Patent Publication Number: US-2020275786-A1

Title: Anti-slip bedding device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to bedding clips and more specifically to devices for restraining bedding that are specifically adapted to secure the bedding to the base, frame or leg of the bed. The presently described devices keep bedding, including sheets and blankets, from sliding or slipping off a bed mattress in a more effective manner than existing bedding clips. As used herein, bedding includes sheets, pillow cases, blankets, duvets, quilts and the like. 
     All bedding grips, bands, suspenders or straps currently on the market require the mattress to be lifted up in order to secure to the sheets or bedding. They typically fit underneath the mattress and attach the sheets to one another at the corners of the mattress. Additionally, the clips currently on the market are not as strong or durable since they are designed to be underneath the mattress and are generally made of a flat elastic material. 
     The presently described kits, devices and methods eliminate the need to lift a mattress to secure bedding to a bed. In use, the devices claimed and described attaches to the bedding and then attaches to the bed leg, rail or frame to hold the bedding in place. A much stronger means for attaching to bedding is employed as well and flat elastic materials are avoided. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects are addressed by the invention described herein. 
     In one embodiment, an anti-slip bedding kit includes at least one means for attaching to bedding; at least one means for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg; and at least one flexible cord having a first end and a second end; whereby the cord includes a means for attaching the cord to the means for attaching to bedding is disposed about a first end of the cord; and a means for attaching the cord to the means for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg is disposed about the second end of the cord. 
     In a more specific embodiment, an anti-slip bedding kit includes a latex cord having a first end and a second end; a hook disposed about the first end of the cord, and a clip disposed about the second end of the cord, an adjustable cable tie adapted to removably engage the clip, disposed about the second end of the cord; and a clip adapted to attach the bedding, whereby the clip is adapted to removably attach to the hook disposed about the first end of the cord. 
     In yet another embodiment, anti-slip bedding device is described that includes a latex cord having a first end and a second end, a hook disposed about the first end of the cord, and a snap comprising an aperture disposed about the second end of the cord, an adjustable cable tie removably attached to the clip disposed about the second end of the cord; and a clip adapted to attach to bedding removably attached to the hook disposed about the first end of the cord. 
     In another embodiment, methods for restraining bedding are provided that include the steps of attaching a first end of the devices described herein at one end to bedding and attaching a second end of the device of claim  11  to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg 
    
    
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative embodiment of the kit of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary embodiment of one device of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The anti-slip bedding kits  1  described and claimed herein include three individual components that are packaged and delivered for assembly by an end user. Those components include at least one of a means for attaching to bedding  2 , a flexible cord  8  having a first end  4  and a second end  6 , at least one means  10  for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg, whereby cord  8  comprises at least one means  12  for attaching the cord to the means for attaching to bedding  2 , disposed about a first end  4  of cord  8 , and a means  14  for attaching cord  8  to means  10  for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg, disposed about the second end  6  of cord  8 . 
     Means  2  is adapted to grasp various thickness of bedding. Means  2  is also adapted in specific embodiments of the invention for a pivotal and removable attachment to cord  8  via means  12 . This pivotal attachment is important so that different types of bedding may be secured using the invention. Means  2  may be any means for attaching to bedding, but in a specific embodiment is an adjustable clamp or clip. The adjustable clip may, in specific embodiments, comprise an aperture for attaching to means  12 . 
     Sheet grips, bands, suspenders or straps currently on the market require the mattress to be lifted up in order to secure the sheets or bedding. The devices typically fit underneath the mattress and are attached to the sheets at the corners of the mattress. The claimed methods, kits and device, however, are used differently. The means  2  for attaching to the bedding is used to secure the device to bedding by removably securing the bedding within the means  2 , which in most cases entail place a part of the bedding with means  2  and tightening mean  2 . The means  10  for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail, or bed leg is removably attached to cord  8  via attachment means  14 , which in some cases entails threading mean  10  through an aperture in means  14 , then means  10  is wrapped around the bed frame, bed rail or bed leg and adjusted in size to provide the desired bedding tension. 
     Cord  8  has a structure sufficient to withstand the stretching caused when the bedding is pulled or moved. In a specific embodiment of the invention, cord  8  is made of an elastic material. 
     The devices of the invention include each component if the kits  2 , however, the components are already assembled for use prior to packaging and delivery to the consumer. As such, the devices comprise at least one of a means for attaching to bedding  2  removably attached to a first end  4  of a flexible cord  8 , cord  8  having a first end  4  and a second end  6 , at least one means for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg  10  removably attached to a second end  6  of cord  8  and whereby cord  8  comprises at least one means  12  for attaching the cord to the means for attaching to bedding  2 , disposed about a first end  4  of cord  8  and a means  14  for attaching cord  8  to means  10  for attaching to at least one of a bed frame, bed rail or bed leg, disposed about the second end  6  of cord  8 . 
     In another specific embodiment of the invention, means  10  is a cable tie. In a more specific embodiment of the invention means  10  is a nylon cable tie. 
     In illustrative embodiments of the invention described herein, the kits  2  and devices comprise a strong durable clip  2  with a threaded rod  8  that is adapted to clip securely on the bedding. Any means for secure and removable attachment to bedding may be employed in accordance with the invention, including, but not limited to a clip. Similarly, cord  8  may also be any cord that is flexible including a plastic or latex rod or tube, as well as a threaded rod. Other suitable materials include rubber, latex, plastic or fabric. In alternative embodiments of the invention, clip  8  is attached to latex tubing  8 , which is then connected to either the bed frame or leg. The anti-slip bedding kits and devices claimed do not attach one part of the sheets to or bedding to another. Rather, the sheets are secured directed to the bed frame or the legs of the bed. The combination of clip  2  and the elastic latex tubing  8  allows the bedding to move, but not slip or slide off the mattress. There is an additional benefit to those unable to lift the mattress as the anti-slip bedding devices claimed can also be attached to the bedding without having to raise the mattress. 
     While cord  8  may be made of many flexible materials, it is important to note that certain materials are not suitable for use in the present invention. In fact, a flat elastic strap is not suitable for use as cord  8 . Flat elastic straps are not suitable for us in the invention because they do not allow for much movement of the bedding before either the clips come loose or the elastic strap breaks. 
     In one specific embodiment of the invention, adjustable clip is connected to the bedding or sheet. A section of latex tubing with a snap at one is attached to the adjustable clip. At the opposite end of the latex tubing is an eyebolt. Through the small hole of the eyebolt a length of nylon cable tie is inserted and then the tie is connected around the bed frame or leg. The bedding is now held in place by the adjustable clip which is connected to the bed leg or frame by a flexible latex tubing allowing for movement of the bedding but prevents the bedding from coming off the bed. 
     One skilled in the art would know how to make and use the invention using what is well-known along with this specification. One means includes manufacturing or finding a snap and terminal end that could be attached to a predetermined length of latex tubing used as cord  8 . Instead of having the snap, employed as means  14 , attached to the adjustable clip, or means  2 , it could be attached to the plastic strap, employed as cord  8 , which is connected to the bed frame or bed leg. The latex tubing acting as cord  8  could be attached to the adjustable clip, or means  2 , by several other known methods. One could insert the tubing in the hole of the clip, or means  2 , and tie a knot in the tubing or cord  8 , to hold it in place. An expansion bolt used in the auto industry could also be used to hold trim in place. 
     The bedding would hang down from the bed. The claimed devices and kits would be attached to the bed leg or frame using means  10 . Means  2  would then be attached to the bedding high enough up so when means  14  is hooked to means  2 , there is sufficient tension to hold the bedding in place. With this invention there is no need to raise or lift up the mattress as the device attaches only to the bedding and the bed. 
     Other uses of the kids and devices of the invention are contemplated. The kits and devices could be employed to hold all types of fabric material in place. For example, to hold picnic tablecloths in place. In those embodiments, means  10  would be removably attached to the leg or base of the table holding the tablecloth. The kits and devices could also be used to hold boat tarps or automobile covers in place and as a flexible strap to keep things from moving or shifting. Those of skill in the art would be able to make and use these various embodiments using the present specification, along with what is already well-known in the art. Other obvious variations are contemplated and meant to be within the scope of this invention.