Patent Publication Number: US-2018035831-A1

Title: Baffle box comforter

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Baffle box comforters are typically manufactured from a fabric shell with baffle sidewalls and baffle floors that intersect one another to form multiple chambers, as well as a natural or synthetic filling disposed within each of the chambers. The baffle sidewalls are positioned between two fabric panels that form the outer fabric shell. One end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the first fabric panel and the opposite end of each baffle sidewall is attached to the second fabric panel. The baffle sidewalls can be helpful to minimize cold spots within the comforter by preventing the fill material from bunching up, as well as allowing the fill material to expand to its greatest potential loft. However, cold spots remain present within the comforter at the corners of the chambers where the baffle sidewalls and baffle floors intersect. Various designs have been implemented to address these shortcomings, but improvements are still needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A comforter according to aspects of the disclosure includes a first fabric panel, a second fabric panel, and a baffle floor. The baffle floor extends between the first and second vertical edges of the comforter. The baffle floor has a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel. The first end of the baffle floor is attached to the first fabric at a first position and the second end of the baffle floor is attached to the second fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being vertically spaced apart from one another in a direction extending between the first and second lateral edges. 
     In one example of this aspect, the comforter further includes a baffle sidewall that extends in a direction between the first and second lateral edges. The baffle sidewall may have a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel. The first end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the first fabric at a third position and the second end of the baffle sidewall may be attached to the second fabric panel at a fourth position. The third and fourth positions may be laterally spaced apart from one another in a direction that extends between the first and second vertical edges. In some examples, the first end of the baffle floor is closer to the second vertical edge than the second end of the baffle floor, and the first end of the baffle sidewall is closer to the first vertical sidewall than the second end of the baffle sidewall. In other examples, the first end of the baffle floor may be spaced apart from the second end of the baffle floor by a length of at least 2.75 inches. Similarly, the baffle floor may have a slope ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. The slope may vary depending, in part, upon how much fill is provided within the comforter. 
     In another example of this aspect, the first fabric panel is comprised of a first material and the baffle floor is comprised of a different material than the first fabric panel. In some examples, the different material may be a mesh material. 
     In yet another example of this aspect, the comforter includes a plurality of chambers, wherein the baffle floor forms a row, and the baffle sidewall is a plurality of baffle sidewalls positioned within the first row, each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls having a first end attached to the first fabric panel and a second end attached to the second fabric panel, the plurality of chambers formed by the intersection of the plurality of sidewalls and the baffle floor. In some examples, a fill material may be positioned within each of the plurality of chambers. The fill material may include a first fill material and a second fill material, where the first fill material is in at least one of the plurality of chambers and the second fill material is in at least one other of the plurality of chambers. The first and second fill material may be the same. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of manufacturing a comforter includes positioning a baffle floor between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel; attaching a first end of the baffle floor to the first fabric panel at a first position and a second end of the second baffle floor to the second fabric panel at a second position so that the first position and the second position are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction extending between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of the first fabric panel; positioning a baffle sidewall between a first fabric panel and second fabric panel so that the baffle sidewall intersects the baffle floor; and attaching a first end of the baffle sidewall to the first fabric panel at a third point and a second end of the second baffle sidewall to the second fabric panel at a fourth point so that the third point and the fourth point are spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction extending between a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge of the first fabric panel. The first and second vertical edges may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges. 
     In one example of this aspect, the method further includes forming at least one chamber by positioning the baffle sidewall adjacent the baffle floor so as to form an intersection between the baffle sidewall and the baffle floor. In another example, the method further includes filling the chamber with a fill material. 
     In another example of this aspect, the first point is closer to the first lateral edge than the second point. Additionally, the third point may be closer to the first vertical edge than the fourth point. 
     Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a baffle box comforter. In one example, a baffle box comforter includes first and second fabric panels, an intermediate fabric panel positioned between the first and second fabric panels, and a baffle sidewall attached to the intermediate fabric. The first and second fabric panels can be joined together at their outer edges to form an outer perimeter of the baffle box comforter. The outer perimeter can include first and second vertical edges and first and second lateral edges that extend between the first and second vertical edges. The outer perimeter may have a first dimension. The outer edges of the intermediate fabric panel may be joined to the outer edges of the first and second fabric panels. The intermediate fabric may have a second dimension substantially equal to the first dimension. A first baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the first fabric panel. A second baffle sidewall may extend away from the intermediate fabric panel toward the second fabric panel. The first baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a first position and the second baffle sidewall may be attached to the intermediate fabric panel at a second position, the first and second positions being spaced apart from one another along the length of the intermediate fabric panel. 
     According to another aspect, an example baffle box comforter may include a first fabric panel and a second fabric panel joined to the first fabric panel, an interior space between the first and second fabrics, a plurality of baffle floors, a plurality of baffle sidewalls, and a plurality of openings within the baffle floors. The first and second opposed vertical edges may be formed at outer edges of the joined first and second fabric panels. The plurality of baffle floors may be positioned within the interior space. Each of the plurality of baffle floors may have a length extending between the first and second vertical edges. The plurality of baffle floors may be spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the first and second vertical edges. The floors may separate the interior space into a plurality of rows. A plurality of baffle sidewalls may be positioned within each of the plurality of rows. Each of the plurality of baffle sidewalls may have a main body that extends between the first and second fabrics. The plurality of baffle sidewalls may form a first acute angle between the main body and the first fabric. Each of the plurality of openings may be positioned adjacent the baffle sidewalls and extend an entire length between the first and second fabric panels. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. 
         FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 1 , wherein the top edge is in an open position. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of an alternative baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure, with the top edge in an open position. 
         FIG. 6  is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of an alternative fabric shell of the baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side plan view of a section of the baffle comforter  200  taken through line E-E of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 8  taken through line F-F. 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the fabric shell of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 8 , wherein the top edge and bottom edge are in open position. 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 8  wherein the top edge is in an open position. 
         FIG. 13  is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 13  in an open position. 
         FIG. 15  is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter of  FIG. 13  taken through line F-F of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line G-G of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a front plan view of a baffle box comforter according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is cross-sectional side plan view of the baffle comforter of  FIG. 13  taken through line G-G of  FIG. 13  without fill material for ease of illustration. 
         FIG. 19  is cross-sectional top plan view of a fabric shell of the baffle box comforter taken through line H-H of  FIG. 13  without fill material for ease of illustration. 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of a fabric shell of a baffle box comforter of another example embodiment, according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the baffle box comforter of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate features of an example baffle box comforter  100  according to an aspect of the disclosure. With reference first to  FIG. 1 , the example baffle box comforter  100  includes a fabric shell  120  with a bedding fill material disposed within the fabric shell  120 . The fabric shell  120  may include, for example, a first outer fabric panel or first fabric  122 , a second outer fabric panel or second fabric  124  ( FIG. 2 ), an intermediate fabric panel or intermediate fabric  156  ( FIG. 2 ) positioned between the first and second fabrics, baffle floors  104 A- 104 D, front baffle sidewalls  108 A-L, and rear baffle sidewalls  110 A-L. The first and second fabrics  122 ,  124  may be constructed from any known materials. These materials can include, for example, natural or synthetic fibers, including, for example, cotton, silk, or polyester fabrics or blends, or combinations of these materials. The first and second fabrics  122 ,  124  can be comprised of the same material or different materials. The bedding fill material may be manufactured from natural or synthetic materials, such as, for example, down feathers, wool, silk, polyester, woven materials and the like. The size of the baffle box comforter  100  can vary. For example, the baffle box comforter  100  may be manufactured according to standard size bedding dimensions, such as the standard sizes for twin, queen, and king, or the size may be custom size. 
     The first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 , as well as the intermediate fabric  156 , may be secured together at their outer ends by a seam  134  that joins the outer edges of the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124  together. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the seam  134  extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell  120  to form an outer perimeter  136 . First and second vertical edges  126 , 128 , as well as first and second lateral edges  130 ,  132  form the outermost edges of the fabric shell  120 . In this example, the outer edges of the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124  are joined together so that the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124  are directly adjacent one another. In other examples, the outer edges of the first and second fabrics may be spaced apart from one another to create a thicker edge around the comforter, such as by adding a gusset around the vertical edges  126 , 128  and first and second lateral edges  130 ,  132  of the fabric shell  120 . 
