GB2490349A - Case or slip for two pillows or cushions - Google Patents

Abstract

A pillow case, slip or cover 3 for bedding or soft furnishings comprises at least two volumetrically equivalent compartments 1,2, each compartment receiving a single cushion, duvet, pillow or the like in use. One end of the cover is provided with a closure, such as a flap 4 for the compartments. The closure may be held closed by buttons 30. In use the cover allows a pair of pillows, cushions or the like to be maintained in the desired position relative to one another.

Description

BED-CLOTHING

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bed-clothing, more particularly an item of bed clothing for increasing comfort and ease of bed-making.

Backnround Despite increasing use of duvets and quilts, making beds or arranging bed-clothes can be a tiresome task.

Increasingly to make a bed users will simply use a fitted sheet on a mattress and a duvet cover on a duvet, so it is frequently not necessary to use layers of unfilled sheets and blankets, with consequent speed benefits from not needing to straighten and tuck in each layer.

A duvet is typically held within an elongate cotton bag wherein the bag is open to one end and closed to the distal end. ln order to prevent movement of the duvet within and out of the bag typically there is some means provided for closing the open end.

However pillows need to be placed in pillow cases still which can take some time. In particular on a typical double bed this is likely to comprise four cases, with possibly pillow protector under-cases requiring another four; and at least one duvet case or maybe two if winter months are particularly harsh.

Most users have at least two pillows each, providing a more comfortable night.

In order to be comfortable however the user will typically require both pillows to be well arranged, on top of each fully, rather than sliding or skidding with respect to one another. This will not necessarily remain the case throughout a night with particularly restless or fidgety sleepers or users tending to finish the night with a different and uncomfortable arrangement of pillows.

Slipped or badly arranged pillows can additionally be a risk to a user's health by compressing, stretching or otherwise distorting a user's neck or back joints through bad sleeping posture.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a bed-clothing supplying a elongate rectangular form, disposing in use into at least two volumetrically equivalent spaces with one end and two sides open, and one end closed, for receipt of independently provided stuffing.

Typically the stuffing is two filled material bags such as cushions or pillows.

Preferably therefore this stuffing is composed of fibres such as polyester, down or feathers within a bag that is typically formed of woven cotton and lies flat when not filled.

The bed-clothing also lies flat when not stuffed such that it may be easily stored for example in a folded form.

The bed-clothing may be formed in cotton or other fibrous material surrounding two spaces.

The bed-clothing thereby defines an elongate double barrel when opened wherein the spaces are to be filled in use with these pillows with the barrels ensuring that the relationship of the pillows with respect to one another does not generally alter in use.

Ideally seaming runs between the spaces described by a first-space surrounding envelope and a second seamedly-attached envelope, said envelope being open to two sides.

In some embodiments a reverse pocket may run from an open end into at least one of the barrels; such that a pillow is less likely to move. This reverse pocket accepts a pillow end; wherein the pillow's distal end is held in place by the closed end of the barrel.

Further embodiments may have other closure means to close at least one of the barrels; for example at least one button, zipper, press-stud or hook and loop section.

Ideally these closure means are incorporated into both barrels such that a user may stuff the bed clothing, close both barrels and utilise the bed-clothing as a single pillow of double thickness in comparison to a single pillow in a case.

Additionally therefore the two pillows are more speedily inserted into the bed-clothing than two separate covers; as for the second pillow the bed-clothing is already correctly disposed.

Preferred embodiments relate to pillows and cushions. However in some embodiments the sizing and style of the bed-clothing may relate to and be used for duvets or quilts, for example during winter months when the double thickness of duvet, combines with insulating air held in the bed-clothing to ensure great heat retention and provision within a so-covered bed.

Duvets are consequently unable to move with respect to one another and additionally less liable to move with respect to the bed-clothing also.

This in turn means less likelihood of a twisted or bunched duvet within a cover, thus requiring less effort at daily straightening.

In addition to this, the task of feeding the duvet into covers is effectively halved as a second duvet into the bed clothing will benefit from already aligned and ready bed-clothing for easy insertion.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the a second embodiment of the invention; And Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the flattened preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

As pictured the preferred embodiment when opened up defines two spaces or barrels (1 and 2) for insertion of pillows, duvets or other stuffing (not shown).

These spaces are defined by the bed-clothing outer 3 which may be continuous and seamed, with a separate divider 5 sown into the outer 3. Alternatively the outer 3 may be a continuous length sown along three sides and left open to the open end 100.

Alternate embodiments may have a panel sown into the closed end 200 wherein this panel defines the end 200 and allows the bed clothing to describe a more rectangular-ended cuboid shape.

Such embodiments may be well suited to providing occasional chairs or footrests, wherein a plurality of three or more cushions may be used in such a bed-clothing The pictured embodiment in Figure 2 has a flap 4 provided on, attached to or otherwise adjoining the outer 3 and providing a closure means for the open end 100.

This flap 4 allows a user to securely close the spaces I and 2 to prevent movement of pillows or duvets inside the spaces I and 2.

In any event the flap allows the user to describe a more rectangular-ended cuboid embodiment of the bed clothing.

The flap is fastened for closure in the pictured embodiment by the interrelation of buttons 40 with slots 30.

Further embodiments may provide other closure means for open end 100, such as a reversed pocket on one or both of the spaces, zippers, press studs, poppers, hook and loop such as Velcro (Trade Mark) or other closure means as appropriate.

Claims (6)

1. Claims 1. A bed-clothing supplying a elongate rectangular form, disposing in use into at least two volumetrically equivalent spaces with one end and two sides open, and one end closed, for receipt of independently provided stuffing.
2. 2. A bed-clothing according to claim I wherein the open-ended spaces are equipped with closure means such as buttons.
3. 3. A method of providing a time efficient dual pillow so as to facilitate bed making, according to any preceding claim.
4. 4. A method of providing a stuffing stabilising structure which describes the spaces and provides an efficient dual pillow so as to facilitate bed making and a user's comfort in bed, according to any preceding claim.
5. 5. A duvet cover according to any of claims I or 2.
6. 6. A cushion cover according to any of claims 1 or 2.