U.S. patent application number 15/055135 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for medical blankets.
The applicant listed for this patent is WGS Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael Bernstein, Asif Malik, Muhammad Mubashar.
Application Number | 20160183701 15/055135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56162818 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160183701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernstein; Michael ; et
al. |
June 30, 2016 |
Medical Blankets
Abstract
Described is an improved polypropylene blanket constructed
entirely of man-made fiber with a cotton-like hand. The improved
polypropylene blanket provides longer life and low cost per usage
due to its high thermal insulation, high strength and high abrasion
resistance. This results in a blanket with a fast drying time that
conserves energy and proves more durable than cotton-rich products.
The blanket is soil resistant that attracts less dirt and dust, is
resistant to fungi, molds and mildew and wicks away perspiration
from the skin.
Inventors: |
Bernstein; Michael; (Sandy
Springs, GA) ; Malik; Asif; (Lahore, PK) ;
Mubashar; Muhammad; (Faisalabad, PK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WGS Holdings, LLC |
Roswell |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56162818 |
Appl. No.: |
15/055135 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14979531 |
Dec 28, 2015 |
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15055135 |
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62096959 |
Dec 26, 2014 |
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62147831 |
Apr 15, 2015 |
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62154181 |
Apr 29, 2015 |
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62166165 |
May 26, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D10B 2321/022 20130101;
D03D 13/004 20130101; D03D 15/00 20130101; D03D 13/008 20130101;
D10B 2503/00 20130101; A47G 9/0223 20130101; D03D 1/0017
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02; D03D 15/00 20060101 D03D015/00 |
Claims
1. A polypropylene blanket comprising: a fiber comprising 100%
olefin fiber, wherein the fiber comprises a weight of approximately
8.24 ounces per square yard.
2. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 1, wherein the fiber
further comprises a fabric count of approximately 40.0
ends/inch.times.33.3 pics/inch.
3. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 2, wherein the fiber also
comprises a yarn size of approximately 654.2 denier
warp.times.741.4 denier filling.
4. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 3, wherein the fiber
further comprises a filament count of approximately 160 filaments
warp and 160 filaments filling.
5. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 4, wherein the fiber
further comprises a yarn twist for the warp of approximately less
than 1 threads per inch and a yarn twist for the filling of
approximately less than 1 threads per inch.
6. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 5, wherein the fiber
further comprises a square weave pattern.
7. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 6, wherein the fiber is
approximately 73 inches in width.times.103 inches in length.
8. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 7, wherein the fiber has a
weight of approximately 3.00 pounds.
9. A polypropylene blanket comprising: a fiber comprising 100%
olefin fiber, wherein the fiber comprises a weight of approximately
8.24 ounces per square yard and wherein the fiber absorbs
approximately 36% of its weight in a wash cycle.
10. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 9, wherein the fiber
further comprises a fabric count of approximately 40.0
ends/inch.times.33.3 pics/inch.
11. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 10, wherein the fiber
also comprises a yarn size of approximately 654.2 denier
warp.times.741.4 denier filling.
12. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 11, wherein the fiber
further comprises a filament count of approximately 160 filaments
warp and 160 filaments filling.
13. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 12, wherein the fiber
further comprises a yarn twist for the warp of approximately less
than 1 threads per inch and a yarn twist for the filling of
approximately less than 1 threads per inch.
14. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 13, wherein the fiber
further comprises a square weave pattern.
15. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 14, wherein the fiber is
approximately 73 inches in width.times.103 inches in length.
16. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 15, wherein the fiber has
a weight of approximately 3.00 pounds.
17. A polypropylene blanket comprising: a fiber comprising 100%
olefin fiber, wherein the fiber comprises a weight of approximately
8.24 ounces per square yard and wherein the fiber may be dried
using approximately 1.9 therms after a wash cycle.
18. The polypropylene blanket as in claim 17, wherein the fiber
absorbs approximately 36% of its weight after the wash cycle.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/979,531, filed on Dec. 28, 2015, which
claims the benefit of the following four U.S. Provisional Patent
Applications:
[0002] 1. Ser. No. 62/096,959, filed on Dec. 26, 2014;
[0003] 2. Ser. No. 62/147,831, filed on Apr. 15, 2015;
[0004] 3. Ser. No. 62/154,181, filed on Apr. 29, 2015; and
[0005] 4. Ser. No. 62/166,165, filed on May 26, 2015.
[0006] All of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure relates generally to improved medical
blankets designed for use by patients in a hospital. In this
application, "blanket" includes any type of textile that provides
protection against the elements and "hospital" includes any type of
medical facility. The improved blankets may be branded as the Eco
Blanket Solution.TM..
BACKGROUND
[0008] Hospital blankets for patient use must meet a number of
requirements to satisfy the needs of the patient, the hospital and
the laundry facility that cleans the blankets. For the patient, the
blanket must be sanitary and comfortable, keeping the patient warm
in a colder climate and cool in a warmer climate. For the hospital,
the blanket must have minimal bulk, be easily portable, be easily
distributable to patients for use and be easily collectable from
patients for cleaning or disposal. For the laundry facility, the
blanket must be easy to clean with minimal water/soap usage and
minimal drying times.
[0009] Traditional cotton and polyester/cotton thermal blankets
often do not satisfy these needs because of their numerous
drawbacks. Such drawbacks include: poor warmth due to low thermal
insulation, low strength and abrasion resistance, high water usage
in laundering and longer drying time. This results in a blanket
with shorter useful life and a relatively higher cost per
usage.
[0010] Further, optimization in laundry industry has traditionally
focused on improved machines, improved chemistry and improved water
usage. Yet the state of the art ignores another equally important
method of optimization: to improve throughput and profit margins at
a laundry by improving the features of the laundered materials.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the art to provide an
improved hospital blanket that has a longer useful life while
providing superior features for the patient, hospital and
laundering facility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, together with the detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to
further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed
invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an orthographic view of a first embodiment of a
blanket in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a second embodiment of a
blanket in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
[0017] The apparatus and method components have been represented
where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing
only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
DESCRIPTION
[0018] Turning to FIG. 1, shown is an improved polypropylene
blanket constructed entirely of man-made fiber with a cotton-like
hand. FIG. 2 is a close-up of a portion of the improved
polypropylene blanket shown in FIG. 1, enlarged to show detail.
FIG. 3 is a close-up of a portion of another embodiment, an
improved polypropylene/polyester blanket, enlarged to show
detail.
I. IMPROVED POLYPROPYLENE BLANKET
[0019] The improved polypropylene blanket provides longer life and
low cost per usage due to its high thermal insulation, high
strength and high abrasion resistance. This results in a blanket
with a fast drying time that conserves energy and proves more
durable than cotton-rich products. The blanket is soil resistant
that attracts less dirt and dust, is resistant to fungi, molds and
mildew and wicks away perspiration from the skin.
A. Physical Properties
1. FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0020] The overall properties of a first embodiment of the improved
polypropylene blanket may include: [0021] Size: 74''.times.100''
and weight: 2.60 lbs. per blanket (but the size may be adjusted to
be any useful length and width and the weight will change
accordingly). In the alternative, the weight may be 3.00 lbs per
blanket. [0022] Appearances: Choice of white or color; and [0023]
Texture: "Chevron" weave pattern, as shown in detail in FIG. 2.
[0024] Specific features of the improved polypropylene blanket may
include: [0025] Fiber Identification (AATC 20A): 100% Olefin.
[0026] Fabric weight (ASTM D3776): 6.94 oz./sq. yd. [0027] Fabric
count (ASTM D3775): 36.7 ends/inch.times.30 pics/inch. [0028] Yarn
size (ASTM D1059): 775.3 denier warp.times.747.1 denier filling.
