Patent Application
20210401195
The present invention relates generally to the field of linens, sheets and other bed coverings. More specifically, the present invention relates to a custom fitted sheet for a mattress featuring a “top” label to maximize efficiency when installing fitted sheets on a bed, and prevents the individual making the bed from accidentally putting the sheet on upside-down and requiring constant adjustments to be made. The invention also includes a sleeve or pocket at both of the top corners to secure a smartphone, tissues, television remote, medicine such as inhalers, weapons and many other small personal items for storage. Additionally, the invention offers a more convenient fitted sheet for any type or size of mattress. Accordingly, this disclosure makes specific reference thereto the present invention. 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, a variety of bedsheets, linens and bedding accessories are used for mattresses in the state of the art. Bedsheets are placed over mattresses to provide a comfort layer between the individual and mattress when using the bed. People may have to daily replace the fitted sheets on the mattress before use, and this is particularly true with individuals suffering from allergies, or those with medical conditions which require fresh linens each day. To properly place the fitted sheets on the mattress, the top side of the fitted sheet should be towards the head end of the bed, and the bottom side of the fitted sheet should be towards the bottom end of the bed. When placing the bedsheets on the bed, people may be unable to locate the top side of the fitted sheet, and may incorrectly place the sheet on the mattress with the bottom or side portion of the sheet on head end of the bed or other sides. Failing to locate the proper top side of the sheet may lead to improper placement of the fitted sheet on the mattress, which if not corrected could lead to the sheet becoming displaced during sleep and the mattress cover splaying out of position from the mattress. Therefore, failing to locate the top side of the sheet, and properly placing the fitted sheet on the bed can be both annoying and frustrating for an individual.
Additionally, if the fitted sheet is incorrectly placed over the mattress in one attempt, people may try to put the sheet on upside-down and be forced to remove the sheet and alter the placement of the sheet. This takes additional time and effort on the part of the user. The complete process of placement of conventional fitted sheets over mattresses can be extremely tiresome and time-consuming for many individuals. Further, constantly adjusting the sheet can cause back pain for those with physical limitations or the elderly, as the corners of the mattress must be constantly lifted in order to position the fitted sheet under the mattress. In places such as hotels, guest houses, hostels, hospitals and more, hospitality staff may be assigned the responsibility of changing bedsheets over the mattresses daily or regularly over a period of time. The hospitality staff may face similar issues with the improper placement of the fitted sheets over the mattresses leading to complaints by the hotel guests, residents of care centers or patients in a hospital. Such inconvenience wastes a lot of time of the hospitality staff, customers, patients, and the like.
Furthermore, people using the beds may like to keep some personal items readily accessible and nearby, such as a mobile phone, remote device, medicines, glasses, tissues, weapons, jewelry, watches, tablet or other personal items. Due to lack of storage spaces for small personal items near a bed, people may keep those items on the bed itself. Keeping the items on the bed itself can be inconvenient for users. Further, the items placed on the bed may fall on the ground and/or under the bed, which may cause additional disruption for users. Having a place to put small personal items near the bed and out of sight of others also provides a level of security, protection and sense of well-being for the individual.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a bedsheet or fitted sheet for a mattress that can be conveniently used by the individual and can be easily placed on the mattress. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved fitted sheet that enables the user to quickly identify the top side of the fitted sheet, and allows for the correct placement of the fitted sheet over a mattress. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that an individual can correctly and effortlessly install over the mattress in one attempt, thereby saving time. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that includes one or more storage areas, thereby allowing for the convenient placement of personal items such as, but not limited to a mobile phone, remote device, medicine, glasses, tissue, jewelry, watch, weapon or combinations thereof. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a uniquely designed fitted sheet that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a custom fitted bedsheet designed to be placed over a mattress and including a substantially rectangular or square generally planar fabric sheet having elastic bands along the sidewalls and the edges of the bedsheet. The sheet consists of a top surface to cover the top of the mattress, a headboard side surface to cover the side surface of the mattress present along the headboard of a bed and a pair of opposite side surfaces to cover the sides of the mattress. Optionally, a bottom surface may be included to cover the bottom side surface of the mattress and may further comprise a “BOTTOM” label. A “TOP” label is positioned in the middle of the headboard side surface to notify the user that the bedsheet is in the proper orientation before being fitted to the mattress, and a plurality of sleeves or pockets are disposed on one or both of the pair of opposite side surfaces near the top corners of the bedsheet to store personal or other items.
In this manner, the novel fitted sheet label of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively easy, convenient and efficient solution to enable the users to easily place the bedsheets over the mattresses. The fitted sheet label of the present invention is also user friendly, as it does not require the user to put much effort or labor into changing or placing bedsheets over the mattresses, and saves the time of the users as well. Additionally, the fitted sheet label features sleeves or pockets for easy storage of personal items such as mobile phones, medicines, remote devices, tissues, glasses, jewelry, watches, weapons, books or other similar items for ready access and use by an individual.
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 custom fitted bedsheet or bed linen designed to be placed or positioned around a mattress or other bedding component. The fitted sheet comprises a substantially rectangular or square planar fabric sheet having elastic bands along the edges of the sheet. A top surface is provided to cover the top of the mattress, a headboard side surface to cover the side surface of the mattress present along the headboard of a bed, a pair of opposite side surfaces to cover the sides of the mattress, and a bottom surface to cover the bottom end surface of the mattress (i.e., opposite of the headboard). A label with indicia such as “TOP” is positioned in the middle of the headboard side surface to notify the user that the bedsheet is in the proper orientation before being fitted to the mattress, and a plurality of pockets or sleeves are disposed on one or both of the pair of opposite side surfaces near the top corners of the bedsheet to store personal or other small items. Similarly, a “BOTTOM” label may be attached to the bottom of the fitted sheet.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a fitted sheet configured as a multipurpose fitted sheet with a label on the top side is disclosed. The fitted sheet comprises a planar fabric sheet to cover a top and side surfaces of a mattress, such that the sheet is secured underneath the four corners of the mattress when positioned around the mattress. A label with indicia or other graphics is positioned in the middle of a headboard side of the sheet to indicate and notify a user that the sheet is in the proper orientation before being fitted to the mattress in order to prevent the individual from accidentally putting the sheet on upside-down or in the wrong orientation, and one or more sewn patch pockets or sleeves are present on one or both side surfaces of the sheet to store small personal or other items. Each sleeve may further comprise a closure element, such as a zipper or hook and loop fastener to secure the items within the pockets or sleeves.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a labeled and pocketed sheet to substantially cover a mattress or other bedding is disclosed. The labeled and pocketed sheet comprises a perimeter edge that is secured underneath the mattress so as to partially enclose the mattress or bedding therein. A label is affixed to the top side of the sheet with indicia such as “TOP” or other graphics, such as an arrow, to aid in preventing an individual from accidentally putting the labeled and pocketed sheet on upside-down or in an improper configuration on the mattress. Sewn sleeves or pockets are designed to store small personal or other items when the sheet is placed on the mattress, for easy retrieval by the individual through the night. The sheet covers the top and side surfaces of the mattress or other bedding article.
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, a fitted sheet and mattress combination is disclosed. The combination comprises a fitted sheet having a top with a leading edge and a trailing edge and side surfaces, and a mattress having a top, a bottom and a plurality of sides. The top and the side surfaces of the fitted sheet are coextensive with the top and sides of the mattress and cover a portion of the bottom of the mattress. The fitted sheet is further comprised of first and second pockets disposed on at least one side surface of the sheet, wherein the pockets may be filled with items for the convenience of the individual(s) using the bed. An elastic band extends around a periphery of the leading/trailing edges and the side surfaces, wherein the elastic band is used to hold the fitted sheet to the mattress. The fitted sheet further comprises a directional indicator disposed along a leading edge of the sheet, wherein the directional indicator may be selected from a group consisting of directional indicia, directional graphics, the manufacturer's name, message label or combinations thereof.
The sleeve or pocket of the sheet of the present invention can be of any shape and size and disposed on any side of the mattress when the sheet is placed around the mattress or other bedding. The pocket can have an open end or can have a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper or hook and loop fastener system positioned along the top edge. Notwithstanding, the present invention is not so limited, and other fastening systems can also be used such as snaps, magnets, or interlocking fabric elements in an overlapping lip configuration.
The label with the indicia or other graphical indicia can be sewn to the material of the fitted sheet or may be printed or imaged thereon, or applied in a heat sealing arrangement. The indicia or other graphical indicia can be of the same color or different color as the material of the bedsheet. Additionally, the orientation and position of the label can vary as per the requirements of the user or manufacturer of the bedding material.
The present invention provides a novel fitted bedsheet that can be easily secured around a mattress without much labor and without constant adjustment, and therefore offers much-needed convenience when making a bed or other sleeping area. The label helps the user to correctly orient the bedsheet or other bed linens before installing the same on the mattress, and prevents the individual from putting on the bedsheet in an upside-down or otherwise incorrect configuration. The label is positioned in the middle of the headboard-facing side of the sheet for easy viewing. The sleeves or pockets of the sheet function as a storage area for personal and other items that may be needed by an individual throughout the night.
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 bedsheet or fitted sheet for a mattress or other bedding that can be conveniently used by an individual and can be easily fitted on a mattress or bedding. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved fitted sheet that enables the user to quickly identify the top side of the fitted sheet, and allows for the correct placement of the fitted sheet over a mattress. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that an individual will correctly and effortlessly place on the mattress or bedding in one attempt, thereby saving time. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that includes one or more storage areas, thereby allowing for the placement of personal items such as, but not limited to a mobile phone, remote device, medicine, glasses, tissue, jewelry, watch, weapon or combinations thereof. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a uniquely designed fitted sheet that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel custom fitted bedsheet designed to be placed around a mattress. The custom fitted bedsheet comprises a substantially rectangular or square planar fabric sheet having an elastic band along the edges of the bedsheet, particularly at the corner areas. The sheet includes a top surface to cover the top of the mattress, a headboard side surface or side edge to cover the side surface of the mattress present along the headboard of a bed, a pair of opposite side surfaces to cover the sides of the mattress and a bottom edge surface to cover the bottom side surface of the mattress. A label with indicia or graphics is positioned in the middle of the headboard side, top surface to notify the user that the bedsheet is in a proper position or orientation before being applied to the mattress or bedding. The fitted bedsheet further comprises a plurality of sleeves or pockets that are disposed on one or both of the pair of opposite side surfaces, or top surface near the top corners of the bedsheet to store personal or other small items.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The label with indicia, graphics or the like 1080 is advantageous because once the bedsheet or linen 100 is mounted on the mattress 160, the label 1080 is hidden or otherwise concealed by the headboard. The label 1080 may be written in a designer calligraphic style to complement the aesthetic appeal of the bedsheet 100. The bedsheet 100 further has a leading edge or top edge, a trailing edge or the bottom of the sheet, and side edges with the sides serving to envelope the mattress 160 once the bedsheet 100 is placed over the mattress. In one embodiment, the label 1080 is sewn, imaged, printed or heat sealed to the bedsheet 100. The label 1080 can be the same color as the fitted bedsheet 100, or can be of another complimentary color. The label 1080 may also be printed with UV activated ink so that only through the use of a special light can the label be seen. The label may read “TOP” or provide directional indicia, such as an arrow or “this end up”, to notify the user that the bedsheet 100 is in the proper orientation or position before being applied to the mattress 160 or other bedding.
The sleeves or pockets 150 of the sheet are preferably present at both of the top corners of the bedsheet 100 to secure a smartphone, tissues, television remote, jewelry, watches, weapons and/or many other relatively small or personal items for storage and convenient access. In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve or pocket 150 may be present along one of the side surfaces 104, 106 of the bedsheet 100 of the present invention, or at the head or bottom surface of the bedsheet 100 depending on the preferences of the individual. In another embodiment, a pocket or sleeve 150 may be provided on each of the side surfaces 104, 106 of the bedsheet 100, or on any combination of the side surfaces. The pocket 150 may be made of the same material as the bedsheet 100 or, alternatively, may be comprised of different materials including, without limitation, plastic, synthetic or natural fibers. The pockets 150 may further comprise an anti-microbial coating 152 such as, but not limited to, MicroBan® to prevent the transmission of germs, bacteria, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful microbes.
In one embodiment, the custom fitted bedsheet or bed linen 100 has one or more elastic bands 1010 along the edges 101 to securely fit around the corners of the mattress or other bedding 160. The elastic band 1010 helps in facilitating the mounting of the bedsheet 100 around the corners of mattress 160 to hold the bedsheet or bed linen in proper position even as a user tosses and turns on the same throughout the night. Alternatively, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 may not have elastic bands 1010 along the edges 101 for a free fit around the mattress 160.
The sleeve 150 is like a patch pocket, which may be formed from material sewn on to the outer surface of the bedsheet 100, such that the sleeve 150 would have a side edge 1501 connected to another side edge 1502 by means of a back wall (e.g., the material of the bedsheet 100). The fabric of the sleeve 150 can be the same or different from the material of the multipurpose fitted sheet 100. In addition, the sleeve or pocket 150 can be waterproof so that if a liquid is stored in the pocket or sleeve, it will not create a spill that will stain or contaminate the bedsheet 100. Also, the color of the sleeve 150 can be the same or different from that of the bedsheet 100, so that the individual can easily find the sleeve or pocket. In addition, the sleeve or pocket can be provided with a line or stitching of phosphorescent material which will illuminate the position of the sleeve or pocket 150 in the dark or in other low-light conditions. The sleeve or pocket 150 is open along its top edge 1504, and the bottom 1503 of the sleeve 150 can be oval, square or any other geometric configuration in shape.
In one embodiment, the height of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 4.5 inches and the width of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 3 inches. The sleeve 150 may also have a wider top portion 151 and a narrower base portion 153 so that items are collected toward the bottom of the sleeve so that a user does not have to search for an item stored in the sleeve. Alternatively, the height of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 6 inches and the width of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 6 inches to accommodate additional items.
In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve 150 can have an elastic band along the top edge 1504 to prevent the items kept in the sleeve 150 from falling out of the sleeve 150 when the multipurpose fitted sheet 100 is taken off of the mattress 160. The elastic band allows for the secure storage of irregular and small items without the need of other securing aids. Alternatively, the top edge 1504 may have a zipper or hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, overlapping flaps or any combination thereof for securely closing the cavity of the sleeve 150.
The positioning and size of the sleeve 150 on the material of the bedsheet 100 is such that the sleeve 150 is disposed on the side surfaces 104, 106 of the mattress 160, and not underneath the mattress 160 when the bedsheet 100 is placed on the mattress 160. The bottom edge 1503 of the sleeve 150 is preferably two to three inches above the edge of the bedsheet 100. Alternatively, the bottom edge 1503 of the sleeve 150 may be four to five inches above the edge of the bedsheet 100. The pocket 150 may be disposed centrally along the side 104, 106 of the mattress sheet or positioned so that the upper end 151 will be near the top edge to make the pocket 150 readily accessible to an individual.
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 persons 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 “custom fitted bedsheet”, “multipurpose fitted sheet”, “fitted sheet label”, and “bedsheet”, are interchangeable and refer to the custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 and its components 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 size, configuration and material of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
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. 63/045,926, which was filed on Jun. 30, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63045926 | Jun 2020 | US |
