Blanket With Forced Air Flow Patents (Class 5/941)
  • Patent number: 7937789
    Abstract: A cushion heated convectively using a positive temperature coefficient of resistance type resistive heating includes a mattress pad, seat or the like with a bottom surface secured around its perimeter to an air permeable top surface, forming a plenum and containing tubular spacer material or other air flow structure therein. The plenum is connected to a power unit housing a blower, a heating module and a controller unit. The heating module includes a PTC type heating element. A remote control is provided, and a foldable antenna attachable to the convective unit facilitates wireless communication with the controller unit. The user resting atop the cushion controls the blower and heating module to deliver air of a desired temperature and quantity to the cushion and through the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Steve Feher
  • Patent number: 7260857
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blanket having at least one snap stick inserted into or onto the blanket to maximize the surface area of the blanket that contacts the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Karl Hans Cazzini, Joel T. Jusiak
  • Patent number: 7120951
    Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Arizant Healthcare Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Douglas Augustine, Susan Dykins Augustine, Garrett Jesse Augustine, Brent Matthew Augustine, Ryan Scott Augustine
  • Patent number: 6730115
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a person in a supine position as part of a clinical treatment includes an air blower, a heat exchanger, an inflatable mattress and a cooling jacket or overlay. Air from the blower is cooled by contact with the heat exchanger, passed through the jacket or overlay and through the mattress in order to rapidly cool the person so as to achieve mild hypothermia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Patrick Heaton
  • Publication number: 20030145380
    Abstract: A sheet of pliable, washable material is configured to cover at least a portion of a piece of furniture, such as a mattress. A manifold and a plurality of air flow tubes are formed in the sheet, with the air flow tubes in communication with the manifold. The air flow tubes include top surfaces that are constructed to release air at a controlled rate therethrough. The sheet helps reduce exposure to allergens and other harmful particles, including the house dust mite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: William Schmid
  • Patent number: 6574812
    Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris D. Jakubowski, Scott S. Jakubowski, Todd M. Jakubowski
  • Publication number: 20020138901
    Abstract: A warming system, mounted to the foot of a bed, warms a person's lower extremities by directing air into the space between the mattress and overlaying blankets. A blower directs air into an elongated distribution chamber having many tiny exit apertures. The chamber is mounted at the foot of the bed, so that air exiting the apertures warms the person's feet. For maximum thermal transfer, the chamber is placed under the sheet and any blankets, but above the mattress cover and fitted sheet. The chamber may be implemented by a length of open cell foam, a hollow manifold with many punctures or other tiny distribution apertures, collapsible pocket, etc. While the person is lying on the bed beneath the blankets, with feet proximate the foot of the bed, the blower directs temperature-regulated air into the chamber and through the exit apertures, thereby warming the person's feet. A temperature regulator ensures a normothermic air temperature (or alternatively, hyperthermic air temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: SCOTT DOUGLAS AUGUSTINE, SUSAN DYKINS AUGUSTINE, GARRETT JESSE AUGUSTINE, BRENT MATTHEW AUGUSTINE, RYAN SCOTT AUGUSTINE
  • Publication number: 20020100121
    Abstract: A cooling cover apparatus including a top sheet, a bottom sheet secured to the top sheet, a plurality of tubular members positioned between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, a flexible hose interconnected to the plurality of tubular members, and a cooling air generator connected to the flexible hose so as to pass cooling air through the flexible hose and into the plurality of tubular members. A diverter is connected to the flexible hose so as to cause cooling air to selectively enter at least one of the plurality of tubular members. Each of the plurality of tubular members has opening formed therein so as to cause cooling air to pass downwardly through said bottom sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Earnest Kocurek
  • Patent number: 6363551
    Abstract: An air-flow containment and distribution assembly (10) consisting of a bed sheet (24) or an agricultural parcel cover (22), an air duct (38) and an electric fan (14) that preferably includes a speed control (18) and a heating element (20). The cover (22,24) includes at least one air-duct opening (36) located near an edge of the cover (22,24), and the air duct (38) includes a closed front section (48) and an open rear end (50). The duct's front section (48) has a bulbous shape (58) and a rectangular opening (52) dimensioned to be attached to the air-duct opening (36) and the rear end (50) forms a shroud (56) that attaches to the fan (14). When the bed sheet (24) is placed over a bed mattress (100), the air (12) from the fan (14) flows through the air duct (38) and under the sheet (24) to maintain a person or persons under the bed sheet at a selectable air flow and temperature. Likewise, the air flowing under the agricultural parcel cover (22) safeguards the produce from damaging adverse weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Flores
  • Patent number: 6241755
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for conveniently and removably sealing inlet ports within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the present invention a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of resilient side extensions extending from a central body is used to close an inlet port within an inflatable thermal blanket. In accordance with the preferred invention, the generally circular portion of the central body has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet port. Preferably, for extensions extend from the central body each extension being generally circular. Each extension is preferably formed from the same material used to form the central body, and is sufficiently resilient to be easily flexed and to return to an essentially coplanar sheet when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Augustine Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. Arnold, Scott D. Augustine
  • Patent number: 6112348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes openings through which a patient's toes or feet may protrude, the openings being located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with such openings, comfort for the patient can be increased and slippage of the blanket can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Dickerhoff
  • Patent number: 5974605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes multiple inlet ports. By providing a blanket with multiple inlets, the user has the choice of positioning the air supply or blower unit and the supply hose on either side of the patient. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet ports are resealable, thus allowing the user to switch inlets during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel, Robert A. Virag
  • Patent number: 5890243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes openings through which a patient's toes or feet may protrude, the openings being located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with such openings, comfort for the patient can be increased and slippage of the blanket can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Dickerhoff
  • Patent number: 5887303
    Abstract: A bed warmer apparatus including box-like housing member that has a pair of elongated side walls with a pair of short side walls therebetween. The pair of elongated side walls and the pair of short side walls are interconnected to a top wall. The top wall has a cylindrical coupler extending therefrom and defining an opening in the top wall. The housing member is sized for positioning around an air vent and receiving air therein to pass through the cylindrical coupler. Also, a fluted nozzle with a first end and a second end is provided. Lastly, an elongated flexible hose is included and has a first hose end coupled with the coupler and a second hose end coupled with the first end of the fluted nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Edward J. Raith
  • Patent number: 5683441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket includes an airflow deflector internal to the blanket and located near the air inlet port of the blanket. By providing a blanket with an airflow deflector, better distribution of air within the confines of the blanket may be achieved, which helps to reduce and eliminate problems associated with hot and cold spots within the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Dickerhoff, Thomas F. Kappel