Anchor pin for bed skirt

An anchor pin 18 shown full view FIG. 6 a device designed for securing bed skirts 23 from slipping and sliding off of the box spring 17 and hanging down on the floor. The design of the anchor 18 with two long bent prongs 14 grips the fabric 23 and curves down inside the box spring 17 creating a locking position FIG. 5 for securing the skirt 23. The design of the heads 16 secure the prongs 14 tight against the fabric surface 24 of the bed skirt 23 keeping the skirt within the boundaries of the box spring 17 The anchor 18 is preferably made from a rigid material such as steel or other metals and could be plastic resins and or particularly a fiber reinforced plastic or a combination thereof.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(A) Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to the field of attachment devices and systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a device and method for securing a bed skirt to the box springs.

(B) Discussion of Prior Art

The use of a bed skirt about the perimeter of a bed is a well established practice. The bed skirt acts as a decorative device and as a means for keeping dust out from under the bed. The bed skirt is typically part of a large sheet section that fits over the box springs. Also the skirt can be made in sections and attached to the upper surface edge of the box springs by a device, decorating the borders of the bed and eliminating the need to remove the mattress to change the skirt. There is a device a pin U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,082 that claims to hold the skirt in place. However they can come out easily by brushing across the pin with a hand when changing sheets and working loose with the movement of the mattress on top. It was found the adhesive on the Velcro does not help to hold the pin into the box springs, other adhesives sticks to the fabric but does not hold to the fabric. With the straight leg metal prongs they slip out of the box springs very easily. Also they cannot be used in a vertical application, only on a flat horizontal surface or they will fall out on the floor. Then they become very dangerous for some one stepping on them with the sharp needle points.

Thus there remains a need for a device and system for attaching the bed skirt to a box spring that does not have the problems as mentioned above. A device to firmly hold the skirt in place even with the movement of the mattress on top. Also that will not get caught up in the sheets and come out when changing the sheets with the hand hitting them and that can be attached vertically thru the skirt into the side of the box springs.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that the above problems, which had been left unsolved by the known prior art, can be solved by providing an anchor pin for bed skirts, the anchor pin including the following elements.

    • A) a substantially flat body having an upper surface and an underside surface
    • B) at least two prongs protruding from the underside surface of the body
    • C) the prongs bent at approximately 90 degree angle one half of the length of the prongs, more or less.
      The flat section of material of the skirt offering an area for attaching an anchor that is designed in accordance with the description above, and being connected to decorative ruffled, pleated or plain material which will be visible about the perimeter of the box springs.
      In a preferred embodiment the body is generally longer than it is wide, and includes two prongs, bend in prongs, protruding from the underside surface, one near each end of the body. It has been found that by placing these prongs at approximately one inch to one and a half inches apart from one another, and having a length of approximately from between one half of an inch and two inches in length, but preferably of one and one half inches in length, one may effectively provide significant gripping force with the angle of the anchor to lock the bed skirt into the box springs. The needle sharp prongs prevent damaging of the fabric of the skirt and or the filler of the box springs

It should also be understood that while the above and other advantages and results of the present invention will become apparent to those in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying-drawings, showing the contemplated novel construction, combinations and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the appended claims. It is understood that changes in the precise embodiments of the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included within the scope of the claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin:

FIG. 2 is a Left side view thereof:

FIG. 3 is a Top elevational view thereof:

FIG. 4 is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof:

FIG. 5 is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring

FIG. 6 is a Left side, top perspective view thereof:

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Turning to FIG, 2. showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin 18 include a substantially flat body 16 with an upper surface 12 and an underside surface 15. It is preferred that the anchor 18 include a flat body 16. Attached to the underside surface 15 of the flat body 16 are two prongs 14 which protrude from the underside surface 15

Turning to FIG. 2 and 5 shown the side view of the flat body 16 with the prongs 14 extended from the underside surface 15 of the anchor pin 18 at approximately an 90 degree angle.

