Patent Application
20230042399
The “background” description is provided for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of thing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against claims of the present application.
This application is directed to duvet covers having “window” openings and bedding sets including such duvet covers.
A typical duvet cover has the shape of a rectangular bag or envelope having a size and shape adequate for covering a rectangular duvet. The typical duvet cover has an opening along one side of its rectangular shape providing access to the interior of the bag or envelope structure. The duvet is inserted and removed via this opening so that the duvet cover can be washed on a more frequent basis than the duvet—a duvet is typically filled with down or synthetic filling that is not suited for regular machine washing. The opening may extend along all or part of one edge of the duvet cover and may be closed entirely or in part with fasteners such as buttons. When the duvet is inserted into the duvet cover, the duvet is typically fastened to the interior of the duvet cover via ties or buttons at respective corners of the duvet and the interior of the duvet cover.
A duvet can be quite large. For example, a duvet for a king size bed (and thus the corresponding duvet cover) can be more than 260 cm in length and more than 220 cm in width. The task of inserting/removing a large flexible duvet into/from a large flexible duvet cover can be physically challenging—particularly the act of fastening/unfastening the duvet to/from the interior of the duvet cover. A user will often have to reach deeply into the duvet cover and/or turn the duvet cover inside out to complete the task. Further, after fastening, the duvet and duvet cover will often require shaking or adjustment to ensure that the duvet is arranged uniformly within the duvet cover. As hygiene requires regular cleaning of the duvet cover, the task of inserting/removing the duvet into/from the duvet cover will be repeated dozens or hundreds of times during use of the duvet and duvet cover.
Thus, there is a need for a duvet/duvet cover combination in which the duvet can easily be inserted/removed into/from the duvet cover.
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present disclosure is to address the need for a duvet/duvet cover combination in which the duvet can easily be inserted/removed into/from the duvet cover. Further, the present inventor's efforts in developing a new, easier-to-use duvet/duvet cover combination resulted in a system in which components can be combined and exchanged to allow a user to economically enjoy multiple design variations from a single duvet/duvet cover combination.
The present disclosure addresses the problems of known duvet/duvet cover combinations by changing the configuration of the opening in the duvet cover through which the duvet passes during insertion and removal. Particularly, the opening is provided centrally in one of the faces of the duvet cover instead of at one of the edges. Thus, when inserting/removing the duvet into/from the duvet cover a user does not have to reach deeply into the duvet cover and/or turn the duvet cover inside out to fasten the duvet to the duvet cover, and the duvet and duvet cover will require minimal or no shaking or adjustment to ensure that the duvet is arranged uniformly within the duvet cover.
Described duvet/duvet cover combinations will reduce the stress, physical effort, and time required to change a duvet cover, which will be particularly valuable to children, seniors, and/or disabled persons, who may find the act of changing a duvet cover physically challenging. The improvements will also be valuable in environments where the volume of linen changes is high, such as in hospitals, long-term care health facilities, hotels, etc. By reducing the effort involved in changing a duvet cover, the described should reduce the burden of maintaining good hygiene through regular, repeated laundering of a duvet cover.
A further benefit of the described duvet/duvet cover combinations present invention is the capability of alternating between several aesthetic designs with a single duvet/duvet cover combination. Because of the configuration of the opening of the duvet cover through which the duvet passes during insertion and removal, the duvet/duvet cover combination is convertible between multiple designs. The opening or window provided centrally in one of the faces of the duvet cover, allows the exterior of the duvet to be seen during use. Thus, by providing different materials on opposing sides of the duvet, the design of the duvet/duvet cover combination can be changed by merely turning over the duvet prior to inserting into the duvet cover. Further designs are possible by using different materials on opposing sides or the interior/exterior of the duvet cover and/or pairing the duvet/duvet cover combination with other bedding components, such as pillow shams, bedsheets, skirts, throw pillows, etc., made from combinations of complementary materials. This flexibility can allow a user to change the appearance of a bed without the need to purchase or store duplicate bedding components. The described duvet/duvet cover combination will thus be advantageous to users having limited space or means and/or users who aspire to a minimalist lifestyle.
In various exemplary embodiments, a duvet cover according to the present application includes: a lower fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lower fabric layer being substantially rectangular in shape; and an upper fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the upper fabric layer being substantially rectangular in shape. The top surface of the lower fabric layer faces the bottom surface of the upper fabric layer. The lower fabric layer is joined to the upper fabric layer at plural locations along a peripheral edge of the duvet cover. The lower fabric layer is not joined to the upper fabric layer in at least one central region of the duvet cover away from the peripheral edge of the duvet cover, such that a duvet may be placed in a space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer in the central region of the duvet cover when the duvet cover is in use. The upper fabric layer includes an opening in the central region of the duvet cover, the duvet being visible through the opening when the duvet is placed in the space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer in the central region of the duvet cover when the duvet cover is in use. A ratio of an area of the opening in the upper fabric layer to a total area of the upper fabric layer including the opening is at least 1:9.
In various exemplary embodiments, in a duvet cover according to the present application, the ratio of the area of the opening in the upper fabric layer to the total area of the upper fabric layer including the opening is 2:3 or less.
In various exemplary embodiments, in a duvet cover according to the present application, when viewed from an upper fabric layer side, the duvet cover has a left edge, a right edge opposite from the left edge, a head edge, and a foot edge opposite from the head edge. A shortest distance from the head edge to the foot edge is a length of the duvet cover, and a shortest distance from the left edge to the right edge is a width of the duvet cover. A shortest distance from the head edge to the opening in a length direction is at least one-sixth of the length of the duvet cover. A shortest distance from the foot edge to the opening in the length direction is at least one-third of the length of the duvet cover. A shortest distance from the left edge to the opening in a width direction is at least one-third of the width of the duvet cover. A shortest distance from the right edge to the opening in the width direction is at least one-third of the width of the duvet cover.
In various exemplary embodiments, a bedding set according to the present application includes a duvet, and a duvet cover as otherwise describe in this application.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the duvet includes, a lower fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lower fabric layer being substantially rectangular in shape, an upper fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the upper fabric layer being substantially rectangular n shape, and a filling. The top surface of the lower fabric layer faces the bottom surface of the upper fabric layer. The lower fabric layer is joined to the upper fabric layer at plural locations along a peripheral edge of the duvet. The lower fabric layer is not joined to the upper fabric layer in at least one central region of the duvet away from the peripheral edge of the duvet. The filling is provided in a space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer in the central region of the duvet.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the duvet cover includes a duvet cover fastener in the space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer of the duvet, the duvet cover fastener being located at or near a corner of the duvet cover. The duvet includes a duvet fastener on an exterior surface at or near a corner of the duvet. The duvet cover fastener and the duvet fastener may be joined to secure the duvet in the space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover when the bedding set is in use.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover has a first surface characteristic, the upper fabric layer of the duvet has a second surface characteristic, and the first surface characteristic is different from the second surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover is different in color from the upper fabric layer of the duvet.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover is different in texture from the upper fabric layer of the duvet.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover is different in visible pattern from the upper fabric layer of the duvet.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the lower fabric layer of the duvet has a third surface characteristic, and the second surface characteristic is different from the third surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the first surface characteristic is the same as the third surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments, the bedding set according to the present application further includes at least one pillow sham.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the pillow sham includes a lower fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lower fabric layer being substantially rectangular in shape, and an upper fabric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, the upper fabric layer being substantially rectangular in shape. The top surface of the lower fabric layer faces the bottom surface of the upper fabric layer. The lower fabric layer is joined to the upper fabric layer at plural locations along a peripheral edge of the pillow sham. The pillow sham has at least one opening through which a pillow can be inserted in use, so that the pillow can be provided in a space between the lower fabric layer and the upper fabric layer of the pillow sham.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover has a first surface characteristic, the upper fabric layer of the pillow sham has a fourth surface characteristic, and the first surface characteristic is the same as the fourth surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the lower fabric layer of the pillow sham has a fifth surface characteristic, and the fifth surface characteristic is the different from the fourth surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover has a first surface characteristic, the upper fabric layer of the pillow sham has a fourth surface characteristic, and the first surface characteristic is different from the fourth surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments, the bedding set according to the present application further includes at least one sheet.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the pillow sham has a fourth surface characteristic, the at least one sheet has a sixth surface characteristic, and the fourth surface characteristic is the same as the sixth surface characteristic.
In various exemplary embodiments of the bedding set according to the present application, the upper fabric layer of the pillow sham and the at least one sheet are substantially the same color.
The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the embodiments of the disclosure are shown.
As used herein, the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, within the description of this disclosure, where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included unless stated otherwise. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range, including subranges excluding endpoints, are specifically included as if explicitly written out.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event(s) can or cannot occur or the subsequently described component(s) may or may not be present.
The term “comprising” is considered an open-ended term synonymous with terms such as including, containing, or having and is used herein to describe aspects of the invention which may include additional components, functionality, and/or structure. Terms such as “consisting essentially of” are used to identify aspects of the invention which exclude particular components that are not explicitly recited in the claim but would otherwise have a material effect on the basic and novel properties of duvet cover, bedding set, etc. Basic and novel properties of the present disclosure include the ease of inserting/removing a duvet into/from a duvet cover relative to a conventional duvet/duvet cover combination. The term “consisting of” describes aspects of the invention in which only those features explicitly recited in the claims are included and thus other components not explicitly or inherently included in the claim are excluded.
In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to duvet covers and bedding sets including such duvet covers and one or more other bedding components. It is expressly intended that the features of the various duvet covers and bedding sets described herein be interchangeably used and used in combination. That is, to the extent that a material, structure, and/or size is mentioned with respect to an embodiment, it is expressly intended that such parameter be suitably substituted for use in other embodiments. That is, the present inventor has contemplated such combinations and intends that they be encompassed by this disclosure even if not written out.
The present disclosure is directed particularly to a duvet cover 200, which may or may not be included in a bedding set 100 with other components.
In various exemplary embodiments, the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 may be composed of a single layer of fabric. In alternative embodiments, the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 may be formed of multiple layers of fabric. When the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 includes multiple layers of fabric, the layers may be the same or different in material. When the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 includes multiple layers of fabric, the layers may be joined in any suitable fashion, including by sewing, using adhesives, thermally bonding, etc. When the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 includes multiple layers of fabric, the layers may be joined continuously or discontinuously along peripheries of the respective layers; alternatively, the layers may be joined continuously or in plural locations over an entirety of a surface of a layer facing an adjacent layer.
The material of the lower fabric layer 210 and/or the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 (and/or sublayers thereof) is not particularly limited and may include any material suitable for bedding—natural and/or synthetic. Typical materials include cotton materials, such as Egyptian cotton, pima cotton, upland cotton, SUPIMA cotton, MICROCOTTON cotton jersey, percale, combed cotton, and flannel.
Alternatively, materials such as linen, TENCEL, acetate, silk, and bamboo may be used. Further, materials such as polyester, polyester microfiber, nylon, and acrylic may be used. In health care settings or other settings where disposable or single-use bedding may be desirable, disposable/recyclable materials such as paper, paper-based materials, paper-like synthetic materials may be desirably used. Woven or non-woven materials may be used. Materials having surface treatments and/or coatings to provide water resistance, anti-bacterial, anti-fouling, and/or anti-wrinkling properties may be used. Blends of any combination of the foregoing materials are contemplated.
The top surface 212 and the bottom surface 214 of lower fabric layer 210 may be the same or different in surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc. If different, the differences may result from differences in opposing surfaces of a single sheet of material used to form the lower fabric layer 210 or from the use of multiple layers of material to form the lower fabric layer 210. Likewise, the top surface 222 and the bottom surface 224 of the upper fabric layer 220 may be the same or different in surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc.
Differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., maybe result simply from the use of different materials—e.g., fabrics manufactured from different raw materials, fabric components having different physical characteristics, such as size, surface roughness, etc. Alternatively, like materials may have such differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., as a result of dyeing and or other color application, such as painting or printing on one or more surfaces of a fabric layer or sublayer. In the case of dying, a fabric layer or sublayer may be dyed as a whole or alternatively subcomponents (e.g., fibers) may be dyed prior to manufacture of the fabric. Differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., may result from different manufacturing techniques (e.g., different weaving technique/pattern for woven fabrics, different assembly for non-woven fabrics). Differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., may also arise from physical (mechanical, thermal, etc.) or chemical treatments to the fabric or components thereof. It is contemplated that differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., may be achieved through combinations of the above-described techniques or means.
As an example, the bottom surface 214 of lower fabric layer 210 of the duvet cover 200 could be a layer of solid colored flannel fabric, and the top surface 222 of the upper fabric layer 220 could be a layer of multicolored plaid linen fabric having a coarse texture. Thus, the bottom surface 214 of lower fabric layer 210 facing a sleeper could be a smooth, soft material, while the outward facing top surface 222 of the upper fabric layer 220 could be more decorative with a more complex visual design and texture. This variation allows a manufacturer to tune the utilitarian and ornamental aspects of the duvet cover 200.
In embodiments, the lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 are substantially identical in outline, as they are joined together to form the duvet cover 200. Of course, minor variations in outline are contemplated—as a result of imperfections in the manufacturing process and/or to achieve a design effect. In embodiments, the lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 (and thus the duvet cover 200) are substantially rectangular in shape. The lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 may be perfectly square or rectangular. Alternatively, lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 may be square or rectangular with rounded corners. The edges of the lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 may be substantially straight or may have a repeating pattern—like a periodic wave or other shape providing a fringe or other design effect. A fringe or ruffle may be provided along the edges of duvet cover 200 by using a lower fabric layer 210 and/or upper fabric layer 220 with a fringed or ruffled edge and/or by adding fringed or ruffled material to one or both of the lower fabric layer 210 and upper fabric layer 220.
The lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 (and thus the duvet cover 200) are typically rectangular or square in shape, because that is the typical shape of bedding provided on a typical bed. Of course, the duvet cover 200 can be formed in a non-typical shape from a lower fabric layer 210 and an upper fabric layer 220 of non-typical shapes (e.g., a circular or heart-shaped duvet cover for a circular or heart-shaped bed).
The lower fabric layer 210 and the upper fabric layer 220 are joined at their edges to form the duvet cover 200, which is an envelope or pocket in which a duvet can be provided. The top surface 212 of the lower fabric layer 210 and the bottom surface 224 of the upper fabric layer 220 form the interior surfaces of the envelope or pocket. The lower fabric layer 210 may be joined to the upper fabric layer 220 continuously or discontinuously along peripheral edges of the respective layers. Generally, the lower fabric layer 210 will be joined to the upper fabric layer 220 along the entirety of the peripheral edges (e.g., as shown with dashed lines in
While the figures and description above depict a separate lower fabric layer 210 and upper fabric layer 220, what is essential is that a pocket or envelope be formed between the lower fabric layer 210 and upper fabric layer 220. Thus, it is conceivable that the lower fabric layer 210 and upper fabric layer 220 could be parts of a single piece of material that is folded over to form the pocket or envelope of the duvet cover 200. Further, the lower fabric layer 210 and upper fabric layer 220 could be regions of a tubular piece of material that is sealed at its ends to form the duvet cover 200.
As shown in
The opening 230 in the duvet cover 200 as shown in
Of course, it is also desirable that the opening 230 be of shape and size such that a significant portion of the duvet be visible after the duvet is secured in the duvet cover 200. The location and size of the opening 230 can be selected to achieve desired exposure of the duvet when the duvet cover 200 and duvet are provided on a bed. For example, in the case of a queen-sized bed, the duvet cover 200 will be longer and wider than the queen-sized bed when viewed from above. However, in embodiments, the length and width of the opening 230 will be smaller than the queen-sized bed so that the entire opening 230 can be positioned within the outline of the queen-sized bed when viewed from above. A user may desire to fold over the duvet cover 230 at the head of the bed. In embodiments, the location and size of the opening 230 will be selected so that the entire opening 230 can be seen from above, even when the duvet cover 230 is folded over at the head of the bed. In further embodiments, the location and size of the opening 230 can be selected to be intentionally off-center and/or extending over the edge of the bed when viewed from above, when the duvet cover 200 is placed on a bed.
As the opening 230 may be subject to pushing and pulling during installation and removal of a duvet, in various exemplary embodiments, the opening 230 may be reinforced about its edge with additional fabric or other reinforcing material (interior or exterior facing, binding, etc.), additional stitching, additional adhesive, additional bonding, etc.
When viewed from an upper fabric layer 220 side, the opening 230 has a left edge 270, a right edge 272 opposite from the left edge 270, a head edge 274, and a foot edge 276 opposite from the head edge 274. A shortest distance 278 from the head edge 274 to the foot edge 276 is a length of the opening 230. A shortest distance 280 from the left edge 270 to the right edge 272 is a width of the opening 230.
As discussed above, in embodiments, a ratio of an area of the opening 230 in the upper fabric layer 220 to a total area of the upper fabric layer 220 including the opening 230 is at least 1:9. In the case of a rectangular or square duvet cover 200 having a rectangular or square opening 230, the total area the opening 230 is the product of the length of the opening 230 and the width of the opening 230, and the total area of the upper fabric layer 220 is the product of the length of the duvet cover 200 and the width of the duvet cover 200. Of course, if duvet cover 200 and/or opening 230 is not square or rectangular, and reasonable technique may be used to measure or approximate the total area of the duvet cover 200 or opening 230.
The length and width of a substantially square or rectangular duvet cover 200 are not particularly limited. The length and width of the duvet cover 200 is typically selected for use with conventional bed sizes. Exemplary bed sizes in the US include twin (approximately 98 cm×189 cm), twin XL (approximately 98 cm×202 cm), full or double (approximately 136 cm×189 cm), queen (approximately 152 cm×202 cm), king (approximately 193 cm×202 cm), and California king (approximately 183 cm×212 cm). Of course, bed sizes are not internationally uniform; it is intended that the duvet cover 200 have a length and width selected for use with any conventional bed size in any country, as well as less conventional sized, crib sizes, junior sizes, etc. The length and width of the duvet cover 200 will typically exceed the length and width of the bed with which it is used. For duvet covers 200 for use with US bed sizes, a twin duvet cover is approximately 168 cm×218 cm, a twin XL duvet cover is approximately 168 cm×232 cm, a full or double duvet cover is approximately 204 cm×218 cm, a queen duvet cover is approximately 229 cm×229 cm, a king duvet cover is approximately 264 cm×229 cm, and a California king duvet cover is approximately 284 cm×254 cm. In embodiments, the width of a duvet cover will exceed with width of a bed on which it is intended to be provided by approximately 70 cm, and the length of a duvet cover will exceed with length of a bed on which it is intended to be provided by approximately 30 cm. Of course, any of the specific dimensions above may be independently increased or decreased, for example, by up to 5 cm, up to 10 cm, up to 15 cm, or up to 20 cm and/or fall within any range or subrange having endpoints defined by the foregoing values.
As noted above, in embodiments, the shortest distance 262 from the head edge 254 of the duvet cover 200 to the opening 230 in the length direction is at least one-sixth of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200. The shortest distance 262 may be at least one-fifth, at least one-fourth, or at least one-third of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200. In less preferred embodiments, the shortest distance 262 may be at least one-seventh or at least one-eighth of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200.
As noted above; in embodiments, a shortest distance 264 from the foot edge 256 to the opening 230 in the length direction is at least one-sixth of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200. The shortest distance 264 may be at least one-fifth, at least one-fourth, or at least one-third of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200. In less preferred embodiments, the shortest distance 264 may be at least one-seventh or at least one-eighth of the length 258 of the duvet cover 200.
As noted above, in embodiments, a shortest distance 266 from the left edge 250 to the opening 230 in a width direction is at least one-sixth of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200. The shortest distance 266 may be at least one-fifth, at least one-fourth, or at least one-third of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200. In less preferred embodiments, the shortest distance 266 may be at least one-seventh or at least one-eighth of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200.
As noted above, in embodiments, the shortest distance 268 from the right edge 252 to the opening 230 in the width direction is at least one-sixth of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200. The shortest distance 268 may be at least one-fifth, at least one-fourth, or at least one-third of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200. In less preferred embodiments, the shortest distance 268 may be at least one-seventh or at least one-eighth of the width 260 of the duvet cover 200.
As discussed above, a ratio of an area of the opening 230 in the upper fabric layer to a total area of the upper fabric layer 220 including the opening 230 is at least 1:9. The ratio may be at least 1:8, at least 1:7, at least 1:6, at least 1:5, or at least 1:4, In less preferred embodiments, the ratio may be at least 1:12 or at least 1:15. Also, the ratio may be 2:3 or less.
Of course, the shortest distances and ratios may fall within any range or subrange having endpoints defined by any of the foregoing values. Further, variations in any explicitly stated length, area, and ratio of +1-5% are contemplated.
As noted above, the duvet 300 includes a lower fabric layer 310 having a top surface 312 and a bottom surface 314 and an upper fabric layer 320 having a top surface 322 and a bottom surface 324. The lower fabric layer 310 and/or the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300 may be composed of a single layer of fabric or multiple layers of fabric as discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200. Further, the layers may be the same or different in material. Differences in material may include differences in surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc. Layers may be joined in any suitable fashion, including by sewing, using adhesives, thermally bonding, etc. When multiple layers are used to form the lower fabric layer 310 and/or the upper fabric layer 320, the layers may be joined continuously or discontinuously along peripheries of the respective layers; alternatively, the layers may be joined continuously or in plural locations over an entirety of a surface of a layer facing an adjacent layer.
The material of the lower fabric layer 310 and/or the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300 (and/or sublayers thereof) is not particularly limited and may include any material suitable for bedding—natural and/or synthetic—including, for example, the materials and combinations thereof discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200.
The bottom surface 314 of lower fabric layer 310 may be the same or different in surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc., from the top surface 222 of the upper fabric layer 220. Preferably, the bottom surface 314 of lower fabric layer 310 and the top surface 222 of the upper fabric layer 220 have different surface characteristics i.e., the duvet 300 has different surface characteristics on opposing sides. Thus, by installing the duvet 300 in the duvet cover 200 so one or the other side is visible through the opening 230, it is possible to obtain two different variations in overall color, texture, visible pattern, etc., of the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination. As with the duvet cover 200, differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., may be achieved through any of the materials, techniques, means, or combinations thereof discussed with respect to the duvet cover 200, allowing a manufacturer to tune the utilitarian and ornamental aspects of the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination.
While the top surface 310 and the bottom surface 314 of the lower fabric layer 310 could conceivably be different, this is less important in the duvet 300 than in the duvet cover 200 because the interior surfaces of the duvet 200 are not visible to the user—likewise for the top surface 222 and the bottom surface 224 of the upper fabric layer 220.
The lower fabric layer 310 and the upper fabric layer 320 (and thus the duvet 300) are typically rectangular or square in shape, because that is the typical shape of bedding provided on a typical bed. Of course, the duvet 300 can be formed in a non-typical shape from a lower fabric layer 310 and an upper fabric layer 320 of non-typical shapes (e.g., a circular or heart-shaped duvet cover for a circular or heart-shaped bed). The length and width of a substantially square or rectangular duvet 300 are not particularly limited. The length and width of the duvet 300 are typically selected for use with conventional bed sizes, as discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200. As the duvet 300 described herein is intended to be used together with the duvet cover 200, perhaps most importantly, in embodiments, the shape of the duvet 300 should be selected so that it can be accommodated within the duvet cover 200—i.e., of similar, if slightly smaller, shape and size.
The lower fabric layer 310 and the upper fabric layer 320 are joined at their edges to form the duvet 300, which is an envelope or pocket in which a filling is provided. Any suitable duvet filling may be used, including natural fillings, synthetic fillings, or combinations thereof. Exemplary natural fillings include cotton, silk, wool, feathers, and down. Exemplary synthetic fillings include polyester fibers, microfibers, etc. The top surface 312 of the lower fabric layer 310 and the bottom surface 324 of the upper fabric layer 320 form the interior surfaces of the envelope or pocket. Preferably, the filling and the materials of the lower fabric layer 310 and the upper fabric layer 320 are selected so that the duvet 300 is machine washable and may be washed at the same frequency as the duvet cover 200. The lower fabric layer 310 and the upper fabric layer 320 The lower fabric layer 310 may be joined to the upper fabric layer 320 continuously or discontinuously along peripheral edges of the respective layers. Generally, the lower fabric layer 310 will be joined to the upper fabric layer 320 along the entirety of the peripheral edges of the respective layers by any conventional means, such as sewing, bonding with adhesives, thermally bonding, etc. (ash shown by the dashed line in
The duvet 300 may include one or more duvet fasteners 390 on an exterior surface at or near a corner of the duvet 300. The fasteners 390 are provided to hold the duvet 300 in position within the envelope or pocket of the duvet cover 200. The fasteners 390 are optional and it is contemplated that a duvet 300 could be provided without fasteners 390. As shown in
As noted above, a particular benefit of the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combinations discussed herein is the capability of alternating between several aesthetic designs with a single duvet/duvet cover combination. Because of the configuration of the opening 230 of the duvet cover 200 through which the duvet 300 passes during insertion and removal, the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination is convertible between multiple designs. This variation in designs can be achieved by selecting materials having different surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc., for each or for some subset of the visible components the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination. The visible components are those components visible to a user when the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination is being used (as bedding) and/or when the user is inserting the duvet 300 into the duvet cover 200.
For example, referring to
It is specifically contemplated that a duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination include embodiments in which the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 has a first surface characteristic, the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300 has a second surface characteristic, and the first surface characteristic is different from the second surface characteristic. In embodiments, the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 is different in color from the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300. In embodiments, the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 is different in texture from the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300. In embodiments, the upper fabric 220 layer of the duvet cover 200 is different in visible pattern from the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300. In embodiments, the lower fabric layer 310 of the duvet 300 has a third surface characteristic, and the second surface characteristic (of the upper fabric layer 320 of the duvet 300) is different from the third surface characteristic. In embodiments, the first surface characteristic (of the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200) is the same as the third surface characteristic (of the lower fabric layer 310 of the duvet 300). Of course, these are only examples of possible variations in the surface characteristics of the visible components the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination,
As noted above, the pillow sham 400 includes a lower fabric layer 410 having a top surface 412 and a bottom surface 414 and an upper fabric layer 420 having a top surface 422 and a bottom surface 424. The layers may be composed of a single layer of fabric or multiple layers of fabric as discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200. Further, the layers may be the same or different in material. Differences in material may include differences in surface characteristics; such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc. Layers may be joined in any suitable fashion, including by sewing, using adhesives, thermally bonding, etc. When multiple layers are used to form the lower fabric layer 410 and/or the upper fabric layer 420, the layers may be joined continuously or discontinuously along peripheries of the respective layers; alternatively, the layers may be joined continuously or in plural locations over an entirety of a surface of a layer facing an adjacent layer. The material of the lower fabric layer 410 and/or the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400 (and/or sublayers thereof) is not particularly limited and may include any material suitable for bedding—natural and/or synthetic—including, for example, the materials and combinations thereof discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200.
The bottom surface 414 of lower fabric layer 410 may be the same or different in surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc., from the top surface 422 of the upper fabric layer 420. Preferably, the bottom surface 414 of lower fabric layer 410 and the top surface 422 of the upper fabric layer 420 have different surface characteristics—i.e., the pillow sham 400 has different surface characteristics on opposing sides. As with the duvet cover 200, differences in color, texture, visible pattern, etc., may be achieved through any of the materials, techniques, means, or combinations thereof discussed with respect to the duvet cover 200, allowing a manufacturer to tune the utilitarian and ornamental aspects of pillow sham 400—even more so when the pillow sham 400 is used in combination with a duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination in a bedding set 100.
The top surface 410 and the bottom surface 414 of the lower fabric layer 410 could conceivably be different and, likewise, the top surface 422 and the bottom surface 424 of the upper fabric layer 420. This would allow the pillow sham 400 to be reversible and thus provide potentially four different surface appearances for the pillow sham 400.
The lower fabric layer 410 and the upper fabric layer 420 (and thus the pillow sham 400) are typically rectangular or square in shape, because that is the typical shape of pillows used for bedding. Typical pillow sizes include standard (approximately 51 cm×56 cm, queen (approximately 51 cm×76 cm), king (approximately 51 cm×92 cm), and body (approximately 51 cm×137 cm). The pillow sham 400 can be formed in a non-typical shape from a lower fabric layer 410 and an upper fabric layer 420 of non-typical shapes (e.g., to hold a throw pillow or other odd-shaped pillow such as a circular or heart-shaped pillow). The length and width of a substantially square or rectangular duvet 300 are not particularly limited. The length and width of the pillow sham 400 are typically selected for use with conventional bed sizes, as discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200. As the pillow sham 400 described herein is intended to be used together with a pillow, perhaps most importantly, in embodiments, the shape of the pillow sham 400 should be selected so that it can accommodate the pillow—i.e., of similar, if slightly larger, shape and size. Of course, any of the specific dimensions above may be independently increased or decreased, for example, by up to 5 cm, up to 10 cm, up to 15 cm, or up to 20 cm and/or fall within any range or subrange having endpoints defined by the foregoing values.
The lower fabric layer 410 and the upper fabric layer 420 are joined at their edges to form the pillow sham 400, which is an envelope or pocket in which a pillow is provided. The lower fabric layer 410 may be joined to the upper fabric layer 420 continuously or discontinuously along peripheral edges of the respective layers, except that an opening 430 must remain so that the pillow may be inserted and removed. Generally, the lower fabric layer 410 will be joined to the upper fabric layer 420 along the peripheral edges of the respective layers by any conventional means, such as sewing, bonding with adhesives, thermally bonding, etc. The opening 430 may be reinforced about its edge or concealed with additional fabric or other reinforcing material (interior or exterior facing, binding, etc.), additional stitching, additional adhesive, additional bonding, etc. Additionally, the opening 430 may be provided with some type of closure (e.g., zipper, buttons, etc.).
Adding a pillow sham 400 to a bedding set 100 including the duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combinations described herein provides the opportunity for even more variation in designs by selecting materials having different surface characteristics, such as color, texture, visible pattern, etc., for one or both of the bottom surface 414 of the lower fabric layer 410 of the pillow sham 400 and the top surface 422 of the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400 (i.e., the visible components of the pillow sham 400). Referring to
It is specifically contemplated that a bedding set 100 including a duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination and a pillow sham 400 include embodiments in which the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200 has a first surface characteristic, the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400 has a fourth surface characteristic, and the first surface characteristic is the same as the fourth surface characteristic. In embodiments, the lower fabric layer 410 of the pillow sham 400 has a fifth surface characteristic, and the fifth surface characteristic is the different from the fourth surface characteristic (of the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400). In embodiments, the first surface characteristic (of the upper fabric layer 220 of the duvet cover 200) is different from the fourth surface characteristic (the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400). Of course, these are only examples of possible variations in the surface characteristics of the visible components of a bedding set 100 including a duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination and a pillow sham 400.
In embodiments, a bedding set 100 may further include a one or more sheet, e.g., a fitted sheet and/or a flat sheet. Sheets of any suitable material and size as discussed above with respect to the duvet cover 200 are contemplated. Including one or more sheets in a bedding set 100 provides the opportunity for even more variation in designs. In embodiments, the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400 has a fourth surface characteristic, a sheet has a sixth surface characteristic, and the fourth surface characteristic is the same as the sixth surface characteristic. In embodiments, the upper fabric layer 420 of the pillow sham 400 and the sheet are substantially the same color. Of course, these are only examples of possible variations in the surface characteristics of the visible components of a bedding set 100 including a duvet 300/duvet cover 200 combination, a pillow sham 400, and one or more sheets.
In embodiments, the same arrangement used for the duvet 300 and duvet cover 200—i.e., a window-like opening 230 on a face of the duvet cover 200 through which the duvet 300 can be installed—can be used for the pillow sham 400 and pillow. Thus, instead of providing an opening 430 at the end of the pillow sham 400 as shown in
In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of inserting a duvet into a duvet cover. In embodiments, the method includes inserting the duvet into the duvet cover via a window-like opening in the duvet cover. In embodiments, the method is practiced using a duvet 300 and a duvet cover 200 having an opening 230 as described herein. In embodiments, the method further includes fastening the duvet 300 to the duvet cover 200 using fasteners 390, 290 provided on the respective duvet 300 and the duvet cover 200.
In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of arranging bedding. In embodiments, the method includes inserting a duvet into a duvet cover so that at least one surface of the duvet with a surface characteristic different from a surface characteristic of a top surface of an upper fabric layer of the duvet cover is visible through an opening in the upper fabric layer of the duvet cover. In embodiments, the method further includes placing the duvet cover having the duvet inserted therein on the bed. In further embodiments, the method includes arranging the duvet cover so the opening faces outward and away from the bed (i.e., so that the opening shows when a person enters a room and sees the bed, and such person can see the duvet, which differs in appearance from the duvet cover, through the opening in the duvet cover). In embodiments, the method is practiced using a duvet 300 and a duvet cover 200 having an opening 230 as described herein. In embodiments, the method further includes arranging a sheet, pillow, and/or pillow sham as described herein on the bed.
The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the disclosure, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, defines, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.
