Heating element arrangement for an electric blanket or the like
US6713724B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B2203/014
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrically operated heating device, such as an electric blanket, mattress pad, heating pad or throw having a pliable member, includes heating elements located within an interior defined by the pliable member which are configured to prevent breakage or disconnection of the heating elements in the event the pliable member is subjected to a concentrated load that applies tension to the heating elements. The interior of the pliable member includes a series of passages within which the heating elements are located. The heating elements have a non-linear configuration such that the overall length of the heating element contained within each passage has a length greater than that of the passage, which enables the heating elements to stretch and flex when the blanket portion is subjected to a concentrated load. The ends of adjacent heating elements are connected, such that the heating elements are defined by a single length of heating wire that is placed in a back and forth manner throughout the surface area of the blanket portion. The heating wire defines ends which are engaged with a power input for supplying electrical power to the heating elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.