Nighttime Warming Blanket

Abstract

A warming blanket is provided that includes (i) a sweat absorbing layer (PAL), (ii) a metallic coating layer (MCL), and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), where the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL. A method of making the warming blanket is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 USC §119 from Chinese Patent Application No. 202210201110.9, filed on March 3, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a warming blanket (e.g., for overnight use) that includes (i) a sweat absorbing layer (PAL), (ii) a metal coating layer (MCL), and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), where the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to a method of making the warming blanket. [Background technology]

[0003] Metallized materials, such as metallized blankets, are traditionally made by applying a metal coating to a base substrate, such as a nonwoven fabric or film. Such metallized materials, for example, provide a mechanism for retaining a great deal of a user's body heat. In this regard, metallized materials (also known as space blankets, Mylar blankets, first aid blankets, safety blankets, thermal blankets, etc.) are made by applying a heat-reflective metal coating to a thin plastic film or nonwoven fabric. Ideally, the metallized material reflects around 90% of the user's body heat to reduce heat loss from the user's body.

[0004] One drawback of some metallized materials relates to their lack of breathability and / or flexibility, as well as lack of adaptability for use in certain environments. In this regard, a desirable level of vapor permeability and / or flexibility (e.g., flexibility to easily conform to the user's body) may also be required for such metallized blankets in applications for body heat retention. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems in the conventional techniques described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention may address one or more of the problems described above. Some embodiments according to the present invention provide a warming blanket (e.g., for outdoor and / or nighttime use) that includes (i) a sweat-absorbing layer (PAL), (ii) a metal coating layer (MCL), and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), where the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a warming blanket (e.g., for outdoor and / or overnight use), the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a transparent coating layer (TCL); (ii) depositing a metal coating layer (MCL) directly on the TCL; (iii) providing or forming a sweat-absorbing layer (PAL); and (iv) combining the PAL with the MCL to provide the warming blanket.

[0008] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. The drawings are as follows: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a warming blanket according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a sweat absorbing layer (PAL) including a plurality of through holes according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 illustrates the PAL of FIG. 2 overlaid with a metal coating layer (MCL), with the MCL visible through a number of perforations, according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a warming blanket (e.g., for outdoor and / or nighttime use) that includes a sweat absorbing layer (PAL), a metal coating layer (MCL), and a transparent coating layer (TCL), where the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL. For example, the TCL may define an outermost layer of the warming blanket, the PAL may define a second outermost layer of the warming blanket, and the MCL constitutes at least one layer between the two outermost layers of the warming blanket. The warming blanket may be particularly suitable for use as a warming system, for example, for outdoor activities in low temperature environments and / or at night (e.g., after sunset). The TCL may, for example, provide a layer that is mostly transparent to some wavelengths of light, allowing external light (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) to reach the MCL, while according to some embodiments, the TCL also functions as an insulating layer to reduce heat loss from the MCL to the external environment. The MCL provides thermal reflection that can, for example, reflect electromagnetic radiation from the external environment (e.g., back toward the external environment) and reflect electromagnetic radiation from the user's body (e.g., back toward the user). The PAL can include, for example, a fabric that can absorb and / or wick away sweat from the user's body, which can be particularly desirable because if sweat is left on the surface of the user's body and / or allowed to accumulate against the user's body, it will eventually cool and act as a heat sink, unnecessarily removing heat from the user's body. Additionally, the PAL can include a number of perforations that act as a window or unobstructed gateway for electromagnetic radiation emanating from the user to hit the MCL and bounce back to the user, preventing or reducing a loss of body temperature in the user. In use, for example, the PAL may be located adjacent or proximate to a user (e.g., a mammal), and the multiple perforations allow a high level of nearly unobstructed access to the MCL by radiation or heat emanating from the user, which is mostly (or all) reflected by the MCL back to the user. That is, in use, the PAL is typically located proximate to the user, while the TCL is located distal to the user.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the warming blanket may be used as a reflective and warming layer to reduce heat loss from the human body. In this regard, the warming blanket may be provided in the form of applications such as gowns, face masks, sterilization wraps, headwear, heating pads, surgical drapes, medical warming blankets, outdoor warming blankets, etc., with high reflectivity, good flexibility, sufficient pliability, and breathability. For example, wrapping the user's body in a warming blanket in cold weather outdoors can help prevent radiant heat loss and reduce hypothermia.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the TCL and / or PAL and / or warming blanket may comprise a desired level of flexibility (e.g., flexibility as measured by a handle-o-meter) to provide sufficient drapeability and / or wrapability (e.g., the ability to envelop a user), and / or a desired level of breathability (e.g., the ability to allow vapor to pass through the warming blanket and exit on the other side of the warming blanket), and / or a desired level of liquid penetration resistance as measured by hydrostatic head.

