Abstract:
The present invention is directed generally to bed coverings for a mattress and, more particularly, to a fitted (or semi-fitted) top sheet that may be attached at one end to the mattress and which may be placed between a user and other bedding such as blankets, quilts, comforters, or the like. The fitted sheet provides for ease in changing or making the bed. The fitted bed sheet of the present invention includes a zone of expansion to provide extra room for a sleepers feet, and provides overhanging side flaps to provide and end-to-end finished look. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a fitted blanket, fitted quilt, fitted comforter and fitted bedspread for a mattress. The invention is also directed to a pattern for making these fitted bed coverings from an existing flat sheet or a starting flat cloth.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention is directed generally to bed coverings for a mattress and, more particularly, to a fitted (or semi-fitted) top sheet that may be attached at one end to the mattress and which may be placed between a user and other bedding such as blankets, quilts, comforters, or the like. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a fitted blanket, fitted quilt, fitted comforter and fitted bedspread for a mattress. The invention is also directed to a pattern for making these fitted bed coverings.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0004]     Conventional bed sheets are presently available in two basic varieties; namely, a fitted bottom sheet, and a flat top sheet. Likewise, conventional blankets, quilts, comforters and bedspreads are created as a flat cloth that is draped over the mattress and tucked in if desired. These bed coverings are manufactured in a multitude of sizes to accommodate the various mattress sizes, such as twin, full, queen, king, “California King”, mattress depths, including standard and “pillow top”, and various mattress types, such as those used in beds at home, or those used in hotels, hospitals, barracks, and other commercial or governmental settings requiring beds. Custom bed coverings size can also exist, such as, for example those customized to fit specialized mattresses such as mattresses utilized in trucks, campers, recreational vehicles, sofa beds, children&#39;s beds, cribs, bassinets, irregularly-shaped mattresses or the like. Although many mattress sizes are standardized, the precise dimensions of a standardized mattress may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.  
         [0005]     The changing of bed coverings is often regarded as a “chore” by those desiring to, e.g., change the sheets on their beds at home, or by those employed to change bed linens, such as, in hotels and hospitals. As such, improvements are sought to make life easier when it comes to changing a bed—at home this can translate to more time for other activities, and in a commercial setting, can translate to the saving of time and money spent in servicing the bed linens.  
         [0006]     It has also been stated previously that after making a bed in the usual manner certain difficulties are encountered. The most annoying difficulty is that often the bottom portion of the top bed sheet will be kicked loose from the mattress by a restless sleeper at a time that is not conducive to remaking the bed, thereby causing chill and discomfort to the sleeper(s).  
         [0007]     A great deal of time is expended by an individual who must remake the entire bed due to the loosening of the top sheet only. For as the top sheet is kicked free, so too are the bed coverlets above it loosened. Depending upon the number of coverlets above the sheet, (an average of three in the winter, two blankets and a spread), it will take a minimum of ten minutes per day to remake an entire queen-sized bed. That means one (1) hour and ten (10) minutes per week, or sixty-one (61) hours per year to make just one bed. For a family of four members, daily bed making could take as much time as two hundred forty four (244) hours per year. In settings other than the home, such as a hotel, the collective time to make such beds, or change such beds can be significant.  
         [0008]     The most common sheet configuration in use on beds today is the use of a fitted sheet to cover the mattress, with a flat sheet used as an upper sheet. Fitted sheets usually have an elastic strip at each corner or a single continuous strip surrounding the open edge of the sheet.  
         [0009]     Typically, a top or flat sheet is placed over the fitted bottom sheet between the user and other bedding such as blankets, quilts, comforters, and the like. The top sheet may be tucked beneath the foot end of the mattress when the bed is made. However, top sheets frequently become loose from under the mattress during use, and are inconvenient to tuck in and refold when the bed is again made. Known to the art are bed clothes, made for use with waterbeds, which include a top sheet having a portion of the lower edge attached to a lower end of the fitted sheet. This method of attaching the top sheet to the fitted sheet eliminates many of the problems associated with loose top sheets. However, it fails to address the inconvenience of refolding the top sheet at the lower corner to provide a finished appearance should the waterbed sheet be utilized with a conventional mattress.  
         [0010]     Fitted bottom sheets are known including an overhang which overhangs the sides of a mattress and is drawn inwardly under the mattress by elastic strips so that the bottom sheet is tightly spread over the top of the mattress and held securely in place. When a separate flat top sheet is used with the fitted bottom sheet, it must be carefully adjusted and tucked in with hospital corners, and even then the top sheet comes untucked readily. This makes making up the bed an unnecessarily complicated procedure for everyone, and a potentially difficult procedure for those with vision problems or other physical difficulties.  
         [0011]     Fitted top sheets are also known having the same type of fitting at the bottom as the fitted bottom sheets, particularly with satin sheets, but this construction leaves little room at the bottom for the sleeper&#39;s feet.  
         [0012]     It is even known to have a combination of a fitted bottom sheet with an attached top sheet. However, the known constructions for such combinations either provide too little space for the sleeper&#39;s feet and/or require complicated constructions that are relatively expensive and difficult to handle when making up the bed.  
         [0013]     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,836 to Keene, III, describes bed clothes having a fitted bottom sheet and an attached top sheet. The bottom sheet may form head and foot end pockets which envelop, respectively, the head and foot ends of the mattress, wherein the head end pocket extends along the bottom surface of the mattress from the head end for a length less than or equal to the thickness of the mattress (as measured between the top surface and the bottom surface of the mattress) and the foot end pocket extends along the bottom surface from the foot end for a length at least as great as one and one half times this thickness. The top sheet is attached to the foot end pocket of the bottom sheet so that a user&#39;s feet may extend past the foot end of the mattress without substantially displacing the top sheet in a direction generally from the head end to the foot end of the mattress.  
         [0014]     Fitted sheets are preferred over flat sheets because they may be quickly and neatly placed on a mattress without tedious folding and manipulation of the sheet&#39;s corners. Further, fitted sheets provide a convenient means for retaining the sheet on the mattress during use. Typically, prior art fitted sheets may be categorized as one of three types.  
         [0015]     Perhaps the most commonly used type of fitted sheet comprises an elastic band attached along the ends of the sheet to draw the sheet closed about the sides of a mattress. These elastic bands may, however, be subject to wear after repeated use and may allow the sheet to come loose from the mattress as a user lying thereon changes positions.  
