Abstract:
The improved partitioned modular bedding device converts a standard mattress into a partitioned sleeping arrangement wherein multiple individuals may sleep without interfering with one another. A washable fabric base member covers the mattress top and is retained thereon by tensioned side panels. Outer flanges, a foot flange, and a head flange on the top surface of the base member define each occupant chamber. Releasable fasteners attach overlapping flange ends. A sheath member attaches to the inner surface of the outer flanges and foot flange to secure the occupant within the chamber. One or more overlayer members and an underlayer member may be utilized within the chamber for occupant comfort, each retained within the chamber by releasable fasteners.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to coverings for a bed and, in particular, to partitioned modular bedding mattress sheets and sheet inserts. 
         [0007]    Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0008]    Many parents choose to sleep in large beds, most commonly, with traditional queen or king sized mattresses. While it is also fairly common for children to sleep alone in a single toddler, twin, or twin XL bed, there are occasions where multiple children are required to sleep in larger beds together, for example when traveling and staying at hotels, or in some cases for an extended period at a place of residence. Unfortunately, when sleeping together on a large bed they tend to move around, bump into each other, or even lie over one another unintentionally during the course of rest. This leads to disturbed sleep and can impact sleep quality for everyone in the room, even in neighboring beds. Moreover, every sleeper prefers specific bedding materials and configurations and when sharing a bed, compromises must be made since occupants typically share some or all of the bedding components (sheets, blankets, etc.). 
         [0009]    In a hotel or other travel-related arrangement these and other problems arise. In hotel situations the size of bed is typically limited to king or queen arrangements. Multiple small children sleeping on such mattresses and in such unfamiliar settings might move about more, disturb bed partners and possibly even fall from the mattress, which may harm the children and expose them to contaminants on the floor. 
         [0010]    While it is possible for travelers to take along their own bed coverings, standard sheets and blankets are bulky and do not fit within reasonably sized luggage. Moreover, standard sheets and blankets do not address the issue of movement and interference among bed partners, and do not prevent same from falling to the floor. Traditional sleeping bags have also been utilized, but are impractical because of their cost and bulk, the difficulty in laundering, and because they do nothing with respect to occupant retention, but rather allow the occupant to roll about on a mattress and collide with bed partners or even fall to the floor. 
         [0011]    The present invention addresses these and other shortcomings as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill upon a reading and understanding of the disclosure provided herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In summary, an embodiment of the present invention presents a partitioned modular bedding device that comprises: a base member for covering the top of a mattress having side walls, the base member further comprising side panels and a releasable tensioner for closely fitting the side panels against the mattress side walls; and at least one chamber for accepting an occupant on the top surface of the base member, with the chamber comprising: a plurality of peripheral flange members, each flange member comprising a plurality of releasable fasteners; and a sheath member for providing retention of the occupant within the chamber, the sheath member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery corresponding to the flange member releasable fasteners for mating of the outward facing surface of the sheath member to the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members. In another aspect the device releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener material, magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, and button fasteners. In another aspect the device releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the outward width of the hook and loop fastener material allows adjustment of the chamber to accommodate various occupant body sizes. In another aspect the device sheath member releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook portion is affixed to the surface of the sheath member that contacts the flange members. In another aspect the device releasable attachment fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook member material portion and the loop material portion are oriented such that the strongest shear force resistance direction of the hook material faces inward toward the center of the chamber member. In another aspect the device releasable tensioner comprises a drawstring and cord lock member. In another aspect the device base member comprises a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one chamber is substantially perpendicularly oriented with respect to another chamber. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect the device chamber further comprises an overlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members. Another aspect of the device chamber further comprises a plurality of overlayer members, each overlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members, the plurality of overlayer members forming a stack. Another aspect of the device chamber further comprises an underlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the underlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the base member within the chamber. Another aspect of the device chamber further comprises a plurality of chambers for accepting an occupant, each chamber separated from the adjacent chamber by a neutral zone therebetween. Finally, another aspect of the device further comprises a sleeve member having an extension flap with releasable fasteners for releasably engaging a peripheral flange member releasable fastener. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment of the present invention presents a partitioned modular bedding device that comprises: a base member for covering the top of a mattress having side walls, the base member further comprising side panels and a releasable tensioner for closely fitting the side panels against the mattress side walls; and at least one chamber for accepting an occupant affixed to the top surface of the base member, the chamber defined by a plurality of peripheral flange members. Another aspect of the device chamber further comprises a sheath member for providing retention of the occupant within the chamber, the sheath member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery corresponding to the flange member releasable fasteners for mating of the outward facing surface of the sheath member to the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members. In another aspect of the device the releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener material, magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, and button fasteners. In another aspect of the device the releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the outward width of the hook and loop fastener material allows adjustment of the chamber to accommodate various occupant body sizes. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect of the invention the device sheath member releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook portion is affixed to the surface of the sheath member that contacts the flange members. In another aspect of the device the releasable attachment fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook member material portion and the loop material portion are oriented such that the strongest shear force resistance direction of the hook material faces inward toward the center of the chamber member. In yet another aspect of the device the base member comprises a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one chamber is substantially perpendicularly oriented with respect to another chamber. In another aspect of the device the chamber further comprises one or more overlayer members having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members, the overlayer members capable of stacking. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0016]    The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the partitioned modular bedding of the present invention in a first embodiment attached to a mattress form; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the extended retention skirt and tensioning loop of the embodiment as it is utilized to attach the partitioned modular bedding to the mattress form; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the sheath layer insert for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the overlayer insert for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the underlayer insert for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the mounted embodiment with optional layers attached, shown in conjunction with an occupant user to provide a reference to establish relative orientation of the components; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the mounted embodiment having two occupant chambers to illustrate the arrangement of the device layers; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a diagram highlighting alternate arrangements of the invention for various standard mattress sizes. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, if and when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]      FIG. 1  of the present invention presents a perspective view of the partitioned modular bedding in a first embodiment attached to a mattress form. As shown, the embodiment ( 100 ) includes a base member ( 102 ) attached to a retention skirt ( 104 ) with a tensioning means ( 120 ) that assumes the approximate form of a mattress form upon which the invention is to be utilized, thereby restricting movement of the base member thereon. Mounted upon the base member ( 102 ) are a plurality of peripheral flanges, including a footer flange ( 106 ), a header flange ( 108 ), an inside flange ( 110 ) and an outside flange ( 112 ). The combination of these four flanges establishes an occupant chamber ( 114 ) for accepting an occupant. Releasable fasteners ( 116 ) are utilized to urge and maintain the flanges in a closed state, thereby effecting a relatively tidy “made” appearance when no occupant is within the chamber. The outer flanges ( 110  and  112 ) extend from the footer flange ( 106 ) to the header flange ( 108 ). This arrangement is intended to provide a feeling of increased security for the occupant, and to serve as a positive barrier for a hand swiping under the pillow to prevent unintentional interference with a neighboring occupant. 
         [0027]    The releasable fasteners ( 116 ) of the present embodiment include complimentary magnets sewn into the flanges in areas of overlap. The attractive force of the magnets maintains the flange alignment until adequate force is applied to achieve separation. The magnetic attraction is strong enough to maintain flange alignment during non-use by an occupant yet weak enough for relatively easy separation when a user intends to enter the occupant chamber. The magnet material utilized in the present embodiment is Neodymium N42 0.75″ DIA×1/16″. While complimentary magnets are utilized, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that other embodiments may utilize hook-and-loop fastening material (for example, Velcro® material), snaps, zippers, and the like. 
         [0028]    Additional releasable fasteners ( 118 ) on the underside (or mattress side) of the flanges are utilized to maintain the positioning of the accessory layer inserts, which are described in greater detail below. The present embodiment utilizes hook-and-loop fastener material (for example, Velcro®) strips of sufficient length to allow adjustment of the tightness of the accessory layers therein. When hook-and-loop fastening material is utilized, the orientation of the hook material is chosen such that the strongest shear force resistance direction of the hooks portion faces toward the occupant chamber centerline, thereby resisting separation by shear force caused when the occupant turns or moves within the chamber. 
         [0029]    The base member ( 102 ) in this embodiment supports two occupant chambers ( 114 ) as depicted. One of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate that the size of the base member ( 102 ) determines the number of a particular size of occupant chamber that it will support. For a given size of base member ( 102 ) it is possible to include a greater number of occupant chambers in various configurations if the size of the occupant chambers is adjusted accordingly.  FIG. 8  depicts such alternate arrangements and is discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  presents a perspective view of the extended retention skirt ( 104 ) and tensioning loop ( 120 ) of the embodiment as it is utilized to attach the partitioned modular bedding to the mattress form ( 202 ). The base member ( 102 ) is designed with closely fitting retention skirt side panels ( 104 ) that are sized to envelope thin, standard, and deep mattresses. For example, the side panels ( 104 ) are approximately six inches taller than the height of the mattress form sides so that when installed with a releasable tensioner drawstring ( 120 ) drawn tight, the side panels ( 104 ) wrap around the bottom edges of the mattress on all sides to closely fit the side panels ( 104 ) around the walls of the mattress form, causing the device to substantially assume the approximate shape of the mattress form ( 202 ). In the present embodiment the drawstring ( 120 ) is substantially inelastic parachute cord material and therefore holds the side walls ( 104 ) snug against the mattress form walls. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the drawstring releasable tensioner allows adjustment of the side wall tension to envelope mattress form side walls of essentially any height and, as compared to the elastic band utilized in common fitted sheets, provides superior resistance to an occupant unintentionally pulling side panels off the mattress form. 
         [0031]    The base member ( 102 ) of the present embodiment can be sized to accommodate standard or custom mattress sizes, and is composed of fabric material using common construction techniques similar to a fitted sheet but with a more rigid, durable fabric to provide additional overall structure. For example, nylon, denim, or high-density (HD) cotton may be utilized, with standard sewing techniques suitable for the material density. Other embodiments may utilize polymer materials with seam welding techniques for joining the device components, or some combination of standard sewing and seam welding. The choice of construction technique is within the skill of one of ordinary skill. 
         [0032]    The present embodiment utilizes a sheath layer member and multiple accessory layer members during use.  FIG. 3  presents a top view of the sheath layer insert member for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment. The sheath layer member ( 300 ) serves to complete the enclosure of the occupant chamber by attaching to the complimentary releasable fasteners on the underside of the peripheral flange members. In order to fully secure the occupant and prevent each person from interfering with one-another&#39;s personal space, the sheath member ( 300 ), which is permanently sewn onto the outside flange ( 112 ), the occupant attaches the releasable fastener strips ( 302 ) to the inside flange ( 110 ) and footer flange ( 106 ), forming a chamber ( 114 ). The occupant chamber ( 114 ) may be entered and exited conveniently by opening the side zip fastener ( 306 ). During occupancy the side zip fastener ( 306 ) may be closed to effectively contain the occupant within the occupant chamber ( 114 ). While a zipper fastener ( 306 ) is utilized in this embodiment, other embodiments may utilize magnetic material, snap fasteners, button fasteners, and the like, or some combination thereof. 
         [0033]    The sheath member ( 300 ) is designed such that the fastening points are dimensionally varied from those on the base flanges to allow for free body movement and so as to prevent over-constraint of the body and feet within the occupant chamber. Specifically, the sheath member ( 300 ), when installed onto the base flanges ( 106  and  110 ), allows for chamber expansion such that the inner ( 110 ), outer ( 112 ) and footer flanges separate during use while still constraining the occupant. The inner flange ( 110 ) has wider loop fastener strips ( 122 ) than the rest of the embodiment (approximately 8″ vs. approximately 2″) and are attached to the sheath by use of the sheath&#39;s hook fastener strips ( 302 ) to accommodate various sizes of people and to strike the proper balance between avoiding a constrained sleep feel while preventing enough side roll of the occupant so as to allow interference with a neighboring sleeper. Moreover, to increase occupant comfort, the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastening system is designed to be affixed on the opposite (outward or upper) side of the sheath member ( 300 ), away from the occupant, to avoid the potential discomfort caused by the occupant&#39;s skin contacting the hook fastener material. Consequently, the loop portion aspects are attached on the occupant side of the base member ( 102 ) and flanges which causes less discomfort if touched. While the present embodiment utilizes hook-and-loop materials for the releasable fasteners, other embodiments may utilize magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, button fasteners, and the like, or some combination thereof. A primary benefit of using hook-and-loop fastening material is the relative ease with which the fasteners may be combined, while retaining a higher separation force than other releasable fasteners, for example, complimentary magnets. 
         [0034]    The sheath member ( 300 ) as shown is tapered in shape to approximate the taper of human anatomy, which helps to prevent an occupant from feeling over-constrained with the chamber ( 114 ). The sheath member edge ( 304 ) is sewn-in to the outer flange ( 112 ) as part of the base member ( 102 ) unit. The inner flange ( 110 ) includes a wide strip of loop fastener material ( 122 ) to allow the user to place the hook fastener material affixed to the sheath in one of many positions along the wide strip to accommodate various sizes of occupants. The current embodiment also features an extension flange ( 304 ) and a closed-end zipper ( 306 ) on the sheath ( 300 ) near the edge that is sewn to the outer flange ( 308 ) to enable easy entry to and exit from the occupant chamber. The extension flange provides for attachment of accessory layer members to the sheath along the upper-outer part of the chamber. The extension flange ( 304 ) enables (1) the user to easily move blanket and sheet overlayers out of the way upon entry and exit, and (2) maintains an ideal blanket and sheet overlayer stack (described in detail below) position within the chamber while the chamber is in use, and (3) enables free movement of the blanket and sheet overlayer stack during use while still holding its proper general position. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the overlayer insert for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment. The overlayer member ( 400 ) attaches to the releasable fasteners affixed to the underside of the sheath&#39;s extension flange ( 304 ) and the peripheral flanges directly allowing for easier entry and exit, and simplifying assembly. As with the sheath, releasable fasteners ( 402 ) are employed to releasably retain the overlayer in place beneath the sheath. In the present embodiment hook-an-loop materials are utilized, while other embodiments may utilize magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, button fasteners, and the like, or some combination thereof. Again, as with the sheath member, to avoid the potential occupant discomfort the hook fastener patches are attached to the side of the overlayer member opposite that of the occupant, which is the side of the overlayer member that contacts the sheath&#39;s extension flange ( 304 ) and the base unit&#39;s flanges ( 106 ,  110 , and  112 ). The overlayer member ( 400 ) is constructed from fabric and may be layered with insulation for added cold weather comfort. The overlayer member ( 400 ) may also be comprised of material forming a smooth sheet or may be comprised of material forming a blanket. Moreover, the releasable fastener ( 402 ) placement is such that multiple overlayer members may be stacked, for example, to provide a blanket layer above a sheet layer above the occupant. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  presents a top view of the underlayer insert for use with the partitioned modular bedding embodiment. The underlayer pad member ( 500 ) is a single pad that attaches to the base member ( 102 ) within the occupant chamber, and is a pad upon which the occupant lies. While the underlayer member ( 500 ) of the present embodiment is made of layered cotton sheeting material fitted with hook fasteners, it could also be made more substantially in thickness to provide a pressure-distributing pad sandwiched between two pieces of fabric. As with the sheath, releasable fasteners ( 502 ) are employed to releasably retain the underlayer in place upon the loop fastener strips ( 118 ) found along the lower periphery of the occupant chamber. In the present embodiment hook-an-loop materials are utilized, while other embodiments may utilize magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, button fasteners, and the like, or some combination thereof. In another embodiment the underlayer pad member is permanently sewn into the base unit. Again, as with the sheath member, to avoid the potential occupant discomfort the hook fastener patches ( 502 ) are attached to the side of the underlayer member that contacts the base member ( 102 ), opposite the side upon which the occupant lies. The underlayer member ( 500 ) may be padded for support and/or layered with insulation for added cold weather comfort. 
         [0037]    Additional accessory insert members include an accident guard layer member that can be installed beneath the underlayer to prevent moisture stains and damage on the base member and mattress. This moisture blocking member may be installed by attaching to the releasable fasteners of the base unit on the mattress side, beneath the underlayer member ( 500 ). Optionally, the underlayer member may include a moisture barrier layer within its core or on the side of the underlayer member that contacts the base member. Other accessory members include a pillow case or sleeve member featuring an extension flap having releasable fasteners for attachment to the header flange releasable fasteners, or other peripheral flange releasable fasteners. A similar bundle of partial length stackable blanket overlayer members is also envisioned to serve, for example, as a foot warmer for an occupant, and which can attach to the footer flange releasable fasteners or to another peripheral flange as desired. The sleeve member accessory insert may also be utilized to retain one or more pillows or stackable blankets to serve in this capacity. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  presents a side view of the mounted embodiment with optional layers attached, shown in conjunction with an occupant user to demonstrate the relative orientation of the components. The releasable fasteners are configured such that when a overlayer member ( 400 ) and sheath ( 300 ) is installed onto the side flanges ( 110  and  112 ) and footer flange ( 106 ), there is substantial slack so as to accommodate the contours of the occupant&#39;s body and feet within the occupant chamber ( 114 ). In order to accomplish this, the embodiment features (1) different positions for the hook on the sheath ( 300 ) member versus the loop on the flange assembly, and ( 2 ) a wider design size for the overlayer member ( 400 ) versus the span between flanges, similar to the sheath ( 300 ) insert but significantly wider than the sheath so that the occupant experiences the sheet-and-blanket movement similar to that on a conventional bed when wrapped around the body. The footer flange ( 106 ), which attaches to the sheath, also serves to constrain movement of the occupant within the chamber to prevent interaction with another occupant in a chamber configured at the foot of the original chamber (see  FIG. 8 , aspects  802  and  806 ). 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the mounted embodiment having two occupant chambers to illustrate the arrangement of the device layers. The left chamber is depicted as unoccupied while the right chamber is depicted as occupied. The unoccupied chamber demonstrates the stacking of the flanges, sheath, and layer members in a neatly “made” condition, with the inside flange ( 706 ) and outside flange ( 708 ) overlap such that the magnetic releasable fasteners ( 710 ) maintain the flanges in a closed condition. Beneath the flanges are the sheath member ( 712 ), the blanket overlayer member ( 714 ), the sheet overlayer member ( 716 ), and the underlayer member ( 718 ). Hook and loop fasteners ( 720 ) maintain the orientation of the internal layers. When occupied, the flanges ( 722  and  724 ) part, with the sheath layer outer surface ( 726 ) exposed due to the bulging of the stacked layer members. As can be seen more clearly in this depiction, in concert with the outer flange ( 722 ), sheath ( 726 ), and inner flange ( 724 ), the neutral zone ( 730 ) maintains spacing between occupant chambers thereby minimizing contact between occupants when both chambers are occupied. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  presents a diagram highlighting alternate arrangements of the invention for various standard mattress sizes. In a standard king mattress configuration, the device provides two full-sized adult occupant chambers in a side-by-side arrangement ( 800 ). If the chamber size is reduced, for example, to accommodate smaller children, it is possible to provide for three child-sized occupant chambers with an additional average-sized adult or teen-sized occupant chamber near the foot of the bed ( 802 ). The king can also support three average-sized adult or teen sized occupant chambers side-by-side ( 804 ). For a standard queen mattress configuration, it is possible to provide three child-sized occupant chambers with two side-by-side and a third at the foot of the two ( 806 ). A queen mattress configuration will also support two average-sized adult occupant chambers in a side-by-side arrangement ( 810 ). A standard full mattress configuration can support two occupant chambers ( 808 ). A standard twin or twin XL sized mattress configuration can support a single occupant chamber ( 812 ) as well. Other configurations are possible, for example with a custom mattress size, and are part of the invention claimed herein. 
         [0041]    In addition, the invention is advantageous because the partitioned modular bedding device (1) can be made easily in a few seconds; (2) uses less material than traditional sleeping devices; (3) is simple to launder; (4) is easier to carry for travel, (5) and prevents bedding components from falling off the bed and from migrating unintentionally around the bed such as sheets and blankets moving to the feet during the course of rest. 
         [0042]    The foregoing detailed description of the present invention is provided for the purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.