FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates generally to methods and systems for releasably attaching a bedding cover to a bed sheet and, more particularly, to releasably attaching a bedding cover to a bed sheet using fasteners to prevent a bedding cover from separating from a bed sheet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When most people sleep in their beds, they typically do so under a bed sheet and a bedding cover, which lies on top of, or over, the bed sheet. The bedding cover is generally a comforter, blanket, quilt, or the like, designed to keep the person warm. The bed sheet is typically used under the bedding cover to protect the bedding cover from getting dirty and to provide a comfortable barrier between the material of the bedding cover and the person's skin. In many instances, while a person is sleeping, the bed sheet and bedding cover will separate as the person moves during the night. The relative movement between the bed sheet and bedding cover may cause the bed sheet to slip off and no longer cover the person sleeping. In such a case, the person may end up sleeping with his or her body touching an often times uncomfortable comforter, blanket or quilt. In other instances, the bedding cover may slide off the bed sheet while the person is sleeping, causing the person to feel cold during the night and thus disrupting his or her sleep.
Further, when a person, while sleeping, causes the bed sheet and bedding cover to separate, the making the bed afterward becomes more of a chore than if the bed sheet and bedding cover remained together and did not separate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of a bed covered by a bed sheet and a bedding cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1B shows a side view of a bed covered by a bed sheet and a bedding cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1C shows an overhead view of a bed covered by a bed sheet and a bedding cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of a bed covered by a bed sheet and a bedding cover with the bedding cover and bed sheet fastened together by magnets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3A shows an enlarged overhead view of a magnet set within an encasing according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3B shows an enlarged side view of a magnet set within an encasing according to an embodiment of the invention; and
FIGS. 4A-4D show various mechanisms for releasably attaching a bedding cover to a bed sheet according to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It is noted that, although, throughout the ensuing discussion, reference is made to a “bedding cover,” such reference is made by way of illustration, and not limitation. Thus, the instant invention encompasses comforters, blankets, quilts, etc. that may be used as a “bedding cover.” In addition, the term “bed sheet” is used herein generically and without limitation as to the material of which the “bed sheet” is made.
In a preferred embodiment, FIG. 1A shows a bed sheet and bedding cover combination 10, a bed sheet 20, a bedding cover 30, and a mattress 40. Located along the bed sheet 20 and bedding cover 30 are fasteners 50 that allow the bed sheet 20 and bedding cover 30 to be releasably attached. Although FIG. 1C illustrates four fasteners, it will be appreciated that more or less fasteners may be used to releasably attach the bed sheet 20 to the bedding cover 30. Also, while the FIG. 1C illustrates the placement of fasteners 50 near the four corners of the bedding cover 30 and bed sheet 20, the fasteners 50 may be placed anywhere the bedding cover 30 and bed sheet 20 overlap.
FIG. 1B is a side view of FIG. 1A and also shows a bed sheet and bedding cover combination 10, a bed sheet 20, a bedding cover 30, a mattress 40 and fasteners 50. Note that the locations of the fasteners 50 are approximate and may vary depending on the type of fastener and how the fastener is attached to the bed sheet 20 or bedding cover 30.
FIG. 1C is an overhead view of FIG. 1A and also shows a bed sheet and bedding cover combination 10, a bed sheet 20, a bedding cover 30, a mattress 40 and fasteners 50.
Note that although FIGS. 1A-1C show fasteners in four locations, the instant invention encompasses any number of fasteners of various types in various locations.
As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, a set of magnets 210 is used to releasably attach the bedding cover 30 to the bed sheet 20. For example, a first set of magnets 210 may be placed on top of the bedding cover 30 or on top of the bed sheet 20 that is folded over the bedding cover 30, and a second set of magnets may be placed under the bed sheet 20 below the bedding cover 30. When the magnets attract, as more fully explained below, the bedding cover 30 and bed sheet 20 attach to each other and move together. Note that the instant invention may encompass any number of magnets to releasably attach the bedding cover 30 to the bed sheet 20. Also note that FIG. 2 is not drawn to scale; thus, the magnets may be larger or much smaller than shown relative to the bedding cover 30 and bed sheet 20. Further, note that the set of magnets may include only one magnet or a plurality of magnets.
FIG. 3A shows an example of how a grouping of magnets 210 may be arranged in an enclosure 320. In a preferred embodiment, FIG. 3B shows a first grouping of two magnets 310 stacked on top of each other and slightly separated from a second grouping of two magnets 310 also stacked on top of each other. When one set of magnets 210 is placed proximately near a second set of magnets 210, the magnets attract, causing any items that are placed in between the magnets to attach to each other, assuming that the magnets are powerful enough to hold the items in place.
In a preferred embodiment, the magnets 310 are especially strong, and will easily attach a bedding cover 30, such as a comforter, to a bed sheet 20. The magnets are preferably encased in non-magnetic material 320, such as rubber, which is softer to the touch than the metal of the magnet and allows users of the invention to more easily separate the magnets from each other. This allows a user of the invention to easily separate the bed sheet from the bedding cover should the bed sheet need washing, or for any other reason.
FIG. 4A shows a preferred embodiment in which a set of magnets 210 is placed in a pocket that is sewn into the bedding cover 30. This allows one to easily place and remove the magnet set 210 into and from a bedding cover. In another preferred embodiment, the magnet set 210 or the magnet itself 310 may be sewn into the bedding cover so that the user of the invention need not worry about placing or removing the magnet. Similarly, in a preferred embodiment, magnets 310 may be placed within a pocket or sewn into the bed sheet 20.
In another preferred embodiment, FIG. 4B shows a bedding cover 30 releasably attached to a bed sheet 20 by use of a snap fastener 420, which includes a male member 430 that may be inserted into a female receptacle 440.
In yet another preferred embodiment, FIG. 4C shows a bedding cover 30 releasably attached to a bed sheet 20 by use of a button 460 and hole 470.
FIG. 4D shows another preferred embodiment in which Velcro®, or hook-and-eye fasteners or hook-and-loop fasteners, are used to releasably attach a bed sheet 20 to a bedding cover 30. In a preferred embodiment, the hook and eye fasteners or Velcro® material may be ironed onto the bedding cover 30 and bed sheet 20, or attached by some other method.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are therefore intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
Patent Application
20130180050
