WO2019177770A1 - Methods and systems of securing weighted blankets to their covers - Google Patents

Abstract

A weighted blanket with a removable cover system includes a blanket body having a first side, a second side and a plurality of weighted elements positioned therebetween. A first connector is disposed along an outer periphery of the blanket body along the first side. The system also includes a cover having a first complementary connector that is disposed along a portion of an inside facing surface. The complementary connector functioning to engage the primary connector to receive and secure the blanket body to the cover. A pair of secondary connectors are disposed along the outer periphery of the cover and function to removably secure the cover in a closed position that fully encompass the blanket body secured within.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF SECURING WEIGHTED

BLANKETS TO THEIR COVERS

Cross-Reference to Related Annlications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser.

No. 16/059,932, filed August 9, 2018 and entitled“METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF

SECURING WEIGHTED BLANKETS TO THEIR COVERS.” This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/641,744 filed on March 12, 2018 and entitled“METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF SECURING WEIGHTED BLANKETS TO

THEIR COVERS.” Both of the prior applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to blankets, and more particularly to a weighted blanket and removable cover.

Background

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Traditional weighted blankets are typically constructed from two or more layers of fabric that are sewn together about a variety of malleable weighted elements. The blankets are manufactured to include many different sizes, and specific weights (e.g., 4 to 25 pounds), and may further include a removable cover that can be laundered.

[0005] Many recent studies have indicated that use of a weighted blanket may provide individuals suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders with varying levels of relief.

Several other conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have also been identified as experiencing relief through the use of weighted blankets. As such, the use and popularity of weighted blankets has increased dramatically in recent years.

[0006] Although such blankets are undoubtedly helpful, many users have noted issues that have heretofore been overlooked by blanket manufacturers. For example, many users find it difficult to launder weighted blankets wherein the cover is not able to be removed from the blanket body. Additionally, repeated laundering of the blanket body can also shorten its life span. However, blankets with removable covers are traditionally manufactured to include straps along the outside comers of the blanket body, and the inside comers of the protective covers. Because these straps must be individually tied together by an end user, and due to the heavy nature of the blanket body, it is not uncommon for them to become separated and/or to break, thus causing the blanket to shift within the cover. When this occurs, the primary objective of the blanket e.g., to evenly distribute weight, becomes diminished and the user does not enjoy the needed relief.

[0007] The present invention, directed to methods and systems of securing weighted blankets to their covers differs from the conventional art in a number of aspects. The manner by which will become more apparent in the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention is directed to a weighted blanket with a removable cover system. One embodiment of the present invention can include a blanket body having a first side, a second side and a plurality of weighted elements positioned therebetween. A first connector can be disposed along an outer periphery of the blanket body along the first side.

The system can also include a cover having a shape and size that is suitable for completely encompassing the blanket body. The cover can include a first complementary connector that is disposed along a portion of an inside facing surface, and can function to receive and secure the blanket body to the cover.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention can include a pair of secondary connectors that are disposed along the outer periphery of the cover. The secondary connectors can function to removably secure the cover in a closed position so as to fully encompass the blanket body secured within.

[0010] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a top view of the blanket body of the weighted blanket with removable cover system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover of the weighted blanket with removable cover system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of the weighted blanket with removable cover system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [0015] FIG. 4 is another top view of the weighted blanket with removable cover system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0016] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0017] As described throughout this document, the term“complementary shape,” and

“complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of an identified component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component.

[0018] As described herein, the term“removably secured,”“removably engage,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

[0019] As described herein, the terms“connector” and“complementary connector” include any number of different elements and/or a series of elements that work together to removably secure two items together. Several nonlimiting examples include opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro®), attractively-oriented magnetic elements, flexible strips of interlocking projections with a slider (i.e., zipper), tethers, buckles such as side release buckles, hooks, snaps, buttons, swivel clips, press studs, eye and hook, grommet/eyelet with laces or ribbons or cords, frog fasteners, and toggle buttons, for example. Each illustrated connector and complementary connector can be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for example.

[0020] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a weighted blanket withremovable cover system 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In eachof the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms“upper,”“bottom,”“right,”“left,”“front,”“vertical,”

“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a weighted blanket body 11 for use with the system. As shown, the blanket body can include a first surface 1 la, a second surface 1 lb and a plurality of edges 1 lc, 1 Id, 1 le and 1 If that define a generally hollow interior space. In the illustrated embodiment, the blanket can include a substantially rectangular shape; however any number of different shapes and sizes are also contemplated.

[0022] In one embodiment, the blanket body can be constructed from a single layer of material that is cut to form the identified shape. Alternatively, the blanket body may include two or more layers of material that are permanently joined together along the edges via stitching, for example, to form the identified shape. In either instance, the blanket body may be constructed from any number of different fabrics and materials that are suitable forprolonged contact with human skin. Several nonlimiting examples include cotton, wool, polyester, rayon and blended materials, among many others, for example.

[0023] The interior space of the blanket can be filled with any number of different types of weighted elements 12 until reaching a specific weight (typically between 4 and 25 pounds). In the preferred embodiment, the weighted elements can comprise glass beads; however other materials such as high density plastic pellets, sand, stone, and gel, for example, are also contemplated. In the preferred embodiment, the weighted material can be evenly distributed along the entirety of the blanket body via seams 13 which form pockets for preventing shifting of the weighted material.