         [0016]     A second type of fitted sheet employs generally triangular shaped panels sewn to each corner of the sheet to form corner pockets which hold the corners of the mattress. This type of sheet is most commonly utilized with waterbed mattresses, wherein the corner of the waterbed mattress may be lifted slightly to permit its insertion within the corner pocket. However, such corner pockets typically do not fit well on conventional mattresses and thus may also allow the sheet to come loose from the mattress.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,274 to Cuneo discloses a third type of fitted sheet. This sheet utilizes head and foot end pockets which hold, respectively, the head and foot ends of the mattress. However, both the head and foot end pockets of the Cuneo bottom sheet have a depth at least as great as the thickness of the mattress in order to securely retain the sheet on the mattress. Consequently, if the depth of the pockets is too great, the sheet may be somewhat difficult to place on or remove from the mattress especially if the mattress is utilized in confined areas such as a truck cabin, camper, or recreational vehicle, or, alternatively, if the depth of the pockets is too shallow, the sheet may slip off the mattress during use.  
         [0018]     Cuneo, supra, also teaches bed clothes for a mattress wherein the top sheet is attached to the bottom sheet. However, because the top sheet of the Cuneo bed clothes is attached to the bottom sheet along the top surface of the mattress, users may find that they cannot extend their feet past the end of the mattress without substantially displacing the top sheet in a direction generally from the head end to the foot end of the mattress. This limitation may prove uncomfortable to many persons who prefer sleeping with their feet extending over the end of the mattress.  
         [0019]     Furthermore, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,831 to Clark, there is described a bed sheet which can be used both as a bottom and top sheet. The bed sheet has a fabric panel sized to fit the mattress with which it is to be used. Open pockets at each end of the bed sheet serve to enclose the head and foot portions of a mattress when used as a bottom sheet. When used as a top sheet, one pocket is used to enclose the foot portion of a mattress while the second pocket is used to hold the edge of a blanket from contact with a person while sleeping.  
         [0020]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,821 to Kawtoski describes a bed sheet combination, including a fitted bed sheet that is a rectangular interlocked cotton knitted fabric, wherein each corner of the rectangle is rounded and an elastic member is sewn around the periphery of the sheet to bunch up the corners, and a top sheet made of the same material, cut at the corners of one transverse side and an elastic member is attached to the transverse side and up a portion of the longitudinal sides extending therefrom, thus creating a billowy area at the bottom of the sheet to loosely receive feet.  
         [0021]     U.S. Patent Application No. 20040200000 A1 to Harbin et al. discloses a top sheet having a fitted foot end and method of assembling a fitted sheet to a mattress are disclosed. The foot pocket has a foot end face panel that extends over a foot end of the mattress and a foot tuck panel that is tucked beneath the bottom surface of the mattress. The foot pocket further comprises right and left side corner panels that adjoin to both the foot end face panel and a top portion of the sheet to define a three sided corner that locates the sheet on the foot end of the mattress. According to the method, the top sheet is spread over the mattress with the right and left side corners located on the right and left top corners of the foot end of the mattress and a foot tuck panel is tucked under the mattress to secure the sheet to the mattress.  
         [0022]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,477 to Ciaglia et al. describes a fitted sheets combination that includes a fitted bottom sheet and a top sheet. The bottom corners of the top sheet are formed of a widthwise cut edge and a lengthwise cut edge meeting at an angle of more than 90 degrees, and being attached to each other along respective lengths. The bottom corners of the top sheet are attached to the bottom corners of the bottom sheet to form a foot pocket at a bottom area of the combination. These sheets are commercially available from Bedmaid Corporation under the Double Dreams brand as offered on the worldwide web through the website of Sheets2Love.com.  
         [0023]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,626 to Weiss describes a fitted top sheet that includes a construction which provides a foot accommodating space when placed in position on a mattress. The sheet has a one piece construction wherein the fitted bottom corners and foot accommodating space are formed by sewing the cut edges of two cut-outs in each side of a generally rectangular piece of material.  
         [0024]     Honig, U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,128, describes a fitted top sheet of a generally rectangular blank of fabric material having two bottom corners, each corner cut away by three curved lines to form a junction having an angle of substantially 90 degrees, to each of which a band of stretchable material is sewn, in stretched condition, to the outside edge of the cut corners and along the entire edge portion of the bottom of the blank, which cut corners are then joined by stitching at each corner and bottom edges thereof, thereby forming two expandable pockets for engaging the bottom corners and bottom portion of a mattress.  
         [0025]     The previous art has laid claim to simplicity. Most, however, have complicated the process by adding snaps, zippers, buttons, hooks and eyes, Velcro® fasteners, stretchable materials not commercially available, or by the use of complicated fabric cutting processes. The latter require expensive manufacturing details as well as time consuming fussing for the bed-maker. The focus has remained on providing sufficient excess fabric material in the sheet for covering the feet without solving the problem of easing the burden of the daily task of remaking the bed for the bed-maker.  
         [0026]     Manufacturers have provided us with fitted bottom sheets, but they have not taken the next step in providing a simple, yet effective, fitted top bed sheet, which enables the bed-makers to complete their tasks in a faster, easier manner, while also providing the sleeper with a zone of expansion at the foot end to provide the sleeper with more foot room. What is desired is to have a fitted top sheet that can readily be placed on the mattress (e.g., over the bottom sheet) while also allowing the top sheet to maintain a square-cornered look and allow for a desired overhang, or drape, along the entire length of the mattress that is even on both sides. It would also be desired that such fitted top sheet provide the user with a comfortable, expandable area for the user&#39;s feet. These characteristics would likewise be desirable on a blanket, comforter, quilt, and/or bedspread used on the bed. It is to this issue that this invention is directed.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]     To address the forgoing problems, the present invention teaches a partially fitted bed covering comprising a fabric sheet having a head end (at the end of a bed where the sleeper&#39;s head typically resides) and a foot end (where the sleeper&#39;s feet are normally located) opposing the head end. The sheet also has a right side edge and a left side edge opposite the right side edge. The head end is separated from the foot end by a desired length (L); the left side edge is separated from the right side edge by a desired overall width (W). The fitted sheet includes an expandable, five-sided pocket fixably attached and centered along a portion of the width (W) of the underside of the foot end of the fabric sheet. The pocket contains an opening facing toward the head end of the sheet and is sized to be capable of receiving the foot end of a desired mattress. The pocket opening has a bottom edge, opposed side edges and a top edge. The width (W) of the sheet, when placed on the mattress, is sufficient to substantially cover the sides of the mattress and to cover the opposed side edges of pocket opening. The sheet also has a zone of expansion created in said foot end of said sheet by increasing the size of said opening relative to the size of said foot end of said mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the partially fitted bed covering is constructed from a single piece of fabric. In another preferred embodiment, the partially fitted bed covering further comprises an elastic material around the opening of said pocket. The partially fitted bed covering may be a top sheet, blanket, quilt, bed spread, comforter or other bed covering.  
         [0028]     In another preferred embodiment, the partially fitted bed covering pocket opening is defined by two opposed side panels, an underside panel, a back panel and a top panel. In one preferred embodiment, the opposed side panels are preferably in the shape of a rectangle, while in another preferred embodiment, the opposed side panels are in the shape of a trapezoid, while in yet another preferred embodiment, the opposed side panels are in the shape of a parallelogram.  
