Multi-purpose covering

Abstract

A multi-purpose covering includes opposing top and bottom layers. Each of the top and bottom layers are substantially flat and equal in size such that the opposing top and bottom layers overlap each other. The overlapping top and bottom layers have outer edges along a periphery. A filling is positioned between the top and bottom layers, which are operably coupled to each other with the filling therebetween by ultrasonic stitching. A plurality of pockets are formed at least proximate the periphery between the top and bottom layers. A weighted substance is positioned within at least one of the plurality of pockets proximate the periphery. A strap assembly is operably coupled to the bottom layer. The strap assembly includes at least one male member and at least one female member configured to be releasably lockable with each other. A handle member is also provided for aiding in transporting the multi-purpose covering.

Description

Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO MULTI-PURPOSE COVERING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 533,722 filed on August 21, 2023, titled “Multi-Purpose Covering,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of utility products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose covering which eliminates the requirement of any auxiliary means to keep the covering in position, when laid over a surface or a person, or worn by a person. BACKGROUND

[0003] People often engage in outdoor activities for leisure as well as to stay physically and mentally fit. These outdoor activities may include outdoor gaming, picnics, camping, hiking, etc., and are enjoyed by both children and adults equally. In today’s hectic lifestyle, it has become crucial to get involved in such outdoor activities for maintaining peace of mind and to relax. A picnic blanket or covering may be needed while outdoors.

[0004] Conventional picnic blankets or coverings are usually made of lightweight fabric material which makes them easy to transport and carry by any individual while going to a picnic or a camping trip. Said conventional picnic blanket or covering is used as a surface cover for a user to sit, lay down, sleep, eat and much more. However, the lightweight fabric material of the conventional picnic blanket or covering is not always suitable for outdoor environmental conditions.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0005] Some examples of said outdoor environmental conditions may include weather conditions, such as high wind, which may displace or otherwise shift the picnic blanket or covering from its spread position. This may cause disruption as items kept on said picnic blanket or covering may get thrown off, for example spilling of beverages kept on the picnic blanket or covering and / or displacement of other kept items.

[0006] Another problem associated with the conventional picnic blanket or covering may include wrinkling up or flipping over of the picnic blanket or covering when one walks on it. One conventional solution to address the above- mentioned problem is the use of supplementary tools, weights, snaps, clips, ground stakes, and adhesives or objects like bags, kitchenware, bricks or stone fragments, etc., to set the picnic blanket’s or covering’s borders from being displaced.

[0007] As an example, Japanese Application Publication No. JP2004049520A discloses an attempted solution where an expandable weighted container is used for adding weight and for providing protection to a picnic sheet against wind. Said expandable weighted container is formed of a lid part, a base part, and a body portion to which the lid part and the base part are connected and which is expandable in the vertical direction. The base part is provided with a locking hook to an eyelet of the picnic sheet as a fixing means to the picnic sheet, and sand or the like is put in the expanded body portion to be used as a weight. However, expandable weighted containers are additional accessories which are required to be carried everywhere with the sheet, which makes the sheet dependable on such accessories for positioning its corners. Further, adding weight on the corners only make the corners of the sheet stay in place, but the sides of the sheet are still prone to fluttering, which allows wind to move underneath the sheet and blow the sheet upwards from below. Hence, the attempted solution not only makes the sheet dependent on accessories but also fails to provide a feasible solution to the underlying problem of keeping the blanket in place.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0008] Thus, there is still an unmet need to develop a covering for a variety of uses including as a surface covering, blanket or even a wearable item, which provides a solution to the above-stated problems and sufficiently stable so it would stay in place. SUMMARY

