Patent Publication Number: US-2021169246-A1

Title: Stretchable bedding components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/964,860 filed Jan. 23, 2020 and Indian Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 201921050486 filed Dec. 6, 2019, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of bedding, and more particularly to bedding components that are at least partially stretchable to be reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bedding components such as fitted bed sheets, flat sheets, and pillow cases are commonly used to outfit a bed or mattress. Fitted bed sheets are commonly used for fitting around or at least partially encasing the mattress. Commonly, fitted bed sheets are sized to be substantially similar to the dimensions of the mattress that it is intended to cover. For example, the sizing/dimensions of conventional fitted sheets are about 72″×84″+16″ (width×length+drop) for a California king size mattress, about 78″×80″+16″ for a king size mattress, about 60″×80″+16″ for a queen size mattress, about 54″×75″+14″ for a full size mattress, about 39″×80″+14″ for a twin XL size mattress, and about 39″×75″+14″ for a twin size mattress. Continued improvements to bedding is sought. It is to the provision of stretchable bedding components meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In example embodiments, the present invention provides a stretchable bedding component that is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. In example embodiments, the bedding component can be in the form of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, one or more pillow cases, other bedding components and/or a combination thereof. 
     In one aspect, the present invention relates to a fitted bed sheet for at least partially encasing a mattress having a length, a width and a depth. In example embodiments, the fitted bed sheet includes a top panel, front and rear panels, and first and second side panels. The top panel includes a length and a width, wherein at least the top panel is stretchable along its length between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. In the retracted configuration, the length of the top panel is between about 5-30% less than the length of the mattress, for example about 12%-21% according to some example embodiments. In the expanded configuration, the length of the top panel is generally similar to the length of the mattress. 
     In example embodiments, in the retracted configuration the width of the top panel is generally similar to the width of the mattress and wherein in the expanded configuration the width is generally similar to the width of the mattress. In example embodiments, at least the top panel includes a stretchable fabric. In example embodiments, the stretchable fabric includes a blend of cotton and spandex. In example embodiments, the stretchable fabric includes a blend of cotton and a rubber or other stretchable material. In example embodiments, the stretchable fabric includes at least one fiber material selected from the group consisting of cotton fibers, polyester fibers, Tencel™ (e.g., cellulosic fibers), Lycra® (e.g., synthetic elastane fibers) and biocomponent fibers (or combinations thereof). In example embodiments, the material includes a special synthetic fiber, for example, polyester yarn. In example embodiments, at least one of the yarns of the fabric comprises a synthetic and stretchable or elastic biocomponent fiber comprising a first component and a second component. In example embodiments, the front and rear panels and first and second side panels include first sides connected to the top panel, ends that are connected to each other to define four stitched-together corners, and second sides defining exposed edges. In example embodiments, the exposed edges of the front and rear panels include elastic members secured to the entirety thereof. 
     In example embodiments, a portion of the exposed edges of the first and second side panels include elastic members secured thereto. In example embodiments, the elastic members of the first and second side panels extend a length of about 6 inches along the exposed edges from respective elastic members that are secured to the exposed edges of the front and rear panels. In example embodiments, rubber thread is provided for securing together the four stitched-together corners. In example embodiments, the rubber thread allows for snug fitting engagement regardless of the depth of the mattress. 
     In example embodiments, a V-stitch is provided and extends from an end of each of the four stitched-together corners and generally at about 90 degrees relative to each other. In example embodiments, the fitted bed sheet is configured to provide snug fitting engagement with at least two mattresses comprising differing lengths. In example embodiments, the at least two mattresses include a twin size mattress and a twin XL size mattress. 
     In another aspect, the present invention relates to a fitted bed sheet for at least partially encasing a mattress comprising a length, a width and a depth. The fitted bed sheet including a top panel, front and rear panels, and first and second side panels. The top panel including a length and a width, and at least a portion of the one or more panels including a stretchable fabric and at least a portion of the front, rear and first and second side panels comprising an elastic band secured thereto. In example embodiments, the fitted bed sheet in a relaxed state defines a first size, the first size being smaller than the mattress, and wherein an expanded state the fitted bed sheet defines a second size, the second size being large enough so as to at least partially encase the mattress. 
