Blanket for use during bodyworking or massage

Abstract

The blanket for use during bodyworking or massage is a blanket having laterally extending slits defined therein that define an upper portion and a lower portion of the blanket, and an axially extending slit medially disposed in the lower portion defining individual leg drapes. The slits enable the left and right upper and lower portions and the two leg drapes to be independently manipulated to drape desired portions of the body when administering a massage. Alternatively, the leg drapes may be disposed over the shoulders and chest with the upper portion covering the back in order to wear the blanket as a poncho. The leg drapes may have pockets opening on their rear surfaces for tucking the feet in for warmth. Releasable fasteners may be disposed on the blanket for adapting the blanket for other uses.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to blankets, and particularly to a blanket for use during a massage that is convertible into use as a poncho, or that can be used as a cover for additional warmth and comfort while reading, lounging, or the like. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Many people find that massage is a useful form of therapy that reduces stress, relieves tension, and tones the muscles. The massage may be prescribed as part of conventional medical treatment, may form part of an alternative health program, may be provided by gyms and other exercise facilities after strenuous workouts, or may be sought simply for the relaxation benefits provided by the massage. Massages may be administered by physical therapists, by licensed or certified massage therapists, or by one's spouse or significant other. [0005] In order to place the person being given the massage at ease, as well as to keep the muscles w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The blanket may have a scallop defined in the edge of the upper portion so that the blanket leaves the neck exposed when administering a massage. Alternatively, a scallop may be defined at the junction of the leg drapes that defines a neck opening when the blanket is used as a poncho. A surface of the blanket may have a loop attached thereto for hanging the blanket on a hook for storage, or for receiving a belt, strap, or sash so that the blanket may be rolled up and secured by the belt or strap for storage or transport. The upper portion may have a pocket defined therein for containing scented material when performing massage as part of an aromatherapy program. Instead of linear slits, the laterally extending slits may be wedge-shaped in order to provide greater flexibility, both in manipulating the blanket during massage and in using the garment as a poncho. Furthermore, the slits may be filleted to prevent ripping or tearing the blanket with extended use.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional sheets and blankets are not efficient for this purpose, however, since the sheet or blanket is an elongated rectangle designed to cover the entire body.

It is difficult to fold back a portion of the sheet, blanket, or other drape to expose one portion of the body without also exposing an adjacent portion of the body.

Also, the person being massaged often finds the conventional sheet too thin to provide sufficient warmth and comfort during the course of the massage, and will complain about being cold or chilly.

There are many one-piece garments that cover the front and back of at least the upper body and that are open along at least a portion of the sides, such as hospital gowns, but such garments are not suitable for use in administering a massage.

There are also so-called convertible garments, which can be converted from one form of garment to another, often by attaching detachable pieces, but these garments are also not suitable for use in administering a massage.

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