CONVERTIBLE BLANKET

Abstract

A convertible blanket that converts into a hammock. More particularly, a convertible blanket with an integrated suspension system and a method of hanging the convertible blanket. More particularly, a hammock and storage product.

Claims

1. A convertible blanket that converts into a hammock comprising: a body and an integrated suspension system, wherein the body includes a first side end and a second side end running along a width of the body and a top end and a bottom end running along a length of the body; a first sleeve extending along the first side end and a second sleeve extending along the second side end; and the integrated suspension system including a first strap at least partially located within the first sleeve, the first strap comprises a first strap short segment and a removable first strap long segment, the first strap short segment having a first strap short segment end loop extending out of one end of the first sleeve and a first strap short segment attachment end configured to be located within and outside of the first sleeve, the first strap long segment having a first strap long segment end loop extending out of another end of the first sleeve and a first strap long segment attachment end configured to be located within and outside of the first sleeve, wherein the first strap long segment attachment end is attachable to the first strap short segment attachment end by a first attachment element; a second strap at least partially located within the second sleeve, the second strap comprises a second strap short segment and a removable second strap long segment, the second strap short segment having a second strap short segment end loop extending out of one end of the second sleeve and a second strap short segment attachment end configured to be located within and outside of the second sleeve, the second strap long segment having a second strap long segment end loop extending out of another end of the second sleeve and a second strap long segment attachment end configured to be located within and outside of the second sleeve, wherein the second strap long segment attachment end is attachable to the second strap short segment attachment end by a second attachment element; wherein the first strap short segment and the second strap short segment are permanently attached to the body; and wherein the first strap includes at least one first strap coupling loop and the second strap includes at least one second strap coupling loop.

2. The convertible blanket of claim 1, comprising a first configuration as a blanket and a second configuration as a hammock.

3. The convertible blanket of claim 2, wherein when in the second configuration, a portion of the first strap long segment passes through the first strap long segment end loop to a form a first cinch configured to be wrapped around a first support, and a portion of the second strap long segment passes through the second strap long segment end loop to form a second cinch configured to be wrapped around second support.

4. The convertible blanket of claim 2, wherein when in the second configuration, the first sleeve is bunched along the first strap short segment and a portion of the first strap short segment passes through the first strap short segment end loop to form a first side end gathering loop, and the second sleeve is bunched along the second strap short segment and a portion of the second strap short segment passes through the second strap short segment end loop to form a second side end gathering loop.

5. The convertible blank of claim 3, wherein when in the second configuration, the first strap long segment is coupled to the first strap short segment, and the second strap long segment is coupled to the second strap short segment.

6. The convertible blanket of claim 1, wherein the first attachment element and/or the second attachment element is a buckle or a carabiner.

7. (canceled)

8. The convertible blanket of claim 1, wherein the first strap short segment and the second strap short segment are permanently attached to the body at or near the top end or bottom end of the body.

9. (canceled)

10. The convertible blanket of claim 1, wherein the first strap includes a topside and a bottom-side and one of the topside or bottom-side incudes at least one first strap coupling loop, and wherein the second strap includes a topside and a bottom-side and one of the topside or bottom-side includes at least one second strap coupling loop.

11. The convertible blanket of claim 1, further comprising at least one anchoring strap.

12. The convertible blanket of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket.

13. (canceled)

14. The convertible blanket of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an aperture at or near corners defined by the first sleeve, top end, and bottom end, and at or near corners defined by the second sleeve, top end, and bottom end.

15. The convertible blanket of claim 14, further comprising at least two poles, wherein the ends of the poles are configured to be received by a pair of apertures on opposite ends of the body, the poles being configured to prevent the body from folding in on itself when the body is in a hammock configuration.

