MX2008005586A - Portable blanket warmer - Google Patents

Abstract

A blanket warmer is disclosed. The blanket warmer is lightweight, portable, and consumes minimal power.

Description

PORTABLE BLANKET HEATER This application claims priority of the US provisional patent application Number 60/731, 606, which was filed on October 31, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a blanket heater. More specifically, this invention relates to a blanket heater that is lightweight, portable, and consumes a minimum of energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For many reasons, there is always a need for a person, male or female, to warm themselves by covering their body with a blanket. Most hospitals currently provide warm blankets to their patients. The ability for an individual to have access to a warm blanket, without wires whenever they need one, will increase the comfort of that individual. Therefore, improved means of blanket heaters are desired.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to temporarily raise the temperature of a normal hearth blanket. It is another object of this invention to raise that temperature in an efficient manner, so that it does not consume large amounts of energy. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent when the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows the blanket heater of the present invention in a closed position; Fig. 2 shows the blanket heater of Fig. 1 in an open position; Fig. 3 shows the blanket heater of Figures 1 and 2 with a blanket contained therein; Fig. 4 shows a wired harness for use within the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a liner for use within the present invention; Fig. 6A and 6B show enlarged views of the assembly of the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of a portion of the present invention; Fig. 8 shows an electrical diagram of the present invention; and Fig. 9 shows accessories for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before explaining in detail the disclosed embodiment of the present invention it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its use to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used in this medium is for the purpose of describing and not limiting. As shown in Fig. 1, the blanket heater 100 of the present invention comprises a small portable / adjustable container capable of heating and storing one and possibly two blankets. The blanket heater 100 can be energized with a 1 12 volt output of 1 10 volts, a direct current converter (not shown in Figure 1), or directly from the electrical system used in a vehicle such as a car or helicopter. He The small size and shape of the blanket heater make it useful for its potential spaciousness, and its exterior design may allow for other convenient features, such as advertising. Also as shown in Fig. 1, the blanket heater 100 has closures 1 16 and an on-off switch 124. The blanket heater body 100, when in the closed position as shown in Fig. 1, it comes together to form a handle 120. The switch 124 may be of a rocker type, and may have a lamp or indicator integrated therein to demonstrate when the blanket heater 100 is currently charging power. As shown in Fig. 1, the lower case 104 and the upper case 108 have a closure 1 16 located in its closing area. Closures 1 16 allow closed operation of the case assembly for the purpose of heating blankets, and also for heated blankets. However, as indicated, the closures 1 16 also have electrical characteristics so that the circuit is allowed when the upper and lower portions 104, 108 are pressed together and closures 1 16 are closed. The electrical capacity is designed so that the electrical connection in the switch 124 can only occur while the case is closed in the correct position. Only when the case assembly has been closed and obstructed will the switch 124 allow electrical current to flow. In this manner, no energy flow can occur when the blanket heater 100 is open. Fig. 2 shows the body of the blanket heater 100, where the upper part 108 is assembled to a lower part 104 by a hinge 212. The hinge 212 may be of full length, but may also have other configurations. The edge of the upper part is designated 108e, and the couplings with the edge 104e of the lower part at an angle, as shown in Fig. 7. This produces effective insulation quality for the blanket heater 100.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the interior of the blanket heater 100 has reached a desired temperature, an indicator 128"in use" may be allowed. When the blanket heater 100 has reached its maximum temperature, it can also illuminate a 132"blanket fully heated" indicator. Within the blanket heater 100 of the present invention, such an optimum blanket temperature could be 35-50 ° C, although this range is too exemplary, and the present invention should not be considered as more limited exclusively. Also, other means for indicating the state of the blanket heater 100 are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including multi-colored indicator lights and / or single or multiple indicators integrated within the switch 124. FIG. 3 shows a single blanket. which occupies the interior of the blanket heater 100. In order to operate the blanket heater 100 of the present invention, it is not necessary that the blanket be neatly arranged, and it is even possible to operate the blanket heater when a small part of the blanket it is not completely contained within the body cavity of the blanket heater 100. Figures 4 and 5 show separate liners 504u and 504L, which are located within the upper part 108 and lower part 104 respectively. Fig. 6A shows the specific detail of the wiring harnesses 4 2U and 412L of the present invention, where the U and the L mean upper and lower, respectively. The heating elements 404 can reach a maximum temperature of 80 ° C, and are regulated by temperature sensors 408U and 408L. If the temperature sensor 408 determines that a wiring harness 412 (be it upper or lower) is about to rise above a predetermined temperature, for example but not limited to 80 ° C, the sensor 408 will disable that wiring harness. Similarly, if a temperature sensor 408 determines that a wiring harness (be it upper or lower) is about to fall below a predetermined temperature, for example but not limited to 72 ° C, the sensor 408 will allow that wiring harness.

The temperature sensors 408 can be of a bimetallic type, where two different pieces of metal are heated to a different index. While the two pieces of metal are heated, a kinking effect occurs between them. Eventually, at a predetermined temperature, the two pieces are physically separated, so that any electrical circuit passing through them is broken. The closures 1 16 also act to close the electrical circuit and allow wiring harnesses 412 to function. If closures 1 16 do not join, the electrical circuit remains open and disconnected. The arrangement of wiring harnesses 412 of Figures 6 A and 6B are for exemplary purposes only, so that the present invention should not be considered as limiting exclusively thereof. The heating elements 404 within the wiring harness 412 can be sorted and composed in a variety of configurations. Specifically, rather the four elements 404 shown by harness 412 there, could also be two, eight or some other number of heating elements. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered as limiting to a specific number, a physical arrangement, a temperature index of the heating elements, so that any mode shown in this medium is for illustrative purposes only. As shown in Fig. 6A, the liners 504 attach directly to the heating elements 404, and transfer the heat evenly to the blanket in such a way that the transferred heat is diffused and non-localized. Because the liners 504 dissipate the heat of the elements 404 uniformly across their entire surface, localized or non-uniform heating is prevented. In other words, the blanket heater 100 contemplates and conducts a situation where a blanket can be wrapped or entangled to have a non-uniform thickness while it is inside. The present invention can still ensure that the heat transfer of the liners 504 to the blanket occurs in a relatively uniform manner. In addition, the 504 liners are specifically manufactured to be formed of a material that lends itself well to transfer heat through its entire surface, regardless of the fact that heat energy could be derived from a localized source. A material that is suitable for such uniform heat transfer is aluminum. Aluminum is chosen because it dissipates heat very efficiently and uniformly. However, the liners 504 can be composed of other materials besides aluminum. The lining 504 can also be painted or covered with a material that lends itself well to transfer and does not retain heat. After all, the purpose of the 504 linings is not to get heat from them, but to transfer heat energy to the blanket. Within the liners 504, after a predetermined period of time, the heat conduction is uniform. The liners 504 and the outer body of the blanket heater 100 could also be equipped with vents. This can only be for a mode that partially heats by convection. However, the modalities shown in Figures 4-6 heat more by conduction and radiation than by convection. From Figures 4-6 it is evident that the liners 504 are not exactly rectangular, but are angled. This is useful for directing a blanket to the center of the device, and concentrating the blanket so that the largest surface of the blanket is available for contact with the surface of the liners 504. The outer body of the blanket heater 100 can be composed of a plastic or glass fiber of high thermal resistance to rigidity, for example but not limiting styrene butadiene acrylonitrile (ABS). Alternatively, this could be composed of stainless steel, wood, or other material with suitable molding and adaptability properties for its manufacture and production. In any case, the composition must have quality in the insulation, as it should be the task of the blanket heater 100, as indicated, to transfer heat to the blankets inside it, and not to heat up. Thus, from the outside, the body / frame of the blanket heater 100 should not be noticeably warmer when in use. A user will distinguish that a blanket is fully heated by seeing the indicator lights of the present invention, for example but not limited to lights 128 and 132, as compared to the body / frame feel of blanket heater 100. Fig. 6A shows a possible way in which blanket heater 100 of the present invention It can be mounted. However, other possible manufacturing arrangements are also contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Wiring harnesses 412 can be attached first to liners 504. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6B, an insulating layer 604 is located between wiring harnesses 412 and the inner surface of the outer body of the blanket heater. 100. Due to the example in Fig. 6B it was proposed to fix to the upper part 104, the designated insulation layer 604u. The insulation layers 604 can be made, for example, from an aluminum silicate fire resistant insulation material, although other compositions are possible. The insulation layers 604 can also be manufactured in sheet form for convenient separation into useful sizes that fit directly into the present invention. The insulation layers 604 can be attached directly to the inner surface of the outer body, or they can be attached to the liners 504 after the wiring harnesses 412 are installed therein. Accordingly, Fig. 6B is shown for exemplary purposes only. In any case, the insulation layer has the effect of preventing any part of the electrical characteristics of the present invention, including wiring harnesses 412, from accidentally grounding the outer body of the blanket heater 100. After wiring harnesses 412 are attached to the liners 504, the overall assembly can then be welded or riveted by small expansion to the inner surface of the outer body of the blanket heater 100. Also, the components of the wiring harnesses 412 are chosen to be infallible as possible, to reduce if not completely eliminate the possibility of an assembler making a certain type of assembly error. As indicated, Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the edges 504e and 508e. These angles are calibrated to achieve maximum utilization of heating, even when a part of the blanket is not completely trapped inside the blanket heater 100. As indicated, the liners 504 are also oriented to direct most of the blanket toward the center of the device. Fig. 8 shows an electrical diagram of the present invention. The wiring harnesses 412 control the heating of the assembled unit 100 by opening and closing the circuit when necessary to maintain the correct temperature, as determined by the temperature sensors 408. As shown in Fig. 8, a fuse 804 also exists in case the wiring harnesses 412 are attracting too much current and thus rise above a predetermined temperature, such as (but not limited to) 85 ° C. As shown in Fig. 8, this fuse 804 is located between the power source 808 and the wiring harnesses 412. The closures 1 16 can also act to break the circuit and cut the power. As shown in Fig. 8, the blanket heater 100 of the present invention can be implemented to convert AC 10 volt AC current into 12 volt direct current. This is to be compatible with the power provided directly from a car, helicopter (such as a Medi-VAC), or an electrical system of a ship. Alternatively, a backup battery can also be used, which could be useful for situations where AC electrical outlets are not convenient. As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the blanket heater 100 has on its outer surface a handle 120. The case assembly can be designed as a portable unit, or also as a unit mounted securely held in position by use of fasteners such as attachment points 704. In addition, the exterior surface of the entire unit may be adorned by the manufacturer or have labels applied thereon for advertising and / or identification purposes. The attachment points 704 allow the clip attachment of an optional strap 708 through the use of attachment clips 712. This could also be useful for transporting the blanket heater 100.

Also as shown in Fig. 9, the blanket heater 100 may also have a storage area 724 located directly below it. The parts of Fig. 9 can be exaggerated for emphasis. This storage area may contain a converter 716 and a lighter plug 720. The blanket heater 100 may also be equipped with mounting brackets for convenient wall storage when not in use. The blanket heater 100 may also come in a variety of storage memories, including but not limited to a convenient mode for horse warming blankets, as well as other large animals. The blanket heater 100 can also be equipped with a variable temperature thermostat, in communication with specialized temperature sensors, to allow a user to customize a specific desired temperature. In addition, the blanket heater 100 may contain a LED power source LED indicator which could be useful to demonstrate whether or not external electrical power is in use (such as a 1 10 volt wall socket or cigarette lighter plug of 12- volt) or the battery. It is anticipated that several changes may be made in the arrangement and operation of the system of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as represented in the following claims.

Claims (34)

1. A blanket heater, characterized in that it comprises: a movable frame having upper and lower halves; a plurality of heating elements positioned within the upper and lower halves of the movable frame, wherein the heating elements are electrically connected to and driven by an energy source; a hinge, integrally located within the movable frame, to provide a pivot point between the upper and lower halves; upper and lower liners, located within the upper and lower halves respectively, and in mechanical contact with the plurality of heating elements; a switch to allow a user to selectively activate the blanket heater; and a thermostat to detect when the heating elements must be activated and deactivated.

2. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a two-part closure having mechanical and electrical characteristics, located on the movable edges of both upper and lower frames; wherein the closing of two parts closes an electrical circuit when the movable frame is in a closed position, so that the plurality of heating elements can only be activated when the latches are in a closed position.

3. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the upper and lower frame when closed forms a convenient opening for heating and storing one and possibly two blankets.

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that wherein the blanket heater is energized from an electrical output C / A, a direct current converter C / D or from the electrical system used in a vehicle such as a car or helicopter .

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the movable frame forms a seat.

6. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the movable frame can have printed advertisements on it.

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: when in its closed position, the movable frame comes together to form a handle.

8. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the switch can be of a type of rocker.

9. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the switch can have a lamp or an indicator fixed thereto.

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the upper half is attached to the lower half by a full length hinge. eleven .

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the heating elements and thermostats are combined to form the upper and lower wiring harnesses and are located within the upper and lower halves, respectively.

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: that the heating elements can reach a predetermined maximum temperature regulated by the temperature sensors.

13. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: temperature sensors may be of a bimetallic composition.

14. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the closures that act to close the electrical circuit and allow the wiring harnesses to function.

15. The blanket heater of claim 14, characterized in that when the seals are not joined, the electrical circuit remains open and disconnected.

16. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the liners transfer heat from the heating elements uniformly to the blanket so that the heat transferred diffuses and is not localized.

17. - The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that the liners are composed of aluminum.

18. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the liners that may also be painted or coated with a material suitable for transferring and not retaining heat.

19. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: upper and lower halves composed of a rigid plastic of high heat resistance.

20. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: upper and lower halves composed of glass fiber. twenty-one .

The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises upper and lower halves composed of styrene butadiene acrylonitrile.

22. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a power source indicator lamp, connected to the power source and visible from the outer surface of the blanket heater.

23. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a fuse, located between the energy source and the heating elements, to determine when the heating elements attract too much energy and thus rise above the heating element. a certain temperature.

24. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the movable frame that is portable.

25. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the mobile frame which is a securely mounted unit that is held in place by the use of fasteners.

26. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: attachment points for hooking strap fasteners using attachment fasteners.

27. The blanket heater of claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a localized storage area opposite to the handle.

28. The blanket heater of claim 27, characterized in that the storage area can contain a converter and a cigarette lighter socket.

29. The blanket heater of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: the movable frame having mounting brackets on an external surface thereof.

30. A method for assembling a blanket heater, characterized in that it comprises: assembling the upper and lower wiring harnesses having a plurality of heating elements and a thermostat; hook upper and lower wiring harnesses to the upper and lower linings; Attach the upper and lower insulation layers to the upper and lower liners, with the wiring harnesses located between them, to form upper and lower liner assemblies; join the total liner assemblies to an upper and lower half; hold the upper and lower halves together with a hinge; connect wiring harnesses to a power source; and connect the power source to the wiring harnesses through a switch.

31. The method of claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: riveting instantaneously the total lining assemblies to the upper and lower halves.

32. The method of claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises: joining the insulation layers directly to the internal surface of the external body.

33. The method of claim 31, characterized in that it further comprises: manufacturing the insulation layer of an aluminum silicate fire resistant insulation material.

34. A method for heating a blanket, characterized in that it comprises: heating a blanket inside a blanket heater; close and ensure a closure; about that closing an electrical switch; about that activate a plurality of heating elements; and activate an indicator light "blanket heater in use"; monitor the temperature of the heating elements; monitor the temperature of the blanket; reach the predetermined temperature threshold; then deactivate the heating elements; and activate a "fully warm blanket" indicator light.