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] The principal object of the present invention, in general, is to overcome the problems of the prior art.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to develop a multi-purpose covering which eliminates the use of any auxiliary means for positioning the covering over a surface, wherein the surface can be a ground surface, tabletop and the like, or even a person.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a multi-purpose covering which is made up of waterproof material at least on one side of the covering, which keeps the covering surface dry even if the covering is laid over a moist / wet surface.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a multi-purpose covering which has an ergonomic design structure, is portable, and is light in weight, thereby, allowing a user to easily pick up, carry, and place the multi- purpose covering anywhere as per user’s requirement.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a multi-purpose covering which eliminates the requirement of any auxiliary means to keep the covering in position when laid over a surface.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose covering comprises a flexible laying member having weighted peripheral edges, and an unweighted section at a central area of the flexible laying member.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the weighted peripheral edges comprise an array of integrally formed pockets along all peripheral edges of the multi-purpose covering, wherein each pocket is uniformly filled with weighted beads. As an example, the weighted beads can be glass beads or the like.

[0017] The weighted peripheral edges or borders of the multi-purpose covering are specifically and strategically located around the peripheral edge of the multi- purpose covering in order to keep the multi-purpose covering flat, and in place, even during certain weather and use conditions.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi- purpose covering comprises an elastic loop attached at each corner of the multi- purpose covering to stake the multi-purpose covering to the ground. This provides additional supplementary stability to the multi-purpose covering.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi- purpose covering is portable and can be folded inward and rolled tightly into aAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO compact folded form, and secured for storage with straps or a carry bag. For example, the multi-purpose covering can be folded and rolled in five steps towards a central area and rolled tightly from bottom to top.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi- purpose covering comprises webbed loops and a G-hook attached to said webbed loops for securing the multi-purpose covering in the folded form. Further, the multi-purpose covering comprises a carry-handle for ease of manually carrying the multi-purpose covering by a user. In another aspect of the invention, the carry handle is secured onto the webbed loops with a box stitch.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the multi- purpose covering comprises a storage space. The storage space can be in a form of a flexible flap extending from at least one of the peripheral edges of the multi- purpose covering. In an aspect, the storage space may comprise a zipper to selectively provide access to the storage space, wherein the storage space can be used for storing necessary items, which are usable during outdoor activities.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a material for the multi-purpose covering is selected from a waterproof fabric material, such as, but not limited to, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PU, TPU, DWR or similar coated polyester.

[0023] The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing said multi-purpose covering. The method comprising the following steps:

[0024] Step I: placing at least two flexible members over one another with filling therebetween;Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0025] Step II: using stitching, joining the at least two flexible members together at a central portion of the joined flexible members, such that plurality of open pockets are formed on all the peripheral edges of the joined flexible members;

[0026] Step III: filling a fixed amount of weighted beads into the open pocket;

[0027] Step IV: closing the open pocket using stitching;

[0028] Step V: repeating Step III and Step IV for each open pocket of the plurality of open pockets.

[0029] The multi-purpose covering according to the present invention can resist both natural elements such as blowing wind, and also minimize displacement when a user walks on or steps on the multi-purpose covering, without the requirement of any auxiliary means including but not limited to, snaps, clips, zippers, ground stakes, weights, and adhesives.

[0030] The multi-purpose covering according to the present disclosure can be implemented as a ground cover / blanket, wherein the weighted peripheral borders of the ground cover / blanket could aid in keeping the ground cover / blanket flat and laid out in its proper shape without the use of stakes or other external weights.

[0031] The multi-purpose covering according to the present disclosure can also be implemented as a mat, wherein the mat could be laid out indoors such as a tent mat, or outdoors, while keeping the mat in shape and in place.

[0032] The multi-purpose covering according to the present disclosure can further be implemented as a personal use blanket, wherein the personal use blanket could, for example, be wrapped around a user and the weighted peripheral borders could help conform to the user to prevent heat loss.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0033] As such, in one aspect the present invention provides a multi-purpose covering comprising: opposing top and bottom layers, each of the top and bottom layers being substantially flat and equal in size such that the opposing top and bottom layers overlap each other, the overlapping top and bottom layers having outer edges along a periphery; a filling positioned between the top and bottom layers, wherein the top and bottom layers are operably coupled to each other with the filling therebetween, the top and bottom layers coupled together by ultrasonic stitching; a plurality of pockets formed at least proximate the periphery between the top and bottom layers; a weighted substance positioned within at least one of the plurality of pockets proximate the periphery; and a strap assembly operably coupled to the bottom layer, the strap assembly comprising at least one male member and at least one female member configured to be releasably lockable with each other and a handle member.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a multi-purpose covering comprising: opposing top and bottom layers, each of the top and bottom layers being substantially flat and equal in size such that the opposing top and bottom layers overlap each other, the overlapping top and bottom layers having outer edges along a periphery; a filling positioned between the top and bottom layers, wherein the top and bottom layers are operably coupled to each other with the filling therebetween; a plurality of pockets formed at least proximate the periphery between the top and bottom layers; a weighted substance positioned within the plurality of pockets proximate the periphery; and a strap assembly operably coupled to the bottom layer.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a multi-purpose covering comprising the steps of: providing opposing top and bottom layers; providing a filling positioned between the top and bottom layers; coupling the top and bottom layers and the filling by ultrasonic stitching; forming a plurality of pockets between the top and bottom layers;Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO providing a weighted substance within at least one of the plurality of pockets; and enclosing the at least one of the plurality of pockets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates a front view, in general, of the multi-purpose covering of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a front view showing weighted peripheral borders of the multi-purpose covering.

[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a zippered storage pocket configured with the multi- purpose covering.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates a magnified view of the multi-purpose covering that includes an elastic corner loop attached at each corner of the covering.

[0041] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the multi-purpose covering in partially folded states.

[0042] Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the multipurpose covering in a rolled state, in an unlocked and a locked configuration, respectively.

[0043] Figure 6C illustrates a G-hook used on the multipurpose covering of the present invention.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0044] To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale but are shown for illustrative purposes only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure herein may be employed.

[0046] At the outset, for ease of reference, certain terms used in this application and their meanings as used in this context are set forth. To the extent a term used herein is not defined below, it should be given the broadest reasonable interpretation and include definitions the pertinent art has given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Further, the present techniques are not limited by the usage of the terms used in the application, as all equivalents, synonyms, new developments, and terms or techniques that serve the same or a similar purpose are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure and claims.

[0047] The articles “a” and “an” as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular orAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used. The adjective “any” means one, some, or all indiscriminately of whatever quantity.

[0048] As stated above, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose covering which eliminates the requirement of an auxiliary means to keep the covering in position when laid over a surface. The multi-purpose covering 1 can be laid over a ground surface for various purposes such as sitting, relaxing and much more, during various outdoor activities. Outdoor activities may include camping, hiking, picnic and the like. As described above, the covering 1 could also be used as a mat, blanket or wearable covering or blanket.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a front view of a proposed multi-purpose covering 1 made up of any waterproof or water-resistant fabric material selected from but not limited to PVC (polyvinyl chloride), coated polyester and the like. The covering 1 comprises at least one flexible member 10, 12, i.e., opposing top and bottom layers, having a rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the at least two flexible members 10, 12 are joined one over another at a central area, with a light-weight filling therebetween, using ultrasonic stitching.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasonic stitching forms a criss-cross pattern line over the surface of the top and bottom layers 10, 12, however, the flexible members 10, 12 of the multi-purpose covering 1 can be stitched in any other pattern so long as the filling is secured therebetween without shifting. Ultrasonic stitching aids in securing the filling within the criss-cross pattern formed on the joined flexible members 10, 12, and also aids in water resistance, as the process does not puncture the fabric. A plurality of inner pockets 44 and outer pockets 42 are formed by the criss-cross pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the multi-purpose covering 1 can be 94 inches in length and 78 inches in width. However, the dimensions can vary without departing from theAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO spirit and scope of the invention. For example, sizing of the covering is determined by use case, e.g., optimal size for the ground, personal use or wearable use. In an alternative embodiment, the covering 1 is constructed without the filling.

[0051] Figure 2 shows the multi-purpose covering 1 with weighted peripheral edges / borders 40 which keep the covering 1 heavier on each peripheral edge in order to keep the multi-purpose covering 1 flat and to eliminate any dislocation resulting from both natural elements and man-created consequences when laid on a surface. Said weighted peripheral edges / borders 40 have openings to outer pockets 42 (shown by triangles on the peripheral edges) and are strategically located on the peripheral edges where multiple weighted beads are inserted, such as weighted glass beads, which makes the borders of the multi-purpose covering heavier, providing stability upon laying over the ground surface. This eliminates the requirement of any external secondary technologies or apparatuses which may include but are not limited to, snaps, clips, zippers, ground stakes, weights, adhesives, and the like. Once the outer pockets 42 are filled through the openings, the edges of the pockets are stitched together thereby securing the weighted glass beads within. Alternatively, the weighted glass beads could be separately secured within individual sacks, which are then inserted into the pockets 42 and secured within by stitching.

[0052] In this embodiment, each inner pocket 44 is approximately 4x4 inches and each outer pocket 42 is half of the size of the inner pocket 44, and in this embodiment, each outer pocket 42 is provided with about 20 to 25 grams of weighted material. The size of the pockets 42, 44 can vary depending on the size of the covering and type of application. For example, if the covering is wearable, the pockets could be smaller as each pocket might require less weighted material. As another example, the covering could be provided with only outer corner pockets filled with weighted material and as such, the pocket size could be larger as each pocket might require more weighted material. In this embodiment, theAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO weighted material is glass beads but other materials could be used, such as plastic, metal, water or sand. In general, the weight of the weighted material within each pocket could be between 10 and 1000 grams depending on the application. For example, if the covering is provided with only outer corner pockets filled with weighted material, each corner pocket could contain up to 1000 grams of weighted material.

[0053] The overall weight of the covering 1 can vary and there is no “perfect weight.” However, the covering 1 should have enough weight to stay in place in a variety of uses and conditions. Preferably, when the covering is used on a surface, it has sufficient weight to stay in place when sitting and / or walking on the covering. In the embodiment shown, the total weight of the covering 1 is 7.5 lbs. with approximately 6 lbs. of added weighted glass beads, but in other embodiments, such as in a personal size blanket, the total weight is 3.5 to 5 lbs. In any event is preferred that the weight of the covering 1 is sufficient to resist wind gusts, e.g., wind gusts between 5 and 25 mph. Also, it is preferred that the covering weighs enough to stay down if it is worn by a person, to hold tight to the body to hold heat.

[0054] Further, as shown in Figures 1-3, the multi-purpose covering 1 is configured with a zippered storage pocket 30, which is attached at the periphery of the multi-purpose covering 1 for providing a space for a user to store usable items, for example, but not limiting to, mobile phones, tissue paper and the like.

[0055] Figure 3 shows more detailed view of the zippered storage pocket 30 attached to the multi-purpose covering 1 for providing a space for storing usable items. The zippered storage pocket 30 is a spacious pocket which is made of a soft, flexible and foldable fabric material. The zippered storage pocket 30 is configured with a fastener arrangement 32 such that the storage space can be opened / closed by manually engaging a loop 34 configured with a zipper of the storage pocket 30. The zipper arrangement helps in keeping the stored items safeAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO and secured, as well as preventing the items from falling out of the pocket 30. In the alternative, the fastener 32 could be other types of securing means including, but not limited to, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro), conventional buttons and corresponding buttonholes, snap-fit buttons, and magnetic attachments.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the multi-purpose covering 1 having an alternative / optional elastic corner loop 50 attached at each corner of the covering 1 which helps to secure the multi-purpose covering 1 to a ground surface with a stake 52 as a secondary support to keep the covering 1 in proper position and minimize any dislocation. The elastic loops 50 configured with the multi-purpose covering are a type of twisted string / strap whose ends are joined together and further attached at the corners of the multi-purpose covering 1, i.e., a loop. The loops disclosed herein can be made up of any elastic material including but not limited to stretchable strings, vulcanized rubber straps, elastic materials and the like. The loops are manually extended by the user to stake the multi-purpose covering over the ground surface, as a means for providing additional support to stake the multi-purpose covering 1 firmly in proper position.

[0057] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the multi-purpose covering 1 includes a pair of straps 60 fixed to an outer surface of the storage pocket 30. The straps 60 have a length sufficient to circumscribe the multi-purpose covering 1 in its rolled form. Each distal end of the straps 60 includes a loop 62, while each proximal end of the straps 60 includes a G-hook 64 having a hook 70, shown in Figure 6C. Each hook 70 acts as a male member while each loop 62 acts as a female member for releasably engaging and locking with each other. Each G-hook 64 includes at least one slot 68 where the strap 60 extends through for adjusting the length of the straps 60. As such, the straps 60 are secured around the rolled covering 1 and tightened. The straps 60 are connected by a handle 66 which the user engages to carry and transport the rolled covering 1.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO

[0058] Alternatively, each distal end of the straps 60 could include a female component of a buckle, while each proximal end of the straps 60 could include a male component of the buckle. Each male component could include a slot where the strap 60 extends through for adjusting the length of the straps 60. As such, the straps 60 are secured around the rolled covering 1 and tightened.

[0059] In this embodiment, the strap 60 is constructed of a durable but light- weight webbing material such as nylon, polyester or a combination thereof, and the G-hook is constructed of plastic. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the materials of the strap and G-hook could vary, e.g., constructed of metal, and are not limiting.

[0060] Figures 5A–6B show how the multi-purpose covering 1 is folded and rolled in a manner that has a compact packing and ergonomic design structure. In other words, the multi-purpose covering 1 has an orientation which is capable of being folded and rolled in five steps towards a central area and rolled tightly from bottom to top.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the covering 1 includes five sections, which include two outer sections 14a, 14b, two intermediate sections 16a, 16b, and a central section 18. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the multi-purpose covering 1 is folded generally in five steps. The multi-purpose covering 1 is folded from both right and left side portions by folding the outer sections 14a, 14b onto respective intermediate sections 16a, 16b such that top layers 10 thereof engage and overlap each other, as shown in Figure 5A. Then, each folded section 14a, 16a and 14b, 16b are folded inward on top of and overlap the central section 18, as shown in Figure 5B, left illustration. As a result, the folded overlapping sections 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18 are positioned below and aligned with the storage section 30. The folded overlapping sections 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18 are then rolled toward the storage section 30, as shown in Figure 5B, right illustration. The straps 60 are then wrapped around the roll and the hooks 70 are engaged with the slots 68, asAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO shown in Figures 6A and 6B. This overlapping and rolling of the multi-purpose covering 1 results in a compact folded and rolled form, which is the easy to carry and store. Depending on the size of covering 1, the covering 1 could be folded with more or less steps.

[0062] Lastly, a method for manufacturing the multi-purpose covering 1 is disclosed, comprising the following steps: (i) providing two flexible members 10 with filling therebetween; (ii) ultrasonically stitching the two flexible members 10 together within the periphery of the joined flexible members 10; (iii) inserting glass beads within pockets formed on the borders of the joined flexible members 10 along the periphery of the joined flexible members 10; and (iv) stitching the peripheral borders of the joined flexible members 10 to secure the glass beads within the pockets. With this configuration, the borders or periphery of the multi- purpose covering 1 are heavier in weight, which results in preventing dislocation of multi-purpose covering 1 when in use. The process of stitching the peripheral border includes but are not limited to ultrasonic stitching, adhesive bonding, and heat fusing of fabrics.

[0063] There are other alternatives to the weighted perimeter disclosed herein. For example, as discussed above, the covering could have only weighted corners. As another example, the covering could include removable or sewn-in weighted sections around the perimeter, e.g., a Velcro outer pocket with added removable weights. As a further alternative, the covering could include weighted sections around the perimeter in addition to some weighted sections within the perimeter. The covering could also include one, two, or just three weighted sides. The covering could also include separate weighted pockets or one large, weighted pocket.

