Corner pouch blanket

Abstract

A blanket having one or more corner pouches for receiving a body portion of a user, or a pillow or other object. A rectangular blanket has a triangular panel of material attached to one or more corners of the blanket, with the hypotenuse of each triangular panel not being attached to the blanket, thus forming a pouch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/197,564, filed Apr. 17, 2000, the entire scope and content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a blanket or throw suitable for use both in and beyond the bed, by a human or animal user; and more particularly to such a blanket or throw having one or more corner pouches to receive an object such as a user's feet, head, hands and/or a pillow.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Blankets or throws are commonly used to retain body heat for warmth in bed and in places other than a bed. They are used, for example, as a person is sitting, reading, traveling, watching sporting events, sleeping on a couch or bed, or in an airplane, bus or train. Standard blankets that are typically used in situations like the aforementioned could be improved upon, however.

[0006] For example, if a user moves around or shifts position under a standard blanket, his or her feet often become exposed to outside elements. A person using a traditional blanket as a covering or wrap while viewing a spectator event typically leaves their head exposed to the elements. Additionally, if a person in a position other than lying down (e.g., seated, standing) wishes to maintain a pillow, heating element or other object in position adjacent the blanket, it is generally difficult to accomplish, as movement or shifting of the user causes the pillow to be displaced due to gravity acting on the pillow. With traditional blankets, all of these drawbacks may be frustrating and/or impossible to overcome.

[0007] Thus it can be seen that needs yet exist for an improved blanket or covering. For example, it has been found that a need exists for a blanket that permits the user to more securely position the blanket over one or more portions of the user's body, and/or to maintain a pillow or other object in position. It is also desirable to provide an improved blanket that may be fabricated by simple modification of an existing blanket, and that makes full use of the dimensions of an existing blanket. It is to a blanket meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an improved blanket having one or more corner pouches or pockets. Advantageously, a corner pouch of the blanket can be used to keep a person's feet covered at all times no matter how much the person may wrestle or tug on the blanket, and/or can be worn over the head in the manner of the hood of a poncho to keep the head warm. Additionally or alternatively, a corner pouch of the blanket can be used to hold a pillow or other object in place during storage or transport, or while the blanket is wrapped around a person so that the pillow or other object remains securely in place.

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is a blanket including a sheet of material having first and second edges intersecting to form a corner. The blanket preferably further includes a corner pouch panel comprising a first pouch edge, a second pouch edge, and a third pouch edge. The first pouch edge is preferably attached to the first edge of the sheet of material adjacent the corner, the second pouch edge is attached to the second edge of the sheet of material adjacent the corner, and at least a portion of the third pouch edge is unattached to the sheet of material. In this manner, a pouch is formed between the sheet of material and the corner pouch panel.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is a blanket including a flexible sheet of material with adjoining first and second edges. The first edge has a first length and the second edge has a second length. The blanket further includes a corner pouch panel having a first pouch edge and a second pouch edge. The first pouch edge is preferably connected to the first edge of the flexible sheet of material along a portion of the first edge thereof comprising less than the first length. The second pouch edge is preferably connected to the second edge of the flexible sheet of material along a portion of the second edge thereof comprising less than the second length.

[0011] In still another aspect, the present invention is a blanket having a pouch for receiving an object. The pouch is preferably formed between a flexible sheet of material and a pouch panel. The flexible sheet of material and the pouch panel are preferably formed of separate pieces of material joined together by stitching. The pouch preferably has a depth of at least about eight inches and an opening width of at least about twelve inches.

