Box spring grabber

Abstract

A mattress cover for removably cover a mattress having a continuous material having an inner side, outer side, upper side, lower side, right end, and left end; a fastening device having a first end in fixed connection with a first portion of the continuous material and a second end in fixed connection with a second portion of the continuous material; a top elastic strip, in fixed communication with the continuous material substantially parallel to and along the upper side; a bottom elastic strip, in fixed communication with the continuous material substantially parallel to and substantially along the lower side, wherein the inner side, outer side, right side and left side are substantially in communication with the circumferential surface of a mattress, the upper side is substantially in communication with the top surface of the box spring mattress and the lower side is substantially in communication with the bottom surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to covers for mattresses. Specifically, the present invention relates to such covers, which may function to provide easy, decorative cover of the box spring or lower mattress.

[0002] It can be appreciated that the use of sheets, mattress covers and the like have been in use for years and may be considered to be fairly common in modern homes across a wide demographical and economical range. The standard basic bed sheet, known within the art, is essentially comprised of a single and continuous fabric, which typically lays flat against the mattress and is sandwiched between the mattress and the bed frame. In application, significant effort and time is required in lifting the mattress and tucking the sheet under it. More expensive is a variety of fitted sheets, which may include sheets preformed to the shape of the mattress or sheets having elastic portions on the border. These products are simpler to use considering that they fall into shape in application. However, a significant effort is still required in addition to a steeper cost. The current invention aims to alleviate these problems while maintaining the aesthetic quality that is prevalent.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,875 issued to G. A. Piontkowski on Sep. 25, 1956, entitled “Decorative Valances,” discloses removably attachable valance sections joined, or attached, to a box spring by a piece of tape having snap fasteners positioned upon a special box spring cover. The Piontkowski valance requires the removal of the upper mattress for the initial placement of the special box spring cover.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,233 issued to M. Morris on Dec. 28, 1976, entitled “Dust Ruffle,” discloses a center-less dust ruffle extendable, in one embodiment, about the entire perimeter of a lower mattress. The Morris dust ruffle includes fixed, mitered corners, which require the user to initially position the ruffle in its entirety around the bed, without enabling the user to insert and/or remove the ruffle one side at a time. The fixed, mitered corners also prevent the user from altering the position of one side of the ruffle without similarly affecting the other sides.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,097 issued to R. Levinsohn et al. on Feb. 27, 1979, entitled “Dust Ruffle,” discloses an elastic perimeter band comprising strips sandwichable between an upper and lower mattress. Similar to the Morris reference, the Levinsohn et al. bed skirt lacks a center sheet, but also lacks the flexibility to maneuver each skirt piece independent of the skirt as a whole.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,683 issued to R. Gardiner on May 13, 1986, entitled “Zip-On Zip-Off Dust Ruffle,” discloses a dust ruffle attached to a box spring cover member by way of a perimeter zipper fastener. The cover member must be pre-attached to the box spring or lower mattress and does, therefore, not provide for effortless or easy attachment of the dust ruffle to the bed.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,317 issued R. Kallman et al. on Jan. 10, 1989, entitled “Dust Ruffles for a Bed,” discloses a center-less dust ruffle attachable to a box spring or lower mattress via pre-placed fasteners positioned along the edges of such box spring or lower mattress. The Kallman system requires the protrusion of sharp objects into the box spring or lower mattress to keep the dust ruffles in place.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,316 issued to G. R. Whipple on Feb. 28, 1989, entitled “Dust Ruffle,” discloses another center-less dust ruffle comprising integrally connected panel segments. Strip-like seams are used to position and/or reorient placement of the dust ruffle after it has been inserted between the mattress and box spring or lower mattress.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,112 issued to S. J. Bible on Dec. 21, 1993 entitled “Elastic Bed Ruffle,” discloses an elastic, unitary piece of material designed to extend over the upper and lower perimeter of a box spring or lower mattress. The Bible bed ruffle must be stretched over the upper and lower mattresses, and may not be easily inserted between such mattresses one side at a time.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,931 issued to S. Hamilton on Apr. 22, 1997, entitled “Mattress Stabilizing Bedskirt Assembly having Detachably Attachable Skirt Components,” discloses a non-slip grip deck comprised of a non-slip fabric having releasable or detachable fasteners located around the perimeter of the fabric for the mating or cooperation with dust ruffle panels having similar attachment means. The grip deck must be pre-attached to the box spring or lower mattress and does, therefore, not provide for effortless or easy attachment of the dust ruffle as a whole to the bed.

[0011] The prior art also includes some bed skirts that are generally of a one piece construction, but without a center, and tend to simulate a fitted sheet requiring the owner to essentially “fit”, as opposed to “insert” the bed skirt about the perimeter of a bed. Most of these one piece bed skirts further comprise elastic material or perimeter seams, which may tend to further complicate the application and removal of the bed skirt, particularly if the bedding is somewhat large and deep.

[0012] Much of the prior art has attempted to use a skirt to cover the bed frame. However, this may be undesirable for many types of beds (such as beds with drawers underneath, sleigh beds, etc.). Also, many consumers may only want a decorative cover, but may be a bed skirt is too feminine. The prior art, though, has yet to provide a mattress cover that also covers the frame.

[0013] The present inventor, perceived a need to design a mattress cover assembly having elements or components addressing the features of easy insertability, adjustment and removal. Such mattress cover should be preferably a one piece construction, should not require the preparation or pretreatment of the upper or lower mattress, and should not require any strain exertion on the part of the user, as is normally required, for example, during application of an elastic-based fitted sheet onto a mattress. Such mattress cover should also allow for the cover of the frame, yet allow for the underportion of the bed to not be covered. Thus, the present invention, while being similar to a bed skirt, is not a bed skirt. Rather it fulfills the need for a cover for the lower mattress, yet not requiring the removal of the top mattress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is directed to a mattress cover that does not require removal of an upper mattress, is appropriate for many different types of beds and may cover not only the mattress, but also the frame.

[0015] According to a first embodiment, a mattress cover for covering a mattress is disclosed. The mattress rests upon a bed frame and comprises a top surface, bottom surface and circumferential surface. The mattress cover comprising; a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right side and a left side, the continuous material being adapted to stretch to fit over the mattress of a bed as to continuously cover the circumferential surface, while leaving at least a portion of the top surface and bottom surface of the mattress uncovered. The inner side, outer side, right side and left side are substantially in communication with the circumferential surface of the mattress, the upper side is substantially in communication with the top surface of the mattress and the lower side is substantially in communication with the bottom surface of the mattress.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a removably attachable mattress cover for covering a box spring mattress is disclosed, wherein the box spring mattress comprises a top surface, bottom surface, circumferential surface and rests upon a bed frame. The mattress cover having a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right end, and a left end; a fastening device having a first end in fixed connection with a first portion of the continuous material and a second end in fixed connection with a second portion of the continuous material; at least one elastic strip, in fixed communication with the continuous material substantially along the upper side; at least one bottom elastic strip, in fixed communication with the continuous material substantially along the lower side, wherein the inner side, outer side, right side and left side are substantially in communication with the circumferential surface, the upper side is substantially in communication with the top surface of the mattress and the lower side is substantially in communication with the bottom surface, so as to cover the box spring.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment, a removably attachable mattress cover for cover a box spring mattress is disclosed, wherein the box spring mattress comprises a top surface, bottom surface, circumferential surface and rests upon a bed frame, the mattress cover comprising: a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right end, and a left end; at least one flap attached to a portion of the continuous material each flap having a first end fixed to the continuous material and having a plurality of fastening devices for attaching the flap so as to cover a portion of the bed frame; and a fastening device having a first end in fixed connection with a first portion of the continuous material and a second end in fixed connection with a second portion of the continuous material, wherein the inner side, outer side, right side and left side are substantially in communication with the circumferential surface, the upper side is substantially in communication with the top surface of the mattress and the lower side is substantially in communication with the bottom surface, so as cover the box spring.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a mattress cover for covering a mattress is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first piece of fabric of a length greater than the circumferential surface of the mattress; providing an upper side with four portions forming the upper side with a first edge and second edge, the first edge being in continuous communication with the first piece of fabric along the top of the first piece of fabric, the second edge forming an opening along the top portion of the mattress; and providing a lower side with four portions, the four portions forming the lower side with a third edge and fourth edge, the third edge being in continuous communication with the first piece of fabric along the bottom of the first piece of fabric, the fourth edge forming an opening along the bottom portion of the mattress, wherein the first piece of fabric, the upper side and the lower side form a continuous material for covering the circumferential surface of the mattress.

