BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to mattress covers and particularly to a mattress cover for a mattress suitable for use with an articulated bed frame. This invention relates particularly to a mattress cover having pockets at each end to receive corresponding end portions of a mattress and a mattress foundation therein for securely holding the mattress to the mattress foundation.
The prior art method for holding the mattress in position on the base is a rigid metal bar mounted to the bed frame and extending above an end portion of the mattress. The metal bar presents safety issues if a person inadvertently sits or falls on it.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a mattress cover having end pockets that enclose opposite end portions of the mattress and the mattress support foundation to retain the mattress on the support base.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a mattress cover that attaches to the underside of a foundation to hold the mattress cover in place on the mattress as the foundation articulates.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a mattress cover and fitted sheet combination wherein the sheet attaches to the side of the mattress cover to hold the sheet in place as the foundation articulates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a mattress cover according to the present invention placed on a mattress and having end portions of the mattress and mattress support extending into end pockets of the mattress cover and having straps that secure the mattress cover to the underside of a foundation to retain the mattress cover in a selected postition as the foundation articulates; and
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fitted sheet placed upon and connected to the mattress and further showing end portions of the mattress extending into the end pockets of the mattress cover of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a mattress 10 for an adjustable bed positioned on an adjustable foundation 12. The foundation 12 is shown to include a head and chest section 14, a lower torso section 15, a thigh section 16 and a lower leg section 17. Adjacent sections of the foundation 12 are preferably hingedly connected together as is well-known in the art to be suitable for use with an articulated bed frame (not shown). The foundation sections may be formed of any convenient material such as plywood or any of a number of common synthetic materials.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mattress cover 22 is placed on the mattress 10. The mattress cover 22 is formed to include end pockets 24 and 26 that extend over the ends 28 and 30, respectively, of the mattress 10. The end pocket 24 has a bottom portion 32 that extends under a portion 34 of the mattress 22, and the end pocket 26 has an end portion 36 that extends under a portion 38 of the mattress 10. By enclosing the end portions 34 and 38, the pockets 24 and 26, respectively, retain the mattress cover 22 on the mattress 10 as the angles of the foundation sections 14-17 change relative to one another as the foundation is adjusted.
Still referring to FIG. 2, the mattress cover 22 has straps 44 and 46 arranged to connect to the underside of the articulating foundation to hold the center portion 40 of the mattress cover 22 to the mattress 10 when the foundation is adjusted. The straps 44 and 46 preferably are fastened to the foundation 12 using a hook and loop tape sold under the trademark Velcro®. Fitted sheets 48 used with the mattress 10 and mattress cover 22 also have their center portions connected to the mattress 10 to hold them in place, particularly when the bed articulates. The sheets typically are connected to the mattress cover using buttons 42, snaps or ties.
This description is intended to be exemplary rather than limited to specific embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and all reasonable equivalents.