[0029] Filament count: 160 filaments warp and 160 filaments
filling. [0030] Yarn twist (ASTM D1423): Singles, "S" twist with
4.08 TPI Avg. (warp); and Singles "S" twist with 3.94 TPI Avg.
(filling). [0031] Thermal transmittance of materials (ASTM F 1868):
resistance: Rct (CLO) of 0.681 average (Procedure Part A Thermal
Resistance). [0032] Electrostatic Clinging of Fabrics,
Fabric-to-Metal Test (AATC 115) at 23 degrees C., 42% relative
humidity: Warp: 4 seconds for nylon rubbing fabric; 8 seconds for
polyester rubbing fabric. Filling: 11 seconds for nylon rubbing
fabric; 12 seconds for polyester rubbing fabric. (Average time
required for specimen to lose electrostatic charge.) [0033] Fabric
Dimensional Change and Appearance (Machine Wash @ 160 degrees F.,
Tumble Dry High, Unrestored): First Cycle Dimensional Change: -1.3%
Length; -1.2% Width. Appearance: Slightly to negligibly yellower
and less bright shade change, No noticeable pilling or fuzzing,
Hand is slightly to negligibly more soft. No other noticeable
change or deterioration. Third Cycle Dimensional Change: -2.1%
Length; -2.1% Width. Appearance: Slightly yellower and less bright
shade change. No noticeable pilling or fuzzing. Hand is slightly to
negligibly more soft. Slight to negligible short snags No other
noticeable change or deterioration. Fifth Cycle Dimensional Change:
-2.3% Length; -2.6% Width. Appearance: Noticeably yellower and less
bright shade change, No noticeable pilling or fuzzing, Hand is
slightly more soft, Slight to noticeable short snags, No other
noticeable change or deterioration.
2. SECOND EMBODIMENT
[0034] The overall properties of a second embodiment of the
improved polypropylene blanket may include: [0035] Size:
73''.times.103'' and weight: 3.00 lbs. per blanket (but the size
may be adjusted to be any useful length and width and the weight
will change accordingly). [0036] Appearances: Choice of tan, white
or other color; and [0037] Texture: "Squares" weave pattern, as
shown in detail in FIG. 3.
[0038] Specific features of the improved polypropylene blanket may
include: [0039] Fiber Identification (AATC 20A): 100% Olefin.
[0040] Fabric weight (ASTM D3776): 8.24 oz./sq. yd. [0041] Fabric
count (ASTM D3775): 40.0 ends/inch.times.33.3 pics/inch. [0042]
Yarn size (ASTM D1059): 654.2 denier warp.times.741.4 denier
filling. [0043] Filament count: 160 filaments warp and 160
filaments filling. [0044] Yarn twist (ASTM D1423): <1 TPI
(warp); and <1 TPI (filling). [0045] Thermal transmittance of
materials (ASTM F 1868): resistance: Rct (CLO) of 0.74 average
(Procedure Part A Thermal Resistance). [0046] Electrostatic
Clinging of Fabrics, Fabric-to-Metal Test (AATC 115) at 21 degrees
C., 20% relative humidity: Length: does not cling for nylon rubbing
fabric; does not cling for polyester rubbing fabric. Width: does
not cling for nylon rubbing fabric; does not cling for polyester
rubbing fabric. (Thus, average time required for specimen to lose
electrostatic charge is 0 seconds.) [0047] Fabric Dimensional
Change (AATC 135-2204) and Appearance (Machine Wash @ 160 degrees
F., Tumble Dry High, Unrestored) (ASTM D3938): First Cycle
Dimensional Change: -3.6% Length; -4.2% Width. Appearance: Slightly
to negligibly redder and less bright shade change, No noticeable
pilling or fuzzing, Hand is slightly to negligibly more soft and
less flat. No other noticeable change or deterioration. Third Cycle
Dimensional Change: -4.8% Length; -5.2% Width. Appearance: Slightly
redder and less bright shade change, No noticeable pilling or
fuzzing, Hand is slightly more soft and less flat. No other
noticeable change or deterioration. Fifth Cycle Dimensional Change:
-5.5% Length; -6.2% Width. Appearance: Slightly to noticeably
redder and less bright shade change, No noticeable pilling or
fuzzing, Hand is slightly more soft and less flat. No other
noticeable change or deterioration.
[0048] 45 Degree Flammability per part 1610 of the Flammable
Fabrics Act (Plain Fabric):
Unrefurbished: Did not ignite. Refurbished Did not ignite. Test
Results: Pass-Class 1, Normal Flammability. In all cases, the Stop
Cord Remains Unbroken, thus no burn time is available.
[0049] The foregoing features may be adjusted so as to produce
results similar to those described herein.
B. Advantages
[0050] The advantages of the improved polypropylene blanket are
numerous. For the patient, the improved polypropylene blanket wicks
away perspiration by promoting movement of moisture away from the
skin because of its hollow fiber. This increases patient comfort
because it allows the fabric to stays cooler in a warm climate. In
a colder climate, the hollow fiber provides additional insulation,
which keeps the patient warm.
