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Patent application title: BLANKET

Inventors:  Shirley Hibbs (Aurora, CO, US)
IPC8 Class: AA41D308FI
USPC Class: 2 84
Class name: Apparel body garments hooded
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Patent application number: 20110258749



Abstract:

A blanket including an array of seams configured to be selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket. The blanket includes a first side end and a second side end having a plurality of coded coupling devices. The coded coupling devices are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code, the blanket forms a cylindrical wrap. The coded coupling devices may be coupled according to a second code, wherein the blanket forms a sleeved cape. The first code is indicated by a first color and the second code is indicated by a second color. The blanket includes a waterproof layer configured to be water resistant and an insulation layer configured to retain heat. The blanket includes a hood having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to the blanket.

Claims:

1. A blanket, comprising: a) a top end including: a1) a length adjustment device; and a2) a plurality of coded coupling devices; b) a bottom end including an array of seams; c) a first side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices; and d) a second side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices; wherein the coded coupling devices are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code, the blanket forms a cylindrical wrap; and when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a second code, the blanket forms a sleeved cape.

2. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the blanket includes a waterproof layer configured to be water resistant.

3. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the blanket includes an insulation layer configured to retain heat.

4. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the blanket further includes a hood having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to the plurality of coded coupling devices of the top end of the blanket.

5. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the first code includes the coded coupling devices overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other.

6. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the length adjustment device is a drawstring.

7. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the array of seams is configured to be selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket; wherein the array of seams includes four substantially parallel stitched seams.

8. The blanket of claim 1, wherein the blanket further includes a plurality of pockets disposed on the first side.

9. A blanket, comprising: a) a top end including: a1) a length adjustment device; and a2) a plurality of coded coupling devices; b) a bottom end including an array of seams; c) a first side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices; and d) a second side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices.

10. The blanket of claim 9, wherein the blanket includes a waterproof layer configured to be water resistant.

11. The blanket of claim 10, wherein the blanket includes an insulation layer configured to retain heat.

12. The blanket of claim 11, wherein the blanket further includes a hood having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to the plurality of coded coupling devices of the top end of the blanket.

13. The blanket of claim 12, wherein the coded coupling devices are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code, the blanket forms a cylindrical wrap; and when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a second code, the blanket forms a sleeved cape

14. The blanket of claim 13, wherein the length adjustment device is a drawstring.

15. The blanket of claim 14, wherein the array of seams is configured to selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket; wherein the array of seams includes four substantially parallel stitched seams.

16. The blanket of claim 15, wherein the blanket further includes a plurality of pockets disposed on the first side.

17. The blanket of claim 16, wherein the first code includes the coded coupling devices overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other.

18. The blanket of claim 17, wherein the second code includes the coded coupling devices coupled together to form a pair of sleeves and a neck aperture.

19. The blanket of claim 18, wherein the first code is indicated by a first color and the second code is indicated by a second color.

20. A blanket, comprising: a) a top end including: a1) a length adjustment device; wherein the length adjustment device is a drawstring; and a2) a plurality of coded coupling devices; b) a bottom end including an array of seams; wherein the array of seams is configured to selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket; wherein the array of seams includes four substantially parallel stitched seams; c) a first side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices; wherein the blanket includes a waterproof layer configured to be water resistant; d) a second side end including a plurality of coded coupling devices; wherein the blanket includes an insulation layer configured to retain heat; wherein the coded coupling devices are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code, the blanket forms a cylindrical wrap; and when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a second code, the blanket forms a sleeved cape; wherein the first code includes the coded coupling devices overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other; wherein the first code is indicated by a first color and the second code is indicated by a second color. e) a hood having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to the plurality of coded coupling devices of the top end of the blanket; and f) a plurality of pockets disposed on the first side.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/328,481 by Shirley Hibbs filed on Apr. 27, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to blankets, specifically to a multi-configuration blanket.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A blanket is a type of bedding, generally speaking, a large piece of cloth, intended to keep the user warm. Blankets are distinguished from sheets by their thickness and purpose. Blankets are subdivided into many types, including quilts, duvets, and comforters, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material. Electric blankets are heated by electricity. Blankets were traditionally made of wool because of wool's warmth, breathability and natural fire-retardant properties, while sheets were made of cotton or linen, which are less irritating to the skin. Nowadays, synthetic fibers are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colors and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed. Blankets are sometimes used seat warmers during sporting events in inclement weather. To keep warmth inside the body, a blanket can be used to cover one's skin and keep the warmth in. Many kinds of blankets, such as wool are used because they are thicker and have more substantial fabric to them, but cotton can also be used for light blankets. The term blanket is often interchanged with comforter, quilt, and duvet, as they all have similar uses.

