AU2021106887A4 - Duvet cover and duvet - Google Patents

Abstract

A duvet for positioning at least partially within a duvet cover in use, the duvet including: a flexible body defining a pair of major faces terminating at their periphery at at least one or more edges; at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable at or towards at least one of the one or more edges of the duvet, the first slide fastener portion being configured for releasably attaching the duvet to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet cover. AND A duvet cover for at least partially receiving a duvet in use, the duvet cover including: at least one or more flexible cover panels terminating at at least one peripheral edge, the flexible cover panels defining an inner face and an outer face; and at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable along at least part of the at least one peripheral edge of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, and on the inner face of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, the at least one or more first slide fastener portions being configured for releasably attaching the duvet cover to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet. 1/7 2000 2100 2110 -2120 2300 2310 2320 10 0 10-2330 2- 1200 23330 2340 x2340 22- 2220 2200XXXXXXXXX X 1210 Figure 1

Description

1/7

2000

2100

2110 -2120 2300 2310

2320

10 0 10-2330 23330 2- 1200 2340 x2340

22- 2220 2200XXXXXXXXX X

1210 Figure 1

DUVETCOVERANDDUVET

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a duvet cover and associated duvet, and in particular to a duvet and duvet cover that are attachable to each other.

Background of the Invention

[2] When the weather is cold, it is common to use a duvet on a bed to stay warm. The duvet can be made from synthetic materials or down feathers, or a combination may be used. The duvet is typically inserted into an opening of a duvet cover to protect the duvet and to enhance the appearance of the duvet, as duvet covers come in many colours and patterns.

[3] One problem that occurs is that the duvet can move around inside of the duvet cover when in use. When the duvet moves around, the duvet may accumulate on one side of the duvet cover, meaning that the bed looks asymmetrical and/or the user is not being kept warm.

[4] Another problem is that it can be awkward and difficult to push the duvet into its correct position within the duvet cover through the opening.

[5] The present invention seeks to provide a duvet and duvet cover, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[7] In a first aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a duvet for positioning at least partially within a duvet cover in use, the duvet including:

a flexible body defining a pair of major faces terminating at their periphery at at least one or more edges; at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable at or towards at least one of the one or more edges of the duvet, the first slide fastener portion being configured for releasably attaching the duvet to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet cover.

[8] Preferably, the flexible body defines four edges, one of the four edges being unzipped.

[9] In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a duvet cover for at least partially receiving a duvet in use, the duvet cover including:

at least one or more flexible cover panels terminating at at least one peripheral edge, the flexible cover panels defining an inner face and an outer face; and

at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable along at least part of the at least one peripheral edge of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, and on the inner face of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, the at least one or more first slide fastener portions being configured for releasably attaching the duvet cover to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet.

[10] In one embodiment, the flexible cover panel is substantially rectangular in shape.

[11] Preferably, the flexible cover panel is a single cover panel foldable in half.

[12] In one embodiment, the single cover panel foldable in half is permanently attached to itself along at least one edge.

[13] In one embodiment, the single cover panel foldable in half is removably attachable to itself along at least one edge.

[14] In one embodiment, the single cover foldable panel is removably attachable to itself by a cover sliding fastener.

[15] In one embodiment, the first slide fastener portions attachable to the duvet are disposed inwardly of the cover sliding fastener.

[16] In one embodiment, the first slide fastener portions extend in a right angle of pattern.

[17] In one embodiment, the first slide fastener portions are disposed in a parallel pattern.

[18] In one embodiment, the first slide fastener portions extend substantially in a U-shape.

[19] In one embodiment, the first slide fastener portions it and in a U-shaped, wherein the open portion of the U-shape is located adjacent the location of the user's head in use.

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[20] Preferably, the single cover panel foldable in half includes complementary slide fastener portions on opposed edges.

[21] Preferably, the slide fastener portions is a teethed-zip or a zip-lock.

[22] In one embodiment, the at least one or more flexible cover panels includes a pair of permanently attached cover panels.

[23] In one embodiment, the at least one or more flexible cover panels includes a pair of cover panels permanently attached to each other to form a mouth.

[24] In one embodiment, the pair of cover panels are attached to each other by stitching.

[25] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[26] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[27] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[28] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[29] Figure 1 shows a top schematic view of a duvet cover and duvet according to a first embodiment;

[30] Figure 2 shows a top schematic view of the duvet cover and duvet shown in Figure 1, when the duvet cover is folded in half;

[31] Figure 3 shows a side schematic view of the duvet cover and duvet, when the duvet cover is folded in half;

[32] Figure 4 shows a top schematic view of a duvet cover and duvet according to a second embodiment;

[33] Figure 5 shows a top schematic view of a duvet cover and duvet according to a third embodiment;

[34] Figure 6 shows a top schematic view of a duvet cover and duvet according to a fourth embodiment; and

[35] Figure 7 shows a top schematic view of a duvet cover and duvet according to a fifth embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[36] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[37] Figures 1 to 3 show schematic views of a duvet 1000 and a duvet cover 2000 according to a first embodiment. The duvet and duvet cover may also be known as a doona and doona cover in some countries.

