Convertible multifunction covering

Abstract

A covering, such as a blanket or a poncho, that is successively convertible into and from a stadium seat cushion and a tote bag, employs a conversion means comprised of at least one fastening flap and at least one hanging pocket. The fastening flaps wrap around the folded covering and hold the folded covering in the desired configuration, while the hanging pocket holds small items or beverages while the user is using the folded covering as a seat cushion. The method of folding the covering to convert it from a blanket or poncho into a seat cushion and a tote bag is also described.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention is a covering, such as a poncho or blanket (including a ground covering such as a picnic blanket) that can be reconfigured to serve as a seat cushion or a tote bag.[0004]There are blankets convertible to tote bags in the prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,515 to Bird; U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,113 to Kim; and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. US2008 / 0083066 to Linn, et. al. These inventions solve the convertibility problem by means of pockets in the blanket itself (see Bird); an elaborate system of zippers (see Kim); and pouches and elaborate methods of folding (see Linn). In these inventions, the conversion process is relatively complex, making use of these inventions somewhat difficult.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0005]The present invention simplifies the conversion process. It is a covering that can, depend...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention simplifies the conversion process. It is a covering that can, depending on whether a hole is cut in the center and a hood attached, be used as both a poncho, blanket, or ground cover and can be converted into not only a tote bag, but a stadium seat cushion as well. Unlike the prior art, the present invention solves the convertibility problem by using a conversion means comprised of one or more fastening flaps and one or more hanging pockets attached to one side of the covering in a “T” configuration, where the long axes of the one or more fastening flaps and the long axis of one or more hanging pockets are perpendicular. By folding the covering as described herein, the folded covering itself, using the conversion means and unlike the prior art, creates the storage cavity of the tote, instead of relying on pockets or pouches, as in Linn. The one or more hanging pockets function both as a pocket for the seat cushion and as a flap covering the opening to the tote bag. One or more carrying means are attached at key locations on the covering, such as handles made of fabric, wood, leather, or other commonly-used materials, or straps for a backpack, which allow the covering to be conveniently carried by the user when configured as a tote.

[0006]Using this conversion means, the covering when folded as described forms first a seat cushion with one or more hanging pockets conveniently located to hold small items such as sunglasses, suntan lotion, binoculars, or even beverages for the person sitting on the seat cushion and then a tote bag for holding items such as books. The fastening flap(s) of the conversion means wrap around the exterior of the folded covering to prevent the covering from unfolding during its use as a tote bag or as a seat cushion. The free end of the hanging pocket may have a fastening means attached to it, allowing the free end to be removably secured either outside or inside the folded covering when the folded covering is used as a tote bag. Although the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates a multiple-layer covering comprised of a top and bottom layer of fabric with a filler material between the top and bottom layers, the covering can also consist of a single layer of fabric, which can be waterproof or water-resistant on one or both sides.

[0007]As mentioned above, the covering may have a hole substantially in the center of the covering with a hood sewn to the edges of the hole, so that the covering when completely unfolded can be used as a poncho. In the preferred embodiment, one side of the covering and one side of the poncho hood is made of a water-resistant material, facilitating the use of the covering as a poncho, and also so that the covering can be used as a picnic blanket when laid on the ground with the water-resistant side down (i.e. in substantial contact with the ground) and the fabric side up.

Problems solved by technology

In these inventions, the conversion process is relatively complex, making use of these inventions somewhat difficult.

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