GB2467740A

GB2467740A - Double sleeping cover having first and second panels releasably attached together via press studs located along a common peripheral edge region of each panel

Info

Publication number: GB2467740A
Application number: GB0902233A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anne Mary Shackley; Peter Arthur Shackley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-11
Filing date: 2009-02-11
Publication date: 2010-08-18
Also published as: GB0902233D0

Abstract

The double sleeping cover comprises separately defined first and second panel sections 4,6, wherein the first panel section is releasably attached to the second panel section via press studs 8 whose respective mating portions are located along a common peripheral edge region 14,16 of each panel section. The studs may take the form of male and female studs 10,12. The first and second panels may be of a different tog rating and may be made of different materials. The studs may be provided on loops (20,Fig.4) or in offset rows (Fig.6). The studs may take the form of an arrangement of apertures (22,Fig.7) attached to the first panel section (4) which engage with male press stud portions (30) which feature on jaws (26,28) on the second panel section (6) by frictional fit.

Description

Sleeping Cover

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to sleeping covers. More specifically, it relates to steeping covers with two sections. More specifically stilt, the invention relates to steeping covers with two sections which may be releasably attached to each other.

Problems to be solved and summary of the prior art

When two people sleep together, conventional bed covering arrangements can make it difficult for them both to get a good night's sleep. What may be comfortable for one bedfellow may not be as comfortable for the other. While of course such problems can be split into various aspects relating to pillows1 mattresses and the wider environment, the specific problems with which this invention is concerned are those related to the steeping cover, be it a quilt, duvet, blanket or similar sort of cover.

Conventional duvets are of a single piece, of consistent material composition and tog rating. The duvet or quilt is usually covered by a cover. Clearly, whilst the one piece design may well be suitable for one of the bedfeUows, it is likely to be less than ideal for the other. Alternatively, it may represent a compromise between both bedfellows resulting in loss of sleep or other discomfort for both of them. Due to people's different shapes, sizes and body compositions as well as the variety of predilections and sensitivities determinative of their sleeping patterns, it is very rare that their sleeping cover will cater well for all bedfellows. There is therefore a real need for a bed covering that takes into account these different factors.

Generally, the provision of a modular duvet or quilt of this sort will promote better steep and moreover the very provision of such a bed covering wilt promote the idea that the thickness of one's quilt is a key factor in getting a good night's sleep and thus encouraging the idea that the consumer should and does have a choice with regard to thickness, tog rating, composition and other such factors. Therefore the invention lends itself particularly /0 well to provision within a commercial context, such as being an option offered by a hotel or other such guest house.

Prior to this application a search was performed and the applicant was made aware of several pieces of prior art of which the closest are outlined in brief here, with differences from the invention highlighted.

G82176998A CUMM1NS, Pamela Robin discloses a double bedding sheet with a slit having a fastener, which may amongst other things be a zip. It does not disclose a modular bed covering.

G82336775A BURGH, Harold Louis: shows a duvet cover with a slot and a fastener for opening and closing that slot. Again, it does not disclose a modular bed covering.

GB2377377A STEELE, Patricia May & STEELE, Kenneth David discloses a modular duvet cover with a fastening means at the edges of each of at Least four modules, thereby allowing large duvet configurations to be made by zipping or otherwise fastening duvet modules together. Although the fastening means of press studs is disclosed, the idea of having sections of different tog rating is not -the purpose of the dernountable panels is to allow for the separate washing of said panels. This again does not anticipate the invention.

GB2368791A HUSSEY, Catherine Nicola discloses two halves of a duvet for a double bed, each half having a different thickness. In one embodiment the filling can be placed into two halves of the cover separately, to the desired tog. Separation is maintained by stitching Velcro or poppers down the middle of the cover, Again, this is not a modular duvet at alt rather, it is a single piece duvet, jP2000/279276A, TOMATSU, Eiji discloses two separate quilts combined with one mattress to form a three-piece bedding set. What this application doesn't seem to mention is having two quilts with different thicknesses. And whilst it shows the two quilts, in user adjoining one another on the mattress, it doesn't appear to state that they are positively joined to form a two-piece quilt; the English part does not show any joining means at all. It says in effect that two people sharing a double mattress can get a better night's sleep by using individual quilts than by sharing a conventional double quilt.

FR2763820 LESTRA SPORT SOCIETE ANONYME is the closest citation. It discloses a quilt comprising two modules, of different "calorific values", i.e. tog ratings. The two modules may be connected by means of a zip, buttons, laces, or flexible bands. As will be shown below the attachment means here is deficient, and the provision of different releasable attachment means provides a number of distinctive and remarkable advantages.

It is amongst the aims of the invention to provide solutions to these and other problems.

Summary of the invention

In a first, broad, independent aspect, the invention comprises a double sleeping cover, comprising separately defined first and second panel sections, wherein the first panel section is releasably attached to the second panel section via press studs whose respective mating portions are Located along a common peripheral edge region of each panel section.

As discussed previously the provision of a sleeping cover with first and second panel sections is particularly advantageous, because it allows for differences in the panel sections to be provided, therefore allowing opportunity to tailor fDr the particular wants and needs of each bedfellow.

A surprising advantage of providing two releasable attached panel sections is that if the bedfellows find they really cannot sleep adjacent each other they can detach the panel sections of the quilt from one another thereby allowing each a separate portion of the double sleeping cover to themselves. Of course, this is only possible if the pieces are not overlaid by a further article or articles, such as a textile cover.

The provision of press studs is a particularly important inventive feature. It has been found that providing press studs (or "popper?' as they are sometimes called) provides a number of advantages over the other previously utilised forms of attaching panel sections and in particular over and above those to be found in FR2763820 LESTRA SPORT SOCIETE ANOMYME.

The provision of press studs is advantageous over hook and loop material for three reasons.

The first reason is that hook and Loop materiaL is feels unpleasant to the touch. In particular the hook portion of the hook and loop material has an abrasive feeling when raked over skin and this is not a desirable feeling to be got from a quilt or duvet cover.

Second, hook and loop material, can catch and damage garments. This is particularly important in the hotel context where garments are often put on the bed. The third reason is that hook and loop material gets!Idfrtyrl quickly, which is to say that it tends to catch and collect a variety of fibres. Given the textile nature of bedding, hook and Loop material is therefore a most inappropriate cnoice.

Press studs are also clearly advantageous over laces in that press studs are much easier to attach and detach from one another than a series of laces or stirngs. Also, the attachment and detachment of the panel sections using press studs will be less time consuming than it otherwise would be if [aces are used. The third advantage is that Laces are elongate in nature and tend to tangle. Therefore press studs are advantageous over laces in both domestic and commercial contexts.

Press studs are also advantageous over zips in that zips also tend to feel unpleasant on skin.

Second the hard aesthetic of long zips is at odds with the generally accepted aesthetic norm of the softness of bedding. Third, duvets and quilts tend to be fairly large and also tend to be thrown about with the result that it is quite likely that a zip would be damaged or broken and therefore would have to be replaced. The forth advantage therefore is that if a press stud becomes damaged or broken it is fairly easy and inexpensive to replace -certainly more so than a large zip.

Finally, buttons are also disadvantageous for two reasons. First, in comparison to press studs the doing up of buttons is time consuming. Second, buttons are far more likely to fall off the duvet or quilt than press studs, rendering the attachment dysfunctionaL Press studs offer the notable advantage over all of these connection means in that they are more readily releasable. in circumstances where it is wished that the panels to be detached, this can be done so quickly and easily -moreover, this can be done in the dark simply by pulling the two panel sections away from each other. None of the other connection means is so Instinctively operable. Clearly also this is advantageous in the context of a hotel where the panels may be detached from each other quickly and easily before cleaning.

