Abstract
A blanket comprises a seat portion, a back portion, and an extended leg portion attached to the seat portion. The leg portion may be foldable and adjustable so that it can be used to cover the legs or other parts of the body, as desired.
Claims
1. A blanket comprising: a seat portion having opposing sides, a front edge and a back edge, a back portion having a lower edge, an upper edge, and a pair of side edges, the lower edge of the back portion being fastened to the back edge of the seat portion, with the upper edge and side edges of the back portion being unattached free edges, a first extended leg portion attached to one side of the seat portion only and a second extended leg portion attached to an opposing side of the seat portion only, each of the first and second leg portions extending from its attachment at the one side to substantially the opposing side of the seat portion and being movable between a first position in which they are moved off the seat portion and a second position in which they cover the seat portion and overlap with each other, the first and second leg portions being foldable and adjustable so that they can be used to cover the legs, as desired, a pair of shoulder panels extending from the upper edge of the back portion, wherein the shoulder panels are configured to be folded and tied into a pillow, head or neck rest.
2. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the seat portion, wherein the pockets may swing over and hang from chair armrests.
3. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blanket may be rolled or folded so as to be easily transportable, and also suitable for convenient storage purposes.
4. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least the seat portion and the back portion have additional cushioning for the further comfort of the user.
5. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seat, back and leg portions are of differing relative dimensions so that a particular blanket may be constructed to fit any one of a wide range of chairs having varied sizes and shapes.
6. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one lumbar support.
7. A blanket as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lumbar support is located on the back portion and is comprised of polyester fiber fill, the polyester fiber fill being secured with top stitching.
8. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blanket is configured for mounting on a chair.
9. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the chair is a folding chair having a seat portion, a back portion and a pair of lateral armrests.
10. A blanket as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a slipcover or fold over portion for releasably sliding over and engaging the back portion of the chair.
11. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the back portion, seat portion and leg portion can be rolled up into a stored position, the blanket further comprising a strap for holding the rolled up blanket in the stored position.
12. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the leg portion comprises a base panel and a pair of lateral panels, the lateral panels being connected to the base panel along outer edges of the base panel respectively, the lateral panels having a fastening means along at least a part of a free edge thereof so that the lateral panels can be selectively fastened to each other to create at least a partially closed space between the base panel and the lateral panels.
13. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 wherein the leg portion comprises a base panel and a pair of lateral panels, the lateral panels being connected to the base panel along outer edges of the base panel respectively, the lateral panels being foldable over the base panel to create at least a partially closed between the base panel and the lateral panels.
14. A blanket as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more pockets attached to the seat portion, wherein the pockets hang from the seat portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In the drawings:
(2) FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a chair blanket in accordance with one aspect of the invention, when in the folded condition;
(3) FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a folding chair with a chair blanket of the invention partially unfolded thereon;
(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of a chair of the type generally shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings with the chair blanket of the invention in the generally unfolded position and mounted on the chair;
(5) FIG. 4 is a front view of a chair of the type generally shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings showing the chair blanket of the invention mounted thereon in the unfolded position, and illustrating some of the panels connectable by a zipper;
(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of a chair blanket in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, shown mounted on a folding chair;
(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the chair with the chair blanket of the invention as generally shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings;
(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective side view of the folding chair and chair blanket of the invention mounted thereon, illustrating the various panels, and a folding chair with an elevated or extended leg portion;
(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an open chair blanket of the invention illustrating the various panels and components thereof;
(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of the open chair blanket shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings;
(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of an open chair blanket in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention designed for a high-back chair;
(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom or rear view of the chair blanket illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings, designed for the high-back chair;
(13) FIG. 12(a) is a top schematic view of an open chair blanket in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention, including shoulder panels;
