Abstract:
Systems relating to a safe and easily removable and reusable bedding system, including a waterproof pad or a sheet pad that attaches to a fitted sheet. The detachable pads of the present invention seek to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and bed sores by providing a tightly fitted pad. The pad can be changed, cleaned, and replaced frequently and more readily without requiring regular mattress lifting.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to beds, bed sheets and waterproof bed clothing. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Mattress covers, sheets, or pads are widely used to cover mattresses. Covers, sheets, and pads come in a variety of styles and are used for several different purposes. Some offer extra cushioning and support to a sleeper, while others act as an extra layer, keeping the mattress itself cleaner. 
         [0003]    Some people, including babies and bedridden people, can have trouble controlling their bowels or bladders and, as a result, can soil their mattress or the top element of their mattress (i.e. the cover, sheet, and/or pad). As such, the top element of the mattress may need to be changed several times a day. This can be exhausting and time-consuming, considering the effort needed to arrange tightly fitted covers, sheets, and/or pads on the mattress. This is especially true for caregivers who must dedicate much of their valuable time to this task. 
         [0004]    In addition, the fit and design of the top element may be important depending on the user of the bed. For cribs, specific safety issues must be considered in the design. Designs for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are of primary importance. SIDS is the leading cause of death in the United States for babies between one month and one year old. SIDS is not any one illness or disease. Rather, it is the diagnosis given when a child under a year old dies suddenly and an exact cause cannot be found after a death scene investigation, an autopsy, and a review of the child&#39;s medical history are all undertaken. That SIDS can happen without warning makes it a particular source of insecurity for parents. Currently, approximately 2,300 infants die from SIDS in the United States each year. SIDS most commonly affects babies between the ages of one and four months, and ninety percent (90%) of cases involve infants younger than six months. 
         [0005]    In light of the risk of SIDS and other aesthetic considerations, there are a number of aspects to consider when choosing a bedding element (pad, mattress, top sheet, bed cover, etc.). A thick or loose fitted cover, sheet, and/or pad may interfere with the breathing of a baby, especially if a baby&#39;s face presses against or is near these items. It is therefore imperative that the pad or mattress fits properly in the crib. Any gaps or holes could pose a danger to a baby because airflow near and around the baby&#39;s head may be reduced. The crib pad or mattress should also be firm. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of a baby&#39;s head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation. It is also important that there is no loose bedding or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation within the bed. 
         [0006]    Another important consideration for bedding design is the effect of the bedding on a person who may not have a lot of mobility. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common skin condition that occurs when a person is unable to redistribute the pressure on their body. Bedsores are particularly common in geriatric patients and are particularly problematic for the elderly, as the healing of bedsores is slowed by increased age of the person. 
         [0007]    In the field of geriatric medicine, bedsores can be difficult to prevent, especially in frail elderly individuals and people confined to wheelchairs. Although the primary cause of bedsores is prolonged pressure on a localized area of the body, bedsores can also be caused by a combination of pressure and friction. For this reason, tightly fitted sheets for a person with restricted mobility are crucial to the prevention of bedsores. 
         [0008]    Another consideration is that the aged or disabled person lacking mobility may want to change their own bedding but requires a design that is easy for them to do so. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a need for a safe, easily removable and reusable waterproof pad, which mitigates if not overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
         [0010]    The present invention provides systems relating to a safe, easily removable and reusable sheet and pad system that attaches to a mattress. The detachable pad of the present invention provides a tightly fitted pad to reduce friction that can be caused by loose sheets and bedding. The pad can be changed, cleaned, and replaced frequently. In one embodiment, the pad is a waterproof pad that covers only the portion of the mattress that is in closest proximity to the pelvis and buttocks area of a user. This allows the user to remove the pad from one fitted sheet and attach it, optionally in a different orientation, to a different sized fitted sheet. In this way, a user can use the same pad for differently sized mattresses. Additionally, the invention disclosed herein allows a user to remove bedding without having to regularly lift the mattress or manoeuvre the top sheets around the mattress corners. Therefore, this invention is particularly useful for the elderly and people with disabilities who may suffer from diminished manual dexterity. 
         [0011]    According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the invention provides a detachable sheet system for use in a bed, the system comprising: a fitted sheet constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress, the fitted sheet having a first top surface adjoining a second top surface of the mattress and a first bottom surface adjoining a second bottom surface of the mattress; a sheet pad constructed and arranged to cover a substantial portion of the second top surface of the mattress; and a first fastening means for operatively coupling the sheet pad to the fitted sheet. 
         [0012]    According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the invention provides a detachable sheet system for the use in a bed, the system comprising: a fitted sheet constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress, the fitted sheet having a first top surface adjoining a second top surface of the mattress and a first bottom surface adjoining a second bottom surface of the mattress, wherein the fitted sheet covers a substantial portion of the mattress; a waterproof pad constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the second top surface of the mattress, and having: a bottom waterproof layer, a middle absorbent layer, and a top fabric layer; a first fastening means for operatively coupling the waterproof pad to the fitted sheet; wherein the waterproof pad is substantially immovable along the mattress due to the first fastening means being mounted at the edge of a third bottom surface of the waterproof pad; and wherein the waterproof pad is positioned in close proximity to a buttocks and pelvic area of a user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a detachable sheet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detachable waterproof pad system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed illustration of a detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a fitted sheet connected to a mattress according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a detachable waterproof pad system according to further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a detachable sheet system with an interchangeable thematic design according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detachable sheet system that is easy removable and bed exiting features according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. 
         [0024]    Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The present invention provides replacements for both bed sheets and a mattress pads. The nature of the pads described herein protects the underlying mattress from potential soiling. If a pad is soiled, it is simply unfastened from the sheet to which it is attached, washed, and reused. Additionally, the present invention provides a detachable sheet and waterproof pad system that allows a user to purchase a single waterproof pad that can be used for multiple sized beds. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1 through 9  illustrate schematic representations of various embodiments of the present invention and will now be described in greater detail. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present invention contemplates a sheet pad  120  designed to cover an entire or substantial portion of a mattress  100 . The mattress  100  can optionally be supported by a bed frame (not shown), such as, for instance, a crib (not shown). 
         [0028]    The mattress  100  is covered by a fitted sheet  110 . The fitted sheet  110  can be designed to only cover the side portions and the edges of the top surface of the mattress  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it can be designed to cover the entire top surface of the mattress  100 . The fitted sheet  110  may be fastened to the mattress  100  through a variety of means, described in more detail below. Without limiting the foregoing, the fastening means to fasten the fitted sheet  110  to the mattress  100  may include means well known in the art, including an elastic band system that allows the bottom surface of the fitted sheet  110  to wrap around and hold to the bottom surface of the mattress  100 . 
         [0029]    The fitted sheet  110  has a first fastening means  130 A,  130 B that fastens the sheet pad  120  to the fitted sheet  110 . The first fastening means  130 A,  130 B could operate through a variety of mechanisms. For instance, a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism (such as Velcro™) could be used. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B is a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion  130 A attached to the top surface of the fitted sheet  110  and a top portion  130 B attached to the bottom surface of the sheet pad  120 . The top and bottom portions of the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B cooperate to fasten the sheet pad  120  to the fitted sheet  110 , such that the sheet pad  120  does not move relative to the fitted sheet  110 . This aids in minimizing the friction caused by the moving of the sheet pad  120  when a person uses the detachable sheet system. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the bottom portion  130 A of the two-part fastening system is configured to be located at the perimeter of the mattress  100  on the top surface of the fitted sheet  110 . The complementary top portion  130 B of the two-part fastening system covers the perimeter of the bottom surface of the sheet pad  120  such that the bottom portion  130 A of the two-part fastening system on the top surface of the fitted sheet  110  has a corresponding top portion  130 B on the bottom surface of the sheet pad  120 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a hook and loop fastener means is used as the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B to couple the sheet pad  120  to the fitted sheet  110 . The hook portion of the hook and loop fastener can be the bottom portion  130 A of the two-part fastening system, while the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener can be the top portion  130 B of the two-part fastening system. The two-part fastening system  130 A,  130 B may use strips of hook and loop fasteners or a continuous strip of hook and loop fasteners at each edge of the mattress  100 , or some other configurations of fastening sections as would be readily understood by a skilled artisan. The use of such a hook-and-loop fastener provides a substantially immovable sleeping arrangement for a user and further provides an easy removal and replacement padding system. However, any other alternative fastening means known in the art may be used to provide tautness and a snug fit between the sheet pad  120  and the fitted sheet  110 . 
