Multi-zone Customizable Weighted Blankets

Abstract

A multi-zone blanket comprises multiple compartments along a length and a width; first pouches configured to be secured in a first set of the multiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartments associated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the first pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing a first weighted distribution across the first zone; and second pouches configured to be secured in a second set of the multiple compartments, the second set of the multiple compartments associated with a second zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having a second weight different than the first weight, the second pouches for causing a second weighted distribution across the second zone.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/773,159, entitled "Weighted Blanket and Methods of Manufacturing and Customization," filed on Nov. 29, 2018, by inventor ShiZhong Richard Xu, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure pertains to blankets. More specifically, this disclosure pertains to multi-zoned weighted blankets.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket that covers a body or body parts. A weighted blanket has been used by medical or therapy professionals for various medical or therapeutic purposes. Under conventional approaches, a weighted blanket can be selected based on a person's body weight (generally about 10% of body weight). Therefore, in this example, a person weighting 150 pounds would select a weighted blanket that weighs approximately 15 pounds. However, under such conventional approaches, a weighted blanket may not suit a person's preference.

SUMMARY

[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a multi-zone weighted blanket and a method of configuring the multi-zone weighted blanket. In some embodiments, a blanket can be subdivided into two or more substantially equal compartments along a length and a width of the blanket. A first compartment in the two or more substantially equal compartments can be filled with a first pouch containing a first number of weighted materials (or, "units"). The first pouch corresponds to a first weight density for the blanket. A second compartment in the two or more substantially equal compartments can be filled with a second pouch containing a second number of weighted materials. The second pouch corresponds to a second weight density for the blanket. The first weight density is greater than the second weight density.

[0005] In some embodiments, a third compartment in the two or more substantially equal compartments can be filled with a third pouch containing a third number of weighted materials. The third pouch corresponds to a third weight density for the blanket. The second weight density being greater than the third weight density.

[0006] In some embodiments, the weighted materials can be at least one of ceramic beads, plastic beads, or metallic beads.

[0007] In some embodiments, each compartment of the two or more substantially equal compartments can include an opening with a mechanical coupling device that allows the opening to be closed shut.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mechanical coupling device is at least one of a zipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.

[0009] In some embodiments, a layer can be attached to the blanket such that the mechanical coupling device is not in direct contact with a person when the blanket is applied to the person.

[0010] In some embodiments, the layer can be detachable from the blanket.

[0011] In some embodiments, compartments in the two or more substantially equal compartments that correspond to four corners of the blanket can be configured to be at the first weight density. Compartments in the two or more substantially equal compartments corresponding to regions of the blanket between the four corners can be configured to be at the second weight density.

[0012] In some embodiments, compartments in the two or more substantially equal compartments that correspond to a region in a middle of the blanket can be configured to be at the third weight density.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the two or more substantially equal compartments can be at least one of a square shape, rectangular shape, pentagonal shape, hexagonal shapes, or octagonal shape arranged along the length and the width of the blanket.

[0014] These and other features of the apparatus and the method are disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1A depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1B depicts a diagram a first weighted blanket and a second weighted blanket of different weight densities, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 1C depicts a diagram showing a person covered by a weighted blanket comprising one or more compartments, according to some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2A depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 2B depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 2C depicts a diagram of an example multi-zone weighted blanket configured for a couple, according to some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 3A depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating weight densities in a multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 3B depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating a multi-zone weighted blanket optimized for a person, according to some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3C depicts a flowchart of an example method of creating a dynamically configurable multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket that covers a body or body parts. A weighted blanket may be used by medical or therapy professionals for various medical or therapeutic purposes. For example, a weighted blanket may be used to alleviate discomfort in a person's lower extremities (e.g., legs) that is typically associated with people suffering from restless leg syndrome. As another example, a weighted blanket may provide a positive calming effect to a person that may lead to better sleep quality. Under conventional approaches, a weighted blanket can be selected based on a person's body weight. For example, it is generally believed that a blanket weighing 10% of a person's body weight is a good benchmark for choosing a weighted blanket. However, under such conventional approaches, a weighted blanket may not be customizable to a person's preference and/or requirements. For example, a person may prefer an uneven distribution of weight, instead of an even distribution of weight. Further, a person may want to adjust the weight distribution.