[0012] These and other objects, features and advantages of preferred forms of the present invention are described in greater detail herein with reference to preferred and example embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a blanket according to a preferred form of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows the blanket of FIG. 1, according to a preferred form of the present invention, with a corner pouch receiving a pillow.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a blanket having a corner pouch thereof placed over the head of a user, in the manner of a hood of a poncho, according to a preferred form of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a blanket having corner pouches thereof placed over the head and hands of a user according to another preferred form of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a blanket having a corner pouch thereof containing the feet of a user according to another preferred form of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, preferred forms of the present invention will now be described. As seen best with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the blanket 10 of the present invention preferably generally comprises a flexible sheet of material 12, and a pouch panel 14. The flexible sheet 12 and the pouch panel 14 are preferably formed of materials of construction that are similar or identical to materials commonly used to produce blankets. Example materials include synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic or nylon and natural fibers such as cotton or wool. These fibers can be blended or used in full percentage, and optionally can be water-proofed for use outdoors. The materials of construction can be woven, knitted, needle-punched or any other non-woven process. The flexible sheet 12 and the pouch panel 14 are preferably formed of like materials. Alternatively, the flexible sheet 12 and the pouch panel 14 are formed of different materials. The flexible sheet 12 can comprise a pre-finished standard commercially available blanket, and the pouch panel 14 can comprise a cutout segment of a pre-finished standard commercially available blanket. Alternatively, each can be specially fabricated for use in constructing the blanket 10 of the present invention.

[0019] In preferred form, the flexible sheet 12 is generally rectangular in overall shape. Optionally, the flexible sheet 12 is generally square. Alternatively, the flexible sheet 12 can comprise a triangular or other polygonal shape, or a circular, oval, or otherwise rounded shape. A generally rectangular embodiment is depicted in the figures, and comprises a flexible sheet 12 having a first edge 16, a second edge 18, a third edge 20 and a fourth edge 22. Adjoining edges intersect at a first corner 24, a second corner 26, a third corner 28 and a fourth corner 30. In the depicted embodiment, the first and third edges 16, 20 have a first length (alternately referred to as the length of the blanket 10), and the second and fourth edges have a second length (alternately referred to as the width of the blanket 10). The length of the blanket 10 is preferably at least about 42 inches and preferably not more than about 78 inches. Of course, smaller or larger blankets can be provided within the scope of the invention, for example for use by infants or taller people. For the average adult, the preferred length is between about 55 inches to about 78 inches. For a child, the blanket should preferably be between about 45 inches to about 72 inches long. The width of the blanket 10 is preferably between about 30 inches wide to about 85 inches wide. Of course, smaller or larger blankets can be provided within the scope of the invention. For example, the width of the blanket 10 can be greater if the blanket is intended for use by two or more people together.

[0020] The pouch panel 14 is preferably a separate piece of material, and is joined to the sheet of material 12 by stitching, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, zipper, snap, buttons or other attachment means. A surge stitch is preferred but most any suitable stitch can be used to attach the pouch panel 14 to the material 12. Additional stitching may or may not be provided to reinforce one or more edges of the pouch. The pouch panel 14 is preferably a corner pouch panel comprising a first pouch edge 40, a second pouch edge 42, and a third pouch edge 44. The first pouch edge 40 is preferably attached to the first edge 16 of the sheet of material 12, and the second pouch edge 42 is preferably attached to the second edge 18 of the sheet of material 12. At least a portion of the third pouch edge 44 is unattached to the sheet of material 12, thereby forming a pouch 50 between the sheet of material 12 and the pouch panel 14. Preferably, the pouch panel 14 is triangular, wherein first ends of the first and second pouch edges intersect at a common vertex, and the third pouch edge extends along a hypotenuse between second ends of the first and second pouch edges. Most preferably, the pouch panel 14 has the shape of a right triangle. Placement of the one or more pouches 50 at corners of the blanket 10 advantageously maximizes the length of the usable area of the blanket, in that corner-to-corner measurements of a rectangular blanket are longer than end to end measurements.

[0021] The first pouch edge 40 is preferably connected to the sheet of material 12 along only a portion of the first edge 16, and the second pouch edge 42 is preferably connected to the sheet of material 12 along only a portion of the second edge 18, whereby length and width of the pouch 50 are less than the full length and width of the blanket 10. The depth of the pouch 50 should preferably be at least about eight inches, measuring from the hypotenuse of the triangle to the vertex, and preferably no more than about forty inches. The width of the opening along the third pouch edge 44 into the pouch 50 is preferably at least about twelve inches. It is preferable that the pouch 50 be about eighteen inches deep and have an opening width of about twenty-four inches, thus providing enough room in the pocket for both feet of a user 100 to fit comfortably in the pouch as shown in FIG. 5, and allowing for room to move the feet with little resistance. Of course, smaller or larger pockets can be provided within the scope of the invention. One or more elastic bands can optionally be provided along the opening of the pouch to provide more secure containment of objects therein.

[0022] One or more releasable fasteners 60, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, snaps or buttons are optionally provided on the blanket 10 for securing the blanket about a user or an object during use or storage, or to bind the blanket into a compact bundle for storage or transport. A slit or other passage 62 is optionally provided through the sheet of material 12 to permit a user 100 to pass a hand or other body part therethrough.

[0023] In further preferred and optional embodiments, the blanket 10 comprises two or more pouch panels 14, attached to the sheet of material 12 as described above, to form two or more pouches 50. For example, first and second corner pouch panels can be attached at diagonally opposite corners of the sheet 12 to form first and second pouches 50a, 50c, as seen with reference to FIG. 4. A user 100 may place his right hand in the first pouch 50a, and his left hand in the second pouch 50b. Alternatively, the user 100 can place his head in the first pouch and his feet in the second pouch. In a further preferred embodiment, a corner pouch panel is attached at each of the four corners of a rectangular or square sheet of material 12, thereby forming four pouches 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d. As seen with reference to FIG. 4, a user 100 may place hands, feet and head in the pouches.

[0024] The blanket 10 of the present invention enables a number of advantageous methods of use. For example, the blanket 10 of the present invention facilitates a method of maintaining body temperature, including the steps of: (1) providing a blanket having at least one corner pouch, substantially as described above; (2) placing a portion of the user's body, such as the head, hands or feet, within the corner pouch; and (3) wrapping the main portion of the blanket about the user's body. The blanket 10 also allows a user to place a pillow 70 and/or other object (such as, for example, a heating pad, cold pack, heat pack, massage device, and/or similar gratifying device) in the pouch 50 as shown in FIG. 2, and wrap the blanket around the user so that the pillow remains in place while the user can rest against the pillow or other object and move about within the blanket, without displacing the pillow from the pouch. The blanket 10 of the present invention also provides a convenient storage compartment for a pillow 70 during storage and transport, so that the blanket and pillow can be securely stored together until needed for use.

[0025] Various example manners of use of the blanket 10 of the present invention are depicted in the figures. For example, FIG. 2 shows a corner pouch 50 receiving a pillow 70 so that the pillow will be retained in place, such as resting against the head of a user, while the blanket is wrapped around the person in the nature of a shawl. FIG. 3 shows a person utilizing the blanket 10 of the present invention as a poncho, with the corner pouch 50 placed about the user's head as a hood. The pouch 50 secures the blanket over the user's head, and the main portion of the blanket is wrapped around the person's body to protect from wind and cold. The releasable fasteners 60 can be attached to secure the blanket 10 in place. If the user needs to pass an object from inside the blanket to outside the blanket (or vice versa), the object can be passed through the passage 62, without the need for opening the blanket 10 and releasing body warmth. FIG. 4 shows a person utilizing another embodiment of the blanket 10 of the present invention as a poncho. The user wears one pouch 50c on the head as a hood, while wrapping the main portion of the blanket around the user's body to protect from wind and cold. Each hand is placed in a pouch 50a, 50c, and the feet may be placed in another pouch 50d, as desired. FIG. 5 shows a person utilizing the blanket 10 of the present invention to secure their feet in a pouch 50. The corner pouch 50 makes it possible to maintain full control of the blanket as the user moves around, thereby helping to insure that the person's feet will remain covered and warm.

[0026] The blanket 10 of the present invention can be manufactured from virtually any insulative or protective material, such as woven, knitted or non-woven, that could possibly serve as a blanket, and can be manufactured in all colors, patterns and print designs. In alternate embodiments, the blanket 10 comprises a sun-block material for protecting the user against harmful effects of the sun's rays, and/or a reflective or brightly colored covering for signaling rescuers in the event a user is lost or injured. The blanket of the present invention can be manufactured using inexpensive disposable non-woven materials making the blanket practical and affordable in large volumes, such as for airline usage. In other embodiments, the blanket is manufactured from full plush fabrics, and/or includes insulative fill such as down or polyester fiber fill to make a the warmest high-quality blanket desired. The blanket 10 can be made in a variety of sizes in order to be suitable for the end user to fulfill the purpose they deem appropriate for the blanket. The blanket 10 can be made in larger sizes to accommodate two or more persons. The blanket 10 can be used in locations beyond a bed, such as a chair, recliner, couch, futon, bleachers, stadium seat, airplane, train, car, boat, bus, walking, standing, or anywhere a user would desire to keep their feet covered, their head covered or to hold objects for comfort such as a pillow. The blanket 10 of the present invention can also be fabricated in sizes suitable for use by a dog, a horse, or another animal.

[0027] Thus, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many additions, modifications and deletions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A blanket comprising:

a sheet of material having first and second edges intersecting to form a corner; and

a corner pouch panel comprising a first pouch edge, a second pouch edge, and a third pouch edge;

wherein said first pouch edge is attached to the first edge of said sheet of material adjacent the corner, said second pouch edge is attached to the second edge of said sheet of material adjacent the corner, and at least a portion of said third pouch edge is unattached to said sheet of material, thereby forming a pouch between said sheet of material and said corner pouch panel.

2. The blanket of

claim 1, wherein said corner pouch panel is generally triangular, and wherein first ends of said first pouch edge and said second pouch edge intersect at a vertex, and wherein said third pouch edge extends along a hypotenuse between second ends of said first pouch edge and said second pouch edge.

3. The blanket of

claim 2, wherein said sheet of material is generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein said blanket comprises first and second corner pouch panels attached at first and second corners of said generally rectangular sheet of material.

4. The blanket of

claim 3, wherein said first and second corner pouch panels are attached at diagonally opposite corners of said generally rectangular sheet of material.

5. The blanket of

claim 3, comprising four corner pouch panels, one corner pouch panel being attached at each of said four corners of said generally rectangular sheet of material.

6. The blanket of

claim 5, wherein said generally rectangular sheet of material is generally square.

7. The blanket of

claim 1, wherein said sheet of material and said corner pouch panel are formed of like materials.

8. The blanket of

claim 1, wherein said corner pouch panel is attached to said sheet of material by stitching.

9. The blanket of

claim 1, further comprising at least one releasable fastener attached to said blanket.

10. The blanket of

claim 1, defining a passage through said sheet of material.

11. A blanket comprising a flexible sheet of material with adjoining first and second edges, said first edge having a first length and said second edge having a second length; said blanket further comprising a corner pouch panel having a first pouch edge and a second pouch edge; wherein said first pouch edge is connected to the first edge of said flexible sheet of material along a portion of the first edge thereof comprising less than the first length, and said second pouch edge is connected to the second edge of said flexible sheet of material along a portion of the second edge thereof comprising less than the second length.

12. The blanket of

claim 1 1, wherein said sheet of material is generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein said blanket comprises first and second corner pouch panels attached at diagonally opposite first and second corners of said generally rectangular sheet of material.

13. The blanket of

claim 12, wherein said generally rectangular sheet of material is generally square, and further comprising four corner pouch panels, one corner pouch panel being attached at each of said four corners of said sheet of material.

14. The blanket of

claim 11, further comprising at least one releasable fastener attached to said blanket.

15. The blanket of

claim 11, defining a passage through said flexible sheet of material.

16. A blanket comprising a pouch for receiving an object, said pouch formed between a flexible sheet of material and a pouch panel, said flexible sheet of material and said pouch panel comprising separate pieces of material joined together by stitching, wherein said pouch has a depth of at least about eight inches and an opening width of at least about twelve inches.

17. The blanket of

claim 16, wherein said flexible sheet of material is generally rectangular, having four corners, and wherein said blanket comprises first and second pouch panels attached at diagonally opposite first and second corners of said generally rectangular sheet of material.

18. The blanket of

claim 16, wherein said flexible sheet of material is generally square, and further comprising four pouch panels, one pouch panel being attached at each of said four corners of said sheet of material.

19. The blanket of

claim 16, further comprising at least one releasable fastener attached to said blanket.

20. The blanket of

claim 16, defining a passage through said flexible sheet of material.