Bedding Cover with Integrated Runner
A bedding cover (100) having a runner layer (101) that simulates an overlaid bed scarf is provided. The runner layer (101) can be coupled to the cover material of the bedding cover (100) as a link, thereby preventing pillowing issues. The runner layer (101) provides both an aesthetically pleasing, upscale ornamental appearance as well as a subliminal target for bags and shoes. The runner layer (101) can include flanges (404). The flanges (404) can be pinned to the cover material with outer stitches (501,502), or tacked to the cover material with tag stitches (601,602).
This application claims priority and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/121,602, filed Dec. 11, 2008.
BACKGROUND1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally a covering for a bed, such as a duvet or bedspread, and more particularly to a covering having an integrated runner spanning the width of the covering near the foot of the covering.
2. Background Art
Bedspreads and duvet covers in hotels receive extraordinary amounts of wear. One source of wear comes from hotel guests. For example, it is almost instinctive to some guests, at the moment of entering the room, to throw a suitcase or travel bag atop the bed covering. These bags and suitcases are often rough from being carried and generally cause mechanical wear to the covering. Additionally, bags and suitcases tend to be dirty and often stain or discolor the covering. Further, guests frequently relax, such as while watching the television, while lying atop the covering. In so doing, shoes or feet can get rubbed across the covering, further discoloring or staining the fabric.
Another source of wear comes from hotel staff. When one guest vacates, the housekeeping staff must wash the bed covering. In the case of a duvet cover, the staff must first remove the comforter, then wash the cover, and then reinsert the comforter. Frequently the covering must be ironed before it can be put back on a bed. Extensive washing, folding, ironing, and handling stresses the material of the covering.
At the same time, hotel guests are demanding amenities that are less institutional and more like the comforts of home. For instance, duvet covers with comforters are replacing bedspreads due to their added comfort. High thread-count cotton sheets are replacing cotton-polyester blends due to their added softness. Down pillows are replacing fiberfill pillows. Accoutrements such as bed scarves, accent pillows, and so forth are being added to hotel rooms.
The problem with these “added comforts” is that they are often not as durable. For example, silk is not as durable under wear and cleaning as is polyesters. Additionally, each accoutrement added requires more labor in that it must be cleaned and ironed between each use.
There is thus a need for an improved bedding article that is durable and withstands ordinary care, yet that is aesthetically pleasing so as to work with modern styles.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a bed covering, such as a duvet cover, having an integrated runner. In one embodiment, the integrated runner is made from a runner layer that is integrated with a cover layer of material by stitching or sewing. The runner layer spans the width of the cover layer so as to simulate a bed scarf. However, rather than being a detachable bed scarf, the runner layer is physically coupled to the cover layer.
In many hotels, guests are treated to an aesthetic luxury with respect to their bedding as hotels are providing a comforter and duvet cover with a bed runner spanning there across. The bed runner is a scarf of roughly twenty inches in width that spans the foot of the bed atop the duvet cover to provide a splash of color. While traditional runners are problematic in that they comprise an additional object that must be laundered and ironed, embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated runner that is sewn into the duvet cover so it is automatically washed whenever the duvet cover is laundered.
In one embodiment, the runner layer of the present invention spans the width of the cover layer to which it is attached such that a first section of the cover layer material extends distally from the runner layer in a first direction. Likewise, a second section of the cover layer material extends distally from the runner layer in a second direction. In one embodiment, the first section and second section will be different in size such that the runner layer is disposed towards the bottom, or foot end, of the bedding cover. In one embodiment, the runner layer is coupled to the cover layer substantially parallel with the width of the cover layer.
Turning now to
In the illustrative embodiment of
In
In one embodiment, the first section 103 of the cover layer 102 and the second section 104 of the cover layer 102 are separate sections, and are physically separated from each other. In such an embodiment, the runner layer 101 is sewn to the first section 103 of the cover layer 102 along a first side 110 of the runner layer 101 by at least one stitch. Similarly, the second section 104 of the cover layer 102 is sewn to the runner layer 101 along a second side 111 of the runner layer 101. In this configuration, the runner layer 101 spans and links the first section 103 of the cover layer 102 and the second section 104 of the cover layer 102.
