US20080028518A1

US20080028518A1 - Covering with pockets and method for manufacturing same

Info

Publication number: US20080028518A1
Application number: US11/458,604
Authority: US
Inventors: Sam Miotke; John Edson Putnam
Original assignee: BLUE BELL LLC
Current assignee: BLUE BELL LLC
Priority date: 2006-07-19
Filing date: 2006-07-19
Publication date: 2008-02-07

Abstract

A covering with pockets and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. The covering includes at least one pocket that is coupled to a base material. At least one slit is formed through the base material, wherein the slit is positioned with respect to an opening defined by the pocket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to coverings and, more specifically, to coverings with pockets.
Coverings are used by individuals when sleeping, relaxing, reading, or performing some other leisurely activity. Coverings are also used by individuals to keep warm, protect them from inclement weather, or in some way protect the individuals from something on the other side of the covering. At times the upper body and arms of an individual can be exposed when the individual is using an object, such as a book, remote control, pen, or other device, which may be uncomfortable to a user desiring warmth or protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a covering is provided. The covering includes at least one pocket coupled to a base material, and at least one slit formed through the base material. The slit is positioned with respect to an opening of the pocket.
In another aspect, a sleeping bag is provided. The sleeping bag includes at least one pocket coupled to a base material, and at least one slit formed through the base material. The slit is positioned with respect to an opening of the pocket.
In another aspect, a blanket is provided. The blanket includes at least one pocket coupled to a base material and at least one pocket defining an opening. At least one slit is formed through the base material, and the slit(s) is/are positioned with respect to the pocket opening(s). Pocket flap(s) is/are positioned to enclose the slit(s) and the pocket opening(s).
In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a covering is provided. The method includes providing a base material and a pocket material; forming a slit in the base material; and coupling the pocket material to the base material. The pocket material forms a pocket having a pocket opening, and the pocket opening is near the slit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a covering according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 2 c are enlarged views of pockets used with coverings according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary covering according to one embodiment as used by an individual.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a covering according to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to coverings and a method for manufacturing coverings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that a covering can be construed broadly, such as a blanket, cover, comforter, quilt, sleeping bag, or as a protective covering for use in a field where the user desires protection or ease of use.
Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the possible embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in connection with and the manufacturing of a covering. However, the embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In some embodiments, the covering includes a marking thereon including, without limitation, indicia that communicates the product, a manufacturer of the product and/or a seller of the product. For example, the marking may include printed text that indicates a product's name and briefly describes the product, logos and/or trademarks that indicate a manufacturer and/or seller of the product, and/or designs and/or ornamentation that attract attention (e.g., sports logo).
The covering may have any suitable size, shape and/or configuration, i.e. number of edges or curvature of material, whether such sizes, shapes and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein. For example, in one embodiment, the covering includes a shape that facilitates transporting the covering (e.g., easily folded) and/or a shape that facilitates stacking and/or arrangement of a plurality of coverings.
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a covering 100.
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of covering 100. Covering 100 is configured for an individual. In alternative embodiments, covering 100 is configured for one or more individuals. Covering 100 warms and/or protects the individual using covering 100. As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 is a cover (e.g., blanket, comforter, quilt) or a sleeping bag and is configured to cover the user. In some embodiments, covering 100 substantially or completely surrounds the user. As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 is a blanket. As shown in FIG. 4, covering 100 is a sleeping bag.
As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes a base material 138. Base material 138 can be any suitable flexible material. Base material 138 can be one material (e.g., cotton) or a combination of two or more materials (e.g., cotton and polyester) that is/are suitable for manufacturing a blanket. In some embodiments, base material 138 includes a fabric. The fabric includes natural and/or artificial fibers, such as cotton, wool, hemp, flax, hair, silk, polyester, and/or rayon. More specifically, in some embodiments, base material 138 includes fleece. In yet other embodiments, base material 138 is partially or completely made from a flexible plastic. Furthermore, it is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein that any suitable flexible material or combination of materials may be used to make covering 100.
Base material 138 has a top material side 140 and a bottom material side (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, a user of covering 100 is typically positioned with respect to the bottom material side, and pockets, as described below, are coupled to the top material side 140 of base material 138. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that covering 100 can be manufactured and used with pockets on the bottom material side.
As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes a top edge 160 and a bottom edge 170. Each edge 160, 170, has a corresponding length 162, 172, respectively. In these embodiments, each length 162, 172 is sufficiently long enough so that covering 100 is suitable for use by an individual, including a child or baby. As shown in FIG. 1, lengths 162, 172 are substantially equal. Alternatively, lengths 162, 172 can be independent of each other.
As shown in FIG. 1, covering 100 includes opposing side edges 180, 190. Each side edge 180, 190 has a length 182, 192, respectively. In these embodiments, lengths 182, 192 is sufficiently long enough so that the covering is suitable for use by an individual, including a child or baby. As shown in FIG. 1, lengths 182, 192 are substantially equal. Alternatively, lengths 182, 192 can be independent of each other. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein that many suitable sizes and configurations exist for covering 100 and that covering 100 is not necessarily shaped in a rectangle but could be a number of shapes. Furthermore, edges 160, 170, 180, and 190 can independently be linear (as shown in FIG. 1) or non-linear, and can be configured to provide covering 100 with slight curvature so that covering 100 is not planar.