[0051] The improved polypropylene blanket is also more sanitary due
to its resistant to fungi, molds and mildew. This resistance
inhibits growth of microscopic organisms on the surface and resists
growth of odor producing bacteria. Polypropylene is also soil
resistant attributable to chemical inertness and lower accumulation
of static by friction during use. As a result, polypropylene fabric
attracts less dirt and dust as compared to other materials.
[0052] For the hospital and laundry, the improved polypropylene
blanket has minimal bulk and is easily portable. The improved
polypropylene blanket also cleans easily with low water usage and
quick drying when laundering. As such, it uses less energy,
utilities and chemicals to process. This provides a cost savings
both because it takes fewer resources to clean each blanket and
because each blanket can endure more laundry cycles before needing
disposal.
C. Test Results
[0053] Various test results of the improved polypropylene blanket
when compared with standard CVC thermal blankets show marked
improved performance in the throughput of the blanket's washing and
drying. (CVC stands for Chief Value Cotton, which is a blend of
cotton and polyester where cotton is in the majority.)
Example 1
[0054] Example 1 is based on a 5-cycle laundry tunnel wash and
drying test comparing a 2.62-pound improved polypropylene blanket
(a "new spread") and a 2.2-pound CVC thermal blanket (a
"light-weight spread"). A cycle is a tunnel wash and dry. The therm
is a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units
(BTU). It is approximately the energy equivalent of burning 100
cubic feet (often referred to as 1 CCF) of natural gas. One therm
can also be provided by about 96.7 cubic feet (2.74 m.sup.3) of
natural gas.
[0055] The following Table 1 shows information related to a 5-cycle
wash for the new spread.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 CYCLE # 1 2 3 4 5 PIECES PER LOAD 108 108
108 108 108 TOTAL WEIGHT 283 283 283 283 283 PER LOAD (pounds)
EXTRACTED 361 361 361 361 361 WEIGHT (pounds at the end of the
tunnel wash) DRY WEIGHT AT 258 28.53% THE END OF CYCLE 5 (pounds)
DRY TIME (minutes) 19 19 19 19 19 INLET TEMP (F.) 445 OUTLET TEMP
(F.) 180 COOL DOWN TIME 2.5 (minutes) WEIGHT AFTER 258 DRY CYCLE
(pounds) THERMS USED 2.48 2.59 1.96 2.48 2.38 PER DRYER CYCLE AVG.
THERMS 2.38 FOR TEST GAS METER READINGS LOAD IN 121.1 130 132 137.2
139.6 LOAD OUT 123.5 132.5 133.9 139.6 141.9 TOTAL THERMS 2.48 2.59
1.96 2.48 2.38 USED
[0056] This results in a therm per blanket of 0.91 and a therm per
pound of 0.34.
[0057] The following Table 2 shows information related to a 5-cycle
wash for the light-weight spread.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 CYCLE # 1 2 3 4 5 PIECES PER LOAD 108 108
108 108 108 TOTAL WEIGHT 237.6 237.6 236.7 236.7 236.7 PER LOAD
(pounds) EXTRACTED 355.5 395 394 394 394 WEIGHT (pounds at the end
of the tunnel wash) DRY WEIGHT AT 243 31.65% THE END OF CYCLE 5
(pounds) DRY TIME (minutes) 28 28 28 28 28 INLET TEMP (F.) 445
OUTLET TEMP (F.) 185 COOL DOWN TIME 2.5 (minutes) WEIGHT AFTER
218.7 DRY CYCLE (pounds) THERMS USED 3.35 2.79 3.07 2.79 2.98 PER
DRYER CYCLE AVG. THERMS 3.00 FOR TEST GAS METER READINGS: LOAD IN
117.5 124 133.9 141.9 144.9 LOAD OUT 121.1 127 137.2 144.9 148.1
TOTAL THERMS 3.72 3.10 3.41 3.10 3.31 USED
[0058] This results in a therm per blanket of 1.36 and a therm per
pound of 0.61.
