Bare access blanket

Abstract

Since prehistory, blankets, quilts and comforters have provided warmth. However, when one member of a couple wants to be warm during intimacy, their mate may desire both warmth and access to fresh air while engaging in oral sex or to be uncovered and unhindered while engaging in sexual relations, including intercourse. Bare Access Blankets™ solve this dilemma with openings that allow access to fresh air and one's bed partner during sexual relations. During rest, these “access portals” are closed for warmth with a “flap” or “tongue” of blanket material that, on one side, is permanently affixed to the blanket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a blanket with a flap covering an unseen access portal. The flap is shown in the closed or continuous with the blanket position, which is the position used during sleep or rest. This flap is detached on three sides and is sown onto the blanket on its remaining, bottom side. The blanket is shown as a rectangle covered with Xs. The flap is shown as a smaller rectangle covered with hash marks (###). The double line of dots (::::::::) on the flap represents its permanent attachment by stitching on its bottom side or base.

FIG. 2, which is the drawing that best illustrates a Bare Access Blanket™, depicts a blanket with a flap and access portal. The flap is shown in the open or folded-back position, which is the position used during sexual relations. The blanket is shown as a rectangle covered with Xs. The flap is shown as a smaller rectangle covered with hash marks (###). Because the flap is in the open or folded back position, the tops and bottoms of three snaps, which are shown as small circles (° ° °), are visible. The now visible access portal is shown as barrow-shaped open space or hole.

FIG. 3 depicts a blanket with a tongue that fills or covers an unseen access portal. The tongue is shown in the closed position, which is the position used during sleep or rest. This tongue is shown as continuous blanket material that has been cut loose from the blanket on all sides (270°) other than at its base or bottom side. The blanket is shown as a rectangle covered with Xs. The tongue is covered with hash marks (###) and, except at its continuous-with-the-blanket base, is distinguished by solid lines.

FIG. 4 depicts a blanket with a tongue and access portal. The tongue is shown in the open or folded-back position, which is the position used during oral or genital sexual relations. The blanket is shown as a rectangle covered with Xs. The folded back tongue is covered with hash marks (###) and, except at its continuous-with-the-blanket base, is distinguished by solid lines. The solid lines that constitute the perimeter of the open tongue and the perimeter of the now visible access portal, which is shown as open space, also represent two sides of an unzipped zipper.

FIG. 5 depicts a queen-side or king-size blanket and shows the relative position of two access portals, which are holes through the blanket. No flaps or tongues are shown. The top and bottom sides of the blanket where the access portals have been created are stitched or sown together. The blanket is shown as a rectangle covered with Xs and the access portals are shown as barrow-shaped open space or holes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Terms of art used in this application have the following definitions or meanings:

ACCESS PORTAL. An “access portal” is an opening or hole cut into a blanket, quilt or comforter at crotch-level. Access portals are usually of a circular or oval shape and are of a diameter, and have a circumference, adequate for an adult's head to easily fit through it. Diameters ranging from twelve to twenty inches (12″-20″) are envisioned as common sizes.

BLANKET. A “blanket” is a bed covering that goes above the bed sheets and provides warmth by retaining body heat.

FLAP. A “flap” is a piece of blanket, quilt or comforter material that fits over and extends beyond an access portal. On one side it is permanently sown onto or affixed to the blanket, quilt or comforter. The remaining three sides, if the flap is square or rectangle, or 270 degrees, if the flap is circular or oval shaped, is either un-affixed or capable of being temporarily affixed. Flaps fold back to allow access.

TONGUE. A “tongue” is a piece of blanket, quilt or comforter material that fits into an access portal. If the tongue is square or rectangular, three sides are cut and separated from the blanket, quilt or comforter, enabling the tongue to fold back. If the tongue is circular or oval shaped, 270 degrees of it are cut and separated from the blanket, quilt or comforter, enabling the tongue to fold back. A tongue can also be a separate piece of material that is sown or permanently affixed on one side and fits into an access portal. Like flaps, three sides or 270 degrees of tongues are either un-affixed or capable of being temporarily affixed. Tongues fold back to allow access.

