WO2014075619A1

WO2014075619A1 - Body covering and method of promoting use of the same

Info

Publication number: WO2014075619A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/087151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheung Wing Hui
Original assignee: Sleepcare Limited
Priority date: 2012-11-14
Filing date: 2013-11-14
Publication date: 2014-05-22
Also published as: CN103799774A

Abstract

A body covering (100) and a method of promoting use of the body covering (100) are disclosed. The body covering (100) comprises two parts, namely, the first part (200) and the second part (201) which can be fastened together. The first part (200) and/or the second part (201) may further include a wrapper (400). The body covering (100) comprises a continuous tape fastener (202) provided along at least one dimension of the body covering (100), the tape fastener (202) having a tape body (202A-1), an insertion box (202A-2), an insertion pin (202A-3), and a chain of teeth (202A-4). The tape fastener (202) is capable of self- fastening along at least part length of the tape body (202A-1) to form a loop and for the body covering (100) to be used as a cape. The method includes the step of promoting provision of the body covering (100) to users; setting up a membership list of members for users participating in implementation of the method; qualifying members by reference to ownership of the body covering (100); entering qualified members onto the membership list, each with an identifier for subsequent identification of membership; and providing incentive to the qualified members for using the body covering (100) rather than equivalent accessory otherwise supplied by the travel-related service provider.

Description

BODY COVERING AND METHOD OF PROMOTING USE OF THE SAME

The present invention relates to a body covering and a method of promoting use of the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Blankets are a type of bedding intended to keep the user warm, especially while sleeping. Blankets are subdivided into many kinds, including quilts, duvets and comforters, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material .

Conventional comforters are usually made in a one-piece structure in order to cover our bodies comfortably while we sleep. They are usually made relatively large and thick to look luxurious. A major disadvantage lies in them being confined to use in bed by reason of the fact that they are far too big for carrying around and they often have to be taken away to be washed by laundry companies because they are too heavy for washing by hand or domestic washing machines.

Blankets and comforters are very personal . The hygiene condition of hotel blankets and comforters reported by some media is frightening. However, our own comforters used at home are too bulky to be carried around during travel; they are simply too big for our suitcases.

As a result of his numerous trips around the world and extensive travelling experience, the inventor has confirmed that the comforters provided or supplied by most hotels are invariably too thick, let alone hygiene consideration. The room temperature has to be lowered to about 20°C or below in order to suit the excessive thickness. In addition, as hotel guests are not familiar with the blankets' thickness, they often have to go through many rounds of trial and error in order to achieve the optimum room temperature for using the supplied comforters. This can be frustrating and cause discomfort during their sleep.

Comforters or blankets, which are usually thin, are also supplied on the plane and intended for warmth keeping. Invariably, the supplied blankets are rough and often contain fire-resistant chemicals which cause allergy to some people. Some passengers choose to use cushions provided by airlines, which are not designed to fit the physical built of all nationalities.

The foregoing are existing issues that have never been addressed. The majority of people will agree that there is a need to address such issues.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide an improved comforter.

Through such observations and experiences, it is the vision of the inventor to create a relatively thin and light comforter or body covering in general, with suitable warmth keeping characteristics, for optimum use at a standard ambient temperature of 26°C.

Summary of the Invention

According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided a body covering comprising: a continuous tape fastener provided along at least one dimension of the body covering, the tape fastener having a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin, wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter- engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self-fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape.

Preferably, the tape further includes a retainer provided along length of the continuous chain of teeth for retaining the slider between the insertion box and the retainer .

More preferably, the retainer is provided adjacent the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

Yet more preferably, the first jaw has at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, one of the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

Advantageously, the first gap is narrower than the second gap such that the retainer is prevented from passing through the first gap but allowed to passing through the second gap.

More advantageously, the body covering is foldable and/or rollable for being contained in a bag.

The body covering preferably further comprising a wrapper, extending from the body covering, changeable between an operative position for wrapping the body covering which is being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled body covering.

Preferably, the wrapper extends from one side of the body covering.

More preferably, the body covering comprises a double body covering.

According to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a body covering comprising: first and second parts, each part being quadrilateral and having one of its four sides provided with a part of at least one connector along the length of said one side on the first part for releasable inter-engagement with another part of the at least one connector of the second part such that the two parts together form a one-piece structure for use as a comforter or blanket of a relatively larger size sufficient to cover the entire body of a user when said user sleeps; wherein the part of the connector on the first part is capable of self inter-engagement for the first part to form a loop and be used as a cape when engaged and a throw when released.

Preferably, the connector comprises at least two pairs of complementary first and second members and the part of the connector on the first part comprises the first member of one pair and the second member of another pair adapted to releasably inter-engage for the first part to form a cape and releasably inter-engage with the part of the connector on the second part to form the one-piece structure .

More preferably, the first and second members are visually distinguishable from one another.

Yet more preferably, the connector comprises press stud.

Advantageously, the two parts are each foldable and/or rollable for being contained in separate bags respectively.

More advantageously, the first part comprises a wrapper extending there from, the wrapper is changeable between an operative position, for wrapping the first part while the first part is separate from the second part, the first part being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper for use as a support for the neck or waist of a user, with the second part being usable as a comforter or blanket of a relatively smaller size for covering the upper part of said user, and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled first part.

Yet more advantageously, the wrapper extends from one of the four sides of the first part.

Preferably, the first and second parts include respective wrappers which extend from a side of the respective first and second parts, such that each of the first and second parts is foldable and/or rollable in the wrapper for use as a support .

According to the second aspect of the invention, one part of the connector provided on the first part comprises a continuous tape fastener provided along one of the four sides of the first part, the tape fastener having a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin, wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter- engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self-fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape.

Preferably, the tape further includes a retainer provided along length of the chain of teeth for retaining the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

More preferably, the slider has a first jaw with at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

Yet more preferably, the retainer is provided adjacent the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

More advantageously, the first and second parts form the left and right parts and are separable along the length of the double blanket.

Yet more advantageously, the left and right parts are formed from different materials or material types.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a body covering comprising: first and second parts, each part being quadrilateral and having one of its four sides provided with a connector for releasable inter-engagement between the first and second parts to form a one-piece structure; wherein at least one of the first and second parts includes a wrapper, the wrapper is changeable between an operative position, for wrapping the first part while the first part is separate from the second part, the first part being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper for use as a support for the neck or waist of a user, with the second part being usable as a comforter or blanket of a relatively smaller size for covering the upper part of said user, and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled first part.

According to any aforementioned aspects of the invention, preferably, the wrapper includes at least one fastener for the wrapper to form a completed loop when fastened.

