Fitted sheet assembly

Abstract

A fitted sheet assembly includes a fitted bed sheet designed to fit over a mattress and a panel coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet. The panel is designed to be positioned under the mattress to secure the fitted bed sheet to the mattress against removal. A coupler is designed to couple the panel and the fitted bed sheet such that the fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not ApplicableTHE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not ApplicableINCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

[0004] Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

[0005] Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) Field of the Invention

[0006] The disclosure relates to fitted bed sheets and more particularly pertains to a new fitted sheet assembly for temporarily securing a fitted bed sheet to a mattress. In general, fitted bed sheets have a perimeter lip that includes an elastic band. The elastic band pulls the fitted sheet snug over the mattress and is intended to retain the fitted sheet in place on the mattress. However, while people sleep in the bed, the fitted sheet can be pulled off of the mattress. Various solutions exist, such as corner ties, that are difficult to install and not always effective. The new fitted sheet assembly includes a panel between the mattress and the box spring that is connected to the fitted bed sheet to hold it in place.(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

[0007] The prior art relates to fitted bed sheets. The prior art, as best understood, does not disclose a fitted sheet assembly that includes a fitted bed sheet designed to fit over a mattress and a panel coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet. The panel is designed to be positioned under the mattress to secure the fitted bed sheet to the mattress against removal. A coupler is designed to couple the panel and the fitted bed sheet such that the fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above in a fitted sheet assembly generally comprising a fitted bed sheet designed to fit over a mattress and a panel coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet. The panel is designed to be positioned under the mattress to secure the fitted bed sheet to the mattress against removal. A coupler is designed to couple the panel and the fitted bed sheet such that the fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.

[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0010] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitted sheet assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a right side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a left side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a mattress for use in an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new fitted sheet assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0021] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, the fitted sheet assembly 10 generally comprises a fitted bed sheet 12 designed to fit over a mattress 70 and a panel 14 coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet 12. The panel 14 is designed to be positioned under the mattress 70 to secure the fitted bed sheet 12 to the mattress 70 against removal. A coupler 16 is designed to couple the panel 14 and the fitted bed sheet 12 such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is removable from the mattress 70.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the coupler 16 includes a first zipper 16 and a second zipper 18. The panel 14 includes a head panel edge 20, a foot panel edge 22, a first side panel edge 24, and a second side panel edge 26. It should be noted that terms “head” and “foot” refer to the head and foot of a bed frame for purposes of reference only, and these could be reversed since mattresses are also reversible with respect to the bed frame, such that the head end becomes the foot end and vice versa. The fitted bed sheet 12 includes a lip 28 positionable about a bottom edge of the mattress 70. Such lips are usually an elastic band, as is well known in bedding technology. The lip 28 includes a head lip portion 30, a foot lip portion 32, a first side lip portion 34, and a second side lip portion 36. The first zipper 16 is positioned to extend along and detachably couple the first side panel edge 24 to the first side lip portion 34. The second zipper 18 is positioned to extend along and detachably couple the second side panel edge 26 to the second side lip portion 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the head lip portion 30 and the foot lip portion 32 of the fitted bed sheet 12 are not connected to the panel 14. In addition, each of the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 is divided into two zipper sections, as is well known for zippers. Each of the zipper sections is attached to a respective one of the fitted bed sheet 12 and the panel 14.

[0023] The coupler 16 as shown in the figures is only one exemplary embodiment, and other designs are possible. For example, the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 could be replaced with other structures, such as buttons, clasps, hook and loop material, or snaps. The first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 could be replaced by a single zipper extending around the entire lip 28, or possibly around three sides of the lip 28, or possibly only one side of the lip 28, such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is attached to the panel 14 on one lateral side edge.

[0024] The panel 14 includes a main panel body 38 of non-stretchable material. The panel 14 includes a pair of resilient strips 40 attached to the main panel body 38, such that the panel 14 is adjustable in width. The panel 14 is designed to be the same size as the mattress 70, but the resilient strips 40 help adjust the width as needed if the mattress 70 is larger than the panel 14, as well as pull the fitted bed sheet 12 taut if the mattress 70 is smaller than the panel 14. Each of the resilient strips 40 extends along a respective one of the first side panel edge 24 and the second side panel edge 26. In one possible embodiment, each of the resilient strips 40 is made of elastic fabric or similar material. In the exemplary embodiment, the main panel body 38 is made of fabric. However, other materials could be used, such as plastic. The main panel body 38 could also be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as cardboard or hard plastic.

[0025] The fitted sheet assembly 10 further includes a connector 42 to detachably connect the panel 14 to a bottom surface of the mattress 70. The connector 42 includes a first connector member 44 attached to the panel 14 and a second connector member 46 attached to the bottom surface 74 of the mattress 70. In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 42 is positioned adjacent and parallel to the foot panel edge 22, though the connector 42 could be positioned elsewhere in one possible embodiment. Each of the first connector member 44 and the second connector member 46 is a strip of hook and loop material. The fitted sheet assembly 10 could include a plurality of strips of hook and loop material, arranged in different positions.

[0026] In order to use the fitted sheet assembly 10, the second connector member 46 is attached to the bottom surface of the mattress 70. The panel 14 is placed under the mattress 70, such as between the mattress 70 and a box spring 72, with the first connector member 44 facing up. The mattress 70 is placed onto the panel 14 and connects the second connector member 46 to the first connector member 44. The user then zippers together the first side panel edge 24 and the first side lip portion 34, and also zippers together the second side panel edge 26 to the second side lip portion 36. The fitted bed sheet 12 is now secured to the panel 14 and held in place against being pulled off of the mattress 70. The resilient strips 40 can function to pull the fitted bed sheet 12 tight, as well as to allow the panel 14 to be expanded in width in the event the mattress 70 is wider than the panel 14. When the user wishes to, for example, clean the fitted bed sheet 12, the user can unzip the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 and remove the fitted bed sheet 12 without needing to move the panel 14, which is trapped under the mattress 70.

[0027] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new fitted sheet assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0021]As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, the fitted sheet assembly 10 generally comprises a fitted bed sheet 12 designed to fit over a mattress 70 and a panel 14 coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet 12. The panel 14 is designed to be positioned under the mattress 70 to secure the fitted bed sheet 12 to the mattress 70 against removal. A coupler 16 is designed to couple the panel 14 and the fitted bed sheet 12 such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is removable from the mattress 70.

[0022]In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the coupler 16 includes a first zipper 16 and a second zipper 18. The panel 14 includes a head panel edge 20, a foot panel edge 22, a first side panel edge 24, and a second side panel edg...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not ApplicableTHE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not ApplicableINCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

[0004] Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

[0005] Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION(1) Field of the Invention

[0006] The disclosure relates to fitted bed sheets and more particularly pertains to a new fitted sheet assembly for temporarily securing a fitted bed sheet to a mattress. In general, fitted bed sheets have a perimeter lip that includes an elastic band. The elastic band pulls the fitted sheet snug over the mattress and is intended to retain the fitted sheet in place on the mattress. However, while people sleep in the bed, the fitted sheet can be pulled off of the mattress. Various solutions exist, such as corner ties, that are difficult to install and not always effective. The new fitted sheet assembly includes a panel between the mattress and the box spring that is connected to the fitted bed sheet to hold it in place.(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.

[0007] The prior art relates to fitted bed sheets. The prior art, as best understood, does not disclose a fitted sheet assembly that includes a fitted bed sheet designed to fit over a mattress and a panel coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet. The panel is designed to be positioned under the mattress to secure the fitted bed sheet to the mattress against removal. A coupler is designed to couple the panel and the fitted bed sheet such that the fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above in a fitted sheet assembly generally comprising a fitted bed sheet designed to fit over a mattress and a panel coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet. The panel is designed to be positioned under the mattress to secure the fitted bed sheet to the mattress against removal. A coupler is designed to couple the panel and the fitted bed sheet such that the fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.

[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0010] The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0011] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitted sheet assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a right side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a left side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a mattress for use in an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new fitted sheet assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0021] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, the fitted sheet assembly 10 generally comprises a fitted bed sheet 12 designed to fit over a mattress 70 and a panel 14 coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet 12. The panel 14 is designed to be positioned under the mattress 70 to secure the fitted bed sheet 12 to the mattress 70 against removal. A coupler 16 is designed to couple the panel 14 and the fitted bed sheet 12 such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is removable from the mattress 70.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the coupler 16 includes a first zipper 16 and a second zipper 18. The panel 14 includes a head panel edge 20, a foot panel edge 22, a first side panel edge 24, and a second side panel edge 26. It should be noted that terms “head” and “foot” refer to the head and foot of a bed frame for purposes of reference only, and these could be reversed since mattresses are also reversible with respect to the bed frame, such that the head end becomes the foot end and vice versa. The fitted bed sheet 12 includes a lip 28 positionable about a bottom edge of the mattress 70. Such lips are usually an elastic band, as is well known in bedding technology. The lip 28 includes a head lip portion 30, a foot lip portion 32, a first side lip portion 34, and a second side lip portion 36. The first zipper 16 is positioned to extend along and detachably couple the first side panel edge 24 to the first side lip portion 34. The second zipper 18 is positioned to extend along and detachably couple the second side panel edge 26 to the second side lip portion 36. In the exemplary embodiment, the head lip portion 30 and the foot lip portion 32 of the fitted bed sheet 12 are not connected to the panel 14. In addition, each of the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 is divided into two zipper sections, as is well known for zippers. Each of the zipper sections is attached to a respective one of the fitted bed sheet 12 and the panel 14.

[0023] The coupler 16 as shown in the figures is only one exemplary embodiment, and other designs are possible. For example, the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 could be replaced with other structures, such as buttons, clasps, hook and loop material, or snaps. The first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 could be replaced by a single zipper extending around the entire lip 28, or possibly around three sides of the lip 28, or possibly only one side of the lip 28, such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is attached to the panel 14 on one lateral side edge.

[0024] The panel 14 includes a main panel body 38 of non-stretchable material. The panel 14 includes a pair of resilient strips 40 attached to the main panel body 38, such that the panel 14 is adjustable in width. The panel 14 is designed to be the same size as the mattress 70, but the resilient strips 40 help adjust the width as needed if the mattress 70 is larger than the panel 14, as well as pull the fitted bed sheet 12 taut if the mattress 70 is smaller than the panel 14. Each of the resilient strips 40 extends along a respective one of the first side panel edge 24 and the second side panel edge 26. In one possible embodiment, each of the resilient strips 40 is made of elastic fabric or similar material. In the exemplary embodiment, the main panel body 38 is made of fabric. However, other materials could be used, such as plastic. The main panel body 38 could also be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as cardboard or hard plastic.

[0025] The fitted sheet assembly 10 further includes a connector 42 to detachably connect the panel 14 to a bottom surface of the mattress 70. The connector 42 includes a first connector member 44 attached to the panel 14 and a second connector member 46 attached to the bottom surface 74 of the mattress 70. In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 42 is positioned adjacent and parallel to the foot panel edge 22, though the connector 42 could be positioned elsewhere in one possible embodiment. Each of the first connector member 44 and the second connector member 46 is a strip of hook and loop material. The fitted sheet assembly 10 could include a plurality of strips of hook and loop material, arranged in different positions.

[0026] In order to use the fitted sheet assembly 10, the second connector member 46 is attached to the bottom surface of the mattress 70. The panel 14 is placed under the mattress 70, such as between the mattress 70 and a box spring 72, with the first connector member 44 facing up. The mattress 70 is placed onto the panel 14 and connects the second connector member 46 to the first connector member 44. The user then zippers together the first side panel edge 24 and the first side lip portion 34, and also zippers together the second side panel edge 26 to the second side lip portion 36. The fitted bed sheet 12 is now secured to the panel 14 and held in place against being pulled off of the mattress 70. The resilient strips 40 can function to pull the fitted bed sheet 12 tight, as well as to allow the panel 14 to be expanded in width in the event the mattress 70 is wider than the panel 14. When the user wishes to, for example, clean the fitted bed sheet 12, the user can unzip the first zipper 16 and the second zipper 18 and remove the fitted bed sheet 12 without needing to move the panel 14, which is trapped under the mattress 70.

[0027] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof, a new fitted sheet assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0021]As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, the fitted sheet assembly 10 generally comprises a fitted bed sheet 12 designed to fit over a mattress 70 and a panel 14 coupled to a perimeter edge of the fitted bed sheet 12. The panel 14 is designed to be positioned under the mattress 70 to secure the fitted bed sheet 12 to the mattress 70 against removal. A coupler 16 is designed to couple the panel 14 and the fitted bed sheet 12 such that the fitted bed sheet 12 is removable from the mattress 70.

[0022]In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, the coupler 16 includes a first zipper 16 and a second zipper 18. The panel 14 includes a head panel edge 20, a foot panel edge 22, a first side panel edge 24, and a second side panel edg...

Claims

1. A fitted sheet assembly comprising:a fitted bed sheet being configured to fit over a mattress;a panel being coupled to a perimeter edge of said fitted bed sheet, said panel being configured to be positioned under the mattress to secure said fitted bed sheet to said mattress against removal; anda coupler being configured to couple said panel and said fitted bed sheet such that said fitted bed sheet is removable from the mattress.

2. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 1, wherein:said panel includes a head panel edge, a foot panel edge, a first side panel edge, and a second side panel edge; andsaid lip includes a head lip portion, a foot lip portion, a first side lip portion, and a second side lip portion.

3. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 2, wherein said coupler includes a zipper.

4. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 3, wherein:said zipper is a first zipper;said coupler includes a second zipper;said fitted bed sheet includes a lip positionable about a bottom edge of the mattress;said first zipper is positioned to extend along and detachably couple said first side panel edge to said first side lip portion; andsaid second zipper is positioned to extend along and detachably couple said second side panel edge to said second side lip portion.

5. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 2, whereinsaid panel includes a main panel body of non-stretchable material;said panel includes a pair of resilient strips attached to said main panel body, such that said panel is adjustable in width; andeach of said resilient strips extends along a respective one of said first side panel edge and said second side panel edge.

6. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 5, wherein said main panel body is made of fabric.

7. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 2, further including a connector to detachably connect said panel to a bottom surface of the mattress, wherein said connector includes a first connector member attached to said panel and a second connector member attachable to the bottom surface of the mattress.

8. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 7, wherein said connector is positioned adjacent and parallel to said foot panel edge.

9. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 8, wherein each of said first connector member and said second connector member is a strip of hook and loop material.

10. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 2, whereinsaid panel includes a main panel body of non-stretchable material;said panel includes a pair of resilient strips attached to said main panel body, such that said panel is adjustable in width; andeach of said resilient strips extends along a respective one of said first side panel edge and said second side panel edge.

11. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 10, wherein said main panel body is made of fabric.

12. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 11, further including a connector to detachably connect said panel to a bottom surface of the mattress, wherein said connector includes a first connector member attached to said panel and a second connector member attachable to the bottom surface of the mattress.

13. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 12, wherein said connector is positioned adjacent and parallel to said foot panel edge.

14. The fitted sheet assembly of claim 13, wherein each of said first connector member and said second connector member is a strip of hook and loop material.

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