WO2021058603A1

WO2021058603A1 - Adjustable weighted blanket

Info

Publication number: WO2021058603A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/076628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emer FLANNERY
Original assignee: Kaloo Wellness Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2020-09-23
Publication date: 2021-04-01
Also published as: IE20190161A1

Abstract

Disclosed is an adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user. The adjustable weighted blanket includes a plurality of weighted articles and a neck cut-out. The weighted articles are removably placed in a plurality of corresponding pockets distributed on a top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket to apply the pressure to the pressure point of the user. The corresponding pockets facilitate the user to perform plurality steps selected from at least one of adding the weighted articles to increase the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket and removing the weighted articles to decrease the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket. The neck cut-out is positioned on a proximal end of the adjustable weighted blanket to allow the weighted articles to drape over the shoulders of the user in order for the pressure to apply over the shoulders.

Description

ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTED BLANKET

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable weighted blanket. In particular the present invention pertains toa new type of weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user.

BACKGROUND [0002] Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that have pockets filled with weighted filler. Weighted blankets provide deep pressure touch stimulation. Stretched over the body this proprioceptive input results in both physical and psychological advantages. Deep pressure touch benefits a person by inducing relaxation as it stimulates pressure points and releases serotonin in the brain and reduces feelings of anxiety. It is typically recommended that a weighted blanket is 10% (+/-) of a person’s body weight. Typically, weighted blankets have been used by users who suffer from sleep deprivation, sensory disorders, restlessness, tiredness, anxiety, a heightened nervous syndrome, PTSD, restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, autism and Alzheimer’s. Occupational therapists and psychologists typically recommend weighted blankets for people that have a heightened nervous system or difficulty sleeping.

[0003] Weighted blankets are also very beneficial for a general user that does not have diagnoses for mental health concerns. These weighted blankets utilize various materials to facilitate the users to sleep, rest, and relax. These weighted blankets have different shapes, sizes, and designs based on the user's need, requirements, preferences, and suitable materials. These weighted blankets may use covers that have a weighted blanket tied with snaps of material to the inside, this can create bunching, an inability for the blanket to lie properly within the cover, braking of the snaps can occur easily, difficulty washing the blanket and cover remains an issue as it can be awkward to remove and assemble the weighted blanket to the cover. Further, these weighted blankets are not comfortable, user-friendly, and do not apply the efficient pressure to the pressure points of the user's body as they have very large weighted pockets. [0004] In addition, the current weighted blankets have a straight edge at the top of the blanket which necessitates the user to pull the blanket up around their neck and shoulders in order to receive the weighted pressure to the shoulder area. Accordingly, there exists a need for a simpler weighted blanket, that has removable weighted channels and one that can be customised to increase and decrease in weight while also allowing the distribution of weight to reach around the shoulders. It is also plausible and needed that a weighted blanket have the ability to heat and cool due to fluctuations in temperatures.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention provides an adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user according to claim 1. Advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[0006] The adjustable weighted blanket is configured to be used with a plurality of weighted articles, typically provided in the form of removable strips, each article being preferably provided in the form of a strip which can be located within a corresponding pocket of the blanket. The blanket may also include a neck cut-out, a side panel, a plurality of removable strips, and a material portion. The weighted articles are removably placed in a plurality of corresponding pockets distributed on a surface of the adjustable weighted blanket to facilitate the application of pressure to corresponding pressure points of the user. The chosen surface is typically the top surface of the blanket, ie that surface which in use is not in contact with the user’s body. Each of the corresponding pockets are configured to facilitate the user to perform a plurality of steps selected from at least one of adding the weighted article to increase the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket and removing the weighted article to decrease the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket.

[0007] The neck cut-out when provided, is positioned on a proximal end of the adjustable weighted blanket to allow the weighted articles to drape over the shoulders of the user in order for the pressure to apply over the shoulders. The side panel is located in the proximity of the neck cut-out to allow the user to use the side panel as a pillow. The removable strips are inserted into one or more openings which provide access to the pockets. As the pockets are typically provided on the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket, it will be appreciated that the openings into the pockets are provided on a surface that is operatively spaced away from the user- the bottom surface of the blanket being that surface that is closest to the user during use. It will be appreciated however that this definition of top and bottom is for explanation only and is not considered to limit the present application to a blanket that has to have the pockets on the surface disposed away from the user, what is necessary is that there are pockets which facilitate the user to insert and remove the weighted articles. The material portion comprises an overlap portion which is operatively provided at each of the first and second openings of the pocket. Once the removable strip that defines the weighted article is received into its respective pocket, it will abut against respective overlap portion provided at the first and second opening and its retention within the pocket is therefore assisted.

