US20100205714A1

US20100205714A1 - Cushy Wrap

Info

Publication number: US20100205714A1
Application number: US12/378,576
Authority: US
Inventors: Brad Pollack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-18
Filing date: 2009-02-18
Publication date: 2010-08-19

Abstract

The Cushy Wrap represents the first blanket which provides the user with full coverage and support, while enabling full range of motion for arms and hands. The Cushy Wrap was designed to be used while sitting up in bed, on a couch or on the floor. Current blankets available in the market that provide the user with full range of motion for arms and hands do not provide full coverage like the Cushy Wrap. The Cushy Wrap is uniquely designed with strategically positioned insulation sections that provide support to the entire body when wrapped in the blanket. The shape and dimensions of the insulation sections are determined to provide optimal comfort to each of the main body parts, head and neck, arms, back, and legs. The insulation section shapes include squares and rectangular shapes with a size that provides focused comfort to the body part it is positioned to support.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, people desiring to be warm utilize a blanket by wrapping the blanket around the body. When either lying down or sitting up with a blanket around the body, people commonly will utilize pillows to provide the body with comfort and support. There are various types of blankets and pillows utilized by people that provide unique levels of warmth, comfort and support individually.
The problem with traditional blankets is that they restrict arm movement, and therefore restricts the ability of the user to use their arms freely while wrapped in a blanket. In 2008 the Snuggie was introduced to the retail market, with a design for a blanket that has sleeves, similar to another product known as the Slanket. The design of the Snuggie represents the identical design of a bathrobe that is worn backwards. The design flaw of the Snuggie is that the user of the Snuggie has their entire back exposed and not covered by the blanket. This design flaw makes the Snuggie an inferior blanket when compared to alternative blankets based on not providing an equivalent level of warmth by leaving the back of the user exposed. After an extensive search no patent for the Snuggie was found, though one is expected to be in existence.
Based on the design flaw of the Snuggie, combined with a new invention named the Cushy Blanket (which the patent application is being simultaneously submitted along with this patent by the same inventor), the Cushy Wrap was developed. The Cushy Blanket represents the first blanket ever to utilize expanded polystyrene beads as the insulation, along with detailed insulation and sewing parameters that ensure equal distribution of the insulation through out the blanket. The goal of the Cushy Blanket is to create a blanket that is as or more comfortable than a down feather blanket, that uses an insulation that provides the user equivalent or superior warmth when compared to traditional blanket insulation, provides support to the human body never before present in any other blanket, and available to be purchased by the user for a reasonable price.
During the design of the Cushy Blanket, the Cushy Wrap was developed as a blanket that would wrap around the body. The design intentions of the Cushy Wrap involve manufacturing a blanket that will wrap around the body providing the user with equivalent or superior warmth when compared to alternative blanket styles of similar fabric, insulation and thickness. Additional design intentions include manufacturing a blanket that provides the user with superior levels of comfort and support when compared to alternative blankets. The final design intention involved manufacturing a blanket that will enable the user full range of motion for their arms and hands while wrapped completely in the blanket.
By combining the attributes of the Cushy Blanket with these specific intentions, the Cushy Wrap was invented. The Cushy Wrap design began as a model of the Cushy Blanket, but as the model was developed the unique design and manufacturing characteristics of the Cushy Wrap required a separate patent to be filed for this invention. Though the goal of the Cushy Blanket and the Cushy Wrap are identical, the design and manufacturing process of the Cushy Wrap is distinctly unique when compared to the Cushy Blanket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Cushy Wrap represents the first blanket which provides the user with full coverage and support, while enabling full range of motion for arms and hands. The Cushy Wrap was designed to be used while sitting up in bed, on a couch or on the floor. Though this models design is intended to be used while sitting up, this model is also suitable for use while lying down. Current blankets available in the market that provide the user with full range of motion for arms and hands do not provide full coverage like the Cushy Wrap. The Cushy Wrap is designed with sleeves to allow the full range of motion for arms and hands while the user is completely wrapped in the blanket.
The Cushy Wrap is uniquely designed with strategically positioned insulation sections that provide support to the entire body when wrapped in the blanket. The Cushy Wrap is designed with two main options, permanent insulation sections and removable insulation sections. Insulation sections involve various shapes and are sewn to specific areas of the blanket in order to provide warmth and support to the entire body. The shape and dimensions of the insulation sections are determined to provide optimal comfort to each of the main body parts; head and neck, arms, back, and legs. The insulation section shapes include squares and rectangular shapes with a size that provides focused comfort to the body part it is positioned to support.
The Cushy Wrap is manufactured by permanently sewing the insulation sections into specific locations on the blanket. The positioning of the insulation sections are selected in order to provide additional warmth and support to the main body parts. Square insulation sections located in the center of the blanket provide support to the upper, middle and lower back, and buttocks. A rectangle insulation section is located at the top center of the blanket providing support to the head and neck. Long rectangular insulation sections are located horizontally below the sleeves to provide additional upper body comfort and support by creating an arm rest when the blanket is wrapped around the user.
The other manufacturing option involves permanently sewing insulation section pockets into specific locations on the blanket, and manufacturing separate insulation section inserts. This manufacturing option enables the user to select which insulation section pockets are filled with the inserts. This ability allows the user to adapt the Cushy Wrap to multiple positions that offer optimal comfort and support. Insulation section pockets that are not filled with inserts will lay flat against the blanket fabric without interfering with the Cushy Wrap experience. The insulation section shapes and dimensions used in this manufacturing option are identical to the permanent manufacturing option.
Insulation sections will be manufactured and available in three different options. The material of the insulation is comprised of either expanded polystyrene beads, solid or shredded memory foam. The selection of these two insulation materials not only provides comfort and support to the user, but additional warmth due to the characteristics of the insulation material selected. The Cushy Wrap design utilizes uniform shapes and dimensions which allow the user the ability to receive numerous levels of comfort and support for a variety of positions. Each insulation material is utilized by itself and never mixed with other materials. The fabric for the insulation section pockets will represent the same fabric used in the blanket. The insulation section inserts are manufactured using a thin and flexible fabric selected by the manufacturer. The standard Cushy Wrap insulation section inserts will be manufactured using a blended lining fabric. The standard Cushy Wrap blanket and insulation section pockets will be manufactured using a thick fleece fabric. The user can select from a variety of colors, with the ability to customize the order by selecting any desired fabric. The Cushy Blanket is manufactured in two sizes, child and adult in order to ensure a design that provides the proposed warmth, comfort and support for various body sizes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

For a complete understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1: Cushy Wrap Interior View. Illustrates the location and shapes of the insulation section pockets that hold the insulation section inserts. Illustrates the location and shapes of the fabric cuts for access to the sleeves. The sleeve holes at 10, the neck pocket at 12, the arm pockets at 14, the upper 16 a, middle 16 b and lower back 16 c pockets.

FIG. 2: Cushy Wrap Exterior View. Illustrates the presence and shape of a hood, the location and shapes of the sleeves, and location and shapes of the regular pockets. The hood at 20, the sleeves at 22 and the regular pockets at 24.

FIG. 3: Cushy Wrap Neck Insulation Section Insert. Illustrates the shape and stitching for the rectangular insulation section insert to be inserted into the neck insulation section pocket. The end of the insulation section insert that does not illustrate stitching represents the location where the insulation is inserted to fill the insulation section insert. After the insulation is filled into the insulation section insert, the stitching is completed in order to lock in the insulation into the insulation section insert.

FIG. 4: Cushy Wrap Arm Insulation Section Inserts. Illustrates the shape and stitching for the rectangular insulation section inserts to be inserted into the arm insulation section pockets. The ends of the insulation section insert that does not illustrate stitching represents the locations where the insulation is inserted to fill the insulation section insert. The center section which illustrates a completed stitching section will not have any insulation. After the insulation is filled into the insulation section insert, the stitching is completed in order to lock in the insulation into the insulation section insert.

FIG. 5: Cushy Wrap Back Insulation Section Inserts. Illustrates the shape and stitching for the square insulation section insert to be inserted into the back insulation section pocket. The ends of the insulation section insert that does not illustrate stitching is the location where the insulation is inserted to fill the insulation section insert. After the insulation is filled into the insulation section insert, the stitching is completed in order to lock in the insulation into the insulation section insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Cushy Wrap is manufactured using fabric, thread and the insulation sections. These insulation sections can be manufactured using expanded polystyrene beads, memory foam, or shredded memory foam. All materials used in the manufacturing process of a Cushy Blanket can be purchased by their respective manufacturers. The initial step in manufacturing a Cushy Wrap is determining the size of the blanket. The Cushy Wrap is available in two sizes, child and adult. Both sized Cushy Wraps will be offered in a variety of colors using the standard fleece fabric and using the same color thread as the fabric. The user has the ability to custom order a Cushy Wrap with any desired fabric material. Additional options involve the ability to include pocket(s) and a hood onto the exterior of the Cushy Wrap as illustrated in FIG. 2.
The child sized Cushy Wrap is manufactured using one sheet of thick fleece fabric 4 feet in length by 4 feet in width. There will be a total of two sleeves and six insulation section pockets that are available to be permanently sewn, or allow the user to use removable insulation section inserts. The sleeves will be sewn to the blanket using fabric that is 26 inches wide and 22 inches in length. The blanket will have a 8 inch diameter oval cut out at 6 inches and 14 inches below the top border of the blanket, two inches from each side of the top back pillow. These fabric dimensions will create a sleeve with an approximate 8 inch diameter, leaving one inch for sewing.
There will be three square insulation sections (upper, middle and lower back) and three rectangle insulation sections (neck and arms). The square insulation section pockets will use fabric measuring 14 inches wide by 10 inches in length. There will be three square insulation section centered on the blanket, with one located below the other with a space of two inches between the bottom of one pocket and the top of the next pocket. The upper back square insulation section pocket will be centered and sewn at 6 inches and 14 inches below the top border, and at 18 inches from each side border. The middle and lower back square insulation section pockets will be sewn at 16 and 24 inches, and 26 and 34 inches below the top border of the blanket. The square insulation section inserts will measure 12 inches wide by 8 inches in length by 1 inch thick.
There will be two arm rectangle insulation section pockets symmetrically positioned on the blanket. These insulation section pockets will be manufactured using fabric 18 inches in width by 6 inches in length. These pockets will be sewn with one end along the side border of the blanket. The arm rectangular insulation section will be sewn at 16 and 20 inches below the top border of the blanket, along the side border and 16 inches from the side border. The arm rectangular insulation section inserts will measure 16 inches wide by 4 inches in length by 1 inch thick. The neck rectangle insulation section pocket will be manufactured using fabric 18 inches in width by 6 inches in length. This pocket will be centered and sewn along the top border of the blanket and 4 inches below the top border, and 16 inches from the side borders. The neck rectangle insulation section insert will measure 16 inches in width by 4 inches in length by 1 inch thick.
The adult sized Cushy Wrap is manufactured using one sheet of thick fleece fabric 6 feet in length by 6 feet in width. There will be a total of two sleeves and six insulation section pockets that are available to be permanently sewn, or allow the user to use removable insulation section inserts. The sleeves will be sewn to the blanket using fabric that is 32 inches wide and 30 inches in length. The blanket will have a 10 inch diameter oval cut out at 7 inches and 17 inches below the top border of the blanket, two inches from each side of the top back pillow. These fabric dimensions will create a sleeve with an approximate 10 inch diameter, leaving one inch for sewing.
There will be three square insulation sections (upper, middle and lower back) and three rectangle insulation sections (neck and arms). The square insulation section pockets will use fabric measuring 24 inches wide by 14 inches in length. There will be three square insulation sections centered on the blanket, with one located below the other with a space of two inches between the bottom of one pocket and the top of the next pocket. The top square insulation section pocket will be centered and sewn at 7 inches and 17 inches below the top border, and 26 inches from the side borders. The other square insulation sections will be sewn between 19 and 29 inches, and 31 and 41 inches below the top border of the blanket. The back square insulation section inserts will measure 20 inches wide by 10 inches in length by 2 inches thick.
There will be two arm rectangle insulation section pockets symmetrically positioned on the blanket. These insulation section pockets will be manufactured using fabric 25 inches in width by 9 inches in length. These pockets will be sewn with 3 and 24 inches from the side border of the blanket, and at 19 and 24 inches below the top border of the blanket. The arm rectangular insulation section inserts will measure 21 inches wide by 5 inches in length by 2 inch thick. The neck rectangle insulation section pocket will be manufactured using fabric 28 inches in width by 9 inches in length. This pocket will be centered and sewn along the top border of the blanket and 5 inches below the top border, and 24 inches from the side borders. The neck rectangle insulation section insert will measure 24 inches in width by 5 inches in length by 2 inch thick.
The standard Cushy Wrap will be manufactured using insulation section pockets that are not permanently sewn with the insulation section inserts as illustrated in FIG. 1. All pockets will be opened and secured closed using either Velcro strips or buttons. This provides the user the freedom to select which pockets are filled with the inserts, ensuring optimal comfort and warmth in any position. Removable insulation section inserts will be sold either separately, or in package deals with the Cushy Wrap. Custom ordered Cushy Wraps allow the user to determine which insulation section pockets are permanently sewn with the corresponding insulation section inserts, and the positioning of the insulation section pockets. Two regular pockets will be sewn onto the exterior of the blanket measuring 6 inches in length by 6 inches in width, and sewn 12 inches from the side border and 26 inches from the top border of the blanket. There will also be a hood sewn centered on the exterior of the blanket along the top border.
Square and rectangular insulation section inserts will be filled using any one of the following three materials, expanded polystyrene beads, shredded or solid memory foam. The parameters for either three of the materials used as insulation can be determined by the manufacturer, as the size and density of the material will produce unique levels of comfort and warmth. The manufacturer will order the insulation material from their respective manufacturers with the determined parameters involving the insulation size, density and volume to fill the insulation section inserts being manufactured.
The insulation material is secured into the insulation section insert using fabric and thread. The standard blended lining fabric selected by the manufacture will be cut and sewn to the dimensions illustrated for each insulation section insert. The insulation section insert fabric is sewn together leaving one end not sewn as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The back square insulation section inserts will be sewn vertically every 4 inches to ensure equal distribution of the insulation material through out the insert. The end that was not sewn will be utilized to fill the insert with the insulation material. Expanded polystyrene beads will loaded into the partially sewn insert either manually using a funnel, or automatically using a vacuum system that pulls the beads from the storage silo, through a flexi tube system and out of the nozzle controlling the flow of beads. Once the insert is filled with the beads, the insert is sewn shut capturing the beads. A similar process is used when filling the insert with shredded foam, except a funnel is not appropriate for manual filling. Solid memory foam inserts do not require any fabric to cover this material, and can be directly inserted into the insulation section pockets. The solid memory foam insulation inserts can be covered by any desired fabric if custom ordered by the user.
The Cushy Wrap is manufactured without consideration of the insulation material used in the inserts. Once the Cushy Wrap size is selected, the standard thick fleece fabric is cut to the dimensions of the blanket size being manufactured. Due to the design of the Cushy Blanket, a fabric roll that is wide enough to avoid cutting and seaming is recommended. The same fabric is utilized to cut the sleeves and insulation section pockets to the dimensions illustrated for each size blanket. Once the fabric is cut, it will be sewn to the blanket fabric at the locations illustrated for each size blanket as illustrated in FIG. 1. Once all fabric is cut and sewn together, the assembly of the Cushy Wrap is complete. Once the fabric is filled with insulation and completely sewn together to the dimension illustrated for each size Cushy Wrap, the insulation section inserts are completed. The standard Cushy Wrap insulation section is filled with expanded polystyrene beads no larger than 1 mm in diameter and approximately 2 lbs per cubic foot in density.
The user will have the ability to custom order a permanently sewn Cushy Wrap. Under this option, the user will select which insulation section pockets will be filled with inserts, along with the size and the location of the insulation section pockets. The user will also select which type of insulation section insert material will be utilized. Once these selections are made, the manufacturer will create a Cushy Wrap, sewing only the insulation section pockets that were selected, and filling them with the selected insulation section inserts. The areas of the Cushy Wrap that do not have a filled insulation section pocket will be absent of any unfilled insulation section pockets.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. For use in providing warmth and comfort to human beings, a blanket wrap comprising:

A fabric cut in a square shape with holes cut for the strategically placed sleeves, with sleeves, hood, insulation section pockets which are filled with insulation section inserts and regular pockets sewn onto the interior and exterior of the blanket wrap.

Said fabric may be manufactured using any woven natural or man-made fabric type. The blanket wrap fabric may or may not be the same fabric for the sleeves, hood, insulation section pockets, insulation section inserts shell and regular pockets.

Said holes cut out of the blanket wrap are strategically located to allow the ability to completely wrap the blanket around a human body, enabling the arms to be placed through the sleeves.

Said sleeves are sewn onto the exterior of the blanket wrap along the cuts in the holes of the blanket.

Said hood is sewn onto the exterior of the blanket wrap centered along the top of the fabric.

Said insulation section pockets have three different shapes which are strategically sewn along three of the four sides onto the interior of the blanket wrap in specific areas. The fourth side of the insulation section pocket that is not sewn onto the interior of the blanket wrap has a device that enables the ability to open and close the insulation section pocket. Insulation section pockets have the ability to hold an insulation section insert which provides focused comfort and warmth to the specific area of the blanket wrap.

Said insulation section inserts are comprised of a fabric shell that is sewn along the edges and filled with a type of insulation to provide focused comfort and warmth for the specific area of the body that the insulation section insert is located. Insulation section inserts may be placed in the insulation section pockets desired to provide focused comfort and warmth to that section of the blanket wrap.

Said regular pockets are sewn onto the exterior of the blanket strategically positioned at the end of the sleeves when being worn.

6. A blanket wrap as set forth in claim 5 wherein the blanket has the ability to completely wrap around the user while still having full range of motion for the arms and hands through the use of the sleeves.

7. A blanket wrap as set forth in claim 5 wherein the location of the insulation section pockets enable the user to create focused comfort and warmth to specific sections of the blanket by inserting the insulation section inserts into the desired insulation section pocket.

8. A blanket wrap as set forth in claim 5 wherein the insulation section inserts are filled with cushioning comprised of either expanded polystyrene beads, shredded memory foam or a combination of both, which produces a unique feeling of comfort and support while providing additional warmth.