CA2070373C - Foot comforter - Google Patents
Foot comforterInfo
- Publication number
- CA2070373C CA2070373C CA 2070373 CA2070373A CA2070373C CA 2070373 C CA2070373 C CA 2070373C CA 2070373 CA2070373 CA 2070373 CA 2070373 A CA2070373 A CA 2070373A CA 2070373 C CA2070373 C CA 2070373C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- comforter
- mattress
- feet
- bed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
- A47G9/0207—Blankets; Duvets
Landscapes
- Bedding Items (AREA)
Abstract
This invention pertains to a generally rectangular comforter device for use with a bed mattress to selectively retain the natural body heat of a user in proximity to the users feet. The device does not require an external heating source. The comforter comprising a cuffless envelope of backed fibrous insulating material such as simulated sheepskin, the envelope opening fully at one longitudinal edge thereof to admit the users feet, and includes a plurality of mattress engaging retention straps to constrain the envelope in a predetermined position on the mattress.
Description
The present invention pertains to a foot warming device for use in a bed. The device is simple to use and 5maintain, relying on natural body heat retention and not on any external power course for heat generation.
The device is particularly useful to provide warmth and retain heat for people who experience cold feet 10in bed. In the present invention a simple pocket or sheath of a synthetic simulated sheepskin is located at the foot end of the bed, into which pocket users slide their feet.
15Many people experience cold feet upon getting into bed especially in the winter season. A recent survey revealed that as many as 80% of Canadians at one time or another need extra warmth for their feet upon entering bed or during the night. This problem is particularly 20symptomatic of persons with circulatory restriction, including the elderly and diabetic.
At the present, people who suffer from nocturnal cold feet frequently use various means to obtain additional 25warmth. They may place additional blankets on the end of the bed to cover their feet or they may resort to wearing socks, or placing hot water bottles near their feet. Even the body warmth of a co-habitant of the bed may be used to provide additional warmth.
All of the foregoing have disadvantages, such as weight, shape, leakage or discomfort. The usual practice of an extra blanket meets with temporary success. However, the average person moves at least 40-60 times per night 35during sleep, and inevitably the extra blanket on their feet falls to the floor. Socks worn on the feet appear to work. However, most people do not like the feeling of `-- 2070373 socks on their feet all night because they are eventually uncomfortable in consequence of too much trapped heat causing their feet to sweat. Hot water bottles are usually too hot to touch at first, whereas they eventually cool and become stone cold within a few hours. Conduction heating, whereby a person contacts cold feet onto his or her bed partner, produces results which are unpredictable.
It has been found that the disadvantages of the foregoing methods of initiating and/or keeping one's feet warm at night are overcome by the present invention. My foot warmer device is a loose fitting enclosure of cloth material which envelops the feet of a user. The material must be suitable for retaining body heat adjacent a users' feet, and is preferably a synthetic, washable pile on a backing material, such as a simulated sheepskin. I have found that Super Kurton~ made by Huntington Mills or Borg~
made by the Borg Co. are polyester fabrics particularly suitable for this application. The present foot warmer comprises a generally rectangular, open sided envelope which is positioned at the foot end of a bed. The envelope is closed on three edges, namely each lateral edge and the side adjacent the foot of the bed. It is held securely in place by heavy elastic bands. The device encapsulates the feet and extends to just below the knees on an average 5'-10" male. The users feet slide into the envelope at the open top (headward) side. The concept is similar to an open envelope with the top flap removed.
The device does not become warmer than the users temperature of 98.6F, and maintains this temperature because the majority of heat given off by convection or radiation from the users body is trapped and retained in the envelope like device. It is found that the porous or deep pile nature of this synthetic fabric traps heat, feels pleasant surrounding the users feet is 100~ washable and -.~ A
;~ . .
~ ~ 3 2070373 relatively inexpensive. In the event of the feeling that their feet are overheating, users may remove their feet from the foot warmer envelope and place their feet on top of the device. Optionally, the exterior surface of the device may be covered with a bed-linen material.
Test results on prototype usage reveals a non-allergic response to the synthetic material as compared to the natural 100% virgin wool to which some people may experience an allergic reaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the foot warmer attached to a bed, with sheets and blankets omitted for clarity.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the foot warmer of the invention showing the opening for feet.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 in Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the foot warmer of the present invention, as may be seen in Figure 1 has an envelope structure, illustrated generally as 1, which is held securely in place by elastic tie downs or straps 2 which extend between the lateral edges of the envelope. The straps 2 are positioned to cooperate with the envelope 1 and circumscribe a mattress 3 of a box spring bed structure 4. Although three of the straps 2 are illustrated, it will ~, , .~
-- 20703~3 be appreciated that fewer, or more straps may be used, as necessary, to ensure retention of the envelope 1 on the surface of mattress 3 near the foot section of bed 4. As well, although elastic straps are shown in the figures, it will be understood that other modes of adjustment of the length of the straps are contemplated by this invention.
