Tranquillow Wearable Blanket

Abstract

The present invention provides a Wearable Blanket, or Tranquillow, a loose form fitting blanket with a warming pocket that can be folded within itself, transforming it into an attractive pillow when not in use. The design intent is to partner relaxation and convenience with form and function.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/633,940 filed Feb. 21, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Tranquillow.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of domestic goods, and more specifically to the field of warm blankets and pillows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for warm blankets and pillows. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,436 to Leon H. Cossaboom describes an electrically heated arm or leg sleeve for therapeutically treating by means of heat and at the same time a complete area of an arm or leg to which the sleeve is a attached. This sleeve comprises an insulated external layer means and an internal non insulated layer means for absorbing heat and directing it to an arm or leg surface. A control box on the sleeve governs amount of heat to either upper or lower portions of the sleeve. Heat for upper and lower portions may be combined for joint or full heating along one's limb.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,768 to Joseph M. Shink describes a blanket that can be converted into a pillow and is stored easily. The blanket has a pair of straps for securing the blanket in a folded position. These straps may be wrapped around the headrest of an automobile seat to provide an additional pillow for the headrest.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,640 to Durward I. Faries Jr., Bruce R. Heymann and David Hendrix describes a garment shaped to conform to body contours and thermally treat body parts. This garment is lined with a thermal element and a self adhesive sheet like gel layer forming a garment inner surface to directly contact and thermally treat the skin or wound.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wearable blanket that neatly folds into a pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative front view of the wearable blanket in a loose form fitting shape with sleeves and leg warming pockets.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative front view of the wearable blanket in an expanded shape showing sleeves folded downwards and a pillow pocket on the lower backside.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative inside view of the blanket in an expanded shape showing hook and loop fastener strips, a pillow pocket, and a leg warming pocket with a horizontal seam sewn to make the leg warming pocket tighter.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative functional view showing three iterations in the process of folding the blanket form into a pillow form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Some inventions change the way we live and alter the habits of our entire society. Such groundbreaking inventions are rare, and most successful inventions are small improvements that come into play subtly. Many enjoyable moments in life involve simply kicking back and relaxing. Many people spend an inordinate amount of time at work or other activities that consume their energy and time. One often looks forward to the end of their day when their body and mind can go offline. How this time is spent varies from person to person, but often entails lying on the sofa with a snack and watching TV. Some people like to snuggle up with a good book to read. Many people relax on the sofa, surf the internet and watch TV at the same time. All people share a common interest in lounging with a warm blanket, and comfortable wearable body blankets are becoming popular these days.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Tranquillow Wearable Blanket, or Tranquillow, is a loose form fitting blanket with a warming pocket that can be folded within itself, transforming it into an attractive pillow when not in use. The design intent is to partner relaxation and convenience with form and function.

The Tranquillow is a wearable blanket with a leg pouch that neatly folds into a pillow. The Tranquillow for a youth market measures approximately fifty three inches by fifty inches, with a sleeve length of approximately twenty four inches. This size fits children from approximately three feet eleven inches to five feet two inches in height. The adult version of the present invention is manufactured in two sizes. The larger size measures approximately seventy five inches by fifty five inches with a sleeve length of approximately twenty eight inches and fits adults ranging in height from approximately six feet to six feet eight inches. The smaller size measures approximately sixty seven inches by fifty five inches with a sleeve length of approximately twenty eight inches and fits adults ranging in height from approximately five feet three inches to five feet eleven inches. The pillow pocket's width is one third the width of the blanket and length or height is one quarter the length or height of the blanket.

When opened and used as a blanket, the user's arms go into the sleeves while the legs go into the leg warming pocket. The remainder of the Tranquillow covers the front side of the user's body from shoulders to toes. It stays securely in place with two small hook and loop fastener strips in the back, so there is no slipping. To fold the Tranquillow into a pillow, simply lay it out with the pillow pocket side down with sleeves side up. Point the sleeves downward over the Tranquillow. Folding vertically, fold the Tranquillow into thirds so that the width of the folded Tranquillow matches the width of the pillow pocket. Next, fold in half from top to bottom twice, so the folded Tranquillow matches the dimensions of the pillow pocket which still is exposed on the reverse side. Turn the Tranquillow over so the pillow pocket is facing up. Reach all the way into the pillow pocket and with each hand, grab the two back corners, hold all of the material and pull inside out. Lastly, fluff the pillow.

As a blanket, the Tranquillow keeps the user's legs and feet warmer than traditional blankets by containing body heat in the leg warming pocket. The present invention also keeps the arms warm while providing freedom to move them around for activities like reading a book, knitting or using a remote control completely unencumbered. When it's time to put your lounging blanket away, the Tranquillow takes up little space. Folded into a pillow, the Tranquillow becomes useful for head and body support and is pleasing enough aesthetically to be a decorative accent for any couch, chair or bed.

The Tranquillow is portable and good for people on the go, adding cushion to any seat or providing warmth when attending activities like sporting events, camping trips, concerts and picnics. The Tranquillow functions well in households consisting of adults, children and elders. The present invention is excellent for college students, sports fans, travelers and outdoor adventurers.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable blanket that neatly folds into a pillow, comprising: a loose form fitting blanket with a warming pocket that can be folded within itself, transforming it into an attractive pillow when not in use.

2. The wearable blanket of claim 1 further comprising a leg pouch that neatly folds into a pillow.

3. The wearable blanket of claim 2, sized for a small persons three feet eleven inches to five feet two inches in height, measures approximately fifty three inches by fifty inches, with a sleeve length of approximately twenty four inches.

4. The wearable blanket of claim 2, sized for small to medium sized adult ranging in height from approximately five feet three inches to five feet eleven inches, measures approximately sixty seven inches by fifty five inches with a sleeve length of approximately twenty eight inches.

5. The wearable blanket of claim 2 sized for larger adults ranging in height from approximately six feet to six feet eight inches, measures approximately seventy five inches by fifty five inches with a sleeve length of approximately twenty eight inches.

6. The wearable blanket of claim 2 wherein the pillow pocket's width is one third the width of the blanket and length is one quarter the length of the blanket.