MULTILAYER SAFETY BLANKET AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A blanket system for covering a user positioned on a user base platform having a mounting element, the blanket including a first layer a first length (l.sub.1) and a first width (w.sub.1); a second layer having a second length (l.sub.2) and a second width (w.sub.2), the second length being greater than the first length and the second width being greater than the first width; and the blanket adapted to have an operative hanging mode, wherein the first and second layers are attached to one another around a perimeter of the blanket and along at least one internal elongate stretch of the blanket, so as to define at least two pockets formed the first and second layers, wherein, in the operative hanging mode, the at least two pockets each have a depth (D) between the first layer and the second layer, the depth being in the range of 10 cm-30 cm.

Claims

1. A system for covering a user, the system comprising: a user base platform adapted to have the user positioned thereon; at least one mounting element, disposed about said user base platform; a blanket, including: a first layer formed of a first stretch of fabric, said first stretch of fabric having a first length (l.sub.1) and a first width (w.sub.1); a second layer formed of a second stretch of fabric, said second stretch of fabric having a second length (l.sub.2) and a second width (w.sub.2), said second length being greater than said first length and said second width being greater than said first width; and an attachment mechanism adapted to attach said blanket to said at least one mounting element, said system adapted to have an operative, hanging mode, in which said blanket is attached to said at least one mounting element and hangs over said user base platform; wherein said first and second layers are attached to one another so as to be juxtaposed around a perimeter of said blanket, and along at least one internal elongate stretch of said blanket so as to define at least two pockets formed between said first and second layers, wherein, in said operative, hanging mode, said at least two pockets each have a respective depth (D) greater than zero between said first layer and said second layer, and wherein, in said operative, hanging mode, at least one air gap is formed between said at least two pockets.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein in operative hanging mode, said second layer of each of said pockets defines an apex at said depth D, and wherein when the user is positioned on said user base and said system is in said operative hanging mode, said apexes of said at least two pockets come into contact with the user.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of said first and second layers comprises an insulating layer.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second width is greater than said first width by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50%.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a width ratio between said first width and said second width is in the range of 1:1.1-1:2.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second width is greater than said first width by at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second length is greater than said first length by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50%.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a width ratio between said first length and said second length is in the range of 1:1:1 to 1:2.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said second length is greater than said first length by at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said depth D is in the range of 10 cm-30 cm, 12 cm-25 cm, or 15 cm-20 cm.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in said hanging mode said second layer of each of said pockets defines an apex at said depth D, and wherein a width of said air gap (w.sub.g), defined between apexes of at least two of said pockets surrounding said air gap, is in the range of 20 cm-40 cm, 25 cm-35 cm, or 28 cm-32 cm.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in said hanging mode, a minimal width (W.sub.min) of said air gap, defined between at least two of said pockets surrounding said air gap adjacent said first layer, is in the range of 0 cm-10 cm.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in said hanging mode a volume (v.sub.g) of said air gap is sufficient to allow the user to breathe beneath said blanket without risk of suffocation.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises at least one of a flame retardant layer and a hypoallergenic layer.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one additional layer disposed between said first layer and said second layer.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said at least one additional layer comprises at least one of a flame retardant layer and a hypoallergenic layer.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one of said pockets is filled with a filling material other than air.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said user base platform comprises a mattress of a bed, and said at least one mounting element comprises at least one pole disposed at an edge of said bed.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said user base platform comprises a mattress of a crib, and said at least one mounting element comprises a portion of a frame of said crib.

20. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said user base platform comprises a seat of a stroller, and said at least one mounting element comprises at least part of a frame of said stroller.

21. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the user is an animal, said user base platform comprises an animal sleeping basket, and said at least one mounting element comprises a protrusion at an edge of said animal sleeping basket.

22. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises at least one loop disposed about said at least one mounting element.

23. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a first portion of a snap fit engagement, and said at least one mounting element includes a second portion of said snap fit engagement, such that said blanket is attached to said mounting element by snap fit engagement of said first and second portions.

24. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises at least one clasping unit attached to said at least one mounting element and adapted to clasp at least one portion of said blanket.

25. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises at least one portion of a hook-and-loop arrangement.

26. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises at least one magnetic element.

27. The system of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein said attachment mechanism attaches said blanket to said at least one mounting element at at least two edges or two corners of said blanket, such that a tension of said blanket in at least one dimension thereof does not change even if the user moves beneath said blanket.

28. The system of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein said attachment mechanism attaches said blanket to said at least one mounting element at four points about the perimeter of said blanket, such that a tension of said blanket does not change even if the user moves beneath said blanket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0058] The foregoing discussion will be understood more readily from the following detailed description of the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying FIGS. 1-5), in which:

[0059] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of a blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are perspective view illustrations of a blanket according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a spread mode;

[0061] FIG. 2D is a sectional illustration of the blanket of FIG. 2A, the sectional illustration taken along section lines IID-IID in FIG. 2A;

[0062] FIGS. 3A and 3B are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a sectional illustration of the blanket of FIG. 2A, in a hanging mode, the sectional illustration taken along section lines IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A;

[0063] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, are, respectively, a perspective illustration, a top view planar illustration, and side view planar illustrations of the blanket of FIGS. 3A and 3B, mounted onto a crib and covering a user lying on the crib; and

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of the blanket of FIGS. 3A and 3B, mounted onto a baby carriage and covering a user lying in the baby carriage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] The principles of the inventive blanket and system for covering a user, and of methods of use thereof, may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0066] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0067] In the context of the present application and claims, the term User base platform relates to any surface on which a user may sit or lie, and includes, among others, bed, crib, playpen, stroller, sofa.

[0068] In the context of the present application and claims, the term stretch of fabric relates to a piece of fabric which can be laid flat without any creases, pleats, or layers defined by portions of the stretch of fabric, and which forms a unitary structure such that when the stretch of fabric is held at one end thereof and is lifted in the air, it remains contiguous and does not separate into multiple pieces of fabric. A stretch of fabric as defined herein may include a single piece of fabric, or multiple pieces of fabric connected to each other, for example by sewing or by suitable fasteners.

[0069] In the context of the present application and claims, a first item and a second item are considered to be attached to one another if the first item is disposed above the second item or alongside the second item, and when one holds directly onto the first item and lifts it, the second item is lifted together with the first item, even if the first and second items are not directly engaging one another.

[0070] In the context of the present application and claims, a first layer and a second layer are considered to be juxtaposed when the layers are generally coplanar, even if they are not in engagement with one another or if there is a third item disposed between the two items. In some cases, the maximal distance between the first and second layers, when the layers are spread on a flat surface, is 3 cm, 4 cm, or 5 cm.

[0071] In the context of the present application and claims, a depth of a pocket formed between a first layer and second layer is defined as the maximal vertical distance between the first and second layers of any point within the pocket.

[0072] In the context of the present application and claims, an element is considered to be internal to a blanket if a shortest distance of the element from the perimeter of the blanket is at least 4 cm, and more typically, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 8 cm, or at least 10 cm.

[0073] In the context of the present application and claims, the term elongate stretch of a blanket relates to any stretch having an elongated shape, regardless of the direction of elongation. As such, an elongated stretch may be disposed parallel to or along the length of the blanket or a longitudinal axis of the blanket, parallel to or along the width of the blanket or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, or at an angle or along a diagonal relative to an edge of the blanket.

[0074] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is an exploded view illustration of a blanket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] As seen in FIG. 1, the blanket 10 includes a first layer 12 and a second layer 14.

[0076] The first layer 12 is formed of a first stretch of fabric, and has a first length (l.sub.1) and a first width (w.sub.1). In some embodiments, the first layer 12 is formed of an insulating material, is flexible, and may be at least partially elastic.

