GB2492846A

GB2492846A - Duvet cover with planar opening

Info

Publication number: GB2492846A
Application number: GB1112217.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sapel Tagore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-15
Filing date: 2011-07-15
Publication date: 2013-01-16
Also published as: GB201112217D0

Abstract

An item of bedding for use with a duvet, comforter, eiderdown or the like comprises a duvet cover with a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet, the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions 26,28,30,32 and one or more closure portions 18,20,22,24 adapted to close the planar-opening. The duvet-edge receiving portions are defined at one end by the planar-opening and at the other end by the adjoining corner of the duvet cover and are preferably of equal width/length. Preferably there are four triangular closure portions with fasteners 34,36 along their adjacent edges and vertices 42. In use, the duvet over provides an item of bedding comprising a central opening duvet cover allowing the duvet to be changed easily with the cover placed on a bed.

Description

APPARATUS FOR BEDDING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for bedding comprising a central opening cluvet cover. More particularly the present invention relates to a duvet cover comprising: a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet; the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions; and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is generally accepted that conventional duvet covers are provided by fabric stitched andlor sealed on three sides having an opening with fastening means for duvet insertion andlor removal. Whilst there are a multiplicity of ways for effecting duvet cover changing, the following issues are commonly found: difficulties in getting the ends of the duvet to the ends of the cover, and keeping them there throLighout the cover changing process; difficulties in handling larger duvets, such as super-king and emperor size, especially for individuals of shorter stature; as well as the amount of work-space required to effectively remove and change a larger-sized duvet.

For users where a high volume of duvets require changing, such as in hospitals and hotels, it would be desirable to provide a duvet cover which overcomes these difficulties and could also be removed and changed quickly. For wheelchair users or individuals with impaired mobility it would be desirable to provide a duvet changing system which could be used hon-the-bed".

It is desirable that the present invention provides an improved duvet cover which overcomes the difficulties associated with changing using conventional duvet covers.

It is also desirable that the present invention provides a duvet cover which can be removed and replaced quickly.

It is further desirable that the present invention provides a duvet cover which can be removed and replaced on-the-bed".

The improved centre-opening duvet cover of the present invention provides an easy to use duvet changing system which resolves both the difficufties allocating and retaining s the duvet ends during the change process, as well being suitable for use "on-the-bed".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a duvet cover comprising: a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet; the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions; and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening.

Each of the duvet-edge receiving portions is defined at one end by the planar-opening and at the other end by the adjoining corner of the duvet cover, The relative length of the duvet-edge receiving portion is dependent upon a number of factors associated with both the relative size of the duvet to be enclosed and the optimal depth (from the duvet-edge receiving portion to the inside of the duvet cover corner) for ease of utility. Preferred herein are duvet covers having four duvet-edge receiving portions of equal length. Illustrated in Figure I is an opened-up duvet cover according to the invention having tour duvet-edge receiving portions of equal length each of which are defined at one end [A] by the planar-opening and at the other end [B] by the adjoining corner of the duvet cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an opened-up duvet cover 10 according to a embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the duvet cover 10 of Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a fabric blank 44 for forming a duvet cover of the invention according to a 2 embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 is a plan view representing an opened-up and essentially square duvet cover 10 according to a 1 embodiment of the present invention. The duvet cover 10 is suitable for use with double duvets and any other essentially square duvets. The illustrated example of a duvet cover 10 in Figure 1 compdses a planar fabric layer 12 upon which is secured a covering fabric layer 14 comprising: a planar opening 16 having a number of closure portions 18, 20, 22, 24 each comprising a fixed edge and a movable flap; and a number of duvet-edge receiving portions 26, 28, 30, 32.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the duvet cover 10 of Figure 1 in a closed "fully fastened' configuration. Figure 2 illustrates the "hot-cross bun" effect which is achieved when all the closure portions IS, 20, 22, 24 of the essentially square duvet cover 10 are fastened together. In Figure 2 an example of suitable fastening means 34 and 36 are illustrated as a corresponding pair of fasteners on adjoining edges 38 and 40 of closure portions 20 and 22. Figure 2 illustrates the inter-relationship and position of duvet-edge receiving portion 26 and the corresponding adjacent closure portions 18 and 20. Figure 2 illustrates loop cable 42 to fasten the vertices of closure portions 18, 20,22, 24.

Figure 3 provides a perspective view of a fabric blank 44 suitable for making an essentially square duvet cover 10 according to a 2 embodiment of the present invention.

The fabric blank illustrated has stitching 46 around its edges. Fold lines 48, 50, 52, 54 indicate where the fabric blank 44 may be folded to initiate construction of a duvet cover.

Duvet-edge receiving portions, not shown, may be assembled by stitching or otherwise fastening together adjacent edges of said fabric template according to the size of the duvet cover. Fastening means, not shown, may be incorporated along the edges of the fabric blank, as discussed hereinafter to effect duvet-edge receiving portions and/or fully fasten-able closure portion pairs. By appropriate selection of length of duvet-edge receiving portion and suitable fastening means a duvet cover according to the invention can be formed from a single piece of fabric rather than the two-piece construction illustrated in Figure 1.

In the illustrated examples, the planar opening 16, the duvet cover 10 and features used in its assembly, planar fabric layer 12 and covering fabric layer 14, and fabric blank 44 are shown as squares. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the relevant planar open area may be influenced by the shape and configuration of the duvet which is to be inserted into the relevant duvet cover 10.

Duvet covers according to the invention can be made having four equally sized duvet-edge receiving portions 26, 28, 30, 32 of up to about 60cm in length. Preferred duvet covers have four equally sized duvet-edge receiving portions of from about 10cm to 40cm, more preferably from about 15cm to about 20cm in length.

Thus the present invention provides duvet covers as defined hereinbefore additionally comprising four duvet-edge receiving portions of equivalent length wherein said duvet-edge receiving portions may be up to about 60cm in length, and are preferably from about 10 to about 40cm, more preferably from about 15 to about 20cm in length.

As illustrated in Figure 2 the closure portions 18, 20, 22, 24 are positioned between the inside edges of the duvet-edge receiving portions 26, 28, 30, 32. For the avoidance of doubt, the planar-opening 16, into which the duvet is to be initially inserted and thereafter fitted, is defined by the space bounded by the duvet-edge receiving portions and the fixed edges of the closure portions. Duvet covers having 4 four triangular closure portions are particularly suited to providing effective closure means according to the present invention. In such covers, and as illustrated in Figure 2, each of the triangular closure portions comprises a fixed edge, attached at &ther side to a different duvet edge receiving portion, and a movable flap. These movable flaps are equipped with sufficient fastening means, as illustrated in Figure 2, and exemplified by fastening pair 34 and 36, to enable effective closure of the planar-opening once the movable flaps have been closed. For the avoidance of doubt, flap closure may be affected by simple fastening means at the centre of the duvet, such as for example a round loop 42 capable of holding all the central vertices of the movable flaps together.

The closure portions are ideally provided with suitable fastening means to prevent the duvet from escaping from the cover during use. In effect this means that, in a duvet cover including four triangular closure portions there will be eight edges, four pairs of adjoining edges, and/or four corners which may require fastening together in order to close up the duvet cover.

In an example of a duvet cover herein there are four triangular closure portions, also known as movable flaps, each portion having two edges which can be opened or closed and one edge which is fixed to the main body of the duvet cover. Thus, an example duvet cover has found movable flaps having four pairs of adjoining edges, and wherein each pair of adjoining edges are capable of being fastened together via appropriate fastening means.

Suitable fastening means are defined hereinafter.

Thus the present invention provides a duvet cover as defined herein additionally comprising four triangular closure portions. Further preferred herein are duvet covers comprising four duvet-edge receiving portions of equivalent length and four triangular closure portions, preferably wherein said duvet-edge receiving portions may be up to about 60cm in length, and more preferably from about 10 to about 40cm, and especially from about to about 20cm in length Figure 2 illustrates a closed duvet cover according to the invention having variable length duvet edge receiving portions 26, 28, 30, 32 and four triangular closure portions, movable flaps, 18, 20, 22, 24. As illustrated in Figure 2 there are eight individual edges comprising four adjacent edge pairs, as exemplified by edge pair 38 and 40. In Figure 2 a number of potential fastening points are indicated, and exemplified by fastening-pair 34 and 36, the number and position of said fastening-pair points are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting.

As the duvet covers according to the invention can be used with any size of duvet, the relative length of the duvet edge receiving portions 26, 28, 30, 32 and, optionally, both the size and/or shape of the planar "duvet insertion" opening 16 may be varied accordingly.

As will be appreciated, when the planar opening is non-square, then the closure portions will also vary in relative shape. For example, with a rectangular planar opening, the closure portions will comprise two pairs of triangular portions, two-short edged and two-long edged.

A potential advantage of using duvet covers according to the invention with a non-square planar opening, for covering non-square duvets, is to assist the user in quickly identifying which end of the cover relates to which end of the duvet to be inserted.

The absolute dimensions of the planar-opening in duvet covers according to the invention can vary according to both the size of the duvet to be covered and either the relative length of the duvet-edge receiving portion/or the relative length of the closure portions.

The duvet-edge receiving portions may be fully stitched; partially stitched and partially fastened; or fully fastened sections. Variations in the relative degree of stitching and/or fastening will be determined by the likely utility of the duvet cover. For example, to deliver faster changing rates a fully stitched duvet-edge receiving portion is recommended.

The means by which the sides of the closure portions, which are close-able, for example the four triangular closure portions comprising eight sides and four adjoining pairs, are fastened together comprise any suitable fabric fasteners such as, buttons, peppers, stud-fastenings, ribbons, ties, hook and loop fasteners e.g. VelcroRTM, zippers and such like and mixtures thereof. Preferred for use in the present system are: stud fastenings. Example duvet covers may have the same type of fastening means on all four closable flaps. For the avoidance of doubt the term "astening means" as used herein relates to any suitable two-part fastening system. For example, a button would comprise a first fastening aspect and the corresponding button-hole would comprise its partner, or second, fastening aspect.

Fastening means as used herein and as utilised on the closure portions are co-located so as to fit together and thereby hold together two of said closure portions in a neat arrangement.

As will be appreciated, whichever fastening means are selected for use on the closure portions of duvet covers according to the invention, said fastening means will require at least one first fastening aspect located on a first closure portion and at least one partner fastening aspect co-located on a partner closure portion, such that, when the similarly located fastening aspects are aligned and closed, the two said sections of the adjacent closure portions are held together. The number of fastening means can vary according to the particular size and/or utility of duvet covers according to the invention.

For example, for fast duvet removal, from one duvet cover according to the invention and subsequent insertion into a further duvet cover according to the invention, a lesser number of fastening means may be selected. Similarly for individuals having difficulties with fasteners, such as the elderly or those with arthritis a lesser number may also be preferred in conjunction with a simple fastener such as Velcro. An example, duvet cover according to the invention, adapted to cover a standard UK sized double duvet cover, having four triangular closure portions, and comprising four equally sized duvet-edge receiving portions of: up to 60cm in length, may have up to 4, preferably between 1 and 3, and more preferably 2 fastening means per pair of closure portions; where the said duvet-edge receiving portions are from 10 to 40cm, up to 5, preferably from 2 to 4 fastening means are employed per pair of closure portions; and where the duvet-edge receiving portion is from 15 to 2ocni, up to 5, preferably from ito 3 fastening means are employed per pair of closure portions.

Another example, duvet cover according to the invention, adapted to cover a standard UK sized double duvet cover, having four triangular closure portions, and comprising four equally sized duvet-edge receiving portions of: up to 60cm in length, may have up to 12, preferably between 4 and 11, and more preferably 10 fastening means per pair of closure portions; where the said duvet-edge receiving portions are from ID to 40cm, up to 10, preferably from S to 9 fastening means are employed per pair of closure portions; and where the duvet-edge receiving portion is from 15 to 20cm, up to 9, preferably 7 or 8 fastening means are employed per pair of closure portions.

Thus the invention provides a duvet cover comprising: a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet; the planar-opening being bound by duvet- edge receiving portions; and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening via a sufficient number of fastening means to provide satisfactory duvet retention during use.

The duvet covers of the invention may be used according to the preference of the individual. One way to cover a duvet using a cover of the invention involves: (a) placing the duvet cover according to the invention on a flat surface, preferably a bed; (b) opening, or folding back, the closure portions to reveal the planar-opening; (c) aligning two adjacent corners of the duvet to be inserted with two adjacent duvet-edge receiving portions; (d) either pushing said corners of the duvet to be inserted into the corresponding corners of the duvet cover related to said duvet-edge receiving portions; or (e) repeating step (c) for the two remaining corners and then completing step (d); (f) aligning the closure portions into position on top of the duvet such that their four corners meet essentially in the middle of the duvet; and (g) fastening together the relevant four pairs of closure edges to close the duvet cover; and optionally, closing the four vertices of the closure portions together with further fastening means.

When fully fastened, and containing a duvet, the combination of the dosed closure means of the duvet cover according to the invention and the duvet contained therein can be considered to represent a hot-cross bun".

As previously discussed, and as illustrated in Figure 2, when fully closed the duvet covers of the invention may optionally comprise further fastening means for keeping the vertices of the fastened-together triangulai portions, the so-called closure flaps, in place, essentially at the centre of the cover. Such further fastening means may comprise: a round loop.

Thus, the present invention provides a fabric duvet cover comprising: a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet; the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions; and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening; and wherein each side of said planar-opening is bounded by a triangular fabric portion; wherein each triangular portion additionally comprises fastening means such that, when fully-fastened, the vertices of the four triangular portions meet essentially in the middle of the closed duvet cover and wherein said vertices are held in position by further fastening means.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacture of a double duvet cover comprising: (a) assembly of a covering fabric layer to a planar fabric layer suitable for use in a duvet cover; (b) wherein said fabric layer is either constructed from four triangular portions which are fixed together at their edges, so as to form four flaps, wherein said fixed together lengths will define the duvet-edge receiving portions in the duvet cover, once fabricated; or (c) wherein said fabric layer is constructed from a single piece of fabric into which an X-shaped cross has been cut, so as to form tour flaps, and the cut edges being suitably edged or trimmed, optionally with at least one additional trimming/edging fabrc portion, to prevent ripping andlor fraying, and wherein the points of the X-shaped cross do not extend to the edges of the fabric arid wherein said uncut portions of fabric from each point of the X-shaped cross to the corner edges of the fabric comprise the lengths which will define the duvet-edge receiving portions in the duvet cover, once fabricated; (d) fixing fastening means to said four flaps to provide closure means therefoi and wherein the planar fabric layer and the covering fabric layer are of substantially the same size and are fastened together by stitching or other suitable fixing means.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacture of a duvet cover of the invention, from a fabric blank., having a planar-opening provided on one major plane and the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening, such method comprising: (a) constructing a fabric blank of suitable dimensions; (b) defining the appropriate portions of the fabric blank for fixing together to construct the duvet-edge receiving portions; (c) fixing together via stitching or other suitable means the appropriate portions of the fabric blank to construct the duvet-edge receiving portions; and (d) fixing fastening means for the closure portions to the fabric blank.

The present invention also provides an alternative method of manufacture of a duvet cover having a planar-opening provided on one major plane and the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening comprising: (a) constructing a fabric blank of suitable dimensions; and (b) fixing suitable fastening means around the edges of the fabric blank wherein the fastening means may comprise separate means for fastening together the duvet-edge receiving portions and the closure portions. Ii

As will be understood the relative length of the duvet-edge receiving portions may vary in accordance with the size of the duvet cover to be formed, and where a duvet cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is envisaged, the duvet-edge receiving portions will be fastened by stitching or other similar, fixed means. Where a bespoke duvet cover according to a further embodiment is envisaged, then the duvet-edge receiving portions may be either fastened by stitching or other similar fixed means, or may be fastened together with separable fastening means such as for example stud fasteners.

Figure 3 illustrates a fabric blank 44 suitable for the manufacture of a bespoke duvet cover according to the invention. Such fabric blanks may be stitched, edged or tslmmed to prevent fraying. The blank illustrated in Figure 3 includes fully-fasten-able duvet-edge receiving portions whereby fastening means are fixed along each edge of the fabric blank.

As will be understood the fastening means on adjacent sides of the blank will necessarily be positioned to fit together during duvet construction. To construct such a bespoke duvet cover the individual can select how many fastenings to put together to fashion a planar-opening of desired size.

Covers according to the invention may be used with any regular duvet. Duvets, suitable for use in the covers of the present invention include standard UK single, UK & Euro double, UK king, UK & Euro super king, Euro single, Euro king, Euro emperor, US twin, full, queen, Eastern king and Californian king sized duvets. Duvets specified herein additionally includes: comforters, eiderdowns, and quilts.

Any natural or synthetic fabric suitable for the manufacture of a duvet covering may be used in the preparation of the duvet covers according to the present invention, such as for example: cotton, polycotton, silk, or linen.

The edges of the fabric comprising the closure portions, is preferably stitched or otherwise made fray resistant by any other suitable means. Where the fabric layer comprising the planar opening is manufactured from separate pieces of fabric, such fabric pieces may be edged or trimmed to prevent fraying either prior to fixing together or afterward& Where the fabric layer comprising the planar opening is manufactured from a single piece of fabric having an X-shaped cross cut therein, both the edges of the cut fabric and the fabric at the points of said cross may be edged, enclosed, top stitched or otherwise treated in order to ensure effective use. For example, the fastening means may be fixed to additional pieces of fabric which are then superimposed or otherwise fixed to the edges of the cut-fabric to effect closure of the planar opening.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in Form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A duvet cover comprising: a planar-opening provided on one major plane allowing the insertion of a duvet; the planar-opening being bound by duvet-edge receiving portions; and one or more closure portions adapted to close said planar-opening.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A duvet cover according to claim 1 having four duvet-edge receiving portions of equal length.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A duvet cover according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the duvet-edge receiving portions are of up to about 60cm in length, preferably of from about 10cm to 40cm, more preferably from about 15cm to about 20cm in length.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A duvet cover according to any of claims 1 to 3 having four triangular closure portions.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A duvet cover according to claim 4 having fastening means for keeping the corresponding edges of the triangular closure portions in place such that when fully-fastened the vertices of the four triangular portions meet essentially in the middle of the closed duvet cover.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A duvet cover according to claim S wherein when fully-fastened the vertices of the four triangular portions are held in position by further fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A duvet cover substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings</claim-text>