[0014] The terms "substantial" or "substantially" may, according to some embodiments of the invention, include the entire amount specified, or, according to other embodiments of the invention, may include nearly the entire amount, but not the entire amount specified (e.g., 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the entire amount specified).

[0015] The term "polymer" or "polymeric" as used interchangeably herein may include homopolymers, copolymers (e.g., block copolymers, graft copolymers, random copolymers, and alternating copolymers, etc.), terpolymers, etc., as well as blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless specifically limited otherwise, the term "polymer" or "polymeric" is intended to include all possible structural isomers, stereoisomers, including but not limited to geometric isomers, optical isomers, or enantiomers, and / or any chiral molecular configurations of such polymer or polymeric material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic configurations of such polymer or polymeric material. The term "polymer" or "polymeric" is also intended to include polymers made from various catalyst systems, including but not limited to Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems and metallocene / single-site catalyst systems. The term "polymer" or "polymeric" is also intended to include polymers produced by fermentation processes or biologically derived polymers, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "nonwoven" and "nonwoven web" may include webs having a structure of individual fibers, filaments, and / or threads that are interleaved but not in a identifiable repeating manner as found in knitted or woven fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics or webs, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may be formed by any process conventionally known in the art (e.g., meltblowing, spunbonding, needlepunching, hydroentangling, airlaid, bonded carded web, etc.). As used herein, "nonwoven web" may include a plurality of individual fibers that are not processed in an integrated process.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "fabric" and "nonwoven fabric" may encompass a web of fibers in which a plurality of fibers are mechanically entangled or interconnected, fused to one another, or chemically bonded to one another. For example, a nonwoven web of individually laid fibers may be treated with a bonding or consolidation process to bond at least a portion of the individual fibers together to form a coherent (e.g., bonded) web of interconnected fibers.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "consolidated" and "consolidation" may include forming one or more bond sites between at least a portion of the fibers of a nonwoven web in closer proximity to each other (e.g., thermally fusing together, chemically bonding together, and / or mechanically entangling together), which serve to provide greater resistance to external forces (e.g., abrasive and tensile forces) than a non-consolidated web. The bond site or sites may include, for example, discrete or localized regions of the web material that have been softened or melted and optionally subsequently or simultaneously compressed to form discrete or localized deformations of the web material. Additionally, the term "consolidated" may include the entire nonwoven web that has been treated to form at least a portion of the fibers in closer proximity to each other (e.g., thermally fusing together, chemically bonding together, and / or mechanically entangling together), such as by thermal bonding or mechanical entanglement (e.g., hydroentanglement), as just a few examples. Such webs, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may be considered "integral nonwovens," "nonwoven fabrics," or simply "fabrics."

[0019] As used herein, the term "staple fiber" may encompass cut fibers from a filament. According to some embodiments, any type of filament material may be used to form the staple fibers. For example, the staple fibers may be formed from polymeric and / or elastomeric fibers. Non-limiting examples of materials may include polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene or polypropylene-containing copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamides. The average length of the staple fibers may be, by way of example only, from about 2 centimeters to about 15 centimeters.