         [0032]    Alternative fastening means may include a zipper device, a knot system, or buttons. Additionally, the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B does not need to be limited to the edges of the fitted sheet  110  or the edges of the sheet pad  120 . Rather, the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B may cover the entire top surface of the fitted sheet  110  and the entire bottom surface of the sheet pad  120 . Such an implementation of the present invention would substantially increase the immovability of the sheet pad  120  when it is fastened to the fitted sheet  110 . However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening means  130 A,  130 B is intentionally mounted at the edge of the sheet pad  120  and the fitted sheet  110  to construct a substantially immovable sheet pad  120 , and to prevent holes, gaps, or other openings. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet pad  120  consists of a single padded layer and a fastening means. Without limiting the foregoing, the materials that can be used in the construction of the sheet pad include nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, bamboo, viscose, linen, and silk. 
         [0034]    It should be understood that the fitted sheet used in any embodiments of the present invention may be designed to be waterproof, such that the fitted sheet has a waterproof layer, similar to the waterproof pad described in  FIG. 2 . More specifically, the fitted sheet may be made of a waterproof material. In that case, the sheet pad may not include a waterproof layer. For further clarity, the fitted sheet may include waterproof material such that the sheet pad does not require any waterproof material in its construction. Yet this alternative provides waterproofing. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment uses a waterproof pad  200  instead of the sheet pad  120  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0036]    In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , the mattress  100  is covered by a fitted sheet  240 . The waterproof pad  200  is fastened to the fitted sheet  240  by a first fastening means  250 . The first fastening means  250  can operate in the same manner as the first fastening means described in greater detail above with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    The waterproof pad  200  can be constructed and arranged to entirely cover the top surface of the mattress  100  as well as the top surface of the fitted sheet  240 . Alternatively, the waterproof pad  200  may cover only a portion of the top surface of the mattress  100  and the fitted sheet  240 . The waterproof pad  200  may have either rounded or squared corners. In one embodiment, the waterproof pad  200  consists of three layers: a bottom waterproof layer  210 , a middle absorbent layer  220 , and a top fabric layer  230 . These layers may form a substantially unitary article. 
         [0038]    It should be noted that the height and the texture of the waterproof pad  200  are important, as having a pad that is too thick or too soft, for example, may cause discomfort and irritation to the user. Therefore, the overall thickness of the waterproof pad  200  is, in one embodiment, approximately 6 mm. Further, the waterproof pad  200  may be purposely stitched in a specific pattern to ensure that the middle absorbent layer  220  stays evenly distributed at a constant height or thickness. These design features further reduce the mobility of the middle absorbent layer  220 . It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the stitched patterns could be a variety of patterns. For example, sewn or quilted patterns, such as loops, diamonds, and squares, may be used. Furthermore, continuous or non-continuous stitching patterns may be used. 
         [0039]    The bottom waterproof layer  210  of the waterproof pad  200  protects the underlying mattress  100  and fitted sheet  240  from potential soiling. The bottom waterproof layer  210  can be made of any type of water resistant or waterproof material. In one embodiment, the material used is a waterproof tent fabric, such as a mixture of polyester with plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P). Other materials that can be used include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB). 
         [0040]    The middle absorbent layer  220  of the waterproof pad  200  serves the function of retaining soil or waste of a person using the pad system. The middle absorbent layer  220  can be made of any type of natural or synthetic material that is fluid absorbent. In one embodiment, the material used is a synthetic blend of polyester and viscose rayon. 
         [0041]    The top fabric layer  230  is used to increase the comfort and aesthetic appeal for the user. The top fabric layer  230  can be made of the same material as the fitted sheet  240  so that the color, texture, and design between the two match and the appearance of the whole pad system is aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the top fabric layer  230  can be made of any type of natural fabric material or synthetic fabric material. In one embodiment the material used is a polyester material to maintain greater durability in everyday use. Other materials that can be used include nylon, cotton, rayon, bamboo, viscose, linen, and silk. 
         [0042]    Additionally, the waterproof pad  200  may have an overall thickness of anywhere from approximately one-quarter (¼) of an inch to approximately one-half (½) of an inch. However, other dimensions are, of course, possible. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows a sheet pad system, wherein a mattress is covered by a fitted sheet  310 . A sheet pad  320  is fastened to the fitted sheet  310  by a first fastening means, as described above. The top surface of the sheet pad  320  further includes a second fastening means (shown in  FIG. 4 ) for fastening a waterproof pad  330  to the sheet pad  320 . 
         [0044]    The second fastening means can operate in essentially the same way as the first fastening means that was described with reference to  FIG. 1 . However, the second fastening means fastens the waterproof pad  330  to the sheet pad  320 . Specifically, the second fastening means may be a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion attached to the top surface of the sheet pad  320  and a top portion attached to the bottom surface of the waterproof pad  330 . The top and bottom portions of the second fastening means cooperate to fasten the waterproof pad  330  to the sheet pad  320 , such that the waterproof pad  330  does not move relative to the sheet pad  320 . 
         [0045]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the second fastening means is localized to an area of the sheet pad  320  that corresponds to the area of a user&#39;s buttocks and pelvic area. This ensures that the most common area of the mattress to be soiled is protected from soiling by the waterproof pad  330 . It also restricts the waterproof pad  330  to dimensions that enable a user to use the same waterproof pad  330  with multiple differently sized mattresses, sheet pads, and fitted sheets. In one embodiment, the waterproof pad has an approximate thickness of 6 mm, an approximate length of 30 cm, and an approximate width of 30 cm. 
         [0046]    As disclosed above, the dimensions of the waterproof pad  330  can enable a user to use the same waterproof pad  330  with multiple differently sized mattresses, sheet pads, and fitted sheets. For instance, a user may first acquire the present invention for use in a crib when the user is an infant. When being used in the crib, the waterproof pad  330  may cover substantially the whole portion of the mattress. As the user ages, they will require a larger bed, e.g., a twin sized bed. Instead of having to purchase an entirely new system, the user can simply purchase a second fitted sheet and/or a second sheet pad that corresponds to the size of the new mattress. The waterproof pad  330  can then be fastened to the second fitted sheet or the second sheet pad in an orientation that ensures area of the mattress that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user are protected by the waterproof pad  330 . For instance, a twin sized mattress may have the waterproof pad  330  oriented lengthwise at the centre of the twin sized mattress. When the user decides to once again scale to a larger double or queen (full) sized mattress, the same waterproof pad  330  can be used with a third fitted sheet and sheet pad that correspond to the new size of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastening means used to fasten the waterproof pad  330  to the third fitted sheet or sheet pad is oriented widthwise. This orientation ensures that the waterproof pad  330 , when fastened to the third fitted sheet or sheet pad, is localized to the area of the mattress that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user. As such, the present invention discloses a system that allows a user to use the same waterproof pad  330  with multiple sized mattresses, fitted sheets, and sheet pads. Additionally, the present invention allows the same waterproof pad  330  to be used by different users with multiple sized mattresses, fitted sheets, and sheet pads. 
         [0047]    A skilled artisan will understand that it would be possible to reverse the order of placement of the waterproof pad  330  and the sheet pad  320 . In this reversed system, the waterproof pad  330  would be attached to the fitted sheet  310  by a first fastening means. The sheet pad  320  would then be attached to either the waterproof pad  330  or the fitted sheet  310  by a second fastening means. This would allow the sheet pad  320  to be removed from the bed without having to remove the waterproof pad  330  from the bed. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a more detailed illustration of the detachable sheet system shown in  FIG. 3 . As can be seen, the fitted sheet  410  is fastened to the sheet pad  420  by a first fastening means  430 A,  430 B. In this embodiment, the first fastening means  430 A,  430 B is a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion  430 A attached to the top surface of the fitted sheet  410  and a top portion  430 B attached to the bottom surface of the sheet pad  420 . As previously described, the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means  430 A,  430 B cooperate to fasten the sheet pad  420  to the fitted sheet  410 , such that the sheet pad  420  does not move relative to the fitted sheet  410 . 
         [0049]    The waterproof pad  440  has a bottom waterproof layer  450  and is fastened to the top surface of the sheet pad  420  by a second fastening means  460 A,  460 B. The second fastening means can operate in essentially the same manner as the first fastening means  430 A,  430 B. 
         [0050]    As shown in the various embodiments of the invention described herein, the fitted sheet is constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress. The fastening mechanisms used to fasten the fitted sheet to the mattress will now be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a fitted sheet  510  affixed to a mattress  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the fitted sheet  510  has a bottom surface adjoining a bottom surface of the mattress  100  and a top surface adjoining a top surface of the mattress  100 . The sides of the mattress are covered by the fitted sheet  510 , as better shown in  FIG. 6 . The fitted sheet  510  is equipped with a third fastening means  520  for mounting the fitted sheet around the mattress  100  and around the bottom surface of the mattress  100 . The third fastening means  520  is deployed to hold the fitted sheet  510  tightly against the mattress  100 .As shown, the third fastening means  520  may make use of an elastic band fastening system. 
         [0052]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the third fastening means  520  may be a unitary elastic band or a zipper for fastening the fitted sheet  510  to the bottom surface of the mattress  100 . Other fastening means for holding the fitted sheet  510  tightly against the mattress  100  may also be used, including buttons, snaps, drawstrings and/or combinations of such fasteners. 
         [0053]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the third fastening means  520  includes a band  530  affixed to parallel sides of the bottom surface of the fitted sheet  510 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the band  530  may also be affixed to the corners of the fitted sheet  510 . This band  530  helps secure the fitted sheet  510  to the mattress  100 , such that the fitted sheet  510  is less likely to be move relative to the mattress  100 . This reduces some friction associated with the shifting of the bedding as a user shifts sleeping positions. 
         [0054]    It should be noted that the fitted sheet  510  can be made of any type of natural fabric material, synthetic fabric material, or moisture wicking material. For instance, the material used can be a polyester material to maintain greater durability in everyday use. Additionally, the fitted sheet  510  may be made of rayon, wool, cotton, bamboo, nylon, viscose, linen, silk, or any mixture of these materials. 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the present invention. A fitted sheet  610  is fastened to a twin sized mattress with a waterproof pad  620  coupled to the top of the fitted sheet  610  by a first fastening means  630 A,  630 B. In this embodiment, a bottom portion  630 A of the first fastening means  630 A,  630 B is located at a central portion of a top surface of the fitted sheet  610 . A top portion  630 B of the first fastening means  630 A,  630 B is located along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the waterproof pad  620 .The waterproof pad  620  and the fitted sheet  610  become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means  630 A,  630 B are coupled together. Additionally, a flat sheet  640  covers portions of the fitted sheet  610  and the waterproof pad  620 . A pillow  650  is located at one end of the top surface of the fitted sheet. The pillow  650  is covered by a pillow case  660 . A person skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the pillow case  660  could be coupled to the pillow  650  by a fastening means similar to the fastening means described above. Specifically, the pillow case  660  may be removably coupled to the pillow  650  by a fastening means located on a top surface of the pillow  650  and also on a bottom surface of the pillow case  660 , similar to the waterproof pad  620  or the sheet pad (shown in  FIG. 4 ) systems. This would allow the pillow case  660  to be easily removed from the pillow  650  to facilitate the washing of the pillow case  660 . Although this embodiment was originally designed for adults, the system could also be used by users of all ages, except by newborns/infants because the use of pillows is not recommended in light of SIDS. 
         [0056]      FIG. 7  shows a slightly modified version of the pad system described with reference to  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , a fitted sheet  710  is fastened to a mattress. A sheet pad  720  is coupled to the fitted sheet  710  by a first fastening means  730 A,  730 B located at the perimeter of a top surface of the fitted sheet  710  and the perimeter of a bottom surface of the sheet pad  720 . The fitted sheet  710  and the sheet pad  720  become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means  730 A,  730 B are coupled together. Additionally, a waterproof pad  740  is coupled to the top surface of the sheet pad  720  by a second fastening means  750 A,  750 B. A bottom portion  750 A of the second fastening means  750 A,  750 B is located at a central portion of the top surface of the sheet pad  720 , wherein the central portion of the top surface of the sheet pad  720  corresponds to the area of the sheet pad  720  that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user. A top portion  750 B of the second fastening means  750 A,  750 B is located along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the waterproof pad  740 . The waterproof pad  740  and the sheet pad  720  become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the second fastening means  750 A,  750 B are coupled together. A flat sheet  760  covers portions of the fitted sheet  710 , the sheet pad  720  and the waterproof pad  740 . Additionally, a pillow  780  is located at one end of the sheet pad  720 . The pillow  780  is covered by a pillow case  790 . As described above, the pillow case  790  may be designed to incorporate a pad system that would facilitate easy removal and washing of the pillow case  790 . 
         [0057]    It should be further noted that all elements contemplated by the present invention, including the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, the waterproof pad, the pillow cover and the various fastening means can be made from washable materials. As such, the present invention provides an easy to release, washable sheet system, such that the elements of the invention are constructed to be able to withstand any ordinary washer and dryer. 
         [0058]    The present invention also includes embodiments that have thematic designs applied to the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, or the waterproof pad. For instance, a user may purchase various waterproof pads or sheet pads with differing themes, such that the waterproof pads or the sheet pads can be interchanged to provide a variety of themes. Another aspect of the present invention is designing fitted sheets, sheet pads, and waterproof pads with themes that work in concert. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a sheet pad  810  may show a figure of a person  820 , wherein the body of the person is represented by the area enclosed by the second fastening means described above. A waterproof pad  830  can then be designed to work in concert with this sheet pad design  820 , such that various waterproof pads show various fashion designs. For instance, a user interested in fashion may have one waterproof pad  830  that has a design of a business man in a necktie and another waterproof pad  850  that has a design  860  of a man in a bowtie. The user can then interchange the waterproof pads  830 ,  850  such that it appears the person designed on the sheet pad is varying their clothing. Additionally, the sheet pads and the waterproof pads may be designed with different colours, such that specific waterproof pads and sheet pads can be used at different times of the year associated with various holidays. For instance, a user may use a green sheet pad with a red waterproof pad during Christmas, or a black sheet pad with an orange waterproof pad during Halloween. Other themes that could be used include, but are not limited to, sports, animals, space exploration, fan fiction, plants, superheroes, cartoons, seasons, geography, and shapes. A person skilled in the art will understand that various themes could be imprinted on the fitted sheet, sheet pad, and/or waterproof sheet pad elements of the present invention, such that the thematic interplay is between the fitted sheet and the sheet pad, the fitted sheet and the waterproof sheet pad, the sheet pad and the waterproof sheet pad, or all three of the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, and the waterproof sheet pad. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  illustrates a detachable sheet system according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Here the waterproof pad  900  has two modified elements, a modified corner element  910  and a modified side edge  920  that adheres to the fitted sheet  930  along the side of the mattress (with the mattress being under the fitted sheet). As can be seen from  FIG. 9 , the waterproof pad  900  drapes over a side of the mattress and is attached or adhered to the fitted sheet on the side of the mattress and not at the edge of the mattress. The other modified element is the corner element  910 . At one or more of the four corners of the waterproof pad, the modified corner element  910  is not affixed or is unattached to the fitted sheet. This configuration permits the person changing the waterproof pad  900  to simply insert their hand between the waterproof pad  900  and the fitted sheet  930  to more easily remove the waterproof pad  900  for changing. Here, the modified corner element  910  of the waterproof pad  900  is shown as a straight edge; however, a more rounded edge or different shapes or ridges may be used. As can be seen, to better facilitate the removal and replacement of the waterproof pad, the corner is not only unattached to the fitted sheet but has also been cut off. For best results, the unaffixed corner is adjacent a section where the waterproof pad is affixed to the fitted sheet. 
         [0060]    A modified side edge  920  is also taught by the present invention to affix the waterproof pad  900  to the fitted sheet  930  adjacent the side edge of the mattress. This permits a user to slide off the bed along the modified side edge without encountering a ridge or bump that may form when the waterproof pad is attached at the edge of the mattress. For elderly or mobility-challengers users, this embodiment is very advantageous and reduces mobility impediments that may be created by a slight ridge when the pad is affixed to the fitted sheet along the top surface of the mattress. 
         [0061]    Although the illustrated detachable sheet system is designed for use with a bed, the invention can also be used with sofas, chairs, seats, and pillows. 
         [0062]    A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.