Preferably, the at least one fastener has two parts each provided on respective opposite sides of the wrapper.

According to any aforementioned aspects of the invention, the body covering further comprising a holder provided adjacent the wrapper, the holder holds the wrapper in its inoperative position.

Advantageously, the holder comprises a pocket.

More advantageously, the holder comprises at least one fastener with two parts that inter-engage through an aperture on the wrapper for holding the wrapper in its inoperative position.

According to any aforementioned aspects of the invention, the wrapper comprises a flexible flap.

Preferably, the first and second parts are substantially identical at least in shape and size.

More preferably, the first and second parts each comprises a deformable core enclosed by a skin.

Yet more preferably, the deformable core comprises fill materials or cotton partitioning. Preferably, the skin is formed of fabric material.

Advantageously, the first and second parts form the left and right parts and are separable along the length of the double blanket.

More advantageously, the left and right parts are formed from different materials or material types.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of promoting use of the body covering as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37 in place of equivalent accessory supplied by a travel-related service provider, comprising the steps of:

promoting provision of the body covering to users;

setting up a membership list of members for users participating in implementation of the method;

qualifying members by reference to ownership of the body covering;

entering qualified members onto the membership list, each with an identifier for subsequent identification of membership; and

providing incentive to the qualified members for using the body covering rather than equivalent accessory otherwise supplied by said travel-related service provider.

Preferably, the method includes the step of requiring the user to take a pledge to qualify as a member.

More preferably, the method includes the step of entering into an agreement between the service provider and the member .

It is preferable that the method includes the step initially of providing the body covering.

Yet more preferably, the method includes the step of refraining from supplying said equivalent accessory by said travel-related service provider.

Advantageously, the method includes the step of removing said equivalent accessory supplied by said travel-related service provider.

More advantageously, the incentive comprises a discount in the price of using services provided by said travel-related service provider.

Yet more advantageously, the incentive comprises a treat.

Preferably, the travel-related service provider comprises an airline company. More preferably, the travel-related service provider comprises a hotel service company.

Yet more preferably, the travel-related service provider comprises a travel agency.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a tape fastener comprising: a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin, wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter-engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self-fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape.

More preferably, the retainer is provided adjacent to the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

Yet more preferably, the first jaw has at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer .

Preferably, the first gap is narrower than the second gap such that the retainer is prevented from passing through the first gap but allowed to passing through the second gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a top plan view of a body covering in accordance with the invention;

Figure IB is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the body covering in Figure 1A, showing part of the body covering in Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the body covering in Figure 1A showing a part of the body covering and a connector provided therewith;

Figure 2B is a top plan view of the body covering in Figure 1A showing dimensions ;

Figure 2C is an enlarged perspective view of the part of the body covering in Figure 2A showing the connector being fastened;

Figure 3 is an illustrative drawing of a user covered by the body covering in Figure 1A;

Figure 4 is an illustrative drawing of a user covered by the body covering in Figure 1A;

Figure 5A is a top plan view of the body covering in Figure 1A with two parts separated and four enlarged views of different parts of the connector;

Figure 5B is an enlarged view of a part of the connector in Figure 5A;

Figure 6A is an illustrative drawing of the user covered by a cape formed by a part of the body covering in Figure 1A;

Figure 6B is an enlarged drawing of an embodiment of the connector in Figure 2A being self-fastened;

Figure 7 is an illustrative drawing of the user covered by a cape formed from one part of the body covering in Figure 1A and with neck supported by a support formed by another part of the body covering in Figure 1A;

Figure 8 is an illustrative drawing of the user covered by the cape in Figure 7 and with waist supported by the support in Figure 7 ;

Figures 9A and 9B are an illustrative drawing of the connector in Figure 2A being connected;

Figures 10A and 10B are enlarged illustrative drawings of a part of the connector in Figure 2A;

Figure IOC is an enlarged illustrative drawing of a slider on the part of the connector in Figures 10A and 10B;

Figure 10D is an enlarged illustrative cross-sectional drawing of the slider in Figure IOC taken along line B-B; Figure 11A is a top plan view of the part of the connector in Figures 10A and 10B;

Figure 11B is a side view of the part of the connector in Figure 11A;

Figure 12A is a top plan view of the connector in Figure 2A;

Figure 12B is an illustrative drawing of the part of the connector in Figures 10A and 10B being self-fastened;

Figure 13A is a conventional fastener;

Figure 13B is a further embodiment of the fastener in Figure 2A;

Figures 14 to 17 are an illustrative drawing of the body covering in Figure 1 showing one embodiment of a wrapper and pairs of fasteners provided on the wrapper with parts having corresponding fastening structures;

Figures 18A and 18B are enlarged illustrative drawings of parts of the fasteners in Figures 14 to 17;

Figure 19 is an illustrative drawing of an embodiment of a holder on the body covering and a method of inserting the wrapper in Figures 14 to 18B into the holder;

Figure 20 is an illustrative drawing of arranging the body covering into a compact structure being wrapped by the wrapper in Figures 14 to 18B;

Figure 21 is an illustrative drawing of the compact structure in Figure 20;

Figure 22 is an illustrative drawing of the body covering in Figure 1 showing a second embodiment of the wrapper and a method of arranging the body covering into a compact structure being wrapped by the wrapper;

Figure 23 is an illustrative drawing of a third embodiment of the wrapper in the form of a bag and a method of arranging the body covering into a compact structure by being inserted into the bag;

Figure 24 is an illustrative drawing of a second embodiment of the body covering with two parts being connected by second embodiment of connector;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of the body covering in Figure 24 showing a part of the body covering and the connector provided therewith;

Figure 26 is a top plan view of the body covering in Figure 24 with two parts being separated; Figure 27 is an illustrative drawing of a part of the body covering in Figure 24 being formed into and used as a cape;

Figure 27A is an enlarged illustrative drawing of the connector on the part of the body covering in Figure 27;

Figure 28 is a top plan view of the body covering in the form of a double blanket or comforter having two parts;

Figure 28A is an enlarged view of the fastener in Figure 28;

Figure 29 is a top plan view of the comforter or blanket in Figure 28 with the parts of the body covering separated; and

Figure 29A is an enlarged view of a part of the fastener in Figure 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1A, there is shown a body covering, in the form of a comforter 100, embodying the invention for use in a method, embodying another aspect of the invention, which promotes the use of the comforter 100.

The core of both aspects of the invention lies in the comforter 100, which is made up of two separable substantially identical parts that can be easily taken apart or put back together. Through such an ingenious configuration, as assisted by certain accessories wherever appropriate, the invention brings about multiple functions to the comforter, as well as significant energy savings contemporaneously.