[0020] As used herein, the term "spunbond" may include fibers formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of fine, usually circular, spinneret capillaries, the diameter of the extruded filaments then rapidly decreasing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, spunbond fibers are typically non-tacky when deposited on a collecting surface and may be typically continuous as disclosed and described herein. It should be noted that spunbonds used in some composites of the present invention may include nonwoven fabrics described in the literature as SPINLACER®. Spunbond fibers may include, for example, long fibers.

[0021] The term "continuous fibers" as used herein means fibers that are not cut from their original length before being formed into a nonwoven web or fabric. Continuous fibers may have an average length of greater than about 15 centimeters to greater than 1 meter, up to the length of the web or fabric being formed. For example, continuous fibers as used herein may include fibers having a fiber length of at least 1,000 times the average fiber diameter, e.g., fibers having a fiber length of at least about 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, or 100,000 times the average fiber diameter.

[0022] As used herein, the term "meltblown" may include fibers formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as molten threads or filaments through a plurality of fine die capillaries into a converging high-velocity (usually hot) gas stream (e.g., air stream) that attenuates the filaments of molten thermoplastic material and reduces their diameter (which may be reduced to the diameter of a microfiber). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the die capillaries may be circular. The meltblown fibers are then carried by the high-velocity gas stream and deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly distributed meltblown fibers. Meltblown fibers may include microfibers that may be continuous or discontinuous and that are typically tacky when deposited on a collecting surface. However, meltblown fibers are shorter in length than spunbond fibers.

[0023] As used herein, the term "monolithic" film may include any film that is continuous and substantially free or devoid of pores (e.g., no pores at all). In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, a "monolithic" film may include less pore structure than would be found in a microporous film. According to some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a monolithic film may act as a barrier to liquids and particulate matter, while allowing water vapor to pass through. Furthermore, without wishing to be bound by theory, achieving and maintaining high breathability can provide an article that is more comfortable to wear, since the movement of water vapor through the laminate structure helps reduce and / or limit discomfort caused by excess moisture being trapped against the skin. A "monolithic" film may include, for example, a highly breathable polymer.

[0024] As used herein, the term "highly breathable polymer" may encompass any polymer or elastomer that is selectively permeable to water vapor but substantially impermeable to liquid water and capable of forming a breathable film, e.g., a highly breathable polymer can absorb and desorb water vapor and provide a barrier to liquids (e.g., water, blood, etc.). For example, a highly breathable polymer can absorb water vapor from one side of the film and release water vapor to the other side of the film, thereby allowing water vapor to be transported through the film. Because a highly breathable polymer can provide breathability to a film, a film formed from such a polymer need not contain pores (e.g., a monolithic film). According to some embodiments of the present invention, a "highly breathable polymer" is a polymer that, when formed into a film, has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 500 g / m2 per day. 2 According to some embodiments of the present invention, a "highly breathable polymer" may include any thermoplastic polymer or elastomer having an MVTR of at least 750 g / m per day when formed into a film (e.g., a film having a thickness of about 25 microns or less). 2 Or at least 1000g / m 2 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the highly breathable polymer may include, for example, any one or any combination of polyether block amide copolymers (e.g., PEBAX® from Arkema Group), polyester block amide copolymers, copolyester thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., ARNITEL® from DSM Engineering Plastics, or HYTREL® from EI DuPont de Nemours and Company), or thermoplastic urethane elastomers (TPUs).

[0025] The term "microporous" film as used herein may include a polymeric film layer having a plurality of micropores dispersed throughout the body of the film. For example, microporous films may be generally produced by dispersing finely divided particles of a non-hygroscopic filler material, such as inorganic salts (e.g., calcium carbonate), in a suitable polymer, then forming a film of the filled polymer and stretching the film to obtain good porosity for good absorption or transmission of water vapor. For example, the breathability of a microporous film may depend on forming a tortuous pore path throughout the film by stretching the filler-impregnated film to obtain the desired porosity (e.g., pore formation). Furthermore, the barrier properties of such microporous films are influenced by the surface tension of the liquid to which they are exposed (e.g., isopropyl alcohol penetrates microporous films more easily than water), and microporous films are more easily permeable to odors than solid films (e.g., monolithic films).