[0019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIGS. 1A and 1B are examples of bed frames which may utilize the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a bed including a mattress cover according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a lower box spring mattress covered with a mattress cover according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 4 is sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a bed including a mattress cover according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the inner side portion of a bed according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bed including a mattress cover according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the left side of a mattress cover with a decorative flap;

[0029] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the bottom side of a mattress cover according to the present invention; and

[0030] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of manufacture according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

[0032] Dust ruffles are useful for many types of beds. They allow owners to store items under the bed, without their being visible. This keeps things organized and clean. However, many individuals own beds (e.g. 6, 8) such as those depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, with drawers (e.g. 7, 9) underneath. Such beds do not allow for a bed skirt to cover the lower mattress without restricting access to the drawers. Also, the drawers are decorative, and it may be desirable to leave them visible. However, the owner may have a box spring that they do not want visible. Many owners do not replace box springs as frequently as they replace the top mattress. Because of this they may be somewhat ugly, torn up, and generally undesirable to have seen. It should be understood that the present invention may be utilized with any type of mattress including twin, full, queen, king, California king, futon and other mattress types. Also, the frames may be of a number of different types including standard, with drawers, canopy, four post, and other frame types. It should also be noted that the mattress cover may be made of a number of different materials including lace, cotton, fur, leather, canvas, denim, metallic, yarn, rayon, satin and synthetic silk.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, which illustrate a first embodiment of the subject mattress cover, a bed 10 includes an upper mattress 11 and a lower box spring mattress 12 supported above the floor by means of frame 13. The mattress cover 20 of the first embodiment basically comprises a continuous material with an upper portion 21, a left side portion 22, right side (not visible), a lower portion 23, inner side 24 and outer side 25. The upper portion 21 is adapted to be disposed between the upper mattress 11 and the lower mattress 12, and is elastically held in place as well as frictionally held in place by the weight of the upper mattress. According to one embodiment, the upper portion 21 is formed of an all elastic material, preferably a fabric material, and includes mitered corners 21A. In order to enable the mattress cover 20 to be placed on the bed 10 between the upper mattress 11 and the lower mattress 12, without removing the upper mattress 11, the upper portion 21 may be stretched or expanded to a size greater than the plan form of the upper mattress 11 so as to enable the mattress cover and portion 21 to be slipped over the upper mattress and then between the upper and lower mattresses to the final position indicated in FIGS. 1 through 3. The left side portion 22 may be made of an all elastic material, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may be formed of a fabric material of a size to conform to the outer peripheral contour of the lower mattress 12. The front, left and side portions may be made of any suitable material providing the desired esthetic effect, as well as the desired functional aspect of assuring the prevention of the accumulation of dust beneath the bed. While the entire continuous material may be elastic, it is also envisioned that there may also be a top elastic strip, adhered to the continuous material substantially parallel to and substantially along the upper side; and a bottom elastic strip, adhered to the continuous material substantially parallel to and substantially the lower side. It is preferred that there be a bottom and top mattress. However, the present invention may be used where there is only a top mattress to further decorate the bed and keep the fitted sheet secure.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, it is noted that preferably the width of the upper portion 21 is uniform about the periphery of the lower mattress 12, and is of sufficient width to insure that it is frictionally retained in place by the weight of the upper mattress bearing against the partial platform portion 21. As contrasted to conventional dust ruffle covers, it is noted that less material is required in the subject mattress cover 20 in that it only partially covers the top surface 14 of the lower mattress 12, whereas conventional dust ruffles generally cover the entire top surface 14.

[0035] As is readily apparent, in use, it is merely necessary for the housekeeper to reach between the mattresses and expand the upper portion to a sufficient width to enable the mattress cover to fit around the circumferential surface 27 to be removed by passage over the upper mattress 11. The circumferential surface 27 is the surface around the entire mattress (top or bottom) including the sides. In like manner, it is readily simple for the housekeeper to replace the mattress cover 20 by merely expanding the upper portion 21 over the upper mattress 11, and thence between the upper and lower mattresses to the final position indicated in FIG. 2. There is no need to undertake the lifting of the heavy upper mattress 11 in order to remove and replace the subject mattress cover 20.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate embodiment of subject invention wherein the upper side 41 is formed by four L-shaped elastic corner portions 42 interconnecting four non-stretchable fabric portions 43. It is not necessary to have mitered corners in the L-shaped elastic corners 42. The mattress cover illustrated in FIG. 3 also includes continuous inner, outer, right, left, top and bottom portions as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict an alternate embodiment, wherein the bed frame includes drawers, and there is a fastening device 30 along the upper side 21, inner side (See FIG. 4, 24) and lower side (See FIG. 4, 23). Inner side 24 and lower side 23 are not visible. As in the previous embodiment, the bed is designated by the numeral 10 and includes an upper mattress 11 and a lower box spring mattress 12 supported above the floor by means of frame 13. The number 29 is intended to depict the piece of fabric that surrounds the circumferential surface of the mattress, and has a top 70 and a bottom (not visible). The mattress cover 20 of the second embodiment basically comprises an upper portion 21, a left side portion 22, right side (not visible), a lower portion, inner side, outer side, and optionally a fastening device 30. The upper portion 21 is adapted to be disposed between the upper mattress 11 and the lower mattress 12, and is elastically held in place as well as frictionally held in place by the weight of the upper mattress. According to one embodiment, the upper portion 21 is formed of an all elastic material, preferably a fabric material, and includes mitered corners 21A. In order to enable the mattress cover 20 to be placed on the bed 10 between the upper mattress 11 and the lower mattress 12, without removing the upper mattress 11, the mattress cover 20 may be wrapped around the upper mattress 11, and a first end of the fastening device attached to a second end of the fastening device.

