US20180035831A1 - Baffle box comforter - Google Patents
Baffle box comforter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180035831A1 US20180035831A1 US15/229,760 US201615229760A US2018035831A1 US 20180035831 A1 US20180035831 A1 US 20180035831A1 US 201615229760 A US201615229760 A US 201615229760A US 2018035831 A1 US2018035831 A1 US 2018035831A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- baffle
- fabric
- fabric panel
- sidewalls
- comforter
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
- A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
- A47G9/0207—Blankets; Duvets
Definitions
- Baffle box comforters are typically manufactured from a fabric shell with baffle sidewalls and baffle floors that intersect one another to form multiple chambers, as well as a natural or synthetic filling disposed within each of the chambers.
- the baffle sidewalls are positioned between two fabric panels that form the outer fabric shell. One end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the first fabric panel and the opposite end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the second fabric panel.
- the baffle sidewalls can be helpful to minimize cold spots within the comforter by preventing the fill material from bunching up, as well as allowing the fill material to expand to its greatest potential loft. However, cold spots remain present within the comforter at the corners of the chambers where the baffle sidewalls and baffle floors intersect.
- Various designs have been implemented to address these shortcomings, but improvements are still needed.
- a comforter includes a first fabric panel, a second fabric panel, and a baffle floor.
- the baffle floor extends between the first and second vertical edges of the comforter.
- the baffle floor has a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel.
- the first end of the baffle floor is attached to the first fabric at a first position and the second end of the baffle floor is attached to the second fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being vertically spaced apart from one another in a direction extending between the first and second lateral edges.
- the comforter further includes a baffle sidewall that extends in a direction between the first and second lateral edges.
- the baffle sidewall may have a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel.
- the first end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the first fabric at a third position and the second end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the second fabric panel at a fourth position.
- the third and fourth positions may be laterally spaced apart from one another in a direction that extends between the first and second vertical edges.
- the first end of the baffle floor is closer to the second vertical edge than the second end of the baffle floor, and the first end of the baffle sidewall is closer to the first vertical sidewall than the second end of the baffle sidewall.
- the first end of the baffle floor may be spaced apart from the second end of the baffle floor by a length of at least 2.75 inches.
- the baffle floor may have a slope ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The slope may vary depending, in part, upon how much fill is provided within the comforter.
- the first fabric panel is comprised of a first material and the baffle floor is comprised of a different material than the first fabric panel.
- the different material may be a mesh material.
- the comforter includes a plurality of chambers, wherein the baffle floor forms a row, and the baffle sidewall is a plurality of baffle sidewalls positioned within the first row, each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls having a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel, the plurality of chambers formed by the intersection of the plurality of sidewalls and the baffle floor.
- a fill material may be positioned within each of the plurality of chambers.
- the fill material may include a first fill material and a second fill material, where the first fill material is in at least one of the plurality of chambers and the second fill material is in at least one other of the plurality of chambers.
- the first and second fill material may be the same.
- a method of manufacturing a comforter includes positioning a baffle floor between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel; attaching a first end of the baffle floor to the first fabric panel at a first position and a second end of the second baffle floor to the second fabric panel at a second position so that the first position and the second position are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction extending between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the first fabric panel; positioning a baffle sidewall between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel so that the baffle sidewall intersects the baffle floor; and attaching a first end of the baffle sidewall to the first fabric panel at a third point and a second end of the second baffle sidewall to the second fabric panel at a fourth point so that the third point and the fourth point are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction extending between a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge of the first fabric panel.
- the first and second vertical edges may extend in a direction perpendicular to
- the method further includes forming at least one chamber by positioning the baffle sidewall adjacent the baffle floor so as to form an intersection between the baffle sidewall and the baffle floor. In another example, the method further includes filling the chamber with a fill material.
- the first point is closer to the first lateral edge than the second point. Additionally, the third point may be closer to the first vertical edge than the fourth point.
- a baffle box comforter includes first and second fabric panels, an intermediate fabric panel positioned between the first and second fabric panels, and a baffle sidewall attached to the intermediate fabric.
- the first and second fabric panels can be joined together at their outer edges to form an outer perimeter of the baffle box comforter.
- the outer perimeter can include first and second vertical edges and first and second lateral edges that extend between the first and second vertical edges.
- the outer perimeter may have a first dimension.
- the outer edges of the intermediate fabric panel may be joined to the outer edges of the first and second fabric panels.
- the intermediate fabric may have a second dimension substantially equal to the first dimension.
- a first baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the first fabric panel.
- a second baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the second fabric panel.
- the first baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a first position and the second baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being spaced apart from one another along the length of the intermediate fabric panel.
- an example baffle box comforter may include a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, an interior space between the first and second fabrics, a plurality of baffle floors, a plurality of baffle sidewalls, and a plurality of openings within the baffle floors.
- the first and second opposed vertical edges may be formed at outer edges of the joined first and second fabric panels.
- the plurality of baffle floors may be positioned within the interior space.
- Each of the plurality of baffle floors may have a length extending between the first and second vertical edges.
- the plurality of baffle floors may be spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the first and second vertical edges. The floors may separate the interior space into a plurality of rows.
- a plurality of baffle sidewalls may be positioned within each of the plurality of rows.
- Each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls may have a main body that extends between the first and second fabrics.
- the plurality of baffle sidewalls may form a first acute angle between the main body and the first fabric.
- Each of the plurality of openings may be positioned adjacent the baffle sidewalls and extend an entire length between the first and second fabric panels.
- FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 1 in an open position.
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position.
- FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge is in an open position.
- FIG. 5B is a top plan view of an alternative baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure, with the top edge in an open position.
- FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7A is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 7B is a top plan view of an alternative fabric shell of the baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side plan view of a section of the baffle comforter 200 taken through line E-E of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 8 taken through line F-F.
- FIG. 10A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 8 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position.
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 8 wherein the top edge is in an open position.
- FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 13 in an open position.
- FIG. 15 is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter of FIG. 13 taken through line F-F of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 16 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line G-G of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- FIG. 18 is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter of FIG. 13 taken through line G-G of FIG. 13 without fill material for ease of illustration.
- FIG. 19 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line H-H of FIG. 13 without fill material for ease of illustration.
- FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a fabric shell of a baffle box comforter of another example embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter of FIG. 20 .
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate features of an example baffle box comforter 100 according to an aspect of the disclosure.
- the example baffle box comforter 100 includes a fabric shell 120 with a bedding fill material disposed within the fabric shell 120 .
- the fabric shell 120 may include, for example, a first outer fabric panel or first fabric 122 , a second outer fabric panel or second fabric 124 ( FIG. 2 ), an intermediate fabric panel or intermediate fabric 156 ( FIG. 2 ) positioned between the first and second fabrics, baffle floors 104 A- 104 D, front baffle sidewalls 108 A-L, and rear baffle sidewalls 110 A-L.
- the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 may be constructed from any known materials.
- the materials can include, for example, natural or synthetic fibers, including, for example, cotton, silk, or polyester fabrics or blends, or combinations of these materials.
- the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 can be comprised of the same material or different materials.
- the bedding fill material may be manufactured from natural or synthetic materials, such as, for example, down feathers, wool, silk, polyester, woven materials and the like.
- the size of the baffle box comforter 100 can vary.
- the baffle box comforter 100 may be manufactured according to standard size bedding dimensions, such as the standard sizes for twin, queen, and king, or the size may be custom size.
- the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 , as well as the intermediate fabric 156 may be secured together at their outer ends by a seam 134 that joins the outer edges of the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 together.
- the seam 134 extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell 120 to form an outer perimeter 136 .
- First and second vertical edges 126 , 128 , as well as first and second lateral edges 130 , 132 form the outermost edges of the fabric shell 120 .
- the outer edges of the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 are joined together so that the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 are directly adjacent one another.
- the outer edges of the first and second fabrics may be spaced apart from one another to create a thicker edge around the comforter, such as by adding a gusset around the vertical edges 126 , 128 and first and second lateral edges 130 , 132 of the fabric shell 120 .
- FIG. 2 a top-plan view of the fabric shell 120 in an open position and without filling, illustrates an example intermediate fabric 150 positioned between the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 can include a front surface 154 and a rear surface 156 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 can generally can extend in a direction between the first vertical edge 126 and the second vertical edge 128 of the fabric shell, as well as in a direction that is parallel to the first lateral edge 130 and second lateral edge 132 of the fabric shell 120 . In this example, the intermediate fabric 150 extends fully from the first vertical edge 126 to a second vertical edge 128 of the fabric shell 120 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 may only extend partially between the first vertical edge 125 and the second vertical edge 128 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 may alternatively be comprised of a plurality of materials or fabrics joined together that each individually extend between the first vertical edge 126 and the second vertical edge 128 of the fabric shell.
- the intermediate fabric 150 can be comprised of the same or similar materials as the first and second fabrics 120 , 122 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 may be comprised of a material that is different than the first and second fabrics 120 , 122 .
- the intermediate fabric may be a mesh or other fabric or non-fabric material that separates the first and second fabrics 120 , 122 from one another.
- the interior 152 of the fabric shell 120 may include at least two interior portions separated by the intermediate fabric 150 : a front interior portion 158 and a rear interior portion 160 .
- the front interior portion 158 may extend from the front surface 154 of the intermediate fabric 150 to the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 .
- the rear interior portion 160 may extend from the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 to the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 divides the interior 152 into two equal halves.
- more than one intermediate fabric may be provided so that at least three or more interior layers are formed between the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 .
- Baffle floors can extend between the first and second fabrics in both the front interior portion 158 and rear interior portion 160 .
- baffle floor 104 A can extend across a plane P 1 ( FIG. 1 ) between the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 , as well as in a transverse direction in the same plane P 1 between the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 .
- floor 104 A extends between the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 and the front surface 154 of the intermediate fabric 150 , as well as between the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 and the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 .
- baffle floors 104 B and 104 C similarly extend in a lateral direction in a plane (not shown) parallel to P 1 between the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 , as well as in a transverse direction in the same parallel plane between the first and second fabrics 122 , 124 .
- a perspective view of the fabric shell 120 of comforter 200 without filling material, floors 104 B and 104 C are shown extending between the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 and the front surface 154 of the intermediate fabric 150 , as well as between the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 and the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 .
- the baffle floors 104 A, 104 B, and 104 C may be spaced apart from one another and positioned at various points along the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 of the fabric shell 120 .
- the baffle floors 104 A- 104 D can create rows 106 A, 106 B, 106 C, and 106 D extending between the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 within the front interior portion 158 and rows 106 E- 106 H within the rear interior portion 160 ( FIG. 4 ).
- the baffle floors 104 A- 104 D are evenly spaced apart from one another. In other examples, the spacing between baffle floors can be increased or decreased depending on the desired design and number of baffle floors.
- baffle floors 104 A- 104 D may be constructed from a variety of materials.
- baffle floor 104 A- 104 D are constructed from a mesh material or material with openings to allow a fill material to be blown therethrough during manufacture.
- the baffle floor may be a generally solid material such as a continuous piece of cotton material or the same material as the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 .
- One or more baffle sidewalls may be positioned within respective rows 106 A-D of the front interior portion 158 , as well as within respective rows 106 E- 106 H of the rear interior portion 160 .
- front baffle sidewalls 108 A, 108 B, 108 C are separated from rear baffle sidewalls 110 A, 110 B, and 110 C by the intermediate fabric 156 .
- Front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 C are positioned within the front interior portion 158 and rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C are positioned within the rear interior portion 160 .
- the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 C can extend from the front surface 154 of the intermediate fabric 150 toward the interior surface 123 of the first outer fabric 122 .
- the first ends 107 A, 107 B, 107 C of the respective front baffle sidewalls 108 A-C can be attached to the intermediate fabric 156 and the second ends 109 A, 109 B, 109 C of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 C, can be attached to the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 .
- Rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C each extend from the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 toward the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 .
- the first ends 111 A, 111 B and 111 C of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C can be attached to the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 and the second ends 113 A- 113 C of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C are attached to the interior surface of the second fabric 124 .
- front baffle sidewalls 108 D- 108 L have respective first ends 107 D-L attached to the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 and second respective ends 109 D-L attached to the front surface 154 of the intermediate fabric 150 .
- rear baffle sidewalls 110 D- 110 L have respective first ends 111 D- 111 L attached to the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 and second ends 113 D- 113 L attached to the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 .
- the first end of one or more baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another baffle sidewall in an adjacent row.
- each of the front baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion 158 can be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row.
- first end 107 A of front baffle sidewall 108 A may be aligned with first end 107 D of front baffle sidewall 108 B in row 106 B.
- first ends 107 G and 107 J of respective front baffle sidewalls 108 G and 108 J in respective rows 106 C and 106 D can be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends 107 A, 107 D of baffle sidewalls 108 A and 108 D.
- First ends 107 B, 107 E, 107 H and 107 K of front baffle sidewalls 108 B, 108 E, 108 H, and 108 K may also be aligned with one another.
- respective first ends 107 C, 107 F, 107 I, and 107 L of respective baffle sidewalls 108 C, 108 F, 108 I, and 108 L may also be aligned with one another.
- each of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion can be aligned with the first end of another rear baffle sidewall in an adjacent row.
- first end 111 A of rear baffle sidewall 110 A may be aligned with first end 111 D of rear baffle sidewall 110 B in row 106 F.
- the ends 111 G and 111 J of respective rear baffle sidewalls 110 G and 110 J in respective rows 106 G and 106 H can be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends 111 A, 111 D of baffle sidewalls 110 A and 110 D.
- First ends 111 B, 111 E, 111 H and 111 K of respective rear baffle sidewalls 110 B, 110 E, 110 H, and 110 K may also be aligned with one another.
- respective first ends 111 C, 111 F, 111 I, and 111 L of respective baffle sidewalls 110 C, 110 F, 1101 , and 110 L may also be aligned with one another.
- the respective front sidewalls and rear sidewalls may be attached at their respective ends to the fabric shell by any means, such as by being sewn or stitched.
- a baffle seam can be formed along the first fabric 122 where each end of the front baffle sidewalls is attached to the first fabric and a baffle seam can also be formed along the second fabric 124 where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to the second fabric.
- the alignment of front baffle sidewalls 108 A, 108 D, 108 G, and 108 J, are aligned with one another can form a continuous first front baffle seam 168 that extends longitudinally between the first lateral edge 130 to the second lateral edge 132 .
- baffle sidewalls 108 B, 108 E, 108 H, 108 K with one another can form a second front baffle seam 170 ; and alignment of baffle sidewalls 108 C, 108 F, 108 I, 108 L with one another can form a third front baffle seam 172 .
- Baffle seams can further be formed along the second fabric 124 where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to the second fabric 124 .
- Rear baffle sidewalls as noted above, can also be aligned with one another. The alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 110 A, 110 D, 110 G, 110 J ( FIGS.
- rear baffle seam 174 the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 108 B, 108 E, 108 H, 108 K along the second fabric 124 can form a second rear baffle seam 176 ; and the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 110 C, 110 F, 110 I, 110 L with one another along the second fabric 124 can form a third rear baffle seam 178 .