[0026] As used herein, the term "layer" may encompass any loosely recognizable combination of similar material types and / or functions that reside in the XY plane.

[0027] All whole number endpoints disclosed herein that can create smaller ranges within a given range disclosed herein are within the scope of some embodiments of the invention. For example, a disclosure of about 10 to about 15 encompasses disclosures of intermediate ranges, such as about 10 to about 11, about 10 to about 12, about 13 to about 15, about 14 to about 15, etc. Furthermore, all single decimal endpoints (e.g., numbers rounded to the nearest tenth) that can create smaller ranges within a given range disclosed herein are within the scope of some embodiments of the invention. For example, a disclosure of about 1.5 to about 2.0 encompasses disclosures of intermediate ranges, such as about 1.5 to about 1.6, about 1.5 to about 1.7, about 1.7 to about 1.8, etc.

[0028] In one aspect, the present invention provides a warming blanket (e.g., for outdoor and / or overnight use) that includes: (i) a sweat absorbing layer (PAL); (ii) a metal coating layer (MCL); and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), where the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL. For example, FIG. 1 shows a warming blanket 1 that includes a PAL 10, an MCL 30, and a TCL 50, where the MCL is located between the PAL and the TCL. As shown in FIG. 1, the TCL 50 may be adjacent to and in contact with the MCL, while a first adhesive layer 70 may be disposed between the PAL and the MCL, thereby bonding the PAL to the MCL.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric. As mentioned above, the PAL may include a number of perforations formed through the full thickness of the PAL in the z-direction perpendicular to the xy-plane of the PAL. For example, Figure 2 shows a PAL 10 including a number of perforations 15 extending completely through the full thickness of the PAL. Meanwhile, Figure 3 shows the PAL 10 of Figure 2 overlaid on an MCL 30, which is visible through the perforations 15, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of through holes have an average opening area of ​​about 1 to about 100 mm 2 For example, at least about 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 mm 2 and / or up to about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50 mm 2According to some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may include particularly small perforations similar to those in cross-stitch fabrics (e.g., perforations having an average individual open area toward the lower end of the ranges described above). Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may include more macroscopic perforations (e.g., perforations having an average individual open area toward the higher end of the ranges described above), in which case the perforations may be formed or drilled after formation of the fabric. In some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may include a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, in which case the perforations may have a more macroscopic nature, formed during the hydroentanglement operation. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of through holes may define a total open area of ​​about 10 to about 80%, e.g., at least about any of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, and / or at most about any of 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50% (e.g., 40 to 60%).

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the PAL may include a gridding fabric (e.g., a woven or nonwoven gridding fabric). Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may include one or more spunbond layers, one or more meltblown layers, one or more cellulose-containing layers, one or more needlepunched layers, one or more hydroentangled layers, one or more carded staple fiber layers, one or more airlaid layers, one or more submicron layers, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may include a synthetic polymer, such as one or more polyolefins, one or more polyesters, one or more polyamides, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may include a natural cellulosic material, a synthetic cellulosic material, or any combination thereof, such as cotton, pulp, viscose, and rayon. Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may include a plurality of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) components (e.g., beads or particulates) embedded in the body portion of the PAL. For example, the SAP component may be contained or entangled within a plurality of fibers (e.g., synthetic and / or cellulosic fibers). Additionally or alternatively, the PAL may be provided as a nonwoven web (e.g., a nonwoven web that is not consolidated) or as a nonwoven web that has been consolidated by any means disclosed herein. For example, the PAL may be consolidated by thermal calendaring, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical bonding (e.g., hydroentanglement), chemical bonding, or any combination thereof.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may comprise a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond structure or a spunbond-cellulose-spunbond structure. According to some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may comprise a hydroentangled composite formed from a first spunbond layer, a first cellulose-containing layer, and a second spunbond layer. For example, the plurality of perforations of the PAL may be formed during the hydroentanglement operation.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention, the PAL may have a basis weight of from 5 to about 500 gsm, e.g., at least about any of 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 gsm, and / or up to about any of 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, and 250 gsm.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the invention, the warming blanket includes a first adhesive layer located between the PAL and the MCL to bond the PAL and the MCL. The first adhesive layer may include, for example, a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete adhesive islands surrounded by areas without adhesive. Alternatively, the first adhesive layer may include a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete islands that are free of adhesive and surrounded by areas of adhesive. Alternatively, the first adhesive layer may include a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of separate and distinct adhesive lines, the first plurality of separate and distinct adhesive lines may be in a straight, arcuate, or zigzag configuration.