     In example embodiments, the fitted bed sheet is at least stretchable along its length between a relaxed state and an expanded state, and wherein in the relaxed state the length of the top panel is between about 12%-21% less than the length of the mattress and wherein in the expanded state the length of the top panel is generally similar to the length of the mattress. 
     In example embodiments, in the relaxed state the width of the top panel is generally similar to the width of the mattress and wherein in the expanded state the width is generally similar to the width of the mattress. 
     In example embodiments, the front and rear panels and first and second side panels include first sides connected to the top panel, ends that are connected to each other to define four stitched-together corners, and second sides defining exposed edges. The exposed edges of the front and rear panels include elastic members secured to the entirety thereof, and a portion of the exposed edges of the first and second side panels having elastic members secured thereto. In example embodiments, rubber thread is provided for securing together the four stitched-together corners, thereby allowing for snug fitting engagement of the fitted bed sheet with the mattress regardless of the depth of the mattress. 
     In another aspect, the present invention relates to a stretchable bedding component that is reconfigurable between a retracted state and an expanded state. In example embodiments, the bedding component is retractable and expandable so as to permit stretching of the bedding component in a first direction, a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, or in both the first and second directions. In example embodiments, the stretchable bedding component can be a fitted bed sheet, a flat bed sheet, a pillow case or covering, or other bedding components as desired. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a stretchable bedding component elastically deformable between a retracted state and an expanded state. In example embodiments, the bedding component can be retractable and expandable so as to permit stretching of the bedding component in a first direction, a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, or bi-directional in both the first and second directions. In example embodiments, the retracted state of the bedding component is between 5-30% smaller than the expanded state of the bedding component. 
     In example embodiments, a fitted bed sheet, a flat bed sheet, and at least one pillow case are formed from a single elongate and stretchable fabric sheet, the fabric sheet comprising at least polyester and cotton yarns. In example embodiments, the polyester yarn comprises up to 37% plant-derived ingredients. In example embodiments, the polyester yarn comprises a helical structure such that the same is elastically stretchable between a natural state and an expanded state. In example embodiments, the polyester yarn comprises a biocomponent yarn. 
     These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is bottom plan view of a stretchable fitted sheet according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable fitted sheet being in a natural and unstretched configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIG. 1  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a stretchable fitted sheet according to another example embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable fitted sheet being in a natural and unstretched configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIG. 3  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of a stretchable fitted sheet according to another example embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable fitted sheet being in a natural and unstretched configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIG. 5  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of a stretchable fitted sheet according to another example embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable fitted sheet being in a natural and unstretched configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIG. 7  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of a stretchable fitted sheet according to another example embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable fitted sheet being in a natural and unstretched configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIG. 9  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 11A  shows a chart comparing dimensions of conventional fitted sheets with the dimensions of the fitted sheets as shown in  FIGS. 1-10 . 
         FIG. 11B  shows a chart comparing dimensions of conventional fitted sheets with the dimensions of fitted sheets according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12-19  show top plan views of a sequence of operation of a stitching process to form the stretchable fitted sheet of  FIGS. 1-10  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a flow chart of the sequence of operation of the stitching process of  FIGS. 12-19 . 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of a portion of a stretchable fitted bed sheet according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and showing a V-stitch and elastic stitching provided in the corner thereof. 
         FIG. 22  shows a top plan view of an elongate sheet of stretchable fabric configured for fabricating a plurality of bedding components according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows a flat bed sheet formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 22 , the flat bed sheet being stretchable in the length-wise direction. 
         FIG. 24  shows a fitted bed sheet formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 22 , the fitted bed sheet being stretchable in the length-wise direction. 
