Abstract:
An anchor pin  18  shown full view FIG.  6  a device designed for securing bed skirts  23  from slipping and sliding off of the box spring  17  and hanging down on the floor. The design of the anchor  18  with two long bent prongs  14  grips the fabric  23  and curves down inside the box spring  17  creating a locking position FIG.  5  for securing the skirt  23 . The design of the heads  16  secure the prongs  14  tight against the fabric surface  24  of the bed skirt  23  keeping the skirt within the boundaries of the box spring  17  The anchor  18  is preferably made from a rigid material such as steel or other metals and could be plastic resins and or particularly a fiber reinforced plastic or a combination thereof.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    (A) Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention generally relates to the field of attachment devices and systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a device and method for securing a bed skirt to the box springs. 
         [0003]    (B) Discussion of Prior Art 
         [0004]    The use of a bed skirt about the perimeter of a bed is a well established practice. The bed skirt acts as a decorative device and as a means for keeping dust out from under the bed. The bed skirt is typically part of a large sheet section that fits over the box springs. Also the skirt can be made in sections and attached to the upper surface edge of the box springs by a device, decorating the borders of the bed and eliminating the need to remove the mattress to change the skirt. There is a device a pin U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,082 that claims to hold the skirt in place. However they can come out easily by brushing across the pin with a hand when changing sheets and working loose with the movement of the mattress on top. It was found the adhesive on the Velcro does not help to hold the pin into the box springs, other adhesives sticks to the fabric but does not hold to the fabric. With the straight leg metal prongs they slip out of the box springs very easily. Also they cannot be used in a vertical application, only on a flat horizontal surface or they will fall out on the floor. Then they become very dangerous for some one stepping on them with the sharp needle points. 
         [0005]    Thus there remains a need for a device and system for attaching the bed skirt to a box spring that does not have the problems as mentioned above. A device to firmly hold the skirt in place even with the movement of the mattress on top. Also that will not get caught up in the sheets and come out when changing the sheets with the hand hitting them and that can be attached vertically thru the skirt into the side of the box springs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    It has been discovered that the above problems, which had been left unsolved by the known prior art, can be solved by providing an anchor pin for bed skirts, the anchor pin including the following elements.
       A) a substantially flat body having an upper surface and an underside surface   B) at least two prongs protruding from the underside surface of the body   C) the prongs bent at approximately 90 degree angle one half of the length of the prongs, more or less.
 
The flat section of material of the skirt offering an area for attaching an anchor that is designed in accordance with the description above, and being connected to decorative ruffled, pleated or plain material which will be visible about the perimeter of the box springs.
 
In a preferred embodiment the body is generally longer than it is wide, and includes two prongs, bend in prongs, protruding from the underside surface, one near each end of the body. It has been found that by placing these prongs at approximately one inch to one and a half inches apart from one another, and having a length of approximately from between one half of an inch and two inches in length, but preferably of one and one half inches in length, one may effectively provide significant gripping force with the angle of the anchor to lock the bed skirt into the box springs. The needle sharp prongs prevent damaging of the fabric of the skirt and or the filler of the box springs
       
 
         [0010]    It should also be understood that while the above and other advantages and results of the present invention will become apparent to those in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying-drawings, showing the contemplated novel construction, combinations and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims. It is understood that changes in the precise embodiments of the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included within the scope of the claims. 
     
     
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin: 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a Left side view thereof: 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a Top elevational view thereof: 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof: 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a Left side, top perspective view thereof: 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention. 
         [0020]    Turning to FIG,  2 . showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin  18  include a substantially flat body  16  with an upper surface  12  and an underside surface  15 . It is preferred that the anchor  18  include a flat body  16 . Attached to the underside surface  15  of the flat body  16  are two prongs  14  which protrude from the underside surface  15   
         [0021]    Turning to  FIG. 2 and 5  shown the side view of the flat body  16  with the prongs  14  extended from the underside surface  15  of the anchor pin  18  at approximately an 90 degree angle.
       Referring again to  FIG. 5  shown with the prongs  14  inserting the surface of the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  then curving at an angle within the box spring  17  at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface  15  of the anchor  18  resting on top of the box spring  17 . Making the skirt secure.       
 
         [0023]    Turning to FIG  3  and  4  shown attached to the underside surface  15 , of the flat body  16 , are at least two prongs  14 , which protrude from the underside surface  15 . Since the anchor  18  are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring  17 , it has been found that the prongs  14  should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring  17  creating a locking position that will not pull out easily. 
         [0024]    Also shown on  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is the long shape of the body  16  of the anchor  18 . The long shape provides the body  16  with a pair of opposite ends  20 . As shown on  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  the prongs  14  are preferably placed near the opposite ends  20 . The long shape of the body  16  serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs  14  so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs  14 . It is important that the spacing of the prongs  14  be relatively large, of about between three quarters of an inch and one and one half inches, so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor  18  about one of the prongs  14  can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body  16  is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on  FIG. 5  where the flat section underside surface  15  against the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs  17 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 6  Top perspective view showing the anchor  18  in position before attaching to a box spring  17   
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 7  where a system  21  for decorating the border of a bed  22  having a box spring  17  the system  21  being used with the box spring  17 . As has been illustrated in  FIG. 7  the system  21  uses an anchor  18  as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric  23 , which includes a substantially flat section  24  and a ruffled section  25  that is attached to the flat section  24  and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring  17 . 
         [0028]    It is important to note that while the flat section  24  has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring  17 . However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors  18  may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section  24  covers the entire surface of the box spring  17 . 
         [0029]    Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art. 
         [0030]    The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which: 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin: 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  is a Left side view thereof: 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a Top elevational view thereof: 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof: 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a Left side, top perspective view thereof: 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention. 
         [0039]    Turning to  FIG. 1  showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin  18  include a substantially flat body  26  with an upper surface  12  and an underside surface  15 . It is preferred that the anchor  18  include a flat body  26 . Attached to the underside surface  15  of the flat body  26  are two prongs  14  which protrude from the underside surface  15   
         [0040]    Turning to  FIG. 2 and 5  shown the side view of the flat body  26  with the prongs  14  extended from the underside surface  15  of the anchor pin  18  at approximately an 90 degree angle. 
         [0041]    Referring again to  FIG. 5  shown with the prongs  14  inserting the surface of the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  then curving at an angle within the box spring  17  at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface  15  of the anchor  18  resting on top of the box spring  17 . Making the skirt secure. 
         [0042]    Turning to  FIG. 3 and 4  shown attached to the underside surface  15 , of the flat body  26 , are at least two prongs  14 , which protrude from the underside surface  15 . Since the anchor  18  are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring  17 , it has been found that the prongs  14  should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring  17  creating a locking position that will not pull out easily. 
         [0043]    Also shown on  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is the long shape of the body  26  of the anchor  18 . The long shape provides the body  26  with a pair of opposite ends  20 . As shown on  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  the prongs  14  are preferably placed near the opposite ends  20 . The long shape of the body  26  serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs  14  so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs  14 . It is important that the spacing of the prongs  14  be relatively large, of about between three quarters of an inch and one and one half inches, so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor  18  about one of the prongs  14  can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body  26  is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof. 
         [0044]    Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on  FIG. 5  where the flat section underside surface  15  against the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs  17 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 6  Top perspective view showing the anchor  18  in position before attaching to a box spring  17   
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIG. 7  where a system  21  for decorating the border of a bed  22  having a box spring  17  the system  21  being used with the box spring  17 . As has been illustrated in  FIG. 7  the system  21  uses an anchor  18  as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric  23 , which includes a substantially flat section  24  and a ruffled section  25  that is attached to the flat section  24  and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring  17 . 
         [0047]    It is important to note that while the flat section  24  has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring  17 . However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors  18  may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section  24  covers the entire surface of the box spring  17 . 
         [0048]    Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art. 
         [0049]    The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which: 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin: 
         [0051]      FIG. 2  is a Left side view thereof: 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is a Top elevational view thereof: 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof: 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  is a Left side, top perspective view thereof: 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0057]    While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention. 
         [0058]    Turning to  FIG. 1  showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin  18  include a substantially flat body  27  with an upper surface  12  and an underside surface  15 . It is preferred that the anchor  18  include a flat body  27 . Attached to the underside surface  15  of the flat body  27  are two prongs  14  which protrude from the underside surface  15   
         [0059]    Turning to  FIG. 2 and 5  shown the side view of the flat body  27  with the prongs  14  extended from the underside surface  15  of the anchor pin  18  at approximately an 90 degree angle. 
         [0060]    Referring again to  FIG. 5  shown with the prongs  14  inserting the surface of the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  then curving at an angle within the box spring  17  at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface  15  of the anchor  18  resting on top of the box spring  17 . Making the skirt secure. 
         [0061]    Turning to  FIG. 3 and 4  shown attached to the underside surface  15 , of the flat body  27 , are at least two prongs  14 , which protrude from the underside surface  15 . Since the anchor  18  are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring  17 , it has been found that the prongs  14  should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring  17  creating a locking position that will not pull out easily. 
         [0062]    Also shown on  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is the round shape of the body  27  of the anchor  18 . The round shape provides the body  27  with a pair of opposite sides  20 . As shown on  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  the prongs  14  are preferably placed near the opposite sides  20 . The round shape of the body  27  serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs  14  so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs  14 . It is important that the spacing of the prongs  14  be, about between three quarters of an inch and a inch so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor  18  about one of the prongs  14  can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body  27  is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof. 
         [0063]    Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on  FIG. 5  where the flat section underside surface  15  against the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs  17 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 6  Top perspective view showing the anchor  18  in position before attaching to a box spring  17   
         [0065]    Turning now to  FIG. 7  where a system  21  for decorating the border of a bed  22  having a box spring  17  the system  21  being used with the box spring  17 . As has been illustrated in  FIG. 7  the system  21  uses an anchor  18  as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric  23 , which includes a substantially flat section  24  and a ruffled section  25  that is attached to the flat section  24  and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring  17 . 
         [0066]    It is important to note that while the flat section  24  has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring  17 . However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors  18  may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section  24  covers the entire surface of the box spring  17 . 
         [0067]    Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art. 
         [0068]    The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which: 
         [0069]      FIG. 1  is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin: 
         [0070]      FIG. 2  is a Left side view thereof: 
         [0071]      FIG. 3  is a Top elevational view thereof: 
         [0072]      FIG. 4  is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof: 
         [0073]      FIG. 5  is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring 
         [0074]      FIG. 6  is a Left side, top perspective view thereof: 
         [0075]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0076]    While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention. 
         [0077]    Turning to  FIG. 1  showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin  18  include a substantially flat body  29  with an upper surface  12  and an underside surface  15 . It is preferred that the anchor  18  include a flat body  29 . Attached to the underside surface  15  of the flat body  29  are two prongs  14  which protrude from the underside surface  15   
         [0078]    Turning to  FIG. 2 and 5  shown the side view of the flat body  29  with the prongs  14  extended from the underside surface  15  of the anchor pin  18  at approximately an 90 degree angle. 
         [0079]    Referring again to  FIG. 5  shown with the prongs  14  inserting the surface of the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  then curving at an angle within the box spring  17  at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface  15  of the anchor  18  resting on top of the box spring  17 . Making the skirt secure. 
         [0080]    Turning to  FIG. 3 and 4  shown attached to the underside surface  15 , of the flat body  29 , are at least two prongs  14 , which protrude from the underside surface  15 . Since the anchor  18  are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring  17 , it has been found that the prongs  14  should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring  17  creating a locking position that will not pull out easily. 
         [0081]    Also shown on  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  is the square shape of the body  29  of the anchor  18 . The square shape provides the body  29  with a pair of opposite sides  20 . As shown on  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4  the prongs  14  are preferably placed near the opposite sides  20 . The square shape of the body  29  serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs  14  so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs  14 . It is important that the spacing of the prongs  14  be, about between three quarters of an inch and a inch so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor  18  about one of the prongs  14  can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body  29  is preferably made from a substantily rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof. 
         [0082]    Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on  FIG. 5  where the flat section underside surface  15  against the box spring  17  and the prongs  14  have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs  17 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 6  Top perspective view showing the anchor  18  in position before attaching to a box spring  17   
         [0084]    Turning now to  FIG. 7  where a system  21  for decorating the border of a bed  22  having a box spring  17  the system  21  being used with the box spring  17 . As has been illustrated in  FIG. 7  the system  21  uses an anchor  18  as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric  23 , which includes a substantially flat section  24  and a ruffled section  25  that is attached to the flat section  24  and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring  17 . 
         [0085]    It is important to note that while the flat section  24  has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring  17 . However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors  18  may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section  24  covers the entire surface of the box spring  17 . 
         [0086]    Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.