[0006] Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,271, issued to Elen, discloses an upper torso garment, such as a jacket, can be folded within itself to transform it into a different shape for use as a pillow. In a further embodiment, the garment bears an integral back pack which can be used while the garment is being worn, and can be transformed into either the pillow shape or into a wearable back pack, with the garment structure fully contained and concealed in both of these configurations. The garment includes a flap element an integral hinge portion and separable fastener halves, e.g. zipper half sections, mounted to permit various parts of the garment to be fastened together in varying relative configurations by fastening one half section to various other mating half sections located on different parts of the garment.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,127, issued to Khan, discloses a multi-purpose blanket which can be selectively folded into a compact condition for use as a seat cushion or placed into a spread condition for use as a protective covering includes a hood, a hood compartment, a pair of pockets, and an elongated storage pouch which is accessible to a user when the blanket is folded into a folded condition for use as a seat cushion. A strap is provided for securing the blanket in its folded condition, and a handle is secured to the storage pouch for enabling the blanket to be easily carried when secured in its folded condition. The pockets are disposed along the inner surface of the blanket to readily accept the hands of the user when the blanket is draped about the user for use as a protective covering, and closeable through-openings are provided within the blanket through which a user's hands and arms can extend when the blanket is draped about the user.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,515, issued to Bird, discloses a lightweight blanket with insulating properties being made of a sheet of pliable material and having a number of internal pockets, is convertible to and from a tote by folding portions of the sheet over and upon one another about transverse and longitudinal folds. Carrying handles are positioned in registry with one another and fastened together after folding the sheet portions and used as a convenient grip for carrying the tote.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,343, issued to Zampirri et al., discloses an improved blanket and bag combination for camping, picnicking or traveling to the beach. The circular towel may be converted to form a large tote bag for carrying beach or camping items. When open, the blanket spans approximately 82'' in diameter. The invention is two-sided, with one face of the blanket being absorbent cotton blend cloth material and the other face being repellant waterproof nylon. Thus, the invented apparatus can be placed with its waterproof face towards the ground to protect the wearer from dirt and debris. The cotton fabric side has an overall surface pattern that is consistent over the total area of one side of the bag. Positioned approximately two-thirds away from its central point is a double drawstring channel. Velcro® closure pockets are situated beneath the double drawstring channel, towards the edge of the towel. The pockets, have waterproof lining and are located on the fabric side of the towel and are camouflaged by the blanket's overall surface pattern in such a manner to appear invisible. A large grommet penetrates both sides of the blanket and can accommodate a standard size beach umbrella. A spring loaded clip is attached to the side of the blanket-bag or, alternatively, to its bottom center to engage the drawstrings to form a carrying strap.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,971, issued to Meserol, discloses a multi-purpose, reversible, blanket garment including a main member of a size and configuration for use as an automobile robe, blanket, and a poncho-type garment, and which is formed of at least two opposed layers, one layer being a layer of woven, wool, blanket-type material, and the other layer being a layer of water repellent material, and which includes a hood of the same two layers of materials and wherein the hood may be fastened and unfastened from the main member by mating zippers provided on the hood and main member. The multi-purpose garment may further include epaulets for enhanced visual appearance, for securing various objects to the poncho-type garment and one of which may be used as an over-the-shoulder carrying strap for carrying the main member and hood upon the main member being suitably folded for carrying.

[0012] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being limited in application, being limited in use, being limited in adaptability, being limited in configuration, being expensive, being complex, being difficult to use, being uncomfortable, failing to adequately fit in multiple configurations, failing to keep a user warm, and being redundant in multiples.