16. The convertible blanket of claim 1, further comprising a storage container including an attachment tongue, wherein the storage container is attached to the body via the attachment tongue.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A method of hanging a convertible blanket comprising: providing the convertible blanket, wherein the convertible blanket comprises a body and an integrated suspension system, wherein the body includes a first side end and a second side end running along a width of the body and a top end and a bottom end running along a length of the body; a first sleeve extending along the first side end and a second sleeve extending along the second side end; and the integrated suspension system including a first strap at least partially located within the first sleeve, the first strap comprising a first strap short segment and a removable first strap long segment, the first strap short segment having a first strap short segment end loop extending out of one end of the first sleeve and a first strap short segment attachment end configured to be located within the first sleeve, the first strap long segment having a first strap long segment end loop extending out of another end of the first sleeve and a first strap long segment attachment end configured to be located within the first sleeve, wherein the first strap long segment attachment end is attachable to the first strap short segment attachment end by a first attachment element; a second strap at least partially located within the second sleeve, the second strap comprising a second strap short segment and a removable second strap long segment, the second strap short segment having a second strap short segment end loop extending out of one end of the second sleeve and a second strap short segment attachment end configured to be located within the second sleeve, the second strap long segment having a second strap long segment end loop extending out of another end of the second sleeve and a second strap long segment attachment end configured to be located within the second sleeve, wherein the second strap long segment attachment end is attachable to the second strap short segment attachment end by a second attachment element; wherein the first strap short segment and the second strap short segment are permanently attached to the body; detaching the removable first strap long segment from the first strap short segment and detaching the removable second strap long segment from the second strap short segment; cinching the detached first strap long segment around a first support by wrapping the first strap long segment around the first support and pulling the first strap long segment attachment end through the first strap long segment end loop, and cinching the detached second strap long segment around a second support by wrapping the second strap long segment around the second support and pulling the second strap long segment attachment end through the second strap long segment end loop; pulling the detached first strap short segment attachment end through the first strap short segment end loop, and pulling the detached second strap short segment attachment end through the second strap short segment end loop; and coupling the first strap short segment to the cinched first strap long segment and coupling the second strap short segment to the cinched second strap long segment.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the first attachment element and/or second attachment element is a buckle or carabiner.

23. (canceled)

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the first strap short segment and the second strap short segment are permanently attached to the body at or near the top or bottom end.

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the body comprises an aperture at or near corners defined by the first sleeve, top end, and bottom end, and at or near corners defined by the second sleeve, top end, and bottom end.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising inserting the ends of a pole through a pair of apertures on opposite ends of the body, wherein the pole is configured to prevent the body from folding in on itself while the convertible blanket is hanging.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. A combined hammock and storage product comprising: a container including a wall, wherein the wall at least partially defines a storage compartment; a hammock having a body configured to support a user; and an attachment tongue having a first end attached to an interior surface of the wall of the container and a second end configured to extend beyond an opening of the container, and wherein the second end is attached to the body of the hammock.

37. The product of claim 36, wherein the container is made of a waterproof material.

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example of the convertible blanket of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of another example of the convertible blanket.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of a strap.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the strap of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a portion of a side end of a convertible blanket including a sleeve bunched at a strap short segment and revealing an attachment element.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a portion of a side end of a convertible blanket including a strap short segment attachment end placed through a strap short segment end loop.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows an end of an example of the convertible blanket attached to a support.

[0018] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a side of a storage container.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the other side of the storage container of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A more detailed description of the device in accordance with the present disclosure is set forth below. It should be understood that the description of the specific devices below is intended to be exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible variations or applications. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limiting and should be understood to encompass variations or embodiments that would occur to persons of ordinary skill.

