Definition of electric blanket

The concept of an electric blanket, a device used to warm bedding through the use of electric current, can be traced back to the 1910s. However, the first electric blankets, which consisted of heated wires sewn into blankets, were not commercially available until the 1950s. The term "electric blanket" was coined by the inventor of the first commercially sold electric blanket, Earl Parsons, in the 1950s. Parsons was a salesman for a heating element manufacturer, and he came up with the idea of using the company's heating elements as a way to create a new product. Initially, electric blankets were marketed as a medical device, as they were found to be helpful for individuals suffering from conditions such as arthritis and colds. However, they quickly gained popularity as a household item, particularly during the winter months when cold weather made sleeping uncomfortable. The popularity of electric blankets in the 1950s and 1960s can be attributed to several factors. The first electric blankets were bulky and heavy, but advances in technology allowed for the creation of thinner and more lightweight blankets in the following decades. Additionally, the introduction of new materials, such as thermostats, allowed for greater control over the temperature of the blankets. Today, electric blankets are a common household item, and they are available in a variety of sizes and styles to meet the needs of different sleepers. They have also become a popular choice for camping and outdoor activities, as they provide a portable and convenient way to stay warm in cold weather conditions.