The comforter 100 may be used as a comforter, a blanket, a throw, a cape, a pillow and/or a supporter. Some of the principal functions and advantages are:

1) Easy to be carried around for use anywhere as a cape or throw;

2) One part can be used as a neck/back support, whilst the other part as a light blanket/cape/throw;

3) Easy to be washed by a domestic washing machine;

4) Easy to fit in our travelling luggage so that we can take it along while traveling; and

5) A comfortable and familiar personal comforter in the hotel room.

The construction of the body covering or comforter 100 will now be described in detail. The comforter 100 has two parts, namely first and second parts 200 and 201. The first and second parts 200 and 201 are each quadrilateral, preferably rectangular, in shape with four sides.

In a preferred embodiment of the comforter 100, along the length of one of the four sides of the first part 200 is provided with a part 202A of at least one connector 202 for releasable inter-engagement with another part 202B of the at least one connector 202 of the second part 201. As shown in Figures 1A, 2A to 2C and 24 to 25 the two parts 200 and 201 are connectable together by the connector 202 to form a one-piece structure for use as a comforter or blanket of a relatively larger size sufficient to cover the entire body of a user when said user sleeps. The part 202A of the connector 202 on the first part 200 is also adapted to releasably self-engage such that the first part 200 can be formed into a cape as shown in Figures 6A, 8 and 27 or a half blanket as shown in Figure 7.

Figures 1A to 13B show a first embodiment of the comforter 100 and a first embodiment of the connector 202 in the form of a zipper.

Figures 24 to 27A are a second embodiment of the comforter 100 and a second embodiment of the connector 202 in the form of buttons.

Figure 9A to 12B show the preferred embodiment of the connector 202. The connector 202 is an improved zipper with two parts 202A and 202B which are inter-engageable continuous tape fasteners. The tape fastener 202A is sewed onto one side of the first part 200 of the comforter 100. The tape fastener 202B sewed onto one side of the second part 201 of the comforter 100. The tape fastener 202A is capable of self inter-engagement to form a loop and for the first part 200 to be used as a cape when engaged and a throw when released.

The tape fastener 202A has a tape body 202A-1, an insertion box 202A-2 installed at a first end of the tape body 202A-1, an insertion pin 202A-3 attached at a second end of the tape body 202A-1 opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth 202A-4 extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body 202A-1 and between the insertion box 202A-2 and the insertion pin 202A-3. The tape fastener 202A further includes a slider 202A-5 having opposite first and second jaws 202A-51 and 202A-52. The slider 202A-5 is slidable relative to the chain of teeth 202A-4.

The tape fastener 202B has a tape body 202B-1, a stopper 202B-2 at one end of the tape body 202B-1 and an insertion pin 202B-3 at other end of the tape body 202B-1 A chain of teeth 202B-4 extends lengthwise along an edge of the tape body 202B-1 between the stopper 202B-2 and the insertion pin 202B-3.

The teeth on the chain of teeth 202A-4 and those on the chain of teeth 202B-4 are inter-engageable to connect the first and second parts 200 and 201 of the comforter 100 to form a one-piece structure. The chain of teeth 202A-4 may be considered to include two portions with teeth 202A-41 in one portion and teeth 202A-42 in another portion. The teeth 202A-41 and 202A-42 of the chain of teeth 202A-4 are inter-engageable by the action of the slider 202A-5.

The two portions of the chain of teeth 202A-41 and 202A- 42 are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws 202A-51 and 202A-52 simultaneously, such that the teeth 202A-41 on one portion of the chain of teeth 202A-4 is allowed to inter-engage with teeth 202A-42 on another portion of the chain of teeth 202A-4 to permit self- engagement .

For self-engagement as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, firstly the insertion pin 202A-3 is inserted into the insertion box 202A-2; then the slider 202A-5 is moved along chain of teeth 202A-4 to inter-engage the teeth 202A-41 with the teeth 202A-42 such that the tape fastener 202A-1 is capable of self-fastening along at least part length of the tape body 202A-1 to form a loop and for the first part 200 to be used as a cape.

In another embodiment of the comforter/blanket 100, as shown in Figures 28 to 29A, the comforter/blanket is a double blanket or comforter. The first and second parts of the comforter 100 are the left and right parts 200 and 201 of the comforter/blanket 100. The size of each part is sufficient to form a single blanket or comforter. In the preferred embodiment, the comforter/blanket 100 has a width of 40"-60" and length of 70"-90". The left and right parts 200 and 201 each have a width of 20"-30" (and a common length of 70"-90") . The warmth keeping ability, thickness and weight of the left and right parts 200 and 201 may be different to suit the needs of two different users each using one of the left and right parts 200 and 201. For example, the double blanket or comforter 100 may be used by a couple. The husband usually prefers a comforter/blanket 100 of a lower warmth keeping ability, thinner and lighter, in comparison to the preference of his wife. Conventional comforters/blankets have uniform warmth keeping ability, thickness and weight throughout.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the warmth keeping ability, thickness and weight of the left and right parts 200 and 201 are adjustable. For example, the weight of each of the left and right parts 200 and 201 is adjustable between 70g per square meter to 300g per square meter. To adjust the weight of the part 200 or 201, a layer of filling material may be added. Preferably, the comforter/blanket 100 may include a set of left and right parts 200 and 201 with different warmth keeping abilities, thicknesses and weights.

For example, the set may include three left parts of different weights, such as 70g per square meter, 150g per square meter and 300g per square meter, and three right parts again of different weights 70g per square meter, 150g per square meter and 300g per square meter. Users may select or modify the left or right part 200 or 201, for example by way of stacking, to form a customized thicker left or right part 200 or 201. In another embodiment, the left and right parts 200 and 201 or each of the three left and right parts 200 and 201 in the set are formed from different materials or material types such as polyester fiber, villus, silk and wool. Such parts in the set may be selected and arranged by the user to bring about different combinations.

The left and right parts 200 and 201 are fastened together by the aforementioned connector 202 to form a one-piece double blanket or comforter 100. Preferably, the connector 202 is the improved zipper with two parts 202A and 202B which are inter-engageable continuous tape fasteners. The zipper part 202A is capable of self inter- engagement to form a loop to allow the left or right part 200 or 201 to be used as a cape when self-engaged and a throw when released as described.

When the tape fastener 202A is not self-engaged, to prevent the slider 202A-5 from sliding pass the insertion pin 202A-3 and falls out, there is provided a retainer 202A-6. The retainer 202A-6 is provided along the length of the tape body 202A-1 for retaining the slider 202A-5 between the insertion box 202A-2 and the retainer 202A-6.

In the preferred embodiment, the retainer 202A-6 is placed next to or adjacent one end of the insertion pin 202A-3. The slider 202A-5 is adapted, by way of dimension, to interact with the retainer 202A-6 to retain the slider 202A-5 between the retainer 202A-6 and the insertion box 202A-2.

As mentioned, the slider 202A-5 has two jaws 202A-51 and 202A-52. Referring to Figures IOC and 10D, the first jaw 202A-51 has two tips 202A-51A and 202A-51B defining first and second gaps 202A-53A and 202A-53B with two tips 202A- 52A and 202A-52B of the second jaw 202A-52. The first gap 202A-53A is dimensioned, narrower in width than the second gap 202A-53B. That way, the retainer 202A-6 is prevented from passing through the first gap 202A-53A and is allowed to pass through the second gape 202A-53B which is important when the tape fastener 202A is self fastened to permit the slider 202A-5 to pass through the portions 202A-41 and 202A-42 simultaneously.

As can be seen in Figures 11A and 11B, the retainer 202A- 6 is in the form of a quadrilateral plate with overall thickness greater than space in the first gap 202A-53A. The retainer 202A-6 can be of any shape and size as long as the function to retain the slider 202A-5 is achieved. Another embodiment of the retainer 202A-6 is showed in Figure 13B. Comparing to a conventional insertion pin in Figure 13A, the insertion pin 202A-3 has an enlarged head portion 202A-6. The enlarged head portion 202A-6 functions as the retainer. It is being integrally formed with the insertion pin 202A-3.

Alternatively, one possible arrangement would be to increase the overall thickness of the insertion pin 202A-3 by for example 20%. In that case the second gap 202A-53B can be made large enough for the thickened insertion pin 202A-3 to pass through. However the first gap 202A-53A should be made small enough to prevent the slider 202A-5 from passing over the thickened insertion pin 202A-3.

Another embodiment of the comforter 100 is showed in Figures 24 to 27A. There is shown a second embodiment of the connector 202 which again has two parts 202A and 202B. The connector 202 has at least two and preferably seven pairs of complementary first and second members 202A-8 and 202B-8. The part 202A on the first part 200 includes the first member 202A-8 of four pairs and the second member 202B-8 of another three pairs evenly distributed along one side of the first part 200. The part 202B on the second part 201 includes the second members 202B-8 of the four pairs and the first member 202A-8 of the another three pairs evenly distributed along one side of the second part 202B.

The first member 202A-8 and the second member 202B-8 are adapted to releasably inter-engage for the first part 200 to form a cape as shown in Figures 27 and 27A. Preferably the first member 202A-8 in fourth pair is left unfastened when the cape is formed. The side of the first part 200 forms a loop around the user's neck. The first member 202A- 8 and the second members 202B-8 of the part 202A are releasably inter-engageable with the second and first members 202B-8 and 202A-8 of the complementary part 202B of the connector 202 on the second part 201 of the comforter 100 to form the one-piece structure.

Preferably, the first and second members 202A-8 and 202B-8 are visually distinguishable from one another and are the complementary members of a press stud.

In any of the aforementioned embodiments of the comforter 100, the first part 200 and/or the second part 201 may further include a wrapper 400. As shown in Figures 14 to 23, the wrapper 400 is changeable between an operative position and an inoperative position. In the operative position, the wrapper 400 wraps the respective first and/or second parts 200 and 201 while the first part is separate from the second part. The first and/or second parts 200 and 201 is/are being folded and/or rolled up in the wrappers 400 for use as a support for the neck or waist of a user as shown in Figures 7 and 8. When only one of the two parts 200 and 201 is folded and/or rolled in the wrapper 400, the other one of the two parts 200 and 201 is usable as a comforter or blanket of a relatively smaller size for covering the upper part of said user. When the wrapper 400 is in the inoperative position, the first part and/or second part 200 and/or 201 are released to be unfolded and/or unrolled. The first and second parts 200 and 201 may be used as separate blankets or comforters.

There are disclosed three embodiments of the wrapper 400. Figure 23 shows the first embodiment of the wrapper 400. The wrapper 400 is in the form of a bag. For each of the first and second parts 200 and 201, there is provided respective bags 400 for containing the folded and/or rolled first and second parts 200 and 201 respectively.

As shown in Figure 23, the first part 200 and the second part 201 are folded and then rolled to form respective rolls. The rolls 200 and 201 can then be inserted into and enclosed in the respective bags 400. In another embodiment, the rolls 200 and 201 are placed side-by-side in one bag 400. The size of the comforter 100 when stowed inside the bag 400 is very compact such that it is easy for packing into a luggage and carrying around.

The bags 400 are preferably in a generally cylindrical shape and dimensioned to fit the rolls 200 or 201 respectively .

Figure 19 shows the second embodiment of the wrapper 400. The wrapper 400 is in the form of a flexible flap. Preferably, each of the first and second parts 200 and 201 has its own flap 400. The flap 400 is sewed onto an edge of a holder 402. The holder 402 may be in the form of a pocket. Another edge of the holder 402 is sewed onto one side of the first or second part 200 or 201. Alternatively, each of these flaps 400 has one end sewed directly onto one side of the respective first and second parts 200 and 201.

When the flap 400 is in an inoperative position, it is folded and inserted into the holder 402. As can be seen in Figures 14-17 and 19, there are three pairs of fasteners 403 on the flap 400. Preferably the fasteners 403 are press studs with complementary parts 403A and 403B. The fastening structures of the parts 403A and 403B are best shown in Figure 18. One part of these three pairs of fasteners 403-A are spread out on one edge of the flap 400 and the other complementary parts of the fasteners 403-B are evenly spread out along a free end opposite the one edge of the flap 400. In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 14 to 17, the part 403B comprises male fastening structure and the part 403A comprises female fastening structure. The flap 400 wraps around the folded or rolled first or second parts 200 or 201 and the complementary parts of the fasteners 403 are fastened to hold the flap 400 around the part 200 or 201. The wrapper 400 forms a completed loop around the folded and/or rolled first or second part 200 or 201. Preferably, a part of a fastener 404-B is provided on one side of the holder 402. This part 404-B is adapted for inter-engaging with one of the complementary parts 403-A of the fasteners 403. That way, when the flap 400 is in an inoperative position and being inserted into the holder 402, the part 404-B inter-engages the part 403-A to securely holds the flap 400 inside the holder 402 in a retracted, inoperative position.

Figure 22 shows the third embodiment of the wrapper 400. In addition to the fasteners 403 arrangement in the second embodiment, the wrapper 400 has three apertures 405A and 405B distributed along left and right sides of the wrapper 400 respectively. These apertures 405 together with the first and last pair of fasteners 403 form a further embodiment of the holder 402. The apertures 405A and 405B are lined up between and align with the first and the last pair of fasteners 403. In an inoperative position, the wrapper 400 is folded with the respective apertures 405A and 405B stacked up one above the other to form a collective through hole. The parts 403-A of the first and last fasteners 403 inter-engage with the complementary parts 403-B through the respective apertures 405A and 405B. The first and last fasteners 403 together with the apertures 405 securely hold the flap 400 in its retracted, inoperative position.

The fasteners 403 are preferably press studs and the part 404-B is a part of the press stud complementary to one of the parts 403-A, preferably the middle one.

Engagement surface of the parts 403-A are provided on one surface of the wrapper 400 and the engagement surface of the parts 403-B are provided on another surface of the wrapper 400 opposite the first mentioned surface.

Figures 20 to 22 show how the first or second part 200 or 201 is wrapped up in the second and third embodiment of the wrapper 400. The first and second parts 200 and 201 are separated from one another. The respective part 200 or 201 is then folded by half along its length two times and followed by folding along width. Thereafter, the folded part 200 or 201 is rolled into a roll over the flap 400. The flap 400 wraps around the folded and rolled part 200 or 201. The flap 400 is secured around the folded and roller part 200 or 201 by fastening the fasteners 403. These parts

200 and 201 are now formed into compact rolls for ease of transport. A strap 406 may be provided with the part 200 or

201 and arranged to be useful as a handle after the parts 200 and 201 are formed into compact rolls. In a fourth embodiment, the wrapper 400 may be in the form of a string or a narrow piece of fabric for tying around the folded and roller part 200 or 201.

In a further embodiment of the comforter 100, the comforter 100 may be a one piece structure without being separable into first and second parts. The wrapper 400 is provided on one side of the comforter 100. The tape fastener 202A is provided on the comforter 100 along one dimension or is provide on one of the four sides of the comforter 100.

In an even further embodiment of the comforter 100, the comforter 100 does not include a wrapper 400. The comforter 100 may be one piece structure with the tape fastener 202A provided along one dimension or on one side of the comforter 100.

The embodiment of the comforter 100 as shown in Figures 25 to 27A may include wrappers 400 on each of the first and second parts 200 and 201.

Of course the comforter 100 may be of any shape e.g. round and each first and second parts 200 and 201 is semi- circular.

Referring to Figure IB, the first and second parts 200 and 201 each have a deformable core 300, preferably comprises fill materials or cotton partitioning, covered or enclosed by skin 301, preferably formed from fabric material which may be air permeable. The connector 202 is provided on the skin 301.

The comforter 100 can be made of any material to keep it light and thin such that it is easy to carry and slip easier into traveling bag or luggage.

As shown in Figure 2A, the part 202A of the connector 202 is sewed onto the side of the part 200 from which a guard 200A extends while the part 202B of the connector 202 is sewed onto the side from which a tongue 201A extends. The guard 200A overlies one side, e.g. the top side, of the connector 202 when inter-engaged. The tongue 201A overlies other side e.g. the bottom side, of the connector 202 when inter-engaged. Both the guard 200A and tongue 201A avoid direct contact between the user and the connector 202.

Reference is now made to the various functions of the comforter 100.

Example 1 - Use in Hotel

The user is confident that his own comforter 100 is clean, familiar and comfortable. He simply needs to adjust the room temperature to 26°C, and then he is guaranteed a comfortable and healthy rest throughout the night .

The subject comforter 100 can be used at a hotel as a comforter made of a relatively soft material. The comforter 100 is of a thickness most suitable for use at a room temperature of 26°C. When the comforter 100 is used in a hotel room, the user can confidently set the hotel room temperature to 26°C. The comforter 100 is clean, familiar and comfortable.

By keeping the room temperature at 26°C rather than for example 20°C, the 6°C difference in addition to the energy saved in cleaning the hotel blankets and bed sheets etc. These allow preservation of 3228000W of electricity, 2 tones of water , 3.65 kg of detergent and up to 2.5 tones per year reduction in carbon emission.

Example 2 - Use on Plane

Travelers are provided with blankets or comforters 100 on board a plane. As mentioned above, the blankets or comforters provided by airline companies have undergone fire/flame resistant treatment to satisfy the safety requirements. The chemicals used in the treatment are an allergen to some users .

With the use of the subject comforter 100, an airline passenger can be sure that it is free from such chemicals. One part 200 or 201 of the comforter 100 can be folded and/or rolled to form a pillow or supporter for use in addition or as a replacement of the comforter or pillow provided by the airline company.

The user may use the comforter 100 as a light blanket as well as a neck support/lumbar support. There is no need to worry about hygiene of supplied blankets and pillows. The personal and familiar comforter 100 is hypoallergenie as they are free from allergens caused by fire-resistant chemicals in supplied blankets and pillows

Example 3 - Use in General

As conventional comforters are invariably made in a relatively large size, they are confined to use in beds. With the subject comforter 100 being made up of two parts 200 and 201, the size of the parts 200 and 201 is at least half that of the conventional comforter. They are therefore easy to be carried around for example in the house. Thus apart from being used as a comforter or a supplementary comforter, they can also be used as a throw for example in a lounge or study room.

The comforter 100 when wrapped in the wrapper 400 or stowed inside the cylindrical bags 400 becomes very compact and can easily be packed into a luggage and carried around. While being stowed in the bags 400, the comforter 100 is turned into neck/back supports which can be used anywhere .

The invention also facilitates washing of the comforter 100 by a domestic washing machine.

Psychologically, a traveler using the comforter 100 feels good about it as it is good value for the money. He also feels good for travelling green and helping to save the earth .

Researches show that the temperature underneath the comforter 100, when in use (independently) at a room temperature of 26°C, is kept or stays at a constant of about 34.5°C, which is close to the body temperature of 37°C. Such a temperature of about 34°C-35°C is found to lower the chances of catching a cold when the user gets out of the comforter 100. A room temperature of 26°C is best for our health and the human skin.

According to the researches, the difference between the room temperature and the temperature inside the body covering should be maintained at a constant value and also relatively small, e.g. 8°C (i.e. 34°C - 26°C) , such that the user does not feel a sharp temperature drop when he gets out of the comforter 100. This helps to minimize the chances of catching a cold. The human body reacts better when the change of temperature is moderate.

If the room temperature is 20°C and the temperature inside a comforter is 34°C, the body will experience a 14°C drop in temperature when getting out of such a comforter. This causes discomfort to the user and substantially increases the chances of catching a cold. If the temperature inside the comforter is too low, the brain of the user may become over active which delays falling into sleep. If the temperature inside the comforter is too high, it causes difficulty in breathing.

