Patent Publication Number: US-2021186127-A1

Title: Therapeutic weighted robe

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/949,966 filed on Dec. 18, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to therapeutic devices. More specifically, this invention relates to a therapeutic weighted robe that is intended to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. The National Institute for Mental Health reports that an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults have experienced some type of anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. Thus, with anxiety disorders on the rise and stress permeating the lives of many human beings, there is a significant need for solutions that help relieve stress that do not involve the use of medication. When left unaddressed, anxiety can be both debilitating and dangerous, leading to risks of depression and even suicide of those affected. 
     For some of those who experience pervasive stress and anxiety, negative symptoms may be relieved by weighted pressure applied to the body and similar actions that simulate the sensation that results from the act of hugging. Indeed, weighted pressure has been used as a therapeutic tool for many years for a variety of conditions from anxiety to ADHD to Autism. 
     The experience of hugging or exerting pressure on the body increases the release of natural chemicals that are known to relax the body, slow the nervous system and promote a calming affect that can help relieve chronic or occasional symptoms of anxiety. Hugging boosts oxytocin, a powerful hormone in the brain that is often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin counters the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol. Hugging also increases dopamine and serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as the “feel good hormone.” The increase in levels of serotonin may boost one&#39;s mood and relieve symptoms of anxiety. By the same token, a hug often helps relax muscles, increase circulation and releases endorphins throughout the body, which in turn helps reduce tension and elevate one&#39;s mood. Furthermore, studies have shown that hugs may have a positive impact on reducing blood pressure and heart rate. 
     Although several weighted devices exist which promote therapeutic advantages, none of these consistently and continuously simulates the experience of a “hug” around the entire body. For example, hot and cold weighted neck wraps that incorporate weighted clay beads are provided under the brand THERMACOMFORT. See, https://www.getthermacomfort.com/. This product is limited in that it only surrounds the neck of a user. Another example is a weighted blanket, which is significantly larger than a neck wrap and intended to cover the body of a user, such as the weighted blanket sold under the brand SHARPER IMAGE. Weighted blankets have their own limitations, resulting in part from their increased weight and flattened configuration. The construction of a weighted blanket renders it difficult for a user to utilize the device. For example, it is difficult to wrap a weighted blanket around the entire body of the user while ambulating around the house. Likewise, when used as intended during sleeping hours, weighted blankets apply pressure to only one side of the body, to those parts with which the weighted blanket comes in contact. 
     In addition, weighted blankets often incorporate plastic beads or poly pellets as a filler. Pellets are sometimes formed from “ABS virgin plastic,” which is reported to have a variety of advantages. For example, plastic pellets are tough, long-lasting, do not give off harmful chemicals, and are usually hypoallergenic. However, pellets often give weighted blankets an uneven texture, and they can be noisy when the blanket is used. In addition, manufacturers and consumers concerned about the environment prefer other fillers to plastic pellets since plastic pellets do not decompose naturally and can be a danger to wildlife and sealife if not properly recycled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the limitations and drawbacks in the prior art, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe to alleviate stress, muscle tension, headaches and anxiety. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe that overcomes several limitations of traditional weighted blankets that result from their flattened configuration and difficulty of use. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe with dense shoulder sections each having more mass per unit area of robe as compared to other sections of the robe to place increased pressure upon the shoulders of a user to simulate a desired hugging sensation and to more effectively help relieve stress, muscle tension, headaches and anxiety. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic weighted robe with shoulder sections on each side of the robe that incorporate an elongated trapezoidal pattern with a base that gradually tapers from the edge of the shoulder to the neck. 
     Additional objectives, features and advantages will be apparent from the description of the invention that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In summary, there is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a therapeutic weighted robe having a body constructed of a soft pliable plush fabric that is divided into a plurality of stitched and sealed body pocket sections along the exterior surface of the body. The robe further comprises a pair of shoulders integrally formed with the body, wherein each shoulder is divided into three sealed shoulder pocket sections. A collar is attached to the body and shoulders, and houses a number of collar pocket sections and a tubular border. Each of the body pocket sections, shoulder pocket sections and collar pocket sections accommodate a bag or carrier of dense filler elements, preferably glass beads, which function as a preferred form of filler for the therapeutic weighted robe. The carrier is adapted to prevent the glass beads from exiting the body pocket sections, the shoulder pocket sections and the collar pocket sections. Notably, the shoulder pocket sections comprise approximately 7 to 16 percent of the total glass bead weight of the therapeutic weighted robe, wherein the shoulder pocket sections are more dense (i.e., mass per unit volume) than other sections of the therapeutic robe. 
     Additional features and embodiments of the therapeutic weighted robe are described below in more detail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-described and other advantages and features of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings of which 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the front of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a preferred embodiment of the back of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts the upper shoulder portion of a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in a folded position; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in a hanging position; and 
