Low voltage warming blanket

• US 20070012675A1
• Filed: 07/14/2005
• Published: 01/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gary Devroy
• Original Assignee: Gary Devroy
• Inventors: Devroy, Gary
• Granted Patent: US 7,351,934 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/212
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0227 Applications
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/014 Heaters using resistive wires or cables not provided for in H05B3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/029 Heaters specially adapted for seat warmers
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/035 Electrical circuits used in resistive heating apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/342 heaters used in textiles

Abstract

A low voltage warming blanket adapted for use in vehicles powered by the vehicles DC power source is provided with a control selectively actuatable to activate the blanket for one of a plurality of preset time periods at at least one pre-set temperature, the control having a reset button to reinitiate activation upon expiration of the time period, the blanket being provided with thermal sensors preventing overheating.

Claims

1. A low voltage heated electric blanket for automotive use comprising a heated blanket area comprising a fabric member having heating coils associated therewith and temperature sensors, the heating coils and temperature sensors positioned within the fabric member, and electronically connected to a controller, the controller having an actuator switch for initiating activation of the heating coils, a timer for deactivating activation of the heating coil upon passage of a predetermined period from activation, the heating coil remaining deactivated until intentionally manually reactivated by the actuator switch, an indicator for indicating activation, a plug adapted to be received in an automotive power socket connected to an automotive battery, the plug electronically connected to the controller whereby timed deactivation reduces battery drain, the blanket being separate from seats in the vehicle and being positionable on the body of an occupant of the vehicle.

2. The low voltage heated blanket of claim 1 wherein the control has a plurality of preset time positions, each of which can be selected independent of the other.

3. The low voltage heated blanket of claim 2 wherein the sensors are independent of the coil.

4. The low voltage heated blanket of claim 2 wherein the sensors provide at least one make/break connection within a length of the coil.

5. The low voltage heated blanket of claim 2 wherein the control includes a temperature selector effective to select one of a plurality of different preset operating temperatures for the blanket.

6. The low voltage heated blanket of claim 2 wherein the controller is positioned remote from the fabric member intermediate the plug and the fabric member.

7. A low voltage electric blanket for use in vehicles comprising a fabric blanket area having at least one heating element coil embedded therein, and at least one temperature sensor imbedded therein, a control electronically communicating to said element coil for providing power to said element coil, said control including an indicator indicating activation of said element coil, a multi-position switch coupled to a timer having a plurality of preset individually selectable durations, said timer activated by activation of the element coil and effective to terminate activation of the element coil upon expiration of the selected time period and to remain terminated until intentional manual reactivation, and a manual reset switch reactivating the element coil and resetting the timer, a plug electrically connected to the controller adapted to be received in a vehicle power socket connected to a battery, whereby timed deactivation reduces battery drain, the control spaced intermediate the plug and the blanket.