The subject comforter 100 is designed and made for best use at a room or ambient temperature of 26°C.

With regard to considerations about cost effectiveness as well as environmental protection, if the size of the fabric pieces for manufacturing of comforters, or body coverings in general, is reduced, waste in material resulting from defective fabric and short lengths can be minimized.

In the process of dyeing, printing and finishing during manufacturing, the average wastage is about 5%, and cutting and sewing accounts for another 3%. The factory normally disposes the defective fabric and scrapes or make wipes out of it. After the fabric has been cut into cut pieces, the factory conducts a quality control test to ensure the cut pieces are in perfect condition. Identification of only one stain on a cut piece will result in the cut piece being considered defective and hence rejection of the same.

Let us look at an example, on the assumption that the finished size of the subject comforter 100 is typically 60" wide by 80" long. The comforter 100 is formed by two parts 200 and 201, each part being half the size of the comforter or a conventional comforter, namely 60" wide by 40" long. Identification of one stain will only lead to rejection of a half-piece fabric (instead of a full- piece fabric) and it is then only necessary to look for replacement by another perfect half-piece fabric. This is not only relatively more cost-effective but is also easier to achieve. Moreover, if the stain happens to appear in or close to the parting edge between the two comforter parts, both pieces can still be used.

The general principle is: the smaller the size of the cut pieces is, the lower the wastage resulting from defective fabric and short lengths then becomes.

For a factory producing 120,000,000 square meters of fabric each year for manufactory of comforters of typical sizes, based on average fabric wastage of 8%, the annual defective fabric amounts to 9,600,000 square meters (i.e.

120,000,000 square meters x 8%) . If the factory makes the comforters each in two equal parts, 70% of the 9,600,000 square meters defective fabric can be saved for normal production .

By adopting this innovative idea, the factory will benefit from reduction in the cost of production. As to environmental protection, at least disposable trash to our earth is reduced. It also helps save resources (e.g. water, energy and man-power, etc) and reduces pollution generated in the entire process of growing cotton, spinning yarn, fabric weaving, dyeing, printing and finishing as well as relative transportation and logistics. The invention also has a significant meaning from the view point of the positive carbon audit results.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of promoting use of the comforter 100 in place of equivalent accessories supplied by a travel-related service provider, preferably airline, hotel service company or travel agency. The equivalent accessories are for example comforters/blankets and pillows/cushions provided by the airline or hotel .

The vision of the subject invention in this regard is to create a sustainable and comfortable green living by encouraging everyone to bring his own comforter. In order to achieve this vision, the inventor invents the subject comforter as described above. However, to ensure the vision is going to be achieved in the most efficient and effective way, the inventor also provides an innovative method of promoting use of the same.

The method involves a number of steps. The travel-related service provider promotes the provision of the comforter 100 to users by offering benefits to the user purchasing the comforter 100 or having advertisement showing where the user can purchase an aforesaid comforter 100 from a designated seller/shop or manufacturer. Production of or providing the comforter 100, in a construction as described above, may be considered as an initial step of the method, though sourcing of the same from an unknown or unidentified manufacturer or supplier should be allowed for.

As an alternative, the comforter 100 may be purchased by customers directly from the airline, travel agencies or hotel service providers participating in the method. More specifically, the comforter 100 may be made available at travel agencies, airlines, hotels, international airport shops, duty free shops, popular tourist spots, international on-line shopping through e.g. Amazon, Taobao, etc. and conventional bedding stores and departmental store counters .

The method includes one or more steps of operation relating to recruitment of members from the general public, which include the following elements or features:

1) A world-wide Green Travelers Club (in short: the Club) will be formed for recruiting members and lobbying travel agencies, airlines, hotels and worldwide governmental organizations on the green concept based on the use of the subject comforter.

2) Purchasers of the comforter, regardless of the points of sales, are entitled to join the Club upon taking a pledge to use the comforter 100 on planes and when staying at a hotel . The comforter can be purchased from various distribution channels such as retail stores, travel agencies, airlines and hotels, etc.

3) The recruitment process can be facilitated by offering special discount to the existing customers and members of the travel agencies, airlines and hotels, etc.

In more detail, an organization or an ambassador is engaged to set up and maintain the Club. It is also responsible for setting up and maintaining a membership list. The membership list includes, inter alia, the users' names and addresses. The membership list and related database will allow the Club to have specific details of the members, including their membership numbers. This membership list is shared amongst the service providers and the designated sellers and is accessible by all partners involved in the method.

To qualify as a member, the user has to hold ownership of at least one comforter and take the pledge to use the comforter 100 on planes and when staying at a hotel instead of the provided blankets or comforters. The membership list is set up by inserting user's information, such as for example the name, address and travel preferences of the user. Each of the qualified members is assigned with an identifier i.e. membership number for example QR6689xxxx and given a membership card with the membership number printed thereon. Preferably, each comforter sold has a unique identification code. This code is useful to subsequently identify the membership when, for example, the user uses his comforter at a designated airline or hotel service provider.

A customer who purchases a comforter 100 is entitled to join the Club. The customer has to register with the Club by login with the provided membership number, fill in person information such as name, address, telephone number and agree to be bound by the terms of the Club. A membership card will be provided within two weeks from registration. The membership may last for 2 years upon first registration. Afterwards, periodic renewal is required to prolong the membership. Reminders will be provided to members for renewing the membership. By showing to the service providers the membership card, incentives will be provided to the member.

Customers of the designated travel agencies, airlines and hotels are invited to purchase the comforter 100 at a discounted price. The member can enjoy benefits throughout his journey including, for example, discount on certain services, more mileage points and seat upgrade. The airline or hotel service provider will then refrain from supplying the equivalent accessory such as pillow, blanket and/or comforter to the identified user upon receipt of booking. In return, a treat such as a complementary welcome drink will be offered to the identified user.

This is only an example of the incentive offered by the airline or hotel service provider. The identified member can enjoy more or alternative benefits such as discount on services, priority check-in or boarding, extra luggage allowance, duty free shopping discounts, early check-in and late check-out at specified hotels, dinner coupons, drink coupons, free newspaper, breakfast coupons, fruit platters, more mileage points, seat upgrade, priority room upgrade, free Wi-Fi and use of executive lounges, etc. These incentives shall be updated from time to time.

The organization or ambassador shall negotiate for the best privileges for their members.

The members will be recognized and rewarded for their dignified attitude and behavior. It is not the material that values most but the intangible pride to be able to take part in a great mission aimed at protecting our environment.

With the common interest to make the earth a better place to live and the sense of social responsibility, with each party involved having its own direct interests, it is hopeful that all service providers would be glad to join the method of promoting use of the comforter. Individuals would likewise be motivated. As attitude and behavior are transmittable and influential, the method is expected to progress successfully. As a result, the vision of "Bring our own comforters" will be well received and widely accepted within a short period of time.

To establish and promote the concept of "Bring our own comforters" to the general public and in particular the travelers, marketing strategy has to be all rounded. The marketing strategy preferably includes the following elements or features:

1) Introducing the invention of the comforter and its rationale through online booking websites, airline websites and hotel websites, etc;

2) Advertising in travel related magazines;

3) Showcasing the comforter and the Club's membership recruitment at various prime spots at hotels, international airports, tourist spots, duty free shops and department stores, etc

4) Holding regular seminars to students, for example at high schools, vocational training institutes and universities ;

5) Obtaining support from various environmental groups, environmental protection agencies and governmental departments ; and

6) Facilitating discussions through social media and online forums, e.g. Facebook, Twitter and Weibo etc.

Example 4 - Airline Service Providers Selling of the comforters generates instant income.

With passengers purchase a ticket, they may identify themselves as a member of the club by clicking e.g. the "Green Flyer" button. The passengers should bring their own comforters for use as light blankets and pillows or cushions . The membership card should be shown to the crew member when boarding the plane. The airline will refrain from providing blankets or comforters to the passenger/member . The airline companies are able to reduce investment in relative physical and administrative processes in sourcing, procuring and warehousing of the equivalent accessories. In addition, the crew members do not need to distribute such items to relevant passenger seats before take-off and to collect them back at the end of the journey and transport them to contracted laundry companies. The crew members will then have more time to focus on attending to other needs of the passengers. This will help the airlines gaining good reputation for such commendable services.

Laundering of used light blankets and pillows/cushions consumes significant amount of water, detergent, bleach and starch. All these materials are pollutants. Ironing of the pillow/cushion covers requires manpower and energy.

Maintaining the hygiene of such items is also costly.

These can all be solved by the customers using their own comforters of the subject invention.

When the passengers bring their own light blankets and pillows, the space originally intended for storing such items on the plane can be freed up for use for other purposes. As the plane has less to carry, this may reduce fuel consumption.

The polyethylene (PE) bags used for packaging the supplied light blankets and pillows will usually be discarded after use. As the passengers will be self- supplying their own light blankets and pillows, there will be less disposable trash due to absence of use of such PE bags. In this regard, the influence on environment protection is also direct and solid, with no additional investment on the part of the airlines.

Example 5 - Hotel Service Providers Selling of the comforters generates instant income.

When hotel guests bring their own comforters, hotel service providers will not need to invest in the sourcing, procuring and warehousing of equivalent duvets and duvet covers .

The guest/member may show his/her membership card to the check-in officer. The hotel system will be marked and no blankets will be provided. Instant reward will be generated e.g. room upgrade . Collecting, distributing and transporting the duvets and duvet covers in between guest rooms, warehouses and laundries consume fuel . Laundering of the used duvet covers consumes large amount of water, detergent, bleach and starch. All these materials are pollutants. Ironing of the duvet covers also requires manpower and energy, and maintaining hygiene of the duvets is also costly. In addition, the house-keepers will be able to finish cleaning a hotel room quicker as there will be no need for them to take out the duvet from the used duvet cover and re-inserting the duvet back into a fresh duvet cover.

Another large saving lies in the power consumption in the guest rooms. The comforter is designed for use at a room temperature of 26°C, which is at least 6°C higher than the average temperature typically of guest rooms in a hotel . According to researches , maintaining the room temperature at 26°C as opposed to 20°C would reduce the power consumption by 24%. Thus on average keeping the room temperature one degree not as cool represents 4% saving in power consumption, which is where the substantial saving lies.

The hotel will be able to immediately see substantial saving in manpower and power consumption as well as reduction of pollution at effectively no extra cost, particularly for rooms with a turnover rate of one guest per night.

In view of the aforesaid mutual benefits between the hotel and their guests, the majority of hotels should have no hesitation in participating the subject method as a business partner.

Example 6 - Travel service providers

The travel agencies provide tourism-related services to the public, such as package tours involving a group of tourists travelling together under the care of a tour guide. It is the prime objective of the tour guide to keep the travelers comfortable and safe throughout the journey. For the travelers to be comfortable, healthy and satisfied, a good rest is of utmost importance.

It would be easy for the travelers to rest well in an unfamiliar environment if they have their private and familiar comforters. With the comforters of their own, they can confidently adjust the room temperature to 26°C, and a peaceful rest throughout the night then follows which keeps them comfortable and healthy.

The tour guide will not like to see any of the travelers get unwell during the journey. In the worst scenario should a traveler become ill, time and effort would be required for taking special care of his sick client. Cough and flu are contagious and would spread when the sick member travels, which is unavoidable, with the rest of the group. In addition, the tour guide may have to get up in the middle of the night to take the sick member to a local hospital, and hence the itinerary, the spirit and atmosphere of the group will be adversely affected.

If the travelers use their own comforters, the chance of them getting a flu or cold can be minimized. So the tour guide would not have excess workload, and he or she then has more time and energy to take care of his tour members In general, this can win goodwill from the customers and in turn attract more business to the travel agency in the future .

Moreover, selling of the comforters generates instant income to the travel agency.

The body covering is a commercial product that brings together different people who are willing to contribute to the betterment of the environment. It is a body covering of high frequency of use by everyone. Blankets and comforters are conventional product needed by everyone. The subject body covering is incorporated with ingenious parts, which leads people to a green living style in a comfortable and efficient way. The method encourages environmental friendly acts by providing mutual benefits. The mutual benefits include incentive to the user and reduction of costs to the service provider. The benefits to the user, the service provider and the environment are countable. Mutual monitoring is possible by way of setting up a complain system. The user may complain to the complain system if the service provider fails to offer the agreed incentive and the service provider may complain to the complain system if the user fails to perform the agreed act e.g. use the body covering 100 instead of the blanket provided by the hotel

The invention has been given by way of example only, and various other modifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiments may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as specified in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A body covering comprising:

a continuous tape fastener provided along at least one dimension of the body covering, the tape fastener having a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin, wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter-engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self- fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape.

2. The body covering as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the tape further includes a retainer provided along length of the continuous chain of teeth for retaining the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

3. The body covering as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the retainer is provided adjacent the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

4. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first jaw has at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, one of the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer .

5. The body covering as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first gap is narrower than the second gap such that the retainer is prevented from passing through the first gap but allowed to passing through the second gap.

6. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body covering is foldable and/or rollable for being contained in a bag.

7. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a wrapper, extending from the body covering, changeable between an operative position for wrapping the body covering which is being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled body covering .