[0064] The covering could also be used for different use cases such as: being wearable (e.g., poncho style with zipper, poncho style with snaps, poncho styleAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO with hood or collar, shawl); picnic table covering; ground blanket; beach or pool blanket; tent floor; outdoor rug; single person use; pet cover; and travel blanket.

[0065] The covering could also be in different sizes such as a smaller size for single-person use and a small carpet for gear, and different shapes such as rectangular, square, circular or other shapes.

[0066] In addition, the fabric of the covering could be a variety of fabrics including waterproof, non-waterproof, water-resistant and non-water-resistant fabric including, but not limited to, fleece, TPU, polyester, canvas, cotton and others. Also, the covering could be constructed by methods other than ultrasonic welding, such as conventional sewn quilted construction.

[0067] The covering could also have different storage solutions such as a roll with self-storage; self-storage with a zipper; a secondary carry bag; and a folded construction. Also, additional technologies could be incorporated into the covering such as the covering being attachable to another blanket; the covering being convertible to a sleeping bag; and the addition or removal of pockets on the blanket or the carry bag.

[0068] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention, therefore, will be indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO CLAIMS 1. A multi-purpose covering comprising: opposing top and bottom layers, each of the top and bottom layers being substantially flat and equal in size such that the opposing top and bottom layers overlap each other, the overlapping top and bottom layers having outer edges along a periphery; a filling positioned between the top and bottom layers, wherein the top and bottom layers are operably coupled to each other with the filling therebetween, the top and bottom layers coupled together by ultrasonic stitching; a plurality of pockets formed at least proximate the periphery between the top and bottom layers; a weighted substance positioned within at least one of the plurality of pockets proximate the periphery; and a strap assembly operably coupled to the bottom layer, the strap assembly comprising at least one male member and at least one female member configured to be releasably lockable with each other and a handle member.

2. The multi-purpose covering of claim 1, wherein the weighted substance is a plurality of weighted glass beads.

3. The multi-purpose covering of claim 1, wherein the weighted substance within the at least one of the plurality of pockets weighs between 20 and 25 grams.

4. The multi-purpose covering of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is waterproof.

5. The multi-purpose covering of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is water-resistant.

6. The multi-purpose covering of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is constructed of a coated polyester material.

7. A multi-purpose covering comprising: opposing top and bottom layers, each of the top and bottom layers being substantially flat and equal in size such that the opposing top and bottom layers overlap each other, the overlapping top and bottom layers having outer edgesAttorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO along a periphery, wherein the top and bottom layers are operably coupled to each other; a plurality of pockets formed at least proximate the periphery between the top and bottom layers; a weighted substance positioned within the plurality of pockets proximate the periphery; and a strap assembly operably coupled to the bottom layer.

8. The multi-purpose covering of claim 7, wherein the strap assembly comprises at least one male member and at least one female member configured to be releasably lockable with each other.

9. The multi-purpose covering of claim 8, wherein the strap assembly further comprises a handle member.

10. The multi-purpose covering of claim 7, wherein the weighted substance is a plurality of weighted glass beads.

11. The multi-purpose covering of claim 7, wherein the top and bottom layers are coupled together by ultrasonic stitching.

12. The multi-purpose covering of claim 7, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is waterproof.

13. The multi-purpose covering of claim 7, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is water-resistant.

14. A method of manufacturing a multi-purpose covering comprising the steps of: providing opposing top and bottom layers; coupling the top and bottom layers and the filling by ultrasonic stitching; forming a plurality of pockets between the top and bottom layers; providing a weighted substance within at least one of the plurality of pockets; and enclosing the at least one of the plurality of pockets.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of coupling a strap assembly to the bottom layer.Attorney Docket No.103P009NP1-WO 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the strap assembly comprises at least one male member and at least one female member configured to be releasably lockable with each other.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the wherein the weighted substance is a plurality of weighted glass beads.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the weighted glass beads weigh between 20 and 25 grams.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the top and bottom layers is waterproof.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one of the top and bottom layers is constructed of a coated polyester material.

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