In some embodiments, edges 160, 170, 180, and 190 are reinforced with any suitable reinforcement, such as serge.
As shown in FIG. 4, covering 100 is a sleeping bag 200. Sleeping bag 200 has a width 260 and a length 280. Width 260 and length 280 are generally large enough to fit the individual user. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein that many styles, shapes, and/or sizes of sleeping bags exist that are suitable for embodiments of the present invention.
In alternative embodiments, covering 100 is a baby's or child's blanket or a covering for a baby or child in a car seat.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 c, at least one pocket 110 is coupled to top material side 140 of base material 138. Pocket 110 includes a pocket material 148 having a pocket edge 120. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket 110 couples to base material 138 along pocket edge 120. More specifically, pocket 110 is sewn to base material 138 at least partially along pocket edge 120 forming or defining a pocket opening 116 (shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c).
In some embodiments (as shown in FIG. 2 a), pocket edge 120 includes three separate edges, edges 121, 122, and 123, sewn to base material 138 to form pocket 110. In some embodiments, pocket edge 120 is reinforced with serge.
In alternative embodiments, pocket 110 includes a pocket back (not shown) that at least partially couples to base material 138. In these embodiments, pocket 110 is formed from pocket material 148 with pocket edges 120, but pocket edges 120 are not necessarily coupled to base material 138.
Although two pockets 110 are shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can have one or more than two pockets 110. Furthermore, if covering 100 has more than one pocket 110, each pocket is not required to have the same size, shape, and/or material as the other pocket(s).
In alternative embodiments, pocket 110 has a first pocket opening (not shown) and a second pocket opening (not shown). In these embodiments, the first and second pocket openings of pocket 110 share pocket space of pocket 110.
In some embodiments, additional pockets 110 can be used to hold smaller objects, such as remote controls and/or pens. As shown in FIG. 4, additional pockets 110 can be specially designed to hold specific items (for example, a flashlight).
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, pocket 110 further includes a pocket material 148. Pocket material 148 is not limited to a flexible material like that of base material 138, but any material that is suitable for holding objects can be coupled to base material 138. In some embodiments, pocket material 148 is a flexible material. In some embodiments, pocket material 148 is made of the same material as base material 138. In some embodiments, pocket material 148 is thicker than base material 138.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, pocket 110 can have a variety of sizes and/or shapes. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket 110 are large and deep enough to at least partially fit or accommodate a user's hand and forearm. In some embodiments (shown in FIG. 4), pocket 110 can be specifically designed to hold an object (e.g., flashlight). It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that a variety of pocket sizes and/or shapes exist that are suitable for use with covering 100. Furthermore, if covering 100 has a plurality of pockets 110, the pockets 110 may have sizes and/or shapes different from each other.
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c show pocket 110 having a pocket opening 116. Pocket opening 116 has a suitable size and/or shape for allowing a user access to pocket 110 and/or for allowing specific objects to be placed inside pocket 110. In some embodiments, pocket opening 116 is about 8 inches to about 15 inches wide and about 2 inches deep, measured from base material 138 to pocket material 148. In alternative embodiments, pocket opening 116 is specifically designed for objects to have access to the pocket.
As shown in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c, pocket 110 is positioned such that pocket opening 116 is positioned with respect to a slit 112. A “slit” is defined broadly as an opening. Slit 112 can be made by cutting or forming a straight line in base material 138, or slit 112 can be made by forming an oval or circle void in base material 138. In alternative embodiments, slit 112 includes a first slit material (not shown) and a second slit material (not shown), wherein the first slit material overlaps the second slit material forming a long, narrow opening. In some embodiments, the edges of slits 112 are reinforced with binding or serge.
Generally, the size of slit 112 should allow the user to fit his or her hands through slit 112. In some embodiments, the size of slit 112 allows the user to comfortably fit his or her hands and at least partially his or her arms through slit 112. In some embodiments, slit 112 has a length of about 3 inches to about 10 inches long.
As shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c, slit 112 is positioned near pocket opening 116. In some embodiments, slit 112 runs generally parallel to pocket opening 116. In some embodiments, slit 112 is substantially aligned with pocket opening 116. Yet still in some embodiments, slit 112 is positioned within pocket 110 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 b). In other embodiments, slit 112 is positioned above pocket opening 116 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 a). In other embodiments, slit 112 is roughly parallel to pocket opening 116 and is within about 1 inch of pocket opening 116. In some embodiments, slit 112 is about a half inch (½) from pocket opening 116 (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 c). In one embodiment (as shown in FIG. 1), two slits 112 are about 45 degrees with respect to top edge 160, angled down toward each other, and positioned near corresponding pockets 110.
Referring further to FIGS. 1-2 c, covering 100 has a pocket flap 126 that is configured to cover or enclose pocket opening 116 and/or slit 112. As shown in FIG. 1, pocket flap 126 extends from pocket 110 along a flap crease 125. More specifically, pocket flap 126 extends from pocket material 148 along a flap crease 125 and is defined by a portion of pocket edge 120 that is not coupled to base material 138. In alternative embodiments, pocket flap 126 is separate from pocket material 148 and couples to base material 138 along flap crease 125 above pocket opening 116 and slit 112 (as shown in FIG. 2 b). In these embodiments, pocket flap 126 can be configured to naturally fall over pocket opening 116 (as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2 b) and slit 112 (also shown as a dotted line in 2 b). Furthermore, in these embodiments, slit 112 can be within pocket 110 or above pocket opening 116.
