Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include means to provide air through selective areas of the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, perforations are provided through the lower sheet of the blanket over only selective areas, such that air exits toward only those portions of a patient which are covered by areas of the blanket having perforations.

Abstract: A baby blanket assembly for covering and protecting a baby from adverse weather and rain, snow, or water, and for use as a water resistant playmat for a baby, the assembly including a first layer of soft, flexible blanket-type material, and a second layer of water resistant material, the second layer being connected to the first layer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pocket is provided for receipt and protection of the head of the infant from adverse weather conditions. In an additional preferred embodiment of the invention, VELCRO.RTM. is connected to the edges of the blanket for connection of the blanket to baby carriers or for connection to another of the strips connected to the blanket assembly.

Abstract: A bedding arrangement specifically designed for children's bunk beds, but useful in other situations where a bed is only accessible from one side, and where there is difficulty in tucking sheets under a mattress. The bedding arrangement comprises, basically, a rectangular mattress cover which can be secured to a mattress, and a rectangular insulating covering such as a blanket or bed cover attached, preferably sewn, along a rear one of its longer edges to a rear edge of the mattress cover. The arrangement also includes a sheet or liner foldable to produce two rectangular panels permanently connected along adjacent rear edges, the panels being similar in size to the mattress cover. Releasable fasteners are provided on the inwardly facing surfaces of the mattress cover and covering and which cooperate with releasable fasteners adjacent the margins of the outer surfaces of the sheet or liner panels.

Abstract: A combination top and bottom sheet construction. The bottom sheet is comprised of a main section, a pair of side sections, and a foot section. A top sheet includes a main section and a foot end terminal edge. In order to secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet, a pinch stitch is formed transversely across an intermediate portion of the bottom sheet. In particular, a double run formed from the bottom sheet is gathered and the foot end terminal edge of the top sheet is inserted within the double run and the composite double run and foot end terminal end are stitched to form the pinch stitch. An elastic seam is connected about the perimeter of the bottom sheet so as to make the bottom sheet a fitted sheet. Disposed within the lower corner areas of the fitted bottom sheet is a series of bottom panels that are designed to extend diagonally across the lower corner areas of an underlying support structure such as a mattresses.

Abstract: A comforter includes a main body portion and a peripheral region extending along at least one edge of the main body portion. With the comforter placed on a bed, the peripheral region defines an at least partially enclosed space between the upper surface of the bed and the main body portion of the comforter. The main body portion contains a fill material in a first weight per unit area and the peripheral region contains a fill material in a second weight per unit area greater than the first weight per unit area. In use, the greater weight per unit area of the peripheral region substantially reduces air circulation into and out from the at least partially enclosed space, creating insulating qualities that are improved over conventional comforters.

Abstract: A modular construction for quilted blankets uses long panels which are releasably connected together in a side by side manner through interlocking hook and loop type fasteners. On one long side of each panel a tongue strip is secured to extend from between fabric sheets of the panel. Hooks and/or loops are provided along the length of the tongue strip. On the other long side of each panel a groove is formed by the bifurcation of the fabric sheets. Within this grove, loops and/or hooks are provided to coact with their opposing members on the tongue strip. The tongue strip of one panel is interlocked within the groove of an adjacent panel. A capping strip with loops and/or hooks is doubled over to cover the remaining exposed tongue strip to finish the blanket. By adding or subtracting panels, the size of the blanket may be varied as desired.

Abstract: A blanket, having a blanket head and a blanket foot. The blanket has a light side and a heavy side, both extending between the blanket head and blanket foot. The light side has a light side insulation thickness, and the heavy side has a heavy side insulation thickness. A transitional area is located between the light side and heavy side, the transitional area uniformly varies in insulation thickness between the light side insulation thickness and the heavy side insulation thickness. Straps present at the blanket foot and at the heavy side are present to secure the blanket to a bed frame.

Abstract: A bedding element having a mat body (1) made of cloth, to provide an excellent deodorizing and hygroscopic effect and a long-lasting refreshing sensation, has several deodorizer-containing pockets (2) provided on one side of the mat body, with deodorizer elements (3) respectively placed securely in each pocket (2).

