PONCHILLOW: PONCHO STYLE BLANKET WITH ATTACHED PILLOW AND HOOD

Abstract

One garment which represents an innovative poncho style blanket presenting users with an unparalleled experience of comfort, warmth and support. The Ponchillow allows its consumers to sleep and sit virtually anywhere with the support of its unique neck pillow and removable seat cushion, carry personal items easily and tie it altogether with the warmth of its fleece poncho style blanket construction. The expressed qualities of the Ponchillow allow for it to be used but not limited to; driving or riding in a car, flying in plane, everyday shopping, watching a movie or your child play their favorite outdoor sports. Blankets today don't offer the all-in-one convenience that the Ponchillow offers. Consumers are forced to carry multiple items such as; blankets, neck support, head coverings, storage device and pillows for support and cushion. The Ponchillow is uniquely designed to combine all these features into one compact, comfortable and portable product.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a garment, my Ponchillow, for use as a blanket, a cushion, a neck support, hand warmers, and an all-in-one poncho with a hood.

BACKGROUND

Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

U.S. Patents
	Patent Number	Issue Date	Patentee
	5,920,931	1999 Jul. 13	Zuehlke et al.
	Des. 430721	2000 Sep. 12	Beauchan
	5,987,667	1999 Nov. 23	Haverly et al.
	5,657,489	1997 Aug. 19	Ponstein
	5,946,723	1999 Sep. 07	DiPrato et al.
	6,643,870	2003 Nov. 11	Bertrand

Retail stores and specialty stores commonly supply consumers with blankets, hooded and non-hooded sweatshirts, jackets, pillows, robes and similar products to provide consumers with warmth, support, and comfort. Although each of these products are capable of standing alone, they are inferior to the embodiment of my Ponchillow's design which incorporates key needs of consumers in one convenient product.

Numerous blankets and ponchos have been provided in the above list as examples of inventions created in an attempt to provide consumers with warmth, comfort and convenience. Such patents include the following U.S. Pat. Nos.; 5,920,931 to Zuehlke et al., 430,721 to Beauchan, 5,987,667 to Haverly et al., 5,657,489 to Ponstein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,723 to DiPrato et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,870 to Bertrand.

The design by Zuehlke, the “Pillow Blanket,” is a fleece blanket with a corner pocket that allows the user to fold the blanket into it, thus creating a pillow or seat cushion. Although this invention may keep consumers warm and potentially keep them comfortable, it limits them to one or the other and cannot simultaneously satisfy both needs.

The “Convertible Blanket and Pillow,” by Haverly et al. is yet another blanket which compacts into a pillow. Haverly's invention faces the same disadvantage of Zueklke's invention in that it cannot be both a blanket and a pillow simultaneously.

As listed above, Beauchan patented the “Poncho,” which consists of little description under its patent due to its simplistic structure and use as a standard poncho with hood. Although similar to the embodiment of my Ponchillow, Beauchan's invention lacks the ability to perform multiple functions. Its potential is limited to providing consumers with warmth and protection against harsh weather. Further, Beauchan's invention does not provide support in the form of a pillow or a seat cushion, nor does it provide convenient storage for loose items.

Ponstein's patent, “Blanket with Head and Hand Openings,” is simply a blanket that resembles a poncho and allows for two people to utilize it for warmth and comfort. It is limited in the fact that its main purpose is to support multiple people, movement is restricted by the co-wearers desires, it does not have pockets for storage, and it does not provide the users with any form of pillow support. If two users are sharing the “Blanket with Head and Hand Openings,” and one decides to get a drink of water, he or she will be faced with being uncovered by the blanket while they get the glass of water.

The “Stadium Sack,” was patented by DiPrato et al. and is a multipurpose garment which allows its users to transform it into a blanket or cushion; however, it does not allow for the user to take advantage of each function simultaneously. The “Stadium Sack” fails to allow users to store mundane objects, such as keys and wallets, while wearing the garment. Further, the “Stadium Sack” does not allow the user to enjoy the support of a seat cushion while using the “Stadium Sack” as a blanket/poncho with hood. For a user to have the comfort of a seat cushion, they have to fold the blanket into a pillow style cushion and risk being cold.

