Wrap Device for a Bed Ensemble

Abstract

A fitted wrap device (10) is provided for covering sides (106 and 108) and ends (10 and 112) of the base unit (102) of an ensemble bed (100). The device is formed of a panel (12) of fabric with joined or adjustable joined ends (22 and 24). The panel provides an opening (17) for slipping over a mattress (104) on the base unit. A retaining arrangement (30) retains the device about the base unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] THIS INVENTION relates generally to a wrap device for a bed ensemble. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Bed ensembles have a base unit with a top surface and a bottom surface, and a compatible mattress resting on the top surface. Some bed ensembles have a set of legs arranged to support the base unit above the floor level, while others are arranged with the bottom surface of the base unit on the floor. [0003] While the mattress is usually covered with a bed sheet, the base unit is either uncovered or covered by a dust ruffle. The ruffle has a panel configured to cover the top surface and a skirt surrounding the sides and at least one end of the base unit, and generally extending from said panel to about the floor level. To fit the ruffle on the base unit, the mattress must be moved from the base unit so that the panel of the ruffle can be positioned on the top surface of the base unit. The mattress must then be lifted and carefully positioned...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] One of said opposed ends is arranged as a head end. Adjustment means may be provided said head end for selectively tightening or loosening the wrap member about the base unit. The adjustment means may include one or more ties, or one or more paired Velcro strips. Accordingly, the adjustment means can be used to increase firmness of fit of the wrap device.

[0026] In the case of asthmatics and those with dust allergies, the wrap device being fitted to the base and not hanging to the ground, allows easy access under the bed and thereby results in ease of cleaning such as vacuuming or sweeping. In addition, the bed can be moved easily without the wheels getting caught in the wrap device. Furthermore, the wrap device being tightly fitted and not hanging to the floor, does not collect dust easily as it is with the prior art dust ruffles. If there is a need to remove the wrap device from the base unit for laundering, it can be removed with ease.

Problems solved by technology

The mattress is relatively heavy for a single person to lift it and is of a shape and size that it is difficult for a single person to carry the mattress in an appropriate posture for carrying heavy articles.

Accordingly, many people sustain injury in attempting to move mattresses from the base units of bed ensembles.

These tasks are difficult and cause frustration when making a bed.

This creates obvious problems not only for the elderly but also for any person of average strength.

In addition to the difficulty of removing the mattress, when replacing the mattress, if it is not lowered carefully into place the dust cover has a tendency to slip out of place.

When an ensemble bed with a base unit supported by wheeled support legs is moved, the wheels invariably get caught in the dust ruffle causing soiling and in some cases, tearing of the fabric.

In particular, they are not suitable for contemporary homes, boy's rooms and casual homes such as beach houses.

This does not allow for any flexibility in relation to fitting more than one bed size in the household, hotel or hospital and the like.

A dust ruffle which is too big for a bed tends to drape on the floor where it gets dirty and is trodden on; whereas one which is too small will not reach the floor thereby defeating its purpose as a dust ruffle.

In both cases the overall look is unsatisfactory.

This escalates breathing difficulties suffered by people with allergies to dust or certain illness such as asthmatics.

In addition, as the known bed ruffles can not be easily removed from the bed for laundering, people tend to leave them in situ for a considerable long time between laundering.

Accordingly, the breathing difficulties become increasingly more serious due to increasing amount of dust trapped by the dust ruffles.

As the known dust ruffles require a lot of fabric, the costs of manufacturing are relatively high.

As a result, the retail cost of the product is high.

Furthermore, the wrap device being tightly fitted and not hanging to the floor, does not collect dust easily as it is with the prior art dust ruffles.

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