TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a weight blanket for therapeutic treatment, said blanket comprising at least one linked object for increasing the weight of the blanket; said linked object being placed in several corresponding channels between a first and a second cloth layer in the blanket; said channels being distributed over the surface of the blanket, wherein the linked object create bands of weights spread over the blanket, in order for the pressure to follow the shape of the body of the user of the blanket

BACKGROUND

It is previously known that weighted blankets can be used to relieve sleeping problems as well as treat sensory disorders and unrest. By pressure applied to the body, the user receives a feeling of safety, and it is believed that a number of bodily substances are released that have a calming effect, including oxytocin. If it is possible to follow the form of the body and to vary the pressure between certain points, this contributes to tactile stimulation and can increase the positive result for the user. Popular variants show a blanket that contains plastic pellets or balls, and there are even examples of filling materials of sand, peas, gravel and metal shot.

A patented weighted blanket is disclosed by EP 0,729,340, where a blanket for therapeutic use has essentially square patches filled with therapy balls.

Another example is shown in EP2257260A1 showing a blanket comprising a plurality of linked objects for increasing the weight of the blanket. The blanket includes two layers of fabric between which channels, wherein metal chains extend through said channels.

There is, however, still a need for a weight blanket that can be adjusted in a better way according to the user's body and thereby gives a better and more stimulating pressure on the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a blanked with improved adjustment to a user's body and improved tactile and pressure stimulation. This is achieved by a weight blanket for therapeutic treatment, said blanket comprising at least one linked object for increasing the weight of the blanket; said linked object being placed in several corresponding channels between a first and a second cloth layer in the blanket; said channels being distributed over the surface of the blanket, wherein the linked object create bands of weights spread over the blanket, in order for the pressure to follow the shape of the body of the user of the blanket, wherein at least one of the channels has a width in the range of 60 - 200 mm, preferably 80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - 110 mm. The at least one linked object is preferably a chain, and is arranged to extend though said channels of the blanket. The linked object enclosed in the channel may be able to move transversally inside the channel. More specifically, a channel having a width of at least 60 mm will provide the advantage that the chain enclosed therein will be able to move transversally inside the channel and adapt very well to the body of a person who is resting under the blanket. In other words, the linked object is free to move across the entire width of a channel wherein it is placed, and may hereby adjust to the shape of a user's body contour, creating a favorable and calming pressure.

A channel having a width in the range of 80 - 150 mm may allow the linked object enclosed therein to be movable transversally inside the channel to such a degree, that it adapts particularly well to the body of a person resting under the blanket.

The blanket may comprise a plurality of linked objects for increasing the weight of the blanket. The blanket may comprise e.g. at least six, at least eight, or at least ten linked objects. Each linked object may be placed in a respective of the channels. In some embodiments, a linked object may extend through two or more of the channels, e.g. by partially extending from an end of one of the channels to an end of another of the channels.

The blanket may comprise e.g. at least six, at least eight, or at least ten channels.

Preferably, each of at least six, at least eight, or at least ten of the channels have a width in the range of 60 - 200 mm, preferably 80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - 110 mm.

Preferably, each channel has a width in the range of 60 - 200 mm, preferably 80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - 110 mm. Preferably, the transversal maximum width of the linked object is less than 40% of the width of the channel, preferably less than 20% of the width of the channel. Preferably, the transversal maximum width of the linked object is less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm. Thereby, a particularly beneficial degree of movability of the linked objects in the channels may be provided.

According to one aspect of the invention, said channels run parallel to the length of the blanket, that is, extending from a head end of a blanket to a foot end thereof. Hereby, a number of weight bands can be spread over the blanket and gives the desired pressure in the form of longitudinal lines. Combined with the form and weight of the links (e.g. chains), this structure provides a comfortable pressure distribution over the body of a user.

It is also conceivable that the channels run essentially parallel along the width of the blanket. Said channels may be evenly or unevenly distributed over the whole surface of the blanket whereby the pressure can be differentiated over different parts of the body or different central or distal areas of the blanket.

According to one aspect of the invention, said linked object is a chain comprising a plurality of serial-linked chain parts (i.e. chain links). Through the chain shape, the pressure against the user can be varied in a simple manner, since the links that constitute the chain can be linked to one another so that sometimes the wide sides and sometimes the short sides lie against one another. This leads to a varied application of pressure onto a user's body and thus to increased comfort and feeling of safety. According to another aspect of the invention, the individual chain links of a chain are arranged to extend in an essentially orthogonal direction against each other when the chain is in a neutral position. It is understood that by "neutral position" means when the chain is unaffected from outer forces, such as for instance when it is held in one outermost chain link while the rest of the links are left to hang freely. This particular structure of essentially orthogonally linked chain parts has been seen to provide tactile advantages for a user of the blanket since the chain will provide protruding parts applying a pressure on the underlying surface regardless of how the chain extends through the channels. This chain type has been discovered to be a preferred variant (over e.g. essentially flat chains) since a user will experience the protruding chain parts as comforting as they give rise to discrete application of pressure onto the body of a user.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of said linked objects is a wire forming a closed loop, wherein said wire has a circular cross section with a diameter in the range of 2 - 6 mm, preferable 3 - 5 mm. Thanks to this, the whole weight of the blanket can be adjusted in a simple way by choosing a chain size such that the product can be adjusted according to a specific user. Preferably, the total weight of a blanket is in the range of 4 - 12 kg, preferably 6 - 8 kg. Different sizes of the linked objects in different parts of the blanket can also be considered, which should give possibilities for further differentiated pressure over different parts of the body or different central or distal areas of the blanket. Thanks to the thin structure provided by a chain, temperature regulation can also be achieved easily, regardless of the season, since, the warming properties of the blanket will arise from padding or other kinds of conventional blankets that can be combined with a weight blanket, and this application of warming material can be varied in a simple manner to adjust to the seasons and the user's desired temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention, said linked object is made of metal. Thanks to this, weight is given to the weight blanket in a simple and natural way. Metal is also a strong material that is easy to clean and handle. Thanks to the concentration of the weight in specific strands or loops, the blanket can be handled and folded easily, which would not be possible with a more uniform distribution as is required, for example, when plastic balls are used. Metal is completely non-warming as such for the user, which further simplifies temperature adjustments according to the season, the indoor climate, and the user's desires when the blanket is used over a longer period of time.

According to another aspect of the invention, the ends of said linked object are attached to the blanket by fastenings in the edge of the blanket. Thanks to this, a good adhesion between the linked object and the structure of the blanket can be achieved with a few simple fastening points, and the structure of the blanket and its filling are held in place in a simple and handy manner. The fastenings can be made by riveting, which is a practical and durable method, and assure long wear and good quality even after handling that can cause wear on the blanket, for example, washing. According to another aspect of the invention, said linked object is attached in a slit or an eye at each of the outer ends of the blanket. A part of a band or another edge is made up of these slits or eyes, and fastening can thereby occur in an orderly way by a secure attachment to the blanket being formed.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is a layer of an insulating material on a first side of the surface of the blanket. Through this, the blanket as such can also have a warming function for the user without being combined with another conventional blanket being needed. The thickness and other characteristics of this insulating layer can be selected in order to adjust the warming ability of the blanket and provide the user with the type of blanket that corresponds best to his or her temperature requirements during sleep. However, preferably, said insulating material is in the range of 100 - 800 g/m2, preferably 250 - 500 g/m2. According to yet another aspect of the invention, said linked object is placed completely on a second side of the blanket. Thereby, the user can choose e.g. to place the linked objects on the lower side of the blanket, i.e. adjacent to the body, and achieve a deeper stimulation and a higher and more point- or line-shaped pressure. As an option, the user may choose to place the blanket so that said first side is closest to the body which provides a more even and spread-out weight distribution due to the cushioning effect of the insulating layer.

This gives additional possibilities for adjusting the characteristics of the blanket according to the user's needs from day to day.