[0025] The embodiments described herein address the aforementioned problems and other problems. Various embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus and a method of configuring a multi-zone weighted blanket based on various weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket. In some embodiments, a multi-zone weighted blanket can be subdivided into substantially equal compartments (e.g., pockets) along a length and a width of the multi-zone weighted blanket in a grid-like arrangement. A first compartment can be filled with a pouch containing a first number of a weighted material to generate a first weight or first weight density for the multi-zone weighted blanket. A second compartment can be filled with a pouch containing a second number of the weighted material to generate a second weight or second weight density for the multi-zone weighted blanket. A third compartment can be filled with a third pouch containing a third number of the weighted material to generate a third weight or third weight density for the multi-zone weighted blanket. In some embodiments, these weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket can be used to optimize or tailor the multi-zone weight blanket for a person. For example, in some embodiments, a multi-zone weighted blanket can be configured such that compartments corresponding to four corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket have first weight densities (e.g., inserted first pouches into the compartments), compartments corresponding to regions of the multi-zone weighted blanket between the four corners have second weight densities (e.g., inserted second pouches into the compartments), and compartments corresponding to a region in a middle of the multi-zone weighted blanket have third weight densities (e.g., inserted third pouches). In such embodiments, the first weight density is greater (e.g., heavier) than the second weight density, and the second weight density is greater (e.g., heavier) than the third weight density.

[0026] In some embodiments, a weight density profile of a multi-zone weighted blanket can be dynamically configured. For example, a person can remove pouches of weighted materials stored in a compartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket to reduce a weight density of the compartment. In some cases, the person can add pouches of weighted materials to the compartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket to increase the weight density of the compartment. In such embodiments, a person can customize or configure a multi-zone weighted blanket to have a specific weight density profile (e.g., that is specific to the person's particular likings and/or another person's particular likings). In some embodiments, there may be low weight pouches, medium weight pouches and heavy weight pouches. The low weight pouches may be placed in the compartments above the core section of the body (e.g., the core zone). The medium weight pouches may be placed in the compartments above the neck and extremities of the body (e.g., the extremity zones). The heavy weight pouches may be placed in the compartments at the corners to support a heavier drape (e.g., in the corner zones). Because different bodies have different shapes and sizes, different people may prefer different distributions of the pouches. Larger people may prefer a larger core zone. Notably, one person may use low weight pouches that are heavier than the low weight pouches of another person, medium weight pouches that are heavier than the medium weight pouches of the other person, and heavy weight pouches that are heavier than the heavy weight pouches of the other person. For example, in some embodiments, a man may prefer heavier weights than a woman. These and other embodiments of the claimed inventions are discussed in further detail herein.

[0027] FIG. 1A depicts a diagram 100 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket 102, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can be made from cotton fabric, silk fabric, polyester, velvet, or any type of suitable blanket material. The multi-zone weighted blanket 102, in some embodiments, can comprise one or more compartments 104 (e.g., pockets) that can be filled with weighted materials such as, for example, ceramic beads (or pellets) of a particular density, plastic beads of a particular density, metallic beads of a particular density, and/or other suitable weighted materials. In some embodiments, weighted materials can be packaged into a pouch (e.g., a bean bag) or other container that can then be inserted into the one or more compartments 104. For example, the ceramic beads can be packaged into a pouch and the pouch can be inserted into the one or more compartments 104 of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some embodiments, the pouch can have a zipper or other suitable coupling devices, such as Velcro, to allow insertion, securing, and/or removal of weighted materials in the pouch to achieve an optimal weight and/or weight density.

[0028] In some embodiments, pouches of varying weight densities can be created based on a number of weighted materials inserted into the pouches. For example, a pouch with a high weight density can be created by inserting a large number of weighted materials in the pouch. As another example, a pouch with a low density can be created by inserting a small number of weighted materials into the pouch. In some cases, pouches of varying weight densities can be created based on types of weighted materials used. For example, a pouch with a high weight density can be created by using metallic beads. As another example, a pouch with a low density can be created by using plastic beads. In some embodiments, different types of weighted materials can be used to achieve an ideal weight density. For example, a pouch can contain some combination of ceramic beads, plastic beads, and/or metallic beads. Of course, the weighted blanket need not be limited to three weight densities.

[0029] In some embodiments, the one or more compartments 104 of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can be filled with an insulation material such as, for example, cotton, wool, felt, or other suitable insulating materials. In some embodiments, the one or more compartments 104 can be filled with some combination of weighted material and insulation material. For example, a compartment can be filled with both a pouch containing ceramic beads and wool. In general, it is the weighted material and/or the insulation material in each compartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 that causes a person to feel weight (e.g., pressure) of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102.

[0030] In general, pouches of varying weight densities can be inserted into the one or more compartments 104 to create the multi-zone weight blanket 102. For example, in some embodiments, compartments corresponding to some regions of the multi-zone weight blanket 102 can include pouches of high weight densities, while compartments corresponding to other regions of the multi-zone weight blanket 102 can include pouches of other weight densities. In such embodiments, multi-zone weight blanket 102 contains regions of high weight density and regions of other weight densities. The multi-zone weight blanket 102 is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C herein.

[0031] In some embodiments, each compartment of the one or more compartments 104 can include an opening 106 that can be used to fill each compartment with either a pouch containing weighted material, an insulation material, weighted material directly, or a combination thereof. For example, a compartment can be filled with equal portions of wool and a pouch containing ceramic beads through the opening 106. The opening 106 of each compartment can be closed shut (e.g., secured shut) by a mechanical coupling device, such as a zipper, Velcro, buttons, fasteners, or other suitable securing devices. For example, a zipper can be used to open or shut an opening of a compartment (or a pocket) of a multi-zone weighted blanket. In this example, the opening allows a person to fill the compartment with a desired material(s) and/or weight.

[0032] In some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can include an additional layer 108. In the diagram 100 of FIG. 1A, the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 is shown with the layer 108 partially detached or removed from the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some embodiments, the layer 108 can be attached or secured to the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 by one or more of the aforementioned mechanical coupling devices. The layer 108 can shield the mechanical coupling devices, such as zippers, from being in direct contact with a person covered by the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some embodiments, the layer 108 is detachable or removable from the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. For example, the layer 108 can be entirely removed from the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 for washing, for example. In some embodiments, the layer 108 can be a sheet (e.g., a bed sheet) made from the same fabric material as the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. In some cases, the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 and the layer 108 can be made from different fabrics. For example, the layer 108 can be a cotton fabric while the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 can be polyester. In some cases, instead of the layer 108, each opening 106 of the one or more compartments 104 can include an additional fabric (e.g., a flap) to prevent a mechanical coupling device (e.g., a zipper) from being in direct contact with a person.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1A, the one or more compartments 104 can be a series of square shapes that evenly divides the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 along its length and width and arranged in a grid-like arrangement. In general, the one or more compartments 104 can be any shape that divides the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 into sections or portions (e.g., compartments), possibly of substantially equal shape and size. In some embodiments, the one or more compartments 104 can be rectangular shapes, pentagonal shapes, hexagonal shapes, or octagonal shapes arranged along the length and width of the multi-zone weighted blanket 102. Although the compartments 104 are shown here as substantially equal sections, some embodiments may include compartments that have different shapes and/or sizes from each other (e.g., they are not substantially equal). For example, portions that may typically require more customization may have relatively smaller compartments, while portions that may typically require less customization may have relatively larger compartments.

[0034] Generally, the general feeling of a weighted blanket on a body is due to an effective area of the weighted blanket that covers the body (e.g., drapes around the body). For example, FIG. 1B depicts a diagram 120 in which a first blanket 122 and a second blanket 124 are shown to cover (e.g., drape) a person. The first blanket 122 is a multi-zone weighted blanket with 192 equal-sized compartments (e.g., 16'.times.12'), and the second blanket 124 is a multi-zone weighted blanket with 96 equal-sized compartments (e.g., 12'.times.8'). In this example, if the first blanket 122 and the second blanket 124 have the same overall weight, the person covered by the second blanket 124 would feel twice the weight (e.g., pressure) as the person covered by the first blanket 122. This is because the weight (e.g., pressure) exerted by the first blanket 122 is distributed (e.g., spread) over twice the area of the second blanket 124 (e.g., 16'.times.12' versus 12'.times.8'). Therefore, in this example, the first blanket 122 would have a lighter feel to a person than the second blanket 124.

