Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to linens used with bedding and, more specifically, to cover systems used with bedding in various contexts.

Background

[0002] Blankets and comforters, such as down comforters, provide an extra layer of comfort and warmth to those who choose to use them while sleeping. For example, a down comforter provides more warmth and comfort as compared to sleeping under only a top sheet of a sheet set applied to a bed. However, because of the bulk/size of comforters and blankets, these bedding elements can be very difficult to properly clean. In order to diminish the need for direct cleaning and extend the life thereof, these blankets and comforters are often covered with (and/or inserted within) what is known as a duvet cover. The duvet cover protects the blanket or comforter while, at the same time, contributes an aesthetically appealing element to the bed when positioned atop the bed. When used in place of a top sheet, as many persons choose to do, the duvet cover is in regular contact with the human body and therefore should be cleaned on a regular basis. This cleaning typically necessitates removal of the duvet cover from the blanket or comforter.

[0003] One conventional version of a duvet cover 500 is shown in Fig. 7. The duvet cover 500 is defined by a top panel 502 of fabric material and a bottom panel 504 of fabric material, which are generally permanently coupled together, such as by stitching, along a first portion 506 of the periphery thereof, and which define an opening 508 along a second portion 510 of the periphery thereof. This opening 508 may be permanently open, or in some embodiments, the opening 508 may be selectively closed by a connection mechanism such as the zipper 512 shown in Fig. 7. The blanket or comforter 514, or some other similar type of filler, is pushed through the opening 508 to be sandwiched between the top and bottom panels 502, 504, in a similar fashion as inserting a pillow into a pillowcase. However, unlike a pillow, the blanket or comforter 514 is substantially large in size and capable of bunching up or folding over itself when being inserted into the duvet cover 500 through the opening 508. This can cause significant difficulties and delays when an operator tries to properly position the blanket or comforter 514 within the duvet cover 500. Likewise, removing the large blanket or comforter 514 from within the duvet cover 500 can also be difficult and time-consuming. Even when connection mechanisms such as the zipper 512 are provided to widen the opening 508, these difficulties still exist, and moreover, the zipper 512 is prone to defective operations as well. These deficiencies are exacerbated in commercial contexts such as hotels and hospitals, where bedding materials can require washing every day, in some circumstances.

[0004] Furthermore, in those commercial contexts, the washing and follow-up processing of bedding materials is often performed by large commercial or industrial washers, dryers, and folding/ironing equipment. Each of these systems can cost multiple thousands of dollars (or hundreds of thousands of dollars), so avoiding the inclusion of features on bedding materials which can potentially damage these commercial/industrial machines is important. For example, the commercial ironing and folding equipment can process fabric materials of many varieties, but any metallic or hard materials such as buttons or zippers tend to damage the equipment during operation (or become melted or damaged themselves, in the case of buttons and the like). As such, the conventional duvet cover 500 like the one shown in Fig. 7 cannot be used in commercial contexts where all linens get processed through these machines, which could be damaged by the zipper 512, for example. The alternative of hand processing all the duvet covers is typically not a viable option in most commercial contexts, at least as a result of the large number of linen/bedding sets that need to be cleaned every day, and the complexity and difficulty of assembling the duvet cover with the blanket or comforter after each cleaning. Likewise, if the zipper 512 were omitted from the duvet cover 500, the blanket or comforter 514 could easily become partially dislodged from a desired position within the duvet cover 500 during use on a bed.

[0005] Regardless of whether the duvet cover 500 includes a zipper 512 or some other closure mechanism, the positioning of the opening 508 renders the zipper 512 or closure mechanism visible to end users of the bed. This configuration requires additional manufacturing of elements to cover up that closure mechanism, or the closure mechanism at the opening 508 is left visible in other embodiments. That either complicates the manufacturing of the duvet cover 500 and/or adds a possibly undesirable aesthetic element to the design of these conventional covers. The blanket or comforter 514 can also bunch up or fold over itself within the duvet cover 500 during use, leading to undesirable clumping and unevenness in the duvet.

[0006] Conventional duvet covers therefore do not find as significant of use as would be expected in places like hotels, as a result of complications resulting from the potential need to remove and replace a duvet cover on a plurality of beds every single day of operation, as well as the limiting factors of types of bedding materials that can be processed in commercial/industrial washing, drying, and ironing/folding machines. Additionally, the conventional designs for duvet covers are fairly labor-intensive to assemble and thus come with added manufacturing costs, which can further discourage commercial hotel and hospital operators from purchasing and using such products. Accordingly, bedding options and decorative options that can be offered to guests and patients are often reduced in these fields.

[0007] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a new duvet cover or similar cover system that addresses these and other drawbacks of conventional designs of duvet covers, including covers like the one shown in Fig. 7.

Summary

[0008] In one embodiment, a central access duvet cover system is provided for use in covering a bed. The system includes a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with first and second portions. The bottom fabric layer is secured to the top fabric layer along a plurality of side edges to collectively form a cover assembly having a closed periphery. The first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer extend over different portions of the cover assembly to meet one another at a junction, which extends across a width of the cover assembly and between an opposing pair of the plurality of side edges. The system also includes a pocket defined between the top and bottom fabric layers and within the closed periphery. The pocket is sized to receive a fill layer in the form of a blanket or comforter, to enclose the fill layer within the cover assembly and thereby hide the fill layer from view. The system further includes an opening formed between the first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer and located along a central portion of the junction that is spaced from the opposing pair of the plurality of side edges. The opening provides access to the pocket from outside the cover assembly. The opening extends along a majority of the width of the cover assembly to enable insertion and removal of the fill layer into and out of the pocket through the opening.