The last patent cited in the prior art was issued to Bertrand and is referred to as a “Blanket.” Bertrand patented a blanket consisting of a neck tie (to hold it in place), an interior pouch to keep a user's hands warm, and is long enough to have a pouch to keep a user's feet warm. Though the “Blanket,” may have these features, it leaves the wearer's back open, can only be used in a stationary position as it confines ones feet, restricts hand movement as it has no hand openings, has no cushion for rear support, and lacks a warm and comfortable feature for the wearer's neck.

Although these listed designs may serve their purpose, they are inferior to the convenient and resourceful design of the embodiment of my Ponchillow, which is designed for maximum comfort, support, convenience, and simultaneous use of features.

SUMMARY

The instant invention relates mainly to ponchos, blankets and pillows, but more specifically to the Ponchillow. The embodiment of my blanket consists of a rectangular blanket with a center cut which creates a poncho style fit. The embodiment of my blanket thus consists of an oval shaped pillow, with allotted slack, attached to the rear neck portion of the blanket which adds support for the neck and shoulder regions (depending on the positioning of the pillow).

In addition, the design will include a back interior pocket which fits a removable seat cushion that will offer added support and comfort for the buttocks region. Amongst the previously listed features of the garment, the front interior portion of the blanket will include an interior front pocket for extra warmth and support of the hands. Featured on the exterior of the interior front pocket will be three subdivided pockets for easy access and storage of every day items. Not to be excluded, there will be an attached hood for added warmth to the average, mundane blankets available on the market today. Amongst the previously listed prior art, the most powerful asset the embodiment of the Ponchillow presents is the simultaneous ability to provide warmth for the entire body (including hands and head), support for the neck with a neck pillow, support for the buttocks region with a removable seat cushion, and storage of mundane items with the interior front pouches.

Advantages

The embodiment of my garment represents the first blanket that provides its users with front and back coverage, while also providing such amenities as the following: an attached pillow for shoulder and neck support, full range of motion for arms and hands, hood for extra warmth and protection, interior pockets for hand warmth, convenient storage for every day items like keys, cell phones and wallets. In addition, the embodiment of my garment includes a removable seat cushion for extra support. The unique design of the embodiment of my garment was created for the purpose of eliminating the ever growing need for a product that will allow an individual to stay warm, comfortable, maintain full body mobility, have access to convenient storage and sleep almost anywhere without carrying the numerous bulky items that it traditionally takes to accomplish those desires.

The distinctive design of my Ponchillow makes it a superior blanket compared to similar products being sold in today's market because of its innovative all-in-one design. The focal point of this progressive design is the fluffy, soft and supportive pillow attached to the back neckline of the embodiment of my garment. Its original design allows for its users to adjust the placement of the pillow to a position which provides them with the best possible support. The pillow is conveniently positioned on the garment to allow it to comfortably hang for users to complete their everyday errands. When individuals decide to sit or lay down, the embodiment of my garment's pillow springs into action to immediately support one's neck and shoulders, creating that unique feeling of being in bed. In addition to the neck and shoulder pillow, the embodiment of my garment outdoes itself by providing users with an extra removable seat cushion in the buttocks region of the blanket. This removable seat cushion is unique in the fact that it can be removed or left in place based on each user's individual needs. The removable seat cushion may be removed during normal activities such as walking, cleaning the house and shopping. However, when one needs that extra cushion for the rear, the embodiment of my garment simply allows users to reinsert the seat cushion into its back interior pocket for instant support and comfort. This feature is great for watching one's children play sports on the hard/cold bleachers, for picnics at the park and overall relief from daily pressures placed on the buttocks and lower back. All this can be accomplished while staying warm and by simply wearing one garment, the present invention.

As well as the support provided by the previously listed pillows, the embodiment of my garment includes other convenient support features. One feature is the interior front pocket. This feature allows its users to place their hands into it for extra warmth and support without having to expose their hands or arms. Attached to the interior front pocket are three subdivided pouches which provide storage for everyday essentials such as: keys, cell phones, wallets, money, credit cards, forms of identification, cosmetics and snacks amongst many other items. The previously mentioned features make this product especially good for those who travel on a regular basis. It allows them to carry important documentation easily and securely without added baggage or conflict with airport officials. Also, it works equally well once they have boarded the airplane. The embodiment of my garment provides them with instant support and warmth without the added costs and health concerns associated with commercial flights.

