GB2548898A

GB2548898A - Sectionalised duvet

Info

Publication number: GB2548898A
Application number: GB1605534.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Therese
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2016-03-31
Publication date: 2017-10-04

Abstract

A sectionalised duvet 10 comprises a plurality of releasably connectable panels 12. Each panel 12, has an insulating layer interposed between first 14 and second 16 fabric cover layers. The sectionalised duvet may be flame resistant and each panel may be quilted by one or more lines of stitching that pass through the first and second fabric cover layers and the insulating layer. The panels are connected by releasable fasteners such as zippers 24, 26, 30, studs (36, 38 fig.4), buttons or hooks-and-eyes along at least two edges. In a preferred embodiment the fasteners may be along the top 18 and bottom 20 panel edges and a fabric strip (35 fig.4) may run along these edges to conceal the fastenings in use. Strips of bias binding may be provided on the at least two edges upon which the pairs of releasable fastenings are attached to the panels.

Description

SECTIONALISED DUVET

Technical Field Oe The Invention

This invention relates to a sectionalised duvet and its method of use. In particular, this invention relates to a plurality of textile sections or segments of equal size and shape that can be quickly and easily attached together to form a duvet and integral cover. The attached fabric sections can also be quickly and easily separated for subsequent laundering in household or domestic environments.

Background

Since the widespread introduction in the 1970s of so-called “continental quilts” and duvets in the United Kingdom, this type of bedding has remained much more popular than bed sheets and blankets. A duvet is generally provided as a bag filled of insulating down or a synthetic alternative that is protected with a removable fabric cover. The removable cover is usually provided having at least one open end through which the duvet can be inserted and secured in place using stud fasteners, buttons, fabric ties or the like.

The advantages of using a duvet and duvet cover for bedding over bed sheets and blankets are well known, and this lies primarily in terms of comfort and convenience. The household chore of making a bed with a duvet is much quicker and easier than folding bed sheets and blankets. Furthermore, having a duvet cover that can be removed, washed and dried in a powered clothes dryer, such as a tumble dryer, provides a quick and convenient way of ensuring that bedding is kept clean.

Whilst the duvet cover can be removed for cleaning purposes, this is not the case with the duvet. Most duvets, particularly those for use with double and king size beds, are typically too large to fit safely within a household washing machine. Consequently, the householder must either take the duvet to a dry cleaning establishment for laundering, or to a launderette and place the duvet in one of their large-capacity washing machines. This, of course, represents a considerable inconvenience for the householder. It requires both time and expense to launder the duvet, and it can be considered an unpleasant, even embarrassing, chore by many people who do not like taking their washing to public places.

Even after laundering the duvet and/or duvet cover separately, the householder is then faced with the often challenging task of placing the duvet back inside the duvet cover. Wrestling the duvet into its cover is one of the household chores that almost everyone has difficulty with, particularly the elderly and those with mobility issues, and there are numerous blogs, content and instructional videos available online that try to address this problem.

None of these various tips and tricks circulated in the press and online can however solve the problem of laundering the duvet itself due to its physical size.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sectionalised duvet and its method of use which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. It is an object of the present invention to provide separate textile sections or segments which can be joined or attached together to form a duvet and integral cover, and which allows subsequent laundering to be accomplished using household washing machines and dryers by separating the sections or segments for laundering. Use of the present invention enables a higher level of cleanliness to be maintained as the duvet and integral cover can be washed more frequently, without the inconvenience of attending a dry cleaning establishment or launderette. This is particularly helpful for those lacking transport or who live some distance from the nearest facilities. Should only one section or segment require laundering, for example, if something was spilt on one of the sections, then that section alone can be laundered. It is a further object of the present invention to provide separate textile sections or segments that can be quickly and easily attached together to form a full size duvet (single, double, king size or larger). It is a further object of the present invention to provide a duvet and integral cover that is much easier to use than conventional duvets and duvet covers since the chore of placing the duvet into its cover is entirely eliminated.

Summary Of The Invention The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided sectionalised duvet, comprising: a plurality of releasably connectable panels, each panel having an insulating layer interposed between first and second fabric cover layers, at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon permitting each panel to be releasably connected to one or more similar adjacent panels.

