GB2304571A

GB2304571A - Quilts and the like

Info

Publication number: GB2304571A
Application number: GB9618609A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wendi Patricia Moakes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-09-07
Filing date: 1996-09-06
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Also published as: GB9618609D0; GB9518209D0

Abstract

A quilt or the like comprises one or more layers of quilted material, each layer comprising a plurality of quilted sections 1a, 1b, 1c releasably fastened together. Each layer can be provided with means for releasable attachment to the other layer or layers. Three superimposed quilt layers can be joined using pairs of buttons 10 on elasticated threads which pass through button holes 8 in the three layers. Two quilted sections can be zipped together along their major edges to form a hollow pillow.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN QUILTS AND THE LIKE This invention relates to improvements in quilts and the like.

So-called continental quilts or duvets are increasingly used as bedcoverings, in place of traditional sheets and blankets. Such bedcoverings are warm yet light in weight, are comfortable for the user, and beds with such coverings are easy and quick to make.

A disadvantage of such quilts and the like, however, is that they are bulky, and generally too bulky to be washed in a domestic washing machine. This means that washing must be carried out at a commercial laundry. This is inconvenient and costly for the owner of the quilt, and may result in the quilt being washed less frequently than might otherwise be desired. Also, dry cleaning of a quilt can be hazardous if insufficient airing time is allowed for toxic fumes to disperse from the fabric.

Failure to wash a quilt frequently may have adverse consequences, particularly for users of the quilt who are susceptible to asthma or other allergic conditions. Quilts may harbour quantities of dust, household mites or other allergens which can cause an asthmatic attack, and for such users regular cleaning of the quilt is especially important. Viral or bacterial germs may also survive in an unwashed quilt and remain infectious.

A further disadvantage of known quilts is that they are supplied in a limited number of sizes.

Thus, if for any reason a person replaces, for example, a single bed with a double bed, it is necessary to purchase a new quilt as well. Similarly, particularly tall or overweight people may find the available standard sizes of quilt unsatisfactory. Also, a particular size and thickness of quilt may be satisfactory for one person, but unsatisfactory for that person's partner.

There has now been devised an improved form of quilt or the like, which overcomes or substantially mitigates the disadvantages associated with known forms of quilt.

According to the invention, a quilt or the like comprises one or more layers of quilted material, each layer comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together.

The quilt or the like according to the invention is advantageous primarily in that the sections forming the or each layer ofthe quilt can be readily separated for cleaning. Each section may be washed in a conventional, eg a domestic, washing machine. As a result, washing of the quilt is easier and more convenient to carry out. The quilt will therefore tend to be washed more often, leading to improvements in hygiene and health, particularly for asthmatic users.

Furthermore, by the use of additional sections the quilt may be increased in size to suit the requirements of the user. In addition to domestic use, the quilt according to the invention may be of particular benefit in large establishments such as hotels, hospitals etc, enabling quilts to be washed frequently and quickly on the premises. Because of the relatively small size of the quilt sections, they are also relatively easy to manufacture. Another advantage is that if one section of a quilt is damaged, it is possible to replace just that section, and not the entire quilt.

It is known to provide quilts comprising a plurality of layers which are connected, typically by press fasteners, around their edges. Such quilts are used to provide a variety of thicknesses.

For example, such quilts may comprise a thicker layer and a thinner layer. In summer, the latter may be used on its own, in less warm weather the former may be used on its own, and in winter the two may be joined at their edges and used together. Each layer is however generally too bulky to be washed in the manner enabled by the present invention, which owes nothing to these known forms of quilt. Nonetheless, such a multi-layered design may be incorporated into the present invention, the quilt of the invention in such a case comprising a plurality of layers, each provided with means for releasable attachment to the other layer or layers, and each comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together.In the cases of a quilt used by two people, such an arrangement permits one half of the quilt to be thicker (eg to comprise a single layer of greater thickness, or to comprise a greater number of layers) than the other half, thereby enabling the quilt to meet differing requirements of the two users.

The means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections may take any suitable form.

Preferably, such means comprises zip fasteners. Alternatively, press-and-close (VELCRO) fasteners may be used, or press studs. Press studs may be provided around the periphery of each section for connecting together separate layers of quilt sections forming part of a multilayered quilt as described above. Alternatively, other fastening means may be used, eg buttons and rings, laces etc.

Fastening means such as zip fasteners may be provided along the two major sides of each quilt section. Alternatively, a zip fastener (or other fastener) may extend around three edges of the section, so that two such sections may be joined together, in effect, to form a sleeping bag.

Where zip fasteners are used, they are preferably recessed into the seams of each section.

Suitable fillings for the quilt according to the invention are machine-washable fillings, eg machine-washable 100% polyester fillings.

Most preferably, the quilt according to the invention is constructed of hypoallergenic materials.

One suitable filling for the quilt is the hypoallergenic material sold under the trade name VITALUXIN.

The quilt according to the invention may be used with a conventional quilt cover. More preferably, however, each section of the quilt is formed with an integral fabric cover so that all that is required to assemble the quilt is connection of the sections together. The quilt or relevant sections thereof are more readily washable and thus will be washed frequently avoiding the need for additional covers. Indeed surface soiling will encourage regular washing. It will be seen that for less able users removing the need to use a quilt cover is a particular advantage as even the more able-bodied find changing quilt covers quite challenging.

An additional advantage of such an arrangement is that sections bearing different patterns may be connected together to form various designs. It will also be seen that given the modular nature of the quilt sections any desired shape can be created. Sections of the quilt material may also be provided with a magnetised area to facilitate adherence of pieces in a board game or characters from a story or any other removable design.

Certain sectionsflayers may be provided having different or specific properties, such as waterproofing or wipeable areas etc to provide additional protection in specific areas. This has a particular with infants, children and the bedridden.

Upper and lower fabric covers, and the filling interposed between them, may be joined together by traditional "tramlining". Alternatively, random bar-tracking through the three components may be used to give improved heat distribution. If some of the bar-tacks are replaced by button holes, these may be used for connection of layers in a multi-layered quilt assembly. For example, a pair of buttons joined by an elasticated thread can be used to secure together layers with corresponding button-holes. To further enhance the practicality and appeal of the invention at least one section/layer of quilt material may be provided with at least one pocket.

Additionally an electric heating element may be incorporated in one or more layers/sections, which elements may removable prior to washing that particular section.

Although described above principally in relation to a quilt, the invention may also be applied to pillows. For example, two rectangular quilted sections may be joined along their major edges to form a pillow, and separated for washing. In such a case, the space between the two sections may be used to accommodate aromatic or medicated materials, eg impregnated in a disposable inner sleeve. Likewise, the principle of the invention may also be employed in quilted mattress protectors.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a single quilt section for use in the assembly of a quilt according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of a sectional quilt according to the invention comprising three quilt sections as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a multi-layer sectional quilt comprising three quilt layers as shown in Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a quilted pillow produced in accordance with the invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, a quilt panel is generally designated 1 and, together with other similar panels, is adapted for assembly to form a sectional quilt according to the invention.

The panel 1 comprises an upper layer 2 and a lower layer (not visible) of printed cotton fabric stitched together at the edges and filled with a hypoallergenic filling. Corresponding halves 3, 4 of a zip fastener are stitched to the major edges of the panel 1. The edges of the panel between the ends of the zip fastener are trimmed with piping 5. Other ornamental finishings may alternatively be used, eg frills or lace.

The upper and lower fabric layers and the filling are held together and quilted by bar-tacks which are spaced along the broken lines 6,7. Some of the bar-tacks are replaced by buttonholes 8 which may be used for the assembly of a multi-layered quilt (as described below).

Press studs 9 are also provided at the top and bottom of the panel 1 to provide an alternative method of assembling a multi-layer quilt.

As shown in Figure 2, a quilt is assembled by joining together several (in this case, three) panels la-c using the zip fasteners 3,4. The panels la-c may be readily separated for washing and do not require the use of a separate quilt cover (though such a cover may be used if desired, eg to provide a match with wallpaper or curtains. If a larger quilt is preferred, a further panel is simply added.

In the multi-layer quilt shown in Figure 3, three sectional layers are first assembled from panels la-c as shown in Figure 2, and these layers are then joined using pairs of buttons 10 on elasticated threads. The buttons 10 are passed through corresponding button-homes 8 in the three layers. In the example shown, buttons 10 are provided at the top and bottom of the assembled quilt and in the middle. All the available button-holes 8 may be used, but in general it is only necessary to use a sufficient number of buttons 10 to hold the three layers securely together. For clarity, Figure 3 shows the three layers not yet joined at the top right-hand corner. Assembly of the multi-layer quilt is completed by passing buttons through the button.

holes 8 at the top of the right-hand quilt section lc of the top quilt layer and through the corresponding button-holes in the other two layers. If the sections of each layer have an insulation rating of, say, 4.5 tog, then such a three layer arrangement will provide a rating of 13.5 tog. The use oftwo layers would provide a 9 tog.

Finally, Figure 4 shows a pillow 11 comprising two quilted sections joined at their major edges 12, 13 by zip fasteners. The space 14 between the sections, which is open at its ends, may be used to accommodate a disposable inner sleeve which may be impregnated with an aromatic or medicated substance.

Claims

1. A quilt or the like comprising one or more layers of quilted material, each layer comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together.

2. A quilt as in Claim 1 comprising a plurality of layers, each provided with means for releasable attachment to the other layer or layers, and each comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together.

3. A quilt as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein means means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections is provided by zip fasteners.

4. A quilt as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein means means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections is provided by press-and-close (ie. VELCRO) fasteners may be used,

5. A quilt as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein means means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections is provided by press studs.

6. A quilt as in Claim 5 wherein press studs are provided around the periphery of each section for connecting together separate layers of quilt sections forming part of a multi-layered quilt.

7. A quilt as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein means means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections is provided by buttons or toggles.

8. A quilt as in Claim 1 or 2 wherein means means for releasably connecting together the quilted sections is provided by laces.

9. A quilt as in any one of Claims 3 to 8 preceding claim wherein the fastening means is provided along the two major sides of each quilt section.

10. A quilt as in Claim 9 wherein the fastening means extends around three edges of the section, so that two such sections may be joined together, in effect, to form a sleeping bag.

11. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein the quilt is provided with a suitable machinewashable filling, eg a machine-washable 100% polyester filling.

12. A quilt as in Claim 11 wherein the filling is provided by hypoallergenic materials.

13. A quilt as in Claim 12 wherein the filling is the hypoallergenic material sold under the trade name VITALUXIN.

14. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein each section of the quilt is formed with an integral fabric cover so that all that is required to assemble the quilt is connection of the sections together.

15. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein at least one section is provided with a magnetised area.

16. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein at least one section/layer is provided with additional properties, such as waterproofing.

17. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein sections bearing different patterns are capable of being connected together to form various designs.

18. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein at least one sectionllayer of quilt material is provided with at least one pocket.

19. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein upper and lower fabric covers, and the filling interposed between them, may be joined together by traditional "tramlining"

20. A quilt as in any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein random bar-tacking through the three components may be used to give improved heat distribution.

21. A quilt as in Claim 20 wherein at least some ofthe bar-tacks are replaced by button holes, which are capable of being used for connection of layers in a multi-layered quilt assembly.

22. A quilt as in Claim 21 wherein a pair ofbuttonsjoined by an elasticated thread are used to secure together layers with corresponding button-holes.

23. A quilt as in any preceding Claim wherein at least one layer/section comprises a suitable electric heating element, such as an electric blanket.

24 A quilt as in Claim 23 wherein the electric heating element is removable from the layer/section.

25. A pillow comprising one or more layers of quilted material, each layer comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together as in any one of Claims 2 to 24.

26. A pillow as in Claim 25 wherein the space between each section can be used to accommodate aromatic or medicated materials,

27. A pillow as in Claim 26 wherein the aromatic or medicated materials are provided impregnated in a disposable inner sleeve.

28. A quilted mattress protector comprising one or more layers of quilted material, each layer comprising a plurality of quilted sections releasably fastened together as in any one of Claims 2 to 24.