Apparatus and method for making a bed

Abstract

Disclosed are a device that retains bedding in its made-up condition on a bed, and a simple method for making a bed. A bottom bedding piece for securing the bedding around the mattress is placed under the mattress between the box spring and the mattress. The bottom piece preferably has a rectangular shape and fasteners along the edges thereof. The fasteners attach a corresponding top bedding piece to the bottom piece. The fastened bedding pieces envelop the mattress and hold the bedding in place. The bottom piece may be adjustable to fit any size mattress. To make the bed, one straightens out the top piece, which comprises the bedding of the bed, and fastens the fasteners of the top piece to the fasteners of the bottom piece. When the user wishes to occupy the bed, he/she merely unfastens the fasteners, either completely or partially, and occupies the bed.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to devices and methods for making a bed. Specifically, the invention relates to a device and method to simplify making a bed by attaching the bedding around a mattress.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, making the bed is a daily household task often left undone, especially by small children or disabled adults who lack the physical or mental capacity necessary to successfully complete the chore. The devices and methods currently used to make a bed are often complicated and require many steps to achieve the desired end results. The complexity of the task often discourages the user from successfully completing the job.

[0004] When a bed is occupied, the movement of the user can cause the sheets, blankets and/or comforters (hereinafter referred to as “bedding”), to become untucked, wrinkled and disorganized, sometimes even causing the bedding to fall to the floor. In such cases, in order to remake the bed, one must lift the bedding off of the floor. If multiple layers of bedding are involved, the job becomes even more complex, especially to someone lacking physical or cognitive ability. One must first selectively pick out the pieces of bedding in the order that one would physically replace the bedding on the bed. Then the person making the bed must spread out the first layer, usually a top sheet, on top of the bed, trying to eliminate as many wrinkles as possible. Next, one must repeat the process for each following layer of bedding. Finally, the user must tuck the bedding around the sides and corners of the mattress, a task that generally demands physical strength.

[0005] Small children and disabled adults may not be able to complete all of the steps of the current method. In addition, the traditional method may be time consuming and relatively complicated, therefore dissuading the user from making the bed. What is needed is a devise that retains the bedding on the bed, hence preserving the order of the existing layers, and a simplified method for making or remaking a bed that eliminates the demanding steps of lifting the bedding and tucking it around the sides and corners of the mattress.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The various elements of the present invention have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available methods and devices used to make a bed. Accordingly, the present invention provides a device that retains the bedding in its made-up, layered condition and a simple method that essentially eliminates the relatively difficult steps required to make a bed.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus (such as a nylon strip of fabric) for securing the bedding around the mattress is placed under the mattress between the box spring and the mattress. The apparatus, or bottom bedding piece, may be comprised of a variety of materials, so long as the material is sufficiently durable. The bottom bedding piece preferably has a rectangular shape. Attached to opposite edges of the bottom bedding piece is a fastener such as a zipper. The fasteners attach the corresponding apparatus, or top bedding piece of the present invention, to the bottom bedding piece. The bottom bedding piece, when fastened to the top bedding piece, creates a circular, sleeve-type apparatus that envelops the mattress and holds the bedding in place. Because mattresses vary in size, the bottom bedding piece may be adjustable to fit any size mattress or bed set.

[0008] The top bedding piece, accordingly, is placed on top of the mattress and preferably resembles a comforter or blanket. Attached to the top bedding piece are two fasteners that correspond to the fasteners of the bottom bedding piece. For example, in one embodiment, one half of a separating zipper is sewn to the bottom bedding piece, while the corresponding mating half is preferably affixed to a flap on the underside of the top bedding piece. As a result, the top bedding piece can easily be connected to the bottom bedding piece. The top bedding piece in one embodiment may also include an additional width that extends from the sides to hide the fasteners from view. Furthermore, apparatus to attach sheets or additional bedding to the top bedding piece may also be incorporated into the invention.

[0009] In order to make the bed, one simply straightens out the top bedding piece, which comprises the bedding of the bed, and fastens the fasteners of the top bedding piece to the fasteners of the bottom bedding piece. The entire process requires much less physical exertion and dexterity than the prior art and can be easily accomplished by a child or someone of limited physical or mental capacity. The apparatus used to make the bed is uncomplicated and easy to care for. Preferably, both the top and bottom bedding piece may be washed in a standard washing machine.

[0010] When the user wishes to occupy the bed, he/she merely unfastens the fasteners, either completely or partially, and occupies the bed. However, to more effectively preserve the order of the bedding, the user preferably only partially unfastens the fasteners on one side of the bed for a twin-size bed. For larger bed sets, the user preferably only partially unfastens the fasteners on both sides of the bed. The bottom bedding piece, which is located under the mattress, when connected to the top bedding piece, retains the bedding on the bed in relative order, even when the bed is being used.

[0011] The various elements and aspects of the present invention simplify making and/or remaking a bed and facilitate maintaining the bedding in a made-up fashion. The apparatus is adjustable and easy to use, and the method demands less time, less planning, and less physical strength than the current method for making a bed. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 a is top view of one embodiment of the bottom bedding piece of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 1 b is a side view of a plastic embodiment of the bottom bedding piece of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the top bedding piece of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of additional bedding that may be attached to the top bedding piece of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the components comprising the apparatus and method of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bed set fitted with the apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is an end view of a bed set fitted with the apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of a mattress encompassed by the apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8 shows the bottom surface of one embodiment of the apparatus as used for larger beds.

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 on a bed.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Turning now to the drawings, the invention will be described in preferred embodiments by reference to the numerals of the drawing figures wherein like numbers indicate like parts. FIG. 1a illustrates one embodiment of the bottom bedding piece 10 of the apparatus of the present invention. The bottom bedding piece 10 secures the bedding around the mattress of a bed. Preferably, the bottom bedding piece 10 is a rectangular strip of material or fabric that is placed between the box spring and mattress of a bed. In one embodiment, the bottom bedding piece 10 consists of nylon; however, any suitable material may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the edges 6 of the bottom bedding piece 10 include a fastener 12 that is designed to connect the top bedding piece 20 of FIG. 2 to the bottom bedding piece 10. A typical fastener may be a zipper or a strip of hook in loop fastener. Other embodiments may include snaps, tie strings, buckles, buttons or the like.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention may also comprise sizing apparatus 14 to size the bottom bedding piece 10 to a particular mattress. In the depicted embodiment, a strip of either the hook or loop part of a hook and loop fastener 16 is placed adjacent to a complimentary strip 18 for attachment. The strips 16 & 18 are sewn perpendicular to the top and bottom edges 24 on the top side 8 of the bottom bedding piece 10. The sizing apparatus 14 when engaged creates a temporary fold in the bottom bedding piece 10 that decreases the overall width of the bottom bedding piece 10. For example, when the hook or loop strip 16 comes in contact with the complimentary loop or hook attaching strip 18, a fold is created.

[0025] The fold detains several inches of material between the two strips 16 & 18, consequently reducing the overall surface area of the bottom bedding piece 10. Because a user may shorten or lengthen the width of the bottom bedding piece 10 with the sizing apparatus 14, the invention may be used in conjunction with many different sizes of bed sets and/or mattresses.

[0026] The sizing apparatus 14 may be comprised of several different embodiments and/or methods to adjust the size of the bottom bedding piece 10. Other embodiments may include using fasteners such as snaps or adjustable buckles to create a temporary fold. In one embodiment, the bottom bedding piece 10 is comprised of two or more pieces attached together to create the desired size. Additionally, other embodiments of the invention do not have any sizing apparatus.

[0027] Moreover, in some embodiments the bottom bedding piece 10 of the present invention may be designed to fit a specific mattress size and in other embodiments, the bottom bedding piece is designed to fit a plurality of mattress sizes. One embodiment of the bottom bedding piece 10, designed to adjust to a ten-inch thick twin-size mattress, may have the following dimensions: forty-eight inches wide by forty-eight inches long. The width may then be able to be adjusted from one to three inches using the sizing apparatus 14. In yet another embodiment, the bottom bedding piece 10 may cover the entire mattress, similar to a mattress cover or a fitted sheet, except the bottom bedding piece 10 preferably fits on the underside of the mattress and contains fasteners 12.

[0028] Alternatively, the bottom bedding piece 10 of another embodiment, particularly designed to function on larger bed sets, may comprise a thin strip of fabric or elastic that is placed under the mattress near the foot of the bed. The small strip preferably includes fasteners 12 that attach to corresponding fasteners 12 on the top bedding piece 20. Because the thin strip is easily managed, the smaller apparatus may accommodate larger beds, such as queen or king sizes, better than the embodiment of the bottom bedding piece 10 depicted in FIG. 1a.

[0029] Furthermore, the idea of using a thin strip of fabric with fasteners 12 as the bottom bedding piece 10 may be incorporated into the top bedding piece 20 as well, by affixing a flap (not shown) to the underside 30 of the top bedding piece 20 near the bottom edge 24 (FIG. 2). The flap comprises the bottom bedding piece 10 of the present invention. Accordingly, the bottom edge 4 can be attached, either permanently or temporarily with fasteners, to the underside 30 of the top bedding piece 20.

[0030] The width of the flap preferably is equal to or greater than the width of the mattress, and the edges 6 include fasteners 12 that correspond to fasteners 12 of the top bedding piece 20. The user may then tuck the flap under the mattress at the foot of the bed, with the fasteners 12 remaining available on the sides of the mattress to attach the bedding apparatus around the mattress. An example of a fastener 12 in this case may include a buckle. The buckle preferably adjusts to fit the thickness of the mattress and secures the bedding in place, even when the bed is occupied.

[0031] In a further embodiment, additional apparatus may be fixed firmly to the box spring of a mattress set to more easily attach the bedding to the bed. The apparatus may include fasteners that attach either to the bottom bedding piece 10 or to the top bedding piece 20 of the present invention.

[0032] Other embodiments of the bottom bedding piece 10 may have a completely different form, but fulfill the same purpose. One embodiment of the bottom bedding piece 10 may be comprised of rigid plastic and may consist of two or more pieces designed to fit under the mattress on each side of a bed. FIG. 1b illustrates a possible plastic embodiment of the bottom bedding piece 10. The edge 6 and the fastener 12 extend upward from the bottom bedding piece 10, cupping around the edge of a mattress. Because the apparatus is sufficiently wide, the weight of the mattress maintains the bottom bedding piece 10 under the mattress, thereby providing the means for the bedding to be attached around the mattress.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, the top bedding piece 20 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The top bedding piece 20 generally comprises the bedding of a bed. The bedding may include the regular sheets of a twin-size bed. Preferably, larger embodiments of the top bedding piece 20 include apparatus to attach additional bedding, such as a top sheet.

[0034] In form, the top bedding piece 20 may be similar to a comforter or blanket normally used to cover a bed; however, the top bedding piece 20 differs substantially from other bed coverings in that the top bedding piece 20 includes apparatus to attach the top bedding piece 20 to the bottom bedding piece 10 of FIG. 1.

[0035] The apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 to connect the top bedding piece 20 to the bottom bedding piece 10 includes two rectangular flaps 34 that are sewn on the underside 30 of the top bedding piece 20. The flaps 34 are positioned between the top 22 and the bottom 24 so as to allow the user to occupy a bed comfortably, yet provide means sufficient to retain the bedding on the bed. In one embodiment, the flaps are situated twenty-four inches from the top 22 and sixteen inches from the bottom 24.

[0036] The flaps 34 preferably have the same length as the edges 6 of the bottom bedding piece 10 and may be comprised of a plurality of materials. In one embodiment, the flaps are located a distance away from the edges 26 of the top bedding piece 20, creating an additional width 36. The additional width 36, consequently, covers the flaps 34 and fasteners 12 from view, giving the top bedding piece 20 a smooth and continuous appearance, as a regular bed covering, when the bed is made up.

[0037] The fasteners 12 on the flaps 34 correspond to the fasteners 12 on the edges 6 of the bottom bedding piece 10. For example, if the fastener 12 comprises a zipper, then one half of the zipper is sewn on the edge 6 of the bottom bedding piece 10, and the corresponding mating zipper is sewn on the flap 34 of the top bedding piece 20. In another embodiment, the fastener 12 may comprise a strip of hook and loop fastener. Accordingly, a hook or loop grabbing strip may be attached to the edges 6 of the bottom bedding piece 10, while a corresponding loop or hook attaching strip may be affixed to the flaps 34 of the top bedding piece 20. When the fasteners 12 of the bottom bedding piece 10 are fastened to the fasteners 12 of the top bedding piece 20, the combination creates a circular, sleeve-type apparatus that encircles a mattress.

[0038] Another embodiment of the top bedding piece 20 may comprise a pocket 32 for holding extra bedding. The pocket 32 allows the user to adjust the thickness and warmth-retaining capacity of the top bedding piece 20. For example, if the weather changes from hot to cold, the top bedding piece 20 may not be sufficiently insulated to keep the user comfortable. Thus, the user may wish to add more blankets to their bedding. Unfortunately, additional loose bedding complicates the task of making a bed and increases the likelihood that the bedding could become extremely disorganized.

[0039] To solve this problem, an additional piece of fabric may be sewn on the underside 30 of the top bedding piece 20 to contain the extra bedding. In one embodiment, this pocket 32 contains two openings; one near the top 22, and one near the bottom 24. Another embodiment may include an additional rectangle of fabric to cover the top opening (not shown) to prevent the bedding from sliding out of the pocket 32 and to provide a smooth surface for the user. Nevertheless, the openings provide the user access to the corners of the pocket 32 so that the user can completely smooth the blankets or bedding within the top bedding piece 20. As a result, the extra bedding remains organized within the top bedding piece 20 and does not hinder or block the fasteners 12. The user may adjust the warmth of their bedding without wasting valuable time and effort rearranging the additional bedding.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, additional bedding 38 (see FIG. 3) is sized and designed to attach to the top bedding piece 20 of the present invention. This embodiment further simplifies the process of making a bed by guaranteeing that all of the bedding will fit exactly with the top bedding piece 20; the fasteners 12 will connect easily, and the made-up bed will be aesthetically pleasing. The additional bedding 38 may comprise top sheets and/or insulated blankets. Fasteners, such as snaps, ties, Velcro, zippers, buckles, buttons, or the like, may connect the additional bedding 38 to the top bedding piece 10.

[0041] In the depicted embodiment, three rows 48 of snaps or hook/loop strips are positioned parallel to the edges 46 and to the top 42. Corresponding snaps or hook/loop strips are then attached to the underside 30 of the top bedding piece 20. Accordingly, additional bedding 38 may be added to or removed from the top bedding piece 20 at the user's discretion. This feature assists the user in attaching all of the bedding of the bed around the mattress while preserving the user's freedom to adjust the insulating quality of the bedding.

[0042] The ability to attach or remove the additional bedding 38 also eases the burden of washing and caring for the bedding, because the additional bedding 38 may be changed easily and washed often.

[0043] A further embodiment may comprise attaching the top sheet to the bottom fitted sheet at the foot of the bed. One method of attaching the sheets may comprise simply sewing the two sheets together along the bottom edge. Connecting the top sheet to the bottom sheet retains the bedding on the bed in an ordered condition and eliminates the need to tuck in any piece of the bedding.

[0044] FIGS. 4-7 show the apparatus of the present invention in relationship to a box spring 40 and a mattress 50. FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of a bed set 100. The bottom bedding piece 10 fits between the box spring 40 and the mattress 50 such that the edges 6 and the fasteners 12 flap over the sides of the box spring 40, leaving the fasteners 12 easily accessible to be fastened to the top bedding piece 20. In one embodiment, the mattress 50 may include regular fitted sheets. As depicted, additional bedding 38 may be layered between the mattress 50 and the top bedding piece 20, either through the pocket 32 or with the provided attachments as previously discussed. The top bedding piece 20 then covers the mattress 50, the underside 30 facing the mattress 50, so the fasteners 12 are aligned parallel with the fasteners 12 of the bottom bedding piece 10. Consequently, the fasteners 12 of the top bedding piece 20 and the fasteners 12 of the bottom bedding piece 10 can readily be connected.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a bed set 100 with the top bedding piece 20 fastened to a bottom bedding piece 10. In the depicted embodiment, the additional width 36 covers the fasteners 12 and the bottom bedding piece 10 from view.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the bed set 100. From this view, it is easily discernible how the apparatus of the present invention attaches around the mattress 50 of a bed set 100. Also represented is the pocket 32 for inserting extra bedding.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the bottom bedding piece 10 under the mattress 50, with the edges 6 and fasteners 12 extending around the mattress to connect with the fasteners 12 of the top bedding piece 20.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention that can be used on larger beds. Shown in the figure is the underside of a top bedding piece 70. The embodiment shown in the figure does not have a separate bottom bedding piece. Instead, the bottom bedding piece is a panel 71 that is attached at the end of the top bedding piece that will be at the foot of the bed.

[0049] The larger bed embodiments of the current invention are configured for the connection of fastening lines to the top bedding piece. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the panel 71 includes a grommet 71 & 73 at each comer, and the main portion of the bedding piece 70 includes a pair of tabs, one each side of the bedding piece 70. The tabs 74, 75, 76, & 77 are spaced along the bedding piece such that they can hold the bedding piece 70 firmly in place. In the embodiment depicted, the tabs 74, 75, 76, & 77 are inset from the edges of the bed such that the fabric of the bedding piece 70 hangs over the edge and covers the tabs when it is placed on a bed.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of the current invention depicted in FIG. 8, as installed on a bed. In use, the panel is inserted between the mattress and box springs and secured to the box springs by lines 80 connected to the fastening points on the panel. The remainder of the top bedding piece 70 is laid atop the mattress in a manner similar to the embodiments described above, and secured to the box springs by lines 78 & 79 that are connected to the tabs on the underside of the bedding piece. The top bedding piece in this embodiment can be configured for the placement of additional bedding as some of the embodiments described above.

[0051] To use the bed making apparatus described herein, the bottom bedding piece is positioned between the mattress and box springs of a bed. If the bed does not already have a bottom sheet, the sheet can be placed on the bed. The top bedding piece is then placed on the bed and fastened to the bottom bedding piece using fasteners on both the top and bottom bedding pieces.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0052] The invention has applicability in the field of devices and methods for making a bed.

[0053] Specifically, the invention relates to a device and method to simplify making a bed by attaching the bedding around a mattress. Disclosed herein is a devise that retains the bedding on the bed, hence preserving the order of the existing layers, and a simplified method for making or remaking a bed that eliminates the demanding steps of lifting the bedding and tucking it around the sides and corners of the mattress. This invention is particularly suitable for small children and disabled adults who may not be able to make their bed using the traditional bedding and methods, however, the invention is also suitable for people of other ages and abilities. In addition, the traditional method may be time consuming, therefore dissuading the user from making the bed. The invention herein addresses the issue of time needed to make the bed by providing bedding and a method of use that take significantly less time than the time used for traditional bedding and methods.

[0054] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the means and construction shown or described comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching bedding around a mattress comprising: at least one bottom bedding piece configured for placement between a mattress and a bed spring, the at least one bottom bedding piece having at least one fastener thereon; and a top bedding piece, the top bedding piece having a fastener that corresponds and connects to the fastener of the bottom bedding piece.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one bottom bedding piece is rectangular in shape and has at least one fastener on each long edge thereof; and the top bedding piece is rectangular is shape and has fasteners that correspond and connect to the bottom bedding piece.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one faster on the bottom bedding piece and the corresponding fastener on the top bedding piece is a zipper.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further including means for adjusting the width of the bottom bedding piece to accommodate the width of a mattress.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the means for adjusting the width of the bottom bedding piece is at least one portion of the loop part of a hook and loop fastener attached to the bottom bedding piece, and at least one portion of the hook part of a hook and loop fastener attached to the bottom bedding piece; and the portions of the hook and loop fastener are positioned and oriented on the bottom bedding piece such that the width of the bottom bedding piece can be adjusted by folding the bedding piece along the long axis thereof so that at least one portion of the hook part will be connectable to at least one portion of the loop part of a hook and loop fastener.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the attachment of additional bedding thereto.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the insertion of additional bedding therein.

8. An apparatus for attaching bedding to a bed comprising: at least one bottom bedding piece configured for placement between a mattress and a bed spring, the at least one bottom bedding piece having at least one fastener thereon; and a top bedding piece, the top bedding piece having at least one fastener thereon.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one bottom bedding piece is attached to the top bedding piece near the edge of the top bedding piece that corresponds to the foot of the bed, the bottom bedding piece has at least one fastener on each side thereof; and the top bedding piece has at least one fastener on each side thereof.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the bottom bedding piece is generally rectangular in shape, and the top bedding piece and the bottom bedding piece each have corresponding fasteners such that they can be connected to each other so as to encircle a mattress.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the apparatus has two bottom bedding pieces; each bottom bedding piece is configured for placement between the mattress and the bed spring; each bottom bedding piece further having at least one fastener thereon, and the top bedding piece having fasteners that correspond to the fasteners on the bottom bedding pieces and are connectable thereto.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 further including means for adjusting the width of the bottom bedding piece to accommodate the width of a mattress.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the attachment of additional bedding thereto.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the insertion of additional bedding therein.

15. An apparatus for attaching bedding to a bed comprising: at least one bedding piece having a portion thereof that is configured for placement between a mattress and a bed spring; the remainder of the bedding piece configured for placement on the top of a mattress; and the bedding piece having a plurality of fasteners for securing the apparatus to the bed.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the attachment of additional bedding thereto.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the top bedding piece is configured for the insertion of additional bedding therein.

18. The method for making or remaking a bed comprising the steps of: providing at least one bottom bedding piece, the bottom bedding piece being configured for placement between a mattress and a bed spring and having at least one fastener thereon; providing a top bedding piece, the top bedding piece having at least one fastener thereon; placing the bottom bedding piece between the mattress and bed spring; placing the top bedding piece on the top of the mattress; and securing bottom bedding piece and the top bedding piece to the bed.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the top bedding piece has at least one fastener that corresponds and connects to the at least one fastener of the bottom bedding piece and the bottom bedding piece and the top bedding piece are secured to the bed by connecting the fasteners such that the top bedding piece and the bottom bedding piece encircle the bed.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the bottom bedding piece is attached to the top bedding piece adjacent to the edge of the top bedding piece that corresponds to the foot of the bed.

21. The method to claim 18 having the additional step of adjusting the width of the bottom bedding piece to correspond to the width of a mattress.