In a first subsidiary aspect, each of the panel sections is rectangular with a longer length than width and wherein the press studs are located along a single, peripheral, length-edge region of each panel section.

The provision of press studs along a single peripheral length-edge region is advantageous in that by limiting the presence of press studs to a single region on each panel it allows for the press studs to be attached and detached with ease and even in the dark. Also the provision of press studs in such a way is advantageous in that it is simple.

In a second subsidiary aspect, the first panel section and the second panel section are of a different tog rating.

The provision of panels with different tog ratings advantageously allows for two bedfellows to have quilts of different thicknesses, thereby ensuring that those with different body temperatures can still share a bed and sleep comfortably.

In a third subsidiary aspect, the first section and the second section comprise different materials.

Advantageously different materials may compensate not only for different body temperatures or different preferences as to quilt or duvet material but may also have a beneficial effect where one bedfellow is allergic to a given material and the other is not.

In a fourth subsidiary aspect, the press studs comprise rriale and female portions, and each of the first and second panel sections has attached to it both mate and female portions, the configuration of said portions on the first panel corresponding with the configuration of said portions on the second panel such that a male or female portion located on the first panel wilt have its concomitant located at a point on the second panel such that when all mate and female portions are engaged with each other, the first and second panel sections overlie each other in a substantially flat manner.

The effect outlined in the forgoing paragraph is advantageous in that it is more difficult to accidently detach press studs where they are protected by their respected panel sections.

A further advantage is that the overlying portions create a distinctive region of the quilt or duvet, which may easily be identified even in the dark.

is In a fifth subsidiary aspect, each of the first and second panel sections further comprises more than one row of press studs.

The provision of more than one row of press studs is advantageous in that it bolsters the secureness of the connections between the two panel sections.

in a sixth subsidiary aspect, when the first and second panel sections are attached to one another, the press stud bearing areas of the panel sections overlap.

This overlapping is advantageous because it creates a distinctive region of overlap around stud bearing areas which is immediately recognisable and further protects the press studs.

The provision of such a reinforcing strip allows for the quick detachment and/or replacement of all of the press studs if necessary, Second, it reinforces the press stud bearing area of the panel section. Third, it provides a discrete and recognisable press stud bearing area.

In a seventh subsidiary aspect, the press studs are affixed to the panel sections via a continuous reinforcing strip and said strip runs along substantially the entire length of the panel section to which it is affixed.

The arrangement of press studs on only part of at least one of the panel sections is advantageous in that it allows for the staggering of the two panel sections. This will suit the preferences of some users.

In an eighth subsidiary aspect, the press studs on one or both of the panel sections are arranged along only part of the length of said portion.

The provision of the press stud carrying loops is advantageous in that the provision of toops creates a gap between the two panel sections which may allow for the flow of air.

Further the provision of such loops may allow for individual press studs or parts thereof to be easily replaced. A third advantage1 where the loops are elongate1 is to create a space between the two panel sections.

In a ninth subsidiary aspect at least one of the press studs is carried by a loop extending from at least one of the panel sections.

In a tenth subsidiary aspect the loops are of a material stiffer than that portion of the panel from which the loop extends.

In an eleventh subsidiary aspect the loops are of a flexible -for example, an elasticated -material.

The advantage of having the stud halves carried on stiff or flexible loops is when joined a gap is left down the joining point of the panels.

In the case of flexible Loop materials the panels are imbued with the enhanced ability to move relative to each other. The second advantage of the provision of flexible Loops is that in cases where there are two people sharing the quilt or duvet the quilt will have a degree of stretch to it down the line of the loops allowing for the tight wrapping of the quilt portion around the bedlellows.

In an twelfth subsidiary aspect, wherein the press studs comprise a row of apertures extending through the first panel section, and a pair of stud bearing jaws affixed to the second panel section, said studs being so sized as to form a frictional fit with said apertures.

Advantageously the provision of jaws and apertures allows for the firm connections of the two panel sections.

In a thirteenth subsidiary aspect, each panel section has two rows of press studs, with the first row being offset from the second row.

The offset rows of press studs again provide a means to create a firmer connection between the two paneL sections and furthermore increase the degree of overlap between said panel sections.

Also within the arnbit of the inventive concept is any cover substantially as disclosed is herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text andlor drawings.

Description of the figpres

To further clarit5' the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered Limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top view of a sleeping cover.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a steeping cover.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a sleeping cover.

Figure 4 shows a top view of a sleeping cover.

Figure 5 shows a top view of a steeping cover.

Figure 6 shows a top view of a steeping cover.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a sleeping cover.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of a further sleeping cover,

Detailed description of the preferred_embodiments

Figure 1 shows a double steeping cover, indicated generally at 2. The double steeping cover 2 comprises two panel sections; a first panel section 4 and a second panel section 6. Panel sections 4, 6 are rectangular in shape, having a length and a width and being longer than they are wide. Other panel shapes, notably squares are possible, and wilt be known to the skilled man. Panel sections 4, 6 may be made of any appropriate material known to the skilled man. The first panel section 4 and second panel section 6 may be made of different materials to ensure a comfortable, and in particular allergic-reaction free, sleep for the respective users of first panel section 4 and second panel section 6.

Attached to panel sections 4, 6 are press studs 8. The press studs 8 are located along the peripheral edge regions 14, 16 of each panel section 4,6. In this embodiment, the press studs 8 are arranged in a single row, on each panel section 4, 6. In this embodiment, first panel section 4 carries all the mate press studs 10 and second panel section 6 carries all the female press studs 12. The press studs 8 are so arranged in rows in order that a mate press stud 8 on first panel section 4 wilt find its counterpart female press stud 1? on second panel section 6; each male press stud 10 finds its female counterpart 12 on the opposite periphery edge region of the other panel. This allows peripheral edge region 14 of first panet 4 and panel edge region 16 of second panel 6 to be joined in a manner which renders each substantially parallel to the other and with the length of each respective panel section 4 and 6 matching the other. The joining of said panel sections 4, 6 is effected by the mating of male press studs 10 with female press studs 12. This mating may be effected achieved via the formation of a frictional fit, the deforming of parts of press studs 8, or alternatives known to the skilled man.

The press studs 8 are mounted to respective panel sections 4, 6 via reinforcing strips 18.

Reinforcing strips 18 run along substantially the entire length of respective panel sections 4, 6. They provide the advantages of ensuring a strong connection between press studs 8 and the respective panel sections 4, 6 to which they are mounted. Second, they serve to longitudinally stiffen respective panel sections 4, 6 along respective edge regions 14, 16 allowing first and second panel sections 4, 6 to be connected more easily. In other embodiments it may be the case that press studs 8 are located on parts of panel sections 4, 6 other than the peripheral length edge regions.

At Figure 2 there is shown a double sleeping cover 2 comprising first panel section 4 connected to a second panel section 6 via press studs 8. NotabLy first panel section 4 is of a different thickness to second panel section 6. One is also made of a different material to the other. The varying of thickness and choice of material are just two of the ways known to the skilled man of varying the tog ratings of panel sections 4, 6.

in Figure 3 we see another embodiment of the double sleeping cover 2 comprising first panel section 4 and second panel section 6. In use, first panel section 4 is connected to second panel section 6 via press studs 8. In this embodiment press studs 8 are arranged in two rows; a first row of male press studs 10 arranged closest to respective periphery edge regions 14, 16 and a second row of female press studs 12 recessed somewhat further away from said regions. In use, the panel sections 4, 6 are connected via press stud 8 in a manner which allows first and second panel sections 4, 6 to overlie each other in a substantially flat manner.

At Figure 4 is shown a further embodiment of a double sleeping cover 2 comprising first panel section 4 and second panel section 6. In this embodiment press studs 8 are mounted on loops 20. In this embodiment all press studs 8 are mounted on loops 20, but in other embodiments only some may be so mounted. Notably also said loops 20 are mounted directly onto first and second panel sections 4, 6 and may be joined via stitching, adhesive or any other manner known to the man skilled in the art. In use the provision of loops 20 allows for a gap to be maintained between first and second panel sections 4, 6. The loops may be flexible or stiff.

At Figure 5 is shown a further embodiment of a steeping cover 2 with first panel section 4 and second panel section 6 arranged so as to partiaUy overlay each other. This is facifltated by press studs 8 (not shown) which are arranged along only a part of the length of each panel section. Other configurations are envisaged, such as wherein one panel section has press studs 8 arranged along the entire length and the other panel section has press studs arranged along only part of the length.

At Figure 6 we see another embodiment of a sleeping cover 2 comprising a first panel section 4 and a second panel section 6. First panel section 4 has two rows of female press studs 12 and second panel section 6 has two rows of male press studs 10. The two rows of male press studs 10 are offset from each other both horizontally and vertically. Likewise the two rows of female press studs are similarly offset.

At Figure 7 there is shown a further embodiment of the double sleeping cover indicated generally at 2, comprising a first panel section 4 and a second panel section 6. n this embodiment the press studs 8 take the form of an arrangement of apertures 22 attached to the first panel section. Said apertures 22 are attached to the first panel section 4 via a subsidiary panel 24. Subsidiary panel 24 is made of a stronger material such as for example a plastics or woolen material in order that apertures 22 retain their shape. In alternative embodiments the apertures 22 may run directly through panel section 4 and their shapes may be retained via the use of metal or plastic rings running inside the circumference of each aperture 22. Second panel section 6 features a first jaw 26 and a second jaw 28. The jaws 26, 28 feature male press stud portions 30 which are so arranged as to fit into the apertures 22 of the first panel portion 4 via manipulation of the jaws 26 28. This can be seen more clearly at Figure 8 which shows in cross section the frictional fit of the two male press stud portions 30 into aperture 22.

Claims

C LAI! MS I A double sleeping cover, comprising separately defined first and second panel sections wherein the first panel section is reteasably attached to the second panel section via press studs whose respective mating portions are located along a common peripheral edge region of each panel section.
2 A cover according to claim 1 wherein each of the panel sections is rectangular with a Longer length than width and wherein the press studs are Located along a single, peripheral, length-edge region of each panel section.
3 A cover according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the first panel section and the second panel section are of a different tog rating.
4 A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section and the second section comprise different materials.
S A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the press studs comprise male and female portions, and each of the first and second panel sections has attached to it both male and female portions, the configuration of said portions on the first panel corresponding with the configuration of said portions on the second panel such that a male or female portion located on the first panel will have its concomitant located at a point on the second panel such that when all male and female portions are engaged with each other, the first and second panel sections overlie each other in a substantially flat manner.
6, A cover according to any of the preceding claims; wherein each of the first and second panel sections further comprises more than one rows of press studs.
7 A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the first and second panel sections are attached to one another, the press stud bearing areas of the panel sections overlap.
B A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the press studs are affixed to the panel sections via a continuous reinforcing strip and said strip runs along substantially the entire length of the panel section to which it is affixed.
9 A cover according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the press studs on one or both of the panel sections are arranged along only part of the length of said portion.A cover according to any of the preceding claims3 wherein the at Least one of the press studs is carried by a loop extending from at least one of the panel sections.1 1 A cover according to claim 10, wherein the loops are of a material stiffer than that portion of the panel from which the ioop extends.12 A cover according to cLaim 10 or claim lit wherein the Loops are of a flexible -for example, an elasticated -material.13 A cover according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the press studs comprise a row of apertures extending through the first panel section, and a pair of stud bearing jaws affixed to the second panel section, said studs being so sized as to form a frictional fit with said apertures.14 A cover according to any of the previous claims, wherein each panel section has two rows of press studs, with the first row being offset from the second row.15 A cover substantially as disclosed herein with reference to and as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or drawings.