The two aspects of the invention mentioned last can be combined to give a blanket with a linked object on both sides of said insulating layer mentioned. The linked object can then be placed in various rows or patterns so that a great variation is achieved and the user can choose a pressure that is sometimes point-or line-shaped and sometimes softer and more widespread. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in more detail with reference to the

accompanying drawings. The following descriptions should be considered as preferred forms only, and are not decisive in a limiting sense. Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a non-limiting example of one embodiment of a weight blanket according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows an enlargement of a section of a weight blanket according to the invention with two linked objects attached to the blanket;

Fig. 3a shows another enlargement of the attachment of a linked object;

Fig. 3b shows a corresponding attachment according to an alternative method;

Fig. 4a shows a cross-section of a blanket according to the invention, seen in a vertical plane;

Fig. 4b shows a cross-section of a blanket with an isolating layer according to the invention, seen in a vertical plane;

Fig. 5a shows a detailed view of the linked objects; and

Fig. 5b shows a cross section according to Vb in Fig. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of a weight blanket 1 according to the invention is schematically shown. The blanket 1 has the same dimensions as an ordinary blanket, thus a length of about 205 cm and a width of about 150 cm. The blanket 1 includes two layers of fabric 11 and 12 (shown in Figs. 4a-b), between which channels with a width W of between 60 - 200, preferably 90 - 110 mm are made by sewing two seams 21 and 22. If necessary, these seams are doubled or tripled, in order to give firmness and smoothness to said channels 2.

In this preferred embodiment, the linked object 5 in the form of metal chains is placed in the lengthwise direction of the blanket, thus from a head end A to a foot end B. The linked object is arranged to be completely enclosed inside the blanket so that a user does not risk to get harmed by any protruding link parts.

In order to give simple and stable attachment, a cross band 3 transversal to the blanket is provided in both the head end A and the foot end B. For increased firmness, other bands can be placed there also, so that the ends of the blanket can become more clearly defined and the risk of damage to the blanket, as a consequence of the attached chains, can be reduced. In order to choose the type of chain that provides the best filling in every conceivable case, one may to start by considering the user who will benefit from the blanket and from the user's weight and other characteristics and preferences, and select a wire thickness and size of the chain links that fits the user's characteristics. As is better shown in Fig. 5a, each individual link of said linked object 5 is a wire forming a closed loop, said wire having a circular cross section with a diameter D (see Fig. 5b) in the range of 2 - 6 mm, preferable 3 - 5 mm. Preferably, the transversal maximum width of the chain is less than 40% of the width of the channel, preferably less than 20% of the width of the channel. Preferably, the transversal maximum width of the chain is less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm.

It is understood that wider channels lead to fewer number of channels per blanket, and consequently also to fewer chains that may be fit inside said blanket. In other words, the number of metal chains per blanket will depend on the width W (see Fig 1 ) of said channels 2. Preferably, however, a blanket has a total weight between 4 - 12 kg, preferably 6 - 8 kg, which means that the wire diameter D of the linked objects is chosen depending on the type of blanket they are used with, and on the number of channels of a particular blanket. In one example, the blanket has the outer dimensions of about 205 cm * 150 cm and a number of 15 channels each having a width of around 100 mm and extending in the lengthwise direction, i.e. running essentially parallel to the length of the blanket. In order to obtain a good pressure, it can be appropriate to place a linked object, in this case a metal chain, in every other channel 2, said chain having a wire diameter D between 3-4 mm. Preferably, such a blanket is also provided with an insulating layer on a first side so that the user may choose to place such cushioning material between the chains and the body for a more even weight distribution. Such an example of a blanket would preferably have a total weight of about 12 kg.

A channel width W of at least 60 mm, preferably at least 90 mm, provides the effect that the chain enclosed therein will acquire a certain freedom of movement, meaning that the chain, although fastened at said head- and foot ends of the blanket respectively, may still move across the width W of the channel while a user rests and/or moves under the blanket. Thanks to this, the chains inside the channels can adapt very well to the body contour of a person and create a feeling of comfort and safety. At the same time, due to being attached to the cross bands 3 at each short side of the blanket, the chains will still not tangle inside the blanket. The metal chain 5 used for the blanket can be of a conventional type that can be easily acquired from a manufacturer without any special adjustment being required. In a preferred embodiment, said linked object 5 is a chain having chain links arranged to extend in an orthogonal direction against each other when linked together. This is illustrated in Fig. 5 a, wherein three chain links 50 are combined into a chain section 5 seen in neutral position where each link 50 is orthogonally positioned with respect to the surrounding, adjacent links 50. In order to reduce the risk of rust or other wear, the chain can be surface-treated, for example by powder coating.