A Bare Access Blanket™ is a blanket, quilt or comforter that contains, depending upon size, one or two crotch-level openings or access portals. The openings or access portals have either flaps that cover and extend beyond the holes or tongues that fit within the holes. During intimacy, a flap or tongue is folded back at its permanently attached base to allow access from outside the blanket for genital sex, or access to fresh air while staying covered and engaging in oral sex. During sleep or rest, a flap or tongue covers or closes each opening or access portal for warmth. The flaps or tongues can be un-affixed beyond their base or can have buttons, snaps, a zipper, Velcro, or the like, temporarily affixing them beyond their flexible base when in the closed position. Flaps and tongues are usually made of the same materials and thickness as the rest of the blanket, quilt or comforter. A flap may also be quilted where it matches and fills an access portal and not quilted where it extends beyond a matching access portal.

Distinguishment of Prior Art

Search efforts have revealed numerous patents which are of slight or peripheral relevance, and one patent that, while different and distinguishable, is of more interest than the others. The below-discussed patents fall into four groups or categories; namely, (1) patents that seek to make bedding more versatile, (2) patents developed for medical or surgical purposes, (3) a single patent that addresses the “enhancement of the sensual experience” of foreplay, and (4) patents involving sexual intercourse. These patents are discussed below from the most recent patent to the oldest patent within each of the groups.