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples of a convertible blanket 10. Convertible blanket 10 is configured to convert from a first blanket configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to a second hammock configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, and vice versa. When in the blanket configuration, convertible blanket 10 can be used as a blanket. In one alternative, convertible blanket 10 can be used as an outdoor blanket. For instance, the convertible blanket 10 can be used to cover the ground, to sit on, to be placed over a user, or for any other suitable purpose. In the hammock configuration, convertible blanket 10 can be suspended between two supports, such as trees or poles, using an integrated suspension system 14. When placed in the hammock configuration, a user may lay in or sit in the suspended hammock.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, convertible blanket 10 includes a body 12 and an integrated suspension system 14. Body 12 includes a first side end 16 and a second side end 18 that run along the width of body 12. Body 12 also includes a top end 20 and a bottom end 22 that run along the length of body 12. In other words, body 12 is defined by first side end 16, second side end 18, top end 20, and bottom end 22. Additionally, body 12 is made of a material that is suitable to be used outdoors. For instance, the material can be water-resistant, waterproof, and/or tear resistant. The material can be, but is not limited to, nylons and/or polyesters, or any other suitable material without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The terms top, bottom, side, and other like terms are used to indicate relative positions to a given point or element and are used in this description to describe some embodiments more clearly. However, when applied to the convertible blanket and methods for use in different environments, such terms may refer to a left to right, right to left, or other relationship as appropriate.

[0023] Furthermore, body 12 includes sleeves 24a and 24b at first side end 16 and second side end 18, respectively. In particular, body 12 includes a first sleeve 24a extending along first side end 16 and a second sleeve 24b extending along second side end 18. Sleeves 24a, 24b are configured to cover at least a portion of the integrated suspension system 14. Sleeves 24a, 24b can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, sleeves 24a, 24b can be formed by folding a portion of side end 16, 18 of body 12 over itself and attaching the folded-over portion to body 12. In another example, a sleeve can be attached to a side end 16 or 18 of body 12. The sleeve can be formed/attached by adhering, sewing, sonic welding, or by any other suitable manner.

[0024] As disclosed above, integrated suspension system 14 is configured to suspend convertible blanket 10 between two supports 70 (FIG. 7), thus converting convertible blanket 10 from a blanket configuration to a hammock configuration. Integrated suspension system 14 includes straps 30a and 30b. In particular, integrated suspension system 14 includes a first strap 30a and a second strap 30b. First strap 30a is at least partially located within the first sleeve 24a and second strap 30b is at least partially located within second sleeve 24b. First strap 30a and second strap 30b can contain similar features. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified herein, similar reference numbers will be used to identify features of the integrated suspension system 14. Additionally, reference letter a will be used to identify features of first strap 30a and reference letter b will be used to identify similar features of second strap 30b. Also, FIGS. 3 and 4 are provided to illustrate an example of straps 30a, 30b, however the elements and features are referred to without the a and b designations.

[0025] First strap 30a includes a first strap short segment 32a and a removable first strap long segment 34a. At one end, first strap short segment 32a includes a first strap short segment end loop 36a and at the opposite end, first strap short segment 32a includes a first strap short segment attachment end 38a. Removable first strap long segment 34a includes a first strap long segment end loop 40a at one end and a first strap long segment attachment end 42a at an opposite end. The term end loop is used to indicate that the loop is at the terminal end of the strap, adjacent to or near the terminal end, or otherwise associated with the end portion of the relative strap segment. End loops 36a and 40a (and other end loops disclosed herein) are not required to be at the terminal end of the respective strap segment. Such end loops may be at the terminal end of the strap, adjacent to or near the terminal end, or otherwise associated with the end portion of the relative strap segment.

[0026] Similar to first strap 30a, second strap 30b includes a second strap short segment 32b and a removable second strap long segment 34b. At one end, second strap short segment 32b includes a second strap short segment end loop 36b and at the opposite end, second strap short segment 32b includes a second strap short segment attachment end 38b. Removable second strap long segment 34b includes a second strap long segment end loop 40b at one end and a second strap long segment attachment end 42b at an opposite end.

[0027] The strap short segments 32a, 32b are permanently attached to body 12. In particular, first strap short segment 32a is permanently attached to first sleeve 24a and second strap short segment 32b is permanently attached to second sleeve 24b. Strap short segments 32a, 32b are permanently attached to sleeves 24a, 24b such that strap short segment end loops 36a, 36b extend out of an end of sleeves 24a, 24b and strap short segment attachment ends 38a, 38b are configured to be located within sleeves 24a, 24b (when in the blanket configuration) and outside of the sleeves 24a, 24b (when in the hammock configuration). Strap short segments 32a, 32b can be permanently attached to body 12 in any suitable way, including, but not limited to, sewing, adhering, or with a rivet. Additionally, strap short segments 32a, 32b can both be attached to body 12 at or near top end 20 or bottom end 22. Alternatively, first strap short segment 32a can be permanently attached to body 12 at or near one of top end 20 or bottom end 22 and second strap short segment 32b can be permanently attached to body 12 at or near the other of top end 20 or bottom end 22. By permanently attaching strap short segments 32a, 32b to opposite ends 20 and 22, when convertible blanket 10 is suspended as a hammock, this orientation can assist in preventing the hammock from tipping/favoring one side over the other.

[0028] Similar to the strap short segments 32a, 32b, strap long segment end loops 40a, 40b extend out of sleeves 24a, 24b and strap long segment attachment ends 42a, 42b are configured to be located within sleeves 24a, 24b (when in the blanket configuration) and outside of sleeves 24a, 24b (when in the hammock configuration). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, removable strap long segments 34a, 34b are attachable to strap short segments 32a, 32b, respectively. In particular, first strap long segment attachment end 42a can be attached to first strap short segment attachment end 38a with a first attachment element 44a, and second strap long segment attachment end 42b can be attached to second strap short segment attachment end 38b with a second attachment element 44b. In an example, as shown in FIG. 1, attachment elements 44a, 44b can be buckles. In this instance, strap short segment attachment ends 38a, 38b can include a part of the buckle and strap long segment attachment ends 42a, 42b can include a complementary part of the buckle. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, attachment elements 44a, 44b can be any other suitable attachment elements. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 the attachment elements 44a, 44b are carabiners, such as flat, aluminum carabiners. In this instance, strap short segment attachment ends 38a, 38b and strap long segment attachment ends 42a, 42b can include loops configured to receive the carabiner. First attachment element 44a and second attachment element 44b can be the same or can be different attachment elements. Furthermore, other suitable attachment elements other than those described herein can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example of straps 30a, 30b. Because of the similarity of straps 30a, 30b, these figures are described using the general reference numbers without the a and b designation. Straps 30 include at least one coupling loop on either a top surface/side 45 or bottom surface/side 47 of straps 30. Coupling loops can be used to couple the strap short segments 32 and strap long segments 34 to one another when convertible blanket 10 is in the hammock configuration, which will be described in greater detail herein. In particular, strap short segments 32 include at least one strap short segment coupling loop 46, and strap long segments 34 include at least one strap long segment coupling loop 48. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the figures show an example of a strap 30 with strap short segment coupling loops 46 and strap long segment coupling loops 48. Strap short segment coupling loops 46 and strap long segment coupling loops 48 (and in some instances, end loops 36 and 40) can be formed by folding a strap over itself and attaching the strap to itself at connection points 49 in intervals. The strap can be attached to itself in any suitable way including, but not limited to, sewing, adhesion, or with a rivet.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, strap short segment 32 includes strap short segment end loop 36 and three strap short segment coupling loops 46 formed on a bottom surface/side 47 of strap 30. Strap long segment 34 is shown to include strap long segment end loop 40 and six strap long segment coupling loops 48. FIG. 4 shows top surface 45 of strap short segment 32 and strap long segment 34 including stitching at connection points 49 used to form strap short segment coupling loops 46 and strap long segment coupling loops 48. The number of coupling loops 46 and 48, and their dimensions can vary, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the number and dimensions of the coupling loops 46 and 48 can be based on the location of connection points 49 along strap 30.

[0031] As discussed herein, strap short segment end loops 36 and strap long segment end loops 40 can extend beyond sleeves 24. Accordingly, in their attached configuration, first strap 30a and second strap 30b are at least as long as the width of convertible blanket 10. In some embodiments, the straps 30, in their attached configuration, are longer than the width of convertible blanket 10. For example, straps 30 can be longer than the width of convertible blanket 10 such that when strap short segments 32 are attached to strap long segments 34 within sleeves 24, at least the strap short segment end loops 36 and strap long segment end loops 40 extend out of the sleeves 24. The lengths of the straps 30 can vary depending on various factors including the lengths of the sleeves 24, the size of the convertible blanket 10, and the distance between supports 70, amongst other factors. In an example, straps 30 (when strap short segments 32 and strap long segments 34 are attached) can be about 10 ft. to 20 ft. long. In a particular example, straps 30 are 10 ft. long. Additionally, in an example, strap short segments 32 can be about 1 ft. long and strap long segments 34 can be about 9 ft. long. Of course, the lengths of short strap segments 32 and long strap segments 34 can vary without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, convertible blanket 10 can also include various features for storage and/or maintaining convertible blanket 10 in a particular position/shape. For example, convertible blanket 10 can include at least one pocket 50. Pocket 50 can be located along ends 16, 18, 20, and/or 22 of body 12. Pocket 50 can be attached by any suitable means including, but not limited to, sewing, adhering, sonic welding, via a zipper attachment, and/or hook-and-loop strips. In some examples, pocket 50 may be a sealable pocket.

[0033] Additionally, convertible blanket 10 can include at least one anchoring strap 52. Anchoring strap 52 can be a strap including a loop extending from body 12. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, anchoring straps 52 can extend from the ends of sleeves 24a, 24b. Anchoring straps 52 can be attached to convertible blanket 10 at a variety of locations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Anchoring straps 52 can be used to secure convertible blanket 10 to the ground or other anchoring object. For instance, when in the blanket configuration, convertible blanket 10 can be secured to the ground by placing stakes through the loops of anchoring straps 52. Similarly, when in the hammock configuration, convertible blanket 10 can be secured to an anchoring object (such as the ground, or other heavy object) using the anchoring straps 52 to prevent the convertible blanket 10 from folding in on itself or from blowing away.

[0034] Convertible blanket 10, optionally, can also include at least one pair of apertures 54, and more preferably, two pairs of apertures 54. Each pair of apertures 54 includes an aperture 54 at or near top end 20 and bottom end 22 of body 12. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an aperture 54 is located at or near a corner defined by first sleeve 24a and top end 20 and bottom end 22 and at or near a corner defined by second sleeve 24b and top end 20 and bottom end 22. In some examples, apertures 54 include grommets. Each pair of apertures 54 can be configured to receive a pole 56, such as a (foldable) tent pole. Thus, the convertible blanket product, optionally, can include a pair of poles. Pole 56 includes tips 57 extending from a pole body 58. The diameter of tips 57 are smaller than the diameter of apertures 54, while pole body 58 includes a diameter larger than the diameter of apertures 54. In this manner, only the pole tips 57 are configured to fit through apertures 54. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a single pole 56 inserted into apertures 54 for illustrative purposes. It is understood that when placed in the hammock configuration, a pole 56 can be inserted into a pair of apertures 54 at each side end 16 and 18 to prevent convertible blanket 10 from folding in on itself.

[0035] Furthermore, convertible blanket 10, optionally, can include an attached storage container 60. Storage container 60 can be attached to body 12 with an attachment tongue 62. Storage container 60 will be described in greater detail herein.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the figures show convertible blanket 10 in a blanket configuration. In this configuration, strap long segments 34a, 34b are attached to strap short segments 32a, 32b within sleeves 24a, 24b, respectively. More particularly, first strap long segment attachment end 42a is attached to first strap short segment attachment end 38a with first attachment element 44a and second strap long segment attachment end 42b is attached to second strap short segment attachment end 38b with second attachment element 44b. At least first strap long segment attachment end 42a, first strap short segment attachment end 38a, and first attachment element 44a are located within first sleeve 24a and at least second strap long segment attachment end 42b, second strap short segment attachment end 38b, and second attachment element 44b are located within second sleeve 24b.

[0037] To convert convertible blanket 10 from a blanket configuration to a hammock configuration, strap long segments 34a, 34b are detached from strap short segments 32a, 32b. Because removable strap long segments 34a, 34b are not permanently attached to sleeves 24a, 24b, strap long segments 34a, 34b and sleeves 24a, 24b, respectively, are moveable relative to each other.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the figures show various configurations of convertible blanket 10 as it is converted from a blanket configuration to a hammock configuration. FIGS. 5-7 show one end of convertible blanket 10, which may be end 16 or 18. These figures are also described using general reference numerals without the a or b designation. In an example, to detach strap long segments 34 from strap short segments 32, sleeves 24 can be pushed or pulled towards strap short segment end loops 36 to bunch/gather sleeves 24 to reveal attachment elements 44, as shown in FIG. 5. After attachment elements 44 have been revealed, strap long segments 34 are then detached from strap short segments 32. After detaching strap long segments 34 from strap short segments 32, detached strap short segment attachment ends 38 can be placed through strap short segment end loops 36 to form a gathering loop 39, as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, first strap short segment attachment end 38a is placed through first strap short segment end loop 36a to form first gathering loop 39a, and second strap short segment attachment end 38b is placed through second strap short segment end loop 36b to form second gathering loop 39b.

[0039] Additionally, after detaching strap long segments 34 from strap short segments 32, strap long segments 34 are cinched around supports 70, such as a tree. In particular, first strap long segment 34a and second strap long segment 34b are cinched around different supports 70. To cinch strap long segments 34 to a support 70, a strap long segment 34 is wrapped around a support 70 and strap long segment attachment end 42 is pulled through strap long segment end loop 40 to form cinch 41.

[0040] After forming gathering loop 39 and cinch 41, strap long segments 34 and strap short segments 32 are coupled to each other using strap short segment coupling loops 46 and strap long segment coupling loops 48, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, a strap long segment coupling loop 48 can be connected to a strap short segment coupling loop 46 with a carabiner 51, thus coupling strap long segment 34 to strap short segment 32. In the instance where attachment elements 44a, 44b are carabiners, the same carabiners can be removed from strap short segment attachment ends 38a, 38b and strap long segment attachment ends 42a, 42b and subsequently used to couple strap short segments 32a, 32b and strap long segments 34a, 34b via coupling loops 46a, 46b and 48a, 48b.

[0041] When placing convertible blanket 10 into the hammock configuration, first strap 30a and second strap 30b can be attached to supports 70 simultaneously (for instance, if the user is assisted by another person) or sequentially (one strap 30 is attached after the other). The tautness/tension of the integrated suspension system 14 can be adjusted by coupling strap long segment 34 and strap short segment 32 via coupling loops 48 and 46 located at different positions on their respective strap segments. For instance, to loosen the hammock, strap long segment coupling loops 48 and strap short segment coupling loops 46 that are closer in distance can be used. Alternatively, to increase tension, two coupling loops further in distance can be used. In another example, strap short segment 32 includes one coupling loop 46 and strap long segment 34 includes multiple coupling loops 48. In this instance, the tightness/tautness of integrated suspension system 14 can be adjusted by connecting the strap short segment coupling loop 46 to a strap long segment coupling loop 48 closer to cinch 41 to increase tension or closer to strap long segment attachment end 48 to loosen tension.

[0042] Additionally, by providing an integrated suspension system 14 including a permanently attached strap short segment 32 and a detachable strap long segment 34, suspending convertible blanket 10 from a support 70 is simplified. For instance, by being able to detach the strap long segment 34, strap long segment 34 can be wrapped around and cinched to support 70 by pulling strap long segment attachment end 42 through strap long segment end loop 40. Forming cinch 41 provides tension to allow the strap long segment 34 to be wrapped around the support once to be able to suspend convertible blanket 10 as a hammock. Because strap long segment 34 can be wrapped around a support 70 once to maintain enough tension to hang convertible blanket 10, the length of strap long segment 34 can be shortened, thus lowering production costs and minimizing the amount of material a user would need to handle.

