IE20100387A1

IE20100387A1 - A duvet cover

Info

Publication number: IE20100387A1
Application number: IE20100387A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Philomena Skelly
Original assignee: Philomena Skelly
Priority date: 2010-06-17
Filing date: 2010-06-17
Publication date: 2011-02-16
Also published as: GB2490610A; GB2481318B; GB2481318A; GB201110171D0; GB201210988D0; GB2490610B

Abstract

A duvet cover (10,50,60,70,80,90,100) comprising superimposed upper and lower sheets (11,2) of fabric attached to each other at their outer regions to define an interior space therebetweeen for accommodating a duvet. An opeing (14) is defined in the upper sheet (11) for inserting a duvet (4) through the opening (14) and for fitting the duvet (4) within the interior space. The duvet cover (10,50,60,70,80,90,100) comprises a top cover sheet (15) having a size in plane at least corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet (11) of the duvet cover or greater, and wherein a fastening arrangement (20) is provided for releasably fastening the top cover sheet (15) to the upper sheet (11) at locations outwardly offset from edges (14a) of the upper sheet (11) which define the opening (14). <Figure 1>

Description

A DUVET COVER .J FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a duvet cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A commonly used duvet cover comprises a pair of superimposed rectangular or square sheets of fabric sewn together along all edges except one where the sheets remain separate and define an opening for inserting a duvet. It is widely acknowledged that the process of inserting a duvet into such a duvet cover is laborious, time consuming and cumbersome, especially for double- or king-size duvets and especially for persons of average or relatively small height. One known method of inserting a duvet into such a cover involves firstly introducing two corners of one side of a duvet through the opening and dragging them across the entire interior of the duvet cover to the opposite sewn side of the duvet cover. The duvet corners are then aligned with the corresponding corners of the duvet cover at the opposite sewn side inside the duvet cover. The duvet cover is then gradually drawn over the duvet to cover the duvet completely while at the same time the aligned corners of the duvet and the duvet cover are alternately gripped from the outside to prevent the duvet corners from dislodging from the corners of the duvet cover. The other two corners of the duvet are then aligned with the corners of the duvet cover at the unsewn side of the duvet cover. The corners of the duvet and the duvet cover aligned at the unsewn side are then gripped simultaneously from the outside and the duvet and the duvet cover are then tossed until the duvet sufficiently straightens and flattens inside the duvet cover. The latter operation is then performed at the corners of the duvet and the duvet cover aligned at the opposite sewn side of the duvet cover. To facilitate the straightening, two persons can shake the duvet and the duvet cover by simultaneously gripping the corners at the opposite edges of the duvet cover. Other known methods are equally or even more awkward.

An attempt has been made to modify the existing duvet cover to make the process of inserting a duvet into the duvet cover less time consuming and less elaborate. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, GB 2383948 B describes a duvet cover 1 in which all four edges of the duvet cover are sewn together and a centrally located opening 2 is provided in a top Α ί sheet 3 of the duvet cover 1 through which a duvet 4 is introduced into the duvet cover 1. This arrangement dispenses with the need to drag the duvet 4 across the entire length of the duvet cover 1 from one edge to the other. Instead, it is possible initially to overlay the duvet cover 1 with the duvet 4 and then successively to tuck the corners of the duvet 4 into the corresponding corners of the duvet cover 1 through the central opening 2. The duvet 4 and the duvet cover 1 then need to be shaken in the same manner as described above in relation to the known duvet covers in order to straighten and flatten the duvet in the duvet cover. The duvet cover 1 of GB 2383948 B also comprises one or two closure flaps 5 for closing the opening 2. When the duvet 4 has been correctly positioned in the duvet cover 1, the flap 5 or flaps are re-placed to close the opening 2 and fastened to the edges of the top cover 3 defining the opening. Fasteners 6 are provided along the edges of the flap 5 of flaps and along the corresponding edges of the top sheet 3 defining the opening 2 for securing the flap 5 or flaps in their position closing the opening 2.