8. The body covering as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the wrapper extends from one side of the body covering.

9. The body covering as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body covering comprises a double body covering.

10. A body covering comprising:

first and second parts, each part being quadrilateral and having one of its four sides provided with a part of at least one connector along the length of said one side on the first part for releasable inter- engagement with another part of the at least one connector of the second part such that the two parts together form a one-piece structure for use as a comforter or blanket of a relatively larger size sufficient to cover the entire body of a user when said user sleeps ;

wherein the part of the connector on the first part is capable of self inter-engagement for the first part to form a loop and be used as a cape when engaged and a throw when released.

11. The body covering as claimed in claim 10, wherein the connector comprises at least two pairs of complementary first and second members and the part of the connector on the first part comprises the first member of one pair and the second member of another pair adapted to releasably inter-engage for the first part to form a cape and releasably inter-engage with the part of the connector on the second part to form the one-piece structure.

12. The body covering as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and second members are visually distinguishable from one another.

13. The body covering as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the connector comprises press stud.

1 . The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the two parts are each foldable and/or rollable for being contained in separate bags respectively.

15. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first part comprises a wrapper extending there from, the wrapper is changeable between an operative position, for wrapping the first part while the first part is separate from the second part, the first part being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper for use as a support for the neck or waist of a user, with the second part being usable as a comforter or blanket of a relatively smaller size for covering the upper part of said user, and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled first part.

16. The body covering as claimed in claim 15, wherein the wrapper extends from one of the four sides of the first part .

17. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first and second parts include respective wrappers which extend from a side of the respective first and second parts, such that each of the first and second parts is foldable and/or rollable in the wrapper for use as a support.

18. The body covering as claimed in claim 10, wherein one part of the connector provided on the first part comprises a continuous tape fastener provided along one of the four sides of the first part, the tape fastener having a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin,

wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter-engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self- fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape

19. The body covering as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tape further includes a retainer provided along length of the chain of teeth for retaining the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

20. The body covering as claimed in claim 19, wherein the slider has a first jaw with at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

21. The body covering as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the retainer is provided adjacent the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

22. The body covering as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the first gap is narrower than the second gap such that the retainer is prevented from passing through the first gap but allowed to passing through the second gap .

23. The body covering as claimed in claim 10, comprising a double blanket, wherein the first and second parts form the left and right parts and are separable along the length of the double blanket.

24. The body covering as claimed in claim 23, wherein the left and right parts are formed from different materials or material types.

25. A body covering comprising:

first and second parts, each part being quadrilateral and having one of its four sides provided with a connector for releasable inter-engagement between the first and second parts to form a one-piece structure; wherein at least one of the first and second parts includes a wrapper, the wrapper is changeable between an operative position, for wrapping the first part while the first part is separate from the second part, the first part being folded and/or rolled up in the wrapper for use as a support for the neck or waist of a user, with the second part being usable as a comforter or blanket of a relatively smaller size for covering the upper part of said user, and an inoperative position for releasing the folded and/or rolled first part.

26. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8, 15 to 17 and 22, wherein the wrapper includes at least one fastener for the wrapper to form a completed loop when fastened.

27. The body covering as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one fastener has two parts each provided on respective opposite sides of the wrapper.

28. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8 , 15 to 17 and 25 to 27 further comprising a holder provided adjacent the wrapper, the holder holds the wrapper in its inoperative position.

29. The body covering as claimed in claim 28, wherein the holder comprises a pocket.

30. The body covering as claimed in claim 28, wherein the holder comprises at least one fastener with two parts that inter-engage through an aperture on the wrapper for holding the wrapper in its inoperative position.

31. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 8 , 15 to 17 and 25 to 30, wherein the wrapper comprises a flexible flap.

32. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 25 wherein the first and second parts are substantially identical at least in shape and size.

33. The body covering as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 25 and 32, wherein the first and second parts each comprises a deformable core enclosed by a skin.

3 . The body covering as claimed in claim 33 , wherein the deformable core comprises fill materials or cotton partitioning .

35. The body covering as claimed in claim 33 or claim 3 , wherein the skin is formed of fabric material.

36. The body covering as claimed in claim 25, comprising a double blanket, wherein the first and second parts form the left and right parts and are separable along the length of the double blanket.

37. The body covering as claimed in claim 36, wherein the left and right parts are formed from different materials or material types.

38. A method of promoting use of the body covering as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37 in place of equivalent accessory supplied by a travel-related service provider, comprising the steps of:

promoting provision of the body covering to users;

qualifying members by reference to ownership of the body covering;

39. The method as claimed in claim 38, including the step of requiring the user to take a pledge to qualify as a member .

40. The method as claimed in claim 38 or claim 39, including the step of entering into an agreement between the service provider and the member.

41. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 40, including the step initially of providing the body covering.

42. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 41, including the step of refraining from supplying said equivalent accessory by said travel-related service provider .

43. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 42, including the step of removing said equivalent accessory supplied by said travel-related service provider.

44. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the incentive comprises a discount in the price of using services provided by said travel-related service provider .

45. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the incentive comprises a treat.

46. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the travel-related service provider comprises an airline company.

47. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the travel-related service provider comprises a hotel service company.

48. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the travel-related service provider comprises a travel agency.

49. A tape fastener comprising:

a tape body, an insertion box installed at a first end of the tape body, an insertion pin attached at a second end of the tape body opposite the first end, and a chain of teeth extending lengthwise along an edge of the tape body between the insertion box and the insertion pin, wherein the tape fastener further includes a slider having first and second jaws, the slider is slidable relative to the chain of teeth which are allowed to pass through the first and second jaws simultaneously, such that teeth on a portion of the chain of teeth is allowed to inter-engage with teeth on another portion of the chain of teeth after the insertion pin is inserted into the insertion box and as the slider moves along the portions, the tape fastener is therefore capable of self- fastening along at least part length of the tape body to form a loop and for the body covering to be used as a cape.

50. The body covering as claimed in claim 49, wherein the tape further includes a retainer provided along length of the chain of teeth for retaining the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

51. The tape fastener as claimed in claim 50, wherein the retainer is provided adjacent to the insertion pin such that the slider is retained between the insertion box and the insertion pin.

52. The body covering as claimed in claim 50 or claim 51, wherein the first jaw has at least two tips for defining first and second gaps with respective tips on the second jaw, the first gap is dimensioned to prevent the retainer from passing through, thereby retains the slider between the insertion box and the retainer.

53. The tape fastener as claimed in claim 52, wherein the first gap is narrower than the second gap such that the retainer is prevented from passing through the first gap but allowed to passing through the second gap.