The chain 5 can be placed in the desired channel 2 manually or by an automated process, and the length of the chain 5 is adjusted so that the outermost links in each direction overlap the cross-band 3 that creates firmness in the respective head and foot ends of the blanket, A, B, so that an attachment point 6 can be formed. As shown in Fig. 2, the cross- band 3 has a series of eyes that is woven into the band. In order to create a secure attachment, the outermost link of the chain 5 is placed over an eye 4 in said band 3 and attached there, preferably by riveting with a plastic rivet.

An alternative attachment method is shown in Fig. 3b, where the band 3 has lengthwise slits 7 that are woven into the band and where the outermost links of the chain 5 can be attached; here, too, preferably by riveting. This alternative attachment method has certain cost effective advantages, but both methods can give a secure attachment with good characteristics for the user.

One or more chains 5 can be used for the blanket. According to the preferred method described above, one chain per channel 2 is cut, the end links are attached to the band 3, but it can also be conceived to use a single chain that lies in loops and where the outermost links at each channel are attached to two other links that constitute the start of chains in each channel 2.

Thanks to the structure of the chain, where said links are arranged to extend in an orthogonal direction against each other, every other eye can be placed against the user' s body by its wide side, which gives a relatively low pressure and a more widespread effect, and every other eye by its short side, which gives a higher pressure and a more palpable effect.

In this preferred embodiment, the chain or chains 5 used run in a lengthwise from a head end A to a foot end B inside said channels 2, but several other variants can also be conceived. For example, the chains 5 can run from side to side in the blanket 1 , instead, or in a series of diagonals over the blanket 1. It is also conceivable to use a route pattern where the chains overlap and run in different directions. For the manufacturing, it should then be possible to use at least four cloth layers that are attached together into a final stage.

When the weight blanket 1 according to the invention is assembled so that the chains 5 are completely enclosed, it can be used as such or filled into a conventional covering, which reduces wear on the blanket itself, simplifies washing, and enables greater design variation. As previously mentioned an insulating material 8 (see Fig. 4b), such as batting, may be placed on a first side of said blanket. Such insulation provides warmth to a user, and also leads to a distribution of the weight from said chains which sometimes may be desirable. Preferably, the second opposite side of the blanket has no batting layer 8 so that the chains are covered merely by the thin layer of fabric 11. Hereby, a user may choose between two types of tactile stimulation: either a direct and focused weight application which is achieved if the blanket is positioned with the non-insulated side closest to the body or a pressure distributed over a larger area of the body in case the padding is placed closest to the body. Thanks to this aspect, by placement of batting 8 over or under the weight blanket, the degree and distribution of the pressure can be adjusted as needed from day to day.

Said insulating material is preferably chosen to be in the range of 100 - 800 g/m2, preferably 250 - 500 g/m2.

Variants of placement of an insulating layer can also be conceived: e.g. that the batting is placed in the middle with chains on both sides or even with the chain in the middle and batting on both sides. The possibilities of variation according to each individual user's needs and preferences are thus great.

In Fig. 4a, the preferred embodiment which is also shown in Fig. 1, among others, is shown from the side, i.e., as a cross-section would appear with the blanket spread on a horizontal surface. In the drawing, the head end A is turned toward the observer, and the seams 21 and 22 that define each channel 2 can be seen. In every other one of these channels 2, chains 5 are thus placed as linked objects in accordance with the preferred embodiment as described above. Of course, a denser or sparser placement in the blanket can be conceived. In the drawing, the included cloth layers 11, 12 can also be seen, which must be at least two in number, in order to be able to enclose the linked object 5 and form channels 2.

In Fig. 4b, the alternative embodiment with a layer 8 of an insulating material such as batting is shown. Here, too, the seams 21, 22 that define each channel 2 can be seen. The at least three cloth layers 11, 12, 13 needed for the construction in order to enclose the object and the batting can also be seen.

The cloth used for the weight blanket can be a firm cotton cloth. In order to obtain a flameproof product, a cloth woven from a fireproof thread can be used, which, however, contributes to a somewhat more expensive final product.

The invention is not limited to what is described above, but it can be varied within the scope of the following claims. It can be realized, for example, that the linked object used can also be of a number of different designs, comprising both the eyes described above and other constructions. Other materials than metal can also be suitable to give the blanket the desired weight, and the linked object can be held in place in the blanket in another way, for example by the linked object being attached directly to the cloth. It is also conceivable to provide various widths of the channels on one and the same blanket, i.e. that one blanket may comprise channels of different width.