In another embodiment, the cover layer 102 comprises a single piece of material, such that the first section 103 and the second section 104 are interconnected and pass beneath the runner layer 101. In such a configuration, the runner layer 101 is sewn to the cover layer 102 by at least one stitch along a first side 110 of the runner layer 101. Similarly, the cover layer 102 is sewn to the runner layer 101 by at least one stitch along a second side 111 of the runner layer 101. In this configuration, the runner layer 101 spans the cover layer 102 with the first section 103 of the cover layer 102 and the second section 104 of the cover layer 102 extending distally in opposite directions from the runner layer 101.
In one embodiment, the first side 110 and the second side 111 of the runner layer 101 are oriented so as to be substantially parallel with the width 105 of the cover layer 102. In one embodiment, the runner layer 101 is between fifteen and thirty inches in width. The runner layer 101 can be between ten and twenty inches from the edge of the bed when the bedding cover 100 is placed atop the bed. For example, the runner layer 101 may be eighteen inches wide, and may be disposed fourteen inches away from a foot end 107 of the bedding cover 100. The runner layer 101 can include a flange, such as a one-half inch flange, so as to appear more like a bed scarf that is independent from the cover layer 102. In one embodiment the stitching coupling the runner layer 101 to the cover layer 102 spans the width 105 of the cover layer 102. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, however, that the invention is not so limited. Other dimensions, equally simulating a bed scarf, could also be used.
The bedding cover 100 and runner layer 101 can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including polyester, cotton, rayon, silk, wool, and blends thereof. In one embodiment, the cover layer 102 and the runner layer 101 are manufactured from the same material. In another embodiment, the cover layer 102 and runner layer 101 are manufactured from different materials. For instance, the runner layer 101 can be of a heavier and more durable material while the cover layer 102 can be of a lighter material.
By way of example, in one embodiment the cover layer 102 may be manufactured from a blend, such as a 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend. The runner layer 101 may be manufactured from the same material. In another embodiment, as the runner layer 101 may be subject to more wear than the cover layer 102, the cover layer 102 may be manufactured from a 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend, while the runner layer 101 is manufactured from a 100% polyester material.
Further, the runner layer 101 can include a “wear retardant” 112, such as a stain protective coating or micro-poly coating along the fibers. The runner layer 101 can be made from a plurality of layers, such as with a top, ornamental layer of material and a lower, protective layer. For instance, the top layer of the runner layer 101 can be a decorative material such as one manufactured from cotton and polyester, while the lower layer can be a liquid resistant layer such as a nylon layer.
The runner layer 101 can be the same color or a different color than the cover layer 102. For instance, in one embodiment the cover layer 102 and runner layer can both be beige. In another embodiment, the cover layer 102 may be white, while the runner layer is another color such as a cinnabar color. Similarly, the cover layer 102 can be a light color, such as ivory or tan, while the runner layer 101 is a contrasting color, such as gold, red, or blue.
In one embodiment, one or both of the cover layer 102 and runner layer 101 include textures (as shown in
The runner layer 101 can provide multiple functions. First, the runner layer 101 provides an aesthetically pleasing ornamental appearance to the user. The runner layer 101 provides a splash of color to the user that contrasts and/or compliments the color of the bedding cover 100. Optionally, the runner layer 101 can provide a different textural appearance as well.
Second, the runner layer 101 provides protection against luggage, bags, and feet. In one embodiment, the runner layer 101 is manufactured from a heavier material than is the bedding cover 100. As such, it can withstand more wear. In another embodiment, the runner layer 101 is manufactured from a darker material than is the bedding cover 100. As such, it is configured to mask stains.
Third, the runner layer 101, in one embodiment, is configured to be a subliminal target on a bed for hotel guests upon entering the room. Recall from above that it can be nearly instinctive to place bags atop a bed upon entering the hotel room. When using embodiments of the present invention, the runner layer 101 can be colored and textured to provide a subliminal target for these bags. Alternatively, the runner layer 101 can be a subliminal target for shoes or feet. More times than not, people with toss bags on the runner layer 101 over the bedding cover 100 when placing bags on the bed.
Turning now to
The pocket member 201 can be manufactured by applying a lower layer 202 of material to the bottom side of the cover layer (102), and then tailoring an aperture in the lower layer 202. The edges 203 of the aperture may include hems 204 thereabout to prevent fraying or tearing when inserts, such as comforters and the like, are inserted into, or removed from, the aperture. The lower layer 202 can be constructed from the same or a different type of material than that used for the cover layer (102) or the runner layer (101). For instance where the cover layer (102) comprises three sections, with the runner layer (101) serving as one section and linking the first section (103) and the second section (104), the lower layer 202 may be constructed from a material that is different from those used in the cover layer (102) or runner layer (101). The lower layer 202 may be a softer or more sheer material, as it is likely to be placed next to a user's skin.
Turning now to
In this embodiment, the cover layer 102 is constructed from three sections, a first section 103 of the cover layer 102, a second section 104 of the cover layer 102, and the runner layer 101. The runner layer 101 is sewn between the first section 103 and the second section 104 such that the runner layer 101 functions a “link” in that it joins first section 103 and the second section 104 of the cover layer 102. Specifically, the runner layer 101 is joined to a first section 103 of cover layer 102 material along a first junction seam 301, which may be at least one stitch spanning the width (105) of the cover layer 102. Likewise, the runner layer 101 is joined to a second section 104 of cover layer 102 material along a second junction seam 302. By configuring the runner layer 101 as a link, unsightly issues like pillowing between the runner layer 101 and upper layer of duvet cover material can be avoided during the laundering process. Further, the runner layer 101 resembles a runner or bed scarf passing across the cover layer 102.
Turning briefly to
The lower layer 202 can also be seen in
Turning now to
The runner layer 101 is joined to the first section 103 of the cover layer 102 by a first seam 401 along a first side 110, while the runner layer 101 is joined to the second section 104 of cover layer 102 by a second seam 402 along a second side 111. Specifically, in one embodiment the edges of the runner layer 101 are folded over so as to provide flange 404 that is approximately one-half inch in width. The flange 404 can traverse the width (105) of the cover layer 102. The flange 404 further makes the runner layer 101 seem to “float” above the bedding cover 100 as if it was a separate piece of material. In one embodiment, both the first seam 401 and second seam 402 comprise one or more stitches having between five and forty stitches per inch, such as ten stitches per inch. Further, an overlock stitch may be added (as shown in
Turning now to
Also as with
In
Turning now to
Also as with
Rather than continuously pinning the flanges 404 to the duvet cover with outer stitching, in
As shown in the illustrative embodiment of
Note that the tag stitches 601,602 shown in
Tag stitch 1202 is a triangular-shaped tag stitch, which is wider at the first seam 401 than at the edge 1203. Note that this tag stitch 1202 could also be inverted. Similarly, tag stitch 1204 is triangular in shape and only extends partially between the first seam 401 and the edge 1203 of the runner layer 101. Further, a small tag stitch 1204 can be used. Tag stitches other than those shown may also be employed.
As noted above, the runner layer 101 and cover layer 102 may have different appearances. Turning briefly to
Turning briefly to
Turning now to
At step 901, used, soiled bedding is removed. This bedding can then be laundered at step 902.
At step 903, a bedding cover (100) comprising a runner layer (101) integrated with the one or more cover layers (102) of material is provided. In one embodiment, the runner layer (101) spans a width (105) of the cover layer (102) of material such that a first section (103) of the cover layer (102) of material extends distally from the runner layer (101) in a first direction (108) and a second section (104) of the cover layer (102) of material extends distally from the runner layer (101) in a second direction (109). At optional step 904, an insert, such as a comforter or quilt is inserted into the bedding cover (100).
At step 905, the bed is made using the bedding cover (100). For example, the bedding cover (100) may be placed across clean linens and spread neatly across the bed. At optional step 906, the bedding cover (100) is arranged such that the runner layer (101) spans the width of the bed and is disposed closer to the foot end than the head end.
As described herein, embodiments of the present invention provide a bedding cover with a two-piece look yet with one-piece care. Specifically, the integrated runner appears to be a separate piece of material. However, when laundering the bedding cover, only a single item needs to be cleaned, thereby obviating the need to wash multiple articles separately. As such, embodiments of the present invention save water, detergent, and energy, and are thus more environmentally friendly.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.
Claims
1. A bedding cover, comprising:
- a cover layer of material; and
- a runner layer fixedly integrated with the cover layer of material and spanning a width of the cover layer of material such that a first section of the cover layer of material extends distally from the runner layer in a first direction and a second section of the cover layer of material extends distally from the runner layer in a second direction, the runner layer configured to simulate a bed scarf;
- wherein the cover layer and runner layer each comprise separate layers of material.
2. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the cover layer of material comprises a first piece of the cover layer of material independent from a second piece of the cover layer of material, wherein the runner layer is sewn to the first piece of the cover layer of material along a first side of the runner layer, the first side being parallel with the width of the cover layer of material, and the runner layer is sewn to the second piece of the cover layer of material along a second side of the runner layer, the second side being parallel with the width of the cover layer of material, such that the runner layer spans between and links the first piece of the cover layer of material and the second piece of the cover layer of material.
3. The bedding cover of claim 2, wherein the runner layer is coupled to each of the first piece of the cover layer of material and the second piece of the cover layer of material, along the first side and the second side, by at least one stitch spanning the width of the cover layer of material.
4. The bedding cover of claim 3, wherein the runner layer is further coupled to each of the first piece of the cover layer of material and the second piece of the cover layer of material by an overlock stitch.
5. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the runner layer comprises a subliminal target for a bed.
6. The bedding cover of claim 5, wherein the subliminal target comprises a target for one of luggage, shoes, or feet.
7. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the runner layer is between fifteen and thirty inches wide.
8. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the runner layer comprises a first flange and a second flange, each flange traversing the width of the cover layer of material.
9. The bedding cover of claim 8, wherein each of the first flange and the second flange of the runner layer is pinned to the cover layer of material by a continuous stitch.
10. The bedding cover of claim 8, wherein each of the first flange and the second flange of the runner layer is tacked to the cover layer of material by a plurality of tag stitches, wherein each of the plurality of tag stitches is spaced from each other of the plurality of tag stitches across the width of the cover layer of material.
11. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the bedding cover comprises a duvet cover.
12. The bedding cover of claim 1, wherein the runner layer comprises a wear retardant.
13. A bedding cover, comprising:
- an upper layer, wherein the upper layer comprises three sections, each distinct from the other, each of the three sections being sewn together such that a second section is disposed between a first section and a third section so as to resemble a runner passing across the upper layer;
- wherein the second section is configured to simulate a bed scarf; and
- a lower layer;
- wherein the upper layer and the lower layer define an aperture through which a comforter may be inserted.
14. The bedding cover of claim 13, wherein the first section and the third section comprise a first material, wherein the second section comprises a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are different.
15. The bedding cover of claim 14, wherein the first material and the second material are different in color.
16. The bedding cover of claim 14, wherein the first material comprises one of a first pattern or a first texture disposed thereon and the second material comprises one of a second pattern or a second texture disposed thereon, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are different and the first texture and the second texture are different.
17. The bedding cover of claim 14, wherein the lower layer comprises a third material, wherein the third material is different from the first material and the second material.
18. A method of transforming a bed from an unmade state to a made state, the method of transforming comprising:
- providing a bed cover comprising a runner layer integrated by stitching with one or more cover layers of material that are discrete from the runner layer, the runner layer being configured to simulate a bed scarf, the runner layer spanning a width of the one or more cover layers of material such that a first section of the one or more cover layers of material extends distally from the runner layer in a first direction and a second section of the one or more cover layers of material extends distally from the runner layer in a second direction; and
- placing the bed cover across the bed.
19. The method of transforming the bed from the unmade state to the made state of claim 18, wherein the bed comprises a bed width, a head end, and a foot end, wherein the placing the bed cover across the bed comprises placing the bed cover on the bed such that the runner layer spans the width and is disposed closer to the foot end than the head end.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of inserting a comforter within the bed cover.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 30, 2009
Publication Date: Jun 17, 2010
Inventor: Vijay A. Bhuta (Diamond Bar, CA)
Application Number: 12/414,254
International Classification: A47G 9/02 (20060101); A47G 9/00 (20060101);