GB2295543A - Flat tubular covers for use in sleep the thermal insulation of which is adjustable by rotation of the tube - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover for use in sleep (eg a duvet, blanket or sleeping bag) is tubular with different peripheral portions of different thermal insulating characteristic so that on rotation about the tube axis the overall characteristic of the tube, normally flattened, is changed. Various examples include one in which the characteristic changes continuously around the periphery. An example with six portions in two groups each of three portions 18a, 19a, 20 gives three conditions in which a central region has a uniform characteristic. <IMAGE>

Description

COVERS FOR USE IN SLEEP THIS INVENTION relates to covers for use in sleep.

Most commercially available duvets exist as single units with specific insulation values commonly expressed in Togs. In order to provide appropriate insulation, hence body heat retention, in bed throughout the seasonal changes, it is common practice to employ different duvets ranging from lightweight - typically 4.5 Togs - for summer use to relatively heavyweight ones - typically 13 Togs - for winter use and an intermediate value - typically 10 Togs - for spring or autumn use.

A Tog is a unit of thermal resistance equal to one tenth of a square metre kelvin per watt.

Instead of using individual duvets of the appropriate Tog rating, combination duvet systems are available which consist of two separate duvets of different Tog ratings - typically 4.5 Togs and 9.5 Togs - which can be used independently or in combination to provide three different Tog ratings to satisfy seasonal requirements.

Whether single duvet units or combination systems are employed it is necessary to provide storage facilities for those units not in use and to incur the inconvenience of removal and replacement of individual units and in the case of combination duvet systems the additional requirement for attaching two underlaying duvets together when maximum insulation is required.

From one aspect the invention provides a cover for use in sleep comprising a tube peripheral portions of which are of different thermal insulating characteristic.

The invention also provides a cover for use in sleep comprising a tube which can be rotated about an axis so that, when flat, the thermal insulating characteristic of at least a part of the flat tube is changed.

The invention further provides a cover for use in sleep comprising upper and lower portions, the overall thermal insulating characteristic being adjustable by moving one portion in one direction and the other portion in the opposite direction while maintaining the overall width substantially unchanged.

The thermal insulating characteristic of the tube may vary continuously around at least part of the periphery from a datum position. Adjacent angular portions of the tube may have different thermal insulating characteristic. There may be four portions, alternate portions having the same characteristic. There may be six portions in two groups of in sequence first, second and third portions of different thermal insulating characteristic, the second being of greater characteristic than the first and the third greater than the second, the third portion of one group being adjacent the first portion of the other group. In one case the thermal insulating characteristics of the portions of the one group are the same as the thermal insulating characteristics of the corresponding portions of the other group. There may be two, three or four portions of different characteristic.

Reference to 'periphery' means the distance around a tube normal to its axis which, with the tube in a flattened condition, as is generally the case, is equal to the tube's flattened circumference.

To provide a range of insulation values each uniform, across the width of a hed, n single tiibilar insulator may be used formed from three pairs of rectangular insulation panels each panel with width equal to llalf the bed width and with length sufficient to cover the length of the bed. The two members of each pair of insulation panels will have identical insulation values but each pair will have a different insulatioii value from the other pairs thus providing six insulation pa',ls and three different insulation values.

The six insulation pallets extendinp, around the periphery of tlle tube are positioned relative to each other such that wlieti the tribe is formed into A circular cross sectional configuration normal to its axis, identical insulation panels will be diametrically opposed. With the tubular insulation in its operational - flattened - configuration rotation about its axis of symmetry will bring different value insulation panels into coincidence yielding three possible uniform insulation values across the width of the bed.

To provide the option for independent adjustment of the insulation of a bed on either side to suit the individual requirements of two sleepers two flattened insulation tubes may be employed with axes parallel to the bed length and parallel edges in contact along the longitudinal centre line of the bed each tube overhanging the appropriate side of the bed.

The tubes may be formed from three equal width and length rectangular insulation panels each panel of different insulation value the width of each tube in its flattened condition being equal to 34 tile overall width of tlie bed mattress. This configuration provides three different uniform insulation values over tie appropriate half of the bed width corresponding to the three possible combined insulation values of coincident pancls.Two such adjacent insulation tubes connected at corresponding edges coincident with the longitudinal centre line of tie bed will provide complete l)( cove rage and independent adjustment of insulation to any one of the three possible insulation vatues across the width of the bed.