While the above arrangement mitigates the problem of inserting a duvet into a duvet cover, various objects can become caught inside the duvet cover. Furthermore, such an arrangement renders a duvet cover unsightly, especially when the duvet cover is made from an elegant and/or relatively expensive fabric.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a duvet cover having a central opening in the top horizontal surface thereof for facilitating the insertion of a duvet into the duvet cover but without the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a duvet cover comprising superimposed upper and lower sheets of fabric, the sheets being attached to each other at their outer regions to define an interior space between the sheets for accommodating a duvet, wherein an opening is defined in the upper sheet for inserting a duvet though the opening and for fitting the duvet within the interior space; wherein the duvet cover comprises a top cover sheet having a size in plane at least corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet of the duvet cover or greater, and wherein a fastening arrangement is provided for releasably fastening the top cover sheet to the upper sheet at locations outwardly offset from edges of the upper sheet which define the opening.

Such an arrangement considerably improves prior art duvet covers in that not only the duvet cover of the invention provides an upwardly facing opening for facilitating the insertion of a duvet into the duvet cover, but at the same time provides the top cover sheet which closes the opening and also substantially overlays the upper sheet of the duvet cover so that neither the opening nor the substantially entire upper sheet remain visible, thereby, on the one hand, preventing objects from being caught or lodged in the opening and/or in inner space of the duvet cover and, on the other hand, providing for a uniform, consistent and neat appearance ofthe duvet cover which does not significantly differ from a known duvet cover having an open side edge for inserting a duvet. Accordingly, a duvet can be relatively easily fitted into the duvet cover by superimposing the duvet with the upper sheet of the duvet cover arid successively inserting outer regions of the duvet into the opening and moving the outer regions of the duvet outwardly towards the outer regions of the duvet cover to straighten and flatten the duvet in the duvet cover. Subsequently, the upper sheet is overlaid with the top cover sheet and the top cover sheet is fastened to the upper sheet thereby hiding the opening and providing for uniform, tidy and consistent appearance of the duvet cover, and also securely shielding the inner space of the duvet cover thereby preventing objects from interfering with the interior of the duvet cover.

A further advantage of the present invention is in that the top cover sheet can be cleaned separately from the upper and the lower sheets. Due to this arrangement, the top cover sheet can be made from a fabric different from the fabric of the upper and the lower sheets. For example, the upper and the lower sheets can be made from a relatively plain and relatively inexpensive fabric suitable for machine washing, whereas the top cover sheet can be made from a relatively more expensive and/or more elegant and/or aesthetically appealing fabric suitable for hand wash or for dry cleaning only. The duvet cover of the present invention makes it possible to clean the top cover sheet separately from the upper and the lower sheets and/or to use a different method of cleaning and/or to clean the top cover sheet and the upper and the lower sheets at different frequencies, thereby rendering the duvet cover of the invention environmentally friendly. Also, different top cover sheets can be used with the same upper and lower sheets.

The duvet cover of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in the hospitality industry, since it provides for a significant reduction of the overall time required to change bed linen in a large number of rooms in a hotel, a guesthouse or the like.

, The duvet cover of the present invention significantly simplifies the procedure of inserting and removing the duvet cover and thereby possesses improved health and safety characteristics compared with conventional duvet covers.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the top cover sheet is made from a fabric 10 different from the fabric of the upper and the lower sheets. Optionally, the fabric of the upper and the lower sheets is relatively plain and/or relatively inexpensive and, optionally, the fabric of the top cover sheet is relatively more elegant and/or aesthetically appealing and/or relatively more expensive. Further optionally, fabric of the top cover sheet is suitable for laundering via a method different from the method of laundering the upper and the lower sheets.

Ideally, the fastening arrangement for releasably fastening the top cover sheet to the upper sheet is provided along the locations where the upper and the lower sheets are attached to each other at their outer regions.

Preferably, the upper and the lower sheets are attached to each other along their perimeters.

