GB2589679A

GB2589679A - Bedding

Info

Publication number: GB2589679A
Application number: GB2012795.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Gray Luke; David King Benjamin
Original assignee: Made By Koa Ltd
Current assignee: Made By Koa Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-03
Filing date: 2020-08-17
Publication date: 2021-06-09
Also published as: GB201914272D0; GB202012795D0

Abstract

Bedding comprising a duvet cover forming a cavity 3 for fitting a duvet, the duvet cover comprising a first layer 1 and a second layer 2 which are attached together at side edge portions and can be closed at first and second end portions 5 to form the cavity, wherein at least one end portion defines an end opening to the cavity between the layers that can be selectively closed by an end fastening arrangement, the second layer comprising a transverse opening to the cavity that extends transversely or perpendicularly from the end opening towards the closed end portion and can be selectively closed by a transverse fastening arrangement, wherein the openings are opened to allow fitting of a duvet in the cavity and closed for use once a duvet is fitted. Preferably the duvet may be attached to the duvet cover by means of one or more of clamps, snap fastenings, barbs and ties. Also disclosed are two-part duvet fixings for fixing a duvet in place in a duvet cover comprising resilient snap fastenings for attaching the fastener to the duvet, forming a retainer around which a tie on a duvet cover is fastened.

Description

BEDDING

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bedding, particularly but not exclusively, comprising a duvet cover, or a fixing arrangement for fixing a duvet inside a duvet cover, or a duvet cover and a fixing arrangement, or a bedding kit comprising a duvet cover, fixing arrangement and a pillow case. In embodiments of the invention described herein the bedding may resist so-called duvet bunching and misalignment and may be configured to allow a duvet cover to be more quickly and easily fitted to a duvet.

Background of the Invention

Duvet covers are well-known and used to protect duvets (also known as continental quilts, comforters, eiderdowns and futons) from getting dirty. Duvet covers are designed to be removable for laundering.

There are two widely known problems with duvet covers. Firstly duvets are known to bunch and become misaligned from duvet covers and secondly duvet covers are difficult and tiring to fit. Prior art solutions to duvet bunching have tended to exacerbate the fitting of a cover.

With the aim of solving bunching and misalignment of duvets prior art bedding uses temporary fixings on the inside cavity of a duvet cover to fix the duvet in place, (herein referred to as 'Temporary Duvet Fixings'). Most commonly these fixings are pairs of ties positioned on the inside cavity at the corners which can be tied to ribbons on a duvet.

Temporary Duvet fixings on the market make the already difficult job of changing a duvet cover harder and slower, particularly for older users who struggle with the required dexterity. It is typically required that fixings are located inside the duvet cover at the furthest inside edge of the duvet cover cavity away from the opening. In order to access the fixings and for users to see what they are doing, the duvet cover has to be turned inside out first, then the duvet needs to be attached to the temporary duvet fixings. Once the duvet has been attached, this then results in the difficult challenge of turning the duvet cover the right way round with the duvet inside the cover. The attached duvet is larger than the aperture it needs to be turned through, which requires a slow and dexterous technique.

Furthermore, prior art temporary duvet fixings require two hands to attach, again slowing the fitting process and increasing the dexterity required.

Prior art temporary duvet fixings commonly require an element of the fixing device to be part of the duvet cover and a compatible element that is part of the duvet. This means the duvet covers functionality is limited to a specific compatible duvet in that product system.

Additionally, prior art shows no consideration for the fitting of a cover to a duvet and only adds to the time, effort and dexterity of the task.

To fit a duvet cover to a duvet, the duvet needs to be fed through an aperture of the cover which is typically smaller than the duvet, which creates drag and friction as the whole length of the duvet is fed through, requiring technique, time and effort.

Once the duvet has been fed through the aperture, the duvet and duvet cover need to be aligned, starting with the corners and edges furthest from the aperture. This commonly requires people to climb inside the duvet cover or have to perform the task in pairs.

To fully align the duvet within the duvet cover, the heavy duvet and cover is often vigorously shaken from the two corners closest to the loading aperture. This is a strenuous, difficult step for some and impossible for others.

Statement of Invention

The present invention provides bedding comprising a duvet cover forming a cavity for fitting a duvet, the duvet cover comprising a first layer and a second layer which are attached together at side edge portions and can be closed at first and second end portions to form the cavity, wherein at least one end portion defines an end opening to the cavity between the layers that can be selectively closed by an end fastening arrangement, the second layer comprising a transverse opening to the cavity that extends transversely from the end opening towards the closed end portion and can be selectively closed by a transverse fastening arrangement, wherein the openings are opened to allow fitting of a duvet in the cavity and closed for use once a duvet is fitted.

The transverse opening may extend perpendicularly to the end opening and may be located centrally between closed side portions in the second layer. The transverse opening may be connected to the end opening so that when the first and second fastening arrangements are opened a generally triangular opening can be formed by the openings by folding the second layer.

The bedding may comprise at least one fixing arrangement for selectively fixing a duvet in place in the cavity of the duvet cover, the fixing arrangement comprising a duvet fixing for fixing to a duvet and a complimentary duvet cover fixing fixed to at least one of the duvet cover layers, wherein the duvet fixing and the duvet cover fixing are configured to be fixed together by a user for retaining a fitted duvet in place inside a duvet cover and unfixing for removal of the duvet from the duvet cover.

The duvet fixing may comprise an engagement portion for releasably engaging with any one of a plurality of different duvets and a fixing portion for fixing to the duvet cover fixing. The engagement portion may comprise a clamp (e.g. as shown in Figures 21 to 24) for releasably clamping to a duvet or a pin or sharp protrusion (e.g. as shown in Figures 10 to 16) for piercing a duvet.

The clamp may comprise a first and a second clamping parts configured to engage one with the other on either side of a duvet for clamping a duvet between the clamping parts. The first and second clamping parts may form a resilient snap fastening having respective interlocking components that interlock to clamp a duvet therebetween, the resilience causing the components to remain interlocked during normal use and unlocked by a user. The first clamping part may comprise a bore having a detent and the second clamping part may comprise a shaft having a barb for engaging with the detent with a duvet therebetween when the shaft is located within the bore by a user.

The engagement portion may comprise a first piercing part having a sharpened protrusion for piercing a duvet and a receiving part for receiving and locking with the sharpened protrusion when the protrusion has pierced a duvet and during normal use as bedding and unlocking by a user for removal (e.g. as shown in Figures 10 to 15). The sharpened protrusion may comprise a barb and the receiving part may comprise a detent for releasably interlocking with the barb or other means for gripping the sharpened protrusion.

The fixing portion of the fixing arrangement may comprise a retainer (such as a button, toggle or other enlarged flange) and a web (such as a cord, tie or other reduced size web connected to the retainer) around which a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place. The fixing portion may comprise two such flanges and a web connecting the flanges for location either side of a duvet and around either of which flanges a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place.

The bedding may comprise a plurality of fixing arrangements for fixing a duvet at a respective plurality of corners of the duvet and duvet cover.

The present invention provides bedding comprising a plurality of duvet fixings for fixing a duvet in place in a cavity of a duvet cover, the duvet fixings being configured for releasably engaging with any one of a plurality of different duvets and a fixing portion for fixing to a duvet cover fixing, wherein the duvet fixing comprises first and second parts forming a resilient snap fastening having respective interlocking components that interlock to fix the duvet fixing to a duvet, the first and second parts forming a retainer around which a tie of a duvet cover can be fastened for fixing a duvet in place in a duvet cover during use or unfastened for removal of a duvet from a duvet cover.

The first and second parts may form first and second clamping parts (e.g. as shown in Figures 21 to 24) for releasably clamping to a duvet. The first and second clamping parts may be configured to engage one with the other on either side of a duvet for clamping a duvet between the clamping parts. The first clamping part may comprise a bore having a detent and the second clamping part may comprise a shaft having a barb for engaging with the detent with a duvet therebetween when the shaft is located within the bore by a user. The elastic resilience of the interlocking components is designed to allow the components to interlock and remain interlocked during normal use when a duvet and duvet cover is used as bedding, but to be easily unlocked for removal of the fixing from the duvet. The components may be shaped or otherwise configured to achieve this resilience (e.g. using biasing member) or be made of elastically resilient material, such as plastics.

The first part may have a sharpened protrusion for piercing a duvet and the second part may be for receiving and locking with the sharpened protrusion when the protrusion has pierced a duvet and during normal use and unlocking by a user for removal (as shown in Figures 10 to 15). The sharpened protrusion may comprise a barb and the receiving part comprises a detent for releasably interlocking with the barb. The resilience of these interlocking components is selected as described in the preceding paragraph.

The duvet fixing may comprise two flanges and a web connecting the flanges for location either side of a duvet and around either of which flanges a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place.

The present invention provides a bedding kit comprising a duvet cover and fixing arrangements as described together with one or more pillow cases. The pillow cases are sized to correspond with a rectangular pillow and has first and second layers that have two shorter sides and two longer sides. The pillow cases have closed portions at one longer side and two shorter sides and an open portion at a longer side that can be closed by a fastening arrangement. The bedding kit is designed to provide both duvet cover and pillow cases that that are more readily changeable for laundry and more easily fitted for those who are less dexterous, such as the elderly or those with joint problems.

The present invention provides a duvet (or continental quilt, comforter, eiderdown or futon) cover comprising of a top face, a bottom face, an internal cavity, an aperture leading to said internal cavity, a temporary fixing device for closing the aperture, wherein said aperture is made up of a linear split (or transverse opening) in the top face that runs perpendicular to, and joins with at least one edge, said edge is at least partially open (end opening) so to allow at least one portion of the top face to fold back to create said aperture. The linear split may be positioned in the centre of the top face and may be at least half the length of the top face.

The aperture comprises of a linear split in the top face that connects with at least one perpendicular edge, said perpendicular edge is open for at least a portion of both directions of said edge, which allows at least two portions of the top face to fold back.

The aperture may comprise of a linear split in the top face that connects with one perpendicular edge, said perpendicular edge is open for at least a portion of its length in only one direction from where the linear split joins.

The aperture may be closed by a closure comprising at least one length of zipper. The closure may be hidden by a flap of fabric on the outside of the duvet cover.

There may be a flap of fabric between a zipper and the internal cavity of the duvet cover. There may be at least two temporary fixing devices for connecting the duvet cover to a duvet positioned on the inside cavity at the corners and/or edges. There may be at least four of the said temporary fixing devices for connecting the duvet cover to the duvet which are positioned internally at each corner.

The temporary fixing device for connecting the duvet cover to a duvet comprises of a loop, a male button (or toggle) part and a second female button (or toggle) part, where in the loop is positioned at a corner or edge of the internal cavity of the duvet cover, and said button parts connect together through the duvet, said first male button component has an outer button face and inner face, said inner face has a cylindrical protrusion and a snap detail, said second female button part has an outer button face and an inner face, said inner face has a cylindrical protrusion with a hole in the centre for receiving the cylindrical protrusion of said male button part and at contains at least one snap detail that aligns with the snap detail of the male button part.

The temporary fixing device may comprise a loop (or hook, or other type of latch) fixed to the duvet and a catch fixable to the duvet cover. The loop engages with the catch to fix the duvet in place relative to the duvet cover. There may be a small amount of movement between the duvet and the duvet cover caused by the length of the loop. The catch has an enlarged portion over which the loop is passed by a user and may comprise a button or toggle. The enlarged portion retains the loop on the catch to resist unwanted detachment. The catch comprises male and female parts that are located generally either side of the duvet. The male part engages within the female part to fix the catch to the duvet. In one arrangement the female part comprises a bore for receiving the male part. The male and female parts comprise together snap fastening components, (e.g. flexible components that may be made of plastics, such as a detent and barb), that lock when the male part is pushed into the female part. In one arrangement the part pierces the duvet and is received in the female part on the other side of the duvet to fix the catch to the duvet. In another arrangement, the male part has a protrusion that pushes a portion of the duvet into the female part and then engages to clamp or trap the duvet. The latter arrangement avoids damage to the duvet.

The fixing device may be positioned at a corner or edge of the internal cavity of the duvet cover and the button parts connect together through a duvet, the first button component has an outer button face and inner button face, said inner button face has a cylindrical protrusion with a hole in the centre for receiving and gripping a pin, the second button component comprises of at least one pin, arranged perpendicular to, and fixed to the inner button face.

The loop may be made from a ribbon, cord or moulded rubber or polymer.