Example 2
[0059] Example 2 is based on a 5-cycle laundry tunnel wash and
drying test comparing: a) a 2.62-pound improved polypropylene
blanket (a "new spread"); b) a 2.2-pound CVC thermal blanket (a
"light-weight spread"); and c) a 3.75-pound CVC thermal blanket (a
"traditional spread"). The data in Example 2 was obtained in the
following manner: [0060] The data for the new spread of Example 2
is identical to the data for the new spread of Example 1. [0061]
The data for the light-weight spread of Example 2 is identical to
the data for the light-weight spread of Example 1. [0062] The data
for the traditional spread of Example is based on the data for the
light-weight spread of Example 2 extrapolated to a 3.75 pound CVC
thermal blanket.
[0063] The following Tables 3, 4 and 5 show further data comparing
the new spread, the light-weight spread and the traditional
spread.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 New Spread (Based on 108 pieces per 1st 2nd
3rd 4th 5th load) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Average TOTAL 283
283 283 283 283 WEIGHT PER LOAD (2.62 lb./ piece) (pounds)
EXTRACTED 361 361 361 361 361 WEIGHT (pressed) (pounds) DRY TIME 19
19 19 19 19 19 (minutes) WEIGHT 258 258 258 258 258 AFTER DRY CYCLE
(pounds) LOAD 121 130 132 137 140 IN(therms) LOAD OUT 124 133 134
140 142 (therms) TOTAL 2.48 2.59 1.96 2.48 2.38 2.38 THERMS
USED
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Light Weight Spread (Based on 108 pieces per
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th load) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Average
TOTAL 238 238 238 238 238 WEIGHT PER LOAD (2.20 lb./ piece)
(pounds) EXTRACTED 356 356 356 356 356 WEIGHT (pressed) (pounds)
DRY TIME 28 28 28 28 28 28 (minutes) WEIGHT 243 243 243 243 243
AFTER DRY CYCLE (pounds) LOAD IN 118 124 134 142 145 (therms) LOAD
OUT 121 127 137 145 148 (therms) TOTAL 3.72 3.10 3.41 3.10 3.31
3.33 THERMS USED
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Traditional Spread (Based on 108 pieces per
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th load) Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Cycle Average
TOTAL 405 405 405 405 405 WEIGHT PER LOAD (3.75 lb./ piece)
(pounds) EXTRACTED 606 606 606 606 606 WEIGHT (pressed) (pounds)
DRY TIME 28 28 28 28 28 28 (minutes) WEIGHT 414 414 414 414 414
AFTER DRY CYCLE (pounds) LOAD IN 200 211 229 243 248 (therms) LOAD
OUT 206 216 234 247 252 (therms) TOTAL 6.35 5.29 4.92 4.34 4.67
5.11 THERMS USED
[0064] The following Table 6 shows further data comparing the new
spread and the light-weight spread.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Dry Time Total Therms Per Product Selection
(minutes) Therms Used Blanket New Spread 19 2.38 0.91 Lightweight
Spread 28 3.33 1.51 Improvement 9 0.95 0.60 Savings 32% 29% 40%
[0065] The following Table 7 shows further data comparing the new
spread and the traditional spread.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Total Therms Per Product Selection Dry Time
Therms Used Blanket New Spread 19 2.38 0.91 Traditional Spread 28
5.11 1.36 Improvement 9 2.73 0.45 Savings 32% 53% 33%
Example 3
[0066] In this Example 3, another set of lab trials for drying
comparing the improved polypropylene blanket of 2.6 pounds (called
ECO Thermal) with regular CVC thermal blankets of 3.75 pounds and
2.6 pounds was performed. Fabric samples from each product of the
same size were taken and then dried them using tumble drying
equipment and line drying. After each interval the weight of the
samples was recorded.
