HANDMADE ARTICLE OF LINEN AND/OR BEDCLOTHES

Abstract

An improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes (1) comprising two padded bedclothes items (2, 3) which are facing and opposite each other, are quilted according to modular squares or sectors scheme (4), comprise a plurality of inner spacer tabs (5) which are arranged inside the padded bedclothes items (2, 3) which are firmly connected with and which separate each other the quilted squares (4) of each of the padded bedclothes items (2, 3), the bedclothes items (2, 3) being also connected each other through junction means (6) in such a way as to define between the bedclothes items (2, 3) a hygroscopic interstitial chamber (7) suitable to increase the breathability and thermoregulation of the article (1). In particular, the spacer tabs (5) of the bedclothes items (2, 3) presents one or more through holes (8) which place the quilted squares (4) adjacent each other and belonging to the same bedclothes items (2, 3) in mutual communication, so that circulation of air (A) inside the bedclothes items (2, 3) and/or the interstitial chamber (7) is maximized or optimized.

Claims

1. An improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes comprising at least two padded bedclothes items which: are facing and opposite each other; are quilted according to modular squares or sectors scheme; comprise a plurality of inner spacer tabs which are arranged inside said padded bedclothes items which are firmly connected with and which separate each other said quilted squares of each of said padded bedclothes items; are connected each other through junction means in such a way as to define, between said bedclothes items at least one hygroscopic interstitial chamber suitable to increase the breathability and thermoregulation of said article, wherein at least one of said spacer tabs of at least one of said bedclothes items presents one or more through holes which place at least two of said quilted squares adjacent each other and belonging to one of said bedclothes items in mutual communication, so that circulation of air A inside at least one of said bedclothes items and/or said interstitial chamber is maximized or optimized.

2. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein each of said through holes presents a circular profile having a diameter of a value in the range of 2÷5 cm.

3. The handmade article according to claim 2, wherein said diameter of each of said through holes is equal to 3 cm.

4. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said spacer tabs comprises a movable and flexible portion, arranged in correspondence of at least one of said through holes in such a way as to partly close it so as to allow said circulation of said air A between said quilting squares and prevent accidental and uncontrolled migration of the padding from one to another of said quilting squares.

5. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein each of said padded bedclothes items includes a fabric envelope filled with filamentary elements suitable to give softness, elasticity, hypoallergenic type, thermoregulation, hygroscopicity, breathability features to each of said padded bedclothes items.

6. The handmade article according to claim 5, wherein said filamentary elements comprise any of the padding elements selected from the group consisting of duvets, wool, horsehair, feathers and synthetic fibers (polyesters, microfibers and the like).

7. The handmade article according to claim 6, wherein said duvets are of the Siberian, Tibetan, Canadian, Hungarian and/or similar type suitable to absorb the moisture to allow said fabric envelope, which a person's body enters in contact with, to remain dry.

8. The handmade article according to claim 7, wherein each of said duvets consists of an extremely light three-dimensional ribbon which comprises a central core from which a plurality of beards branches out suitable to create a multiplicity of air chambers.

9. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein each of said modular squares or sectors is composed by an upper surface and a lower surface spaced apart each other at the opposite ends by a first length of a value lower than that one of a second length which spaces apart the central areas of said upper surface and of said lower surface.

10. The handmade article according to claim 9, wherein each of said inner spacer tabs is made of cotton and is applied internally at said ends of said upper surface and said lower surface of said modular squares or sectors.

11. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein said padded bedclothes items define a single hygroscopic interstitial chamber which: is included between the side flaps of said padded bedclothes items; extends substantially for the entire dimensions of said side flaps, coinciding with the inner volume defined by said side flaps.

12. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein said junction means (6) are applied to the side flaps of each of said padded bedclothes items.

13. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein said junction means comprise at least one perimetrical seam section.

14. The handmade article according to claim 1, wherein junction means comprise: a perimetrical neckband provided with a first face facing outwardly and with a second face facing said hygroscopic interstitial chamber; at least two perimetrical seam sections, applied one along the upper edge and the other along the lower edge of said perimetrical neckband.

