System for affixing a blanket to ground

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 61/925,084 filed on Jan. 8, 2014, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The embodiments herein relate generally to outdoor recreation. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosed invention relate to systems that can be configured to affix a blanket to ground.

Prior to embodiments of the disclosed invention, when laid out, a picnic blanket could be blown around, or displaced by movement on top of the blanket. Embodiments of the disclosed invention solve this problem.

SUMMARY

A system for affixing a blanket to ground includes at least one corner flap mechanically coupled to the blanket and configured with a removable edge with the blanket. At least one stake is mechanically coupled to the blanket. The at least one stake is configured to be removed from underneath the at least one corner flap and into the ground.

In some embodiments, the at least one stake can be attached to a clip string. The clip string can be attached to a clip. The clip can be attached to a grommet string. The grommet string can be attached to a grommet. The grommet can be attached to the blanket.

In some embodiments, the at least one corner flap can be four corner flaps. The at least one stake can be four stakes

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention is made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals represent corresponding parts of the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown in use (broken view indicative of indefinite length/width for blanket).

FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the invention (single corner) demonstrated with stake in a stowed configuration and flap in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the invention (single corner) demonstrated with stake in a stowed configuration and flap in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a detail perspective view of the invention (single corner) demonstrated with stake in a deployed configuration and flap in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a detail perspective view of the invention (single corner) demonstrated with stake in a deployed configuration into ground and flap in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a detail perspective view of the invention (single corner) demonstrated with stake in a deployed configuration into ground and flap in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

By way of example, and referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, blanket 10 is formed in a rectangle having four corners. Each corner is mechanically coupled to a corner flap 12.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, corner flap 12 is mechanically coupled to flap hook and loop fastener 14. Blanket hook and loop fastener 16 is mechanically coupled to blanket 10. In some embodiments it is advantageous to have flap hook and loop fastener 14 on a distal edge of corner flap 12 which is away from an outer edge of blanket 10. This forms a removable edge.

Blanket 10 is mechanically coupled to grommet 18. Grommet 18 is mechanically coupled to grommet string 20. Grommet string 20 is mechanically coupled to clip 22. Clip 22 is mechanically coupled to clip string 24. Clip string 24 is mechanically coupled to stake 26. Stake 26 is mechanically coupled to retractor string 28. Stake 26 is configured to be driven into ground 30.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, to use the system, the following steps may be used. First, opening corner flap 12 from blanket 10 by detaching flap hook and loop fastener 14 from blanket hook and loop fastener 16. Next, moving stake 26 away from blanket 10. After that, inserting stake 26 into ground 30. Finally, closing corner flap 12 onto blanket 10.

FIGS. 3-6 show at least one corner flap 12 and at least one stake 26, but as shown in FIG. 1, as many as four corner flaps 12 can be used with four stakes 26. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above.