Convertible multifunction covering

Abstract

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

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 A foldable covering,   A conversion means attached to said covering; and   At least one carrying means   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said conversion means comprises at least one fastening flap and at least one hanging pocket allowing said foldable covering to be converted into a seat cushion and a tote. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the long axes of said at least one fastening flap and said at least one hanging pocket are substantially perpendicular to each other. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said at least one fastening flap is elongated. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said covering is a poncho. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said covering has a hood. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said covering is a blanket. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said covering is rectangular. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said foldable covering has guide seams emplaced thereto and fastening means attached thereto. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one carrying means is attached in such a way as to allow said covering to be carried like a backpack when folded. 
   
   
       11 . A multifunction convertible covering, comprising:
 A rectangular foldable covering having two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides, and a centerline parallel to said parallel long side,   A conversion means attached to said covering comprising:
 One or more substantially rectangular fastening flaps having a long axis and short axis, said one or more fastening flaps having one end attached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are parallel to a short side of said covering and that are attached in proximity to said short side; 
 A hanging pocket having a long axis and a short axis, said pocket having one end attached to said covering so that said hanging pocket's long axis is equidistant from said parallel long sides and perpendicular to said one or more fastening flaps' long axes; and 
   At least one carrying means.   Wherein said conversion means allows said covering to be folded into a seat cushion having at least one hanging pocket, and a tote bag.   
   
   
       12 . A multifunction convertible covering of  claim 11  wherein said at least one carrying means is attached in such a way as to allow said covering to be carried like a backpack when folded. 
   
   
       13 . A multifunction convertible covering, comprising:
 A rectangular foldable covering having two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides, and a centerline parallel to said parallel long side, and   A conversion means attached to said covering comprising:
 Two fastening flaps having long axes and short axes, said flaps having one end attached so that said fastening flaps' long axes are parallel to a short side of said covering and that are attached in proximity to said short side A hanging pocket having a long axis and a short axis, said pocket having one end attached to said covering so that said hanging pocket's long axis is equidistant from said parallel long sides and perpendicular to said fastening flaps' long axes. 
   
   
   
       14 . A method for converting a foldable covering having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with at least one hanging pocket or a tote bag comprising the steps of: folding said covering in such a way that the at least one fastening flap of said conversion means hold said covering in the desired folded configuration. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said folding is facilitated by means of guide seams and fastening means. 
   
   
       16 . A method of assisting a user in folding a foldable covering having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion and into a tote bag comprising the steps of
 Emplacing guide seams in said foldable covering, and   Attaching guide fastening means to said foldable covering.   
   
   
       17 . A method of assisting a user in converting a foldable covering having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with a hanging pocket and a tote bag comprising the step of instructing the user to fold the covering in such a way that one or more fastening flaps hold said foldable covering in a folded configuration. 
   
   
       18 . A method of assisting a user in converting a foldable covering having conversion means attached thereto into a seat cushion with a hanging pocket and a tote bag comprising the step of instructing the user to:
 Lay the completely unfolded covering on a flat, horizontal surface so that the covering, with conversion means facing downwards;   Fold the top half of the covering over the lower half of the covering along a guide seam emplaced in said covering;   Fold the right one-third of the covering so folded over the left one-third of the covering using guide seams emplaced in said covering;   Fold the top half of the covering so folded over the bottom half of the covering; and,   Engage the fastening flaps of said conversion means.