U.S. patent application number 16/276742 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-20 for duvet cover system having customizable variable performance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Standard Textile Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard Stewart.
Application Number | 20200260885 16/276742 |
Document ID | 20200260885 / US20200260885 |
Family ID | 1000003940053 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-20 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200260885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Richard |
August 20, 2020 |
DUVET COVER SYSTEM HAVING CUSTOMIZABLE VARIABLE PERFORMANCE
Abstract
A duvet cover system having customizable variable performance
includes a cover layer and a duvet insert received in a pocket of
the cover layer. The duvet insert includes first and second insert
portions that may be removably connected to one another along a
junction such that the insert portions cover different sides of the
bed when the system is spread over the bed. The first insert
portion defines at least two quantifiable performance factors
including a first thermal retention value and a first air
permeability value, and the second insert portion defines at least
two quantifiable performance factors in a similar manner. However,
these quantifiable performance factors of the first and second
insert portions are different from one another to provide the
different sleep experiences desired by users on opposite sides of
the bed. The system still provides the desired appearance of a
conventional duvet when fully assembled.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Richard; (Mason,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Standard Textile Co., Inc. |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000003940053 |
Appl. No.: |
16/276742 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. A duvet cover system for covering a bed, the system comprising:
a cover layer configured to receive a fill layer in the form of a
blanket or comforter, the cover layer also being configured to at
least substantially enclose the fill layer and provide a desired
aesthetic appearance to the duvet cover system; and a duvet insert
defining the fill layer, the duvet insert including a first insert
portion and a second insert portion removably connected to one
another along a junction such that the first insert portion covers
a first side of the bed and the second insert portion covers a
second side of the bed when the duvet cover system is spread over
the bed, wherein the first insert portion includes a first fill
material having a first fill volume to thereby define at least two
quantifiable performance factors for the first insert portion,
including a first thermal retention value and a first air
permeability value, the second insert portion includes a second
fill material having a second fill volume to thereby define at
least two quantifiable performance factors for the second insert
portion, including a second thermal retention value and a second
air permeability value, and the quantifiable performance factors of
the first and second insert portions are different from each other
to provide different sleep experiences for users located on first
and second sides of the bed under the duvet cover system.
2. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein another of the
quantifiable performance factors for the first insert portion is a
first loft amount generated by the first fill material and the
first fill volume, another of the quantifiable performance factors
for the second insert portion is a second loft amount generated by
the second fill material and the second fill volume, and the first
and second loft amounts are substantially equal such that the duvet
cover system defines a consistent aesthetic appearance on first and
second sides of the bed when the duvet cover system is spread over
the bed.
3. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
insert portions are removably connected to one another by a
plurality of fastening elements that are spaced apart from one
another along a length of the junction.
4. The duvet cover system of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality
of fastening elements further comprises: a flexible strap extending
from one of the first and second insert portions; and a receiving
aperture formed on the other of the first and second insert
portions, the flexible strap extending through the receiving
aperture and then being secured in position on the one of the first
and second insert portions to hold the first and second insert
portions together.
5. The duvet cover system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of
fastening elements is defined by at least one of: hook and loop
fastener elements, ties, buttons, snaps, and magnets.
6. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover layer
further comprises a single, unitary pocket configured to receive
and substantially enclose an entirety of the duvet insert.
7. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
fill materials include at least one of: duck down, polyester, wool,
kapok, soybean, silk, and bamboo.
8. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the at least two
quantifiable performance factors for the first and second insert
portions further include a loft amount, weight, and/or texture.
9. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the first insert
portion further includes a cover fabric that encloses the first
fill material, the second insert portion further includes a cover
fabric that encloses the second fill material, and the cover
fabrics of the first and second insert portions help define the at
least two quantifiable performance factors.
10. The duvet cover system of claim 9, wherein the at least two
quantifiable performance factors for the first and second insert
portions further include wicking and/or temperature regulation.
11. The duvet cover system of claim 9, wherein the cover fabrics
for the first and second insert portions include at least one of:
cotton, cotton blends, microfiber polyester, and Lyocell.
12. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
insert portions are removably connected to one another by a
plurality of fastening elements, which are defined by non-hardened
or non-rigid materials such that a presence of the fastening
elements along the junction cannot be detected by users located on
the bed and under the duvet cover system.
13. The duvet cover system of claim 12, wherein the first and
second insert portions each define a plurality of peripheral edges,
one of which is located along the junction, and wherein all others
of the plurality of peripheral edges do not include any fastening
elements for connecting the first and second insert portions
together.
14. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the cover layer
includes a decorative pattern to provide a desired aesthetic
appearance to the bed when the duvet cover system is spread over
the bed.
15. The duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein each of the first
and second insert portions includes a fill identification element
that identifies a performance specification defined by the at least
two quantifiable performance factors for the insert portion.
16. A duvet cover system for covering a bed, the system comprising:
a cover layer configured to receive a fill layer in the form of a
blanket or comforter, the cover layer also being configured to at
least substantially enclose the fill layer and provide a desired
aesthetic appearance to the duvet cover system; and a duvet insert
defining the fill layer, the duvet insert including a first insert
portion including a plurality of first quilt boxes defined by a
first cover fabric, and a second insert portion including a
plurality of second quilt boxes defined by a second cover fabric,
the first and second insert portions being positioned such that the
first insert portion covers a first side of the bed and the second
insert portion covers a second side of the bed when the duvet cover
system is assembled and spread over the bed, wherein the plurality
of first quilt boxes are filled with a first fill material having a
first fill volume to thereby define at least two quantifiable
performance factors for the first insert portion, including a first
thermal retention value and a first air permeability value, the
plurality of second quilt boxes are filled with a second fill
material having a second fill volume to thereby define at least two
quantifiable performance factors for the second insert portion,
including a second thermal retention value and a second air
permeability value, and the quantifiable performance factors of the
first and second insert portions are different from each other to
provide different sleep experiences for users located on first and
second sides of the bed under the duvet cover system.
17. The duvet cover system of claim 16, wherein the first insert
portion and the second insert portion are removably connected to
one another along a junction.
18. The duvet cover system of claim 17, wherein the first and
second insert portions are removably connected to one another by a
plurality of fastening elements that are spaced apart from one
another along a length of the junction.
19. The duvet cover system of claim 16, wherein another of the
quantifiable performance factors for the first insert portion is a
first loft amount generated by the first fill material and the
first fill volume, another of the quantifiable performance factors
for the second insert portion is a second loft amount generated by
the second fill material and the second fill volume, and the first
and second loft amounts are substantially equal such that the duvet
cover system defines a consistent aesthetic appearance on first and
second sides of the bed when the duvet cover system is spread over
the bed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to linens used with
bedding and, more specifically, to duvet cover systems used with
bedding in various contexts.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Blankets and comforters, such as down comforters, provide an
extra layer of comfort and warmth to those who choose to use them
while sleeping. For example, a down comforter provides more warmth
and comfort as compared to sleeping under only a top sheet of a
sheet set applied to a bed. However, because of the bulk/size of
comforters and blankets, these bedding elements can be very
difficult to properly clean. In order to diminish the need for
direct cleaning and extend the life thereof, these blankets and
comforters are often covered with (and/or inserted within) what is
known as a duvet cover. The duvet cover protects the blanket or
comforter while, at the same time, contributes an aesthetically
appealing element to the bed when positioned atop the bed. There
are many different versions of duvet cover designs available, each
with different options for how the blanket or comforter is inserted
or secured in position when in use on the bed.
[0003] Typically, the blanket or comforter inserted into a duvet
cover is a single, unitary element that extends throughout a pocket
defined within the duvet cover. The single piece blanket or
comforter provides certain performance features to the duvet cover
system. For example, a certain amount of thermal retention may be
provided (which is measured as "CLO values" in the U.S. and "tog
values" in European locales). Other performance factors such as air
permeability/breathability and moisture wicking can also be
provided by the blanket or comforter within the duvet cover. Thus,
a different blanket or comforter can be inserted into a duvet cover
to change the performance features such as when seasons change and
cause a user to desire several different performance features
(e.g., higher thermal retention in wintertime).
[0004] Many beds are sized to sleep two or more users, often with
one user on each side of the bed. However, every user is unique in
body chemistry and sleep preferences. In one example, one user may
sleep better when warmer while another user may sleep better when
cooler or when better air flow/circulation is present. The
conventional duvet cover system designs offer only one set of
performance features, which is often not desirable for one of the
users of the bed. This often results in one of the users being
uncomfortable under the duvet cover system, if not both (in cases
where both users have compromised on some of the performance
factors to make both users marginally comfortable). Therefore, it
would be desirable to improve duvet cover systems to provide
variable performance that can be configured for users desiring
different performance features during sleep on a bed.
[0005] Several designs have been more recently produced in an
effort to provide variable performance in a duvet cover system. For
example, British Patent Application No. GB 2 369 293 to Dunn shows
several duvet cover systems including one with separated pockets on
a cover layer for receiving two half-blankets defining different
thermal retention values, and another with two half-blankets
(again, defining different thermal retention values) zipped
together along their length before insertion into the pocket of a
cover layer. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,760 to Bradley
et al. describes that two comforter sections defining different
thermal resistance can be connected along an overlapped junction.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 8,707,480 to Graddy shows a multilayer
blanket with a base layer and straps that enable addition of
further blanket leaves/layers on either side of the bed, e.g., more
or fewer blanket layers can be provided on the two sides of the
bed.
[0006] These more recent designs continue to need improvement in
the field of bedding covers. In this regard, the elongated zipper
or overlap at the junction causes variations in thickness or a
rigid connection that is discernable to users of the bed after the
connected portions are placed within a cover layer. Designs like
the one shown in the Graddy patent also fail to provide a
consistent loft or thickness across the width of the bed, which
means any duvet cover system using those types of designs will not
provide the desirable aesthetic appearance of a conventional duvet.
Notably, all the prior designs focus on adjusting only the thermal
retention or conductivity of the sides or portions of the
blanket/duvet. As a result, such designs have not found widespread
adoption in the marketplace because they do not actually provide
fully desirable and customizable sleep experiences for different
users of the bed, plus they do not look or function sufficiently
like conventional duvet cover system designs in the ways that users
find desirable to maintain.
[0007] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a new duvet
cover system that addresses these and other drawbacks of
conventional designs.
SUMMARY
[0008] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides
the following technical solutions, in one embodiment: a duvet cover
system is provided for covering a bed is provided to allow for
multiple users of the bed to have desirable sleep experiences. To
this end, the system includes a cover layer configured to receive a
fill layer in the form of a blanket or comforter. The cover layer
is configured to at least substantially enclose the fill layer and
provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the duvet cover system.
The system further includes a duvet insert defining the fill layer.
The duvet insert includes a first insert portion and a second
insert portion removably connected to one another along a junction
such that the first insert portion covers a first side of the bed
and the second insert portion covers a second side of the bed when
the system is spread over the bed. The first insert portion
includes a first fill material having a first fill volume to
thereby define at least two quantifiable performance factors for
the first insert portion, including a first thermal retention value
and a first air permeability value. The second insert portion
includes a second fill material having a second fill volume to
thereby define at least two quantifiable performance factors for
the second insert portion, including a second thermal retention
value and a second air permeability value. The quantifiable
performance factors of the first and second insert portions are
different from each other to provide different sleep experiences
for users located on the first and second sides of the bed under
the duvet cover system.
[0009] In one aspect, another of the quantifiable performance
factors for the first insert portion is a first loft amount
generated by the first fill material and the first fill volume. The
first and second loft amounts are substantially equal such that the
duvet cover system defines a consistent aesthetic appearance on
first and second sides of the bed when the duvet cover system is
spread over the bed.
[0010] In another aspect, the first and second insert portions are
removably connected to one another by a plurality of fastening
elements that are spaced apart from one another along a length of
the junction. Each of the plurality of fastening elements further
comprises a flexible strap extending from one of the first and
second insert portions and a receiving aperture formed on the other
of the first and second insert portions. The flexible strap extends
through the receiving aperture and then is secured in position on
one of the first and second insert portions to hold the first and
second insert portions together. The plurality of fastening
elements may be defined by at least one of: hook and loop fastener
elements, ties, buttons, snaps and magnets.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the cover layer includes a single,
unitary pocket configured to receive and substantially enclose an
entirety of the duvet insert. In a further aspect, the first and
second fill materials include at least one of: duck down,
polyester, wool, kapok, soybean, silk and bamboo. The at least two
quantifiable performance factors for the first and second insert
portions may further include a loft amount, weight, and/or
texture.
[0012] In another aspect, the first insert portion further includes
a cover fabric that encloses the first fill material, and the
second insert portion further includes a cover fabric that encloses
the second fill material. The cover fabrics of the first and second
insert portions help define the at least two quantifiable
performance factors. For example, these quantifiable performance
factors may also include wicking and/or temperature regulation. The
cover fabrics for the first and second insert portions include at
least one of: cotton, cotton blends, microfiber polyester, and
Lyocell.
[0013] In a further aspect, the first and second insert portions
are removably connected to one another by a plurality of fastening
elements, which are defined by non-hardened or non-rigid materials
such that a presence of the fastening elements along the junction
cannot be detected by users located on the bed and under the duvet
cover system. The first and second insert portions each defines a
plurality of peripheral edges, one of which is located along the
junction. The others of the plurality of peripheral edges do not
include any fastening elements for connecting the first and second
insert portions together. This configuration allows for the duvet
insert to feel like a single-part, unitary blanket or comforter to
the user, thereby providing a familiar and comfortable feel to the
duvet cover system.
[0014] In one aspect, the cover layer includes a decorative pattern
to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the bed when the duvet
cover system is spread over the bed. The duvet cover system of the
embodiments of this invention provide a fully customizable sleep
experience with multiple quantifiable performance factors tailored
to the specific users on the different sides of the bed, while
simulating in look and feel a conventional duvet design in a
desirable manner for users.
[0015] In yet another aspect, each of the first and second insert
portions includes a fill identification element that identifies a
performance specification defined by the at least two quantifiable
performance factors for the insert portion. The fill identification
element may take different forms, such as a label, or color-coded
threading or portions of the first and second insert portions.
[0016] In another embodiment, a duvet cover system includes a cover
layer configured to receive a fill layer in the form of a blanket
or comforter. The cover layer is configured to at least
substantially enclose the fill layer and provide a desired
aesthetic appearance to the duvet cover system. The system further
includes a duvet insert defining the fill layer. The duvet insert
includes a first insert portion including a plurality of first
quilt boxes defined by a first cover fabric, and a second insert
portion including a plurality of second quilt boxes defined by a
second cover fabric. The first and second insert portions are
positioned such that the first insert portion covers a first side
of the bed and the second insert portion covers a second side of
the bed when the system is spread over the bed. The first quilt
boxes are filled with a first fill material having a first fill
volume to thereby define at least two quantifiable performance
factors for the first insert portion, including a first thermal
retention value and a first air permeability value. The second
quilt boxes are filled with a second fill material having a second
fill volume to thereby define at least two quantifiable performance
factors for the second insert portion, including a second thermal
retention value and a second air permeability value. The
quantifiable performance factors of the first and second insert
portions are different from each other to provide different sleep
experiences for users located on the first and second sides of the
bed under the duvet cover system. The first and second insert
portions may be removably connected to one another along a
junction, in one aspect, such as by fastening elements spaced apart
from one another along a length of the junction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various additional features and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
upon review of the following detailed description of one or more
illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the invention and, together with the general
description given above and the detailed description given below,
explain the one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a duvet cover system
having customizable variable performance, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, with the system shown in a fully
assembled state combining a cover layer and a duvet insert while
spread over a bed.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the duvet cover
system of FIG. 1, with the duvet insert removed from a pocket
defined within the cover layer to show a disassembled state of the
system, with this view showing further details of the first and
second insert portions defining the duvet insert.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a portion
of the duvet cover system of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 in FIG.
2, showing further details of the junction between the first and
second insert portions and one of the fastening elements at the
junction.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the duvet cover
system of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state, and further showing an
alternative insert portion replacing one of the first and second
insert portions when a different sleep experience is desired for a
user on the corresponding side of the system and bed.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detailed top perspective view showing further
details of one of the fastening elements at the junction in FIG.
2.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view showing an
alternative type of fastening element that may be used in one
embodiment of the duvet insert.
[0024] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view showing another type
of fastening element that may be used in another embodiment of the
duvet insert.
[0025] FIG. 6C is a side cross-sectional view showing yet another
type of fastening element that may be used in yet another
embodiment of the duvet insert.
[0026] FIG. 6D is a side cross-sectional view showing a further
type of fastening element that may be used in a further embodiment
of the duvet insert.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a graphical plot showing test results of thermal
retention ("CLO") values for various fill materials and air
permeability for various fill materials.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a duvet cover system
according to a further embodiment of the invention, with the cover
layer partially zipped open to reveal the two-portion duvet insert
located inside the system.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a duvet insert
according to another embodiment of the invention, showing further
details of so-called quilt boxes that may define the insert
portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIGS. 1 through 5 show a duvet cover system 10 in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention, the system 10 being
configured to provide customizable variable performance to allow
for different sleep experiences for users of a bed. To this end,
the system 10 includes a cover layer 12 of any known design and an
inventive duvet insert 14 defined by a first insert portion 16 and
a second insert portion 18 that each define at least two
quantifiable performance factors that are different, to be tailored
to the desires and needs of the user on the corresponding side of
the bed. These quantifiable performance factors include at least
thermal retention value and air permeability value. The first and
second insert portions 16, 18 are removable from one another so
that one of or both the insert portions 16, 18 can be replaced with
the changing seasons or other desires of the users. Advantageously,
the system 10 provides users with different sleep experiences and
performance factors while providing a substantially identical look
and feel as conventional duvets with a single-piece blanket or
comforter insert. This "conventional" and desirable aesthetic
appearance of the duvet cover system 10 is shown in FIG. 1, in
which the system 10 is fully assembled and spread over a bed 20.
Further details regarding this embodiment of the duvet cover system
10 will now be described with reference to the detailed views in
FIGS. 2 through 5.
[0031] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cover layer 12
of the system 10 in this illustrated embodiment is a central
access-type cover layer with an opening 22 into an internal pocket
defined by the cover layer 12 located at a central position to make
it easier to insert the fill layer in the form of the duvet insert
14 into the pocket. This central access-type cover layer is
described in the original Applicant's own U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2018/0255945 to Stewart, and further details regarding such a
duvet cover design can be referenced in that prior publication. It
will be understood that the duvet insert 14 of this invention is
designed for use with cover layers 12 of all known and future
designs, thereby increasing the marketplace and usability of the
system 10 described herein. The central access version is shown as
one example and briefly described in further detail below, but it
should not be deemed as a limiting example.
[0032] Use of several descriptive terms, such as top, bottom, head,
foot, side, upwardly, downwardly, horizontal, and/or vertical, for
example, as it pertains to/describes the system 10 and its
components, is from the viewpoint of when the system 10 is laid out
on the bed 20, unless otherwise noted.
[0033] Returning with reference to FIG. 2, the cover layer 12 shown
in this embodiment includes a top fabric layer 24 and a bottom
fabric layer 26, which are assembled together such as by stitching
along a periphery defined by a plurality of edges: including a head
end edge 30a, a foot end edge 30b, and first and second side edges
30c, 30d extending between the head and foot end edges 30a, 30b.
The stitch lines are shown in phantom for clarity but may be
modified in other embodiments. The top fabric layer 24 may include
printing or dyes that provide a desirable aesthetic appearance for
the duvet cover system 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The cover layer 12
also includes a plurality of retention slots 32 located near the
corners in the bottom fabric layer 26, which can optionally engage
with a plurality of retention fastening elements 34 that may be
provided along corner portions of the duvet insert 14 to reliably
maintain the duvet insert 14 in a desired position within the
pocket of the cover layer 12. It will be appreciated that such
retention slots 32 and retention fastening elements 34 may be moved
or omitted in other embodiments without departing from the scope of
this invention.
[0034] Also shown in FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the duvet insert
14 in accordance with the duvet cover system 10 of this invention.
The first and second insert portions 16, 18 are shown to be
removably connected to one another along a junction 40 that extends
lengthwise between the head end edge 30a and the foot end edge 30b
when the system 10 is fully assembled. The first and second insert
portions 16, 18 are each sized with about the same dimensions such
that the first insert portion 16 is configured to overlie a first
side of the bed 20 when the system 10 is fully assembled and spread
over the bed 20, while the second insert portion 18 is configured
to overlie a second side of the bed 20. The first and second insert
portions 16, 18 provide at least two quantifiable performance
factors that are different from one another, thereby providing a
customizable and desirable sleep experience for different users on
the two sides of the bed 20. As will be described in further detail
below, these quantifiable performance factors include at least a
thermal retention value (often referred to as a CLO value or a tog
value) and an air permeability value, the latter being indicative
of how breathable the duvet is while the former being indicative of
how warm or cool the sleep experience will be when using the system
10. Advantageously, the duvet insert 14 continues to function and
feel (to users) like a conventional one-piece fill layer when the
first and second insert portions 16, 18 are connected together as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 2 as well as FIG. 3, the
first and second insert portions 16, 18 are connected together
using a plurality of fastening elements 42 separated and spaced
apart from one another along the length of the junction 40. In this
embodiment, each fastening element 42 includes a flexible strap 44
extending from one of the first and second insert portions 16, 18
and a receiving aperture 46 formed on the other of the first and
second insert portions 16, 18. As most readily understood from the
cross section shown in FIG. 3, the flexible strap 44 of this
embodiment includes self-securing means such as hook and loop
fastener 48, which allows the flexible strap 44 to be threaded
through the receiving aperture 46 and then folded over itself to
secure the hook and loop fastener 48 together and thereby secure
the first and second insert portions 16, 18 together at the
junction 40. The self-securing means may be defined by other types
of known elements, including but not limited to interlocking
interdigitations, and further examples described below with
reference to FIGS. 6A through 6D.
[0036] The spacing apart of the fastening elements 42 avoids
creating a highly-rigid connection along the junction 40 that could
then be discerned by users of the duvet cover system 10. Likewise,
the use of flexible straps 44 and receiving apertures 46 in this
embodiment allows for the removable connection of the first and
second insert portions 16, 18 to be made without necessitating
hardened or rigid materials to be used. As a result, the plurality
of fastening elements 42 is configured to be indiscernible to users
of the system 10 thanks to the lack of hardened and/or rigid
materials along the junction 40. This arrangement for coupling the
first and second insert portions 16, 18 is desirable because users
will feel like the system 10 encloses a conventional one-piece
blanket or comforter, thereby not adding any potential discomfort
or unusual feel to the sleep experience when using the system
10.
[0037] Further details of the connection made by the fastening
element 42 and the first and second insert portions 16, 18 are
shown in FIG. 3. To this end, the first insert portion 16 includes
a first cover fabric 50 that encloses a first fill material 52. The
first fill material 52 can be selected from several different fill
options and placed in the first cover fabric 50 at various fill
weights. For example, the first fill material 52 may include one or
more of duck down, polyester, wool, kapok, soybean, silk, bamboo,
and similar insulative materials. The first cover fabric 50 may be
provided in one or more of the following materials: cotton, cotton
blends, microfiber polyester, Lyocell, and similar textile
materials. Each of the first cover fabric 50 and the first fill
material 52 may contribute to help define the quantifiable
performance factors for the first insert portion 16. In further
embodiments, a coating or treatment is applied to the first cover
fabric 50 to help achieve the quantifiable performance factors. The
first cover fabric 50 (and any surface treatments applied) may be
selected to provide certain performance factors like wicking and
temperature regulation, while the first fill material 52 and its
fill weight may contribute to the thermal retention value and air
permeability factor. Any number of selected combinations of
materials for these elements of the first insert portion 16 may be
selected to provide a highly customized set of quantifiable
performance factors exhibited by that side of the duvet cover
system 10.
[0038] Similarly, FIG. 3 also illustrates that the second insert
portion 18 includes a second cover fabric 54 that encloses a second
fill material 56. The second cover fabric 54 and second fill
material 56 and its fill weight may be customized using the various
options explained above for the first insert portion 16, and as
such, a highly customized set of quantifiable performance factors
can be achieved and exhibited by the other side of the duvet cover
system 10. For example, a coating or treatment can be applied to
the second cover fabric 54 to help achieve the quantifiable
performance factors. Of course, the second insert portion 18 will
advantageously exhibit some different performance factors than the
first insert portion 16, including but not limited to the thermal
retention value and/or the air permeability, thereby providing
unique and desirable sleep experiences for users on both sides of
the bed 20 and system 10.
[0039] The amount of the first and second fill materials 52, 56 may
be diminished along the peripheral edges of the first and second
cover fabrics 50, 54, thereby resulting in the narrowed thickness
profile along the junction 40 even with the first and second insert
portions 16, 18 partially overlapping in that region as shown in
the cross section of FIG. 3. As a result, the overlap at the
junction 40 and the fastening elements 42 do not project outwardly
or bulge from the overall profile or thickness of the first and
second insert portions 16, 18. Additionally, the first and second
fill materials 52, 56 and fill volumes thereof are tailored such
that the first insert portion 16 defines a first loft amount
(schematically indicated as LA.sub.1) that is substantially equal
to a second loft amount (schematically indicated as LA.sub.2) that
is defined by the second insert portion 18. It will be readily
appreciated that because the first and second fill materials 52, 56
may be different, the corresponding fill volumes are also likely
different in view of the differing densities of the materials
involved. The consistent first and second loft amounts are another
quantifiable performance factor for each of the first and second
insert portions 16, 18, and such is desirable because having the
same first and second loft amounts results in a consistent
aesthetic appearance on first and second sides of the bed 20 when
the system 10 is fully assembled. To this end, users will not be
able to discern that the duvet insert 14 is formed from the first
and second insert portions 16, 18 instead of a single, unitary
blanket or comforter, which provides the desirable aesthetic
appearance associated with those conventional duvet designs.
[0040] Furthermore, the generally low profile of the junction 40
and the fastening elements 42 and the formation of such fastening
elements 42 from non-rigid and non-hardened materials prevents
users of the bed 20 and system 10 from discerning or feeling these
elements when sleeping or laying under the fully-assembled system
10. This again is desirable because one of the objectives of the
present invention is to simulate the look and feel of a
conventional duvet while providing the improvements in sleep
experience that has not been achieved by prior designs. The
junction profile and the loft factors shown most clearly at FIG. 3
contribute to achieving these objectives.
[0041] The flexible straps 44 and receiving apertures 46 are
alternated as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 such that each of the first
and second insert portions 16, 18 can universally be connected with
any other insert portion having the same configuration of fastening
elements 42. Consequently, any such combination of two insert
portions may be removably connected to define the duvet insert 14
for the system 10. This arrangement is schematically illustrated in
FIG. 4 where an arrow 60 indicates removal and replacement of the
second insert portion 18 with a third insert portion 18a that
provides different quantifiable performance factors than the second
insert portion 18 when such variations are desired (or the user of
the corresponding side of the bed 20 changes). As noted above, each
of the first and second insert portions 16, 18 are configured for
connection to any other insert portion to provide a highly
customizable set of quantifiable performance factors for the
opposite sides of the system 10. It will be understood that even in
embodiments where the type of fastening element 42 is modified, the
alternation of fastening elements 42 along the length of the insert
portions 16, 18 may be used to make sure any pair of selected
insert portions may be successfully and removably coupled
together.
[0042] Also shown in FIG. 4, each of the various insert portions
16, 18, 18a may also include a fill identification element 80. In
the illustrated embodiment, the fill identification element 80 is a
label connected to an outer surface of the corresponding insert
portion. The label may contain printed information indicating the
performance factors or materials specifications of that particular
insert portion, so a user could readily identify a desired insert
portion for his or her side of the bed 20. Alternatively, the label
may include symbology or color-coding that can be associated with
certain performance specifications (defined by the materials and
the quantifiable performance factors exhibited by the insert). In
other embodiments within the scope of the invention, one or more of
the elements defining the insert portions 16, 18, 18a may be
color-coded to provide performance specification information for a
user, and these elements may include bindings, thread, trim, or the
like. By adding the fill identification element 80 to the insert
portions 16, 18, 18a, the proper configuration of the duvet cover
system 10 is easier to achieve for users.
[0043] FIGS. 5 and 6A-6D illustrate various embodiments of the
fastening elements 42 that may be used along the junction 40
between the first and second insert portions 16, 18 in accordance
with several embodiments of the system 10. With reference to FIG.
5, the fastening element 42 of the first embodiment described above
includes flexible straps 44 configured to be inserted through
receiving apertures 46 and then secured to themselves using hook
and loop fastener 48. This arrangement for the fastening elements
42 can be modified in other embodiments. To this end, FIG. 6A shows
that the fastening elements 42 include a tie element 70 that is
again inserted through a receiving aperture 46 before being secured
to itself by tying, as illustrated, to thereby removably couple the
first and second insert portions 16, 18. In another embodiment
shown in FIG. 6B, the fastening elements 42 include a button 72
that engages with a button hole 74 to removably couple the first
and second insert portions 16, 18. Turning to FIG. 6C, the
fastening elements 42 in another embodiment include snap members 76
on each of the first and second insert portions 16, 18. FIG. 6D
illustrates yet another embodiment in which the fastening elements
42 are defined by magnetic elements 78 located along the junction
40 and in the first and second insert portions 16, 18. It will be
appreciated that still further embodiments of the invention are
possible with other known fastening elements for removably coupling
the first and second insert portions 16, 18. In preferred
embodiments, such fastening elements 42 define a low profile and
are defined by non-rigid and/or non-hardened materials such that
the fastening elements 42 are not discernable to users laying on
the bed 20 underneath the duvet cover system 10.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 7, two graphical plots are provided
to illustrate some test results of potential materials that may be
used in some embodiments of the system 10. As described above, the
system 10 advantageously provides different sleep experiences on
opposite sides of the bed 20 because of the provision of the first
and second insert portions 16, 18 that define at least two
quantifiable performance factors that are different from one
another. The inventors of the present application have discovered
that many quantifiable performance factors can be desirable to
tailor when forming a customized sleep experience for a user of the
system 10, but at a minimum, the thermal retention value and the
air permeability or "breathability" are two performance factors of
high importance to achieving a desirable sleep experience. Several
prior designs for duvet systems have attempted to provide different
sleep experiences with just different thermal retention values, but
as shown in the plots of FIG. 7, this does not often provide a
truly customized and desirable sleep experience for a given user of
the system.
[0045] On the left graphical plot in FIG. 7, several materials that
may be used as fill materials for the first and second insert
portions 16, 18 are shown with test results for a "CLO value"
indicative of thermal retention caused by the fill material. These
materials include white duck down, polyester microfiber, kapok,
wool, soybean, silk, and bamboo. On the right graphical plot in
FIG. 7, many of these same materials are also shown with test
results showing a measure of air permeability caused by these same
fill materials. These test results are shown using a consistent
fill weight for the fill materials, but it will be understood that
the test results would change based on variations in fill weight as
well within the first and second insert portions 16, 18. What is
made apparent by these graphs is the complete independence of these
two quantifiable performance factors from one another, which
illustrates why the prior duvet system designs have failed in some
respects to actually provide customized desirable sleep
experiences.
[0046] To this end, consider an example where a first user A
desires a high thermal retention and low air permeability while
sleeping, while a second user B desires a low thermal retention and
high air permeability while sleeping. In a conventional design
focused solely on thermal retention value, one solution would be to
fill a first insert portion for first user A with polyester
microfiber and fill a second insert portion 18 for second user B
with silk. As shown on the left graphical plot in FIG. 7, this
would provide the thermal retention desired by users A and B.