[0077] In some embodiments, a first face 12a of first layer 12 has disposed thereon one or more decorative elements 16, such as an applique or a print of the fabric from which first layer 12 is formed. In some embodiments, in which the blanket 10 is a baby blanket, the decorative element 16 may be a representation of interest to children, such as toys or clouds, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the decorative element 16 may be a representation of a logo or trademark of a manufacturer or distributor of the blanket 10 or of an organization using the blanket 10 such as a hospital. Decorative element 16 may be connected to, or formed on, first face 12a using any suitable method, such as by stitches, glue, or any suitable type of fasteners.

[0078] The second layer 14 is formed of a second stretch of fabric, and has a second length (l.sub.2) and a second width (w.sub.2). In some embodiments, the second layer 14 is formed of, or includes, an insulating material. The second layer 14 is flexible, so as to be able to form pockets as described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and is generally not elastic.

[0079] The second layer 14 is larger than the first layer 12, so as to be able to form pockets as described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, the second width (w.sub.2) is greater than the first width (w.sub.1), and the second length (l.sub.2) is greater than the first length (l.sub.1).

[0080] In some embodiments, the second width (w.sub.2) is greater than the first width (w.sub.1) by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50%. In some embodiments, a width ratio between the first width (w.sub.1) and the second width (w.sub.2) is in the range of 1:1.1-1:2. In some embodiments, the second width (w.sub.2) is greater than the first width (w.sub.1) by at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second length (l.sub.2) is greater than the first length (l.sub.1) by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50%. In some embodiments, a width ratio between the first length (l.sub.1) and the second length (l.sub.2) is in the range of 1:1.1-1:2. In some embodiments, the second length (l.sub.2) is greater than the first length (l.sub.1) by at least 10 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm, or at least 40 cm.

[0082] In some embodiments, in which the blanket 10 is a baby blanket, the first length (l.sub.1) is in the range of 70 cm-100 cm, the first width (w.sub.1) is in the range of 50 cm-70 cm, the second length (l.sub.2) is in the range of 100 cm-150 cm, and the second width (w.sub.2) is in the range of 70 cm-100 cm.

[0083] In some embodiments, in which the blanket 10 is intended for use by an adult, or is a twin bed blanket, the first length (l.sub.1) is in the range of 160 cm-200 cm, the first width (w.sub.1) is in the range of 70 cm-90 cm, the second length (l.sub.2) is in the range of 200 cm-250 cm, and the second width (w.sub.2) is in the range of 110 cm-150 cm.

[0084] In some embodiments, the blanket 10 may further include an attachment mechanism 20 adapted for attachment of the blanket to a mounting element, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A to 5. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the attachment mechanism 20 includes four straps adapted to be disposed at corners of the blanket 10.

[0085] In some embodiments, the blanket 10 may optionally further include one or more perimeter decorations 22, such as frills or tassels. In the embodiment illustrated in

[0086] FIG. 1, the perimeter decoration 22 is a frill formed of four sections, adapted to be attached to each of the edges of the perimeter of the blanket. However, the perimeter decoration may be of any suitable type, may include any suitable number of pieces, and may be attached by any suitable mechanism, such as sewing, tying knots, connection by fasteners, gluing, and the like.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first layer 12 and/or the second layer 14 may comprise a flame retardant material, or be a flame retardant layer.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first layer 12 and/or the second layer 14 may comprise a hypoallergenic material, or be a hypoallergenic layer. In some embodiments, the blanket may include one or more additional layers 24, which may be flame retardant and/or may be hypoallergenic. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the additional layer(s) 24 are substantially equal to those of the first layer 12.

[0089] In some embodiments, the blanket 10 further includes a filling material 26, other than air, adapted to be disposed between layers of the blanket, as described in further detail hereinbelow. In some such embodiments, the filling material comprises at least one of feathers, down, cotton, cashmere, wool, Merino wool, alpaca, fleece, fur, faux fur, polyester, and acrylic.

[0090] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, which are perspective view illustrations of blanket 10, in a spread mode, and to FIG. 2D, which is a sectional illustration of the blanket of FIG. 2A, the sectional illustration taken along section lines IID-IID in FIG. 2A.

[0091] As seen in FIGS. 2A-2D, when the blanket 10 is constructed, the second layer 14 is attached to the first layer 12, so as to be juxtaposed around a perimeter of blanket 10. In some embodiments, the first and second layers are sewn together around the perimeter of the blanket. In some embodiments, the first and second layers are adhered to one another around the perimeter of the blanket using a suitable glue or adhesive, such as an iron heated glue layer disposed between the first and second layers.

[0092] In embodiments in which first face 12a of first layer 12 includes a decorative element 16, the first layer 12 is attached to the second layer 14 such that face 12a is distal to second layer 14 and is visible from the exterior of the blanket 10.

[0093] The length and width dimensions of the blanket 10, when constructed, are substantially equal to those of first layer 12. As such, and because the second layer 14 is larger (in the length and width dimensions) than the first layer 12, excess length (the delta (l) between l.sub.2 and l.sub.1) and excess width (the delta (w) between w.sub.2 and w.sub.1) of the second layer 14 is arranged in the way of folds, creases, or pleats, which may arranged along the perimeter of the blanket 10.

[0094] In some embodiments, the perimeter decoration (illustrated in FIG. 1) and the attachment mechanism 20 are attached to the perimeter of the blanket, for example by sewing.

[0095] The first layer 12 and second layer 14 are also attached to one another along at least one internal elongate stretch of the blanket. For example, the first and second layer may be sewn or adhered to each other along the elongate stretch. As described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the attachment along the internal stretch defines at least two pockets between the first and second layers.

[0096] In some embodiments, in which the blanket 10 includes an additional layer 24, the additional layer is disposed between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14, and is attached thereto at the perimeter and along the internal elongate stretch(es), as illustrated in FIG. 2D.

[0097] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the layers 12 and 14 are sewn to each other along a single stretch 28a, which extends generally along the center of the blanket 10, and terminates internally of the perimeter of the blanket. The structure illustrated in FIG. 2A results in the formation of two pockets 30a in the blanket, arranged alongside one another along the length of the blanket 10, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, the layers 12 and 14 are sewn to each other along two elongate stretches 28b, which extend generally diagonally across blanket 10 to form an X shape, and terminate internally of the perimeter of the blanket. The structure illustrated in FIG. 2B results in the formation of four pockets 30b in the blanket.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, the layers 12 and 14 are sewn to each other along three elongate stretches 28c, two of which extend along the length of the blanket and one of which extends along the width of the blanket at the end of the two elongate stretches, so as to form the shape of the Greek letter . All the elongate stretches 28c, terminate internally of the perimeter of the blanket. The structure illustrated in FIG. 2C results in the formation of pockets 30c in the blanket.

[0100] In some embodiments, in which the blanket 10 includes a filling material 26 (other than air), the filling material is trapped within the pockets, as illustrated in FIG. 2D.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, when blanket 10 is disposed on a flat surface, such as on a table or is laid out on the bed, the pockets 30a, 30b, and 30c are generally flat, and generally no gap is formed between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14, within the pockets, other than to facilitate the filling material 26, in embodiments that it is included.

[0102] Reference is now additionally made to FIGS. 3A and 3B which are, respectively, a perspective view illustration and a sectional illustration of the blanket 10 of FIG. 2A, in a hanging mode, the sectional illustration taken along section lines IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A.

[0103] As seen in FIG. 3A, in a hanging mode of blanket 10, for example when the blanket is hanging from a mounting element over a user base platform such as a crib (as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D), stroller (as illustrated in FIG. 5), or bed, the second layer 14 hangs beneath the first layer 12. Because the length and width of the second layer 14 are greater than the length and width of the first layer 12, the second layer 14 droops beneath the first layer 12 at pockets 30. Consequently, each of the pockets 30 has a depth, and at least one air gap 32 is formed between each two (or more) adjacent pockets 30.