Description

[0036] Said purposes and advantages will become clearer from the following description, relating to a preferred embodiment of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the present invention, given by indicative and illustrative, but not limitative, wat with the aid of the attached drawing tables in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the improved handmade article (or object) of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the improved handmade article (or object) of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention.

[0039] The improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 where it is globally numbered with 1.

[0040] As it can be seen, such an improved handmade article 1, typically although not restrictively and not exclusively constituted by a mattress cover, comprises two padded bedclothes items 2, 3 which: [0041] are well distinct and identifiable each other and in any case one facing and opposite the other; [0042] are quilted according to sectors (or panels or squares) scheme or modular sectors 4, as better shown in FIG. 2; [0043] comprise a plurality of inner spacer and dividing tabs 5 which are arranged inside the padded bedclothes items 2, 3 which are firmly connected with and which separate each other the quilted squares 4 of each of the padded bedclothes items 2, 3; [0044] are connected each other through junction means, indicated as a whole with 6, in such a way as to define a hygroscopic interstitial chamber 7 suitable to increase the breathability and thermoregulation of the article 1.

[0045] In accordance with the invention, each of these spacer tabs 5 of both the padded bedclothes items 2, 3 presents two through holes (each numbered with 8) which place in mutual communication the quilted modular squares (or sectors) 4 adjacent each other and belonging to the respective bedclothes item 2, 3, so that the circulation of air A inside not only the hygroscopic interstitial chamber 7 defined by the bedclothes items 2, 3 but also the bedclothes items 2, 3 themselves is maximized or optimized, or at least significantly increased compared to what can be found in similar handmade articles of the prior art.

[0046] Particularly, each of the aforesaid through holes 8 presents, on preferred but not binding basis, a circular profile having a diameter of a value in the range of 2÷5 cm.

[0047] Even more preferably but not restrictively, the diameter of each of the through holes 8 is equal to 3 cm.

[0048] In addition, moreover, the spacer tabs 5 are also connected with the corresponding bedclothes items 2, 3 preferably through the junction means 6.

[0049] In preferred and advantageous manner, each of the inner spacer tabs 5 comprises a movable and flexible portion (in this case, for instance, not affected by the junction means 6 of the type that will be described hereinafter), not shown for the sake of exposure convenience, arranged in correspondence of at least one of the through holes 8 in such a way as to widely but not completely close it, so as to allow, on one side, circulation of the air A between the quilted squares 4 and, on the other side, properly, to prevent accidental and uncontrolled migration, transfer or passage of the padding (of the type that will be highlighted in the following of the description) from one to another of the quilted squares 4 of the bedclothes items 2, 3.

[0050] Such a movable and flexible portion might belong to one or more of the spacer tabs 5 (with which it is thus monolithic) or, less frequently, might be constrained only partly to it through suitable union means or, possibly, held in position (at the through hole concerned) by the aforesaid junction means applied at the quilting of the squares or modular sectors.

[0051] Each of the padded bedclothes items (or set cloths or portions) 2, 3 includes, at preferred but non-binding title, a fabric envelope 9, 10 filled with filamentary elements suitable to give it softness, elasticity, hypoallergenic, thermoregulation, hygroscopicity, breathability features. More in detail, the fabric envelope 9, 10 is made of a material comprising cotton.

[0052] Preferably but not necessarily, the material of the fabric envelope 9, 10 also comprises silver yarns inserted into the cotton weft, giving rise to a silver textile fiber which represents an innovation which has been introducing almost for some years into the latest generation products of the sector of linen and/or bedclothes, in order to meet the growing need for health, well-being and hygiene of the end user: the properties of the silver textile fiber allow, indeed, a significant increase in the level of comfort of people.

[0053] This arises from the fact that silver ions present remarkable hygienic and antibacterial properties and are thus used to make different types of objects, including also textile fibers.

[0054] The silver fiber fabrics are obtained from the permanent and homogeneous union of a layer of pure silver that, through the use of nanotechnology, is firmly bonded to the surface of the fiber: it is a process that allows the fiber to keep, at the same time, its traditional textile and tactile consistency features.

[0055] The silver textile fiber is: [0056] antibacterial, antifungal, anti-mite: silver significantly reduces bacteria and fungi proliferation by shortly—less than an hour—eliminating 99% of bacteria); [0057] anti-odor: silver neutralizes the microbial flora responsible for the formation of bad odors; [0058] hypoallergenic, natural, non-toxic: the fiber is covered with pure natural silver and presents no toxicity risks; [0059] antistatic: silver high conductivity allows rapid electrostatic charges dissipation; [0060] breathable: this fabric fiber guarantees the optimal passage of air and steam.

[0061] In other embodiments of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes, not shown in the attached drawing tables, the cotton constituting the material of the fabric envelope of the padded bedclothes items can be subjected to a specific antibacterial treatment in silver solution, performed in the finishing phase to ensure an antimicrobial, antiallergic and anti-odor action to the cotton: such a treatment fully prevents the uncontrolled bacteria proliferation on the fabric surface.

[0062] As far as the filamentary elements contained in the fabric envelope 9, 10 are concerned, they comprise any of the padding elements chosen from the group consisting of duvets, wool, horsehair, feathers and synthetic fibers (polyesters, microfibers and the like).

[0063] Preferably and advantageously, the duvets are of the Siberian, Tibetan, Canadian, Hungarian and/or similar type and absorb the moisture to allow the fabric envelope 9, 10, which a person's body comes into contact with, to remain dry.

[0064] The duvets (for example that one shown above) are thermo-regulating, offering a good thermal insulation (thanks to the air circulating among the fibers of the duvets themselves) which allows to keep the temperature of the person's body constant and to homogeneously spread the heat.

[0065] More specifically, each of the duvets consists of an extremely light three-dimensional ribbon which comprises a central core from which a plurality of beards branches out suitable to create a multiplicity of air chambers where the air which creates the thermal insulation useful for maintaining body temperature is kept.

[0066] The set of duvets flakes gives the improved handmade article 1 of the invention advantageous features of elasticity, volume and lightness, unlike the traditional feather structure (in any case falling within the inventive concept underlying the present invention referring purely to a possible variant thereof) which is rigid, flat, heavy and with little ability to absorb air.

[0067] It should be noted that the duvets contained in the fabric envelope 9, 10 are in a predetermined and adequately calibrated quantity, correlated with the supporting function performed by the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes 1 of the present invention.

[0068] It is evident that the composition just described of the padded bedclothes items 2, 3 of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes 1 exclusively claimed herein contributes to the achievement of the prefixed purposes of the present invention and to get the advantages previously listed.

[0069] As regards the modular squares or sectors 4, they are in this case mutually identical and side-by-side along at least a plurality of first linear directions X and also along a plurality of second linear directions Y, orthogonal to the first linear directions X.

[0070] It is understood, however, that in other embodiments of the improved handmade article of the invention, not shown hereinafter, the modular squares or sectors could be placed side-by-side only along a single linear direction, so that to form for instance a cushion or a pillow of special and elongated constructive conception. Moreover, each of the modular squares or sectors 4 is composed by an upper surface 11 and a lower surface 12 spaced apart each other at the opposite ends 11a, 12a, 11b, 12b by a first length of a value lower than that one of a second length which spaces apart the central areas 11c, 12c of the upper surface 11 and of the lower surface 12: it follows, therefore, a rounded shape for each of the modular squares or sectors 4 of the padded bedclothes items 2, 3.

[0071] With particular reference to the inner spacer tabs 5, it is emphasized that each of them is preferably but not exclusively made of cotton and is applied internally at the opposite ends 11a, 11b and 12a, 12b respectively of the upper surface 11 and the lower surface 12 of the modular squares or sectors 4.

[0072] From what has been described so far, therefore, it derives that the only one hygroscopic interstitial chamber 7 define in this case by the padded bedclothes items 2, 3: [0073] is included between the side flaps 2a, 3a respectively of the first bedclothes item 2 and the second bedclothes item 3; [0074] extends substantially for the entire dimensions of these side flaps 2a and 3a, coinciding with the closed volume defined therein.

[0075] Finally, as far as the junction means 6 are concerned, they are preferably but not necessarily applied at the entire perimeter (or of the entire perimetrical length) defined by the side flaps 2a, 3a of each of the padded bedclothes items 2, 3.