[0035] The first discontinuous pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may include adhesive-free regions that are at least partially aligned with the plurality of through-holes in the PAL. For example, the first discontinuous pattern may overlap no more than about 50% of the total open area of ​​the PAL, such as at least about any of 0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 25%, and / or at most about any of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 28, 26, and 25%.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first adhesive layer may have a basis weight of about 0.2 to about 5 gsm, such as at least about any of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 gsm, and / or at most about any of 5, 4, 3, and 2.5 gsm. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive layer, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may comprise a moisture resistant pressure sensitive adhesive, an acrylic hot melt adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the invention, the MCL may comprise a highly reflective metal or metal alloy. For example, the highly reflective metal or metal alloy may reflect at least about 80% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns), or, for example, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns). Additionally or alternatively, the highly reflective metal or metal alloy may comprise aluminum or alloys thereof, gold or alloys thereof, copper or alloys thereof, silver or alloys thereof, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the MCL can have an average thickness of about 100 to about 1,000 nm, e.g., at least about any of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 nm and / or at most about any of 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, and 500 nm. Additionally or alternatively, the MCL can be formed by a vacuum coating process, e.g., thermal evaporation, E-beam evaporation, sputtering, arc ion plating, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, the TCL may be directly adjacent to the MCL. In this regard, the TCL may be provided and formed while the MCL may be deposited or otherwise formed directly on top of the TCL. The TCL, according to some embodiments of the invention, may be at least 75% transparent, such as at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent to electromagnetic radiation over all wavelengths from about 0.1 to about 0.4 microns. Additionally or alternatively, the TCL may be at least 75% transparent, such as at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent to electromagnetic radiation over all wavelengths from about 0.4 to about 0.7 microns. Additionally or alternatively, the TCL may be at least 75% transparent, such as at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent to electromagnetic radiation over all wavelengths from about 0.7 to about 1000 microns.

[0039] The TCL, according to some embodiments of the present invention, may comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutyrate, polylactic acid, or any combination thereof. By way of example only, the TCL may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of 0.10-0.12 mm, with a transparency to sunlight of around 90%. Additionally or alternatively, the TCL may comprise an anti-reflective coating, defining the first outermost surface of the warming blanket. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the anti-reflective coating may be, for example, a single layer or multiple layers depending on the particular material or materials of the structure and transparency required. By way of example only, the TCL may comprise a nanoarray coating, a uniform continuous coating, or a mesoporous structure coating. The coating method may be, by way of example only, a deposition process, a sputtering process, a roll coating process, and other suitable processes for applying the coating to form the TCL. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the TCL may be from about 5 to about 150 microns, for example, at least about any of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 75 microns, and / or at most about any of 150, 125, 100, 90, 80, and 75 microns. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the TCL may be a film comprising a single layer microporous film or a single layer monolithic film. Alternatively, the film may comprise a multilayer film comprising one or more microporous films and / or one or more monolithic films.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the TCL has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least about 25 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 For example, at least about 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2and / or up to about 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 225, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 Additionally or alternatively, the TCL may have a hydrostatic head (HSH) of at least about 50 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), such as at least about any of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), and / or at most about any of 200, 175, 150, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min).

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the warming blanket has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least about 25 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 For example, at least about 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 and / or up to about 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 225, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 Additionally or alternatively, the warming blanket may have a hydrostatic head (HSH) of at least about 50 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), such as at least about any of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), and / or up to about any of 200, 175, 150, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min).

[0042] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a warming blanket as described and disclosed herein, which may include the steps of: (i) providing a transparent coating layer (TCL), (ii) depositing a metal coating layer (MCL) directly on the TCL, (iii) providing or forming a sweat-absorbing layer (PAL), which may include a plurality of through holes as described above, and (iv) combining the PAL with the MCL to provide a warming blanket as described and disclosed herein.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the invention, bonding the PAL to the MCL includes adhesively bonding the PAL directly to the MCL via a first adhesive layer, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive layer may be deposited on the PAL before the PAL is laminated to the MCL, the first adhesive layer being between and adjacent to the PAL and the MCL. Additionally or alternatively, the first adhesive layer may be deposited on the MCL before the PAL and the MCL are laminated, the first adhesive layer being between and adjacent to the PAL and the MCL. The first adhesive layer may include a discontinuous pattern, as described above.

[0044] Non-Limiting Exemplary Embodiments

[0045] The following exemplary embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and emphasize that the features described in this application may be interchanged in various manners or configurations.

[0046] Example 1: A warming blanket comprising: (i) a sweat absorbing layer (PAL); (ii) a metal coating layer (MCL); and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), wherein the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL.

[0047] Example 2: A warming blanket as described in Example 1, wherein the PAL comprises a woven or nonwoven fabric.

[0048] Example 3: A warming blanket as described in any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the PAL comprises a plurality of through holes formed through the entire thickness of the PAL in a z direction perpendicular to the xy plane of the PAL.

[0049] Example 4: The average opening area of ​​each of the multiple through holes is about 1 to about 100 mm 2 For example, at least about 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 mm 2 and / or at most about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50 mm 2 The warming blanket of Example 3, wherein

[0050] Example 5: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 3 to 4, wherein the multiple through holes have a defined total open area of ​​about 10 to about 80%, for example, at least any of about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, and / or up to any of about 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50% (e.g., 40 to 60%).

[0051] Example 6: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein the PAL comprises a gridding fabric (e.g., a woven gridding fabric or a nonwoven gridding fabric).

[0052] Example 7: A warming blanket as described in any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the PAL includes one or more spunbond layers, one or more meltblown layers, one or more cellulose-containing layers, one or more needlepunched layers, one or more hydroentangled layers, one or more carded layers, one or more submicron layers, or any combination thereof, and the PAL includes a synthetic polymer, for example, one or more polyolefins, one or more polyesters, one or more polyamides, natural cellulose materials, synthetic cellulose materials, or any combination thereof.

[0053] Example 8: A warming blanket as described in Example 7, wherein the PAL comprises a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond construction.

[0054] Example 9: A warming blanket as described in Example 7, wherein the PAL comprises a spunbond-cellulose-spunbond construction.

[0055] Example 10: The warming blanket of Example 9, wherein the PAL comprises a hydroentangled composite formed from a first spunbond layer, a first cellulose-containing layer, and a second spunbond layer.

[0056] Example 11: A warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-10, wherein the PAL comprises a plurality of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) components (e.g., beads or microparticles) embedded in a body portion of the PAL.

[0057] Example 12: A warming blanket as described in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the PAL has a basis weight of 5 to about 500 gsm, for example, at least about any of 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 250 gsm, and / or up to about any of 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, and 250 gsm.

[0058] Example 13: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-12, further comprising a first adhesive layer positioned between the PAL and the MCL, bonding the PAL and the MCL.

[0059] Example 14: A warming blanket as described in Example 13, wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete adhesive islands surrounded by areas without adhesive.

[0060] Example 15: A warming blanket as described in Example 13, wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete islands that are free of adhesive and surrounded by areas of adhesive.

[0061] Example 16: A warming blanket as described in Example 13, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern comprises a first plurality of independent, distinct adhesive lines, and the first plurality of independent, distinct adhesive lines may be in a straight, arced, or zigzag form.

[0062] Example 17: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 14-16, wherein the first discontinuous pattern includes adhesive-free areas that are aligned with the plurality of through holes in the PAL.

[0063] Example 18: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the first discontinuous pattern overlaps less than about 50% of the total opening area of ​​the PAL, for example, overlaps at least about any of 0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 25%, and / or overlaps at most about any of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 28, 26, and 25%.

[0064] Example 19: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 13 to 18, wherein the first adhesive layer has a basis weight of about 0.2 to about 5 gsm, for example, at least any of about 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 gsm, and / or at most any of about 5, 4, 3, and 2.5 gsm.

[0065] Example 20: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 13-19, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a moisture resistant pressure sensitive adhesive, an acrylic hot melt adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Example 21: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-20, wherein the MCL comprises a highly reflective metal or metal alloy.

[0067] Example 22: A warming blanket as described in Example 21, wherein the highly reflective metal or highly reflective metal alloy reflects at least about 80% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns), or, for example, reflects at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns).

[0068] Example 23: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 21 to 22, wherein the highly reflective metal or highly reflective metal alloy includes aluminum or its alloy, gold or its alloy, copper or its alloy, silver or its alloy, or any combination thereof.

[0069] Example 24: A warming blanket as described in any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the MCL has an average thickness of about 100 nm to about 1,000 nm, for example, at least about any of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 nm, and / or at most about any of 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, and 500 nm.

[0070] Example 25: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 21-24, wherein the MCL is formed by a vacuum coating method, for example, thermal evaporation, E-beam evaporation, sputtering, arc ion plating, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, or atomic layer deposition.

[0071] Example 26: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-25, wherein the TCL is directly adjacent to the MCL.

[0072] Example 27: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.1 to about 0.4 microns, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

[0073] Example 28: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.4 to about 0.7 microns, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

[0074] Example 29: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.7 to about 1000 microns, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

[0075] Example 30: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-29, wherein the TCL comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutyrate, polylactic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0076] Example 31: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-30, wherein the TCL comprises an anti-reflective coating and defines the first outermost surface of the warming blanket.

[0077] Example 32: A warming blanket described in any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the thickness of the TCL is about 5 to about 150 microns, for example, at least about any of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 75 microns, and / or up to about any of 150, 125, 100, 90, 80, and 75 microns.

[0078] Example 33: A warming blanket of any one of Examples 1-32, wherein the TCL is a film comprising a single layer microporous film or a single layer monolithic film.

[0079] Example 34: A warming blanket as described in Example 33, wherein the film comprises a multilayer film comprising one or more microporous films and / or one or more monolithic films.

[0080] Example 35: The TCL has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least about 25 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 For example, at least about 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 and / or a maximum of about 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 225, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 The warming blanket according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the warming blanket is any one of the above.

[0081] Example 36: The warming blanket of any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the TCL has a hydrostatic head (HSH) of at least about 50 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), such as at least about any of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), and / or at most about any of 200, 175, 150, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min).

[0082] Example 37: The warming blanket has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least about 25 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 For example, at least about 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 and / or a maximum of about 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 275, 250, 225, and 200 g / m per 24 hours as measured by ASTM E96D. 2 The warming blanket according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the warming blanket is any one of the above.

[0083] Example 38: The heating blanket of any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the heating blanket has a hydrostatic head (HSH) of at least about 50 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), e.g., at least about any of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min), and / or at most about any of 200, 175, 150, and 125 mbar as measured by AATCC 127 (60 mbar / min).

[0084] Example 39: A method of manufacturing a warming blanket, such as those of Examples 1-38, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a transparent coating layer (TCL); (ii) depositing a metal coating layer (MCL) directly on the TCL; (iii) providing or forming a sweat absorbing layer (PAL); and (iv) combining the PAL with the MCL to provide the warming blanket.

[0085] Example 40: The method of example 39, wherein bonding the PAL with the MCL comprises adhesively bonding the PAL directly to the MCL via a first adhesive layer.

[0086] Example 41: The method of example 40, wherein a first adhesive layer is deposited on the PAL and then the PAL is laminated with the MCL, the first adhesive layer being positioned between and adjacent to the PAL and the MCL.

[0087] Example 42: The method of example 40, wherein a first adhesive layer is deposited on the MCL and then the PAL and MCL are laminated together, the first adhesive layer being located between and adjacent to the PAL and the MCL.

[0088] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Moreover, it will be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, as further set forth in such appended claims. Thus, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the exemplary description of the forms contained herein.

Claims

1. (i) a sweat absorbing layer (PAL) comprising a woven or nonwoven fabric; (ii) a metal coating layer (MCL); and (iii) a transparent coating layer (TCL), wherein the MCL is located directly or indirectly between the PAL and the TCL; and Includes a warming blanket.

2. The PAL includes a plurality of through holes formed through the entire thickness of the PAL in a z direction perpendicular to an xy plane of the PAL, and (i) the plurality of through holes each have an average opening area of ​​about 1 to about 100 mm ２ For example, at least about 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 mm ２ and / or at most about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50 mm ２ or (ii) the plurality of through holes defines a total open area of ​​about 10 to about 80%, e.g., at least about any of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, and / or at most about any of 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, and 50%, or both of (i) and (ii).

3. The warming blanket of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a first adhesive layer located between the PAL and the MCL and bonding the PAL and the MCL.

4. 4. The warming blanket of claim 3, wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete adhesive islands surrounded by areas without adhesive.

5. 4. The warming blanket of claim 3, wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern including a first plurality of discrete islands that are free of adhesive and surrounded by areas of adhesive.

6. 4. The warming blanket of claim 3, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a first discontinuous pattern, the first discontinuous pattern comprising a first plurality of separate, distinct adhesive lines, the first plurality of separate, distinct adhesive lines may be in a straight, arcuate, or zigzag configuration.

7. 7. The warming blanket of claim 4, wherein the first discontinuous pattern includes adhesive-free areas that are aligned with the plurality of through holes in the PAL, and optionally, the first discontinuous pattern overlaps less than or equal to about 50% of the total open area of ​​the PAL, such as at least about any of 0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 25%, and / or at most about any of 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 28, 26, and 25%.

8. The warming blanket of any preceding claim, wherein the MCL comprises a highly reflective metal or a highly reflective metal alloy.

9. 9. The warming blanket of claim 8, wherein the highly reflective metal or highly reflective metal alloy reflects at least about 80% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns), or, for example, reflects at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 1 to about 20 microns (e.g., across all wavelengths from about 8 to about 15 microns).

10. 10. The warming blanket of any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the highly reflective metal or highly reflective metal alloy comprises aluminum or its alloys, gold or its alloys, copper or its alloys, silver or its alloys, or any combination thereof.

11. The warming blanket of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the TCL is immediately adjacent to the MCL and optionally comprises a polyethylene film.

12. 12. The warming blanket of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.1 to about 0.4 microns, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

13. 13. The warming blanket of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.4 to about 0.7 microns, e.g., at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

14. 15. The warming blanket of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the TCL is at least 75% transparent to electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths from about 0.7 to about 1000 microns, such as at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% transparent.

15. A method for producing a warming blanket according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a transparent coating layer (TCL); (ii) depositing a metal coating layer (MCL) directly on said TCL; (iii) providing or forming a sweat absorbing layer (PAL); (iv) combining the PAL with the MCL to provide the warming blanket; The method includes:

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