WO2010081197A1

WO2010081197A1 - Valance for a bed base

Info

Publication number: WO2010081197A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000035
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rosemary Anne Kennett
Original assignee: Intide Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-01-16
Filing date: 2010-01-15
Publication date: 2010-07-22
Also published as: GB2478495B; GB2478495A; AU2010205902A1; AU2010205902B2; GB201111620D0

Abstract

Provided is a valance (10) for a bed base (40) having a top, a bottom, opposed sides, head end and foot end, height between the top and bottom and a perimeter around said head end, foot end and opposed sides. The valance comprises a body (13) formed of a one-piece fabric with an upper edge (14), a lower edge (12) and opposed body ends (16 and 17). The body is configured to have a length extending between the body ends, and a width extending between the upper and lower edges. The length is less than the perimeter of the bed base and the width is wider than the height of the bed base. The body ends are connected by one or more elastic connectors (18, 19 and 20) which are arranged for the body ends to be in close proximity but spaced and be able to be pulled apart against bias provided by the one or more elastic connectors when the valance is operatively positioned on the base. The body has an elastic member (15) applied along the upper edge or adjacent to the upper edge. The elastic member is extendable and is formed with an unextended length less than the length of the body. The elastic member forms a loop and is applied to the body under extension so that the elastic member can extend to approximately the full perimeter of the base for positioning the body to pass over a mattress resting on the bed base and gathers the upper edge when not under load to pull the upper edge inwards to rest on the top of the bed base. When applied to the bed base the elastic connectors automatically pulls the body ends toward each other to aid adjustment of the valance around the perimeter of the base.

Description

VALANCE FOR A BED BASE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS INVENTION relates to a valance for a bed base and particularly to a valance which automatically adjusts the valance to provide a uniform fit to the bed base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beds are known which employ a base and a separate mattress which sits on top the base. A valance is used to cover the base. The valance usually has a top and sides, the top is located between the mattress and the base and the sides hang down around the base to the floor. The mattress usually has a fitted sheet as the bottom sheet and then when the bed is made a top sheet is wrapped over the mattress and tucked in at the corners usually as a "mitred" corner. Valances come in a range of fabrics. Some of the valances involve pleated fabric with a relatively lightweight fabric for the top. Others are made from a single fabric, usually cotton and can be gathered so as to provide different visual effects. One common problem is that during the making of a bed the valance can be troublesome as it can become caught up with the sheets making it difficult to keep the valance in position while pushing the top sheet under the mattress. Another problem is that it can quite often be difficult to get an even fit of the valance around the base. Once an even fit is obtained by manual adjustment this can all come to nothing the next time the bed is made. Consequently, there is always an ongoing problem with the combined effect of having to adjust the valance and make the bed as separate actions. Yet one affects the other thereby requiring constant adjustment. It would be desirable to provide a valance that automatically adjusts and at the same time does not suffer from the problem of becoming caught up with the other sheets when the bed is being made.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION One object of the invention is to provide a valance which alleviates or substantially reduces to a certain level one or more of the prior art disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect therefore the present invention resides in a valance for a bed base having a top, a bottom, opposed sides, head end and foot end, height between the top and bottom and a perimeter around said head end, foot end and opposed sides. The valance comprises a body formed of a one-piece fabric with an upper edge, a lower edge and opposed body ends. Said body is configured to have a length extending between the body ends, and a width extending between said upper and lower edges. Said length is less than the perimeter of the base and said width is wider than the height of the base. The body ends are connected by one or more elastic connectors which are arranged for the body ends to be in close proximity but spaced and be able to be pulled apart against bias provided by the one or more elastic connectors when the valance is operatively positioned on the base. The body has an elastic member applied along the upper edge or adjacent to the upper edge. The elastic member is extendable and is formed with an unextended length less than the length of the body. The elastic member forms a loop and is applied to the body under extension so that the elastic member can extend to approximately the full perimeter of the base for positioning the body to pass over a mattress resting on the bed base and gathers the upper edge when not under load to pull the upper edge inwards to rest on the top of the bed base. When applied to the bed base the elastic connectors automatically pulls the body ends toward each other to aid adjustment of the valance around the perimeter of the base.

After the elastic member has been positioned on the bed base, the elastic member gathers in the upper edge to pull the upper edge inwards over the top of the bed base. The elastic member on the upper edge aids in retention of the valance on the bed base. The valance is to be located in use on the bed base and to be stretched over the bed base so that the upper edge and the elastic member thereof provide a marginal section of the valance inward along the top of the bed base and the rest of the rectangular length of fabric surrounds the bed base thereby providing the valance. The ends of the valance and the elastic connectors are preferably located at the head end of the bed base so as to be concealed in use.

The elastic connectors connecting the ends of the body are so arranged and dimensioned that they are loaded under tension when the valance is fitted. Where the fabric is not elasticised, initial tension on the fabric is unevenly distributed around the base due to factors including the corners blocking release of tension and any static attraction or friction. This results in some parts being under tension and other parts being under compression. The parts under compression tend to present as slack in the valance with a tendency to bulge. The present invention simplifies the even distribution of tension by allowing a user to simply release tension progressively toward the head end where the elastic connectors automatically take up any slack. In use the valance is lightly pulled along the foot end and around the corners then along the sides of the bed base towards the head end and around the head end corners so as to distribute tension in the valance towards the head end and into the elastic connectors.

In a particularly preferred form the relative density of the fabrics employed concerns the overall relationship of the valance to the bed sheets. The bed sheets are most often a softer eg. a flannelette for winter, or they are a lighter cotton fabric for summer and the valance is typically selected as a heavier or quilted fabric with this in mind so that the valance may hang freely with the weight of the valance matched to the holding characteristics of its upper edge so the valance may also be manually positioned up or down to fit different base heights with its lower edge on or very close to the floor but without any floor interference. Since the valance has only a relatively small margin inboard (such as up to 20cm) of the sides and ends of the bed base then pushing the top sheet in at the corners tends to avoid any contact with the material of the valance so the valance does not interfere. In addition by choosing the valance fabric from a heavy fabric it will tend to sit better than a lighter fabric. It is because the valance is not gathered but sits flat against the base that prevents the sheets being caught up in the valance rather than the fact that there is only a small amount of fabric between the mattress and base. The valance according to the present invention is relatively easier to manufacture and is cost effective as it is manufactured from one-piece fabric body and requires no seams.

The valance does not have mitred corners. Therefore it does not have to be placed in an exact position on the bed base.

The valance does not have gathers. Therefore, it saves costs as less fabric is used and the manufacturing processes are simpler. With no gathering, it does not get caught up on blankets etc. It remains neat and sleek looking after multiple times of bed making. The valance can be positioned on the bed base without removing the mattress and without having to pull bed out from the wall. It can simply be pushed behind the mattress then pulled down at the sides of the bed head. The valance will automatically adjust to fit the bed base of different sizes (height and length) and shapes including bed bases for extra heavy latex mattresses currently sold in the market. It also can be used for bed bases of round beds. It does not need to use snap fasteners, hook and loop type fasteners, or ropes etc. Thus, a single person can easily change bed valance. This valance provides substantial costs saving to the hospitality industry as the prior art known to the applicant requires at least two persons to move the bed while fitting or changing bed valance.

The combination of the elastic member at or adjacent to the upper edge and the one or more elastic connectors connecting the body ends provide the surprising effect that the body hugs smartly about the sides and ends of the bed base to thereby providing a sleek looking valance. The elastic connectors and the elastic member also serve to firmly support and retain the valance on the bed base. The valance generally tends to stay in position when changing sheets and when a person sleeping on the mattress moves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood and be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein :- Figure 1 is an underside view illustrating a typical valance in position with the bed base removed;

Figure 2 is a view from above illustrating the valance of Figure 1 in position, and the mattress and bed base are shown in phantom;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a sheet of fabric and the elastic member prior to application to the sheet of fabric; and

Figure 4 illustrates the valance being applied to a bed base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated an embodiment of the valance 10 showing the position of the valance 10 as it would finally be when in operative position on a bed base. The mattress 30 and the bed base 40 are shown in phantom. The bed base 40 is located in position inside the valance.

The valance has an upper elasticised edge 11 and a lower edge 12.

The valance is made from a rectangular blank of fabric 13 (see Figure 3) having an upper edge 14 to which a length of elastic cord or band 15 is secured in a ratio of about 2:1 where approximately half the elastic in its un-tensioned state is approximately half the length of the rectangular fabric 13. The ratio may vary depending on preferences and elasticity of the elastic cord or band. In the illustrated embodiment the opposite ends 16 and 17 are set spaced apart with the end 16 shown at 16' in phantom in Figure 3 in its position after sewing. The ends are spaced apart and are connected by lengths of connecting elastic connectors 18, 19 and 20. The number of the connecting elastics may be 1 , 2, 3, 4 or 5 or more. This spacing is selected and the elastic connectors are selected for a bed base so that when the valance is in position the elastic connectors are always under tension.

In use as illustrated in Figure 4 the valance is applied to a bed base 40 by initially throwing the valance 10 up onto the mattress 30 resting on the bed base 40 and slipping over the mattress by stretching the elastic cord or band 15 to form a loop of sufficient dimension. The valance 10 is then positioned to sit flat as shown. Next by pulling the valance over the bed base it is progressively located in position as illustrated in Figure 4. In order for the valance to hang effectively and uniformly it will be appreciated that the user may not get each section in the exactly right position and since the fabric that the valance is made from is a relatively heavy fabric and the weight of this fabric is balanced against the elasticity of the elastic utilised in the upper edge 11 , the valance will tend to sit where put. Application of a downward pulling force against the elastic cord or band enables adjustability for bed bases of different depths so that the lower edge of the valance is on or just touching the floor.

Once the valance height is set or at the same time it is being retained in position by reason of appropriate positioning of the elastic cord or band 15 and the fabric the user may then adjust the tension.

In order to properly tension the valance around the bed advantage is taken of the elasticised connectors at 18, 19 and 20 which are concealed at the head end and are under tension when the valance is in its typical operative position by reason of the selection of the relatively heavy material and the appropriate choice of the elastic material. Each of the elastic connectors are typically 2 to 5 centimetres wide and three strips are generally used. In this embodiment, the elastic connectors are 3cm wide. The user would slightly pull the valance from the foot in the direction of the head end along the direction of the arrows 22 and 23 and also initially along the direction of arrows 24 and 25 in a sweeping action. This adjustment will result in the tension in the valance being distributed to the head end at 26 which is then automatically taken up by the elasticised connectors 18, 19 and 20 from left to right and right to left evenly across the head end to give an optimum fit. The valance is not over-tightened but as tension and compression is released by the user elsewhere in the valance the elastic connectors automatically draw the fabric in across the head end.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set forth in the following claims. For example, the connectors need not be elastic but any bias that automatically operates in the same way. The example shows only one set of elastic connectors but more than one may be used. While it is optimal to use an elastic upper edge, it is not essential to do so since the automatic adjustment by the spaced ends and the elastic connectors will work without this but the ends must be separate in order for the elastic connectors to work.

Claims

1. A valance for a bed base having a top, a bottom, opposed sides, head end and foot end, height between the top and bottom and a perimeter around said head end, foot end and opposed sides, the valance comprising a body formed of a one-piece fabric with an upper edge, a lower edge and opposed body ends, said body being configured to have a length extending between the body ends, and a width extending between said upper and lower edges, said length being less than the perimeter of the base and said width being wider than the height of the base, the body ends being connected by one or more elastic connectors which are arranged for the body ends to be in close proximity but spaced and be able to be pulled apart against bias provided by the one or more elastic connectors when the valance is operatively positioned on the base, the body having an elastic member applied along the upper edge or adjacent to the upper edge, the elastic member being extendable and is formed with an unextended length less than the length of the body, the elastic member forming a loop and being adapted for applying to the body under extension so that the elastic member can extend to approximately the full perimeter of the base for positioning the body to pass over a mattress resting on the bed base and to then retract to gather the upper edge when not under load to pull the upper edge inwards to rest on the top of the bed base, when applied to the bed base the elastic connectors automatically pulls the body ends toward each other to aid adjustment of the valance around the perimeter of the base.

2. The valance according to claim 1 wherein after the elastic member has been positioned on the bed base, the elastic member gathers in the upper edge to pull the upper edge inwards over the top of the bed base, whereby the elastic member on the upper edge aids in retention of the valance on the bed base.

3. The valance according to claim 1 or 2 wherein in use the valance is configured for locating on the bed base and to be stretched over the bed base so that the upper edge and the elastic member thereof provide a marginal section of the valance inward along the top of the bed base and the rest of the rectangular length of fabric surrounds the bed base thereby providing the valance.

4. The valance according to claim 3 wherein the ends of the valance and the elastic connectors are for locating at the head end of the bed base so as to be concealed in use.

5. The valance according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the elastic connectors connecting the ends of the body are so arranged and dimensioned that they are loaded under tension when the valance is fitted on the bed base, whereby providing an even distribution of tension through automatically taking up of any slack by the elastic connectors at the head end.

6. The valance according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the body is formed of a relative dense and/or quilted fabric so that the valance may hang freely with the weight of the valance matched to the holding characteristics of its upper edge so the valance may also be manually positioned up or down to fit different base heights with its lower edge on or very close to the floor but without any floor interference.

7. The valance according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the body is configured to hug about corners of the bed base with no mitred corners.