[0008] In an aspect, the weighted articles include a weighted filler wherein the total weighted articles weigh approximately 0.5kg up to and inclusive of 20kg. [0009] In an aspect, the weighted filler is removably stored in the weighted articles.

[0010] In an aspect, the weighted filler is selected from at least one of a plurality of glass beads, a plurality of natural grains, a plurality of ceramic beads, a plurality of natural, biodegradable material and a plurality of magnets.

[0011] In an aspect, the blanket lends itself to be made from repurposed or upcycled fabric/cloth.

[0012] In an aspect, there are two openings to the side of the blanket wherein the segments are inserted and/or are removed from.

[0013] In an aspect, there is one opening down the centre of the blanket wherein the segments are inserted and/or are removed from. [0014] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it is customizable and can be easily and efficiently used by the users because of the removable strips. The advantages of the invention are that the weights can be increased or decreased based on the user’s preference or growth of the child using this. As the pockets extend across the blanket and can be accessed through a respective opening provided at either end of the pocket, the location and removal of the weights is facilitated. A user can put their hands into each pocket from either side of the pocket and this facilitates the pulling of the weighted article across the pocket and ensures that it is distributed correctly within the pocket. A plurality of pockets arranged in this manner along the longitudinal axis but accessed in a direction transverse to that access creates a ribbed pattern of pockets on the top surface ensuring an even distribution of weight

[0015] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it can be utilized for therapeutic treatment such as for supporting persons with insomnia, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and stress. [0016] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it can allow the weighted articles to drape over the shoulder of the user which allows for deep touch pressure to be applied to the shoulder area without pressure remaining around the neck area.

[0017] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it can be easily washed by the user because of the removable strips and ease of re-insertion of the removable strips.

[0018] Accordingly, an aspect of one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket is the pockets are arranged longitudinally.

[0019] Accordingly, an aspect of one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket is the pockets are arranged horizontally/vertically.

[0020] Other features of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the present adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user, a weighted article is placed within the Adjustable weighted blanket, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket with an opening down the middle of the blanket.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket with openings on horizontal ends of the blanket.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a see-through view of the removable weighted article. [0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of openings to the side for one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket without the neck cut-out according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an opening down the centre of the adjustable weighted blanket without the neck cut-out according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments have been discussed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions provided herein with respect to the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For instance, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond certain implementation choices in the following embodiments.

[0029] Apparatus and method are disclosed for an adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user. Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. Although the present invention has been described with the purpose of a customizable adjustable weighted blanket that allows the user to easily add or remove weighted articles through the pockets on the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket, it should be appreciated that the same has been done merely to illustrate the invention in an exemplary manner and to highlight any other purpose or function for which explained structures or configurations could be used and is covered within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the present adjustable weighted blanket 102 for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The adjustable weighted blanket 102includes a plurality of weighted articlesl04, a neck cut-outl06and a plurality of pockets 115. Each pocket has first opening 120 and a second opening 121, the first and second opening being provided at opposite ends of the pocket. A material portion 112 comprising an overlap segment may be provided at each opening. The pockets extend from the top of the blanket adjacent to the neck portion 106 to the bottom of the blanket along a longitudinal axis 125 of the blanket. Each pocket has a top regionl23 and a bottom region 124. A distance from the top 123 to the bottom 124 of each pocket is less than the distance from the first opening 120 to the second opening 121. By way of exemplary scale, in the example of a single sized blanket, one having an overall width from side to side of 110cm the width of a corresponding pocket is about 19 cm.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a side panell08, a plurality of removable strips 104 each defining a weighted article. The weighted articles 104 are removably placed in a plurality of corresponding pockets 115 distributed on, in this example, a top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket 102to apply the pressure to the pressure point of the user...