         [0029]     In another preferred embodiment, there is described a fitted bed covering comprising a fabric sheet having a head end and a foot end opposing the head end, a right side edge and a left side edge opposite the right side edge. The head end is preferably separated from the foot end by a desired length (L); the left side edge is separated from the right side edge by a desired overall width (W). The sheet includes an expandable, five-sided pocket located on the underside of the foot end of the fabric sheet. The pocket preferably comprises a back face, an underside flap, a right side expansion flap, a left side expansion flap, and a portion of the underside of said fabric sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the back face has a foot end top edge centered and contiguous with a portion (W′) of the width (W) of the fabric sheet foot end; a foot end bottom edge substantially parallel to, opposite and separated by depth (D′) from the foot end top edge; a back face right edge of depth (D′) and a back face left edge of depth (D′) opposite and parallel to the back face right edge; the back face existing in a plane substantially perpendicular to the fabric sheet. In this embodiment, the depth (D′) represents the depth of a mattress to be covered with the fitted bed covering.  
         [0030]     Preferably, the right side expansion flap has a top edge fixably attached to the underside of the fabric sheet parallel to and disposed from the right side edge; a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a left edge that is contiguous with the back face right edge, and a right side outer edge opposite the left edge. The left side expansion flap preferably has a top edge fixably attached to the underside of the fabric sheet parallel to and disposed from the left side edge; a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a right edge that is contiguous with the back face left edge, and a left side outer edge opposite the right edge. The underside flap preferably has a foot end edge contiguous with the back face foot end bottom edge; a head end edge opposite the foot end edge; a right side edge contiguous with the right side expansion flap bottom edge; and a left side edge contiguous with the left side expansion flap bottom edge.  
         [0031]     The pocket preferably has an opening capable of receiving the foot end of a mattress defined by the right side expansion flap right side outer edge, the left side expansion flap left side outer edge, the underside flap head end edge, and the underside of the fabric sheet. The width (W) of the sheet, when placed on said mattress, preferably is sufficient to substantially cover the sides of the mattress and to substantially cover the right side expansion flap and the left side expansion flap. The sheet also employs a zone of expansion created in the foot end of the sheet by increasing the size of the opening relative to the size of the foot end of said mattress.  
         [0032]     In this embodiment, the fitted bed covering preferably is constructed from a single piece of fabric. Further, the fitted bed covering comprises an elastic material around the opening of the pocket. This embodiment can likewise be employed as a top sheet, blanket, quilt, bed spread or comforter. In one preferred embodiment, the right side expansion flap and the left side expansion flap are in the shape of a rectangle; in another, the right side expansion flap and the left side expansion flap are in the shape of a trapezoid; in yet another, the right side expansion flap and the left side expansion flap are in the shape of a parallelogram. In one preferred embodiment, the right side expansion flap left edge meets the right side expansion flap bottom edge at an angle greater than or equal to 90 degrees, and the left side expansion flap right edge meets the left side expansion flap bottom edge at an angle greater than or equal to 90 degrees. In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the right side expansion flap right edge and the left side expansion flap left edge are equal to 1.25×(D′). 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]      FIG. 1   a  shows a plan view of a patterned cloth ready for construction into a fitted top bed sheet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The outlined area illustrates the zone or area of patterning in the upper right corner which is preferably a mirror image of the patterning in the upper left corner.  
         [0034]      FIG. 1   b  shows a plan view of an alternative patterning to the cloth in the outlined area in  FIG. 1   a  used for making a fitted top bed sheet according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1   c  shows a plan view of an alternative patterning to the cloth in the outlined area in  FIG. 1   a  used for making a fitted top bed sheet according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 1   d  shows a plan view of an alternative patterning to the cloth in the outlined area in  FIG. 1   a  used for making a fitted top bed sheet according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 1   e  shows a plan view of an alternative patterning to the cloth in the outlined area in  FIG. 1   a  used for making a fitted top bed sheet according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a fitted top sheet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a right side view, partially revealed, of a fitted top sheet covering a person on a mattress according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     Reference is now made to the drawings which depict preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not drawn to scale. Referring now to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e , there are shown, from top view, a blank or patterned cloth  100  from which a fitted bed covering can be sewn according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the fitted (or partially fitted) bed covering is a fitted top sheet. A partially fitted top sheet as disclosed can be made to fit any bed or mattress size such as a twin, full, queen or king size mattress and may be used with a mattress and box spring set or platform bed. This unique design for a top sheet may be strategically cut from flat material and simply sewn. The unique design can be manufactured from the same size fabric blank as a conventional flat top sheet and can be manufactured from a commercially available standard flat top sheet. Only a minimum additional amount of labor is required to manufacture the unique partially fitted top sheet of the present invention when compared to the labor required to manufacture a conventional flat top sheet.  
         [0041]     According to one aspect of the present invention, a partially fitted top sheet for a mattress is provided. As such, the following illustrations will describe a partially fitted top sheet, but could be adapted for use in constructing other partially fitted bed coverings, such as, a fitted blanket, fitted quilt, fitted comforter and fitted bedspread. As used herein, the terms right and left refer to the sides of the bed when viewed from the foot of the bed. Additionally, it is preferred that the fitted top sheet be substantially symmetrical between its right and left sides so that the left side is substantially the mirror image of the right side and visa versa.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1   a  depicts a top sheet pattern (or patterned cloth)  100  that can be employed in creating preferred partially fitted bed clothes of the present invention. Similarly,  FIGS. 1   b - 1   e  depict additional top sheet patterns  100  that can be employed in creating other preferred partially fitted bed clothes of the present invention. As will be seen, each of these embodiments ( FIGS. 1   a - 1   e ) share some attributes and as such, will employ the same numbering system except in the area of the pattern master zone  108   a  shown in  FIG. 1   a . The different features of the other embodiments ( FIGS. 1   b - 1   e ) occur within the pattern master zone  108   a , and will be described and numbered separately, it being understood that the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1   b - 1   e  preferably include the attributes shown on  FIG. 1   a  outside of the area of pattern master zone  108   a  even though such attributes are not shown in  FIGS. 1   b - 1   e.    
         [0043]     Referring again to  FIG. 1   a  (also considered with respect to  FIGS. 1   b - 1   e ), the top sheet pattern  100  has a top side face  102  which, when the sheet is constructed, would fit substantially on the top face of a desired mattress (M) having a length (L) (i.e., measured head end to foot end), a width (W) (measured left to right) and a depth (D). The top side face  102 , in this embodiment, is substantially rectangular in shape (to correspond with a substantially rectangular-shaped mattress), and is defined generally by head end edge  180 ; foot end top edge  142  parallel to the top side face  102  and separated from the top side face by length (L′); right and left side fold lines  176 ,  178 , which are parallel to each other and separated by width (W′); where width (W′) and length (L′) correspond with the approximate top face dimensions of the desired mattress (M) to be used with a fitted top sheet of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the measurements of length (L), width (W), and depth (D) will depend on the particular mattress configuration, be it standard-sized or custom-sized. Additionally, it is preferred that the top sheet pattern be substantially symmetrical between its right and left sides so that the left side of the pattern is substantially the mirror image of the right side of the pattern and visa versa.  
         [0044]     The patterned cloth  100  has a left side flap  105 , a right side flap  109 , both of width (W f ) and length (L′), the width (W f ) being the desired overhang of the top sheet over the side of the mattress (M) from fold lines  176 ,  178 ; the length (L′) being a desired length relative to the length (L) of the mattress (M). In a preferred embodiment, length (L′) of the pattern is at least as long as the mattress length (L), and in another preferred embodiment, contains sufficient length to allow the top sheet to be folded back a desired amount over, e.g., other bed coverings, such as a blanket. Some standard mattress dimensions are reported as follows:  
                                     TABLE 1                           Standard Mattress Dimensions (Inches)                    Width   Length   Depth           Size   (W)   (L)   (D)                       Twin   38   75   6-8           Full   54   75   6-8           Queen   60   80   6-8           King   76   80   6-8           California King   72   84   6-8                      
 
         [0045]     The left side flap  105  shares at the head end of the bed the left-most portion (of width (W f )) of head end edge  180 , and has at the foot end of the bed opposite this portion of the head end edge  180  a left side flap bottom edge  156  also of length (W f ) extending axially outward from the foot end top edge  142  from foot end left side flap right corner  152  to foot end left side flap left corner  160 . The left side flap  105  has as its outer edge left side flap edge  164  having length (L′) as defined by the distance between foot end left side flap left corner  160  and left head end corner  188 . The left side flap  105  also shares with sheet top side face  102  left fold line  176  also of length (L′) indicating where the sheet, once formed, would begin draping over the edge of the mattress (M). Left fold line  176  is parallel to and separated by width (W f ) from left side flap edge  164 . Left side flap  105  is substantially rectangular in shape in this embodiment.  
         [0046]     Similarly, the right side flap  109  shares at the head end of the bed the right-most portion (of width (W f )) of head end edge  180 , and has at the foot end of the bed opposite this portion of the head end edge  180 , a right side flap bottom edge  158  also of length (W f ) extending axially outward from the foot end top edge  142  from foot end right side flap left corner  154  to foot end right side flap right corner  162 . The right side flap  109  has as its outer edge right side flap edge  166  having length (L′) as defined by the distance between foot end right side flap right corner  162  and foot end right side flap left corner  154 . The right side flap  109  also shares with sheet top side face  102  right fold line  178  also of length (L′) indicating where the sheet, once formed, would begin draping over the edge of the mattress (M). Right fold line  178  is parallel to and separated by width (W f ) from right side flap edge  166 . Right side flap  109  is substantially rectangular in shape in this embodiment.  
         [0047]     The pattern  100  has a head end edge  180  (with indications of the location of a finishing hem  182 ) and left and right corners  188 ,  190 , respectively. The pattern also has a foot end top edge  142  defining where the top sheet, when constructed, would meet the foot end top edge of the mattress (M), and a foot end bottom edge  140  defining where the top sheet, when constructed, would meet the foot end bottom edge of the mattress (M). The spacing or depth (D′) between the foot end bottom edge  140  and the foot end top edge  142  is preferably the depth (D) of the desired mattress (M). The spacing (W′) between left and right fold lines  176 ,  178  is preferably the width (W) of the desired mattress (M). The total width of the patterned cloth (and hence the fitted top sheet made therefrom) equals 2(W f )+(W′).  
         [0048]     The patterned sheet  100  also has a back face  104  having depth (D′) and width (W′), substantially corresponding in size with the foot end edge of the mattress (M) (not shown), and having substantially a rectangular shape. Back face depth (D′) preferably is about the same depth as mattress depth (D). The back face  104  has a top left corner  144 , a bottom left corner  120 , a top right corner  146 , and a bottom right corner  122 . The distance between corners  144  and  120  is preferably equal to D′. The distance between corners  146  and  122  is preferably equal to D′. The distance between corners  146  and  144  is preferably equal to W′. The distance between corners  122  and  120  is preferably equal to W′.  
         [0049]     Referring to  FIG. 1   a , the patterned cloth  100  includes a pattern master zone  108   a  containing an exemplary pattern for creating a fitted top sheet according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be understood, the pattern master zone  108   a  is shown illustrating the left side, foot end of the patterned cloth. The pattern master zone  108   a  contains various desired patterning that can be used in transferring the pattern onto a flat piece of cloth or existing flat sheet used in creating a fitted flat sheet of the present invention. A pattern (not shown) can be created bearing the markings contained in pattern master zone  108   a  with conventional pattern paper (or other suitable material) so that the pattern, for each desired sheet size, can be used to mark the starting cloth material prior to sewing. The pattern itself could be designed so that, e.g., one needs only to line up the underside edge  110   a  and the left flap edge  164  of the pattern with the corresponding edges of the starting cloth (not shown) so that the pattern can then be transferred onto the starter cloth, such as, by tracing, marking with pattern pen, pinning, etc. It will also be understood that the same pattern, flipped over in mirror image fashion, could be used for transferring the pattern to the mirror image edges on the right side, foot end corner area of the starter cloth. Additionally, separate patterns could be created for the right and left side of the starter cloth. Although not as practical, a pattern covering both the right and left side portions of the starter cloth, or even the entire cloth could be employed. With knowledge of the teachings depicted herein, those of ordinary skill in the art could create and employ patterns for use in creating the various embodiments of fitted bed clothing of this invention.  
         [0050]     In the construction of a preferred embodiment of the fitted top sheet of the present invention, the patterned sheet  100  contains left and right side expansion flaps  103   a ,  107   a  ( FIG. 1   a ), respectively. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , the side expansion flaps  103   a ,  107   a  are of a substantially trapezoidal shape. Left side expansion flap  103   a  has a left side expansion flap outer edge  132   a  (i.e., the base of the trapezoid) of a length (L m ) that is substantially axially aligned with pattern left flap edge  164  (however, the outer edge  132   a  could vary in its proximity to flap edge  164 ). The head end side of the left side expansion flap  103   a  has a left side expansion flap top edge  148   a  (which, in a preferred embodiment can be of width (W f ) or less to accommodate adjustments in the pocket size, such as differing lengths of L f ) which is substantially parallel to left side flap bottom edge  156 . Left side expansion flap top left corner  136   a  forms a substantially 90 degree angle at the intersection of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   a  with left side expansion flap top edge  148   a . In a preferred embodiment, the width of left side expansion flap top edge  148   a  is equal to (W f ), the distance between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   a  and left side expansion flap top right corner  144   a  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face top left corner  144 ) or less than (W f ) to accommodate adjustments in the pocket size, such as differing lengths of L f . The length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   a  extends between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   a  and left side expansion flap cut point  128   a . Opposite left side expansion flap top edge  148   a  is left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   a . Left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   a  has a length defined as the distance between left side expansion flap cut point  128   a  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   a  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face bottom left corner  120 ). The distance of left side expansion flap fold line (or back face left side edge)  175   a  between left side expansion top right corner  144   a  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   a  along fold line  176  is distance (D′).  
         [0051]     Similarly, in mirror image fashion, right side expansion flap  107   a  has a right side expansion flap outer edge  134   a  (i.e., the base of the trapezoid) of a length (L m ) that is substantially axial with pattern right flap edge  166 . The head end side of the right side expansion flap  107   a  has a right side expansion flap top edge  150   a  (which, in a preferred embodiment can be of width (W f ) or less to accommodate adjustments in the pocket size, such as differing lengths of L f ), which is substantially parallel to right side flap bottom edge  158 . Right side expansion flap top right corner  138   a  forms a substantially 90 degree angle at the intersection of right side expansion flap outer edge  134   a  with right side expansion flap top edge  150   a . In a preferred embodiment, the width of right side expansion flap top edge  150   a  can be equal to (W f ), the distance between right side expansion flap top right corner  138   a  and right side expansion flap top left corner  146   a  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face top right corner  146 ), or can be less than W f  to accommodate adjustments in the pocket size, such as differing lengths of L f . The length (L m ) of right side expansion flap outer edge  134   a  extends between right side expansion flap top right corner  138   a  and right side expansion flap cut point  130   a . Opposite right side expansion flap top edge  150   a  is right side expansion flap bottom edge  126   a . Right side expansion flap bottom edge  126   a  has a length defined as the distance between right side expansion flap cut point  130   a  and right side expansion flap bottom left corner  122   a  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face bottom right corner  122 ). The distance of right side expansion flap fold line (or back face right side edge)  177   a  between right side expansion top left corner  146   a  and right side expansion flap bottom left corner  122   a  along fold line  178  is distance (D′).  
         [0052]     Referring still to  FIG. 1   a , there is shown an underside flap  106   a  having an underside flap bottom edge  110   a  of width (W″) (located opposite the head end edge  180 ) and parallel with foot end bottom edge  140 . The underside flap  106   a  contains right and left underside edges  116   a ,  118   a , respectively which are opposite and substantially parallel to each other. Forming the intersection of right and left underside edges  116   a ,  118   a , with the respective right and left ends of underside flap bottom edge  110   a  at substantially 90 degree underside flap bottom edge angles ( 111   a ,  113   a ) are right and left corners,  112   a ,  114   a , respectively. Underside flap bottom edge  110   a  is substantially parallel to and separated by length (L f ) from foot end bottom edge  140 . Underside flap  106   a  has a length (L f ) that is defined as the desired length of top sheet to be tucked under the back edge of the mattress M. The total length of the pattern, and hence the fabric used to make the fitted bottom sheet is (L′)+(D′)+(L f ). In the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   a , underside flap  106   a  is a substantially rectangular shape defined by edges  110   a ,  140 ,  116   a , and  118   a . In this embodiment, underside flap left edge  116   a  has length equal to (L f ) as defined by the distance between underside edge left corner  112   a  and back face bottom left corner  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , width (W″)=width (W′). At the intersection of left and right underside edges  116   a  and  118   a , respectively, with left and right side expansion flap bottom edges  124   a  and  126   a , respectively, there are formed left and right expansion angles,  170   a ,  168   a , respectively. In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , left and right expansion angles are substantially equal and are both less than 90 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, length (L m ) of right and left side expansion flap outer edges  134   a ,  132   a , respectively, is calculated to result in the lengths of right and left underside edges  116   a ,  118   a  and right and left side expansion flap bottom edges  126   a ,  124   a  being substantially equal. When the fitted top sheet is constructed from this pattern  100 , the underside flap  106   a  will lay beneath the foot end of the mattress (M).  
         [0053]     Additionally, with reference to  FIG. 1   a , there are shown left and right side seam lines  172 ,  174 , respectively, indicating where, in the case of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d , the respective left and right side expansion flap top edges will be sewn in creating preferred fitted bed clothes according to the present invention.  
         [0054]     Also, as discussed later in conjunction with  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e  and  FIGS. 2-3 , there is shown a zone for receiving an elastic material  302   a - e.    
         [0055]     As described above, the patterned cloth  100  could have originated with a flat, rectangular piece of cloth having a length equal to L′+D′+L f  and a width equal to 2(W f )+(W′). As such, when transferring the template to the cloth, the foot end left and right corners of the starting cloth will have excess material  184   a - e ,  186   a - e  (and in the case of  FIGS. 1   d - 1   e , also excess material  185   d - e , respectively) that will be cut away. The shape of the excess cut-away material can be substantially triangular, trapezoidal, or rectangular depending on the embodiment depicted. Although the numerous embodiments are depicted herein with substantially straight (linear) sides (e.g.,  116 ,  118 ,  124 ,  126 ), non-linear sides could be employed, such as, curvilinear sides. In the case of  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   c , and  1   e , the excess material  184   a ,  186   a  is substantially trapezoidal in shape. In  FIGS. 1   b  and  1   e , excess material  184   b ,  185   e  is substantially rectangular in shape. It will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that many variations on the precise fabric cuts can be employed to achieve the desired effect of having a partially fitted top sheet as in the present invention.  
         [0056]     In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1   b , the left side expansion flap  103   b , is of a substantially rectangular shape. Left side expansion flap  103   b  has a left side expansion flap outer edge  132   b  of length (L m ) that is substantially axial with pattern left flap edge  164 . The head end side of the left side expansion flap  103   b  has a left side expansion flap top edge  148   b  of width (W f ) which is substantially parallel to left side flap bottom edge  156 . Left side expansion flap top left corner  136   b  forms a substantially 90 degree angle at the intersection of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   b  with left side expansion flap top edge  148   b . The width of left side expansion flap top edge  148   b  is equal to (W f ), the distance between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   b  and left side expansion flap top right corner  144   b  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face top left corner  144 ). The length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   b  extends between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   b  and left side expansion flap cut point  128   b . Opposite left side expansion flap top edge  148   b  is left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   b . Left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   b  has a length defined as the distance between left side expansion flap cut point  128   b  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   b  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face bottom left corner  120 ). The distance of left side expansion flap fold line (or back face left side edge)  175   b  between left side expansion top right corner  144   b  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   b  along fold line  176  is distance (D′).  
