Bed cover

Abstract

A bed cover includes a first covering in the form of a fitted sheet sized to snugly fit about a respectively sized mattress, as such is conventionally known, and a second, flat covering, akin to a top sheet, attached to the first covering. The second covering has a slidable closure disposed lengthwise in a portion of the second covering. The combination of the attachment of the second covering to the first covering, and the slidable closure in the second covering, provide a degree of security against inadvertent falling out of the bed, easy ingress/egress between the first and second coverings, and convenience in making-up the bed regardless of its location near a wall or furniture. According to an aspect, the bed cover includes a third covering, akin to a blanket, that can conveniently be attached or detached from the combination first and second coverings. Complimentary Velcro®-type attachment strips on either the first or second coverings and the bottom side of the third covering represent exemplary attachment means. According to another aspect, the bed cover includes a fourth covering, akin to a comforter, that can conveniently be attached or detached from the combination third covering. Complimentary Velcro-type attachment strips on the third covering and the bottom side of the fourth covering represent exemplary attachment means. The various dimensions of the coverings provide a neat appearance to the bed cover when fitted about a mattress.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to fabric bed covers for a sleeping surface such as a mattress and, more particularly, to a multi-component fabric bed cover assembly that can be fitted over and used with a complimentary sized mattress.

2. Description of Related Art

Bed or mattress coverings typically take the forms of fitted sheets, top sheets, and blankets. Other bed coverings are commonly referred to as feather beds, comforters, mattress pads and the like. The size, arrangement, style and fabric influence the functions of the various bed covering components. For example, a conventional fitted sheet is elastically gathered at the comers of the curtain portions of the sheet so as to fit snuggly about and cover a complimentary sized mattress. A top sheet of cotton or other suitable fabric typically in the form of a flat rectangle lays atop the fitted sheet and provides a light covering for a person positioned in-between the fitted sheet and the top sheet. Very often, a third covering such as a blanket is provided atop the top sheet for added warmth.

In addition to providing a comfortable contact surface and protection from the ambient environment, bed coverings provide an esthetic appearance to a sleeping area (e.g., bed, futon, etc.). Furthermore, a top sheet and/or blanket may provide a limited amount of security for an infant or adult who may be prone to falling out of the bed by snuggly tucking the side and bottom edges of the top sheet and/or blanket underneath the mattress.

Parents often have a safety concern that an infant or small child may suffocate underneath a top bed covering. Children and adults alike may have a tendency to sleep restlessly and get wrapped about by their bed coverings or kick them off entirely. In other circumstances, young children and/or adults may unwittingly fall out of bed in their sleep due to restlessness or other reasons. Furthermore, a made bed provides an improved appearance over an unmade one. However, children and adults alike may be discouraged from making their beds due to room size constraints or, for example, they have neither the time nor the energy to put the bed together.

In view of the functional, esthetic and otherwise challenging attributes of bed coverings such as those identified above, and others, the inventor has recognized the need for a bed cover that addresses one or more of these attributes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-component bed cover assembly adapted to fit over and about a complimentary sized sleeping surface such as a mattress.

According to an embodiment, a bed cover includes a first, form fitted covering having a generally flat, top portion and a contiguous curtain portion extending all-around therefrom, that is adapted to fit snuggly about a complimentary sized mattress. Most generally, the first covering resembles a conventional fitted sheet in any of a variety of sizes ranging between a baby mattress size and a king size. The flat top portion of the first covering can be considered to have a width dimension extending between opposing side edges of the flat portion and a length dimension extending between head and foot edges of the flat portion of the first covering. The bed cover also includes a second, flat covering akin to a conventional top sheet. The second covering is identified by a top edge, a bottom (foot) edge and two opposing side edges and thus has a length dimension from the top edge to the bottom edge and a width dimension from one side edge to the other side edge. According to the embodiment, the width dimension of the second covering is greater than the width dimension of the first covering while the length dimension of the second covering is less than the length dimension of the first covering. The second covering is attached to the first covering along the side and bottom edges of the second covering. In a particular aspect, the second covering is sewn to the first covering along the intersection of the flat portion and the curtain portion of the first covering. The combination of the first covering and second covering as described thus forms an opening between the two along the top edge of the second covering and provides a sufficient quantity of second covering fabric to accommodate comfortably the covered portion of a person laying there between. The second covering further includes a slideable closure that extends lengthwise from the top edge. According to an aspect, the slideable closure has a length in the range of between about 50 percent to 100 percent of the length dimension of the second covering. More particularly, the slideable closure does not extend to the bottom edge of the second covering but, rather, has a length in the range between about 60 percent to 90 percent of the length dimension of the second covering. In a further particular aspect, the slideable closure is disposed along a central longitudinal axis of the second covering; however, the slideable closure may be disposed longitudinally between the center and a side edge of the second covering.

