Patent Application
20240156285
The present invention relates generally to the field of pocket blanket devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved blanket device that provides users with an oversized blanket designed which remains secure on a bed via an elastic pocket. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in blanket devices. Generally, blankets can be too short to tuck in properly and while sleeping, they may end up off the bed or leave a user's feet or other body part uncovered. Some blankets may be too narrow to accommodate two people in a bed for those who sleep with a partner. Further, constantly adjusting blankets throughout the night can be frustrating.
Conventional blankets are typically too short and become untucked when sleeping. This invention relates to a new and improved sheet or blanket construction having an expandable end portion which enables it to be end fitted onto commercially sized mattresses, and which may be tightly fitted without slipping out of position during use.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that provides users with an oversized blanket designed to remain secure on a bed via an elastic pocket. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that allows users to apply the blanket to a bed and secure the pocket underneath the base of the mattress. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that prevents the blanket from moving out of place while sleeping, maximizing coverage for one or two people sleeping in the bed. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the worry of one person having too much of the blanket while sleeping with a partner. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that includes numerous different sizes and styles to compliment any bedroom décor. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that is available in any size to accommodate any type of bed.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pocket blanket device. The device is an improved blanket having an elastic pocket that can be placed over the bottom of a mattress to secure the blanket directly to the mattress. The device comprises a body component comprising a single body of material with an elastic pocket positioned along a bottom edge to be placed over the bottom of a mattress. The elastic pocket maintains the blanket in a secure position without worry of it being pulled too far to one side or pulled off the bed entirely. The blanket device also comprises multiple split sides which flare out or extend past the pocket which allows the blanket to lay flat and square on a bed, in addition to providing extra blanket coverage for the users.
Additionally, the pocket blanket device is manufactured of fleece, cotton, polyester, or other suitable materials. The pocket blanket device is also available in multiple sizes to accommodate any type of bed.
In this manner, the pocket blanket device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that remains secure on a bed during use. The device is an improved blanket which provides extra coverage for users. The device fits most standard mattress and can be manufactured in multiple designs and styles based on a user's preferences and bedroom décor.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a pocket blanket device. The device is an improved blanket having an elastic, expandable pocket that can be placed over the bottom of a mattress to secure the blanket directly to the mattress. The device comprises a body component comprising a single body of base material with an elastic, expandable pocket positioned along a bottom edge to be placed over the bottom of a mattress. The elastic pocket maintains the blanket in a secure position without worry of it being pulled too far to one side or pulled off the bed entirely.
Generally, there is provided a new and improved construction of a single-piece blanket or the like having an elastic pocket which is secured around a bottom of a commercial mattress to hold the blanket device in place during use.
In one embodiment, the pocket blanket device comprises a body component, which is a flat portion on which a user rests or is used as a cover. The body component has upper and lower surface areas and defines a free end and a mattress fitting end. The body component can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Typically, the body component is a single piece construction of a base material but can be any suitable construction as is known in the art, such as multi-layers or sewn on extensions, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
The body component also comprises a sewn expandable pocket which is formed across the width of the mattress fitting end. Specifically, the expandable pocket is formed integrally with the blanket (i.e., body component). Once in place, the expandable pocket overlies an end portion of the mattress along its lower surface area. Thus, the expandable pocket is adapted for fitting around the mattress corners. The pocket is defined along a horizontal seam line and opposing end seam lines on each end of the pocket. Specifically, the pocket is defined by the horizontal seam line and the two spaced apart, opposing end seam lines which are positioned generally parallel to the horizontal seam line.
In one embodiment, the expandable end pocket of the body component extends across the entire width of the blanket to enable a tight fit over a mattress end and covers a wide range of mattress sizes. The end pocket is formed by means of elastic elements sewn along the edges of the pocket and by forming the blanket into gathers along the pocket edges. Specifically, an elasticized element or insert is incorporated into the horizontal seam line and into the opposing end seam lines of the pocket.
Consequently, when the expandable end pocket is fitted over the end of a mattress, the elastic elements and the expandable gathers are initially expanded so as to fit the pocket over the mattress end. When the pocket is then released, the elastic elements will contract about the mattress end to produce a tight fit and thereby secure the blanket in place on the mattress during use. The gathers will assume a somewhat expanded form without becoming excessively tensioned, and this reduces wear caused by a tensioning of the blanket in the vicinity of the end pocket.
Further, in order to enable the pocket blanket device to expand along the sewn pocket when it is inserted over the end of a mattress, a series of expandable gathers are integrally formed along the pocket when it is first sewn, and these gathers function to expand along with the elastic inserts. Hence, the combination of the gathers and the elasticized inserts enable the pocket to be expanded around the mattress end when it is fitted over the mattress. Preferably, the pocket is at least about 8″ deep to ensure an adequate securement of the blanket on the mattress, but not more than 12″ to prevent restriction to the user's feet.
It will be appreciated that the pocket construction of this invention enables the blanket to be fitted over commercially sized mattresses. Also, since both the elasticized insert and gathers are capable of expansion, the user is enabled to fit their feet comfortably within the pocket without dislodging the end of the blanket from the mattress.
Accordingly, upon positioning of the expandable pocket onto a mattress, the elastic elements contract, thereby securing the end pocket onto an end of the mattress and enabling the user to lie either on top of or under the blanket, and in the latter instance, the user's feet are comfortably secured within the expandable pocket without dislodging the end pocket from the mattress.
In one embodiment, the body component comprises opposing split sides which flare out or extend a length past the pocket. The split sides can extend any suitable length past the pocket and can even extend to the floor if desired by the user. The split sides allow the body component to lay flat and square on a bed. Further, in one embodiment, the opposing split sides are trimmed to only a few inches below the width of the mattress. In another embodiment, the opposing split sides extend a longer length past the pocket and the bottom of the mattress providing extra blanket coverage for the users.
In another embodiment, the body component is multi-layered and includes at least one bottom layer and at least one upper layer.
Additionally, the pocket blanket device is also available in multiple sizes and styles to accommodate any type of bed.
In another embodiment, the pocket blanket device is a sheet, a comforter, or a duvet, instead of a blanket, or any other suitable covering as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the pocket blanket device is manufactured of fleece, cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, or other suitable materials. The pocket blanket device can be manufactured in different thicknesses and weights, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.
Also, the pocket blanket device may be manufactured in different styles, patterns, and designs, and can include suitable ornamental designs and decorations, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user and/or the décor of the user's bedroom. Further, the outer edges may also include additional suitable material, such as fabric, embroidery, ribbons, lace, edging, seams, or other desirable material in order to further enhance the appearance of the blanket and also to prevent tearing and fraying which may result from repeated use and washing.
In yet another embodiment, the pocket blanket device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of securing a blanket to a bed for use. The method includes the steps of providing a pocket blanket device comprising a body component with an elastic pocket positioned along a bottom edge. The method also comprises choosing a specific style and size of the pocket blanket device, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the method comprises positioning the pocket blanket device on a bed with the elastic pocket secured around a bottom of the mattress. Finally, the method comprises using the pocket blanket device while sleeping without worry of the device moving out of place during use.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that provides users with an oversized blanket designed to remain secure on a bed via an elastic pocket. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that allows users to apply the blanket to a bed and secure the pocket underneath the base of the mattress. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that prevents the blanket from moving out of place while sleeping, maximizing coverage for one or two people sleeping in the bed. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates the worry of one person having too much of the blanket while sleeping with a partner. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that includes numerous different sizes and styles to compliment any bedroom décor. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pocket blanket device that is available in any size to accommodate any type of bed.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel pocket blanket device. The device comprises a body component comprising a single body of material with an elastic pocket positioned along a bottom edge to be placed over the bottom of a mattress. The elastic pocket maintains the blanket in a secure position without worry of it being pulled too far to one side or pulled off the bed entirely. The blanket device also comprises multiple split sides which flare out or extend past the pocket which allow the blanket to lay flat and square on a bed, in addition to providing extra blanket coverage for the users. The present invention also includes a novel method of securing a blanket to a bed for use. The method includes the steps of providing a pocket blanket device comprising a body component with an elastic pocket positioned along a bottom edge. The method also comprises choosing a specific style and size of the pocket blanket device, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the method comprises positioning the pocket blanket device on a bed with the elastic pocket secured around a bottom of the mattress. Finally, the method comprises using the pocket blanket device while sleeping without worry of the device moving out of place during use.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of a single-piece blanket device 100 or the like having an elastic pocket 104 which is secured around a bottom 110 of a commercial mattress 108 to hold the blanket device 100 in place during use.
Further, the pocket blanket device 100 is shown in
As shown in
The expandable end pocket 104 of the body component 102 extends across the entire width 300 of the blanket to enable a tight fit over a mattress end (i.e., corners 302) and covers a wide range of mattress sizes. The end pocket 104 is formed by means of elastic elements 308 sewn along the edges 310 of the pocket 104 and by forming the blanket device 100 into gathers 312 along the pocket edges 310. Specifically, an elasticized element or insert 308 is incorporated into the horizontal seam line 304 and into the opposing end seam lines 306 of the pocket 104. Further, additional elastic elements 308 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
Consequently, when the expandable end pocket 104 is fitted over the end of a mattress 302, the elastic elements 308 and the expandable gathers 312 are initially expanded so as to fit the pocket 104 over the mattress end 302. When the pocket 104 is then released, the elastic elements 308 will contract about the mattress end 302 to produce a tight fit, and thereby secure the blanket device 100 in place on the mattress 108 during use. Further, the gathers 312 will assume a somewhat expanded form without becoming excessively tensioned and this reduces wear caused by a tensioning of the blanket device 100 in the vicinity of the end pocket 104.
Further, in order to enable the pocket blanket device 100 to expand along the sewn pocket 104 when it is inserted over the end of a mattress 302, a series of expandable gathers 312 are integrally formed along the pocket 104 when it is first sewn and these gathers 312 function to expand along with the elastic inserts 308. Hence, the combination of the gathers 312 and the elasticized inserts 308 enable the pocket 104 to be expanded around the mattress end 302 when it is fitted over the mattress 108. Preferably, the pocket 104 is at least about 8″ deep to ensure an adequate securement of the blanket device 100 on the mattress 108, but not more than 12″ to prevent restriction to the user's feet.
It will be appreciated that the pocket 104 construction of this invention enables the blanket device 100 to be fitted over commercially sized mattresses 108. Also, since both the elasticized inserts 308 and gathers 312 are capable of expansion, the user 112 is enabled to fit their feet comfortably within the pocket 104, without dislodging the end of the blanket device 100 from the mattress 108.
Accordingly, upon positioning of the expandable pocket 104 onto a mattress 108, the elastic elements 308 contract, thereby securing the end pocket 104 onto an end of the mattress 302 and enabling the user 112 to lie either on top of or under the blanket device 100, and in the latter instance, the user's feet are comfortably secured within the expandable pocket 104 without dislodging the end pocket 104 from the mattress 108.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the body component 102 is multi-layered and includes at least one bottom layer and at least one upper layer. Any suitable number of layers can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Additionally, the pocket blanket device 100 is also available in multiple sizes and styles to accommodate any type of bed or mattress 108.
In another embodiment, the pocket blanket device 100 is a sheet, a comforter, or a duvet, instead of a blanket, or any other suitable covering as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112.
Furthermore, the pocket blanket device 100 is manufactured of wool, cashmere, fleece, cotton, polyester, rayon, blended fabrics, or other suitable materials as is known in the art. Additionally, the pocket blanket device 100 can be manufactured in different thicknesses and weights, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user 112.
Also, the pocket blanket device 100 may be manufactured in different styles, patterns, and designs, and can include suitable ornamental designs and decorations, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112 and/or the décor of the user's bedroom. Further, the outer edges 402 may also include additional suitable material, such as fabric, embroidery, ribbons, lace, edging, seams, or other desirable material in order to further enhance the appearance of the blanket device 100 and also to prevent tearing and fraying which may result from repeated use and washing.
As shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “pocket blanket device”, “blanket device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the pocket blanket device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the pocket blanket device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pocket blanket device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/424,502, which was filed on Nov. 11, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63424502 | Nov 2022 | US |