         FIG. 6  depicts a preferred embodiment of a therapeutic weighted robe of the present invention in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the drawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art, there is shown in the accompanying figures, a therapeutic weighted robe  10  intended to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety. The therapeutic weighted robe  10  is designed to wrap around a user&#39;s body with additional pressure, simulating the experience and feeling of a firm hug—particularly from the disproportionate weight in the more dense shoulder areas  12 ,  12 —while allowing the user to remain both mobile and in a relaxed state, as desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 6 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the exterior of the therapeutic weighted robe  10  is constructed from a soft plush fabric. The selection of fabric is comfortable and soothing to the touch and helps provide immediate relief and a promotes a sense of relaxation. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric that is utilized to construct the robe is a polyester Sherpa fabric. 
     The therapeutic weighted robe  10  is divided into a plurality of sections along its exterior surface  14  and interior surface  16 . In a preferred embodiment, the majority of sewn and predominantly sealed-off body pocket sections  18  of the body  20  of the therapeutic robe  10  predominantly comprise a square or rectangular shape  22 , forming a quilt-like appearance. Throughout the robe  10 , most of the body pocket sections  18  of the robe body  20  that appear on the exterior surface  14  are located at the same corresponding location on the interior surface  16  of the robe body  20 . Utilizing this construction, a single section of the robe body  20 , such as a body pocket section  18 , or other pouch sections explained later herein, appears in the same location on both the exterior surface  14  and interior surface  16  of the robe body  20 . However, it should be appreciated and understood that in alternative embodiments, the exterior surface of the therapeutic robe may be formed separately from the interior surface and then attached to one another such that sections from the exterior are not the same as those that are visible in the interior. By the same token, it should be appreciated and understood that different sectioned layers may be positioned on the exterior and interior of the robe without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the body pocket sections  18  of the body  20  of the therapeutic weighted robe  10  comprises dense filler elements, most preferably micro fine, dense glass beads. Since the glass beads are very small, they are placed inside carriers in the form of bags or containers which help prevent the glass beads from exiting the individual pocket sections  18  in which they are located. In comparison to plastic fill, glass beads result in less bulk and a more uniform texture because the glass beads are significantly more dense than plastic. Furthermore, glass beads wash and dry more effectively, are odorless, silica and lead free, mold and moisture resistant and dust free. 
     In a preferred embodiment, each squared body pocket section  18  of the therapeutic weighted robe comprises approximately 12 g to 15 g of glass beads, and most preferably 13.66 g of glass beads for a large-sized robe totaling a weight of approximately 15 lbs. A large sized robe is intended to accommodate a user weighing approximately 125-200 lbs. The robe is formed with length, sleeve and chest measurements of 51.5 inches, 57.5 inches, and 22 inches, respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , there are two shoulders  24 ,  26  split into three shoulder pocket sections  28 ,  30 ,  32  on the left shoulder  24  and three shoulder pocket sections  34 ,  36 ,  38  on the right shoulder  26 , both of which are attached to collar  40  of therapeutic robe  10 . Each of these two sets of shoulder pocket sections  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  34 ,  36 ,  38  comprise a total of approximately 215 g to 250 g of glass beads, for a combined shoulder mass or weight total of approximately 430 g to 500 g. It should be appreciated and understood that additional weight may be applied beyond 500 g, preferably up to approximately 1000 g, as desired. This configuration results in a disproportionate and more significant amount of pressure placed upon the shoulders of a user to simulate a desirable and direct hugging sensation as compared to other areas of the robe  10 . In addition, through the application of additional glass beads in the shoulders  24 ,  26 , pressure may be better applied to the shoulder well of a user at which there is a pressure point which helps relieve stress, muscle tension and headaches. Another significant feature of the present invention is that the two sets of three shoulder pocket sections  28 ,  30 ,  32  and  34 ,  36 ,  38  that together form each of the respective shoulder areas  24 ,  26  of the therapeutic weighted robe  10  are trapezoids and together form an elongated trapezoidal pattern. Notably, shoulder pocket sections  28 ,  38  located at the exterior of each shoulder  24 ,  26  have a wider base than those shoulder pocket sections  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  which are closer to collar  40 . Thus, the trapezoidal sections that form the shoulders  24 ,  26  are gradually tapered with each successive section proceeding from the edge pocket sections  28 ,  38  to the pocket sections  32 ,  34  that meet collar  40  under the exterior, exposed lapel  42 . This configuration is particularly advantageous to apply more direct pressure along the precise surface area of a user&#39;s shoulder. 
     With regard to the construction of collar  40 , there are a plurality of collar pocket sections  44 , shown in  FIG. 4 , beneath exposed lapel  42 . The collar pocket sections  44  are constructed as a continuation of the squared body pocket sections  18  and continue underneath, hidden behind lapel  42  and, in part, form collar  40 . In that regard, the lining or sections under lapel  42  also comprise dense filler elements, preferably in the form of glass beads for added weight. Collar pocket sections  44  are preferably constructed with the same mass (or average mass) of glass beads as body pocket sections  18 . Lapel  42  has a predominantly elongated and smooth surface. Lapel  42  and collar  40  terminate in a collar border  46  that is tubular formed by stitches  48  and accommodates carriers of glass beads (or just glass beads) for added weight. 
     In a preferred embodiment, therapeutic weighted robe  10  further comprises a weighted belt  50  which also comprises glass beads for added weight which holds the lower body of a user in a tight and compressed position. 
     Different specifications, sizes and configurations of the therapeutic weighted robe  10  of the present invention are presented in Table 1 below. Notably, while the total weights and configurations of preferred embodiments of the therapeutic weighted robe  10  are provided, it is desirable to utilize an increased mass of glass beads in the shoulder area of the therapeutic weighted robe as compared to other sections which have a significantly lower mass of glass beads. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Unisex 
                 KIDS 
                 S/1VI 
                 L/XL 
                 XXL 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 ROBE WEIGHT 
                 8 LBS 
                 12 LBS 
                 15 LBS 
                 17 LBS 
               
