EP2303072B1 - Cover and related products, and production thereof - Google Patents

Description

1. Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to blankets, in particular blankets for beds, sleeping bags, animal blankets, travel or bedspreads, as well as pillows and garments.

2. Background of the invention

Currently, blankets are known in the art, e.g. characterized by a shell of finely woven cotton material, which are filled with feathers and / or down. Also known are blankets in which balls made of plastic fibers are used as filler material. Moreover, there are so-called quilted beds in which a more or less voluminous nonwoven layer is quilted as a filling with outer fabric layers. In addition, particularly in southern countries, simple blankets wrapped in sheets, e.g. of wool, used as cover.

Common to all these cover variants are a uniform and continuous outer shell or outer boundary surfaces.

This basic design principle was first introduced by the ClimaBalance product range EP 1 499 221 breached. This innovative Zudeckenkonzept is characterized by the presence of several ventilation openings, which are each covered by grid mesh defined air permeability. Again, however, it is a continuous and continuous, albeit interrupted by ventilation openings, position of a flexible insulating material.

This feature of known designs of blankets comprising a continuous layer of flexible insulating material results in the blanket being only partially able to adapt to the body contours of the person sleeping underneath. Incidentally, the required to achieve a specific insulation effect capacity is unsatisfactory high. Furthermore, the appearance of the covers of the prior art is uniformly discreet and at best determined by the geometric arrangement of the quilting seams or webs. Apart from the ClimaBalance ceilings mentioned above, there is no satisfactory dissipation of heat and moisture generated by the body in the prior art blankets.

In view of the prior art discussed above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a blanket which has improved conformability, e.g. allowed to the body contours of a sleeper underneath. Another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket which allows a reduction in the filling weight while maintaining the insulating effect. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the object to provide a blanket, which ensures satisfactory heat and moisture removal and thus creates an air conditioning of the bed cavity. Moreover, the object of the present invention is to provide a blanket which is distinguished by a clearly different appearance from the prior art. Another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket which offers advantages in practical use when used in hospitals. Finally, it is the object of the present invention to provide all the advantageous properties described in this section in the same way, without associated disadvantages in handling or cleaning.

The present invention further relates to the provision of sleeping bags and cushions which also have improved air conditioning and adaptability to the body contours of the sleeper therein.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to the provision of garments, which are based on the design principle according to the invention and also have the above-mentioned advantageous features according to the invention (contour adjustment, reduction of the filling weight, air conditioning and attractive visual appearance).

Another object of the present invention is to provide processes for the preparation of the above-mentioned products.

WO 92/18036 describes blankets, comprising a plurality of separate insulation elements whose relative position to each other can be changed by pulling lines from the outside, so as to change the insulating effect of the blanket. Use in sleeping bags is also described.

3. Summary of the invention

The above-mentioned objects are achieved according to the invention by the blanket according to the following patent claim 1, in which the continuous surface of conventional blankets is broken by the presence of two or more groups of individual strips which lie at least partially one above the other.

Preferred embodiments of this cover according to the invention are described in the following claims 2 to 9 and 13 to 15.

Moreover, the present invention relates to uses of the blankets of the invention in sleeping bags and garments. Such uses are described in subsequent claims 10 and 11.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to pillows according to the following patent claim 12.

The present invention also relates to blankets according to the invention comprising supporting frame constructions which can be used together with appropriately prepared strips. These ceilings comprising support frames are, for example, in claim 16, blankets according to the invention comprising said strips are described in claim 17.

The present invention further relates to methods for producing the blankets according to the invention, as characterized in the following claims 18, 19, 20 and 21.

4. Description of the figures

• FIG. 1 schematically represents an inventive scrim;
• FIG. 2 schematically represents a woven version of the blanket according to the invention;
• FIG. 3 schematically represents a woven version of the blanket according to the invention, which is surrounded by a tube of conventional construction;
• FIG. 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the blanket according to the invention, in which a plurality of woven ceiling areas surrounded by a conventional hose-like ceiling area and connected to each other;
• FIG. 5 schematically shows a woven version of the ceiling according to the invention analog FIG. 2 but with fixation points,
• FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a support frame construction described below according to embodiment A, are inserted into the transverse strips;
• FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a support frame construction described below according to embodiment B21, wherein Fig. 7a the support frame construction in plan view and Fig. 7b in the side view represent;
• Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a support frame construction described below according to embodiment B22.

5. Detailed description of the invention 5.1 Definitions

In the context of the present invention, the term "down-proof" means that the covering material in question for the filling material to be used has the properties to be fulfilled according to the standard EN 12132-2 (Stumpp test).

In the context of the present invention, the term "fiber-tight" means that the respective shell material for the filler material to be used has the properties to be fulfilled according to the standard EN 12132-2 (Stumpp test).

By "hull" is meant a textile material enveloping a filling that is directly or indirectly in contact with the filling, e.g. Down is.

For the purposes of the invention, a "blanket" is understood to be any product suitable for covering or wrapping human, animal or material, with blankets for humans representing a preferred embodiment.

As a "pillow" in the context of the invention, any article, comprising one or more shells, which is or are filled with soft filling material, understood as a support for human, animal or material. Examples include pillows, seat cushions, medical seat cushions, bolsters, dog cushions, heat pads or soft pads for storing or transporting sensitive materials as well as bed or mattress pads. Preferably, the present invention relates to pillows for humans.