The present invention in embodiments proposes a duvet cover with a wide opening aperture in the top face of a duvet cover, positioned so to provide access to all internal edges and corners from the outside for improved loading/fitting and better access to the internal temporary duvet fixings. This invention in embodiments also proposes a specific, easily used, temporary duvet fixing that can be used to connect a duvet cover to any duvet.

Advantages Embodiments of the invention solve problems with temporary duvet fixing devices whilst at the same time making the fitting of a duvet cover substantially easier.

The top face, wide opening aperture makes the loading and aligning of the duvet cover with a duvet substantially easier. Combining this with the temporary duvet fixing devices makes the devices easy to access and attach at a logical point in the loading process.

The improved temporary duvet fixing device combined with the duvet cover aperture is much faster to attach and requires much less dexterity. It can be attached with one hand and no visual attention or orienting. The fixing devices are comfortably operable through the aperture, when positioned anywhere along the internal edges or corners.

The fitting of the cover and temporary duvet fixing devices do not require the duvet cover to be turned inside out, climbing inside the duvet cover, heavy shaking of the duvet and cover and dexterous techniques.

The improved temporary duvet fixings have some specific advantages: The button parts of the temporary duvet fixing can be attached to any duvet, without the need for a tool and without sewing. This means the illustrated duvet covers functionality can be utilised with any one a plurality of different duvets.

- The temporary duvet fixing requires minimal dexterity and can be fitted with one hand, quickly because of the loop and button dimensions, where as many known fixing devices require two hands.

- The temporary duvet fixing does not require visual attention to fit, meaning the duvet cover does not need to be turned inside out and multitasking is possible.

- The temporary duvet fixing device is two sided, meaning the duvet does not need to be orientated before fitting keeping the fitting process efficient and infallible.

The duvet cover apertures specific benefits are as follows: - The duvet does not have to be fed through an aperture smaller than itself. The duvet can be dropped into the cavity and does not need any feeding of the duvet.

- The alignment of the duvet cover and duvet can be easily done without climbing inside the duvet cover or shaking the heavy duvet and cover as all edges and comers are easily accessible from the aperture.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a variant of a duvet cover having an aperture in a closed state. Said aperture comprises of a linear split (or transverse opening) 7, positioned centrally in the top face (or second layer) of the duvet cover.

Figure 2 shows the duvet cover in Figure 1 in an open state, where two portions of the top face 6 have been folded back to create a large aperture 3 into the internal cavity of the duvet cover.

Figure 3 shows the duvet cover from Figure 1 and Figure 2 turned inside out. Four loops 4 positioned at the corners are visible, which form part of a temporary fixing device (or duvet cover fixing) for connecting the duvet and duvet cover.

Figure 4 shows a variant of the duvet cover aperture, where the top face aperture comprises of a linear split running the full length of the duvet cover and joining with a fully open, perpendicular bottom edge 5 to allow two portions of the top face to fold open 6. A loop 4 is positioned at each internal comer as part of a temporary duvet fixing device.

Figure 5 shows another variant of the duvet cover aperture similar to Figure 2 and Figure 4 but in this case the aperture comprises of a linear split in the top face joining with an only partially open bottom edge 5 to create two small folding portions 6 of the top face. The loops 4 of the temporary duvet fixing devices are again positioned at the inside corners.

Figure 6 shows another variant of the duvet cover aperture 3 where it comprises of a linear split in the top face which joins with two partially open, perpendicular edges so to create to folding portions 6. The temporary duvet fixing device loops 4 as positioned at the inside corners.

Figure 7 shows a variant of the duvet cover aperture similar to Figure 6 but where the aperture opens completely as it comprises of a top face linear split joining with two fully open, perpendicular edges to allow the top face to fold away in two portions 6 to reveal the loops 4 of the temporary fixing devices.

Figure 8 shows a variant of the duvet cover aperture in a closed state. The top face linear split is position off centre.

Figure 9 shows the duvet cover in Figure 8 in the open state. The aperture 3 is comprised of an off centre linear split 7 joining a partially open, perpendicular bottom edge to create a single folding portion 6. The temporary duvet fixing devices 4 are positioned at the inside corners.

Figure 10 shows part of a variant of a temporary fixing device for connecting a duvet to the duvet cover. This is a round variant of a two part button that connects together through a duvet.

Figure 11 shows part of a variant of a temporary fixing device for connecting a duvet to the duvet cover. This is a rectangular variant of a two part toggle that connects together through a duvet.

Figure 12 shows the front view of a variant of part of a temporary fixing device for connecting a duvet and duvet cover in the connected state.

Figure 13 shows the front view of a temporary fixing device for connecting a duvet and duvet cover as in Figure 12, but in the open state.

Figure 14 shows a section view of part of the temporary fixing device as in Figure 12 and 13 connected through a duvet 15.

Figure 15 shows a variant of the temporary fixing device with a loop 13 positioned on the inside corner of a duvet cover 16 and the rectangular toggle parts 11 and 18 connected through a duvet 15.

Figure 16 shows a variant of the temporary fixing device with a loop 13 positioned on the inside corner of a duvet cover 16 and the round button parts 11 and 18 connected through a duvet 15.

Figure 17 shows the minimum amount of temporary fixing devices and positioning, with two sets of the button parts on a duvet, where they are positioned at two adjacent corners through the duvet 15.

Figure 18 shows four pairs of the rectangular toggle parts (as in Figure 11) positioned at four corners of the duvet 15.

Figure 19 shows eight pairs of the round button parts positioned at the four corners and at middle of the edges of a duvet 15.

Figure 20 shows a section through a duvet cover to show the four loops 13 of the temporary fixing devices line up and hook over the button parts on the duvet itself on the duvet 15.

Figure 21, 22, 23 and 24 shows another temporary fixing device (or duvet fixing) manufactured from a moulded material such as a plastic. This is a two part device that snaps together and clamps a duvet without piercing said duvet.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, there is shown a rectangular duvet cover comprising two layers or faces. In an orientation in which the duvet cover is in normal use there is a top face 1 and a bottom face 2. The faces have respective side edge portions that are joined together one face to the other face. The faces have first end portions which are joined together one face to the other face and a second end portion at which the faces are not fully joined. The edge portions and the first end portion creates an internal cavity which is accessed by an aperture 3. The aperture 3 is comprised of a linear split 7 in the centre (D9) of the top face 1 and an end portion 5 that is at least partially open.

The linear split forms a transverse opening that extends transversely to an open end of the duvet cover. Transversely in this context means in the range of angles plus or minus about 30 degrees of the perpendicular. In this example the linear split 7 runs parallel to two closed side edges and perpendicular to the partially open edge 5. Said linear split 7 is almost the full length (D10) of the top face 1.

The joining open edge 5 forms an end opening. In this example the edge 5 is partially open in both directions from where the linear split 7 joins with the opening. The combination of the linear split 7 and the open edge 5 allow the top face 1 to fold open in two portions 6. The two folding portions 6 can move between a closed state as in Figure 1 or an open state as in Figure 2. The aperture can be closed with first and second fastening arrangements, or closures, such as a zippers 8 along the open edge 5 and linear split 7 respectively. Said fastening arrangements 8 can be concealed under a flap 10. In the open state shown in Figure 2 there can be an additional pocket 9 for containing the edge of the duvet.

The duvet cover may be sized to fit any of a single duvet (135x200cm), double duvet (200x200cm), king duvet (230x220cm), super king duvet (260x220cm), or emperor duvet (290x235cm), with pillows (48x74cm, 50x90cm, 65x65cm).

Also in the open state in Figure 2 temporary fixing devices 4 can be accessed through the aperture 3. Figure 3 shows the duvet cover inside out with the fixing devices 4 and pocket 9 being visible. The temporary fixing devices 4 of the duvet cover can be clips, ties, buttons or snaps and are arranged at the four comers in this example. Figure 3 shows four loops 4 positioned at each of the corners which would correspond with buttons on the duvet. The buttons, or duvet fixings, are explained in more detail below.

Figure 16 shows a variation of a temporary fixing device for attaching a duvet cover to a duvet. The fixing device comprises a duvet fixing including a first button 11 part and a second button part 12. The duvet cover fixing includes a loop 13. Said loop 13 is fitted on the inside cavity of a duvet cover 16, at the corner or edge. The button parts 11 and 12, connect and fix themselves through a duvet 15. The loop 13 can be pulled over the button parts 11 and 12. Figure 15 shows a similar variation but with rectangular button parts. The button parts constitute enlarged retainers over which a loop can be passed but does not inadvertently become detached. In these examples the button parts are generally equal and symmetrical to one another and located on either side of a duvet so that a loop can be passed over and secured by either button part. In other arrangements the duvet fixing may comprise a single enlarged portion.

Figure 10 shows a circular variant of the first button part 11 and the second button part 12. The first button part 11 has an outer face and an inner face, a connecting pin 14 is fixed to the inner button face. Said connecting pin 14 has a sharp tip and the pin may have some grip details 17 for gripping the second button part 12. The second button part 12 has an outer face and an inner face, on said inner face there is a cylindrical protrusion from the centre 19, said cylindrical protrusion has a hole in the centre, or central bore, for receiving the pin 14 of the first button part 11. Said hole in the cylindrical protrusion may have a detail for holding or gripping said pin 14. The pin and bore may have a barb and detent arrangement as described below. The second button part prevents the sharp tip from causing harm when the bedding is in use.

The duvet fixing may be permanently fixed to a duvet, semi-permanently fixed for example if the fixings are rarely removed such as for occasional duvet laundering or temporarily fixed for removal more frequently. The gripping or fixing force is designed dependent on the regularity of removal.

In one arrangement one or both of the first button part and the second button part is resiliently deformable such that a pin of the first button part can be inserted under deformation in a portion of the second button part and under a resilient restoring force grips the pin shaft. The arrangement may provide a friction fit. Alternatively or additionally there may be interlocking parts. The size, shape and material of the parts determine the gripping force and the ease by which the two parts are fixed together, dependent on how permanent or temporary a fixing is required.

Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 show another variant of some components for a temporary fixing device. Figure 21 shows two buttons parts 11 and 12 which snap fasten through a duvet, with one button part on a the bottom face of a duvet and one button parts on the top face of a duvet. When said button parts are snapped together through a duvet, they can be attached to a duvet cover through the loops 13 as described in Figure 20. The button parts in Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 can be made from plastic or other suitable resilient material.

Figure 21 shows a female button part 12 and a male button part 11. Said male button part has an outer face and an inner face. There is a cylindrical protrusion, or closed bore, 20 from said inner face with a recess, or barb, 22 which aligns with a snap detail, or detent, 21 on said female button part.

Said female button part has an outer face and an inner face, said inner face has a protruding snap detail 21 that aligns with the male button parts cylindrical protrusion 20, and recess 22. Said protruding snap detail can be a protruding cylinder 23 with an inner hold for receiving the male button part 20. Said protruding cylinder can have a singular snap detail or multiple that can flex into the recess 22 of the male button part 11.

Figure 21 and 22 show the two buttons parts 11 and 12 separated. Figure 23 shows the two buttons parts snapped together with dashed lines communicating the internal snap detail 21 aligned with the recess 22 within the male button parts cylindrical protrusion. Figure 24 shows the two buttons parts 12 and 11 snapping together through a duvet 15. Said duvet is clamped together and the snap details clamp into the recess of the male button part 11 through the duvet 15.

In this way, a temporary fixing device (or fixing arrangement) can selectively fix a duvet in place in the cavity of the duvet cover. The fixing arrangement comprises a duvet fixing 11, 12 for fixing to a duvet and a complimentary duvet cover fixing 4 fixed to at least one of the duvet cover layers or both layers. The duvet fixing and the duvet cover fixing are configured to be fixed together by a user for retaining a fitted duvet in place inside a duvet cover and unfixing for removal of the duvet from the duvet cover.

The duvet fixing comprises an engagement portion for releasably engaging with any one of a plurality of different duvets. The engagement portion comprises in examples a sharp pin or clamping mechanism. Also provided is a fixing portion for fixing to the duvet cover fixing which as illustrated comprises an enlarged button over which a loop can be fastened. In the case of a clamping mechanism two clamping parts 21, 22 are configured to engage one with the other on either side of a duvet for clamping a duvet between the clamping parts. The first and second clamping parts form a resilient snap fastening having respective interlocking components that interlock to clamp a duvet therebetween, the resilience causing the components to remain interlocked during normal use and unlocked by a user.

The duvet has a thickness that must be accommodated between the clamping parts. The thickness of a duvet even without filling or down at a corner is relatively substantial in the region of several millimetres or more. Therefore the spacing between the parts must be such that they interlock with a thick duvet layer therebetween as shown in Figure 24. In the specific example illustrated the first clamping part comprises a bore 23 having a detent 21 and the second clamping part comprises a shaft 20 having a barb 22 for engaging with the detent with a duvet therebetween when the shaft is located within the bore by a user. In more detail, the example illustrated shows a bore of a second part that is formed by a plurality of cantilevered arms 23 that are resiliently deformable in a radially outer direction when the shaft and head 20 is inserted in the bore. The restoring force of the arms causes the detent to engage with the barbed head of the shaft to secure the two parts together. Pulling the two parts apart causes deformation of the arms allowing the parts to be separated. The size, shape and material of the parts determines the fixing and unfixing forces required.

In an alternative example, the engagement portion 14, 19 comprises a first piercing part having a sharp protrusion for piercing a duvet and a receiving part for receiving and locking with the sharpened protrusion when the protrusion has pierced a duvet and during normal use and unlocking by a user for removal. The sharpened protrusion comprises a barb and the receiving part comprises a detent for releasably interlocking with the barb, or alternatively other gripping means are provided.

Figure 4 shows another variant of a duvet cover, in an open state. The linear split 7 is located in the centre of the top face 1 and joins with a single, perpendicular open edge 5. Said linear split 7 is open for the full length of the top face 1. Said open edge 5 is open along the entirety of its length allowing two portions 6 of the top face 1 to fold open and expose the two internal temporary fixings 4 closest to the bottom edge 5.

Figure 5 similarly shows another variant where the aperture 3 is made up of a linear split 7 in the centre of the top face 1 and it runs for the full length of said top face. Said linear split 7 joins with an open edge 5 that is only partially open in both directions from the central joining point. The top face can fold back in two portions 6 to bring the four temporary fixing devices 4 to be a maximum of half the width of the top face 1 from the aperture 3.

Figure 6 shows a further variant with a top face and a bottom face joined at the edges to create an internal cavity. The top face 1 is divided by a centrally placed linear split 7 that joins with two partially open, perpendicular edges 5. The partially open first and second end portions 5 are fastened together with respective fastenings such as buttons, zips or touch and close fastenings. The combination of the linear split 7 and the partially open edges 5 allow the top face to fold back in two sections 6 to create a large aperture to the internal cavity of the duvet cover. Within said internal cavity there are four temporary fixing devices 4 placed at the corners to attach the duvet cover to a duvet. When said aperture 3 is in the open state as in Figure 6, the temporary fixing devices 4 are all only a third of the length of top face 1 away from the aperture 3.

Figure 7 shows another variant where the duvet cover comprises of a top face 1 and a bottom face only joined at two of the edges. The open first and second end portions 5 are fastened together with respective fastenings such as buttons, zips or touch and close fastenings. Said top face 1 is divided by a centrally placed linear split 7, that joins with two perpendicular, completely open edges 5 to create folding portions 6 in the top face 1. Said folding portions can fold open to completely reveal the internal fixing devices 4, so that they are completely accessible when the duvet cover is in its open state as in Figure 7.

Figure 8 and Figure 9 show another variation of a duvet cover. The duvet cover comprises of a top face 1 and a bottom face that are joined at three of the edges to create an internal aperture accessed via an aperture 3. Said aperture comprises of a linear split 7 in the top face 1, running parallel to the two joined edges and connects with a partially open edge 5. The partially open edge 5 runs only in one direction away from the point the linear split 7 meets that edge. The linear split 7 and connecting open edge 5 create a single folding portion 6 in the top face 1 to create an aperture 3 into the internal cavity. Said aperture 3 in the open state creates access to the internal temporary fixings 4 for holding a duvet. Three of said temporary fixings 4 placed in the corners can be one quarter of the width of the top face from the opening of the aperture.

Claims

Claims 1. Bedding comprising a duvet cover forming a cavity for fitting a duvet, the duvet cover comprising a first layer and a second layer which are attached together at side edge portions and can be closed at first and second end portions to form the cavity, wherein at least one end portion defines an end opening to the cavity between the layers that can be selectively closed by an end fastening arrangement, the second layer comprising a transverse opening to the cavity that extends transversely from the end opening towards the closed end portion and can be selectively closed by a transverse fastening arrangement, wherein the openings are opened to allow fitting of a duvet in the cavity and closed for use once a duvet is fitted.
2. Bedding as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse opening extends perpendicularly to the end opening.
3. Bedding as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transverse opening is located centrally between closed side portions in the second layer.
4. Bedding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse opening is connected to the end opening so that when the first and second fastening arrangements are opened a generally triangular opening can be formed by the openings.
5. Bedding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fixing arrangement for selectively fixing a duvet in place in the cavity of the duvet cover, the fixing arrangement comprising a duvet fixing for fixing to a duvet and a complimentary duvet cover fixing fixed to at least one of the duvet cover layers, wherein the duvet fixing and the duvet cover fixing are configured to be fixed together by a user for retaining a fitted duvet in place inside a duvet cover and unfixing for removal of the duvet from the duvet cover.
6. Bedding as claimed in claim 5, wherein the duvet fixing comprises an engagement portion for releasably engaging with any one of a plurality of different duvets and a fixing portion for fixing to the duvet cover fixing.
7. Bedding as claimed in claim 6, wherein the engagement portion comprises a clamp for releasably clamping to a duvet.
8. Bedding as claimed in claim 7, where the clamp comprises a first and second clamping parts configured to engage one with the other on either side of a duvet for clamping a duvet between the clamping parts.
9. Bedding as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first and second clamping parts form a resilient snap fastening having respective interlocking components that interlock to clamp a duvet therebetween, the resilience causing the components to remain interlocked during normal use and unlocked by a user.
10. Bedding as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first clamping part comprises a bore having a detent and the second clamping part comprises a shaft having a barb for engaging with the detent with a duvet therebetween when the shaft is located within the bore by a user.
11. Bedding as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the engagement portion comprises a first piercing part having a sharp protrusion for piercing a duvet and a receiving part for receiving and locking with the sharpened protrusion when the protrusion has pierced a duvet and during normal use and unlocking by a user for removal.
12. Bedding as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sharpened protrusion comprises a barb and the receiving part comprises a detent for releasably interlocking with the barb.
13. Bedding as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the fixing portion of the fixing arrangement comprises a flange and a web around which a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place.
14. Bedding as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fixing portion of the fixing arrangement comprises two flanges and a web connecting the flanges for location either side of a duvet and around either of which flanges a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place.
15. Bedding as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 14, comprising a plurality of fixing arrangements for fixing a duvet at a respective plurality of comers of the duvet and duvet cover.
16. Bedding comprising a plurality of duvet fixings for fixing a duvet in place in a cavity of a duvet cover, the duvet fixings being configured for releasably engaging with any one of a plurality of different duvets and a fixing portion for fixing to a duvet cover fixing, wherein the duvet fixing comprises first and second parts forming a resilient snap fastening having respective interlocking components that interlock to fix the duvet fixing to a duvet, the first and second parts forming a retainer around which a tie of a duvet cover can be fastened for fixing a duvet in place in a duvet cover during use or unfastened for removal of a duvet from a duvet cover.
17. Bedding as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second parts form first and second clamping parts for releasably clamping to a duvet.
18. Bedding as claimed in claim 17, where the first and second clamping parts are configured to engage one with the other on either side of a duvet for clamping a duvet between the clamping parts.
19. Bedding as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first clamping part comprises a bore having a detent and the second clamping part comprises a shaft having a barb for engaging with the detent with a duvet therebetween when the shaft is located within the bore by a user.
20. Bedding as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first part has a sharpened protrusion for piercing a duvet and the second part is for receiving and locking with the sharpened protrusion when the protrusion has pierced a duvet and during normal use and unlocking by a user for removal.
21. Bedding as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sharpened protrusion comprises a barb and the receiving part comprises a detent for releasably interlocking with the barb.
22. Bedding as claimed in any one claims 16 to 21, wherein the duvet fixing comprises two flanges and a web connecting the flanges for location either side of a duvet and around either of which flanges a tie of the duvet cover fixing can be looped for fixing the duvet in place.
23. Bedding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a pillow case having a two layers that are fixed together at end portions and one side edge portion and open at another side edge portion, the end portions and the side edge portions forming a rectangle in which the end portions are shorter than the side edge portions.