WO2019089368A1

WO2019089368A1 - Bedding system

Info

Publication number: WO2019089368A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/057663
Authority: WO
Inventors: III Roland Martin HANSEN
Original assignee: Hansen Iii Roland Martin
Priority date: 2017-11-06
Filing date: 2018-10-26
Publication date: 2019-05-09

Abstract

A covering for a mattress formed of a flexible fabric. The mattress is of the type having a rectilinear configuration with a lower horizontal surface, an upper horizontal surface, and four vertical mattress edges, two upper mattress corners, and two lower mattress corners. The covering has a rectangular central region and a plurality of generally trapezoidal peripheral regions. The peripheral regions extend outwardly from the central region during laundering and prior to use. The peripheral regions are shaped with edges at an initial angle and then at a continuing angle. Fasteners couple together the peripheral regions to form a plurality of separable covering corners.

Description

BEDDING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bedding system and more particularly pertains to coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress and for tangle-free, bunching-free laundering of coverings in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.

Description of the Prior Art

The use of bedding systems of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, bedding systems of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of coupling and uncoupling bedding to a mattress are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a bedding system that allows coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress and for tangle- free, bunching-free laundering of coverings in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.

In this respect, the bedding system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress and for tangle-free, bunching-free laundering of coverings in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved bedding system which can be used for coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress and for tangle-free, bunching-free laundering of coverings in a safe, convenient, and economical manner. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bedding systems of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved bedding system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved bedding system and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a covering for a mattress. The mattress is of the type having a rectilinear configuration with a lower horizontal surface, an upper horizontal surface, and four vertical mattress edges forming two upper mattress corners and two lower mattress corners. The covering is formed of a flexible fabric. The covering has a rectangular central region and a plurality of generally trapezoidal peripheral regions. The peripheral regions extend outwardly from the central region during laundering and prior to use. The peripheral regions are shaped with edges at an initial angle and then at a continuing angle. Fasteners couple together the peripheral regions to form a plurality of separable covering corners.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bedding system which has all of the advantages of the prior art bedding systems of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bedding system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bedding system which is of durable and reliable constructions.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved bedding system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such bedding system economically available to the buying public.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention is to provide a bedding system for coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress and for tangle-free, bunching-free laundering of coverings in a safe, convenient, and economical manner.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective showing of a prior art bedding component which could be bunched and tangled after laundering.

Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of a bed with a box spring, mattress, and a bedding system constructed in accordance of the principles of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded illustration of the components of the bedding system shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a component of the bedding system with two zippers. Figure 5 is a plan view of a component of the bedding system with four zippers.

Figure 6 is an enlarged showing taken at circle 6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view taken along line 7 7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8 8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is an enlarged showing taken at circle 9 of Figure 6. The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved bedding system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

The present invention, the bedding system 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include bedding having separable corners with fasteners. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

The preferred embodiment of the bedding system 10 of the present invention is for coupling and uncoupling coverings to a mattress 42 and for tangle free, bunching free laundering of the covering. The coupling, uncoupling, and laundering are done in a safe, convenient, and economical manner. The mattress to be covered is of the type having a rectilinear configuration with a lower horizontal surface 14, an upper horizontal surface 16, and four vertical mattress edges 18 forming upper mattress corners 20, and lower mattress corners 22.

Each of the coverings is formed of a flexible fabric. Each covering has a rectangular central region 28 and a plurality of generally trapezoidal peripheral regions 30. The peripheral trapezoidal regions extend outwardly from the central region during laundering and prior to use at an initial angle 32 of 90 degrees plus or minus 20 percent and then at a continuing angle 34 of 180 degrees plus or minus 20 percent. Zippers 36 couple adjacent peripheral regions to form a plurality of separable covering corners. Rolled edges 40 are formed on the peripheral regions with stitching 36 coupling the zippers to the rolled edges. The coverings of the present invention include both four zipper coverings and two zipper coverings.

The four zipper coverings include feather beds and mattress pads 44 and also fitted sheets 46. The four zipper coverings have four of the trapezoidal peripheral regions extending outwardly from the central region. The four zipper coverings have four zippers, each of the zippers being located adjacent to one of the lower mattress corners and one of the upper mattress comers vertically and then along the lower horizontal surface of the mattress generally horizontally.

The two zipper covers include top sheets 50 and blanket/comforters 52. The two zipper coverings have three of the plurality of peripheral regions extending outwardly from the central region. Two zippers are located between the peripheral regions during use. The zippers are located adjacent to the two bottom corners of the mattress vertically and then along the bottom surface of the mattress generally horizontally.

The present invention provides bedding that can be easily and neatly laundered, folded, and stored. When the bedding is unzipped, it can be washed without the corners hoarding the top sheet and other items included within a wash cycle. It insures the wash it complete and the complete sheet set is laundered not just the item exposed to the agitator. Also unzipped the bedding folds with ease and lays flat as any flat sheet. This bedding takes up less space and stores more neatly than traditional stretch bottom sheets.

The bedding is zipped only when on the bed. Without stretch as the old process, each piece of bedding holds tight to each comer. The tighter the better without binding, does not stretch. This bedding holds permanently on the mattress until it is unzipped or, if loose, removed gently from the comer. A gentle tug from any comer will tighten the other comers. It is no longer necessary to lift the mattress much, if at all. There is no recoil when laying a fitted sheet on the bed. No spring from the band. There is no band, so this bedding lays out completely without any recoil. The top sheet fits snugly on the bottom of the mattress without heavy mattress lifting. If desired, on side of the top sheet can be unzipped for extra foot air circulation while keeping the top sheet in place. The bottom sheet, featherbed, and mattress pad each have four comers and function the same. The top sheet, blanket and comforter each have two comers and function the same.

The present invention takes up less space than a traditional fitted sheet. The zipper lasts longer than the stretch band in traditional fitted sheet under normal wear and use providing longer sheet life. The present invention works on any sheet material including, but not limited to cotton, polyester, silk, blends, microfiber, and flannel. It works with down fill, polyester fill, any blanket, quilt, or comforter of any material. It is suggested that appropriate zipper size and quality be used depending on the weight of the material and expected use of the product, i.e. commercial use, retail use, and even in some cases limited use materials. It is easy to use and care for. The depth of the zipper under the mattress is flexible to the manufacturer's desires, from 2 inches to upwards of 12 inches may be appropriate based on the mattress or sleep activity. Overall the single most impactful improvement in bed linens in decades. It is meant to improve all of the problems currently experienced by anyone who has ever washed linens, folded linens, or made up a bed from scratch in the U.S.A. and worldwide. A king size comforter can be used on a queen size mattress by using th same design cutout but at the mattress drop rather than exact corners. The present invention conforms to the mattress size. It can be made to use on any mattress thickness or size or any variation in mattress to comforter size. When folding, if folded in accordion pattern, the sheet can be released into the air, flying to the corners and easily attached. Ironing will be a breeze.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

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

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

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A bedding system comprising:

a covering for a mattress, the mattress being of the type having a rectilinear configuration with a lower horizontal surface and an upper horizontal surface and four vertical mattress edges, two upper mattress corners, and two lower mattress corners, the covering being formed of a flexible fabric, the covering having a rectangular central region and a plurality of generally trapezoidal peripheral regions, the peripheral regions extending outwardly from the central region during laundering and prior to use, the peripheral regions being shaped with edges at an initial angle and then at a continuing angle, fasteners, each fastener coupling together two of the peripheral regions to form a plurality of separable covering corners.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fasteners are zippers.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the covering is chosen from the class including a feather bed and a mattress pad and a fitted sheet, the plurality of peripheral regions being four peripheral regions, the fasteners being four zippers located between the peripheral regions, the zippers located adjacent to the two upper mattress corners and the two lower mattress corners vertically and then along the bottom surface of the mattress generally horizontally during use.

4. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

the covering is chosen from the class including a top sheet and a blanket or comforter, the covering having three peripheral regions extending outwardly from the central region, the fasteners being two zippers located between the peripheral regions, the zippers located adjacent to the two upper mattress corners vertically and the two lower mattress corners vertically then along the lower surface of the mattress generally horizontally during use.

5. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein:

the system further includes rolled edges on the peripheral regions with stitching coupling the zippers to the rolled edges.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

the initial angle is 90 degrees plus or minus 20 percent and the continuing angle is 180 degrees plus or minus 20 percent whereby the peripheral regions will sag below the horizontal upon coupling to the mattress.

7. A bedding system (10) for coupling and uncoupling a covering to a mattress (42) and for tangle free, bunching free laundering of coverings, the mattress being of the type having a rectilinear configuration with a lower horizontal surface (14) and an upper horizontal surface (16) and four vertical mattress edges (18), lower mattress comers (20), and upper mattress comers (22);

the covering being formed of a flexible fabric, the covering having a rectangular central region (28) and a plurality of generally trapezoidal peripheral regions (30), the peripheral regions extending outwardly from the central region during laundering and prior to use at an initial angle (32) of 90 degrees plus or minus 20 percent and then at a continuing angle (34) of 180 degrees plus or minus 20 percent, zippers (36) coupling peripheral regions to form a plurality of separable covering comers, rolled edges (40) on the peripheral regions with stitching (38) coupling the zippers to the rolled edges;

the coverings being chosen from the class of coverings including four zipper coverings and two zipper coverings;

the four zipper coverings being chosen from the class consisting of feather beds (42) and mattress pads (44) and fitted sheets (46), the peripheral regions of the four zipper coverings being four peripheral regions, the zippers of the four zipper coverings being four zippers located between the peripheral regions during use, each of the zippers being located adjacent to the two upper mattress comers and the two lower mattress comers vertically and then along the lower surface of the mattress generally horizontally; and the two zipper coverings being chosen from the class including a top sheet (50) and a blanket/comforter (52), the peripheral regions of the two zipper coverings being three peripheral regions, the zippers being two zippers located between the peripheral regions during use, each of the zippers located adjacent to the two upper mattress comers vertically and the two lower mattress comers vertically then along the bottom surface of the mattress generally horizontally.