A "mesh grid" is understood to mean textile fabrics which have a high air permeability of typically 200 l / dm ² min (measured at a pressure gradient of 200 Pa) - 1000 l / dm ² min (measured at a pressure gradient of 13 Pa), preferably 250 l dm ² min (at 200 Pa) - 800 l / dm ² min (at 13 Pa), and more preferably 300 l / dm ² min (at 200 Pa) - 600 l / dm ² min (at 13 Pa), still more preferably 800 l / dm ² min (at 200 Pa) - 100 l / dm ² min (at 13 Pa). Such a mesh may be in the form of a coarse fabric, but it may also consist of a perforated sheet of fabric, knitted fabric, foil or the like. These are typically textiles, especially in the field of knitted fabrics, such as perforated knitted fabrics, in particular polyester-hole-fillet knits, or charmeuse fabrics, such as rhombus sleeves or hole charmeuse. Also in the field of tissue is about gauze or mesh fabric as a suitable mesh grid. Furthermore come as net grid textile open fabrics such as nonwovens, especially thermobonded spunbonded fabrics, possibly with punched or fibers in bi- or Multiaxialgelegen as they are also used as reinforcing material in fiber-reinforced plastics, into consideration. Advantageous examples of mesh gratings can be observed in plan view or in particular with a proportion of openings such as holes, pores, free mesh space and the like of 10 to 40%, preferably 15% to 30%.

5.2 Construction of the ceiling

The ceiling according to the invention is characterized by a construction in which two or more groups of two or more strips are arranged in different directions relative to each other, wherein the strip groups are at least partially superimposed and partially fixed relative to each other.

The presence of the different groups of strips makes it possible to achieve a high contour adaptability with the blanket according to the invention. This may possibly be with a certain displaceability of the strips relative to each other be justified. However, the invention is not necessarily bound to this mode of action. In the case of woven strips, the stretched length of the strips is greater than the width or length of the cover. This is based on the meandering course of the interwoven strips (incorporation). This extra length can act as a stretch length, resulting in even better contour matching. A better contour adjustment is also achieved by the open edges of the strips unless at the edges a largely continuous fixation of the strips takes place. In particular, the open edges, for example, in conjunction with a plate-plate suturing the chambers of the strips to a particularly good contour adjustment in the longitudinal and transverse directions alike.

Furthermore, the presence of two or more groups of stripes at least partially superimposed results in air entrapment. This trapped air allows for the same insulating effect of the ceiling to reduce the amount of insulation material used.

An open construction of the blanket according to the invention, e.g. Moreover, the open edges of the strips at the crossing areas allow an improved air exchange between the bed cavity and the outside space compared to conventional ceilings and thus an improvement of the microclimate within the bed cavity.

The at least partial superimposition of the strips reduces the risk that the insulation property of the blanket is partially or completely lost due to slippage of the filling. It achieves a more uniform distribution of the filling over the entire thickness of the ceiling.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two groups of strips are arranged at a right angle relative to one another. However, alternative orientations which are present, for example, in an angular range of 45 to 135 °, preferably 60 to 120 °, more preferably 80 to 100 ° relative to one another, are equally conceivable.

According to one embodiment, the two or more groups of strips may be superimposed to form a so-called scrim.

Alternatively, the two or more groups of strips may be woven together to form a fabric. Basically, there is no limitation on the weave. It should be noted, however, that the weave in question, in terms of length, Width and thickness of the strip is feasible. Particularly preferred are plain weaves and twill weave, Panama weave, etc.

The strips can also be plaited plaited. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide two separate groups of strips.

For loops and some weaves, it is conceivable to use more than two groups of stripes. In this case, it is possible that all stripe groups have different orientations to one another (for example A-B-C structure). It is also possible that two or more stripe groups have the same orientation, but differ from each other with respect to another stripe group. For example, two groups of stripes may be arranged parallel to each other and interwoven with each other by means of an orthogonally arranged intervening group of stripes (AB-A structure). Preferred are constructions with 2, 3 or 4 stripe groups and in particular constructions with 2 or 3 stripe groups.

It is also possible two ceilings according to the invention according to the principle of Duodecken or four-season ceilings inextricably or releasably connect with each other.

The number of stripes per group is not specified. It is at least two stripes per group and can take a very high number, such as 40 or even 80 stripes per group. Typical embodiments of the present invention include 2 to 10 strips, and more preferably 4 to 6 strips. In the case of rectangular ceilings with strip groups arranged at right angles to each other, a construction with four strips along the longitudinal direction and six strips along the transverse direction of the ceiling is particularly preferred.

According to further embodiments of the present invention, areas formed from strips can be combined with conventional ceiling areas. A typical variant of this embodiment is the variant in which a woven or laid strip construction is surrounded by a continuous conventional frame. Likewise, a plurality of such woven strip portions may be incorporated into a conventional blanket. In particular, ceilings with 2 to 20, preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of such areas and in particular ceilings with 2, 3, and 4 such strip areas are contemplated as being suitable according to the invention. The areas may have any shapes, with rectangles and diamonds being preferred are. In this embodiment, both filled and unfilled strips and combinations thereof can be used.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to the possibility of using different filling and / or wrapping materials and / or filling weights for the different strip groups. Thus, for example, it is conceivable to provide a group of down filled strips that are combined with a second nonwoven-based quilt-like strip group. Other typical combination possibilities include the combination of a filled strip group with a second group of unfilled strips, for example strips of wool fabric. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention it is also possible to emphasize even more strongly the appearance of the ceiling according to the invention, which is anyway unusual and interesting due to the three-dimensional structure, by using differently colored strips.

The stripe groups may be combined (eg, woven) so that adjacent strands of the same group are in contact with each other or at any distance from each other. The distances between adjacent stripes can be chosen independently for each stripe group and also within the stripe groups. Preferred distances are 0 to 100 cm, more preferably 0 to 20 cm, even more preferably 0 to 10 cm, typically 0.5 to 5 cm. The openings caused by such distances can be spanned by net grid one or more layers, as in EP 1 499 221 described.