[0104] The depth of the pockets 30 in the hanging mode depends on the width of the pocket and the extent to which second layer 14 is larger than first layer 12.

[0105] As shown clearly in FIG. 3B, in the hanging mode of the blanket 10, each of the pockets 30 has a depth (D), greater than zero, between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. In some embodiments, the depth D is in the range of 10 cm-30 cm, 12 cm-25 cm, or 15 cm-20 cm.

[0106] The air gap 32 has a minimal width (w.sub.min), defined between the pockets 30 surrounding the air gap adjacent the first layer 12, and a width (w.sub.g) defined between apexes of the pockets 30 surrounding the air gap, at which apexes the depth of the pockets 30 is the depth D.

[0107] In some embodiments, the minimal width (w.sub.min) of the air gap 32 is in the range of 0 cm-10 cm.

[0108] In some embodiments, the width (w.sub.g) of the air gap 32 is in the range of 20 cm-40 cm, 25 cm-35 cm, or 28 cm-32 cm.

[0109] In some embodiments, the volume (v.sub.g) of the air gap 32, which is defined between the minimal width (w.sub.min) and the width (w.sub.g) of the air gap 32 (the area being indicated in FIG. 3B between the pockets 30 and the width line w.sub.g), along the entire length of the air gap 32, is sufficient to allow the user to breathe, when the user's head is in the air gap, without risk of suffocation.

[0110] In some embodiments, the volume of the air gap 32 may be dependent on the size of the blanket 10, and may differ between baby blankets, twin bed blankets, stroller blankets, and pet blankets, as defined above.

[0111] In some embodiments, the volume of air gap 32 may depend on the number of pockets 30 in the blanket, on the widths of the pockets 30, and/or on the depth of the pockets.

[0112] As explained in further detail hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D, in some embodiments, the volume of the air gap 32 is sufficient to allow a user using the blanket 10 to breath beneath the blanket 10 without risk of suffocation, for example while the user's head is disposed within the air gap 32. As such, the volume of the air gap may be designed to be suitable to the breathing patterns of the type of user expected to use the blanket. For example, a blanket intended to be used by an adult would need to have an air gap having a larger volume than a blanket intended for a baby, due to the fact that the lung capacity and oxygen volume needs of an adult are greater than those of a baby.

[0113] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-5, these figures illustrate methods of use of the blanket of FIGS. 1-3B. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, are, respectively, a perspective illustration, a top view planar illustration, and side view planar illustrations of the blanket 10 mounted onto a crib and covering a user lying on the crib. FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of the blanket 10 mounted onto a baby carriage and covering a user lying in the baby carriage.

[0114] As seen in FIGS. 4A-5, in use, the blanket 10 is attached to one or more mounting elements 40 disposed above a user base platform 42, on which a user is positioned.

[0115] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D, the user base platform 42a comprises the mattress of a crib 44, and the mounting elements 40a are poles comprising a portion of a frame of the crib. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the user base platform 42b comprises the seat of a stroller 46, and the mounting elements 40b are part of the frame of the stroller.

[0116] In some embodiments, the blanket 10 may be intended for use by an adult. In some such embodiments, the user base platform 42 may comprise a bed or a mattress of a bed, and the mounting element 40 may comprise at least one pole disposed at an edge of the bed. In some such embodiments, the bed may be a hospital bed, and the pole may be part of a frame of the hospital bed. In other such embodiments, the pole may be part of a barrier for preventing a user from falling off the bed, for example as common in bunk beds.

[0117] In some embodiments, the blanket may be intended for use by a pet. In some such embodiments, the user base platform may be an animal sleeping basket, and the mounting element may be a protrusion at an edge of the animal sleeping basket.

[0118] The blanket 10 may be attached to the mounting element(s) 40 by any suitable attachment mechanism(s). The attachment mechanism may be an attachment mechanism 20 forming part of the blanket 10 (FIG. 1), and/or may form part of the mounting element(s) 40.