[0035] Using the principle described above, a multi-zone weighted blanket may be selected based on a weight density of the multi-zone weighted blanket on an effective area of the multi-zone weighted blanket that covers a body of a person. A multi-zone weighted blanket, when selected based on a weight density, gives a person greater flexibility in allowing the person to choose a multi-zone weighted blanket that is tailored to the person's specific preferences in terms of how the person feels underneath the multi-zone weighted blanket. For example, FIG. 1C depicts a diagram 140 showing a person covered by a multi-zone weighted blanket 142 comprising one or more compartments. As shown in the diagram 140 of FIG. 1C, the multi-zone weighted blanket 142 has a length of 72 inches, a width of 38 inches, and a weight of either 15, 12, or 10 pounds. In various embodiments, as discussed above, the weight of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142 can be varied by varying amount of materials (e.g., weighted or insulation materials) filled in the compartments of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142. In this example, a weight density of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142 can be calculated by dividing the weight by the length and the width of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142. For instance, as shown in the diagram 140 of FIG. 1C, the multi-zone weighted blanket 142 can have a weight density of either 0.0043, 0.0035, or 0.0029 pounds per square inch based on the amount of materials in the compartments of the multi-zone weighted blanket 142. Each weight density can cause a person to feel different underneath the multi-zone weighted blanket 142. Accordingly, a person can select a multi-zone weighted blanket by adjusting a weight of the multi-zone weighted blanket that best suits the person's own unique preference, and not based on a fixed percentage (e.g., 10%) of the person's body weight.

[0036] In addition to how a person feels underneath a multi-zone weighted blanket, in some embodiments, other considerations may also be considered when configuring a multi-zone weighted blanket. For example, a person suffering from fibromyalgia (e.g., chronic body pain) may prefer a multi-zone weighted blanket that is generally lighter. As another example, a person may prefer a multi-zone weighted blanket with a smaller footprint that covers a target area (e.g., a body) without draping too long or wide.

[0037] In some embodiments, a person can select and/or configure a multi-zone weighted blanket based on the person's height, weight, and/or body mass index (BMI). For example, a person with a height of 6 feet may need a multi-zone weighted blanket that has a longer length than a person with a height of 5 feet. As another example, a person with a higher BMI may need a blanket that is wider than a person with a lower BMI. Many variations are possible and contemplated. In some embodiments, a person may order a customized multi-zone weighted blanket via a graphical user interface over a network (e.g., Internet). For example, the person can submit their height, weight, BMI, and/or personal preferences (e.g., prefer lighter or higher weight or density in one or more areas), and the system may match the information against one or more available multi-zone weighted blankets to select a particular available multi-zone weighted blanket, and/or order the manufacture or production of a corresponding multi-zone weighted blanket.

[0038] FIG. 2A depicts a diagram 200 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket 202, according to some embodiments. As discussed, in some embodiments, a multi-zone weighted blanket (e.g., the multi-zone weighted blanket 102 of FIG. 1A) comprises multiple compartments. These compartments, in various embodiments, can be filled with various materials (e.g., weighted and/or insulation materials) that result in the compartments and/or zones having a particular weight density. For example, if a compartment is filled with a pouch containing a large number of ceramic beads, the compartment correspondingly would have a higher weight density (e.g., heavier) than if the compartment were filled with a pouch containing fewer ceramic beads or plastic beads. Thus, by varying a weight density in each compartment of the weighted blanket, a multi-zone weighted blanket 202 can result.

[0039] In some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 can distribute different weight densities to different regions (zones) of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202. For example, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 in diagram 200 of FIG. 2A is shown with three discrete weight densities: a high weight density, a medium weight density, and a low weight density. In FIG. 2A, compartments (e.g. 204) of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 indicated by a dark gray color have high weight density, compartments (e.g., 206) of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 indicated by a light gray color have a medium weight density, and compartments (e.g., 208) of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 indicated by a white color have a low weight density.