By dividing an insulation tube into narrower insulation panels of equal or unequal width a greater range of different insulation values over the corresponding region of the bed will be possible albeit with some possible non - uniformity across the bed width. An odd number of insulation panels will generally yield a larger range of insulation values than an even number.

By using a tubular insulator formed from a single rectangular insulating panel with insulating value changing continuously around the periphery, a continuously variable range of mean insulation values across the covered region of a bed can be produced.

A single insulatlon tube with ita axis of symmetry parallel to the longitudinal centre 1 inc of the bed and of diameter - before flattening - typically equal to the overall width of tile lazed to be covered may be employed and formed from discretely or continuously variable insuLatioll panels extending around the periphery of the tube. This will provide a corresponding range of discrete or continuously variable, or in some cases uniform , insulation values across the width of the bed iri response to rotation of the insulation tube about its axis of symmetry.

By forming a tubular insulator from insulation panels with discretely or continuously varying insulation values a Long their length a range of different in.sulatiotl values between head and foot end of a panel may be produced by rotating the insulation tube about its axis of symmetry.

A range of different insulation values along the length of a bed but with uniform values across the width may be produced us tig a single Insulation tube with its axis of symmetry orientated parallel to the width of ttie bed. Such a tube may possess discretely or continuously variable insulation around its periphery and as for the longitudinal axis system described above different insulation values along the length of the bed may be produced by appropriate rotation of the tube about its transversely orientated axis.

The above transversely orientated insulation tube may exist as a single large unit to cover the overall width and appropriate length of tile bed or as two smaller independently adjustable units connectable along those corresponding edges typically coincident with the beds longitudinal centre line thus providing longitudinal as well as transverse selectively over the area of the bed.

All rotational adjustments to an insulating tube may be carried out manually. Single tubular insulators covering the width of a bed mattress require no fasteners to stabilise adjustment. Pairs of tubular insulators employed to provide independent selectively across the bed may require detachable connectors to prevent possible parting of adjacent edges from sleep movement or restlessness.

The principles discussed relating to duvets are also applicable to other bedding such as blankets or quilted bed insulating covers known as comforters as well as to sleeping bags. In the case of a sleeping bag the tube will lie above a user with further insulation beneath the user, the whole enclosed in an outer cover closed at the foot. In some cases the sides of the flattened tube could be detachably secured to the sides of the lower insulation.

In the case of duvets the tubular insulation systems described are all compatible with the appropriate commercially available beds and duvet covers.

This invention may be performed in various ways and some specific embodiments with possible modifications will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Fig.la Shows a perspective of a flattened single tubular iiisulator covering a bed.

Fig.lb Shows a perspective of two identical flattened tubular insulators in contact along the longitudinal centre line of a bed.

Figs.2a - 2c Silow schematic sections through a flattened six panel tubular insulator in different adjustment conditions.

Figs.3a - 3c Show sections through a partially flattered three panel tubular insulator off a bed in different adjustment positions.

Fig.4 Shows two such 3 panel flattened tubular insulators adjacent about the beds longitudinal centre line.

Fig.5 Shows a two panel tubular insulator with a uniform insulation adjustment.

Figs.6a - 6c Show sections of two tubular insulators covering a bed each with two insulation panels of equal width.

Figs.7a - 7b Show two further adjustments of a single two panel tubular insulator.

Figs.8a - 8d Show four coincident positions of a four panel tubular insulator off a bed.

Fig. 9 Shows a perspective view of a single tubular insulator covering a bed with axis transverse to tlie bed.

Figs - 10e Show schematic sections through the longitudinal centre line of a bed covered by a single transversely orientated five panel tubular insulator in five different coincident positiotis.

Fig.I1 Shows a perspective of two single longitudinal edge contacting tubular iiisulators with common transverse axes.

Fig.12 Shows a schematic section through a pair of tubular insulators in longitudinal centre line contact and each formed from single continuously variable insulation panels.

Figs.l3a 6 13b Show perspective views of two adjacent tubular insulators with rows of snap fasteners.

Fig.14 Shows edge connection of adjacent tubular insulators using fabric piping and split tube element connectors.

For reasons of clarity in all the Figures to follow tubular tusulators will be illustrated with appropriate duvet covers ahsent.