The overall design of the poncho style blanket accompanied by the finishing touches of a warm hood, tie together all the great features mentioned above. The hood protects the user during undesirable conditions; these conditions may be encountered in areas such as the following: airplanes, road trips with others, shopping centers, frozen food sections at local grocery stores, cold movie theaters, late night dog walks, and professional and amateur sporting events amongst many other undesirable conditions. The hood keeps the head, neck and ears warm while allowing one to remove it if conditions are to change. The hood will not obstruct one's mobility or any of the other unique features of the embodiment of my garment. The typically rectangular cut of the garment allows for a perfect balance of warmth, comfort, coverage and mobility. One's hands have the freedom to stay supported along the interior of the blanket or be quickly uncovered without any effort. Once one's hands are removed, the body remains warm and protected while the hands are free to manage the required tasks at hand.

The special construction of the garment, as described above, shows how the need to stay warm, comfortable, maintain a full body mobility, have access to convenient storage and sleep almost anywhere can be met with the production of this one novel product. The distinctive design of the embodiment of my garment is generally constructed of fleece, thread and premium polyester fiberfill. However, the embodiment of my garment is not restricted to only this material which adds to its more ideal use and future potential.

DRAWINGS

Figures

For a complete understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: Ponchillow Exterior Front View

Illustrates the locations and shapes of the exterior features such as; a hood at 1, a pillow at 2 and a blanket at 3.

FIG. 2: Ponchillow Exterior Back View

Illustrates the back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, and highlights an addition of a pillow slack at 4 which attaches a pillow 2 to the back neckline of the embodiment of my blanket 3.

FIG. 3: Ponchillow Font View Showing Interior Pocket

Illustrates a front exterior of the embodiment of my Ponchillow with a hood at 1, a blanket at 3 and an x-ray view of a front interior pocket at 5 which can be used for storage and keeping hands warm.

FIG. 4: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Back Pocket

Illustrates the back exterior of the embodiment of my Ponchillow with a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a pillow slack at 4 and an x-ray style view of an interior back pocket at 6 for a seat cushion 7A.

FIG. 5: Ponchillow Side Profile—Upper Portion

Illustrates a side profile view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, and a pillow slack at 4.

FIG. 6: Ponchillow Front View Showing Interior Pockets in Use

Illustrates a front view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow with a hood at 1, a blanket at 3 and an x-ray view of front interior pockets at 5 being used for storage of everyday items and hand warmth.

FIG. 7: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Rear Pocket without Seat Cushion

Illustrates a back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a pillow slack at 4, with an x-ray view showing a back interior pocket at 6 without a seat cushion 7A inserted.

FIG. 8: Ponchillow Back View Showing Interior Rear Pocket with Seat Cushion

Illustrates a back view of the embodiment of my Ponchillow including a hood at 1, a pillow at 2, a blanket at 3, a pillow slack at 4, with an X-ray style view showing a back interior pocket at 6 and an inserted seat cushion at 7A.

FIG. 9: Ponchillow Seat Cushion Front View and Side View

Illustrates a front view and shape of a seat cushion at 7A and a side view of a seat cushion at 7B.

FIG. 10: Multiple Illustrations Showing Various Uses of Ponchillow

Illustrates a user resting their head comfortably on a pillow 2 in an airplane at 10A; a user comfortably staying warm while head is being supported as he/she is playing video games at 10B; a user comfortably enjoying an outdoor football game while their rear is cushioned using seat cushion 7A from the harsh material of the stadium seating at 10C; a user turning a normally uncomfortable car ride into an enjoyable, supported ride at 10D; a user showcasing the convenience of wearing a Ponchillow while passing through airport security at 10E; a user enjoying the warmth of the embodiment of my Ponchillow and resting their head on a pillow 2 while watching a movie in a normally cold theater at 10F; and a user warmly, and comfortably shopping unrestrictedly at 10G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5