Abstract: A baby blanket foldable to form a bunting and a bag including a soft cloth panel having a left edge a spaced opposite right edge. The cloth panel includes an upper, middle and lower section, which each extend from the left edge to the right edge. Left and right panels are pivotally connected to the left and right edges, respectively. The cloth panel is spread out with the left and right panels extending to form a large, soft baby blanket or changing cloth. The lower section is folded over and secured to the middle section along the edges to define a baby receiving and holding compartment. The left and right panels are then folded in toward each other over the lower section to form the bunting. Alternatively, the sections are folded to substantially overlie each other, and one of the panels is folded over several times to substantially overlie the other panel to form a compact bag.

Abstract: Pillows and other filled articles are filled with bicomponent polyester fibers that have "spiral crimp" on account of a difference in chain-branched content of the polyester polymers of the components. Such bicomponent fibers are preferably novel "spiral crimp" bicomponent fibers that are hollow and/or are slickened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets include perforations formed through the lower sheet of the blanket. In particular, the perforations are provided in a number of different sizes, such that a greater transfer of air may be provided in areas of the blanket which will directly cover portions of a patient.

Abstract: A large, round blanket structure includes at least two layers, each formed of semicircular sections diametrically joined and overlaid with seams crossed transversely. The layers are held together by stitching parallel to the the seams and stitching through a strip of binding material folded about the peripheral edge of the combined layers. The use of zig-zag stitches about 50% of the width of the binding overlapping at least one of said circular blanket layers provides a rugged construction and is consistent with a design giving the impression of rays of light (e.g., sun light) radiating from the center of the blanket. Preferably the method will utilize corner pieces, cut in making the semicircular sections, to make cone-shaped towels uniquely suitable for cleaning golf clubs and balls.

Abstract: A bedding cover is described for use on a bed. The cover has a flap positioned at its center, and extends laterally from one side to the other. The flap may be folded to cover one or the other ends of the cover, and is large enough to fully cover the selected end. The flap has the bedding pattern of one end of the cover on one side and of the other end of the cover on the other side so that when it is folded to cover the first side, the entire surface of the cover presents a uniform appearance, and when it is folded to cover the other side, the entire surface of the cover presents a uniform appearance also, but of a selected different design or color, etc. In a second embodiment, the reverse side of the cover may be constructed to provide a third and a fourth appearance when the cover is turned over.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a protective covering for beds or the like comprised of a first thermoplastic web, a pair of fibrous mats of substantial loft, said web and mats being bonded together in accordance with a quilted pattern utilizing a thermoelectric bonding technique. The bonding layer, which is preferably polyurethane or a derivative thereof, forms an excellent bond with both the web and the fibrous mats. The fibrous mats provide excellent moisture absorbency and are breathable since the fibrous mats are bonded to the web only at the limited areas defined by the pattern. The first web provides an excellent waterproof barrier, while the mats provide an array of puffed-up regions each delineated by the bonding pattern to yield an aesthetically appealing cover which may be used with either fibrous web exposed.

Abstract: In feather comforters and other comforters (primarily coverlet comforters) having a heat insulating material filled therein, to provide an air controlled comforter which makes it possible to obtain good sleep under comfortable sleeping conditions in terms of both temperature and humidity with the aid of warm or cool air, and which will not be moisturized itself so as to be free from the need of drying it each time after use. In a comforter in which a front cloth (1) and a rear cloth (2) is joined together at their peripheral edges to form a shape of bag, where a heat insulating material such as feather, wool, and cotton is filled in the bag, an air-permeable cloth (3) is joined with the rear cloth to define an air passage (4) ranging from hem to center part of the comforter. The air passage (4) is opened at the hem of the comforter, where an air opening (7) is provided for feeding warm or cool air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blankets for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blankets are sealed together at a plurality of spot welds and may be contoured for comfort and versatility. The contoured profile of the blanket is provided by varying the density pattern of the spot welds.

Abstract: A pad is located on a bed between a human patient and the bed sheet. The pad has a slick, smooth bottom wall, such as satin. The bottom wall reduces the friction between the pad and the bed sheet, whereby the patient together with the pad can be smoothly moved on the bed or off of the bed and onto a waiting gurney. The pad has a top wall and padding interposed between the top and bottom walls, the layers joined together with channels of quilting stitches and digital eyelets which prevent caregivers accidentally dropping a patient when the patient is being moved to or from a bed/gurney, or turned, the pad is made of materials which are permeable to air and dissipate body perspiration and bodily fluids, thus promoting sanitation and can be position under the patient for indefinite periods of time to reduce the incidence of bed sores.