For example, non-elastic straps adjusted by buckles, slip rings or Velcro~ or other hook/pile fasteners may be employed. Additionally, with sufficient adjustment in the straps, a comforter for one size of bed may be positioned and retained on a bed of somewhat greater or lesser width (i.e. king size with queen size). The foot warmer of the invention is intended to be placed on top of the mattress and bottom bed sheet (linen) and beneath the upper sheet, blankets and bedspread. The device is sandwiched between the various components that make up the bedding, in the same horizontal plane as the user. For clarity of explanation, the drawings omit the numerous layers of bed coverings. Suffice it to say that the number of sheets, blankets or other bed coverings an individual places on their bed is a matter of personal preference and seasonal conditions.
As may be seen from Figure 1, the location of placement and the approximate size ratio of the foot warmer envelope 1 is about ~ that of the entire surface of mattress 3. The width varies depending upon the width of different beds, i.e. a single bed is approximately 39"; a double 54"; a queen 60"; and a king 78". The length (head to toe direction) of the foot warmer is preferably approximately 20". In practice, the construction or manufacture of a foot warmer in accordance with the invention, designed to accommodate a queen size bed, requires approximately two meters of synthetic simulated sheepskin for top and bottom surfaces of the envelope.
~5. ~....
_ As may be seen from Figures 2 and 3, envelope 1 is constructed of a synthetic simulated sheepskin fabric having a deep pile of fibres. The envelope comprises upper and lower halves S and 6 respectively, which may be separate elements sewn or otherwise bonded together about the three peripheral edges 7, 8 and 9 adjacent the edge of the mattress, leaving the headward side 10 open for insertion of a users feet. Alternatively, and preferably, the envelope 1 is made from one sheet of the fabric, which is folded to form the lower edge 8, and closed, such as by sewing, at lateral edges 7 and 9. The ends of the straps 2 are sewn or otherwise held in or at lateral edges 7 and 9 respectively.
No seam or cuff is formed at the edges 10 on either envelope half. This avoids the creation of ridges which might act as pressure points against a users legs, thereby avoiding consequent reduction of circulation and loss of body heat in the users feet.
In either construction as disclosed above, the pile side 11 of the sheepskin is on the inside and the backing on the outside. To enhance comfort, good quality linen may sewn on the superior or top aspect of the envelope.
In use, a person may lie on the bed in any position, extending his or her feet into the opening at edge 10, between envelope surfaces 5 and 6. The envelope, being of a soft flexible fabric, conforms generally to outline a users feet, allowing a limited space adjacent the feet, and otherwise retaining contact between the two envelope elements. Heat which is radiated or converted by the users feet (or the feet of a co-user) is retained within the deep piled fabric in close proximity to the feet.
- _ - 6 - 2 0 70 3 73 The unrestricted opening at edge 10 allows users to insert their feet at any position across the width of the bed. Furthermore, users may readily change position repeatedly while sleeping, without requiring the repositioning of the foot comforter, but merely by moving their feet from side-to-side. The full width of the opening 10 permits the comforter to be used by all the occupants of the bed at the election of each individual.
One person may keep feet in the comforter while the partner may rest feet on top of the comforter. The broad opening also avoids the constraint of narrowly fitted devices such as socks or muffs, while providing greater capacity for retention of warmed ambient air. Furthermore, by locating the foot warmer adjacent the feet only, the disadvantages lS of excess body core heat retention resulting from extra blankets, as well as the extra weight thereof, can be avoided.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved in its broader aspects. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limitative.
`. ~
The device is particularly useful to provide warmth and retain heat for people who experience cold feet 10in bed. In the present invention a simple pocket or sheath of a synthetic simulated sheepskin is located at the foot end of the bed, into which pocket users slide their feet.
15Many people experience cold feet upon getting into bed especially in the winter season. A recent survey revealed that as many as 80% of Canadians at one time or another need extra warmth for their feet upon entering bed or during the night. This problem is particularly 20symptomatic of persons with circulatory restriction, including the elderly and diabetic.
