EP0661941A1

EP0661941A1 - Eiderdown

Info

Publication number: EP0661941A1
Application number: EP94917542A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adrian MÜLLER
Original assignee: ALBIS BETTWARENFABRIK AG
Current assignee: ALBIS BETTWARENFABRIK AG
Priority date: 1993-07-26
Filing date: 1994-06-23
Publication date: 1995-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2014-06-23
Also published as: DE59405101D1; EP0661941B1; ATE162379T1; CH684626A5; WO1995002978A1

Abstract

An eiderdown (1) is subdivided in the longitudinal direction into mutually separated strips (2). The individual strips (2) are 60 to 120 centimetres large, so that only two strips (2) are required to form an eiderdown (1). Each strip (2) is formed of several interconnected sections (12, 13) more or less thickly filled. There are thin sections (13) which contain little insulating material and thick sections (12), the so called heat islands, which contain much insulating material. By designing heat islands (12) of different shapes and positions in the strips (2), eiderdowns (1) having various insulation properties may be obtained.

Description

DUVET CEILING

An undisturbed, relaxing, regenerating sleep is an important prerequisite for good health and high performance. Whether someone sleeps well or not depends not least on the choice of the right bedding, especially the right duvet. An ideal duvet cover should be able to be adapted to the seasonal temperature fluctuations, because those who sweat or freeze will never find a deep and restful sleep. In the warm summer half-year, a duvet cover should have less heat insulation than in the cold winter half-year.

A duvet cover should also be adapted to the individual needs of each sleeper.

It is also important that a duvet cover can be easily cleaned in a household washing machine for hygienic reasons. This is particularly important for people who are allergic to dust mites. Regular washing of the duvet covers can reliably remove the dust particles that cause the allergies. Duvet covers of conventional sizes are too large for cleaning in normal household washing machines.

Finally, the width of a duvet should be changeable, so that it is no longer necessary to buy several different duvets for the different bed widths, but only one single duvet. It was therefore looking for an ideal duvet cover that has the properties mentioned above. According to the current state of the art, duvet covers with different thicknesses are known, which are correspondingly differently heat-insulating. The different outside temperatures can be covered with these duvet covers compensate by choosing a duvet cover with a suitable thickness for each season. In summer you use a light duvet cover in winter a heavy one. However, this solution has the disadvantage that several duvet covers are required, which is expensive on the one hand and space-consuming on the other. In addition, these duvet covers cannot be washed in a normal household washing machine and their width cannot be adjusted to different bed widths. Duvet covers are also known, which are thicker in the middle than outside. In order to achieve a good insulation effect, it is important that the middle duvet cover area contains a lot of filling. If the outer areas are filled with little filling, the insulation effect is only slightly deteriorated. By filling the outer areas of a duvet cover less, filling can be saved. This can reduce the material costs of a duvet cover. However, such duvet covers cannot compensate for the seasonal fluctuations in temperature. Washability in normal household washing machines and adaptability to different bed widths are also not achieved with such duvet covers.

The ideal are duvet covers, which consist of several longitudinal sheets that can be separated from each other. To connect the individual longitudinal webs, these are provided on their longitudinal edges with connecting devices, preferably with plastic zippers. The applicant of the present patent has described such separable duvet covers in an earlier patent specification (patent number 682 977).

These collapsible duvet covers can be adapted as desired to the different outside temperatures by combining longitudinal sheets with different thermal insulation thicknesses. With a suitable combination of differently insulating longitudinal webs, the duvet covers can also be optimally adapted to individual needs - 3 -

customize each sleeper.

Furthermore, these duvet blankets can be easily cleaned in a household washing machine after they have been broken down into the individual lengthways. Adaptation to different bed widths is also possible. The width of the duvet covers can be changed simply by adding or removing individual longitudinal sheets.

The lengthways of these collapsible duvet covers is relatively narrow. Their width is only 40 to 50 centimeters, so that five longitudinal webs have to be joined to form a duvet cover of a French bed. The use of such narrow longitudinal webs has certain disadvantages. The production of a duvet cover from a large number of longitudinal webs is complex and correspondingly expensive. Finally, such a duvet cover has a large number of zippers, which makes it relatively rigid.

The present invention has for its object to provide a duvet cover that can be dismantled, which is easy to handle, can be produced inexpensively, and is also softer than the previously known duvet blankets that can be dismantled in longitudinal paths.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the aid of the training features according to the characterizing part of patent claim 1 ^" .

The duvet cover, which is the subject of the present invention, is also subdivided into longitudinal, separable sections. The main difference from the previously known duvet covers that can be dismantled into longitudinal webs is that the individual sections are more than twice as wide as the previously known longitudinal webs. To form a duvet cover you usually need two sections, in which the width is usually the same _Λ -, 95 /

_ 4 _

is chosen so that two sections together give the desired normal width for a single bed. This normal width is 160 cm for Switzerland and 135 cm and 155 cm for Germany.

However, since the sections have a zipper on both sides, they can be widened to any desired width with additional sections. So it is also possible to make a duvet cover for a double bed with the normal width of 200 cm valid for Germany and Switzerland.

Each section is divided into several sections filled to different extents. There are thin sections which contain little insulation material, and thick sections, so-called heat islands, which contain a lot of insulation material.

In one type of training, for example, each section consists of at least two longitudinal tracks. One of the two longitudinal tracks, the so-called heat island, contains more insulation material and therefore has a higher thermal insulation strength than the other longitudinal track.

In another type of training, the well-insulating heat island can have the shape of a semicircle or a half oval, for example.

A type of design is also conceivable in which a section can have a plurality of rectangular heat islands which are separated from one another by weakly insulating sections.

The two sections are provided on their two longitudinal edges with connecting devices which are attached in such a way that there are exactly two different possibilities for fastening two sections to one another. Either the two thin longitudinal tracks of the sections or the two thick longitudinal tracks face each other. The invention is explained, inter alia, in the drawings. It shows:

1 supervision of a duvet cover from two sections, / 02978

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which consist of two longitudinal tracks. The thick lengthways are inside.

Fig. 2 cross section of a duvet cover from two sections, each consisting of two longitudinal tracks. The thick longitudinal tracks are on the outside.

Fig. 3 cross-section of a duvet cover from two sections, each consisting of two longitudinal tracks. The thick lengthways are inside.

4 cross sections of differently designed connections between two ceiling sections

Fig. 5 supervision of a duvet cover from two sections, each having a heat island, which have the shape of a half oval

6 top view of a duvet cover made of two parts, which have a multiplicity of rectangular heat islands which are separated from one another by weakly insulating, rectangular sections

As already mentioned, the proposed duvet covers 1 are composed of several longitudinal sections 2 (cf. FIG. 1). The length of the sections 2 corresponds to the length of the duvet cover 1. Their width preferably measures from 60 to 120 cm: two sections 2 with a width of 80 cm result in a duvet cover 1 with standard dimensions for Norwegian sleeping. Two sections 2 with a width of 100 cm result in a duvet cover 1 for a double bed. A duvet cover 1 for large double beds is finally achieved by juxtaposing two 120 cm wide sections 2 / 02978

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derkoppel. But also otherwise, of course, a consumer can widen a duvet cover 1 that is too narrow at any time at a later point in time by being able to buy an additional section 2 at any time, which can be attached to one of the original sections 2 with the zipper 9 .

Each section 2 is divided into several sections 12, 13 filled to different extents. There are strongly insulating sections 12, so-called heat islands, and weakly insulating sections 13.

For example, a type of training is conceivable in which each section 2 is divided into two contiguous longitudinal tracks 3, 4. The longitudinal tracks 3, 4 are connected to one another on their longitudinal narrow sides. The connections 5 between the longitudinal tracks 3, 4 can be designed differently. For all connections 5, however, a web 14 or a seam is formed. The web 14 or the seam runs along the adjoining narrow sides 15 of the two longitudinal webs 3, 4 and separates the interior spaces 16 of both longitudinal webs 3, 4 from one another (cf. FIG. 4). This configuration of the connections 5 ensures that the duvet covers 1 are always sufficiently well insulated even at the contact points between two duvet cover sections 12, 13.

The connections 5 described are generally used for connecting two duvet cover sections 12, 13, also for other types of training of the proposed duvet cover 1 (cf. FIGS. 1, 5 and 6).

The two longitudinal tracks 3, 4 of a section 2 have different thermal insulation thicknesses. The one longitudinal web 3 contains a lot of insulation material 11, is correspondingly thick and insulates very well. The other longitudinal web 4 contains little insulation material 11, is correspondingly thin and is less insulating (cf. FIGS. 2 and 3).

In addition, each longitudinal web 3, 4 is provided with a plurality of staplers 7 or webs. The number and type of - 7 -

Staplers 7 or webs additionally influence the insulation strength of the longitudinal webs 3, 4. With increasing number of staplers 7 or webs, the insulation thickness decreases, but increases with increasing height of the staplers 7 or webs. The heat islands 12 therefore have rather few, but high filers 7 or webs.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the thick longitudinal web 3 has a longitudinal row of staplers 7, which is arranged in the middle of the longitudinal web 3. The thin longitudinal web 4, on the other hand, is provided with three such longitudinal rows of stitchers. The three longitudinal rows are arranged at regular intervals. The staplers 7 from adjacent longitudinal rows are offset from one another. If the stitchers 7 are sewn on fabric, this is also referred to in technical terms as point stitching.

So that the different longitudinal webs 3, 4 can be clearly distinguished from one another, provision is made for them to be labeled with differently colored labels 10 (cf. FIG.

1).

The two sections 2 of the duvet cover 1, which are shown in FIG. 5, each have a heat island 12, which has the shape of a half oval. Each heat island 12 is arranged in the corresponding section 2 such that its straight side forms part of the longitudinal side of the section. Each heat island 12 is equidistant from the two transverse sides of the corresponding section 2. If the two sections 2 are assembled in such a way that the straight sides of the heating islands 12 of both sections 2 touch, a duvet cover 1 is formed which has a large, oval heating island 12 in the middle.

FIG. 6 shows a duvet cover 1 which is particularly suitable for problem sleepers. It also consists of two sections 2. In this case, each section 2 is divided into two equally wide longitudinal rows of rectangular sections 12, 13. There are also strongly insulating sections 12 (heat islands) and weakly insulated rende sections 13. The distribution of these sections 12, 13 can be arbitrary. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the heat islands 12 and the weakly insulating sections 13 are arranged alternately. Three possible types of training with different breakdowns of the sections 2 have now been described. Of course, any number of other breakdowns are conceivable.

In order to be able to fasten the sections 2 to one another, they are provided with connecting devices 9 along their longitudinal edges 8. Zippers, snap fasteners, laces for lacing, buttons with buttonholes, Velcro fasteners or others are provided as connecting devices 9. Light, flexible plastic zippers, which can be separated on both sides, are particularly suitable. To prevent cold zones, the connecting devices 9 are overlapped both on the upper side and on the lower side by an insulating tab 6, which extends over the entire length of the connecting devices 9. This ensures that there are no poorly insulated points, so-called cold zones, in connection devices 9. The isolation tabs 6 are double-walled. So you have an interior. For additional insulation, this insulation tab 6 can be filled with insulation material 11.

The applicant of the present patent has already described such insulating tabs in a previous patent specification (patent application number 01 514 / 92-2). Such connecting devices 9 usually consist of two parts which can be coupled to one another. Such a part is attached to each of the two pieces to be connected. In the case of zippers, for example, these two parts have the shape of two different rows of teeth. There are now two types of sections 2, which differ in the arrangement of these connecting device parts. In the first type of training of sections 2, the first is - 9 -

Connecting device part on the outer longitudinal edge of the thin longitudinal web 4 and the second connecting device part attached to the outer longitudinal edge of the thick longitudinal web 3; in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the connecting device parts is exactly the opposite. In the first embodiment of the duvet cover 1, for example, this means that a section 2 of the first embodiment can only be coupled to a section 2 of the second embodiment in such a way that either the two thin longitudinal tracks 4 of both sections 2 (cf. Fig. 2) or the two thick longitudinal webs 3 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) adjoin each other. By coupling two sections 2, one obtains either a duvet cover 1 with a thin or a duvet cover 1 with a thick central region.

In the variant with a thick central region, the overall insulation effect of the duvet cover 1 is stronger than in the variant with a thin central region. Due to the different arrangement of the sections 2, the insulation effect of a duvet cover 1 can be changed. The more insulating variant, in which the two thick longitudinal webs 3 lie in the middle of the ceiling (cf. FIG. 3), is suitable for the winter half-year with cold outside temperatures, whereas the weaker insulating variant, in which the two are located, is suitable for the summer half-year with warm outside temperatures the two thin longitudinal sheets 4 are in the middle of the ceiling (see FIG. 2).

The proposed duvet cover 1 not only allows, as already described, a quick and uncomplicated adaptation to the seasonal temperature fluctuations, but can also be easily changed in its width. If you want to widen a duvet cover 1, you simply connect another section 2 to one of the outer longitudinal edges of the duvet cover 1. To narrow a duvet cover 1, remove one of the outer ones / 02978

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Parts 2 by loosening the corresponding connecting device 9.

The proposed duvet cover 1 can also be easily washed in a normal household washing machine. If you want to wash such a duvet cover 1, it is simply broken down into its sections 2. The sections 2 are then filled individually into the household washing machine. Compared to the previously known duvet blankets that can be dismantled into longitudinal webs, the proposed duvet blanket 1 has the following advantages:

Since the proposed duvet cover 1 consists of fewer individual parts than the previously known dismountable duvet blankets, which are composed of a plurality of longitudinal webs, their production costs are significantly lower than those of the previously known dismantled duvet blankets. For the same reason, the proposed duvet cover 1 is much easier to use and more practical. Since their functioning is easy to understand, it will also be easier to sell them.

The proposed duvet cover 1 also has a smaller number of connecting devices 9, which means that it is considerably softer than the previously known dismantled duvet covers.

Despite the simple structure, there is the possibility of adapting the proposed duvet cover 1 to the different bed widths.

By suitable positioning of the heat islands 12, a duvet cover 1 can be formed for each sleeper, which optimally corresponds to his needs.

Thanks to these great advantages, the proposed duvet cover 1 will meet with widespread interest.

Claims

- 11 -PATENT CLAIMS

1. Duvet cover made of at least two longitudinal sections which can be connected to one another by their longitudinal edges, characterized in that each section (2) has sections (12, 13) of different thickness.

2. Duvet cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the two sections (2) are provided on their two longitudinal edges (8) with connecting devices (9) which for connecting each of the two longitudinal edges (8) of one section (2) with each of the two longitudinal edges (8) of the other section (2) are formed.

3. Duvet cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width of each section (2) is 60 to 120 cm.

4. Duvet according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each section (2) has a more insulating section (12) on one long side, wherein when connecting the two sections (2) their more insulating sections (12) either to a field in the middle of the duvet cover (1) can be joined together or on the outside of the duvet cover (1).

5. Duvet cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the more insulating section (12) of each section (2) is formed by a longitudinal web (3).

6. Duvet cover according to claim 5, characterized in that each section (2) by the more insulating Longitudinal path (3) and a weakly insulating longitudinal path (4) is formed.

7. Duvet cover according to claim 4, characterized in that the more insulating section (12) is arranged in the central region of the one long side of each section (2).

8. Duvet cover according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each section (2) is formed from two rows of rectangular, differently insulating sections (12, 13).

9. Duvet cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the more insulating section (12) of the section (2) with the less insulating section (13) is connected by a web (14) or a seam which along the adjoining narrow sides (15) of the two sections (12, 13) runs and separates the interiors (16) of the two sections (12, 13) from one another.

10. Duvet cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top of the duvet cover (1) is connected to the underside by staplers (7) or webs and the more insulating sections (12) have fewer staplers (7) or webs on iron than the weaker insulating sections (13).

11. Duvet cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the more insulating sections (12) are thicker than the less insulating sections (13).

12. Duvet cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting devices (9) O 95/0297

- 13 - are covered both on the top and on the bottom by an insulating tab (6).

13. Duvet cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting devices (9) are formed by zippers, snap fasteners, laces for lacing, buttons with buttonholes or Velcro fasteners.