Bedding Protector

Abstract

A bedding protector for installing over a bedding to serve as a machine washable barrier between a user and their bedding. The bedding protector comprises a body that is adapted to be attached to the bedding in a secured position such that the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding. A fastening system includes a bedding protector fastener configured to releasably mate with a bedding fastener, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector and bedding are thereby secured to each other. In one embodiment, the bedding protector wraps around the bedding to lay against the exterior side of the bedding so as to sandwich the bedding. In another embodiment, the bedding protector secures to the bedding via a zipper fastener. The bedding protector prevents dirt, odors, and oils from a sleeper's skin from transferring onto the bedding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bedding protectors. The present invention provides a bedding protector having a body configured to be installed over a bedding via a fastener system. The body is adapted to serve as a machine washable barrier between a user and their bedding to increase the cleanliness of the bedding.

Many people use duvet covers and comforters to not only keep them warm while sleeping, but also to add a decorative element to a bedroom. Some people use a top sheet positioned between them and a comforter or duvet while sleeping. However, the top sheet does not always perfectly overlap with the bedding and the upper end of the bedding ends up contacting the person's upper body and face. Other times, a person will forego a sheet entirely and the interior side of the bedding will be in direct contact with the person's entire body.

As a result, the interior side of the bedding becomes dirty and needs to be cleaned more often. Unfortunately, it is difficult to remove and put on a duvet cover. Further, certain washing machines and dryers are not of adequate size to handle the size of a bulky comforter. Therefore, most people will either avoid washing their bedding or be inconvenienced by washing their bedding. Therefore, there exists a need for a machine-washable bedding protector that is configured to easily secure to an existing bedding and serve as a barrier between a person and their bedding.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a bedding protector. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of bedding protectors now present in the known art, the present invention provides a bedding protector wherein the same can be utilized for providing a machine washable barrier between a user and their bedding.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bedding protector comprising a body having an interior side and an exterior side. A fastener system comprising at least one pair of mating fasteners such that they are removable secured to one another. The interior side is configured to receive the bedding positioned between the fastener system such that the bedding protector is removable secured to the bedding.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide bedding protector having a fastening system, wherein the fastening system comprises magnetic fasteners.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide bedding protector having a body that is a half sheet that extends less than an entire length of a bedding and configured to secure only to the head portion of the bedding.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide bedding protector having a body that is a full sheet that extends an entire length of a bedding and configured to secure to the head and foot portion of the bedding.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide bedding protector having a body and a bedding, wherein the fastening system comprises a fastener disposed on an edge of the body and a mating fastener disposed on a perimeter edge of the bedding, such that the fastener and mating fasteners removably secure to one another.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method for protecting a bedding, comprising: providing a bedding protector having a body, wherein the body is flexible and adapted to conform to the bedding, positioning the body to the bedding in a secure position, wherein the secured position is achieved when the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding, fastening the bedding protector to a bedding via a fastening system, the fastening system comprising a bedding protector fastener configured to releasably mate with a bedding fastener, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector and bedding are thereby secured to each other

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved new a bedding protector that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the bedding protector of FIG. 1 attached to the bedding.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the bedding protector in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding.

FIG. 5 shows a shows a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the bedding protector of FIG. 4 attached to the bedding.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a fastener of the bedding protector.

FIG. 7 shows perspective view of a third embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the bedding protector of FIG. 7 attached to the bedding.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the bedding protector having a marker for a fold line and fastener alignment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for mounting to a bedding to serve as a machine washable barrier between a user and their bedding. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective and cross sectional view of a first embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding, respectively. The bedding protector 1000 provides a sheet-like material or other similar structure that separates direct contact from the user and a bedding 5000. The bedding protector 1000 is separable from the bedding 5000 so the user may selectively separate the bedding 5000 and bedding protector 1000 for washing. The bedding protector 1000 comprises a body 1100 having an interior side 1110 opposing an exterior side 1120, wherein the interior side 1110 is defined as the side that faces the bedding 5000 when secured therewith. In the shown embodiment, the body 1100 is a half sheet. A half sheet is defined as a body that does not extend an entire length of the bedding, wherein the length is defined from a head of the bedding to a foot of the bedding. In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the body when secured to the bedding is less than 25% of the length of the bedding to which it is attached. In this way, the bedding protector 1000 is intended to protect only one side or edge of the bedding 5000.

In alternative embodiments, the body 1100 may comprise a full sheet (see FIGS. 4 and 5), a blanket (see FIGS. 7 and 8), or the like. As used herein, the term “full sheet” is not indicative of standard North American mattress dimensions, of “full”. Rather, “full sheet” is here used to define the relationship of the bedding protector 1000 to the bedding 5000, regardless if the bedding 5000 may be characterized as “Twin”, “Twin XL”, “Full”, “Queen”, “King”, “Cal-King”, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the interior side 1110 of the body 1100 forms a flat face that is flexible and adapted to conform to the bedding 5000. The exterior side 1120 is disposed on the opposing side from the interior side 1110 and generally faces away from the bedding 5000 and configured to contact a user when secured to the bedding.

In the shown embodiments, the body 1100 is adapted to be positioned over the bedding 5000 in a secured position. In the secured position, the interior side 1110 of the body 1100 lays atop an exterior side 5020 of the bedding 5000 and wraps around a head portion 5030 of the bedding 5000 to lay against the exterior side 5020 of the bedding 5000 so as to sandwich the bedding 5000 between the bedding protector 1000. In this way, bedding protector 1000 forms a machine washable barrier between a user and their bedding 5000.

In one embodiment, the body is composed of a machine washable material, such as cotton, polyester, linen, Tencel®, bamboo, silk, a blend thereof, and the like. The body is configured to be soft, flexible, and comfortable to a skin surface.

In the shown embodiment, the “half sheet” body 1100 does not extend an entire length of the bedding 5000 therebetween. The body 1100 is coextensive or overlapping with the bedding 5000 for between six and thirty-six inches. In other embodiments, the “half sheet” body 1100 may cover more or less surface area of the bedding 5000. Additionally, the “half sheet” body 1100 has a generally rectangular shape. In this way, the width of the body 1100 and bedding 5000 are not the same dimension such that the lateral edges 1150 of the body terminates inset from the lateral edge 5150 of the bedding 5000 when in the secure position. In the illustrated embodiment, a width of the body is only configured to extend a width of the mattress and not the entire width of the bedding 5000, wherein the width is measured between the lateral sides of the mattress. In this way, the bedding protector 1000 does not extend down the sides of the mattress when secured to the bedding, but only lays atop of the bedding 5000 and mattress. The relationship of the bedding 5000 width to the body 1100 width allows the bedding protector 1000 to be wrapped around or mounted to the bedding 5000, such as a sheet, when the bedding is tucked beneath the mattress without the need to disturb or untuck the bedding from the mattress.

In the shown embodiment, a fastening system 1300 provides for the selective placement of the bedding protector 1000 to the bedding 5000. The fastening system 1300 comprising at least one pair of mating fasteners 1310 such that they are removable secured to one another. As shown in FIG. 1, there are three sets of mating fasteners 1310 that have enough magnetic attraction to semi-permanently mate with each other while securing the bedding 5000 therebetween.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 1300 comprises three fasteners disposed on the interior side 1110 of the body 1100 and three mating fasteners disposed on the interior side of the body 1100 such that they form three pairs. Each pair is spaced at a fixed distance from one another such that a first fastener aligns with a first mating fastener. In alternate embodiments, the fastening system comprises more pairs of mating fasteners and in other embodiments the fastening system comprises less than three pairs of mating fasteners.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening system 1300 is disposed on the interior side 1110 so as not to contact the user while in use. The exterior side 1120 is configured to rest against the user while in use. In alternate embodiments, the fastening system 1300 is embedded within an interior cavity of the body 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 1310 are secured to the body in order to prevent the fasteners 1310 from moving relative to the body 1100. In other embodiments, a protective layer surrounds the fasteners 1310 to prevent moisture from coming into contact therewith.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the bedding protector in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the mating fasteners 1310 are positioned at different distances from an uppermost and lowermost sides of the body 1100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first and second pair of mating fasteners 1310 are disposed along opposing lateral edges 1150 and a third and fourth pair of mating fasteners 1310 are disposed along opposing upper and lower sides 1600 of the body 1100. The first and second pair of mating fasteners are positioned closer to a center line or fold line 1510 of the body 1100. When the bedding protector 1000 is secured to an uppermost edge of the bedding, the third and fourth pair of mating fasteners 1310 (central fasteners) will be positioned further away from the fold line 1510. In this way, the center fasteners will be positioned away from a user's face and neck when in use or covered with the bedding and the bedding protector secured thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a perspective and cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the body 1100 is a “full sheet” adapted to extend an entire length of a bedding and configured to secure to the head and foot portion of the bedding. In alternate embodiments, the body 1100 comprises any suitable shape configured to cover the bedding 5000.

In the shown embodiment, the bedding protector 1000 includes a fastener system 1300 with set of upper and lower magnetic fasteners 1320, 1330. The lower magnetic fasteners 1330 are positioned at a foot end of the bedding 5000 and wrap past the foot end thereof, similar to the wrapping around at the head portion. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener system 1300 only includes the upper magnetic fastener 1320 allowing the lower end to be free to tuck underneath a mattress and over the bedding 5000.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of a fastener of the bedding protector. In the shown embodiment, the fastening system 1300 comprises a first set of magnetic fasteners 1310A and a second set of magnetic fasteners 1310B, wherein each set is placed in a pocket that is sewn into the body 1100 of the bedding protector 1000. This allows one to selectively place and remove the magnetic fasteners 1310A, 1310B from and into the bedding protector 1000. The first set of magnetic fasteners 1310A are facing each other in the secured position. In one embodiment, the magnetic fasteners 1310A, 1310B are positioned such that the mating faces of the magnetic fasteners 1310A, 1310B are exposed along the interior side 1110 of the body 1100. In another embodiment, the magnetic fasteners 1310A, 1310B are sewn into the bedding protector 1000 so that the user need not worry about placing or removing the magnetic fasteners 1310A, 1310B. The magnetic fasteners are strong enough to secure to one another despite bedding positioned therebetween.

In the shown embodiment, the body 1100 comprises multiple layers 1400. In some embodiments, a first layer 1410 is disposed between the interior and exterior side of body 1100, 1120, wherein the first layer 1410 is configured to prevent moisture from passing therethrough and absorb odors. In other embodiments, the exterior side 1120 comprises a layer configured to prevent moisture and odor from passing through to the interior layer.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown a perspective and cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the bedding protector attached to a bedding, respectively. In the shown embodiment, the bedding protector 2000 comprises a body 2100 having an interior side 2110 opposing an exterior side 2120, wherein the body 2100 is flexible and adapted to conform to a bedding 6000. The body 2100 is adapted to be attached to the bedding 6000 in a secured position. In the secured position, the interior side 2110 of the body 2100 lays atop an exterior side of the bedding 6000 and releasably secures therewith via a fastening system 2300. The fastening system 2300 comprises a bedding protector fastener 2310 configured to releasably mating with a bedding fastener 6310, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector 6000 and bedding are thereby secured to each other. In this way, the body 2100 secures directly to the bedding 6000.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 2100 and the bedding 6000 comprise a same width and length in order to overlay one another such that the perimeter of the bedding 6000 aligns with the perimeter of the body 2100. In alternative embodiments, the body 2100 has a length greater than the length of the bedding 6000 such that the body 2100 extends past the head and foot portions of the bedding 6000.

In the shown embodiment, the bedding protector fastener 2310 and the bedding fastener 6310 each comprises a magnetic fastener, wherein the magnetic bedding protector fastener 2310 is disposed on the interior side 2110 of the body 2100 so as to align with the magnetic bedding fastener 6320 in the secure position.

In some embodiments, the fastening system 2300 further comprises a zipper fastener, wherein the zipper bedding protector fastener 2320 is disposed on a lateral edge of the body 2100 so as to align with the zipper bedding fastener 6320 in the secure position. In some embodiments, the fastening system is disposed between the first layer and exterior layer.

In alternate embodiments, the body 2100 and the bedding 6000 comprise any suitable mating fastener configured to secure to one another. For example, in one embodiment, the bedding 6000 comprises a female fastener, such as an aperture, and the body 2100 comprises a male fastener, such as a button, clip, or clasp.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the bedding protector having a marker for a fold line and fastener alignment. In some embodiments, the body 1100 comprises one or more markers 1500, such as a fold line 1510 and fastener alignment markings 1520, in order to guide a user as to where to align the bedding 5000 with the body 2100 and fastening system 1300. In one embodiment, the marker 1500 includes a stitch, indicia, or the like forming a crease on an exterior side 1120 of the body 1100 that provides for folding thereat. In another embodiment, the marker 1500 includes fastener alignment markings 1520, such as indicia, corresponding to the placement of the fastener system 1300.

In one use, the bedding protector 1000 is being attached to the bedding 5000 to achieve the secure position. The fold line 1510 divides the body into a head upper portion 1510A and a foot lower portion 1510B. In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of the upper portion is equal to the dimensions of the lower portion. The user aligns the fold line 1510 with the uppermost edge of the bedding 5000 such that the head upper portion 1510A of the body 1100 wraps over the uppermost edge of the bedding 5000 and the foot lower portion 1510B rests over the top of the bedding 5000. The fastener alignment markings 1520 indicate the position of the fasteners 1300 such that they may be easily mated to secure the bedding in the secure position. The folding line 1510 and the fastener alignment markings 1520 cooperatively function for convenient securement to the bedding 5000. In some embodiments, the fold line 1510 is a living hinge that encourages rotation thereabout relative to the surrounding area of the body 1100.

A method of securing a bedding protector to a bedding is also provided. The method comprises providing the bedding protector having a body having an interior side opposing an exterior side, the body being flexible and adapted to conform to the bedding. The method further includes positioning the body to the bedding in a secure position, wherein the secured position is achieved when the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding, and fastening the bedding protector to a bedding via a fastening system, the fastening system comprising a bedding protector fastener configured to releasably mate with a bedding fastener, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector and bedding are thereby secured to each other.

In some embodiments, the fastening system comprises a magnetic fastener and a zipper fastener.

In another embodiment, the method includes wrapping around a head portion of the bedding to lay against an exterior side of the bedding so as to sandwich the bedding therebetween. The method may further comprise aligning a fold line of the body with an uppermost edge of the bedding, wherein the fold line is adapted to indicate where to fold the body so as to position the fastener system. Additionally, the method may further comprise aligning a fastener alignment marking of the body, wherein the fastener alignment marking is adapted to provide a reference for aligning the fastener system.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

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

Claims

1. A bedding protector, comprising: a body having an interior side opposing an exterior side;wherein the body is flexible and adapted to conform to a bedding;wherein the body is adapted to be positioned over the bedding in a secured position;wherein the secured position is formed when the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding and wraps around a head portion of the bedding to lay against the exterior side of the bedding so as to sandwich the bedding therebetween;a fastening system comprising at least one pair of mating fasteners such that they are removable secured to one another;wherein the at least one pair of mating fasteners are disposed on the interior side of the body such that they align and face each other for selectively securing and releasing when in the secured position.

2. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the body is a full sheet the covers an entire top side of the exterior side of the bedding.

3. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the body is a half sheet.

4. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the body has a width of less than a standard bedding such that lateral right edge and lateral left edge of the bedding is exposed when the bedding protector is in the secured position.

5. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the fastening system comprises magnetic fasteners.

6. The bedding protector of claim 5, wherein the magnetic fasteners are at intervals

7. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the body comprises multiple layers in a stacked arrangement.

8. The bedding protector of claim 7, wherein the fastening system comprises magnetic fasteners.

9. The bedding protector of claim 8, wherein the magnetic fasteners are positioned between an interior side layer and an exterior side layer.

10. The bedding protector of claim 7, wherein the body comprises a waterproof layer adapted to prevent moisture from penetrating through the layer, wherein the waterproof layer is positioned between an interior side layer and an exterior side layer.

11. The bedding protector of claim 1, wherein the exterior side of the body comprises indicia thereon, such as a fold line or a fastener marking, the indicia being configured to align the fastening system in the secured position.

12. A bedding protector, comprising: a body having an interior side opposing an exterior side;wherein the body is flexible and adapted to conform to a bedding;wherein the body is adapted to be attached to the bedding in a secured position;wherein the secured position is formed when the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding;a fastening system comprising a bedding protector fastener configured to releasably mate with a bedding fastener, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector and bedding are thereby secured to each other.

13. The bedding protector of claim 12, wherein the bedding protector fastener and the bedding fastener each comprises a magnetic fastener, wherein the magnetic bedding protector fastener is disposed on the interior side of the body so as to align with the magnetic bedding fastener in the secure position.

14. The bedding protector of claim 13, wherein the bedding protector fastener and the bedding fastener each further comprise a zipper fastener, wherein the zipper bedding protector fastener is disposed on a lateral edge of the body so as to align with the zipper bedding fastener in the secure position.

15. A method of securing a bedding protector to a bedding, the method comprising: providing the bedding protector comprising: a body having an interior side opposing an exterior side;wherein the body is flexible and adapted to conform to the bedding;positioning the body to the bedding in a secure position, wherein the secured position is achieved when the interior side of the body lays atop an exterior side of the bedding;fastening the bedding protector to a bedding via a fastening system, the fastening system comprising a bedding protector fastener configured to releasably mate with a bedding fastener, such that when they are secured to one another the bedding protector and bedding are thereby secured to each other.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fastening system comprises a magnetic fastener and a zipper fastener.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: wrapping around a head portion of the bedding to lay against an exterior side of the bedding so as to sandwich the bedding therebetween.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: aligning a fold line of the body with an uppermost edge of the bedding, wherein the fold line is adapted to indicate where to fold the body so as to position the fastener system.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: aligning a fastener alignment marking of the body, wherein the fastener alignment marking is adapted to provide a reference for aligning the fastener system.