In some embodiments, pocket flap 126 removably attaches to base material 138 near slit 112 and pocket opening 116. More specifically, pocket flap 126 removably attaches to base material 138 above slit 112 and pocket opening 116. In other embodiments, pocket flap 126 is coupled to base material 138 along flap crease 125 and above pocket opening 116, and removably attaches to pocket material 148.
Pocket flap 126 can removably attach to any material using a suitable attachment mechanism, such as a Velcro® fastener, loop fastener, or hook. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein that many suitable attachment mechanisms may be used to removably attach pocket flap 126 to base material 138 or pocket material 148.
Pocket flap 126 includes a pocket flap material (not shown) having a pocket flap edge 128. The pocket flap material is not limited to a flexible material like that of base material, but any material that is suitable for operating as a flap may be used to form pocket flap 126. In some embodiments, the pocket flap material is the same material as pocket material 148. In some embodiments, the pocket flap material extends from pocket 110 along flap crease 125 and is a portion of pocket material 148. In other embodiments, the pocket flap material is different from pocket material 148 and couples to pocket material 148 along flap crease 125. In some embodiments, the pocket flap material is thicker and/or sturdier than pocket material 148.
Pocket flap edge 128 defines a perimeter of pocket flap 126. In some embodiments, pocket flap edge 128 is a portion of pocket edge 120 that is not coupled to base material 138. In some embodiments, pocket flap edge 128 has a curved top 129 (shown in FIG. 2 a). In other embodiments, pocket flap edge 128 forms a rectangular top (as shown in FIG. 2 b). In other embodiments (as shown in 2 a), pocket flap edge 128 extends into and intersects with edges 121, 123 and flap crease 125 at a pair of opposing ends 131, 132 (shown in FIG. 2 a).
In some embodiments, pocket flap 126 extends from pocket 110 and is a portion of pocket material 148. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 a, pocket flap 126 couples to base material 138 at least partially along flap crease 125. Flap crease 125 is not necessarily linear. In some embodiments, flap crease 125 is substantially straight. In some embodiments, flap crease 125 is substantially parallel to slit 112. In other embodiments, flap crease 125 is slightly oblique to slit 112.
As shown in FIG. 2 b, pocket flap 126 is separate from pocket material 148 and couples to base material 138 along a portion of flap crease 125 or pocket flap edge 128. In these embodiments, pocket flap 126 couples to base material 138 along a portion of flap crease 125 or pocket flap edge 128 above slit 112 and pocket opening 116.
Pocket flap 126 is positioned in order to at least partially enclose or substantially enclose slit 112 and pocket opening 116 simultaneously. In other embodiments, pocket flap 126 is positioned in order to at least partially enclose or substantially enclose slit 112 when removably attached to base material 138 or, alternatively when not removably attached to base material 138, to at least partially enclose or substantially enclose pocket opening 116 (for example, when pocket flap 126 couples to base material 138 below slit 112 but above pocket opening 116).
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, pockets 110 and slits 112 appear symmetric when positioned on covering 100. However, in alternative embodiments, pockets 110 and slits 112 can have a variety of arrangements that are comfortable for the user. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein that the arrangement of pocket 110 and slit 112 may be any suitable and/or comfortable arrangement for the user.
A method for manufacturing a covering with pockets is also provided. A more detailed discussion for manufacturing an exemplary embodiment (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a) is described below. However, the description of the method below is not intended to be limiting, but merely used as an example of one method for manufacturing covering 100 or similar covering.
Base material 138 is provided. Base material 138 includes fleece and includes top edge 160, bottom edge 170, and opposing side edges 180, 190. Edges 160, 170, 180, 190 of base material 138 form a rectangular shape. Widths 162, 172 of top edge 160 and bottom edge 170, respectively, are each about 60 inches. Lengths 182, 192 of opposing side edges 180, 190, respectively, are each about 90 inches. At least one of edges 160, 170, 180, and 190 are reinforced with serge.
Two slits 112 are cut into base material 138 creating openings through base material 138. Slits 112 are at a 45 degree angle with respect to opposing side edges 180, 190, and converge downwardly towards each other as shown in FIG. 1. The upper ends of the two slits 112 are about 13 inches from a longitudinal centerline 195, and about 22 inches from top edge 160. Edges formed from the slits 112 are reinforced with a fleece binding so as to not allow any loose fabric ends.
Two pockets 110 are attached to top material side 140 of base material 138 by sewing pocket material 148 to base material 138 partially along pocket edge 120. Pocket opening 116 is defined as the gap between partially sewn pocket material 148 and base material 138. Each pocket 110 has a pocket flap 126 extending from the pocket material along a flap crease 125.
Each pocket 110 is positioned such that pocket opening 116 runs generally parallel to and at a distance of about a half inch (½) from a corresponding slit 112, such that flap crease 125 of each pocket 110 is generally aligned with a corresponding slit 112. Each pocket 110 defines opening 116, interior edge 121 which is nearer to the longitudinal centerline, a bottom edge 122, and an outside edge 123 which is nearer to a side edge. Each pocket opening 116 is about 11.5 inches long and each bottom edge 122 is about 7 inches wide. Bottom corners of the pocket, formed by bottom edge 122 and the outside edge 123 and interior edge 121, are rounded.
Each pocket flap 126 has a curved pocket flap edge 128 extending a distance of about 5 inches from the pocket opening 116 at the apex of the curve. Pocket flap edge 128 extends into edges 121, 123 at a pair of opposing ends 131, 132 of flap crease 125.
Pocket flap 126 is made from the same piece of material as the pocket 110, but with additional layer of material for added stiffness. The additional layer is made of a fusible layer. These layers are sewn together along flap crease 125. Velcro® attached along the top of the pocket flap 126 attaches to Velcro® sewn to base material 138 allowing the pocket flap to close over and cover the pocket opening. A height of the pocket, from bottom edge 122 to an apex of a pocket flap edge 128 is about 13 inches.
Exemplary embodiments of coverings and methods for manufacturing are described and/or illustrated above in detail. The coverings and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each covering and steps of each method may be utilized independently and separately from other coverings and steps described herein. Each covering component and method step can also be used in combination with other covering components and/or method steps.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A covering comprising:

at least one pocket coupled to a base material, said at least one pocket defining an opening;

at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit positioned with respect to said opening of said pocket.

2. A covering in accordance with claim 1 wherein said covering further comprises a pocket flap positioned to enclose said slit and said pocket opening.

3. A covering in accordance with claim 2 wherein said pocket flap is coupled to said pocket.

4. A covering in accordance with claim 1 wherein said covering comprises at least two pockets coupled to the base material.

5. A covering in accordance with claim 4 wherein said at least two pockets are positioned for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.

6. A sleeping bag comprising:

at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit near said opening of said pocket.

7. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said sleeping bag further comprising a pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.

8. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said sleeping bag comprises at least two pockets coupled to said base material.

9. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said at least two pockets are positioned for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.

10. A sleeping bag in accordance with claim 7 wherein said pocket flap extends from said pocket.

11. A method of manufacturing a covering, the method comprising:

providing a base material and at least one pocket material;

forming a slit in the base material;

coupling the pocket material to the base material, the pocket material forming a pocket having a pocket opening positioned near the slit.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 further comprising providing a pocket flap and attaching the pocket flap to one of the pocket material and the base material, the pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.

13. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein attaching the pocket material to the base material further comprises forming a pocket flap, the pocket flap positioned to enclose the slit and the pocket opening.

14. A method in accordance with claim 11 further comprising providing at least two pocket materials and attaching the at least two pocket materials to the base material, each pocket material of the at least two pocket materials forming pockets.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14 further comprising positioning the pockets formed from the at least two pocket materials for suitable and comfortable use by an individual.

16. A blanket comprising:

at least one slit formed through said base material, said slit positioned near said pocket opening; and

at least one pocket flap, said pocket flap positioned to enclose said slit(s) and said pocket opening(s).