[0119] The following description relates to a single attachment mechanism attaching the blanket 10 to a single mounting element 40, but it is appreciated that any suitable number of attachment mechanisms and mounting elements may be used, as needed for the specific blanket and/or user base platform.

[0120] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises an attachment mechanism 20 forming part of the blanket 10, and includes one or more loops disposed about the mounting element 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5. In the illustrated embodiments, the loop is formed of one or two straps of fabric, which are tied around the mounting element and form the loop. In other embodiments, the loop may be a closed loop, which is adapted to be slid onto the mount mounting element 40 to attach the blanket thereto. It is appreciated that such a closed loop would only be suitable when the mounting element is narrow enough for sliding the loop thereonto, and does not have any blocking bars along the length of the mounting element. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a first portion of a snap fit engagement attached to the blanket 10, and a second portion of the snap fit engagement attached to, or forming part of, the mounting element. As such, the attachment mechanism attaches the blanket 10 to the mounting element by snap fit attachment of the first portion and second portion to each other.

[0121] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes at least one clasping unit attached to, or forming part of, the mounting element 40. The clasping unit is adapted to clasp at least one portion of the blanket 10, so as to attach the blanket to the mounting element. For example, the clasping unit may comprise something as simple as a clothes pin attached to the mounting element and adapted to clasp the blanket 10.

[0122] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises at least one Velcro portion, including a hook side and a loop side. In some such embodiments, one of the hook and loop sides is attached to the mounting element, and the other is attached to the blanket 10, such that attachment of blanket to the mounting element is accomplished by engagement of the corresponding sides of the Velcro on the mounting element 40 and blanket 10. In other such embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises an elongate strip attached to the blanket 10, the elongate strip including a hook Velcro portion and a corresponding loop Velcro portion. The blanket may be attached to the mounting element by looping the elongate strip about the mounting element and then engaging the corresponding hook and loop Velcro portions, such that the elongate strip forms a loop about the mounting element.

[0123] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes at least one magnetic element. In some such embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a first magnetic element attached to the blanket 10, and a second magnetic element attached to, or forming part of, the mounting element. As such, the attachment mechanism attaches the blanket 10 to the mounting element by magnetic attachment of the first and second magnetic elements to each other. In other such embodiments, the attachment mechanism comprises an elongate strip attached to the blanket 10, the elongate strip including two corresponding magnetic elements adapted to magnetically attach to one another. The blanket may be attached to the mounting element by looping the elongate strip about the mounting element and then attaching the corresponding magnetic elements to one another, such that the elongate strip forms a loop about the mounting element.

[0124] In some embodiments, the one or more attachment mechanisms attach the blanket to the one or more mounting elements at at least two edges of the blanket, such that a tension of the blanket in at least one dimension thereof does not change even if the user moves beneath the blanket. In some such embodiments, the one or more attachment mechanisms attach the blanket to one or more mounting elements at four edges or four corners of the blanket, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, such that a tension of the blanket in the length dimension and in the width dimension does not change even if the user moves beneath the blanket.

[0125] As seen in FIGS. 4A-4D, in use, the blanket may be attached to the mounting elements such that the lowest portion of the second layer 14, where the pockets 30 have the depth D, comes into contact with the user.

[0126] As seen in FIGS. 4A-4D, the attachment mechanisms 20 on the blanket, or any other attachment mechanism, may be used to ensure that the first layer 12 of the blanket is kept taut between the mounting elements. As such, the user will not become tangled in the blanket, preventing the risk of suffocation, and a caretaker of the user would not need to keep re-spreading the blanket.

[0127] Additionally, due to the air gap 32, even if the user inserted his head under the blanket, for example a baby crawling around the crib would crawl under the blanket, the user would still have sufficient air to prevent suffocation, as explained hereinabove.

[0128] It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Similarly, the content of a claim depending from one or more particular claims may generally depend from the other, unspecified claims, or be combined with the content thereof, absent any specific, manifest incompatibility therebetween.

[0129] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.