[0038] FIGS. 8-10 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, there is a flap 64 along the left side 22, to cover a portion of the bed frame 13. FIG. 9 depicts the flap 64 in an upward position, and unattached to the mattress cover 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the flap is sewn to the mattress cover along edge 60. There may be button holes 62 along the mattress cover 20. When the flap 64 is lowered, the button holes 62 may be secured to buttons 65 located on the bottom side 23. FIG. 10 is a bottom side view of the mattress cover 20, without the flap 64 attached. It is intended to depict that the flap 64 may be folded over the frame and attached to the buttons 65 on the button side 23. It should be understood that a number of means may be used to secure the flap 65 to the mattress cover 20. This may include Velcro®, snap and hook, zippers, etc.

[0039] The present invention also envisions a method of manufacturing a mattress cover as depicted in FIG. 11. The method comprising the steps of: step 110 providing a first piece of fabric (this is the piece of fabric formed from the inner side 24, left side 22, outer side 25, and right side 26) of a length greater than the circumferential surface 27 of the mattress; step 112 providing an upper side 21 with four portions forming the upper side with a first edge and second edge 72, the first edge being in continuous communication with the first piece of fabric along the top 70 of the first piece of fabric 29, the second edge forming an opening along the top portion 12 of the mattress; and step 114 providing a lower side with four portions, the four portions forming the lower side with a third edge and fourth edge, the third edge being in continuous communication with the first piece of fabric along the bottom 74 of the first piece of fabric 29, the fourth edge forming an opening along the bottom portion 14 of the mattress, wherein the first piece of fabric 29, the upper side 21 and the lower side 23 form a continuous material for covering the circumferential surface 27 of the mattress.

[0040] The method of manufacturing may also include the step 116 of providing a fastening device 30 with a first end 80 and a second end 82, said first end 80 being fixedly attached to a first portion 84 of the continuous material and the second end 82 being fixedly attached to a second portion 86 of the continuous material, so as to allow for a mattress cover that may be wrapped around and attached to the mattress by attaching the first end 80 to the second end 82 of the fastening device 30 (as depicted in FIG. 6). It should be understood that the term continuous material is intended to imply that when the material is covering the mattress is appears continuous. There may be portions that are formed of materials attached to another fixedly and removably.

[0041] The method of manufacturing a mattress cover may further comprise the step 118 of: providing at least one flap 64 with a fixed edge 60 and at least one attachable end (where the button holes 62 are) the flap 64 being of a size suitable to cover a portion of a bed frame 68 and being adapted to fold over a portion 68 of the bed frame and the attachable end being attached so as to cover the portion 69 of the bed frame. FIG. 8 depicts the flap 64 folded and attached. FIG. 9 depicts the flap in an unattached position and lifted up. FIG. 10 depicts the lower side of the continuous material, and the bottom surface of the bed. The button holes 62 are attached to the bottoms 66 to provide a cover for the portion 68 of the bed frame. It should be understood that bed frames come in many varieties and the portion of the bed frame may be along the lower side in a number of places.

[0042] It can be seen that the objects set forth above are effectively obtained, and certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended that matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A mattress cover for cover a mattress, wherein said mattress rests upon a bed frame and comprises a top surface, bottom surface and circumferential surface, said mattress cover comprising;

a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right side and a left side, said continuous material being adapted to stretch to fit over said mattress of a bed as to continuously cover said circumferential surface, while leaving at least a portion of said top surface and said bottom surface of said mattress uncovered,

wherein said inner side, said outer side, said right side and said left side are substantially in communication with said circumferential surface, said upper side is substantially in communication with said top surface of said mattress and said lower side is substantially in communication with said bottom surface.

2. A mattress cover as in claim 1, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

3. A mattress cover as in claim 1, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

4. A mattress cover as in claim 1, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

5. A mattress cover as in claim 1, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

6. A mattress cover as in claim 1, further comprising a fastening device, having a first end in fixed connection a first portion of said continuous material and a second end in fixed connection a second portion of said continuous material, wherein said fastening device secures said continuous material around said circumferential surface of said mattress.

7. A mattress cover as in claim 6, wherein said fastening device is chosen from the group consisting of zippers, buttons, velcro and latch-and-hooks.

8. A mattress cover as in claim 1, further comprising:

a top elastic strip fixed to said continuous material substantially parallel to and substantially along said upper side; and

a bottom elastic strip fixed to said continuous material substantially parallel to and substantially along said lower side of said continuous material.

9. A mattress cover as in claim 1, further comprising a flap attached to a portion of said continuous material said flap having a first end fixed to said continuous material and having a plurality of fastening devices for attaching said flap so as to cover a portion of said bed frame.

10. A removably attachable mattress cover for cover a box spring mattress, wherein said box spring mattress comprises a top surface, bottom surface, circumferential surface and rests upon a bed frame, said mattress cover comprising;

a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right end, and a left end;

a fastening device having a first end in fixed connection with a first portion of said continuous material and a second end in fixed connection with a second portion of said continuous material;

at least one elastic strip, in fixed communication with said continuous material substantially along said upper side;

at least one bottom elastic strip, in fixed communication with said continuous material substantially along said lower side,

wherein said inner side, said outer side, said right side and said left side are substantially in communication with said circumferential surface, said upper side is substantially in communication with said top surface of said mattress and said lower side is substantially in communication with said bottom surface, so as cover said box spring.

11. A mattress cover as in claim 10, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

12. A mattress cover as in claim 10, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

13. A mattress cover as in claim 10, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

14. A mattress cover as in claim 10, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

15. A mattress cover as in claim 10, further comprising at least one flap attached to a portion of said continuous material each said flap having a first end fixed to said continuous material and having a plurality of fastening devices for attaching said flap so as to cover a portion of said bed frame.

16. A removably attachable mattress cover for cover a box spring mattress, wherein said box spring mattress comprises a top surface, bottom surface, circumferential surface and rests upon a bed frame;

a continuous material having an inner side, an outer side, an upper side, a lower side, a right end, and a left end;

at least one flap attached to a portion of said continuous material each said flap having a first end fixed to said continuous material and having a plurality of fastening devices for attaching said flap so as to cover a portion of said bed frame; and

a fastening device having a first end in fixed connection with a first portion of said continuous material and a second end in fixed connection with a second portion of said continuous material,

wherein said inner side, said outer side, said right side and said left side are substantially in communication with said circumferential surface, said upper side is substantially in communication with said top surface of said mattress and said lower side is substantially in communication with said bottom surface, so as cover said box spring.

17. A mattress cover as in claim 16, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

18. A mattress cover as in claim 16, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four mitered corners.

19. A mattress cover as in claim 16, wherein said upper side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

20. A mattress cover as in claim 16, wherein said lower side is further comprised of four L-shaped elastic corner portions.

21. A method of manufacturing a mattress cover for covering a mattress, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a first piece of fabric, said first piece of fabric being of a length greater than the circumferential surface of said mattress;

providing an upper side with four portions, said four portions forming said upper side with a first edge and second edge, said first edge being in continuous communication with said first piece of fabric along the top of said first piece of fabric, said second edge forming an opening along the top portion of said mattress; and

providing a lower side with four portions, said four portions forming said lower side with a third edge and fourth edge, said third edge being in continuous communication with said first piece of fabric along the bottom of said first piece of fabric, said fourth edge forming an opening along the bottom portion of said mattress,

wherein said first piece of fabric, said upper side and said lower side form a continuous material for covering the circumferential surface of said mattress.

22. A method of manufacturing a mattress cover as in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

providing a fastening device with a first end and a second end, said first end being fixedly attached to a first portion of said continuous material and said second end being fixedly attached to a second portion of said continuous material, so as to allow for a mattress cover that may be wrapped around and attached to said mattress by attaching said first end to said second end of said fastening device.

23. A method of manufacturing a mattress cover as in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

providing at least one flap with a fixed edge and at least one attachable end, said flap being of a size suitable to cover a portion of a bed frame and being adapted to fold over said portion of said bed frame and said attachable end being attached so as to cover said portion of said bed frame.