However, as shown on the right graphical plot in FIG. 7, the silk
and polyester microfiber both have a very high amount of air
permeability, which means the first user A would not have a
desirable sleep experience with the extra air flow/circulation
caused by the high air permeability. When multiple quantifiable
performance factors are considered in selection of fill materials
and fill weights, only then can the users of a bed receive
customized desirable sleep experiences when using the system 10 as
set forth in this application. Moreover, when additional
quantifiable performance factors such as loft amount, weight,
texture, etc. are considered when selecting the fill materials and
cover fabrics for the first and second insert portions 16, 18, the
sleep experience provided to different users is much more desirable
than anything possible with the conventional designs. Each material
and each corresponding fill weight will change a number of the
quantifiable performance factors, which means a wide variation in
these materials and fill weights must be used to provide desirable
sleep experiences to a high number of users. Only when considering
two or more quantifiable performance factors does the duvet cover
system 10 achieve the technical objectives noted above, as these
needs for customizable sleep experiences have long gone unmet by
the conventional designs. Thus, the system 10 of this invention
provides technical advantages to users of the bed 20 that provide a
meaningful positive difference in sleep experiences. Likewise,
users who desire changed sleeping conditions with changing seasons
can easily achieve the desirable sleep conditions in all seasons by
replacing the insert portion on their side of the system 10
whenever necessary.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the
duvet cover system 110 is shown. This embodiment of the duvet cover
system 110 includes the same duvet insert 14 defined by first and
second insert portions 16, 18 as described in detail above, but
combined with a different cover layer 112. The cover layer 112 in
this embodiment is a standard, end-opening duvet cover with a
closure zipper 114 along the opening to shut the cover layer 112
following insertion of the duvet insert 14 into the pocket defined
within the cover layer 112. This embodiment of the system 110
achieves the same technical advantages and objectives as the first
embodiment because of the first and second insert portions 16, 18
defining different quantifiable performance factors customized for
different users of the bed 20. Furthermore, the fact that the duvet
insert 14 is made up of separate portions connected together is not
discernable to the users when laying on the bed 20, nor is this
apparent from outside the bed 20 because the loft factors are
consistent across the width of the bed 20 (and a single, unitary
pocket is advantageously provided in the cover layer 112 so as to
not reveal that multiple insert portions are being implemented to
fill the cover layer 112). Therefore, the desirable aesthetic
appearance of a conventional duvet is provided while also enabling
customized, desirable sleep experiences for different users. It
will be understood that the cover layers 12, 112 shown in the
Figures are but two examples of cover layers that could be used
with the duvet insert 14 of this invention, and other known cover
layers can be substituted in without departing from the scope of
the invention.
[0048] Now turning with reference to FIG. 9, an alternative
embodiment of the duvet insert 214 that may be used with other
embodiments of the duvet cover system 210 is shown in detail. Much
like the first embodiment described above, this duvet insert 214
includes a first insert portion 216 and a second insert portion 218
that are removably coupled along a junction 40 using a plurality of
fastening elements 42, thereby allowing each insert portion 216,
218 to cover approximately half of the bed 20 when the system 10 is
fully assembled. Each of the first and second insert portions 216,
218 is formed by a respective cover fabric and fill material, and
the construction is such that the insert portions are made up of a
plurality of so-called "quilt boxes" 92, 96 that may be about 7
inches in width, for example, with stitching 90, 94 provided along
the boundaries between each of the quilt boxes 92, 96. This
construction is one known type of construction for blankets and
comforters.
[0049] Each of the quilt boxes 92 on the first insert portion 216
is joined to adjacent quilt boxes 92 by the stitching 90, and each
of these quilt boxes 92 is filled with the fill material and weight
designed to provide the set of quantifiable performance factors
desired at the first insert portion 216. As set forth above, a
label or some other type of fill identification element 80 may be
provided to show to a user the performance specifications of the
first insert portion 216. Similarly, each of the quilt boxes 96 on
the second insert portion 218 is joined to adjacent quilt boxes 96
by the stitching 94, and each of these quilt boxes 96 is filled
with the fill material and weight designed to provide the set of
quantifiable performance factors desired at the second insert
portion 218, these typically being different from the set of
performance factors for the first insert portion 216. A fill
identification element 80 in the form of a label is also provided
at the second insert portion 218. Accordingly, the duvet cover
system 210 of this embodiment continues to provide the desirable
aesthetic appearance of a conventional duvet while also enabling
customized, desirable sleep experiences for different users.
[0050] It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the system
similar to the one shown in FIG. 9 may include additional design
changes. In this regard, a single-piece version of the duvet insert
may be provided having similar construction with quilt boxes as in
the duvet insert 214 of FIG. 9. In such an alternative embodiment,
the junction 40 and fastening elements 42 are omitted but the quilt
boxes on the opposite sides of the duvet insert 214 continue to be
defined by cover fabrics and fill materials and weights that
collectively are unique for each side of the duvet insert 214. To
this end, despite being constructed as a single-piece duvet insert,
this embodiment would continue to provide customized, desirable
sleep experiences for different users because of the quilt boxes on
the two sides of the duvet insert providing at least two
quantifiable performance factors that are different from those on
the other side of the duvet insert. Other similar methods of
providing a "half-and-half" distinctive fill of the two sides of a
duvet insert will also be possible in further embodiments
consistent with the scope of this invention.
[0051] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited
to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and
illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *