Covering System for a Bed

Abstract

A multi-layered covering system for a bed comprised of at least two covering members. Each of the covering members contains corresponding fasteners. The covering members are temporarily fastened together generally along the outermost perimeter with the fasteners. The covering system forms a moldable cover for use by a user when the user is lying down sleeping on the bed and provides warmth due to the layers of covering members having or acting as insulation for heat. To make the bed, the covering system is simply smoothed over the bed in one single motion. In an alternative embodiment, a longer covering member may be folded over and fastened to another covering member. When the user is ready to wash the bedding, the fasteners allow for quick detachment of the various covering members so they may be laundered.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This original non-provisional application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/141,312, filed Apr. 1, 2015, and entitled “System and Method for Making a Covering Apparatus for a Bed,” which is incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bedding. More specifically, the present invention relates to a covering system for beds.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the United States, there is a sense of urgency in getting things done quicker so that one may move on to the next order of business. One of those things is making the bed. While many Americans do find time to make their own bed, there are also many who do not. Given the plethora of responsibilities they may have, unfortunately, many individuals end up going to bed much later than desired. Many also experience restlessness throughout the night which can affect the amount of much needed sleep they ultimately end up getting.

Sleep is vital to proper physical, mental and emotional functioning of individuals. A recent study found that 86% of people between the ages of 18 and 55+ explained that they woke up in the middle of the night due to a temperature related issue, i.e., it was too hot or too cold in their bedroom or they pulled up or kicked off the sheets to adjust for temperature.

However, if a person moves around in bed while they are sleeping, they may unwittingly kick off the covers or separate them so that they are only covered by the thinner flat sheet and not the thicker blanket or bedspread. In cold weather, this can lead to the person being cold while asleep. Additionally, the individual may wake up multiple times during the night to “fix” the blankets, interrupting their sleeping pattern, and, thus not be able to take full advantage of a good night's rest. This is further exacerbated by possibly several attempts to “snooze” the alarm to extend one's sleep time to the point where there may not be sufficient time to do everything one desires or needs to do in the morning after one ultimately does get out of bed. This may result in sleep deprivation, fatigue, frustration and irritability the next day.

Notwithstanding how one feels in the morning, e.g., sleepy, irritable, there are still a number of tasks that must be accomplished before one leaves home to go to school or work or other pending event. Such tasks may include exercising (in some cases), taking a shower, getting dressed, preparing and having breakfast, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and supervising kids (in some cases). Making the bed is one of those tasks and should be done every morning. However, mornings are usually the busiest moments of the day. All of these tasks are to be completed in a very short time frame and often result in the unnecessary rise in the level of stress experienced by an individual.

It is estimated that the average time it takes to make the bed is approximately 4-5 minutes assuming the bed consists simply of the bed, a flat sheet, a blanket and a comforter. As one may simply have too many morning activities or responsibilities to complete in such a short period of time—and as one may also be suffering from sleep deprivation, fatigue, frustration or irritability depending on how much sleep they got the night before—in many cases, the bed is often left unmade.

Accordingly, there is a need for a covering system that can assist in reducing the time necessary to making the bed down to a matter of seconds yet minimize separation of the covering members that may occur by a restless sleeper and still provides the insulating warmth provided by the various layers of beddings to which one is accustom and allowing the individual to obtain a full night's rest.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a covering system that can be used to sleep in and then, very quickly, allow for the bed using the covering system to be made up in the morning in about 10 seconds. The present invention is a multi-layered covering system for a bed (or other similar sleeping device) comprised of at least two covering members, such as a thin covering member, such as a sheet, and a thicker covering member, such as a blanket. The present invention may also include an even thicker covering member, such as a comforter.

Each of the covering members contains corresponding fasteners. The covering members are temporarily fastened together generally along the outermost perimeter with the fasteners. The sheet is temporarily fastened to the blanket on one side. The other side of the blanket is temporarily fastened to the comforter. In one embodiment, fasteners can be snaps. However, other comparable fastening means, such as hook and loop material, buttons and adhesive fabrics, may be utilized.

The covering system forms a moldable multi-layered cover for use by a user when the user is in a supine or horizontal position on the bed, i.e., lying down sleeping on the bed. The covering system of the present invention further provides warmth due to the layers of covering members having or acting as insulation for heat without the risk that the covering members will get separated or slide off the bed during the night. However, when it comes time to making the bed in the morning, as the present invention has all covering members attached together, the covering system is simply smoothed over the bed in one single motion and the bed is made.

In one embodiment, the sheet may be smaller than the blanket which may be smaller than the comforter. However, many times the sheet may be longer than the blanket and comforter such that the end of the sheet by the head of the bed folds over the blanket and comforter. An alternative embodiment then would be to have fasteners on the outside of the comforter near the head of the bed and have the sheet go over the blanket and the outside comforter with the sheet fastened to the outside (topside) of the comforter at the head of the bed. This will have approximately 12 inches of the sheet showing when the bed is made. The exposed portion of the sheet is the bottom side of the sheet. When the bedding is ready to be laundered, the fasteners allow for quick detachment of the various covering members from each other.

While the present described herein generally describes the use of three covering members or layers one would normally use in a bed (e.g., sheet, blanket and comforter), it is understood that as few as two covering members can be used. Further, additional covering members may also be used and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a covering system for quickly making a bed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a covering system that makes it more difficult to separate the covers of a bed during the night, e.g., by being kicked off by the user while asleep.

The covering system of the present invention may also be in a kit. The present invention is also available in a kit such that the user will have all components available in one location. The kit includes a flat sheet, a blanket and a bedspread and may come in various sizes to accommodate different sizes of mattresses (e.g., crib sized, full, queen or king size, etc . . . ). The kit also includes fastening means (e.g., snaps, buttons, hook and loop material, zippers, etc . . . ) already attached to the covering system depending on the user's preference. Spare fastening means are also included in the kit should the user damage, break or lose any of the original fasteners during use.

Application of the present invention includes but is not limited to residential use as well as service oriented uses such as hospitals, clinics, hotels, and the like where the need to rapidly change bedding may occur. The covering system of the present invention may also have application on daybeds, futons, sofa-sleepers, cots, and other sleeping devices and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with covering members attached.

FIG. 3 shows a partial close up of an embodiment of the present invention with respect to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a partial close up of an embodiment of the present invention with respect to FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a partial close up of an embodiment of the present invention with respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention showing attachment of covering members.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts shows a perspective exploded view of covering system 10 of the present invention. Covering system 10 is comprised of covering member 12, covering member 14 and covering member 16. Covering member 12 may be a flat sheet. Covering member 14 may be a thicker cover such as a blanket, coverlet or throw. Covering member 16 may be an even thicker cover such as bedspread, quilt or comforter. Generally, covering members 12, 14 and 16 are approximately the same size and dimension and sized to provide adequate bedding coverage to bed 18.

Covering members 12, 14 and 16 are removably attached to each other. Covering member 12 has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of covering member 12 faces bed 18. Bed 18 can be of various sizes ranging from as small as a crib or toddler bed to as large as a queen or king size bed. Snaps 20 are attached along the perimeter of the top side of covering member 12. Snaps 20 are of a female configuration. Covering member 14 also has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of covering member 14 faces the top side of covering member 12. The top side of covering member 14 has hook and loop corners 24 and hook and loop strips 28 that traverse the perimeter thereof. Snaps 22 are attached along the perimeter of the bottom side of covering member 14. Snaps 22 are of a male configuration.

Covering member 16 also has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of covering member 16 faces the top side of covering member 14. Corresponding hook and loop corners 26 and hook and loop strips 30 traverse the perimeter of the bottom side of covering member 16.

Referring now to FIG. 2, covering members 12, 14 and 16 of covering system 10 are aligned with respect to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, covering system 10 appears oriented correctly relative to a bed (not shown) such that covering member 12 would be the bottom layer directly on the bed mattress during use. Covering member 16 is the top most layer on the bed. Covering member 14 is disposed between covering member 12 and covering member 16. Once each covering member 12, 14 and 16 has been attached together in accordance with their respective fasteners, covering system 10 is placed on top of bed 18 (see FIGS. 1 and 7).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a corner portion of covering system 10 is shown. In one embodiment, covering member 12 is pulled away with respect to covering member 14 showing the strip of snaps 20 and 22 used to removably attach covering members 12 and 14 together. Covering member 14 remains, however, fastened to covering member 16, as described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 3, snaps 20 (female) along the perimeter of covering member 12 mate with corresponding snaps 22 (male) located on the perimeter of covering member 14 to temporarily join covering members 12 and 14 together (see FIG. 2). A sufficient quantity of snaps is used on both covering members 12 and 14 such that covering members 12 and 14 do not become detached without sufficient human force to do so.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, covering member 14 is pulled away with respect to covering member 16 of covering system 10 showing hook and loop material used to removably attach covering members 14 and 16. In particular, hook and loop corner 24 (which can be in a square patch or quadrilateral configuration) is attached at the corner of covering member 14. In addition, hook and loop strip 28 is attached along the side of covering member 14. Similarly, corresponding hook and loop corner 26 (which can be in a square patch or quadrilateral configuration) and hook and loop strip 30 are attached along the opposing corresponding side of covering member 16. Hook and loop corners 24 and 26 and hook and loop strips 28 and 30 may be attached to covering members 14 and 16, respectively, via stitching or other comparable fastening means. The present invention uses a combination of hook and loop corners and strips along the perimeters of the covering members. However, the present invention may also use just hook and loop strips at spaced intervals along the perimeters of the covering members (see FIG. 1) and still remain within the contemplation of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a close-up of snaps 20 and 22 of covering members 12 and 14, respectively, are shown. While the present invention currently uses a female configuration for snaps 20 and a male configuration for snaps 22, these configurations are interchangeable (i.e., snaps 20 may be male and snaps 22 female) so long as each opposing snap is of different configuration. FIG. 6 shows covering system 10 of the present invention with covering members 12, 14 and 16 attached together and ready for use. FIG. 7 illustrates covering system 10 as used on a bed (see also FIG. 1).

In an alternative embodiment, other fasteners, such as zippers, may be used in lieu of snaps or hook and loop material to removably attach the covering members. The zipper has a pull tab that pulls a slider body over two sets of teeth such that when the teeth come together fasten one side to the other. One set of teeth is attached along the perimeter of one covering member. The other set of teeth is attached along the perimeter of the covering member to be attached. To attach the two covering members, the zipper slider body traverses the perimeter of both covering members such that the slider body goes over and brings together the sets of teeth on each covering member thus connecting the covering members together.

Turning now to FIG. 8, zipper teeth 32 are attached along the perimeter of covering member 12. Zipper teeth 34 are attached along the perimeter of covering member 14. Zipper teeth may be attached by stitching (i.e., sewing), fabric adhesive or other comparable attaching mechanism. To attach covering member 12 to covering member 14, zipper 44 has pull tab 46 that pulls zipper slider body 48 over zipper teeth 32 and 34 traversing the perimeter of both covering members such that zipper slider body 48 goes over and brings together zipper teeth 32 and 34 on each covering member 12 and 14, thus, connecting the covering members together.

To separate the zippered covering members 12 and 14 from each other, the user may hold onto each covering member and pull them apart from each other with sufficient human force to separate them such that zipper sliding body 48 moves away from the area being pulled apart by the user. As zipper sliding body 48 moves away from the user, zipper sliding body 48 also releases zipper teeth 32 and 34 on zipper 44 which separate and go in opposing direction, thus freeing one covering member from the other. Alternatively, the user may pull the pull tab 46 of zipper slider body 48 in a direction allowing zipper teeth 32 and 34 to separate from each other (i.e., the opposite direction) thereby detaching and separating covering members 12 and 14.

Still referring to FIG. 8, a second zipper 50 and a second set of zipper teeth 36 are attached along the perimeter of the other side of covering member 14. In this embodiment, covering member 14 contains a zipper and a set of zipper teeth on each side of covering member 14 for a total of two zippers and two sets of zipper teeth. A corresponding set of zipper teeth 38 are attached along the perimeter of the opposing side of covering member 16.

Attaching covering member 14 to covering member 16 is performed similar to attaching covering member 12 to covering member 14. To attach covering member 14 to covering member 16 using zipper 50, zipper slider body 52 of zipper 50 traverses the perimeter of both covering members 14 and 16 such that zipper slider body 52 goes over and brings together zipper teeth 36 and 38 on each covering member 14 and 16, thus, connecting the covering members together. Separating covering members 14 and 16 is performed similarly to separating covering members 12 and 14, as described above.

While the present invention discloses the use of hook and loop material, zippers and snaps, these are simply non-limiting examples of various fastening means that can be used. However, the use of other comparable fastening means, such as buttons, are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present invention.

Generally, and with respect to how covers are generally placed on a bed, the first or bottom covering member may be the same dimension or smaller than the second or middle covering member which in turn may be the same dimension or smaller than the third or top covering member. However, many times the first (bottom) covering member may be longer than both the second (middle) and the third (top) covering members such that the end of the first (bottom) covering member by the head of the bed folds over both of them, as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 illustrates covering system 100 of an alternative embodiment of the present invention as described above. Covering member 112 goes over the middle covering member 114 and top covering members 114 and 116. Fasteners, such as correspondingly mateable snaps 118, are placed along the top edge of covering member 112 and the outside of covering member 116. As covering member 112 extends past covering member 116, the top edge of covering member 112 is folded over covering members 114 and 116. Snaps 118 on covering member 112 then fasten covering member 112 to corresponding snaps (not shown) on covering member 116. This will have approximately 12 inches of covering member 112 showing when bed 18 is made, as shown in FIG. 9. The exposed portion of covering member 112 is the bottom or inside of covering member 112. The edges of covering members 112, 114 and 116 may either be allowed to hang over the frame of the bed or tucked in between the mattress and bedspring, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The covering members of the present invention are made of cotton and have dimensions of coverings which accommodate the mattress and bed to which the covering system is used. However, other soft materials, such as cotton blends, silk, satin, flannel, wool or other comparable materials, and other dimensions (such as would accommodate various sized mattresses) may be used for the covering members and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.

