CA2526410A1

CA2526410A1 - Wind-resistant outdoor thermal blanket for seated persons

Info

Publication number: CA2526410A1
Application number: CA 2526410
Authority: CA
Inventors: Jeffrey S. Edelist; Betty Edelist
Original assignee: KOZY Inc B
Current assignee: KOZY Inc B
Priority date: 2005-10-06
Filing date: 2005-10-06
Publication date: 2007-04-06

Abstract

The invention provides a light, wind-resistant blanket for the use outdoors of seated persons, in particular, for wheelchair-bound persons (such as paraplegics and quadriplegics) who have notorious difficulty in maintaining warmth in their lower extremities while outdoors. The blanket consists of a wind and water-resistant outer shell, stitched on its periphery to two layers of polyester polar fleece lining. The shape of the blanket allows it to be easily wrapped completely around the lower legs (from knees down) of a seated person, and be spread over the top and sides of the upper legs, and tucked at the side of a seat, especially a wheelchair. The blanket includes Velcro fastenings, to allow it to form a wind proof "tube" around the lower legs, protecting them from cold as well as snow and slush in the winter months.

Description

Wind-resistant outdoor thermal blanket for seated persons Background of the Invention Individuals seated outdoors, particularly in winter months are vulnerable to cold, partly as a result of the fact of their inactivity. This is a chronic and potentially dangerous problem for wheelchair-bound persons who have limited or no use o their lower extremities; and even more for quadriplegics or paraplegics who may have reduced sensory capacity in their lower extremities and often do not realize the degree to which their legs are cooling.
Summary of the Invention The blanket described herein is an invention of a partial quadriplegic, who required a means to maintain his warmth while outdoors in his powered wheelchair, in the winter. The unique feature of the blanket is that it combines wind and water resistance for the lower extremities with the ability to wrap entirely around the exposed lower legs of the wearer, and yet is easy (particularly for disabled persons) to put on and remove.
There are a number of thermal blankets for medical patients, most commonly for persons undergoing surgery or in the post-surgical period. There are no known blankets ofthis type or designed for this application, and in particular intended for outdoor use with wind and limited water resistance.

Claims

1. A blanket is manufactured using a water and wind-resistant nylon outer shell, stitched along its periphery to a core and lining of two layers of polyester polar fleece;

2. A blanket as in 1 above, having an upper section and a lower section; at the top of the upper section, a horizontal top having a width of approximately 63 - 91 cm (25 -36 inches more or less)

3. in a thermal blanket as in 2 above, the upper section having two lateral sides, each having a length of 49-69 cm (19 - 27 inches, more or less);

4. in a thermal blanket as in 3 above, a bottom of the upper section wherein there is a horizontal intrusion of 16.5 - 17.5 cm ( 6 1/2 - 7 inches, more or less) creating a flap on each side of the upper section in 2(a) and 2(b), and leaving a central upper section of width 35 - 55 cm ( 14 - 21 1/2 inches, more or less), which central upper section is contiguous with the lower section hereinafter described;

5. in a thermal blanket as in 4 above, a lower section contiguous with the central upper section, and having a length of 29-31 cm (10 1/2 -11 1/2 inches, more or less), and a width of 80 - 103 cm (31 - 41 inches, more or less)

6. in a thermal blanket as in 5 above, to one side of the lower section, an extension forming a flap of width 80 - 103 cm (31 - 41 inches, more or less), at the top and 70 - 91 cm (27 - 35 inches, more or less) at the bottom, such that the end of the extension does not form a right angle but rather an angle of 45 degrees more or less,

7. in a thermal blanket as in 6 above, an elongated female Velcro fastener of width 5 cm (2 inches, more or less) running along the said right-angle end, and stitched over the inner lining of the end,

8. in a thermal blanket as in 7 above, an elongated male Velcro fastener of width 5 cm (2 inches) stitched to the outer shell along the squared, lateral side of the lower section, such that the extension flap described in 6 above can be rolled around itself and fastened to the strip, thus forming a tapered tube

9. In a thermal blanket as in 8 above, the addition of two nylon loops at the distal end of the lower section (quad tabs), enabling persons with limited manual dexterity to position the male and female Velcro strips, and attach and detach them; thus forming and releasing the tapered tube of the lower section around their lower legs.