The patents in the first or “seek to make bedding more versatile” category are:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,127 granted to Kahn. (Feb. 8, 2005). “Multipurpose blanket”. This patent involves a blanket that in its compact, folded form functions as a seat cushion, and which can be spread out and worn as a protective covering with openings for hands and arms, a storage pouch, a handle and a strap. Its intended purpose appears to be a poncho-like covering that doubles as a seat cushion and would be convenient to carry in a vehicle. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,717 granted to Alexander (Aug. 31, 1999). “Bed blanket for bed”. This patent involves overlapping, stitched together blankets. Its intended purpose appears to be to facilitate getting out of bed without disturbing a second occupant or bed partner. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,299 granted to Phillips. (Mar. 30, 1999). “Convertible multi-purpose covering”. This patent involves multiple sheets and fasteners arranged to “permit detachable connections and conversion of coverings to form ( ) comforters, sleeping bats and body wraps”. Its intended purpose appears to be a versatile blanket that can be used in different configurations. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,285 granted to Burch (Aug. 18, 1998). “Bed cover assembly”. This patent involves a large extra sheet placed between a mattress and box springs and Velcro attachments that affix to a top sheet and/or blanket. Its intended purpose appears to be to hold in place the top sheet and/or blanket. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. D395,372 granted to Simpson (Jun. 23, 1998). “Fitted car seat blanket with head opening and flap”. This patent involves a car blanket intended to be used like a poncho that features a heart-shaped opening so the user's head can remain uncovered. Its intended purpose appears to be warmth when riding in a vehicle. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. D383,634 granted to Selph (Sep. 16, 1997). “Combination pillow-blanket”. This patent involves an ornamental design for a “combination pillow-blanket”. Its intended purpose appears to be combining a pillow to a blanket in a particular manner. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,269 granted to Broder. (Sep. 9, 1997). “Foldable blanket for revealing different patters”. This patent involves central flaps that can be folded to up to four different designs or colors each of which presents “a uniform appearance”. Its intended purpose appears to be to enable one blanket to look like four differently designed blankets. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,657,489 granted to Ponstein. (Aug. 19, 1997). “Blanket with head and hand openings”. This patent involves a blanket with elastic cuff openings for hands and arms. The cuff prevent cold air from entering. Its intended purpose appears to be a warmth and exterior access for head and hands such that books can be hand-held and comfortably read. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,717 granted to Rudy. (Sep. 21, 1993). “Relaxation article with a book podium”. This patent involves a blanket with an opening and sleeve. Its intended purpose appears to allow access through the blanket to manipulate a light and/or a “book podium”; that is, to facilitate reading while a person is in bed. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,440 granted to Ming. (Dec. 22, 1992). “Quilt bag”. This patent involves a quilt or blanket that has a bag which in flaps into, and which can be closed. Its intended purpose appears to be a one-piece quilt and carrying case. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,957 granted to Price, Sr. (Oct. 13, 1992). “Cover assembly for mattress”. This patent involves a one-piece bottom and top sheet. Its intended purpose appears to be joined together sheets that can be assembled to have “a ‘turned-back’ look”. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,032 granted to Tesch. (Sep. 3, 1991). “Transversely adjustable quilt”. This patent involves a quilt or blanket with seams that allow the packed filling to be reduced or enlarged. Its intended purpose appears to be a bed covering that converts from a light blanket into a heavier quilt for more warmth. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,969 granted to Nattrass. (Jun. 18, 1991). “Novel blanket/sheet for a double bed”. This patent involves a sheet or blanket that allows each person to choose to be covered or uncovered independently of the other person. Its intended purpose appears to be allowing each of two bed partners to control warmth and coolness without affecting the other person. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,347 granted to Fuller. (Jan. 2, 1990). “Interchangeable detachable decorative appliqué”. This patent involves a “decorative appliqué piece” that is fastened to bedding that includes a pocket. Its intended purpose appears to be an enhanced appearance and storage of “desired” articles. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,245 granted to Isola. (Oct. 24, 1989). “Bed clothes”. This patent involves pajamas or bed clothes that can be arranged to present various patterns or designs. Its intended purpose appears to be the provision of different visual impressions from one set of pajamas or bed clothes. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,934 granted to Rojas. (Jun. 20, 1989). “Multiple component comforter quilt”. This patent involves a quilt or blanket into which “insulator-pads” of varying insulating capacity are inserted. Its intended purpose appears to be bedding featuring “selective heat insulation zones” to enhance the user's comfort and control. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,734 granted to Mills. (Oct. 4, 1988). “Convertible sleeping bag and stuffed toy”. This patent involves a sleeping bag that can be pulled inside out and shaped by a pouch to form a stuffed toy or a knapsack. Its intended purpose appears to be a child's sleeping bag that doubles as a stuffed toy or a knapsack. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,225 granted to Simons, et al. (Jun. 14, 1988). “Quilt and puppet combination”. This patent involves a quilt that combines with a hand puppet to crate a theatrical scene for the puppet's theatrical entrances and exists. Its intended purpose appears to be a child's quilt that doubles as a puppet stage. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,223 granted to Yang (Apr. 10, 1984). “Healthful quilt”. This patent involves a quilt or blanket that extends over the sleeper's head and has an opening for the sleepers head to pass through. Its intended purpose appears to be to keep the body, which pins the quilt down, fully covered and the sleeper “always” warm. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,076 granted to Albertson (Dec. 13, 1977). “Reader's blanket”. This patent involves the addition of designed spaced openings that allow hands to be extended beyond the blanket and allow an animal or other image to be formed on the blanket's top surface or face. Its intended purpose is to allow books to be held and read, and decoration. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,869 granted to Root (May 10, 1977). “Fitted top sheet and blanket”. This patent involves the addition of snaps, an elastic binding, and a folded, expandable pocket to the bottom end of fitted sheets or blankets. Its intended purpose appears to be to provide warmth and extra foot room, and a neat appearance when the bed is unoccupied. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,721 granted to Bukatman (Feb. 11, 1964). Decorative bedding. This patent involves a bedspread that looks like a car or other vehicle and features fastenable related additions, such as a toy steering wheel. Its intended purpose appears to be to make bedding interesting or attractive for small children. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

