Sheet sets with attachment devices

Sheet sets are disclosed herein that comprise a fitted sheet adapted to be placed over a mattress, a top sheet adapted to be placed atop the fitted sheet and having a first width, a sheet extension extending from a first edge of the top sheet and having a second width, wherein the second width is shorter than the first width, and at least one fastening device adapted to couple the top sheet to the fitted sheet.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to sheet sets. In particular, the invention is directed to sheet sets with attachment devices to maintain the arrangement of the sheets during use.

2. Background of the Invention

Bed sheet sets typically come with a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. Sheet sets may additionally include one or more pillow cases. The fitted sheet fits over the mattress or a mattress pad. Typically, a fitted sheet is comprised of a flat portion that sits on top of the mattress and side panels that envelope the sides of the mattress. The side panels may have elastic portions along the edges to help secure the fitted sheet to the mattress. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic or another fastening device. The fitted sheet is preferably secured from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. Flat sheets are typically square or rectangular pieces of material that sit atop the fitted sheet and may be tucked around the fitted sheet and under the mattress. Additionally, blankets or comforters may be used on top of the sheets to provide extra warmth.

Beds and their corresponding bed sheets come in a variety of sizes to accommodate one or more people. Some common sizes include Twin (39″ wide×75″ long), Twin Extra Long (“Twin XL”) (39″ wide×80″ long), Full (54″ wide×75″ long), Queen (60″ wide×80″ long), and King (76″ wide×80″ long). Additionally, smaller size beds, such as cribs, are made for infants and children. However, beds can come in other shapes and sizes. Often with custom sized and shaped beds custom sized and shaped sheets need to be made.

During use of a bed, the sheets and blankets may become disarrayed and the bed needs to be remade. Remaking of the bed may entail removal of the top sheet and any blankets to make sure that are properly replaced on the bed for the next use. Proper placement may include positioning the head edge of the sheet at the head of the bed (the portion of the bed where a user typically places their head), positioning the foot edge of the sheet at the foot of the bed (the portion of the bed where a user typically places their feet), and ensuring that the correct side of the sheet is facing up. Such rearranging of the sheets and blankets is time consuming. Furthermore, when washing the sheets, the sheets typically separate and it is difficult and time consuming to properly rearrange the sheets for placement on the bed. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can easily maintain the arrangement of the sheets during use of the bed and during washing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new devices and systems to properly maintain the arrangement of sheet sets.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a sheet set. The sheet set comprises a fitted sheet adapted to be placed over a mattress, a top sheet adapted to be placed atop the fitted sheet and having a first width, a sheet extension extending from a first edge of the top sheet and having a second width, wherein the second width is shorter than the first width, and at least one fastening device adapted to couple the top sheet to the fitted sheet.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening device is a button coupled to a foot of the fitted sheet and is adapted to engage a button hole in the sheet extension. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is a button coupled to the sheet extension and is adapted to engage a button hole in a foot of the fitted sheet. Preferably, the at least one fastening is adapted to engage both a button hole in a foot of the fitted sheet and a button hole in the sheet extension.

The sheet set preferably further comprises a cutout on each side of sheet extension and adapted to allow the top sheet to lay flat on top of the fitted sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet lays flat without bunching or overlapping in the corners. The at least one fastening device preferably only couples a foot of the fitted sheet to the sheet extension. The sheet set preferably comprises a securement device coupled to one or more edges of the fitted sheet adapted to secure the fitted sheet to the mattress. Preferably, the top sheet, without the sheet extension, has a length equal to a length of the mattress. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is positioned along a foot side of the mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet extension has a length equal to the depth of the mattress.

Preferably, the sheet set further comprises one of a comforter and a duvet cover. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is adapted to engage a hole in the comforter or duvet cover. In a preferred embodiment, the duvet cover comprises an extension with at least one hole adapted to receive the at least one fastening device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention

FIG. 1depicts an embodiment of a King size fitted sheet100.FIG. 2depicts an embodiment of a Queen size fitted sheet200.FIG. 3depicts an embodiment of a Full size fitted sheet300.FIG. 4depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size fitted sheet400.FIG. 5depicts an embodiment of a Twin size fitted sheet500. The embodiments of the different sized fitted sheets shown inFIGS. 1-5have similar design with different sizes and fixture placement to accommodate the corresponding sized bed. Therefore, the description ofFIG. 1also applies toFIGS. 2-5. The sheets disclosed herein may be comprised of any fabric, for example, cotton, wool, silk, burlap, felt, bamboo, hemp, nylon, linen, polyester, polypropylene, other cloths, other naturally occurring or manmade materials, and combinations thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, fitted sheet100is comprised of a flat top portion105and side portions110A-D. Side portions110A-D preferably extend perpendicularly from flat top port105and are adapted to envelope the sides of a mattress. For example, as shown, side portions110A and110C have a length that corresponds with the length of the head and the foot of the appropriate mattress (King size in the example shown inFIG. 1). Similarly, side portions110B and110D have a length that corresponds with the length of the sides of the appropriate mattress (King size in the example shown inFIG. 1). Side portions110A-D preferably all have a depth that can accommodate multiple depth mattresses. For example, side portions110A-D may be 10″ in depth, 12″ in depth, 15″ in depth, 17″ in depth or another depth. Preferably, the edge of side portions110A-D that is opposite the edge that is attached to top portion105has a securement device115that is adapted to removably secure fitted sheet100to a mattress. The securement device115may be elastic, adhesive, ties, snaps, buttons, toggles, another device, or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, fitted sheet100is adapted to be placed on top of a mattress and side portions110A-D are adapted to envelop the sides of the mattress with the ends of side portions110A-D being secured under the mattress.

Preferably, side portion110C, which is preferably the foot of fitted sheet100has one or more sheet coupling devices120A-D. While four sheet coupling devices120A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, fitted sheet100may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned along the foot portion of fitted sheet100. By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices along the foot of fitted sheet100, the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of fitted sheet100and/or along the head of fitted sheet100. Preferably, each sheet coupling device is positioned within the side portions110A-D, however sheet coupling devices may be positioned on the top potion105of fitted sheet100.

Each sheet coupling device is preferably at least one of a button, a button hole, a male or female portion of a snap closure, a grommet, a tie or tassel, adhesive, or another fastening device. Preferably, coupling device is a temporary device that is able to couple and uncouple the sheet set as desired, yet is capable of maintaining the sheets in contact during use. However, in other embodiments, the sheets are permanently coupled together. In embodiments where the coupling device is a button hole, a grommet, or another type of hole, the hole may be reinforced with extra fabric or another material. Additionally, the hole edges may be secured to prevent fraying, for example, with thread. In embodiments where the coupling device is a button hole, a grommet, or another type of hole, a toggle, button, or other device may be inserted into the hole to secure the top sheet to the fitted sheet. The toggle, button, or other device may be coupled to the top sheet or may be adapted to be inserted into holes in both the fitted sheet and the top sheet. The securement device may resemble a cufflink. For example, the device may have one fixed portion and one movable portion, two fixed portions coupled by a chain, rope, or other flexible device, or may be unmovable. The securement device may be made of fabric, metal, plastic, wood, or other manmade or naturally occurring materials and combinations thereof.

FIG. 6depicts an embodiment of a King size top sheet600.FIG. 7depicts an embodiment of a Queen size top sheet700.FIG. 8depicts an embodiment of a Full size top sheet800.FIG. 9depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size top sheet900.FIG. 10depicts an embodiment of a Twin size top sheet1000. The embodiments of the different sized top sheets shown inFIGS. 6-10have similar design with different sizes and fixture placement to accommodate the corresponding sized bed. Therefore, the description ofFIG. 6also applies toFIGS. 7-10. The sheets disclosed herein may be comprised of any fabric, for example, cotton, wool, silk, burlap, felt, bamboo, hemp, nylon, linen, polyester, polypropylene, other cloths, other naturally occurring or manmade materials, and combinations thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, top sheet600is comprised of a single piece of material660with an extension665at the foot of the sheet. Preferably piece of material660is as long as the corresponding mattress. For example, piece of material660is preferably 80″ long to accommodate the 80″ length of a King size bed. However, piece of material660can be longer or shorter than the corresponding mattress. Preferably, the width of piece of material660is wider than the corresponding mattress such that that the sides of piece of material660can be tucked around and under the sides of the mattress. However, piece of material660can be as wide as the corresponding mattress or shorter than the corresponding mattress.

Preferably extension665is sewn onto the foot of piece of material660. However, extension665can a continuous extension of piece of material660, can be fastened with adhesive, staples, buttons, snaps, ties, another fastening device, or combinations thereof. Preferably, extension665is not as wide as the width of piece of material660, thereby providing cutouts670A and670B. Cutouts670A and670B preferably allowed top sheet660to lay flat on top and along the sides of a mattress without bunching and/or overlapping in the corners. In the preferred embodiment, extension665is long enough to cover the foot of a mattress (i.e. is as long as the depth of the mattress). However, extension665can be longer or shorter than the depth of the mattress.

Preferably, extension665has one or more sheet coupling devices675A-D. While four sheet coupling devices675A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, extension665may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices. Preferably, the number of sheet coupling devices675A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices120A-D. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned within extension665. By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices within extension665, the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of piece of material660and/or along the head of piece of material660. Preferably, the positioning of the sheet coupling device within top sheet600corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet100.

Sheet coupling devices may additionally be adapted to couple a blanket or quilt to the fitted sheet and/or the top sheet. For Example,FIG. 11depicts an embodiment of a comforter1100having holes1180A-D into which sheet coupling devices can be placed. Comforter1100may be used with or without a top sheet. While four holes1180A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, there may be 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of holes. Preferably, the number of holes1180A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices120A-D. Preferably, the positioning of the holes within comforter1100corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet100.

Similarly, a duvet cover1200, as shown inFIG. 12, may be coupled to the sheet coupling devices. The duvet cover1200may have holes1290A-D into which sheet coupling devices can be placed. As shown, holes1290A-D may be positioned in an extension1295of the duvet cover1200. For example, the duvet may be placed into the duvet cover1200through slot1298and extension1295may extend beyond the slot. Preferably, duvet cover1200and extension1295are made of the same material. Duvet cover1200may be used with or without a top sheet. While four holes1290A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, there may be 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of holes. Preferably, the number of holes1290A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices120A-D. Preferably, the positioning of the holes within duvet cover1200corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet100.

FIG. 13depicts an embodiment of a top sheet1300with an elastic strip or zone1330. Top sheet1300can be of any size, for example a king, queen, twin, extra-long versions thereof or another size. Preferably, top sheet1300is similar in construction to the other top sheets described herein with a single piece of material1360with an extension1365at the foot of the sheet. Preferably piece of material1360is as long as the corresponding mattress. For example, piece of material660is preferably sized to accommodate the corresponding mattress. Preferably, the width of piece of material1360is wider than the corresponding mattress such that that the sides of piece of material1360can be tucked around and under the sides of the mattress. However, piece of material1360can be as wide as the corresponding mattress or shorter than the corresponding mattress.

Preferably extension1365is attached to the foot of piece of material1360by elastic strip1330. Preferably, extension1365is between 2 and 5 inches deep and is not as wide as the width of piece of material1360, thereby providing cutouts1370A and1370B. Cutouts1370A and1370B preferably allowed top sheet1300to lay flat on top and along the sides of a mattress without bunching and/or overlapping in the corners. In the preferred embodiment, extension1365is long enough to cover the foot of a mattress (i.e. is as long as the depth of the mattress). However, extension1365can be longer or shorter than the depth of the mattress.

Elastic strip1330is preferably positioned between piece of material1360and extension1365and allows top sheet1300to more freely move during use than if elastic strip1330was not present. Additionally, elastic strip1330minimizes the amount of material used in piece of material1360and extension1365. Elastic strip1330is preferably as wide as extension1365, however in other embodiment elastic strip1330can be narrower or wider that extension1365. Preferably elastic strip1330is made of a stretchable material or stretch fabric. For example elastic strip1330may be polymer-polyurethane rubber (Elastane, Lycra or Spandex), another rubber (naturally occurring or manmade), blended fabrics, and combinations thereof. Preferably elastic strip1330is made of a 2-way or 4-way stretchable fabric. Preferably, elastic strip1330is made of a material that is able to be stretched further than the material that piece of material1360and/or extension1365is made of. In other embodiments, the entire extension1365is made of a stretchable material.

Preferably, extension1365has one or more sheet coupling devices or holes1375A-D. While four sheet coupling devices or holes1375A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, extension1365may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned within extension1365. By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices within extension1365, the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of piece of material1360and/or along the head of piece of material1360. Preferably, the positioning of the sheet coupling device within top sheet1300corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet1400. Preferably, elastic strip1330relieves pressure on the fastening devices and button holes during use of the sheets to prevent failure thereof. The embodiments of duvet covers and comforters described herein, may also have elastic strips similar to elastic strip1330.

FIGS. 14A-Cshow bottom, top, and side views, respectively, of a fitted sheet1400with an elastic zone or strip1435. Fitted sheet1400can be of any size, for example a king, queen, twin, extra-long versions thereof or another size. Fitted sheet1400is similar in construction to the other fitted sheets described herein with a flat top portion1405and side portions1410A-D. Side portions1410A-D preferably extend perpendicularly from flat top portion1405and are adapted to envelope the sides of a mattress. For example, as shown, side portions1410A and1410C have a length that corresponds with the length of the head and the foot of the appropriate mattress. Similarly, side portions1410B and1410D have a length that corresponds with the length of the sides of the appropriate mattress. Side portions1410A-D preferably all have a depth that can accommodate multiple depth mattresses. For example, side portions1410A-D may be 10″ in depth, 12″ in depth, 15″ in depth, 17″ in depth or another depth. Preferably, the edge of side portions1410A-D that is opposite the edge that is attached to top portion1405has a securement device1415that is adapted to removably secure fitted sheet1400to a mattress. The securement device1415may be elastic, adhesive, ties, snaps, buttons, toggles, another device, or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, fitted sheet1400is adapted to be placed on top of a mattress and side portions1410A-D are adapted to envelop the sides of the mattress with the ends of side portions1410A-D being secured under the mattress.

Preferably side portions1410A-D are coupled to flat top portion1405via elastic strip1435. In the preferred embodiment elastic strip1435is between 2 and 5 inches deep and spans all four sides of flat top portion1405, however in other embodiments less than all four sides may be coupled to an elastic material. Preferably elastic strip1435is made of a stretchable material or stretch fabric. For example elastic strip1435may be polymer-polyurethane rubber (Elastane, Lycra or Spandex), another rubber (naturally occurring or manmade), blended fabrics, and combinations thereof. Preferably elastic strip1435is made of a 2-way or 4-way stretchable fabric. Preferably, elastic strip1435is made of a material that is able to be stretched further than the material that flat top portion1405and/or side portions1410A-D is made of. In other embodiments, the entirety of side portions1410A-D are made of a stretchable material. Elastic strip1435allows fitted sheet1400to more freely move during use than if elastic strip1435was not present. Additionally, elastic strip1435minimizes the amount of material used in top portion1405and side portions1410A-D.

Preferably, side portion1410C, which is preferably the foot of fitted sheet1400has one or more sheet coupling devices or holes1420A-D. While four sheet coupling devices or holes1420A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, fitted sheet1400may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices or holes. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned along the foot portion of fitted sheet1400. By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices along the foot of fitted sheet1400, the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of fitted sheet1400and/or along the head of fitted sheet1400. Preferably, each sheet coupling device is positioned within the side portions1410A-D, however sheet coupling devices may be positioned on the top potion1405of fitted sheet1400. Preferably, elastic strip1435relieves pressure on the fastening devices and button holes during use of the sheets to prevent failure thereof.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”