Preferably, the upper and the lower are attached to each by sewing.

In one preferred arrangement, the opening in the upper sheet is defined by edges of the upper sheet inwardly offset from the outer regions of the upper sheet. Preferably, the opening is substantially centrally located on the upper sheet.

In one modification, the top cover sheet is releasably fastened to the duvet cover around a closed perimeter.

In another modification, the top cover sheet is releasably fastened to the duvet cover around a portion of a closed perimeter.

In a further modification, the top cover sheet is permanently hingedly fastened to the duvet cover at one side of the duvet cover, for example by sewing, so that the top cover sheet can be hinged to and from the upper sheet. The top cover sheet can be permanently hingedly fastened to the duvet cover at a head side or a foot side of the duvet cover. This arrangement prevents user’s body parts or other objects from being caught under the top cover sheet.

In one variation, the size of the top cover sheet substantially corresponds with the size of the upper sheet.

In another variation, the size of the top cover sheet is sufficiently greater than the size of the upper sheet so that when the top cover sheet is fastened to the duvet cover, free outer regions of the top cover sheet extend beyond at least a portion of the perimeters of the upper and lower sheets. In this variation, the top cover sheet also serves as a bedspread as the free outer regions of the top cover sheet drape around the perimeter of a bed when the duvet cover is spread over it.

In a further variation, the upper sheet is provided with a closure flap having the size substantially corresponding to the size of the opening and a fastening arrangement for releasably fastening the closure flap to the edges of the upper sheet defining the opening. In this variation, the closure flap provides an additional means for closing the opening of the upper sheet. This variation is useful, for example, in an arrangement in which the top cover sheet is arranged to drape so that it is also used as a bedspread. In this arrangement, when the duvet needs to be used for sleep, it possible to remove the top cover sheet altogether and at the same time to keep the opening in the upper sheet closed by the closure flap.

It will be appreciated that a number of releasable fastening arrangements suitable for use with the duvet cover of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, poppers, zips, buttons, laces, Velcro™ fasteners, etc.

In one modification, the edges of the upper sheet defining the opening are elastically extendibly gathered along at least one or more portions of the edges, for example, by means of an elastic tape, band or string, so that the opening can be enlarged when a duvet is being inserted therethrough and contracts once the duvet has been fitted in the duvet cover.

In one preferred arrangement, the upper sheet comprises a pocket configured for 5 receiving a portion of the top cover sheet, the pocket extending along at least one side, preferably a head side, of the upper sheet, and the pocket having an opening facing the opposite side of the upper sheet for inserting the portion of the top cover sheet. Preferably, the pocket is formed by an elongate piece of fabric permanently or removably attached to the upper sheet along outer regions of the elongate piece aligned with the outer regions of the upper sheet. In this arrangement, the top cover sheet comprises a corresponding tab portion configured to fit inside the pocket when the top cover sheet is superimposed with the upper sheet. A fastening arrangement is preferably provided for the tab portion of the top cover sheet to be fastened to the upper sheet inside the pocket. The pocket provides a further safety measure to prevent objects from being caught underneath the top cover sheet. Furthermore, because the elongate piece partially covers the top cover sheet, the top cover sheet remains clean for longer. The elongate piece can be made from an aesthetically appealing and/or elegant fabric, thereby further improving the appearance of the duvet cover ofthe invention.

In a further embodiment, the upper sheet comprises a runner tab configured for covering a portion of the top cover sheet, the runner tab being either permanently or removably hingedly attached to one side, preferably a head side, of the upper sheet. The runner tab can have the same width as the width of the edge of the top cover sheet extending along the side of the upper sheet to which the runner tab is attached, or shorter if desired. For example the top cover sheet can be wider than the side of the upper sheet to which the runner tab is attached in order to be capable of draping around the perimeter of the bed, whereas the runner tab can have the width corresponding with the side of the upper sheet to which the runner tab is attached, to prevent the runner tab from interfering with objects surrounding the bed. Similar to the above described pocket, the runner tab prolongs the cleanliness of the top cover sheet and improves the aesthetic appearance of the duvet cover.

In another embodiment, a pocket is formed on an underside ofthe top cover sheet (i.e. the side which faces the upper sheet in use) extending along at least one side, e.g. a head side, of the top cover sheet, the pocket being configured for receiving corresponding tt ο portions of the upper and the lower sheets, and the pocket having an opening facing the opposite side of the top cover sheet for inserting the corresponding portions of the upper and the lower sheets into the pocket. In this embodiment, the fastening arrangement for fastening the top cover sheet to the upper sheet can be provided either continuously around the outer regions of the top cover, or partially, along the regions of the top cover sheet not occupied by the pocket. In this embodiment, the pocket of the top cover sheet provides a further safety measure for preventing objects from being lodged between the top cover sheet and the upper sheet.

It will be appreciated that, although a conventional rectangular shape is preferred for the duvet cover and the opening, other geometrical shapes are envisaged within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the duvet cover and the opening to be of the same geometrical shape. Furthermore, it is not essential that the top cover sheet has the same geometrical shape as the upper or the lower sheets.

It will be understood that throughout the present description, the terms “inwardly”, “outwardly” and the like are to be understood as meaning, respectively, “towards” or “away from” a central region of the duvet cover in the main plane of the duvet cover.

The invention provides a duvet cover as defined in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying 25 drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of a duvet cover according to the invention. In the drawings: Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views of a prior art duvet cover of GB 2383948 and successive stages of inserting a duvet into such a duvet cover; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention; Figures 6 to 8 are perspective views illustrating successive stages of assembling a second embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a modification of the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8; 35 Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembled duvet cover of Figures 6 to 8 spread on a bed; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention; Figure 12 is a partially exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an assembled duvet cover of Figure 12 spread on a bed; Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views showing successive stages of assembling a modification ofthe duvet cover of Figures 12 and 13; Figure 16 is a perspective view of an assembled duvet cover of Figures 14 and 15 spread on a bed; and Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views showing successive stages of assembling a fifth embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention.

For the sake of simplicity, hereinafter, like numerals will be used for describing like elements of various embodiments and modifications of the duvet cover of the invention.

Referring to Figure 5, a duvet cover in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The duvet cover 10 comprises superimposed upper sheet 11 and lower sheet 12 of fabric sewn together at their perimeters to define an interior space (not indicated by a numeral) between the sheets 11, 12 for accommodating a duvet 4. A substantially centrally located opening 14 is defined in the upper sheet 11 for inserting the duvet 4 though the opening 14 and for fitting the duvet 4 within the interior space. The opening 14 in the upper sheet 11 is defined by edges 14a of the upper sheet 11 inwardly offset from the outer regions of the upper sheet 11. The size of the duvet 4 normally corresponds with the size of the duvet cover 10.

The duvet cover 10 comprises a top cover sheet 15 having a size in plane corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet 11. A fastening arrangement in the form of a plurality of poppers 20 provided around the perimeters of the upper sheet 11 and the top cover sheet 15 is provided for releasably fastening the top cover sheet 15 to the upper sheet 11. The poppers 20 are preferably supported by a reinforcing strip 21 provided around the perimeters of the top cover sheet 15 and the upper sheet 11 to reduce wear of the fabric of the top cover sheet 15 and the upper sheet 11.

.:¾. The top sheet 11 and the opening 14 face upwardly in use and facilitate the insertion of the duvet 4 into the duvet cover 10. Upon insertion of the duvet 4 into the duvet cover 10, the top cover sheet 15 closes the opening 14 and also substantially entirely overlays the upper sheet 11 so that neither the opening 14 nor the substantially entire upper sheet 11 remain visible. Such an arrangement, on the one hand, prevents objects from being caught or lodged in the opening 14 and/or in inner space ofthe duvet cover 10, and, on the other hand, provides for a uniform, consistent and neat appearance of the duvet cover 10 which does not significantly differ from a known duvet cover having an open side edge for inserting a duvet.

The duvet 4 is fitted into the duvet cover 10 firstly by superimposing the duvet 4 with the upper sheet 11 and then by successively inserting outer regions (not indicated by a numeral) of the duvet 4 into the opening 14 and moving the outer regions outwardly towards the outer regions of the duvet cover 10 to straighten and flatten the duvet 4 in the duvet cover 10. Subsequently, the top cover sheet 15 overlays the upper sheet 11 and the poppers 20 are fastened whereby the opening 14 becomes hidden under the top cover sheet 15. Additionally, the duvet cover 10 with the duvet 4 fitted therein can be shaken to finalise the straightening and flattening of the duvet 4 in the duvet cover 10.

The detachable top cover sheet 15 can be stored and cleaned separately from the rest of the duvet cover 10. Furthermore, the top cover sheet 15 can be made from a fabric different from the fabric of the upper and the lower sheets 11,12. For example, the upper and the lower sheets 11, 12 can be made from a relatively plain and relatively inexpensive fabric suitable for machine washing, whereas the top cover sheet 15 can be made from a relatively more expensive and/or more elegant and/or aesthetically appealing fabric suitable for hand wash or for dry cleaning only. The duvet cover 10 of the present invention makes it possible to clean the top cover sheet 15 separately from the upper and the lower sheets 11,12 and/or to use using a different method of cleaning and/or to clean the top cover sheet 15 and the upper and the lower sheets 11, 12 with different frequencies. Also, different top cover sheets 15 can be used with the same upper and lower sheets 11,12.

Alternatively, the top cover sheet 15 and the upper sheet 11 can be permanently fastened together, e.g. sewn, along one side of the duvet cover 10, e.g. a head side, so that the top cover sheet 15 can be hinged to and away from the upper sheet 11. Such an arrangement prevents user’s body parts or other objects from being caught under the top cover 15 sheet.

A second embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention is indicated generally by 5 reference numeral 50 in Figures 6 to 8 and 10. In this embodiment, the size of the top cover sheet 15 is sufficiently greater than the size of the upper sheet 11 so that when the top cover sheet 15 is fastened to the upper sheet 11, free outer regions 15b of the top cover sheet extend beyond three sides of the perimeters of the upper and lower sheets 11,12. In this variation, the top cover sheet 15 also serves as a bedspread as the free outer regions 15b of the top cover sheet 15 drape around the perimeter of a bed 30 when the duvet cover 50 is spread over it, as shown in Figure 10.

As further shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 10, the upper sheet 11 comprises a pocket 16 configured for receiving a portion of the top cover sheet 15. The pocket 16 extends along side, preferably a head side, ofthe upper sheet 11 and provides an opening (not indicated by a numeral) facing the opposite side of the upper sheet 11 for inserting the portion of the top cover sheet 15. The pocket 16 is formed by an elongate piece 17 of fabric which, as shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 10, is permanently attached to the upper sheet 11 along outer regions ofthe elongate piece 17 aligned with the corresponding portions of the perimeter of the upper sheet 11. It will be appreciated that the elongate piece 17 can be releasably attached to the outer sheet 15. The top cover sheet 15 comprises a corresponding tab portion 15c configured to fit inside the pocket 16 when the top cover 15 overlays the upper sheet (see Figures 7 and 8). Poppers 20 are provided for the tab portion 15c of the top cover sheet 15 to be fastened to the upper sheet 11 inside the pocket 16. The pocket 16 provides a further safety measure to prevent objects from being caught or lodged underneath the top cover sheet 15. Furthermore, as the elongate piece 17 partially covers the top cover sheet 15, the covered potion of the top cover sheet 15 remains clean for longer, e.g. at the head side of the top cover sheet 15. The elongate piece 17 can be made from an aesthetically appealing and/or elegant fabric, thereby further improving the appearance of the duvet cover 50 of the invention. As shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 10, portions 17a ofthe outer regions ofthe elongate piece 17 aligned with the corresponding portion of the perimeter of the upper sheet are left unattached to the upper sheet 11 at the opening of the pocket 16, thereby leaving an overlapping edge 17c for an improved concealing of the tab portion 15c of the top cover sheet 15.