[0040] In the diagram 200 of FIG. 2A, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 is shown such that four corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 have high weight densities (e.g., the dark gray compartments 204) (e.g., the corner zones), regions between the four corners have medium weight densities (e.g., the light gray compartments 206) (e.g., the extremities zones), and a region in a middle of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 has a low weight density (e.g., the white compartments 208) (e.g., the core zone). Under this weight density distribution, a person underneath the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 experiences optimal drape and stretching tension that result from applying the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 to the person. For example, regions corresponding to the four corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 have high weight densities to "pin down" the blanket so the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 creates proper drape and stretching tension, and does not move easily during sleep. Regions of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 that cover a neck, shoulders, arms, and legs of the person may have medium weight densities so these body parts can have comfortable pressure while still maintaining flexibility of movement. A region of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 that covers the torso of the person may have a light weight density to reduce pressure to a chest area while still receiving the benefits of stretching effects from neighboring higher weight density compartments.

[0041] Although in diagram 200 of FIG. 2A, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 is shown to have three distinct weight densities, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 may have more or less weight densities. For example, in some embodiments, the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 may have five distinct weight densities to further customize or tailor a way the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 drapes or stretches around contours of a person. In some embodiments, the person may prefer having just two different weight densities in the multi-zone weighted blanket 202. For example, a high weight density at four corners of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202 and a medium weight density at remaining regions of the multi-zone weighted blanket 202. Many variations are possible and contemplated.

[0042] The multi-zone weighted blanket 202 may come with a variety of different pouches of different weights or weight densities. For example, a multi-zone weighted blanket 202 may come with five different weighted pouches.

[0043] FIG. 2B depicts a diagram 220 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket 222, according to some embodiments. The multi-zone weighted blanket 222 depicted in the diagram 220 of FIG. 2B is shown with three distinct weight densities: a high weight density (indicated by compartments 224 with a dark gray color) (e.g., the corner zones), a medium weight density (indicated by compartments 226 with a light gray color) (e.g., the extremities zones), and a low weight density (indicated by compartments 228 with a white color) (e.g., the core zones). In some embodiments, weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 can be configured to treat a particular medical condition. For example, the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 can be configured such that a lower half of the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 comprises compartments with a high weight density (e.g., compartments 224). Such a configuration may be helpful to a person suffering from restless leg syndrome. The restless leg symptomology may be suppressed or reduced by applying a pressure to the legs. Therefore, in the configuration of the multi-zone weighted blanket 222 depicted in FIG. 2B, a person suffering from restless leg syndrome may desire more pressure on the legs, allowing the person to have a better sleep.

[0044] FIG. 2C depicts a diagram 240 of an example multi-zone weighted blanket 242 configured for a couple (e.g., two people), according to some embodiments. The multi-zone weighted blanket 222 depicted in FIG. 2C is shown with three distinct weight densities: a high weight density (indicated by compartments 244 with a dark gray color) (e.g., the corner zones, and the common corner zones between the two persons), a medium weight density (indicated by compartments 246 with a light gray color) (e.g., the extremities zones, including the shared extremities zone between the two persons), and a low weight density (indicated by compartments 248 with a white color) (e.g., the core zones). In the diagram 240 of FIG. 2C, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 is configured such that four corners and regions between the couple, along a top and a bottom edge of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242, have high weight densities; regions that correspond to the couple's necks, shoulders, arms, and legs have medium weight densities; and regions that correspond to the couple's torsos have light weight densities. Such a configuration allows the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 to drape and stretch comfortably around contours of the couple. In some cases, for a couple that sleep sideways, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 can be further configured so that the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 drapes optimally for sideway contours of the couple. In general, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 can be configured to conform to optimal positions that the couple sleeps. For instance, if one person (e.g., the larger person depicted in FIG. 2C) likes to sleep on his/her back while the second person (e.g., the smaller person depicted in FIG. 2C) likes to sleep sideways, weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 can be configured such that the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 is drapes around contours of this arrangement optimally to provide an ideal stretch tension. Many variations are possible and contemplated.