[0032] Each pocket has a top 123 and a bottom 124, the top of each pocket being closer to a top of the blanket than the bottom of each pocket. In an arrangement where the pockets are formed by stitching, the top of a first pocket may be coincident with the bottom of the neighbouring pocket immediately above it- above meaning closer to the neck region 106. As the pockets have a width greater than their height, the distance between the top and bottom of each pocket is less than the distance between the first opening and second opening of each pocket. In this way it will be seen that the plurality of pockets are arranged longitudinally along the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket and in this preferred arrangement each pocket bisects a mid-line of the blanket, extending across the top surface of the blanket. In this arrangement and given that the openings 120, 121 are provided at the sides of the pockets, the weighted articles are introduced in a direction 126 that is transverse to the longitudinal axis 125, i.e. they enter sidewardly. Once inserted, if the blanket is shaken from top to bottom, or vice versa, the weighted articles are retained in the pocket by the stitching that defines the top 123 and bottom 124 of each pocket.

[0033] In the example of Fig, 2 it is clear that each of the first opening and second opening are located inwardly from a respective side of the blanket, the respective pocket is centred on the mid-line of the blanket. In this way the weight is located about the middle portion of the blanket, the region where it has its primary purpose.

[0034] In an embodiment, the weighted articles 104 are removable that allow the adjustable weighted blanket to be customized for the user. The user (for example a general wearer, patient, child) can add or remove the weighted articles 104depending on the season (that is hot climate/cold climate to cool these in the freezer) or can also increase the weighted articles 104for more weight or if a child grows it will also need more weight and can easily add more weight with new and increased weighted articles.

[0035] The corresponding pocketsll5 facilitate the user to perform a plurality of steps selected from at least one of adding the weighted articlesl04 to increase the weight of the adjustable weighted blanketl02, and removing the weighted articlesl04 to decrease the weight of the adjustable weighted blanketl02. It will be understood that the weight of each weighted article can be varied depending on user preference.

[0036] The neck cut-out 106 (shown in FIG. l)is positioned on a proximal end of the adjustable weighted blanketl02 to allow the weighted articles 104 to drape over the shoulders of the user in order for the pressure to apply over the shoulders. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the neck cut-out 106 includesa neckline that can be removed to allow the weighted articles 104 to drape over the shoulder of the user which allows for deep touch pressure there.

[0037] The side panel 108 is located in the proximity of the neck cut-out 106 to allow the user to use the side panel 108 as a pillow. The removable strips 104 are inserted into the one or more openings defined by the pockets 115 on the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanketl02 and facilitates the user to insert and remove the weighted articlesl04.The material portion 112 is having a small overlap to create the one or more openings to allow the removable strips 104 to be inserted. The overlap segment provided at each of the first and second opening advantageously ensures that on placement of a respective weighted article within a corresponding pocket, the weighted article abuts against the overlap segment and is retained within the pocket.

[0038] Each weighted article 114 can, in itself, be formed from a plurality of discrete individual pockets 115. In this way, if a tear or rupture in one portion of the weighted article 114 were to happen, the entirety of the article would not empty.

[0039] In an embodiment, the removable strips 104 are inserted into one of two openings on top of the adjustable weighted blanket 102 and allow for ease of use for insertion and removal as if there was only one opening or if the openings were too far apart it would make it difficult to stretch the hand in enough to properly insert or remove the weighted articles 104. Additionally, removable strips 104 allow the ease of washing as the weighted articles 104 need to be removed and the outer surface of the adjustable weighted blanket 102 can be washed easily and when dried the corresponding weighted articles 104 can be reinserted into their respective pockets 115.

[0040] FIG 3, 4, 6 and 7 illustrates a perspective view of a weighted article placed within the adjustable weighted blanket, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the weighted articles 104 includes a weighted fillerll6(FIG.5). In an embodiment, the weighted filler 116 is removably stored in the weighted articlesl04.In an embodiment, the weighted filler 116 is selected from at least one of a plurality of glass beads, a plurality of natural grains, a plurality of ceramic beads, a plurality of natural, biodegradable material and a plurality of magnets.

[0041] FIG 4, 6 and 7 depict alternative embodiments of the adjustable weighted blanket. FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket with openings on horizontal ends of the blanketwherein the segments are inserted and/or are removed from. FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of openings to the side for one embodiment of the adjustable weighted blanket without the neck cut-out. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an opening down the centre of the adjustable weighted blanketwherein the segments are inserted and/or are removed from without the neck cut-out according to the invention. [0042] In an embodiment, the weighted filler 116 is removable which can be heated in a microwave and cooled down in a freezer which allows for alternative applications for the weighted fillerll6, such as sports injury and for PMS comfort.