[0067] The following Table 8 shows tumble drying data comparing the
ECO Thermal Blanket with the 2 CVC Thermal Blankets.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Eco CVC CVC Thermal Thermal Thermal Product
Blanket Blanket Blanket Weight per item 2.6 lbs 3.75 lbs 2.6 lbs
Initial Weight of sample 180 grams 298 grams 180 grams Wet Weight
after soaking in water 245 grams 745 grams 447 grams Weight after
spin cycle 222 grams 520 grams 312 grams Weight after 5 min tumble
drying 180 grams 468 grams 280 grams Weight after 10 min tumble
drying 180 grams 424 grams 254 grams Weight after 15 min tumble
drying X 386 grams 231 grams Weight after 20 min tumble drying X
366 grams 220 grams Weight after 40 min tumble drying X 298 grams
180 grams
[0068] The following Table 9 shows line drying data comparing the
ECO Thermal Blanket with the 2 CVC Thermal Blankets.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Eco CVC CVC Thermal Thermal Thermal Product
Blanket Blanket Blanket Weight per item 2.6 lbs 3.75 lbs 2.6 lbs
Initial Weight of sample 182 grams 308 grams 184 grams Wet Weight
after soaking in water 250 grams 735 grams 440 grams Weight after
spin cycle 232 grams 522 grams 312 grams Weight after 30 minutes
210 grams 498 grams 300 grams Weight after 60 minutes 200 grams 486
grams 291 grams Weight after 90 minutes 190 grams 476 grams 284
grams Weight after 120 minutes 182 grams 462 grams 275 grams Weight
after 720 minutes X 318 grams 184 grams
Example 4
[0069] Shown in Table 10 are data comparing results after about 60
pieces of the improved polypropylene blanket (called ECO-Blanket)
and a prior art standard blanket (called E49277-621) were washed
100 times.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 ECO-Blanket E49277-621 Pre wash size
69.68'' .times. 88.19'' L 70.9'' .times. 105.1'' L Pre wash weight
.sup. 659 g (1.45 lb) 908 g (2 lb) Post wash size 66.54'' .times.
66.14'' L 69.5'' .times. 84.1'' L Post wash weight 632.6 g (1.39
lb) 847.7 g (1.87 lb) Shrinkage % on Length 25% 20% Shrinkage % on
Width 4% 2% Water Transfer 3.45 liters 11 liters Absorbency per
meter square 0.53 liters/m.sup.2 0.85 liters/m.sup.2
[0070] The data show that because of the lower absorbency level of
the yarns, only about 1/3 as much water ends up going into the
dryer. There is a corresponding 2/3 reduction in drying time.
D. Conclusions
[0071] The conclusions drawn from these Examples are: [0072] The
improved polypropylene blanket inherently absorbs less water when
compared to regular CVC thermal blankets. CVC thermal blankets
absorb 150% water with respect to their own weights and the
improved polypropylene blanket absorbs only 36% of its weight.
[0073] Laundry machines operating at optimum workload are able to
launder 50% more improved polypropylene blankets due to its less
absorption. This means less water usage and waste, less chemicals,
less wash detergents and higher efficiency per machine. [0074] The
improved polypropylene blankets are quick to dry. In line drying,
the improved polypropylene blanket dry 6 times faster than regular
CVC thermal blankets. In tumble drying, the improved polypropylene
blanket needs 75% less tumble drying time than regular CVC thermal
blankets.
[0075] In addition to the foregoing specifications, a 1.6 to 1.75
pound plain weave blanket may be used with otherwise the same or
similar physical properties, This plain-weave blanket may be a bath
blanket with the same 100% Olefin.
II. IMPROVED POLYPROPYLENE/POLYESTER BLANKET
[0076] The improved polypropylene/polyester blanket is a second
embodiment of a blanket that provides longer life and low cost per
usage due to its high thermal insulation, high strength and high
abrasion resistance. This results in a blanket with a fast drying
time that conserves energy and proves more durable than cotton-rich
products. The blanket is soil resistant that attracts less dirt and
dust, is resistant to fungi, molds and mildew and wicks away
perspiration from the skin.
[0077] The improved polypropylene/polyester blanket may have one or
more of the following physical properties: [0078] Blend: 85%
Polypropylene/15% Polyester. [0079] Finished Size: 70''
width.times.90'' length and weight 1.6 lb. (but the size may be
adjusted to be any useful length and width and the weight will
change accordingly). [0080] Warp Count: 150 Denier. [0081] Weft
Count: 330 Denier. [0082] Warp Threads per inch: 34. [0083] Weft
Threads per inch: 34. [0084] Packing Bale: 48 pcs per bale. [0085]
Fabric weight (ASTM D3776): 4.66 oz./sq. yd. [0086] Fabric count
(ASTM D3775): 36.0 ends/inch.times.40.0 pics/inch. [0087] Yarn size
(ASTM D1059): 145.6/1 denier warp.times.738.7/2 denier filling.
[0088] Filament count: 48 filaments warp and 80 filaments filling
per ply. [0089] Yarn twist (ASTM D1423): <1 TPI (warp); and 2
Ply "S" twist with 199.6 TPI Avg. (filling). [0090] Fiber
Identification (AATCC 20A--With Moisture): Olefin: 83.91%
(confirmed by DSC analysis) and Polyester: 16.09%. [0091] Thermal
transmittance of materials (ASTM F 1868): resistance: Rct (CLO) of
0.67 average (Procedure Part A Thermal Resistance). [0092]
Electrostatic Clinging of Fabrics, Fabric-to-Metal Test (AATC 115)
at 23 degrees C., 27% relative humidity: Wales: 0 seconds for nylon
rubbing fabric; 0 seconds for polyester rubbing fabric. Courses: 0
seconds for nylon rubbing fabric; 0 seconds for polyester rubbing
fabric. (Time required for specimen to lose electrostatic charge:
fabric does not cling.) [0093] Fabric Dimensional Change and
Appearance (Machine Wash @ 160 degrees F., Tumble Dry High,
Unrestored): First Cycle Dimensional Change: -15.5% Length; -3.9%
Width. Appearance: Slightly brighter shade change. No noticeable
pilling. Slight to negligible fuzzing, Slightly puckered overall.
Hand is slightly to negligibly less soft. Slight to negligible
short snags. No other noticeable change or deterioration. Third
Cycle Dimensional Change: -17.5% Length; -5.1% Width. Appearance:
Slightly brighter shade change. No noticeable pilling. Slight
fuzzing, Slightly puckered overall. Hand is slightly less soft.
Slight short snags. No other noticeable change or deterioration.
Fifth Cycle Dimensional Change: -17.9% Length; -5.5% Width.
Appearance: Slightly brighter shade change. No noticeable pilling.
Slight fuzzing, Noticeably puckered overall. Hand is slightly less
soft. Slight short snags. No other noticeable change or
deterioration.
[0094] In an additional test, after 3 washes, the length shrank by
20% and the width shrank by 5%. These washes produced a yellowed
fabric with a rough hand, stretches and rough wavy edges.
[0095] The foregoing features may be adjusted so as to produce
results similar to those described herein. Specifically, a second
embodiment may have a fabric weight of 6.82 to 7.2 oz/sq. yd. and a
fabric count within a range of 35-40/'' ends.times.30-34/''
pics.
[0096] The improved polypropylene/polyester blanket may have the
same advantages as the improved polypropylene blanket set forth in
Section I, above.
III. IMPROVED POLYPROPYLENE/POLYESTER/COTTON BLANKET
[0097] The improved polypropylene/polyester.cotton blanket is a
third embodiment of a warming blanket used for patients that
provides longer life and low cost per usage due to its high CLO
value, high thermal insulation, high strength and high abrasion
resistance. This results in a blanket with a fast drying time that
conserves energy and proves more durable than cotton-rich products.
The blanket is soil resistant that attracts less dirt and dust, is
resistant to fungi, molds and mildew and wicks away perspiration
from the skin.
[0098] The improved polypropylene/polyester/cotton blanket may have
one or more of the following physical properties: [0099] Warp 30
Denier, consisting of a polyester 80% and cotton 20% [0100] Weft
330 Denier, consisting of one thread of polypropylene yarn and one
thread of polyester yard repeated throughout. [0101] 42 ends/inch
[0102] 36 picks/inch [0103] Overall blend ratio of 45%
polypropylene, 45% polyester and 10% cotton. [0104] Weight 1.5
lbs.
[0105] The improved polypropylene/polyester blanket may have the
same advantages as the improved polypropylene blanket set forth in
Section I above.
IV. CONCLUSION
[0106] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have
been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present teachings.
[0107] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a
critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all
the claims that claim benefit to this application. The invention is
defined solely by such claims including any amendments thereto and
all equivalents of those claims as issued.
[0108] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have
been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present teachings.
[0109] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any
element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to
occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as
critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all
the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims
including any amendments made during the pendency of this
application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
[0110] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first
and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," "has", "having," "includes",
"including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that
a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,
includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those
elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or
inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element
proceeded by "comprises . . . a", "has . . . a", "includes . . .
a", "contains . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes,
contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or
more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms
"substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any
other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood
by one of ordinary skill in the art. The term "coupled" as used
herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly
and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is
"configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way,
but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
[0111] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in various embodiments for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the
claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single
disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
* * * * *