The patents in the second or “developed for medical or surgical purposes” category are:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,713 granted to Augustine (Sep. 19, 2006). “Surgical barrier device incorporating an inflatable thermal blanket”, etc. This patent involves an inflatable thermal blanket and a surgical drape. Its intended purpose appears to be warmth retention while allowing therapeutic access to a surgical site. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,720 granted to Gammons (Feb. 7, 2006). “Inflatable thermal blanket with sterile access”. This patent involves a sterilized inflatable blanket with a chest area opening. Its intended purpose appears to be to allow therapeutic access to a patient's upper body through the opening. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,855 granted to Baird (Oct. 9, 2001). “Surgical drape”. This patent involves a surgical drape with primary and secondary fenestrations. Its intended purpose appears to be allowing surgical procedures to occur at multiple surgical sites. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,567 granted to Augustine (Mar. 20, 2001). “Surgical barrier device incorporating an inflatable thermal blanket”, etc. This patent involves an inflatable thermal blanket and a surgical drape. Its intended purpose appears to be warmth retention while allowing therapeutic access to a surgical site. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,870 granted to Augustine (Jan. 23, 2001). “Inflatable thermal blanket with surgical access”, etc. This patent involves an inflatable thermal blanket that covers the body's upper half, “to which are joined a pair of elongate inflatable portions that cover the patient's legs”. Its intended purpose appears to be patient warmth and medical access while patients are “in the lithotomy position”. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,907 granted to Augustine (Aug. 24, 1999). “Surgical barrier device incorporating an inflatable thermal blanket”, etc. This patent involves an inflatable thermal blanket and a surgical drape. Its intended purpose appears to be warmth retention while allowing therapeutic access to a surgical site. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,243 granted to Dickerhoff (Apr. 6, 1999). “Inflatable blanket having openings formed therein”. This patent involves a blanket used with “forced air convection systems” with openings that enable patients' “toes or feet” to protrude. Its intended purpose appears to be patient comfort and an air-heated blanket less likely to slip. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,890 granted to Kappel, et al. (Apr. 7, 1998). “Inflatable blanket having access slits”. This patent involves a blanket used with “forced air convection systems” with slits or openings that allow for surgical and medical “access to portions of the patient's body”. Its intended purpose appears to be to allow therapeutic access to a patient's body through openings. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,488 granted to Namenye, et al. (Aug. 22, 1995). “Thermal blanket with surgical access”. This patent involves a disposable pneumatic inflatable thermal blanket. Its intended purpose appears to be warmth retention while allowing therapeutic access to surgical sites. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,573 granted to Elliott. (May 24, 1983). “Method of using a surgical drape”. This patent involves a surgical drape and a flexible cover. Its intended purpose appears to be to enable surgical teams to observe patients' faces during medical procedures. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,665 granted to Scrivens. (Jun. 7, 1977). “Cardiovascular drape”. This patent involves a surgical drape with at least two fenestrations that is packaged and sterilized. Its intended purpose appears to be to enable surgical teams to quickly and aseptically drape patients for cardiovascular surgery. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,161 granted to Collins. (Mar. 26, 1974). “Multiple purpose drape”. This patent involves a flexible main sheet with “a plurality of fenestrations”. Its intended purpose appears to be to enable surgical teams to perform separate surgical procedures while retaining a sterile barrier over sites that are not involved in the immediate surgery. This patent has nothing to do with enabling or facilitating sexual relations between adult bed partners.

The single patent found that falls in the third or “foreplay” category is: U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,362 granted to Kimball (Nov. 4, 2003), and which is styled as “Bedding with multiple overlays and openings”.

Kimball's patent involves “multiple articles of bed covering intended to enhance amorous and playful experience between lovers.” More specifically, Kimball's patent features “a mated bed sheet and bed blanket . . . with strategically placed [over the erogenous areas] openings and overlays . . . structured for purposes of suggestive intimate enticement.” The overlays are combined in a layered fashion from larger to smaller openings and overlays that, when progressing from top to bottom, create “a series of coaxially aligned openings and overlays in a mated sequence of bedding materials.” Kimball's patent's disclosed purpose is “enhancement of the sensual experience.” Its playful and arousing “peek-a-boo” nature indicates that the aligned openings and overlays are meant to titillate, arouse and promote playful “activities of an amorous nature”. Kimball's combined bedding articles are known as “Lovers' Covers™”.

The concept set forth in this application is different from Kimball's patent in numerous ways, including simplicity of design and intended use. The blankets, quilts and comforters described in this application are to be collectively known as “Bare Access Blankets™”, and each blanket, quilt and comforter of the type described in this application is to be known as a “Bare Access Blanket™”.

SIMPLICITY, NOT COMPLEXITY. Kimball's “Lovers' Covers™” combine a sheet with an aligned blanket; whereas a Bare Access Blanket™ is singular—just a warm blanket (or quilt or comforter) that enables one member of a couple to remain covered and warm while the other person has access to fresh air for breathing and the covered person's penis, vagina, and/or anus for consensual sex.

Kimball's “Lovers' Covers™” feature multiple removable “openings and overlays” situated over the erogenous zones, including the breasts; whereas a Bare Access Blanket™ features, depending on the blanket's size, either a single, crutch-level access portal or a pair of crotch-level access portals.

Kimball's “Lovers' Covers™” use heart-shaped overlays that are “enhanced with lacy edging” and become progressively smaller as one explores more deeply; whereas a Bare Access Blanket™ uses a flap or tongue that, when a Bare Access Blanket™ is being used as a blanket, can be closed for warmth, and which, when sexual access is desired, folds back to allow access to fresh air for breathing and the covered person's penis, vagina, and/or anus for consensual sex.

UTILITY/FOREPLAY. Kimball's “Lovers' Covers™” are designed to stimulate, arouse, promote and enhance a playful, amorous experience. Their utility is the promotion of exploration of the couple's bodies' erogenous zones during foreplay. Kimball's “Lovers' Covers™” are described as analogist to lingerie and are intended for use by young couples desiring “creative enticement and enhanced amorous activity.”

UTILITY/INTERCOURSE. In contrast, Bare Access Blankets™ are utilitarian. Their purpose is warmth from the Bare Access Blanket™ qua covering, and access to fresh air as well as sexual access. The Bare Access Blanket™ is intended for use by couples with a member who wants to stay warm and a member who wants to enjoy fresh air while engaging in oral sex and/or couples with a member who wants to stay warmly covered while the other member enjoys crotch-level access to the still covered person, enabling the couple to engage in consensual sexual intercourse.

The patents in the fourth or “involving sexual intercourse” category are:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,329 granted to Yu (Mar. 28, 2006). “Sex aid device”. This patent involves “a frame and resilient belts attached to the frame for providing a seat for a female above the male lying beneath the frame.” Its intended purpose appears to be to allow a male access from underneath a female without the male having to support the female's weight. While this patent enables or facilitates sexual relations between adult bed partners, it has nothing to do with blanketed warmth or sexual access between a blanket-covered adult and an uncovered adult.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,039 granted to Essler (Feb. 29, 2000). “Rim chair”. This patent involves a chair for supporting a person during sexual activity.” Its intended purpose appears to be to physically support an adult in a seated position for sexual intercourse. While this patent facilitates sexual relations between adults, it has nothing to do with blanketed warmth or in-bed sexual access.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,779 granted to Fuhrman (Mar. 2, 1999). “Arcuately reciprocating human sexual fitness machine”. This patent involves a seesaw-like device with two seats. Its intended purpose appears to be to allow a heterosexual “couple to engage in intercourse while both are seated.” While this patent enables sexual relations between adults in a particular, seated position, it has nothing to do with blanketed warmth or in-bed sexual access.

Claims

1. Designing and constructing blankets, quilts and comforters with one or two crotch-level access portals or openings that enable a couple to engage in sexual relations with either one person under the blanket, quilt or comforter and the other above it, thus allowing the bottom person to remain warmly covered, and, alternatively, allowing both to remain warmly covered while engaging in oral sexual relations with the “active” person enjoying unrestricted access to fresh air so that the desire or need to breathe freely will not hamper the couple's oral sexual activities.

2. Designing and constructing blankets, quilts and comforters with flaps and tongues that, when in the flat or closed position, retain warmth, but which fold back to allow access for sexual intercourse and to facilitate breathing by the member of the couple who is performing oral sex on or with the warmly covered or “inactive” member of the couple.

3. Adding to the blankets, quilts and comforters flap or tongue fasteners that affix the flaps or tongues in the flat or closed position so that the blankets, quilts or comforters will fulfill the same warmth retaining function that blankets, quilts and comforters have always served.

4. In connection with the foregoing claims, the distinguishing between “flaps”, which fit over the access portals or openings, and “tongues” that fit into the access portals or openings.

5. In connection with the foregoing claims, having flaps and tongues that are fully quilted, and, alternatively, having flaps that are quilted where they fit into access portals and un-quilted or less filled where they extend beyond their matching access portals or openings.

6. In connection with the foregoing claims, having flaps and tongues that, beyond their connected bases or bottom sides, can either be un-affixed or can be affixed to the blanket, quilt or comforter with snaps, zippers, buttons, Velcro, or other fasteners when in the flat or closed position.