Abstract:
Bedding systems comprising elements for creating sleeping nooks for individual sleepers and indicia for maintaining sanitary bedding conditions are provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to bedding systems including bed sheet systems that comprise individual nooks for bed users and bedding kits comprising pillow covers having identification indicia thereon. 
         [0002]    Many people sleep in a bed having sheets. Often, these sheets can include separate top and bottom sheets. Typically, two people sleep together in a bed and thus share the sheets. Some people sleep with their pets. 
         [0003]    During the night, it is common for a sleeping person to tug the top sheet such that the other person becomes uncovered. Conversely, during the course of the night, one person may remove the top sheet or blankets from their side of the bed, thus uncovering one or more other sleepers who are sharing the bed. 
         [0004]    Further, many people suffer from “night sweats”, which may be caused by any number of medical conditions, including menopause. Such people often remove their sheets during a “hot flash” and replace their sheets when the “hot flash” has subsided because they can become cold from the evaporative effects of excess perspiration. Because human beings are homoeothermic, body temperature must be maintained in a relatively narrow range. Advantages of the instant invention will be apparent to people who desire to cover and uncover themselves numerous times during the night without disturbing other sleepers sharing a bed. 
         [0005]    Some family arrangements require that one or more children share a bed. This sharing arrangement between children can lead to inequitable distribution of sheets, blankets or pillows. Some known bedding devices simply separate sleepers by use of an enclosed sleeping pocket, such as a sleeping bag or other such configuration. 
         [0006]    Further, many people sleep with their pets, such as, for example, their cats or dogs. While many people enjoy such sleeping arrangements, pets can cause bedding, such as top sheets, bottom sheets, blankets, or pillows to become soiled or dislodged from a desired sleeping location. The present invention solves many problems associated with bed sharing between people or among people and their pets. 
         [0007]    Most people sleep with one or more pillows. Often, such pillows are enclosed in a removable, washable cover or case. When one or more people share a bed, the pillows can easily become mixed up. In the case where one person has a contagious illness, for example, influenza or a common cold, it is important to control bed linens, such as pillow cases, to minimize the chances of spreading infection or disease. 
         [0008]    Some bedding material have monograms, for example, monogrammed sheets, however, these devices do not solve the problem of tracking the location of each pillow case. One aspect of the present invention provides a novel solution using bedding system indicia to reduce the probability of mixing up pillows thus minimizing the chance of spreading illness among multiple users of a bed. Whereas known approaches simply do resolve the problems related to sharing beds, novel bedding systems that provide individual sleeping nooks and improved sanitary sleeping conditions are disclosed herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In one aspect of the invention an apparatus comprises a bottom sheet having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first longitudinal axis and a top sheet having a second top end, a second bottom end and a second longitudinal axis. The top sheet and bottom sheet have a connected portion along the first longitudinal axis of the top sheet and the second longitudinal axis of the bottom sheet, thereby creating two separate nooks. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the invention the bottom sheet is a fitted sheet. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment of the invention, the top sheet is a flat sheet. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments, the top sheet and the bottom sheet are connected along a longitudinal center line of each of the sheets. 
         [0013]    In other embodiments, the sheets are connected along between about 10% and about 90% of the length of the sheets. 
         [0014]    In yet other embodiments, the connected portion does not include the portion proximal to the first top end and the second top end of the sheets. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the sheets are connected between the first bottom end and the second bottom end along a portion of the longitudinal axis of each of the sheets. 
         [0016]    In other embodiments, the sheets are connected between about 50% and about 90% of the length of the sheets. 
         [0017]    In yet other embodiments, the connected portion does not include the portion proximal to the first top end and said second top end. 
         [0018]    In certain embodiments, the connected portion is detachable. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the connected portion comprises a zipper. 
         [0020]    In yet other embodiments, the system further includes a plurality of pillow cases. Each of the plurality of pillow cases has unique indicia for identification of the position of each of the pillow cases in relation to the nooks. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the indicia are NeaNook L for indicating a left position and NeaNook R for indicating a right position. 
         [0022]    In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a bottom sheet having a top end, a bottom end, a width and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of top sheets each has a top end, a bottom end and a longitudinal axis. The plurality of top sheets can be connected to the bottom sheet along a plurality of connected portions along the longitudinal axis of the top sheet and the longitudinal axis of the plurality of top sheets. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment of this aspect, the bottom sheet is a fitted sheet. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment of this aspect, the top sheet is a flat sheet. 
         [0025]    In certain embodiments, the plurality of top sheets are connected to the bottom sheet. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the bottom sheet and the plurality of top sheets are connected lengthwise between about 50% and about 90% of the length of the sheets at substantially equal distances across the width of the bottom sheet, thereby creating a plurality of nooks. 
         [0027]    In another aspect of the invention, a bedding system kit comprises a bottom sheet having a first top end, a first bottom end and a first longitudinal axis. A top sheet has a second top end, a second bottom end a second longitudinal axis. The top sheet and the bottom sheet have a connected portion along the first longitudinal axis of the top sheet and the second longitudinal axis of the bottom sheet, thereby forming a bedding system nook, assembly. The kit can include a package for containing and displaying the kit. 
         [0028]    In one aspect of this embodiment, the kit can include a plurality of pillow cases. Each of the plurality can have unique indicia for identification of a location. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  depicts a plan view of an embodiment of the bedding system of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  showing two system users. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  depicts a plan view of an embodiment of the bedding system of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  depicts a plan view of another embodiment of the bedding system of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  showing three system users. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    As used herein, the terms bedding and sheet are defined as any system used on a mattress or other similar sleeping surface that forms a barrier between a user of the bed and the sleeping surface. The terms bedding and sheet can be singular or plural and are used interchangeably herein. 
         [0035]    As used herein, the terms nook and NeaNook define a space comprising at least one barrier that separates individuals in a bed. These terms may be singular or plural and are used interchangeably herein. 
         [0036]    As used herein a mattress is defined as any case filled with resilient material such as cotton, hair, feathers, foam rubber, air, water, or an arrangement of coiled springs used either alone as a bed or on box spring or stand. 
         [0037]    As used herein, a fitted sheet is defined as a sheet, usually with elastic edges, tailored to fit a particular size of mattress 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, bedding system  100  comprises bottom sheet  2  and top sheet  6 , and. The top and bottom sheets are joined along longitudinal axis  14 , thus forming a barrier and creating individual nooks  8 . The top sheet  6  can be folded as shown in overlap area  10 . The sheets can be joined along a portion of the lengthwise direction along axis  14  of the sheets to form a NeaNook bedding system assembly. 
         [0039]    In this embodiment, the top and bottom sheets can be attached together by stitching or sewing using a durable fiber or by any known means for joining fabric together to create a durable joint along a portion of axis  14 . The attachment can include a reinforcing strip of material (not shown) to enhance the strength of the joint if necessary. 
         [0040]    Methods of attaching fabric are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of bedding, fabric, or garment manufacturing. The attachment can be made using any type or color of thread including glow in the dark thread, such as, for example polyester. Any type of luminescent material suited for bedding can be used for any component of the present invention. For example, the attachment between top and bottom sheet can comprise a sewn joint using a blue luminescent polyester thread or a white nylon thread or yarn or any other suitable material. 
         [0041]    The top and bottom sheet can also be attached by detachable means such as zippers, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener systems and the like. These methods of attaching fabric in a detachable way will be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of bedding, fabric, garment manufacturing and the like. Luminescent materials suited for bedding are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0042]    Components of the present invention can be fabricated from known bedding materials such as cotton, linen, silk, synthetic polymer fibers, natural fibers, blends of different types of fibers and the like. Materials that meet any applicable safety standard, such as, for example, flame retardant materials can be utilized. 
         [0043]    Like-wise, the top and bottom sheets can be manufactured to include any color or pattern that may be desirable. The top sheet and bottom sheet can be fabricated individually from different materials or the same material and can be made to have different colors or patterns or the same color or pattern. The instant invention includes the use of any suitable bedding fabric and any color or pattern for each element of the bedding system assembly. 
         [0044]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , bedding system  100  is shown deployed on a mattress with two persons who are utilizing a typical double bed. It will be understood that the present invention can be used on any size bed. 
         [0045]    In this embodiment, bottom sheet  2  can be tucked between mattress support  16  and mattress  18 . Bottom sheet  2  can be adapted to be a fitted sheet having elastic retention means for engaging a mattress or can be a non-fitted sheet. The top sheet  6  can be folded as shown in overlap area  10 . 
         [0046]    In use, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a user  22  can lie comfortably between bottom sheet  2  and top sheet  6  while another user  26  can remove a portion of top sheet  6  without disturbing or pulling the sheet off user  22 . 
         [0047]    Because top sheet  6  and bottom sheet  2  are joined along a portion of the longitudinal axis  14 , each user can adjust the top sheet in accordance with their personal preferences. The joined portion along axis  14  creates a barrier or NeaNook, thus minimizing the chance that one user will “hog” the sheet or any blankets that are on the bedding assembly. 
         [0048]    Further, the bedding system can act as a barrier, when a barrier is desirable, but also allows for the comfort of individual users because they are able to snuggle or feel the bodily warmth of another user through the barrier. For example, if the bedding system is being used by a person and a dog, a barrier is desirable to keep the person&#39;s side clean. Likewise, a barrier can be desirable to prevent two child users from engaging in “tug of war” for the sheets or to separate children of different sexes. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, top sheet  2  and bottom sheet  6  can be joined both along a portion of longitudinal axis  14  and a portion of the width of the bedding assembly (not shown), that is, the direction substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis  14 . Joining sheets  2  and  6  along the width is preferably located nearest to the foot end of the bed such that the barrier does not interfere with a user&#39;s feet. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bedding system can include bottom sheet  2 , top sheet  6 , and a joined portion along axis  14 . An overlap fold  10  can be accommodated for aesthetics and functionality. As shown, the joined portion can be below fold  10 . This aspect allows users to easily access the bed and also fold the top sheet down to create a neat appearance. The bedding system further comprises one or more pillow cases  30 . The cases can be used to cover any number of pillows desired by the individual users. As shown, each pillow can include one or more indicia  34 ,  38  to indicate the proper position of each pillow and case on the bed. 
         [0051]    The indicia can be anywhere on one or more pillow cases and may include the word NeaNook or a suitable code, or color, or location that can enable a user to recognize the correct position of any pillow case or pillow case assembly. The indicia can be part of the pillow case or can be a separate piece attached to the pillow case such as a label. Attachment means, such as for example, stitching, sewing, printing, or embroidering will be well know to those skilled in the art. 
         [0052]    For example, indicia  34  can include a top right code, TR, for use with a top right side pillow, and indicia  38  can include a top left code, TL for use with the top left side pillow. It will be understood that any number of pillow cases can be marked with indicia for locating and tracking pillow use on a bed. The cases can also include strategically placed indicia  42 ,  46  such as NeaNook, a trademark, in lower right corner to indicate a right position, and in the lower left corner to indicate a left position. Other geometries for placement of indicia to indicate pillow positions are contemplated. 
         [0053]    This feature of the present invention allows for a user to determine that they are using their own pillow, thus minimizing the chance of spreading disease, if for example, one user of a bed has a cold and the other does not. Identification and separation of pillow cases can be critical to maximizing cleanliness and sanitary conditions where one or more beings share a bed. 
         [0054]    A plurality of geometries, configurations, and individual component configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. As mentioned above, all of the components of the present invention can be manufactured using materials and manufacturing methods known to one of skill in the art of fabric, bedding, apparel manufacturing and similar arts. 
         [0055]    Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In this embodiment, bedding system  200  comprises a three nook configuration having a bottom sheet  202  and top sheets  206  and  206 A. The top and bottom sheets are joined along longitudinal axis  214 ,  214 A thus forming two barriers and creating three individual nooks L, M, R. The top sheets  206 ,  206 A can be folded as shown in overlap areas  210 ,  210 A. The sheets  202 ,  206 , and  206 A, can be joined along a portion of the lengthwise or longitudinal direction along axis  214  and  214 A to form a three nook bedding system assembly. 
         [0056]    In this embodiment, as discussed above, the top and bottom sheets may be attached together by stitching or sewing using a durable fiber or by any known means for joining fabric together to create a durable joint. The attachment can include a reinforcing strip (not shown) to enhance the strength of the joint as necessary. Such methods of attaching fabric are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of bedding, fabric, or garment manufacturing. 
         [0057]    The top and bottom sheets can also be attached by detachable means such as zippers, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fastener systems and the like. These methods of attaching fabric in a detachable manner will be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of bedding, fabric, or garment manufacturing. 
         [0058]    As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , bedding system  200  is shown in a configuration for three individuals, here, two persons and a pet. It will be understood that the present invention can be used on any size bed for any desired number of users. Further, the nooks may be configured to fit different size users depending on the size of the user. For example, the system can have two people size nooks and one pet size nook. Any number and any combination of different size nooks are contemplated. 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, bottom sheet  202  can be tucked between a mattress support and a mattress (not shown). Bottom sheet  202  can be a fitted sheet having elastic retention means for engaging a mattress or a non-fitted sheet. 
         [0060]    In use, as shown in  FIG. 5 , user  222  can lie comfortably between bottom sheet  202  and top sheet  206  while users  226  and  230  can remove a portion of top sheet  206 ,  206 A without disturbing or pulling the sheet off other users. 
         [0061]    Because top sheets  206 ,  206 A and bottom sheet  202  are joined along longitudinal axis  214 ,  214 A each user can adjust the top sheet in accordance with their personal preferences. The joined portion along axis creates a barrier or NeaNook, thus minimizing the chance that one user will “hog” the sheet or any blankets that can be on top of the bedding assembly and maintaining sanitary conditions and allowing for bodily proximity between users. 
         [0062]    As discussed above, the bedding system can act as a barrier, when a barrier is desirable, but also allows for the comfort of users being able to snuggle or feel the bodily warmth of another user. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the bedding system can be used by two persons and a pet when a barrier is desirable to keep the people&#39;s nooks clean. Likewise, as discussed above, a barrier can be desirable to prevent two or more child users from having a “tug of war”. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, top sheet  202  and bottom sheets  206 ,  206 A can be joined both along a portion of longitudinal axis  214  and a portion of the width of the bedding assembly, that is, the direction substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis  214 ,  214 A. Joining the sheets along the width is preferably located nearest to the foot end of the bed such that the barrier created by joining the sheets does not interfere with a user&#39;s feet. 
         [0065]    System  200  can include pillows covers or cases  30  that have indicia, such as NNL, NNM, and NNR to indicate a left, a middle, and a right position, respectively. 
         [0066]    Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the disclosure herein.