Figure 9 shows a duvet cover 60 which is a variation of the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8 and 10 which differs from the embodiments of Figures 6 to 8 and 10 in that the top cover sheet 15 matches substantially the size of the upper sheet 11. As with the duvet cover 10, the top sheet 15 of the duvet cover 60 can be permanently hingedly attached to the side ofthe upper sheet 11 opposite the pocket 16.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention which is indicated generally by reference numeral 70. In this embodiment, similar to the duvet covers 50 and 60, the top cover sheet 15 comprises draping outer regions 15b at three sides thereof so that the top cover sheet 15 can be used as a bedspread. Additionally, the upper sheet 11 of the duvet cover 70 is provided with a closure flap 18 having the size substantially corresponding to the size of the opening 14. Poppers 20 are provided around the perimeter of the closure flap 18 and around the edges 14a of the upper sheet 11 defining the opening 14 for releasably fastening the closure flap 18 to the upper sheet 11. In this variation, the closure flap 18 provides an additional means for closing the opening 14 of the upper sheet 11. In this arrangement, when the duvet cover 70 with the duvet 4 fitted therein needs to be used for sleep, it possible to remove the top cover sheet 15 altogether and to keep the opening 14 in the upper sheet 11 closed by the closure flap 18.

In one modification, as is apparent from Figures 5 to 9, the edges 14a of the upper sheet 11 defining the opening 14 are elastically extendibly gathered along portions 14c of the edges 14a defining corners of the opening 14 by means of an elastic tape, band or string, so that the opening 14 can be enlarged when a duvet 4 is being inserted therethrough and contract once the duvet 4 has been fitted in the duvet cover.

Figures 12 and 13 show a fourth embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 80. In this embodiment, similar to the duvet covers 50, 60 and 70, the top cover sheet 15 comprises draping outer regions 15b at three sides thereof so that the top cover sheet 15 can be used as a bedspread as shown in Figure 13. The upper sheet 11 of the duvet cover 80 comprises a runner tab 19 configured for covering a portion of the top cover sheet 15. Figures 12 and 13 show that the runner tab 19 is removably hingedly attached to one side, preferably a head side, of the upper sheet 11 by means of poppers 20. Although not shown, the runner tab 19 can IE be permanently hingedly attached to the upper sheet 11, e.g. by sewing. The runner tab 19 of this embodiment has the same width as the width of the edge of the top cover sheet 15 extending along the side of the upper sheet 11 to which the runner tab is attached. Similar to the above described pocket 16 of the duvet cover 50, 60, the runner tab 19 prolongs the cleanliness of the top cover sheet 15 and improves the aesthetic appearance of the duvet cover 80. Similar to the duvet cover 70, the top cover sheet 15 can be easily removed if desired, e.g. when the duvet cover 80 with the duvet 4 fitted therein need to used for sleep, while at the same time the runner tab will remain in place and will protect the upper sheet 11. Alternatively, although not shown, the runner tab 19 can be permanently or removably hingedly attached to one side, preferably a head side, of the top cover sheet 15.

Figures 14 to 16 show a duvet cover 90 which is a variation of the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13. Similar to the duvet cover 80, the top cover sheet 15 comprises draping outer regions 15b at three sides thereof so that the top cover sheet 15 can be used as a bedspread, as shown in Figure 16. The duvet cover 90, differs from the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 in that it comprises a runner tab 22 which has the width substantially corresponding with the width of the side of the upper sheet 11 to which the runner tab 22 is attached to prevent the runner tab 22 from interfering with objects surrounding the bed 30. In this variation, the runner tab 22 is shown permanently hingedly attached to the upper sheet 11, e.g. by sewing. Alternatively, although not shown, the runner tab 22 can be removably hingedly attached to the upper sheet 11. Further alternatively, although not shown, the runner tab 22 can be permanently or removably hingedly attached to one side, preferably a head side, of the top cover sheet .