[0009] The large and centrally located opening makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the fill layer with the cover assembly, while also being located in a position not typically revealed to users of the bed during normal use of the bed. In this regard, the central access duvet cover system provides easy cleaning of the cover assembly separate from the fill layer, while also simulating the appearance of a conventional duvet cover, as is typically desired.

[0010] In one aspect, which may be combined with any combination of the features described herein, the plurality of side edges includes a head end edge configured to be positioned at a head end of the bed, and a foot end edge configured to be positioned at a foot end of the bed. The junction is spaced from each of the head end edge and the foot end edge by at least a predetermined minimum distance, such that the opening remains hidden from view when the system is placed on the bed. The opening remains hidden from view even if a user flips down a top end of the system at the head end edge. For example, the predetermined minimum distance is at least 24 inches in one embodiment. In some versions of the system, the junction is spaced from each of the head end edge and the foot end edge by the same distance such that the first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer each extend over about a half of the cover assembly. In other versions of the system, the junction is spaced from the head end edge a first distance that is greater than a second distance that the junction is spaced from the foot end edge, thereby positioning the junction and the opening closer to the foot end edge.

[0011] In another aspect which may be combined with any of the features described herein, the top and bottom fabric layers consist of generally planar pieces of fabric material. This configuration allows the cover assembly to be laid flat for cleaning and processing by industrial laundering and ironing equipment, without being damaged by or causing damage to the industrial laundering and ironing equipment. The top fabric layer includes a decorative pattern for covering the bed, in some embodiments.

[0012] In a further aspect, which may be combined with any of the features described herein, the cover assembly includes corner portions adjacent connections of the plurality of side edges. The bottom fabric layer then also includes retention slots located at the corner portions. The retention slots are configured to receive a plurality of fastening elements that may be provided on the fill layer to couple the fill layer to the cover assembly and thereby retain the fill layer in position within the pocket. When the system includes the fill layer, which is at least one of a blanket or a comforter, the system would then also include the plurality of fastening elements located adjacent corner portions of the fill layer. The plurality of fastening elements are typically defined by materials that will not be damaged by, nor cause damage to, industrial laundering equipment that may be used during a cleaning and processing cycle for cleaning the fill layer. For example, the plurality of fastening elements can be defined by fabric knot buttons. The retention slots and the plurality of fastening elements prevent unintended dislodgements of the fill layer from a desired position, thereby enhancing the predictable use of the system on a bed.

[0013] In yet another aspect which may be combined with any of the features described herein, the cover system is designed as omnidirectional, which means that the cover assembly continues to hide the opening and the fill layer from view of users of the bed regardless of the orientation of the system when placed on the bed. More particularly, the opening and fill layer remain hidden regardless of which of the plurality of side edges is positioned along a head end of the bed, with the top fabric layer facing upwardly away from the bed. In some aspects, the system further includes closure elements positioned on the first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer adjacent the opening. The closure elements are configured to engage one another to hold the opening in a closed position after insertion of the fill layer into the pocket. As set forth above, these features of the central access duvet cover system provide an

advantageous simplified manufacturing, assembly, and disassembly.

[0014] In another embodiment in accordance with the invention, which may be combined with any of the features of the system described above, a central access duvet cover system is used to cover a bed. The system includes a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with first and second portions. The bottom fabric layer is secured to the top fabric layer along a plurality of side edges to collectively form a cover assembly having a closed periphery and corner portions adjacent connections of the plurality of side edges. The bottom fabric layer also includes retention slots located at the corner portions. The system also includes a pocket defined between the top and bottom fabric layers and within the closed periphery. The pocket is sized to receive a fill layer in the form of a blanket or comforter, to enclose the fill layer within the cover assembly and thereby hide the fill layer from view. The first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer extend over different portions of the cover assembly to meet one another at a junction, which extends between an opposing pair of the plurality of side edges. The system also includes an opening formed between the first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer and located along a central portion of the junction that is spaced from the opposing pair of the plurality of side edges. The opening provides access to the pocket from outside the cover assembly. In this embodiment, the retention slots are configured to receive a plurality of fastening elements that may be provided on the fill layer to couple the fill layer to the cover assembly and thereby retain the fill layer in position within the pocket.

[0015] In a further embodiment in accordance with the invention, which may be combined with any of the features of the systems described above, a method is provided for covering a bed with a central access duvet cover system including a fill layer defined by at least one of a blanket or a comforter. The method includes inserting the fill layer through an opening defined in a cover assembly having a top fabric layer, a bottom fabric layer, a plurality of side edges defining a closed periphery, and corner portions adjacent connections of the plurality of side edges. The opening is provided at a junction between first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer that extend over different portions of the cover assembly. The method also includes tucking the fill layer into a pocket defined between the top and bottom fabric layers and within the closed periphery, so as to retain the fill layer between the top and bottom fabric layers and to hide the fill layer from view. The method includes coupling a plurality of fastening elements located adjacent corner portions of the fill layer with retention slots located at the corner portions of the cover assembly. This holds the fill layer in a desired position within the pocket of the cover assembly. The system is laid onto the bed with the top fabric layer facing upwardly, and the fill layer remains hidden from view as a result of being tucked into the pocket with the opening facing towards the bed. The cover assembly is configured to be removed for cleaning separate from the fill layer. The method of this embodiment provides many of the same advantages set forth above with regards to the embodiments of the central access duvet cover system, including easy manufacturing and assembly/disassembly for cleaning, when necessary.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, with a detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a central access duvet cover system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with the system shown in a fully assembled state combining a cover assembly and a fill layer while spread over a bed.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the central access duvet cover system of Fig. 1 , with the fill layer removed from a pocket defined within the cover assembly, with this view showing further details of an opening and retention slots at a bottom fabric layer of the cover assembly.

