CONVERTIBLE BLANKET AND BACKPACK
A convertible blanket and backpack system in which a backpack converts to a ground cover blanket. The apparatus can include a waterproof ground cover blanket that includes a circular channel with two opposing openings formed adjacent to a perimeter of ground cover blanket and further including a cord that can be used to open or close the fabric material to switch between a backpack and a ground cover blanket. Additionally, the device can include one or more removable blankets that can be removably attached to the ground cover blanket.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a backpack that converts to a blanket, towel or ground cover and more particularly to an improved combination that provides removable components resulting in longer lifespan and sanitary use.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,343 describes a blanket and tote bag which can be drawn closed via drawstrings into a tote. The drawstrings can then be incorporated into a handle/strap for carrying the bag. The bag is a single compartment made of fabric material.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,812 describes a combined tablecloth and picnic bag including a sealed inner compartment for placing picnic tools and dishes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a backpack that converts to a ground cover blanket and vise versa. One embodiment of the present invention includes a first fabric material having a front side and a back side. The front side includes a channel with two oppositely placed openings formed adjacent to a perimeter of the first fabric material. Located within the circular channel is a cord that can be used to open or close the first fabric material to switch between a backpack and a ground cover blanket. Additionally, the device includes an attachment unit for removably attaching additional fabric materials to the first fabric material.
Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
Referring to
One side of the ground cover 1 acts as a receiving base for the removable blanket 2, and the other side of the ground cover 1 forms the exterior of the backpack when the cord 5 is drawn closed. See
The removable blanket 2 can be attached to and removed from the ground cover 1 by means of a lightweight magnetic strip 3. This magnetic strip 3 can be, for example, included along the edge or other portions of the removable blanket 2 and aligned with a similarly placed magnetic strip 3 that is also incorporated into the ground cover 1. As such, the removable blanket 2 can be easily removed and replaced when soiled or damaged, thus significantly extending the lifespan and flexibility of the convertible backpack and blanket system 100. Alternatively, the removable blanket 2 can be attached to the ground cover 1 by a more traditional means such as a zipper, Velcro®, snaps or the like.
Although
An additional feature of the convertible backpack and ground cover system 100 is the ability to switch functions between a backpack and a ground cover. This is particularly useful when carrying heavy items while camping or at the beach. As such, the convertible backpack and ground cover blanket may be converted to a backpack by simply pulling the cord 5 and drawing the ground cover 1 closed.
This invention can be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims
1: A combined blanket and backpack comprising:
- a first fabric material having a front side and a back side, said first fabric material including a channel with two oppositely placed openings, said channel being formed adjacent to a perimeter of the fabric material;
- a cord located within the channel, said cord including two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to form a closed bag; and
- a first attachment unit located on the front side of the first fabric material along a periphery of the channel.
2: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 1, further comprising:
- a second fabric material that includes a second attachment unit located along a periphery of the second fabric material, said second fabric material being configured to be removably attached to the first fabric material via the first and second attachment units.
3: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second attachment units utilize magnetic elements.
4: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 2, further comprising:
- a third fabric material that includes a third attachment unit located along a periphery of the third fabric material, said third fabric material being configured to be removably attached to at least one of the first fabric material and the second fabric material via at least one of the first second and third attachment units.
5: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first second and third attachment units utilize magnetic elements.
6: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 4, wherein the third fabric material includes padding.
7: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 4, wherein the third fabric material includes an inflatable pocket to form an air mattress.
8: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 2, wherein the first fabric material is a circular shape and the second fabric material is a rectangular shape, said second fabric material being larger than said first fabric material.
9: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 8, wherein said second fabric material is configured to be sealed to form a sleeping bag via the second attachment unit.
10: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 8, wherein a front side of the second fabric material is a cotton blend and a back side of the second material is waterproof.
11: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one adjustable backpack strap affixed to the back side of the first fabric material.
12: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 1 further comprising:
- at least one sealable pocket affixed to the back side of the first fabric material.
13: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the first fabric material is waterproof.
14: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 2, wherein at least one side of the second fabric material is a cotton blend fabric.
15: A convertible backpack system comprising:
- a first fabric material having a front side and a back side, said first fabric material including a channel with two oppositely placed openings, said channel being formed adjacent to a perimeter of the fabric material;
- at least one adjustable backpack strap affixed to the back side of the first fabric material;
- a cord located within the channel, said cord including two opposing ends configured to be drawn through the openings of the channel to form a closed bag;
- an attachment means located on the front side of the first fabric material along a periphery of the channel; and
- at least one additional fabric material removably attached to said first fabric material via the attachment means.
16: The convertible backpack system of claim 15, wherein the first fabric material is a circular shape and the at least one additional fabric material is a rectangular shape, said at least one additional fabric material being larger than said first fabric material.
17: The combined blanket and backpack of claim 16, wherein said at least one additional fabric material is sealed to form a sleeping bag via the attachment means.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 18, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 24, 2011
Inventor: Craig Ranciato (Palm Coast, FL)
Application Number: 12/543,380
International Classification: A45F 4/08 (20060101);