SE1650621A1 - Therapeutic Blanket - Google Patents

Abstract

12 AB STRACT A Weight blanket for therapeutic treatment, said blanket comprising at least one linkedobject for increasing the Weight of the blanket; said linked object being placed in severalcorresponding channels between a first and a second cloth layer in the blanket; saidchannels being distributed oVer the surface of the blanket, Wherein the linked object createbands of Weights spread oVer the blanket, in order for the pressure to follow the shape ofthe body of the user of the blanket, Wherein that each channel has a Width (W) in the rangeof 60 - 200 mm, preferably 80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - ll0 mm.

Description

Therapeutic Blanket TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention concerns a weight blanket for therapeutic treatment, said blanketcomprising at least one linked object for increasing the weight of the blanket; said linkedobject being placed in several corresponding channels between a first and a second clothlayer in the blanket; said channels being distributed over the surface of the blanket, whereinthe linked object create bands of weights spread over the blanket, in order for the pressureto 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 aswell as treat sensory disorders and unrest. By pressure applied to the body, the user receivesa feeling of safety, and it is believed that a number of bodily substances are released thathave a calming effect, including oxytocin. If it is possible to follow the form of the bodyand to vary the pressure between certain points, this contributes to tactile stimulation andcan increase the positive result for the user. Popular variants show a blanket that containsplastic 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 therapeuticuse has essentially square patches filled with therapy balls.

Another example is shown in EP 0,972,7929 showing a blanket comprising a plurality oflinked objects for increasing the weight of the blanket. The blanket includes two layers offabric between which channels with a width of about 50 mm are made, wherein metal chains extend through said channels.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONOne 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 atleast one linked object for increasing the Weight of the blanket; said linked object beingplaced in several corresponding channels between a first and a second cloth layer in theblanket; said channels being distributed over the surface of the blanket, Wherein the linkedobject create bands of Weights spread over the blanket, in order for the pressure to followthe shape of the body of the user of the blanket, Wherein each channel has a Width in therange of 60 - 200 mm, preferably 80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - ll0 mm.

The at least one linked object is preferably a chain, and is arranged to extend though saidchannels of the blanket. A channel having a Width of at least 60 mm Will provide theadvantage that the chain enclosed therein Will be able to move transversally inside thechannel and adapt very Well to the body of a person Who is resting under the blanket. Inother Words, the linked object is free to move across the entire Width of a channel Wherein itis placed, and may hereby adjust to the shape of a user”s body contour, creating a favorable and calming pressure.

According to one aspect of the invention, said channels run parallel to the length of theblanket, that is, extending from a head end of a blanket to a foot end thereof Hereby, anumber of Weight bands can be spread over the blanket and gives the desired pressure in theform 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 theblanket. Said channels may be evenly or unevenly distributed over the Whole surface of theblanket Whereby the pressure can be differentiated over different parts of the body ordifferent central or distal areas of the blanket.

According to one aspect of the invention, said linked object is a chain comprising aplurality 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 shortsides 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 arearranged to extend in an essentially' orthogonal direction against each other Wfhen the chainis in a neutral position. It is understood that by “neutral position” means When the chain isunaffected from outer forces, such as for instance When it is held in one outerrnost chainlink While the rest of the links are left to hang freely. This particular structure of essentiallyorthogonally linked chain parts has been seen to provide tactile advantages for a user of theblanket since the chain Will provide protruding parts applying a pressure on the underlyingsurface regardless of how the chain extends through the channels. This chain type has beendiscovered to be a preferred variant (over e.g. essentially flat chains) since a user Willexperience 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 forrning aclosed 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 beadjusted in a simple Way by choosing a chain size such that the product can be adjustedaccording to a specific user. Preferably, the total Weight of a blanket is in the range of 4 -l2 kg, preferably 6 - 8 kg. Different sizes of the linked objects in different parts of theblanket can also be considered, Which should give possibilities for fiarther differentiatedpressure 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 beachieved easily, regardless of the season, since, the Warming properties of the blanket Willarise from padding or other kinds of conventional blankets that can be combined With aWeight 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 tothis, Weight is given to the Weight blanket in a simple and natural Way. Metal is also astrong 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 ballsare used. Metal is completely non-warrning as such for the user, which further simplif1estemperature 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 tothe blanket by fastenings in the edge of the blanket. Thanks to this, a good adhesionbetween the linked object and the structure of the blanket can be achieved with a fewsimple fastening points, and the structure of the blanket and its filling are held in place in asimple and handy manner. The fastenings can be made by riveting, which is a practical anddurable 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 aneye at each of the outer ends of the blanket. A part of a band or another edge is made up ofthese 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 afirst side of the surface of the blanket. Through this, the blanket as such can also have aWarming function for the user without being combined with another conventional blanketbeing needed. The thickness and other characteristics of this insulating layer can be selectedin order to adjust the Warming ability of the blanket and provide the user with the type ofblanket that corresponds best to his or her temperature requirements during sleep. However,preferably, said insulating material is in the range of 100 - 800 g/n12, preferably 250 - 500g/m2.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, said linked object is placed completely ona second side of the blanket. Thereby, the user can choose e.g. to place the linked objectson the lower side of the blanket, i.e. adjacent to the body, and achieve a deeper stimulationand a higher and more point- or line-shaped pressure. As an option, the user may choose toplace 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 alinked object on both sides of said insulating layer mentioned. The linked object can thenbe placed in Various rows or patterns so that a great Variation is achieved and the user canchoose 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 theaccompanying drawings. The following descriptions should be considered as preferredforms 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 weightblanket according to the inVention; Fig. 2 shows an enlargement of a section of a weight blanket according to the inVentionwith 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 isschematically shown. The blanket 1 has the same dimensions as an ordinary blanket, thus alength of about 205 cm and a width of about 150 cm. The blanket 1 includes two layers offabric 11 and 12 (shown in Figs. 4a-b), between which channels with a width W of between60 - 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 forrn of metal chains is placed inthe lengthwise direction of the blanket, thus from a head end A to a foot end B. The linkedobject is arranged to be completely enclosed inside the blanket so that a user does not riskto get harrned by any protruding link parts. 56+ In order to give simple and stable attachment, a cross band 3 transversal to the blanket isprovided in both the head end A and the foot end B. For increased firrnness, other bandscan be placed there also, so that the ends of the blanket can become more clearly definedand 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 theuser”s weight and other characteristics and preferences, and select a wire thickness and sizeof the chain links that fits the user”s characteristics. As is better shown in Fig. 5a, eachindividual link of said linked object 5 is a wire forming a closed loop, said wire having acircular cross section with a diameter D (see Fig. 5b) in the range of 2 - 6 mm, preferable 3 -5 mm.

It is understood that wider channels leads to fewer number of channels per blanket, andconsequently also to fewer chains that may be fit inside said blanket. In other words, thenumber of metal chains per blanket will depend on the width W (see Fig 1) of said channels2. 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 typeof blanket they are used with, and on the number of channels of a particular blanket. In oneexample, the blanket has the outer dimensions of about 205 cm * 150 cm and a number of15 channels each having a width of around 100 mm and extending in the lengthwisedirection, i.e. running essentially parallel to the length of the blanket. In order to obtain agood pressure, it can be appropriate to place a linked object, in this case a metal chain, inevery 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 ofabout 12 kg.

A channel Width W of at least 60 mm, preferably at least 90 mm, provides the effect thatthe chain enclosed therein Will acquire a certain freedom of movement, meaning that thechain, although fastened at said head- and foot ends of the blanket respectively, may stillmove 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 aperson and create a feeling of comfort and safety. At the same time, due to being attachedto the cross bands 3 at each short side of the blanket, the chains Will still not tangle insidethe blanket.

The metal chain 5 used for the blanket can be of a conventional type that can be easilyacquired from a manufacturer Without any special adjustment being required. In a preferredembodiment, said linked object 5 is a chain having chain links arranged to extend in anorthogonal directioii against each other Wheii linked together. 'ih-is is illustrateri in Pig. Sa,vifherein three chain links 50 are combined into a chain section 5 seen in neutral positionwfliere each iink 50 is oiíiifigrßriailyf positioned vvith resloeet to the sturrounfdirig, adjaeeritliiiks 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 directionoverlap the cross-band 3 that creates firnmess in the respective head and foot ends of theblanket, 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 secureattachment, the outerrnost 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 lengthWiseslits 7 that are Woven into the band and Where the outerrnost links of the chain 5 can beattached; here, too, preferably by riveting. This alternative attachment method has certaincost 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 methoddescribed above, one chain per channel 2 is cut, the end links are attached to the band 3, butit can also be conceived to use a single chain that lies in loops and where the outermostlinks 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 anorthogonal direction against each other, every other eye can be placed against the user”sbody 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 palpableeffect. ln this preferred embodiment, the chain or chains 5 used run in a lengthwise from a headend A to a foot end B inside said channels 2, but several other variants can also beconceived. For example, the chains 5 can run from side to side in the blanket l, instead, orin a series of diagonals over the blanket l. It is also conceivable to use a route patternwhere 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 l according to the invention is assembled so that the chains 5 arecompletely 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 beplaced on a first side of said blanket. Such insulation provides warrnth to a user, and alsoleads 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 chainsare covered merely by the thin layer of fabric l l. Hereby, a user may choose between twotypes of tactile stimulation: either a direct and focused weight application which is achievedif the blanket is positioned with the non-insulated side closest to the body or a pressuredistributed 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 isplaced in the middle with chains on both sides or even with the chain in the middle andbatting on both sides. The possibilities of variation according to each individual user”s needs and preferences are thus great. ln Fig. 4a, the preferred embodiment which is also shown in Fig. 1, among others, is shownfrom the side, i.e., as a cross-section would appear with the blanket spread on a horizontalsurface. In the drawing, the head end A is tumed toward the observer, and the seams 21 and22 that define each channel 2 can be seen. ln every other one of these channels 2, chains 5are thus placed as linked objects in accordance with the preferred embodiment as describedabove. Of course, a denser or sparser placement in the blanket can be conceived. In thedrawing, 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. ln Fig. 4b, the altemative embodiment with a layer 8 of an insulating material such asbatting is shown. Here, too, the seams 21, 22 that define each channel 2 can be seen. The atleast 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 firrn cotton cloth. In order to obtain aflameproof product, a cloth woven from a fireproof thread can be used, which, however, contributes to a somewhat more expensive f1nal product.

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

Claims (1)

1. CLAl1\/IS A Weight blanket for therapeutic treatment, said blanket (1) comprising atleast one linked object (5) for increasing the Weight of the blanket; saidlinked object (5) being placed in several corresponding channels (2) betweena first and a second cloth layer (11, 12) in the blanket (1); said channelsbeing distributed over the surface of the blanket, Wherein the linked object(5) create bands of Weights spread over the blanket, in order for the pressureto follow the shape of the body of the user of the blanket, characterized inthat each channel has a Width (W) in the range of 60 - 200 mm, preferably80 - 150 mm, more preferably 90 - 110 mm. A Weight blanket according to claim 1, characterized in that said channels(2) run parallel to the length of the blanket. A Weight blanket according to any of claims 1, characterized in that saidchannels (2) run essentially parallel along the Width of the blanket. A Weight blanket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized inthat said channels (2) are evenly distributed over the Whole surface of theblanket. A Weight blanket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said linked objects (5) are serial-linked into a chain. A Weight blanket according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatsaid linked object (5) is made of metal. A Weight blanket according to claim 6, characterized in that each of saidlinked objects (5) is a Wire forrning a closed loop, said Wire having a circularcross section With a diameter (D) in the range of 2 - 6 mm, preferable 3 - 5 111m. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 11 A Weight blanket according to any one of claims 5 - 7, characterized in thatsaid linked objects (5) are arranged to exterid in an (Jrthogfirizal direction against earth other “liften serialflinked into a chain. A Weight blanket according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatthe ends of said linked object (5) are attached to the blanket by fastening inthe edge of the blanket (3). A Weight blanket according to claim 9, characterized in that said fastening is performed by means of riVeting. A Weight blanket according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that saidlinked object (5) is attached in a slit or eye (4) in an edge (3) of the blanket. A Weight blanket according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatat least one layer of insulating material (8) is proVided on a first side of thesurface of the blanket, said insulating material haVing a Weight in the rangeof 100 - 800 g/m2, preferably 250 - 500 g/m2. A Weight blanket according to claim 12, characterized in said linked object(5) being placed on a second side of the blanket. A Weight blanket according to any of the preceding claims, Wherein the totalWeight of one Weight blanket is in the range of 4 - 12 kg, preferably 6 - 8kg. A Weight blanket according to any one of the previous claims, characterizedin that the at least one linked object (5) is completely enclosed inside theblanket.