Patent Application
20180153318
This invention relates to the field of bedding and more particularly to a fitted bedsheet with an integral waterproof layer.
As a child ages, she reaches the point where bowel and bladder control becomes voluntary. At this point the child can begin potty-training, or training to use a toilet rather than diapers.
This period of transition between diapers and use of the toilet is separated into daytime and nighttime training. Training a child to use a toilet during the day is the first step. Training a child to awaken from sleep in time to use a toilet is the second, more difficult step.
As a result of the greater difficulty associated with bladder control during the night, a child will often wet her bed well after she no longer needs diapers during the day.
The issue of bladder control is not for children alone. Adults also lose bladder control as a result of surgical procedures or as a result of the ageing process.
During the period of night training, or for adults experiencing incontinence, it is important to protect the mattress to prevent damage and an accumulation of odor.
What is needed is a fitted sheet with an integral absorbent pad to draw the urine away from the child's body during sleep, while protecting the mattress beneath.
The disclosed device is a fitted sheet, or what is commonly known as a bottom sheet, with a permanently-affixed and integral absorbent and waterproof layer. The result is a fitted sheet that, when wet, can be quickly and easily replaced as a single part.
The disclosed device includes the following layers:
An outer cotton layer—this layer is constructed from cotton or similar materials. The outer cotton layer is shaped to enclose a mattress on the top, sides, and a portion of the bottom. The outer cotton layer comes into contact with the child's skin, and thus is key to a child's healthy skin. The disclosed device uses untreated cotton, without chemical or waterproofing treatments, to prevent any irritation.
The outer cotton layer optionally includes elastic banding along the bottom to ensure a snug fit over a mattress. The elastic banding may be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the desired elasticity of the outer cotton layer and mattress size.
A waterproof liner is affixed to the outer cotton layer. The waterproof liner is positioned such that, during use, it is between the mattress and outer cotton layer.
The waterproof liner is formed of absorbent materials bonded to a waterproof barrier to form a composite material. Such acceptable composite materials include double-sided rubberized cotton flannel. Double-sided rubberized cotton flannel is formed from a central sheet of waterproof rubber or plastic, with a cotton flannel layer on both the top and the bottom.
Turning to the device generally, the waterproof liner is sized to be smaller than the outer cotton layer, with sizing of the waterproof liner to match the dimensions of the top of the mattress.
In the preferred embodiment the waterproof liner and outer cotton layer are sewn to each other using two straight seams.
Permanent attachment of the waterproof liner to the outer cotton layer provides numerous advantages over separate items. The resulting device is:
The combination of these features results in a waterproof bedsheet that has benefits beyond the mere combination of its elements.
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.
Referring to
The fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 is shown protecting a mattress 50. The layering is shown by a cut-away, used for purpose of explanation.
The absorbent waterproof layer 10 is formed from three or more layers. The preferred embodiment includes a lower layer 12, bonded to a rubber membrane 14, which is in turn bonded to an upper layer 16.
Covering, and holding the absorbent waterproof layer 10 in place is the outer sheet 20. The outer sheet 20 may be constructed from as few as one piece of material, or from multiple pieces of material. The resulting outer sheet 20, whether made from a single piece of material or multiple pieces, will include an outer sheet top 22, one or more outer sheet sides 24, and an outer sheet bottom 26 (not shown).
In some embodiments the outer sheet top 22 is joined to the outer sheet side 24 by an upper seam 30. In some embodiments the outer sheet side 24 is jointed to the outer sheet bottom 26 by a lower seam 32. Finally, the outer sheet sides 24 may be joined together by one or more side seams 34.
The outer sheet 20 is then joined to the absorbent waterproof layer 10 by a perimeter seam 40. The perimeter seam 40 is formed by one or more straight-stitched seams that follow the edge of the absorbent waterproof layer 10.
Referring to
The fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 is shown around a mattress 50. The figure shows that the absorbent waterproof layer 10 covers only the top of the mattress 50, not wrapping around the sides of the mattress 50.
Referring to
The bottom of the mattress 50 is shown partially covered by outer sheet bottom 26, which is partially border by elastic trim 28. The elastic trim 28 allows the fitted bedsheet with integral waterproof layer 1 to be easily applied to the mattress 50, the elastic then tightening around the mattress 50 to hold the device in place.
Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.
It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