Abstract: A mattress covering in the form of a fitted mattress pad or fitted sheet has a top portion, an inelastic side skirt extending perpendicularly from the top portion, an inelastic underskirt extending from the side skirt, a first elastic cord attached to the inelastic underskirt at its outer periphery remote from the top portion. At least a second, separate elastic cord attached to the covering at some place between the top portion and the first elastic cord. The top portion is dimensioned to fit a standard size mattress and the side skirt and underskirt are dimensioned to fit a range of mattress heights. The side skirt can be made of the same quilted or sheet material as the top portion for an attractive appearance, or it can be made of other material, such as a single layer of a non-quilted inelastic fabric to reduce cost. The inelastic underskirt can be made of the same material as that of the side skirt or, more typically, a single layer of an even less expensive material.

Abstract: In feather comforters and other comforters having a heat insulating material filled therein, to provide an air controlled comforter which makes it possible to obtain good sleep under comfortable sleeping conditions in terms of both temperature and humidity with the aid of warm or cool air, and which will not be moisturized itself so as to be free from the need of drying it each time after use. In a comforter in which a front cloth and a rear cloth is joined together at their peripheral edges to form a shape of bag, where a heat insulating material such as feather, wool, and cotton is filled in the bag, an air-permeable cloth is joined with the rear cloth to define an air passage ranging from hem to center part of the comforter. The air passage is opened at the hem of the comforter, where an air opening is provided for feeding warm or cool air.

Abstract: A cover for a waterbed mattress includes a top layer suitably sized to cover the waterbed mattress and an inner backing layer of substantially the same overall outline as the top portion disposed so that the top layer lies over the backing layer. A bottom is spaced away from the top layer and the inner backing layer so as to provide a cavity for a water mattress, with the bottom disposed below the cavity and the inner backing layer being disposed above the cavity. The top layer is divided into at least three sections, each section extending substantially across the top layer. The first section is fixedly secured to the inner backing layer by stitches disposed in a first stitching pattern while the other two sections are fixedly secured to the inner backing layer by stitches disposed in a second stitching pattern. It is preferred that one of the stitching patterns be a continuous wave stitching pattern and that the other be a tack and jump stitching pattern.

Abstract: A bedding ensemble includes a mattress fitting lower portion which is covered with skirt panels. A top cover is attached which may be quilted and includes a perimeter zipper. When in use the top cover can be released by unzipping around the periphery and unfolded. An inner cover is included and can be removed by unzipping also for washing and cleaning without the entire ensemble having to be removed from the mattress. A blanket layer is also provided in an alternate embodiment to ensure sufficient warmth during sleeping and an easily insertable, liquid-impermeable, rectangular mat beneath the inner layer protects the mattress against bed-wetting. The ensemble allows for quick and efficient bed "making" by children, handicapped or infirm persons.

Abstract: A bed bridge (10) for converting a pair of beds (12) and (14) into a larger sized bed comprising a platform member (16) and an elongated protrusion (18) projecting downwardly from the center of the platform member (16). When the platform member (16) is placed upon juxtaposed portions of the top surfaces (20) and (22) of two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26) of the beds (12) and (14), the elongated protrusion (18) will extend down between the sides (28) and (30) of the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26). When the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26) are pushed together, the elongated protrusion (18) will then cause the platform member (16) to properly position itself on the juxtaposed portions of the top surfaces (20) and (22) of the two adjacent mattresses (24) and (26).

Abstract: A story quilt and associated set of dolls (10) for being secured to a wall, with the associated set of dolls (26) being individually and releasably secured thereto. A plurality of loop members (14) are provided along the top border to enable the securement of the story quilt (12) to a wall. The front panel (15) of the story quilt (12) is sectioned into a grid of individual panels (16). Each panel (16) illustrates a particular scene, in similar fashion to a conventional story board. Each of the individual panels (16) is decorated to reflect the personality of the particular doll (26) to be secured to that panel (16) and is provided with a conventional fastener (18) for the securement of the doll (26). A pocket (17) is carried by selected of the individual panels (16) for storing various selected items. One individual panel (16) may be provided with a pocket (20) for carrying a story book (24) illustrating at least one story involving the characters of the dolls (26) carried on the individual panels (16).