At the present, people who suffer from nocturnal cold feet frequently use various means to obtain additional 25warmth. They may place additional blankets on the end of the bed to cover their feet or they may resort to wearing socks, or placing hot water bottles near their feet. Even the body warmth of a co-habitant of the bed may be used to provide additional warmth.
All of the foregoing have disadvantages, such as weight, shape, leakage or discomfort. The usual practice of an extra blanket meets with temporary success. However, the average person moves at least 40-60 times per night 35during sleep, and inevitably the extra blanket on their feet falls to the floor. Socks worn on the feet appear to work. However, most people do not like the feeling of `-- 2070373 socks on their feet all night because they are eventually uncomfortable in consequence of too much trapped heat causing their feet to sweat. Hot water bottles are usually too hot to touch at first, whereas they eventually cool and become stone cold within a few hours. Conduction heating, whereby a person contacts cold feet onto his or her bed partner, produces results which are unpredictable.
It has been found that the disadvantages of the foregoing methods of initiating and/or keeping one's feet warm at night are overcome by the present invention. My foot warmer device is a loose fitting enclosure of cloth material which envelops the feet of a user. The material must be suitable for retaining body heat adjacent a users' feet, and is preferably a synthetic, washable pile on a backing material, such as a simulated sheepskin. I have found that Super Kurton~ made by Huntington Mills or Borg~
made by the Borg Co. are polyester fabrics particularly suitable for this application. The present foot warmer comprises a generally rectangular, open sided envelope which is positioned at the foot end of a bed. The envelope is closed on three edges, namely each lateral edge and the side adjacent the foot of the bed. It is held securely in place by heavy elastic bands. The device encapsulates the feet and extends to just below the knees on an average 5'-10" male. The users feet slide into the envelope at the open top (headward) side. The concept is similar to an open envelope with the top flap removed.
The device does not become warmer than the users temperature of 98.6F, and maintains this temperature because the majority of heat given off by convection or radiation from the users body is trapped and retained in the envelope like device. It is found that the porous or deep pile nature of this synthetic fabric traps heat, feels pleasant surrounding the users feet is 100~ washable and -.~ A
;~ . .
~ ~ 3 2070373 relatively inexpensive. In the event of the feeling that their feet are overheating, users may remove their feet from the foot warmer envelope and place their feet on top of the device. Optionally, the exterior surface of the device may be covered with a bed-linen material.
Test results on prototype usage reveals a non-allergic response to the synthetic material as compared to the natural 100% virgin wool to which some people may experience an allergic reaction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the foot warmer attached to a bed, with sheets and blankets omitted for clarity.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the foot warmer of the invention showing the opening for feet.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line 3-3 in Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the foot warmer of the present invention, as may be seen in Figure 1 has an envelope structure, illustrated generally as 1, which is held securely in place by elastic tie downs or straps 2 which extend between the lateral edges of the envelope. The straps 2 are positioned to cooperate with the envelope 1 and circumscribe a mattress 3 of a box spring bed structure 4. Although three of the straps 2 are illustrated, it will ~, , .~
-- 20703~3 be appreciated that fewer, or more straps may be used, as necessary, to ensure retention of the envelope 1 on the surface of mattress 3 near the foot section of bed 4. As well, although elastic straps are shown in the figures, it will be understood that other modes of adjustment of the length of the straps are contemplated by this invention.
For example, non-elastic straps adjusted by buckles, slip rings or Velcro~ or other hook/pile fasteners may be employed. Additionally, with sufficient adjustment in the straps, a comforter for one size of bed may be positioned and retained on a bed of somewhat greater or lesser width (i.e. king size with queen size). The foot warmer of the invention is intended to be placed on top of the mattress and bottom bed sheet (linen) and beneath the upper sheet, blankets and bedspread. The device is sandwiched between the various components that make up the bedding, in the same horizontal plane as the user. For clarity of explanation, the drawings omit the numerous layers of bed coverings. Suffice it to say that the number of sheets, blankets or other bed coverings an individual places on their bed is a matter of personal preference and seasonal conditions.
As may be seen from Figure 1, the location of placement and the approximate size ratio of the foot warmer envelope 1 is about ~ that of the entire surface of mattress 3. The width varies depending upon the width of different beds, i.e. a single bed is approximately 39"; a double 54"; a queen 60"; and a king 78". The length (head to toe direction) of the foot warmer is preferably approximately 20". In practice, the construction or manufacture of a foot warmer in accordance with the invention, designed to accommodate a queen size bed, requires approximately two meters of synthetic simulated sheepskin for top and bottom surfaces of the envelope.
~5. ~....
