TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to implementations of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner.
BACKGROUND
The use of bed sheets and pillows is well known in the prior art. Bed sheets are typically used to cover a mattress and/or the occupant of a bed, while pillows are routinely used to support the head, neck and/or other parts of the body while sleeping or lying down. The prior art is crowded with examples of bed sheets and pillows that provide familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs to sleep because studies have shown that this reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Wedges, loose pillows, and/or other devises may be used to position infants on their backs during sleep. However, wedges, loose pillows, and/or other devices placed into a crib to position an infant may become dislodged by the movement of the infant and thus become a safety hazard.
Research has also shown that adults should sleep on their backs. Sleeping in the supine position has been shown to reduce head and neck pain and allows the spine to rest in a neutral position. Also, sleeping in the supine position with the head elevated has been shown to reduce acid reflux and prevent asphyxiation.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner that is configured to comfortably and safely position infants, adolescents, and/or adults on their back during sleep that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Implementations of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner are provided. In some implementations, the integrated body positioner of the bed sheet may be padded and act as a pillow for the whole body. In this way, a person (e.g., an infant, adolescent, and/or adult) resting thereon may be more comfortable. In some implementations, the integrated body positioner of the bed sheet may be used to securely position an infant thereon (e.g., in a face up sleeping position) without the need of wedges, loose pillows, or other similar positioning devices.
In some implementations, the bed sheet may comprise a sheet having an integrated body positioner.
In some implementations, the sheet may be similar in construction and size as a fitted sheet. In this way, the bed sheet may be secured about a mattress.
In some implementations, the body positioner may comprise a head portion, a torso portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, a first leg portion, and/or a second leg portion. In some implementations, the body positioner may further comprise a padded bumper positioned about the head portion. In this way, for example, the head of an infant resting in the supine position on the body positioner may be prevented from turning to the side.
In some implementations, both the top side and the bottom side of the bed sheet may provide a suitable surface on which to lie. In this way, the bed sheet may be reversible.
In some implementations, the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner may comprise an elevating foot portion instead of the leg portions. In some implementations, the elevating foot portion may be padded and configured to act as a pillow for a user's feet and/or ankles.
In another example implementation, the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner comprises a sheet and a body positioner, the body positioner may comprise a head portion, a torso portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, a leg portion, a foot portion, or any combination thereof.
In some implementations, instead of padding, a pillow may be removably positioned within each portion of the body positioner. In some implementations, each portion of the body positioner may comprise a pillow and a pocket, each pocket comprises at least one layer of fabric having a width and a length that is secured to the sheet so that a space is formed therebetween in which the pillow can be positioned.
In some implementations, a single bed sheet may include a first and a second body positioner thereon. In this way, two people may sleep side-by-side on a single bed sheet.
In some implementations, the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner may be sized and constructed for use with any size mattress (e.g., crib, twin, full, queen, king, etc.). In some implementations, the body positioner of the bed sheet may be sized and constructed for use by children, adolescents, and/or adults.
In yet another example implementation, the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner may be configured so that it can be secured on an infant changing pad, a mat, and/or any other structure suitable for a human to lie on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates a bottom side, perspective view of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner according to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B illustrates a top side, perspective view of the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein the bed sheet is secured about a mattress.
FIG. 3 illustrates another example implementation of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner according to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates yet another example implementation of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner according to the principles of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of still yet another example implementation of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the broken lines indicate stitching.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner shown in FIG. 5, wherein the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner is secured about a mattress and the broken lines indicate stitching.
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner shown in FIG. 5, wherein the broken lines indicate stitching.
FIG. 9 illustrates yet another example implementation of a bed sheet with an integrated body positioner according to the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner is secured about an infant changing pad.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 illustrate an example implementation of a bed sheet 100 with an integrated body positioner. In some implementations, the integrated body positioner 120 of the bed sheet 100 may be padded and configured to act as a pillow for the whole body. In this way, a person (e.g., a child or an adult) resting thereon may be more comfortable. In some implementations, the integrated body positioner 120 of the bed sheet 100 may be used to securely position an infant thereon (e.g., in a face up sleeping position) without the need of wedges, loose pillows, or other similar positioning devices.
As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, in some implementations, the bed sheet 100 may comprise a sheet 102 having an integrated body positioner 120.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the sheet 102 may have a generally rectangular shape. In some implementations, the sheet 102 may be similar in construction and size as a fitted sheet. In some implementations, the sheet 102 may include side panels 104 and end panels 106 which are configured to closely fit the contours of a mattress (see, e.g., FIG. 2). In some implementations, the sheet 102 may include an elastic border 108 or hem on the side panels 104 and end panels 106 thereof. In this way, the sheet 102 may be secured about a mattress (see, e.g., FIG. 2).
In some implementations, the sheet 102 may be similar in construction and size as a non-fitted sheet (e.g., a flat sheet).
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the body positioner 120 may comprise a head portion 122, a torso portion 130, a first leg portion 132a and a second leg portion 132b (collectively leg portions 132), and a first arm portion 134a and a second arm portion 134b (collectively arms portions 134). In some implementations, the body positioner 120 may have the general shape of a human body lying in the supine position. In some implementations, the body positioner 120 may further comprise a padded bumper 124 positioned about the head portion 122 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In this way, for example, the head of an infant resting in the supine position on the body positioner 120 may be prevented from turning to the side.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the head portion 122 of the body positioner 120 extends from a top side of the torso portion 130.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the first arm portion 134a and the second arm portion 134b extend from a first side 131a and a second side 131b of the torso portion 130 of the body positioner 120, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the first leg portion 132a and the second leg portion 132b each extend from a bottom side of the torso portion 130 of the body positioner 120.
As shown in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, the bumper 124 positioned about the head portion 122 may be “C” shaped. In this way, a gap 126 for an infant's neck is formed between a first end 125a and a second end 125b of the bumper 124. In some implementations, the bumper 124 may be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the bumper 124 may extend from the first arm portion 134a, about the head portion 122, to the second arm portion 134b of the body positioner 120 (see, e.g., FIG. 1A). In some implementations, the head portion 122 of the body positioner 120 may not have a bumper 124 positioned thereabout.
In some implementations, the body positioner 120 may be centered on the sheet 102. In some implementations, the body positioner 120 may not be centered on the sheet 102.
In some implementations, each portion of the body positioner 120 may be padded. In this way, the body positioner 120 provides a comfortable surface to lie upon. In some implementations, each portion of the body positioner 120 may comprise padding positioned between at least two layers of fabric which are sewn together along the edges. In this way, each portion of the body positioner 120 may be formed.
In some implementations, the body positioner 120 and the sheet 102 may be secured (i.e., integrated) together by any method of manufacture known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In some implementations, both the top side (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) and the bottom side (see, e.g., FIG. 1A) of the bed sheet 100 may provide a suitable surface on which to lie. In this way, the bed sheet 100 may be reversible.
In some implementations, the sheet 102 may comprise one or more layers of material. In some implementations, the sheet 102 may be made of washable cotton or a cotton/polyester blend. In some implementations, the sheet 102 may be made of microfiber. In some implementations, the sheet 102 may be made of any synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural fiber, or combination thereof, suitable for use as part of a bed sheet 100 with an integrated body positioner.
As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the bed sheet 100 may be initially secured about a mattress (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Then, for example, an infant may be placed on its back upon the body positioner 120 for sleeping. The infant's torso may be rested upon the torso portion 130 of the body positioner 120, while the infant's head is rested on the head portion 122. In some implementations, this may result in the arms and legs of the infant coming to rest upon the arm portions 134 and leg portions 132 of the body positioner 102, respectively.
FIG. 3 illustrates another example implementation of a bed sheet 300 with an integrated body positioner in accordance with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the bed sheet 300 with an integrated body positioner is similar to the bed sheet 100 with an integrated body positioner discussed above but there is no padded bumper 124 positioned about the head portion 322. In some implementations, the head portion 322 of the bed sheet 300 is padded and configured to act as a pillow.
As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the bed sheet 300 may comprise a sheet 302 having an integrated body positioner 320. In some implementations, the body positioner 320 may comprise a head portion 322, a torso portion 330, a first leg portion 332a and a second leg portion 332b (collectively leg portions 332), and a first arm portion 334a and a second arm portion 334b (collectively arms portions 334).
FIG. 4 illustrates yet another example implementation of a bed sheet 400 with an integrated body positioner in accordance with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the bed sheet 400 with an integrated body positioner is similar to the bed sheet 100, 300 with an integrated body positioner discussed above but the body positioner 420 may not include leg portions 132, 332 and may further comprise an elevating foot portion 440. In some implementations, the elevating foot portion 440 may be padded and configured to act as a pillow for a user's feet and/or ankles.
As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the bed sheet 400 may comprise a sheet 402 having an integrated body positioner 420. In some implementations, the body positioner 420 may comprise a head portion 422, a torso portion 430, a first arm portion 434a and a second arm portion 334b (collectively arms portions 334), and an elevating foot portion 440. In some implementations, the body positioner 420 may further comprise a padded bumper 424 positioned about the head portion 422 (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the elevating foot portion 440 may have a generality rectangular shape. In some implementations, the elevating foot portion 440 may be any shape suitable for elevating the feet and/or ankles of a user.
In some implementations, a single bed sheet 400 may include a first and a second body positioner 420 thereon. In this way, two people may sleep side-by-side on a single bed sheet 400.
In some implementations, a single bed sheet 400 having a first and second body positioner 420 thereon may only include two arm portions 434. In some implementations, the first arm portion 434a may be positioned to the left of the first body positioner and the second arm portion 434b may be positioned to the right of the second body positioner. In this way, one arm portion 434 is positioned on the left and the right side of a sheet 402 having two integrated body positioners 420.
FIGS. 5-8 illustrate still yet another example implementation of a bed sheet 500 with an integrated body positioner in accordance with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the bed sheet 500 with an integrated body positioner is similar to the bed sheets 100, 300, 400 with an integrated body positioner discussed above, but each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534, 540) of the body positioner 520 comprises a pillow 510 that can be removably positioned within a pocket thereof. In this way, a user may selectively position a pillow within each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534, and/or 540) of the body positioner 520.
As shown in FIGS. 5-6 and 8, in some implementations, the bed sheet 500 comprises a sheet 502 having an integrated body positioner 520. In some implementations, the body positioner 520 may comprise a head portion 522, a torso portion 530, a first arm portion 534a, a second arm portion 534b, a leg portion 532, a foot portion 540, or any combination thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some implementations, the head portion 522 of the body positioner 520 may be spaced apart from a top side of the torso portion 530.
As shown in FIG. 7, in some implementations, the torso portion 530 of the body positioner 520 may be configured to provide support for one or more portions of the back of a user resting thereon (e.g., the lumbar region of the back).
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some implementations, the first arm portion 534a and the second arm portion 534b (collectively arm portions 534) of the body positioner 520 may be positioned to a first side 531a and a second side 531b of the torso portion 530, respectively. In some implementations, the arm portions 534 of the body positioner 520 may be positioned so that the arms of a user come to rest thereon when the user is lying on their back. In some implementations, the arm portions 534 of the body positioner 520 may be positioned so that the arms of a user are positioned therebetween when the user is lying on their back. In this way, the arm portions 534 may act as bumpers.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some implementations, the leg portion 532 of the body positioner 520 may be spaced apart from a bottom side of the torso portion 530. In some implementations, the leg portion 532 may be configured to elevate the knees of a user lying in the supine position upon the body positioner 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 7).
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some implementations, the foot portion 540 of the body positioner 520 may be spaced apart from a bottom side of the leg portion 532. In some implementations, the foot portion 540 may be positioned so that the feet and/or ankles of a user come to rest thereon when the user is lying on their back (see, e.g., FIG. 7).
A shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in some implementations, each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520 may comprise a pillow 510 that is positioned within a pocket. In some implementations, each pocket of the body positioner 520 may be any size and/or shape suitable for positioning at least one pillow 510 therein.
As shown in FIGS. 5-7, in some implementations, each pocket of the body positioner 520 may be formed by securing at least one layer of fabric 518 to the sheet 502 so that a space of sufficient size (i.e., volume) for a pillow 510 to fit is formed therebetween. In some implementations, a pillow 510 may be inserted into, and removed from, each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520 through an opening 516 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In some implementations, the opening 516 of each portion of the body positioner 520 allows access to the interior of each pocket and may extend through the underside of the sheet 520 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In some implementations, each opening 516 may include an envelope closure in which one edge of the opening overlaps another edge of the opening. In this way, a pillow 510 may be secured within the pocket of a portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520. In some implementations, the opening 516 into each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534, 540) of the body positioner 520 may be closed using a zipper, buttons, snaps, and/or another suitable fastener known to one of ordinary skill in the art (not shown). In this way, the fastener(s) may be used to secure a pillow 510 within each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520.
In some implementation, the opening 516 into each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520 may be in any suitable location that facilitates the user inserting and/or removing a pillow 510 from the pocket of a portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520.
In some implementations, each pillow 510 is configured to fit within the space defined by the pocket of a portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520. In some implementations, a pillow 510 may be any shape suitable for being positioned within the interior space of the pocket of a portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534a, 534b, 540) of the body positioner 520. In some implementations, each pillow 510 may be padded. In this way, each portion (e.g., elements 522, 530, 532, 534, 540) of the body positioner 520 may be configured to provide a comfortable surface to lie upon.
FIG. 9 illustrates yet another example implementation of a bed sheet 900 with an integrated body positioner in accordance with the present disclosure. In some implementations, the bed sheet 900 with an integrated body positioner is similar to the bed sheets 100, 300, 400, 500 with an integrated body positioner discussed above, in particular the bed sheet 500 with an integrated body positioner shown in FIGS. 5-8, but the bed sheet 900 with an integrated body positioner is configured so that it can be secured on an infant changing pad. In some implementations, the bed sheet 900 with an integrated body positioner may be configured so that it can be secured on a mat, pad, and/or any other structure suitable for a human to lie on.
As shown in FIG. 9, in some implementations, the bed sheet 900 may comprise a sheet 902 having an integrated body positioner 920.
As shown in FIG. 9, in some implementations, the sheet 902 may have a generally rectangular shape. In some implementations, the sheet 902 may be similar in construction and size as a fitted sheet. In some implementations, the sheet 902 may include side panels 904 and end panels 906 which are configured to closely fit the contours of a changing pad, or other suitable structure. In some implementations, the sheet 902 may include an elastic border or hem on the side panels 904 and end panels 906 thereof. In this way, the sheet 902 may be secured on a changing pad, or other suitable structure.
In some implementations, the sheet 902 may be similar in construction and size as a non-fitted sheet (i.e., a flat sheet).
As shown in FIG. 9, in some implementations, the body positioner 920 may comprise a head portion 922, a torso portion 930, a first arm portion 934a, a second arm portion 934b, a leg portion 932, a foot portion 940, or any combination thereof.
As shown in FIG. 9, in some implementations, each portion (e.g., elements 922, 930, 932, 934a, 934b, 940) of the body positioner 920 may be padded. In this way, the body positioner 920 provides a comfortable surface to lie upon. In some implementations, each portion (e.g., elements 922, 930, 932, 934a, 934b, 940) of the body positioner 920 may comprise at least one layer of fabric having a width and a length that is secured to the sheet 902 and padding that is positioned between the at least one layer of fabric and the sheet 902.
In some implementations, as discussed in connection with the bed sheet with an integrated body positioner 500 shown in FIGS. 5-8, each portion (e.g., elements 922, 930, 932, 934a, 934b, 940) of the body positioner 920 may comprise a removable pillow that is secured within a pocket (not shown).
As used throughout the present specification, the term infant may be used interchangeably with the terms baby and/or child.
In some implementations, the bed sheet 100, 300, 400, 500 with an integrated body positioner may be sized and constructed for use with any size mattress (e.g., crib, twin, full, queen, king, etc.). In some implementations, the body positioner 120, 320, 420, 520 of the bed sheet 100, 300, 400, 500 may be sized and constructed for use by children, adolescents, and/or adults.
One or more implementations of the bed sheet 100, 300, 400, 500, 900 with an integrated body positioner may be configured so that a sleeper can comfortably lie on their back, side, and/or stomach when resting thereon, the body positioner 120, 320, 420, 520, 920 is configured to help the sleeper maintain an optimal and/or comfortable position during sleep.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.
While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown, or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.
Patent Grant
10448746