- the baffle sidewalls may be formed from any materials.
- the baffle sidewalls may be formed from a mesh material or a material with openings.
- the sidewalls may be a solid material, such as a continuous cotton or polyester material.
- the baffle sidewalls may be formed from the same or a different material as the baffle floors.
- the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 L extend between the first fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric 150 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the first fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric 150 .
- the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 L can extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the intermediate fabric 150 and the second fabric 124 .
- the front baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 L may extends in a direction such that one or more of the first ends 107 A-L of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 L form an angle ⁇ 1A , a right angle, with the first fabric 122 and one or more of the second ends 109 A- 109 L of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 L form an angle ⁇ 1B , also a right angle, with the intermediate fabric 150 .
- ⁇ 1A and ⁇ 1B may be less than or greater than ninety degrees.
- the sidewalls in the baffle box comforter 200 can be positioned within the fabric shell in a staggered or alternating configuration so that the front baffle sidewalls and the rear baffle sidewalls are not aligned with one another.
- front baffle sidewalls can be disposed between and spaced apart from adjacent rear baffle sidewalls and vice versa. As shown in FIG. 2 , front baffle sidewalls are positioned between each of the rear baffle sidewalls.
- Rear baffle sidewall 110 A can be positioned between the first vertical edge 126 and front baffle sidewall 108 A; rear baffle sidewall 110 B can be positioned between front sidewall 108 A and 108 B; and, rear baffle sidewall 110 C can be positioned between front baffle sidewalls 108 B and 108 C.
- Front baffle sidewalls 108 D- 108 L disposed within the fabric shell 120 can also be staggered relative to one or more of the remaining rear baffle sidewalls 110 D- 110 L.
- Front baffle sidewall 108 D can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 D and 110 E; front baffle sidewall 108 E can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 E, 110 F, and front baffle sidewall 108 F can be positioned between rear baffle sidewall 110 F and the second vertical edge 128 .
- front baffle sidewall 108 G can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 G, 110 H; front baffle sidewall 108 H can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 H, 110 I; and front baffle sidewall 108 I can be positioned between rear baffle sidewall 1101 and the second vertical edge 128 .
- front baffle sidewall 108 J is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 J, 110 K; front baffle sidewall 108 K is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110 K, 110 L; and front baffle sidewall 108 L is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewall 110 L and the second vertical edge 128 .
- the front baffle seams 168 , 170 , 172 and rear baffle seams 174 , 176 , 178 which are determined by the location of the front and rear baffle sidewalls, can also be offset relative to one another so that the front and rear baffle seams do no align with one another.
- FIG. 1 illustrates front baffle seam 168 being offset from the rear baffle seam 174 by a distance X 1 , as well as offset from rear baffle seam 176 by a distance X 2 .
- Front baffle seam 170 may be offset from adjacent rear baffle seam 176 by a distance X 3 , as well as offset from rear baffle seam 178 by a distance X 4 .
- baffle seam 172 may be offset front the baffle seam 178 by a distance X 5 .
- each of the distances X 1 -X 5 may be generally equal to one another. But in other examples, one or more distances X 1 -X 5 may differ.
- the distance X 1 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X 1 may range from 0.25 to 16 inches, fall outside of the range, may be at least 0.25 inches, or may be less than 0.25 inches.
- the remaining distances X 2 -X 5 can also have a length of at least 0.25 inches, as well as a length that falls within similar ranges discussed with regard to X 1 .
- the front baffle sidewall 108 A may further include a length L 1 between the first fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric panel.
- the rear baffle sidewall 110 A may have a length L 2 between the intermediate fabric panel and the second fabric 124 .
- L 1 and L 2 may each be approximately 0.5 inches, such that the depth of the comforter 200 between the first and second panels can be approximately 1 inch.
- L 1 and/or L 2 may be greater than 0.5 inches or less than 0.5 inches.
- L 1 and/or L 2 may range between 0.25 inches and 1.50 inches. In still other examples, L 1 and/or L 2 may be greater than 1.50 inches.
- the baffle sidewalls can also be staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric.
- Second ends 113 A- 113 C of the respective rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C in row 106 E and the second ends 109 A-C of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A-C in row 106 A, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2 may be attached to the intermediate fabric 150 and staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric.
- the second ends of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C can be spaced apart from the second ends of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 C along the length of the intermediate fabric 150 .
- Every other baffle sidewall extending away from the intermediate fabric 150 can be a rear baffle sidewall and an intermediate and respective front baffle sidewall 108 A- 108 C can extend away from the intermediate fabric 150 at a location between each of the rear baffle sidewalls.
- the first baffle sidewall extending away from the intermediate fabric is rear baffle sidewall 1108 A
- the next adjacent baffle is front baffle sidewall 108 A
- the next adjacent baffle is rear baffle sidewall 110 B
- the next adjacent baffle is front baffle sidewall 108 B
- the next adjacent baffle sidewall is rear baffle sidewall 110 C
- the final baffle sidewall is front baffle sidewall 108 C.
- the spacing between the front and rear baffle sidewalls along the length of the intermediate fabric 150 can be the same distances X 1 -X 5 as discussed above with regard to the front and rear baffle seams.
- the depth of a baffle sidewall can be defined by the length of the respective sidewall between the intermediate fabric 150 and the first or second fabrics 122 , 124 .
- the front baffle sidewall 108 A may have a length L 1 that extends between the front surface 154 of intermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 123 of the first fabric 122 .
- the other front baffle sidewalls 108 B- 108 L may also each have a length L 1 defined by the length of the baffle sidewall between the first outer fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric 156 .
- L 1 is only shown with regard to front baffle sidewalls 108 B- 108 D, but the dimension L 1 is similarly obtained for each front baffle sidewall 108 E- 108 L.
- the length L 1 of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A-L may be the same. In other examples, the length L 1 may vary to allow for a more contoured shape comforter.
- the rear baffle sidewall 110 A may have a length L 2 that extends between the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 .
- rear baffle sidewalls 110 B-L may have lengths L 2 extending between the rear surface 156 of the intermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 125 of the second fabric 124 .
- the lengths L 2 are substantially the same.
- one or more lengths L 2 of a baffle sidewall may differ.
- the lengths L 1 and L 2 may be generally equal in length.
- the length L 1 of one or more front baffle sidewalls may vary relative to the length L 2 of one or more of the rear baffle sidewalls (and vice versa).
- the height of any one baffle sidewall can be determined by the length the baffle sidewall extends along the first fabric 1122 or the second fabric 124 .
- the front baffle sidewalls may have a height that generally extends between the first and second lateral edges 130 , 132 of the shell 120 , and that is parallel to the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 .
- the height of the sidewalls can be the distance the sidewall extends between one of the baffle floors and another baffle floor or alternatively between one of the baffle floors and one of the outer edges 130 , 132 of the fabric shell. For example, as shown in FIG.
- front baffle sidewall 108 A can have a height H 1 that extends from the first lateral edge 130 to the baffle floor 104 A.
- the height H 1 can extend fully between the first lateral edge 130 and the baffle floor 104 A. In other examples, H 1 may extend partially between the first lateral edge 130 and the baffle floor 104 A.
- the front baffle sidewalls 108 B-C may also have a height that generally extends between the first and second lateral edges 130 , 132 of the shell 120 , and parallel to the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 .
- the height H 1 may be the same for all front baffle sidewalls 108 A, 108 B, and 108 C or they may be different.
- Front baffle sidewalls 108 D, 108 E, and 108 F in row 106 B each have a height H 2 that extends longitudinally between the baffle floors 104 A and 104 B.
- Front baffle sidewalls 108 G, 108 H, and 1081 each have a height H 3 that extends between baffle floor 104 B and baffle floor 104 C.
- Baffle sidewalls 108 J, 108 K, and 108 L each have a height H 4 that extends between baffle floor 104 C and second lateral edge 132 .
- the individual respective heights of the sidewall baffles in a particular row 106 A, B, C, or D may be the same or they may differ.
- the heights H 3 of baffle sidewalls 108 D-F relative to one another may be the same; the heights H 4 of baffle sidewalls 108 G-I relative to one another may all be the same; and the heights H 4 of baffle sidewalls 108 J-L relative to one another may be the same.
- the heights of the baffle sidewalls in any one row may differ.
- H 1 of the front baffle sidewalls can differ from height H 1 of the front baffle sidewall 108 B.
- the heights of the sidewalls in different rows may be the same or differ.
- heights H 2 of one or more baffle sidewalls in row 106 B and heights H 4 of one or more baffle sidewalls in row 106 D may have the same length, but heights H 3 of baffle sidewalls in row 106 C may differ.
- the height H 1 (discussed above) of baffle sidewalls in row 106 A may have a length that is greater than or less than one or more heights H 2 , H 3 or H 4 of baffle sidewalls in rows 106 B-D.
- the height H 1 of the front baffle sidewall 108 A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H 1 may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches.
- the heights of the rear sidewalls may be similar to the front sidewalls.
- the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A, 110 B, and 110 C, shown in FIG. 4 can have a height H 6 that extends from the first lateral edge 130 to the baffle floor 104 A.
- Rear baffle sidewalls 110 D, 110 E, and 110 F extend longitudinally between baffle floor 104 a and 104 b, and have a height H 2 defined by the length of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 D- 110 F between the baffle floor 104 A and 104 B.
- rear baffle sidewalls 110 G, 110 H, and 1101 extend between baffle floor 104 B and baffle floor 104 C and have a height H 7 defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls 110 G-I extend between the baffle floor 104 B and 104 D.
- Rear baffle sidewalls 110 J, 110 K, 11 L extend between floor 104 C and second lateral edge 132 and have a height H 8 defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls 110 J- 110 L extends between the floor 104 C and second lateral edge 132 .
- the heights of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion 160 may be the same for all sidewalls 110 A-L or they may be different. The heights may further vary relative to one another as discussed with regard to the heights H 1 -H 4 of the front baffle sidewalls. In the example shown, the heights H 1 and H 2 are shown to be generally equal in size. In other examples, the heights (H 1 -H 4 ) of one or more front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 L may vary relative to the heights (H 5 -H 8 ) of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 L.
- the height H 1 of the rear baffle sidewall 110 A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H 1 may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches.
- the number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the front interior portion may be equal to the number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the rear interior portion.
- at least three front baffle sidewalls are positioned within each row 106 A- 106 D of the front interior portion 158 ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and three baffle sidewalls are positioned within each rows 106 E- 106 H of the rear interior portion 160 .
- the number of baffle sidewalls relative to the front baffle sidewalls can vary. There may be additional baffle sidewalls in both the front and rear interior portions 158 , 160 . There may be more baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion 158 relative to the rear interior portion 160 and vice versa.
- the rear interior portion 160 may include one or more additional baffle sidewalls, such as additional sidewall positioned between the rear sidewall 110 C and second vertical edge 128 .
- additional baffle sidewalls such as additional sidewall positioned between the rear sidewall 110 C and second vertical edge 128 .
- the number of baffle sidewalls in one of the rows 106 A- 106 H can vary with respect to one or more other rows.
- a plurality of chambers can be formed in each of the rows 106 A-D in the front interior portion 158 , as well as in each of the rows 106 E-H in the rear interior portion 160 .
- a plurality of chambers 115 A- 115 L are formed in the front interior portion 158 and as shown in FIG. 4 , a plurality of chambers 117 A- 117 L are formed in the rear interior portion 160 .
- the boundaries of the plurality of chambers can be formed by the baffle sidewalls, the baffle floors, the intermediate fabric, the first and second lateral edges 130 , 132 , and the first and second vertical edges 126 , 128 .
- the intermediate fabric 150 can form a first front wall for each of the respective chambers 115 A- 115 P and the opposed first fabric 122 forms a second opposed wall. Similarly, the intermediate fabric 150 forms a first front wall of the respective chambers 117 A- 117 C and the second fabric 124 forms a second opposed wall.
- the top edges of the chambers 115 A- 115 D and 117 A- 117 D can be defined by the first lateral edge 130 of the shell 120 and the bottom edges of the chambers 115 A- 115 D and 117 A- 117 D are defined by floor 104 A.
- the lateral edges of the plurality of chambers can be formed by at least one of the front and rear baffle sidewalls. Lateral edges of chambers 115 A- 115 L provided between the first fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric 150 can be defined by at least one of the front baffle sidewalls, and the lateral edges of the chambers 117 A- 117 L provided between the second fabric 124 and the intermediate fabric 150 can be defined by at least one of the rear baffle sidewalls. As shown in row 106 A and FIG.
- the lateral edges of chamber 115 A are defined by the vertical edge 126 of the shell 120 and the front baffle sidewall 108 A; the lateral edges of the chamber 115 B are defined by front baffle sidewalls 109 A and 109 B; the lateral edges of the chamber 115 C are defined by front baffle sidewalls 109 B and 109 C; and the lateral edges of the chamber 115 D are defined by front baffle sidewall 108 C and the second vertical edge 128 .
- the lateral edges of the chambers 117 A, 117 B, 117 C, and 117 D are defined by the rear baffle sidewalls.
- the lateral edges of chamber 117 A are defined by the first vertical edge 126 and the rear baffle sidewall 110 A; the lateral edges of chamber 117 B are defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110 A and 110 B; the lateral edges of chamber 117 C can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110 B and 110 C; and, the lateral edges of the chamber 117 D can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110 C and the second vertical edge 126 of the shell 120 .
- Similar chambers can be formed throughout each of the rows 106 B-H in the front and rear interior portions 158 , 160 of the fabric shell 120 .
- chambers 115 E-H are formed within row 106 B of the front interior portion 158 of the fabric shell 120 ; chambers 115 I- 115 L are formed within row 106 C; and chambers 115 M- 115 P are formed within row 106 D.
- chambers 117 E-H can be formed within row 106 F of the front interior portion 158 of the fabric shell 120 ; chambers 117 I- 117 L can be formed within row 106 G; and chambers 117 M- 117 P can be formed within row 106 H.
- the chambers in the fabric shell can be generally rectangular in shape, but in other examples, the chambers can take on other desired shapes, such as a square.
- the number of chambers can increase or decrease depending on the number of desired chambers. For example, greater or fewer baffle sidewalls can be implemented to increase or decrease the number of chambers. Similarly, additional or fewer baffle floor can be used to vary the number of chambers.
- the lateral edges of the chambers 115 A- 115 P in the front interior portion 158 of the fabric shell 120 can be offset relative to the lateral edges of the chambers 117 A- 117 P in the rear interior portion 160 of the fabric shell 120 .
- the chambers 115 A- 115 D in the front interior portion 158 are alternating or offset relative to the chambers 117 A- 117 D in the rear interior portion 160 .
- the rear baffle sidewalls of the chambers 117 A, 117 B, 117 C and 117 D in the rear interior portion 160 are not aligned with or positioned directly behind the front baffle sidewalls of the chambers 115 A, 115 B, 115 C, and 115 D in the front interior portion 158 . This allows the chambers 117 B and 117 C of the rear interior portion to be offset relative to chambers 115 B and 115 C in the front interior portion 158 .
- the remaining chambers 115 E- 115 O in each of respective rows 106 B- 106 D of the front interior portion can also be offset relative to the chambers 117 E- 117 O in rows 106 B- 106 D of the rear interior portion 160 .
- one or more chambers in a particular row 106 A- 106 H may be offset or staggered whereas other rows are not.
- the baffle sidewalls of rows 106 A and 106 C may include chambers in the front interior portion 158 that are aligned with the chambers in the rear interior portion 160 , whereas the chambers of rows 106 B and 106 D may be staggered and not aligned with one another.
- One or more rows in the front interior portion 158 may instead include front baffle sidewalls that are aligned with rear baffle sidewalls in the counterpart rear interior portion 160 , such as in traditional baffle box comforters.
- front baffle sidewalls that are aligned with rear baffle sidewalls in the counterpart rear interior portion 160 , such as in traditional baffle box comforters.
- only one row of alternating baffle sidewalls may be used and the remaining baffle sidewalls in the other rows of the comforter may be aligned.
- Openings 182 can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings 182 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , can be provided within each of the floors 104 A, 104 B, 104 C, 104 D adjacent the front sidewalls 108 A-L and the rear sidewalls 110 A-L. With reference first to FIG. 2 , openings 182 are disposed within the floor 104 A of each chamber 115 A- 115 D in the front interior portion 158 and openings 182 are disposed within the floor 104 A of each chamber 117 A-D in the rear interior portion 160 .
- the openings 182 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend between the first fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric 150 .
- chamber 115 A includes an opening 182 adjacent the front baffle sidewall 108 A;
- chamber 115 B includes an opening 182 adjacent the front baffle sidewall 108 B;
- chamber 115 C includes an opening 182 adjacent the front baffle sidewall 108 C;
- chamber 115 D includes an opening 182 that is also adjacent the front baffle sidewall 108 C.
- openings in the rear interior chamber 160 may extend between the second fabric 124 and the intermediate fabric 150 .
- Chamber 117 A in the rear interior portion 160 includes an opening 182 adjacent the rear baffle sidewall 110 A; chamber 117 B includes an opening 182 adjacent the rear baffle sidewall 110 B; chamber 117 C includes an opening 182 adjacent the rear baffle sidewall 110 C; and chamber 117 D includes an opening 182 that is also adjacent the rear baffle sidewall 110 C.
- the openings can additionally or alternatively be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as spaced further away from the baffle sidewalls or in the middle of a chamber. Some or all of the openings 182 may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric 122 or may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric 150 and the second fabric 124 . Further, the openings 182 may be flapped openings where a flap of material is attached to the baffle sidewall or baffle floor and can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers.
- openings 182 may also be provided in the remaining chambers 115 E- 115 P of the front interior portion 158 .
- the openings in each of the rows can be aligned with openings 182 present in each adjacent row in the front interior portion 158 .
- openings 182 can also be provided in the chambers 117 E-P of the rear interior portion 160 .
- Each of the openings 182 in row 106 A can be aligned with the openings 182 present in each adjacent row in the rear interior portion 160 .
- Fill material can be introduced into the fabric shell 120 through each of the openings in the chambers.
- a filling machine can introduce fill material into the fabric shell 120 row-by-row in the front interior portion 158 and row-by-row rear interior portion 160 .
- Nozzles of a filling machine may extend through the openings 182 adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion 158 and rear interior portion 160 .
- the filling machine may first fill the chambers 115 M-P in row 106 D, as well as chambers 117 M-P in row 106 H.
- the nozzles in the front interior portion 158 can then be retracted into row 106 C, where each of chambers 115 I-L is filled with fill material.
- the nozzles in the rear interior portion 160 can be simultaneously or subsequently retracted into row 106 G, where each of chambers 117 I-L is filled.
- row 106 C When row 106 C is completed, the nozzles can be retracted into row 106 B and each of the chambers 115 E-H can be filled.
- Each of the chambers 117 D-H can be filled when the nozzles in the rear interior portion 160 are positioned within row 106 F.
- the nozzles can be drawn into row 115 A and each of chambers 115 A- 115 D can be filled.
- each of the chambers 117 A- 117 D can be filled in row 117 A. Openings may alternatively or additionally be present in each of the baffle sidewalls to allow the nozzles of a filling machine to extend through the openings in the baffle sidewalls. This can allow for column-by-column filling in a similar manner.
- the fill material in the front interior chamber 158 may be the same or different that the fill material in the rear interior chamber 160 .
- FIG. 5A a top plan view of the baffle box comforter 200 open at one end and closed at the other, the fill material 180 is disposed within the front interior portion 158 and fill material 181 is disposed within the rear interior portion 160 .
- FIG. 5B the fill material 180 ′ in the front interior chamber 158 ′ is different than the fill material 181 ′ in the rear interior chamber 160 ′.
- the staggered arrangement of the baffle sidewalls, as well as the intermediate fabric, can help to reduce cold spots.
- Fill material F positioned in the chambers 117 A-D of the rear interior portion 160 can be positioned behind each of the front baffle sidewalls 110 A- 110 C. Potential cold seeping through the first fabric 122 and baffle sidewall 110 A in the front interior portion 158 will encounter both the intermediate fabric 150 , as well as the fill material in chamber 117 B, which is positioned directly behind baffle sidewall 110 A. Potential cold seeping through the second fabric 124 and rear baffle sidewall 110 A in the rear interior portion 160 will encounter the intermediate sidewall 150 , as well as the fill material in chamber 115 A of the front interior portion 158 .
- This arrangement is the same for each of the staggered baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion 158 and the rear interior portion 160 .
- Providing the intermediate fabric 150 and the staggered baffle sidewalls throughout the fabric shell 120 can therefore help to reduce the presence of cold spots in the baffle box comforter.
- a first fill material F 1 may be used in the front portion and a second fill material F 2 may be provided in a second portion.
- the first and second fill materials may be different fill materials.
- FIGS. 6-7A present an alternative example baffle comforter 100 ′, where similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements.
- the baffle comforter 100 ′ includes a fabric shell 120 ′ with first and second outer fabrics 122 ′ 124 ′ and an intermediate fabric 150 ′ disposed between the first and second outer fabrics 122 ′ 124 ′.
- the respective first ends 107 A′- 107 L′ of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A- 108 D may be offset with respect to the respective first ends 111 A′- 111 L′ of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A′- 110 L′.
- This example differs, however, with regard to the arrangement of the baffle sidewalls.
- FIG. 1 differs, however, with regard to the arrangement of the baffle sidewalls.
- the second ends 109 A′- 109 CC′ of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A′-C′ may instead be aligned with the respective second ends 113 A′- 113 C′ of the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A′- 110 C′ so that the second ends 109 A′- 109 C′ of the front baffle sidewalls 108 A′- 108 C′ are not spaced apart from the rear baffle sidewalls 110 A′- 110 C′.
- individual baffle sidewalls 108 A′′, 108 B′′, and 108 C′′ may extend directly through the intermediate fabric 150 ′′.
- the first end 107 A′′ of the baffle sidewall 108 A′′ may be attached to the first fabric 122 ′′ and the second end 109 A′′ of the baffle sidewall 108 ′′ may be attached to the second fabric 124 ′′.
- baffle box comforter 200 includes a fabric shell 220 filled with a bedding or fill material.
- the fabric shell 220 may include a first fabric 222 , a second fabric 224 ( FIG. 9 ), baffle floors 204 A, 204 B, 204 C, and 204 D, and baffle sidewalls 208 A-L. As shown in FIG.
- first and second vertical edges 226 , 228 , as well as first and second lateral edges 230 , 232 of the fabric shell 220 form the outermost edges of the fabric shell 220 and comforter 200 .
- the components of the fabric shell 220 including first and second fabrics 220 , 224 , the front baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L, the baffle floors 204 A- 204 C, and the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials previously discussed herein.
- Baffle floors 204 A- 204 D are shown spaced apart from one another. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , a cross sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 8 , baffle floors 204 A- 204 D are shown extending between the first fabric 222 and second fabric 224 . As shown, first end 201 A of baffle floor 204 A is attached to a first portion P 1 of the first fabric 222 . The second end 205 A of the baffle floor 204 A is attached to a second portion P 2 of the second fabric 224 .
- portion P 1 where the respective first end 201 A is attached to the first fabric 220
- the portion P 2 where the respective second end 205 A is attached to the second fabric 224
- the baffle floors 204 A may further extend at an angle ⁇ 2A relative to the first fabric 222 , as well as an angle ⁇ 2B relative to the second fabric 224 .
- the baffle floor may have a width F extending between the first fabric 222 and second fabric 224 .
- the width F of the baffle floor may be 1 inch.
- the width F may range from 0.50 inches to 3 inches. In still other examples, the width F may be less than 0.50 inches or greater than 3 inches.
- Each of the remaining baffle floors 204 B-D may also be similarly attached to the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 , such that the first ends 201 B, 201 C, and 291 D are aligned with the second ends 205 B, 205 C, and 205 D and extend along planes parallel to horizontal plane H.
- the baffle floors 204 B-D may further extend at an angle ⁇ 2A relative to the first fabric 222 , as well as an angle ⁇ 2B relative to the second fabric 224 .
- angles ⁇ 2A and ⁇ 2B are right angles or ninety degree angles, but in other examples, the angles may differ.
- one or both ends of one or more baffle floors 204 A- 204 C may extend at an angle greater than or less than ninety degrees, such that one or more baffle floors are not perpendicular to the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 .
- the angles ⁇ 2A of a first end and the angle ⁇ 2B of the second end of one baffle floor may differ relative to the angles of another floor or relative to each other.
- Baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L extend longitudinally along the vertical length L of the first fabric 222 and the second fabric 224 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L can intersect the baffle floors 204 A- 204 C so as to form individual chambers defined by the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L and baffle floors 204 A- 204 C. Rows 206 A- 206 D are also formed by the baffle floors 204 A- 204 D.
- the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 may be secured together at their outermost ends by a seam 234 that joins each of the edges of the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 together.
- the seam 234 extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell 220 to form an outer perimeter 236 .
- floor 204 D coincides with the seam 236 extending along the second lateral edge 232 of the comforter 200 , but in other examples, floor 204 D can be omitted such that the second lateral edge 232 acts as the floor when the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 are sewn together.
- the floor 204 can be spaced apart from the second lateral edge 232 so as to create a space between the second lateral edge 232 and floor 204 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a top-plan view of the fabric shell 220 of the baffle box comforter 200 in an open position taken through line E-E of FIG. 8 .
- fill material has been removed.
- baffle box comforter 200 does not include an intermediate fabric. Instead, as shown, each of the baffle sidewalls, including baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 C, can extend between the first fabric 222 and second fabric 224 .
- the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 C are shown extending the entire or full distance between the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 , but in other examples, one or more of the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L may only partially extend between the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 .
- First ends 207 A- 207 C of the sidewalls 208 A- 208 C may be attached to the interior surface 223 of the first fabric 222 and second ends of the sidewalls 208 A- 208 C are attached to the interior surface 225 of the second fabric 224 .
- FIG. 10A shows an enlarged section of FIG. 10 .
- the openings in the baffle floor are not shown in this enlarged view.
- the length or distance D of the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L may be 2.75 inches, but in other examples, D may range between 1 inch and 4 inches. Day alternatively be at least 1 inch; greater than 1 inch; greater than 4 inches; or D may be less than 1 inch.
- first ends and second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be offset from one another, such that the first and second ends do not align with one another.
- first end 207 C of baffle sidewall 208 C is attached to the first fabric 222 at a point or portion P 3 that is laterally offset along the portion P 4 where the second end 209 C is attached to the second fabric 224 .
- the lateral offset can be in a direction that is between the first vertical edge 226 and the second vertical edge 228 of the shell 220 .
- the first end 207 C and second end 209 C therefore do not extend along a same plane I that extends perpendicular to the first and second fabrics 222 , 224 .
- the first end 207 C of baffle sidewall 208 C may be offset a distance X 5 away from the second end 209 C of the baffle sidewall 208 C.
- the distance X 5 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X 5 may range from 0.25 to 6 inches; X 5 may be at least 0.25 inches; X 5 may be greater than 0.25 inches; X 5 may be less than 0.25 inches; or X 5 may fall outside of the range.
- Each of the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 B, as well as 208 D- 208 L can include respective first ends 207 A- 207 B and 207 D- 207 L also have a points of attachment P 3 to the first fabric 222 and are laterally offset a predetermined distance relative to the point of attachment P 4 to the second fabric for the respective second ends 209 A- 209 B and 209 D- 209 L.
- first end 207 B of baffle sidewall 208 B may be offset relative to the second end 209 B by a distance X 3 , as well as offset relative to the second end 209 C of directly adjacent baffle wall 208 C by a distance X 4 .
- First end 207 A can be offset relative to the second end 209 A by a distance X 1 and offset relative to the second end 209 B of directly adjacent baffle wall 208 B by a distance X 2 .
- the distances or lengths X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 may be a distance that is the same or similar to X 5 . In alternative examples, however, one or more of the lengths X 1 -X 5 may differ from one another.
- Each of the first and second ends of the remaining sidewalls 208 D- 208 L in each of rows 206 B, 206 C, and 206 D may be similarly positioned, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 .
- the first ends of the baffle sidewalls may be attached to the first fabric 220 so that the baffle sidewalls are evenly spaced across the width W of the comforter.
- the second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be similarly positioned so that they are also equally spaced across the width W of the comforter; are evenly spaced away from one another, or spaced apart from one another in differing amounts.
- the comforter 200 may include baffle sidewalls that have ends displaced relative to one another, as well as baffle sidewalls that are no may be displaced whereas the ends of other baffle walls are not.
- Baffle sidewall 208 C can further extend at an angle ⁇ 3 relative to the interior surface 223 of the first fabric 222 and the second end.
- an angle ⁇ 3A is formed by the baffle sidewall where the baffle sidewall is joined to the first fabric panel 222 may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees.
- ⁇ 3A can range from 1 to 90 degrees. In other examples, ⁇ 3A may be greater than 90 degrees; ⁇ 3A may be less than 90 degrees; or ⁇ 3A may be less than 1 degree.
- ⁇ 3B may be an acute angle that is complementary to ⁇ 3A , such that the combination of ⁇ 3A and ⁇ 3B add up to ninety degrees. It is to be appreciated that the angles ⁇ 3A and ⁇ 3B can be dependent upon the amount of fill present in the comforter 200 and movement of the first fabric 222 and the second fabric 224 . In this regard, angles ⁇ 3A and ⁇ 3B can vary after the first and second ends of the sidewalls are fixed to the respective first and second fabric panels 222 , 224 .
- each of the baffle sidewalls 208 D- 208 L may also be positioned at acute angles relative to the first and second baffle sidewalls, as well as relative to the first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls 208 D- 208 L.
- each of the baffle sidewalls extend away from the first baffle sidewall at angles that are equal to one another, but in other examples, one or more of the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L may extend at angles that differ from one another.
- first end of one or more front baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row or a row this directly below or directly above the baffle sidewall.
- first end 207 A of front baffle sidewall 208 A which extends between first floor 204 A and the top edge 223 , may be aligned with first end 207 D of front baffle sidewall 208 B in row 206 B.
- First end 207 D may similarly extend between the first and second floors 204 A, 204 B.
- the ends 207 G and 207 J of respective front baffle sidewalls 208 G and 208 J in respective rows 206 C and 206 D may be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends 207 A, 207 D of baffle sidewalls 208 A and 208 D.
- Respective ends 207 B, 207 E, 207 H and 207 K of respective front baffle sidewalls 208 B, 208 E, 208 H, and 208 K may also be aligned with one another.
- respective first ends 207 C, 207 F, 207 I, and 207 L of respective baffle sidewalls 208 C, 208 F, 208 I, and 208 L may also be aligned with one another.
- one or more of the baffle sidewalls in one row may be spaced apart from the baffle sidewall in the directly adjacent sidewall, such that one or more baffle sidewalls in the two adjacent rows are not aligned with one another and do not form a continuous baffle sidewall.
- Baffle seams may be formed along the first fabric where the first ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to the first fabric.
- baffle seams can extend continuously between the first lateral edge 223 and the second lateral edge 232 of the fabric shell 120 .
- a first baffle seam 268 may be formed along the first fabric 222 where the first ends 207 A, 208 D, 208 G, 208 J of the respective front baffle sidewalls 208 A, 208 D, 208 G, and 208 J are attached to the first fabric 222 .
- a second baffle seam 270 may be formed along the first fabric 222 where the aligned first ends 207 B, 207 E, 207 H, and 207 K of the front baffle sidewalls 208 B, 208 E, 208 H and 208 K are attached to the first fabric 222 .
- a third baffle seam 272 may be formed along the first fabric 222 where the first ends 207 C, 207 F, 207 I, and 207 L are attached to the first fabric 222 .
- Baffle seams may also be formed along the second fabric 224 where the second ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to the second fabric 224 .
- Baffle seam 274 may be formed along the second fabric 224 where the second ends 209 A, 209 D, 209 G, 209 J are attached to the second fabric 224 .
- a baffle seam 276 may be formed along the second fabric 224 where the second ends 209 B, 209 E, 209 H, 209 k are attached to the second fabric 224 .
- a baffle seam 276 may be formed along the second fabric 224 where the second ends 209 B, 209 E, 209 H, 209 K are attached to the second fabric 224 .
- a baffle seam 278 may be formed along the second fabric 224 where the second ends 209 C, 209 F, 2091 , 209 L are attached to the second fabric 224 .
- the baffle seams along the first fabric may be offset or staggered relative to the baffle seams along the second fabric.
- front baffle seam 268 at the first fabric 222 is offset relative to the rear baffle seam 274 at the second fabric 224 by a distance X 1 , as well as offset relative to rear baffle seam 276 by a distance X 2 .
- Front baffle seam 270 can be offset relative to rear baffle seam 276 by a distance X 3 , as well as offset relative to rear baffle seam 278 by a distance X 4 .
- Front baffle seam 272 can be offset relative to the rear baffle seam 278 by a distance X 5 .
- a single continuous baffle sidewall can replace he plurality of sidewalls.
- the single continuous baffle sidewall may extend fully between the first lateral edge 230 and the second lateral edge 232 and intersect each of the floors 204 A-L.
- the second lateral edge may, for example, include openings that accommodate each of the floors 204 A-L. This can simplify the manufacturing process by requiring only three elongated sidewalls, as opposed to a plurality of sidewalls.
- Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings 282 , as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , can be provided within each of the floors 204 A, 204 B, 204 C and 204 D and adjacent each of the respective sidewalls 208 A-L. For instance, at least one opening 282 may be disposed within the floor 204 A of each chamber 215 A- 215 D. The openings 282 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between the first fabric 222 and the intermediate fabric 250 .
- chamber 215 A includes an opening 282 adjacent the baffle sidewall 208 A; chamber 215 B includes an opening 282 adjacent the baffle sidewall 208 B; chamber 215 C includes an opening 282 adjacent the baffle sidewall 208 C; and chamber 215 D includes an opening 282 that is also adjacent the baffle sidewall 208 C.
- the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls. Additionally, the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric 122 or between the intermediate fabric 150 and the second fabric 124 . Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers the openings 182 . The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. Although not required, the openings 182 in each row may be aligned with the openings 182 in the directly adjacent row.
- the offset first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls can help to minimize cold spots.
- Fill material can be provided behind each of the baffle seams.
- FIG. 12 a top plan viewing showing the comforter with fill
- any cold seeping through the first fabric 222 at any of the front seams 268 , 270 , 272 will encounter fill material, as well as at the intersection of the front seams 268 , 270 , 272 with the respective floors 204 A, 204 B, and 204 C.
- cold seeping through the second fabric 224 at any of the rear seams 274 , 276 , and 278 will encounter fill material in the chambers.
- FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another alternative embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure.
- This example is otherwise identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12 , except that in addition to the baffle sidewalls being offset from one another, the baffle floors are also offset from one another. Since the features and discussion of baffle box comforter 200 in FIGS. 8-11 , including alternative examples, are equally applicable here (and vice versa), the discussion of baffle box comforter 300 will focus on the features of the baffle floors 304 A- 304 C.
- Baffle box comforter 300 can include a fabric shell 220 ′ filled with a bedding material.
- the fabric shell 220 ′ can be an outer shell that holds the bedding or fill material.
- the fabric shell 220 ′ may include a first fabric 222 ′, a second fabric 224 ′ ( FIG. 14 ), baffle floors 304 A, 304 B, 304 C, and 304 D, and baffle sidewalls 208 A′-L′.
- first and second vertical edges 226 ′, 228 ′, as well as first and second lateral edges 230 ′, 232 ′ of the fabric shell 220 ′ form the outermost edges of the fabric shell 220 ′ and comforter 300 .
- the components of the fabric shell 220 ′ including the front baffle sidewalls 208 A′- 208 L′, baffle floors 304 A- 304 D, and first and second fabrics 220 ′, 224 ′, as well as the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials discussed herein.
- the first and second fabrics 222 ′, 224 ′ may be secured together at their outermost ends by a seam 234 ′ that joins each of the edges of the first and second fabrics 222 ′, 224 ′ together. As shown, the seam 234 ′ extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell 220 ′ to form an outer perimeter 236 ′.
- Baffle floors 304 A- 304 D may be spaced apart from one another, as shown in FIG. 14 .
- Each of the baffle floors 304 A- 304 D can extend between the first and second vertical edges 226 ′, 228 ′, as well as the first and second lateral edges 230 ′, 232 ′ to create horizontal rows 206 A′, 206 B′, 206 C′, 206 D′.
- the baffle floors 304 A- 304 C are evenly spaced apart from one another, but in other examples, one or more of the baffle floors 304 A- 304 D may be closer to or further away from the directly adjacent baffle floor.
- Baffle floors 304 A- 304 D intersect each of the baffle sidewalls 208 A′- 208 L′ that extend longitudinally along the vertical length of the first fabric 222 ′ and the second fabric 224 ′ and between the first lateral edge 230 ′ and second lateral edge 232 ′.
- Individual chambers are formed and defined by the intersection of the baffle sidewalls 208 A′- 208 L′ and baffle floors 304 A- 304 C. For instance, as shown in the front perspective view of FIG. 14 , chamber 215 A′ may be formed in the first row 206 A′. Similarly, chambers 215 B′- 215 C′ may be formed in first row 206 A′.
- each of the chambers 215 A′- 215 D′ may be defined by floor 304 A and the top T of each of the chambers will be defined by the horizontal edge 230 ′ of the shell 220 ′, when the fabric shell is closed at its ends. At least one of the walls of each of the chambers 215 A′- 215 D′ can be defined by one of the baffle sidewalls 208 A′- 208 C. Chambers 215 D′- 215 F′ may be formed in row 206 B′.
- the base B of each of the chambers 215 D′- 215 F′ will be defined by baffle floor 304 B, whereas the ceiling or top T of chambers 215 D′- 215 F′ will be defined by the directly adjacent baffle floor 304 A.
- At least one of the sides of the chambers can be defined by baffle sidewalls 208 D′- 208 F′.
- Chambers 215 H′- 215 K′ extend in row 206 C and each include a base B defined by baffle floor 304 C and a top T defined by baffle floor 304 B.
- chambers 215 L′- 215 O′ are positioned within row 206 D and include bases B that are defined by the baffle floor 304 D a top T defined by baffle floor 304 C.
- baffle floors 304 A is a continuous material extending linearly between the first and second vertical edges 222 ′, 236 ′, as well as between the first and second fabrics 222 ′, 224 .
- Baffle floors 304 B- 304 D can be arranged in the same way.
- a plurality of baffle floors may be present in each row, such that the base B of each chamber may instead be comprised of a separate baffle floor from the baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber in the same row.
- the baffle floors in any given row may be aligned with one another to form a continuous seam extending between the first and second vertical edges 224 ′, 226 ′.
- the baffle floors in a given row may not be aligned with one another.
- the baffle floor in one chamber can be spaced apart from the laterally adjacent baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber or a chamber in the same row.
- baffle floors 304 A- 304 C are shown extending between the first fabric 222 ′ and second fabric 224 ′.
- the first end 301 A of the baffle floor 304 A can extend along the first fabric 222 ′ and forms a front seam 303 A ( FIG. 13 ) that extends horizontally or laterally between the first and second vertical edges 226 ′, 228 ′.
- the second end 305 A of the baffle floor 304 A extends along a horizontal length of the second fabric 224 ′ and forms a rear seam 319 A.
- first ends 301 B, 301 C, 301 D of the baffle floors 304 B-D extend along a horizontal length of the first fabric 222 ′ and form respective seams 303 B, 303 C, and 303 D ( FIG. 13 ). Seam 303 D can also coincide with the seam of the first and second fabrics 222 ′, 224 ′.
- each of the respective second ends 305 B- 305 D of the baffle floors 304 B- 304 C also extend along the second fabric 224 ′ and form respective rear seams 319 B- 319 C.
- the first ends and the second ends of the baffle floors may be offset from one another.
- the first end 301 A of baffle floor 304 A is vertically offset from the second end 305 A of the baffle floor 304 A, such that the first and second ends do not extend along a same plane J that extends perpendicular to the first and second fabrics 222 ′, 224 ′.
- the portion P 5 where the first end 301 A of the baffle floor 304 A is attached to the first fabric may be offset a distance Y 1 away from the portion P 6 where the second end 305 A of the baffle floor 304 A is attached to the second fabric.
- the distance Y 1 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, Y 1 may range from 0.25 to 16 inches; Y 1 may be at least 0.25 inches; Y 1 may be less than 0.25 inches; or Y 1 may be greater than 16 inches.
- the baffle floor 304 A can further slope an angle ⁇ 4A from the first end 301 A of the baffle floor 304 A toward the second end 305 A of the baffle floor 304 A.
- the angle ⁇ 4A may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees.
- ⁇ 4A can range from 1 to 90 degrees; ⁇ 4 A may be less than 1 degree; ⁇ 4A may be at least 1 degree; or ⁇ 4A may be greater than 90 degrees.
- each of the remaining baffle floors 304 B-D may include respective first ends 301 B- 301 D that are offset relative to the second ends 305 B- 305 D by predetermined distances Y 2 -Y 4 .
- Baffle floors 304 B- 304 D may also extend at respective angles ⁇ 4B , ⁇ 4C , ⁇ 4D towards the second material 224 ′.
- Angle ⁇ 4E can be formed where the baffle floor 304 A extends from the second end 305 of the baffle floors 304 A toward the first end or where the second end 305 A is attached to the second fabric 224 .
- Angle ⁇ 4E can be an angle complementary to corresponding angle ⁇ 4A , such that ⁇ 4A and ⁇ 4E add up to 90 degrees.
- angles ⁇ 4F , ⁇ 4G , ⁇ 4H may be formed where the respective second ends of the baffle floors 304 B, 304 C, and 304 D are joined to the second fabric 224 .
- the distances Y 1 -Y 4 may be the same, but in other examples, one or more distances Y 1 -Y 4 may differ.
- the angles ⁇ 4 A, ⁇ 4 B, ⁇ 4 C, ⁇ 4 D may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles ⁇ 4 A, ⁇ 4 B, ⁇ 4 C, ⁇ 4 D may differ.
- the angles ⁇ 4 E, ⁇ 4 F, ⁇ 4 G, ⁇ 4 H may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles ⁇ 4 E, ⁇ 4 F, ⁇ 4 G, ⁇ 4 H may differ from one another.
- the baffle walls 208 ′- 208 C′ are shown in an orientation identical to the orientation of the baffle walls 208 A- 208 C in FIGS. 8-10 .
- the first ends 207 A′- 207 C′ of the baffle sidewalls and the second ends 209 A′- 209 C′ of the baffle sidewalls can be offset relative to one another.
- the remaining baffle sidewalls 208 D′- 208 L′ may have first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as previously described.
- the baffle sidewalls 208 A- 208 L may be angled or sloped.
- baffle sidewall 208 C includes an angle ⁇ 3 A ′ and angle ⁇ 3 B ′, as in the previous embodiment.
- Openings 282 can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings 282 , as shown in FIG. 14 , can be provided within each of the floors 304 A, 304 B, and 304 C adjacent the baffle sidewalls 208 A′-L′. As in the previous example, openings 282 ′ may be disposed within the floors 304 A- 304 C of each chamber 215 A′- 215 L′. The openings 282 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between the first fabric 222 and the intermediate fabric 250 . In other examples, the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls.
- the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric 122 ′ or between the intermediate fabric 150 ′ and the second fabric 124 ′. Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers the openings 182 . The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers.
- baffle comforter 400 includes features similar to the prior embodiments, except that only the baffle floor, and not the baffle sidewalls, include ends that are offset relative to one another.
- Comforter 400 includes baffle floors 404 A, 404 B, 404 C, and 404 D. Additionally, a plurality of baffle sidewalls 209 A′′- 209 L′′ are illustrated.
- baffle floor 304 A′ include a respective first ends 301 A′ that is attached to the first fabric 222 ′′ and a second end 305 A′ attached to the second wall 224 ′′.
- the first end 301 A′ and second end 405 A may be offset relative to one another, as previously described herein.
- the first ends 301 B′, 301 C′, and 301 D′ of baffle floors 304 B′, 304 C′, and 304 D′ may be offset relative to each of their respective second ends 305 B′, 305 C′, 305 D′.
- the ends of the baffle sidewalls are not offset relative to one another, as in previous embodiments. Rather, each of the ends of the sidewalls 208 A′′- 2081 ′′ extend perpendicular to the first and second fabrics 222 ′′, 224 ′′, and along a same plane.
- the sidewalls may be offset relative to one another so that they are not aligned with one another and a row of sidewalls may be offset with respect to the directly adjacent row of sidewalls.
- FIGS. 20-21 illustrate yet another alternative arrangement to FIGS. 13-16 .
- This example is identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 , except that the comforter 500 further includes a gusset 510 .
- each of the baffle sidewalls 208 A′′′- 208 L′′′ and each of the baffle floors 204 A′′′- 204 D′′′ includes first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 .
- a gusset 510 may be disposed between the first fabric 222 ′′′ and second fabric 224 ′′′.
- the gusset can allow the comforter 500 to maintain its fill up to the edge of the gusset 510 .
- relative positions such as lateral, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, and the like are used for reference only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to particular positions of the elements they are used to describe. It is to be appreciated that similar reference numerals were used to describe similar elements.
Landscapes
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- Baffle box comforters are typically manufactured from a fabric shell with baffle sidewalls and baffle floors that intersect one another to form multiple chambers, as well as a natural or synthetic filling disposed within each of the chambers. The baffle sidewalls are positioned between two fabric panels that form the outer fabric shell. One end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the first fabric panel and the opposite end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the second fabric panel. The baffle sidewalls can be helpful to minimize cold spots within the comforter by preventing the fill material from bunching up, as well as allowing the fill material to expand to its greatest potential loft. However, cold spots remain present within the comforter at the corners of the chambers where the baffle sidewalls and baffle floors intersect. Various designs have been implemented to address these shortcomings, but improvements are still needed.
- A comforter according to aspects of the disclosure includes a first fabric panel, a second fabric panel, and a baffle floor. The baffle floor extends between the first and second vertical edges of the comforter. The baffle floor has a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel. The first end of the baffle floor is attached to the first fabric at a first position and the second end of the baffle floor is attached to the second fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being vertically spaced apart from one another in a direction extending between the first and second lateral edges.
- In one example of this aspect, the comforter further includes a baffle sidewall that extends in a direction between the first and second lateral edges. The baffle sidewall may have a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel. The first end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the first fabric at a third position and the second end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the second fabric panel at a fourth position. The third and fourth positions may be laterally spaced apart from one another in a direction that extends between the first and second vertical edges. In some examples, the first end of the baffle floor is closer to the second vertical edge than the second end of the baffle floor, and the first end of the baffle sidewall is closer to the first vertical sidewall than the second end of the baffle sidewall. In other examples, the first end of the baffle floor may be spaced apart from the second end of the baffle floor by a length of at least 2.75 inches. Similarly, the baffle floor may have a slope ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The slope may vary depending, in part, upon how much fill is provided within the comforter.
- In another example of this aspect, the first fabric panel is comprised of a first material and the baffle floor is comprised of a different material than the first fabric panel. In some examples, the different material may be a mesh material.
- In yet another example of this aspect, the comforter includes a plurality of chambers, wherein the baffle floor forms a row, and the baffle sidewall is a plurality of baffle sidewalls positioned within the first row, each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls having a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel, the plurality of chambers formed by the intersection of the plurality of sidewalls and the baffle floor. In some examples, a fill material may be positioned within each of the plurality of chambers. The fill material may include a first fill material and a second fill material, where the first fill material is in at least one of the plurality of chambers and the second fill material is in at least one other of the plurality of chambers. The first and second fill material may be the same.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of manufacturing a comforter includes positioning a baffle floor between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel; attaching a first end of the baffle floor to the first fabric panel at a first position and a second end of the second baffle floor to the second fabric panel at a second position so that the first position and the second position are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction extending between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the first fabric panel; positioning a baffle sidewall between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel so that the baffle sidewall intersects the baffle floor; and attaching a first end of the baffle sidewall to the first fabric panel at a third point and a second end of the second baffle sidewall to the second fabric panel at a fourth point so that the third point and the fourth point are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction extending between a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge of the first fabric panel. The first and second vertical edges may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges.
- In one example of this aspect, the method further includes forming at least one chamber by positioning the baffle sidewall adjacent the baffle floor so as to form an intersection between the baffle sidewall and the baffle floor. In another example, the method further includes filling the chamber with a fill material.
- In another example of this aspect, the first point is closer to the first lateral edge than the second point. Additionally, the third point may be closer to the first vertical edge than the fourth point.
- Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a baffle box comforter. In one example, a baffle box comforter includes first and second fabric panels, an intermediate fabric panel positioned between the first and second fabric panels, and a baffle sidewall attached to the intermediate fabric. The first and second fabric panels can be joined together at their outer edges to form an outer perimeter of the baffle box comforter. The outer perimeter can include first and second vertical edges and first and second lateral edges that extend between the first and second vertical edges. The outer perimeter may have a first dimension. The outer edges of the intermediate fabric panel may be joined to the outer edges of the first and second fabric panels. The intermediate fabric may have a second dimension substantially equal to the first dimension. A first baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the first fabric panel. A second baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the second fabric panel. The first baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a first position and the second baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being spaced apart from one another along the length of the intermediate fabric panel.
- According to another aspect, an example baffle box comforter may include a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, an interior space between the first and second fabrics, a plurality of baffle floors, a plurality of baffle sidewalls, and a plurality of openings within the baffle floors. The first and second opposed vertical edges may be formed at outer edges of the joined first and second fabric panels. The plurality of baffle floors may be positioned within the interior space. Each of the plurality of baffle floors may have a length extending between the first and second vertical edges. The plurality of baffle floors may be spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the first and second vertical edges. The floors may separate the interior space into a plurality of rows. A plurality of baffle sidewalls may be positioned within each of the plurality of rows. Each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls may have a main body that extends between the first and second fabrics. The plurality of baffle sidewalls may form a first acute angle between the main body and the first fabric. Each of the plurality of openings may be positioned adjacent the baffle sidewalls and extend an entire length between the first and second fabric panels.
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FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 1 in an open position. -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. -
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. -
FIG. 5A is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 1 , wherein the top edge is in an open position. -
FIG. 5B is a top plan view of an alternative baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure, with the top edge in an open position. -
FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 7A is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 7B is a top plan view of an alternative fabric shell of the baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side plan view of a section of thebaffle comforter 200 taken through line E-E ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 8 taken through line F-F. -
FIG. 10A is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 8 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 8 wherein the top edge is in an open position. -
FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 13 in an open position. -
FIG. 15 is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter ofFIG. 13 taken through line F-F ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 16 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line G-G ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. -
FIG. 18 is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter ofFIG. 13 taken through line G-G ofFIG. 13 without fill material for ease of illustration. -
FIG. 19 is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line H-H ofFIG. 13 without fill material for ease of illustration. -
FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a fabric shell of a baffle box comforter of another example embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter ofFIG. 20 . -
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate features of an examplebaffle box comforter 100 according to an aspect of the disclosure. With reference first toFIG. 1 , the examplebaffle box comforter 100 includes afabric shell 120 with a bedding fill material disposed within thefabric shell 120. Thefabric shell 120 may include, for example, a first outer fabric panel orfirst fabric 122, a second outer fabric panel or second fabric 124 (FIG. 2 ), an intermediate fabric panel or intermediate fabric 156 (FIG. 2 ) positioned between the first and second fabrics,baffle floors 104A-104D, front baffle sidewalls 108A-L, and rear baffle sidewalls 110A-L. The first andsecond fabrics second fabrics baffle box comforter 100 can vary. For example, thebaffle box comforter 100 may be manufactured according to standard size bedding dimensions, such as the standard sizes for twin, queen, and king, or the size may be custom size. - The first and
second fabrics intermediate fabric 156, may be secured together at their outer ends by aseam 134 that joins the outer edges of the first andsecond fabrics FIG. 1 , theseam 134 extends around the outer circumference of thefabric shell 120 to form anouter perimeter 136. First and secondvertical edges lateral edges fabric shell 120. In this example, the outer edges of the first andsecond fabrics second fabrics vertical edges lateral edges fabric shell 120. - An intermediate fabric may be positioned between the first and
second fabrics FIG. 2 , a top-plan view of thefabric shell 120 in an open position and without filling, illustrates an exampleintermediate fabric 150 positioned between the first andsecond fabrics intermediate fabric 150 can include afront surface 154 and arear surface 156. Theintermediate fabric 150 can generally can extend in a direction between the firstvertical edge 126 and the secondvertical edge 128 of the fabric shell, as well as in a direction that is parallel to the firstlateral edge 130 and secondlateral edge 132 of thefabric shell 120. In this example, theintermediate fabric 150 extends fully from the firstvertical edge 126 to a secondvertical edge 128 of thefabric shell 120. In other examples, theintermediate fabric 150 may only extend partially between the first vertical edge 125 and the secondvertical edge 128. Theintermediate fabric 150 may alternatively be comprised of a plurality of materials or fabrics joined together that each individually extend between the firstvertical edge 126 and the secondvertical edge 128 of the fabric shell. Theintermediate fabric 150 can be comprised of the same or similar materials as the first andsecond fabrics intermediate fabric 150 may be comprised of a material that is different than the first andsecond fabrics second fabrics - The interior 152 of the
fabric shell 120 may include at least two interior portions separated by the intermediate fabric 150: a frontinterior portion 158 and a rearinterior portion 160. The frontinterior portion 158, as shown inFIG. 2 , may extend from thefront surface 154 of theintermediate fabric 150 to the interior surface 123 of thefirst fabric 122. The rearinterior portion 160 may extend from therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150 to the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124. In this example, theintermediate fabric 150 divides the interior 152 into two equal halves. In other examples, it may be desired that theintermediate fabric 150 be positioned within the interior 152 such that the interior 152 is not equally divided. In still other examples, more than one intermediate fabric may be provided so that at least three or more interior layers are formed between the first andsecond fabrics - Baffle floors can extend between the first and second fabrics in both the front
interior portion 158 and rearinterior portion 160. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-2 ,baffle floor 104A can extend across a plane P1 (FIG. 1 ) between the first and secondvertical edges second fabrics floor 104A extends between the interior surface 123 of thefirst fabric 122 and thefront surface 154 of theintermediate fabric 150, as well as between the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124 and therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150. The remainingbaffle floors vertical edges second fabrics FIG. 3 , a perspective view of thefabric shell 120 ofcomforter 200 without filling material,floors first fabric 122 and thefront surface 154 of theintermediate fabric 150, as well as between the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124 and therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150. - The
baffle floors vertical edges fabric shell 120. Thebaffle floors 104A-104D can createrows vertical edges interior portion 158 androws 106E-106H within the rear interior portion 160 (FIG. 4 ). In this example, thebaffle floors 104A-104D are evenly spaced apart from one another. In other examples, the spacing between baffle floors can be increased or decreased depending on the desired design and number of baffle floors. For example, providing additional baffle floors will decrease the spacing between the baffle floors, whereas reducing the number of baffle floors will increase the overall space between baffle floors. Thebaffle floors 104A-104D may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one example, bafflefloor 104A-104D are constructed from a mesh material or material with openings to allow a fill material to be blown therethrough during manufacture. In other examples, the baffle floor may be a generally solid material such as a continuous piece of cotton material or the same material as the first andsecond fabrics - One or more baffle sidewalls may be positioned within
respective rows 106A-D of the frontinterior portion 158, as well as withinrespective rows 106E-106H of the rearinterior portion 160. As shown, for example, inFIG. 2 , front baffle sidewalls 108A, 108B, 108C are separated from rear baffle sidewalls 110A, 110B, and 110C by theintermediate fabric 156. Front baffle sidewalls 108A-108C are positioned within the frontinterior portion 158 and rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C are positioned within the rearinterior portion 160. The front baffle sidewalls 108A-108C can extend from thefront surface 154 of theintermediate fabric 150 toward the interior surface 123 of the firstouter fabric 122. The first ends 107A, 107B, 107C of the respective front baffle sidewalls 108A-C can be attached to theintermediate fabric 156 and the second ends 109A, 109B, 109C of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108C, can be attached to the interior surface 123 of thefirst fabric 122. - Rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C each extend from the
rear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150 toward the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124. The first ends 111A, 111B and 111C of the rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C can be attached to therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150 and the second ends 113A-113C of the rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C are attached to the interior surface of thesecond fabric 124. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 3 , front baffle sidewalls 108D-108L have respective first ends 107D-L attached to the interior surface 123 of thefirst fabric 122 and second respective ends 109D-L attached to thefront surface 154 of theintermediate fabric 150. As shown inFIG. 4 , rear baffle sidewalls 110D-110L have respective first ends 111D-111L attached to the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124 and second ends 113D-113L attached to therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150. - The first end of one or more baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. For example, each of the front baffle sidewalls in the front
interior portion 158 can be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. As shown inFIG. 3 , inrow 106A,first end 107A offront baffle sidewall 108A may be aligned withfirst end 107D offront baffle sidewall 108B inrow 106B. The first ends 107G and 107J of respective front baffle sidewalls 108G and 108J inrespective rows - Similarly, each of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion can be aligned with the first end of another rear baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. As shown in
FIG. 4 , inrow 106E,first end 111A ofrear baffle sidewall 110A may be aligned withfirst end 111D ofrear baffle sidewall 110B inrow 106F. The ends 111G and 111J of respective rear baffle sidewalls 110G and 110J inrespective rows 106G and 106H can be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends 111A, 111D of baffle sidewalls 110A and 110D. First ends 111B, 111E, 111H and 111K of respective rear baffle sidewalls 110B, 110E, 110H, and 110K may also be aligned with one another. Finally, respective first ends 111C, 111F, 111I, and 111L of respective baffle sidewalls 110C, 110F, 1101, and 110L may also be aligned with one another. - The respective front sidewalls and rear sidewalls may be attached at their respective ends to the fabric shell by any means, such as by being sewn or stitched. A baffle seam can be formed along the
first fabric 122 where each end of the front baffle sidewalls is attached to the first fabric and a baffle seam can also be formed along thesecond fabric 124 where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to the second fabric. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , the alignment of front baffle sidewalls 108A, 108D, 108G, and 108J, are aligned with one another can form a continuous firstfront baffle seam 168 that extends longitudinally between the firstlateral edge 130 to the secondlateral edge 132. Similarly, the alignment of baffle sidewalls 108B, 108E, 108H, 108K with one another can form a secondfront baffle seam 170; and alignment of baffle sidewalls 108C, 108F, 108I, 108L with one another can form a thirdfront baffle seam 172. Baffle seams can further be formed along thesecond fabric 124 where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to thesecond fabric 124. Rear baffle sidewalls, as noted above, can also be aligned with one another. The alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 110A, 110D, 110G, 110J (FIGS. 1 and 4 ) along thesecond fabric 124 can form arear baffle seam 174; the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 108B, 108E, 108H, 108K along thesecond fabric 124 can form a secondrear baffle seam 176; and the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls 110C, 110F, 110I, 110L with one another along thesecond fabric 124 can form a thirdrear baffle seam 178. - The baffle sidewalls may be formed from any materials. For instance, the baffle sidewalls may be formed from a mesh material or a material with openings. In alternative examples, the sidewalls may be a solid material, such as a continuous cotton or polyester material. The baffle sidewalls may be formed from the same or a different material as the baffle floors.
- With reference back to
FIG. 2 , the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108L extend between thefirst fabric 122 and theintermediate fabric 150 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both thefirst fabric 122 and theintermediate fabric 150. Similarly, the rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110L can extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both theintermediate fabric 150 and thesecond fabric 124. In other examples, the front baffle sidewalls 110A-110L may extends in a direction such that one or more of the first ends 107A-L of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108L form an angle Ø1A, a right angle, with thefirst fabric 122 and one or more of the second ends 109A-109L of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108L form an angle Ø1B, also a right angle, with theintermediate fabric 150. In other examples, Ø1A and Ø1B may be less than or greater than ninety degrees. - The sidewalls in the
baffle box comforter 200 can be positioned within the fabric shell in a staggered or alternating configuration so that the front baffle sidewalls and the rear baffle sidewalls are not aligned with one another. In one example configuration, front baffle sidewalls can be disposed between and spaced apart from adjacent rear baffle sidewalls and vice versa. As shown inFIG. 2 , front baffle sidewalls are positioned between each of the rear baffle sidewalls.Rear baffle sidewall 110A can be positioned between the firstvertical edge 126 andfront baffle sidewall 108A;rear baffle sidewall 110B can be positioned betweenfront sidewall rear baffle sidewall 110C can be positioned between front baffle sidewalls 108B and 108C. Front baffle sidewalls 108D-108L disposed within thefabric shell 120 can also be staggered relative to one or more of the remaining rear baffle sidewalls 110D-110L. - Each of the remaining front baffle sidewalls positioned within the front
interior portion 158, as shown inFIG. 1 , can be offset with regard to adjacent rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion.Front baffle sidewall 108D can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110D and 110E;front baffle sidewall 108E can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110E, 110F, andfront baffle sidewall 108F can be positioned betweenrear baffle sidewall 110F and the secondvertical edge 128. Similarly,front baffle sidewall 108G can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110G, 110H;front baffle sidewall 108H can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110H, 110I; and front baffle sidewall 108I can be positioned betweenrear baffle sidewall 1101 and the secondvertical edge 128. Finally,front baffle sidewall 108J is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110J, 110K;front baffle sidewall 108K is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls 110K,110L; andfront baffle sidewall 108L is shown positioned betweenrear baffle sidewall 110L and the secondvertical edge 128. - The front baffle seams 168, 170, 172 and rear baffle seams 174, 176, 178, which are determined by the location of the front and rear baffle sidewalls, can also be offset relative to one another so that the front and rear baffle seams do no align with one another. For example,
FIG. 1 illustratesfront baffle seam 168 being offset from therear baffle seam 174 by a distance X1, as well as offset fromrear baffle seam 176 by a distance X2.Front baffle seam 170 may be offset from adjacentrear baffle seam 176 by a distance X3, as well as offset fromrear baffle seam 178 by a distance X4. Finally,baffle seam 172 may be offset front thebaffle seam 178 by a distance X5. As shown, each of the distances X1-X5 may be generally equal to one another. But in other examples, one or more distances X1-X5 may differ. In one example, where the length L of thecomforter 200 is 98 inches and the width W is 94 inches, the distance X1 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X1 may range from 0.25 to 16 inches, fall outside of the range, may be at least 0.25 inches, or may be less than 0.25 inches. One or more of the remaining distances X2-X5 can also have a length of at least 0.25 inches, as well as a length that falls within similar ranges discussed with regard to X1. In this example, thefront baffle sidewall 108A may further include a length L1 between thefirst fabric 122 and the intermediate fabric panel. Similarly, therear baffle sidewall 110A, may have a length L2 between the intermediate fabric panel and thesecond fabric 124. L1 and L2 may each be approximately 0.5 inches, such that the depth of thecomforter 200 between the first and second panels can be approximately 1 inch. In other examples, L1 and/or L2 may be greater than 0.5 inches or less than 0.5 inches. Additionally, L1 and/or L2 may range between 0.25 inches and 1.50 inches. In still other examples, L1 and/or L2 may be greater than 1.50 inches. - The baffle sidewalls can also be staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric. Second ends 113A-113C of the respective rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C in
row 106E and the second ends 109A-C of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-C inrow 106A, as shown, for example, inFIG. 2 , may be attached to theintermediate fabric 150 and staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric. The second ends of the rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110C can be spaced apart from the second ends of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108C along the length of theintermediate fabric 150. Every other baffle sidewall extending away from theintermediate fabric 150 can be a rear baffle sidewall and an intermediate and respective front baffle sidewall 108A-108C can extend away from theintermediate fabric 150 at a location between each of the rear baffle sidewalls. Using the firstvertical wall 126 as a reference point, the first baffle sidewall extending away from the intermediate fabric is rear baffle sidewall 1108A, the next adjacent baffle isfront baffle sidewall 108A, the next adjacent baffle isrear baffle sidewall 110B, the next adjacent baffle isfront baffle sidewall 108B, the next adjacent baffle sidewall isrear baffle sidewall 110C, and the final baffle sidewall isfront baffle sidewall 108C. The spacing between the front and rear baffle sidewalls along the length of theintermediate fabric 150 can be the same distances X1-X5 as discussed above with regard to the front and rear baffle seams. - The depth of a baffle sidewall can be defined by the length of the respective sidewall between the
intermediate fabric 150 and the first orsecond fabrics FIGS. 2-3 , thefront baffle sidewall 108A may have a length L1 that extends between thefront surface 154 ofintermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 123 of thefirst fabric 122. The other front baffle sidewalls 108B-108L (FIG. 3 ) may also each have a length L1 defined by the length of the baffle sidewall between the firstouter fabric 122 and theintermediate fabric 156. (For ease of illustration, L1 is only shown with regard to front baffle sidewalls 108B-108D, but the dimension L1 is similarly obtained for eachfront baffle sidewall 108E-108L.) The length L1 of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-L may be the same. In other examples, the length L1 may vary to allow for a more contoured shape comforter. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , therear baffle sidewall 110A may have a length L2 that extends between therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124. Similarly, rear baffle sidewalls 110B-L may have lengths L2 extending between therear surface 156 of theintermediate fabric 150 and the interior surface 125 of thesecond fabric 124. In this example, the lengths L2 are substantially the same. In other examples, one or more lengths L2 of a baffle sidewall may differ. Furthermore, the lengths L1 and L2 may be generally equal in length. In still other examples, the length L1 of one or more front baffle sidewalls may vary relative to the length L2 of one or more of the rear baffle sidewalls (and vice versa). - The height of any one baffle sidewall can be determined by the length the baffle sidewall extends along the first fabric 1122 or the
second fabric 124. The front baffle sidewalls may have a height that generally extends between the first and secondlateral edges shell 120, and that is parallel to the first and secondvertical edges outer edges FIG. 3 ,front baffle sidewall 108A can have a height H1 that extends from the firstlateral edge 130 to thebaffle floor 104A. The height H1 can extend fully between the firstlateral edge 130 and thebaffle floor 104A. In other examples, H1 may extend partially between the firstlateral edge 130 and thebaffle floor 104A. The front baffle sidewalls 108B-C may also have a height that generally extends between the first and secondlateral edges shell 120, and parallel to the first and secondvertical edges row 106B each have a height H2 that extends longitudinally between thebaffle floors baffle floor 104B andbaffle floor 104C.Baffle sidewalls baffle floor 104C and secondlateral edge 132. - The individual respective heights of the sidewall baffles in a
particular row 106A, B, C, or D may be the same or they may differ. For example, the heights H3 of baffle sidewalls 108D-F relative to one another may be the same; the heights H4 of baffle sidewalls 108G-I relative to one another may all be the same; and the heights H4 of baffle sidewalls 108J-L relative to one another may be the same. In other examples, the heights of the baffle sidewalls in any one row may differ. For example, H1 of the front baffle sidewalls can differ from height H1 of thefront baffle sidewall 108B. Additionally, the heights of the sidewalls in different rows may be the same or differ. For example, heights H2 of one or more baffle sidewalls inrow 106B and heights H4 of one or more baffle sidewalls inrow 106D may have the same length, but heights H3 of baffle sidewalls inrow 106C may differ. Similarly, the height H1 (discussed above) of baffle sidewalls inrow 106A may have a length that is greater than or less than one or more heights H2, H3 or H4 of baffle sidewalls inrows 106B-D. In the same example where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width W of the comforter is 94 inches, the height H1 of thefront baffle sidewall 108A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H1 may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches. - The heights of the rear sidewalls may be similar to the front sidewalls. The rear baffle sidewalls 110A, 110B, and 110C, shown in
FIG. 4 , can have a height H6 that extends from the firstlateral edge 130 to thebaffle floor 104A. Rear baffle sidewalls 110D, 110E, and 110F extend longitudinally between baffle floor 104 a and 104 b, and have a height H2 defined by the length of the rear baffle sidewalls 110D-110F between thebaffle floor baffle floor 104B andbaffle floor 104C and have a height H7 defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls 110G-I extend between thebaffle floor floor 104C and secondlateral edge 132 and have a height H8 defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls 110J-110L extends between thefloor 104C and secondlateral edge 132. As with regard to the height H1 of the baffle sidewalls in the frontinterior portion 158, the heights of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rearinterior portion 160 may be the same for allsidewalls 110A-L or they may be different. The heights may further vary relative to one another as discussed with regard to the heights H1-H4 of the front baffle sidewalls. In the example shown, the heights H1 and H2 are shown to be generally equal in size. In other examples, the heights (H1-H4) of one or more front baffle sidewalls 108A-108L may vary relative to the heights (H5-H8) of the rear baffle sidewalls 110A-110L. In the same example where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width W of the comforter is 94 inches, the height H1 of therear baffle sidewall 110A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H1 may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches. - The number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the front interior portion may be equal to the number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the rear interior portion. In this example, at least three front baffle sidewalls are positioned within each
row 106A-106D of the front interior portion 158 (FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and three baffle sidewalls are positioned within eachrows 106E-106H of the rearinterior portion 160. Alternatively, the number of baffle sidewalls relative to the front baffle sidewalls can vary. There may be additional baffle sidewalls in both the front and rearinterior portions interior portion 158 relative to the rearinterior portion 160 and vice versa. For example, the rearinterior portion 160 may include one or more additional baffle sidewalls, such as additional sidewall positioned between therear sidewall 110C and secondvertical edge 128. Furthermore, the number of baffle sidewalls in one of therows 106A-106H can vary with respect to one or more other rows. - A plurality of chambers can be formed in each of the
rows 106A-D in the frontinterior portion 158, as well as in each of therows 106E-H in the rearinterior portion 160. As shown inFIG. 3 , a plurality ofchambers 115A-115L are formed in the frontinterior portion 158 and as shown inFIG. 4 , a plurality ofchambers 117A-117L are formed in the rearinterior portion 160. The boundaries of the plurality of chambers can be formed by the baffle sidewalls, the baffle floors, the intermediate fabric, the first and secondlateral edges vertical edges intermediate fabric 150 can form a first front wall for each of therespective chambers 115A-115P and the opposedfirst fabric 122 forms a second opposed wall. Similarly, theintermediate fabric 150 forms a first front wall of therespective chambers 117A-117C and thesecond fabric 124 forms a second opposed wall. The top edges of thechambers 115A-115D and 117A-117D can be defined by the firstlateral edge 130 of theshell 120 and the bottom edges of thechambers 115A-115D and 117A-117D are defined byfloor 104A. - The lateral edges of the plurality of chambers can be formed by at least one of the front and rear baffle sidewalls. Lateral edges of
chambers 115A-115L provided between thefirst fabric 122 and theintermediate fabric 150 can be defined by at least one of the front baffle sidewalls, and the lateral edges of thechambers 117A-117L provided between thesecond fabric 124 and theintermediate fabric 150 can be defined by at least one of the rear baffle sidewalls. As shown inrow 106A andFIG. 2 , the lateral edges ofchamber 115A are defined by thevertical edge 126 of theshell 120 and the front baffle sidewall 108A; the lateral edges of thechamber 115B are defined by front baffle sidewalls 109A and 109B; the lateral edges of thechamber 115C are defined by front baffle sidewalls 109B and 109C; and the lateral edges of thechamber 115D are defined byfront baffle sidewall 108C and the secondvertical edge 128. Similarly, inrow 106E of the rearinterior portion 160, the lateral edges of thechambers chamber 117A are defined by the firstvertical edge 126 and therear baffle sidewall 110A; the lateral edges ofchamber 117B are defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110A and 110B; the lateral edges ofchamber 117C can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110B and 110C; and, the lateral edges of thechamber 117D can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls 110C and the secondvertical edge 126 of theshell 120. - Similar chambers can be formed throughout each of the
rows 106B-H in the front and rearinterior portions fabric shell 120. As shown inFIG. 3 ,chambers 115E-H are formed withinrow 106B of the frontinterior portion 158 of thefabric shell 120; chambers 115I-115L are formed withinrow 106C; andchambers 115M-115P are formed withinrow 106D. As shown inFIG. 4 ,chambers 117E-H can be formed withinrow 106F of the frontinterior portion 158 of thefabric shell 120; chambers 117I-117L can be formed within row 106G; andchambers 117M-117P can be formed withinrow 106H. The chambers in the fabric shell can be generally rectangular in shape, but in other examples, the chambers can take on other desired shapes, such as a square. The number of chambers can increase or decrease depending on the number of desired chambers. For example, greater or fewer baffle sidewalls can be implemented to increase or decrease the number of chambers. Similarly, additional or fewer baffle floor can be used to vary the number of chambers. - The lateral edges of the
chambers 115A-115P in the frontinterior portion 158 of thefabric shell 120 can be offset relative to the lateral edges of thechambers 117A-117P in the rearinterior portion 160 of thefabric shell 120. As shown, for example, inFIGS. 2-3 , thechambers 115A-115D in the frontinterior portion 158 are alternating or offset relative to thechambers 117A-117D in the rearinterior portion 160. Since the rear baffle sidewalls are offset relative to the front baffle sidewalls, the rear baffle sidewalls of thechambers interior portion 160 are not aligned with or positioned directly behind the front baffle sidewalls of thechambers interior portion 158. This allows thechambers chambers interior portion 158. - The remaining
chambers 115E-115O in each ofrespective rows 106B-106D of the front interior portion can also be offset relative to thechambers 117E-117O inrows 106B-106D of the rearinterior portion 160. Alternatively, in other examples, one or more chambers in aparticular row 106A-106H may be offset or staggered whereas other rows are not. For example, the baffle sidewalls ofrows interior portion 158 that are aligned with the chambers in the rearinterior portion 160, whereas the chambers ofrows interior portion 158 may instead include front baffle sidewalls that are aligned with rear baffle sidewalls in the counterpart rearinterior portion 160, such as in traditional baffle box comforters. In still other examples, only one row of alternating baffle sidewalls may be used and the remaining baffle sidewalls in the other rows of the comforter may be aligned. - Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter.
Openings 182, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , can be provided within each of thefloors front sidewalls 108A-L and therear sidewalls 110A-L. With reference first toFIG. 2 ,openings 182 are disposed within thefloor 104A of eachchamber 115A-115D in the frontinterior portion 158 andopenings 182 are disposed within thefloor 104A of eachchamber 117A-D in the rearinterior portion 160. Theopenings 182 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend between thefirst fabric 122 and theintermediate fabric 150. As shown,chamber 115A includes anopening 182 adjacent thefront baffle sidewall 108A;chamber 115B includes anopening 182 adjacent thefront baffle sidewall 108B;chamber 115C includes anopening 182 adjacent thefront baffle sidewall 108C; andchamber 115D includes anopening 182 that is also adjacent thefront baffle sidewall 108C. Similarly, openings in the rearinterior chamber 160 may extend between thesecond fabric 124 and theintermediate fabric 150.Chamber 117A in the rearinterior portion 160 includes anopening 182 adjacent therear baffle sidewall 110A;chamber 117B includes anopening 182 adjacent therear baffle sidewall 110B;chamber 117C includes anopening 182 adjacent therear baffle sidewall 110C; andchamber 117D includes anopening 182 that is also adjacent therear baffle sidewall 110C. - The openings can additionally or alternatively be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as spaced further away from the baffle sidewalls or in the middle of a chamber. Some or all of the
openings 182 may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and thefirst fabric 122 or may not fully extend between theintermediate fabric 150 and thesecond fabric 124. Further, theopenings 182 may be flapped openings where a flap of material is attached to the baffle sidewall or baffle floor and can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. - As shown in
FIG. 3 ,openings 182 may also be provided in the remainingchambers 115E-115P of the frontinterior portion 158. The openings in each of the rows can be aligned withopenings 182 present in each adjacent row in the frontinterior portion 158. With reference toFIG. 4 ,openings 182 can also be provided in thechambers 117E-P of the rearinterior portion 160. Each of theopenings 182 inrow 106A can be aligned with theopenings 182 present in each adjacent row in the rearinterior portion 160. - Fill material can be introduced into the
fabric shell 120 through each of the openings in the chambers. In one example, a filling machine can introduce fill material into thefabric shell 120 row-by-row in the frontinterior portion 158 and row-by-row rearinterior portion 160. Nozzles of a filling machine (not shown) may extend through theopenings 182 adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls in the frontinterior portion 158 and rearinterior portion 160. The filling machine may first fill thechambers 115M-P inrow 106 D, as well aschambers 117M-P inrow 106H. The nozzles in the frontinterior portion 158 can then be retracted intorow 106C, where each of chambers 115I-L is filled with fill material. The nozzles in the rearinterior portion 160 can be simultaneously or subsequently retracted into row 106G, where each of chambers 117I-L is filled. Whenrow 106C is completed, the nozzles can be retracted intorow 106B and each of thechambers 115E-H can be filled. Each of thechambers 117D-H can be filled when the nozzles in the rearinterior portion 160 are positioned withinrow 106F. Finally, the nozzles can be drawn intorow 115A and each ofchambers 115A-115D can be filled. Similarly, each of thechambers 117A-117D can be filled inrow 117A. Openings may alternatively or additionally be present in each of the baffle sidewalls to allow the nozzles of a filling machine to extend through the openings in the baffle sidewalls. This can allow for column-by-column filling in a similar manner. - The fill material in the front
interior chamber 158 may be the same or different that the fill material in the rearinterior chamber 160. For example, as shown inFIG. 5A , a top plan view of thebaffle box comforter 200 open at one end and closed at the other, thefill material 180 is disposed within the frontinterior portion 158 and fillmaterial 181 is disposed within the rearinterior portion 160. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 5B , thefill material 180′ in the frontinterior chamber 158′ is different than thefill material 181′ in the rearinterior chamber 160′. - With reference to
FIG. 5A , the staggered arrangement of the baffle sidewalls, as well as the intermediate fabric, can help to reduce cold spots. Fill material F positioned in thechambers 117A-D of the rearinterior portion 160 can be positioned behind each of the front baffle sidewalls 110A-110C. Potential cold seeping through thefirst fabric 122 and bafflesidewall 110A in the frontinterior portion 158 will encounter both theintermediate fabric 150, as well as the fill material inchamber 117B, which is positioned directly behindbaffle sidewall 110A. Potential cold seeping through thesecond fabric 124 andrear baffle sidewall 110A in the rearinterior portion 160 will encounter theintermediate sidewall 150, as well as the fill material inchamber 115A of the frontinterior portion 158. This arrangement is the same for each of the staggered baffle sidewalls in the frontinterior portion 158 and the rearinterior portion 160. Providing theintermediate fabric 150 and the staggered baffle sidewalls throughout thefabric shell 120 can therefore help to reduce the presence of cold spots in the baffle box comforter. - In an alternative example, as shown in
FIG. 5B , a first fill material F1 may be used in the front portion and a second fill material F2 may be provided in a second portion. The first and second fill materials may be different fill materials. -
FIGS. 6-7A present an alternativeexample baffle comforter 100′, where similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements. In this example, thebaffle comforter 100′ includes afabric shell 120′ with first and secondouter fabrics 122′124′ and anintermediate fabric 150′ disposed between the first and secondouter fabrics 122′124′. As in the previous example, the respective first ends 107A′-107L′ of the front baffle sidewalls 108A-108D may be offset with respect to the respectivefirst ends 111A′-111L′ of therear baffle sidewalls 110A′-110L′. This example differs, however, with regard to the arrangement of the baffle sidewalls. In particular, as shown inFIG. 7A , the second ends 109A′-109CC′ of thefront baffle sidewalls 108A′-C′ may instead be aligned with the respective second ends 113A′-113C′ of therear baffle sidewalls 110A′-110C′ so that the second ends 109A′-109C′ of thefront baffle sidewalls 108A′-108C′ are not spaced apart from therear baffle sidewalls 110A′-110C′. In still another alternative example, as shown inFIG. 7B ,individual baffle sidewalls 108A″, 108B″, and 108C″ may extend directly through theintermediate fabric 150″. Thefirst end 107A″ of thebaffle sidewall 108A″ may be attached to thefirst fabric 122″ and thesecond end 109A″ of the baffle sidewall 108″ may be attached to thesecond fabric 124″. - With reference to
FIGS. 8-13 , where similar reference numerals are used to identify similar features, an alternativebaffle box comforter 200 is shown. The examplebaffle box comforter 200 is similar to the previous examples, such as shown inFIGS. 1-7A , but includes an alternative baffle sidewall configuration.Baffle box comforter 200 includes afabric shell 220 filled with a bedding or fill material. Thefabric shell 220 may include afirst fabric 222, a second fabric 224 (FIG. 9 ),baffle floors FIG. 8 , first and secondvertical edges lateral edges fabric shell 220 form the outermost edges of thefabric shell 220 andcomforter 200. The components of thefabric shell 220, including first andsecond fabrics baffle floors 204A-204C, and the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials previously discussed herein. -
Baffle floors 204A-204D are shown spaced apart from one another. For example, as shown inFIG. 9 , a cross sectional view taken along line D-D ofFIG. 8 ,baffle floors 204A-204D are shown extending between thefirst fabric 222 andsecond fabric 224. As shown,first end 201A ofbaffle floor 204A is attached to a first portion P1 of thefirst fabric 222. Thesecond end 205A of thebaffle floor 204A is attached to a second portion P2 of thesecond fabric 224. As shown, portion P1, where the respectivefirst end 201A is attached to thefirst fabric 220, and the portion P2, where the respectivesecond end 205A is attached to thesecond fabric 224, are aligned with one another and extend along a same horizontal plane H. Thebaffle floors 204A may further extend at an angle Ø2A relative to thefirst fabric 222, as well as an angle Ø2B relative to thesecond fabric 224. The baffle floor may have a width F extending between thefirst fabric 222 andsecond fabric 224. In an example where the comforter has a length L of 98 inches and a width W of 94 inches, the width F of the baffle floor may be 1 inch. In alternative examples, the width F may range from 0.50 inches to 3 inches. In still other examples, the width F may be less than 0.50 inches or greater than 3 inches. - Each of the remaining
baffle floors 204B-D may also be similarly attached to the first andsecond fabrics baffle floors 204B-D may further extend at an angle Ø2A relative to thefirst fabric 222, as well as an angle Ø2B relative to thesecond fabric 224. - In this example, angles Ø2A and Ø2B are right angles or ninety degree angles, but in other examples, the angles may differ. For example, one or both ends of one or
more baffle floors 204A-204C may extend at an angle greater than or less than ninety degrees, such that one or more baffle floors are not perpendicular to the first andsecond fabrics - Baffle sidewalls 208A-208L extend longitudinally along the vertical length L of the
first fabric 222 and thesecond fabric 224. As shown inFIG. 8 , the baffle sidewalls 208A-208L can intersect thebaffle floors 204A-204C so as to form individual chambers defined by the baffle sidewalls 208A-208L andbaffle floors 204A-204C.Rows 206A-206D are also formed by thebaffle floors 204A-204D. The first andsecond fabrics seam 234 that joins each of the edges of the first andsecond fabrics seam 234 extends around the outer circumference of thefabric shell 220 to form anouter perimeter 236. In this example,floor 204D coincides with theseam 236 extending along the secondlateral edge 232 of thecomforter 200, but in other examples,floor 204D can be omitted such that the secondlateral edge 232 acts as the floor when the first andsecond fabrics lateral edge 232 so as to create a space between the secondlateral edge 232 and floor 204. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a top-plan view of thefabric shell 220 of thebaffle box comforter 200 in an open position taken through line E-E ofFIG. 8 . For ease of illustration, fill material has been removed. In contrast to the prior examples,baffle box comforter 200 does not include an intermediate fabric. Instead, as shown, each of the baffle sidewalls, including baffle sidewalls 208A-208C, can extend between thefirst fabric 222 andsecond fabric 224. In this example, the baffle sidewalls 208A-208C are shown extending the entire or full distance between the first andsecond fabrics second fabrics interior surface 223 of thefirst fabric 222 and second ends of the sidewalls 208A-208C are attached to theinterior surface 225 of thesecond fabric 224. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 11 , a perspective view of thefabric shell 220 of thecomforter 220 without fill, first ends 207D-L of the remaining sidewalls 208D-208L are attached to theinterior surface 223 of thefirst fabric 224. Second ends 209D-L of the sidewalls 208D-208L are attached to theinterior surface 225 of thesecond fabric 224.FIG. 10A shows an enlarged section ofFIG. 10 . For ease of illustration and to focus on the features of the baffle sidewalls, the openings in the baffle floor are not shown in this enlarged view. In the example where the baffle box comforter has a length L of 98 inches, and a width W of 94 inches, the length or distance D of the baffle sidewalls 208A-208L may be 2.75 inches, but in other examples, D may range between 1 inch and 4 inches. Day alternatively be at least 1 inch; greater than 1 inch; greater than 4 inches; or D may be less than 1 inch. - The first ends and second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be offset from one another, such that the first and second ends do not align with one another. As shown, for example, in
FIG. 10 ,first end 207C ofbaffle sidewall 208C is attached to thefirst fabric 222 at a point or portion P3 that is laterally offset along the portion P4 where thesecond end 209C is attached to thesecond fabric 224. The lateral offset can be in a direction that is between the firstvertical edge 226 and the secondvertical edge 228 of theshell 220. Thefirst end 207C andsecond end 209C therefore do not extend along a same plane I that extends perpendicular to the first andsecond fabrics first end 207C ofbaffle sidewall 208C may be offset a distance X5 away from thesecond end 209C of thebaffle sidewall 208C. In the example where the length L of thecomforter 200 is 98 inches and the width W is 94 inches, the distance X5 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X5 may range from 0.25 to 6 inches; X5 may be at least 0.25 inches; X5 may be greater than 0.25 inches; X5 may be less than 0.25 inches; or X5 may fall outside of the range. - Each of the baffle sidewalls 208A-208B, as well as 208D-208L can include respective first ends 207A-207B and 207D-207L also have a points of attachment P3 to the
first fabric 222 and are laterally offset a predetermined distance relative to the point of attachment P4 to the second fabric for the respective second ends 209A-209B and 209D-209L. For instance, as shown inFIG. 8 ,first end 207B ofbaffle sidewall 208B may be offset relative to thesecond end 209B by a distance X3, as well as offset relative to thesecond end 209C of directlyadjacent baffle wall 208C by a distance X4.First end 207A can be offset relative to thesecond end 209A by a distance X1 and offset relative to thesecond end 209B of directlyadjacent baffle wall 208B by a distance X2. The distances or lengths X1, X2, X3, X4 may be a distance that is the same or similar to X5. In alternative examples, however, one or more of the lengths X1-X5 may differ from one another. Each of the first and second ends of the remaining sidewalls 208D-208L in each ofrows FIGS. 8 and 11 . In some examples, instead of selecting a certain pre-set displacement between the first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls, the first ends of the baffle sidewalls may be attached to thefirst fabric 220 so that the baffle sidewalls are evenly spaced across the width W of the comforter. The second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be similarly positioned so that they are also equally spaced across the width W of the comforter; are evenly spaced away from one another, or spaced apart from one another in differing amounts. In still other examples, thecomforter 200 may include baffle sidewalls that have ends displaced relative to one another, as well as baffle sidewalls that are no may be displaced whereas the ends of other baffle walls are not. -
Baffle sidewall 208C can further extend at an angle Ø3 relative to theinterior surface 223 of thefirst fabric 222 and the second end. With reference back toFIG. 10 , as well as the enlarged view ofFIG. 10A , an angle Ø3A is formed by the baffle sidewall where the baffle sidewall is joined to thefirst fabric panel 222 may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, Ø3A can range from 1 to 90 degrees. In other examples, Ø3A may be greater than 90 degrees; Ø3A may be less than 90 degrees; or Ø3A may be less than 1 degree. Similarly, Ø3B may be an acute angle that is complementary to Ø3A, such that the combination of Ø3A and Ø3B add up to ninety degrees. It is to be appreciated that the angles Ø3A and Ø3B can be dependent upon the amount of fill present in thecomforter 200 and movement of thefirst fabric 222 and thesecond fabric 224. In this regard, angles Ø3A and Ø3B can vary after the first and second ends of the sidewalls are fixed to the respective first andsecond fabric panels - The first end of one or more front baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row or a row this directly below or directly above the baffle sidewall. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11 , inrow 206A,first end 207A of front baffle sidewall 208A, which extends betweenfirst floor 204A and thetop edge 223, may be aligned withfirst end 207D offront baffle sidewall 208B inrow 206B.First end 207D may similarly extend between the first andsecond floors ends respective rows - Baffle seams may be formed along the first fabric where the first ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to the first fabric. In this example where the ends of the front baffle sidewalls are aligned with one another, baffle seams can extend continuously between the first
lateral edge 223 and the secondlateral edge 232 of thefabric shell 120. Afirst baffle seam 268 may be formed along thefirst fabric 222 where the first ends 207A, 208D, 208G, 208J of the respective front baffle sidewalls 208A, 208D, 208G, and 208J are attached to thefirst fabric 222. Asecond baffle seam 270 may be formed along thefirst fabric 222 where the aligned first ends 207B, 207E, 207H, and 207K of the front baffle sidewalls 208B, 208E, 208H and 208K are attached to thefirst fabric 222. Similarly, athird baffle seam 272 may be formed along thefirst fabric 222 where the first ends 207C, 207F, 207I, and 207L are attached to thefirst fabric 222. - Baffle seams may also be formed along the
second fabric 224 where the second ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to thesecond fabric 224.Baffle seam 274 may be formed along thesecond fabric 224 where the second ends 209A, 209D, 209G, 209J are attached to thesecond fabric 224. Abaffle seam 276 may be formed along thesecond fabric 224 where the second ends 209B, 209E, 209H, 209 k are attached to thesecond fabric 224. Abaffle seam 276 may be formed along thesecond fabric 224 where the second ends 209B, 209E, 209H, 209K are attached to thesecond fabric 224. Abaffle seam 278 may be formed along thesecond fabric 224 where the second ends 209C, 209F, 2091, 209L are attached to thesecond fabric 224. - The baffle seams along the first fabric may be offset or staggered relative to the baffle seams along the second fabric. As shown in
FIG. 8 ,front baffle seam 268 at thefirst fabric 222 is offset relative to therear baffle seam 274 at thesecond fabric 224 by a distance X1, as well as offset relative torear baffle seam 276 by a distance X2.Front baffle seam 270 can be offset relative torear baffle seam 276 by a distance X3, as well as offset relative torear baffle seam 278 by a distance X4.Front baffle seam 272 can be offset relative to therear baffle seam 278 by a distance X5. - It is to be appreciated that in other examples, instead of a plurality of baffle sidewalls forming a continuous baffle seam, a single continuous baffle sidewall can replace he plurality of sidewalls. The single continuous baffle sidewall may extend fully between the first
lateral edge 230 and the secondlateral edge 232 and intersect each of thefloors 204A-L. The second lateral edge may, for example, include openings that accommodate each of thefloors 204A-L. This can simplify the manufacturing process by requiring only three elongated sidewalls, as opposed to a plurality of sidewalls. - Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter.
Openings 282, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11 , can be provided within each of thefloors respective sidewalls 208A-L. For instance, at least oneopening 282 may be disposed within thefloor 204A of eachchamber 215A-215D. Theopenings 282 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between thefirst fabric 222 and the intermediate fabric 250. As shown,chamber 215A includes anopening 282 adjacent thebaffle sidewall 208A;chamber 215B includes anopening 282 adjacent thebaffle sidewall 208B;chamber 215C includes anopening 282 adjacent thebaffle sidewall 208C; andchamber 215D includes anopening 282 that is also adjacent thebaffle sidewall 208C. In other examples, the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls. Additionally, the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and thefirst fabric 122 or between theintermediate fabric 150 and thesecond fabric 124. Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers theopenings 182. The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. Although not required, theopenings 182 in each row may be aligned with theopenings 182 in the directly adjacent row. - As in the previous example, the offset first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls can help to minimize cold spots. Fill material can be provided behind each of the baffle seams. For example, as shown in
FIG. 12 , a top plan viewing showing the comforter with fill, any cold seeping through thefirst fabric 222 at any of thefront seams front seams respective floors second fabric 224 at any of therear seams -
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another alternative embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure. This example is otherwise identical to the embodiment ofFIGS. 8-12 , except that in addition to the baffle sidewalls being offset from one another, the baffle floors are also offset from one another. Since the features and discussion ofbaffle box comforter 200 inFIGS. 8-11 , including alternative examples, are equally applicable here (and vice versa), the discussion ofbaffle box comforter 300 will focus on the features of thebaffle floors 304A-304C. -
Baffle box comforter 300 can include afabric shell 220′ filled with a bedding material. Thefabric shell 220′ can be an outer shell that holds the bedding or fill material. Thefabric shell 220′ may include afirst fabric 222′, asecond fabric 224′ (FIG. 14 ),baffle floors sidewalls 208A′-L′. As shown inFIG. 13 , first and secondvertical edges 226′, 228′, as well as first and secondlateral edges 230′, 232′ of thefabric shell 220′ form the outermost edges of thefabric shell 220′ andcomforter 300. The components of thefabric shell 220′, including thefront baffle sidewalls 208A′-208L′,baffle floors 304A-304D, and first andsecond fabrics 220′,224′, as well as the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials discussed herein. The first andsecond fabrics 222′, 224′ may be secured together at their outermost ends by aseam 234′ that joins each of the edges of the first andsecond fabrics 222′, 224′ together. As shown, theseam 234′ extends around the outer circumference of thefabric shell 220′ to form anouter perimeter 236′. -
Baffle floors 304A-304D may be spaced apart from one another, as shown inFIG. 14 . Each of thebaffle floors 304A-304D can extend between the first and secondvertical edges 226′, 228′, as well as the first and secondlateral edges 230′, 232′ to createhorizontal rows 206A′, 206B′, 206C′, 206D′. In this example, thebaffle floors 304A-304C are evenly spaced apart from one another, but in other examples, one or more of thebaffle floors 304A-304D may be closer to or further away from the directly adjacent baffle floor. -
Baffle floors 304A-304D intersect each of the baffle sidewalls 208A′-208L′ that extend longitudinally along the vertical length of thefirst fabric 222′ and thesecond fabric 224′ and between the firstlateral edge 230′ and secondlateral edge 232′. Individual chambers are formed and defined by the intersection of the baffle sidewalls 208A′-208L′ andbaffle floors 304A-304C. For instance, as shown in the front perspective view ofFIG. 14 ,chamber 215A′ may be formed in thefirst row 206A′. Similarly,chambers 215B′-215C′ may be formed infirst row 206A′. The bottom or base B of each of thechambers 215A′-215D′ may be defined byfloor 304A and the top T of each of the chambers will be defined by thehorizontal edge 230′ of theshell 220′, when the fabric shell is closed at its ends. At least one of the walls of each of thechambers 215A′-215D′ can be defined by one of the baffle sidewalls 208A′-208C.Chambers 215D′-215F′ may be formed inrow 206B′. The base B of each of thechambers 215D′-215F′ will be defined bybaffle floor 304B, whereas the ceiling or top T ofchambers 215D′-215F′ will be defined by the directlyadjacent baffle floor 304A. At least one of the sides of the chambers can be defined by baffle sidewalls 208D′-208F′.Chambers 215H′-215K′ extend inrow 206C and each include a base B defined bybaffle floor 304C and a top T defined bybaffle floor 304B. Finally,chambers 215L′-215O′ are positioned withinrow 206D and include bases B that are defined by thebaffle floor 304D a top T defined bybaffle floor 304C. - The baffle floors are shown in this example as a single continuous baffle floor. For instance, baffle
floor 304A is a continuous material extending linearly between the first and secondvertical edges 222′, 236′, as well as between the first andsecond fabrics 222′, 224.′Baffle floors 304B-304D can be arranged in the same way. In other examples, a plurality of baffle floors may be present in each row, such that the base B of each chamber may instead be comprised of a separate baffle floor from the baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber in the same row. The baffle floors in any given row may be aligned with one another to form a continuous seam extending between the first and secondvertical edges 224′, 226′. In other examples, the baffle floors in a given row may not be aligned with one another. In such examples, the baffle floor in one chamber can be spaced apart from the laterally adjacent baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber or a chamber in the same row. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , a cross sectional view taken along line F-F ofFIG. 13 ,baffle floors 304A-304C are shown extending between thefirst fabric 222′ andsecond fabric 224′. Thefirst end 301A of thebaffle floor 304A can extend along thefirst fabric 222′ and forms afront seam 303A (FIG. 13 ) that extends horizontally or laterally between the first and secondvertical edges 226′, 228′. Thesecond end 305A of thebaffle floor 304A extends along a horizontal length of thesecond fabric 224′ and forms arear seam 319A. Similarly, the respective first ends 301B, 301C, 301D of thebaffle floors 304B-D extend along a horizontal length of thefirst fabric 222′ and form respective seams 303B, 303C, and 303D (FIG. 13 ). Seam 303D can also coincide with the seam of the first andsecond fabrics 222′, 224′. Additionally, each of the respective second ends 305B-305D of thebaffle floors 304B-304C also extend along thesecond fabric 224′ and form respectiverear seams 319B-319C. - The first ends and the second ends of the baffle floors may be offset from one another. As shown, for example, in
FIG. 15 , thefirst end 301A ofbaffle floor 304A is vertically offset from thesecond end 305A of thebaffle floor 304A, such that the first and second ends do not extend along a same plane J that extends perpendicular to the first andsecond fabrics 222′,224′. For instance, the portion P5 where thefirst end 301A of thebaffle floor 304A is attached to the first fabric may be offset a distance Y1 away from the portion P6 where thesecond end 305A of thebaffle floor 304A is attached to the second fabric. In one example, where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width of the comforter is 94 inches, the distance Y1 may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, Y1 may range from 0.25 to 16 inches; Y1 may be at least 0.25 inches; Y1 may be less than 0.25 inches; or Y1 may be greater than 16 inches. Thebaffle floor 304A can further slope an angle Ø4A from thefirst end 301A of thebaffle floor 304A toward thesecond end 305A of thebaffle floor 304A. The angle Ø4A may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, Ø4A can range from 1 to 90 degrees; Ø4A may be less than 1 degree; Ø4A may be at least 1 degree; or Ø4A may be greater than 90 degrees. As shown, each of the remainingbaffle floors 304B-D may include respective first ends 301B-301D that are offset relative to the second ends 305B-305D by predetermined distances Y2-Y4.Baffle floors 304B-304D may also extend at respective angles Ø4B, Ø4C, Ø4D towards thesecond material 224′. - Angle Ø4E, can be formed where the
baffle floor 304A extends from the second end 305 of thebaffle floors 304A toward the first end or where thesecond end 305A is attached to thesecond fabric 224. Angle Ø4E can be an angle complementary to corresponding angle Ø4A, such that Ø4A and Ø4E add up to 90 degrees. Similarly, angles Ø4F, Ø4G, Ø4H may be formed where the respective second ends of thebaffle floors second fabric 224. - In some examples, the distances Y1-Y4 may be the same, but in other examples, one or more distances Y1-Y4 may differ. Similarly, in some examples, the angles Ø4A, Ø4B, Ø4C, Ø4D may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles Ø4A, Ø4B, Ø4C, Ø4D may differ. Similarly, the angles Ø4E, Ø4F, Ø4G, Ø4H may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles Ø4E, Ø4F, Ø4G, Ø4H may differ from one another.
- In the top plan view of the shell in an open position, as shown in
FIG. 16 , the baffle walls 208′-208C′ are shown in an orientation identical to the orientation of thebaffle walls 208A-208C inFIGS. 8-10 . As in the previous embodiment, the first ends 207A′-207C′ of the baffle sidewalls and the second ends 209A′-209C′ of the baffle sidewalls can be offset relative to one another. Similarly, the remainingbaffle sidewalls 208D′-208L′ may have first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as previously described. Additionally, as described with regard toFIGS. 10-10A , the baffle sidewalls 208A-208L may be angled or sloped. For instance, as shown,baffle sidewall 208C includes an angle Ø3 A′ and angle Ø3 B′, as in the previous embodiment. - Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter.
Openings 282, as shown inFIG. 14 , can be provided within each of thefloors baffle sidewalls 208A′-L′. As in the previous example,openings 282′ may be disposed within thefloors 304A-304C of eachchamber 215A′-215L′. Theopenings 282 may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between thefirst fabric 222 and the intermediate fabric 250. In other examples, the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls. Additionally, the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and thefirst fabric 122′ or between theintermediate fabric 150′ and thesecond fabric 124′. Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers theopenings 182. The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. - With reference to
FIGS. 17-19 , another example baffle comforter is shown. In this example,baffle comforter 400 includes features similar to the prior embodiments, except that only the baffle floor, and not the baffle sidewalls, include ends that are offset relative to one another.Comforter 400 includes baffle floors 404A, 404B, 404C, and 404D. Additionally, a plurality of baffle sidewalls 209A″-209L″ are illustrated. As shown inFIGS. 17-18 ,baffle floor 304A′ include a respective first ends 301A′ that is attached to thefirst fabric 222″ and asecond end 305A′ attached to thesecond wall 224″. Thefirst end 301A′ and second end 405A may be offset relative to one another, as previously described herein. Similarly, the first ends 301B′, 301C′, and 301D′ ofbaffle floors 304B′, 304C′, and 304D′ may be offset relative to each of their respective second ends 305B′, 305C′, 305D′. As shown inFIG. 19 , the ends of the baffle sidewalls are not offset relative to one another, as in previous embodiments. Rather, each of the ends of thesidewalls 208A″-2081″ extend perpendicular to the first andsecond fabrics 222″, 224″, and along a same plane. In other examples, the sidewalls may be offset relative to one another so that they are not aligned with one another and a row of sidewalls may be offset with respect to the directly adjacent row of sidewalls. -
FIGS. 20-21 illustrate yet another alternative arrangement toFIGS. 13-16 . This example is identical to the embodiment ofFIGS. 13-16 , except that thecomforter 500 further includes agusset 510. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 20 and 21 , each of the baffle sidewalls 208A″′-208L″′ and each of thebaffle floors 204A″′-204D″′ includes first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 13-16 . Instead of the first andsecond fabrics 222″′, 224″′ being joined directly to one another, agusset 510 may be disposed between thefirst fabric 222″′ andsecond fabric 224″′. In some examples, the gusset can allow thecomforter 500 to maintain its fill up to the edge of thegusset 510. - In the examples discussed above, relative positions such as lateral, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, and the like are used for reference only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to particular positions of the elements they are used to describe. It is to be appreciated that similar reference numerals were used to describe similar elements.
- It is to be further appreciated that any dimensions for components of the example comforters were provided as an example, but that other dimensions can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
- Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. As these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description of the embodiments should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “for example,” “including” and the like, should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to the specific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/229,760 US20180035831A1 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2016-08-05 | Baffle box comforter |
CA2940071A CA2940071C (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2016-08-24 | Baffle box comforter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/229,760 US20180035831A1 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2016-08-05 | Baffle box comforter |
Publications (1)
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US20180035831A1 true US20180035831A1 (en) | 2018-02-08 |
Family
ID=61071593
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/229,760 Abandoned US20180035831A1 (en) | 2016-08-05 | 2016-08-05 | Baffle box comforter |
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US (1) | US20180035831A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2940071C (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11276652B2 (en) | 2018-12-24 | 2022-03-15 | Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives | Method for securing an integrated circuit upon making it |
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as shown in Figure 1 and as described in column 2, lines 16-20 and in column 3, lines 44-46 * |
as shown in Figure 1 and as described in column 2, lines 27-30 and in column 3, lines 44-46 * |
as shown in Figures 3A & 3B and as described in column 6, lines 28-33 and in column 7, lines 22-24 * |
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CA2940071C (en) | 2018-12-04 |
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