Abstract:
The present invention comprises a blanket and pillow that can be easily converted into a backpack. When configured as a blanket, the device can be secured to the child&#39;s legs and the shoulder straps can be used as a pillow. To convert the device into a backpack, side portions are zipped against the side walls of the blanket portion, and a sack is created. A flap can open and close, and the flap is preferably secured with a hook-and-loop type fastening material. When in the backpack configuration, the device remains secure on the child. The device is intended for children, and as such, may include a fanciful animal head plush toy incorporated at the front, a plush animal tail in the rear, and animal paws around the waist when configured as a backpack.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/356,735, filed on Jun. 21, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/387,471, filed on Sep. 29, 2010, both incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/379,536, filed on Nov. 19, 2010, and also incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates to backpacks, and more particularly to a combination carrying pack, pillow, and blanket. 
       DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
       [0004]    A carrying pack, or backpack, is a convenient carrying means that is positioned on a user&#39;s back and is secured with two straps that go over the shoulders and under the underarms. Children often make use of backpacks to carry their toys or other items of interest. A blanket is generally a large piece of cloth of varying thickness and comfort intended to keep the user warm. Children also make use of blankets to keep warm while napping. Children are often reluctant to part with their backpacks and their blankets, often forming attachments with the security that the objects provide to them. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,823 to Ferguson et al. on Feb. 23, 1993, teaches a device which is capable of being configured as a blanket or as a carrying bag or knapsack. The device is made of a fabric piece having two opposing arcuate fabric channel halves secured to the lower surface thereof, facing each other. A carrying bag may be formed by folding the device upwardly and in towards the center of the fabric piece, thereby exposing the ropes. Ferguson can generally be described as a circular blanket that can convert into a knapsack. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. Application No. US 2002/0088830 to Rose on Jul. 11, 2002, teaches a combination blanket and carrier wherein a blanket is formed integrally with the carrier bag and may be folded to fit within the carrier bag. A plurality of different straps for carrying the bag are provided. The blanket generally folds onto itself and is secured inside of the bag. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. Application No. US 2010/0059558 to Robinson et al. on Mar. 11, 2010, teaches a multi-purpose device for use in stadium and outdoor venues. The device is a user-configurable blanket, poncho, coat, and pillow for use at the venue. The device also configures to a pocketed backpack for transport by the user engaged with shoulder straps to their body. An interior pocket when configured into a backpack affords the device a storage compartment to transport other items such as food and drink. Robinson can generally be described as a foldable blanket with a permanently attached strap portion which operate as backpack straps when folded properly 
         [0008]    While the above devices exist, they are not robust and intended for use by children. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can transform from a blanket to a backpack in a unique way, provide a pillow for the user, be safe for children, and include character configurations to entertain the children as well. While the present invention is designed for use by children, it is understood that the device may also be sized for use by others as well. The present invention accomplishes these objectives. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present device comprises a blanket portion having a top, bottom, and two sides. Two side panels are attached to each side near the top of the blanket portion. The side panels have a zipper that, when zipped completely, connect the sides of the blanket portion to the sides of the side panels, resulting in a bag configuration. A second attachment means is used to open and close the backpack so that items may be inserted and removed. 
         [0010]    The device includes shoulder straps that are attached to the top of the blanket portion and lateral straps that are connected to the bottom of the blanket portion. The shoulder straps include padding. When in the backpack configuration, the shoulder straps and lateral straps are connected with a hook and loop type fastening means, creating the backpack straps. The blanket portion and the side panels can be integrally formed as one piece, and each strap can also be fixed to the blanket portion. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the front side of the blanket includes a pocket. In another embodiment, the front side includes a plush animal head, and an animal tail is included at the bottom or rear side of the blanket. A padded paw-shaped cushion can be used at the end of the lateral straps to resemble animal paws. The lateral straps can be length adjustable with a buckle, and can include padded portions and an elastic portion. The entire device can be water-proof and created from a soft textile material. 
         [0012]    When in the backpack configuration, the device is securely placed on the back of the child, and the animal or character components add to the interest level of the child. When in the blanket configuration, the lateral straps can be secured and placed behind the user&#39;s legs, thereby maintaining the position of the blanket while the child rests, the padded portions of the later straps forming a pillow thereby. 
         [0013]    The present invention is a device that can transform from a blanket to a backpack in a unique way, provide a pillow for the user, be safe for children, and include character configurations to entertain the children as well. Further, the present device is capable of creating a secure attachment to the child when in backpack form and will withstand the abuse that a child will deliver to such a device. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the invention in a blanket configuration; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front elevated view of the invention in the blanket configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevated view of the invention in the blanket configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a left side perspective view of the invention in a backpack configuration; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front elevated view of the invention in the backpack configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
         [0020]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a combination backpack, blanket and pillow  10  comprising a flexible web  20 , a pair of shoulder straps  80 , and a pair of lateral straps  100 . The flexible web  20  includes a generally rectangular blanket portion  30  having two side edges  35 , a top edge  38 , and a bottom edge  32 . The flexible web  20  further includes two side panels  40 , each fixed with one of the side edges  35  of the blanket portion  30  proximate to the top edge  38  of the blanket portion  30 . 
         [0022]    Each side panel  40  has a first part  51  of a first two-part fastener  50  around a peripheral edge  45  thereof and a second part  52  of the first two-part fastener  50  fixed along the adjacent side edge  46  of the blanket portion  30 . The top edge  38  and the bottom edge  32  of the blanket portion  30  each include either a hook part  62  or a loop part  61  of a second two-part fastener  60 . 
         [0023]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a pair of shoulder straps  80  which are further attached to the present invention  10 . Each shoulder strap  80  has a proximal end  82  fixed with the top edge  38  of the blanket portion  30  and terminating at a distal end  88  with a first part  71  of a third two-part fastener  70 . Furthermore, each shoulder strap has a padded portion  90 . 
         [0024]    A pair of lateral straps  100  are attached to the present invention  10 , each having a proximal end  102  fixed with one of the side edges  35  of the blanket portion  30  proximate the bottom edge  32  thereof and terminating at a distal end  108  with a second part  72  of the third two-part fastener  70 . When the first and second parts of each two-part fastener are mutually unfastened, the flexible web  20  and straps  80  may be configured into a substantially flat blanket configuration  110  ( FIGS. 1-3 ) wherein the padded portion  90  of each shoulder strap  80  may be used as a pillow  120  ( FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, when the first and second parts of each two-part fastener are mutually fastened, the flexible web  20  and straps  80  may be configured into a backpack configuration  130  ( FIGS. 4-5 ) with the front side  39  facing outwardly. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the backpack configuration  130  may be reversible, such that the rear side  31  faces outwardly. 
         [0025]    In an alternative embodiment, the rectangular blanket portion  30  and two side panels  40  are integrally formed with the flexible web  20 . In a further alternative embodiment, each strap  80  is non-removably fixed with the blanket portion  30 . Each distal end  88  of each strap  80  may terminate with a padded paw-shaped cushion  180 . Each lateral strap  100  may include a length adjustment buckle  200  such that the length of each lateral strap  100  may be adjusted. Each strap  100  may include at least one elastic portion  210 . 
         [0026]    In an alternative embodiment, the distal end  108  of one of the lateral straps  100  terminates with the first part  71  of the third two-part fastener  70  and the distal end  108  of the other of the lateral straps  100  terminates with the second part  72  of the third two-part fastener  70 . When the combination  10  is in the blanket configuration  110 , the lateral straps  100  may be mutually secured together behind a user&#39;s  15  legs, thereby maintaining the position of the blanket portion  30  of the combination  10  on the user  15 . The flexible web  20  may further include a water-impervious layer (not shown) therein, or thereon, such that the web  20  may be used as a changing pad when in the blanket configuration  110 , for example. Further, the flexible web  20  may include a resilient foam or padding layer (not shown) therein such that the web  20  may be used as a mattress or cushion when in the blanket configuration  110 , for example. Moreover, the flexible web  20  may include heating or cooling pads or elements therein, or aromatherapy elements (not shown) therein, if desired. 
         [0027]    The first two-part fastener  50  may be a zipper  140  or any other suitable attachment means. The second  60  and third  70  two-part fasteners preferably comprise hook-and-loop type fastening materials  150 , but can also comprise any other suitable attachment means, such as buttons, mechanical snaps, or the like. The flexible web  20  can be made from a soft textile material, such as terry cloth, cotton, nylon, or the like, or in one embodiment tricot/Terylene so that the hook part  62  of the hook-and-loop type fasteners  150  may be applied anywhere on the web  20 , the web  20  serving as the loop part  61  of the hook-and-loop type fastener in such an embodiment. 
         [0028]    In an alternative embodiment, a front side of the blanket portion may include a pocket  220 . Additional pockets (not shown) may be included on either the front or rear side of the web  20 . The front side  39  of the blanket portion  30  may also include a plush toy animal head  160  projecting away therefrom. Furthermore, either the bottom edge  32  or a rear surface  31  of the blanket portion  30  may include a plush animal tail  170  fixed thereto and projecting away therefrom. The rear surface  31  of the blanket portion  30  may also include a selectively openable water-impervious bag  190  selectively fixed therewith by a hook-and-loop type fastener  150 . Such a bag  190  includes at least one hook part  62  adapted for contacting the loop part  61  fixed proximate the bottom edge  32  of the blanket portion  30  when the combination  10  is in the backpack configuration  130 . In one embodiment (not shown), the web  20  is rotated  90  degrees with respect to the shoulder straps  80 , such that the two side panels are oriented one at the top and one at the bottom when in the backpack configuration  130 . 
         [0029]    The present invention is intended to be used primarily with children. As such, the materials used therefore are suitably durable to withstand abuse and neglect, as is commonly required with children&#39;s items. It is anticipated that the present invention will be dragged, bitten, pulled, and otherwise abused. As such, the present invention is constructed with a durable material that resists tears and, if disassembled, will not be harmful to a child. Cotton, nylon, polyester, plastic, rubber, and metal pieces are anticipated. Clearly the present invention need not only be used by children, however, as the shoulder straps  80  may be sized to accommodate teenagers and adults as well, or even pets such as dogs, if desired. 
         [0030]    While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the device can incorporate different character designs or folding designs. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 
         [0031]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0032]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0033]    All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
         [0034]    Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0035]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.