Multi-functional blanket system and method

Abstract

A multi-functional blanket system; the multi-functional blanket system includes a blanket that is convertible a variety of configurations including a blanket, a poncho, a backpack, a tote, and a seat cushion. The blanket may be provided with at least one strap and one or more fasteners for converting the blanket into one or more of the configurations. The multi-functional blanket system is useful for providing an all-in-one blanket, poncho, backpack, tote, and seat cushion.

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims: 
     
         1 . A multi-functional blanket system convertible in a variety of configurations, the system comprising:
 a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including
 an opening therein, and 
 one or more fasteners coupled to the blanket; 
   at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners; and   a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;   wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration; and   wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to use as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , further comprising seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more said folded configurations. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 2 , wherein the sections formed by the seam-lines are substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 3 , further comprising a middle-pleat traversing the blanket and perpendicular to the seam-lines. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 4 , wherein the middle-pleat includes a drawstring threaded therein, the drawstring is accessible at each end of the middle-pleat. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 5 , wherein a pocket is formed between the first-side and the second-side of the blanket. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 6 , wherein the pocket includes pocket-openings at each end, the pocket-openings accessible from the first-side. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 7 , wherein the pocket-openings include a selectively openable securing means for closing the pocket-openings. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 8 , wherein the opening in the blanket is adjacent to the middle-pleat between the pocket and the middle-pleat. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 9 , wherein the opening includes at least one movable flap that extend(s) downwardly from the opening when opened and selectively closes the opening when closed. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 10 , wherein the hood is removably attachable on the middle-pleat adjacent to the opening. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , wherein the fasteners include hook-and-loop, zippers, buckles, snaps, hooks, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the backpack when in the folded configuration. 
     
     
         14 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the tote when in the folded configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , wherein the first sheet of material is water-resistant. 
     
     
         16 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 1 , wherein the second sheet of material is comprised of a plush textile. 
     
     
         17 . A multi-functional blanket system:
 a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including
 an opening therein, and 
 one or more fasteners coupled to the blanket; 
   at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;   a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners;   wherein the blanket includes seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more said folded configurations;   wherein the sections formed by the seam-lines are substantially rectangular;   wherein the blanket includes a middle-pleat traversing the blanket and perpendicular to the seam-lines;   wherein the middle-pleat includes a drawstring threaded therein, the drawstring is accessible at each end of the middle-pleat;   wherein a pocket is formed between the first-side and the second-side of the blanket;   wherein the pocket includes pocket-openings at each end, the pocket-openings accessible from the first-side;   wherein the pocket-openings include a selectively openable securing means for closing the pocket-openings;   wherein the opening in the blanket is adjacent to the middle-pleat between the pocket and the middle-pleat;   wherein the opening includes at least one movable flap that extend(s) downwardly from the opening when opened and selectively closes the opening when closed;   wherein the hood is removably attachable on the middle-pleat adjacent to the opening;   wherein the fasteners include hook-and-loop, zippers, buckles, snaps, hooks, and a combination thereof;   wherein the first sheet of material is water-resistant;   wherein the second sheet of material is comprised of a plush textile;   wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a blanket and alternately a poncho when in an unfolded configuration;   wherein the multi-functional blanket system is configured to be used as a tote, a backpack, and alternately a seat cushion when in one or more folded configurations;   wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the backpack when in the folded configuration; and   wherein the at least one strap is attachable to the blanket in a way to be used as the tote, when desired, when in the folded configuration.   
     
     
         18 . The multi-functional blanket system of  claim 17 , further comprising set of instructions; and
 wherein the multi-functional blanket system is arranged as a kit.   
     
     
         19 . A method of using a multi-functional blanket system, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a multi-functional blanket system including a blanket having a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material joined together about their shared perimeter with the first sheet of material forming a first side and the second sheet of material forming a second side of the blanket, the blanket including an opening therein, one or more fasteners coupled to the blanket, at least one strap removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners, and a hood removably attachable to the blanket via the fasteners; and   wearing the blanket as a poncho with the hood attached thereto.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the blanket includes seam-lines dividing the blanket into sections, the sections and the seam-lines are configured to guide folding of the blanket into the one or more folded configurations, the method further comprising the steps of:
 folding the blanket using the seam-lines as guides and using the fasteners to maintain the blanket into the one or more folded configurations;   converting the blanket into a backpack by attaching the at least one strap to form a pair of shoulder straps; and   converting the blanket into a tote, when desired, by attaching the at least one strap to form a single shoulder strap.