    • Referring again to FIG. 5 shown with the prongs 14 inserting the surface of the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 then curving at an angle within the box spring 17 at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface 15 of the anchor 18 resting on top of the box spring 17. Making the skirt secure.

Turning to FIG 3 and 4 shown attached to the underside surface 15, of the flat body 16, are at least two prongs 14, which protrude from the underside surface 15. Since the anchor 18 are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring 17, it has been found that the prongs 14 should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring 17 creating a locking position that will not pull out easily.

Also shown on FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is the long shape of the body 16 of the anchor 18. The long shape provides the body 16 with a pair of opposite ends 20. As shown on FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 the prongs 14 are preferably placed near the opposite ends 20. The long shape of the body 16 serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs 14 so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs 14. It is important that the spacing of the prongs 14 be relatively large, of about between three quarters of an inch and one and one half inches, so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor 18 about one of the prongs 14 can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body 16 is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof.

Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on FIG. 5 where the flat section underside surface 15 against the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs 17.

Referring to FIG. 6 Top perspective view showing the anchor 18 in position before attaching to a box spring 17

Turning now to FIG. 7 where a system 21 for decorating the border of a bed 22 having a box spring 17 the system 21 being used with the box spring 17. As has been illustrated in FIG. 7 the system 21 uses an anchor 18 as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric 23, which includes a substantially flat section 24 and a ruffled section 25 that is attached to the flat section 24 and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring 17.

It is important to note that while the flat section 24 has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring 17. However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors 18 may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section 24 covers the entire surface of the box spring 17.

Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin:

FIG. 2 is a Left side view thereof:

FIG. 3 is a Top elevational view thereof:

FIG. 4 is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof:

FIG. 5 is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring

FIG. 6 is a Left side, top perspective view thereof:

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Turning to FIG. 1 showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin 18 include a substantially flat body 26 with an upper surface 12 and an underside surface 15. It is preferred that the anchor 18 include a flat body 26. Attached to the underside surface 15 of the flat body 26 are two prongs 14 which protrude from the underside surface 15

Turning to FIG. 2 and 5 shown the side view of the flat body 26 with the prongs 14 extended from the underside surface 15 of the anchor pin 18 at approximately an 90 degree angle.

Referring again to FIG. 5 shown with the prongs 14 inserting the surface of the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 then curving at an angle within the box spring 17 at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface 15 of the anchor 18 resting on top of the box spring 17. Making the skirt secure.

Turning to FIG. 3 and 4 shown attached to the underside surface 15, of the flat body 26, are at least two prongs 14, which protrude from the underside surface 15. Since the anchor 18 are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring 17, it has been found that the prongs 14 should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring 17 creating a locking position that will not pull out easily.

Also shown on FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is the long shape of the body 26 of the anchor 18. The long shape provides the body 26 with a pair of opposite ends 20. As shown on FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 the prongs 14 are preferably placed near the opposite ends 20. The long shape of the body 26 serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs 14 so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs 14. It is important that the spacing of the prongs 14 be relatively large, of about between three quarters of an inch and one and one half inches, so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor 18 about one of the prongs 14 can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body 26 is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof.

Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on FIG. 5 where the flat section underside surface 15 against the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs 17.

Referring to FIG. 6 Top perspective view showing the anchor 18 in position before attaching to a box spring 17

Turning now to FIG. 7 where a system 21 for decorating the border of a bed 22 having a box spring 17 the system 21 being used with the box spring 17. As has been illustrated in FIG. 7 the system 21 uses an anchor 18 as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric 23, which includes a substantially flat section 24 and a ruffled section 25 that is attached to the flat section 24 and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring 17.

It is important to note that while the flat section 24 has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring 17. However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors 18 may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section 24 covers the entire surface of the box spring 17.

Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin:

FIG. 2 is a Left side view thereof:

FIG. 3 is a Top elevational view thereof:

FIG. 4 is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof:

FIG. 5 is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring

FIG. 6 is a Left side, top perspective view thereof:

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Turning to FIG. 1 showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin 18 include a substantially flat body 27 with an upper surface 12 and an underside surface 15. It is preferred that the anchor 18 include a flat body 27. Attached to the underside surface 15 of the flat body 27 are two prongs 14 which protrude from the underside surface 15

Turning to FIG. 2 and 5 shown the side view of the flat body 27 with the prongs 14 extended from the underside surface 15 of the anchor pin 18 at approximately an 90 degree angle.

Referring again to FIG. 5 shown with the prongs 14 inserting the surface of the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 then curving at an angle within the box spring 17 at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface 15 of the anchor 18 resting on top of the box spring 17. Making the skirt secure.

Turning to FIG. 3 and 4 shown attached to the underside surface 15, of the flat body 27, are at least two prongs 14, which protrude from the underside surface 15. Since the anchor 18 are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring 17, it has been found that the prongs 14 should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring 17 creating a locking position that will not pull out easily.

Also shown on FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is the round shape of the body 27 of the anchor 18. The round shape provides the body 27 with a pair of opposite sides 20. As shown on FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 the prongs 14 are preferably placed near the opposite sides 20. The round shape of the body 27 serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs 14 so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs 14. It is important that the spacing of the prongs 14 be, about between three quarters of an inch and a inch so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor 18 about one of the prongs 14 can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body 27 is preferably made from a substantially rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof.

Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on FIG. 5 where the flat section underside surface 15 against the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs 17.

Referring to FIG. 6 Top perspective view showing the anchor 18 in position before attaching to a box spring 17

Turning now to FIG. 7 where a system 21 for decorating the border of a bed 22 having a box spring 17 the system 21 being used with the box spring 17. As has been illustrated in FIG. 7 the system 21 uses an anchor 18 as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric 23, which includes a substantially flat section 24 and a ruffled section 25 that is attached to the flat section 24 and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring 17.

It is important to note that while the flat section 24 has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring 17. However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors 18 may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section 24 covers the entire surface of the box spring 17.

Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best made presently devised for making and using the instant invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a Front elevational view of a anchor pin:

FIG. 2 is a Left side view thereof:

FIG. 3 is a Top elevational view thereof:

FIG. 4 is a Left side, bottom perspective view thereof:

FIG. 5 is a Right side elevational view showing the pin position in the box spring

FIG. 6 is a Left side, top perspective view thereof:

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a box spring having a skirt attached to the perimeter of the box spring by means of the system taught herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention will be described and disclosed herein connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Turning to FIG. 1 showing the frontal elevated view which illustrate that the anchor pin 18 include a substantially flat body 29 with an upper surface 12 and an underside surface 15. It is preferred that the anchor 18 include a flat body 29. Attached to the underside surface 15 of the flat body 29 are two prongs 14 which protrude from the underside surface 15

Turning to FIG. 2 and 5 shown the side view of the flat body 29 with the prongs 14 extended from the underside surface 15 of the anchor pin 18 at approximately an 90 degree angle.

Referring again to FIG. 5 shown with the prongs 14 inserting the surface of the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 then curving at an angle within the box spring 17 at approximately 90 degree angle, to create a locking position the underside surface 15 of the anchor 18 resting on top of the box spring 17. Making the skirt secure.

Turning to FIG. 3 and 4 shown attached to the underside surface 15, of the flat body 29, are at least two prongs 14, which protrude from the underside surface 15. Since the anchor 18 are used to hold a flat section of fabric against a box spring 17, it has been found that the prongs 14 should be between approximately one third to one and one half inches in length and preferably between one half and one and one quarter inches in length, and most preferably about one and one half inches in length. Any one being bent at half of its length at approximately 90 degree angle, entered into the box spring 17 creating a locking position that will not pull out easily.