_ As may be seen from Figures 2 and 3, envelope 1 is constructed of a synthetic simulated sheepskin fabric having a deep pile of fibres. The envelope comprises upper and lower halves S and 6 respectively, which may be separate elements sewn or otherwise bonded together about the three peripheral edges 7, 8 and 9 adjacent the edge of the mattress, leaving the headward side 10 open for insertion of a users feet. Alternatively, and preferably, the envelope 1 is made from one sheet of the fabric, which is folded to form the lower edge 8, and closed, such as by sewing, at lateral edges 7 and 9. The ends of the straps 2 are sewn or otherwise held in or at lateral edges 7 and 9 respectively.
No seam or cuff is formed at the edges 10 on either envelope half. This avoids the creation of ridges which might act as pressure points against a users legs, thereby avoiding consequent reduction of circulation and loss of body heat in the users feet.
In either construction as disclosed above, the pile side 11 of the sheepskin is on the inside and the backing on the outside. To enhance comfort, good quality linen may sewn on the superior or top aspect of the envelope.
In use, a person may lie on the bed in any position, extending his or her feet into the opening at edge 10, between envelope surfaces 5 and 6. The envelope, being of a soft flexible fabric, conforms generally to outline a users feet, allowing a limited space adjacent the feet, and otherwise retaining contact between the two envelope elements. Heat which is radiated or converted by the users feet (or the feet of a co-user) is retained within the deep piled fabric in close proximity to the feet.
- _ - 6 - 2 0 70 3 73 The unrestricted opening at edge 10 allows users to insert their feet at any position across the width of the bed. Furthermore, users may readily change position repeatedly while sleeping, without requiring the repositioning of the foot comforter, but merely by moving their feet from side-to-side. The full width of the opening 10 permits the comforter to be used by all the occupants of the bed at the election of each individual.
One person may keep feet in the comforter while the partner may rest feet on top of the comforter. The broad opening also avoids the constraint of narrowly fitted devices such as socks or muffs, while providing greater capacity for retention of warmed ambient air. Furthermore, by locating the foot warmer adjacent the feet only, the disadvantages lS of excess body core heat retention resulting from extra blankets, as well as the extra weight thereof, can be avoided.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved in its broader aspects. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limitative.
`. ~
Claims (7)
1. A generally rectangular comforter device for use with a bed and mattress to selectively retain the natural body heat of the user in proximity to the users feet, the comforter comprising a cuffless envelope of insulating material, said envelope opening fully at one longitudinal edge thereof to admit the users feet, and a plurality of mattress engaging retention means adapted to constrain the envelope in a predetermined position on a mattress.
2. The comforter of claim 1, wherein the insulating material is a backed fibrous synthetic fabric with the fibrous surface forming the interior of the envelope.
3. The comforter of claim 1, wherein the envelope has an exterior cover of bed linen material on at least one surface of the envelope.
4. The comforter of claim 1, wherein the mattress engaging retention means are straps cooperating with the envelope to encircle the mattress.
5. The comforter of claim 4, wherein the straps are attached to opposed lateral edges of the envelope.
6. The comforter of claim 4, wherein the straps are adjustable in length.
7. The comforter of claim 6, wherein the straps are resilient.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2070373 CA2070373C (en) | 1992-06-03 | 1992-06-03 | Foot comforter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2070373 CA2070373C (en) | 1992-06-03 | 1992-06-03 | Foot comforter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2070373C true CA2070373C (en) | 1995-04-04 |
Family
ID=4149965
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2070373 Expired - Fee Related CA2070373C (en) | 1992-06-03 | 1992-06-03 | Foot comforter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2070373C (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2898792A1 (en) * | 2006-03-21 | 2007-09-28 | Claire Bara Dornbierer | Foot warming device for bedding, has band stitched on side for maintaining top and bottom parts together while leaving space between parts, where bottom part is maintained on mattress stitched on width that rejoins another width by strap |
| USD865397S1 (en) * | 2018-05-14 | 2019-11-05 | John Goodger | Foot comforter for bed |
-
1992
- 1992-06-03 CA CA 2070373 patent/CA2070373C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2898792A1 (en) * | 2006-03-21 | 2007-09-28 | Claire Bara Dornbierer | Foot warming device for bedding, has band stitched on side for maintaining top and bottom parts together while leaving space between parts, where bottom part is maintained on mattress stitched on width that rejoins another width by strap |
| USD865397S1 (en) * | 2018-05-14 | 2019-11-05 | John Goodger | Foot comforter for bed |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |