Integral Sheet Stay Systems

Abstract

An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining a mattress cover in position is presented. The system includes a mattress cover. The mattress cover positionable on a mattress. The system also includes at least one strap wherein the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the mattress cover on an underside of the mattress and wherein the mattress cover and the at least one strap form a unitary piece. An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining a bed top sheet in position is presented. The system includes a bed top sheet. The bed top sheet positionable on a mattress and/or mattress cover. The system also includes at least one strap wherein the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the bed top sheet on an underside of the mattress and wherein the bed top sheet and the at least one strap form a unitary piece.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sheet stays, and particularly to integral sheet stay systems for maintaining fixed positioning of sheets on a mattress.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previous attempts to create systems to maintain sheets fixed in a position on a bed efficiently and effectively while minimizing human interaction have been unsuccessful. In many instances, a variety of these processes still include human interaction and significant time expenditure continuously repositioning the mattress covers and sheets to maintain comfort.

Quite often, sheets, once positioned, move over time when people are sleeping and moving on top of the sheets. These movements displace the sheet placements and create an uncomfortable situation for the people sleeping on the sheets. Currently, there are no systems or methods to provide integral sheets which allow keeping initial sheet positioning in place while people sleep on top of the sheets and move around.

Previous unsuccessful attempts to solve the problem of unwanted movement of sheets on a mattress included attaching supplemental straps to the mattress covers and sheets. These add-on straps were costly and involved additional interaction to attach the straps to the mattress covers and/or the bed sheets. These further attempts were not successful. Additionally, the supplemental straps would become separated while the sheets were washed in a laundry cycle.

Accordingly, there is an established need for sheet stay systems which solve at least one of the aforementioned problems. Further, there is an established need for integrated sheet stay systems, having various forms, that can help people keep their sheets in place while sleeping or moving on top of the sheets and/or mattress covers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining mattress covers in position is presented. The system includes a mattress cover. The mattress cover positionable on a mattress. The system also includes at least one strap wherein the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the mattress cover on an underside of the mattress and wherein the mattress cover and the at least one strap form a unitary piece.

An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining a bed top sheet in position is presented. The system includes a bed top sheet. The bed top sheet positionable on a mattress and/or a mattress cover. The system also includes at least one strap wherein the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the bed top sheet on an underside of the mattress and wherein the bed top sheet and the at least one strap form a unitary piece.

In an embodiment, the system can include mattress covers and/or sheets for adjustable beds that do not lift when moved or reconfigured.

In another embodiment, the system can also include systems to minimize sheets rising and moving on the bed.

In yet another embodiment, the system can include straps. The straps can include, but not limited to elastic, dual sided material for adhesion on one side and low friction on another side.

In an aspect, the system can include top sheets with a plurality of straps with a plurality of positions on the top sheet.

In another aspect, the system can also include tapered elastic straps, the straps configured to secure the sheets on the bed.

In yet another aspect, the system can include mattress covers with a plurality of straps with a plurality of positions on the mattress cover.

In an embodiment, the system can include tapered straps.

In another embodiment, the system can also include straps configured to be attached to a plurality of mattress covers and top sheets for mattress sizes, including but not limited to, twin, full, queen, and king sizes.

In yet another embodiment, the system can include straps, mattress covers, and/or top sheets for inflatable mattresses.

In an aspect, the system can include a plurality of straps attached to opposing ends of mattress covers and/or sheets arranged such that the connection points for the straps are about 6 inches from the top and/or bottom.

In another aspect, the system can also include tapered straps, the tapered straps wider at the attachment points to the mattress covers and/or top sheets and tapered in around the middle of the straps.

In yet another aspect, the system can include straps structured to connect to corners of mattress covers and/or top sheets such that the straps form a diagonal pattern of attachment.

In an embodiment, the system can include a T-shaped strap, the strap attached straight across about 6 inches from the top and/or bottom of a mattress cover and/or top sheet and attached to an edge of the mattress cover and/or top sheet.

In another embodiment, the system can also include straps sewn on and/or into the mattress covers and/or top sheets.

In yet another embodiment, the system can include straps integral to mattress covers and top sheets, attached by fusing, textile interweaved, adhesive, and/or a connector.

In an aspect, the system can include straps integral to mattress covers and sheets configured to be machine washable.

In an aspect, the system can include materials such as but not limited to elastic, rubber, plastic, ceramic coating, Teflon, spandex, satin, cotton, synthetic fibers, and/or memory foam.

In another aspect, the system can also include straps with dual sided material, such that on one side of the strap can include low static friction surface allowing the straps to move easily over the surface the mattress is resting on. Further, on another side of the straps can include nubs and/or ridges to provide for enhanced high static friction between the strap and mattress minimizing movement of the top sheet and/or mattress cover on a surface of the mattress.

In yet another aspect, the system can include a top sheet with a plurality of straps with a plurality of positions of elastic, a plurality of sizes of elastic, and/or elastic that tapers in along the strap as the position of the strap is towards the center and is wider at the connection points with the top sheet.

In an aspect, the system can include a mattress cover with a plurality of straps with a plurality of positions of elastic, a plurality of sizes of elastic, and/or elastic that tapers in along the strap as the position of the strap is towards the center and is wider at the connection points with the mattress cover.

In another aspect, the system can include tapered straps, straight across about 4, 6, 9, 12, 24 inches from the top and/or bottom and any other measurement in between. The straps can taper in toward a middle of a mattress.

In yet another aspect, the system can include an integral system wherein a mattress cover and straps are a unitary piece. Further, the system can include an integral system wherein a top sheet and straps are a unitary piece.

In an embodiment, the system can include straps, the straps can include widths of ½, ¾, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 inches and/or any measurement in between. Further, the straps can include elastic material.

In another embodiment, the dimensions of the straps, the location of the attachment of the straps to the mattress cover and/or top bed sheet, the placement from the end of the mattress, tapers, and various modulus of elasticity of elastic material utilized in the strap are dependent upon the mattress size and dimensions.

These and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood when the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments given below is considered in conjunction with the figures provided.

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an integrated sheet stay system;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a strap in an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward an effective, efficient, convenient, and economical integrated sheet stay system which can be used for personal use and for commercial purposes to keep mattress covers and top sheets in placed positions.

In an embodiment of the invention an integrated sheet stay system is presented. The system is configured to provide an integral mattress cover with one or a plurality of straps. The straps positionable on the mattress cover to connect edges of the mattress cover. The straps can provide tension and keep the mattress cover tight onto a mattress surface. The straps can include materials such as, but not limited to elastic, spandex, satin, cotton, memory foam, ceramic coating, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. In embodiments the straps can include shapes such as rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, and/or triangular. The straps can be tapered and/or positioned in a crisscross fashion. The straps can be configurable to provide tension and to keep the mattress cover in place on the mattress surface wherever a user desires.

In another embodiment of the invention an integrated sheet stay system is presented. The system can be configured to provide an integral top sheet with one or a plurality of straps. The straps positionable on the top sheet to connect edges of the top sheet. The straps can provide tension and keep the top sheet tight on top of a mattress cover and/or a mattress surface. The straps can include materials such as, but not limited to elastic, spandex, satin, cotton, memory foam, ceramic coating, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. In embodiments the straps can include shapes such as rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, and/or triangular. The straps can be tapered and/or positioned in a crisscross fashion. The straps can be configurable to provide tension and to keep the top sheet in place on the mattress cover and/or mattress surface wherever a user desires.

FIG. 1 shows an integrated sheet stay system 100. The system 100 interfaces with a mattress 102. The mattress 102 has a mattress cover 104 positionable on the mattress 102. The mattress cover 104 is connected on an underside of the mattress with a strap 106. The strap is configurable to provide tension between opposing sides of the mattress cover 104 to minimize movement of the mattress cover 104 over the mattress 102. The positioning of the strap 106 can be preferentially placed near the foot of the mattress 102 where body movement over top of the mattress 102 tends to displace the mattress cover 104 with respect to the mattress 102. The positioning of the strap can be 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36 inches and/or any measurement in between from an end of the mattress 102. The strap 106 can be sewn into the opposing sides of the mattress cover. The strap 106 can be fused into the opposing sides of the mattress cover 104. The strap 106 can be connected to the opposing sides of the mattress cover 104 with a plurality of fasteners. The straps 106 can be integral to the mattress cover 104 such that the straps 106 and mattress cover 104 can be machine washable without disassociating the mattress cover 104 from the straps 106. As seen in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the straps 106 and mattress cover 104 are connected on an underside 108 of the mattress 102.

FIG. 2 displays an embodiment of the present invention with a tapered strap 110. The tapered strap 110 can be arranged such that connection points of the tapered strap 110 has a width preferentially configured to attach to a wider distance on both sides of the mattress cover 104 with the tapered strap 110. The tapered strap can be tapered such that about the midsection of the tapered strap 110 the width at about the midsection is less than the wider distance of attachment points. The wider attachment point of the tapered strap 110 with the mattress cover 104 can allow for mitigating movement of the mattress cover 104 over the mattress 102.

Turning to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present invention is shown with crisscross straps 112. The crisscross straps can be configurable to provide tension between opposing sides of the mattress cover 104 to minimize movement of the mattress cover 104 over the mattress 102. The crisscross straps can be configured to apply tension in two dimensions between opposing ends of the mattress cover 104. The positioning between attachment points of the crisscross straps 112 can be 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 36 inches apart and/or any measurement in between. The attachment points of the crisscross straps 112 can be positionable on the mattress cover 104 to provide mitigating tension forces to counteract movement on top of the mattress cover that would tend to displace the mattress cover 104 position over the mattress.

As best seen in FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present invention illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an additional top strap 116. The strap 114 is preferentially placed near the foot of the mattress 102 and the top strap 116 is placed near the top of the mattress 102. The positioning of the top strap can be 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36 inches and/or any measurement in between from a top of the mattress 102.

FIG. 5 displays a side cross sectional view of a strap 200 in an embodiment of the present invention. The strap 200 can include a low friction coating 118 on an underside of the strap 200 such that movement between a surface of a box spring or surface upon which the mattress sits will allow movement of the mattress 102 and mattress cover 104 without relative movement between the mattress 102 and the mattress cover 104. The strap can include an elastic layer 120 configured to provide tension between opposing ends of the mattress cover 104. Further, the strap 200 can include an interlayer 122. The interlayer 122 providing a medium to connect static friction enhancing nubs 124 to the elastic layer 120. The friction enhancing nubs provide enhanced high static friction between the mattress 102 and the mattress cover 104 so as to minimize relative movement between the mattress 102 and the mattress cover 104.

As best seen in FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present invention is shown displaying the system 100 with a mattress cover 104 and a top sheet 126 with a connecting strap 128 connecting opposing sides of the top sheet 126 on an underside 108 of the mattress 102. the connecting strap may be 1/16, ⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 inches wide and/or any measurement in between. The connecting straps can be positioned from an end of the mattress 102 and can be ½, ¾, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24, 36 inches and/or any measurement in between from an end of the mattress 102. In embodiments not shown there can be a plurality of connecting straps 128 and/or a plurality of straps 106.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be noted and understood that various modifications and variations can be crafted by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Further it is intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or materials which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein are considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining a mattress cover in position comprising:

a mattress cover;

the mattress cover positionable on a mattress;

at least one strap, wherein the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the mattress cover on an underside of the mattress and wherein the mattress cover and the at least one strap form an integral unitary piece.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one tapered strap.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of crisscross straps.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap positionable near a foot of the mattress and at least another strap positionable near a head of the mattress.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one enhanced friction strap, the at least one enhanced friction strap including a side with high static friction nubs and another side with a low static friction coating.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap is sewn into the mattress cover.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one strap and the at least another strap includes elastic material.

8. An integrated sheet stay system suitable for maintaining a bed top sheet in position comprising:

a bed top sheet;

the bed top sheet positionable on a mattress cover and/or a mattress;

at least one strap, wherein, the at least one strap connects opposing sides of the top sheet on an underside of the mattress and wherein the bed top sheet and the at least one strap form an integral unitary piece.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one tapered strap.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one pair of crisscross straps.

11. The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one strap positionable near a foot of the mattress and at least another strap positionable near a head of the mattress.

12. The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one enhanced friction strap, the at least one enhanced friction strap including a side with high static friction nubs and another side with a low static friction coating.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the at least one strap is sewn into the bed top sheet.

14. The system of claim 8 wherein the at least one strap and the at least another strap includes elastic material.