     An intermediate fabric may be positioned between the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 .  FIG. 2 , a top-plan view of the fabric shell  120  in an open position and without filling, illustrates an example intermediate fabric  150  positioned between the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 . The intermediate fabric  150  can include a front surface  154  and a rear surface  156 . The intermediate fabric  150  can generally can extend in a direction between the first vertical edge  126  and the second vertical edge  128  of the fabric shell, as well as in a direction that is parallel to the first lateral edge  130  and second lateral edge  132  of the fabric shell  120 . In this example, the intermediate fabric  150  extends fully from the first vertical edge  126  to a second vertical edge  128  of the fabric shell  120 . In other examples, the intermediate fabric  150  may only extend partially between the first vertical edge  125  and the second vertical edge  128 . The intermediate fabric  150  may alternatively be comprised of a plurality of materials or fabrics joined together that each individually extend between the first vertical edge  126  and the second vertical edge  128  of the fabric shell. The intermediate fabric  150  can be comprised of the same or similar materials as the first and second fabrics  120 ,  122 . In other examples, the intermediate fabric  150  may be comprised of a material that is different than the first and second fabrics  120 ,  122 . Furthermore, the intermediate fabric may be a mesh or other fabric or non-fabric material that separates the first and second fabrics  120 ,  122  from one another. 
     The interior  152  of the fabric shell  120  may include at least two interior portions separated by the intermediate fabric  150 : a front interior portion  158  and a rear interior portion  160 . The front interior portion  158 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may extend from the front surface  154  of the intermediate fabric  150  to the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122 . The rear interior portion  160  may extend from the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150  to the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124 . In this example, the intermediate fabric  150  divides the interior  152  into two equal halves. In other examples, it may be desired that the intermediate fabric  150  be positioned within the interior  152  such that the interior  152  is not equally divided. In still other examples, more than one intermediate fabric may be provided so that at least three or more interior layers are formed between the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 . 
     Baffle floors can extend between the first and second fabrics in both the front interior portion  158  and rear interior portion  160 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , baffle floor  104 A can extend across a plane P 1  ( FIG. 1 ) between the first and second vertical edges  126 ,  128 , as well as in a transverse direction in the same plane P 1  between the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 . In this example, floor  104 A extends between the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122  and the front surface  154  of the intermediate fabric  150 , as well as between the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124  and the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150 . The remaining baffle floors  104 B and  104 C similarly extend in a lateral direction in a plane (not shown) parallel to P 1  between the first and second vertical edges  126 ,  128 , as well as in a transverse direction in the same parallel plane between the first and second fabrics  122 ,  124 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the fabric shell  120  of comforter  200  without filling material, floors  104 B and  104 C are shown extending between the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122  and the front surface  154  of the intermediate fabric  150 , as well as between the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124  and the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150 . 
     The baffle floors  104 A,  104 B, and  104 C may be spaced apart from one another and positioned at various points along the first and second vertical edges  126 ,  128  of the fabric shell  120 . The baffle floors  104 A- 104 D can create rows  106 A,  106 B,  106 C, and  106 D extending between the first and second vertical edges  126 ,  128  within the front interior portion  158  and rows  106 E- 106 H within the rear interior portion  160  ( FIG. 4 ). In this example, the baffle floors  104 A- 104 D are evenly spaced apart from one another. In other examples, the spacing between baffle floors can be increased or decreased depending on the desired design and number of baffle floors. For example, providing additional baffle floors will decrease the spacing between the baffle floors, whereas reducing the number of baffle floors will increase the overall space between baffle floors. The baffle floors  104 A- 104 D may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one example, baffle floor  104 A- 104 D are constructed from a mesh material or material with openings to allow a fill material to be blown therethrough during manufacture. In other examples, the baffle floor may be a generally solid material such as a continuous piece of cotton material or the same material as the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 . 
     One or more baffle sidewalls may be positioned within respective rows  106 A-D of the front interior portion  158 , as well as within respective rows  106 E- 106 H of the rear interior portion  160 . As shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 , front baffle sidewalls  108 A,  108 B,  108 C are separated from rear baffle sidewalls  110 A,  110 B, and  110 C by the intermediate fabric  156 . Front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 C are positioned within the front interior portion  158  and rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C are positioned within the rear interior portion  160 . The front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 C can extend from the front surface  154  of the intermediate fabric  150  toward the interior surface  123  of the first outer fabric  122 . The first ends  107 A,  107 B,  107 C of the respective front baffle sidewalls  108 A-C can be attached to the intermediate fabric  156  and the second ends  109 A,  109 B,  109 C of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 C, can be attached to the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122 . 
     Rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C each extend from the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150  toward the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124 . The first ends  111 A,  111 B and  111 C of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C can be attached to the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150  and the second ends  113 A- 113 C of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C are attached to the interior surface of the second fabric  124 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , front baffle sidewalls  108 D- 108 L have respective first ends  107 D-L attached to the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122  and second respective ends  109 D-L attached to the front surface  154  of the intermediate fabric  150 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , rear baffle sidewalls  110 D- 110 L have respective first ends  111 D- 111 L attached to the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124  and second ends  113 D- 113 L attached to the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150 . 
     The first end of one or more baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. For example, each of the front baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion  158  can be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. As shown in  FIG. 3 , in row  106 A, first end  107 A of front baffle sidewall  108 A may be aligned with first end  107 D of front baffle sidewall  108 B in row  106 B. The first ends  107 G and  107 J of respective front baffle sidewalls  108 G and  108 J in respective rows  106 C and  106 D can be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends  107 A,  107 D of baffle sidewalls  108 A and  108 D. First ends  107 B,  107 E,  107 H and  107 K of front baffle sidewalls  108 B,  108 E,  108 H, and  108 K may also be aligned with one another. Finally, respective first ends  107 C,  107 F,  107 I, and  107  L of respective baffle sidewalls  108 C,  108 F,  108 I, and  108 L may also be aligned with one another. 
     Similarly, each of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion can be aligned with the first end of another rear baffle sidewall in an adjacent row. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in row  106 E, first end  111 A of rear baffle sidewall  110 A may be aligned with first end  111 D of rear baffle sidewall  110 B in row  106 F. The ends  111 G and  111 J of respective rear baffle sidewalls  110 G and  110 J in respective rows  106 G and  106 H can be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends  111 A,  111 D of baffle sidewalls  110 A and  110 D. First ends  111 B,  111 E,  111 H and  111 K of respective rear baffle sidewalls  110 B,  110 E,  110 H, and  110 K may also be aligned with one another. Finally, respective first ends  111 C,  111 F,  111 I, and  111 L of respective baffle sidewalls  110 C,  110 F,  1101 , and  110 L may also be aligned with one another. 
     The respective front sidewalls and rear sidewalls may be attached at their respective ends to the fabric shell by any means, such as by being sewn or stitched. A baffle seam can be formed along the first fabric  122  where each end of the front baffle sidewalls is attached to the first fabric and a baffle seam can also be formed along the second fabric  124  where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to the second fabric. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the alignment of front baffle sidewalls  108 A,  108 D,  108 G, and  108 J, are aligned with one another can form a continuous first front baffle seam  168  that extends longitudinally between the first lateral edge  130  to the second lateral edge  132 . Similarly, the alignment of baffle sidewalls  108 B,  108 E,  108 H,  108 K with one another can form a second front baffle seam  170 ; and alignment of baffle sidewalls  108 C,  108 F,  108 I,  108 L with one another can form a third front baffle seam  172 . Baffle seams can further be formed along the second fabric  124  where each end of the rear baffle sidewalls is attached to the second fabric  124 . Rear baffle sidewalls, as noted above, can also be aligned with one another. The alignment of rear baffle sidewalls  110 A,  110 D,  110 G,  110 J ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) along the second fabric  124  can form a rear baffle seam  174 ; the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls  108 B,  108 E,  108 H,  108 K along the second fabric  124  can form a second rear baffle seam  176 ; and the alignment of rear baffle sidewalls  110 C,  110 F,  110 I,  110 L with one another along the second fabric  124  can form a third rear baffle seam  178 . 
     The baffle sidewalls may be formed from any materials. For instance, the baffle sidewalls may be formed from a mesh material or a material with openings. In alternative examples, the sidewalls may be a solid material, such as a continuous cotton or polyester material. The baffle sidewalls may be formed from the same or a different material as the baffle floors. 
     With reference back to  FIG. 2 , the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 L extend between the first fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric  150  in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the first fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric  150 . Similarly, the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 L can extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the intermediate fabric  150  and the second fabric  124 . In other examples, the front baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 L may extends in a direction such that one or more of the first ends  107 A-L of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 L form an angle Ø 1A , a right angle, with the first fabric  122  and one or more of the second ends  109 A- 109 L of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 L form an angle Ø 1B , also a right angle, with the intermediate fabric  150 . In other examples, Ø 1A  and Ø 1B  may be less than or greater than ninety degrees. 
     The sidewalls in the baffle box comforter  200  can be positioned within the fabric shell in a staggered or alternating configuration so that the front baffle sidewalls and the rear baffle sidewalls are not aligned with one another. In one example configuration, front baffle sidewalls can be disposed between and spaced apart from adjacent rear baffle sidewalls and vice versa. As shown in  FIG. 2 , front baffle sidewalls are positioned between each of the rear baffle sidewalls. Rear baffle sidewall  110 A can be positioned between the first vertical edge  126  and front baffle sidewall  108 A; rear baffle sidewall  110 B can be positioned between front sidewall  108 A and  108 B; and, rear baffle sidewall  110 C can be positioned between front baffle sidewalls  108 B and  108 C. Front baffle sidewalls  108 D- 108 L disposed within the fabric shell  120  can also be staggered relative to one or more of the remaining rear baffle sidewalls  110 D- 110 L. 
     Each of the remaining front baffle sidewalls positioned within the front interior portion  158 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , can be offset with regard to adjacent rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion. Front baffle sidewall  108 D can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 D and  110 E; front baffle sidewall  108 E can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 E,  110 F, and front baffle sidewall  108 F can be positioned between rear baffle sidewall  110 F and the second vertical edge  128 . Similarly, front baffle sidewall  108 G can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 G,  110 H; front baffle sidewall  108 H can be positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 H,  110 I; and front baffle sidewall  108 I can be positioned between rear baffle sidewall  1101  and the second vertical edge  128 . Finally, front baffle sidewall  108 J is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 J,  110 K; front baffle sidewall  108 K is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewalls  110 K, 110 L; and front baffle sidewall  108 L is shown positioned between rear baffle sidewall  110 L and the second vertical edge  128 . 
     The front baffle seams  168 ,  170 ,  172  and rear baffle seams  174 ,  176 ,  178 , which are determined by the location of the front and rear baffle sidewalls, can also be offset relative to one another so that the front and rear baffle seams do no align with one another. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates front baffle seam  168  being offset from the rear baffle seam  174  by a distance X 1 , as well as offset from rear baffle seam  176  by a distance X 2 . Front baffle seam  170  may be offset from adjacent rear baffle seam  176  by a distance X 3 , as well as offset from rear baffle seam  178  by a distance X 4 . Finally, baffle seam  172  may be offset front the baffle seam  178  by a distance X 5 . As shown, each of the distances X 1 -X 5  may be generally equal to one another. But in other examples, one or more distances X 1 -X 5  may differ. In one example, where the length L of the comforter  200  is 98 inches and the width W is 94 inches, the distance X 1  may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X 1  may range from 0.25 to 16 inches, fall outside of the range, may be at least 0.25 inches, or may be less than 0.25 inches. One or more of the remaining distances X 2 -X 5  can also have a length of at least 0.25 inches, as well as a length that falls within similar ranges discussed with regard to X 1 . In this example, the front baffle sidewall  108 A may further include a length L 1  between the first fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric panel. Similarly, the rear baffle sidewall  110 A, may have a length L 2  between the intermediate fabric panel and the second fabric  124 . L 1  and L 2  may each be approximately 0.5 inches, such that the depth of the comforter  200  between the first and second panels can be approximately 1 inch. In other examples, L 1  and/or L 2  may be greater than 0.5 inches or less than 0.5 inches. Additionally, L 1  and/or L 2  may range between 0.25 inches and 1.50 inches. In still other examples, L 1  and/or L 2  may be greater than 1.50 inches. 
     The baffle sidewalls can also be staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric. Second ends  113 A- 113 C of the respective rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C in row  106 E and the second ends  109 A-C of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A-C in row  106 A, as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 , may be attached to the intermediate fabric  150  and staggered along the length of the intermediate fabric. The second ends of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C can be spaced apart from the second ends of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 C along the length of the intermediate fabric  150 . Every other baffle sidewall extending away from the intermediate fabric  150  can be a rear baffle sidewall and an intermediate and respective front baffle sidewall  108 A- 108 C can extend away from the intermediate fabric  150  at a location between each of the rear baffle sidewalls. Using the first vertical wall  126  as a reference point, the first baffle sidewall extending away from the intermediate fabric is rear baffle sidewall  1108 A, the next adjacent baffle is front baffle sidewall  108 A, the next adjacent baffle is rear baffle sidewall  110 B, the next adjacent baffle is front baffle sidewall  108 B, the next adjacent baffle sidewall is rear baffle sidewall  110 C, and the final baffle sidewall is front baffle sidewall  108 C. The spacing between the front and rear baffle sidewalls along the length of the intermediate fabric  150  can be the same distances X 1 -X 5  as discussed above with regard to the front and rear baffle seams. 
     The depth of a baffle sidewall can be defined by the length of the respective sidewall between the intermediate fabric  150  and the first or second fabrics  122 ,  124 . For example, referring back to  FIGS. 2-3 , the front baffle sidewall  108 A may have a length L 1  that extends between the front surface  154  of intermediate fabric  150  and the interior surface  123  of the first fabric  122 . The other front baffle sidewalls  108 B- 108 L ( FIG. 3 ) may also each have a length L 1  defined by the length of the baffle sidewall between the first outer fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric  156 . (For ease of illustration, L 1  is only shown with regard to front baffle sidewalls  108 B- 108 D, but the dimension L 1  is similarly obtained for each front baffle sidewall  108 E- 108 L.) The length L 1  of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A-L may be the same. In other examples, the length L 1  may vary to allow for a more contoured shape comforter. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the rear baffle sidewall  110 A may have a length L 2  that extends between the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150  and the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124 . Similarly, rear baffle sidewalls  110 B-L may have lengths L 2  extending between the rear surface  156  of the intermediate fabric  150  and the interior surface  125  of the second fabric  124 . In this example, the lengths L 2  are substantially the same. In other examples, one or more lengths L 2  of a baffle sidewall may differ. Furthermore, the lengths L 1  and L 2  may be generally equal in length. In still other examples, the length L 1  of one or more front baffle sidewalls may vary relative to the length L 2  of one or more of the rear baffle sidewalls (and vice versa). 
     The height of any one baffle sidewall can be determined by the length the baffle sidewall extends along the first fabric  1122  or the second fabric  124 . The front baffle sidewalls may have a height that generally extends between the first and second lateral edges  130 , 132  of the shell  120 , and that is parallel to the first and second vertical edges  126 , 128 . In this example, the height of the sidewalls can be the distance the sidewall extends between one of the baffle floors and another baffle floor or alternatively between one of the baffle floors and one of the outer edges  130 , 132  of the fabric shell. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , front baffle sidewall  108 A can have a height H 1  that extends from the first lateral edge  130  to the baffle floor  104 A. The height H 1  can extend fully between the first lateral edge  130  and the baffle floor  104 A. In other examples, H 1  may extend partially between the first lateral edge  130  and the baffle floor  104 A. The front baffle sidewalls  108 B-C may also have a height that generally extends between the first and second lateral edges  130 , 132  of the shell  120 , and parallel to the first and second vertical edges  126 , 128 . The height H 1  may be the same for all front baffle sidewalls  108 A,  108 B, and  108 C or they may be different. Front baffle sidewalls  108 D,  108 E, and  108 F in row  106 B each have a height H 2  that extends longitudinally between the baffle floors  104 A and  104 B. Front baffle sidewalls  108 G,  108 H, and  1081  each have a height H 3  that extends between baffle floor  104 B and baffle floor  104 C. Baffle sidewalls  108 J,  108 K, and  108 L each have a height H 4  that extends between baffle floor  104 C and second lateral edge  132 . 
     The individual respective heights of the sidewall baffles in a particular row  106 A, B, C, or D may be the same or they may differ. For example, the heights H 3  of baffle sidewalls  108 D-F relative to one another may be the same; the heights H 4  of baffle sidewalls  108 G-I relative to one another may all be the same; and the heights H 4  of baffle sidewalls  108 J-L relative to one another may be the same. In other examples, the heights of the baffle sidewalls in any one row may differ. For example, H 1  of the front baffle sidewalls can differ from height H 1  of the front baffle sidewall  108 B. Additionally, the heights of the sidewalls in different rows may be the same or differ. For example, heights H 2  of one or more baffle sidewalls in row  106 B and heights H 4  of one or more baffle sidewalls in row  106 D may have the same length, but heights H 3  of baffle sidewalls in row  106 C may differ. Similarly, the height H 1  (discussed above) of baffle sidewalls in row  106 A may have a length that is greater than or less than one or more heights H 2 , H 3  or H 4  of baffle sidewalls in rows  106 B-D. In the same example where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width W of the comforter is 94 inches, the height H 1  of the front baffle sidewall  108 A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H 1  may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches. 
     The heights of the rear sidewalls may be similar to the front sidewalls. The rear baffle sidewalls  110 A,  110 B, and  110 C, shown in  FIG. 4 , can have a height H 6  that extends from the first lateral edge  130  to the baffle floor  104 A. Rear baffle sidewalls  110 D,  110 E, and  110 F extend longitudinally between baffle floor  104   a  and  104   b,  and have a height H 2  defined by the length of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 D- 110 F between the baffle floor  104 A and  104 B. Similarly, rear baffle sidewalls  110 G,  110 H, and  1101  extend between baffle floor  104 B and baffle floor  104 C and have a height H 7  defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls  110 G-I extend between the baffle floor  104 B and  104 D. Rear baffle sidewalls  110 J, 110 K, 11 L extend between floor  104 C and second lateral edge  132  and have a height H 8  defined by the length the rear baffle sidewalls  110 J- 110 L extends between the floor  104 C and second lateral edge  132 . As with regard to the height H 1  of the baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion  158 , the heights of the rear baffle sidewalls in the rear interior portion  160  may be the same for all sidewalls  110 A-L or they may be different. The heights may further vary relative to one another as discussed with regard to the heights H 1 -H 4  of the front baffle sidewalls. In the example shown, the heights H 1  and H 2  are shown to be generally equal in size. In other examples, the heights (H 1 -H 4 ) of one or more front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 L may vary relative to the heights (H 5 -H 8 ) of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 L. In the same example where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width W of the comforter is 94 inches, the height H 1  of the rear baffle sidewall  110 A may be 24.5 inches, but in other examples, the height H 1  may be greater than 24.5 inches or less than 24.5 inches. 
     The number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the front interior portion may be equal to the number of baffle sidewalls present in each row of the rear interior portion. In this example, at least three front baffle sidewalls are positioned within each row  106 A- 106 D of the front interior portion  158  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and three baffle sidewalls are positioned within each rows  106 E- 106 H of the rear interior portion  160 . Alternatively, the number of baffle sidewalls relative to the front baffle sidewalls can vary. There may be additional baffle sidewalls in both the front and rear interior portions  158 , 160 . There may be more baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion  158  relative to the rear interior portion  160  and vice versa. For example, the rear interior portion  160  may include one or more additional baffle sidewalls, such as additional sidewall positioned between the rear sidewall  110 C and second vertical edge  128 . Furthermore, the number of baffle sidewalls in one of the rows  106 A- 106 H can vary with respect to one or more other rows. 
     A plurality of chambers can be formed in each of the rows  106 A-D in the front interior portion  158 , as well as in each of the rows  106 E-H in the rear interior portion  160 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of chambers  115 A- 115 L are formed in the front interior portion  158  and as shown in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of chambers  117 A- 117 L are formed in the rear interior portion  160 . The boundaries of the plurality of chambers can be formed by the baffle sidewalls, the baffle floors, the intermediate fabric, the first and second lateral edges  130 , 132 , and the first and second vertical edges  126 , 128 . For example, the intermediate fabric  150  can form a first front wall for each of the respective chambers  115 A- 115 P and the opposed first fabric  122  forms a second opposed wall. Similarly, the intermediate fabric  150  forms a first front wall of the respective chambers  117 A- 117 C and the second fabric  124  forms a second opposed wall. The top edges of the chambers  115 A- 115 D and  117 A- 117 D can be defined by the first lateral edge  130  of the shell  120  and the bottom edges of the chambers  115 A- 115 D and  117 A- 117 D are defined by floor  104 A. 
     The lateral edges of the plurality of chambers can be formed by at least one of the front and rear baffle sidewalls. Lateral edges of chambers  115 A- 115 L provided between the first fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric  150  can be defined by at least one of the front baffle sidewalls, and the lateral edges of the chambers  117 A- 117 L provided between the second fabric  124  and the intermediate fabric  150  can be defined by at least one of the rear baffle sidewalls. As shown in row  106 A and  FIG. 2 , the lateral edges of chamber  115 A are defined by the vertical edge  126  of the shell  120  and the front baffle sidewall  108 A; the lateral edges of the chamber  115 B are defined by front baffle sidewalls  109 A and  109 B; the lateral edges of the chamber  115 C are defined by front baffle sidewalls  109 B and  109 C; and the lateral edges of the chamber  115 D are defined by front baffle sidewall  108 C and the second vertical edge  128 . Similarly, in row  106 E of the rear interior portion  160 , the lateral edges of the chambers  117 A,  117 B,  117 C, and  117 D are defined by the rear baffle sidewalls. The lateral edges of chamber  117 A are defined by the first vertical edge  126  and the rear baffle sidewall  110 A; the lateral edges of chamber  117 B are defined by rear baffle sidewalls  110 A and  110 B; the lateral edges of chamber  117 C can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls  110 B and  110 C; and, the lateral edges of the chamber  117 D can be defined by rear baffle sidewalls  110 C and the second vertical edge  126  of the shell  120 . 
     Similar chambers can be formed throughout each of the rows  106 B-H in the front and rear interior portions  158 , 160  of the fabric shell  120 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , chambers  115 E-H are formed within row  106 B of the front interior portion  158  of the fabric shell  120 ; chambers  115 I- 115 L are formed within row  106 C; and chambers  115 M- 115 P are formed within row  106 D. As shown in  FIG. 4 , chambers  117 E-H can be formed within row  106 F of the front interior portion  158  of the fabric shell  120 ; chambers  117 I- 117 L can be formed within row  106 G; and chambers  117 M- 117 P can be formed within row  106 H. The chambers in the fabric shell can be generally rectangular in shape, but in other examples, the chambers can take on other desired shapes, such as a square. The number of chambers can increase or decrease depending on the number of desired chambers. For example, greater or fewer baffle sidewalls can be implemented to increase or decrease the number of chambers. Similarly, additional or fewer baffle floor can be used to vary the number of chambers. 
     The lateral edges of the chambers  115 A- 115 P in the front interior portion  158  of the fabric shell  120  can be offset relative to the lateral edges of the chambers  117 A- 117 P in the rear interior portion  160  of the fabric shell  120 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2-3 , the chambers  115 A- 115 D in the front interior portion  158  are alternating or offset relative to the chambers  117 A- 117 D in the rear interior portion  160 . Since the rear baffle sidewalls are offset relative to the front baffle sidewalls, the rear baffle sidewalls of the chambers  117 A,  117 B,  117 C and  117 D in the rear interior portion  160  are not aligned with or positioned directly behind the front baffle sidewalls of the chambers  115 A,  115 B,  115 C, and  115 D in the front interior portion  158 . This allows the chambers  117 B and  117 C of the rear interior portion to be offset relative to chambers  115 B and  115 C in the front interior portion  158 . 
     The remaining chambers  115 E- 115 O in each of respective rows  106 B- 106 D of the front interior portion can also be offset relative to the chambers  117 E- 117 O in rows  106 B- 106 D of the rear interior portion  160 . Alternatively, in other examples, one or more chambers in a particular row  106 A- 106 H may be offset or staggered whereas other rows are not. For example, the baffle sidewalls of rows  106 A and  106 C may include chambers in the front interior portion  158  that are aligned with the chambers in the rear interior portion  160 , whereas the chambers of rows  106 B and  106 D may be staggered and not aligned with one another. One or more rows in the front interior portion  158  may instead include front baffle sidewalls that are aligned with rear baffle sidewalls in the counterpart rear interior portion  160 , such as in traditional baffle box comforters. In still other examples, only one row of alternating baffle sidewalls may be used and the remaining baffle sidewalls in the other rows of the comforter may be aligned. 
     Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings  182 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , can be provided within each of the floors  104 A,  104 B,  104 C,  104 D adjacent the front sidewalls  108 A-L and the rear sidewalls  110 A-L. With reference first to  FIG. 2 , openings  182  are disposed within the floor  104 A of each chamber  115 A- 115 D in the front interior portion  158  and openings  182  are disposed within the floor  104 A of each chamber  117 A-D in the rear interior portion  160 . The openings  182  may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend between the first fabric  122  and the intermediate fabric  150 . As shown, chamber  115 A includes an opening  182  adjacent the front baffle sidewall  108 A; chamber  115 B includes an opening  182  adjacent the front baffle sidewall  108 B; chamber  115 C includes an opening  182  adjacent the front baffle sidewall  108 C; and chamber  115 D includes an opening  182  that is also adjacent the front baffle sidewall  108 C. Similarly, openings in the rear interior chamber  160  may extend between the second fabric  124  and the intermediate fabric  150 . Chamber  117 A in the rear interior portion  160  includes an opening  182  adjacent the rear baffle sidewall  110 A; chamber  117 B includes an opening  182  adjacent the rear baffle sidewall  110 B; chamber  117 C includes an opening  182  adjacent the rear baffle sidewall  110 C; and chamber  117 D includes an opening  182  that is also adjacent the rear baffle sidewall  110 C. 
     The openings can additionally or alternatively be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as spaced further away from the baffle sidewalls or in the middle of a chamber. Some or all of the openings  182  may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric  122  or may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric  150  and the second fabric  124 . Further, the openings  182  may be flapped openings where a flap of material is attached to the baffle sidewall or baffle floor and can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , openings  182  may also be provided in the remaining chambers  115 E- 115 P of the front interior portion  158 . The openings in each of the rows can be aligned with openings  182  present in each adjacent row in the front interior portion  158 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , openings  182  can also be provided in the chambers  117 E-P of the rear interior portion  160 . Each of the openings  182  in row  106 A can be aligned with the openings  182  present in each adjacent row in the rear interior portion  160 . 
     Fill material can be introduced into the fabric shell  120  through each of the openings in the chambers. In one example, a filling machine can introduce fill material into the fabric shell  120  row-by-row in the front interior portion  158  and row-by-row rear interior portion  160 . Nozzles of a filling machine (not shown) may extend through the openings  182  adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion  158  and rear interior portion  160 . The filling machine may first fill the chambers  115 M-P in row  106  D, as well as chambers  117 M-P in row  106 H. The nozzles in the front interior portion  158  can then be retracted into row  106 C, where each of chambers  115 I-L is filled with fill material. The nozzles in the rear interior portion  160  can be simultaneously or subsequently retracted into row  106 G, where each of chambers  117 I-L is filled. When row  106 C is completed, the nozzles can be retracted into row  106 B and each of the chambers  115 E-H can be filled. Each of the chambers  117 D-H can be filled when the nozzles in the rear interior portion  160  are positioned within row  106 F. Finally, the nozzles can be drawn into row  115 A and each of chambers  115 A- 115 D can be filled. Similarly, each of the chambers  117 A- 117 D can be filled in row  117 A. Openings may alternatively or additionally be present in each of the baffle sidewalls to allow the nozzles of a filling machine to extend through the openings in the baffle sidewalls. This can allow for column-by-column filling in a similar manner. 
     The fill material in the front interior chamber  158  may be the same or different that the fill material in the rear interior chamber  160 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , a top plan view of the baffle box comforter  200  open at one end and closed at the other, the fill material  180  is disposed within the front interior portion  158  and fill material  181  is disposed within the rear interior portion  160 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the fill material  180 ′ in the front interior chamber  158 ′ is different than the fill material  181 ′ in the rear interior chamber  160 ′. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , the staggered arrangement of the baffle sidewalls, as well as the intermediate fabric, can help to reduce cold spots. Fill material F positioned in the chambers  117 A-D of the rear interior portion  160  can be positioned behind each of the front baffle sidewalls  110 A- 110 C. Potential cold seeping through the first fabric  122  and baffle sidewall  110 A in the front interior portion  158  will encounter both the intermediate fabric  150 , as well as the fill material in chamber  117 B, which is positioned directly behind baffle sidewall  110 A. Potential cold seeping through the second fabric  124  and rear baffle sidewall  110 A in the rear interior portion  160  will encounter the intermediate sidewall  150 , as well as the fill material in chamber  115 A of the front interior portion  158 . This arrangement is the same for each of the staggered baffle sidewalls in the front interior portion  158  and the rear interior portion  160 . Providing the intermediate fabric  150  and the staggered baffle sidewalls throughout the fabric shell  120  can therefore help to reduce the presence of cold spots in the baffle box comforter. 
     In an alternative example, as shown in  FIG. 5B , a first fill material F 1  may be used in the front portion and a second fill material F 2  may be provided in a second portion. The first and second fill materials may be different fill materials. 
       FIGS. 6-7A  present an alternative example baffle comforter  100 ′, where similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements. In this example, the baffle comforter  100 ′ includes a fabric shell  120 ′ with first and second outer fabrics  122 ′ 124 ′ and an intermediate fabric  150 ′ disposed between the first and second outer fabrics  122 ′ 124 ′. As in the previous example, the respective first ends  107 A′- 107 L′ of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A- 108 D may be offset with respect to the respective first ends  111 A′- 111 L′ of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A′- 110 L′. This example differs, however, with regard to the arrangement of the baffle sidewalls. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 7A , the second ends  109 A′- 109 CC′ of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A′-C′ may instead be aligned with the respective second ends  113 A′- 113 C′ of the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A′- 110 C′ so that the second ends  109 A′- 109 C′ of the front baffle sidewalls  108 A′- 108 C′ are not spaced apart from the rear baffle sidewalls  110 A′- 110 C′. In still another alternative example, as shown in  FIG. 7B , individual baffle sidewalls  108 A″,  108 B″, and  108 C″ may extend directly through the intermediate fabric  150 ″. The first end  107 A″ of the baffle sidewall  108 A″ may be attached to the first fabric  122 ″ and the second end  109 A″ of the baffle sidewall  108 ″ may be attached to the second fabric  124 ″. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-13 , where similar reference numerals are used to identify similar features, an alternative baffle box comforter  200  is shown. The example baffle box comforter  200  is similar to the previous examples, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-7A , but includes an alternative baffle sidewall configuration. Baffle box comforter  200  includes a fabric shell  220  filled with a bedding or fill material. The fabric shell  220  may include a first fabric  222 , a second fabric  224  ( FIG. 9 ), baffle floors  204 A,  204 B,  204 C, and  204 D, and baffle sidewalls  208 A-L. As shown in  FIG. 8 , first and second vertical edges  226 ,  228 , as well as first and second lateral edges  230 ,  232  of the fabric shell  220  form the outermost edges of the fabric shell  220  and comforter  200 . The components of the fabric shell  220 , including first and second fabrics  220 ,  224 , the front baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L, the baffle floors  204 A- 204 C, and the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials previously discussed herein. 
     Baffle floors  204 A- 204 D are shown spaced apart from one another. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a cross sectional view taken along line D-D of  FIG. 8 , baffle floors  204 A- 204 D are shown extending between the first fabric  222  and second fabric  224 . As shown, first end  201 A of baffle floor  204 A is attached to a first portion P 1  of the first fabric  222 . The second end  205 A of the baffle floor  204 A is attached to a second portion P 2  of the second fabric  224 . As shown, portion P 1 , where the respective first end  201 A is attached to the first fabric  220 , and the portion P 2 , where the respective second end  205 A is attached to the second fabric  224 , are aligned with one another and extend along a same horizontal plane H. The baffle floors  204 A may further extend at an angle Ø 2A  relative to the first fabric  222 , as well as an angle Ø 2B  relative to the second fabric  224 . The baffle floor may have a width F extending between the first fabric  222  and second fabric  224 . In an example where the comforter has a length L of 98 inches and a width W of 94 inches, the width F of the baffle floor may be 1 inch. In alternative examples, the width F may range from 0.50 inches to 3 inches. In still other examples, the width F may be less than 0.50 inches or greater than 3 inches. 
     Each of the remaining baffle floors  204 B-D may also be similarly attached to the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 , such that the first ends  201 B,  201 C, and  291 D are aligned with the second ends  205 B,  205 C, and  205 D and extend along planes parallel to horizontal plane H. The baffle floors  204 B-D may further extend at an angle Ø 2A  relative to the first fabric  222 , as well as an angle Ø 2B  relative to the second fabric  224 . 
     In this example, angles Ø 2A  and Ø 2B  are right angles or ninety degree angles, but in other examples, the angles may differ. For example, one or both ends of one or more baffle floors  204 A- 204 C may extend at an angle greater than or less than ninety degrees, such that one or more baffle floors are not perpendicular to the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 . In still other examples, the angles Ø 2A  of a first end and the angle Ø 2B  of the second end of one baffle floor may differ relative to the angles of another floor or relative to each other. 
     Baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L extend longitudinally along the vertical length L of the first fabric  222  and the second fabric  224 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L can intersect the baffle floors  204 A- 204 C so as to form individual chambers defined by the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L and baffle floors  204 A- 204 C. Rows  206 A- 206 D are also formed by the baffle floors  204 A- 204 D. The first and second fabrics  222 ,  224  may be secured together at their outermost ends by a seam  234  that joins each of the edges of the first and second fabrics  222 , 224  together. As shown, the seam  234  extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell  220  to form an outer perimeter  236 . In this example, floor  204 D coincides with the seam  236  extending along the second lateral edge  232  of the comforter  200 , but in other examples, floor  204 D can be omitted such that the second lateral edge  232  acts as the floor when the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224  are sewn together. In an alternative example, the floor  204  can be spaced apart from the second lateral edge  232  so as to create a space between the second lateral edge  232  and floor  204 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top-plan view of the fabric shell  220  of the baffle box comforter  200  in an open position taken through line E-E of  FIG. 8 . For ease of illustration, fill material has been removed. In contrast to the prior examples, baffle box comforter  200  does not include an intermediate fabric. Instead, as shown, each of the baffle sidewalls, including baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 C, can extend between the first fabric  222  and second fabric  224 . In this example, the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 C are shown extending the entire or full distance between the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 , but in other examples, one or more of the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L may only partially extend between the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 . First ends  207 A- 207 C of the sidewalls  208 A- 208 C may be attached to the interior surface  223  of the first fabric  222  and second ends of the sidewalls  208 A- 208 C are attached to the interior surface  225  of the second fabric  224 . Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the fabric shell  220  of the comforter  220  without fill, first ends  207 D-L of the remaining sidewalls  208 D- 208 L are attached to the interior surface  223  of the first fabric  224 . Second ends  209 D-L of the sidewalls  208 D- 208 L are attached to the interior surface  225  of the second fabric  224 .  FIG. 10A  shows an enlarged section of  FIG. 10 . For ease of illustration and to focus on the features of the baffle sidewalls, the openings in the baffle floor are not shown in this enlarged view. In the example where the baffle box comforter has a length L of 98 inches, and a width W of 94 inches, the length or distance D of the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L may be 2.75 inches, but in other examples, D may range between 1 inch and 4 inches. Day alternatively be at least 1 inch; greater than 1 inch; greater than 4 inches; or D may be less than 1 inch. 
     The first ends and second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be offset from one another, such that the first and second ends do not align with one another. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 10 , first end  207 C of baffle sidewall  208 C is attached to the first fabric  222  at a point or portion P 3  that is laterally offset along the portion P 4  where the second end  209 C is attached to the second fabric  224 . The lateral offset can be in a direction that is between the first vertical edge  226  and the second vertical edge  228  of the shell  220 . The first end  207 C and second end  209 C therefore do not extend along a same plane I that extends perpendicular to the first and second fabrics  222 ,  224 . The first end  207 C of baffle sidewall  208 C may be offset a distance X 5  away from the second end  209 C of the baffle sidewall  208 C. In the example where the length L of the comforter  200  is 98 inches and the width W is 94 inches, the distance X 5  may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, X 5  may range from 0.25 to 6 inches; X 5  may be at least 0.25 inches; X 5  may be greater than 0.25 inches; X 5  may be less than 0.25 inches; or X 5  may fall outside of the range. 
     Each of the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 B, as well as  208 D- 208 L can include respective first ends  207 A- 207 B and  207 D- 207 L also have a points of attachment P 3  to the first fabric  222  and are laterally offset a predetermined distance relative to the point of attachment P 4  to the second fabric for the respective second ends  209 A- 209 B and  209 D- 209 L. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 8 , first end  207 B of baffle sidewall  208 B may be offset relative to the second end  209 B by a distance X 3 , as well as offset relative to the second end  209 C of directly adjacent baffle wall  208 C by a distance X 4 . First end  207 A can be offset relative to the second end  209 A by a distance X 1  and offset relative to the second end  209 B of directly adjacent baffle wall  208 B by a distance X 2 . The distances or lengths X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4  may be a distance that is the same or similar to X 5 . In alternative examples, however, one or more of the lengths X 1 -X 5  may differ from one another. Each of the first and second ends of the remaining sidewalls  208 D- 208 L in each of rows  206 B,  206 C, and  206 D may be similarly positioned, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 . In some examples, instead of selecting a certain pre-set displacement between the first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls, the first ends of the baffle sidewalls may be attached to the first fabric  220  so that the baffle sidewalls are evenly spaced across the width W of the comforter. The second ends of the baffle sidewalls may be similarly positioned so that they are also equally spaced across the width W of the comforter; are evenly spaced away from one another, or spaced apart from one another in differing amounts. In still other examples, the comforter  200  may include baffle sidewalls that have ends displaced relative to one another, as well as baffle sidewalls that are no may be displaced whereas the ends of other baffle walls are not. 
     Baffle sidewall  208 C can further extend at an angle Ø 3  relative to the interior surface  223  of the first fabric  222  and the second end. With reference back to  FIG. 10 , as well as the enlarged view of  FIG. 10A , an angle Ø 3A  is formed by the baffle sidewall where the baffle sidewall is joined to the first fabric panel  222  may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, Ø 3A  can range from 1 to 90 degrees. In other examples, Ø 3A  may be greater than 90 degrees; Ø 3A  may be less than 90 degrees; or Ø 3A  may be less than 1 degree. Similarly, Ø 3B  may be an acute angle that is complementary to Ø 3A , such that the combination of Ø 3A  and Ø 3B  add up to ninety degrees. It is to be appreciated that the angles Ø 3A  and Ø 3B  can be dependent upon the amount of fill present in the comforter  200  and movement of the first fabric  222  and the second fabric  224 . In this regard, angles Ø 3A  and Ø 3B  can vary after the first and second ends of the sidewalls are fixed to the respective first and second fabric panels  222 ,  224 . Further, each of the baffle sidewalls  208 D- 208 L may also be positioned at acute angles relative to the first and second baffle sidewalls, as well as relative to the first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls  208 D- 208 L. In this example, each of the baffle sidewalls extend away from the first baffle sidewall at angles that are equal to one another, but in other examples, one or more of the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L may extend at angles that differ from one another. 
     The first end of one or more front baffle sidewalls may be aligned with the first end of another front baffle sidewall in an adjacent row or a row this directly below or directly above the baffle sidewall. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , in row  206 A, first end  207 A of front baffle sidewall  208 A, which extends between first floor  204 A and the top edge  223 , may be aligned with first end  207 D of front baffle sidewall  208 B in row  206 B. First end  207 D may similarly extend between the first and second floors  204 A,  204 B. Similarly, the ends  207 G and  207 J of respective front baffle sidewalls  208 G and  208 J in respective rows  206 C and  206 D may be aligned with one another, as well as the first ends  207 A,  207 D of baffle sidewalls  208 A and  208 D. Respective ends  207 B,  207 E,  207 H and  207 K of respective front baffle sidewalls  208 B,  208 E,  208 H, and  208 K may also be aligned with one another. Finally, respective first ends  207 C,  207 F,  207 I, and  207  L of respective baffle sidewalls  208 C,  208 F,  208 I, and  208 L may also be aligned with one another. In other examples, one or more of the baffle sidewalls in one row may be spaced apart from the baffle sidewall in the directly adjacent sidewall, such that one or more baffle sidewalls in the two adjacent rows are not aligned with one another and do not form a continuous baffle sidewall. 
     Baffle seams may be formed along the first fabric where the first ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to the first fabric. In this example where the ends of the front baffle sidewalls are aligned with one another, baffle seams can extend continuously between the first lateral edge  223  and the second lateral edge  232  of the fabric shell  120 . A first baffle seam  268  may be formed along the first fabric  222  where the first ends  207 A,  208 D,  208 G,  208 J of the respective front baffle sidewalls  208 A,  208 D,  208 G, and  208 J are attached to the first fabric  222 . A second baffle seam  270  may be formed along the first fabric  222  where the aligned first ends  207 B,  207 E,  207 H, and  207 K of the front baffle sidewalls  208 B,  208 E,  208 H and  208 K are attached to the first fabric  222 . Similarly, a third baffle seam  272  may be formed along the first fabric  222  where the first ends  207 C,  207 F,  207 I, and  207 L are attached to the first fabric  222 . 
     Baffle seams may also be formed along the second fabric  224  where the second ends of the baffle sidewalls are attached to the second fabric  224 . Baffle seam  274  may be formed along the second fabric  224  where the second ends  209 A,  209 D,  209 G,  209 J are attached to the second fabric  224 . A baffle seam  276  may be formed along the second fabric  224  where the second ends  209 B,  209 E,  209 H,  209   k  are attached to the second fabric  224 . A baffle seam  276  may be formed along the second fabric  224  where the second ends  209 B,  209 E,  209 H,  209 K are attached to the second fabric  224 . A baffle seam  278  may be formed along the second fabric  224  where the second ends  209 C,  209 F,  2091 ,  209 L are attached to the second fabric  224 . 
     The baffle seams along the first fabric may be offset or staggered relative to the baffle seams along the second fabric. As shown in  FIG. 8 , front baffle seam  268  at the first fabric  222  is offset relative to the rear baffle seam  274  at the second fabric  224  by a distance X 1 , as well as offset relative to rear baffle seam  276  by a distance X 2 . Front baffle seam  270  can be offset relative to rear baffle seam  276  by a distance X 3 , as well as offset relative to rear baffle seam  278  by a distance X 4 . Front baffle seam  272  can be offset relative to the rear baffle seam  278  by a distance X 5 . 
     It is to be appreciated that in other examples, instead of a plurality of baffle sidewalls forming a continuous baffle seam, a single continuous baffle sidewall can replace he plurality of sidewalls. The single continuous baffle sidewall may extend fully between the first lateral edge  230  and the second lateral edge  232  and intersect each of the floors  204 A-L. The second lateral edge may, for example, include openings that accommodate each of the floors  204 A-L. This can simplify the manufacturing process by requiring only three elongated sidewalls, as opposed to a plurality of sidewalls. 
     Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings  282 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , can be provided within each of the floors  204 A,  204 B,  204 C and  204 D and adjacent each of the respective sidewalls  208 A-L. For instance, at least one opening  282  may be disposed within the floor  204 A of each chamber  215 A- 215 D. The openings  282  may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between the first fabric  222  and the intermediate fabric  250 . As shown, chamber  215 A includes an opening  282  adjacent the baffle sidewall  208 A; chamber  215 B includes an opening  282  adjacent the baffle sidewall  208 B; chamber  215 C includes an opening  282  adjacent the baffle sidewall  208 C; and chamber  215 D includes an opening  282  that is also adjacent the baffle sidewall  208 C. In other examples, the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls. Additionally, the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric  122  or between the intermediate fabric  150  and the second fabric  124 . Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers the openings  182 . The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. Although not required, the openings  182  in each row may be aligned with the openings  182  in the directly adjacent row. 
     As in the previous example, the offset first and second ends of the baffle sidewalls can help to minimize cold spots. Fill material can be provided behind each of the baffle seams. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a top plan viewing showing the comforter with fill, any cold seeping through the first fabric  222  at any of the front seams  268 ,  270 ,  272  will encounter fill material, as well as at the intersection of the front seams  268 ,  270 ,  272  with the respective floors  204 A,  204 B, and  204 C. Similarly, cold seeping through the second fabric  224  at any of the rear seams  274 ,  276 , and  278  will encounter fill material in the chambers. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate another alternative embodiment according to aspects of the present disclosure. This example is otherwise identical to the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-12 , except that in addition to the baffle sidewalls being offset from one another, the baffle floors are also offset from one another. Since the features and discussion of baffle box comforter  200  in  FIGS. 8-11 , including alternative examples, are equally applicable here (and vice versa), the discussion of baffle box comforter  300  will focus on the features of the baffle floors  304 A- 304 C. 
     Baffle box comforter  300  can include a fabric shell  220 ′ filled with a bedding material. The fabric shell  220 ′ can be an outer shell that holds the bedding or fill material. The fabric shell  220 ′ may include a first fabric  222 ′, a second fabric  224 ′ ( FIG. 14 ), baffle floors  304 A,  304 B,  304 C, and  304 D, and baffle sidewalls  208 A′-L′. As shown in  FIG. 13 , first and second vertical edges  226 ′,  228 ′, as well as first and second lateral edges  230 ′,  232 ′ of the fabric shell  220 ′ form the outermost edges of the fabric shell  220 ′ and comforter  300 . The components of the fabric shell  220 ′, including the front baffle sidewalls  208 A′- 208 L′, baffle floors  304 A- 304 D, and first and second fabrics  220 ′, 224 ′, as well as the fill material, may be comprised of the same materials discussed herein. The first and second fabrics  222 ′,  224 ′ may be secured together at their outermost ends by a seam  234 ′ that joins each of the edges of the first and second fabrics  222 ′,  224 ′ together. As shown, the seam  234 ′ extends around the outer circumference of the fabric shell  220 ′ to form an outer perimeter  236 ′. 
     Baffle floors  304 A- 304 D may be spaced apart from one another, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Each of the baffle floors  304 A- 304 D can extend between the first and second vertical edges  226 ′,  228 ′, as well as the first and second lateral edges  230 ′,  232 ′ to create horizontal rows  206 A′,  206 B′,  206 C′,  206 D′. In this example, the baffle floors  304 A- 304 C are evenly spaced apart from one another, but in other examples, one or more of the baffle floors  304 A- 304 D may be closer to or further away from the directly adjacent baffle floor. 
     Baffle floors  304 A- 304 D intersect each of the baffle sidewalls  208 A′- 208 L′ that extend longitudinally along the vertical length of the first fabric  222 ′ and the second fabric  224 ′ and between the first lateral edge  230 ′ and second lateral edge  232 ′. Individual chambers are formed and defined by the intersection of the baffle sidewalls  208 A′- 208 L′ and baffle floors  304 A- 304 C. For instance, as shown in the front perspective view of  FIG. 14 , chamber  215 A′ may be formed in the first row  206 A′. Similarly, chambers  215 B′- 215 C′ may be formed in first row  206 A′. The bottom or base B of each of the chambers  215 A′- 215 D′ may be defined by floor  304 A and the top T of each of the chambers will be defined by the horizontal edge  230 ′ of the shell  220 ′, when the fabric shell is closed at its ends. At least one of the walls of each of the chambers  215 A′- 215 D′ can be defined by one of the baffle sidewalls  208 A′- 208 C. Chambers  215 D′- 215 F′ may be formed in row  206 B′. The base B of each of the chambers  215 D′- 215 F′ will be defined by baffle floor  304 B, whereas the ceiling or top T of chambers  215 D′- 215 F′ will be defined by the directly adjacent baffle floor  304 A. At least one of the sides of the chambers can be defined by baffle sidewalls  208 D′- 208 F′. Chambers  215 H′- 215 K′ extend in row  206 C and each include a base B defined by baffle floor  304 C and a top T defined by baffle floor  304 B. Finally, chambers  215 L′- 215 O′ are positioned within row  206 D and include bases B that are defined by the baffle floor  304 D a top T defined by baffle floor  304 C. 
     The baffle floors are shown in this example as a single continuous baffle floor. For instance, baffle floor  304 A is a continuous material extending linearly between the first and second vertical edges  222 ′,  236 ′, as well as between the first and second fabrics  222 ′,  224 .′ Baffle floors  304 B- 304 D can be arranged in the same way. In other examples, a plurality of baffle floors may be present in each row, such that the base B of each chamber may instead be comprised of a separate baffle floor from the baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber in the same row. The baffle floors in any given row may be aligned with one another to form a continuous seam extending between the first and second vertical edges  224 ′,  226 ′. In other examples, the baffle floors in a given row may not be aligned with one another. In such examples, the baffle floor in one chamber can be spaced apart from the laterally adjacent baffle floor in the directly adjacent chamber or a chamber in the same row. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a cross sectional view taken along line F-F of  FIG. 13 , baffle floors  304 A- 304 C are shown extending between the first fabric  222 ′ and second fabric  224 ′. The first end  301 A of the baffle floor  304 A can extend along the first fabric  222 ′ and forms a front seam  303 A ( FIG. 13 ) that extends horizontally or laterally between the first and second vertical edges  226 ′,  228 ′. The second end  305 A of the baffle floor  304 A extends along a horizontal length of the second fabric  224 ′ and forms a rear seam  319 A. Similarly, the respective first ends  301 B,  301 C,  301 D of the baffle floors  304 B-D extend along a horizontal length of the first fabric  222 ′ and form respective seams  303 B,  303 C, and  303 D ( FIG. 13 ). Seam  303 D can also coincide with the seam of the first and second fabrics  222 ′,  224 ′. Additionally, each of the respective second ends  305 B- 305 D of the baffle floors  304 B- 304 C also extend along the second fabric  224 ′ and form respective rear seams  319 B- 319 C. 
     The first ends and the second ends of the baffle floors may be offset from one another. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 15 , the first end  301 A of baffle floor  304 A is vertically offset from the second end  305 A of the baffle floor  304 A, such that the first and second ends do not extend along a same plane J that extends perpendicular to the first and second fabrics  222 ′, 224 ′. For instance, the portion P 5  where the first end  301 A of the baffle floor  304 A is attached to the first fabric may be offset a distance Y 1  away from the portion P 6  where the second end  305 A of the baffle floor  304 A is attached to the second fabric. In one example, where the length L of the comforter is 98 inches and the width of the comforter is 94 inches, the distance Y 1  may be 2.5 inches, but in other examples, Y 1  may range from 0.25 to 16 inches; Y 1  may be at least 0.25 inches; Y 1  may be less than 0.25 inches; or Y 1  may be greater than 16 inches. The baffle floor  304 A can further slope an angle Ø 4A  from the first end  301 A of the baffle floor  304 A toward the second end  305 A of the baffle floor  304 A. The angle Ø 4A  may be an acute angle that is less than 90 degrees. In some examples, Ø 4A  can range from 1 to 90 degrees; Ø 4 A may be less than 1 degree; Ø 4A  may be at least 1 degree; or Ø 4A  may be greater than 90 degrees. As shown, each of the remaining baffle floors  304 B-D may include respective first ends  301 B- 301 D that are offset relative to the second ends  305 B- 305 D by predetermined distances Y 2 -Y 4 . Baffle floors  304 B- 304 D may also extend at respective angles Ø 4B , Ø 4C , Ø 4D  towards the second material  224 ′. 
     Angle Ø 4E , can be formed where the baffle floor  304 A extends from the second end  305  of the baffle floors  304 A toward the first end or where the second end  305 A is attached to the second fabric  224 . Angle Ø 4E  can be an angle complementary to corresponding angle Ø 4A , such that Ø 4A and  Ø 4E  add up to 90 degrees. Similarly, angles Ø 4F , Ø 4G , Ø 4H  may be formed where the respective second ends of the baffle floors  304 B,  304 C, and  304 D are joined to the second fabric  224 . 
     In some examples, the distances Y 1 -Y 4  may be the same, but in other examples, one or more distances Y 1 -Y 4  may differ. Similarly, in some examples, the angles Ø 4 A, Ø 4 B, Ø 4 C, Ø 4 D may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles Ø 4 A, Ø 4 B, Ø 4 C, Ø 4 D may differ. Similarly, the angles Ø 4 E, Ø 4 F, Ø 4 G, Ø 4 H may be the same, but in other examples, one or more angles Ø 4 E, Ø 4 F, Ø 4 G, Ø 4 H may differ from one another. 
     In the top plan view of the shell in an open position, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the baffle walls  208 ′- 208 C′ are shown in an orientation identical to the orientation of the baffle walls  208 A- 208 C in  FIGS. 8-10 . As in the previous embodiment, the first ends  207 A′- 207 C′ of the baffle sidewalls and the second ends  209 A′- 209 C′ of the baffle sidewalls can be offset relative to one another. Similarly, the remaining baffle sidewalls  208 D′- 208 L′ may have first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as previously described. Additionally, as described with regard to  FIGS. 10-10A , the baffle sidewalls  208 A- 208 L may be angled or sloped. For instance, as shown, baffle sidewall  208 C includes an angle Ø 3   A ′ and angle Ø 3   B ′, as in the previous embodiment. 
     Floor openings can be provided in each of the chambers to allow for the fill material to reach all areas and chambers of the comforter. Openings  282 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , can be provided within each of the floors  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C adjacent the baffle sidewalls  208 A′-L′. As in the previous example, openings  282 ′ may be disposed within the floors  304 A- 304 C of each chamber  215 A′- 215 L′. The openings  282  may be positioned adjacent each of the baffle sidewalls and extend fully between the first fabric  222  and the intermediate fabric  250 . In other examples, the openings may be positioned elsewhere within the floor of the chamber, such as further away from the baffle sidewalls. Additionally, the openings may not fully extend between the intermediate fabric and the first fabric  122 ′ or between the intermediate fabric  150 ′ and the second fabric  124 ′. Further, the openings may be flapped openings where a same or different material comprising the respective floors is attached to the sidewall and covers the openings  182 . The flaps can be opened or closed to allow for filling of the respective chambers. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17-19 , another example baffle comforter is shown. In this example, baffle comforter  400  includes features similar to the prior embodiments, except that only the baffle floor, and not the baffle sidewalls, include ends that are offset relative to one another. Comforter  400  includes baffle floors  404 A,  404 B,  404 C, and  404 D. Additionally, a plurality of baffle sidewalls  209 A″- 209 L″ are illustrated. As shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , baffle floor  304 A′ include a respective first ends  301 A′ that is attached to the first fabric  222 ″ and a second end  305 A′ attached to the second wall  224 ″. The first end  301 A′ and second end  405 A may be offset relative to one another, as previously described herein. Similarly, the first ends  301 B′,  301 C′, and  301 D′ of baffle floors  304 B′,  304 C′, and  304 D′ may be offset relative to each of their respective second ends  305 B′,  305 C′,  305 D′. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the ends of the baffle sidewalls are not offset relative to one another, as in previous embodiments. Rather, each of the ends of the sidewalls  208 A″- 2081 ″ extend perpendicular to the first and second fabrics  222 ″,  224 ″, and along a same plane. In other examples, the sidewalls may be offset relative to one another so that they are not aligned with one another and a row of sidewalls may be offset with respect to the directly adjacent row of sidewalls. 
       FIGS. 20-21  illustrate yet another alternative arrangement to  FIGS. 13-16 . This example is identical to the embodiment of  FIGS. 13-16 , except that the comforter  500  further includes a gusset  510 . For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , each of the baffle sidewalls  208 A″′- 208 L″′ and each of the baffle floors  204 A″′- 204 D″′ includes first and second ends that are offset relative to one another, as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13-16 . Instead of the first and second fabrics  222 ″′,  224 ″′ being joined directly to one another, a gusset  510  may be disposed between the first fabric  222 ″′ and second fabric  224 ″′. In some examples, the gusset can allow the comforter  500  to maintain its fill up to the edge of the gusset  510 . 
     In the examples discussed above, relative positions such as lateral, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, and the like are used for reference only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to particular positions of the elements they are used to describe. It is to be appreciated that similar reference numerals were used to describe similar elements. 
     It is to be further appreciated that any dimensions for components of the example comforters were provided as an example, but that other dimensions can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. As these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description of the embodiments should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “for example,” “including” and the like, should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to the specific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments.