Throw Blanket Hand and Foot Pockets for Warmth and Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional throw blankets with integrated hand and foot pockets are limited in their design, preventing widespread acceptance due to restrictions on the use of hands and feet, as they often require users to remove their extremities to maintain warmth, limiting functionality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A throw blanket with uniquely structured hand pockets featuring a thumb slit and finger openings, and foot pockets with a pleated design that allows easy insertion and conformity around the ankles, enabling users to maintain dexterity and warmth while keeping hands and feet inside, and a foldable configuration to appear conventional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional throw blankets with integrated hand and foot pockets are used, then warmth is provided for extremities, but the design restricts the use of hands and feet due to complete enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The hand pockets are segmented into multiple openings: a thumb slit for the thumb and finger openings for select fingers, while the foot pockets are segmented with a heel opening and toe openings. This segmentation allows different parts of the extremities to have different levels of exposure, maintaining warmth for enclosed portions while preserving dexterity and functionality for exposed portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pockets have different qualities: the main body of the pockets provides insulation and warmth, while the slits and openings provide access and dexterity. The thumb slit and finger openings create localized areas of exposure where dexterity is needed, while the rest of the hand remains enclosed for warmth. Similarly, the foot pockets have localized openings for toes and heel while maintaining overall enclosure for warmth.
2Ease of operation
If throw blankets with visible pockets are designed, then warmth and functionality are improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to non-conventional look
Solution Approach 1:
The blanket incorporates folding steps that dynamically transform the appearance from a conventional flat throw to a configured state with visible pockets. When folded according to the specified steps, the pockets become visible and functional; when unfolded or folded differently, the blanket maintains a conventional aesthetic appearance. This dynamic transformation allows the same blanket to serve both aesthetic and functional needs in different contexts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides effective insulation for hands and feet, allowing users to grasp and manipulate objects while maintaining warmth, and can be folded to conceal pockets, offering improved comfort and functionality, including outdoor use with a waterproof option.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pockets are preferably lined with fleece or other suitable material, for additional warmth.
Data Source
AI summary
A throw blanket having specially configured hand and feet pockets that insulate the hands and feet while allowing virtually full use of the user's hands comprises a generally flat blanket having upper left and right corners configured with hand pockets and a central lower edge configured with a pocket for the feet. Hand pockets are uniquely structured with a thumb slit and finger opening which allow for certain of the user's fingers and thumb to project from the pocket thereby enabling the user to continue to grasp, hold, and manipulate beverage glasses, books, TV and entertainment center remote control devices, and the like. The foot pockets are formed with specially configured fold which allows for easy insertion of the user's feet while allowing the pocket material to conform around the user's feet and ankles.