According to a further aspect, the bed cover includes a third covering that is removeably attached to the first and second covering assembly. The third covering may be thought of as a blanket component of the bed cover, for illustration. According to an aspect, the third covering is removeably attached to the curtain portion of the first covering or, alternatively, to the second covering, by complimentary Velcro®-type fastening material in the form of strips, for example. According to an illustrative aspect, one component of the Velcro-type fasteners are attached to the bottom-side of the third covering adjacent the side and bottom edges. The complimentary Velcro-type components are attached to the exterior curtain portion of the first covering or to the second covering in the vicinity of where it is attached to the first covering. The width and length of the third covering are sufficient to provide an overhang of material for a neat appearance of the assembled bed cover.

According to a further aspect, the bed cover includes a fourth covering that is remove ably attached to the third covering. The fourth covering may be thought of as a comforter component of the bed cover, for illustration. According to an aspect, the bottom side of the fourth covering includes Velcro-type fastening material in the form of strips, for example, and the top-side of the third covering includes complimentary Velcro-type components. The width and length of the fourth covering are substantially the same as those of the third covering, being sufficient to provide an overhang of material for a neat appearance of the assembled bed cover.

According to various aspects, the first, second, third or fourth covering may include conventionally known electrical components that can controllably provide heating of the respective bed covering component.

The benefits and advantages provided by embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art in view of the detailed description that follows, the attached drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a bed cover according to an embodiment of the invention shown as if it were fitted about a mattress;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an illustrative placement of Velcro-type fastening strips on an underside surface of a third covering according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective illustration of a bed cover in a illustrative cut-away view according to an aspect of the invention; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a schematic top plan view and bottom plan view of the third covering and the fourth covering, respectively, according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a multi-component, fabric bed cover assembly. FIG. 1 illustrates an aspect of a bed cover 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, shown as if the bed cover 100 were fitted about a mattress (not shown). The bed cover 100 includes a first, form-fitted covering 10 having a flat top portion 12 and a contiguous curtain portion 14 extending therefrom all around. The first covering 10 is adapted to fit snugly about a complimentary-sized mattress. The dotted lines 9 in the comers and the hash marks 9a are intended to illustrate an elasticized or otherwise cinched bottom edge of the first covering as is found in a conventional fitted sheet. In an alternative aspect (not shown), the first covering 10 could have auxiliary ties or elasticized straps as known in the art that secure the fitted cover to the mattress. The flat top portion 12 of the first covering has a length dimension shown as L₁ and a width dimension shown as W₁.

The bed cover 100 also includes a second, flat covering 20 in the form of a conventional flat (non-fitted) sheet. The second covering 20 has a top edge 22, a bottom edge 24 and two side edges 26, which define a length dimension L₂ extending from the top edge 22 to the bottom edge 24 and a width dimension W₂ extending from one side edge to the other side edge 26. The second covering 20 is sewn to the first covering 10 along the bottom edge 24 and the two side edges 26, around the general vicinity of the perimeter of the flat portion of the first covering. The width dimension W₂ is greater than the width dimension W₁ in order to provide adequate room between the first covering and the second covering for a person to turn over and otherwise move comfortably beneath the second covering. It may be desirable to make the W₂ width dimension between about eight inches to 40 inches greater than the W₁ width dimension. For example, a bed cover 100 sized to fit a baby's mattress will require a W₂ dimension at the low end of the range to accommodate a smaller person while a bed cover sized to fit a king-sized mattress will likely benefit by having a W₂ dimension at the high end of the range to accommodate a larger person. In an exemplary aspect, the second covering 20 has a pleat 28 that facilitates the width expansion of the second covering in a manner intended to provide a degree of neatness to the bed cover.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the second cover 20 includes a slidable closure 30. Illustrated as a zipper, the slidable closure 30 extends lengthwise from the top edge 22 of the second covering along the longitudinal centerline of the second covering. The slidable closure 30 has a length L_z. As shown in the figure, the length L_z is less than the length dimension L₂ of the second covering. In various aspects, the slidable closure length L_z may be in the range between about 50% to 100% of L₂. More particularly, L_z is in the range between about 60% to 90% of L₂. Even more particularly, L_z is in the range between about 70% to 80% of L₂. The slidable closure length and position is advantageous for several reasons. It provides easy access to allow the bed cover to be easily ‘made up’ regardless of whether the bed may be located against a wall or tightly arranged with other furniture. It also allows easy ingress and egress between the coverings. In various alternative aspects, snaps, buttons, Velcro-type material, ties and other means may be provided to securely shut and allow easy opening of the second covering. The additional width of the second covering provides room for a person to turn and move under the second covering, while the sewn attachment of the second covering to the first covering provides a degree of security against inadvertently falling out of the bed. In an alternative aspect, the slidable closure may be located to one side or the other of the longitudinal centerline of the second covering between the center location and a side edge of the covering.

In accordance with another embodiment, having reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bed cover 100-1 is as described above for bed cover 100, and further includes a third covering 42 and means for removably attaching the third covering to the bed cover via at least one of the first covering and the second covering. The third covering 42 is shown in FIG. 2 as a plan view of its bottom surface. The third covering is illustrated as a flat, rectangularly shaped piece of fabric having a top edge 42, a bottom or foot edge 45, opposing side edges 47, a width dimension W₃ and a length dimension L₃. In the illustrative aspect shown, the bottom side of the third covering includes five Velcro-type material attachment strips 49a sewn or otherwise attached-two each parallely adjacent the side edges and one parallely adjacent the bottom edge. Alternatively, one continuous attachment strip or multiple strips could be used. As shown in FIG. 3, complimentary attachment strips 49b are sewn or otherwise attached to the exposed side of the curtain portion 14 of the first covering 10 in complimentary locations to that on the second covering. As further shown in FIG. 2, the attachment strips 49a are positioned a distance, d, from the respective edges of the second covering. Accordingly, when the third covering is attached to the bed cover 100-1 over the second covering, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a perimeter portion of the third covering will overhang the mattress to present a neat appearance all around. Thus, the width dimension W₃ and the length dimension L₃ will be sufficiently greater than the corresponding dimensions of the first and second coverings. In a particular aspect, the attachment strips 49b incorporate the ‘quiet’ surface portion of the Velcro-type material while the attachment strips 49a incorporate the ‘catching’ surface portion. Such an arrangement is intended to better preserve the adhesion integrity of the Velcro-type material. In an alternative aspect, the attachment strips 49a could be located a greater distance than d from the edges of the third covering to coincide with the location of complimentary attachment strips 49b along the bottom and side edges of the second covering. It will be appreciated that the number and location of the attachment materials can be adjusted for optimum utility and comfort.

According to another aspect described with reference to FIG. 4, the bed cover 100-1 as described above includes a fourth covering 62 and means for removably attaching the fourth covering to the third covering 42. The fourth covering is a flat, rectangular fabric in the illustrative form of a comforter-type bed covering. It has top edge 63, bottom edge 65 and opposing side edges 67. According to an exemplary aspect, strips of Velcro-type material are used to couple the third and fourth coverings. As shown in FIG. 4A, the top side of the third covering 42 includes five Velcro-type attachment strips 59a disposed parallel to respective edges 45, 47 of the covering and displaced a distance d, from the edge. It is to be appreciated that the arrangement and configuration of the disclosed attachment means may vary without consequence to their function. For example, the attachment strip 59a adjacent the bottom edge 45 of the third covering 42 may be located a distance from the bottom edge that is different from the distance d, of the attachment strip located adjacent the side edge 47 of the third covering. FIG. 4B illustrates the bottom side of the fourth covering 62 having complimentary Velcro-type attachment strips 59b attached thereto. According to an aspect, fourth covering 62 has a width dimension W₄ and a length dimension L₄ that are substantially the same as the respective dimensions of the third covering 42. As such, when the bed covering is assembled and fitted about a mattress, the bed cover will have a neat appearance due to the overhang of the third and fourth coverings about the curtain portion of the first covering. The fourth covering may be electrically controllably heated.

It should be further appreciated that zippers, snaps, buttons and other attachment mechanisms known in the art could be used as attachment means for any or all of the first, second, third and fourth coverings. The illustrative sewn and Velcro-type attachments are advantageous based on cost and convenience considerations.

According to a related embodiment, one or more of the first, second, third and fourth coverings may be equipped with an electrical heating element as shown at 61 in FIG. 3. Electric blankets, mattress pads and the like are known in the art and thus do not require a detailed description herein.

The foregoing description of the embodiments and aspects of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and understanding. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by the detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A bed cover, comprising: a first, form-fitted covering having a flat top portion and a contiguous curtain portion extending therefrom, adapted to fit snugly about a complimentary-sized mattress, wherein the flat top portion identifies a length and a width dimension of the first covering; a second, flat covering having a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, a length dimension extending from the top edge to the bottom edge and a width dimension extending from one side edge to the other side edge, attached to the first covering along the bottom edge and the two side edges, wherein the second covering width dimension is greater than the first covering width dimension, further wherein the second covering includes a slidable closure extending lengthwise from the top edge, wherein the slidable closure has a length that is equal to or less than the length dimension of the second covering.

2. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the second covering width dimension is greater than the first covering width dimension by an amount between about eight inches to 40 inches.

3. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the slidable closure is a zipper.

4. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the slidable closure is disposed along a center longitudinal axis of the second cover.

5. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the length of the slidable closure is in the range of about 60% to 90% of the length dimension of the second covering.

6. The bed cover of claim 5, wherein the length of the slidable closure is in the range of about 70% to 80% of the length dimension of the second covering.

7. The bed cover of claim 1, wherein the second covering has a pleat to facilitate an expansion of the width dimension.

8. The bed cover of claim 1, further comprising a third covering, and means for removably attaching the third covering to at least one of the first covering and the second covering.

9. The bed cover of claim 1, further comprising: a third covering removably disposed adjacent an exposed top side of the flat second covering; and complimentary Velcro®-type fasteners attached to a bottom-side of the third covering and to at least one of the second covering and the curtain portion of the first covering.

10. The bed cover of claim 9, wherein the third covering has a width dimension and a length dimension that are greater than the respective width dimension and length dimension of the second covering.

11. The bed cover of claim 10, wherein the third covering width and length dimensions are sufficient to completely overhang the curtain portion of the first covering when the bed cover is fitted about a mattress.

12. The bed cover of claim 9, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners have a catching surface portion attached to the third covering and a quiet surface portion attached to the at least one of a top side edge of the second covering and a top-side surface of the curtain portion of the first covering.

13. The bed cover of claim 9, wherein the first covering is a fitted sheet fabric, the second covering is a top sheet fabric and the third covering is a blanket fabric.

14. The bed cover of claim 1, further comprising means for controllably heating the first covering.

15. The bed cover of claim 9, further comprising means for controllably heating at least one of the first covering and the third covering.

16. The bed cover of claim 9, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners include at least one fastener portion attached to the bottom-side of the third covering and at least one complimentary fastener portion attached to the curtain portion of the first covering.

17. The bed cover of claim 9, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners include a plurality of fastener strips attached adjacent at least two edges of the third covering, arranged parallel to the at least two edges of the covering and spaced a distance, d, from at least one of the edges; and a complimentary plurality of fastener strips attached to the curtain portion of the first covering.

18. The bed cover of claim 9, further comprising: a fourth covering removably disposed adjacent an exposed top side of the third covering; and complimentary Velcro-type fasteners attached to a bottom-side of the fourth covering and to a top side of the third covering.

19. The bed cover of claim 18, wherein the fourth covering has a width dimension and a length dimension that are substantially the same as the respective width dimension and length dimension of the third covering.

20. The bed cover of claim 19, wherein the third covering width and length dimensions are sufficient to completely overhang the curtain portion of the first covering when the bed cover is fitted about a mattress.

21. The bed cover of claim 18, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners have a catching surface portion attached to the fourth covering and a quiet surface portion attached to the third covering.

22. The bed cover of claim 18, wherein the first covering is a fitted sheet fabric, the second covering is a top sheet fabric, the third covering is a blanket fabric and the fourth covering is a comforter fabric.

23. The bed cover of claim 18, further comprising means for controllably heating the fourth covering.

24. The bed cover of claim 18, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners include at least one fastener portion attached to the fourth covering and at least one complimentary fastener portion attached to the third covering.

25. The bed cover of claim 18, wherein the complimentary Velcro-type fasteners include a plurality of fastener strips attached adjacent at least two edges of the third covering, arranged parallel to the at least two edges and spaced a distance, d1, from at least one of the edges; and a complimentary plurality of fastener strips attached to the third covering.