Launderable foldup device

Abstract

The invention relates to a convertible cushion that may be used as a blanket in an unfolded configuration or used as a cushion or bed in a folded configuration. One use of such a device relates to a fully washable pet bed. When folded, the convertible cushion may be used by a pet as a bed. When unfolded, the convertible cushion may be used as a blanket. Additionally, the device is constructed of material that is fully washable so that it may be washed in a typical household washing machine when in the unfolded position and fully cleaned. For some configurations, the convertible cushion may further be used in a pocketbook mode, a backpack mode, and a sleeping bag mode (by combining two or more convertible cushions).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal, said convertible cushion comprising:
 a first foldable portion composed of a first material and having a perimeter that defines a first geometric figure when unfolded;   a second foldable portion composed of a second material and having a perimeter that defines a second geometric figure that is similar to but smaller than said fist geometric figure when said second foldable portion is unfolded;   wherein said second foldable portion is associated with and disposed adjacent to part of the surface of said first foldable portion so that said that the perimeter of said second geometric figure is in at least partial alignment with said first geometric figure to define an integral blanket; and   an attachment device associated with the perimeter of said second foldable portion so that said first foldable portion and said second foldable portion may be folded to form a cushion thereby defining a device that is one of a blanket or a cushion.   
     
     
         2 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment device is a zipper. 
     
     
         3 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 2 , wherein the surface of said second foldable portion defines a softer surface compared to the surface defined by said first foldable portion. 
     
     
         4 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 3 , wherein the surface of said first foldable portion defines a protective layer from a durable material that is washable while providing a fortified fluid resistant shell configured to deliver a lightweight, seam sealed, breathable layer. 
     
     
         5 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 4 , wherein a second attachment device is associated with the perimeter of said first foldable portion not associated with said second portion. 
     
     
         6 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 2 , further comprising two strap connectors configured for being mechanically associated with a strap and wherein said zipper further defines one said strap connector. 
     
     
         7 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 1 , further comprising two “backpack” type shoulder straps associated with the perimeter of said second foldable portion so that each should strap spans across the width of such second foldable portion. 
     
     
         8 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 1 , wherein the section of said first foldable portion not associated with said second foldable portion is divided into a first section and a second section and wherein said first section is longer than the length of said second section. 
     
     
         9 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 2 , wherein said convertible cushion defines a dog bed in the folded and zipped configuration and defines a blanket in the unfolded configuration. 
     
     
         10 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 9 , wherein the first foldable portion and the second foldable portion are constructed from material that may be washed without damaging such potions. 
     
     
         11 . A convertible cushion for use by an animal as in  claim 9 , wherein said first foldable portion is configured with a pocket suitably sized to receive a support board that is about 21 inches long and 15 inches wide. 
     
     
         12 . A convertible cushion comprising:
 a first foldable portion composed of a first material and having a perimeter that defines a first rectangle;   a second foldable portion composed of a second material and having a perimeter that defines a second similar rectangle to said first rectangle;   wherein said second foldable portion is mechanically associated with and disposed adjacent to a surface of said first foldable portion to define an integral component so that said second foldable portion covers one side of said first foldable portion and wherein four corners of said first rectangle are in substantial alignment with the four corners of said second rectangle so that said first foldable portion defines a first surface and said second foldable portion defines a second service;   at least one first attachment device associated with one end of said second surface; and   at least one second attachment device associated with the opposing end of said second surface wherein the second attachment device is configured to be mechanically associated with said first attachment device and wherein said second attachment device and said second attachment devices are disposed along their respective ends so that the corners of the convertible cushion are in alignment when the at least one first attachment device is mechanically associated with said at least one second attachment device.   
     
     
         13 . A multipurpose convertible cushion as in  claim 12 , further comprising a pocket disposed at one end of said second surface and suitably sized to cover said first attachment device. 
     
     
         14 . A multipurpose convertible cushion as in  claim 13 , wherein said first surface defines a softer surface compared to the second surface. 
     
     
         15 . A multipurpose convertible cushion as in  claim 14 , wherein the second surface defines a protective layer constructed from a durable material that is washable. 
     
     
         16 . A multipurpose convertible cushion as in  claim 15 , wherein said first foldable portion is configured with a second pocket suitably sized to receive a support board that is about 21 inches long and 15 inches wide.