EP1114599A2

EP1114599A2 - Quilted-top featherbed cover

Info

Publication number: EP1114599A2
Application number: EP00311185A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juliette M. Delfs; Wing Yee W. Chan
Original assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Co
Current assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Co
Priority date: 1999-12-29
Filing date: 2000-12-14
Publication date: 2001-07-11
Also published as: CA2329701A1; EP1114599A3

Abstract

The featherbed cover includes a lower layer 12 and a quilted upper layer 18 arranged and secured together around three sides so as to define an interior volume therebetween for insertion of a conventional featherbed. The quilted-top member includes three layers, an upper layer of woven cotton 19, an intermediate layer of polyester batting 20, and a lower layer of 50-50 polyester/cotton fabric 21. The upper layer is secured at one end to the lower layer by a zipper 30 or similar means.

Description

Technical Field

This invention relates generally to featherbeds, and more particularly to a cover for featherbeds.

Background of the Invention

Featherbeds are a bedding article well known for their comfort, particularly when used with a conventional bed mattress. A featherbed is typically rather slim, approximately 2-10 inches high, with a fill of feathers. The featherbed typically has the same dimensions (length and width) as a bed mattress and in use is positioned on top of the bed mattress. The user then lies on top of the featherbed. However, featherbeds do have some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the sharp feather quills sometimes poke through the upper layer (cover) of the featherbed. This can cause discomfort to the user. Also, when the feathers are then pulled through, a loss of fill ultimately results, with possible damage to the featherbed cover.
Further, featherbeds themselves are typically difficult to wash because of their bulk. Periodic washing is important to the appearance and life of featherbeds, which often become soiled with constant use. It would be desirable to be able to conveniently wash a featherbed and also to prevent feather quills from poking through the cover of the featherbed.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention includes a lower featherbed layer; an upper featherbed layer having edge portions connected to corresponding edge portions of the lower layer, defining therebetween a volume adapted for convenient insertion of a conventional featherbed member, the upper layer comprising a quilted member, the quilted member being constructed so as to prevent feather members from an inserted featherbed from coming through the featherbed, and being sensed by a user lying on the featherbed member; and means for opening a part of the edge portion connections to permit insertion and removal of the featherbed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the featherbed cover of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the construction of the upper portion of the featherbed cover of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper portion of the featherbed cover of Figure 1.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The featherbed cover of the present invention is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and is designed so that a conventional featherbed (not shown) can be readily inserted therein. The featherbed cover shown generally at 10 includes a lower layer 12 which in the embodiment shown is of a woven cotton fabric. Alternatives to the woven cotton fabric include woven non-cotton fabrics, non-woven fabrics and woven cotton blends. Lower layer 12 extends upwardly at the sides 14, and 15 and end 16 to form side portions and one end portion of cover 10. The upper layer of the cover is shown at 18. It includes a top section 19 of woven cotton fabric (or other woven fabric), an intermediate section 20 of polyester batting, and a lower section 21 of 50-50 polyester/cotton fabric, which could alternatively be non-woven.
In the embodiment shown, the woven cotton fabric used in the featherbed cover is 200 thread count cambric 100% cotton. Different weights of fabric and different fabrics could be used. Examples include 180, 230 and 260 thread count. Intermediate section 20 shown is approximately 1/4-1/2 inches thick. Alternatives to polyester batting include batting having different percentages of cotton and polyester and all-cotton batting. Lower section 21 is a combination of polyester and cotton; alternatives include non-woven material, 100% polyester and 100% cotton.
The upper layer 18 is secured to lower layer 12 along sides 14 and 15 and end 16, leaving the other end 28 open. The upper layer 18 in the embodiment shown is the same size as the lower layer 12.
The upper, intermediate and lower sections 19, 20 and 21 of upper layer 18 are secured together with a quilting stitch pattern. In the embodiment shown, the stitch is a diamond pattern, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Other quilting stitch patterns could be used, however.
End 20 of the cover is closed by various means, after the featherbed is inserted, such as a zipper 30, shown partially closed in Figure 1. However, end 28 could be closed around the featherbed by other means, such as buttons, ties, snaps or Velcro® strips.
When the featherbed is inserted into the quilted cover, the quilted cover forms a convenient protection against the feather quills from the featherbed. In addition, when the cover becomes soiled, it is convenient for the user to remove the featherbed from the cover and wash the cover in conventional fashion (the featherbed itself will not require washing).
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed herein for illustration, it should be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined by the claims which follow.

Claims

A featherbed cover, comprising:

a lower featherbed cover layer;

an upper featherbed cover layer having edge portions connected to corresponding edge portions of the lower layer, defining therebetween a volume adapted for convenient insertion of a conventional featherbed member, the upper layer comprising a quilted member, the quilted member being constructed so as to prevent feather members from an inserted featherbed from coming through the featherbed, and being sensed by a user lying on the featherbed member; and

means for opening a part of the edge portion connection to permit insertion and removal of the featherbed.
An article of claim 1, wherein the quilted member includes an upper layer of fabric, an intermediate layer of batting, and a lower layer of fabric, wherein the said three layers are stitched together in a quilting pattern.
An article of claim 1, wherein the upper featherbed layer is permanently secured around two side edges and one edge and removably secured around another end edge.