Patent Document

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/509,502, filed Nov. 18, 2014, entitled “Combination Flat and Fitted Bed Sheet,” which is hereby specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention The invention is directed to sheet sets. In particular, the invention is directed to sheet sets with attachment devices to maintain the arrangement of the sheets during use. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    Bed sheet sets typically come with a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. Sheet sets may additionally include one or more pillow cases. The fitted sheet fits over the mattress or a mattress pad. Typically, a fitted sheet is comprised of a flat portion that sits on top of the mattress and side panels that envelope the sides of the mattress. The side panels may have elastic portions along the edges to help secure the fitted sheet to the mattress. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic or another fastening device. The fitted sheet is preferably secured from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. Flat sheets are typically square or rectangular pieces of material that sit atop the fitted sheet and may be tucked around the fitted sheet and under the mattress. Additionally, blankets or comforters may be used on top of the sheets to provide extra warmth. Beds and their corresponding bed sheets come in a variety of sizes to accommodate one or more people. Some common sizes include Twin (39″ wide×75″ long), Twin Extra Long (“Twin XL”) (39″ wide×80″ long), Full (54″ wide×75″ long), Queen (60″ wide×80″ long), and King (76″ wide×80″ long). Additionally, smaller size beds, such as cribs, are made for infants and children. However, beds can come in other shapes and sizes. Often with custom sized and shaped beds custom sized and shaped sheets need to be made. 
         [0005]    During use of a bed, the sheets and blankets may become disarrayed and the bed needs to be remade. Remaking of the bed may entail removal of the top sheet and any blankets to make sure that are properly replaced on the bed for the next use. Proper placement may include positioning the head edge of the sheet at the head of the bed (the portion of the bed where a user typically places their head), positioning the foot edge of the sheet at the foot of the bed (the portion of the bed where a user typically places their feet), and ensuring that the correct side of the sheet is facing up. Such rearranging of the sheets and blankets is time consuming. Furthermore, when washing the sheets, the sheets typically separate and it is difficult and time consuming to properly rearrange the sheets for placement on the bed. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can easily maintain the arrangement of the sheets during use of the bed and during washing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new devices and systems to properly maintain the arrangement of sheet sets. 
         [0007]    One embodiment of the invention is directed to a sheet set. The sheet set comprises a fitted sheet adapted to be placed over a mattress, a top sheet adapted to be placed atop the fitted sheet and having a first width, a sheet extension extending from a first edge of the top sheet and having a second width, wherein the second width is shorter than the first width, and at least one fastening device adapted to couple the top sheet to the fitted sheet. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening device is a button coupled to a foot of the fitted sheet and is adapted to engage a button hole in the sheet extension. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is a button coupled to the sheet extension and is adapted to engage a button hole in a foot of the fitted sheet. Preferably, the at least one fastening is adapted to engage both a button hole in a foot of the fitted sheet and a button hole in the sheet extension. 
         [0009]    The sheet set preferably further comprises a cutout on each side of sheet extension and adapted to allow the top sheet to lay flat on top of the fitted sheet. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet lays flat without bunching or overlapping in the corners. The at least one fastening device preferably only couples a foot of the fitted sheet to the sheet extension. The sheet set preferably comprises a securement device coupled to one or more edges of the fitted sheet adapted to secure the fitted sheet to the mattress. Preferably, the top sheet, without the sheet extension, has a length equal to a length of the mattress. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is positioned along a foot side of the mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet extension has a length equal to the depth of the mattress. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the sheet set further comprises one of a comforter and a duvet cover. Preferably, the at least one fastening device is adapted to engage a hole in the comforter or duvet cover. In a preferred embodiment, the duvet cover comprises an extension with at least one hole adapted to receive the at least one fastening device. 
         [0011]    Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]    The invention is described in greater detail by way of example only and with reference to the attached drawing, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a King size fitted sheet. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a Queen size fitted sheet. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a Full size fitted sheet. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size fitted sheet. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a Twin size fitted sheet. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a King size top sheet. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a Queen size top sheet. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a Full size top sheet. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size top sheet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a Twin size top sheet. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of a comforter. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  depicts an embodiment of a duvet cover. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a King size fitted sheet  100 .  FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a Queen size fitted sheet  200 .  FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a Full size fitted sheet  300 .  FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size fitted sheet  400 .  FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a Twin size fitted sheet  500 . The embodiments of the different sized fitted sheets shown in  FIGS. 1-5  have similar design with different sizes and fixture placement to accommodate the corresponding sized bed. Therefore, the description of  FIG. 1  also applies to  FIGS. 2-5 . The sheets disclosed herein may be comprised of any fabric, for example, cotton, wool, silk, burlap, felt, bamboo, hemp, nylon, linen, polyester, polypropylene, other cloths, other naturally occurring or manmade materials, and combinations thereof. 
         [0027]    In the preferred embodiment, fitted sheet  100  is comprised of a flat top portion  105  and side portions  110 A-D. Side portions  110 A-D preferably extend perpendicularly from flat top port  105  and are adapted to envelope the sides of a mattress. For example, as shown, side portions  110 A and  110 C have a length that corresponds with the length of the head and the foot of the appropriate mattress (King size in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ). Similarly, side portions  110 B and  110 D have a length that corresponds with the length of the sides of the appropriate mattress (King size in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ). Side portions  110 A-D preferably all have a depth that can accommodate multiple depth mattresses. For example, side portions  110 A-D may be 10″ in depth, 12″ in depth, 15″ in depth, 17″ in depth or another depth. Preferably, the edge of side portions  110 A-D that is opposite the edge that is attached to top portion  105  has a securement device  115  that is adapted to removably secure fitted sheet  100  to a mattress. 
         [0028]    The securement device  115  may be elastic, adhesive, ties, snaps, buttons, toggles, another device, or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, fitted sheet  100  is adapted to be placed on top of a mattress and side portions  110 A-D are adapted to envelop the sides of the mattress with the ends of side portions  110 A-D being secured under the mattress. 
         [0029]    Preferably, side portion  110 C, which is preferably the foot of fitted sheet  100  has one or more sheet coupling devices  120 A-D. While four sheet coupling devices  120 A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, fitted sheet  100  may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned along the foot portion of fitted sheet  100 . By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices along the foot of fitted sheet  100 , the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of fitted sheet  100  and/or along the head of fitted sheet  100 . Preferably, each sheet coupling device is positioned within the side portions  110 A-D, however sheet coupling devices may be positioned on the top potion  105  of fitted sheet  100 . 
         [0030]    Each sheet coupling device is preferably at least one of a button, a button hole, a male or female portion of a snap closure, a grommet, a tie or tassel, adhesive, or another fastening device. Preferably, coupling device is a temporary device that is able to couple and uncouple the sheet set as desired, yet is capable of maintaining the sheets in contact during use. However, in other embodiments, the sheets are permanently coupled together. In embodiments where the coupling device is a button hole, a grommet, or another type of hole, the hole may be reinforced with extra fabric or another material. Additionally, the hole edges may be secured to prevent fraying, for example, with thread. In embodiments where the coupling device is a button hole, a grommet, or another type of hole, a toggle, button, or other device may be inserted into the hole to secure the top sheet to the fitted sheet. The toggle, button, or other device may be coupled to the top sheet or may be adapted to be inserted into holes in both the fitted sheet and the top sheet. The securement device may resemble a cufflink. For example, the device may have one fixed portion and one movable portion, two fixed portions coupled by a chain, rope, or other flexible device, or may be unmovable. The securement device may be made of fabric, metal, plastic, wood, or other manmade or naturally occurring materials and combinations thereof. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a King size top sheet  600 .  FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a Queen size top sheet  700 .  FIG. 8  depicts an embodiment of a Full size top sheet  800 .  FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a Twin XL size top sheet  900 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a Twin size top sheet  1000 . The embodiments of the different sized top sheets shown in  FIGS. 6-10  have similar design with different sizes and fixture placement to accommodate the corresponding sized bed. Therefore, the description of  FIG. 6  also applies to  FIGS. 7-10 . The sheets disclosed herein may be comprised of any fabric, for example, cotton, wool, silk, burlap, felt, bamboo, hemp, nylon, linen, polyester, polypropylene, other cloths, other naturally occurring or manmade materials, and combinations thereof. 
         [0033]    In the preferred embodiment, top sheet  600  is comprised of a single piece of material  660  with an extension  665  at the foot of the sheet. Preferably piece of material  600  is as long as the corresponding mattress. For example, piece of material  660  is preferably 80″ long to accommodate the 80″ length of a King size bed. However, piece of material  660  can be longer or shorter than the corresponding mattress. Preferably, the width of piece of material  660  is wider than the corresponding mattress such that that the sides of piece of material  660  can be tucked around and under the sides of the mattress. However, piece of material  660  can be as wide as he corresponding mattress or shorter than the corresponding mattress. 
         [0034]    Preferably extension  665  is sewn onto the foot of piece of material  660 . However, extension  665  can a continuous extension of piece of material  660 , can be fastened with adhesive, staples, buttons, snaps, ties, another fastening device, or combinations thereof. Preferably, extension  665  is not as wide as the width of piece of material  660 , thereby providing cutouts  670 A and  670 B. Cutouts  670 A and  670 B preferably allowed top sheet  600  to lay flat on top and along the sides of a mattress without bunching and/or overlapping in the corners. In the preferred embodiment, extension  665  is long enough to cover the foot of a mattress (i.e. is as long as the depth of the mattress). However, extension  665  can be longer or shorter than the depth of the mattress. 
         [0035]    Preferably, extension  665  has one or more sheet coupling devices  675 A-D. While four sheet coupling devices  675 A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, extension  665  may have 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of sheet coupling devices. Preferably, the number of sheet coupling devices  675 A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices  120 A-D. In the preferred embodiment, all of the sheet coupling devices are positioned within extension  665 . By positioning all of the sheet coupling devices within extension  665 , the sheets preferably will not restrict movement of the bed user into and out of the bed especially during an emergency. However, it is possible to position sheet coupling devices along the sides of piece of material  660  and/or along the head of piece of material  660 . Preferably, the positioning of the sheet coupling device within top sheet  600  corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet  100 . 
         [0036]    Sheet coupling devices may additionally be adapted to couple a blanket or quilt to the fitted sheet and/or the top sheet. For Example,  FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of a comforter  1100  having holes  1180 A-D into which sheet coupling devices can be placed. 
         [0037]    Comforter  1100  may be used with or without a top sheet. While four holes  1180 A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, there may be 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of holes. Preferably, the number of holes  1180 A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices  120 A-D. Preferably, the positioning of the holes within comforter  1100  corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet  100 . 
         [0038]    Similarly, a duvet cover  1200 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , may be coupled to the sheet coupling devices. The duvet cover  1200  may have holes  1290 A-D into which sheet coupling devices can be placed. As shown, holes  1290 A-D may be positioned in an extension  1295  of the duvet cover  1200 . For example, the duvet may be placed into the duvet cover  1200  through slot  1298  and extension  1295  may extend beyond the slot. Preferably, duvet cover  1200  and extension  1295  are made of the same material. Duvet cover  1200  may be used with or without a top sheet. While four holes  1290 A-D are shown there can be more or fewer sheet coupling devices. For example, there may be 2, 3, 5, 6 or another number of holes. Preferably, the number of holes  1290 A-D is equal to the number of sheet coupling devices  120 A-D. Preferably, the positioning of the holes within duvet cover  1200  corresponds to the positioning of the sheet coupling device within fitted sheet  100 . 
         [0039]    Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, the term “comprising of” includes the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

Technology Category: 1