WO1993014929A1 - Cover structure - Google Patents

Cover structure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993014929A1
WO1993014929A1 PCT/GB1993/000183 GB9300183W WO9314929A1 WO 1993014929 A1 WO1993014929 A1 WO 1993014929A1 GB 9300183 W GB9300183 W GB 9300183W WO 9314929 A1 WO9314929 A1 WO 9314929A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cover structure
film
further characterised
cover
plastics
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1993/000183
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Walker
Original Assignee
John Walker
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Walker filed Critical John Walker
Priority to GB9415775A priority Critical patent/GB2279565B/en
Publication of WO1993014929A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993014929A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/02—Pigsties; Dog-kennels; Rabbit-hutches or the like
    • A01K1/035—Devices for use in keeping domestic animals, e.g. fittings in housings or dog beds
    • A01K1/0353—Dog beds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K13/00—Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
    • A01K13/006—Protective coverings
    • A01K13/008—Horse blankets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
    • A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
    • A41D31/06—Thermally protective, e.g. insulating
    • A41D31/065—Thermally protective, e.g. insulating using layered materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/002—Mattress or cushion tickings or covers
    • A47C27/005—Mattress or cushion tickings or covers liquid-impermeable
    • A47C27/006—Mattress or cushion tickings or covers liquid-impermeable breathable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
    • A47C31/007—Anti-mite, anti-allergen or anti-bacterial means
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/40—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • B32B3/266—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by an apertured layer, the apertures going through the whole thickness of the layer, e.g. expanded metal, perforated layer, slit layer regular cells B32B3/12
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B32B7/14—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes
    • 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
    • A47G2009/001—Anti-allergen; Anti-mite
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0276—Polyester fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/02—Cellular or porous
    • B32B2305/026—Porous
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00—Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/22—Fibres of short length
    • B32B2305/28—Fibres of short length in the form of a mat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
    • B32B2307/306—Resistant to heat
    • B32B2307/3065—Flame resistant or retardant, fire resistant or retardant
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2375/00—Polyureas; Polyurethanes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2601/00—Upholstery

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cover structure and, in particular, to a protective cover such as for use with bedding- Plastics covers are known for use as protective layers, for example in hospital bedding where protection against soiling is required.
  • GB 2074021B provides a gas-tight polyvinylchloride duvet cover.
  • Gas-tight covers have the disadvantage that they cause sweating and discomfort to the user since they are not water vapour permeable.
  • GB 2074021B provides through ventilation holes to overcome this.
  • a further disadvantage with gas-tight covers is that water vapour may be trapped beneath the cover so that body heat from the user may lead to conditions suitable for bacteria, fungi or the like build-up beneath the cover.
  • the material which the cover is designed to protect may thus need to be sterilised.
  • GB 2074021B provides nipples on the duvet cover for the admission of a sterilising gas.
  • protective covers particularly in hospitals, may need to be suitable for sterilisation using an autoclave which can reach temperatures of about 120°C.
  • Polyvinylchloride is unsuitable for this purpose .
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure which provides protection against soiling; with which sweating and discomfort of the user can be avoided without the need for ventilation holes; and with which requisite sterile conditions can be readily attained.
  • a cover structure comprising a barrier film wherein the barrier film is a gas- and vapour- permeable plastics material.
  • a cover structure comprising a thermal layer with a barrier film on at least one surface wherein the barrier film is a water vapour- permeable plastics material which is impervious to liquids.
  • the plastics film is an inherently permeable imperforate microporous film particularly made from polyetherurethane.
  • this film it is possible to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and the like in the material the cover is designed to protect, thus precluding the need for sterilisation of such material; and is suitable for sterilisation in an autoclave reaching temperatures of about 120°C.
  • the film may be of any thickness but preferably it is about 75 micrometers.
  • the film material may be ATOCHEM Platilon (RTM) U0- 72/73 which is a blown film extruded from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) which are produced by co-extrusion with polyethylene carrier films.
  • TPU elastomers are high-molecular organic materials of segmented (alternating rigid and soft segments) and, in the majority linear structure.
  • test film pieces were sterilized, then inoculated with bacteria Escherichia colis, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
  • the TPU films are water vapour permeable yet are impervious to and resistant to disinfectants, urine and the like.
  • the TPU films have been shown to pass a fire test of BS 7175: 1989 Standard.
  • the 50 micrometer Platilon U072/3 films have a density of 1.12 g/cm 3 , a tensile strength of 45 N/mm2
  • 2 transmission rate is 220 g/m .d.
  • the film material may alternatively be Walopur
  • thermoplastics polyether or polyester urethane Blown or calendered film made from thermoplastics polyether or polyester urethane.
  • film material may alternatively be Walopur (RTM) X1197B, X1195B with flame retardant additive or RTN221AU.
  • a 50 micrometer thickness film has a density of 1.14 g/cm 3 , a tensile strength at break of 50-60 N/mm2, an elongation at break of 470-600% and a tension at 50%
  • the cover structure preferably has a flame retardant additive to meet British Standards BS 7175 1989 Ignition source Crib 7 or below.
  • the thermal layer may be wadding or cotton.
  • the thermal layer is a synthetic fibre wadding having a very low flame response and having no contribution to composites flammability.
  • the wadding may be polyester and is preferably composed of randomly disposed inherently flame resistant polyester fibres containing a small portion of low melt binder fibre which acts as a bonding medium.
  • An example of such a wadding is LUXBOND 925A which complies with the Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 and meets BS1425.1960 and BS1425: Part 1 : 1991 Standards.
  • the barrier film may be bonded to the thermal layer.
  • the cover structure may be used to cover or encapsulate a pillow, duvet or mattress for a bed or cot.
  • the cover structure may also be used as a blanket, horse-blanket, wrap-around for legs rug, sheets, ground-sheet, sleeping-bag or shower curtain.
  • the cover structure of the present invention has particular advantage when used in bedding for asthmatic persons since it is impervious to dust mites and the like.
  • the cover structure may be used in upholstery such as on seating or in vehicles.
  • the cover structure may also be used as an vehicle protective cover, for example, to cover boats or cars, since it prevents condensation and inhibits mould growth.
  • the cover structure of the present invention may be used in clothing, for example, underwear (especially for incontinence) , nappies, wind-proof poncho, gloves and the like.
  • An additional advantage of the present invention is that polyurethane is generally more environmentally friendly than PVC.
  • the cover structure When used as a duvet cover, the cover structure may be made from two single sheets of plastics film which has been previously laminated to the polyester infill and between the outer skin and the infill there may be discontinuous lines of low melt adhesive.
  • the outer cover is then welded or bonded along the peripheral four sides and then using a straight cut adhesive tape, overtape to add strength to the weld.
  • the cover structure may be made from a single plastics film which is folded over and welded or bonded, for example,using tape around its periphery. Alternatively, several strips may be welded or bonded together to form the cover, or the cover may comprise two rectangular films welded or bonded together along their peripheries.
  • Discontinuous welds formed by direct welding or using hot melt adhesive may be provided between the films at intervals spaced along or through the cover to stabilise the duvet thermal layer and to allow air to circulate within the cover.
  • the thermal layer may comprise strips of insulation arranged between parallel spaced lines of discontinuous welds.
  • the thermal layer and barrier film may be wholly or partially bonded together and preferably the barrier film is totally bonded to both sides of the thermal layer.
  • Low melt glue strips may be provided between the infill and the barrier film.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of one form of cover structure of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a further form of cover structure of the invention.
  • a duvet cover 1 comprises two rectangular plastics films welded along their peripheries 3.
  • a thermally insulating layer or wadding 5 is provided in strips between the films.
  • a duvet cover 2 comprises two rectangular plastics films previously bonded as described to the infill and welded along their peripheral edges and then taped over using taped sections 4.
  • a thermally insulating layer or wadding 6 is provided in strips between the films.
  • the thermal layer 8 is completely bonded on either side to the plastics films.
  • the duvet cover provides a surface which is resistant to bacteria, disinfectant, urine and the like yet allows water vapour to permeate it.
  • a valve may be provided in the cover to allow air to be expelled out to reduce the bulk size and thus facilitate packing, storage and shipment and in addition to provide a convenient means of testing the integrity of the welded joints.
  • the barrier film is an integral plastics film and not a textile fabric or coated textile fabric.

Abstract

A cover structure (2) includes a barrier film formed from a gas and vapour permeable plastics material. A thermal layer (6) may be provided on one or more surfaces of the barrier film. The cover structure (2) provides protection against soiling, yet sweating and discomfort of the user can be avoided without the need for ventilation holes.

Description

COVER STRUCTURE The present invention relates to a cover structure and, in particular, to a protective cover such as for use with bedding- Plastics covers are known for use as protective layers, for example in hospital bedding where protection against soiling is required.
One form of such cover is illustrated in the patent document GB 2074021B which provides a gas-tight polyvinylchloride duvet cover. Gas-tight covers have the disadvantage that they cause sweating and discomfort to the user since they are not water vapour permeable. GB 2074021B provides through ventilation holes to overcome this.
A further disadvantage with gas-tight covers is that water vapour may be trapped beneath the cover so that body heat from the user may lead to conditions suitable for bacteria, fungi or the like build-up beneath the cover. The material which the cover is designed to protect may thus need to be sterilised. GB 2074021B provides nipples on the duvet cover for the admission of a sterilising gas.
Additionally, protective covers, particularly in hospitals, may need to be suitable for sterilisation using an autoclave which can reach temperatures of about 120°C. Polyvinylchloride is unsuitable for this purpose .
An object of the present invention is to provide a cover structure which provides protection against soiling; with which sweating and discomfort of the user can be avoided without the need for ventilation holes; and with which requisite sterile conditions can be readily attained.
According to the present invention, there is provided a cover structure comprising a barrier film wherein the barrier film is a gas- and vapour- permeable plastics material.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a cover structure comprising a thermal layer with a barrier film on at least one surface wherein the barrier film is a water vapour- permeable plastics material which is impervious to liquids.
Preferably, the plastics film is an inherently permeable imperforate microporous film particularly made from polyetherurethane. With this film it is possible to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and the like in the material the cover is designed to protect, thus precluding the need for sterilisation of such material; and is suitable for sterilisation in an autoclave reaching temperatures of about 120°C. The film may be of any thickness but preferably it is about 75 micrometers.
The film material may be ATOCHEM Platilon (RTM) U0- 72/73 which is a blown film extruded from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) which are produced by co-extrusion with polyethylene carrier films. TPU elastomers are high-molecular organic materials of segmented (alternating rigid and soft segments) and, in the majority linear structure.
Experimental tests on Platilon U 072/3 (polyether urethane) films have shown them to be impermeable to bacteria. In particular, the test film pieces were sterilized, then inoculated with bacteria Escherichia colis, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Staphylococcus aureus and pressure load applied. No permeability to bacteria was indicated after 2 weeks.
The TPU films are water vapour permeable yet are impervious to and resistant to disinfectants, urine and the like.
The TPU films have been shown to pass a fire test of BS 7175: 1989 Standard.
The 50 micrometer Platilon U072/3 films have a density of 1.12 g/cm 3 , a tensile strength of 45 N/mm2
and an elongation of at break of 600%. The tension
2 at 100% elongation is 9.1 N/mm . The water vapour
2 transmission rate is 220 g/m .d.
The film material may alternatively be Walopur
(RTM) 2201 Au which is a translucent, slightly opaque.
Blown or calendered film made from thermoplastics polyether or polyester urethane. Also film material may alternatively be Walopur (RTM) X1197B, X1195B with flame retardant additive or RTN221AU.
A 50 micrometer thickness film has a density of 1.14 g/cm 3 , a tensile strength at break of 50-60 N/mm2, an elongation at break of 470-600% and a tension at 50%
2 elongation of 4.7-6 N/mm . A water vapour
2 transmission of 300 g/m .d is obtained.
The cover structure preferably has a flame retardant additive to meet British Standards BS 7175 1989 Ignition source Crib 7 or below.
The thermal layer may be wadding or cotton.
Preferably, the thermal layer is a synthetic fibre wadding having a very low flame response and having no contribution to composites flammability.
The wadding may be polyester and is preferably composed of randomly disposed inherently flame resistant polyester fibres containing a small portion of low melt binder fibre which acts as a bonding medium. An example of such a wadding is LUXBOND 925A which complies with the Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 and meets BS1425.1960 and BS1425: Part 1 : 1991 Standards.
The barrier film may be bonded to the thermal layer.
The cover structure may be used to cover or encapsulate a pillow, duvet or mattress for a bed or cot. The cover structure may also be used as a blanket, horse-blanket, wrap-around for legs rug, sheets, ground-sheet, sleeping-bag or shower curtain. The cover structure of the present invention has particular advantage when used in bedding for asthmatic persons since it is impervious to dust mites and the like.
The cover structure may be used in upholstery such as on seating or in vehicles. The cover structure may also be used as an vehicle protective cover, for example, to cover boats or cars, since it prevents condensation and inhibits mould growth.
The cover structure of the present invention may be used in clothing, for example, underwear (especially for incontinence) , nappies, wind-proof poncho, gloves and the like.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that polyurethane is generally more environmentally friendly than PVC.
When used as a duvet cover, the cover structure may be made from two single sheets of plastics film which has been previously laminated to the polyester infill and between the outer skin and the infill there may be discontinuous lines of low melt adhesive. Preferably the outer cover is then welded or bonded along the peripheral four sides and then using a straight cut adhesive tape, overtape to add strength to the weld.
The cover structure may be made from a single plastics film which is folded over and welded or bonded, for example,using tape around its periphery. Alternatively, several strips may be welded or bonded together to form the cover, or the cover may comprise two rectangular films welded or bonded together along their peripheries.
Discontinuous welds formed by direct welding or using hot melt adhesive may be provided between the films at intervals spaced along or through the cover to stabilise the duvet thermal layer and to allow air to circulate within the cover.
The thermal layer may comprise strips of insulation arranged between parallel spaced lines of discontinuous welds. The thermal layer and barrier film may be wholly or partially bonded together and preferably the barrier film is totally bonded to both sides of the thermal layer. Low melt glue strips may be provided between the infill and the barrier film.
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be descibed, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Fig. 1 is a plan view of one form of cover structure of the present invention; and
Fig. 2 is a further form of cover structure of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1 a duvet cover 1 comprises two rectangular plastics films welded along their peripheries 3. A thermally insulating layer or wadding 5 is provided in strips between the films.
A series of spaced apart discontinuous welds 7 between the two films and lying parallel to the longer edge of the films restrict movement of the wadding yet allow air circulation between the films.
Referring to Fig. 2 a duvet cover 2 comprises two rectangular plastics films previously bonded as described to the infill and welded along their peripheral edges and then taped over using taped sections 4. A thermally insulating layer or wadding 6 is provided in strips between the films. The thermal layer 8 is completely bonded on either side to the plastics films. A series of spaced apart discontinuous welds 9, formed using hot melt adhesive, bond the plastics films along regions parallel to the longer edge of the films or across the film parallel to the shorter edge.
The duvet cover provides a surface which is resistant to bacteria, disinfectant, urine and the like yet allows water vapour to permeate it.
A valve may be provided in the cover to allow air to be expelled out to reduce the bulk size and thus facilitate packing, storage and shipment and in addition to provide a convenient means of testing the integrity of the welded joints.
It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which is illustrated by way of example only. As described above, the barrier film is an integral plastics film and not a textile fabric or coated textile fabric.

Claims

1. A cover structure comprising a barrier film characterised in that the barrier film comprises a gas and vapour permeable plastics material.
2. A cover structure comprising a thermal layer with a barrier film on at least one surface characterised in that the barrier film is a water vapour permeable plastics material which is impervious to liquids.
3. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further characterised in that the plastics film is an inherently permeable imperforate microporous film.
4. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further characterised in that the film material is a blown film extruded from thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers.
5. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further characterised in that the film material is a blown or calendered film made from thermoplastics polyether or polyester urethane.
6. A cover structure as claimed in claim 2 further characterised in that the thermal layer is a flame resistant synthetic fibre wadding.
7. A cover structure as claimed in claim 2 further characterised in that the thermal layer is a wadding composed of randomly disposed inherently flame resistant polyester fibres containing a small portmon of low melt binder fibre which acts as a bonding medium.
8. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further characterised in that the cover structure comprises two rectangular plastics films which are bonded around their peripheries.
9. A cover structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further characterised in that discontinuous welds are provided between the films at intervals spaced along or through the cover.
10. A cover structure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 further characterised in that the cover structure comprises two rectangular plastics films which are bonded to a polyester infill and then taped around their peripheries.
11. A cover structure as claimed in claim 10 further characterised in that low melt glue strips are provided between the infill and the plastics film.
PCT/GB1993/000183 1992-02-04 1993-01-28 Cover structure WO1993014929A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9415775A GB2279565B (en) 1992-02-04 1993-01-28 Cover structure

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9202344.9 1992-02-04
GB929202344A GB9202344D0 (en) 1992-02-04 1992-02-04 Cover structure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993014929A1 true WO1993014929A1 (en) 1993-08-05

Family

ID=10709800

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1993/000183 WO1993014929A1 (en) 1992-02-04 1993-01-28 Cover structure

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3365293A (en)
GB (2) GB9202344D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1993014929A1 (en)

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WO1996041560A1 (en) * 1995-06-10 1996-12-27 Richard Hudson & Sons Limited A method of forming a textile article
EP1020145A1 (en) * 1999-01-12 2000-07-19 Akzo Nobel N.V. Mattress cover with negligible noise tendancy
US6174584B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2001-01-16 Rudolf Neu Gmbh Washable cover for mattresses
EP1106114A1 (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-06-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable, moisture vapour permeable, liquid impermeable mattress cover having an improved structure for increased stability
EP1145694A1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2001-10-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable covering sheet assemblies
EP1464242A1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2004-10-06 Clemson University Microclimate regulating garment and composite structure
FR2866534A1 (en) * 2004-02-24 2005-08-26 G Et C Sa Insulated and hygienic blanket for medical use has outer fire-resistant cover of polymer-coated fabric and inner layer of insulating fibres
CN106344313A (en) * 2016-08-26 2017-01-25 芜湖悠派护理用品科技股份有限公司 Medical mattress with automatic reminder

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996041560A1 (en) * 1995-06-10 1996-12-27 Richard Hudson & Sons Limited A method of forming a textile article
EP0844841A1 (en) 1995-06-10 1998-06-03 Richard Hudson & Sons Limited A method of forming a textile article
US6256816B1 (en) 1995-06-10 2001-07-10 Richard Hudson And Sons Limited Method of forming a textile article
US6174584B1 (en) 1998-01-13 2001-01-16 Rudolf Neu Gmbh Washable cover for mattresses
EP1020145A1 (en) * 1999-01-12 2000-07-19 Akzo Nobel N.V. Mattress cover with negligible noise tendancy
EP1106114A1 (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-06-13 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable, moisture vapour permeable, liquid impermeable mattress cover having an improved structure for increased stability
WO2001041601A1 (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-06-14 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable, moisture vapour permeable, liquid impermeable mattress cover having an improved structure for increased stability
EP1145694A1 (en) * 2000-04-12 2001-10-17 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable covering sheet assemblies
EP1464242A1 (en) * 2003-04-01 2004-10-06 Clemson University Microclimate regulating garment and composite structure
US7735149B2 (en) 2003-04-01 2010-06-15 Clemson University Microclimate regulating garment and composite structure
FR2866534A1 (en) * 2004-02-24 2005-08-26 G Et C Sa Insulated and hygienic blanket for medical use has outer fire-resistant cover of polymer-coated fabric and inner layer of insulating fibres
CN106344313A (en) * 2016-08-26 2017-01-25 芜湖悠派护理用品科技股份有限公司 Medical mattress with automatic reminder

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9202344D0 (en) 1992-03-18
GB2279565A (en) 1995-01-11
GB9415775D0 (en) 1994-09-28
GB2279565B (en) 1996-06-05
AU3365293A (en) 1993-09-01

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