An advantage of using the present invention is that the plurality of panels of the sectionalised duvet can be quickly and easily separated for subsequent laundering in household or domestic environments.

Preferably, the panels are of equal size and shape.

Further preferably, the panels are rectangular shaped.

In use, the panels may be generally planar.

Preferably, the panels have a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges.

Further preferably, the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon are the top edge and the bottom edge.

In use, one or more lines of stitching may be disposed in the panels, the one or more lines of stitching passing all the way through the first and second fabric cover layers and the insulating layer.

Preferably, the cooperating means are selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: zips, stud fasteners, buttons, hook-and-eye fasteners. Velcro®.

Further preferably, the cooperating means on one or more similar adjacent panels are complementary-shaped, and configured for use as a mating pair.

In use, the number of releasably connectable panels forming the sectionalised duvet may

Preferably, the number of releasably connectable panels forming the sectionalised duvet is two.

Further preferably, the sectionalised duvet further comprising a pair of fabric strips that extend from the at least two edges of the panels being configured to overlie the cooperating means when in use.

In use, the fabric strips may be formed from the same fabric material as the first and second fabric cover layers.

Preferably, the sectionalised duvet further comprising a pair of bias binding edges that extend from the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon.

Further preferably, each of the pair of bias binding edges further comprises a thin strip of biased fabric stitched, via a line of stitching, to each of the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon, the weft of the biased fabric being diagonal to the weft of the first and second fabric cover layers.

In use, the width of the fabric strips and/or the bias binding edges may be around 1" (2.54cm).

Preferably, the first and/or second fabric cover layers comprises artwork or an image displayed thereon.

Further preferably, the artwork or the image is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: patterns, ornamental designs, logos, photographic images, slogans, user created images, and combinations thereof

In use, the first and second fabric cover layers may comprise cotton linen fabric material.

Preferably, the first and second fabric cover layers include a yam selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fibres of cotton, silk, cotton/polyester blends, microdenier polyester/cotton blends, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof.

Further preferably, the insulating layer is machine washable and comprises dust mite and/or allergen free synthetic wadding and/or natural down and/or feathers.

In use, the sectionalised duvet may be flame retardant.

Preferably, for a double size duvet formed from three releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge being around 67cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge being around 200cm.

Further preferably, for a king size duvet formed from three releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge being around 75cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge being around 220cm.

In use, for a single size duvet formed from two releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge may be around 67.5cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge may be around 200cm.

Preferably, the sectionalised duvet further comprising a concealment fabric strip being attached along the full length of the top and bottom edge of each panel and partially along the side edges to conceal the cooperating means when in use.

Further preferably, the panels are capable of being laundered using household washing machines and dryers.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a duvet formed from a plurality of releasably connectable quilted panels each having an integral fabric cover, at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon, the method comprising the step of: aligning one duvet releasably connectable quilted panel to one or more similar adjacent panels; and joining the cooperating means together.

It is believed that a sectionalised duvet and its method of use in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

Brief Description Of The Dra wings

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

Figure 1 is an exploded plan view from above of a sectionalised duvet and integral cover in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front and above of a section of a single sectionalised duvet panel of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded plan view from above of a second embodiment of the present invention in which the sectionalised duvet and integral cover is attachable using stud fasteners;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the front and above of a section of a single sectionalised duvet panel of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an exploded plan view from above of the second embodiment of the present invention which carries artwork or images on each duvet panel; and

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded sectional view from the side showing how two sectionalised duvet and integral covers in accordance with the present invention can be attached to provide an increased tog rating.

Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments The present invention has adopted the approach of using separate textile sections or segments which can be joined or attached together to form a duvet and integral cover. and which allows subsequent laundering to be accomplished using household washing machines and dryers by separating the sections or segments for laundering. Use of the present invention enables a higher level of cleanliness to be maintained as the duvet and integral cover can be washed more frequently, without the inconvenience of attending a dry cleaning establishment or launderette. This is particularly advantageous for those lacking transport or who live some distance from the nearest facilities. Should only one section or segment require laundering, for example, if something was spilt on one of the sections, then that section alone can be laundered. Advantageously, the present invention provides separate textile sections or segments that can be quickly and easily attached together to form a full size duvet (single, double, king size or larger). Further advantageously, the present invention provides a duvet and integral cover that is much easier to use than conventional duvets and duvet covers since the chore of placing the duvet into its cover is entirely eliminated.