[0043] FIG. 7 also shows attachment element 44 in an attached configuration, attaching strap short segment attachment end 38 to strap long segment attachment end 42. In some instances, accessories, such as a bag or a backpack, can be hung from integrated suspension system 14 by placing attachment ends 38 and 42 through a handle of an accessory and re-attaching strap short segment 32 and strap long segment 34 with the attachment element 44. Otherwise, it is understood that attachment ends 38 and 42 can be left detached when convertible blanket 10 is in the hammock configuration. Additionally, prior to suspending convertible blanket 10 in the hammock configuration or after suspending it, poles 56 may be associated with convertible blanket 10 as described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0044] To convert convertible blanket 10 from a hammock configuration to a blanket configuration, the opposite steps as above can be executed. For instance, strap short segments 32 and strap long segments 34 are decoupled from one another, strap long segments 34 are uncinched and unwrapped from supports 70, and strap short segment attachment ends 38 are removed from strap short segment end loops 36. Strap long segments 34 are then re-attached to strap short segments 32 at their respective attachment ends 42 and 38 with attachment elements 44. After re-attaching strap short segments 32 and strap long segments 34, sleeves 24 can be moved to their un-bunched configuration to cover straps 30 such that at least strap long segment end loops 40 extend out of sleeves 24.

[0045] In some examples, convertible blanket 10 can be stored in attached storage container 60. Storage container 60 includes a wall, wherein the wall at least partially defines a storage compartment. In particular, the interior surface of the wall defines the storage compartment. Storage container 60 can be made of a water-resistant or waterproof material. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, storage container 60 is a roll-top drybag with a buckle sealing element 61.

[0046] Storage container 60 is attached to convertible blanket 10 via an attachment tongue 62. Attachment tongue 62 includes a first end 64 attached to an interior surface of the wall of storage container 60 and a second end 66 configured to extend beyond the container opening 63. In an example, attachment tongue first end 64 can be attached to the interior surface of the wall of the storage bag at a distance below the container opening 63. For instance, first end 64 can be attached to interior wall six inches below the container opening 63. First end 64 can be attached at a variety of distances below container opening 63 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In the instance storage container 60 is a roll-top dry bag, by attaching first end 64 a distance below the opening of storage container 60, enough clearance is provided from opening 63 to roll the top of container 60 after the convertible blanket 10 has been placed within storage container 60.

[0047] Second end 66 can be attached to body 12 of convertible blanket 10. For instance, second end 66 can be permanently attached to body 12 by any suitable permanent attaching means, such as, but not limited to, sewing, sonic welding, heat sealing, or adhering.

[0048] To store convertible blanket 10 in storage container 60, convertible blanket 10 can be stuffed into the storage compartment defined by the interior wall. Attachment tongue 62 allows the entirety of convertible blanket 10 to be placed inside the storage container 60. After placing the entirety of convertible blanket 10 and attachment tongue 62 into the storage container 60, buckle sealing element 61 can be rolled and the buckle can be connected to provide a liquid-tight seal. By attaching convertible blanket 10 to storage container 60 with attachment tongue 62 instead of attaching convertible blanket 10 to the container opening 63, the entirety of convertible blanket 10 and attachment tongue 62 can be placed within the storage compartment, allowing the storage container 60 to be completely sealed.

[0049] Additionally, the exterior surface 68 of the storage container can include at least one pocket 69. For example, storage container 60 can include a pocket 69 on a front side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 8 and another pocket 69 on the back side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 9. The number, size, and shape of pocket 69 can vary without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Pocket 69 can include liquid-tight seals. Pocket 69 can also be made of a transparent material, allowing a user to see the pocket's contents. Pocket 69 can be configured to store items such as phones, maps, documents, keys, and/or other items the user may have on their person during use of convertible blanket 10.

[0050] Although described as being attached to convertible blanket 10, storage container 60 including an attachment tongue 62 can be used with a variety of products without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, a storage container 60 with attachment tongue 62 can be used with other outdoor equipment, such as, but not limited to, a hammock, a blanket, and other equipment that may be stored in a water-proof and/or liquid-tight container.