BED COVERING

BACKGROUND
Technical Field

This application relates generally to bed coverings. More particularly, this application relates to bed coverings that are easy to clean and keep tidy.

Description of Related Art

The changing of bed coverings and making a bed are often regarded as chores. A great deal of time and effort can be expended to make a bed have a neat and tidy appearance, for example due to loosening of sheets, blankets, or bedspreads. Moreover, removing bedding from a bed for purposes such as laundry can also be time consuming and frustrating. Accordingly, there is a need for bed coverings that are easy to make and/or easy to remove and clean.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide benefits and/or solve one or more problems in the art with bed coverings that provide enhanced ease of cleaning and/or tidying. For instance, in some embodiments, a bed covering includes a fitted base configured to at least partially enclose a mattress, a top piece (e.g., a sheet, a comforter, a duvet) that is removably connectable to the fitted base and that has extendable side panels, and a sheet removably connectable to the fitted base. For example, in some embodiments, the top piece is couplable to the fitted base with a zipper, for ease of making the bed. Moreover, in some cases, the sheet can be quickly removed from the fitted base (e.g., for laundering) without removing the fitted base from the mattress.

The following description sets forth additional features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the disclosed bed covering. In some cases, such features and advantages are evident to a skilled artisan having the benefit of this disclosure, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed herein will be more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings depict typical embodiments, which are described with additional specificity and detail in the detailed description, through the use of the accompanying drawings, as briefly described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of some of the components of the bed covering of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of some of the components of the bed covering of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of some of the components of the bed covering of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of some of the components of the bed covering of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a bed covering in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide benefits and/or solve one or more problems in the art with bed coverings that feel like traditional bedding for sleeping, while being relatively easier to clean and keep tidy (e.g., relatively easier to “make the bed”). Changing bed coverings, or tucking in blankets and sheets after sleeping in them are processes that can be cumbersome, especially for children. These processes are further compounded in difficulty when the bedding being changed or made is used on a non-standard bed, such as a bunk bed, a crib, a murphy bed, a hospital bed with rails, a military barracks bed, a bed in a recreational vehicle, etc.

The bed coverings disclosed herein provide a number of advantages over traditional bed coverings. For example, the bed coverings disclosed herein are relatively easy to put on a bed initially, to make the bed after being slept in, and to remove one or more portions of the bed coverings for laundering. Additionally, the disclosed bed coverings feel like traditional bed coverings and provide the same comfort and warmth that a user would expect from those kinds of traditional coverings. Further, the disclosed bed coverings allow a user to make the bed without the need for tucking the sides of the bed covering along or under the sides of a mattress, while still appearing to be tucked in when made.

The components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The phrases “coupled to,” “removably couplable,” “connected to,” and “removably connectable” refer to any suitable coupling, connection, or other form of mechanical interaction between two or more entities. Thus, two components may be coupled or connected to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed covering 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 100 has a fitted base 110, a sheet 120 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 110, and a top piece 130 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 110. The view of FIG. 1 is an exploded view, with the sheet 120 detached from the fitted base 110, and with the top piece 130 also detached from the fitted base 110. Furthermore, the view of FIG. 1 shows the fitted base 110 installed around a mattress 50 on a bed frame.

In some embodiments, the fitted base 110 is configured to at least partially enclose the mattress 50. For example, the fitted base 110 can be installed on the mattress 50 by wrapping the fitted base 110 around sides and ends of the mattress 50. To illustrate, the fitted base 110 has two sides and two ends configured to at least partially enclose the mattress 50. In some cases, a user may place the fitted base 110 together with the sheet 120 (e.g., with the sheet 120 coupled to the fitted base 110) around the mattress 50. For example, the bed covering 100 may be packaged with the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120 connected, and a user may make a bed with the bed covering 100 by wrapping the combination of the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120 around the mattress 50. In some embodiments, the fitted base 110 has an elastic band or other elastic member that can be tucked underneath the bottom edges of the mattress 50 to secure the fitted base 110 around the mattress 50.

As described further below, in some embodiments, the sheet 120 is removably connectable to the fitted base 110. For example, the sheet 120 has a zipper chain that mates with a corresponding zipper chain on the fitted base 110. In some cases, a user may unzip (or otherwise disconnect) the sheet 120 from the fitted base 110, while leaving the fitted base 110 installed around the mattress 50. For example, the user may remove the sheet 120 to launder the sheet 120 without a need to also remove the fitted base 110. In some cases, this provides the utility of removing the sheet 120 from the fitted base 110 with relative ease. Further, in some cases, by removing the sheet 120 without also removing the fitted base 110 from the mattress 50, the mass and volume of laundry can be reduced, thereby simplifying laundry cycles and improving washing and/or drying times, energy, and/or resources.

As mentioned, in some embodiments, the bed covering 100 includes a top piece 130. For example, the top piece 130 may be a sheet, a blanket, a comforter, a duvet, or some other piece of bedding. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top piece 130 is removably connectable to another component of the bed covering 100. For example, the top piece 130 may be removably connectable to the fitted base 110. To illustrate, the top piece 130 has two sides, two ends, and two extendable side panels 135 attached along the two sides of the top piece 130. In some embodiments, the two sides and one of the two ends of the top piece 130 are removably connectable to the two sides and one of the two ends of the fitted base 110. In alternative embodiments, the top piece 130 may be removably connectable to the sheet 120.

In some embodiments, the top piece 130 is removably connectable to the fitted base 110 around at least a portion of the top edges of the fitted base 110 (e.g., with reference to FIG. 1, the top edges of the fitted base 110 when installed around the mattress 50). To illustrate, the top piece 130 may have a zipper chain that mates with a corresponding zipper chain on the fitted base 110.

In some embodiments, the corresponding zipper chain (on the fitted base 110) for mating with the top piece 130 is a different zipper chain than the corresponding zipper chain (also on the fitted base 110) for mating with the sheet 120 mentioned above. For example, in some embodiments, the fitted base 110 has a small zipper chain (e.g., a #3 zipper chain) to couple the fitted base 110 to the sheet 120, and a large zipper chain (e.g., a #10 zipper chain) to couple the fitted base 110 to the top piece 130. Other configurations are possible, and the examples of particular sizes of zippers herein is not limiting to the disclosure. Moreover, the examples of particular means of coupling the various components of the bed covering 100 (as well as other embodiments of the bed covering disclosed herein) is not limiting to the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the sheet is removably connectable to the fitted base utilizing hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, fabric ties, or any other suitable connector(s).

In general, a zipper chain (or “separating zipper chain”) has two halves, each of which may be attached to a zipper tape and, directly or indirectly, to a fabric. The two halves (or “portions”) of a separating zipper chain are removably couplable to each other by sliding or pulling a zipper slider and/or a zipper pull. For example, by pulling a zipper pull in one direction, the two portions of the zipper chain are coupled together (e.g., by bringing teeth of the chain into alternating contacting positions of the chain), and by pulling the zipper pull in the opposite direction, the two portions of the zipper chain are decoupled (or disconnected, or detached) from one another (e.g., by separating the teeth of one portion of the chain from the teeth of the other portion).

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the top piece 130 has a middle portion 138 and extendable side panels 135. For example, the top piece 130 has a side panel 135 on a first side and another side panel 135 on a second side. As illustrated, each extendable side panel 135 has a free edge along a length of the extendable side panel 135, and another edge connected to a side of the top piece 130. The side panels 135 may protect a person sleeping in the bed covering 100 from direct contact with the zipper chain on the top piece 130. For instance, the zipper chain may be on an upper surface of the top piece 130, with the side panel 135 beneath the zipper chain. Thus, the side panel 135 may provide a comfortable barrier between the person and the zipper chain.

In some embodiments, the top piece 130 includes two zipper chains, with a first zipper chain removably connectable to the fitted base 110 on one side and a second zipper chain removably connectable to the fitted base 110 on another side. To illustrate, the first zipper chain may extend along all or a portion of the left side of the fitted base 110 and a portion (e.g., the left half) of an end (e.g., the foot side of the bed) of the fitted base 110, while the second zipper chain may extend along all or a portion of the right side of the fitted base 110 and a portion (e.g., the right half) of the end of the fitted base 110. Thus, in some embodiments, the top piece 130 has an end removably connectable to the fitted base 110, a first side that is removably connectable to the fitted base 110, a second side that is removably connectable to the fitted base 110, a first extendable side panel 135 connected to the first side of the top piece 130, and a second extendable side panel 135 connected to the second side of the top piece 130.

In some cases, a user may make the bed by tucking the side panels 135 underneath the middle portion 138 of the top piece 130 and then zipping the top piece 130 to the fitted base 110 to a made, or closed, configuration. Additional detail about the top piece and its relations to the remainder of the bed covering is provided in BED COVERING, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/166,607, filed on Jan. 28, 2014, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,136 on Oct. 6, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of some of the components of the bed covering 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned above, the bed covering 100 includes the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120. FIG. 2 shows the sheet 120 disconnected from the fitted base 110. Additionally, FIG. 2 shows the fitted base positioned around the mattress 50.

As mentioned, in some embodiments, the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120 have connectors (e.g., zippers) wherewith to couple the sheet 120 to the fitted base 110. For example, the fitted base 110 has a portion (e.g., a half) of a separating zipper chain 112, and the sheet 120 has a corresponding portion (e.g., the other half) of a separating zipper chain 122. Thus, in some embodiments, the portion of the separating zipper chain 122 on the sheet 120 is removably connectable to the portion of the separating zipper chain 112 on the fitted base 110. For example, a user may connect and/or disconnect the sheet 120 from the fitted base 110 by pulling on a zipper pull 121 to zip and/or unzip the zipper chain. As also mentioned, in some alternative embodiments, the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120 have one or more other connectors, such as buttons and buttonholes, hooks and loops, male and female snaps, fabric ties, etc.

In some embodiments, the zipper pull 121 is positioned on the fitted base 110 instead of on the sheet 120. For instance, the zipper pull 121 may be manufactured to remain on the portion of the separating zipper chain 112 on the fitted base 110, configured to couple to the portion of the separating zipper chain 122 on the sheet 120 when the sheet 120 is coupled to the fitted base 110.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of some of the components of the bed covering 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned, the bed covering 100 includes the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120. FIG. 3 shows the sheet 120 connected to the fitted base 110.

While FIG. 3 shows the zipper pull 121 positioned at the head of the bed, in some embodiments, the endpoint of the zipper pull 121 (i.e., the position of the zipper pull 121 when the zipper chain is zipped up) is located elsewhere. For example, in one or more embodiments, the endpoint of the zipper pull 121 is at a corner of the sheet 120.

In some embodiments, the sheet 120 is removably connectable to the fitted base 110 utilizing a single separating zipper chain. In other words, the single separating zipper chain is the only connector wherewith to couple the sheet 120 to the fitted base 110. Specifically, in these embodiments, the sheet 120 and the fitted base 110 do not have additional zipper chains wherewith to couple to each other (although the fitted base 110 and/or the sheet 120 may have additional zipper chains to couple to other components of the bed covering 100, as described herein). Conversely, in some alternative embodiments, the sheet 120 and the fitted base 110 have multiple separating zipper chains wherewith to couple to each other.

FIG. 4 is an end view of some of the components of the bed covering 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As mentioned, the bed covering 100 includes the fitted base 110 and the top piece 130. FIG. 4 shows the top piece 130 over the fitted base 110. Additionally, FIG. 4 shows the zipper pull 121 of the sheet 120. Thus, while the sheet 120 is substantially obstructed from view in FIG. 4, the sheet 120 is coupled to the fitted base 110.

In typical uses of the bed covering 100, the fitted base 110 and the sheet 120, when coupled together, can function similarly to a traditional fitted sheet for a mattress. Thus, for example, when the zipper pull 121 is positioned at its endpoint (or near its endpoint), a user may sleep on the sheet 120, with the top piece 130 functioning as a top layer of bedding (e.g., a comforter, a flat sheet, a blanket, etc.).

Moreover, while FIG. 4 shows the extendable side panels 135 stretched out horizontally, in typical use the extendable side panels 135 would hang down on either side of the bed covering 100. Thus, the extendable side panels 135 can provide comfort to a user, for example, by providing warmth, tactile comfort, and/or protection from zipper chains or other connectors on the top piece 130. Moreover, the extendable side panels 135 can also provide a traditional feeling of a blanket covering when not zipped up.

In some embodiments, the bed covering 100 has a made configuration. For example, in a made configuration, the top piece 130 is connected to the fitted base 110 along the sides and one end of the top piece 130, with the extendable side panels 135 tucked in-between the middle portion of the top piece 130 and the sheet 120. Moreover, in some embodiments, the bed covering 100 has an unmade configuration. For example, in an unmade configuration, the top piece 130 is disconnected from the fitted base 110 along the sides of the top piece 130, with the free edges of the extendable side panels 135 free to extend outward from the sides of the top piece 130.

FIG. 5 is a top view of some of the components of the bed covering 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5 shows the sheet 120 connected to the fitted base 110 (e.g., when installed on a mattress). The view of FIG. 5 shows the zipper pull 121 partially zipped around the portions of the separating zipper chain 112, 122. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sheet 120 has a concealment flap 124 that at least partially covers the zipper chain.

To illustrate, the sheet 120 may have the concealment flap 124 adjacent the portion of the separating zipper chain 122. In some embodiments, the concealment flap 124 is configured to cover the separating zipper chain. For instance, the concealment flap 124 provides a visual barrier over the zipper chain, thereby giving the bed covering 100 the appearance of traditional bedding (e.g., the concealment flap 124 may blend the sheet 120 in with the fitted base 110 to give the appearance of a traditional fitted sheet). Moreover, the concealment flap 124 may protect a person using the bed covering 100 from direct physical contact with the zipper chain, thereby enhancing comfort to user.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bed covering 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 200 has a fitted base 210, a sheet 220 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 210, and a top piece 230 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 210. The view of FIG. 6 is an exploded view, with the sheet 220 detached from the fitted base 210, and with the top piece 230 also detached from the fitted base 210.

The bed covering 200 resembles the bed covering 100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “2.” For example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 includes a sheet 220 that may, in some respects, resemble the sheet 120 of FIGS. 1-5. Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus might not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the bed covering 100 and related components shown in FIGS. 1-5 might not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the bed covering 200 and related components depicted in FIG. 6. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the bed covering 100 and related components illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 can be employed with the bed covering 200 and related components of FIG. 6, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

FIG. 6 shows the bed covering 200 with a waterproof layer 240. In some embodiments, the waterproof layer 240 is part of the fitted base 210. To illustrate, when the fitted base 210 is installed on a mattress, the waterproof layer 240 is configured to be positioned underneath the sheet 220.

In certain embodiments, the waterproof layer 240 provides protection to the mattress (e.g., from occurrences of wetting the bed). Thus, in some cases, the sheet 220 may be removed for cleaning (e.g., by unzipping a zipper chain and disconnecting the sheet 220 from the fitted base 210) and the waterproof layer 240 may be wiped with a cleaning cloth, without additional cleaning of the mattress being necessary.

In some embodiments, the waterproof layer 240 includes a waterproof fabric. As used herein, a waterproof fabric includes a water-resistant fabric. For example, the waterproof layer 240 may include polyurethane, vinyl, or any other suitable fabric for preventing or limiting moisture from being absorbed into the mattress.

Moreover, the other components of the bed covering 200 (and the other embodiments disclosed herein), such as the fitted base 210, the sheet 220, and the top piece 230 (and any additional sheets and/or cover pieces, as described herein) may include one or more of a variety of materials suitable for bedding. For instance, in some embodiments, one or more of the components of the bed covering include patterned cotton, jersey-knit fabric, minky fabric, wool, cotton, silk, polyester, or any other fabric type suitable for bedding.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bed covering 300 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 300 has a fitted base 310, a sheet 320 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 310, and a top piece 330 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 310. The view of FIG. 7 is an exploded view, with the sheet 320 detached from the fitted base 310, and with the top piece 330 also detached from the fitted base 310. Furthermore, the view of FIG. 7 shows the fitted base 310 installed around a mattress 50 on a bed frame.

FIG. 7 shows the bed covering 300 with a waterproof fabric 328. In some embodiments, the waterproof fabric 328 is a part of the sheet 320. To illustrate, the waterproof fabric 328 is an underside portion of the sheet 320. Thus, in some cases, when the sheet 320 is connected to the fitted base 310, the waterproof fabric 328 faces down toward the mattress 50, while another layer (e.g., a comfort layer) of the sheet 320 faces up and contacts a person using the bed covering 300.

In some embodiments, the waterproof fabric 328 includes polyurethane, vinyl, or any other suitable fabric for preventing or limiting moisture from being absorbed into the mattress.

In addition, some embodiments of the bed covering described herein can include both a waterproof fabric as a part of the sheet and a waterproof layer as a part of the fitted base. For example, in some embodiments, the bed covering includes the waterproof layer 240 shown in FIG. 6 and the waterproof fabric 328 shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bed covering 400 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 400 has a fitted base 410, a sheet 420 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 410, and a top piece 430 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 410. The view of FIG. 8 is an exploded view, with the sheet 420 detached from the fitted base 410, and with the top piece 430 also detached from the fitted base 410. Furthermore, the view of FIG. 8 shows the fitted base 410 installed around a mattress 50 on a bed frame.

As also shown in FIG. 8, the bed covering 400 includes an additional sheet 450. In some embodiments, the additional sheet 450 can be coupled to the top piece 430. For example, the additional sheet 450 is removably connectable to the top piece 430 by a zipper chain. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the additional sheet 450 includes a first portion 452 of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion 432 of the separating zipper chain on the top piece 430. In some cases, the second portion 432 of the separating zipper chain at least partially encloses an outer perimeter of the top piece 430. To illustrate, the second portion 432 of the separating zipper chain circumscribes the top piece 430. For example, the second portion 432 of the separating zipper chain connects with the first portion 452 of the separating zipper chain around the outer edges of the top piece 430 and the additional sheet 450. In some cases, a user may pull a zipper pull 431 around at least a portion (or the outer edges) of the top piece 430 to couple the first portion 452 of the separating zipper chain to the second portion 432 of the separating zipper chain. In some cases, the additional sheet 450 includes a single separating zipper chain to couple the additional sheet 450 to the top piece 430 (i.e., without additional separating zipper chains).

In some embodiments, the additional sheet 450 has a width and a length to match a width and a length of the top piece 430, including two extendable side panels (e.g., extendable side panels similar to the extendable side panels 135 of the top piece 130). For instance, both the additional sheet 450 and the top piece 430 can have rectangular shapes with matching width and length dimensions. Thus, in some cases, the additional sheet 450 and the top piece 430 can be coupled together, and can provide added warmth and/or comfort to a user.

In some embodiments, the additional sheet 450 is couplable to the fitted base 410 or to the sheet 420. For example, the additional sheet 450 is removably connectable to an end of the fitted base 410. As another example, in one or more embodiments, the additional sheet 450 has a portion of a zipper chain that corresponds to a matching portion of the zipper chain on the fitted base 410 or the sheet 420. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the additional sheet 450 couples to the fitted base 410, while the top piece 430 couples to the additional sheet 450 but not to the fitted base 410.

In some cases, a user may wish to have substantially all of the additional sheet 450 and only a portion of the top piece 430 covering the user during sleep. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the user may partially unzip the top piece 430 from the additional sheet 450, and drape a remainder portion of the top piece 430 away from the user, while keeping the additional sheet 450 close to the user.

Moreover, in some cases, a user may unzip and disconnect the additional sheet 450 from the top piece 430, while leaving the top piece 430 connected to the fitted base 410, thereby facilitating laundering of the additional sheet 450 (e.g., alone or with the sheet 420). Thus, the bed covering 400 can facilitate cleaning by allowing the user to remove only those components that need laundering, while leaving the other components assembled on the bed.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bed covering 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 500 has a fitted base 510, a sheet 520 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 510, and a top piece 530 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 510. The view of FIG. 9 is an exploded view, with the sheet 520 detached from the fitted base 510, and with the top piece 530 also detached from the fitted base 510. Furthermore, the view of FIG. 9 shows the fitted base 510 installed around a mattress 50 on a bed frame.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the bed covering 500 includes a cover piece 560 (e.g., a comforter, a duvet, an additional sheet, etc.). In some embodiments, the cover piece 560 is removably connectable to the top piece 530. To illustrate, the cover piece 560 has a first portion 562 of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion 532 of the separating zipper chain on the top piece 530. Moreover, in some cases, the second portion 532 of the separating zipper chain at least partially encloses a middle portion of the top piece 530 without enclosing first and second extendable side panels (e.g., extendable side panels similar to the extendable side panels 135 of the top piece 130). Thus, for example, the cover piece 560 may be configured to cover the middle portion of the top piece 530, but not the extendable side panels. This may facilitate zipping the bed covering 500 into a made configuration, wherein the side panels of the top piece 530 are tucked in, while the cover piece 560 remains above the top piece 530.

In some embodiments, the cover piece 560 is an additional sheet (e.g., for duvet). To further illustrate the connection between the cover piece 560 and the top piece 530, FIG. 9 shows a single separating zipper chain for these two components (e.g., in contrast with multiple zipper chains). Thus, for example, a single separating zipper chain couples the cover piece 560 (e.g., an additional sheet) to the top piece 530. For example, a user may pull a zipper pull 561 around at least a portion of the cover piece 560 to couple the first portion 562 of the separating zipper chain to the second portion 532 of the separating zipper chain. In one or more embodiments, the single separating zipper chain (including its first portion 562 and its second portion 532) is configured to at least partially enclose a middle portion of the top piece 530 without enclosing the two extendable side panels of the top piece 530.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bed covering 600 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bed covering 600 has a fitted base 610, a sheet 620 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 610, and a top piece 630 that is removably connectable to the fitted base 610. The view of FIG. 10 is an exploded view, with the sheet 620 detached from the fitted base 610, and with the top piece 630 also detached from the fitted base 610. Furthermore, the view of FIG. 10 shows the fitted base 610 installed around a mattress 50 on a bed frame.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the bed covering 600 includes a cover piece 660 (e.g., a comforter, a duvet, an additional sheet, etc.). In some embodiments, the cover piece 660 is removably connectable to the top piece 630. To illustrate, the cover piece 660 has a first portion 662 of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion 632 of the separating zipper chain on the top piece 630. Moreover, in some cases, the second portion 632 of the separating zipper chain at least partially encloses a middle portion of the top piece 630 without enclosing an extendable side panel (e.g., extendable side panels similar to the extendable side panels 135 of the top piece 130). Thus, for example, the cover piece 660 may be configured to cover the middle portion of the top piece 630, but not the extendable side panels. This may facilitate zipping the bed covering 600 into a made configuration, wherein the side panels of the top piece 630 are tucked in, while the cover piece 660 remains above the top piece 630.

In some embodiments, the cover piece 660 and the top piece 630 include additional zipper chains. For instance, the cover piece 660 may include a third portion of an additional separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a fourth portion of the additional separating zipper chain on the top piece 630. Furthermore, the fourth portion of the additional separating zipper chain may be configured to at least partially enclose the middle portion of the top piece 630 without enclosing an extendable side panel.

As mentioned, in some embodiments, the cover piece 660 is an additional sheet. Thus, the in some cases, the additional sheet has a first separating zipper chain to couple a first side of the additional sheet to a first side of the top piece 630, and a second separating zipper chain to couple a second side of the additional sheet to a second side of the top piece 630.

Moreover, a user may zip and/or unzip the zipper chains using zipper pulls 661. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a first zipper pull 661 may be used to couple the first portion 662 of the separating zipper chain on the cover piece 660 with the second portion 632 of the separating zipper chain on the top piece 630. Additionally, a second zipper pull 661 may be used to couple the third portion of the additional separating zipper chain on the cover piece 660 with the fourth portion of the additional separating zipper chain on the top piece 630. The two separating zipper chains may each have their own corresponding stops (e.g., a box and bottom stop) associated with the two zipper pulls 661. Thus, the respective portions of the separating zipper chains can be disconnected and the cover piece 660 removed from the top piece 630.

The following are some example embodiments of a bed covering within the scope of the disclosure. In order to avoid complexity in providing the disclosure, not all of the examples listed below are separately and explicitly disclosed as combinable with all of the others of the examples listed below and other embodiments disclosed hereinabove. Unless one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any particular example listed below or any particular embodiment disclosed above is not combinable with any other particular example listed below or any other particular embodiment disclosed above, it is contemplated within the scope of this disclosure that such examples and embodiments are combinable.

Example 1. A bed covering comprising: a fitted base configured to at least partially enclose a mattress; a top piece comprising an end removably connectable to the fitted base, a first side that is removably connectable to the fitted base, a second side that is removably connectable to the fitted base, a first extendable side panel connected to the first side, and a second extendable side panel connected to the second side; and a sheet removably connectable to the fitted base.

Example 2. The bed covering of Example 1, wherein the sheet comprises a first portion of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion of the separating zipper chain on the fitted base.

Example 3. The bed covering of Example 2, wherein the sheet further comprises a concealment flap adjacent the first portion of the separating zipper chain.

Example 4. The bed covering of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the fitted base comprises a waterproof layer configured to be positioned beneath the sheet.

Example 5. The bed covering of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the sheet comprises a waterproof fabric.

Example 6. The bed covering of any one of Examples 1-5, further comprising an additional sheet removably connectable to the top piece.

Example 7. The bed covering of Example 6, wherein the additional sheet comprises a first portion of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion of the separating zipper chain on the top piece, wherein the second portion of the separating zipper chain at least partially encloses an outer perimeter of the top piece.

Example 8. The bed covering of any one of Examples 1-7, further comprising a cover piece removably connectable to the top piece, wherein the cover piece comprises a first portion of a separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a second portion of the separating zipper chain on the top piece, wherein the second portion of the separating zipper chain at least partially encloses a middle portion of the top piece without enclosing the first and second extendable side panels.

Example 9. The bed covering of Example 8, wherein the cover piece comprises a third portion of an additional separating zipper chain that is removably connectable to a fourth portion of the additional separating zipper chain on the top piece, wherein the fourth portion of the additional separating zipper chain at least partially encloses the middle portion of the top piece without enclosing the first and second extendable side panels.

Example 10. The bed covering of any one of Examples 1-9, further comprising an additional sheet removably connectable to an end of the fitted base.

Example 11. A bed covering comprising: a fitted base with two sides and two ends configured to at least partially enclose a mattress; a top piece with two sides, two ends, and two extendable side panels attached along the two sides of the top piece, wherein the two sides and one of the two ends of the top piece are removably connectable to the two sides and one of the two ends of the fitted base, and wherein each extendable side panel has a free edge along a length of the extendable side panel; and a sheet removably connectable to the fitted base.

Example 12. The bed covering of Example 11, wherein the sheet is removably connectable to the fitted base utilizing a single separating zipper chain.

Example 13. The bed covering of Example 12, wherein the sheet comprises a concealment flap configured to cover the single separating zipper chain.

Example 14. The bed covering of any one of Examples 11-13, further comprising an additional sheet removably connectable to at least one of the fitted base, the top piece, or the sheet.

Example 15. The bed covering of Example 14, wherein the additional sheet comprises a width and a length to match a width and a length of the top piece including the two extendable side panels.

Example 16. The bed covering of Example 15, wherein the additional sheet further comprises a single separating zipper chain to couple the additional sheet to the top piece.

Example 17. The bed covering of any one of Examples 14-15, wherein the additional sheet comprises a first separating zipper chain to couple a first side of the additional sheet to a first side of the top piece, and a second separating zipper chain to couple a second side of the additional sheet to a second side of the top piece.

Example 18. The bed covering of Example 14, wherein the additional sheet comprises a single separating zipper chain to couple the additional sheet to the top piece.

Example 19. The bed covering of Example 18, wherein the single separating zipper chain is configured to at least partially enclose a middle portion of the top piece without enclosing the two extendable side panels of the top piece.

Example 20. The bed covering of any one of Examples 11-19, further comprising a waterproof fabric configured to be positioned beneath the sheet.

Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or acts for performing the described method. The method steps or acts may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or acts is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps or acts may be modified. For instance, the steps or acts may be performed in differing orders, repeated, and/or performed in parallel with one another or parallel with different instances of the same or similar steps or acts. Moreover, a subroutine or a portion of a method described herein may be a separate method within the scope of this disclosure. Stated otherwise, some methods may include only a portion of the steps or acts described in a more detailed method. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify some of the steps or acts.

The use in the foregoing description and in the appended claims of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., is not necessarily to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absent a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absent a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget, and not necessarily to connote that the second widget has two sides.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases “an embodiment” or “the embodiment,” or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated by one of skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

It will be apparent to those having skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the present disclosure.

The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as illustrative and exemplary and not a limitation of the scope of the present invention in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention as claimed hereinafter. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

BED COVERING

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims