Combination blanket and carrier

Abstract

A combination blanket and carrier therefore 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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination of a blanket and carrier bag therefore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Children frequently become attached to a favorite blanket which accompanies them just about everywhere. The child will frequently take the blanket from home to a daycare facility and/or to friends. The blanket appears to provide security for the child.

[0003] The prior art has disclosed various combinations of blankets which either combine with another article or which are being capable of being configured in a different manner. Thus, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,823 discloses an article which is capable of being configured as a blanket or as a carrying bag or a knapsack. U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,724 discloses a multi purpose baby wrap which converts to a blanket, a pad or a carrier sling. U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,090 discloses a baby blanket suitable for use in a car seat and which blanket is designed to accommodate the restraining harness of an infant car seat.

[0004] A different approach is taken in U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,900 which discloses a baby lift carrier and pad assembly which provides a structure to allow the lifting or transporting of a baby or infant. U.S. Pat. No. 2,227,751 teaches a combination of a garment and blanket.

[0005] While there are a multitude of different constructions involving blankets, there still exists a need for a combination where a child is able to easily transport their blanket when traveling to different locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a combination bag carrier and blanket which is easily transportable by the child.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination carrier bag and blanket which may be transported by the child and which includes various carrying means and pockets.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combination blanket and carrier therefore, the combination blanket and carrier comprising a carrier bag having first and second opposed carrier bag side walls, first and second opposed carrier bag end walls, the first and second carrier bag end walls and first and second carrier bag side walls defining therebetween a cavity, a blanket having first and second opposed blanket ends and first and second opposed blanket sides, the first blanket end being secured to a free marginal edge of the first carrier bag side wall, the blanket having a blanket width extending between the first and second opposed blanket sides which is greater than a width of the carrier bag between the first and second carrier bag end walls, and carrying means secured to the carrier bag.

[0009] The carrier bag of the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, generally comprises first and second opposed carrier bag side walls and, first and second opposed carrier bag end walls such that the carrier bag has a generally overall rectangular configuration. The blanket is also preferably of a rectangular configuration having first and second opposed blanket sides and first and second opposed blanket ends.

[0010] As aforementioned, a end wall of the blanket is connected to an upper marginal edge of the first side wall of the carrier bag. Although the connection can be made by sewing or any other suitable means of attachment, the blanket and carrier bag are preferably formed as an integral unit.

[0011] The material forming the blanket and/or the carrier bag may be any which is desirable and which is known in the art.

[0012] The blanket is designed to be folded and to fit within the carrier bag. Thus, the width of the blanket, as measured by the distance between the two sides, is preferably approximately a multiple of the width of the carrier bag which is the distance between the two end walls thereof.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the blanket may include means thereon to identify where the blanket should be folded to fit most compactly within the carrier bag. These fold line indicating means may be any suitable and may, for example, include decorative designs for the child.

[0014] The carrier bag will have means for carrying the same and in one particularly preferred embodiment, carrier bag will have shoulder straps such the child may carry the bag as a backpack.

[0015] Other convenient carrying means such as a single shoulder strap and/or a handle may also be employed.

[0016] Preferably, the carrier bag will also include means for receiving auxiliary articles which may include, for example, a bottle and/or a decorative figure or stuffed toy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier bag and blanket when the blanket is folded within the carrier bag;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view thereof;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof as seen from the left hand side of FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the carrier bag and blanket and accessories when in an unfolded condition;

[0022] FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan views illustrating the folding of the blanket into the carrier bag; and

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the carrier bag and blanket when in a folded condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a stored combination blanket and carrier therefore and which is generally designated by reference numeral 10.

[0025] Combination blanket and carrier 10 comprises a blanket component generally designated by reference numeral 12 and a carrier bag component generally designated by reference numeral 14.

[0026] As may be best seen in FIG. 4, blanket component 12 is of a generally rectangular configuration and has a pair of opposed sides 16 and 18 and a pair of opposed ends 20 and 22. Located at end 22 there is provided a connecting portion 24 for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow.

[0027] Carrier bag component 14 has a front side wall 28 and a back side wall 30. Front side wall 28 and back side wall 30 are connected by means of end walls 32 and 34. Conveniently, they may be connected by sewing of the marginal edges as may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. A cavity is defined between front and back side walls 28, 30 and end walls 32, 34.

[0028] Provided on back wall 30 are a pair of shoulder straps 36 and 38 which are designed for use by a child to carry the carrier bag 14.

[0029] A pair of closure straps 40 and 42, as may be seen in FIG. 1, are provided to close the top of the carrier bag and have a slot to receive buttons 44 and 46 which are formed on front side wall 28.

[0030] The carrier bag also includes a side wall pocket 48 formed on front side wall 28 for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow. An end wall pocket 50 is also provided along with retaining cords 52.

[0031] A handle 54 may be provided for carrying the carrier bag; as well, a single shoulder strap 55 may be utilized.

[0032] There is provided a stuffed toy 56 which is designed to fit within pocket 48. A bottle 58 is supplied to fit within end wall pocket 50 and be retained therein by retaining cords 52. The combination blanket and carrier bag may also have a pillow 60 designed to fit within the carrier bag component 14.

[0033] A plurality of indicating means 62 are provided to illustrate where the blanket should be folded so as to fit within the carrier bag. This is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and as may be seen therein, the blanket is first folded side to side to form three layers then folded inwise to fit within the cavity of carrier bag 14.

[0034] It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of illustration only and that changes or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combination blanket and carrier therefore, said combination blanket and carrier comprising:

a carrier bag having first and second opposed carrier bag side walls, first and second opposed carrier bag end walls, said first and second carrier bag end walls and first and second carrier bag side walls defining therebetween a cavity;

a blanket having first and second opposed blanket ends and first and second opposed blanket sides, said first blanket end being secured to a free marginal edge of said first carrier bag side wall;

said blanket having a blanket width extending between said first and second opposed blanket sides which is greater than a width of said carrier bag between said first and second carrier bag end walls; and

carrying means secured to said carrier bag.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said carrying means comprises a carrying handle secured to said carrier bag side walls.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said carrying means comprises a pair of straps connected to said first and second carrier bag side walls such that said carrier bag may be placed on a child's shoulders.

4. The combination of claim 1 further including fold line identification means on a surface of said blanket to indicate where said blanket should be folded to fit compactly within said carrier bag.

5. The combination of claim 1 further including bottle carrying means on said first carrier bag end wall.