US20130117933A1

US20130117933A1 - Bed covering

Info

Publication number: US20130117933A1
Application number: US13/294,815
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeanne M. Mickle; Jacquelyn Mickle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-11
Filing date: 2011-11-11
Publication date: 2013-05-16

Abstract

A bed covering is provided. The bed covering forms an aperture between a first and second piece, the aperture allowing the escape of an extremity such as a foot or leg of a user. A method of making the bed covering is provided. A do it yourself kit is provided for forming the bed covering.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to bed coverings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bed covering that allows an extremity to extend through the bed covering at the lower end of a bed.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional bed sheets are presently available in two basic varieties; namely, a fitted bottom sheet and a flat top sheet. Likewise, conventional blankets, quilts, comforters and bedspreads are created as a flat cloth that is draped over the mattress and tucked in if desired. These bed coverings are manufactured in a multitude of sizes to accommodate the various mattress sizes, such as twin, full, queen, king, “California King”, mattress depths, including standard and “pillow top”, and various mattress types, such as those used in beds at home, or those used in hotels, hospitals, barracks, and other commercial or governmental settings requiring beds. Custom bed coverings size can also exist, such as, for example those customized to fit specialized mattresses such as mattresses utilized in trucks, campers, recreational vehicles, boats, yachts, sofa beds, children's beds, cribs, bassinets, irregularly-shaped mattresses or the like. Although many mattress sizes are standardized, the precise dimensions of a standardized mattress may vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
After making a bed in the usual manner, certain difficulties are encountered. The most annoying difficulty is that often the bottom portion of the top bed sheet and other top bed coverings will be kicked loose from the mattress by a restless sleeper seeking to cool his or her feet.
Subsequently, the sleep of his or her partner is interrupted or the hanging of feet off the side of the bed can cause back pain or strain and the bed must be re-made, which is an inconvenient, time consuming task.
Therefore, what is needed is a device that may allow a sleeper to easily position their feet out from under the bed coverings that may also prevent the bed covering(s) from being kicked free by a sleeper seeking to cool his feet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.
In one aspect, a bed covering is provided. The bed covering comprises a first piece, sized to substantially cover a bed, a second piece, attached to the first piece and having a width substantially similar to a width of the first piece, wherein an aperture is formed by the attachment of the first piece to the second piece, the aperture being large enough to allow an extremity such as feet and legs of a bed covering user to pass through it.
In another aspect, a method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture allowing an escape of feet and legs is provided. The method comprises the steps of positioning a first piece of the bed covering under a second piece of bed covering, forming an overlapping region, attaching the left edges of the first and second piece, attaching the right edges of the first and second piece, the connection forming an aperture, and attaching elastics to the first and second pieces.
In yet another aspect, a pattern for making a bed covering can be purchased. The pattern comprises a stencil for marking a piece of material of choice in appropriate cutting and attaching locations and instructions to a user regarding construction of the bed covering from the material of choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a view of an embodiment of a bed covering.

FIG. 2 provides another embodiment of the bed covering in assembled form.

FIG. 3 provides another embodiment of the bed covering having extending portions on a left and right side.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the bed covering.

FIG. 5 provides another embodiment of the bed covering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
Generally, the present invention concerns a bed covering that allows a user to extend feet and legs from under the bed covering easily and without disrupting the bed covering or their partner.
Bed coverings contemplated herein include, but are not limited to: bed sheets, quilts, comforters, duvet fillers, duvet covers, bedspreads, blankets, sleeping bags, and the like. Moreover, bed coverings may be attached to each other for ease of use. For example, in one embodiment, a duvet and a blanket may be attached in a manner that allows a user to extend a foot or other extremity from under the bed covering easily, without disrupting the bed covering.
The bed covering contemplated herein comprises a first piece, a second piece attached to the first piece, and an elastic region on a leading edge of at least one of the first piece and the second piece.
The bed covering may have a first piece. The first piece may be sized to substantially correspond to the size (length by width) of a top of a bed intended to be covered. In one embodiment the width of the bed covering may be larger than the top of the bed intended to be covered. In another embodiment, the length of the bed covering may be larger than the top of the bed intended to be covered.
The first piece of the bed covering may be made of any material suitable for covering a bed, typically a fabric, or a fabric stuffed with an insulating material. For example the first piece of the bed covering may be made of cotton, silk, cotton percale, muslin, linen, satin, wool, polyester, and the like. In an embodiment wherein the bed covering is a comforter, quilt or bedspread, it may be made from the above materials, and filled with an insulation such as down, polyester fill, and the like.
The bed covering may have a second piece attached to the first piece forming an aperture therebetween. In one embodiment, the width of the second piece may substantially correspond to the width of the first piece, and the length of the second piece is less than that of the first piece.
In one embodiment, the second piece and first piece may be positioned such that a portion of the length of the first piece and a portion of the length of the second piece overlap, the first piece being positioned above the second piece. In this embodiment, the first and second piece form an overlapping region. This embodiment may be particularly applicable to bed coverings such as blankets, duvets, duvet fillers and comforters.
In one embodiment, the first and second piece may be attached along a left edge of each and a right edge of each, along the portion of their lengths that overlap. This embodiment may form an aperture along the width of the attached first and second piece.
In another embodiment, the first and second piece may be attached along a left edge of each and a right edge of each, and may further be attached along a portion of the width of the first piece and the second piece. This embodiment may provide a secure attachment but may sacrifice some width of the aperture formed by the attachment of the first and second piece.
In one embodiment, the second piece may have a length sufficient to allow it to be tucked around and under a back of a bed to secure the bed covering to the bed after the second piece is attached to the first piece.
In another embodiment, the bottom half of the second piece may be designed as a fitted sheet with an elastic attached to the bottom of the second piece, allowing the sheet to naturally fit to the mattress without stretching the elastic attached at the aperture when a user is making the bed.
It should be understood that the second piece and first piece may alternatively be attached such that it overlaps the first piece without straying from the scope of the present invention. This embodiment may be particularly applicable in the event that the bed covering is a sheet.
The second piece of the bed covering may be made of any material suitable for covering a bed, typically a fabric, or a fabric stuffed with an insulating material. For example the second piece of the bed covering may be made of cotton, silk, cotton percale, muslin, linen, satin, wool, polyester, and the like. In an embodiment wherein the bed covering is a comforter, quilt or bedspread, it may be made from the above materials, and filled with an insulation such as down, polyester fill, and the like.
The bed covering may have an elastic region. The elastic region may serve to hold the first piece and second piece substantially together, but may be flexible enough to allow the feet and legs of a user to pass through the aperture formed by the first and second piece.
In one embodiment, an elastic may be positioned on a left or right edge of the bed covering, and may be attached to a portion of the second piece. In this embodiment, the elastic may serve to draw the second piece towards the left or right edge, such that it may be taut against a surface of the first piece.
In another embodiment, an elastic may span from the left to the right edge of the bed covering.
In another embodiment, the elastic may be positioned along a lengthwise edge of the first piece that is positioned over the second piece. In this embodiment, the elastic may serve to keep the first piece taut against the second piece, but may still allow a foot to pass through the aperture between the first and second piece.
In still another embodiment, the elastic may be positioned along a lengthwise edge of the second piece that is positioned over the first piece. In this embodiment, the elastic may serve to keep the second piece taut against the first piece and the bed, but may still allow a foot to pass through the aperture between the first and second piece.
In yet another embodiment, the elastic may be positioned along a lengthwise edge of the first piece positioned under the second piece, along a left edge of the bed covering, along a lengthwise edge of the second piece positioned over the first piece, and along the right edge of the bed covering, back to the lengthwise edge of the first piece. In this embodiment, the elastic may run along the perimeter of the aperture formed by the attachment of the second piece and first piece.
The elastic may be positioned on the bed covering in any manner that may securely attach it to the bed covering. By way of non-limiting example, the elastic may be attached by stitching, adhesive, or by being inserted into a channel formed in the bed covering.
The bed covering may further have an alignment device that may allow a primary bed covering such as a comforter to be aligned with a second or third or unlimited bed covering such as a top sheet and/or blanket. When aligned, the primary bed covering and secondary bed covering may allow a user to extend a foot through apertures in all bed coverings.
In one embodiment, the alignment device may allow attachment of the second piece of the secondary bed covering to the second piece of the primary bed covering. In another embodiment, the alignment device may allow attachment of the first piece of the primary bed covering to the first piece of the secondary bed covering. In a further embodiment, the alignment device may be a portion of the secondary bed covering which may extend through the aperture formed by the first piece of the primary bed covering and the second piece of the primary bed covering.
The alignment device may be any apparatus or system that may facilitate at least loose attachment of a plurality of bed coverings. Examples of attachment devices may include buttons and button holes, hook and loop assemblies, zippers, Velcro®, fabric, magnets, and the like.
In one embodiment, the bed covering may be formed as a sleeping bag. In this embodiment, the first piece may have a zipper installed on its left side and on its right side, such that the first piece may be zippered together by zipping the zipper of the left side to the zipper of the right side. Further, the second piece may be formed as a substantially hemispherical pouch. The substantially hemispherical second piece may allow feet and legs of a user to stay warm. The second piece may be attached to the first piece such that an overlapping portion is formed. In one embodiment, the second piece may be attached on the left side and right side of the first piece. In another embodiment, the second piece may be attached at a left side, central and right side of the first piece. The sleeping bag thus formed may allow a user to extend feet and legs from out of the sleeping bag when the feet and legs is warm, and may allow feet and legs to be kept warm within the sleeping bag when cold.
A method for constructing a bed covering may involve the initial step of obtaining a first and second piece of bedding material. The second piece may be positioned in a way that part of its length is overlapped by part of a length of the first piece with the outer widthwise edges of the two pieces aligned. The left edge of the second piece may be attached to the left edge of the first piece by way of sewing, adhesive bonding, or some other form of attachment. The right edge of the second piece may be attached to the right edge of the first piece by way of sewing, adhesive bonding, or some other form of attachment. The attachment of the two pieces may create an aperture through which a user's extremities may pass. The two pieces may be attached in various locations along the length of the bed covering, allowing for users of various sizes to be able to comfortably pass their extremities through the aperture.
In one embodiment, the step of obtaining a first and a second piece of bedding material may involve cutting a single item of bedding material in two pieces, thereby forming a first piece and a second piece.
Elastic banding may then be attached to the bed covering. In one embodiment, the elastic banding may be located along the unattached edge of the second piece end that is overlapped by the first piece. In another embodiment, the elastic banding may be located along the unattached edge of the first piece that is overlapping the second piece. In yet another embodiment, the elastic banding may be along the entire perimeter of the aperture formed by the attachment of the first and second pieces. In yet another embodiment, the elastic banding may be located in a combination of the above embodiments.
A pattern may be disposed on a surface of a single item of bedding to guide a user in the creation of the bed covering contemplated herein from a single item of traditional bedding. In one embodiment, the pattern may provide cut marks, attachment marks, and rubber band installation locations.
The term traditional bedding is contemplated herein to refer to bedding that cannot allow an extremity of a user to pass through an aperture of the bedding. Types of traditional bedding may include top sheets, blankets, duvet cover, duvet filler, comforters, quilts, sleeping bags, and the like.
In one embodiment, the method may have the further step of installing an alignment device. In one embodiment, the alignment device may be installed by stitching an alignment device first part to one bed covering, and forming an alignment device second part into another bed covering, the first and second parts (or unlimited parts) of the alignment device configured to interlock with each other. In another embodiment a bed covering may have a first part of an alignment device and a second part of an alignment device.
A Do-It-Yourself Kit may be provided to allow a user to convert a traditional item of bedding to the bed covering contemplated herein, having an aperture for foot escape. This kit may comprise a stencil, allowing the user to mark the appropriate cut and attachment locations on a bed covering, elastic banding, a needle and thread to attach a first piece and a second piece of the bed covering to each other after being cut, and an instruction manual for directing a user on how to create a bed covering.
In one embodiment, the kit may replace the needle and thread with a form of adhesive bonding.
In another embodiment, the kit may further comprise a pair of shears to cut the bed covering.
In yet another embodiment, the kit may further comprise an item of bedding to be transformed into a bed covering contemplated herein. In another embodiment, the kit may be directed to the transformation of an existing traditional item of bedding, and therefore would not include an item of bedding.
Turning now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a bed covering is shown. 103 is a variable line tracing the cut that would separate the first piece of the bed covering 101 from the second piece of the bed covering 102.
FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the bed covering in assembled form. In this embodiment, the first piece of the bed covering 101 is shown overlapped and attached to the second piece of the bed covering 102. These two pieces are attached by stitching 202 along the left edge of the bed covering 204 and the right edge of the bed covering 205. The overlapping of first piece 101 and second piece 102 forms a width-wise slit 201 to allow for extremities to escape from under the bed covering. An alignment device is shown here as a button 207 and button slit 206. The alignment device may serve to attach the bed covering to a second bed covering or third or fourth (unlimited).
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the bed covering having extending portions on a left and right side. In this embodiment, the first piece of the bed covering 101 is shown overlapped and attached to the second piece of the bed covering 102. These two pieces are attached by stitching 202 along the left edge of the bed covering 204 and the right edge of the bed covering 205. The overlapping of first piece 101 and second piece 102 forms a width-wise slit 201 to allow for extremities to escape from under the bed covering. Elastic band 301 is attached to the top edge of the second piece 102, and is positioned below the first piece 101. Elastic band 302 is attached to the bottom edge of the first piece 101. Side portions 304 and 305 of the bed covering are extra width of the bed covering, allowing the bed covering to be tucked underneath the edges of a bed.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the bed covering highlighting the aperture 303 that is formed by the overlapping first and second piece 101, 102 and lengthwise slit 201. The first piece of the bed covering 101 is shown overlapped and attached to the second piece of the bed covering 102. These two pieces are attached by stitching 202 along the left edge of the bed covering 204 and the right edge of the bed covering 205. The aperture 303 allows a foot or other extremity of a user to extend through it.
FIG. 5 provides another embodiment of the bed covering. In this embodiment, the bed covering is shown as a sheet. The first piece 401 is shown overlapped and attached to the second piece 402, the second piece 402 being positioned over the first piece 401. These two pieces are attached by stitching 406 along the left edge of the bed covering and the right edge of the bed covering. The overlapping of the first piece 401 and the second piece 402 forms a width-wise slit 501 to allow for extremities to escape from under the bed covering. A bottom edge of the second piece 402 has an elastic band attached to it, forming an elastic pouch on corners 404 and 405. The pouch may be stretched over a bed allowing the sheet to be secured to the bed and ensuring proper alignment of the sheet.
While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bed covering comprising:

a first piece, sized to substantially cover a bed;

a second piece, having a width substantially similar to a width of the first piece;

a first widthwise edge of the first piece attached to a first widthwise edge of the second piece,

a second widthwise edge of the first piece attached to a second widthwise edge of the second piece,

wherein an aperture is formed by the attachment of the first piece and second piece; and

wherein the aperture formed is sized to allow an extremity of a user to pass through it.

2. The bed covering of claim 1 wherein the second piece has a length capable of overlapping partially with a length of the first piece, the length also capable of extending around a rear height of the bed and under a back bottom portion of the bed.

3. The bed covering of claim 1 wherein the second piece is attached beneath the first piece.

4. The bed covering of claim 3 further comprising an elastic, the elastic attached to the first piece, and constructed and arranged to keep the first piece taut against the second piece.

5. The bed covering of claim 3 further comprising an elastic, the elastic positioned on the second piece, and constructed and arranged to keep the second piece taut against the first piece.

6. The bed covering of claim 3 further comprising an elastic, the elastic positioned along a perimeter of the first piece and the second piece on an edge that forms the aperture.

7. The bed covering of claim 3 further comprising an alignment device, the alignment device capable of attachment to a second alignment device of a second bed covering.

8. The bed covering of claim 1 wherein the bed covering is a sleeping bag, the first widthwise edge and the second widthwise edge of the first piece being connectable to each other, the second piece being connectable to itself to form a closed end of the sleeping bag.

9. The bed covering of claim 8 wherein the second piece is formed as a substantially hemispherical pouch.

10. The bed covering of claim 10 wherein the bed covering is a top sheet, a bottom edge of the second piece having an elastic attached and forming an elastic pouch constructed and arranged to be fitted about a rear bottom of the bed.

11. The bed covering of claim 1 wherein the bed covering is a comforter.

12. The bed covering of claim 1 wherein the bed covering is a blanket.

13. A method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture in its surface allowing an escape of an extremity of a user comprising the steps of:

positioning a first piece of the bed covering at least partially over a second piece of the bed covering forming an overlapping region;

attaching a left edge of the first piece to a left edge of the second piece;

attaching a right edge of the first piece to a right edge of the second piece;

forming the aperture from the positioning and attaching of the first piece and the second piece, the aperture so formed being sized to allow the passage of the extremity of the user;

attaching an elastic to at least one of the first piece and the second piece.

14. The method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture in its surface allowing an escape of an extremity of a user of claim 13 comprising the step of cutting a bed covering into the first piece and the second piece.

15. The method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture in its surface allowing an escape of an extremity of a user of claim 14 wherein the bed covering is an existing item of traditional bedding.

16. The method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture in its surface allowing an escape of an extremity of a user of claim 13 further comprising the step of attaching an attachment device to a surface of the first piece.

17. The method of constructing a bed covering having an aperture in its surface allowing an escape of an extremity of a user of claim 13 further comprising the steps of:

attaching a zipper to the right edge of the first piece;

attaching a zipper to the left edge of the first piece;

forming the second piece as a substantially hemispherical pouch; and

zipping the first zipper and the second zipper together forming the attached first piece and second piece as a sleeping bag.

18. A kit for forming a bed covering comprising:

a stencil, constructed and arranged to mark an item of bedding at an appropriate cut position and an appropriate attachment position;

an elastic band for attachment to the bed covering;

a needle and thread to attach a first piece of the bed covering to a second piece of the bed covering;

an instruction manual providing instructions to a user regarding construction of the bed covering from the item of bedding.

19. The kit for forming a bed covering of claim 18 wherein the item of bedding is provided in the kit.

20. The kit for forming a bed covering of claim 18 wherein the item of bedding is an existing item of traditional bedding.