               
                 (APPROX.) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 BODY WEIGHT 
                 60-85 LBS 
                 90-125 LBS 
                 125-200 LBS 
                 200+ LBS 
               
               
                 LENGTH 
                 36.5″ 
                 50.5″ 
                 51.5″ 
                 52.5″ 
               
               
                 CHEST 
                 40.5″ 
                   54″ 
                 57.5″ 
                 60.5″ 
               
               
                 SLEEVE 
                 20.5″ 
                   21″ 
                   22″ 
                   23″ 
               
               
                   
                 100% 
                 100% 
                 100% 
                 100% 
               
               
                 FABRIC 
                 POLYESTER 
                 POLYESTER 
                 POLYESTER 
                 POLYESTER 
               
               
                   
                 SHERPA 
                 SHERPA 
                 SHERPA 
                 SHERPA 
               
               
                 SHOULDER 
                   430 g 
                   460 g 
                   480 g 
                   500 g 
               
               
                 GBW* 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 BODY GBW* 
                 2,520 g 
                 4,000 g 
                 5,000 g 
                 6,300 g 
               
               
                 TOTAL GBW* 
                 2,750 g 
                 4,460 g 
                 5,480 g 
                 6,800 g 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *GBW-GLASS BEAD WEIGHT 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The accompanying specification and illustration(s) demonstrate several preferred embodiments of a therapeutic weighted robe and method for using same. However, it should be appreciated and understood that other types and configurations are possible, and the figure(s) are not intended to be limiting in that regard. Thus, although the description above and accompanying figure(s) contain much specificity, the details provided should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiment(s) but merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiment(s). For example, although a preferred embodiment of the therapeutic weighted robe utilizes glass beads, other similar types of beads or filler may potentially be utilized while keeping within the spirit and scope of the invention. The figure(s) and the description are not to be taken as restrictive on the scope of the embodiment(s) and are understood as broad and general teachings in accordance with the present invention. While the present embodiment(s) of the invention have been described using specific terms, such description is for present illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that modifications and variations to such embodiments, including but not limited to the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, and the reversal of various features thereof, may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.