation. In addition, the convertible blanket, pad, and pillow may be placed in a pillow configuration by forming the pad into a container and placing the blanket inside the formed container. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow (hereinafter “device”)  100  configured as a blanket  102  and pad  106 . The device  100  includes a blanket  102 , sleeves  104 , and a pad  106 . The device  100  provides an insulated cover and seat pad. 
         [0033]    The blanket  102 , in some embodiments, is an insulating cover that can be placed over a user. The blanket  102  may be formed of any insulating material. For example, the blanket  102  may be a fleece made from a synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In another example, the blanket  102  may be made from a wind resistant material. 
         [0034]    The blanket  102 , in some embodiments is wearable. For example, in one embodiment, the blanket  102  includes one or more sleeves  104 . The sleeves  104  are configured to receive the arms of a wearer. The sleeves  104  help to position and hold the blanket  104  on the wearer, and allow the wearer free use of his or her hands while providing insulation. Alternatively, the blanket  102  may include openings without sleeves that allow a wearer to pass his or her arms through the openings. In another embodiment, the sleeves may be detachable so that the wearer may better regulate his or her temperature. In other words, the detachable sleeves provide the benefit of protecting the arms of the wearer in colder weather, or, enabling the wearer to remove the sleeves if the wearer is getting too warm under the blanket  102 . The detachable sleeves may be attached to the blanked by way of a fastener such as a snap, zipper, or a hook and loop mechanism. 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, the blanket  102  is printed with a design. For example, the blanket  102  may be printed with a logo, such as a logo for a professional or collegiate sports team. 
         [0036]    The pad  106 , in one embodiment, is an insulating and/or cushioning pad upon which a user may sit. The pad  106  may include any insulating and/or cushioning material. For example, the pad  106  may include polyethylene closed cell foam. 
         [0037]    In certain embodiments, the pad  106  is printed with a design. For example, the pad  106  may be printed with a logo, such as a logo for a professional or collegiate sports team. The pad  106  may be printed with the same logo or a different logo from that printed on the blanket  102 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the device  100  is sized to accommodate one user. In another embodiment, the convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100  is sized to accommodate two or more users. In a two user device  100 , the blanket  102  may include four sleeves  104  and the pad  106  may be wide enough for two users to sit on the pad  106 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  depicts a view of an embodiment of an apparatus for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow configured as a pillow  200 . The pillow  200  includes the blanket  102 , the pad  106 , and a fastener  202 . The blanket  102  and pad  106  are similar to same numbered components described in relation to  FIG. 1 . The pad  106  allows for use of the device  100  as a container for holding the blanket, thereby forming a pillow  200 . 
         [0040]    The fastener  202 , in one embodiment, forms the pad  106  into a container to hold the blanket  102 . In some embodiments, the fastener  202  is disposed on a perimeter of the pad  106 . The fastener  202  may be any type of fastener capable of holding the pad  106  in position to form a container. For example, the fastener  202  may be a zipper located on the perimeter of the pad  106  that zips the pad  106  into a container when the pad  106  is folded in half. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the pad  106  has a plush surface. The plush surface may face outward when the pad  106  is formed into a container. For example, a surface of the pad  106  may include a PET fleece and the PET fleece may face outward when the pad  106  is formed into a container. In an alternative embodiment, the pad  106  also includes an abrasion resistant surface or a water-resistant surface. In one example, the container may be formed with the abrasion resistant or durable surface, facing outward. As such, a durable container is formed that protects the blanket. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad  106  for the device  100 . The pad  106  includes a seam  302  and a blanket fastener  304 . The pad is similar to the same numbered component described in relation to  FIG. 1 . The pad  106  provides a plush seating surface, a durable ground-engaging surface, and forms a container for the blanket  102 . 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, the seam  302  joins two segments of the pad  106 . The seam  302  may provide a fold line for the pad  106  on which the pad  106  folds to be formed into a container. The seam  302  may be any type of connection between segments of the pad  106 . For example, the seam  302  may be stitching between segments of the pad  106 . In an alternative embodiment, the seam  302  is located between two portions of a single unit that makes up the pad  106 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the pad  106  has a length and a width, and the length is much greater than the width such that the pad  106  unfolds length-wise to form an elongated pad. In this embodiment, the seam runs across the width of the pad, and bisects the pad into a top section and a bottom section. The length of the pad is in this embodiment at least twice as great as the width of the pad  106 . The length may be at least three times as great, and in further embodiments, at least four times as great as the width. The fastener in this embodiment runs along the top  306  and bottom  308  of a first length, along top  310  and bottom  312  of a width and along a top  314  and bottom  316  of a second length. 
         [0045]    The blanket fastener  304 , in some embodiments, removably fastens the blanket  102  of  FIG. 1  to the pad  106 . The blanket fastener  304  may be any type of removable fastener. For example, the blanket fastener  304  may be a snap, a hook, or a hook and loop fastener. By fastening the blanket  102  to the pad  106  using the blanket fastener  304 , the pad  106  may be maintained in a usable location while the user alternates between a sitting and a standing position. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the pad  106  includes a single blanket fastener  304 . In an alternative embodiment, the pad  106  includes a plurality of blanket fasteners  304 . In one embodiment, the convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100  accommodates a plurality of users, and the pad  106  includes at least one blanket fastener  304  for each accommodated user. The blanket fastener  304  secures the blanket to the pad behind the user so that the blanket wraps around the user. Otherwise, the blanket may open in the back and expose the person to adverse weather conditions. In one further embodiment, the blanket may be integrally formed to the pad along the top  314  and bottom  316  edges of the pad  106 . In this arrangement, the blanket is worn in a more traditional manner like a jacket with the opening in the front of a person. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a pad  106  for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100 . The pad  106  includes a plush surface (top cover)  402 , a cushion  404 , a durable surface (bottom cover)  406  and a fastener  202 . The fastener  202  is similar to the same numbered component described to  FIG. 2 . The pad  106  provides a comfortable seating surface and forms a container for holding the blanket  102 . 
         [0048]    The top cover  402 , in one embodiment, covers a top surface of the cushion  404 . The top cover  402  may include a material upon which it is comfortable to sit. For example, the top cover  402  may be a PET fleece. 
         [0049]    The cushion  404 , in some embodiments, is a compliant material that distributes stresses and strains when compressed. In one embodiment, the cushion  404  restricts the passage of heat, thus providing insulation. For example, the cushion  402  may include polyethylene closed-cell foam. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the bottom cover  406  covers a bottom surface of the cushion  404 . The bottom cover  406  may include an abrasion-resistant material that protects the pad  106  from wear. In some embodiments, the bottom cover  406  includes a water-resistant material that protects the pad  106  from spilled liquids or other moisture on a bleacher. For example, the bottom cover  404  may include treated, water-resistant nylon, or other rubberized water-resistant surfaces. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the top cover  402  faces outward when the pad  106  is formed into a container for holding the blanket  102 . The top cover  402  forms a comfortable outer surface for the device  100  in a pillow configuration. In some embodiments, the device  100  may be placed in a pillow configuration with the bottom cover  406  facing outward. As such, the bottom cover  406  forms a durable, water-resistant container. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  depicts a view of one embodiment of a blanket  102  for a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100 . The blanket  102  includes a neck fastener  502 , two or more arm apertures  504 , and a pad fastener  506 . The blanket  102  provides insulation to a user. 
         [0053]    The neck fastener  502 , in some embodiments, removably fastens the blanket  102  around a user&#39;s neck. Fastened around the user&#39;s neck, the blanket  102  is securely worn by the user while providing freedom of movement. The neck fastener  502  may be any type of releasable fastener. For example, the neck fastener  502  may include snaps mounted near opposing edges of the blanket  102 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the neck fastener  502  is adjustable. An adjustable neck fastener  502  may fasten around a user&#39;s neck at an adjustable diameter. For example, the neck fastener  502  may be a hook and loop fastener with the hooked portion of the hook and loop fastener attached near an edge of the blanket  102  and the blanket  102  itself acting as the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In this example, the hooked portion of the hook and loop fastener may engage the blanket  102  at any point, thus providing adjustability. 
         [0055]    The two or more arm apertures  502 , in one embodiment, provide openings in the blanket  102  through which a user may place his or her arms. In some embodiments, a sleeve  104  is connected to the blanket  102  around an aperture  504 . 
         [0056]    In one embodiment, the pad fastener  506  is removably fastenable to the blanket fastener  304  on the pad  106 . For example, the pad fastener  506  may include a snap that engages the blanket fastener  304 . In an alternative embodiment, the pad fastener  506  attaches directly to the pad  102 . For example, the pad fastener  506  may include a hook and loop fastener that engages the top cover  402  of the pad  106 . The pad fastener  506  removably attaches the blanket  102  to the pad  106  and maintains the pad  106  in a usable position. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  depicts a view of one embodiment of a pad  106  with a carrying strap  602 . The carrying strap  602  is connected to the pad  106  and provides a convenient mechanism for carrying the apparatus for convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100 . The carrying strap  602  may include any type of material suitable for forming a carrying strap  602 . For example, the carrying strap  602  may include nylon webbing. 
         [0058]    The carrying strap  602 , in one embodiment, includes one or more small loops sized to allow a user to place his or her hand within the loop to carry the apparatus for convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100  by hand. In an alternative embodiment, the carrying strap  602  is a long loop suitable for use in carrying the apparatus for convertible blanket, pad, and pillow  100  over a user&#39;s shoulder. In some embodiments, the length of the carrying strap  602  is adjustable. In certain embodiments, the carrying strap  602  is partially or completely removable. 
         [0059]    The schematic flow chart diagrams that follow herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0060]      FIG. 7  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method  700  for wearing the device  100 . In one embodiment, the method  700  starts  702  and a convertible blanket, pad, and pillow device  100  are provided. The device  100  is provided as described above, where the blanket is formed of a plush material such as a fleece and has at least one arm aperture. Sleeves are attached to the blanket as described above, and may be removable. The pad is formed having a plush surface and an opposing durable surface. The pad provides a comfortable, cushioned sitting surface for sitting on a bleacher, for example. The durable surface of the pad may be rubberized to protect the pad from water and also grip the ground, bench, or bleacher to prevent the pad from undesired movement. 
         [0061]    The method continues and the container is unfastened  706  to form the pad for sitting. In one embodiment, unfastening  706  the pad includes unzipping the perimeter edges of the pad and folding open the pad to form the elongated seating surface. The person then unfolds the blanket and places  708  his or her arms through the blanket. The person then may fasten  710  the blanket to the pad as described above with reference to  FIG. 3 . The method  700  then ends  712 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one method  800  of forming a pillow. The method  800  starts  802  and a person unfastens  804  the blanket from the pad. As described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the blanket may be attached to the pad to ensure that the blanket covers the back of a person. The person decides whether to form  806  a plush container or a durable container. A person would select a plush container if the person wanted to use the device as a pillow, as the plush surface would be more comfortable against the skin. Alternatively, if the person was travelling, the person might select to form a container with the durable surface facing outward to protect the blanket and the plush surface of the pad. 
         [0063]    If the person decides to form a pillow with a plush surface, the pad is folded with the plush surface facing outward, thereby forming  808  a pillow. Alternatively, the person may form  810  a durable container with the durable surface facing outward. The person then places  812  the blanket inside the durable container or the pillow container and the method  800  ends  814 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a convertible pillow and container  900 . In one embodiment, the pillow/container  900  converts from a container into a stadium seat as illustrated. The pillow/container  900  is formed having a plush surface  902  and a durable surface  904 , as described above. Alternatively, both surfaces may be formed of the same material. In yet another embodiment, the inner surface  902  and outer surface  904  may be of different colors, designs, etc. For example, the inner surface  902  may be formed having the logo of a first team, while the outer surface  904  displays the logo of a second team. As such, the same container  900 , which is reversible, may be used for sporting events of two different teams. The container  900  also includes a support strap  906  so that when a person sits on the base  908 , the back  910  offers back support to the person. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a single person pillow/pad/container  1000 . The depicted view illustrates the pillow/pad/container  1000  from a top down view. The pillow/pad/container  1000 , in one embodiment, has a fastener on one side only as opposed to the device described above with a zipper that is around the entire perimeter of the device. As such, the pillow/pad/container  1000  forms a reversible pouch having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface may be formed of a plush material as described above, while the outer surface is formed of a durable material, or vice versa. Alternatively, both surfaces may be formed of the same material. The pouch  1000  is capable of storing a blanket as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 , or alternatively any object that a person may want to wear to an outdoor spectator event including, but not limited to, coats, ponchos, jackets, etc. 
         [0066]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0