(14) FIG. 12(b) is a back schematic view of the open chair blanket illustrated in FIG. 12(a) of the drawings;
(15) FIG. 13 is a top view of a chair blanket in accordance with one aspect of the invention which illustrates reversible patterns of the blanket on different sides thereof;
(16) FIG. 14 is a top view of a reversible version of the blanket in accordance with the invention illustrating the headrest portion of the chair, rolled so as to create a pillow;
(17) FIGS. 15(a), 15(b) and 15(c) are illustrations of a chair blanket in accordance with the invention, illustrating a partially folded chair blanket, a rolled up chair blanket and a detail of a side pocket on the chair blanket which may be used for storage respectively;
(18) FIG. 16 is an illustration of a chair blanket in accordance with the invention illustrating an unfolded chair blanket mounted on a chair with the front panels unzipped or separated from each other, and ready to receive a user;
(19) FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b) are illustrations of a chair blanket in accordance with the invention illustrating a chair or blanket mounted on a chair with a part thereof tucked under the seat portion, and a chair blanket wherein the leg portion is not tucked under the seat portion but unrolled and available for the user respectively;
(20) FIG. 18 is an illustration of a chair blanket in accordance with the invention illustrating a chair blanket slipped over the back portion of a chair, partially rolled up in the storage position and positioned on the seat portion of the chair, and the back portion of the chair blanket illustrating the shoulder and lumbar support;
(21) FIG. 19 is a detail view showing the tab with Velcro fastening attached to the metal, aluminum or other material back of a chair;
(22) FIG. 20 is a rear view of a chair with the blanket thereon illustrating shoulder panels which have been flipped behind the chair;
(23) FIG. 21 is a partial view of a chair with the blanket thereon showing a conventional position of the shoulder panels;
(24) FIG. 22 is a view showing the shoulder panels tied together in one configuration; and
(25) FIG. 23 is a further view showing the embodiment of FIG. 22 with ends of the shoulder panels tucked in so as to create a head, neck or shoulder rest pillow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(26) Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which show various forms and configurations of a chair blanket or foldable blanket or towel blanket in accordance with the present invention. Reference to any one of these should be considered to encompass the others. It is to be noted that the chair blanket of the invention may have particular application for use on various sizes and styles of folding chairs, but that the invention may be used on any type of chair or seating arrangement, without limitation. For example, the blanket of the invention may be used in a relatively flat surface, including on a beach or grassy surface.
(27) FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a chair blanket 10 in accordance with the invention when in the folded or stored condition. The chair blanket 10 is retained in this position by means of a strap 12 appropriately located on the chair blanket 10. It should be noted that in this configuration, the chair blanket 10 may be used as a pillow.
(28) FIG. 2 shows a chair blanket 10 partially mounted on a folding chair 14 which has a seat 16 and a back 18. The chair blanket 10 has a back component 20 with a slip cover or fold over portion 22 which fits over and releasably engages the back 18 of the folding chair 14. The chair blanket 10 further comprises a seat portion 24 shown in the rolled up position in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
(29) FIG. 3 shows a chair blanket 10 mounted on a folding chair 14, including the back portion 20 with slip cover 22, a seat portion 24, and an extended leg portion 26, which is now shown in its unrolled, operational an extended configuration. Also shown in FIG. 3 are side pieces 28 with pockets 30. These are connected to the seat portion 24, and when the chair blanket 10 is unfolded, they may be thrown over the arms of the folding chair 14. The seat portion 24 and leg portion 26 are continuous in nature in one embodiment of the invention, and the leg portion 26 comprises a lower panel 30 and an upper panel 32, the lower panel 30 and upper panel 32 defining therebetween a space 34, shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. In another embodiment of the invention, the seat portion 24 and leg portion 26 may comprise separate components or panels which have been joined together in a determined manner.
(30) FIG. 4 of the drawings shows a chair blanket 10 viewed from the front of the folding chair 14 on which it is located. It can be seen that the upper panel 32 is comprised of lateral panel 34 and lateral panel 36. These meet in substantially the center (or may be folded over each other in different embodiments), and may be releasably fastened to each other by means of a zipper 38. The zipper 38 may be opened from both the top and the bottom of the panels 34 and 36 so that the precise configuration of the lateral panels 34 and 36, including the extent to which the panels are open or closed with respect to each other, can be achieved for maximum comfort and convenience.
(31) FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a front view of another embodiment of the chair blanket 60 of the invention. The chair blanket 60 does not, in this embodiment, contain side panels or pockets. However, the chair blanket 60 includes a pair of shoulder panels 62 and 64 for the user, if desired. FIGS. 6 and 7 show rear and side views of the chair blanket 60 illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings, including other features and elements, many of which have been discussed with respect to previously described embodiments. It will be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 that side pockets are provided on each side of the seat portion, and hang downwardly therefrom. These pockets 66 can be folded and rolled away when the blanket 60 is converted to its stored or compacted position.
(32) FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings show schematic front and back views of the chair blanket 10 illustrating the various panels and components when in the unfolded condition. FIG. 8, the front view, shows those panels which may be visible when the chair blanket is mounted on the chair. FIG. 9, the back view, shows those surfaces of the panels which may be against the back and seat of the folding chair. FIG. 8 shows the presence of a lumbar support section 70. FIG. 9 shows the presence of a vinyl window 72 which may be used to insert identifying material, such as name of the owner, model or type of product, trade names or the like. FIGS. 8 and 9 also show the tabs by means of which the blanket 10 may be fastened to the chair so that it remains relatively fixed to the chair, so that movement or sliding thereof will be kept to a minimum, as long as the tabs are fastened. These figures also show the presence of the zipper 38 on each side of the lateral panels, the lateral panels being foldable so as to create the space, the zipper 38 joining the panels in a desired configuration selected by the user.
(33) FIGS. 10 and 11 show front and back views of a chair blanket of the invention in the open position. These chair blankets are designed for a high-back chair and therefore have a back portion which is somewhat longer than those designed for conventional back chairs. Further, the body of the cloth comprising the chair blanket may be a little wider, depending upon the chair for which it is designed. In these figures, the various panels and components are substantially the same in function as those described in previous embodiments, and the details will not be repeated. It should also be understood that, while these figures show different dimensions of the back portion, the blanket of the invention may have panels, shapes and components which may be varied in any number of a multitude of arrangements to suit a particular style or size chair, or any other seating or reclining object upon which the blanket may be mounted for the convenience of the user.
(34) Note that FIG. 11 also shows the presence of the strap on the back portion of the blanket, the strap comprising ends which are sewn to the back portion and which define a loop. When the blanket is rolled, appropriate manipulation of the strap around the rolled blanket will have the effect of maintaining the rolled blanket in its stored or compacted position.
(35) FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b) show front and rear schematic views of a chair blanket in accordance with the invention, with the back portion, seat portion, the lateral panels and pockets. The components of the zipper are shown at the edge of the lateral panels so that the lateral panels can be joined together when desired. The front view illustrated in FIG. 12(a) shows the pair of shoulder panels illustrated in a previous embodiment. These shoulder panels can be manipulated and positioned so as to cover the neck and shoulders, or even the arms, of the user to provide additional warmth and comfort. They may also have pockets which can be used for the hands.
(36) It should be noted that the zipper in several of the embodiments above is shown on the edges of the lateral panels only. However, the position and extent of the zippers, and consequently the extent to which the lateral panels can be closed, can vary widely in accordance with the invention. Therefore, the zipper may run from top to bottom of the lateral panels, and an additional zipper, or the existing zippers, may also extend so as to enable the sealing or closure of the lower end of the blanket to prevent draft or cold from entering the space.
(37) Reference is made to FIG. 15(a) which shows a blanket in accordance with the invention mounted on a chair. This figure shows a blanket in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, where the one lateral panel folds first, and the second lateral panel can thereof to be folded so as to lie over, completely or in part, the first folder panel. This figure also shows an embodiment in which a pocket is located on one side of the blanket, but not on the other.
(38) FIG. 15(b) shows a rolled up blanket in accordance with the invention, including the position of the strap 12 before it is looped over the rolled up blanket. The strap is connected to the blanket at some convenient point thereof to enable the strap to hold the blanket in the rolled position, but embodiments where the strap may be differently configured or positioned or separated may also be provided. The rolled up blanket will typically be somewhat soft and comfortable, and may thus be used as a pillow in desired circumstances.
(39) FIG. 15(c) of the drawings shows a detail view of the panel containing the pocket, attached to the seat portion of the blanket, and thrown over the arm of the chair. The pocket therefore has a twofold advantage. First, it provides a receptacle in which items may be stored by the user, and, second, it provides a softer and warmer surface over the handle or armrest of the armchair, which may be more comfortable than the typical hard plastic or wood or metal arm.
(40) FIG. 16 of the drawings shows a front view of a blanket mounted on a folding chair, with the back portion of the blanket having its slip cover fitted over the top of the back of the chair. The seat portion has been unrolled so as to extend upwardly and downwardly, and the lateral panels are shown in the open position. It will be plain that the user is able to sit on the chair on the seat portion, and fold the lateral portions over the legs, so that the legs will be encased in the space, as described above, to provide warmth and comfort.
(41) FIG. 17(a) shows the arrangement where the blanket is mounted on the folding chair, and the seat portion, including the extendable portion with the lateral panels, is folded over or under the seat panel. It will thus be appreciated that even though the blanket of the invention has the extensible portion for covering the legs when desired, the blanket may be used without the leg coverings, providing a suitable back and seat portion to aid in the comfort of the user. FIG. 17(b) shows a perspective view of the chair and blanket somewhat similar to that shown in FIG. 17(a) of the drawings, but wherein the tucked in portion has been pulled out and unrolled, at least partially. One of the lateral panels is shown in a part folded position to illustrate its potential function. The extensible portion of the seat portion can be partially unrolled as shown in FIG. 17(b), and may act provide partial warmth over desired parts of the body, or even as a windbreaker, or fully unrolled so that the user may put his or her legs in the space by the appropriate folding and unfolding of the lateral panels.
(42) FIG. 18 of the drawings shows a view similar to that in FIG. 2 illustrating the partial attachment of the blanket to the chair. The seat portion is rolled up and placed on the seat, and this may operate as a stored or partially ready condition, or, in the alternative, the rolled up blanket may be used as a pillow to provide additional comfort.
(43) FIG. 19 of the drawings shows a detail including the frame of the chair 14 and the tab which comprises matching surfaces of Velcro fasteners which can releasably be attached to each other in the conventional manner so as to hold the blanket in a relatively stable and secure position on the chair. In this way, the blanket will not during use shift or move around relative to the chair to any significant degree.
(44) FIG. 20 of the drawings shows a rear view of a blanket in accordance with the invention mounted upon a chair 14. This figure illustrates the shoulder panels 62 and 64 hanging behind the chair 14. One or more of the shoulder panels 62 and 64 may be rotated about its connection point to the blanket so that it may be placed in the front over the user sitting in the chair to provide additional warmth and comfort.
(45) FIG. 21 of the drawings shows a front view of the chair 14 with a blanket mounted thereon, and the shoulder pads 62 and 64 hanging in front of the chair, in contrast with the situation illustrated in FIG. 20 of the drawings. The shoulder pads 62 and 64 may be used in different manners, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 of the drawings. As shown in FIG. 22, the shoulder pads have been tied together in a half knot with the ends of the shoulder panels hanging loosely. These loose ends of the shoulder panels 62 and 64 may be tucked in as illustrated in FIG. 23, thereby creating a head, neck or shoulder rest, and which may function as a pillow of sorts to provide additional comfort to the user, as desired.
(46) The various figures illustrate, as described above, differing embodiments of the chair blanket or foldable blanket of the invention in different modes, configurations and dimensions. Thus, these chair blankets are shown or may be configured so as to be partially folded, rolled up, with items in side pockets, fully zippered, partially zippered, and unzipped, to name a few positions without intending to limit the scope and function of the blanket of the invention. It should be noted that Velcro may be used to replace zippers completely on the blanket or for only a portion thereof.
(47) While the accompanying drawings and illustrations show various embodiments of the invention, it is to be noted, however, that many different or additional embodiments may be feasible within the scope of the invention.
(48) Therefore, the invention provides a combination cushion and blanket for a chair, or to be used independently of a chair, comprising a seat portion, a back portion, a shoulder portion, and a blanket portion preferably attached to the seat portion, the blanket portion being foldable and adjustable so that it can be used to cover the legs or other parts of the body, as desired. Further, pockets may be attached to the seat portion, for example, and the pockets may swing over and hang from armrests which may be a component of the chair.
(49) The various portions and components of the combination chair cushion and blanket may be rolled or folded so as to be easily transportable, and also suitable for convenient storage purposes. At least the seat portion, and possibly the back portion, may have additional cushioning to provide for the further comfort of the user.
(50) The combination chair cushion and blanket may have its components and portions of differing relative dimensions so that a particular chair cushion and blanket in accordance with the invention may be constructed to fit any one of a wide range of chairs having varied sizes and shapes.
(51) Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.
(52) As used herein, plurality means two or more. As used herein, a set of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as first, second, third, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, and/or means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.
