Drawstring system and method for bedding/bed-sheets and storing sheets

Abstract

An adjustable bed sheet that can be laid out in a flat rectangle or square and easily folded thereby efficiently stored—which includes a drawstring within the periphery of the sheet allowing the sheet to be drawn tight about mattresses of varying sizes and geometries.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

I claim the benefits and priority to my Provisional Patent Application titled Drawstring System and Method for Bedding/Bed-Sheets, Ser. No. 60874696, filed on Dec. 14, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general art of bedding, and to the particular field of bed sheeting arrangements and the storage.

The traditional flat sheet in application is affixed to the upper mattress by tucking same beneath the mattress in effort to stabilize the sheet during use. This customary arrangement provides a degree of stability which often allows the sheet to shift under normal use and even to dislodge from the mattress when exposed to more active use.

One alternative to the ‘tucked under’ flat-sheet is the fitted-sheet. A fitted sheet generally includes a body having side and end portions which side and end portions fit around the sides and ends of a mattress so the fitted sheet encases the mattress. Unlike the flat-sheet the fitted-sheets frequently have an elastic band along the outermost edge which can be pulled over and placed under the mattress.

However, fitted sheets are notably more difficult to fold and to store than the flat sheet because of the contours created via the sheets construction. These contours (typically sewn into the fitted sheet) make fitted sheets impossible to lay flat. Other versions of fitted sheets replace the elastic with a drawstring(s) in efforts to prevent the sheet from shifting during use. Here again, because the sewn in contours remain, there is more difficulty in storage and folding compared to flat sheets.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Bedding comes in many different sizes and shapes. Fitted sheets for such mattresses have had to be custom made or they would not fit properly. As a result, users buy special sheets for each mattress size and contour. Moreover, the additional sewing to achieve the contours in fitted sheets add cost to production.

This invention relates to bed sheets and will have application to a flat sheet which is adjustable to snugly fit many sizes and shapes of mattresses. The invention of record can be easily folded, stored in a more uniformed manner and is less expensive to produce than other similar fitted and or draw stringed sheets because the pattern used in the production process for the invention of record requires only straight cuts.

The bed sheet of this invention includes two drawstrings enclosed within a border of the sheet. The bed sheet of this invention can be adjusted prior to being placed on the mattress. To pre-adjust—the drawstrings are be pulled on one (either) side of the sheet (adjusted for the particular mattress) and tied or secured to retain the adjustment. Next, the adjusted side is placed over one side of the mattress and the second side is placed over the remainder of the mattress. Finally, the second pair of drawstrings are pulled taut causing all of the bed sheet corners to firmly fit against the mattress—creating a tight, aesthetically pleasant bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been depicted for illustrative purposes only wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the rectangular version of the bed sheet of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the bed sheet in use.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the drawstrings exiting the channel (without a spring loaded cinching device) seen within circle 6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of the drawstrings exiting the channel with a spring loaded cinching device.

FIGS. 11 and 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the bed sheet of this invention seen under a top cover, tucked in place as it would be in normal use.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to utilize its teachings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bed sheet 4 constructed according to the teachings of this invention. Sheet 4 is constructed of conventional fabric material and includes a peripheral band/hem 3 sewn onto the sheet creating a channel for the drawstring(s). It should be noted that the sheet of invention 4 shown in the drawing is adaptable to fit various sizes of mattress. The overall geometries of the sheet of invention are offered only as an example of the concept and are not limiting as to the construction of the sheet.

FIGS. 1 illustrate sheet 4 in the laid out flat position which is a distinct advantage over conventional fitted sheets.

Drawstrings 1A & 2A are fitted within an interior channel defined in a non-elastic band 3. Since each drawstring 1A & 2A are substantially continuous about one half of the outer periphery (within the aforementioned channel) of the sheet of invention 4, drawstrings 1A & 2A can function to tighten or cinch the sheet tight about the various mattress sizes. Drawstrings 1A & 2A terminates in four exposed ends 1B, and 2B which extend through a locking device 8, typically a spring loaded catch of conventional design or, the exposed ends 1B, and 2B simple exit FIG. 6 the channel/hem 3 without said locking device 8, whereby the drawstring ends can be “tied off” in a secure manner. Respectfully, the locking device 8 can be drawn close against drawstrings 1A & 2A thereby cinching to prevent the slippage and bunching of sheet 4 on the mattress 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates sheet 4 in use on a rectangular mattress 10. Sheet 4 is fitted over the bed mattress 10 in a conventional fashion and, the drawstrings 1A & 2A may be pulled taught and locked by a device 8 or by “tying off”, using one of various knotting methods, to ensure a firm fit.

FIG. 11 and 12 is an exploded, perspective view of the bed sheet of this invention seen under a top cover (tucked in its customary position). Because the drawstring sheet of this invention 10 is, by design, less likely to dislodge from the top mattress it 4, working in conjunction with the bottom mattress, provides a more stable environment for the next uppermost layer of linen 14, shown covering the drawstring sheet 4 (customarily tucked between the drawstring sheet 4 and the top surface of the bottom bedspring/mattress 13 and commonly referred to as the “top sheet” or “cover” 14).

It is understood that the above description does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, but may be modified within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A bed sheet having the ability to be configured to tightly fit in a secure manner, via its drawstring actuation, various geometries/sizes of mattresses while embodying the ability to be laid out in a flat rectangle or square and, thereby it can be folded easily as to be stored in an efficient, uniform and convenient manner.

2. An adjustable bed sheet which is efficient and economical to produce

3. A bed sheet that can be partially pre-adjusted (prior to application) thereby reducing the time and effort involved in “making-up” a bed.

4. A bed sheet that provides a more stable surface interface for the next uppermost layer of linen (covering the invention of record)—customarily tucked between the invention of record and the top surface of the bottom bedspring/mattress, commonly referred to as the “top sheet” or “cover” or “coversheet”.