An essential aspect of the present invention is an at least partial fixation of the two strip groups to one another. This allows to prevent the strip groups from falling apart and / or losing their shape. Thus, each strip should be connected via at least one fixation with the rest of the ceiling. Practically, it is advisable to fix each strip at least at its ends with the adjacent and / or above or below strips. A further fixation of the strips, in which at least one fixing is provided at each or every second crossing point of the strips of two groups of strips, has proven advantageous from the viewpoint of stability.

On the other hand, however, it should be avoided to consider too intensive a fixation of the respective strip groups in order to ensure a minimum of displaceability of the strips to each other.

Such a loose or only partial fixation of the strip groups to each other makes it possible to emphasize the suitability of the invention for adaptation to the body contours of the sleeping person to a particular extent.

Said fixation can be done by sewing or quilting the strips. Also conceivable, however, is a fixation by means of Velcro, snaps, zippers, double mushroom buttons, etc. If a releasable fixation with Velcro, etc. is selected, the blanket offers the particular advantage of separate washability of the individual strips or groups of strips by the end user.

As already mentioned, when choosing suitable fixing points and their density it is essential to pay attention to good adaptability to the body contours. If regular fixations are desired, for example in order to obtain an attractive external appearance, it is advisable to fix two superimposed groups of strips in each case at the corner points of the overlapping surfaces relative to one another. However, it is also possible to use other fixation points, lines or areas and / or to reduce or increase the density of fixation points. For example, it is conceivable of the in FIG. 5 omitted four fixation points per crossing point every second fixation point. If lines are provided as fixing points, it is preferred that no more than four lines are provided per crossing point of two strips whose length is in each case not more than 50%, preferably 10-40%, of the average width of the two strips concerned. If surfaces are provided as fixing points, it is preferred that no more than four fixing surfaces are provided per crossing point of two strips whose total area is not more than 20%, preferably 1-10%, of the area of the crossing point. Likewise, an irregular arrangement of the fixing points is conceivable, if this is acceptable in view of the resulting visual appearance.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention relate to ceiling constructions in which the strips can be at least partially detached from the end user and later reconnected and fixed together. These embodiments have the advantage that individual strips can be renewed or exchanged for alternative strips with different insulation effects, colors, etc. It is within the scope of the present invention possible and contemplated that the end user will have a blanket as needed and personal preference can put together. For example, it is conceivable to assemble a blanket in which particularly high insulation effect is achieved in the foot area as well as in the area of the fuselage, but not in the other areas. The deliberate omission of individual strips is possible.

According to a first such embodiment A of the invention, a blanket formed from two groups of strips is provided, in which the strips of one of the two groups of strips (hereinafter: the "first group of strips") are fixed relative to one another. They form a "support frame" in which the strips, which are in themselves loose, of the other, second strip group, e.g. can be incorporated in the manner of a plain weave. In the context of this embodiment, it is preferable for the strips of the first strip group to be arranged parallel to one another and fastened at regular intervals to the respectively adjacent strips. This attachment is preferably permanent. It is accomplished for example by darts. In this case, it is advisable to choose the distances of the fastening points so that the spaces formed by the adjacent fasteners correspond to the width of the strips of the second strip group. When dimensioning the distances of the attachment points of the first strip group, it is advantageous to allow only slight deviations of about 10% or less, more preferably about 5% or less. On the one hand, this allows the strips of the second strip group to be introduced without these strips being excessively compressed or creased. On the other hand, it is possible by a suitable choice of distances to fix the strips of the second group of strips against slipping.

In the context of this embodiment, the strips forming the support frame of the first group can be arranged both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of the ceiling.

According to another embodiment B of the present invention, a blanket is formed by arranging and fixing two groups of loose strips in a suitable manner.

In a first variant B1 of this embodiment, the strips are fixed in a detachable manner directly to each other. In this variant, it is of particular importance to exactly determine the relative position of the strips and in particular the fixing points to each other, so as to ensure that the ceiling receives the desired shape. This can for example be done by a variety of locally specified Fixation elements, such as elements of push button or Velcro connections.

According to a more preferred variant B2 of this embodiment, the proposed arrangement of the strips is ensured by means of an additional support frame. This support frame can be made as follows:

One possibility B21 is to provide a support frame made of a grid of double bands. Here, the double bands are each formed by two parallel and stacked individual bands. The double bands are divided into two groups, wherein the double bands of one group are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, those of the other group in the transverse direction. The double bands of both groups are fixed to each other at the crossing points (i.e., fixation within the double band as well as fixation of the two double bands to each other). The spacings of the double bands in both dimensions correspond to the width of the respective strips to be inserted, here the requirements of the preceding paragraph apply, i. deviations of less than 10% are preferred, and deviations of less than 5% are more preferred. The double bands are still fixed by a circulating belt. The length of the double bands corresponds to the length or width of the ceiling in the respective dimension. The width of the bands is not essential. It can for example be between 1 and 6 cm. Preferred widths of the bands are between 2 and 4 cm. It is further preferred to provide releasable fixations of the strips of both groups of strips on the support frame construction. These releasable fixings are advantageously located at least at the ends of the respective strips and on the circulating band or at the ends of the double bands. It is also possible to fix the strip ends to the outermost strip of the other strip group.

An alternative support frame construction B22 may be formed by a web of fabric, preferably a woven or nonwoven fabric. The textile fabric is provided with slots in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the width of which corresponds to the width of the strips to be introduced. Again, it is preferred to limit the deviations to less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%. It is likewise preferred to provide a textile fabric with a low basis weight of 20 to 300 g / m ² , preferably 40 to 200 g / m ² , particularly preferably 60 to 120 g / m ² . An advantageous material is the nonwoven fabric with the trade name Evolon® from the company Freudenberg Evolon KG It is also within the scope of this embodiment preferably provide releasable fixations of the strips of both groups of strips on the support frame construction. These releasable fixings are advantageously located at least at the ends of the respective strips and at the corresponding edge regions of the textile fabric. It is also possible to fix the strip ends to the outermost strip of the other strip group.

It is also possible to provide a support frame construction B23, which in principle corresponds to the support frame B22, but in which the slotted fabric forms the upper layer of a ceiling cover.

In the first variant B1 of this embodiment, it is essential to fix the two groups of loose strips as accurately and frequently as possible against each other. For the other variants of the embodiment with detachable strips further fixations in the inner region of the blankets are possible but not mandatory.

In each of the above-described embodiments A and B and variants thereof, it is advantageous to fix the inherently loose strips along the outer edge of the blanket.

These fixations can be achieved as explained above (except for stitching to ensure the detachability of the strips), with Velcro fasteners, double buttons, snaps, loops, buttons with matching buttonholes and hooks and eyes are preferred.

In the context of these embodiments A and B relating to detachable strips, all strip shapes described below can be used. Preferred is the use of strips of quilts, wool, cotton, cashmere, and camel hair.

The present invention thus ceilings according to the invention comprising the above-described support frame structures of the embodiment A, and inventive ceilings comprising the support frame B21, B22 and B23, and ceilings according to the invention comprising the above-described loose strips, but prepared for fixing at appropriate positions are, for example, by providing buttonholes, snaps or bands at the positions in question, especially at the edge. At least in variant B1, further fixations are to be provided, for example, at the crossing points of the second strip group.

The format of the blanket according to the invention is not fixed. Typical embodiments are blankets with the usual dimensions of blankets: 135x200 cm and 155x220 cm but also foreign dimensions of e.g. 220x260 cm.

An introduction of the blankets according to the invention in continuous casings is possible. In variant B23, however, the shell is already integrated in the ceiling construction, so that insertion into a (further) shell is possible but not meaningful.

5.3 strips

The strips to be used according to the invention may be filled casings, or else unfilled strips of a flexible textile fabric.

The length of the strips is typically adjusted to the length of the surface to be spanned (that is, either the length of the blanket or the length of the respective strip area within the blanket). In the case of woven blankets, this means that the strips are longer than the surface to be covered in order to ensure the meandering course of the strips.

The width of the stripes is not specified. The strips to be used according to the present invention typically have a width of 2 to 80 cm, with ranges of 5 to 70 cm, in particular of 10 to 60 cm being preferred. More preferred are strips of a width of 20 to 55 cm, and most preferably strips of a width of 30 to 50 cm. In the embodiment according to the invention of a 4x6 ceiling with strip groups arranged at right angles to each other, an ideal stripe width of 36 to 39 cm for ceilings in the normal format (135 * 200 cm) and a preferred range of 40 to 44 for the stripe width of ceilings results for the current standard ceiling dimensions oversize (155 * 220 cm).

The individual strips can also be equipped with one or more climatic zones according to EP 1 499 221 be provided. With crossing stripes, the climatic zones of the affected stiffeners can overlap one another.

According to the present invention, it is also conceivable to use different strip groups which differ from one another, for example, in the respective width.

5.4 strip cover

According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, strips are used, which consist of a shell of upper and lower plate of a flexible material. This may be a casing of a finely woven fiber and down-dense cotton fabric (so-called inletted fabric), which may be a conventional filling e.g. can absorb from down and / or feathers. Depending on the type of filling, the material used for the shell can be varied. For fleece fillings, as is typical for quilts, it is not necessary, for example, that the sheath material is down-proof.

In principle, all envelope materials in all available colors are conceivable. Also combinations of different colors in different stripes are possible.

The material of the shell can also be cashmere fibers according to DE Note 10 2007 001 433.5 or kapok fibers according to DE Note 10 2007 010 851.8 contain. Of course, the use of suitable synthetic fibers in the context of the present invention is conceivable.

It can also knitted fabrics and spunbonded fabrics are used. These are made of natural and / or synthetic fibers and filaments. A preferred natural fiber is cotton. The synthetic fibers and filaments are preferably selected from polyesters, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyamides, for example Cordura or polyaramids such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, or mixtures thereof. Also, the use of fibers containing ceramic material is possible within the scope of the invention. A suitable fiber is, for example, the Trevira Bioactive® fiber. Alternatively, it is possible to use filament fabrics, for example nonwovens or microfiber webs, for example Evolon® from Freudenberg Evolon KG, as described in US Pat DE 20 310 279 U1 and WO 01/47383 A1 are described. These microfiber nonwovens are not only distinguished by their air and vapor permeability but also by their mite allergen-retaining properties.

Mixtures of the materials mentioned can also be used in the context of the present invention.

In the context of the present invention, it is further preferred to divide the strip casings into individual chambers in order to better fix the contents over the strip length or width. All conventional embodiments are possible, In particular, a direct connection of the upper and lower plate of the shell is possible, or the incorporation of partitions, the so-called. Webs, between the upper and lower plate of the shell. When filling with bulk materials such as down, feathers, fiberballs, etc., filling openings must be provided at the junctions of the top and bottom plates.

Of course, according to the present invention, it is also conceivable to use different groups of strips which differ from one another by the shell material used.

5.5 strip filling

The individual strips can be provided with all filling materials used for conventional ceilings. Again, there are no restrictions. Preference is given to fillings made of feathers, down, natural fibers and animal hair such as kapok fibers or wool, synthetic fibers such as fiberballs and nonwovens and latex, for example natural rubber. Suitable synthetic fibers may consist of polyester and / or polyamide. Also hollow fibers can be used advantageously in the context of the present invention. Furthermore, foam can be used as filler. Here, in particular so-called polyurethane sticks (ie small rods of polyurethane with typically a length of 9 to 40 mm (preferably 18 to 20 mm) in length and a cross section of typically (4 to 12 mm) x (2 to 6 mm), are preferred (7 to 9 mm) x (3 to 5 mm), which are hereinafter referred to as "PU sticks"), or to call foam balls. Preferred foam materials are polyether urethane, polyester urethane and foams of viscoelastic rubbers, etc. The densities of the preferred foams are in the range of 15 to 55 kg / m ³ , with PU sticks preferably made of materials with a density of 18 to 24 kg / m ³ are. The compression hardnesses of the materials are preferably 1.0 to 5.0 kPa, measured according to DIN 53577. For PU sticks, materials with compression hardnesses of 1.0 to 2.0 kPa are preferred. Another suitable filling material is foam structural panels. Preference is given to foam structural panels with small segment sizes in the range of 5-50 cm, more preferably 10-35 cm, particularly preferably 10-20 cm in each dimension. Also suitable as filling material are gels which are in the form of gel pads or gel structure plates (eg honeycomb structure). Also possible are combinations of foam structural plates and gel structure plates. As filling also natural materials such as spelled grains and cherry pits can be used. The latter filling materials (foam and natural materials) are particularly suitable for use in cushions.

In the context of the present invention, it is also possible to combine strips with different filling weights and / or different filling materials. This is possible both within a strip group and between the strip groups.

5.6 Unfilled stripes

In addition to the filled strips described above, it is further possible within the scope of the present invention to provide one or more groups of strips consisting only of an unfilled material. This may typically be a fabric such as e.g. a woven, knitted, nonwoven, mesh, Charmeuseware, bi- or multi-axial. Typical examples of these fabrics are woven and knitted wool fabrics, e.g. cashmere wool, woven cotton fabrics, perforated knitted fabrics, in particular of polyester, fleece material, rhombus armor or perforated charmeuse, gauze, bulk nonwoven fabrics, e.g. as used for the filling of commercially available quilts, thermobonded spunbonded fabrics, possibly with cut-outs, fabrics made of polyacrylonitrile fibers (PAN) and others. Also, mixtures of these materials, e.g. Mixtures of PAN and cotton can be used. There are no fundamental restrictions. Rather, the strip material to be used can be selected as required in terms of suppleness, insulating properties, suitability for moisture removal, price, equipment variants, functional features, etc. A use of unfilled strips is particularly suitable in combination with another group of strips, which is formed from filled strips.

5.7 Manufacturing process

The blankets according to the invention can be produced as follows: In the case of the use of filled strips, there are two alternative production methods, which are characterized below by method a and method b :

• a1. Vorlegen einer gewünschten Anzahl von Streifenhüllen;
• a2. Befüllen der Streifenhüllen mit dem gewünschten Füllstoff;
• a3. Positionieren der Streifen zueinander in der gewünschten räumlichen Anordnung; und
• a4. Fixieren der Streifengruppen untereinander.

In accordance with method a , first the individual strips are filled, then brought into the desired spatial orientation relative to each other, for example by laying or weaving the already filled strips. In a final step, the groups of strips are fixed relative to each other, for example by sewing, Stick together or quilt. The method steps of method a can thus be characterized as follows:

• a1. Presenting a desired number of strip sleeves;
• a2. Filling the strip casings with the desired filler;
• a3. Positioning the strips to each other in the desired spatial arrangement; and
• a4. Fix the strip groups with each other.

• b1. Vorlegen einer gewünschten Anzahl von Streifenhüllen;
• b2. Positionieren der Streifenhüllen relativ zueinander in der gewünschten räumlichen Anordnung;
• b3. Befüllen der Streifenhüllen mit dem gewünschten Füllmaterial;
• b4. Fixieren der Streifen untereinander.

Method b is characterized by a partially inverted sequence of the method steps. Here, in a first step, the spatial orientation of the strip casings is first produced relative to one another, and only then is the filling introduced into the individual strips. According to two alternative procedures, the fixation of the strips can be done before or after filling. The method steps of method b can thus be summarized as follows:

• b1. Presenting a desired number of strip sleeves;
• b2. Positioning the strip covers relative to one another in the desired spatial arrangement;
• b3. Filling the strip casings with the desired filling material;
• b4. Fix the strips with each other.

• b1. Vorlegen einer gewünschten Anzahl von Streifenhüllen;
• b2. Positionieren der Streifenhüllen relativ zueinander in der gewünschten räumlichen Anordnung;
• b3'. Fixieren der Streifen untereinander.
• b4'. Befüllen der Streifenhüllen mit dem gewünschten Füllmaterial;

An alternative to the above procedure is the following process variant:

• b1. Presenting a desired number of strip sleeves;
• b2. Positioning the strip covers relative to one another in the desired spatial arrangement;
• b3 '. Fix the strips with each other.
• b4 '. Filling the strip casings with the desired filling material;

• c1. Vorlegen einer gewünschten Anzahl von gefüllten Streifen;
• c2. Positionieren der Streifen zueinander in der gewünschten räumlichen Anordnung; und
• c3. Fixieren der Streifengruppen untereinander.

This alternative process variant is preferred. Unless unfilled strips are used for this falls of course, the step of filling away. In this case, the following method results: In the case of quilts-like strips and / or covers, the following method c is preferred.

• c1. Presenting a desired number of filled strips;
• c2. Positioning the strips to each other in the desired spatial arrangement; and
• c3. Fix the strip groups with each other.

When using quilts-like strips in combination with alternative filled strips, the method c can be suitably combined with any of the above methods a and b , for example by the sequence (b1) - (c1) - (b2 or c2) - (b3 'or c3) - (b4').

5.8 equipment

The strips to be used according to the invention can be provided with any equipment which is also used in conventional blankets. There are no restrictions in this regard. For example, it is conceivable to equip the strips with ceramic-containing fibers, simtex fibers (metal-containing fibers or metal-coated fibers) or carbon fibers. Also, the filler can be coated with small ceramic particles, as in DE Note 10 2006 017 338.4 described. Furthermore, the strips can be equipped with measuring probes. You can also be provided with a heat grid. It is also possible to use anti-bacterial materials, flavorings, phase change materials, materials to dissipate electromagnetic vibrations, optical fibers as lighting and functional elements, and of course the provision of optical ornaments.

5.9 Applications

An advantage of the blankets according to the invention is the fact that, due to the bulbous structure of the filled strips and the duo-blanket effect due to the superimposed strips, the blankets have remarkably high insulation properties with respect to the filling weight. Thus, the present blankets allow a reduction in ceiling weight and / or an improvement in the insulation effect, as needed. Despite the high insulation effect, the bed cavity does not develop a sweaty, clammy feeling as the ceilings allow an exchange of air and moisture between the bed cavity and the exterior thanks to their woven open structure. To emphasize is still the excellent adaptation of the ceiling to the Body contours of the sleeping one underneath. This property is achieved by the even in the deformed state biegespannungsfreie construction of the ceiling. A plate-plate stitching of the strips can even amplify this effect.

The most important practical application of the blankets according to the invention lies in the area of bed covers. This applies on the one hand to the private end user but on the other hand also to the object area, e.g. the use of ceilings in hotels and hospitals. Especially in hospitals, the open construction of the ceiling according to the invention may be advantageous because the ceiling according to the invention does not form a closed surface as conventional ceilings, but between the individual strips openings through which easily infusion tubes or the like can be performed.

Further applications of the blanket according to the invention are in the residential and wellness sector, e.g. as a blanket on the sofa. In this application, in particular the striking and attractive appearance of the blanket according to the invention is advantageous.

Further applications of the blanket according to the invention lie in the covering of other objects and / or living beings, in particular in cases where good contour adaptation and / or respiratory activity are important. Typical examples of these applications are the covering of furniture and / or horse blankets.

Furthermore, the blankets according to the invention can also be processed or used as sleeping bags. The sleeping bags according to the invention are suitable for use in sports, camping and / or travel. They can be provided for both outdoor and indoor use, with the latter being preferred. The construction according to the invention strip-based leads straight to sleeping bags to pronounced advantages in use: Both the better contour adjustment and the improved ability to dissipate excess body heat and moisture especially in the body of the sleeper completely enveloping sleeping bag to a particularly high comfort. The reduction of the required capacity also allows the transport weight of the sleeping bag and reduce packaging volume. Preferably, it is only the top (sleeping cover side) of the sleeping bag according to the invention form.

Another application of the inventive concept is the production of garments from filled or unfilled groups of strips. For example, it is conceivable to manufacture a down jacket or a down coat from interwoven down-filled strips.

5.10 pillows

Another particularly important application of the present invention relates to the use in cushions. Basically, the same design principles, materials to be used and processing steps are applicable here, as described above in connection with the ceilings according to the invention. Of course, this pillow-specific peculiarities come into play, which may require adjustments. For example, the format of the pillows is less than that of the blankets according to the invention. Typical pillow formats are 40x40 cm, 40x80 cm, 80x80 cm and other dimensions.

Even with the fillers certain cushion-specific adjustments can be made. Compared to ceilings, it can be filled with voluminous and / or stiffer filling materials in order to achieve an increased cushioning effect. All fillers and materials used in conventional cushions are usable in the context of the present invention, in particular down, feathers, fiber beads, microfibers, spelled and cherry pits, and PU sticks and foam and / or gel structured sheets.

The number of strips per strip group is reduced due to the smaller format compared to the blankets according to the invention. Typical streak groups comprise about 2 to 6 streaks, preferably 2 to 4 streaks.

In addition to eirer also below the sleeping advantageous contour adjustment, the use of the pillow according to the invention, in particular in combination with the blanket according to the invention is advantageous in order to achieve a uniform appearance. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to sets of blanket and cushions having such a uniform appearance.

6. Specific embodiments

• FIG. 1 FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which there are two groups of stripes forming a fabric: the stripes of one group of stripes (1) are located continuously above the stripes of the second group of stripes (2). In FIG. 1 is shown a preferred embodiment of a Geleges, in which the two strip groups are arranged at a right angle to each other.
• FIG. 2 Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which there are two groups of strips (3) and (4) interwoven to form a fabric. In the in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment, the tissue is again characterized by arranged at right angles to each other stripes. It is a plain weave fabric. It is off FIG. 2 It can easily be seen that the strips of the strip group (3) are present alternately above and below the strips of the strip group (4).
• FIG. 3 FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a fabric is provided by two groups of strips (5) and (6) arranged at right angles to one another, which is bordered by a filled tube (7) of conventional type. The width of this tube or the area fraction of the woven area are not specified, but the advantages according to the invention come into play particularly when the woven area occupies at least 60% of the total area, more preferably 80% and especially 90% of the total area. Furthermore, it is possible in the context of the present invention, instead of a hose, a border of unfilled material, such as a woolen fabric to provide.
• FIG. 4 FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, different from the embodiment of FIG FIG. 3 differs in that instead of a single woven area used several - in the present representation four - woven areas (8, 9, 10 and 11) are inserted into a bordering or connecting conventional filled tube (12). Naturally, the number of strips per woven area decreases as the number of woven areas increases and thus the area of each individual woven area decreases.
• FIG. 5 represents a blanket according to the invention as in FIG. 2 but additionally shows a possibility of the fixing points (13; FIG. 5 not all fixation points marked with reference numeral) to arrange.

• Figur 6 stellt eine Stützrahmenkonstruktion gemäß Ausführungsform A dar. Diese Stützrahmenkonstruktion wird gebildet durch Streifen (4) einer ersten Streifengruppe, bei der jeder Streifen (4) durch Befestigungspunkte (13) mit den jeweils benachbarten Streifen (4) verbunden ist. In diese Stützrahmenkonstruktion werden die Streifen (3) der zweiten Streifengruppe transversal eingeschoben. Lösbare Fixierungen der Streifen (3) der zweiten Gruppe mit den Streifen (4) der ersten Gruppe - z.B. an den Enden der Streifen (3) und ggf. auch im mittleren Bereich an den Kreuzungspunkten - werden vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen, sind aber in Figur 6 aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit nicht dargestellt.
• Figur 7 stellt eine Stützrahmenkonstruktion gemäß Ausführungsform B21 dar. Die Stützrahmenkonstruktion dieser Ausführungsform wird durch ein Gitter aus Doppelbändern (15 und 16) gebildet. Hierbei sind die Doppelbänder (15 und 16) jeweils durch zwei parallele und übereinander angeordnete einzelne Bänder (15a und 15b bzw. 16a und 16b) gebildet. Die Doppelbänder sind in zwei Gruppen (15 und 16) aufgeteilt, wobei die Doppelbänder der einen Gruppe (15) parallel zueinander in Längsrichtung, die der anderen Gruppe (16) in Querrichtung angeordnet sind. Die Doppelbänder beider Gruppen sind jeweils an den Kreuzungspunkten (17) aneinander fixiert. Die Streifen der beiden Streifengruppen (in Fig. 7 nicht dargestellt) werden durch die Öffnungen, die durch Doppelbänder 15a und 15b, sowie Doppelbänder 16a und 16b gebildet werden, geführt und so in ihrer Position fixiert.
• Fig. 8 stellt eine Stützrahmenkonstruktion gemäß Ausführungsform B22 dar. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein textiles Flächengebilde (18), das mit Schlitzen in Längsrichtung (20) sowie Schlitzen in Querrichtung (19) versehen ist. Die Streifen der beiden Streifengruppen (in Fig. 8 nicht dargestellt) werden durch die Schlitze (19) und (20) geführt und so in ihrer Position fixiert.

Also in this embodiment, it is conceivable to replace the filled conventional tube (12) by an unfilled textile fabric such as a woolen fabric.

• FIG. 6 illustrates a support frame construction according to embodiment A. This support frame construction is formed by strips (4) of a first group of strips, in which each strip (4) is connected by fastening points (13) with the respectively adjacent strips (4). In this support frame construction, the strips (3) of the second strip group are inserted transversely. Detachable fixations of the strips (3) of the second group with the strips (4) of the first group - for example at the ends of the strips (3) and possibly also in the central region at the crossing points - are advantageously provided, but are in FIG. 6 not shown for reasons of clarity.
• FIG. 7 FIG. 12 illustrates a support frame construction according to embodiment B21. The support frame construction of this embodiment is constituted by a grid of double bands (15 and 16). Here, the double bands (15 and 16) are each formed by two parallel and superposed individual bands (15a and 15b or 16a and 16b). The double bands are divided into two groups (15 and 16), with the double bands of one group (15) arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, those of the other group (16) in the transverse direction. The double bands of both groups are fixed to each other at the crossing points (17). The strips of the two strip groups (in Fig. 7 not shown) are guided through the openings, which are formed by double bands 15a and 15b, and double bands 16a and 16b, and so fixed in position.
• Fig. 8 Fig. 12 illustrates a support frame construction according to embodiment B22. This is a fabric (18) provided with slots in the longitudinal direction (20) and slots in the transverse direction (19). The strips of the two strip groups (in Fig. 8 not shown) are guided through the slots (19) and (20) and fixed in position.

In each of the embodiments shown above, it is possible to provide each one of the illustrated groups of strips in filled or unfilled form. naturally For example, in the case of smaller woven areas, the more flexible unfilled strips, for example of polyester, wool and / or cotton fabric, are preferred. It is also preferable to adjust the width of the respective strips to the total size of the woven area. That is, in the case of small woven areas, it is preferable to provide narrow strips and, in the case of large woven areas, wide strips. Typically, the width of the individual strips is about 5 to 50%, preferably 10 to 40% of the respective width of the woven or laid area.

7th example

4x6 coffered ceiling, 135x200 cm, consisting of 4 longitudinal stripes and 6 horizontal stripes, arranged at right angles to each other in the form of a canvas 1/1 binding.

shell material:

100% cotton, plain weave, fabric quality from Gebr. Sanders GmbH & Co. KG, FB 135. Chain: Yarn size Nm 135, threads / cm: 62 Shot: Yarn size Nm 135, threads / cm: 59 Total weight: about 90 g / m ²

cover:

Longitudinal hoses divided into 6 equal chambers with each plate / plate sewing of top and bottom plate; Cross hoses divided into 4 equal chambers with each plate / plate sewing of top and bottom plate. At the chamber separation seams each 5 cm wide filling openings are considered. The fixation of the tubes with each other was done with circular stitching with 20 mm diameter at all corners of the crossing points according to Fig. 5 ,

Because of the meandering course of the tubes in a plain weave is the so-called finished size of the shell (stretched hose length without filling) longitudinal tube: 207 cm, transverse tube: 139 cm.

Filling:

In each case 8 g per chamber, 48 chambers in total, therefore 384 g total filling with a 100% Hungarian goose down class I according to EN standard EN 12934.

The cover was made according to the process variant b1 to b4 '.

Claims (21)

1. Cover, in particular quilt for beds, having two or more groups of strips (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6),
   wherein each group comprises two or more strips,
   wherein the two or more groups of strips (1, 3, 5 and 2, 4, 6) are arranged at least partially one above the other,
   wherein the two or more groups of strips (1, 3, 5 and 2, 4, 6) are partially fixed relative to each other,
   wherein the strips have a width of 2 to 80 cm, characterised in that the at least two groups of strips (1, 3, 5 and 2, 5, 6) are arranged in different directions relative to each other.
2. Cover according to claim 1, wherein at least one group of strips are made from casings of ticking material which are provided with a filling selected from feathers and/or down, natural fibres, synthetic fibres and foam particles.
3. Cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two or more groups of strips (1, 3, 5 and 2, 4, 6) are interwoven with each other.
4. Cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the strips and/or one or more of the groups of strips consists of unfilled strips and preferably woven woollen material.
5. Cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein two groups of strips (3, 5 and 4, 6) woven in plain weave are provided.
6. Cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover is provided with a peripheral border of conventional cover material (7).
7. Cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover is formed by the presence of two or more regions (8, 9, 10, 11) separated from each other by conventional cover material (12), wherein said regions as described in claim 1 are formed from two or more groups of two or more strips each.
8. Cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the groups of strips are fixed relative to each other by stitching, quilting, hook and loop fastenings, buttons, double-mushroom buttons or press studs.
9. Cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the two or more groups of strips differ from each other with respect to material and/or width.
10. Sleeping bag which at least partially consists of a cover according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 9.
11. Article of clothing which at least partially consists of a cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9.
12. Cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9, which is designed as a pillow.
13. Cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of the individual strips are provided with one or more ventilation openings covered with mesh, wherein preferably in the case of intersecting strips the air conditioning areas of the strips concerned lie one above the other.
14. Cover according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of the strips or groups of strips consist of a mesh.
15. Cover according to the preceding claim 4, wherein there are two or more unfilled strips and the filled and unfilled strips of the same group of strips are arranged in sections, alternating or in blocks.
16. Cover according to claim 1, comprising a supporting frame, consisting of:

    (a) a group of three or more parallel strips which are in each case fastened to the adjacent strips by three or more fixings;

    (b) two groups of intersecting double bands (15, 16) which are in each case fixed at the points of intersection to each other as well as to a peripheral band; or

    (c) a textile fabric (18) which at regular intervals is provided with slits in longitudinal and transverse directions (19, 20).
17. Cover according to claim 1, comprising a strip selected from

    (i) strips which are made from casings of ticking material which are provided with a filling selected from feathers and/or down, natural fibres, synthetic fibres and foam particles, and

    (ii) unfilled strips, preferably woven woollen material,
    wherein the strip is provided with one or more devices for fastening additional strips or a supporting frame, consisting of:

    (a) a group of three or more parallel strips which are in each case fastened to the adjacent strips by three or more fixings;

    (b) two groups of intersecting double bands (15, 16) which are in each case fixed at the points of intersection to each other as well as to a peripheral band; or

    (c) a textile fabric (18) which at regular intervals is provided with slits in longitudinal and transverse directions (19, 20).
18. Method for the manufacture of a cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of:

    a1. presenting a desired number of strip casings made of ticking material;

    a2. filling the strip casings with the desired filling material;

    a3. positioning the strips relative to each other in the desired spatial arrangement; and

    a4. fixing the groups of strips to each other.

    or

    b1. presenting a desired number of strip casings made of ticking material;

    b2. positioning the strip casings relative to each other in the desired spatial arrangement;

    b3. filling the strip casings with the desired filling material;

    b4. fixing the strips to each other.

    or

    b1. presenting a desired number of strip casings made of ticking material;

    b2. positioning the strip casings relative to each other in the desired spatial arrangement;

    b3'. fixing the strips to each other;

    b4'. filling the strip casings with the desired filling material.
19. Method according to claim 18, comprising steps b1, b2, b3', b4' in this order.
20. Method for the manufacture of a cover according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein unfilled strips are used, or wherein strips of which the construction and filling correspond to a quilt are used, and wherein the method comprises the following steps:

    c1. presenting a desired number of strips which may or may not be filled;

    c2. positioning the strips relative to each other in the desired spatial arrangement; and

    c3. fixing the groups of strips to each other.
21. Method according to claim 18 or 20, comprising:

    (A) the use of a supporting frame, consisting of:

    (a) a group of three or more parallel strips which are in each case fastened to the adjacent strips by three or more fixings;

    (b) two groups of intersecting double bands (15, 16) which are in each case fixed at the points of intersection to each other as well as to a peripheral band; or

    (c) a textile fabric (18) which at regular intervals is provided with slits in longitudinal and transverse directions (19, 20);
    and/or

    (B) the use of a strip selected from

    (i) strips which are made from casings of ticking material which are provided with a filling selected from feathers and/or down, natural fibres, synthetic fibres and foam particles, and

    (ii) unfilled strips, preferably woven woollen material,
    wherein the strip is provided with one or more devices for fastening additional strips or a supporting frame as in embodiment (A).

Images