[0024] As shown, a first connector 15a can be secured along one side of the blanket body at a location adjacent to one or more of the edges 1 lc, 1 Id, 1 le and 1 If. As will be described below, the connector(s) 15a can function to engage complementary connectors) 15b located on the removable cover in order to secure the blanket body to the cover in a manner that prevents slippage and uneven weight distribution. In the preferred embodiment, connectors 15a and 15b will comprise a zipper system; however, any number of other connectors are also contemplated.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a removable cover 20 for use with the blanket body 11. As shown, one embodiment of the cover 20 can include an elongated rectangular shape having an inside facing surface 21a, an outside facing surface 21b, a plurality of outside edges 21c, 21d, 21e and 21f, and a center section 21g. Although illustrated as a single cover with a center section, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the cover is constructed from two distinct halves that are removably secured together via a connector along the center section.

[0026] The cover 20 can also be constructed from a single layer of material that is cut to form the identified shape. Alternatively, the cover may include two or more layers of material that are joined together along the edges to form the identified shape. In either instance, the cover may be constructed from any number of different fabrics and materials that are suitable for prolonged contact with human skin. Several nonlimiting examples include cotton, silk, satin, wool, polyester and rayon, among many others, for example.

[0027] As noted above, the cover 20 can include a complementary connector 15b having a shape and size that is suitable for engaging connector 15a. The complementary connector can preferably be positioned along the inside facing surface 21a at a location adjacent to edge 21f, center section 21g, and one half of edges 21c and 21d.

[0028] The cover 20 can work with the blanket body 11, whereby one half of the cover can be positioned above the blanket body, and the other half of the cover can be positioned below the blanket body. The cover can be maintained in the closed position via secondary connectors/complementary connectors 25a and 25b, which can be positioned along edges 21c,

21d, 21e and 21f. In various embodiments, the primary and secondary connectors can be distinguished by various markings (e.g.,“start zipping here”) and/orcolors.

[0029] Furthermore, in the case of utilizing directionally-sensitive primary and secondary connectors (e.g., zippers) various markings can be utilized to make it easier for the user to distinguish what gets connected to what, and where to start. For example, when both the primary and secondary connectors utilize zippers, one embodiment of the system can include zipper sliders or entire zipper assemblies having different shapes and/or lengths or colors. Of course, any other means for clearly identifying a specific connector with its designated complementary connector or where applicable in the case of directionally-sensitive connectors such as zippers, the location in which the first connection needs to be made are contemplated.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the cover will include the illustrated rectangular shape having a length (e.g., distance between edges 21e and 21f) that is approximately twice the length of the blanket body (e.g., distance between edges 1 le and 1 If), and a width (e.g., distance between edges 21c and 21d) that is complementary to the width of the blanket body

(e.g., distance between edges 1 lc and 1 Id). Of course, the cover can include any number of other shapes and sizes based on the shape and size of the blanket body to which it is to be mated.

[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one embodiment of the weighted blanket with removable cover system 10 in operation, and describe a method for securing the blanket to the cover. As shown, the first surface of the blanket 11a can be positioned onto the inside facing surface of the cover 21a in a manner that aligns connectors 15a and 15b. When so positioned, the connectors can be joined together in the manner necessitated by the type of connector utilized.

[0032] Next, the cover can be folded over the blanket (arrow a) so that the entire inside facing surface of the cover 21a is in contact with the first and second surfaces of the blanket body 11a and 1 lb. At this time, the secondary connectors 25a and 25b can be joined together.

When so joined, the secondary connectors function to secure the edges 21e and 21f together, while simultaneously securing one half of edges 21c and 21d to the other halves of edges 21c and 2 Id, respectively.

[0033] Once the blanket 11 has been secured within the cover 20 as described, the blanket system 10 can be utilized in any manner desirable to a user. Because the entire outer periphery of the blanket body can be secured to the inside surface of the cover, the blanket body is unable to shift or otherwise deform, relative to the cover. Such a feature advantageously ensures even distribution of the blanket weight during use. Moreover, owing to the innovative design of the cover itself, a user is able to easily locate and access each of the connectors that secure the blanket body to the cover in a single step, thereby alleviating previous issues associated with such a process. [0034] As described herein, one or more elements of the weighted blanket with removable cover system 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means.

Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes or through the use of a singular piece of material.

[0035] As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular

embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the terms“consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

[0037] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A blanket with removable cover system, comprising:

a blanket body having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of edges that define an interior space;

a first connector that is disposed along the first surface of the blanket body;

a cover having an inside facing surface, an outside facing surface and a plurality of edges;

a first complementary connector that is disposed along the inside facing surface of the cover, said first complementary connector being configured to removably engage the first connector;

a second connector that is disposed along a first portion of the cover; and

a second complementary connector that is disposed along a second portion of the cover, said second complementary connector being configured to removably engage the second connector,

wherein the cover includes a shape and size that is configured to encompass an entirety of the blanket body when folded, and the second connector and second complementary connector are configured to maintain the cover in the folded orientation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a shape having a width that is

complementary to a width of the blanket body, and a length that is two times greater than a length of the blanket body.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the blanket body is configured to be secured along an

entirety of one half of the length of the cover.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the first complementary connector are different from the second connector and the second complementary connector.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the first complementary connector are the same as the second connector and the second complementary connector

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the first complementary connector include at least one of a hook and loop material, magnetic elements, buckles, snaps, buttons, swivel clips, press studs, eye and hook, grommet/eyelet with laces or ribbons or cords, frog fasteners, toggle buttons, and a zipper.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second connector and the second complementary

connector include at least one of a hook and loop material, magnetic elements, buckles, snaps, buttons swivel clips, press studs, eye and hook, grommet/eyelet with laces or ribbons or cords, frog fasteners, toggle buttons, and a zipper.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the blanket body is filled with a plurality of weighted

elements.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the weighted elements comprise a total weight of between approximately 4 and 25 pounds.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the blanket body includes a rectangular shape.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cover includes a rectangular shape having a length that is two times a length of the blanket body.