Abstract: In a cubic-quilt type feather quilt in which a plurality of compartments are defined by partitioning the interior of the quilt with partition cloths and feathers are filled inside, there is provided a feather quilt which functions to cover up the body, eliminating the possibility that outside air may flow in the bed due to clearances on the body side or when peripheral portions of the quilt are turned up, and thus which offers a comfortable sleep. Among the partition cloths to define the interior of the quilt, which are arranged in the central part of the quilt except at least its peripheral portions, the lateral partition cloths (3) are so formed that both right and left side portions are curved downward and the central part is floated up. Thus, the feather quilt is formed into such a dome shape that the quilt wholly covers up the body during sleep.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: Pillows and other filled articles are filled with bicomponent polyester fibers that have "spiral crimp" on account of a difference in chain-branched content of the polyester polymers of the components. Such bicomponent fibers are preferably novel hollow "spiral crimp" bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A floatable blanket formed of a water-proof outer layer and a plurality of intermediate layers inside the water-proof outer layer, the intermediate layers being made of foamed polyethylene and separated into two groups with an air chamber defined between, air vents being made through the bottom of the water-proof outer layer for allowing air to be induced into the air chamber, loops being aligned on the outside of the water-proof outer layer for allowing the blanket to be arranged into a ring for use as a life buoy.

Abstract: An infant blanket for use in combination with an infant carrying seat having a handle is disclosed. The blanket preferably is multi-layered having a border strip at its perimeter and a handle reception slit spaced from the perimeter so as to receive the handle of an infant carrying seat therethrough and means for fastening spaced portions of the blanket perimeter together to cover an infant in a carrying seat while exposing a handle of the carrying seat through the slit. Preferably, the blanket has layers made of different materials such as a first layer of water repellant material and a second layer of porous quilted material, with fastening strips such as hook and loop type pieces attached to it so that the blanket can be secured about an infant. The blanket is preferably placed over an infant carrying device like a vehicle seat and the infant is then covered with the blanket. The slit in the blanket allows the user to fully access to the handle and at the same time as the blanket covers the infant.

Abstract: A soft sculpture which is convertible to a blanket with a pillow, having a hollow body portion including an opening for receiving and storing a blanket therein. The blanket may be stored in the hollow body portion with the blanket being substantially enclosed within the body portion to form a three-dimensional toy. The blanket may be removably or fixably attached to the body portion and is removable through the opening of the body portion for use as bedding. The blanket further includes a pocket having an opening for receiving the soft sculpture therein to form a pillow. The body portion may be embellished with a head portion having an image bearing surface and appropriate appendages and a pocket for receiving a book.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of quilts for beds and similar goods.The quilt comprises a central zone (18) designed to cover the top of the bed and a peripheral zone (20). The central zone is filled with at least two layers of different filling materials. The peripheral zone is filled with with at least one layer of one filling material.

Abstract: A flexible cover for a waterbed mattress is constructed as a three-ply construction. A central ply formed of heat insulating materials is sandwiched between two similarly constructed outer plies that are formed of moisture-absorbent materials. Moisture generated by the person's body is trapped within the uppermost layer, or ply, of the cover. Body heat passes through the moisture-absorbent layer into the central ply of the cover, where it is trapped, or contained. The person, therefore, does not experience the chilling effect that persons sometimes feel when lying on a waterbed. The three-ply cover is reversible, such that the cover can be placed on the waterbed mattress with either major surface facing upward.

Abstract: A sheet to be used to help turn or position a patient wherein the sheet includes a bottom surface and top surface, the bottom surface including opposing end portions and a central portion which has less frictional drag than the opposing end portions and top surface. The top surface is constructed in a configuration with an area larger than the area of the central portion at the bottom surface. A method of application is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bedclothes which have been modified by affixing thereto connecting means which are positioned to guide the placement of the bedclothes on the mattress. When connectors are aligned along the periphery of the mattress, the bedclothes are properly centered and positioned with the correct amount of overhang on three sides. The connectors on one article of bedclothes coact with those on the next layer to position that layer and hold the layers together as a unit. Bedclothes may be removed and replaced as a unit or singly and they may be tucked under the mattress or not as the user dictates. The method of bedmaking utilizing the bedclothes may be performed visually or tactilely.