[0019] Fig. 3 is abottom perspective view of the central access duvet cover system of Fig. 1 , with the system laid out in a completely horizontal orientation, and the fill layer inserted into the pocket of the cover assembly with a plurality of fastening elements on the fill layer engaged with the retention slots at corner portions of the cover assembly.

[0020] Fig. 4A is a detailed cutaway perspective view of one of the corner portions defined by the central access duvet cover system, as identified in detail block "4" of Fig. 3, with the fill layer and cover assembly engaged to show the coupling of one of the plurality of fastening elements with one of the retention slots. [0021] Fig. 4B is a detailed cutaway perspective view of one of the corner portions (similar to that shown in Fig. 4A) of the system of Fig. 3, with the fill layer and the cover assembly in a disassembled state.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a side elevation cross-sectional view through one of the corner portions of the central access duvet cover system of Fig. 3, taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 3, to reveal the pocket enclosing the fill layer, as well as further details of one of the plurality of fastening elements engaged with one of the retention slots.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of acentral access duvet cover systemaccording to another embodiment of the invention, with the fill layer and the cover assembly combined in the fully assembled state and the system laid out in a completely horizontal orientation, and with a portion of a bottom fabric layer of the cover assembly cut away to reveal additional elements adjacent a junction defined between first and second portions of the bottom fabric layer.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of a conventional duvet cover having a closure zipper and a fill layer in the form of a blanket or a comforter located within the conventional duvet cover.

Detailed Description

[0025] Figs. 1 through 5 show a central access duvet cover system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As revealed most clearly in Figs. 2 and 5, the system 10 of this embodiment includes a cover assembly 12 defined by a top fabric layer 14 and a bottom fabric layer 16, which are assembled together to enclose and retain a fill layer 18 (defined by a blanket or a comforter) and thereby simulate the performance, functionality, and general external appearance of a conventional duvet cover (such as the duvet cover 500 described above and shown in Fig. 7).

Advantageously, cover assembly 12 is configured for quick and easy manufacturing and assembly/disassembly with the fill layer 18. To this end, the system 10 includes an opening 20 in the bottom fabric layer 16 that extends across a majority of the width of the cover assembly 12 while also being centrally located. That sizing and positioning of the opening 20 makes it easy to insert or remove a full size blanket or comforter into a pocket 22 defined between the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 of the cover assembly.

[0026] Moreover, the system 10 also includes a plurality of retention slots 24 located at corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, with these retention slots 24 being configured to engage with a plurality of fastening elements 28 located on the fill layer 18. By securing the fill layer 18 at the corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, the fill layer 18 is reliably maintained in a desired position within the pocket 22 without shifting, bunching up or folding over itself during use on a bed 30. The fill layer 18 remains hidden from view when the system 10 is laid out on the bed 30, thereby simulating the desirable appearance of a conventional duvet cover, while overcoming the various disadvantages in manufacturing, assembly, and use of such conventional designs as set forth above.

[0027] Additionally, the components of the central access duvet cover system 10 are configured to be laundered and processed by commercial or industrial laundering equipment without being damaged or causing damage to that expensive and complex equipment. As such, the system 10 allows for the appearance and functionality of a blanket/comforter and duvet cover to be used in contexts where frequent cleaning and washing is required, including but not limited to, hotels and hospitals. These and other beneficial features and functionality of the system 10 are described in further detail below.

[0028] Use of several descriptive terms, such as top, bottom, head, foot, side, upwardly, downwardly, horizontal, and/or vertical, for example, as it pertains

to/describes the system 10 and its components, is from the viewpoint of when the system 10 is laid out on the bed 30, unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, it will be understood that the fill layer 18 may be considered part of the system 10 in some embodiments, and a separate component in other embodiments where it is desired to provide the cover assembly 12 as a separate element from a pre-existing blanket or comforter.

[0029] With specific reference to Figs. 1 through 3, the system 10 is shown in further detail in accordance with the first embodiment disclosed herein. The cover assembly 12 includes the top fabric layer 14 and the bottom fabric layer 16, which is located generally parallel to the top fabric layer 14 when the cover assembly 12 is assembled as shown in these views. The top fabric layer 14 is shown in further detail at Fig. 1 . To this end, the top fabric layer 14 is a generally rectangular sheet of fabric having a top side 34 configured to face upwardly and away from the bed 30 when the system 10 is in use, and a bottom side 36 opposite the top side 34. As shown in this embodiment and most clearly at Fig. 1 , the top side 34 of the top fabric layer 14 may include a decorative pattern that adds a desirable or specific aesthetic look when the system 10 covers the bed 30. The decorative pattern may be applied to the top fabric layer 14 by any known method, including dyeing, printing, and the like. Furthermore, the decorative pattern may define any color and sequence as desired by the end user of the system 10.

[0030] The bottom fabric layer 16 is defined by one or more sheets of fabric that is/are secured to the top fabric layer 14 along a plurality of side edges so as to define a closed periphery 38 of the cover assembly 12. For example, the bottom fabric layer 16 and the top fabric layer 14 may be stitched together (shown schematically by sew lines 39 in Figs. 2 and 3) along the plurality of side edges. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of side edges defined by the cover assembly 12 includes a head end edge 40a, a foot end edge 40b, and first and second side edges 40c, 40d extending between the head and foot end edges 40a, 40b. As will be readily understood from Fig. 1 , the head end edge 40a is configured to extend along a head end of bed 30 when the system 10 is placed on the bed 30, while the foot end edge 40b is configured to extend along a foot end of the bed 30 in the same circumstance.

[0031] Additional features of the bottom fabric layer 16 are shown in further detail in Figs. 2 and 3. The bottom fabric layer 16 of the embodiment shown in these Figures includes a first portion 42 and a second portion 44 that extend over different portions of the cover assembly 12. In this regard, the first portion 42 is shown to extend from the head end edge 40a and along about a half of the length of the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d to meet the second portion 44 at a junction 46. The junction 46 extends along a width of the cover assembly 12 between an opposing pair of the side edges 40c, 40d. Likewise, the second portion 44 extends from the foot end edge 40b and along about a half of the length of the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d to the junction 46. The first and second portions 42, 44 collectively define a bottom side 48 that faces downwardly towards the bed 30 when the system 10 is in use, and a top side 50 that faces in an opposite direction from the bottom side 48. Thus, the top side 50 of the bottom fabric layer 16 and the bottom side 36 of the top fabric layer 14 face one another as will be described in further detail with reference to a cross-sectional view below. It will be understood that while the junction 46 is approximately spaced by a same distance from the head end edge 40a and from the foot end edge 40b in this embodiment, the relative sizes of the first and second portions 42, 44 and the

corresponding position of the junction 46 may be modified in other embodiments consistent with the scope of this invention, at least one of which is described in further detail below.

[0032] The junction 46 is tailored to be spaced from each of the head end edge 40a and the foot end edge 40b by a predetermined minimum distance so that the opening 20 remains hidden from view during normal use of the system 10 on the bed 30. In this regard, it is common during normal use to turn over a portion of the top coverings on the bed 30, and this may typically reveal 12 to 24 inches of the bottom fabric layer 16 adjacent the head end edge 40a (or the foot end edge 40b, if the orientation of the system 10 is reversed when placed on the bed 30). Consequently, the predetermined minimum distance that the junction 46 is spaced from the head and foot end edges 40a, 40b is generally set to be at least 24 inches, thereby avoiding the potential that the opening 20 and the junction 46 will be revealed when turning over a portion of the system 10 during use. The central location of the junction 46 and the opening 20 therefore provides both a benefit in facilitating the easy assembly and disassembly of the fill layer 18 with the cover assembly 12, and also a benefit in aesthetics that appear to simulate a regular, conventional duvet cover.

[0033] The first and second portions 42, 44 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 5 are provided as separate pieces of fabric that are connected together such as by stitching 39 at the junction 46. To this end, the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 at least partially overlap at the junction 46 in this embodiment, and the stitching 39 connecting the first and second portions 42, 44 together extends inwardly from the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d. The opening 20 is defined at the junction 46 as well, and it is specifically located in a central portion 54 of the junction 46. To this end, the opening 20 and central portion 54 are spaced from the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d by the portions of the junction 46 containing the stitching 39 connecting the first and second portions 42, 44 together adjacent the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d. The opening 20 is therefore spaced from all of the plurality of side edges on the cover assembly 12 and centrally located for advantageously making it easier to insert and remove the large fill layer 18 into and out of the pocket 22.

[0034] Furthermore, the opening 20 extends along a majority of the width of the cover assembly 12 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. For example, the stitching 39 of the overlap portions of the first and second portions 42, 44 may extend about 6 to 12 inches inwardly from the corresponding opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d in this

embodiment of the system 10. The length of the stitching 39 is chosen to be sufficient to establish a definitive solid edge of the pocket 22 defined within the cover assembly 12, such that the fill layer 18 does not tend to dislodge out of the edges of the opening 20 when placed within the cover assembly 12. Likewise, this spacing of the opening 20 from the opposing pair of side edges 40c, 40d helps assure that the opening 20 remains hidden from view when the system 10 is placed on the bed 30 with the top fabric layer 14 facing upwardly. To this end, a user interacting with the side edges 40c, 40d will not encounter or see the opening 20 unless a substantial portion of the system 10 is flipped over to reveal the central portion 54 of the junction 46. It will be understood that the particular length of stitching 39 on opposite ends of the junction 46 relative to the opening 20 may be modified in other embodiments consistent with the scope of this invention. As long as the connection between the first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer 16 achieves the definitive solid edge and hiding functionalities described herein, the system 10 will continue to achieve the advantages described herein over the conventional duvet cover designs (including easier insertion and removal of the fill layer 18 to and from the pocket 22 as a result of the nearly full-width extent and central location of the opening 20).

[0035] Although the first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer 16 are shown as separate pieces of fabric in Figs. 2 and 3, it will be understood that these may be formed from the same piece of fabric as the top fabric layer 14, just folded over into the first and second portions 42, 44 and stitched together at the closed periphery 38 and also at the junction 46. In still further embodiments, the first and second portions 42, 44 are integrally formed by a unitary piece of fabric material rather than two pieces connected together at the junction 46, in which case the opening 20 would be cut into the unitary piece of fabric material at the junction 46 rather than automatically formed by an overlap of two fabric layers. In such embodiments, there is no overlap of the first and second portions 42, 44, but these portions still extend to and meet one another at the junction 46. The unitary piece of fabric material of such embodiments may be a folded over same piece as the top fabric layer 14 (such that the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 are integrally formed by a single piece of fabric material), or it may be a separate piece of fabric material later connected by stitching 39 to the top fabric layer 14. Regardless of the particular configuration defining the first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer 16, the opening 20 is still advantageously placed so as to make insertion and removal of the fill layer 18 easy, while also keeping this opening 20 and the fill layer 18 hidden from view during regular use of the system 10 on the bed 30.

[0036] As described initially above, the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 and the closed periphery 38 formed by the stitching of these layers together collectively define a pocket 22 sized to receive the fill layer 18 in the form of a full size blanket or comforter. The pocket 22 can most easily be seen in the partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 5. The pocket 22 is designed such that the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 enclose substantially the entirety of the fill layer 18, which hides the fill layer 18 and avoids having the fill layer 18 come into contact with users of the bed 30 in normal operation. This allows the fill layer 18 to be washed and laundered much less frequently than the cover assembly 12, thereby reducing the workload in commercial contexts with many beds to service such as in hotels and hospitals. The size of the pocket 22 also provides reliable retention of the fill layer 18 in the desired position within the system 10 without making it exceedingly difficult to perform insertion or removal from the cover assembly 12, which would be undesirable in those contexts where many beds have to be serviced on a daily or otherwise regular basis.

[0037] The top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 defining the cover assembly 12 can be constructed of various fabrics such as conventional materials that are typically used in the construction of sheets and similar bedding materials. Fabric construction can be woven, non-woven, or knitted. In one example, the fabric construction is a woven plain weave. The fabric can include natural and/or synthetic fibers and may be lint free, as desired. In one example, the fabric includes polyester, polypropylene, and/or cotton. In another example, the fabric is substantially polyester, substantially cotton, or a polyester/cotton blend (e.g., a 50/50 or other specialized mixtures or weaves as commercially available from Standard Textile Co., Inc., the original assignee of this application). The fabric also may incorporate additional elements such as, but not limited to: ESD (electrostatic dissipative)/anti-static yarns, including nylon or carbon fibers, and the like; liquid resistant material, such as polyester or polypropylene; liquid resistant coatings or finishes that conform to at least minimum standards established for Level 1 classification by AAMI PB70 Standard, such as a fluorocarbon based finish; and/or an antimicrobial finish. These additional elements can comprise about 1 % of the total material of the system 10, but may be provided in a greater or lesser amount as desired. The fabrics used for the cover assembly 12 may include some resiliency to help facilitate the easy assembly and disassembly with the fill layer 18. These are but some examples of the materials that can be used to form the cover assembly 12. It will be understood that the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 may be provided in the same material in some embodiments, but the bottom fabric layer 16 may be provided in a different material that may be more inexpensive, for example, in other embodiments consistent with the scope of this disclosure.

[0038] As a result of the construction using fabric sheets or layers, the cover assembly 12 defines a small thickness relative to the lateral dimensions of width and length, which are visible when viewing the cover assembly 12 from the bottom as in Fig. 2, and also in partial cross-section in Fig. 5. The small thickness helps make the cover assembly 12 easy to handle, manipulate, and clean, while also not adding too much bulk to the existing blanket or comforter defining the fill layer 18, which is often a thick, insulated layer of material by itself. Although the embodiments shown in the drawings of this application have the top fabric layer 14 and the bottom fabric layer 16 defined by a single layer of fabric across the majority of the surface area covered, multi-layer fabrics and construction are also possible in other embodiments. To this end, the materials chosen for the cover assembly 12 and its construction can be tailored to meet the needs of various end users in various commercial or technical settings.

[0039] The generally flat or planar construction of the layers forming the cover assembly 12 enable the cover assembly 12 to be laid flat for cleaning and processing, which may be done by industrial laundering and ironing equipment in the commercial contexts identified above. To this end, rigid and/or metallic elements can potentially be damaged by, or cause damage to, industrial laundering and ironing equipment. By forming the cover assembly 12 from planar fabric sheets that do not have any rigid, metallic, or generally non-planar features, the risks of damage to the cover assembly 12 or to the expensive industrial equipment is generally avoided. Therefore, the cover assembly 12 can be easily removed and cleaned in the industrial processes typically found in large hotels and hospitals, and then easily assembled again with the fill layer 18 for the next day or the next user of the bed 30.

[0040] Before describing the fill layer 18 in further detail, one optional component in the form of the retention slots 24 is further described, these retention slots 24 being used in some embodiments of the system 10 such as the one in Figs. 1 through 5. To this end, the retention slots 24 are similar in construction to reinforced button holes, as the retention slots 24 shown are defined by a slit opening surrounded by reinforcement stitching. The slit opening of the retention slot 24 is configured to resiliently or otherwise expand to a size large enough to permit passage of a fastening element 28 as described in further detail below, but then return to a position where the fastening element 28 is compressed at an inner end thereof to retain the fastening element 28 in position. The retention slots 24 are formed at the corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, and specifically in the bottom fabric layer 16. As such, these retention slots 24 are not visible when the system 10 is spread out onto the bed 30 with the top fabric layer 14 facing upwardly. The specific construction and arrangement of the retention slots 24 may be modified to other known designs for retaining various fastening elements 28 in other embodiments of the invention, as this is just one example of what can be used to help retain the fill layer 18 in a desired position within the pocket 22 following assembly of the system 10. [0041] Now turning to the fill layer 18, this element (that is configured to be retained by the cover assembly 12) is visible at Fig. 2 as well as in part at Figs. 4A, 4B and 5. The fill layer 18 is defined by a blanket or comforter 56, which is configured to provide a thickened layer of insulating filler which insulates the bed 30 and persons located under the system 10 from the external environment about the bed 30. In this regard, the fill layer 18 is sandwiched in this embodiment of the system 10 between the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 of the cover assembly 12, with the fill layer 18 also typically defining a larger thickness than either of these other layers. The blanket or comforter 56 includes a peripheral edge 57 that generally matches the shape and size of the closed periphery 38 defined by the cover assembly 12, albeit typically with slightly smaller overall width and length dimensions such that the fill layer 18 can fit within the pocket 22. To this end, the fill layer 18 of the illustrated embodiment has a generally rectangular shape and the peripheral edge 57 thereof includes various side edges similar to the head end edge 40a, the foot end edge 40b, and the side edges 40c, 40d of the cover assembly 12. Accordingly, the fill layer 18 when spread out has roughly the same size in plan view as the cover assembly 12, which can be seen in the exploded view of Fig. 2.

[0042] The blanket or comforter 56 further includes a top surface 58 and a bottom surface 60 each delimited by the peripheral edge 57. The top surface 58 of the blanket or comforter 56 faces towards the top fabric layer 14 when the system 10 is fully assembled, while the bottom surface 60 of the blanket or comforter 56 faces towards the bottom fabric layer 16 when fully assembled. Advantageously, the fill layer 18 is substantially enclosed around its entiretyand effectively hidden from view when the system 10 is in normal use, as shown at Figs. 1 and 3. In this regard, even when the system 10 is used on the bed 30 without a top sheet of a standard sheet set, the fill layer 18 remains out of contact with any persons located in the bed 30 as a result of this enclosure of the blanket or comforter 56. Of course, it will be appreciated that the particular size and shape of the various layers and elements of the system 10 may be modified in other embodiments to match beds of corresponding shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of the invention. [0043] The fill layer 18 defined by the blanket or comforter 56 may be comprised of similar fabric materials as described above, as well as of various fillers as well known in the art of bedding and blanket materials. As long as the fill layer 18 is formed independently from the cover assembly 12, and is provided so as to be removable easily from the system 10, the specific materials chosen will not affect the principal beneficial functionalities of the central access duvet cover system 10, which are discussed throughout this application. For example, the fill layer 18 will avoid most contact with persons and other sources that lead to a need to clean or launder the fill layer 18, which is beneficial for all of the reasons set forth above.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system 10 includes fastening elements 28 on the fill layer 18 to interact with the retention slots 24 described above. Those fastening elements 28 may be provided in corner portions 62 of the rectangular-shaped blanket or comforter 56, to thereby match the positions of the retention slots 24. Further details will now be described regarding one particular embodiment of the fastening elements 28.

[0045] To this end, specific reference is given to Figs. 4A through 5, where the fastening elements 28 and the retention slots 24 are shown in further detail. It will be understood that these views show the system 10 in a reversed orientation from its use on the bed 30, e.g., with the bottom fabric layer 16 facing upwardly to show these additional details. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 28 are defined by fabric knot buttons located on the bottom surface 60 of the fill layer 18. The fabric knot buttons are highly deformable or compressible to enable insertion and removal through the retention slots 24, which also allows for these elements on the fill layer 18 to go through industrial laundering equipment without being damaged by this equipment, and also without causing damage to this equipment. By contrast, metallic or rigid elements like snaps could cause such damage or be damaged during a cleaning and processing cycle, so the fabric knot buttons are designed to avoid this issue in the commercial bedding and laundering context. Even though the fill layer 18 does not need to be laundered as often as the cover assembly 12, it is still desirable to make the fill layer 18 capable of such laundering and processing when the need arises for such cleaning. Despite having the ability to deform or compress in laundering equipment, the fabric knot buttons defining the fastening elements 28 still reliably stay retained when inserted through the retention slots 24 as shown in Figs. 4A and 5.

[0046] As a result, by putting a plurality of matching pairs of the fabric knot buttons (fastening elements 28) and the retention slots 24 on the fill layer 18 and on the bottom fabric layer 16, respectively, the system 10 reliably retains the fill layer 18 in a desired location within the pocket 22, while nevertheless still allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the system 10. For example, the fill layer 18 is accurately located at each of the corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, which thereby prevents unintended shifting, bunching, or folding upon itself by the fill layer 18 within the pocket 22. When it is desired to disassemble the fill layer 18 from the cover assembly 12, a user must simply push the fastening element 28 back through the retention slot 24 and then pull the corner portion 62 of the fill layer 18 away from the corner portion 26 of the cover assembly 12, as shown by movement arrows 66 in Fig. 4A. The disassembled fill layer 18 and cover assembly 12 are shown at Fig. 4B, for example, and it will be readily understood that the fastening element 28 will not add significant resistance to removal of the fill layer 18 from the pocket 22 at this stage. Advantageously, the cover assembly 12 and the fill layer 18 with these additional componentsremain cost-efficient to manufacture in such an arrangement as compared to designs that must incorporate zippers or other complex items, which reduces the overall cost of using the system 10 in a commercial setting.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figs. 4A through 5, the fastening elements 28 are located only at certain positions on the cover assembly 12 and on the fill layer 18, thereby reducing the total number of assembly points needed when assembling the system 10. By securing the fill layer 18 at the corresponding corner portions 62, the fill layer 18 is effectively prevented from dislodgment in any direction. Of course, it will be understood that more or fewer fastening elements 28 and different configurations of positions for the fastening elements 28 may be used in other embodiments consistent with the scope of this disclosure, such as when the shape of the fill layer 18 and/or cover assembly 12 are modified from those shown. Likewise, the fastening elements 28 and retention slots 24 could also be omitted in other

embodiments consistent with this disclosure, as the system 10 would still achieve easy assembly and disassembly and the ability to use industrial laundering equipment as a result of the structural configurations.

[0048] It should also be appreciated that any pair of the fabric knot buttons and retention slots 24 may be replaced or interchanged with a different type of fastener, while still retaining the overall benefits of the system 10. For example, while the fastening elements 28 have been discussed in this embodiment as fabric knot buttons, other types of fastening elements that are not metallic and not substantially rigid (e.g., such as hook and loop closures (e.g., VELCRO®), silicone buttons, and/or other alternatives like ties or clasps) may be used in place of some or all of the fabric knot buttons, while still retaining the overall benefits of the system 10. Regardless of the particular fastener chosen, the fastening elements 28 advantageously enable easy and simple separate connection of the cover assembly 12 to the fill layer 18, with the fastening elements 28 still being configured to avoid damage when the cover assembly 12 and/or the fill layer 18 are subjected to cleaning and processing cycles using industrial laundering equipment. It will be understood that the larger, bulkier fill layer 18 is not typically processed by industrial ironing equipment, but the cover assembly 12 may be, and the embodiments described herein avoid damage to such components by the cover assembly 12.

[0049] When the system 10 is assembled and laid on the bed 30 as shown in Fig. 1 , the fastening elements 28 and retention slots 24 are not visible, so these elements do not detract from the desirable aesthetic appearance simulating a conventional duvet cover. Even though a pair of these fastening elements 28 may become visible when a user turns down the system 10 along the head end edge 40a, these elements are very small in size and therefore may go largely unnoticed by the user of the bed 30. In any event, the potential for negative impacts on the aesthetic appearance of the system 10 is minimized thanks to the positioning shown in this embodiment. Consequently, the appearance of a conventional duvet cover is achieved, while defining an assembly of components that is easy and quick to assemble and disassemble, enabling regular cleanings of the cover assembly 12 without significant additional work in large-scale contexts such as use in hotels or hospitals. Therefore, the central access duvet cover system 10 of this embodiment is capable of bringing these additional aesthetic and comfort benefits to these commercial fields.

[0050] As alluded to above, the process for assembling the central access duvet cover system 10 in accordance with this and other embodiments is simple and easy, requiring minimal time and frustration on the part of the assembling person. The assembly method generally begins by laying the cover assembly 12 onto the bed 30 or another generally flat surface with the bottom fabric layer 16 facing upwardly, and then inserting the fill layer 18 through the opening 20 defined in the bottom fabric layer 16. The fill layer 18 is then tucked into the pocket 22 defined between the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 such that the peripheral edge 57 of the fill layer 18 is positioned within the cover assembly 12 and adjacent to the closed periphery 38 of the cover assembly 12. This insertion and tucking of the fill layer 18 into the pocket 22 is made easy by having the opening 20 be centrally located and also extending across a majority of the width of the cover assembly 12, and the fill layer 18 is then hidden from view by the cover assembly 12. The method of assembly can also include coupling the plurality of fastening elements 28 at corner portions 62 of the fill layer 18 with retention slots 24 located at corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, specifically in the bottom fabric layer 16. This coupling with the fastening elements 28 effectively assures that the fill layer 18 is retained in the desired position within the pocket 22 of the system 10, thereby avoiding bunching, folding upon itself, and shifting of the fill layer 18. The system 10 is then ready for being spread out onto the bed 30 like a conventional duvet cover and blanket, e.g., with the top fabric layer 14 facing upwardly away from the bed 30.

[0051] It will be understood that the steps can be reversed to disassemble the system 10 for cleaning the cover assembly 12 separate from the fill layer 18. The steps can be re-ordered or added to in other embodiments consistent with the scope of this disclosure. Regardless, the process is simple and quickly performed whenever cleaning is required of the linens.

[0052] With reference to Fig. 6, one alternative embodiment of the central access duvet cover system 1 10 is shown. Fig. 6 is a similar view in a fully assembled position of the system 1 10 as was shown in Fig. 3 of the first described embodiment, and identical elements from that first embodiment of the system 10 have been applied with the same reference numbers without further comment or description herein.

[0053] One difference in this embodiment of the system 1 10 is the positioning of the junction 146 and the relative sizing of the first portion 142 and second portion 144 of the bottom fabric layer 1 16. To this end, the junction 146 of this embodiment is spaced from the head end edge 40a of the cover assembly 1 12 by a first distance Di that is greater than a second distance D2 that the junction 146 is spaced from the foot end edge 40b. However, both the first distance Di and the second distance D2 still remain larger than the predetermined minimum distance referred to in the first embodiment above. For example, the junction 146 remains at least 24 inches of separation from the foot end edge 40b in this embodiment. As a result, even if the foot end edge 40b is placed adjacent the head end of the bed 30 and then turned partially over, such as when users of the bed 30 enter the bed 30, the junction 146 and the corresponding opening 20 will remain hidden from view. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the first portion 142 of the bottom fabric layer 1 16 is larger in size than the second portion 144 in this embodiment, and these relative sizes could be further modified in other embodiments so long as the junction 146 remains properly spaced from the closed periphery 38 of the cover assembly 1 12.

[0054] Another difference in this embodiment of the system 1 10 shown in Fig. 6 is the length of the stitching 39 provided on opposite ends of the junction 146 to define the lateral ends of the opening 20. In the first embodiment this stitching 39 extended inward from the side edges 40c, 40d by about 6 to 12 inches, but this length is expanded to about 24 inches in the system 1 10 of Fig. 6. The opening 20 still extends along a majority of the overall width of the cover assembly 12, making insertion and removal of the fill layer 18 from the pocket 22 easy to perform, but this modification to the stitching 39 makes the system 1 10 omnidirectional. In the context of this disclosure, being "omnidirectional" means that the cover assembly 1 12 continues to fully hide the fill layer 18 from users of the bed 30 regardless of the orientation of the system 1 10 on the bed 30. To this end, any of the various side edges 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d defining the closed periphery 38 can be located at the head end of the bed 30, and the opening 20 will be spaced from that edge by a distance of 24 inches or more. That allows a user to turn over the top end of the system 1 10 without making the opening 20 or the fill layer 18 visible. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 can be positioned in any orientation and still achieve the aesthetic appearance of a conventional duvet cover as desired, assuming of course that the top fabric layer 14 is facing upwardly. Moreover, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the system can reposition the sew lines as needed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] An additional difference in this embodiment of the system 1 10 shown in Fig. 6 is the use of closure elements 170 at the opening 20. More particularly, the first portion 142 and the second portion 144 slightly overlap at the junction 146 and opening 20, and the closure elements 170 are positioned on these overlap areas to removably secure the first and second portions 142, 144 together to keep the opening 20 in a closed state after the fill layer 18 is inserted into the pocket 22. The closure elements 170 in Fig. 6 are shown to be hook and loop fastener panels (e.g., such as VELCRO®), but other types of removable couplings that are not rigid and not metallic may be used as the closure elements 170 as will be readily understood, including ties and fabric knot buttons, for example. Although the stitching 39 on the opposite lateral ends of the opening 20 is sufficient to keep the fill layer 18 within the pocket 22, as described above, the closure elements 170 may further help avoid any undesired direct contact or visibility of the fill layer 18 with users of the bed 30. The closure elements 170 continue to avoid being damaged by, or causing damage to, industrial laundering and ironing equipment when the cover assembly 1 12 goes through cleaning and processing cycles.

[0056] In all other respects, the system 1 10 of this embodiment functions in the same manner and provides the same benefits as the first embodiment. For example, the system 1 10 is assembled in exactly the same manner as the method described above, with the optional additional step of engaging the closure elements 170 with one another to close the opening 20. The cover assembly 1 12 continues to be removable from the fill layer 18 for separate cleaning, which can be completed without damage to or from industrial laundering and ironing equipment, and then easy and quick reassembly for further use on the bed 30. The junction 146 and the opening 20 remain generally hidden from view during normal use on the bed 30 so as to provide the desirable appearance of a conventionally-fabricated duvet cover. It will be understood that these different features shown with respect to the embodiment of the system 1 10 in Fig. 6 can be combined in any combination with features of previous embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0057] Thus, it can readily be appreciated that theassembly of the system 10, 1 10 in all embodiments can be quickly accomplished to positively secure the fill layer 18 in an enclosed position sandwiched between fabric sheets of the cover assembly 12, 1 12. The fabric knot buttons used as fastening elements 28 prevent unintended shifting of the fill layer 18 within the pocket 22, when these elements are provided. The cover assembly 12, 1 12 is easily removable and replaceable for cleaning and other purposes (and these cleaning and processing cycles can be done by industrial laundering and ironing equipment), and the system 10, 1 10 hides the appearance of the junction 46, 146 and the opening 20, so as to provide the desirable appearance of a conventionally- constructed duvet cover. Other options may be readily identified and used with this system 10, 1 10, including having different decorative patterns on different cover assemblies 12, 1 12 to allow for different aesthetic appearances to be used on the bed 30, and/or including having a tracking system with identification elements such as barcodes or RFID chips included on the layers to track a number of laundering cycles, in contexts where that information is important to know, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the relatively simple construction of the cover assembly 12, 1 12 provides a lower cost of manufacturing or fabrication for the system 10, 1 10, particularly as compared to conventional duvet cover designs. The system 10, 1 10 is therefore tailored for use in commercial contexts such as hotels and hospitals.

[0058] While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.