Abstract:
The disclosure sets forth and describes a bedding apparatus that is adapted for use in combination with a mattress; the disclosure also sets forth and describes a method of providing a bedding apparatus adapted for use in combination with a mattress. The apparatus includes a fitted sheet with a blanket attached to the fitted sheet. The blanket bears zipper teeth configured to mate with and removably connect the blanket to the fitted sheet.

Description:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention is a bedding apparatus adapted for use in combination with a mattress; the invention is also a method of providing bedding for use with a mattress. 
       The Inventive Apparatus 
       [0002]    The inventive bedding apparatus includes a fitted sheet having a central portion configured to cover a top surface of the mattress. The fitted sheet will also have side wall portions configured to cover sides of the mattress. These side portions depend in a general downward direction from the top surface of the mattress and terminate at a lower edge of the mattress. The fitted sheet also has an elastic edge defining the periphery, the elastic edge having a channel containing an elastic band. When installed over a mattress, the elastic band engages a lower surface of the mattress. 
         [0003]    The invention also includes a blanket attached to the fitted sheet. Each blanket edge extends beyond the central portion of the fitted sheet such that at least a portion of the blanket is positioned adjacent the side portions of the mattress when the fitted sheet envelopes the mattress. A zipper connects the blanket to the fitted sheet. This zipper has an initial portion positioned on the fitted sheet, preferably along side walls of the fitted sheet. The zipper also has a mating portion connected to the blanket, enabling the blanket and fitted sheet to be zipped together. 
         [0004]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bedding apparatus will include a skirt attached to the fitted sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the initial portion of the zipper is positioned on the fitted sheet and adjacent an upper hem of the skirt, which is also attached to the side wall of the fitted sheet when the fitted sheet snugly envelops a mattress. 
       The Inventive Method 
       [0005]    The invention is also a method of providing bed covering for a mattress. The method requires one to provide a mattress having a top surface, a bottom surface generally parallel the top surface and set apart therefrom by side walls depending downwardly from edges of the top surface. The method also requires the step of providing a fitted sheet configured to envelop the top surface and side walls of the mattress, the fitted sheet also having an elastic edge with a channel containing an elastic band; wherein the elastic band is configured to engage a lower surface of the mattress. 
         [0006]    One must also attach a blanket to the fitted sheet. One should configure each blanket edge to extend beyond the central portion of the fitted sheet such that at least a portion of the blanket is positioned adjacent the side portions of the mattress when the fitted sheet envelopes the mattress. 
         [0007]    The method also requires the step of connecting the blanket to the fitted sheet using a zipper. The zipper has an initial portion connected to side wall portions of the fitted sheet, and a mating portion positioned adjacent edges of the blanket. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment of the method, the invention will include the additional step of attaching a skirt to the fitted sheet. In this embodiment, the invention includes the step of positioning an upper hem of the skirt adjacent the initial portion of the zipper, which is positioned side walls on the fitted sheet. This embodiment also includes the step of positioning a mating portion of the zipper adjacent edges of the blanket. 
         [0009]    Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded and perspective view showing unassembled parts of the inventive apparatus, according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective and cross-sectional view showing the inventive apparatus, according to the principles of the invention 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of showing the invention in combination with a standard mattress, shown with the blanket partly unzipped. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a comparative perspective view of the invention in combination with a standard mattress, shown with the blanket fully zipped. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]      FIG. 1  presents an exploded and perspective view that details the parts of the inventive apparatus  10 , according to the principles of the invention disclosed herein. The apparatus  10  is well-suited be used in combination with a mattress  12  having a top surface  14  and sides  16  that depend downwardly from an upper edge  20  down to a lower edge  18 . 
         [0016]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the invention will also include a fitted sheet  22  having a central portion  24  that is configured to cover the top surface  14  of the mattress  12 . The fitted sheet  22  will also have an elastic band through a channel that defines its elastic edge  26  (not viewable in  FIG. 1 , but viewable in  FIG. 2 ). The fitted sheet  22  is equipped with an initial portion of a zipper  30 . The initial portion of the zipper  30  is positioned on the fitted sheet  22  such that it will be adjacent a side  16  of the mattress  12  when the fitted sheet  22  snugly envelops the mattress. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  also depicts a blanket  34  attached to the fitted sheet  22 . As shown, a mating portion of the zipper  36  is attached to the blanket  34  adjacent the edges of the blanket  34 . The blanket  34  may be selectively attached to the fitted sheet  22  by zipping the initial portion of the zipper  30  (which is on the fitted sheet  22 ) onto the mating portion of the zipper  36  (which is on the blanket  34 ). 
         [0018]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the invention may also include a skirt  38 . The skirt  38  is formed to depend downwardly from a location adjacent the lower edge  18  of the mattress  12  when the skirt  38  is attached to the fitted sheet  22 . In that regard, the skirt  38  attaches to the fitted sheet  22 , preferably by attaching the upper hem of the skirt  38  adjacent the zipper  30 , and in turn attaching the zipper to the fitted sheet  22 . Optionally, a pouch  39  may be attached to the skirt  38 . This pouch  39  allows one to store personal items (ie., a television remote, a phone) near a sleeper&#39;s reach. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  details a cross-sectioned and perspective view of the apparatus  10  and its component parts. As shown, a mattress  12  sits atop a box springs  13  (or bed frame), and the fitted sheet  22  is formed to envelop the mattress  12 . Attached to the fitted sheet  22  is an initial portion of a zipper  30 , which is depicted meshed with the mating portion of the zipper  36  that is positioned adjacent an edge of the blanket  34 . 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the fitted sheet  22  fits snugly around the mattress  12  such that the elastic edge  26  engages the lower surface of the mattress and is wedged between the mattress  12  and the box springs  13 . Although the fitted sheet  22  should fit snugly around the mattress  12 , the blanket  34  should be much larger and wider than the fitted sheet  22  and should leave room to extend beyond the edges of the mattress  12 . This additional space is necessary in order to allow one to sleep between the fitted sheet  22  and the blanket  34 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the apparatus  10 , according to the principles of the invention. The apparatus  10  includes a fitted sheet  22  attached to a blanket  34 . As shown, the upper hem of the skirt  38  attaches to an initial portion of a zipper  30 , which is also attached to the fitted sheet  22 . Edges of the blanket  34  include a mating portion of a zipper  36  so that the blanket  34  can be attached to the sheet  22  at a location along a side wall of a mattress (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0022]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the skirt  38  may bear least one pouch  39 , preferably positioned within reach of a sleeper. The pouch  39  may be used to stow a remote (as shown) or other personal items such as keys, a wallet, or a phone. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the apparatus  10  as in  FIG. 3 , except shown in the bed-made condition. In the bed-made condition, the blanket  34  covers most of the fitted sheet  22 ; in a preferred embodiment, the blanket  34  may leave a small portion of the fitted sheet  22  uncovered, but this is obviously not required. In the bed-made condition shown in  FIG. 4 , edges of the blanket  34  will drape downwardly over the side portions of the mattress, and will also cover the upper hem of the skirt  38 , and will also obscure the zipper from view as well. The pouch  39  is positioned on the skirt  38  at a portion near the head of the mattress and preferably within grasp of one positioned on the bed. In this embodiment, the pouch  39  may bear a hole that allows a cord to pass through so that one may stow electronic devices that need to be plugged in. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus  10 . In this embodiment of the apparatus  10 , the blanket  34  is a duvet with opening  33  configured to allow the insertion of additional bed covering, such as a comforter  37 . The opening  33  is created by flap  35  that extends from the blanket  34 . As shown, the flap bears fasteners configured to close the opening  33  by securing the flap onto the blanket. 
         [0025]    Still referring to  FIG. 5 , the fasteners are depicted as buttons with matching buttonholes; however, snaps, hook-and-loop, or even a zipper-type of fastener are also suitable to secure the flap. When the flap is secured to the rest of the blanket  34  (and therefore the opening  33  is covered) the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  is analogous to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . For example, the blanket  34  covers the fitted sheet  22 , and edges of the blanket  34  will droop downwardly over the side portions of the mattress. Moreover, a portion of the duvet blanket  34  will also cover the upper hem of the skirt  38 , and will also obscure the zipper from view as well. However, the duvet blanket  34  shown in  FIG. 5  enables one to create a heavier bed covering by inserting additional material (such as a comforter) for additional warmth. 
         [0026]    Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the appended claims that will precisely define the metes and bounds of the invention.