[0013] What is needed is a blanket that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available blankets. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a multi-configuration blanket.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a blanket that may include a top end. The top end may include a length adjustment device; the length adjustment device may be a drawstring that may be coupled to the top end of the blanket. The top end of the blanket may also include a plurality of coded coupling devices. The blanket may include a bottom end including an array of seams. The array of seams may be configured to be selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket. The array of seams may include four substantially parallel stitched seams

[0016] The blanket may include a first side end that may include a plurality of coded coupling devices. The blanket may include a second side end that may include a plurality of coded coupling devices. The coded coupling devices may be positioned and may be coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code, the blanket may form a cylindrical wrap. The first code may include the coded coupling devices overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other. The coded coupling devices may be coupled according to a second code, the blanket may form a sleeved cape. The second code may include the coded coupled devices coupled together to form a pair of sleeves and a neck aperture. The first code may be indicated by a first color and the second code may be indicated by a second color.

[0017] The blanket may include a waterproof layer configured to be water resistant. The blanket may include an insulation layer configured to retain heat. The blanket may include a hood that may have a plurality of coupling devices that may be configured to selectably couple to the plurality of coded coupling devices disposed on the top end of the blanket. The blanket may include a plurality of pockets disposed on the first side.

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0020] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blanket, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a second code including a hood, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a first code, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a first code and a blanket configured according to a second code disposed on a wearer, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0027] Reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment," an "example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an "embodiment," an "example," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording "embodiment," "example" or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

[0028] Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

[0029] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing," "is," "are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0030] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blanket, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a blanket 10 including a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 22.

[0031] The illustrated blanket 10 includes a top end 16 having a length adjustment device 32. The top end 16 of the blanket 10 also includes a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 22. The illustrated coded coupling devices include a plurality of coded snap coupling devices having a first end 20 and a second end 22. As illustrated, there is an array of first end coded snap coupling devices 20 disposed along the top end 16 of the blanket 10. There is also an array of second end coded snap coupling devices 22 disposed along the top end 16 of the blanket 10, opposite of the first array. The illustrated first end coded snap coupling devices 20 is disposed about a first side end 25 of the blanket 10. The first end 20 of the coded snap coupling devices is configured to couple to the second end 22 of the coded snap coupling devices, wherein the second end coded snap coupling devices is disposed about a second side end 27. The illustrated first end 20 includes a male end and the illustrated second end 22 includes a female end configured to couple together.

[0032] The top end 16 also includes a pair of coded coupling devices 24, 26. Each of the first side end 25 and the second side end 27 include a pair of coded coupling devices 24, 26. The pair of coded coupling devices 24, 26 includes a male end and a female end configured to couple together to form a sleeve about each of the first side end 25 and the second side end 27, when coupled according to a first code. The top end 16 also includes a set of coded coupling devices 34 configured to selectably couple to a hood. The first side end 25 includes a coded coupling device 28 configured to couple to a coded coupling device 30 of the second side end 27 according to a first code configured to form a cylindrical wrap. The illustrated coded coupling device 28 of the first side end is a male end coupling device. The second side end 27 of the blanket 10 includes the coded coupling device 30 configured to couple to the coded coupling device 28 disposed on the first side end 25. The illustrated coded coupling device 30 is a female end configured to couple to the male end of the coded coupling device 28 of the first end side.

[0033] The blanket 10 includes a bottom end 18 having an array of seams 14. The array of seams includes a plurality of seams in spaced relation such that successive seams are at higher and higher positions (closer to the top end) along the blanket. Seams may be stitched, welded, glued, tied, quilted, or the like or combinations thereof. The array of seams 14 is configured to be selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket 10. The array of seams 14 includes four substantially parallel stitched seams 29. The blanket 10 is configured to adjust in length as each stitched seam 29 is removed from the blanket 10, thereby shortening the length of the blanket 10. A seam portion may be removed by cutting above the seam line, thereby removing the seam (and lower seams) while leaving a seam higher than the removed seam so that the blanket may be sized, such as but not limited to after purchase of the blanket. An array of seams may include cutting guide lines, perforation arrays, cutting resistant members aligned with seams, and the like and combinations thereof to facilitate the intended use of the array of seams. The blanket 10 includes a waterproof layer 12 configured to be water resistant. The blanket 10 also includes an insulation layer configured to retain heat disposed opposite of the waterproof layer 12.