[38] The duvet cover 2000 is configured for receiving the duvet 1000 within the cover 2000 in use. The duvet cover 2000 includes a pair of flexible cover panels. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the duvet cover 2000 includes a first flexible cover panel 2100 and a second flexible cover panel 2200. The first flexible cover panel 2100 and the second flexible cover panel 2200 are connected to each other by stitching.

[39] In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the first flexible cover panel 2100 and the second flexible cover panel 2200 can be comprised of a single panel of fabric that is folded in half.

[40] The flexible cover panels 2100, 2200 terminate at peripheral edges 2110, 2210. The flexible cover panels 2100, 2200 define an inner face 2120, 2220 and an outer face 2130, 2230. The outer faces are more clearly numbered in Figure 3.

[41] In addition, the duvet cover 2000 includes at least one or more cover slide fastener portions numbered 2300. A first slide fastener portion 2310 is attached along the peripheral edges 2110 of cover panel 2100. A complementary second slide fastener portion 2320 is attachable along the peripheral edges 2210 of the second flexible cover panel 2200. The first slide fastener portion 2310 and the second slide fastener portions 2320 are located on the inner faces 2120, 2220 of the first cover panel and second cover panels 2100, 2200. The first slide fastener portion 2310 and the second slide fastener portion 2320 are complementarily configured for engaging with each other to releasably connect the first cover panel 2100 and the second cover panels 2200 to each other.

[42] A further slide fastener portion 2330 is provided that is configured for releasably attaching to a secondary complementary slide fastener portion 2340 on the duvet 1000. It is envisaged that the slide fastener portion 2334 connection to the duvet will be located or disposed just inside the slide fastener portions 2320.

[43] The duvet 1000 is positionable at least partially within the duvet cover 2000 described above. The duvet 1000 includes a flexible body defining a pair of major faces 1200, 1300. The duvet 1000 is preferably rectangular and defines four edges 1210, preferably in a substantially rectangular shape matching that of the duvet cover panels. The duvet 1000 includes a slide fastener portion 2340 disposed along preferably three of the four rectangular edges of the duvet 1000. The slide fastener portion 2320 is configured for releasably attaching the duvet 1000 to the complementary slide fastener portions 2330 on the duvet cover 2000.

[44] In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that a separate slide fastener portion can be provided for each edge of the duvet 1000 and/or the cover panels 2100, 2200. However, this is not preferred, as it would require additional steps to install the duvet 1000 within the duvet cover 2000.

[45] Figure 1 shows the duvet cover 2000 in an open position. In the open position, the edges 2110, 2210 are not zipped together and allows for placement of the duvet 1000 on the inner face 2220 of the duvet 2000. When the duvet 1000 is placed on the inner face 2220, slide fastener portion 2340 can be attached to the complementary slide fastener portion 2330 which are located on the inner face 2220 of the duvet cover 2000. The duvet slide fastener portion 2340 and the complementary of a cover slide fastener portions 2330 are preferably continuously attachable to each other around three edges of the duvet 1000. However, it is envisaged that separate slide fastener portions 2300 may be provided for each edge. In this way, the flexible body defines four edges, three of those edges being zipped (having a slide fastener).

[46] In an alternative embodiment shown in figure 5, the first slide fastener portions 2340 and the secondary complementary slide fastener portions 2340 are attachable around only two edges of the duvet 1000, preferably the longer edges, thereby meaning that two of the four edges defined by the flexible body are unzipped.

[47] In figures 2 and 3, the flexible cover panel 2100 is shown, schematically, folded over and fully enclosing the duvet 1000. The duvet cover 2000 is in a closed position. The first slide fastener portion 2310 and second complementary slide fastener portion 2320 are on opposing edges and are engaged with each other to enclose the duvet 1000 within the duvet cover 2000. The duvet cover 2000 has three zipped edges and an unzipped edge 2115. The unzipped edge 2115 is preferably a fold in a single piece fabric of the duvet cover 2000. In the first embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the duvet cover 2000 is folded in half and the flexible cover panels 2100, 2200 are integrally formed with each other. Alternatively, the flexible cover panels 2100, 2200 may be sewn together with stitching or heat bonded together to form the unzipped edge 2115. Alternatively, the flexible cover panels 2100, 2000 may be held together with buttons, ties or the like at the unzipped edge 2115.

[48] A skilled person will understand that the slide fastener portions may be in the form of a traditional teethed-zipper sewn in place or the zipper may be attached using a heat and bond method. Alternatively, the slide fastener portions may be in the form of a zip-lock fastener or the like.

[49] The duvet 1000 is preferably filled with an insulative material and is preferably quilted. The duvet 1000 may include a heavier or lighter insulative material for use in colder weather or warmer weather. Furthermore, the flexible cover panel 2100, 2200 is made from fabric or textile. The duvet 1000 and duvet cover 2000 can be sized to suit a range of standard bed sizes such as, for example, cot, single, double, queen, king etc.

[50] Use of the duvet and duvet cover will now be described.

[51] A user will lay the duvet cover 2000 in the open position, typically on a bed to be covered, or on the floor. Then, the duvet 1000 is placed on the inner face 2220 of the panel 2200. The user will align the first slide fastener portion 2330 with the second complementary slide fastener portion 2340 and attach the duvet 1000 to the second flexible cover panel 2200 of the duvet cover 2000 by sliding a zipper around three edges of the duvet 1000. Once the duvet 1000 is attached to the second flexible cover panel 2200 of the duvet cover 2000, the user then folds the first flexible cover panel 2100 over the attached duvet 1000 and second flexible cover panel 2200. Now, the user is able to zip the opposed slide fastener portions 2310, 2320 together to fully enclose the duvet 1000 within the duvet cover 2000.

[52] Alternative embodiments of the duvet and duvet cover will now be described.

[53] Figure 4 shows the same top schematic view when the duvet cover 2000 is in the second or folded position according to a second embodiment. The shorter zipped edge of the duvet 1000 is on the opposite side, leaving the edge of the duvet 1000 nearest the unzipped edge 2115 of the duvet covet 2000 free of any slide fasteners. The side that is free of any slide fasteners could, for example be the side that is aligned with a users head to avoid contact of the user's head with cold zippers or hard bodies.

[54] Figure 5 shows the same top schematic view when the duvet cover 2000 is in the second or folded position according to a third embodiment. The shorter zipped edge of the duvet 1000 is removed, leaving the edges of the duvet 1000 nearest and furthest from the unzipped edge 2115 of the duvet covet 2000 free of any slide fasteners. In this embodiment, separate slide fasteners are used to extend along parallel edges of the duvet 1000.

[55] Figure 6 shows the same top schematic view when the duvet cover 2000 is in the second or folded position according to a fourth embodiment. Similar to the third embodiment, where the shorter zipped edge of the duvet 1000 is removed, this fourth embodiment replaces a zipped edge on the duvet cover 2000 with a plurality of button fasteners 2350 for holding the opposed cover panels of the duvet cover together. Separate slide fasteners are used on the sides to open the duvet cover 2000 and allow easier attachment of the duvet 1000 to the duvetcover2000.

[56] A further embodiment is shown in figure 7 where the duvet cover 2000 has button fasteners 2350 along the edge shown in figure 6 and the remaining edges are stitched together. A user will still be able to insert the duvet 1000 into this duvet cover 2000 and attach the slide fastener portions to the complementary slide fastener portions by reaching into the duvet cover 2000. It is further envisaged that the opening of the duvet cover can include a flap that extends over the mouth and can be buttoned down or attached with known fasteners such as clip type fasteners.

[57] In use, it is envisaged that the duvet cover 2000 will be turned inside out, and the duvet 1000 overlaid on one side of the inside out duvet cover. The sliding fastener portions 2340 on opposed edges of the duvet 1000 will then be attached to complementary sliding fastener portions 2330 located on an inner face of the duvet cover 2000. The duvet cover can then be turned outside in again, together with the attached duvet. The benefit of this embodiment is that the top edge of the duvet cover 2000 will not retain any cold or hard fastenings that can be in contact with the users head.

[58] Advantages of the duvet and duvet cover will now be described.

[59] The slide fastener portions attaching the duvet 1000 to the duvet cover 2000 retain the duvet in place during use. In addition, the ability of the duvet cover 2000 to open allows the user to insert and secure the duvet 1000 far more easily than standard duvets, which require stuffing the duvet into a small opening of the duvet cover, and may entail flapping the duvet cover around to try and get the duvet cover to extend into the corners of the duvet cover.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[60] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[61] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[62] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[63] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[64] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[65] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[66] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[67] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[68] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[69] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[70] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[71] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[72] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[73] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the consumer product and/or bedding industries.

Claims (5)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A duvet for positioning at least partially within a duvet cover in use, the duvet including:

a flexible body defining a pair of major faces terminating at their periphery at at least one or more edges;

at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable at or towards at least one of the one or more edges of the duvet, the first slide fastener portion being configured for releasably attaching the duvet to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet cover.

2. The duvet of claim 1, wherein the flexible body defines four edges, one of the four edges being unzipped.

3. A duvet cover for at least partially receiving a duvet in use, the duvet cover including:

at least one or more flexible cover panels terminating at at least one peripheral edge, the flexible cover panels defining an inner face and an outer face; and

at least one or more first slide fastener portions attachable along at least part of the at least one peripheral edge of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, and on the inner face of the at least one or more flexible cover panels, the at least one or more first slide fastener portions being configured for releasably attaching the duvet cover to at least or more second complementary slide fastener portions on the duvet.

4. The duvet cover of claim 3, wherein the flexible cover panel is a single cover panel foldable in half.

5. The duvet cover of claim 4, wherein the single cover panel foldable in half includes complementary slide fastener portions on opposed edges.