COVERS FOR DUVETS

Abstract

Covers for a duvet include a first panel and a second panel substantially similar to the first panel and overlying the first panel, the first panel and the second panel being complimentarily configured with the duvet and each having a common periphery defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge opposite the third edge, and a detachable fastener for selectively fastening a portion of the first panel to the second panel, the detachable fastener being attached to the first panel and to the second panel along a detachable portion of the second edge, the third edge, and a detachable portion of the fourth edge, wherein the first panel is fixed to second panel along the first edge.

Claims

1. A cover for a duvet, comprising: a first panel and a second panel substantially similar to the first panel and overlying the first panel, the first panel and the second panel being complimentarily configured with the duvet and each having a common periphery defined by: a first edge; a second edge opposite the first edge; a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge; and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge opposite the third edge; and a detachable fastener for selectively fastening a portion of the first panel to the second panel, the detachable fastener being attached to the first panel and to the second panel along the second edge, a detachable portion of the second edge, and a detachable portion of the fourth edge; wherein the first panel is fixed to second panel along the first edge.

2. The coder of claim 1, wherein the first panel is fixed to the second panel along the first edge by sewing the first panel to the second panel.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first panel is fixed to the second panel along a fixed portion of the third edge separate from the detachable portion of the third edge.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the first panel is fixed to the second panel along a fixed portion of the fourth edge separate from the detachable portion of the fourth edge.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the detachable fastener comprises a zipper.

6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the zipper is a reversible zipper enabling a pull tab of the zipper to be positioned and manipulated between the first panel and the second panel or outside the first panel and the second panel.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel are comprised of fabric.

8. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a coupler attached to the first panel for securing the duvet to the first panel.

9. The cover of claim 8, wherein the couplers attached to the first panel proximate the first edge.

10. The cover of claim 8, wherein the coupler defines a first coupler and further comprising a second coupler attached to the first panel.

11. The cover of claim 10, wherein: the first coupler s attached to the first panel proximate where the first edge meets the fourth edge; and the second coupler is attached to the first panel proximate where the first edge meets the third edge.

12. The cover of claim 11, further comprising: a third coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the third edge meets the second edge; and a fourth coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the second edge meets the fourth edge.

13. The cover of claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises an elongate tension bearing member.

14. The cover of claim 13, wherein the coupler includes a coupler fastener attached to the elongate tension bearing member.

15. The cover of claim 14, wherein the coupler fastener includes a first member and a second member configured to engage with the first member, the second member being spaced from the first member to form a loop in the elongate tension bearing member when the second member engages the first member.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the second member engages the first member via a friction fit.

17. A cover for a duvet, comprising: a first panel; a second panel substantially similar to the first panel and overlying the first panel to define a first common edge, a second common edge extending from the first common edge, a third common edge extending from the second common edge, and a fourth common edge extending from the third common edge to the first common edge, the second panel being fixed to the first panel along the first common edge; and a zipper for selectively fastening and detaching a detachable portion of the first panel and the second panel, the zipper being attached to the first panel and to the second panel along at least a portion of the second common edge, the third common edge, and at least a portion of the third common edge.

18. The cover of claim 17, wherein the first panel and the second panel define clamshell configured to: open to receive the duvet between the first panel and the second panel when the zipper is positioned to detach the detachable portion of the first panel and the second panel; and close to cover the duvet between the first panel and the second panel when the zipper is positioned to fasten the detachable portion of the first panel and the second panel.

19. The cover of claim 17, further comprising: a first coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the first common edge meets the second common edge; a second coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the second common edge meets the third common edge; a third coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the third common edge meets the fourth common edge; and a fourth coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the fourth common edge meets the first common edge.

20. The coupler of claim 19, wherein the first coupler includes: an elongate tension bearing member; and a coupler fastener attached to the elongate tension bearing member and configured to secure the elongate tension bearing member in a loop configuration around a portion of the duvet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover in an open configuration and a duvet inside the cover, the cover being open on three sides with a first panel folded back from a second panel to provide room for the duvet to be inserted or removed from the cover.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 in a closed configuration and containing a duvet inside it, the first and overlaying he second panel and fastened to the second panel on four sides.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in a partially closed configuration where a zipper s in a position where the first panel is partially fastened to the second panel.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of the cover in an open configuration without a duvet inside it.

[0013] FIG. 5 is top view of a coupler secured to the first panel and looped through a loop in the duvet to secure the duvet to the first panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The disclosed covers will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

[0015] Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various covers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity; related features twill not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

[0016] Definitions

[0017] The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0018] Substantially means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a substantially cylindrical object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

[0019] Comprising, including, and having (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, elements or method steps not expressly recited.

[0020] Terms such as first, second, and third are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

[0021] Coupled means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

[0022] Duvet Cover

[0023] The covers shown in the figures and described herein function to cover a duvet. In particular, the covers function to selectively cover a duvet and to selectively provide access to the duvet, such as when a user desires to clean the cover or move the duvet to a different cover. The reader gill appreciate from the figures and description below that the covers address shortcomings of conventional covers for duvets.

[0024] For example, the present covers are much easier to use than conventional duvet covers. The covers described herein open in a clamshell fashion to provide a large opening and convenient access to a duvet covered by the cover. The ease of use extends to inserting the duvet into the cover as well. By opening up on three sides, the present cover makes it easy for a user to insert a duvet into the cover and to subsequently close the cover around the duvet.

[0025] The convenience provided by the covers disclosed in the present application helps encourage people to clean the covers on their preferred schedule or as needed. Unlike conventional duvet covers, which deter people from cleaning them because of the hassle involved with removing the duvet, the present duvet covers make removing the cover for cleaning a relatively simple endeavor. Thus, the present duvet covers help to maintain hygienic and pleasant environments for those who prefer to sleep or lounge with duvets.

[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a cover, cover 100, will now be described in detail. Cover 100 functions to selectively cover and provide access to a duvet 102. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, cover 100 selectively closes to cover duvet 102 and selectively opens to provide access to duvet 102 or to enable duvet 102 to be easily inserted into cover 100.

[0027] In the present example, cover 100 includes a first panel 104, a second panel 106, a detachable fastener 118, a first coupler 128, a second coupler 130, a third coupler 132, and a fourth coupler 150. In other examples, the cover includes a different number of couplers, including a single coupler, two couplers, three couplers, or more than four couplers. In some examples, the cover includes additional features beyond those shown in the figures.

[0028] Panels

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, first panel 104 and second panel 106 are substantially similar to each other to facilitate cooperating with each other to enclose duvet 102. By overlying first panel 104 and being substantially similar to it in size and shape, second panel 106 defines one-half of a clamshell configuration with first panel 104 defining the second half of the clamshell configuration. When overlying each other, first panel 104 and second panel 106 define a common periphery 108.

[0030] While in the present example, first panel 104 and second panel 106 are substantially similar, in other examples the first panel and the second panel are differently configured. For example, the first panel may be configured as an open tray with sidewall portions while the second panel may be configured as a lid without sidewall portions or with smaller sidewalls than the first panel. In certain examples, the first panel and the second panel are integrally connected and represent different portions of a common material configured into two panels.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, common periphery 108 is defined by a first edge 110, a second edge 112, a third edge 114, and a fourth edge 116. The edges described here as a first edge, a second edge, etc., may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a first common edge, a second common edge, etc., in the present disclosure and claims. The figures demonstrate that second edge 112 is opposite first edge 110. Third edge 114 extends between first edge 110 and second edge 112 towards the top of FIG. 1. Opposite third edge 114, fourth edge 116 extending between first edge 110 and second edge 112 towards the bottom of FIG. 1.

[0032] The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along first edge 110. FIGS. 1-4 further demonstrate that first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along a fixed portion 115 of third edge 114 separate from a detachable portion 111 of third edge 114. Moreover, first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along a fixed portion 117 of fourth edge 116 separate from a detachable portion 113 of fourth edge 116. Fixed edges describe edges that are configured to stay connected whereas a detachable portion or a detachable edge describes an edge configured to selectively separate into a spaced relationship.

[0033] The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that fixed portions 115 and 117 extend from first edge 110 towards second edge 112 on opposite sides of first panel 104. First edge 110 and fixed portions 115 and 117 define a fixed pocket 119 where first panel 104 and second panel 106 stay connected. As is apparent in the figures, fixed pocket 119 represents a minor portion of the total area of cover 100. In contrast, a clamshell portion 121 defined by detachable portion 111, detachable portion 113 and second edge 112 represents a major portion of cover 100.

[0034] In the present example, first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along first edge 110, fixed portion 115, and fixed portion 117 by sewing first panel 104 to second panel 106. In other examples, the first panel is fixed to the second panel with adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In certain examples, the first panel and the second panel are integrally connected and the first edge, the fixed portion of the third edge, and the fired portion of the fourth edge are defined by folds in the common material.

[0035] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-5, first panel 104 and second panel 106 are comprised of fabric. In other examples, one or both of the panels are comprised of a material other than fabric, such as plastic, animal skins, fur, and other materials.

[0036] Detachable Fastener

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the reader can see that detachable fastener 118 is attached to first panel 104 and to second panel 106 along second edge 112, detachable portion 111 of third edge 114, and detachable portion 113 of fourth edge 116. Detachable fastener 118 functions to selectively fasten a portion of first panel 104 to second panel 106. In the present example, the portions of the panels selectively fastened by detachable fastener are second edge 112, detachable portion 111 of third edge 114, and detachable portion 113 of fourth edge 116.

[0038] As shown in. FIGS. 1-4, first panel 104, second panel 106, and detachable faster 118 cooperate to define a clamshell configuration. The clamshell configuration enables cover 100 to selectively cover duvet 100 and to selectively open to receive or provide access to duvet 100 between first panel 104 and second panel 106. The clamshell is configured to open to receive duvet 100 between first panel 104 and second panel 106 when detachable fastener 118 is positioned to detach the detachable portions of first panel 104 and second panel 106. Moreover, the clamshell is configured to close to cover duvet 100 between first panel 104 and second panel 106 when detachable fastener 118 is positioned to fasten the detachable portions of first panel 104 and second panel 106.

[0039] In the example shown FIGS. 1-8, detachable fastener 118 is a zipper. In particular, with reference to FIG. 5, detachable fastener is a reversible zipper with a pull tab 124 configured to move to a position outside the enclosure defined by cover 100 to be manipulated from outside cover 100 and to a position inside the enclosure to be manipulated from inside cover 100. Expressed another way, pull tab 124 may be positioned and manipulated between first panel 104 and second panel 106 or outside first panel 104 and second panel 106. In other examples, the zipper is a single direction zipper where the pull tab is not configured to move to different sides.

[0040] A zipper is just one example of a suitable detachable fastener. In other examples, the detachable fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener. In certain examples, detachable fastener is a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as buttons, snaps, or hooks. Adhesives, magnets, and all other currently known or later developed types of detachable fasteners may be used.

[0041] Couplers

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and with particular clarity in FIG. 5, the reader can see that couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 function to secure duvet 102 to first panel 104. In the present example, cover 100 includes four couplers, a first coupler 128, a second coupler 130, a third coupler 132, and a fourth coupler 133. In other examples, fewer couplers or no couplers are utilized, such as one coupler, two couplers, three couplers, or zero couplers. More than four couplers are also provided in some examples.

[0043] Each of couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 are attached to first panel 104 in different corners of first panel 104. First coupler 128 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where first edge 110 meets third edge 116. Second coupler 130 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where first edge 110 meets third edge 114. Third coupler 132 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where third edge 114 meets second edge 112. Fourth coupler 133 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where second edge 112 meets fourth edge 116.

[0044] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 are elongate tension bearing members. With reference to FIG. 5, the reader can see that fourth coupler 133 includes a coupler fastener 135 attached to elongate tension bearing member 134. Coupler fastener 135 functions to selectively secure elongate tension bearing member 134 in a loop 138 around duvet 102, such as around a duvet loop 105 shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, to facilitate forming loop 138, coupler fastener 135 includes a first member 137 and a second member 139. In FIG. 5, first member 137 is obscured behind second member 139 and is engaged with second member 139 in a friction fit. As shown in FIG. 4, second member 139 is spaced from first member 137 along elongate tension bearing member 134 and configured to engage with first member 137 via a friction fit to form loop 138 in elongate tension bearing member 134.

[0046] Different forms of couplers and coupler fasteners than shown in FIG. 5 are suitable. In some examples, one or more of the couplers includes a hook-and-loop fastener, button, a hook, magnets, or adhesives as coupler fasteners. Any currently known or later developed type of coupler and coupler fastener s able for securing a duvet to the panels may be used.

[0047] The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite a element, a first element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate once or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0048] Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present plication or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.