[0045] The zones can be sized differently to address the different preferences of the individuals. The weight densities can be different in the different zones of the individuals. As stated above, one individual may prefer heavier weight density. Accordingly, the weight density of the zones may use a higher weight density set of weighted pouches. The individual who prefers lighter weight density may use a lower weight density set of weighted pouches. The couple may negotiate the weight densities of the shared zones between them.

[0046] In some embodiments, the weight densities of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 is user adjustable. For example, a person can add or remove weighted materials (or insulation materials) from one or more pouches in the compartments of the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 to achieve a different weight density profile than what was initially configured. For example, a person may remove ceramic beads from pouches in compartments that correspond to the person's neck and shoulder area to lessen the weight (e.g., pressure) exerted by the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 to the person's neck and shoulder area. Many variations are possible and contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, a pouch containing ceramic beads can be used in one compartment and a pouch containing metal beads can be used in a different compartment. This arrangement may allow, for example, the compartments to have the same or similar volume but have different weight densities. Accordingly, the multi-zone weighted blanket 242 can have a uniform shape but have different weights due to the different weight densities of the pouches, and the different zones can have different weight densities due to the distribution of the different pouches.

[0047] FIG. 3A depicts a flowchart 300 of an example method of creating weight densities in a multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments. The flowchart 300 illustrates by way of example a sequence of steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized for parallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some steps that could have been included may have been removed to avoid providing too much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that were included could be removed, but may have been included for the sake of illustrative clarity.

[0048] In step 302, a blanket is subdivided into two or more substantially equal compartments. Each compartment comprises an opening that allows the compartment to be filled with a pouch containing weighted materials. Each opening of the compartment can be secured with a coupling device.

[0049] In step 304, a first weight density pouch is created by filling a first pouch with a first amount/number of first weighted material. One or more first pouches can be inserted into a first set of compartments in the blanket to establish one or more first zones, each having a first weight density/distribution.

[0050] In step 306, a second weight density pouch is created by filling a second pouch with a second number/amount of second weighted material (the same or different material or combination of materials than the first material). One or more second pouches can be inserted into a second set of compartments in the blanket to establish one or more second zones, each having a second weight density/distribution.

[0051] In step 308, a third weight density pouch is created by filling a third pouch with a third number/amount of third weighted material (the same or different material or combination of materials as the first material and the second material). One or more third pouches can be inserted into a third set of compartments in the blanket to establish one or more third zones, each having a third weight density/distribution.

[0052] In some embodiments, first pouches may refer to high density pouches, second pouches may refer to medium density pouches, and third pouches may refer to low density pouches.

[0053] FIG. 3B depicts a flowchart 320 of an example method of creating a multi-zone blanket optimized for a person, according to some embodiments. The flowchart 320 illustrates by way of example a sequence of steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized for parallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some steps that could have been included may have been removed to avoid providing too much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that were included could be removed, but may have been included for the sake of illustrative clarity.

[0054] In step 322, a blanket is subdivided into several compartments, e.g., along a length and a width of the blanket in a grid-like arrangement. Each compartment comprises an opening that allows the compartment to be filled with a weighted pouch, e.g., a first pouch, a second pouch, or a third pouch described above. Each opening of the compartment can be secured with a coupling device.

[0055] In step 324, compartments corresponding to four corners of the blanket are filled with a first pouch containing the heavier materials.

[0056] In step 326, each of the compartments corresponding to regions of the blanket between the four corners are filled with a second pouch containing medium weighted materials.

[0057] In step 328, each of the compartments corresponding to a region in a middle of the blanket are filled with a third pouch containing low weighted materials.

[0058] FIG. 3C depicts a flowchart 340 of an example method of creating a dynamically configurable multi-zone weighted blanket, according to some embodiments. The flowchart 340 illustrates by way of example a sequence of steps. It should be understood the steps may be reorganized for parallel execution, or reordered, as applicable. Moreover, some steps that could have been included may have been removed to avoid providing too much information for the sake of clarity and some steps that were included could be removed, but may have been included for the sake of illustrative clarity.

[0059] In step 342, a multi-zone weighted blanket is subdivided into two or more compartments, e.g., along a length and a width of the multi-zone weighted blanket in a grid-like arrangement. Each compartment can be prefilled with one or more pouches containing a number or amount of weighted materials. Each compartment comprises an opening that allows at least one pouch to be added or removed from the compartment. Each opening of the compartment can be secured with a coupling device. In some embodiments, each pouch includes a zipper that allows addition or removal or replacement of weighted materials in each pouch.

[0060] In step 344, a first number or amount of weighted material may be removed from a first pouch stored in a first compartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket to reduce the weight in the zone. Alternatively, lighter materials may replace some or all of the heavier materials in the first pouch. Alternatively, a lighter pouch may be selected and replaced in the first compartment.

[0061] In step 346, a second number or amount of weighted materials may be added to a second pouch stored in a second compartment of the multi-zone weighted blanket. Alternatively, heavier materials may replace some or all of the lighter materials in the first pouch. Alternatively, a heavier pouch may be selected to replace the lighter pouch in the second compartment. In some embodiments, the first number can be the same as the second number. In some embodiments, the first number can be different from the second number.

[0062] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0063] The present invention(s) are described above with reference to example embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made and other embodiments may be used without departing from the broader scope of the present invention(s). Therefore, these and other variations upon the example embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention(s).

Claims

1. A multi-zone blanket comprising: multiple compartments along a length and a width; first pouches configured to be secured in a first set of the multiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartments associated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the first pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing a first weighted distribution across the first zone; and second pouches configured to be secured in a second set of the multiple compartments, the second set of the multiple compartments associated with a second zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having a second weight different than the first weight, the second pouches for causing a second weighted distribution across the second zone.

2. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, further comprising: third pouches configured to be secured in a third set of the multiple compartments, the third set of the multiple compartments associated with a third zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the third pouches having a third weight different than the first weight and the second weight, the third pouches for causing a third weighted distribution across the third zone.

3. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein each of the pouches are filled with at least one of ceramic beads, plastic beads, or metallic beads.

4. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the multiple compartments include substantially equal compartments.

5. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein each of the multiple compartments includes a pocket with a coupling device that secures a particular pouch therein.

6. The multi-zone blanket of claim 5, wherein the coupling device includes at least one of a zipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.

7. The multi-zone blanket of claim 5, further comprising a layer covering the coupling device of each of the multiple compartments to prevent the coupling device from being in direct contact with a person when the multi-zone blanket is covering the person.

8. The multi-zone blanket of claim 7, wherein the layer is detachable from the multi-zone blanket.

9. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the first zone includes a corner and the first weight is greater than the second weight.

10. The multi-zone blanket of claim 1, wherein the second zone includes a core zone and the second weight is lighter than the first weight.

11. A method for creating a multi-zone weighted blanket, the method comprising: affixing multiple compartments along a length and a width of a multi-zone blanket; securing first pouches in a first set of the multiple compartments, the first set of the multiple compartments associated with a first zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the first pouches having a first weight, the first pouches for causing a first weighted distribution across the first zone; and securing second pouches in a second set of the multiple compartments, the second set of the multiple compartments associated with a second zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the second pouches having a second weight different than the first weight, the second pouches for causing a second weighted distribution across the second zone.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: securing third pouches in a third set of the multiple compartments, the third set of the multiple compartments associated with a third zone of the multi-zone blanket, each of the third pouches having a third weight different than the first weight and the second weight, the third pouches for causing a third weighted distribution across the third zone.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the pouches are filled with at least one of ceramic beads, plastic beads, or metallic beads.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the multiple compartments include substantially equal compartments.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the multiple compartments includes a pocket with a coupling device that secures a particular pouch therein.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the coupling device includes at least one of a zipper, Velcro, button, or fastener.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising a layer covering the coupling device of each of the multiple compartments to prevent the coupling device from being in direct contact with a person when the multi-zone blanket is covering the person.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the layer is detachable from the multi-zone blanket.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the first zone includes a corner and the first weight is greater than the second weight.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the second zone includes a core zone and the second weight is lighter than the first weight.

Images