Lower Extremity Pocket Blanket Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/722,087, which was filed on Nov. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of blankets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a blanket structure configured to provide partial envelopment of a user's lower body while resisting displacement without external anchoring or tucking. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

In various resting scenarios, such as lying in a bed, reclining on a couch, or sitting in a chair, individuals often utilize a blanket to enhance warmth and comfort. However, traditional blankets are prone to shifting and slipping, particularly from the lower extremities. This results in exposure of the feet and legs to ambient conditions, which can cause discomfort due to inadequate insulation. For individuals with limited mobility such as those recovering from injury, confined due to illness, or of advanced age, manually readjusting the blanket is often not feasible. Such individuals may be required to repeatedly call upon caregivers to reposition the blanket, which introduces both logistical inefficiencies and increased frustration for all parties involved. In hospital and long-term care settings, nurses and caregivers spend considerable time repositioning blankets, detracting from time that could otherwise be devoted to clinical or essential caregiving tasks. Additionally, poorly secured blankets contribute to thermal inefficiency, which can negatively impact patient comfort and wellbeing. Existing solutions such as tucking or weighted blankets either fail to maintain sufficient coverage or require external anchoring mechanisms, which can be restrictive or cumbersome.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that securely retains coverage over a user's legs and feet without requiring manual readjustment. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that enhances thermal insulation and comfort in a range of resting positions and environments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that reduces the time and labor required by caregivers to manage and reposition bedding for immobile or bedridden individuals.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lower extremity pocket blanket device. The device is comprised of a blanket structure configured to provide partial envelopment of a user's lower body while resisting displacement without external anchoring or tucking. The body of the device is comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface is further comprised of at least one pocket. In one embodiment, a top edge of the pocket may be comprised of a fastener to allow adjustable enclosure of the user's legs within the pocket. A reciprocating fastener may also be optionally included on the bottom surface for enhanced securement and tightening of the pocket. The interior surface of the pocket may be lined with secondary materials to provide additional insulation and user comfort. A method of use includes inserting the user's legs into the pocket, adjusting the fastener as needed, and optionally engaging a reciprocating fastener to maintain position during use.

In this manner, the lower extremity pocket blanket device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a blanket-like device that enables secure coverage of a user's lower extremities without requiring manual repositioning or caregiver intervention. The integration of a pocket structure with optional fastening mechanisms further ensures consistent leg and foot insulation while preventing blanket slippage. By offering thermal retention without the need for tucking or external anchoring, the device minimizes user discomfort and reduces caregiver workload. As a result, the device provides a practical and technically robust solution to the longstanding challenge of maintaining effective blanket coverage over the lower body during rest.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lower extremity pocket blanket device. The device is comprised of a blanket structure configured to partially envelop the lower body of a user while resisting slippage or displacement without the need for tucking or external anchoring. The device is suitable for use in medical, residential, or travel environments.

The device is comprised of a body that includes a top surface and a bottom surface, which may be constructed from different materials to balance comfort and function. The body may further be comprised of an interior fill that may include various insulation materials selected for thermal performance and cushioning.

The bottom surface is further comprised of at least one pocket configured to receive the legs of a user, providing secure and insulated coverage of the lower extremities. A top edge of the pocket may be comprised of a fastener configured to allow partial or full tightening around the user's legs. In some embodiments, a reciprocating fastener on the bottom surface aligns with the fastener on the pocket edge, creating a secure, enclosed configuration that reduces displacement and thermal leakage. Alternatively, the pocket may rely on its geometry or elasticity for user retention without requiring a fastener. The interior surface of the pocket may be lined with a secondary material distinct from the bottom surface to enhance comfort and thermal insulation.

The invention further comprises a method of use in which the user inserts their legs into the pocket on the bottom surface of the body. The user may then adjust a fastener, if present, to tighten the pocket around the legs and optionally engage a reciprocating fastener to secure the configuration. This method enables secure positioning of the device without external anchoring, leveraging the bottom surface and pocket design to maintain stability during use.

Accordingly, the lower extremity pocket blanket device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a blanket-like device that enables secure coverage of a user's lower extremities without requiring manual repositioning or caregiver intervention. The integration of a pocket structure with optional fastening mechanisms further ensures consistent leg and foot insulation while preventing blanket slippage. By offering thermal retention without the need for tucking or external anchoring, the device minimizes user discomfort and reduces caregiver workload. As a result, the device provides a practical and technically robust solution to the longstanding challenge of maintaining effective blanket coverage over the lower body during rest and thus overcomes the limitations of existing blankets known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters

refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a lower extremity pocket blanket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of a lower extremity pocket blanket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a lower extremity pocket blanket device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that securely retains coverage over a user's legs and feet without requiring manual readjustment. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that enhances thermal insulation and comfort in a range of resting positions and environments. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lower extremity pocket blanket device that reduces the time and labor required by caregivers to manage and reposition bedding for immobile or bedridden individuals.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a lower extremity pocket blanket device. The device comprises a blanket structure designed to partially envelop the lower body of a user while preventing slippage or displacement, eliminating the need for tucking or external anchoring. This configuration allows the device to be effectively utilized in medical, residential, or travel settings.

The device includes a body comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface, which may be fabricated from different materials to optimize both comfort and functionality. The body is also comprised of an interior fill selected from various insulation materials to enhance thermal performance and cushioning.

At least one pocket is incorporated into the bottom surface and is configured to receive the user's legs, providing secure and insulated coverage of the lower extremities. A fastener may be included at the top edge of the pocket to allow partial or complete tightening around the user's legs. In some implementations, a reciprocating fastener located on the bottom surface may align with the fastener on the pocket edge to form a secure, enclosed configuration that reduces both displacement and thermal leakage. In other embodiments, the pocket may retain the user's legs through its inherent geometry or elasticity, without the use of a fastener. The interior surface of the pocket may be lined with a secondary material that differs from the bottom surface to improve both comfort and insulation.

The invention also includes a method of use whereby the user inserts their legs into the pocket located on the bottom surface of the body. If a fastener is present, the user may adjust it to tighten the pocket around the legs and, if applicable, engage a reciprocating fastener to establish a coupled configuration. This method supports stable positioning of the device without the need for external anchoring, utilizing the design of the bottom surface and pocket to resist displacement during use.

As a result, the device provides a highly effective solution for maintaining secure coverage of a user's lower extremities without requiring caregiver assistance or frequent manual adjustment. The integration of a pocket structure with optional fastening mechanisms offers reliable leg and foot insulation while minimizing blanket slippage. By delivering thermal retention without relying on tucking or external anchoring, the device enhances user comfort and reduces caregiver workload. As such, the device offers a practical and technically advanced approach to overcoming the deficiencies of conventional blankets.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a blanket structure configured to achieve partial envelopment of the lower body of a user while resisting slippage or displacement without requiring tucking or external anchoring mechanisms. The device 100 may be suitable for a variety of operational contexts such as but not limited to any combination of medical facilities, residential settings, or travel environments.

The device 100 may be comprised of a body 102. The body 102 may be any shape and size such as but not limited to any combination of rectangular, trapezoidal, contoured ergonomic, or tapered geometries, to accommodate differing user anatomies and application settings. In one embodiment, the body 102 may be comprised of a top surface 104 and a bottom surface 106. The top surface 104 and the bottom surface 106 may be made from the same or different materials such as but not limited to any combination of cotton-polyester blends on the top surface 104 for skin-facing comfort, and high-friction or thermally insulated fabrics on the bottom surface 106 to enhance grip and thermal retention. Any portion of the body 102 may also be made using a range of woven or non-woven textile materials such as but not limited to any combination of cotton, polyester, flannel, fleece, microfiber, bamboo-derived fabric, wool blends, or multilayer laminates. Material selection for the body 102 may be determined based on desired characteristics including breathability, softness, moisture-wicking properties, durability, cost efficiency, and thermal insulation. The body 102 may further be comprised of an interior fill 103 which may include insulation materials such as but not limited to any combination of synthetic batting, down, memory foam, gel-based thermal pads, aerogel-infused panels, or temperature-regulating phase-change compounds to optimize thermal performance and cushioning.

The bottom surface 106 of the body 102 may further be comprised of at least one pocket 108 (as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) into which the user may insert their legs, achieving secure and insulated coverage of the lower extremities. The pocket 108 may be affixed to the bottom surface 106 via a fastener 110 such as but not limited to any combination of perimeter stitching, reinforced hemming, edge welding, or thermal bonding.

In one embodiment, a top edge 112 of the pocket 108 may be comprised of at least one fastener 114 (as seen in FIG. 1) configured to partially or fully tighten the pocket 108 around a user's legs. The fastener 114 may be comprised of but is not limited to any combination of a drawstring, an elastic band, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap buttons, a zipper, magnets, etc. In an additional embodiment, the bottom surface 106 may further be comprised of at least one reciprocating fastener 116 positioned to align and engage with the fastener 114 on the top edge 112 of the pocket 108, wherein the fastener 116 may be the same and/or reciprocating fastener type as the first fastener 114. This configuration may enable secure coupling between the pocket 108 and the bottom surface 106, allowing for a partially enclosed and tightened configuration around the lower body to reduce displacement, mitigate cold air ingress, and improve thermal retention during repositioning or movement. In one embodiment, the pocket 108 may be devoid of any fastener 114 on the top edge 112, as seen in FIG. 2. In such a configuration, the geometry or elasticity of the pocket 108 alone may provide sufficient retention and coverage of the user's lower body.

In some embodiments, an interior surface 117 of the pocket 108 may be lined with a secondary material 118 differing in texture or thermal properties from the bottom surface 106. The secondary material 118 may include such as but not limited to any combination of brushed microfiber, plush fleece, quilted lining, sherpa fabric, or thermal-reflective laminate to enhance user comfort, reduce thermal leakage, and promote insulation.

In certain embodiments, any portion of the device 100 may be treated with at least one coating 120. The coatings 120 may include but are not limited to any combination of water-repellent finishes, antimicrobial treatments, anti-static agents, stain-resistant coatings, flame-retardant coatings, etc. These coatings 120 may be selectively applied to the top surface 104, the bottom surface 106, the interior surface 117 of the pocket 108, or combinations thereof, depending on anticipated operational requirements or environmental exposures.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 3. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 102 having a top surface 104, a bottom surface 106, and an interior fill 103, wherein the bottom surface 106 is further comprised of at least one pocket 108 affixed via a fastener 110 and configured to receive the legs of a user [Step 202]. Then, the user may insert their legs into the pocket 108 on the bottom surface 106 of the body 102 to achieve partial envelopment of the lower body [Step 204]. Next, the user may adjust a fastener 114 located on a top edge 112 of the pocket 108 (if present) to partially or fully tighten the pocket 108 around the user's legs [Step 206]. Then, the fastener 114 may optionally be aligned with and engaged to a reciprocating fastener 116 (if present) on the bottom surface 106 to form a coupled and secured configuration [Step 208]. As a result, the user may maintain the device 100 in position without requiring tucking or external anchoring mechanisms, relying on the frictional or thermal properties of the bottom surface 106 and the configured pocket 108 to resist displacement during use.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “lower extremity pocket blanket device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the lower extremity pocket blanket device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.