[0043] In operation, the adjustable weighted blanketl02is worn on top of the body of the user and is approximately 10% of the bodyweight of the user. The adjustable weighted blanketl02supports the user to feel grounded and relaxed as it applies deep touch pressure to the pressure points such as shoulder, back, and other different parts of the body or different proximal, central or distal ends of the adjustable weighted blanket.

[0044] Thus, the present weighted blanketl02 provides an efficient, and customizable adjustable weighted blanketl02 that allows the user to add or remove the weighted articlesl04 from the pockets 114placed on the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanketl02. This allows the adjustable weighted blanket 102to grow with the user such as a child and it makes it easier for washing as one can remove the weighted articles and wash the outer surface of the adjustable weighted blanket 102and easily reinsert them after the wash. Further, the weighted articles 104 are removable which makes the present adjustable weighted blanket 102easier for customization of the weighted filler 116. By providing a weighted blanket in accordance with the present teaching there are a number of advantages over known weighted blankets including that it allows the operator to have ease of use, better distribution of weight due to the design and length of the weighted strip as it prevents ‘slouching (which is what you would find for example with adjustable ’one weighted pocket’ blanket. As the pockets are provided with an opening on each side, the length of each inserted article can be greater than heretofore possible as a user can present the weighted article in one side of the pocket and then pull the weighted article across the entirety of the pocket by pulling through the opening provided on the other side of the pocket. This ensures that the weight is evenly distributed across the entirety of the pocket, which improves the overall efficacy of the weighted experience provided to the user.

[0045] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as described in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable weighted blanket for applying pressure to one or more pressure points of a user, wherein the adjustable weighted blanket comprises: a plurality of pockets distributed on a surface of the adjustable weighted blanket, the plurality of pockets being arranged side by side and extending along a longitudinal axis of the blanket, each pocket comprising a first opening provided at a first end of the pocket and a second opening provided at an opposite second end of the pocket, each of the first opening and the second opening being configured to provide access to the pocket in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; a plurality of weighted articles, the plurality of weighted articles being dimensioned to be receivable through the first opening or the second opening so as to be removably placed in corresponding ones of the plurality of pockets to operatively apply the pressure to the pressure point of the user, wherein the corresponding pockets facilitate the user to perform a plurality of steps selected from at least one of adding the weighted articles to increase the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket, and removing the weighted articles to decrease the weight of the adjustable weighted blanket.

2. The blanket of claim 1 comprising a neck cut-out positioned on a proximal end of the adjustable weighted blanket to allow the weighted articles to drape over shoulders of the user in order for the pressure to apply over the shoulders.

3. The blanket of claim 1 or 2 comprising a side panel located in the proximity of the neck cut-out to allow the user to use the side panel as a pillow.

4. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of weighted articles collectively weigh approximately 0.5kg up to and inclusive of 20kg.

5. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein each pocket comprises a material portion having an overlap segment provided at each of the first and second opening, such that on placement of a respective weighted article within a corresponding pocket, the weighted article abuts against the overlap segment and is retained within the pocket.

6. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein the adjustable weighted blanket further comprises a weighted filler.

7. The blanket according to claim 6, wherein the weighted filler is removably stored in the weighted articles.

8. The blanket according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the weighted filler is selected from at least one of a plurality of glass beads, a plurality of natural grains, a plurality of ceramic beads, a plurality of natural, biodegradable material, olfactory elements such as lavender or vanilla and a plurality of magnets.

9. The blanket according to any preceding claim, wherein each pocket has a top and a bottom the top of each pocket being closer to a top of the blanket than the bottom of each pocket, and wherein the distance between the top and bottom of each pocket is less than the distance between the first opening and second opening of each pocket.

10. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of pockets are arranged longitudinally along the top surface of the adjustable weighted blanket.

11. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein each pocket bisects a mid-line of the blanket.

12. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein each pocket extends across the top surface of the blanket.

13. The blanket of any preceding claim wherein each of the first opening and second opening are located inwardly from a respective side of the blanket.