First Embodiment

FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 show the embodiment of my garment 3 worn as a poncho blanket. In one embodiment, poncho blanket is made of a material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as fleece. However, the poncho blanket can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, angora wool, etc. The embodiment of my garment 3 is typically a rectangular shape, has dimensions that are roughly 3 feet in length and 5 feet in width when laid flat and open, and has a circular cut typically in the center serving as an opening for the wearer's head. As will be fully described below with respect to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, a hood 1 is affixed at the head opening of the garment which covers and protects the head of the wearer from the elements. The remainder of the garment is then placed to sit comfortably over the shoulders and arms of the wearer, thus acting as a full-body cover-up. In this embodiment, a hood 1 is made of a material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as fleece. However, a hood 1 can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, angora wool, etc.

With respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 a pillow 2 is attached to the back of the present invention 3, sandwiching its slack 4 between hood 1 and body of the present invention 3. A pillow 2 can generally be used to support a wearer's neck while sitting on the couch, driving, or sleeping almost anywhere. In one embodiment, pillow 2 and its slack 4 are made of a material that is soft, warm, and comfortable such as fleece. However, a pillow 2 and its slack 4 can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, angora wool, etc. Another embodiment of a pillow 2 is that it is filled with a fiber that maintains its form and supports the wearer's neck such as polyester. However, the stuffing of a pillow 2 can consist of any other material that can maintain its form and support the wearer's neck such as cotton, down, flattened buckwheat hulls, etc.

FIGS. 3-4 and 6-8

Additional Embodiments

FIGS. 3 through 8 show an interior front pocket with three pouches 5. As depicted in FIG. 6, an interior front pocket 5 is used by a wearer to keep his or her hands warm and exterior pouches of an interior front pocket 5 can be used for storage of mundane objects. Typically an interior front pocket with three pouches 5 is rectangular in shape, has one opening on each short end of interior front pocket 5, has three pouches on the exterior of interior front pocket 5, and is affixed to the interior of garment 3 by the longer sides of the pocket which are horizontal. In one embodiment, interior front pocket 5 is made of soft, warm, and comfortable material such as fleece. However, an interior front pocket 5 can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as wool, cotton, cashmere, etc.

FIGS. 3 through 8 also show an interior back pocket 6. Interior back pocket 6 is affixed to garment 3 typically by sewing the two shorter, vertical edges of pocket 6 to garment 3 and sewing the long horizontal lower edge of pocket 6 to garment 3. As depicted in FIG. 8, an interior back pocket 6 holds a seat cushion 7A. Typically an interior back pocket is rectangular in shape, and has overall dimensions of roughly 16.5 inches in length and 11 inches in width. In one embodiment, interior back pocket 6 is made of soft, warm, and comfortable material such as fleece; however, interior back pocket 6 can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm and comfortable such as wool, cotton, cashmere, etc.

FIGS. 8 and 9

Additional Embodiments

FIG. 8 shows an interior back pocket 6 with a seat cushion 7A and FIG. 9 shows a seat cushion 7A and seat cushion's side view 7B. A seat cushion 7A is inserted in an interior back pocket 6 for added support for a wearer's rear and back. Typically a seat cushion 7A and 7B has dimensions that are roughly 12 inches by 14 inches and is constructed of soft and comfortable material such as fleece and is stuffed with material to maintain its shape and give support such as polyester fibers. However, a seat cushion 7A and 7B can be constructed of any other material that is soft, warm, and comfortable such as cotton, wool, cashmere, etc. Likewise, a seat cushion 7A and 7B can be stuffed with any other material that can maintain its shape and give support such as cotton, wool, foam padding and polyester fiber, synthetic fibers, etc.

FIG. 10

Additional Embodiments

FIG. 10 illustrates a user in multiple activities 10A through 10G. As depicted in FIG. 10, a user is shown resting their head comfortably on pillow 2 in an airplane 10A all while wearing garment 3. The same user is comfortably staying warm with a garment 3 while their head is being supported by pillow 2 as he/she is playing video games 10B. In FIG. 10, 10C a user comfortably enjoys an outdoor football game while their rear is cushioned using a seat cushion 7A of garment 3 from the harsh material of the stadium seating 10C.

The same user goes further and turns a normally uncomfortable car ride into an enjoyable, supported ride with garment 3 and the use of pillow 2 at 10D. The user showcases the convenience of wearing a Ponchillow garment 3 while passing through airport security at 10E. In FIG. 10, 10E the user stores their belongings (such as passports, identification cards, etc) in interior front pocket 5. Another use for garment 3 is depicted by the user enjoying the warmth of the embodiment of my Ponchillow garment 3 and resting their head on pillow 2 while watching a movie in a normally cold theater at 10F. The last use depicted by the user is the unrestricted use of garment 3 for warmth and comfort during a shopping trip at 10G. Although uses 10A through 10G are depicted, garment 3 can be used for other events, activities and tasks such as camping, sleeping in bed, walking one's pets, cleaning the house, running errands, etc.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the embodiment of my Ponchillow's features can be used to keep one warm, comfortable, and supported without the use of multiple products. In addition, when the present invention is used it does the previously mentioned simultaneously and conveniently.

Furthermore, the embodiment of my Ponchillow has the additional advantages in that:

• • it permits the storage of mundane items without requiring the user to carry additional products like a belt-bag;
  • it permits the protection of the user's head from harsh weather without the user carrying additional products like an umbrella;
  • it permits the user to sleep anywhere without packing additional items on a trip like a pillow;
  • it permits the user to sit comfortably on generally harsh surfaces without carrying additional seat cushions to events;
  • it permits the use of all features at once or individually without limiting the accessibility of any other feature.

Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, the fabric used can be of many colors, consistencies, raw materials, shapes, lengths, etc.; the attached neck pillow can be of a larger and smaller size or of different shapes, such as circular, elliptical, rectangular, etc.; pouches on the exterior of an interior front pocket are not limited to 3 pouches, but can be one large pouch or two pouches, etc.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A poncho style blanket comprising: a broad flat sheet of substantially rectangular, flexible and soft material, said sheet having a back, a front, side edges, bottom edges, and a circular cut in the center of the said sheet creating a neckline for a head opening.

2. The blanket of claim 1 further including second sheet, composed of flexible and soft material, being of a triangular shape with three sides, in which two of the sides are attached along side the back neckline of a circular cut in said blanket, said attachment made between said blanket and said second sheet whereby forms a hood covering a wearer's head.

3. The blanket of claim 1, further including a second attachment pillow, composed of soft and flexible material, being of an elliptical shape with a longer rectangular edge along approximately one fourth of the circumference of the elliptical pillow, said elliptical pillow sandwiched between back neckline of a circular cut in said blanket of claim 1 and said hood of claim 2, using elliptical pillow's rectangular edge.

4. The blanket of claim 1, further including a third sheet, composed of soft and flexible material, being of a rectangular shape with four sides, in which the two longer sides are attached horizontally to the front interior of the blanket of claim 1, said attachment made between said blanket and said third rectangular sheet whereby forms a pocket that protects wearer's hands.

5. The blanket of claim 1 further including a fourth smaller rectangular sheet, affixed to said pocket created in claim 4, with four edges, in which two of the short edges and the bottom longer edge are attached to the exterior of said rectangular pocket of claim 4, said attachment made between rectangular pocket of claim 4 and said second smaller rectangular sheet whereby forms an additional pocket, further said created pocket is divided into three segments with three openings for storage of mundane items.

6. The blanket of claim 1, further including a fourth sheet, composed of soft and flexible material, being of a rectangular shape with four sides, in which the two shorter sides and the longer side located near the edge of said blanket of claim 1 are attached to the back interior of blanket of claim 1, said attachment made between said blanket and said third rectangular sheet whereby forms a pocket that holds a seat cushion.

7. A rectangular shaped pillow seat cushion, composed of soft and flexible material, made to fit in said rectangular back pocket of claim 6.

8. The pillow seat cushion of claim 7, further described in that said pillow is composed of two rectangular sheets, with four edges, stuffed with fiber for the pillow shape, and attached together at all four sides.