INTEGRATED MATTRESS SHEET AND WATERPROOF MATTRESS COVER

Abstract

A unitary sheet that is provided with a waterproof underside layer. The sheet is used to cover a mattress, changing pad or similar surface to be occupied by a baby or a child. The upper layer of the sheet is a fabric (e.g. cotton) that provides comfort to a baby or child resting on the sheet, and it also provides waterproofing so that spillage or other waste matter does not seep through the sheet and onto the underlying mattress.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to mattress covering, more specifically to a bed sheet having a waterproof backing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mattresses, changing pads, mats and other fabric surfaces used by babies, toddlers and small children are often covered by a protective cover that is applied beneath a sheet. For example, mattress covers that are typically formed of a waterproof material such as plastic or the like are often used to protect an underlying mattress from accidents or spills.

A child or toddler cannot sleep directly on the mattress protector because it is uncomfortable and unhealthy. Thus, two different units are necessary—a lower mattress protector to provide waterproofing and an upper sheet to provide comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide a single sheet dual-function sheet that simultaneously servers as a bed sheet and as a mattress protector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of two material layers that form the dual-function sheet according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view a dual-function sheet according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a dual-function sheet according applied on a mattress according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the below-identified figures. However, the drawings and the description herein of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that various modifications of the present description of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, features or steps described herein may be omitted, additional steps or features may be included, and/or features or steps described herein may be combined in a manner different from the specific combinations recited herein without departing from the spirit of the invention, all as understood by those of skill in the art.

The invention set forth herein is a single sheet that serves as, both, a comfortable sheet for contacting a child and as a waterproof mattress cover. Referring to FIG. 1, a cotton or similar fabric upper layer 10 is shown disposed above a plastic lower layer 12.

Upper layer has an upper surface 14 and an underside surface 16. Lower layer 12 has an upper surface 18 and an underside surface 20.

In embodiments of the invention, upper layer 10 is formed of a 100% cotton. In other embodiments, upper layer 10 may be formed of polyester or similar synthetic materials or combinations of cotton and synthetic materials.

In embodiments of the invention, the lower layer 12 is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane, similar thermoplastic materials or blends thereof.

In an exemplary manufacturing process, the upper layer 10 is formed via weaving and is subsequently dyed and printed. Next, underside surface 16 of upper layer 10 is fused to upper surface 18 of lower layer 12. In an exemplary embodiment, heating compound is applied either to underside surface 16 of upper layer 10 or to upper surface 18 of lower layer 12. The two layers are then aligned and subjected to a heat source. In this regard, sufficient heat is applied such that the heating compound is brought to a sufficient temperature to cause upper surface of 18 of lower layer 12 to fuse with the underside surface 16 of upper layer 10.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a dual-function sheet having an upper layer 10 configured for comfort and a lower layer 12 configured for waterproofing.

It will be understood that lower layer 12 may be formed of any of various waterproof and preferably breathable materials.

It will be understood that sheets 22 may sized and shaped to cover any of various surfaces, such as mattress of various sizes and changing pads. For example, FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a dual-function sheet 22 applied atop a mattress 24. As show, when applied to a mattress, underside surface 20 of lower layer contacts the mattress 24. Upper surface 14 of upper layer 10 is configured to contact a person laying on the mattress 24. Whereas, upper layer 10 provides comfort, integrated lower layer 12 provides waterproof protection.

It will be understood that dual-function sheet 22 may be configured in any of various sizes and shapes and designed to cover any of different surfaces that support a baby or child. In embodiments of the invention, dual-function sheet 22 is form-fitted to fit over a corresponding mattress or similar surface. It will be understood that dual-function sheet 22 may be provided with a gather 26 or similar elastic region to assist the dual-function sheet 22 in remaining in place once installed on a mattress.

It will be understood that embodiments of the invention provide a novel method of covering a mattress or similar surface by providing a singular sheet having an upper layer formed of comfortable textile material (e.g. cotton) and a lower layer formed of a waterproof or water retardant material (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane) and applying the singular sheet atop a surface to be covered (e.g. a mattress), whereby the underside surface of lower layer of the singular sheet contacts the surface to be covered and the upper surface of the upper layer of the singular sheet is configured to contact a child or infant.

The dual-function sheet of the invention may be used to cover mattresses, changing pads, play surfaces or other surfaces that support a baby or a child. The upper fabric layer of the sheet provides comfort to a baby or child and the lower layer provides waterproofing so that spillage or other waste matter does not seep through the sheet and onto an underlying mattress or other surface.

Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since further modifications and variations may be apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the present application cover all such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a dual-function sheet, comprising the steps of: providing an upper layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the upper layer comprising fabric material;providing a lower layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the lower layer comprising plastic material; andfusing the entire upper layer to the entire lower layer to form the dual-function sheet;whereby the underside surface of the lower layer is configured to contact a mattress to be covered by the dual-function sheet, and the upper surface of the upper layer is configured to contact a person.

2. The method of claim 1, whereby the plastic material is waterproof.

3. The method of claim 1, whereby the plastic material is water-resistant.

4. A method of manufacturing a dual-function sheet, comprising the steps of: providing an upper layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the upper layer comprising fabric material;providing a lower layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the lower layer comprising plastic material;applying a heating compound to the underside surface of the upper layer or the upper surface of the lower layer;aligning the upper layer and lower layer;subjecting the upper layer and lower layer to a heat source; andapplying sufficient heat such that the heating compound is brought to a sufficient temperature to cause the upper surface of the lower layer to fuse with the underside surface of the upper layer to form the dual-function sheet;whereby the underside surface of the lower layer is configured to contact a mattress to be covered by the dual-function sheet, and the upper surface of the upper layer is configured to contact a person.

5. The method of claim 4, whereby the plastic material is waterproof.

6. The method of claim 4, whereby the plastic material is water-resistant.

7. A method of covering a mattress, comprising the steps of: providing a dual-function sheet comprising: an upper layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the upper layer comprising fabric material;a lower layer having an upper surface and an underside surface, the lower layer comprising plastic material; andfusing the entire upper layer to the entire lower layer to form the dual-function sheet;whereby the underside surface of the lower layer is configured to contact a mattress to be covered by the dual-function sheet, and the upper surface of the upper layer is configured to contact a person.

8. The method of claim 7, whereby the plastic material is waterproof.

9. The method of claim 7, whereby the plastic material is water-resistant.