Abstract: A down comforter includes a center region (22) and a border region (24) which extends around the comforter and defines the peripheral edge of the comforter. Typically, the center region (24) is approximately 53 to 62 percent of the total area of the comforter. The border region (24) is continuous and has the same width around the periphery of the comforter. A pillow includes upper and lower casing members (40, 42) between which are located upper and lower baffle members (44, 46). The baffle members 44, 46 are stitched together along two longitudinal lines of stitching (48, 50). The casing members (40, 42) and the baffle members (44, 46), all in registry, are stitched together along their respective longitudinal and end edges. The pillow is filled between the upper baffle member and the upper casing member and between the lower baffle member and the lower casing member, as well as between the two baffle members between the two lines of stitching.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a non woven material as underlayer for a fabric covering seats intended for passenger transport by road, rail or air.The said nonwoven material is produced by a dry process and has an apparent density between 20 and 100 kg/m and a thickness between 4 and 20 mm. The said nonwoven material comprises a minimum of 50% of synthetic fibres of a thickness between 3 and 40 dtex and of a length between 2 and 12 cm. The fibres are needle bonded. When the nonwoven material is subjected to a static pressure of 20 cN/cm.sup.2, it retains a minimum thickness of 2 mm.The nonwoven material used in accordance with the invention is in particular intended for improving the evacuation of perspiration emanating from the user of the seat.

Abstract: A mattress pad or cover is disclosed for a conventional inner-spring or foam type mattress. The mattress cover has a quilted cover portion and a downwardly depending peripheral skirt that wraps around the mattress to hold the cover portion in place. The skirt has elastic sewn around its lower peripheral edge to keep the skirt tucked under the mattress. The cover portion has a first thick layer of fiberfill and a second conterminous thin layer of fiberfill. A metalized film is needle-punched to the thin fiberfill layer and a fabric cover envelops a fiberfill and film layers.

Abstract: An absorbent underpad for use on an article of bedding includes a liquid impervious backing sheet, a liquid permeable upper facing sheet adhered to the backing sheet about the edges thereof, and an interior absorbent pad combination comprising upper and lower tissue layers generally coextensive with the boundarees of the underpad, a pair of spatially separated barrier strips formed of super-absorbent material between the tissue layers, and a non-woven transfer layer along the central region of the upper tissue layer adjacent the upper facing sheet. The plies of the tissue layer are formed with a crepe-like irregular surface oriented to develop a wicking action directed along the layers in a transverse direction, toward the absorbent barrier strips.

Abstract: An improved bedspread comprising a plurality of panels which are each reversible and interchangeable to provide a wide variety of different visual effects.

Abstract: A moisture-managing bed pad and bed sheet are provided for being positioned between a patient and a supporting surface. The bed sheet includes a moisture-managing bed pad. The bed pad includes a moisture transport top fabric layer for residing in patient contact and for wicking moisture away from the body of the patient. A moisture dispersal intermediate fabric layer resides adjacent the top fabric layer for receiving and dispersing moisture from the top fabric layer, and for providing a reservoir for moisture wicked inwardly from the top fabric layer. A liquid impermeable, vapor permeable bottom fabric layer resides adjacent to the intermediate fabric layer for providing a leak-proof barrier. The barrier permits dissipation of moisture in vapor form. The top, intermediate, and bottom fabric layers of the bed pad are attached by spot welds to form a unitary structure. One or more sheet sections reside adjacent to the bed pad for defining the bed sheet.

Abstract: A method of bonding fabric materials together into an integral structure is unique in the attachment of a mating fabric onto a base fabric. The mating fabric is disposed to have a longitudinal binding end of specified profile for adhesion to the base fabric with improved tensile strength. Also disclosed is a structurally durable seamless quilt obtained by the use of the method.

Abstract: The comforters of the invention comprise fabrics filled with down or synthetic material. In one embodiment of the invention, intended for winter use, the comforters are stitched diagonally across, between its four opposing corners, and are also diagonally stitched between the midpoints of its adjacent edges, thereby providing 4-large diamond-shaped sections and producing five connecting interstices. In a second embodiment, intended for spring and summer use, the comforters are additionally stitched from one edge to its opposing edge, to intersect the five connecting interstices, thereby dividing the 4-diamond-shaped sections in half. In a third embodiment, intended for summer use, the comforters are further stitched between its remaining two edges, also to intersect the five connecting interstices, and dividing the original diamond-shaped sections in half once again.

Abstract: A woven ticking includes threads of natural fibers such as pure cotton with a mass surface density in the range of 100-150 g/m.sup.2, preferably 110-140 g/m.sup.2 at a thread thickness in the range of Nm 60-80, preferably Nm 65-75. Such a ticking is used in a covering and includes a filling of rabbit hair, in particular angora rabbit hair, and at least 30 weight-% foreign matter selected from the group consisting of silk, mohair, down, sheep wool, alpaca, camel hair, polyester fibers, yang hair and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A bed-roll type bedding apparatus comprising a contoured blanket member having a hook and eye section and a zipper section sewn in the outer periphery, a contoured top sheet member having a hook and eye section that mates with the hook and eye section of the blanket member with the top sheet member fitted inside the blanket member and a bottom fitted sheet member having a zipper portion that mates with the zipper portion of the blanket with the top sheet/blanket combination zippered to the bottom sheet member. The bottom fitted sheet member has a pad sewn on the undersurface of the main portion thereof, the sheet being formed to fit around and underlie the edges of the mattress or the like, with the periphery under tension, such as by means of elastic bands or the like sewn into a peripheral hem portion.

Abstract: A comforter comprising an outer fabric shell containing a fill of down or down-like material. The shell comprises a top panel and a bottom panel sewn together about their peripheral edges with the fill contained therebetween. The top and bottom shell panels are additionally joined together along at least one seam dividing the comforter into at least two areas. Along a portion at least of the at least one seam, the joinder of the top and bottom shell panels is releaable and restorable, forming a closable gap or passage in the seam through which the fill material can be shifted from one areas to the other to adjust the amount of fill in each area of the comforter.

Abstract: A quilted blanket (1) with a preferably rectangular covering and a loosely packed filling is described. The covering has at least one closable opening through which it can be filled with filling material. So that this blanket (1) can be used both as a so-called summer blanket and as a so-called winter blanket and so that it can be easily filled and emptied, particularly partially filled and emptied, the filling material comprises loosely packed filling material such as aggregates of spherically wrapped fibres. The opening of the covering can be closed by means of an easily openable fastener, such as a zipper, VELCRO tape, adhesive tape or by the like, or means of buttons.

Abstract: A heat-venting insulating article such as a garment, quilt, blanket, or the like, has an intermediate heat-insulating layer provided with a plurality of through holes. Inserted into each hole is a heat-venting ring capable of opening or closing in response to rising or falling temperatures within the insulating article so as to retain heat or to let excessive heat escape.

Abstract: A blanket includes a cavity therewithin defined between spaced layers of the blanket directing a fluid conduit therethrough. The fluid conduit is in cooperative and fluid communication with a control housing to include cooling and heating structure in association with a pump to direct cooled or heating fluid through the conduit within the blanket cavity. A modification of the invention includes a secondary reservoir to include fluid at ambient air temperature to stabilize a blanket temperature as an alternative to creating a temperature gradient relative to the ambient temperature environment of the blanket.

Abstract: Sleeping bags and bed covers are provided with selectively designed heat retention comfort zones so as to provide variable degrees of warmth along the length of a user. The covers provide light insulation between a user's hips and shoulders, medium insulation between the hips and knees, and heavy insulation between the knees and feet. In an alternative embodiment, an inflatable body form may be provided to give the appearance of someone sleeping beneath the cover to provide greater security from intruders.

Abstract: A selective body portion protecting means for use on an elbow, knee, leg, calf, or the like, to prevent friction on a wound, burn, bed sore, or the like. The protector includes a first non-woven fabric which contacts the body portion, and a second frictionless fabric which contacts the first non-woven fabric, and a third frictionless fabric which contacts the second frictionless fabric and which rests on a support. The first and second fabrics typically are formed and joined so as to envelop the selective body portion.