Patent Publication Number: US-8117693-B1

Title: Bedclothes apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/205,519, filed Jan. 20, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to bedding. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Bedding or bedclothes refers to the customary coverings for a bed, such as sheets and blankets. A sheet is a large piece of cloth used to cover a mattress. This sheet is often referred to as a “bottom sheet,” and it is this sheet that one typically lies on. In many areas of the world, a second flat bed sheet is laid on top of the sheet covering the mattress. This is known as the “top sheet.” One sleeps between the bottom sheet and the top sheet. A comforter, quilt, duvet and other like blanket is then placed on top of the top sheet for warmth. The problem with conventional blankets is that then when two people are sharing the same bed one person may get hot during the night and not require the blanket, while the other person may tend to get cold and wish to use the blanket throughout the night. In the occasions when this occurs, it is often a struggle for the person who is hot to rid or partially rid himself of the blanket without disturbing the entire blanket and possibly disturbing or waking the other person. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the principle of the invention, a bedclothes apparatus includes first and second blankets each sized to cover two occupants of a bed. The first blanket has a first central section and opposed first and second segments formed on either side of the first central section. The second blanket has a second central section, and the second blanket is, according to the principle of the invention, partially severed along the second central section to form a first coverlet having a first marginal edge and an opposed second coverlet having a second marginal edge opposing the first marginal edge. The first coverlet of the second blanket is substantially coextensive with respect to the first segment of the first blanket, and the second coverlet of the second blanket is substantially coextensive with respect to the second segment of the first blanket. A first fastener assembly is formed between the first marginal edge of first coverlet of the second blanket and the first central section of the first blanket to releasably connect the first marginal edge of the first coverlet of the second blanket to the first central section of the first blanket. A second fastener assembly is formed between the second marginal edge of the second coverlet of the second blanket and the first central section of the first blanket to releasably connect the second marginal edge of the second coverlet of the second blanket to the first central section of the first blanket. The first fastener assembly is operable independently of the second fastener assembly to secure the first marginal edge of the first coverlet to and along the first central section of the first blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across the first segment of the first blanket, and to release the first marginal edge of the first coverlet from the first central section of the first blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment of the first blanket and the first central section of the first blanket. The second fastener assembly is operable independently of the first fastener assembly to secure the second marginal edge of the second coverlet to and along the first central section of the first blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across the second segment of the first blanket, and to release the second marginal edge of the second coverlet from the first central section of the first blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment of the first blanket and the first central section of the first blanket. The first fastener assembly is preferably a first slide fastener assembly, and the second fastener assembly is preferably a second slide fastener assembly. In a particular embodiment, the first blanket is a fitted sheet. 
     According to the principle of the invention, a bedclothes apparatus includes first and second blankets each sized to cover two occupants of a bed. The first blanket has opposed first and second ends, opposed first and second sides, and a first central section between the opposed first and second sides extending from the first end of the first blanket to the second end of the first blanket forming a first segment of the first blanket on one side of the first central section extending from the first central section to the first side of the first blanket and between the first and second ends of the first blanket, and a second segment of the first blanket on an the opposing side of the first central section extending from the first central section to the second side of the first blanket and between the first and second ends of the first blanket. The second blanket has opposed third and fourth ends, opposed third and fourth sides, and a second central section between the opposed third and fourth sides extending from the third end of the second blanket to fourth end of the second blanket. The second blanket is partially severed along the second central section from the third end of the second blanket to a point just inboard of the fourth end of the second blanket leaving the second blanket connected along the fourth end of the second blanket while forming opposed, parallel first and second marginal edges in the second blanket and a gap therebetween and further forming a first coverlet of the second blanket extending from the first marginal edge on one side of the gap to the third side of the second blanket and between the third and fourth ends of the second blanket, and a second coverlet of the second blanket extending from the second marginal edge the opposing side of the gap to the fourth side of the second blanket and between the third and fourth ends of the second blanket, according to the principle of the invention. The first coverlet of the second blanket is substantially coextensive with respect to the first segment of the first blanket, and the second coverlet of the second blanket is substantially coextensive with respect to the second segment of the first blanket. A first fastener assembly is formed between the first marginal edge of first coverlet of the second blanket and the first central section of the first blanket to releasably connect the first marginal edge of the first coverlet of the second blanket to the first central section of the first blanket. A second fastener assembly is formed between the second marginal edge of the second coverlet of the second blanket and the first central section of the first blanket to releasably connect the second marginal edge of the second coverlet of the second blanket to the first central section of the first blanket. The first fastener assembly is operable independently of the second fastener assembly to secure the first marginal edge of the first coverlet to and along the first central section of the first blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across the first segment of the first blanket, and to release the first marginal edge of the first coverlet from the first central section of the first blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment of the first blanket and the first central section of the first blanket. The second fastener assembly is operable independently of the first fastener assembly to secure the second marginal edge of the second coverlet to and along the first central section of the first blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across the second segment of the first blanket, and to release the second marginal edge of the second coverlet from the first central section of the first blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment of the first blanket and the first central section of the first blanket. The first fastener assembly is preferably a first slide fastener assembly, and the second fastener assembly is preferably a second slide fastener assembly. In a particular embodiment, the first blanket is a fitted sheet. 
     According to the principle of the invention, a bedclothes apparatus includes a blanket sized to cover two occupants of a bed. The blanket has a central section and opposed first and second segments formed on either side of the central section. The first and second segments have opposed first and second upper sections, respectively, and opposed first and second lower sections, respectively, and the central section extends along the first and second upper sections and the first and second lower sections of the respective first and second segments of the blanket. A first coverlet is substantially coextensive with respect to the first segment of the blanket and has opposed first and second ends and a first marginal edge extending therebetween, and a second coverlet is substantially coextensive with respect to the second segment of the blanket and has opposed third and fourth ends and a second marginal edge extending therebetween. A first fastener assembly is formed between the central section of the blanket and the first marginal edge of first coverlet to releasably connect the first marginal edge of the first coverlet, from the first end of the first coverlet to the second end of the first coverlet, to the central section of the blanket. A second fastener assembly is formed between the central section of the blanket and the second marginal edge of the second coverlet to releasably connect the second marginal edge of the second coverlet, from the third end of the second coverlet to the fourth end of the second coverlet, to the central section of the blanket. The first fastener assembly is operable independently of the second fastener assembly to secure the first marginal edge of the first coverlet to and along the central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across the first segment of the blanket, to release the first marginal edge of the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket extending along the first upper section of the first segment of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first upper section of the first segment of the blanket and the central section of the blanket extending along the first upper section of the first segment of the blanket while leaving the first marginal edge of the first coverlet secured to the central section of the blanket extending along the first lower section of the first segment of the blanket, to release the first marginal edge of the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket along the first lower section of the first segment of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first lower section of the first segment of the blanket and the central section of the blanket extending along the first lower section of the first segment of the blanket while leaving the first marginal edge of the first coverlet secured to the central section of the blanket extending along the first upper section of the first segment of the blanket, and to release the first marginal edge of the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket to detach the first coverlet from the blanket. The second fastener assembly is operable independently of the first fastener assembly to secure the second marginal edge of the second coverlet to and along the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across the second segment of the blanket, to release the second marginal edge of the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket extending along the second upper section of the second segment of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second upper section of the second segment of the blanket and the central section of the blanket extending along the second upper section of the second segment of the blanket while leaving the second marginal edge of the second coverlet secured to the central section of the blanket extending along the second lower section of the second segment of the blanket, to release the second marginal edge of the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket along the second lower section of the second segment of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second lower section of the second segment of the blanket and the central section of the blanket extending along the second lower section of the second segment of the blanket while leaving the second marginal edge of the second coverlet secured to the central section of the blanket extending along the second upper section of the second segment of the blanket, and to release the second marginal edge of the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket to detach the second coverlet from the blanket. The first fastener assembly is preferably a first slide fastener assembly, and he second fastener assembly is preferably a second slide fastener assembly. In a particular embodiment, the first blanket is a fitted sheet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bedclothes apparatus shown as it would appear assembled and installed on a bed, the bedclothes apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating portions of the bedclothes apparatus broken away for illustrative purposes; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the bedclothes apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 1  illustrating a coverlet partially detached from a blanket of the bedclothes apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmented perspective view of the bedclothes apparatus of  FIG. 1  shown with a blanket of the bedclothes apparatus formed with a fitted, elastic end; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bedclothes apparatus shown as it would appear assembled and installed on a bed with portions of the bedclothes apparatus broken away for illustrative purposes, the bedclothes apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the bedclothes apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIGS. 10-12  are perspective views illustrating different configurations of the bedclothes apparatus of  FIG. 8  in use in conjunction with a bed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in which there is seen a perspective view of a bedclothes apparatus  30  shown as it would appear assembled and installed on a bed of conventional construction as designated by the reference character  31 , which includes the usual mattress  32  positioned atop the usual box spring base  33 . Bed  31  may be configured with other conventional structural features such as a bed frame onto which box spring base  33  will typically lie on, a head board, a foot board, and the like. Bed  31  is exemplary of a conventional double bed, queen bed, or king bed being exemplary of the type of bed suitable to comfortably sleep two people. Bedclothes apparatus  30  is an assembly and, according to the principle of the invention, includes opposed, substantially coextensive blankets  40  and  41  each sized to cover two occupants of bed  31 . Blanket  40  is a lower or inner blanket of bedclothes apparatus  30 , and blanket  41  is an upper or outer blanket of bedclothes apparatus  30 . Blanket  41  rests atop blanket  40 , which is positioned upon mattress  32  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and also FIG.  4 , which is a sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 3 , which is an exploded perspective view of bedclothes apparatus  30 , blanket  40  is a large, broad piece of cloth, and includes opposed ends  50  and  51 , and opposed sides  52  and  53 , and a central section  54  between opposed sides  52  and  53  extending from end  50  of blanket  41  to end  51  of blanket  40  and which is parallel with respect to sides  52  and  53  and perpendicular with respect to ends  50  and  51 . Central section  54  divides blanket  40  in two opposed halves or segments  55  and  56 , which, in the present embodiment, are substantially equal in size and shape. The first half or segment  55  of blanket  40  extends from central section  54  to side  52  of blanket  40  and from and between end  50  of blanket  40  to end  51  of blanket  40  to cover an occupant lying on one side of mattress  32 . The second half or segment  56  of blanket  40  extends from central section  54  to side  53  of blanket  40  and from and between end  50  of blanket  40  to end  51  of blanket  40  to cover another occupant lying on the other side of mattress  32 . 
     In this embodiment, blanket  40  is a “fitted” blanket in that its end  51  and sides  52  and  53  are structured to fit about mattress  32  denoted in  FIGS. 1-3 . In characterizing the fitted construction of blanket  40 , end  51  of blanket is constructed with an end panel  60  extending between opposed corners  61  and  62  formed in end  51  of blanket  40  at sides  52  and  53 , respectively, side  52  of blanket  40  is formed with a side panel  64  extending from corner  61  to end  50  of blanket  40 , and side  53  of blanket  40  is formed with a side panel  65  extending from corner  62  to end  50  of blanket  40 . Side panel  64  and the portion of end panel  60  extending generally from central section  54  of blanket  40  to corner  61  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of half or segment  55  of blanket  40 , and side panel  65  and the portion of end panel  60  extending generally from central section  54  of blanket  40  to corner  62  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of half or segment  56  of blanket  40 . End  50  of blanket  40  is the upper end of blanket  40  designed to be positioned at head  32 A of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 4 , and end  51  is designed to be positioned at foot  32 B of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 4 , in which the fitted construction of blanket  40  is provided such that corners  61  and  62  fit downwardly about the opposed corners on either side of foot  32 B of mattress  32  and end panel  60  extends downwardly and across foot  32 B of mattress  32  between corners  61  and  62 , side panel  64  extends downwardly and across one side of mattress  32  from corner  61  to end  50  of blanket  40 , and side panel  65  extends downwardly and across the opposed side of mattress  32  from corner  62  to end  50  of blanket  40 . The fitted construction of blanket  40  prevents blanket  40  from shifting during use of bedclothes apparatus  30  as disclosed herein. 
     Referencing  FIG. 3 , blanket  41  is a large, broad piece of cloth, and includes opposed ends  70  and  71 , and opposed sides  72  and  73 , and a central section  74  between opposed sides  72  and  73  extending from end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41  and which is parallel with respect to sides  72  and  73  and perpendicular with respect to ends  70  and  71 . Central section  74  divides blanket  71  in two opposed coverlets  75  and  76 , which are substantially equal in size and shape. The first coverlet  75  of blanket  41  extends from central section  74  to side  72  of blanket  41  and from and between end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41 . The second coverlet  76  of blanket  41  extends from central section  74  to side  73  of blanket  41  and from and between end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41 . Blanket  41  is positioned atop blanket  40  installed on mattress  32  as discussed above, in which coverlet  75  extends over and across segment  55  of blanket  40 , coverlet  76  extends over and across segment  56  of blanket  40 , end  70  of blanket  41  extends over across blanket  40  adjacent to end  50  of blanket  40 , end  71  of blanket  41  extends over and across blanket adjacent to end  51  of blanket  40  and end panel  80  extends over and across end panel  60 , side  72  of blanket  41  extends over and across side  52  of blanket  40  and side panel  84  extends over and across side panel  64  of blanket  40 , and side  73  of blanket  41  extends over and across side  53  of blanket  40  and side panel  85  extends over and across side panel  65  of blanket  40 . 
     In this embodiment, like blanket  40 , blanket  41  is a fitted blanket in that it is structured to fit about blanket  40  fitted about mattress  32  as discussed above. In characterizing the fitted construction of blanket  41 , end  71  of blanket is constructed with an end panel  80  extending between opposed corners  81  and  82  formed in end  71  of blanket  41  at sides  72  and  73 , respectively, side  72  of blanket  41  is formed with a side panel  84  extending from corner  81  to end  70  of blanket  41 , and side  73  of blanket  41  is formed with a side panel  85  extending from corner  82  to end  70  of blanket  41 . Side panel  84  and the portion of end panel  80  extending generally from central section  74  to corner  81  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of coverlet  75  of blanket  41 , and side panel  85  and the portion of end panel  80  extending generally from central section  74  to corner  82  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of coverlet  76  of blanket  41 . End  70  of blanket  41  is the upper end of blanket  41  designed to be positioned at head  32 A of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 4 , and end  71  of blanket  41  is designed to be positioned at foot  32 B of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 4 , in which the fitted construction of blanket  41  is provided such that corners  81  and  82  fit downwardly about the opposed corners of mattress  32  on either side of foot  32 B of mattress  32  and end panel  80  extends downwardly and across foot  32 B of mattress  32  between corners  81  and  82 , side panel  84  extends downwardly and across one side of mattress  32  from corner  81  to end  50  of blanket  41 , and side panel  85  extends across the opposed side of mattress  32  from corner  82  to end  50  of blanket  41 . 
     Referencing  FIG. 3 , blanket  41  is partially severed along central section  74  from end  70  of blanket to a point proximate to and just inboard of end  71  of blanket  41  leaving blanket connected along end panel  80  end  71  of blanket  41  while forming opposed, parallel marginal edges  90  and  91  in blanket  41  and a gap  92  therebetween, and further forming coverlet  75  of blanket  41  extending from marginal edge  90  on one side of gap  92  to side  72  of blanket  41  and between ends  70  and  71  blanket  41 , and coverlet  76  of blanket  41  extending from marginal edge  91  on the opposed side of gap  92  to side  73  of blanket  41  and between ends  70  and  71  blanket  41 . Segment  55  of blanket  40  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment of blanket  40 , coverlet  75  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to coverlet  76  of blanket  41 , coverlet  75  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment  55  of blanket  40 , and coverlet  76  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment  56  of blanket  40 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 1-3  and  5 , bedclothes apparatus  30  is formed with fastener assemblies  100  and  101 . Fastener assembly  100  is formed between marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  of blanket  41  and central section  54  (referenced in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) of blanket  40  to releasably connect marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  of blanket  41  to central section  54  of blanket  40 , and fastener assembly  101  is formed between marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  of blanket  41  and central section  54  (referenced in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) of blanket  40  to releasably connect marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  of blanket  41  to central section  54  of blanket  40 . Fastener assembly  100  runs along entire length of marginal edge  90  and gap  92  and is operable for securing and releasing coverlet  75  with respect to blanket  40 , and fastener assembly  101  likewise runs along the entire length of marginal edge  91  and gap  92  and is operable for securing and releasing coverlet  76  with respect to blanket  40 . 
     Looking to  FIG. 5 , which is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 , fastener assemblies  100  and  101  are fitted at gap  92 . Fastener assembly  100  is a slide fastener assembly consisting of two strips  110  and  111  of fabric tape that carry complementing rows  112  and  113  of metal or plastic teeth, and a slider  114 . Row  112  of teeth may be referred to as an element or engagement element of fastener assembly  100 , and row  113  of teeth may be referred to as a complementing element or complementing engagement element of fastener assembly  100 . The slider  114 , operated by hand, moves along rows  112  and  113  of teeth and meshes together or separates rows  112  and  113  of teeth depending on the direction of movement. According to the invention, slider  114  meshes rows  112  and  113  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line A in  FIG. 1  toward end  70  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  112  and  113  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line B in  FIG. 1  toward end  71  of blanket  41 . Fastener assembly  101  is, like fastener assembly  100 , a slide fastener assembly consisting of two strips  120  and  121  of fabric tape that carry complementing rows  122  and  123  of metal or plastic teeth, and a slider  124 . Row  122  of teeth may be referred to as an element or engagement element of fastener assembly  101 , and row  123  of teeth may be referred to as a complementing element or complementing engagement element of fastener assembly  101 . The slider  124 , operated by hand, moves along rows  122  and  123  of teeth and meshes together or separates rows  122  and  123  of teeth depending on the direction of movement. According to the invention, slider  124  meshes rows  122  and  123  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line C in  FIG. 1  toward end  70  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  122  and  123  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line D in  FIG. 1  toward end  71  of blanket  41 . 
     Because strips  111  and  121  are affixed to each other and also to central section  54  of blanket  40 , fastener assembly  100  is operable independently of fastener assembly  101  to secure marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  with respect to or otherwise to and along central section  54  of blanket  40  to allow coverlet  75  to be laid across segment  55  of blanket  40  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and to release marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  from central section  54  as shown in  FIG. 6  by sliding slider  114  toward end  71  of blanket  41  away from end  70  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  75  at end  70  to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  55  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  from end  50  of blanket  40 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  55  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  75  from end  50  of blanket  40 . Because strips  111  and  121  are affixed to each other and also to central section  54  of blanket  40 , fastener assembly  101  is, likewise, operable independently of fastener assembly  100  to secure marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  with respect to or otherwise to and along central section  54  of blanket  40  to allow coverlet  76  to be laid across segment  56  of blanket  40  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , and to release marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  from central section  54  by sliding slider  124  toward end  71  of blanket  41  away from end  70  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  76  from end  70  thereof to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  56  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  from end  50  of blanket  40  in exactly the same manner as described and shown in connection with coverlet  76 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  56  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  76 . Because strips  111  and  121  are affixed to each other and also to central section  54  of blanket  40 , coverlet  75  can be secured and released with respect to central section  54  of blanket independent of and without disturbing coverlet  76 , and coverlet  76  can be secured and released with respect to central section of blanket  40  as may be desired with respect to and without disturbing coverlet  75 . It is to be understood that with both coverlets  75  and  76  in their secured positions, movement of either coverlet  75  or  76  from its secured position to its released position through the operation of its respective fastener assembly will not disturb the other one of coverlets  75  and  76  from its secured position, in accordance with the principle of the invention, and this is dictated by the structure of the respective fastener assemblies  100  and  101  and their attachment to, and structural association with, blankets  40  and  41 . 
     The fitted configuration of end  71  of blanket  41  helps in the operation of fastener assemblies  100  and  101  by effectively securing blanket  41  in place with respect to mattress  32  and thus stabilizing blanket  41  as sliders  114  and  124  are moved back and forth to secure and release coverlets  75  and  76  during use of bedclothes apparatus  30 . Moreover, because blanket  41  is only partially severed as described and is left connected along end panel  80  end  71  of blanket  41 , blanket  41  is integrated and bedclothes apparatus  30  is also, therefore, integrated and will not fall apart. 
     If desired, corners  61  and  62  and end  51  of blanket  40  can be formed with elastic as with well-known elastic fitted sheets to elastically fit end  51  of blanket  40  to mattress  32  to further secure end  51  of cover  40  to mattress  32  to prevent cover  40  from shifting during use of bedclothes apparatus  30 . To illustrate this,  FIG. 7  is a fragmented perspective view of bedclothes apparatus  30  illustrating end  51  of cover  40  at corner  62  formed with an elastic section  130  as is commonly found among conventional elastic fitted sheets. Although not shown, end  51  of cover  40  at corner  61  can be similarly constructed if so desired, in which case such disclosed details of end  51  of cover  40  at corner  62  apply equally to end  51  of cover  40  at corner  61 . 
     Blanket  40  and blanket  41  are each fitted blankets in the preferred embodiment. In alternate embodiments, blanket  40  can be unfitted and simply constructed as a broad flat blanket, and blanket  41  can be unfitted and simply constructed as a broad, flat blanket. Blanket  40  is used underneath blanket  41 . As such, blanket is preferably constructed to be thicker and/or warmer with respect to blanket  40 . As such, blanket  40  is preferably a sheet, namely, a top sheet under which a user sleeps, and blanket is preferably  40  formed as a thicker and/or warmer blanket, such as a quilt, duvet, comforter, or the like, that is laid atop blanket  40  for warmth. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8  in which there is seen a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a bedclothes apparatus  150  constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of the invention and shown as it would appear assembled and installed on  31  including mattress  32  and box springs  33 . In common with bedclothes apparatus  30  bedclothes apparatus  150 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , shares blanket  40  having opposed ends  50  and  51 , opposed sides  52  and  53 , and central section  54  between opposed sides  52  and  53  extending from end  50  of blanket  41  to end  51  of blanket  40 , which divides blanket  40  in two opposed substantially equal halves or segments  55  and  56 . First half or segment  55  of blanket  40  extends from central section  54  to side  52  of blanket  40  and from and between end  50  of blanket  40  to end  51  of blanket  40  to cover an occupant lying on one side of mattress  32 , and second half or segment  56  of blanket  40  extends from central section  54  to side  53  of blanket  40  and from and between end  50  of blanket  40  to end  51  of blanket  40  to cover another occupant lying on the other side of mattress  32 . Blanket  40  in bedclothes apparatus  150  is a fitted blanket in that it is structured to fit about mattress  32 . In common with blanket  40  in bedclothes apparatus  30 , blanket  40  in bedclothes apparatus  150  further shares end panel  60  extending between opposed corners  61  and  62  formed in end  51  of blanket  40  at sides  52  and  53 , respectively, side  52  of blanket  40  formed with side panel  64  extending from corner  61  to end  50  of blanket  40 , and side  53  of blanket  40  formed with side panel  65  extending from corner  62  to end  50  of blanket  40 . Side panel  64  and the portion of end panel  60  extending generally from central section  54  to corner  61  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of half or segment  55  of blanket  40 , and side panel  65  and the portion of end panel  60  extending generally from central section  54  to corner  62  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of half or segment  56  of blanket  40 . End  50  of blanket  40  is the upper end of blanket  40  designed to be positioned at head  32 A of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 8 , and end  51  is designed to be positioned at foot  32 B of mattress  32 , in which the fitted construction of blanket  40  is provided such that corners  61  and  62  fit downwardly about the opposed corners on either side of foot  32 B of mattress  32  and end panel  60  extends downwardly and across foot  32 B of mattress  32  between corners  61  and  62 , side panel  64  extends downwardly and across one side of mattress  32  from corner  61  to end  50  of blanket  40 , and side panel  65  extends downwardly and across the opposed side of mattress  32  from corner  62  to end  50  of blanket  40 . 
     Further in common with bedclothes apparatus  30 , bedclothes apparatus  150  shares blanket  41  including opposed ends  70  and  71 , opposed sides  72  and  73 , and central section  74  between opposed sides  72  and  73  extending from end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41  dividing blanket  71  in two opposed substantially equal coverlets  75  and  76 . The first coverlet  75  of blanket  41  extends from central section  74  to side  72  of blanket  41  and from and between end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41 . The second coverlet  76  of blanket  41  extends from central section  74  to side  73  of blanket  41  and from and between end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41 . Blanket  41  is positioned atop blanket  40 , in which coverlet  75  extends over and across segment  55  of blanket  40 , coverlet  76  extends over and across segment  56  of blanket  40 , end  70  of blanket  41  extends over across blanket  40  adjacent to end  50  of blanket  40 , end  71  of blanket  41  extends over and across blanket adjacent to end  51  of blanket  40  and end panel  80  extends over and across end panel  60 , side  72  of blanket  41  extends over and across side  52  of blanket  40  and side panel  84  extends over and across side panel  64  of blanket  40 , and side  73  of blanket  41  extends over and across side  53  of blanket  40  and side panel  85  extends over and across side panel  65  of blanket  40 . 
     Like blanket  40 , blanket  41  in bedclothes apparatus  140  is, as in bedclothes apparatus  30 , a fitted blanket in that it is structured to fit about blanket  40  fitted about mattress  32 . In characterizing the fitted construction of blanket  41 , end  71  of blanket is constructed with end panel  80  extending between opposed corners  81  and  82  formed in end  71  of blanket  41  at sides  72  and  73 , respectively, side  72  of blanket  41  is formed with side panel  84  extending from corner  81  to end  70  of blanket  41 , and side  73  of blanket  41  is formed with side panel  85  extending from corner  82  to end  70  of blanket  41 . Side panel  84  and the portion of end panel  80  extending generally from central section  74  to corner  81  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of coverlet  75  of blanket  41 , and side panel  85  and the portion of end panel  80  extending generally from central section  74  to corner  82  can be considered part of or otherwise an extension of coverlet  76  of blanket  41 . End  70  of blanket  41  is the upper end of blanket  41  designed to be positioned at head  32 A of mattress  32  denoted in  FIG. 8 , and end  71  is designed to be positioned at foot  32 B of mattress  32 , in which the fitted construction of blanket  41  is provided such that corners  81  and  82  fit downwardly about the opposed corners of mattress  32  on either side of foot  32 B of mattress  32  and end panel  80  extends downwardly and across foot  32 B of mattress  32  between corners  81  and  82 , side panel  84  extends downwardly and across one side of mattress  32  from corner  81  to end  50  of blanket  41 , and side panel  85  extends downwardly and across the opposed side of mattress  32  from corner  82  to end  50  of blanket  41 . 
     Blanket  41  of bedclothes apparatus  150  is, as with blanket  41  in bedclothes apparatus  30 , severed along central section  74  from end  70  of blanket to a point proximate to and just inboard of end  71  of blanket  41  forming opposed, parallel marginal edges  90  and  91  in blanket  41  and gap  92  therebetween, and further forming coverlet  75  of blanket  41  extending from marginal edge  90  on one side of gap  92  to side  72  of blanket  41  and between ends  70  and  71  blanket  41 , and coverlet  76  of blanket  41  extending from marginal edge  91  on the opposed side of gap  92  to side  73  of blanket  41  and between ends  70  and  71  blanket  41 . Segment  55  of blanket  40  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment of blanket  40 , coverlet  75  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to coverlet  76  of blanket  41 , coverlet  75  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment  55  of blanket  40 , and coverlet  76  of blanket  41  is substantially coextensive with respect to segment  56  of blanket  40 . 
     Further in common with bedclothes apparatus  30 , bedclothes apparatus  150  also shares the slide fastener assemblies forming fastener assemblies  100  and  101  illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Fastener assemblies  100  and  101  are formed at gap  92  between marginal edges  90  and  91 . Further, fastener assembly  100  is formed between marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  of blanket  41  and central section  54  of blanket  40  to releasably connect marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  of blanket  41  to central section  54  of blanket  40 , and fastener assembly  101  is formed between marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  of blanket  41  and central section  54  of blanket  40  to releasably connect marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  of blanket  41  to central section  54  of blanket  40 . Fastener assembly  100  runs along entire length of marginal edge  90  and gap  92 , and fastener assembly  101  likewise runs along the entire length of marginal edge  91  and gap  92 . 
     Having discussed the principal similarities between bedclothes apparatus  30  and bedclothes apparatus  150 , the principle differences between bedclothes apparatus  30  and bedclothes apparatus  150  are formed in end panel  80  and fastener assemblies  100  and  101 , which, as will be discussed below. In bedclothes apparatus  150 , end panel  80  is severed along central section  74  of blanket  41  thereby separating coverlet  75  from coverlet  76  and dividing blanket  41  into two separate parts, namely, coverlet  75  and coverlet  76 . Also fastener assembly  100  is fashioned with two sliders including slider  114  and slider  164 , and fastener assembly  101  is fashioned with two sliders including slider  124  and slider  174 . 
     The sliders  114  and  164 , operated by hand, of fastener assembly  100  each moves along rows  112  and  113  of teeth and mesh together or separates rows  112  and  113  of teeth depending on the direction of movement. In the present embodiment, slider  114  meshes rows  112  and  113  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by arrowed line A in  FIG. 8  toward end  70  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  112  and  113  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line B in  FIG. 8  toward end  71  of blanket  41 , whereas slider  164  meshes rows  112  and  113  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by arrowed line E in  FIG. 8  toward end  71  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  112  and  113  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line F in  FIG. 8  toward end  70  of blanket  41 . The sliders  124  and  174 , operated by hand, of slider assembly  101  each moves along rows  122  and  123  of teeth and meshes together or separates rows  122  and  123  of teeth depending on the direction of movement. According to the invention, slider  124  meshes rows  122  and  123  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line C in  FIG. 8  toward end  70  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  122  and  123  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line D in  FIG. 8  toward end  71  of blanket  41 , whereas slider  174  meshes rows  122  and  123  of teeth together when moved in the direction indicated by arrowed line G in  FIG. 8  toward end  71  of blanket  40 , and separates rows  122  and  123  of teeth when moved in the direction indicated by the arrowed line H in  FIG. 8  toward end  70  of blanket  41 . 
     As in bedclothes apparatus  30 , fastener assembly  100  is operable independently of fastener assembly  101  to secure marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  with respect to or otherwise to and along central section  54  of blanket  40  to allow coverlet  75  to be laid across segment  55  of blanket  40  as shown in  FIG. 8 , and to release marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  from central section  54  as shown in  FIG. 10  by sliding slider  114  toward end  71  of blanket  41  away from end  70  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  75  from end  70  to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  55  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  from end  50  of blanket  40 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  55  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  75  from end  50  of blanket  41 . Likewise, fastener assembly  101  operable independently of fastener assembly  100  to secure marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  with respect to or otherwise to and along central section  54  of blanket  40  to allow coverlet  76  to be laid across segment  56  of blanket  40  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 , and to release marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  from central section  54  by sliding slider  124  toward end  71  of blanket  41  away from end  70  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  76  from end  70  to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  56  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  at end  50  of blanket  40  in exactly the same manner as described and shown in connection with coverlet  76 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  56  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  76 . Coverlet  75  can be secured and released with respect to central section  54  of blanket  40  in this way independent of and without disturbing coverlet  76 , and coverlet  76  can be secured and released with respect to central section of blanket  40  in this way as may be desired with respect to and without disturbing coverlet  75 . 
     Unlike bedclothes apparatus  30 , in bedclothes apparatus  150  fastener assembly  100  is operable independently of fastener assembly  101  to also release marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  from central section  54  as shown in  FIG. 11  by sliding slider  164  toward end  70  of blanket  41  away from end  71  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  75  at end  71  to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  55  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  from end  51  of blanket  40 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  55  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  75  from end  50  of blanket  40 . Because coverlet  75  is separate from coverlet  76 , coverlet  75  can be arranged and moved in this way. Fastener assembly  101  is, likewise, operable independently of fastener assembly  100  to additionally release marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  from central section  54  by sliding slider  124  toward end  70  of blanket  41  away from end  71  of blanket  41  to allow coverlet  76  from end  71  thereof to be peeled, folded, or otherwise moved away from segment  56  of blanket  40  and central section  54  of blanket  40  from end  51  of blanket  40  in exactly the same manner as described and shown in connection with coverlet  75 , such as when an occupant lying on mattress  32  under segment  56  is too hot and wishes to uncover himself from coverlet  76  from end  51  of blanket  40 . Because coverlet  76  is separate from coverlet  75 , coverlet  76  can be arranged and moved in this way. Also, because strips  111  and  121  are affixed to each other and also to central section  54  of blanket  40  as shown and described in connection with  FIG. 5 , coverlet  75  of bedclothes apparatus  150  can be secured and released with respect to central section  54  of blanket  40  in the described manner independent of and without disturbing coverlet  76 , and coverlet  76  of bedclothes apparatus  150  can be secured and released with respect to central section of blanket  40  in the described manner as may be desired with respect to and without disturbing coverlet  75 . 
     In a further use and configuration of bedclothes apparatus  150 , fastener assembly  100  in bedclothes apparatus  150  is useful in completely detaching coverlet  75  from cover  40  as shown in  FIG. 12 , and fastener assembly  101  in bedclothes apparatus  150  is likewise useful in completely detaching coverlet  76  from cover  40 . Coverlet  75  may be detached from cover  40  in two ways, including sliding slider  114  all the way from end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41  to completely detach row  112  of teeth from row  113  of teeth to thereby completely detach marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  from central section  54  of blanket  40 , or by sliding slider  164  all the way from end  71  of blanket  41  to end  70  of blanket  41  to completely detach row  112  of teeth from row  113  of teeth to thereby completely detach marginal edge  90  of coverlet  75  from central section  54  of blanket  41 . Coverlet  75  may be so detached in the instance in which use of coverlet  75  by a user lying under segment  55  of blanket  40  is not desired without disturbing coverlet  76  attached in place and which remains attached in place when coverlet  75  is completely detached. Coverlet  75  may be reattached to central section  54  of blanket  40  simply by re-zipping rows  112  and  113  of teeth back together with either slider  114  or slider  164 , which is simply the reverse of the operation used to detach coverlet  75  from blanket  40 . Because coverlet  75  is separate from coverlet  76 , coverlet  75  can be arranged and moved in this way independent of coverlet  76 . 
     As in bedclothes apparatus  30 , in bedclothes apparatus  150  it is to be understood that with both coverlets  75  and  76  in their secured positions, movement of either coverlet  75  or  76  from its secured position to its released position through the operation of its respective fastener assembly will not disturb the other one of coverlets  75  and  76  from its secured position, in accordance with the principle of the invention, and this is dictated by the structure of the respectively fastener assemblies  100  and  101  and their attachment to, and structural association with, blankets  40  and  41 . 
     As with coverlet  75 , coverlet  76  may be detached from cover  40  in two ways, including sliding slider  124  all the way from end  70  of blanket  41  to end  71  of blanket  41  to completely detach row  122  of teeth from row  123  of teeth to thereby completely detach marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  from central section  54  of blanket  40 , or by sliding slider  174  all the way from end  71  of blanket  41  to end  70  of blanket  41  to completely detach row  122  of teeth from row  123  of teeth to thereby completely detach marginal edge  91  of coverlet  76  from central section  54  of blanket  41 . Coverlet  76  may be so detached in the instance in which use of coverlet  76  by a user lying under segment  56  of blanket  40  is not desired without disturbing coverlet  75  attached in place and which remains attached in place when coverlet  76  is completely detached. Coverlet  76  may be reattached to central section  54  of blanket  40  simply by re-zipping rows  122  and  123  of teeth back together with either slider  124  or slider  174 , which is simply the reverse of the operation used to detach coverlet  76  from blanket  40 . Because coverlet  76  is separate from coverlet  75 , coverlet  76  can be arranged and moved in this way independent of coverlet  75 . Because coverlets  75  and  76  can each be detached as described, they can each be easily washed independently of each other, and, moreover, independently of cover  40 , such as in a washing machine or by hand if so desired. 
     It is to be emphasized that the fitted configuration of end  71  of blanket  41  in bedclothes apparatus  150  helps in the operation of fastener assemblies  100  and  101  by effectively securing blanket  41  in place with respect to mattress  32  and thus stabilizing blanket  41  as sliders  114  and  164  in conjunction with coverlet  75  and sliders  124  and  174  in conjunction with coverlet  76  are moved back and forth to secure and release coverlets  75  and  76  during use of bedclothes apparatus  150  as herein specifically described. If desired, corners  61  and  62  and end  51  of blanket  40  can be formed with elastic as with well-known elastic fitted sheets to elastically fit end  51  of blanket  40  to mattress  32  to further secure end  51  of cover  40  to mattress  32  to prevent cover  40  from shifting during use of bedclothes apparatus  30  as shown in  FIG. 7  in conjunction with bedclothes apparatus  30 . 
     Blanket  40  and blanket  41  are each fitted blankets in the preferred embodiment. In alternate embodiments, blanket  40  can be unfitted and simply constructed as a broad flat blanket, and blanket  41  can be unfitted and simply constructed as a broad, flat blanket as discussed in connection with bedclothes apparatus  30 . 
     The invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.