Fig. la Shows a perspective of a fiattened single tubular insulator 1 covering a bed mattress 2 with overhang 3 at the end 4 and the sides 5. The axis of symmetry 6 of the tubular insulator lies in the vertical plane passing through the beds longitudinal centre line 7 resulting in the insulator lying with equal overhang oti ench side of the bed.Adjustments to the insulation value of that region of tile insulator covering the hed are made by rotating the tubular cotifigurat ioii about Its axis of symmetry 6 which in effect means sliding the top arid bottom sides of the tubular insulator 1 equally in opposite transverse directions.

Fig. lb Shows two narrower tubular insulators 9 and 10 covering the bed mattress 2 with overhang 11 and contacting edges 12 along the beds longitudinal centre line 7. Because of their finite overhang the axis of symmetry 13 and 14 of each tubular insulator lies closer to its corresponding side edge of the bed 5 titan tile centre line 7.

Rotation of either tubular insulator about its axis of symmetry will induce changes in its insulation value which may or may not be uniform over that region of tie bed covered by the tubular insulator.

This double tubular insulator arrangement provides a means for independently adjusting tite insulation value on either side of the bed. The underlying principles of single, double and other tubular insulator systems will be described below.

In order for tlie re to result a change in insulation value associated with that region of a bed covered by a tubular insulator the latter must be formed from at least two different insulation value zones typically consisting of at least two adjacent rectangular panels extending around tlie periphery of the tube.

Figs. 2a - 2c Stow schematic sections 15n, 16a, 17a respectively, normal to its axis through a single six panel tubular insulator in its flattened condition with the bed absent but with a gap between upper and lower layers for reasons of clarity. Each section in these figures shows a different uniform insulation adjustment following appropriate rotation of the insulation tube about its axis of symmetry.

The panels 18a, 19a and 20a each have width typically equal to half that of the bed width but different insulation values represented by k1 , k and k3 respectively where kl > k2 > k3 Fig.2a Shows panels 18a and 19a iti coincidence yielding a maximum uniform insulation value across tile bed of k + Fig 2b Shows panels 20a ad 18a in coincidence yielding an intermediate uniform insulation value across the bed width of k3 + Fig.2c Shows panels 19a and 20a in coincidence yielding a minimum uniform insulation value across tie bed width of k + k3.

Three independently adjustable untform insulation conditioiis on either side of a bed mny be achieved using the arrangement in Figurres 3a, 3b and 3c.

These slow schematic representations of sections 15, 16 atid 17 normal to the axis of symmetry of tlie tube through a three insulation pauel tubular insulator off a bed. Facli panel lias equal width this latter being one half of the overall width of the bed to be covered which enables one of tlie panels to occupy tile overhanging region of tiie bed leaving the other two panels to coincide. It is these coincident panels which control the insulation value of tliat half of the bed which they cover.

Neglecting any influence of the interfactal air gap 21 between two coincident panels shown exaggerated for clarity, the effective insulation is equal to the sum of tlie two coincident insulation values.

Fig. 3a Shows maximum insulation condition with panels 18 and 19 iti coincidence.

Fig. 3b shows intermediate insulation condition with panels 18 and 20 in coincidence.

Fig. 3c shows a minimum insulation condition with panels 19 and 20 in coincidence.

Fig. 4 Shows a section through two adjacent three panel tubular insulators 9 and 10 covering a mattress 2 with the left hand one 9 ad justed to maximum itisulation and the right Island one 10 to minimum insulation.

If adjustments are made such that overlaying insulating panels are non coincident then tlie insulation across tic covered width of a mattress ceases to become utiifortn although a range of no uniform mean insulation values are possible.

If single tubular insulator 21a Fig.5 is formed from only two equal width insulator panels 22 and 23 of unequal insulation value then oily one uniform insulation value across its width is possible corresponding to coincidence of the two panels 22 atid 23 schematically shown iti Fig. 5.

If two narrower tubular insulators 24 and 25 are employed each formed from two different insulation value but equal width panels across a mattress then each will provide a uniform insulation value 26 across their individual width as indicated in Fig.6a but with two additional near uniform insulation values 27 and 28 possible Fig. 6b and Fig. 6c. For tubular insulators each with width three quarters tlie overall bed width the insulation value will be uniform over the inner three quarters of the width of each insulator leaving an insulation change 29 along each side edge of the bed of one eighth of the bed width.

If the single panel tubular insulator 21a Fig. 5 is used to cover completely a bed mattress then as well as providing a single value uniform insulation across the width of the bed as shown in Fig. 5 two additional different - though not independently adjustable - uniform insulation values on either side of the bed Figs. 7a and 7b are also possible.

Fig. 7a shows maximum insulation 30 on the left hand side of the bed and mintmum insulation 31 oti the right hand side.

Fig. 7b Shows those insulation values reversed with minimum insulation 31 on the left hand side and maximum 30 oti the right hand side.

Figs. 8a to 8d show schematic sections through a four panel tubular insulator off a bed, with air gap 21 for clarity, indicating the four possible coincident positiotis of panels 32, 33, 34 atid 35.If the panels were of equal width and used symmetrically over the bed, i.e. as a single tubular insulator with equal overhang on each side of the bed then only two different coincident insulation conditions Figs. 8a and 8b on each side of tite bed would be possible since further rotation of ttie insulator about its axis Figs. 8c and 8d will repeat the coincident states shown oti Figs. 8a and 8b albeit with the contributing coincident pairs of panels (32, 34) and (33, 35) interchanged in position. Nevertheless a single four panel tubular insulator described although only possessing two different coincident insulation states may have some appeal because it can be achieved by using a single tubular insulator rather than two separate duvets.

The syatems described above all. involve one or two tubular insulators wi tti axes of symmetry orientated parallel to the head to foot direction or length of the bed and if each inaulation panel has a constant insulation tio variation or adjustmetit of insulation along the length of the bed is possible. Ilowever if such variation and adjustment is requiced then tubular insulators may be orieutated with their exes of symmetry parllel to the width of the hed.

Fig. 9 Shows a perspective view of a single tubular insulator 36 with axis of aymmetcy 37 transverse to the teugth of the bed. With this arrangement if insulator panels are eacii of different insulation value though individualiy uniform over their area then no variation in insulation across the width oE the bed can be induced on rotation of the insulatioll tube about its axis of symmetry 37. however different insulation values along the length of the bed may be induced dependent upon the number, the width and the insuletion valves of panels forming the tubular insulator.

Figs.lOa - 10e Show schematic diagrams of vertical sections through tlie longitudinal centre line 38 Fig.9 of a bed covered by a single transversely orientated five panel 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 tubular insulator in five different adjustment positions. Dependent upoti tie relative atid absolute insulation values of tile panels 39 - 43 five different insulation values over tiie covered region of the bed can be induced including tlie options for relatively cold or warm foot end insulation.

If independent selectivity across tlie bed widtii as well as along tie bed lengtll is desired then two transversely orientated tubular co-axial 44 insulators may be employed 45, 46 Fig. 11 with connecting means to prevent possible part top, of the tubular insulators 45, 46 along the cotitact line 47 during use.

Instead of using discretely varying insulator panels to form a tubular insulator the latter may be fabricated from a continuously varinble single panel insulator typically with a progressively increasing insulation value along half its length followed by a progressive decrease along the remainder. Tri its will generate a triangular distribution of insulation along tlie tubes periphery though different distributions of insulation value along the peripheral direction may also be employed.

Fig. 12 Shows a schematic arrangement of A section through a mattress 2 covered by two tubular insulators 48 and 49 showing on the left tiand side 48 maximum insulation and on the right hand side 49 minimum insulation each with A continuously variable insulation value around its periphery thus providing both independent adjustment across the bed width and the option for continuous adjustment. This continuously variable insulation arrangement may be npplied to single or double tubular insulation systems with either longitudinal or transverse axial orientations.

As was indicated earlier there exists no requirement to provide connectors or fasteners to single tubular insulators covering the complete bed width since these will be relatively mechanically stable. In title case of narrower dual syatems to provlde an independent adjustment facility across the width or length of tiie bed connection of adjacent edges is advantageous in order to avoid tlie possibility of the insulators parting during u.se which may create uncomfortable cold spots.

Figs.13a and 13b Show schematic sections of one method for conveniently connecting two sulci tubular insulators 50 and 51 toetlier. To facilitate this connecting procedure narrow fabric strips 52 of ribboii or tape may be incorporated along the lengtii of one or both tubular insulators at positions along tlie periphery corresponding to the citange in itisulatioti value. Three such peripheral positiotis would be necessary for a three panel tubular insulator.

Fig.13a shows a set of snap fasteners 53 with corresponding parts secured to a longitudinal strip 52 sewn along edge 54 and the opposite edge 55 of tubular insulators 50 and 51. The fasteners being positioned to provi(le 1. Iglit comprcssive contact between the edges 54 and 55 to minimise heat leakage through the junction 56. Figures 13a and t3b show the edges in a non contacting and contacting condition respectively.

As an alternative to snap fasteners on strips, rows of buttons on one insulator edge atid corresponding button holes or loops on the other corresponding insulator edge may be employed.

A second alternative to snap fasteners is tile use of Velcro pads secured at corresponding positions along each edge to be connected.

A third alternative to secure contacting edges together is to use ribbon ties at corresponding positions along connectable edges these being tied manually or secured together with toggles or tlle like which may be removed wheti not in use.

In the case of continuously variable insulation tubular itisulators the type of connectors suggested above for discrete insulation panels can also be employed for the contilluously variable ones with the number of possible itisulation adjustments being dependent upon the number of axially orientated connection sets along the periphery of ench tubular insulator.

A fourth alternative is to use fabric piping tape 56 Fig. 14 sewti along 57 connectable edges 58 and 59 and secure the edges with removable split tubes 60 or equivalent clipped or secured over the piping.

In cases where localised hard parts exist on tile tubular insulator connectors these can be padded or concealed in pockets incorporated in the tubular insulator as appropriate to avoid possible discomfort in circumstances where they may be in contact with a sleeper.

There has been described an adjustable insulation duvet system comprising at least one tubular insulator with discretely or continuously variable insulation values such that when the tubular insulator is relaxed into a flattened condition different insulation panels or regions forming the insulator may be brought into correspondence or coincidence following appropriate rotation of the tube about its axis of symmetry, thus providing an adjustable range of different local or mean insulation values resulting from the combined insulation of coincident or corresponding insulation panels or regions and avoiding the inconvenience of adding, rernoving and storing temporarily unused duvets.

For application to beds one or two such covers may be employed, in a flattened condition, each formed from two or more rectangular insulator panels of equal length parallel to the tube axis and typically though not necessarily equal width extending widthways around the periphery of the tubular insulator.

The cover or tuhular insulator has no gaps in the periphery; it may have localised quilting for aesthetic purpose or for stabilising interior material.

Claims (17)

1. A cover for use in sleep comprising a tube peripheral portions of which are of different thermal insulating characteristic.

2. A cover for use in sleep comprising a tube which can be rotated about an axis so that, when flat, the thermal insulating characteristic of at least a part of the flat tube is changed.

3. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the thermal insulating characteristic of the tube varies continuously around at least part of the periphery from a datum position.

4. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which adjacent angular portions of the tube have different thermal insulating characteristic.

5. A cover as claimed in Claim 4, in which there are four portions, alternate portions having the same characteristic.

6. A cover as claimed in Claim 4, in which there are six portions in two groups of in sequence first, second and third portions of different thermal insulating characteristic, the second being of greater characteristic than the first and the third greater than the second, the third portion of one group being adjacent the first portion of the other group.

7. A cover as claimed in Claim 6, in which the thermal insulating characteristics of the portions of the one group are the same as the thermal insulating characteristics of the corresponding portions of the other group.

8. A cover as claimed in Claim 7, in which the portions are of equal peripheral extent.

9. A cover as claimed in Claim 4, comprising two portions of different characteristic.

10. A cover as claimed in Claim 4, comprising four portions of different thermal insulating characteristic.

11. A cover as claimed in Claim 4, comprising three portions of different thermal inslllating characteristic.

12. A cover as claimed in Claim 11, in which the portions are of equal peripheral extent.

13 A cover as claimed in Claim 12 in combination with a bed in which the peripheral extent of a portion is half the bed width.

14. A cover for use in sleep comprising upper and lower portions, the overall thermal insulating characteristic being adjustable by moving one portion in one direction and the other portion in the opposite direction while maintaining the overall width substantially unchanged.

15. A cover for use in sleep substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 and Figs. 2a to 2c or Figs. 3a to 3c or Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 or Figs. 6b to 6c, or Figs.

7a and 7b or Figs. 8a to 8d or Fig. 9 or Figs. 10a to 10e or Fig. 11 or Fig. 12 or Figs. 13a, 13b or Fig. 14.

16. A cover comprising two adjacent covers as claimed in any preceding claim.

17. A cover as claimed in Claim 16, in which the two covers are detachably secured together.