Referring now to the drawings, a sectionalised duvet 10 with an integral cover according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The sectionalised duvet 10 comprises a plurality of quilted sections or panels 12a, 12b, 12c that in a preferred embodiment are rectangular in shape. Each of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c is generally planar, having a top fabric surface 14 and an opposite underside fabric surface 16 formed from a fabric cover material, as best shown in Figure 2. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, situated between the fabric cover materials 14, 16 is a machine washable wadding or down layer (depicted as numeral 46 in Figure 6).

Each of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c is identical in size and shape and is formed having a top edge 18, a bottom edge 20 and a pair of side edges 22.

Along the top edge 18 of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c is situated one row of zipper teeth 24 and which are positioned on a fabric tape which extends from an edge seam 28.

Along the bottom edge 20 of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c is situated the other complementary row of zipper teeth 26 and which are positioned on a fabric tape which extends from the edge seam 28. The zipper slider 30 is free to move along the row of zipper teeth 26. The skilled person will understand that to attach panel 12a of the sectionalised duvet 10 to panel 12b of the sectionalised duvet 10, a user simply positions the zipper slider 30 at the bottom stop (not shown) of the row of zipper teeth 26 on panel 12a and aligns it with the other complementary row of zipper teeth 24 located on panel 12b. By inserting the insertion part or guide (not shown) at one end of the complementary row of zipper teeth 24 into the zipper slider 30, the user is able to join the zipper halves 24, 26, and hence panels 12a, 12b together.

To complete the sectionalised duvet 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, which comprises three quilted panels 12a, 12b, 12c, the same process is followed to secure panel 12c to panel 12b to assemble a full size sectionalised duvet 10. The skilled person will appreciate that when the panels 12a, 12b, 12c are to separated for laundering, the user simply follows the same process in reverse.

To ensure that the wadding material 46 does not move between the fabric cover materials 14, 16 of each of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c forming the sectionalised duvet 10, one or more lines of stitching are disposed in the panels 12a, 12b, 12c. As best shown in Figure 2, the lines of stitching 32 pass all the way through the top fabric surface 14, the underside fabric surface 16 and wadding layer 46.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the quilted sections or panels 12a, 12b, 12c are zipped together forming a double or king size sectionalised duvet 10. In an alternative embodiment, a single sectionalised duvet 10 can be assembled by using two panels 12a, 12b (not shown in the drawings) which would be achieved by orientating the panels 12a, 12b by 90° in use such that the zipper halves 24, 26 on panels 12a, 12b would be aligned generally from the head to the foot of the bed (not shown).

To ensure that the zipper halves 24, 26 are hidden in use. Figure 2 shows detail of how the row of zipper teeth 26 situated along the bottom edge 20 of panel 12a are positioned between a pair of fabric strips 34a, 34b that extend from seam 28. The fabric strips 34a, 34b are formed from the same fabric material as the fabric cover materials 14, 16. Although not shown in detail in Figure 2, a similar configuration exists for the row of zipper teeth 24 situated along the top edge 18 of panel 12a, and on each top edge 18 and bottom edge 20 of panels 12b, 12c.

Figure 3 and 4 shows a second embodiment of the sectionalised duvet 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of using rows of zipper halves 24, 26 to attach the panels 12a, 12b, 12c forming the sectionalised duvet 10, the panels 12a, 12b, 12c that are joined by rows of stud fasteners 36, 38 positioned along the top edge 18 and bottom edge 20 of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c.

As shown in best in Figure 4, a row of female stud fasteners 36 are positioned in a bias binding edge 40 which extends from seam 28 situated along the bottom edge 20 of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c. A row of complementary male stud fasteners 38 are positioned in a bias binding edge 40 which extends from seam 28 situated along the top edge 18 of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c.

As shown in Figure 4, the strip of bias binding 40 contains metal or plastic female stud fasteners 36 that are spaced apart by approximately 1" (2.54cm) and run the whole length of the underside bottom edge 20 of panel 12a. Panel 12a overlaps panel 12b by approximately 2" (5.08cm). The strip of bias binding 40 that runs along the top edge 18 of panel 12b contains metal or plastic male stud fasteners 38 that are spaced apart by approximately 1" (2.54cm). In use, the user simply aligns the respective edges of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c and secures the rows of female and male stud fasteners 36, 38 together.

Figure 4 also shows detail of an optional concealment fabric strip 35 which can conceal or cover the top edge 18 or bottom edge 20 of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c when in use. The concealment fabric strip 35 is a thin strip of fabric that is attached along the full length of the top 18 and bottom edge 20 of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c, and partially along the side edges 22, as shown in Figure 4. The concealment fabric strip 35 is positioned on the opposite fabric cover material 14, 16 behind the rows of female and male stud fasteners 36, 38 disposed in the bias binding edge 40, so that it does not inhibit or restrict the operation of the stud fasteners 36, 38 in use.

The skilled person will appreciate that when the full size sectionalised duvet 10 is assembled from panels 12a, 12b, 12c as shown in Figure 3, the concealment fabric strips 35 along the top edge of panel 12a, and the bottom edge 20 of panel 12c, can be rolled or folded inwards over the respective bias binding 40 containing the stud fasteners 36, 38 to conceal the stud fasteners 36, 38. The concealment fabric strip 35 can also be featured in combination with the first embodiment of the invention to conceal the ends of the zipper halves 24, 26 on the panels 12a, 12b, 12c but this is not shown in the drawings for reasons of clarity.

As described herein, the first or second embodiments of the invention provide for joining three smaller sections or panels 12a, 12b, 12c together to form one full size sectionalised duvet 10. When the sectionalised duvet 10 is joined together and placed on a bed (not shown) both the appearance and function of the duvet 10 would be the same as for a conventional one-piece duvet. When the sectionalised duvet 10 however requires laundering, the panels 12a, 12b, 12c can be separated, and the panels 12a, 12b, 12c can easily be washed and dried in household washing machines and dryers.

For a double size duvet, which is approximately 200cm wide and 200cm long, the width of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c (the length of the side edge 22) would be around 67cm and the length of each panel (the length of the top edge 18 or bottom edge 20) would be around 200cm.

For a king size duvet, which is approximately 225cm wide and 220cm long, the width of each panel 12a, 12b, 12c (the length of the side edge 22) would be around 75cm and the length of each panel (the length of the top edge 18 or bottom edge 20) would be around 220cm.

For a single size duvet, which is approximately 135cm wide and 200cm long, the width of each panel 12a, 12b (the length of the side edge 22) would be around 67.5cm and the length of each panel (the length of the top edge 18 or bottom edge 20) would be around 200cm. As described, a single sectionalised duvet 10 can be assembled by using two panels 12a, 12b (not shown in the drawings) which would be achieved by orientating the panels 12a, 12b by 90° in use such that the zipper halves 24, 26 or stud fasteners 36, 38 would be aligned generally from the head to the foot of the bed (not shown).

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the fabric cover materials 14, 16 comprise a cotton linen fabric material. Alternatively, the fabric cover materials 14, 16 include a yam selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fibres of cotton, silk, cotton/polyester blends, microdenier polyester/cotton blends, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof The above list is no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

The machine washable wadding material 46 is dust mite and/or allergen free synthetic wadding, or can be natural down or feathers. The sectionalised duvet 10 is flame retardant.

Figure 5 shows that the outer cover material 14, 16 can be formed having artwork 42 or containing an ornate design, pattern or ornament on all or part of the cover fabric 14, 16. The artwork 42 carried on the outer cover material 14, 16 can be any form of image including, for example, patterns, ornamental designs, logos photographic images, slogans etc. The above list is no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive. The skilled person will appreciate that it would be possible to produce a bespoke or unique sectionalised duvet 10 from mixing and matching the artwork 42a, 42b, 42c on each panel, which is particularly exciting and entertaining for children.

The use of the present invention can incorporate different tog ratings. For example, the sectionalised duvet 10 could be configured as a very light summer duvet with a low tog rating of around 4.5, or equally a winter duvet with a tog rating of around 13.5. In addition, and as shown in Figure 6, it is possible to combine two or more sectionalised duvets 10, formed from panels 12a, 12b, 12c and panels 44a, 44b, 44c together.

One sectionalised duvet 10 formed from panels 12a, 12b, 12c can have, for example, a 4.5 tog rating and the other sectionalised duvet 10 formed from panels 44a, 44b, 44c can have, for example, a 7.5 tog rating. By using the rows of stud fasteners 36, 38 it is possible to combine the two sectionalised duvets 10 together to give a total tog rating of 12. This offers a high degree of flexibility and comfort.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. Various additions and alternations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although particular embodiments refer to implementing the present invention using zips and stud fasteners, this is in no way intended to be limiting as, in use, the present invention can be used with other fasteners including hook-and-eye fasteners, buttons and/or Velcro® and the like. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A sectionalised duvet, comprising: a plurality of releasably connectable panels, each panel having an insulating layer interposed between first and second fabric cover layers, at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon permitting each panel to be releasably connected to one or more similar adjacent panels.

2. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panels are of equal size and shape.

3. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the panels are rectangular shaped.

4. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panels are generally planar.

5. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panels have a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges.

6. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon are the top edge and the bottom edge.

7. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more lines of stitching being disposed in the panels, the one or more lines of stitching passing all the way through the first and second fabric cover layers and the insulating layer.

8. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooperating means are selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: zips, stud fasteners, buttons, hook-and-eye fasteners. Velcro®.

9. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cooperating means on one or more similar adjacent panels are complementary-shaped, and configured for use as a mating pair.

10. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of releasably connectable panels forming the sectionalised duvet is three.

11. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of releasably connectable panels forming the sectionalised duvet is two.

12. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pair of fabric strips that extend from the at least two edges of the panels being configured to overlie the cooperating means when in use.

13. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fabric strips being formed from the same fabric material as the first and second fabric cover layers.

14. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a pair of bias binding edges that extend from the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon.

15. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 14, wherein each of the pair of bias binding edges further comprises a thin strip of biased fabric stitched, via a line of stitching, to each of the at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon, the weft of the biased fabric being diagonal to the weft of the first and second fabric cover layers.

16. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the width of the fabric strips and/or the bias binding edges is around 1" (2.54cm).

17. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second fabric cover layers comprises artwork or an image displayed thereon.

18. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 17, wherein the artwork or the image is selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: patterns, ornamental designs, logos, photographic images, slogans, user created images, and combinations thereof

19. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second fabric cover layers comprises cotton linen fabric material.

20. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second fabric cover layers include a yam selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any one of the following: fibres of cotton, cotton/polyester blends, microdenier polyester/cotton blends, and polypropylene, and combinations thereof

21. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating layer is machine washable and comprises dust mite and/or allergen free synthetic wadding and/or natural down and/or feathers.

22. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sectionalised duvet is flame retardant.

23. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 5, wherein, for a double size duvet formed from three releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge being around 67cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge being around 200cm.

24. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 5, wherein, for a king size duvet formed from three releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge being around 75cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge being around 220cm.

25. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 5, wherein, for a single size duvet formed from two releasably connectable panels, the width of each panel along the length of the side edge being around 67.5cm and the length of each panel along the length of the top or bottom edge being around 200cm.

26. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a concealment fabric strip being attached along the full length of the top and bottom edge of each panel and partially along the side edges to conceal the cooperating means when in use.

27. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein two panels can be overlaid on top of each other.

28. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein one panel has a tog rating that is different to the one or more similar adjacent panels.

29. The sectionalised duvet as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the panels are capable of being laundered using household washing machines and dryers.

30. A method of assembling a duvet formed from a plurality of releasably connectable quilted panels each having an integral fabric cover, at least two edges of the panels having cooperating means thereon, the method comprising the step of aligning one duvet releasably connectable quilted panel to one or more similar adjacent panels; and joining the cooperating means together.

31. A sectionalised duvet as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of assembling a duvet formed from a plurality of releasably connectable quilted panels as hereinbefore described.