[0034] In the illustrated blanket, there are shown five pairs of coupling devices (snaps) arrayed along a top end of the blanket and flanking a drawstring assembly that is centrally disposed along the top end of the blanket in a configuration substantially parallel with the top edge of the blanket. There is also shown a set of three coupling devices disposed below the drawstring assembly in an array centrally disposed between the right and left ends of the blanket. The illustrated three coupling devices are configured to couple to a hood such that the hood overlaps a top surface of the blanket when disposed about a body of a user such that when precipitation falls thereon, it will run down the hood and off the blanket without running inside the blanket to the user. There is also shown two pairs of matching coupling devices (snaps) along the left and right ends of the blanket respectively and configured to couple one to another such that sleeves may be formed thereby. There is also shown a pair of matching coupling devices (snaps) disposed along the left and right ends in positions inset from the sleeve coupling devices. Further shown is a plurality of seams (four, including the very bottom seam stitching) arrayed in a substantially parallel configuration along the bottom end of the blanket.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a second code including a hood, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a blanket 10 according to a second code 50 including a hood 40.

[0036] The illustrated blanket 10 includes a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 24. The coded coupling devices 20, 22, 24, 26 are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a second code 50, the blanket 10 forms a sleeved cape 54. The second code 50 includes a pair of coded coupling devices 24, 26 coupled together to form a pair of sleeves 52. The blanket also includes a length adjustment device 32. The illustrated length adjustment device 32 is a drawstring that is coupled to the top end of the blanket 10. Non-limiting examples of a length adjustment device may be: straps, hooks, snaps, loops, Velcro devices, magnetic devices, clips, pins, clamps, etc. The length adjustment device 32 is configured to tighten the top end of the blanket 10 around a neck aperture 55.

[0037] A hood may include a length adjustment device such as but not limited to a drawstring that may be disposed along a front (facial) portion of the hood such that a user may tighten the hood about the face of the user.

[0038] The illustrated blanket 10 may include a waterproof layer 12 configured to be water resistant such as but not limited to plastic or other materials such as but not limited to fabric sold under the brand Goretex by W. L. Gore and Associates Inc. The blanket 10 may include an insulation layer 13 configured to retain heat, that may be disposed opposite of the waterproof layer 12. The insulation layer may include a fabric having thermally resistant properties, such as but not limited to wool, fiberglass, microfiber, down fill, and the like and combinations thereof. The blanket 10 also includes a hood 40 having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to the plurality of coded coupling devices disposed on the top end of the blanket 10. The illustrated hood 40 is configured to secure over the neck aperture 55 of the blanket 10, when in the second code 50.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a first code, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a blanket 10 according to a first code 60 configured to form a cylindrical wrap 85.

[0040] The illustrated blanket 10 includes a top end 16. The top end 16 of the blanket includes 10 a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 22. The blanket 10 includes a first side end having a plurality of coded coupling devices 20. The blanket 10 includes a second side end having a plurality of coded coupling devices 22. The coded coupling devices 20, 22 are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to a first code 60, the blanket 10 forms a cylindrical wrap 85. The illustrated first code 60 includes the coded coupling devices 20, 22 overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other.

[0041] The blanket 10 also includes a length adjustment device 32 coupled to the top end 16 of the blanket 10. The length adjustment device 32 is configured to tighten the top end 16 of the blanket 10, when wrapped around a user, in the first code 60. The blanket 10 includes a bottom end 18 including an array of seams 14. The array of seams 14 is configured to be selectably removable to adjust the length of the blanket. The illustrated array of seams 14 includes four substantially parallel stitched seams 29. The illustrated blanket 10 includes a waterproof layer 12 configured to be water resistant and an insulation layer 13 configured to retain heat.

[0042] The first side end includes a coded coupling device 28 configured to couple to a coded coupling device 30 of the second side end according to a first code configured to form a cylindrical wrap. The illustrated coded coupling device 28 of the first side end is a male end coupling device. The second side end of the blanket 10 includes the coded coupling device 30 configured to couple to the coded coupling device 28 disposed on the first side end. The illustrated coded coupling device 30 is a female end configured to couple to the male end of the coded coupling device 28 of the first end side.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the coupling devices are coded such that the coupling devices utilized in FIG. 2 are coded according to a first code and the coupling devices used in FIG. 3 are coded according to as second code. Accordingly, a user may be able to easily determine which coupling devices are utilized for each mode of the blanket. A code may include but is not limited to coloring, numbering, lettering, shapes, size, the like, and combinations thereof. As a non-limiting example, the FIG. 2 snaps may be colored red and include matching letters between matching snaps while the FIG. 3 snaps may be colored blue and include matching numbers between matching snaps. In another non-limiting example, the FIG. 2 snaps may be flower-shaped while the FIG. 3 snaps may be double the size of the FIG. 2 snaps.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a blanket configured according to a first code and a blanket configured according to a second code disposed on a wearer, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a blanket 10 according to a first code 60 and a blanket 10 according to a second code 50.

