MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FOR A HEATING DEVICE SUCH AS AN ELECTRIC BLANKET, FOR ENABLING CONNECTION TO ALTERNATE SOURCES OF POWER

摘要

An electrically operated heating device (20) such as an electric blanket, mattress pad, heating pad or throw, includes a power supply (24), a controller (26) and a heating member (22) that can be selectively engaged and disengaged with each other, to provide a modular construction. The controller (26) and the power supply (24) can be used with different types of heating members, to provide manufacturing efficiencies and to reduce assembly steps. The controller (26) and the heating member (22) can also be engaged with an adapter which is configured for engagement with a power source associated with a vehicle, such as a cigarette lighter-type power source. In this manner, the pliable heating member and the controller can be used with either a stationary power source or with a power source associated with a vehicle.