WIND-RESISTANT OUTDOOR THERMAL BLANKET FOR SEATED PERSONS

COUVERTURE THERMIQUE COUPE-VENT D'EXTERIEUR POUR PERSONNES ASSISES

English Abstract

The invention provides a light, wind-resistant blanket for the use outdoors of
seated
persons, in particular, for wheelchair-bound persons (such as paraplegics and
quadriplegics) who have notorious difficulty in maintaining warmth in their
lower extremities
while outdoors. The blanket consists of a wind and water-resistant outer
shell, stitched on
its periphery to two layers of polyester polar fleece lining. The shape of the
blanket allows
it to be easily wrapped completely around the lower legs (from knees down) of
a seated
person, and be spread over the top and sides of the upper legs, and tucked at
the side of
a seat, especially a wheelchair. The blanket includes Velcro fastenings, to
allow it to form
a wind proof "tube" around the lower legs, protecting them from cold as well
as snow and
slush in the winter months.

Claims

Wind-resistant outdoor thermal blanket for seated persons
The features of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is
claimed
are defined as follows:
1. A blanket is manufactured using a water and wind-resistant nylon outer
shell,
stitched along its periphery to a core and lining of two layers of polyester
polar
fleece;
2. A blanket as in 1 above, having an upper section and a lower section; at
the top of
the upper section, a horizontal top having a width of approximately 63 - 91 cm
(25 -
36 inches more or less)
3. in a thermal blanket as in 2 above, the upper section having two lateral
sides, each
having a length of 49-69 cm (19 - 27 inches, more or less);
4. in a thermal blanket as in 3 above, a bottom of the upper section wherein
there is
a horizontal intrusion of 16.5 - 17.5 cm ( 6 1/2 - 7 inches, more or less)
creating a
flap on each side of the upper section in 2(a) and 2(b), and leaving a central
upper
section of width 35 - 55 cm ( 14 - 21 1/2 inches, more or less), which central
upper
section is contiguous with the lower section hereinafter described;
5. in a thermal blanket as in 4 above, a lower section contiguous with the
central
upper section, and having a length of 29-31 cm (10 1/2 -11 1/2 inches, more or
less),
and a width of 80 - 103 cm (31 - 41 inches, more or less)
6. in a thermal blanket as in 5 above, to one side of the lower section, an
extension
forming a flap of width 80 - 103 cm (31 - 41 inches, more or less), at the top
and 70
- 91 cm (27 - 35 inches, more or less) at the bottom, such that the end of the
extension does not form a right angle but rather an angle of 45 degrees more
or
less,
7. in a thermal blanket as in 6 above, an elongated female Velcro fastener of
width 5
cm (2 inches, more or less) running along the said right-angle end, and
stitched
over the inner lining of the end,
8. in a thermal blanket as in 7 above, an elongated male Velcro fastener of
width 5 cm
(2 inches) stitched to the outer shell along the squared, lateral side of the
lower
section, such that the extension flap described in 6 above can be rolled
around
itself and fastened to the strip, thus forming a tapered tube
9. In a thermal blanket as in 8 above, the addition of two nylon loops at the
distal end
of the lower section (quad tabs), enabling persons with limited manual
dexterity to
position the male and female Velcro strips, and attach and detach them; thus
forming and releasing the tapered tube of the lower section around their lower
legs.

Description

CA 02526410 2005-10-06
Wind-resistant outdoor thermal blanket for seated persons
Background of the Invention
Individuals seated outdoors, particularly in winter months are vulnerable to
cold, partly as
a result of the fact of their inactivity. This is a chronic and potentially
dangerous problem
for wheelchair-bound persons who have limited or no use o their lower
extremities; and
even more for quadriplegics or paraplegics who may have reduced sensory
capacity in
their lower extremities and often do not realize the degree to which their
legs are cooling.
Summary of the Invention
The blanket described herein is an invention of a partial quadriplegic, who
required a
means to maintain his warmth while outdoors in his powered wheelchair, in the
winter. The
unique feature of the blanket is that it combines wind and water resistance
for the lower
extremities with the ability to wrap entirely around the exposed lower legs of
the wearer,
and yet is easy (particularly for disabled persons) to put on and remove.
There are a number of thermal blankets for medical patients, most commonly for
persons
undergoing surgery or in the post-surgical period. There are no known blankets
ofthis type
or designed for this application, and in particular intended for outdoor use
with wind and
limited water resistance.

Representative Drawing