There are few things in this world more comforting than a warm blanket on a cold night. And for many of us, that blanket is an electric one. But have you ever wondered who invented the electric blanket?
The history of heated blankets
One of the earliest literary references to heated blankets is from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s report of sleeping with a hot rock to keep her feet from freezing in the early 1900s.
In 1912, a physician and inventor named Sidney Russell designed and patented a device to heat up bedsheets by positioning it under the mattress. The problem was that these heating devices were still huge, heavy, and dangerous.
However, within a few years, Russell’s original design was improved upon by a man named George C. Crowley.
Who invented the modern electric blanket?
George C. Crowley is the man who invented the electric blanket in 1936.
He graduated from the University of Notre Dame and joined the Navy, in which he was assigned to the General Electric Company during World War II. There, he worked on wartime technical projects as an engineer.
It was during his time at General Electric that Crowley came up with the idea for an electrically heated flying suit for pilots, so that they could fly above antiaircraft flak without freezing. This eventually led to the invention of the electric blanket, which was patented by the company Crowley worked for.
When was the first electric blanket invented?
George C. Crowley invented the first electric blanket in 1936. Crowley’s electric blanket had a thermostat control that would automatically turn the blanket on and off in response to changes in room temperature. The thermostat also served as a safety device, shutting off the power if it detected any hot spots in the blanket.
Later versions of electric blankets included multiple thermostats wired into the blanket for even more control and safety. This basic design remained the standard for nearly 50 years until 1984 when thermostat-free electric blankets were introduced.
In 1946, the first automatic electric blanket was introduced to the US market for $39.50 (around $500 in today’s money!). They called it “warming pads” or “heated quilts” at the time.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that we started calling automatic heated blankets – electric blankets!
Conclusion
Electric blankets have come a long way since their inception in the early 1900s. From being bulky and dangerous to now being sleek and safe, electric blankets have provided warmth and comfort to people for over 100 years. So next time you snuggle up under your electric blanket, remember the history of this amazing invention!