The number of covering members in a covering system of the present invention that may be used is determined by user preference. For example, during the summer months or in particularly warm climates, the user may only desire to use two covering members, e.g., a sheet and a blanket, in the covering system. These covering members may be used together to produce the desired effect for the user, i.e., light covers during a warm night. Alternatively, during the winter months or when the climate is colder, the user may desire to include more than two covering members, e.g., a bedspread, two blankets and a sheet. The additional covering members provide the necessary insulating effect produced by using layers to maintain the user warm during an otherwise cold night.

The present invention is described using covering systems in quadrilateral configurations. However, covering systems with other configurations, such as circular or oval, may also be used and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.

To make the covering system of the present invention, and referring back now to FIG. 1, fasteners (such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop material or the like) are attached along the perimeter of one side of covering member 12. Corresponding fasteners are similarly attached along the perimeter of an opposing side of covering member 14. The attachment of the fasteners to the covering members may be accomplished through stitching. Additionally, other comparable methods of attachment, such as adhesive, may be used. The fasteners on each covering member 12 and 14 face toward each other. Fasteners are also attached along the perimeter of the opposite side of covering member 14. Corresponding fasteners are similarly attached along the perimeter of covering member 16.

To attach covering member 12 to covering member 14, the fasteners of each are aligned and mated together. Aligning and mating fasteners of covering members 14 and 16 further allow them to similarly be attached. Once all corresponding fasteners between covering members 12 and 14 and between covering member 14 and 16 are engaged, the covering system is ready for use and the user then simply smooths covering system 10 over bed 18 in one single motion and bed 18 is made.

Importantly, though the present invention describes the attachment of covering member 12 to covering member 14 and covering member 14 to covering member 16, these may be varied such that covering member 12 be attached directly to covering member 16. In addition, other covering members may be included to increase the total number of covering members used, depending on user preference so long as the fasteners on the additional covering members are compatible with the fasteners of the covering members to which they will attached (e.g., snaps with snaps, buttons with corresponding button holes, corresponding hook and loop material, etc.).

The various embodiments described herein may be used singularly or in conjunction with other similar devices. The present disclosure includes preferred or illustrative embodiments of specifically described systems, apparatuses, assemblies and methods. Alternative embodiments of such systems, apparatuses, assemblies and methods can be used in carrying out the invention as claimed and such alternative embodiments are limited only by the claims themselves. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A covering system for a bed comprising:

a plurality of covering members; and

fastening means attached to each of said plurality of covering members, said fastening means for removably fastening one of said plurality of covering members to another of said plurality of covering members.

2. The covering system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of covering members form a moldable cover for use by a user when said user is in a supine position.

3. The covering system of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises snaps.

4. The covering system of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises hook and loop material.

5. The covering system of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises buttons.

6. The covering system of claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises zippers.

7. A method for making a covering system for a bed, said method comprising the steps of:

first attaching fasteners on one side of a first covering member;

second attaching corresponding fasteners on an opposing side of a second covering member, said one side of said first covering member and said opposing side of said second covering member facing each other;

third attaching fasteners on the opposite side of said second covering member; and

fourth attaching corresponding fasteners on an opposing side of a third covering member, said opposite side of said second covering member and said opposing side of said third covering member facing each other.

8. The method for making a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 7, wherein in said first, second, third and fourth attaching steps, said fasteners are attached along the perimeter of each of said covering members.

9. The method for making a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 8, wherein said fasteners are attached to said covering members by stitching.

10. The method for making a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 8, wherein said fasteners are attached to said covering members by adhesive fabric.

11. The method of using a covering system for a bed, said method comprising the steps of:

extending a first covering member having a plurality of fasteners along the perimeter of one side of said first covering member;

aligning a second covering member with said first covering member, said second covering member having a plurality of fasteners along the perimeter of said second covering member and corresponding to said plurality of fasteners along the perimeter of said first covering member;

fastening said plurality of fasteners of said second covering member to corresponding said plurality of fasteners of said first covering member;

aligning a third covering member with said second covering member, said third covering member having a plurality of fasteners along the perimeter of said third covering member and corresponding to said plurality of fasteners along the perimeter of said second covering member;

fastening said plurality of fasteners of said third covering member to corresponding said plurality of fasteners of said second covering member;

placing said first, second and third covering members, now attached to each other, over said bed; and

unfastening said plurality of fasteners of said third covering member from corresponding said plurality of fasteners of said second covering member and unfastening said plurality of fasteners of said second covering member from corresponding said plurality of fasteners of said first covering member to separate the covering members from each other.

12. The method of using a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 11, wherein said first, second and third covering members form a moldable cover for use by a user when said user is in a supine position.

13. The method of using a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 12, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises snaps.

14. The method of using a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 12, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises hook and loop material.

15. The method of using a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 12, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises buttons.

16. The method of using a covering system for a bed, as recited in claim 12, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises zippers.