Figures 17 and 18 show a fifth embodiment of a duvet cover of the invention, which is indicated generally by reference numeral 100. Similar to the duvet cover 10, the top cover sheet 15 has a size in plane corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet 11. Additionally, a pocket 23 is formed on an underside 15d of the top cover sheet . The pocket 23 extends along at least one side of the top cover sheet 15, e. g. a head side. The pocket 23 is configured for receiving corresponding portions of the upper and the lower sheets 11, 12. The pocket 23 provides an opening 23a facing the opposite side, e.g. a foot side of the top cover sheet 15 for receiving the corresponding portions of the upper and the lower sheets 11,12. In this embodiment, the poppers 20 for fastening the top cover sheet 15 to the upper sheet 11 are provided along portions of the perimeters of the top cover sheet 15 not occupied by the pocket 23 and along corresponding portions of the perimeter of the upper sheet 11. Similar to the duvet cover 50, the pocket 23 of the top cover sheet 15 provides a further safety measure for preventing objects from being lodged between the top cover sheet 15 and the upper sheet 11. Although not shown, the top cover sheet 15 and the upper sheet 11 can be permanently hingedly fastened together, e.g. sewn, along one side of the duvet cover 100, e.g. a foot side, so that the top cover sheet 15 can be hinged to and away from the upper sheet 11. Such an arrangement prevents user’s body parts or other objects to be caught under the top cover sheet It will be appreciated that, although a conventional rectangular shape is preferred for the duvet cover 10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 and the opening 14, other geometrical shapes are envisaged within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the duvet cover 10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 and the opening 14 to be of the same geometrical shape. Furthermore, it is not essential that the top cover sheet 15 has the same geometrical shape as the upper or the lower sheets 11,12.

It is thought that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred or exemplary embodiments thereof.

The following Claims were filed on 19th November 2010

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A duvet cover comprising superimposed upper and lower sheets of fabric, the sheets being attached to each other at their outer regions to define an interior space 5 between the sheets for accommodating a duvet, wherein an opening is defined in the upper sheet for inserting a duvet though the opening and for fitting the duvet within the interior space; wherein the duvet cover comprises a top cover sheet having a size in plane at least corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet of the duvet cover or greater, and wherein a fastening arrangement is provided for releasably fastening the top 10 cover sheet to the upper sheet at locations outwardly offset from edges of the upper sheet which define the opening; wherein the upper sheet comprises a runner tab configured for covering a portion of the top cover sheet, the runner tab being either permanently or removably hingedly attached to one side of the upper sheet. 15

2. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the runner tab has substantially the same width as the width of the edge of the top cover sheet extending along the side of the upper sheet to which the runner tab is attached, or shorter.

3. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein, the runner tab is made 20 from an aesthetically appealing and/or elegant fabric, thereby further improving the appearance of the duvet cover of the invention.

4. A duvet cover comprising superimposed upper and lower sheets of fabric, the sheets being attached to each other at their outer regions to define an interior space 25 between the sheets for accommodating a duvet, wherein an opening is defined in the upper sheet for inserting a duvet though the opening and for fitting the duvet within the interior space; wherein the duvet cover comprises a top cover sheet having a size in plane at least corresponding with the size in plane of the upper sheet of the duvet cover or greater, and wherein a fastening arrangement is provided for releasably fastening the top 30 cover sheet to the upper sheet at locations outwardly offset from edges of the upper sheet which define the opening; wherein the upper sheet comprises a pocket configured for receiving a portion of the top cover sheet, the pocket extending along at least one side of the upper sheet, the pocket having an opening facing the opposite side of the upper sheet for inserting the portion of the top cover sheet.

5. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the pocket is formed by an elongate piece of fabric permanently or removably attached to the upper sheet along outer regions of the elongate piece aligned with the outer regions of the upper sheet. 5

6. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the top cover sheet comprises a corresponding tab portion configured to fit inside the pocket when the top cover sheet is superimposed with the upper sheet.

7. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 6, wherein a fastening arrangement is provided 10 for the tab portion of the top cover sheet to be fastened to the upper sheet inside the pocket.

8. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the elongate piece is made from an aesthetically appealing and/or elegant fabric, thereby further improving the appearance of 15 the duvet cover of the invention.

9. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top cover sheet is sized and shaped so that on assembly the top cover sheet closes the opening in the upper sheet of the duvet cover and overlays the upper sheet of the duvet cover so that 20 neither the opening nor the substantially entire upper sheet are visible.

10. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top cover sheet is made from a fabric different from the fabric of the upper and the lower sheets. 25

11. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the upper and the lower sheets are made from a relatively plain and relatively inexpensive fabric, whereas the top cover sheet is made from a relatively more expensive and/or more elegant and/or aesthetically appealing fabric. 30

12. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the upper and the lower sheets are made from a fabric suitable for one method of cleaning , for example, machine washing, whereas the top cover sheet is made from a fabric suitable for a different method of cleaning, for example, hand wash or dry cleaning.

13. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fastening arrangement for releasably fastening the top cover sheet to the upper sheet is provided along the locations where the upper and the lower sheets are attached to each other at their outer regions.

14. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper and the lower sheets are attached to each other along their perimeters.

15. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper and the lower 10 are attached to each by sewing.

16. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the upper sheet is defined by edges of the upper sheet inwardly offset from the outer regions of the upper sheet.

17. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the opening is substantially centrally located on the upper sheet

18. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top cover sheet is 20 releasably fastened to the duvet cover around a closed perimeter.

19. A duvet cover as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 17, wherein the top cover sheet is releasably fastened to the duvet cover around a portion of a closed perimeter. 25

20. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the top cover sheet is hingedly fastened to the duvet cover at one side of the duvet cover so that the top cover sheet is hingeable to and from the upper sheet.

21. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the top cover sheet is permanently 30 hingedly fastened to the duvet cover at the one side of the duvet cover.

22. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 20 or Claim 21, wherein the top cover sheet is hingedly fastened to the duvet cover at a head side or a foot side of the duvet cover. j 7

23. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the size of the top cover sheet corresponds with the size of the upper sheet.

24. A duvet cover as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 22, wherein the size of the top cover sheet is sufficiently greater than the size of the upper sheet so that when the top cover sheet is fastened to the duvet cover, free outer regions of the top cover sheet extend beyond at least a portion of the perimeters of the upper and lower sheets.

25. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper sheet is provided with a closure flap having the size substantially corresponding to the size of the opening and wherein a fastening arrangement is provided for releasably fastening the closure flap to the edges of the upper sheet defining the opening.

26. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the edges of the upper sheet defining the opening are elastically extendibly gathered along at least one or more portions of the edges, for example, by means of an elastic tape, band or string, so that the opening can be enlarged when a duvet is being inserted therethrough and contracted once the duvet has been fitted in the duvet cover.

27. A duvet cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a pocket is formed on an underside of the top cover sheet (i.e. the side which faces the upper sheet in use) extending along at least one side of the top cover sheet, the pocket being configured for receiving corresponding portions of the upper and the lower sheets, and the pocket having an opening facing the opposite side of the top cover sheet for inserting the corresponding portions of the upper and the lower sheets into the pocket.

28. A duvet cover as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the fastening arrangement for fastening the top cover sheet to the upper sheet can be provided either continuously around the outer regions of the top cover, or partially, along the regions of the top cover sheet not occupied by the pocket.

29. A duvet cover substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.