         [0057]     Referring still to  FIG. 1   b  and similar to  FIG. 1   a , there is shown an underside flap  106   b  having an underside flap bottom edge  110   b  of width (W″) (located opposite the head end edge  180 ) and parallel with foot end bottom edge  140 . The underside flap  106   b  likewise contains left underside edge  116   b . Forming the intersection of left underside edge  116   b  with the left end of underside flap bottom edge  110   b  at a substantially 90 degree underside flap bottom edge angle  111   b  is left corner  112   a . Underside flap bottom edge  110   b  is substantially parallel to and separated by length (L f ) from foot end bottom edge  140 . In the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   b , underside flap  106   b  is a substantially rectangular shape and includes edges  110   b ,  140 , and  116   b . In this embodiment, underside flap left edge  116   b  has length equal to (L f ) as defined by the distance between underside edge left corner  112   b  and back face bottom left corner  120 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1   b , width (W″)=width (W′). At the intersection of left underside edge  116   b  with left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   b  there is formed left expansion angle  170   b . In the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1   b , the left expansion angle is approximately 90 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   b  is calculated to result in the length of left underside edge  116   b  and left side expansion flap bottom edges  124   b  being substantially equal. When the fitted top sheet is constructed from this pattern  100 , the underside flap  106   b  will lay beneath the foot end of the mattress (M).  
         [0058]     Similarly with  FIG. 1   b , in the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1   c , the left side expansion flap  103   c  is of a substantially rectangular shape. Left side expansion flap  103   c  has a left side expansion flap outer edge  132   c  of length (L m ) that is substantially axial with pattern left flap edge  164 . The head end side of the left side expansion flap  103   c  has a left side expansion flap top edge  148   c  of width (W f ) which is substantially parallel to left side flap bottom edge  156 . Left side expansion flap top left corner  136   c  forms a substantially 90 degree angle at the intersection of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   c  with left side expansion flap top edge  148   c . The width of left side expansion flap top edge  148   c  is equal to (W f ), the distance between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   c  and left side expansion flap top right corner  144   c  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face top left corner  144 ). The length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   c  extends between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   c  and left side expansion flap cut point  12 &amp;. Opposite left side expansion flap top edge  148   c  is left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   c . Left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   c  has a length defined as the distance between left side expansion flap cut point  128   c  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   c  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face bottom left corner  120 ). The distance of left side expansion flap fold line  175   c  between left side expansion top right corner  144   c  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   c  along fold line  176  is distance (D′).  
         [0059]     As a variation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   c , referring to  FIG. 1   d  there is shown another preferred embodiment of the pattern master  108   d  wherein the left side expansion flap  103   d  is of a substantially quadrilateral shape. In one preferred embodiment, the expansion flap  103   d  has the shape of a parallelogram, in another preferred embodiment, it has the shape of a trapezoid. Left side expansion flap  103   d  has a left side expansion flap outer edge  132   d  of length (L m ) that is substantially axial with pattern left flap edge  164 . The head end side of the left side expansion flap  103   d  has a left side expansion flap top edge  148   d  of width (W d ) which is not parallel with left side flap bottom edge  156 . Left side expansion flap top right corner  144   d  forms left side expansion flap top angle at the intersection of left side expansion flap seam line  175   d  with left side expansion flap top edge  148   d . The length of left side expansion flap top edge  148   d  is equal to (W d ), the distance between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   d  and left side expansion flap top right corner  144   d  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face top left corner  144 ). The length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   d  extends between left side expansion flap top left corner  136   d  and left side expansion flap cut point  128   d . Opposite left side expansion flap top edge  148   d  is left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   d . Left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   d  has a length defined as the distance between left side expansion flap cut point  128   d  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   d  (the same point also referred to earlier as back face bottom left corner  120 ). The distance between left side expansion top right corner  144   d  and left side expansion flap bottom right corner  120   d  along fold line  176  is distance (D′). Left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   d  forms a left side expansion flap top edge angle  173   d  of greater than 90 degrees relative to left side expansion flap fold line  175   d.    
         [0060]     Referring now to the preferred embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1   c - 1   e , the respective underside flap  106   c - 106   e  is substantially in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid with the underside flap bottom edge  110   c - 110   e  being parallel to and having a width greater than the width of the foot end bottom edge  140 , i.e., greater than width W′. The underside flap  106   c - 106   e  has an underside flap bottom edge  110   c - 110   e  of length (W″) (located opposite the head end edge  180 ) and parallel with foot end bottom edge  140 . The underside flap  106   c - 106   e  likewise contains left underside edge  116   c - 116   e  respectively. Forming the intersection of left underside edge  116   c - 116   e  with the left end of underside flap bottom edge  110   c - 110   e  at an underside flap bottom edge angle  111   c - 111   e  greater than 90 degrees is left corner  112   c - 112   e . Underside flap bottom edge  110   c - 110   e  is substantially parallel to and separated by length (L f ) from foot end bottom edge  140 . In these embodiments, underside flap left edge  116   c - 116   e  has length equal to the distance between underside edge left corner  112   c - 112   e  and back face bottom left corner  120 . At the intersection of left underside edge  116   c - 116   e  with left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   b  there is formed left expansion angle  170   c - 170   d , respectively.  
         [0061]     In the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 1   c  and  1   d , the left expansion angle  170   c - 170   d  is less than 90 degrees. Also, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1   d , the left side expansion flap bottom angle  173   d  formed by the intersection of left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   d  and left side expansion flap fold line  175   d  is greater than 90 degrees. In a preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1   d , the sum of the angles  170   d  and  173   d  is greater than 90 degrees. Also, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1   d , the left side expansion flap top angle  171   d  formed by the intersection of left side expansion flap top edge  148   d  and left side flap bottom edge  156  is greater than 90 degrees. In the preferred embodiments of  FIG. 1   e , the left expansion angle  170   e  is greater than 90 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, length (L m ) of left side expansion flap outer edge  132   c - 132   d  is calculated to result in the length of left underside edge  116   c - 116   d  and left side expansion flap top edges  124   c - 124   d  being substantially equal. When the fitted top sheet is constructed from this pattern  100 , the underside flap  106   c - 106   e  will lay beneath the foot end of the mattress (M).  
         [0062]     In  FIG. 1   e , there is no expansion flap  103  as in the other preferred embodiments. The left side flap  105   e  is of desired width (W f ) and contains a length  157   e  on its left side flap bottom edge  156   e  preferably corresponding in length to at least the length of the left edge  175   e  of back face  104 .  
         [0063]     In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of left side expansion flap bottom edges  124   a  ( FIG. 1   a ),  124   b  ( FIG. 1   b ),  124   c  ( FIG. 1   c ), and  124   d  ( FIG. 1   d ) are substantially equal to their respective corresponding underside flap left edges  116   a  ( FIG. 1   a ),  116   b  ( FIG. 1   b ),  116   c  ( FIG. 1   c ), and  116   d  ( FIG. 1   d ), respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of right side expansion flap top edges  126   a  ( FIG. 1   a ),  126   b  ( FIG. 1   b ),  126   c  ( FIG. 1   c ), and  126   d  ( FIG. 1   d ) are substantially equal to their respective corresponding underside flap right edges  118   a  ( FIG. 1   a ),  118   b  ( FIG. 1   b ),  118   c  ( FIG. 1   c ), and  118   d  ( FIG. 1   d ), respectively. As will be appreciated from the drawings and disclosure herein, the angles  170   a - e  and  168   a  can be varied, as can the edge lengths  116   a - e ,  124   a - e ,  118   a  and  126   a  to create the desired pattern for the foot end of the fitted top sheet. For example, where the length of edge  124   a  remains constant, the angle  170   a  could be varied along with the length of edge  116   a  until preferably, the length of edge  116   a  was equal to the length of edge  124   a.    
         [0064]     In a preferred embodiment, the angle  170   a ,  168   a  ( FIG. 1   a ) remaining between left side expansion flap top edge  124   a  and underside flap left edge  116   a  is between 0-90 degrees, more preferably, between about 45-90 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the angle  170   b  ( FIG. 1   b ) remaining between left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   b  and underside flap left edge  116   b  is about 90 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the angle  170   c  ( FIG. 1   c ) remaining between left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   c  and underside flap left edge  116   c  is between 0-90 degrees more preferably, between about 45-90 degrees. In still another preferred embodiment, the angle  170   d  ( FIG. 1   d ) remaining between left side expansion flap bottom edge  124   d  and underside flap left edge  116   d  is between 0-90 degrees more preferably, between about 45-90 degrees. The angle  171   d  ( FIG. 1   d ) remaining between left side expansion flap top edge  148   d  and left side flap bottom edge  156  is between 0-45 degrees. In another preferred embodiment with respect to  FIG. 1   d , the angles  170   d  and  171   d  are set so that expansion flap edge  132   d  has the desired length L m . As can be seen, other variations are possible. For example, the expansion flap edge  132 ,  134  length L m  can be varied by varying the angles  170   a - d ,  111   a - e , and/or  171   d . Additionally, the expansion achieved in the embodiment of  FIG. 1   e  can likewise be varied by adjusting the angles  170   e  and/or  111   e . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, expansion flap edge  132 ,  134  length L m ≧(D′)×(1.25), where D′ is the depth of the mattress (M). In a preferred embodiment, L m =(D′)×(1.25).  
         [0065]     The fitted top sheets of the present invention can be constructed by transferring a pattern, such as that depicted in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e  to a single flat piece of fabric or to an existing flat top sheet to create a patterned sheet such as that shown in  FIG. 2 . Very few fabric cuts are required, and the sewing required is not complicated. As mentioned earlier, the pattern master zone  108   a  (as depicted in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e ) contains the pattern to be transferred, and such transfer can take place by using a pattern that has been created to depict one of the preferred patterns reflected in the pattern master zone of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e.    
         [0066]     A cut is made substantially perpendicular to the left flap edge  164  along left side cut line  141   a - d  between foot end left side flap left corner  160  and foot end left side flap right corner  152  along left side flap bottom edge  156  thereby separating the left side expansion flap  103   a - 103   d  from the left side flap  105  (and also in the case of  FIG. 1   d - 1   e , creating one of the cuts needed to remove excess material  185   e - 185   e ). In a preferred embodiment, left side cut line  141   a - e  has a length equal to the width (W f ) of left side flap  105 . Similarly, in mirror image fashion to the treatment of the left side of the starting cloth, a cut is made substantially perpendicular to the right flap edge  166  cut along right side cut line  143   a , etc. In a preferred embodiment, right side cut line  143   a  has a length equal to the width (W f ) of right side flap  109 .  
         [0067]     In the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   a , additional cuts between points  112   a  and  120   a  (on the left side) and corresponding points  114   a  and  122   a  on the right side, as well as between points  128   a  and  120   a  on the left side (and the corresponding points  130   a  and  122   a  on the right side) complete the removal of excess material  184   a ,  186   a . Similarly, in the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   b , additional cuts between points  112   b  and  120   b  (on the left side) and the corresponding points on the right side, as well as between points  128   b  and  120   b  on the left side (and the corresponding points on the right side) complete the removal of excess material  184   b . Likewise, in the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   c , additional cuts between points  112   c  and  120   c  (on the left side) and the corresponding points on the right side, as well as between points  128   c  and  120   c  on the left side (and the corresponding points on the right side) complete the removal of excess material  184   c . In the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   d , an additional cut, between points  136   b  and  144   d  (and their mirror image on the right side) completes the removal of excess material  185   d , and cuts between points  128   d  and  120   d , as well as between points  112   d  and  120   d  (and their respective mirror images on the right side) completes the removal of excess material  184   d . In the case of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1   e , additional cuts between points  112   e  and  120   e , as well as,  120   e  and  144   e  (and the corresponding points on the right side) complete the removal of excess material  184   e - 185   e.    
         [0068]     Referring now to  FIG. 2  in connection with  FIGS. 1   a - d , there is shown a preferred embodiment of fitted top sheet  200  constructed according to the present invention for creating a desired pattern for the foot end of the fitted top sheet. The numbering in  FIG. 2  follows that of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d  but without reference to the letters, a, b, c or d. Referring again to  FIGS. 1   a - d , once the desired fabric has been patterned, the fitted top sheet can be constructed by sewing right side expansion flap top edge  150   a  to the underside of the fabric sheet along right side seam line  174  using conventional sewing techniques to create pocket right side upper seam  210 . In a preferred embodiment, right side seam line  174  runs axially with the right side fold line  178  (but could deviate radially outward from right side fold line  178  (such rotation being pivoted about corner point  152 ). Additionally, the underside flap right edges  118   a - d  are sewn to their respective right side expansion flap bottom edges  126   a - d  to create pocket right side lower seam  220 . If either of these edges does not match in length with the other, the length of the longer edge could be shortened by, e.g., folding in the corresponding outer edge. For example, if edge  126   a  is slightly longer than edge  118   a  then when sewing these two edges together, the extra length of edge  126   a  can be reduced by folding/tucking under outer edge  134   a . Similarly, the left side expansion flap top edge  148  is sewn to the underside of the fabric sheet along left side seam line  172  using conventional sewing techniques to create pocket left side upper seam  230 . In a preferred embodiment, left side seam line  172  runs axially with the left side fold line  176 . Additionally, the underside flap left edges  116   a - d  are sewn to their respective left side expansion flap bottom edges  124   a - d  to create pocket left side lower seam  240 . As will be apparent, the mirror images on the right side of the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1   a - e  can be constructed as was done with the left side.  
         [0069]     Referring now to  FIG. 1   e , once the desired fabric has been patterned, the fitted top sheet can be constructed by sewing the left edge  175   e  of back face  104  to length  157   e  on its left side flap bottom edge  156   e  using conventional sewing techniques. Additionally, the underside flap left edge  116   e  is sewn to the underside of the fabric sheet along left side seam line  172   e  using conventional sewing techniques.  
         [0070]     During the sewing phase, in a preferred embodiment, an elastic-type material is sewn into the elastic zone  302   a - e . The elastic can be sewn in using conventional techniques, such as by folding over the outer edges  132 ,  110  to create a seam pocket to hold (and hide from view) the elastic material without restricting the elastic&#39;s movement within the seam pocket. In another embodiment, the elastic material could be sewn directly onto or into the elastic zone  302   a - e . Although the use of elastic is preferred, it is not required. As constructed, the fitted top sheet is now ready for use on the mattress size for which it was constructed. Referring still to  FIG. 2 , it will be understood that the left and right side flaps  105 ,  109 , respectively, are shown in an undraped fashion for purposes of illustration. The fitted top sheet  200  when so constructed now has at its foot end, a five-sided, fitted expandable pocket  250  formed by left and right side expansion flaps  103 ,  107 , back face  104 , underside flap  106 , and the foot end portion of the underside of top side face  102 . The pocket  250  so created has a fitted end opening  300  capable of receiving the foot end of a mattress (M).  
         [0071]     Although not as preferred as cutting and assembling the fitted top sheet  200  from a single piece of fabric or flat sheet, it would be possible to remove the left and right side expansion flaps  103   a - d ,  107   a - d  from the pattern and replace them with a separate piece of fabric, including for example, a stretchable, expandable fabric, such as spandex and the like. It would also be possible, but not as preferred, to construct the fitted top sheet out of a series of pieces that when sewn together comprises the present invention.  
         [0072]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a person lying on a mattress employing a fitted top sheet  200  made from a pattern according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (e.g.,  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d ). In this  FIG. 3 , the right side flap  109  of the partially fitted top sheet  200  is in its draped position being draped over the side of the mattress from corner  146  to the head end of the mattress. In  FIG. 3 , right side flap  109  is shown in a partially cut-away view so that the expandable pocket  250  at the foot end of the mattress can be seen. The fitted top sheet  200  may be placed on a mattress (e.g., over the bottom sheet) by pulling the fitted end opening  300  over the foot end of the mattress (M). Once installed on a mattress (M), the fitted top sheet  200  will fit snugly over the foot end of the mattress with a tidy, square-cornered fit, and flaps  109 ,  105  that extend along the entire length of the mattress, will hang evenly on both sides of the mattress. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d , the fitted top sheet preferably contains an elastic zone  302  that enables to the fitted sheet to expand upward in the zone of expansion  304  in the location of the feet of the person allowing additional room for the feet without causing the sheet to become dislodged from under the mattress. The area where a sleeper&#39;s feet might lie is indicated by foot zone or zone of expansion  304 . When feet are in the zone of expansion  304 , the nature of the construction of the foot end of the fitted sheet  200  is such that the top face  102  of the sheet  200  has room to expand due to the various configurations of the expansion flap  107 . The top face is permitted to move upwards proximate to the fitted end opening  300 . Where elastic  302  is used, the elastic tension will assist in maintaining the sheet  200  in a flat position when feet are not in the zone of expansion  304 .  
         [0073]     As will be appreciated, for a rectangular-shaped mattress (M), the configuration of the pattern  100  along its left edge will be substantially the mirror image of the configuration of the pattern  100  along its right edge. As such, a pattern can easily be created to cut fabric for making a fitted top sheet according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, in a preferred embodiment, a pattern master is created by isolating only one of the foot-end corners (pattern master zone  108   a ) and creating a generic pattern that can be used to identify the appropriate cuts to make, length of cuts, etc. This pattern master  108  can be placed onto one of the foot-end corners of the fabric to be cut, and then used in its mirror image on the opposite foot-end corner.  
         [0074]     Although it is preferred to practice this invention by using a pattern to pattern a starting cloth or existing flat sheet, it will be apparent that one could create a fitted sheet having a pouch by separately creating a pouch and then attaching same to a flat cloth. However, this would add to the complexity of the sewing and add a larger number of sewn seams that could be subject to wear and tear—as such, it is preferred that the fitted top sheet of the present invention be constructed out of a unitary piece of fabric with a minimal amount of sewing.  
         [0075]     The sheet  200  can be made from any of the conventional bed sheeting materials, for example, cotton, cotton percale, muslin, linen, silk, satin, etc. The sheet  200  is preferably sized in length to cover the upper surface of a mattress (M), and preferably made wide enough to overlap the edges of a mattress (M) so that the edge portions of the sheet can be tucked under a mattress, if desired, to hold the edge portions of the sheet in place. The inventive fitted sheet of the present invention can be easily made using automatic cutting, folding, and sewing equipment of the types conventionally used.  
         [0076]     In use, the fitted sheet is typically used on top of the bottom sheets and since the fitted top sheet is preferably dimensioned in length to fit the associated mattress, the foot edges help the person making a bed to align and proportion the sheet to the mattress, thereby facilitating the making of the bed. With the use of the fitted blanket of the present invention, it will be possible to change or otherwise make a bed in a quick, time efficient manner while ending up with a finished look that is pleasing to the eye. In reference to the fitted top sheet displayed in  FIG. 3 , once the user has finished sleeping, making the bed is quite simple. One merely needs to pull the top sheet back toward the head end, adjust the head end of the flaps  105 ,  109  (adjusting one should automatically adjust the other), and fold back the head end at the hem  102 , if desired. The flaps  105 ,  109  provide a nice finished look over the entire length of the side of bed while the use of the expandable pocket  250  eliminates the need to use special corner folding to create such finished look. Putting a fitted sheet of the present invention onto a mattress (e.g., over a bottom sheet) is equally straightforward and time saving by pulling the pocket  250  over the foot end of the mattress, and then pulling the remaining portion of the sheet toward the head end, adjusting the head end of the flaps  105 ,  109  (adjusting one should automatically adjust the other), and folding back the head end at the hem  102 , if desired. The process can be repeated if other fitted bedclothes of the present invention are used, such as, a partially fitted blanket or comforter.  
       REFERENCES  
       [0077]     The following represents an exemplary list of references.  
       U.S. Patent References  
       [0000]    
       
          1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,836 to Keene, III  
          2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,274 to Cuneo  
          3. U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,831 to Clark  
          4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,821 to Kawtoski  
          5. U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,477 to Ciaglia et al.  
          6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,626 to Weiss  
          7. U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,128 to Honig  
          8. U.S. Patent Application No 20040200000 A1 to Harbin et al.  
       
     
       Other References  
       [0000]    
       
          9. Double Dream® brand of bed sheets offered by Bedmaid Corporation the worldwide web through the website of Sheets2Love.com.  
       
     
         [0087]     All references referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the process and system described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method and apparatus of the present invention has many applications, and that the present invention is not limited to the representative examples disclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known variations and modifications to the system components described herein, as would be known by those skilled in the art. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred or illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the process described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention as it is set out in the following claims.