[0045] The illustrated blanket 10 according to a second code 50 includes a length adjustment device 32 coupled to a top end 16 of the blanket 10. The top end 16 of the blanket 10 also includes a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 22. The coded coupling devices 20, 22 are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to the second code 50, the blanket 10 forms a sleeved cape 54. The second code 50 includes the coded coupling devices coupled together to form a pair of sleeves and a neck aperture. The illustrated blanket 10 includes a waterproof layer 12 configured to be water resistant. The blanket 10 also includes a hood 40 having a plurality of coupling devices configured to selectably couple to a plurality of coded coupling devices disposed on the top end 16 of the blanket 10. The illustrated blanket 10 includes a plurality of pockets 90 disposed on a first side.

[0046] The illustrated blanket 10 according to a first code 60 includes a plurality of coded coupling devices 20, 22. The coded coupling devices 20, 22 are positioned and coded in a manner such that when the coded coupling devices are coupled according to the first code 60, the blanket 10 forms a cylindrical wrap 85. The illustrated first code 60 includes the coded coupling devices 20, 22 overlapping each other and thereby coupling to each other. The illustrated blanket 10 includes a waterproof layer 12 configured to be water resistant. The blanket 10 also includes a plurality of pockets 90 disposed on a first side.

[0047] The illustrated hood is shown coupled so that it overlaps under the blanket. Such is an example of coupling between the hood and blanket using water-resistant coupling, such as but not limited to a rubber tongue and groove seal extending the length of the bottom of the hood.

[0048] In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user using a blanket according to a first code, by coupling a first color coded coupling devices together, wraps a top end of the blanket around a hip/waist region of the user. The user couples together a plurality of coded coupling devices disposed on the top end of the blanket. The plurality of coded coupling devices are configured to overlap each other and couple thereto, to create a clean cylindrical wrap around the hip/waist region of the user. The user tightens a length adjustment device, such as a drawstring, around the hip/waist region of the user to further secure the blanket thereto. The user adjusts the length of the blanket by removing a substantially parallel stitched seams disposed about a bottom end of the blanket, so that the blanket does not drag on the ground during use according to a first code.

[0049] In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user using a blanket according to a second code, by coupling a second color coded coupling devices together, drapes a top end of the blanket around the shoulder and neck region of the user. The user couples together a plurality of coded coupling devices disposed on the top end of the blanket, thereby forming a neck aperture configured to fit a neck of the user therethrough. The user may tighten a drawstring to tighten the top end of the blanket around the neck aperture. The user then couples a pair of coded coupling devices together and forms a pair of sleeves, thereby forming a sleeved cape. The user may also couple a hood to a set of coded coupling devices to cover the neck aperture of the blanket in the second code.

[0050] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0051] For example, although the Figures illustrate a rectangular blanket, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the blanket may vary in size, shape, design, configuration, color, length, height, width, thickness, etc. and still perform its intended function.

[0052] Additionally, although the figures illustrate a hood configured to attach to a top end of the blanket, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the hood may be permanently attached to the top end of the blanket, in addition, the blanket may include a zipped pouch configured to store the hood when not in use and configured to pull out when needed, and still perform its intended function.

[0053] It is envisioned that, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the color coded coupling devices may be coded by, but not limited to: colors, sizes, shapes, designs, configurations, numbers, symbols, markings, etc. and still perform its intended function.

[0054] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the coupling devices may include snaps, clips, hooks, screws, head/slot fittings, hook and loop members, buttons and the like and combinations thereof. Another example is that the length adjustment device may include one or more devices/systems including but not limited to drawstrings, elastic members, ties, springs/bias members, channeled elastic members, spaced snaps, and the like and combinations thereof.

[0055] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to textiles, rubber, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composites, water-proof material, heat retention material, etc. and still perform its intended function.

[0056] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.


Patent applications by Shirley Hibbs, Aurora, CO US

Patent applications in class Hooded

Patent applications in all subclasses Hooded


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