WO2006011794A1

WO2006011794A1 - Device and method for placing a duvet in a duvet cover

Info

Publication number: WO2006011794A1
Application number: PCT/NL2005/000548
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piet Kraan
Original assignee: Piet Kraan
Priority date: 2004-07-26
Filing date: 2005-07-26
Publication date: 2006-02-02
Also published as: NL1026722C2

Abstract

Device for placing a duvet in a duvet cover having an insertion opening for the duvet, comprising means for suspending the duvet and means for via the insertion opening pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet. In a preferred embodiment the means for pulling the duvet cover over the duvet are adapted for engaging the duvet cover on both sides of the suspended duvet.

Description

Device and method for placing a duvet in a duvet cover

The invention relates to a device and method for placing a duvet in a duvet cover.

Placing a duvet in a duvet cover is known to be a laborious task. For instance when inserting the duvet into the duvet cover via an insertion opening, it should be made sure that the corners of the duvet end up in the corresponding corners of the duvet cover. The latter may be particularly laborious for the corners that are removed farthest from the insertion opening. The duvet may furthermore end up slightly folded (double) or twisted in the duvet cover. The duvet then has to be pulled straight in the duvet cover, for instance manually by inserting an arm into the duvet cover. Furthermore inserting a twin duvet into a duvet cover is difficult, particularly when one person has to do so. The latter is the result of the twin duvet and duvet cover being hard to manage due to their relatively large sizes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for improving on at least one of the above-mentioned aspects.

To that end the invention provides a device for placing a duvet in a duvet cover having an insertion opening for the duvet, comprising means for suspending the duvet and means for via the insertion opening pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet. As the duvet is suspended it has been spread out so that it is prevented that the duvet folds double when pulling the duvet cover over it. Moreover as the duvet has been spread out its corners will as if of their own accord end up in the corresponding corners of the duvet cover.

Preferably the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for vertically suspending the duvet, level or flat.

In a preferred embodiment the means for pulling the duvet cover over the duvet are adapted for engaging the duvet cover on both sides of the suspended duvet. By engaging edges of the insertion opening situated on both sides of the suspended duvet, the duvet cover can for instance be pulled over the duvet. Pulling the duvet cover over the duvet in a fluent motion is thus enhanced.

In one embodiment the mutual distance of the first cords and/or of the second cords is adjustable. In this way the device can be made suitable for duvets of various sizes.

In a preferred embodiment the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for pulling up the duvet into the suspended condition from a condition in which it is at least partially lying on a ground.

In a preferred embodiment the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for suspending the duvet free from a ground. Positioning the duvet cover under the duvet is thus facilitated.

Preferably the means for pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet are adapted for pulling the duvet cover over the duvet from the bottom up. The correct insertion of the duvet through the insertion opening can therefore easily be checked. In a preferred embodiment the means for pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet comprise first cords that can be pulled up and have grippers, particularly pegs, for attachment to the duvet cover, and/or the means for suspending the duvet comprise second cords that can be pulled up and have grippers, particularly pegs, for attachment to the duvet. A duvet that for instance lies on the floor can be suspended by attaching the pegs of the second cords to an edge of the duvet, and by subsequently hoisting the second cords pulling up the duvet into the suspended position. By positioning the duvet cover with its insertion opening under the freely suspended duvet, and by detachably connecting the pegs of the first cords with the edges of the insertion opening of the duvet cover, the duvet cover is pulled over the suspended duvet by subsequently pulling up the first cords. After the duvet cover has been pulled over the duvet, the duvet is detached from the second cords, and the duvet cover is detached from the first cords. The duvet including duvet cover is then ready for use.

Preferably the first cords and/or the second cords, respectively, are positioned almost aligned with each other, preferably approximately equidistant, when in the freely pending condition. This enhances pulling the duvet cover over the duvet in a fluent motion.

In the freely pending condition the first cords have preferably been disposed on either side of the second cords. The edges of the insertion opening of the duvet cover that are situated on both sides of the suspended duvet can as a result be pulled straight upwards by means of the first cords disposed on both sides of the second cords, respectively.

In one embodiment the lifting hooks are provided for pulling up the first cords and/or the second cords therethrough. The lifting hooks may for instance be screwed into a ceiling, or alternatively be screwed in a support attached to a ceiling.

In an alternative embodiment at least one rotatable axle is provided having disks attached thereon which have radial circumferential surfaces for winding/unwinding the first cords and/or the second cords around the radial circumferential surfaces. By rotating the at least one axle in the one direction, the first cords and/or second cords are hoisted (wound around the radial circumferential surfaces of the disks), and by rotating the at least one axle in the other direction, the first cords and/or second cords are lowered (unwound from the radial circumferential surfaces of the disks). The first cords and the second cords may each have their own rotatable axle for winding/unwinding them.

Preferably three rotatable axles are provided for winding/unwinding, respectively, the second cords, the first cords disposed at the one side of the second cords, and the first cords disposed at another side of the second cords.

From one aspect of the invention the at least one axle is telescopically extendable. In this way the device can be made suitable for duvets of various sizes. In case of larger duvets the at least one axle can be made longer by telescopically extending it. The option of telescopically extending the at least one axle is particularly advantageous in order to be able to compensate smaller differences in duvet sizes, for instance in case of duvet widths ranging from 1 .35 to 1 .50 m.

From a further aspect the disks are slidable in axial direction along the at least one axle. For instance after telescopically extending the at least one axle the disks can be slid along it into positions in which the disks (and therefore the first and/or second cords) are equidistant. By providing the radial circumferential surfaces of the disks with circumferential slits it can be counteracted that the first/second hoisting cords run off in axial direction from the disks.

In one embodiment a casing for the at least one axle is provided, wherein the casing has a lower side that can be covered by a, for instance electronically operable, cover plate. While using the device the first and/or second cords extend downwards via the open lower side of the casing. After use of the device the first and/or second cords can be pulled up to inside the casing after which the lower side thereof can be covered by the cover plate.

In one embodiment the electric drive means are provided for pulling up the first cords and/or the second cords.

From one aspect of the invention means, particularly a cleat, are provided for securing the first cords and/or the second cords. By securing the second cords the duvet can be held in the suspended condition. Both hands are then free to pull up the duvet cover over the duvet by means of the first cords.

From one aspect of the invention the first cords and/or second cords break at a pulling force in the range of approximately 80 N to 150 N. In this way the risk of for instance children injuring themselves with the first/second cords is limited, and safety is increased.

In one embodiment the device is mobile, which may be practical in for instance hotels or hospitals..

From one aspect of the invention the height of the device can be adjusted. In case the device is mobile it may for instance be wheeled through a door opening by lowering the height of the device. The original height of the device may be reinstated in order to render the device suitable for actual use.

The invention furthermore provides a method for placing a duvet in a duvet cover having an insertion opening for the duvet by suspending the duvet and subsequently via the insertion opening pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet.

The duvet can be passed through the insertion opening in a controlled manner when the duvet cover is pulled over the duvet from the bottom up.

Preferably the duvet cover is detachably connected to first cords, and wherein subsequently by pulling up the first cords the duvet cover is pulled over the duvet.

Preferably the duvet is suspended from second cords.

Some exemplary embodiments of the invention will be discussed below by way of example on the basis of the figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figure 2A-H show method steps for placing a duvet in a duvet cover using the device shown in figure 1 ;

Figures 3A-C show a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, in bottom view and in cross-section. The manually operated device 1 for placing a duvet in a duvet cover shown in figure 1 has a support 3 attached to a ceiling 2 and a cross piece 7 fixedly or rigidly connected thereto. The cross piece can be turned away towards the support 3. Eyes (lifting hooks) 4 are screwed into the support 3 in order to hoist and lower cords 5, 6 (first cords to be attached to the duvet cover), and cords 8 (second cords to be attached to the duvet) therethrough. The eyes 4 are positioned such that the freely pending cords 5 are aligned and equidistant. Likewise the respective freely pending cords 6, 8 are aligned and equidistant. The distance between the outermost cords 8 is adjusted to the width of a duvet, and the mutual distance between the outermost cords 5, 6 is adjusted to the (larger) width of a duvet cover. Cords 5, 6 extend on both sides of the cords 8. The cords 5, 6, 8 continue along support 3 up to the rear side of the cross piece 7 and can be secured via a cleat (not shown) attached there to the cross piece 7. Pegs 9 are attached to the ends of the freely pending cords 5, 6, 8 for clamping the duvet and the duvet cover.

For reasons of clarity the device 1 is shown with lowered cords 5, 6, 8. When the device 1 is not being used, the cords 5, 6, 8 are pulled up such that the pegs 9 contact the eyes 4 after which the cords 5, 6, 8 are secured by means of the cleat, this initial position is shown in figure 2A.

In order to place a duvet in a duvet cover, starting from the initial position shown in figure 2A, first the cords 8 are lowered as shown in figure 2B. Subsequently as shown in figure 2C the duvet 1 1 is clamped at several locations along an edge 10 thereof by means of the pegs 9 of cords 8. Subsequently the duvet 1 1 is hoisted in direction A by means of the cords 8 as shown in figure 2D. Finally the duvet 1 1 will then end up in a suspended condition as shown in figure 2E after which the cords 8 can be secured by means of the cleat in order to keep the duvet 1 1 in the suspended condition. The duvet 1 1 then hangs free from the ground.

Subsequently as also shown in figure 2E the duvet cover 12 with its insertion opening 13 is positioned under the suspended duvet 1 1 , and the cords 5, 6 are lowered on both sides of the duvet 1 1 . Then the pegs 9 of cords 5, 6 are attached to the edges of the insertion opening 13 on both sides, respectively, of the duvet 1 1 . The duvet cover 12 is then pulled up in direction B over the suspended duvet 1 1 by hoisting the cords 5, 6 as shown in figure 2F. Finally the duvet cover 12 is fully pulled over the duvet 1 1 as shown in figure 2G. The duvet 1 1 including duvet cover 1 2 can then be detached from the pegs 9 for actual use, for instance by first lowering the duvet 1 1 including duvet cover 12 in direction C by means of the cords 5, 6, 8 as shown in figure 2H.

The second exemplary embodiment of a device 14 according to the invention shown in figures 3A-3C for instance has a casing 15 that can be attached to a ceiling and has three rotatable axles 16, 17, 18 positioned therein having disks 19, 20, 21 , respectively, attached to said axles. The casing 15 has a compartment 31 in which toothed wheels and a motor have been placed to drive the axles 16, 1 7, 18 into rotation. The disks 19, 20, 21 have radial circumferential surfaces 22, 23, 24, respectively, having circumferential grooves 25, 26, 27 disposed therein order to wind and unwind cords 28, 29, 30 therein. The ends of cords 28, 29, 30 are provided with pegs 32, 33, 34, respectively. The axles 16, 17, 18 are positioned such one to the other that the distance x between cords 28, 29 is equal to the distance y between the cords 29, 30. The disks 20 disposed on both ends of the axle 17 are saltatorily positioned with respect to the disks 19, 21 disposed on both ends of axles 16, 18. The reason for this is that the duvet cover has a slightly larger width than the duvet. Optionally the casing 15 and the axles 16, 17, 18 can be telescopically extendable so that the device 14 can be made suitable for duvets of various sizes. Preferably the disks 19, 20, 21 can be slid over the axles 16, 17, 18, respectively, for instance via the key ways disposed in the axles 16, 17, 18. In one embodiment the disks 19, 20, 21 that are directly adjacent to the compartment 31 are fixedly mounted (cannot be shifted) on the axles 16, 17, 18. In the casing 1 5 (or in the support 3 shown in figures 1 and 2) lighting can optionally be disposed, for instance a number of spot-lights. It is furthermore possible to provide the lower side of the casing 15 with a cover plate for covering the casing 1 5 when the device 14 is not being used. The cords 28, 29, 30 including pegs 32, 33, 34 then need to be pulled up to within the casing 1 5 prior to covering.

Also for removing a duvet cover 1 2 placed over a duvet 1 1 the devices 1 and 14 shown in figure 1 , 2 and 3 can be used. The duvet 1 1 including duvet cover 12 is then placed on the floor after which the pegs 9 of for instance the cords 8 (or for instance pegs 33 of cords 29) are attached to the duvet 1 1 via the insertion opening 13. Subsequently the duvet 1 1 is hoisted by means of the cords 8 (or cords 29) wherein the duvet cover 12 of its own accord slides off from the duvet 1 1 . The hoisted duvet 1 1 may then for instance be left hanging for a while in order to air, prior to placing a clean duvet cover 12 over the duvet 1 1 . Alternatively the duvet cover 12 can be pulled up while the duvet 1 1 remains on the floor.

Optionally the device 14, and particularly the casing 1 5 can be placed on a frame in order to keep it above the ground. The frame may be mobile by means of wheels.

With the devices 1 , 14 shown in figures 1 , 2 and 3 a duvet cover 12 can easily be pulled over a duvet 1 1 . The corners of the duvet 1 1 will as if of their own accord end up in the corresponding corners of the duvet cover 1 2. The duvet 1 1 does not fold double while pulling the duvet cover 12 over it. Particularly pulling a duvet cover over a twin duvet is facilitated as the devices 1 , 14 can easily be operated by one single person. By dimensioning the devices 1 , 14 correctly, they can be made suitable for all types and sizes of duvets and duvet covers.

Claims

1 . Device for placing a duvet in a duvet cover having an insertion opening for the duvet, comprising means for suspending the duvet and means for via the insertion opening pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet.

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for vertically suspending the duvet, level or flat.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for pulling the duvet cover over the duvet are adapted for engaging the duvet cover on both sides of the suspended duvet.

4. Device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for pulling up the duvet into the suspended condition from a condition in which it is at least partially lying on a ground.

5. Device according to any one of the claims 1 -4, wherein the means for suspending the duvet are adapted for suspending the duvet free from a ground.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet are adapted for pulling the duvet cover over the duvet from the bottom up.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet comprise first cords that can be pulled up and have grippers, particularly pegs, for attachment to the duvet cover, and/or wherein the means for suspending the duvet comprise second cords that can be pulled up and have grippers, particularly pegs, for attachment to the duvet.

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the first cords and/or the second cords, respectively, are positioned almost aligned with each other when in the freely pending condition.

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the respective first cords and/or second cords are approximately equidistantly positioned when in the freely pending condition.

10. Device according to any one of the claims 7-9 when depending on claim 3, wherein in the freely pending condition the first cords have been disposed on either side of the second cords.

1 1 . Device according to any one of the claims 7-10, wherein the mutual distance of the first cords and/or the second cords is adjustable.

12. Device according to any one of the claims 7-1 1 , wherein the lifting hooks are provided for pulling up the first cords and/or the second cords therethrough.

13. Device according to any one of the claims 7-12, wherein at least one rotatable axle is provided having disks attached thereon which have radial circumferential surfaces for winding/unwinding the first cords and/or the second cords around the radial circumferential surfaces.

14. Device according to claim 13 when depending on claim 10, wherein three rotatable axles are provided for winding/unwinding, respectively, the second cords, the first cords disposed at the one side of the second cords, and the first cords disposed at another side of the second cords.

15. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one axle is telescopically extendable.

16. Device according to claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the disks are slidable in axial direction along the at least one axle.

17. Device according to any one of the claims 13-16, wherein the radial circumferential surfaces of the disks are provided with circumferential slits.

18. Device according to any one of the claims 13-17, wherein a casing for the at least one axle is provided, wherein the casing has a lower side that can be covered by a cover plate.

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the cover plate is electrically operable.

20. Device according to any one of the claims 7-19, wherein the electric drive means are provided for pulling up the first cords and/or the second cords.

21 . Device according to any one of the claims 7-19, wherein means are provided for securing the first cords and/or the second cords.

22. Device according to claim 21 , wherein the means for securing comprise a cleat.

23. Device according to any one of the claims 7-22, wherein the first cords and/or second cords break at a pulling force in the range of approximately 80 N to 150 N.

24. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is mobile.

25. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the device can be adjusted.

26. Method for placing a duvet in a duvet cover having an insertion opening for the duvet by suspending the duvet and subsequently via the insertion opening pulling the duvet cover over the suspended duvet.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the duvet cover is pulled over the duvet from the bottom up.

28. Method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the duvet cover is detachably connected to first cords, and wherein subsequently by pulling up the first cords the duvet cover is pulled over the duvet.

29. Method according to any one of the claims 26-28, wherein the duvet is suspended from second cords.

30. Device comprising one or more of the characterising measures described in the description and/or shown in the drawings.

31 . Method comprising one or more of the characterising steps described in the description and/or shown in the drawings.