[0076] According to the preferred embodiment described herein of the invention, the junction means 6 comprise a double perimetrical seam section, of the type per se known in the sector concerned, distributed according to a closed path along the entire perimeter defined by the side flaps 2a, 3a.

[0077] Other variants of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the present invention, not shown in the enclosed tables, may provide that the junction means include a number of perimetrical seam sections different than two, such a number being able to vary in function of the constructive choices starting from one. As further alternative of the improved handmade article (or object) of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention, not accompanied by reference figures in the following, the junction means could comprise: [0078] a perimetrical neckband provided with a first face facing outwardly and with a second face facing the hygroscopic interstitial chamber; [0079] at least two perimetrical seam sections, applied one along the upper edge and the other one along the lower edge of the perimetrical neckband.

[0080] The improved handmade article (or object) of linen and/or bedclothes 1 of the invention is washable simply in water and neutral soap and can, therefore, be rinsed and dried in air and in shade.

[0081] For a perfect drying, it is in particular necessary to shake the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes 1 and frequently separate the content of the fabric envelope 9, 10 from the envelope itself, thus preventing halos formation.

[0082] It is possible to wash the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes 1 even in the dry cleaner's with water at 60° C., neutral soap and thorough rinsing too, ensuring over time high hygienic conditions that protect against mites, bacteria, molds and powders, which often cause allergic and infectious diseases. Drying of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes 1 of the invention can take place with a dryer (or drier).

[0083] By virtue of the description just given, it is understood, therefore, that the improved handmade article (or object) of linen and/or bedclothes of the present invention achieves the purposes and reaches the advantages previously mentioned.

[0084] The innovative concept underlying the invention—represented by the features contained in the characterizing part of the attached claim 1—allows to improve, triplicating, the movement of air inside the improved handmade linen and/or bedclothes article, with all the benefits already underline that this entails.

[0085] Upon execution, changes could be made to the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention, consisting, for example, in a number of bedclothes items (or set cloths or portions) other than that one previously highlighted and visible in the attached figures, since this number may vary at will starting from two.

[0086] In addition to this, other embodiments of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention, not shown in the attached tables, could be present in which the junction means connect the padded bedclothes articles each other in such a way as to define more than one inner hygroscopic interstitial air chamber, even in this case such a number being able to vary according to the constructive needs starting from one.

[0087] Furthermore, in further embodiments of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the present invention, yet not illustrated in the following drawings, only one or only some of the spacer tabs could present one or more of the through holes as above constructively and functionally defined.

[0088] In addition, in optional and alternative embodiments of the invention, still not shown in the figures of the attached drawing tables, the spacer tabs affected by at least one of the through holes previously defined could belong only to one or some of the padded bedclothes items forming the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes that is exclusively claimed herewith, letting the spacer tabs of the remaining padded bedclothes are depict of through holes, which does not affect the advantage basically brought by the present invention.

[0089] In further addition, other embodiments of the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes of the invention, not shown in the following, could provide that the through holes are unevenly distributed on the various spacer tabs of at least one of the padded bedclothes items: other words, in certain embodiments of the invention, one or more of the spacer tabs could be depict of through holes or, in certain other embodiments of the invention, one or more of the spacer tabs could have a number of through holes other than that of one or more of the remaining spacer tabs.

[0090] In this regard it is specified that the number of through holes made in at least one of the inner spacer tabs—which clearly means that, in some embodiments of the invention, some spacer tab could lack these through holes—is variable according to the project choices starting from a minimum of one.

[0091] It is, finally, clear that several other changes could be made to the improved handmade article of linen and/or bedclothes concerned, without departing from the principle of novelty intrinsic in the inventive idea expressed herein, as it is clear that, in the practical implementation of the invention, materials, shapes and sizes of the illustrated details could be changed, as needed, and replaced with others technically equivalent.

[0092] Where the constructive features and techniques mentioned in the following claims are followed by reference numbers or signs, those reference signs have been introduced with the sole objective of increasing the intelligibility of the claims themselves and therefore they have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified, by way of example only, by these reference signs.