         FIG. 25  shows a pair of pillow cases formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 22 , the pair of pillow cases being stretchable in the width-wise direction. 
         FIG. 26  shows a plurality of bedding components formed from the elongate sheet of stretchable fabric of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 27  shows a top plan view of an elongate sheet of stretchable fabric configured for fabricating a plurality of bedding components according to another example embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a flat bed sheet formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 27 , the flat bed sheet being stretchable in the width-wise direction. 
         FIG. 29  shows a fitted bed sheet formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 27 , the fitted bed sheet being stretchable in the length-wise direction. 
         FIG. 30  shows a pair of pillow cases formed from a portion of the stretchable fabric of  FIG. 27 , the pair of pillow cases being stretchable in the length-wise direction. 
         FIG. 31  shows a plurality of bedding components formed from the elongate sheet of stretchable fabric of  FIG. 27 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-10  show a plurality of fitted bed sheets according to example embodiments of the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 1-2  show a fitted sheet  10  that is configured for attachment to a California king size mattress,  FIGS. 3-4  show a fitted sheet  100  that is configured for attachment to a king size mattress,  FIGS. 5-6  show a fitted sheet  200  that is configured for attachment to a queen size mattress,  FIGS. 7-8  show a fitted sheet  300  that is configured for attachment to a full size mattress,  FIGS. 9-10  show a fitted sheet  400  that is configured for attachment to a twin and twin XL size mattresses. 
     In example embodiments, the fitted sheets as described herein comprise a top panel, first and second side panels, a front panel and a rear panel. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the fabric of the top panel, first and second side panels, and front and rear panels are constructed from a stretchable fabric. For example, according to one example embodiment, the stretchable fabric comprises a blend of cotton and Spandex, or for example, a blend of natural or at least soft fibers blended with at least partially elastic fibers or other stretchable fibers or other material. According to one example embodiment, the fabric comprises a blend of cotton and Lycra. According to another example embodiment, the fabric comprises a blend of cotton and elastane. According to another example embodiment, the fabric comprises a blend of cotton and polyester. According to another example embodiment, the fabric comprises a blend of at least two of the following materials selected from cotton, Spandex, Lycra® (e.g., synthetic elastane fibers), elastane, polyester, Tencel™ (e.g., cellulosic fibers), Modal, bamboo, silk, soy, X-STATIC®, milk, viscose and/or other rubber, elastic or other stretchable materials/fibers. 
     According to one example embodiment, the fabric comprises multi-filament or biocomponent yarns in the weft and cotton yarns in the warp. In example embodiments, the biocomponent yarn comprises a first component and a second component. According to one example embodiment, the first component comprises polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and the second component comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET). According to example embodiments, the biocomponent yarn comprises about 37% PTT and about 63% PET, and the cotton yarn comprises 100% cotton. Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the proportions of the components can be varied as desired so as to provide a desired amount of elasticity/stretchability in the fabric. According to example embodiments, the biocomponent yarns comprise up to about 37% plant-derived ingredients, for example, which has a melting temperature of between about 220-240 degrees Celsius, for example, 230 degrees Celsius according to one example embodiment. In example embodiments, the biocomponent yarn imparts at least some stretching or elasticity, for example, whereby processing of the same causes a helical structure to form in the yarn. In example embodiments, the biocomponent yarn is elastically deformable or stretchable, for example, such that the yarn comprises a relaxed or neutral configuration, and for example, an expanded or stretched configuration that permits between about 5-30% elongation thereof. In example embodiments, the biocomponent yarn is elastic in that the biocomponent yarn will retract to is relaxed configuration and maintain a substantially similar dimension after being stretched to the expanded configuration. Accordingly, the fabric comprising the biocomponent yarn similarly elastically deforms or can stretch between the relaxed and expanded configurations. Accordingly, the biocomponent yarn and the stretchable fabric formed therefrom elasticity so as to not impart any plastic or permanent deformation. As will be described below, the stretchability of the fabric of the sheets as described herein is preferably beneficial in the reduction of material consumption while providing that at least one dimension thereof is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration (see  FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 ) and an expanded configuration (see  FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ). 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , the fitted sheet  10  comprises a top panel  12 , first and second side panels  14 ,  16 , a front panel  18  and a rear panel  20 . In example embodiments, as will be described in greater detail below, the sides of the panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  are connected together to define stitched-together corners or seams  30 . According to example embodiments, a rubber or elastic thread can be provided for connecting the sides of the panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20 , for example, so as to provide some elasticity or stretchability along the length of the seams  30 . 
     In example embodiments, each of the panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  comprise exposed edges, for example, which can be hemmed or otherwise tailored to conceal and protect any cut edges or other fabric portions which may fray or unravel. The sizing of the panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  define the drop thereof, for example, which are generally configured for covering the vertical sides of the mattress and generally at least partially covering a lower side thereof. According to one example embodiment, the exposed edges of the front and rear panels  18 ,  20  comprise an elastic material or band  40 , for example, which extends along the entirety thereof. According to one example embodiment, the band  40  comprises 1-inch broad boxer elastic. Furthermore, at least a portion of the exposed edges of the first and second side panels  14 ,  16  comprise an elastic material or band  42  connected thereto. For example, according to one example embodiment, the first and second side panels  14 ,  16  comprise segments of the elastic band  42  secured near the ends thereof and generally proximal the band  40  of the front and rear panels  18 ,  20 . According to one example embodiment, the elastic band  42  extends a length D along the exposed edges of the first and second side panels  14 ,  16  from opposite ends thereof. According to example embodiments, the length D is generally between about 4-9 inches. According to one example embodiment, the length D is between 6-7 inches. As similarly described above, the elastic band  42  can comprise 1-inch broad boxer elastic. According to other example embodiments, the elastic band  42  comprises boxer elastic comprising a width of between about 0.5-1.5 inches. In other example embodiments, the width of the elastic band  42  can be between about 0.25-2.5 inches, any desired width. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the fitted sheet  10  is in a natural or retracted configuration and defines a length L 1  and a width W 1 . In example embodiments, the length L 1  is about 67 inches and the width W 1  is about 72 inches. And as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the fitted sheet  10  is in an expanded configuration defining a length L 2  and a width W 1 . According to example embodiments, the length L 2  is about 84 inches and the width W 1  is about 72 inches (as described above). Thus, according to example embodiments, the length L 2  is about 20% greater than the length L 1 . As such, the fitted sheet  10  of the present invention consumes less fabric along its length, for example, in comparison to a conventional fitted sheet. As described above, the fitted sheet  10  of  FIGS. 1-2  are sized for fitting (e.g., at least partially enclosing/encasing) a California king size mattress. According to example embodiments of the present invention, it is the stretchability of the fabric of the fitted sheet (and the bands  40 ,  42  thereof) that preferably allow for expansion/contraction of the fitted sheet, and for example, provides for a snug or close-fitting engagement of the fitted sheet  10  with the mattress. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-4 , the fitted sheet  100  similarly comprises a top panel  112 , first and second side panels  114 ,  116 , a front panel  118  and a rear panel  120 . Furthermore, the exposed edges thereof comprise elastic bands  140 ,  142  as similarly described above. According to example embodiments, the sheet  100  is configured for fitting a king size mattress. The sheet defines a first length L 1  is its retracted configuration and a second length L 2  in its expanded configuration. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the length L 1  is about 64 inches and the length L 2  is about 80 inches. In example embodiments, the width of the sheet is about 78 inches in either of the retracted or expanded configurations and the drop of the side panels  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  is generally about 16 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , the fitted sheet  200  similarly comprises a top panel  212 , first and second side panels  214 ,  216 , a front panel  218  and a rear panel  220 . Furthermore, the exposed edges thereof comprise elastic bands  240 ,  242  as similarly described above. According to example embodiments, the sheet  200  is configured for fitting a queen size mattress. The sheet  200  defines a first length L 1  in its retracted configuration and a second length L 2  in its expanded configuration. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the length L 1  is about 64 inches and the length L 2  is about 80 inches. In example embodiments, the width of the sheet is about 60 inches in either of the retracted or expanded configurations and the drop of the side panels  212 ,  214 ,  216  and  218  is generally about 16 inches. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7-8 , the fitted sheet  300  similarly comprises a top panel  312 , first and second side panels  314 ,  316 , a front panel  318  and a rear panel  320 . Furthermore, the exposed edges thereof comprise elastic bands  340 ,  342  as similarly described above. According to example embodiments, the sheet  300  is configured for fitting a full-size mattress. The sheet  300  defines a first length L 1  in its retracted configuration and a second length L 2  in its expanded configuration. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the length L 1  is about 60 inches and the length L 2  is about 75 inches. In example embodiments, the width of the sheet is about 54 inches in either of the retracted or expanded configurations and the drop of the side panels  312 ,  314 ,  316  and  318  is generally about 14 inches. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-10 , the fitted sheet  400  similarly comprises a top panel  412 , first and second side panels  414 ,  416 , a front panel  418  and a rear panel  420 . Furthermore, the exposed edges thereof comprise elastic bands  440 ,  442  as similarly described above. According to example embodiments, the sheet  400  is configured for fitting either of a twin or twin XL size mattresses (e.g., 39″×75″+14″ for a twin size mattress, 39″×80″+14″ for a twin XL size mattress). 
     The sheet  400  defines a first length L 1  in its retracted configuration and a second length L 2  in its expanded configuration. According to example embodiments of the present invention, the length L 1  is about 65 inches and the length L 2  is between about 75-80 inches. In example embodiments, the width of the sheet is about 39 inches in either of the retracted or expanded configurations and the drop of the side panels  412 ,  414 ,  416  and  418  is generally about 14 inches. According to example embodiments, the sheet  400  is preferably configured such that the length L 2  in the expanded configuration can accommodate fitting both a twin size mattress and a twin XL size mattress. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11A , a chart  500  depicts dimensions of conventional or traditional fitted sheets along with dimensions of the fitted sheets of the present invention. For example, for a California king size mattress, a conventional fitted sheet is 72″×84″+16″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 72″×67″+16″. For a king size mattress, a convention fitted sheet is 78″×80″+16″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 78″×64″+16″. For a queen size mattress, a conventional fitted sheet is 60″×80″+16″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 60″×64″+16″. For a full size mattress, a conventional fitted sheet is 54″×75″+14″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 54″×60″+14″. For a twin XL size mattress, a conventional fitted sheet is 39″×80″+14″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 39″×65″+14″. For a twin size mattress, a convention fitted sheet is 39″×75″+14″ compared to the fitted sheet of the present invention being 39″×65″+14″. 
       FIGS. 12-19  show a step-by-step process of manufacturing the fitted sheets of the present invention and  FIG. 20  shows a flow chart of the manufacturing process  600  thereof. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the fabric is cut to form a rectangular shape, for example, which is sized according to the particular mattress size it is intended to cover (see step  602 ). As depicted in  FIG. 13 , all four corners are cut and removed from the rectangular fabric (see step  604 ). As depicted in  FIGS. 14-15 , the ends of each side and end panel are joined together through a 5-thread or 3-thread overlock stitch (see step  610 ). As depicted in  FIG. 16 , a “V” stitch is provided at least at one end of the 5-thread or 3-thread overlock stitch (see step  620 ). As depicted in  FIG. 17 , a spandex or otherwise elastic thread is stitched along the 5-thread or 3-thread overlock stitch (see step  630 ). As depicted in  FIG. 18 , portions of the first and second side panels are provided with a 0.5 inch hem (see step  640 ). And as depicted in  FIG. 19 , an elastic band or 1-inch broad boxer elastic (optionally between 0.5-1.5 inch width band) is attached to the entirety of the exposed edges of the front and rear panels and to portions of the first and second side panels (see step  650 ). According to example embodiments and as described above, the elastic band or boxer elastic extends between about 6-7 inches along the first and second side panels from the ends thereof. Optionally, the hem size of step  640  can be chosen as desired, for example, between about 0.5-1.5 inches according to some example embodiments. In yet another example embodiment, the hem provided in step  640  can be sized as desired, for example, between about 0.25-2.5 inches, or for example, any desired size. 
       FIG. 21  shows side panels stitched together with the 5-thread or 3-thread overlock stitch, the elastic stitching, and the “V” stitch extending from the overlock stitch. Thus according to example embodiments of the present invention, at least one dimension of the fitted sheet can be reduced compared to conventional or traditional fitted sheets. According to example embodiments, the length of the fitted sheet is reduced between about 15%-20% compared to traditional or conventional fitted sheets. And due to the fabric of the fitted sheet being stretchable, the length thereof can be expanded by 15%-20% such that the fitted sheet fittingly engages the mattress, and for example, provides for snug fitting engagement therewith. As such, the present invention allows for a reduction in the consumption of fabric, for example, such that less fabric is required to construct a fitted sheet according to the present invention in comparison to conventional or traditional fitted sheets. According to example embodiments, the “V” stitch prevents the respective corner thereof from “popping up”, “slipping”, or gradually coming off during use. In example embodiments, rubber thread has been stitched on the all four corners of this fitted sheet for flexible fitting on the desired mattress without compromising the look of the corners. Preferably, the elastic stitching permits fitting on multiple depths (drops) of the fitted sheet (e.g., 10-22 inches). And in comparison to conventional or traditional fitted sheets, the fitted sheet of the present invention allows for a reduction in the consumption of boxer elastic, for example, between about a 40%-60% reduction in boxer elastic compared to conventional or traditional fitted sheets. 
     According to one optional example embodiment, the width of the fitted sheet can similarly be reduced when compared to a similar-sized traditional or conventional fitted sheet. Thus, in a similar manner, due to the fabric of the fitted sheet being stretchable, the width thereof can be expanded such that the fitted sheet fittingly engages the mattress, and for example, provides for snug fitting engagement therewith. Thus, according to some example embodiments, either the length or the width of the fitted sheet of the present invention is sized to be at least partially less than a similar-sized conventional or traditional fitted sheet. According to example embodiments, the stretchable material is stretchable in one dimension, for example, such that depending on the orientation and construction of the fabric the fitted sheet is stretchable in either the length or width. For example,  FIG. 11B  shows a chart  500 ′ depicting dimensions of conventional or traditional fitted sheets along with dimensions of the fitted sheets having a reduced width. Thus, according to example embodiments, the fitted sheet of the present invention can be configured so as to provide expansion/contraction of the width of the fitted sheet rather than the length of the fitted sheet. According to yet another example, the fitted sheet is configured so as to provide stretchability in both the length and width, for example, such that the fitted sheet can stretch or expand between about 5-30% in either (or both) the length or width. Thus, according to some example embodiments, the fitted sheet in a relaxed state or configuration is between about 5-30% smaller than the mattress that it is intending to engage with, for example, such that the fitted sheet is expandable (by up to about 30%) in both the length and width so as to accommodate the fitted sheet encasing the mattress and maintaining tight-fitting (or snug) engagement therewith. 
     According to another optional example embodiment, the elastic band or boxer elastic is secured to the exposed edges of the front and rear panels and the first and second side panels. Thus, rather than the elastic band only being secured to portions of the exposed edges of the first and second side panels, the elastic band is secured to the entirety of each exposed edge of each of the first and rear panels and first and second side panels. Thus, according to some example embodiments, the entirety of each exposed edge of each panel comprises an elastic band or boxer elastic, for example, regardless of whether the length and/or width of the fitted sheet of the present invention is sized to be at least partially less than a similar-sized conventional or traditional fitted sheet. Optionally, the elastic band or boxer elastic can be secured along portions of the exposed edges as desired. In other example embodiments, the elastic band can be further secured to other portions of the fitted sheet as desired. 
     According to additional example embodiments of the present invention, other bedding components such as flat sheets and/or pillow cases can similarly comprise a stretchable fabric as described above, for example, wherein the length and/or width of the bedding component can expand, for example, so as to provide an expanded configuration and a relaxed or retracted configuration. According to example embodiments, the expanded configuration is about 5-30% greater in the length and/or width than the length and/or width of the bedding component in the relaxed or retracted configuration. For example, according to example embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 22-26 , an elongate stretchable fabric piece  700  can be fabricated (e.g., cut and sewn) to form a sheet set or at least one or more bedding components that impart at least some elasticity, for example, such that the bedding component is stretchable between a retracted state or configuration and an expanded state or configuration. As depicted in  FIG. 22 , the fabric piece  700  comprises a stretch direction and a plurality of cut lines are provided thereon. Thereafter, the fabric piece  700  is cut into individual pieces, which are further fabricated to form the one or more bedding components, for example a flat bed sheet  702 , a fitted bed sheet  704 , and one or more pillow cases  706 .  FIG. 23  shows the flat bed sheet  702  in greater detail, for example, which is configured to permit stretching in the length-wise direction.  FIG. 24  shows the fitted bed sheet  704  in greater detail, which is similarly configured to permit stretching in the length-wise direction.  FIG. 25  shows the one or more pillow cases  706  in greater detail, which are configured to permit stretching in the width-wise direction. 
       FIGS. 27-31  show a sheet set or a plurality of bedding components according to another example embodiment. In example embodiments as similarly described above, an elongate stretchable fabric piece  800  can be fabricated (e.g., cut and sewn) to form a sheet set or at least one or more bedding components that impart at least some elasticity, for example, such that the bedding component is stretchable between a retracted state or configuration and an expanded state or configuration. As depicted in  FIG. 27 , the fabric piece  800  comprises a stretch direction and a plurality of cut lines are provided thereon. Thereafter, the fabric piece  800  is cut into individual pieces, which are further fabricated to form the one or more bedding components, for example a flat bed sheet  802 , a fitted bed sheet  804 , and one or more pillow cases  806 .  FIG. 28  shows the flat bed sheet  802  in greater detail, for example, which is configured to permit stretching in the width-wise direction.  FIG. 29  shows the fitted bed sheet  804  in greater detail, which is similarly configured to permit stretching in the width-wise direction.  FIG. 30  shows the one or more pillow cases  806  in greater detail, which are configured to permit stretching in the length-wise direction. Preferably, according to alternate example embodiments of the present invention, the stretchable fabric as described herein can preferably be configured so as to permit length-wise stretching, width-wise stretching, or for example, a combination of both width-wise and length-wise stretching (e.g., bi-directional) between a relaxed or retracted configuration and a stretched or expanded configuration. 
     Thus, according to some example embodiments, one or more bedding components can be constructed so as to exhibit a desired amount of deformation or expansion / retraction is either of the length-wise or width-wise directions so as to accommodate fitting with a plurality of different mattress sizes, for example, rather than being interchangeable with particular or close-in-size mattresses. For example, according to one example embodiment, a bedding component such as a fitted sheet may be configured to accommodate fitting attachment with a full mattress, a queen mattress and a California king size mattress, or for example, at least two or more mattresses of various sizes. According to one example embodiment, the various bedding components as described herein can have a thread count between about 400 threads per square inch to about 600 threads per square inch, for example, 400, 500 and 600 threads per square inch according to one example embodiment of the present invention. According to example embodiments, the stretchability of the fabric of the bedding components described herein provide substantially enhanced comfort to a user. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.