Also shown on FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is the square shape of the body 29 of the anchor 18. The square shape provides the body 29 with a pair of opposite sides 20. As shown on FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 the prongs 14 are preferably placed near the opposite sides 20. The square shape of the body 29 serves at least two purposes. This first purpose is to allow sufficient spacing between the prongs 14 so as to allow the development of good resistance to pivoting, of the fabric sustained, about one of the two prongs 14. It is important that the spacing of the prongs 14 be, about between three quarters of an inch and a inch so that any forces that may tend to spin the anchor 18 about one of the prongs 14 can be properly resisted. Also it should be noted that the body 29 is preferably made from a substantily rigid material such as steel, or other metals, and could be made from a plastic, particularly a fiber reinforced plastic, or a combinations thereof.

Thus details of the use of the instant invention is shown on FIG. 5 where the flat section underside surface 15 against the box spring 17 and the prongs 14 have been shown inserted into the fill material within the box springs 17.

Referring to FIG. 6 Top perspective view showing the anchor 18 in position before attaching to a box spring 17

Turning now to FIG. 7 where a system 21 for decorating the border of a bed 22 having a box spring 17 the system 21 being used with the box spring 17. As has been illustrated in FIG. 7 the system 21 uses an anchor 18 as taught herein to hold a section of decorative fabric 23, which includes a substantially flat section 24 and a ruffled section 25 that is attached to the flat section 24 and used to drape or cover the areas about the perimeter of the box spring 17.

It is important to note that while the flat section 24 has been shown as being of a limited width, extending over only a small portion of the surface of the box spring 17. However it is clearly contemplated that the anchors 18 may be used with traditional bed skirts where the flat section 24 covers the entire surface of the box spring 17.

Thus it can be appreciated that the above described embodiments are illustrative of just a few of the numerous variations of arrangements of the disclosed elements used to carry out the disclosed invention. Moreover, while the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by that the foregoing and other modifications are exemplary only, and that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed, except as precluded by the prior art.

Claims

1. An anchor for securing a section of fabric against a surface of an object such as a box spring, the invention comprising:

a body having an upper surface and an underside surface and two spaced apart prongs protruding from the underside surface of the body, each said prong having a bend along its length so that the anchor may be inserted through the fabric and into the surface of the box spring.

2. An anchor according to claim 1 and wherein said body comprises a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material, the body further having a generally elongated shape having opposite ends and opposite sides with rounded ends.

3. An anchor according to claim 1 and wherein said body comprises a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material, the body further having a generally rectangular shape having opposite ends and opposite sides.

4. An anchor according to claim 1 and wherein said body comprises a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material, the body further having a generally round shape having opposite sides.

5. An anchor according to claim 1 and wherein said body comprises a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material, the body further having a generally square shape having opposite sides.

6. An anchor according to claims 2, 3, 4, 5, and wherein said prongs are placed near the ends or sides of said body.

7. A system for decorating a bed having a box spring, the system being used to secure a section of decorative fabric to the box spring, the system comprising:

an anchor comprising:
a substantially flat body having an upper surface and a underside surface having two prongs protruding from the underside surface of the body, each said prong having a bend along its length so that the prongs may be inserted through a substantially flat section of the decorative fabric and into the box spring.

8. A system according to claims 2, 3, 4, and 5 and wherein said body comprises a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material, the body further having a generally elongated shape, or a rectangular shape, or a round shape, or a square shape having opposite ends and sides to hold the decorative fabric in place.

9. A system according to claim 8 and wherein said prongs are placed near the ends or sides of said body.

10. A method of decorating a bed having a box spring with a section of decorative fabric, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an anchor having an upper surface and underside and two spaced apart prongs protruding from the underside of the body with each said prong having a bend along its length at approximately a 90 degree angle.
(b) placing the anchor on an upper surface of said box spring so that the prongs of said anchor may be inserted through the fabric and into the surface of the box spring creating a locking position for the section of decorative fabric.
(c) said anchor comprising a substantially flat section of substantially rigid material the body having an elongated shape, or a rectangular shape, or a round shape or square shape with opposite ends and opposite sides.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080060136
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 1, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 13, 2008
Inventor: Catherine V. Smith (Thorton, CO)
Application Number: 11/701,471
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Attachment Or Accessory (5/658)
International Classification: A47C 31/00 (20060101);