COMFORTER AND SHEET BEDDING SYSTEM
A bedding system includes a comforter and at least one sheet. One of the comforter and the sheet includes a fastening element and/or a flap adapted to work in conjunction with features of the other to hold the sheet against the comforter. The sheet may include apertures facilitating reversible coupling of first and second parts of comforter fastening elements, to hold the sheet against the comforter.
This application is claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/939,444, titled COMFORTER AND SHEET BEDDING SYSTEM, filed May 22, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention is related to bedclothes and more particularly to bedding systems.
BACKGROUNDComforters have long been used in layering over sheets and/or blankets to give added warmth for sleeping. To provide comfort, as well as insulation, comforters typically include a goose down or synthetic fill, or a wool, cotton, or synthetic batting enclosed by a shell, which may be formed by sewn-together top and bottom panels.
Light-weight comforters of durable and water-resistant construction, being compactable for packing in tight spaces, are desirable, particularly to frequent travelers. Due to the relatively slippery and ‘un-breathing’ nature of tightly woven synthetic micro-fibers, which may be used to form durable and water-resistant panels of such comforters, the traveler may pack a sheet to use as a softer and/or a more breathable interface between himself and the comforter.
BRIEF SUMMARYEmbodiments of the present invention include bedding systems wherein a sheet and a comforter are reversibly attached to one another such that the sheet extends along a panel of the comforter to provide a more comfortable interface for a person resting beneath the comforter.
According to one aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention, a comforter includes a pair of fastening elements, one of the pair being disposed in proximity to a first perimeter edge of the comforter, and another of the pair disposed in proximity to a second perimeter edge, which is opposite the first edge. A sheet adapted to be held against a bottom panel of the comforter, by means of the fastening elements, includes a pair of apertures extending through the sheet; one of the apertures is disposed adjacent a first perimeter edge of the sheet, and the other is disposed adjacent an opposite perimeter edge, so that the apertures may be simultaneously aligned with the fastening elements of the comforter, which each include first and second parts adapted for reversible coupling with one another through the apertures of the sheet.
According to another aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention, a sheet includes a secured end flap joined across a length of a first perimeter edge of the sheet and joined along a portion of opposing perimeter edges of the sheet, which each extend from the first perimeter edge. The secured end flap allows insertion of a perimeter edge of a comforter therein such that a top panel of the comforter is disposed against an inner surface of the flap and a length of the sheet extends at least along a length of the comforter, being disposed against a bottom panel of the comforter. Such a system may further include a second sheet that includes the same type of secured end flap so that another perimeter edge of the comforter, opposite the edge inserted within the flap of the first sheet, may be inserted within the flap of the second sheet; thus, the second sheet may extend below the first sheet to provide a space therebetween for a person to rest upon the second sheet and beneath the first sheet and the comforter. Alternately, a sheet which includes the secured end flap, as described above, may further include a secured central flap joined along and between the opposing perimeter edges of the sheet; the central flap is disposed at a distance from the end flap such that the other perimeter edge of the comforter may be inserted therein. Sheets including the end flap and the central flap may further include a first length extending between the flaps and a second length extending beyond the central flap to be folded back beneath the first length in order to provide a space therebetween for person to rest upon the second length of the sheet and beneath the first length of the sheet and the comforter.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
According to the illustrated embodiment, when sheet 20 is placed in apposition to bottom panel 12 of comforter 10, each aperture 215, 216, 217, 225, 226 and 227 may be aligned with second part 2 of a corresponding fastening element 121-126, such that when flaps 111-116 are folded over, first part 1 of each fastening element 121-126 reversibly couples with second part 2, through the corresponding aperture of sheet 20, thereby holding sheet 20 against bottom panel 12 of comforter 10, for example, to form a bedding system 120 as illustrated in
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, in order to make comforter 10 durable and water-resistant, panels 12 and 14 are formed by fairly tightly woven yarns 245, for example, as illustrated in
Referring back to
Referring to
In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A bedding system, comprising:
- a comforter including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge, a top panel and a bottom panel, each panel extending between the perimeter edges;
- a first fastening element disposed in proximity to the first perimeter edge of the comforter;
- a second fastening element disposed in proximity to the second perimeter edge of the comforter; and
- a sheet including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge, a first aperture extending through the sheet and disposed adjacent to the first perimeter edge, and a second aperture extending through the sheet and disposed adjacent to the second perimeter edge;
- the first and second apertures further disposed for simultaneous alignment with the first and second fastening elements, respectively, when the sheet is placed against the bottom panel of the comforter, so that the fastening elements may hold the sheet against the bottom panel of the comforter; and
- wherein the first and second fastening elements each include first and second parts adapted for reversible coupling with one another through the apertures of the sheet.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second parts of each of the first and second fastening elements is coupled to the bottom panel of the comforter.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fastening element comprises:
- a first flap and a second flap, each flap including an inner surface facing the bottom panel of the comforter, when the flaps are closed, the first flap joined in proximity to the first perimeter edge of the comforter and extending to a first flap free end, which is disposed between the first and second perimeter edges of the comforter, when the first flap is closed, the second flap joined in proximity to the second perimeter edge of the comforter and extending to a second flap free end, which is disposed between the first and second perimeter edges of the comforter and spaced apart from the first flap free end, when the second flap is closed; and
- wherein the first part of each of the first and second fastening elements is coupled to the first and second flap, respectively; and
- the second part of each of the first and second fastening elements is coupled to the bottom panel of the comforter in proximity to the first and second flap, respectively.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second flaps are each joined along a length of the comforter which is less than an overall length of the first and second perimeter edges of the comforter.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the length along which the flaps are joined is less than half of the overall length of the first and second perimeter edges.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second flaps is joined along a middle section of the first and second perimeter edge, respectively.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second flaps is joined in proximity to an end of the first and second perimeter edge, respectively.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein an area defined by the perimeter edges of the sheet is no greater than an area defined by the perimeter edges of the comforter.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the area defined by the perimeter edges of the sheet is approximately equal to the area defined by the perimeter edges of the comforter.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein:
- the comforter further includes a third perimeter edge extending from the first comforter perimeter edge to the second comforter perimeter edge, and a fourth perimeter edge, opposite the third comforter perimeter edge, and extending from the first comforter perimeter edge to the second comforter perimeter edge;
- the sheet further includes a third perimeter edge extending from the first sheet perimeter edge to the second sheet perimeter edge, and a fourth perimeter edge, opposite the third sheet perimeter edge, and extending from the first sheet perimeter edge to the second sheet perimeter edge; and
- a length from the third sheet perimeter edge to the fourth sheet perimeter edge is greater than a length from the third comforter perimeter edge to the fourth comforter perimeter edge.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures are recessed within the first and second perimeter edges, respectively, of the sheet.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet further includes a reinforcing trim extending along the first and second perimeter edges of the sheet adjacent the first and second apertures.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein:
- the comforter further includes a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge of the comforter to the second perimeter edge of the comforter;
- the sheet further includes a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge of the sheet to the second perimeter edge of the sheet; and
- further comprising a secured end flap joined along the first, second and third sheet perimeter edges of the sheet, the end flap including an inner surface facing a first side of the sheet and an opening allowing insertion of the third comforter perimeter edge therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the end flap and the first side of the sheet is disposed against the bottom panel of the comforter.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein:
- the secured end flap further includes a third aperture extending therethrough; and
- further comprising a third fastening element disposed along the top panel of the comforter in proximity to the third aperture when the comforter is inserted within the secured end flap;
- the third fastening element including first and second parts adapted for reversible coupling with one another through the third aperture.
15. The system of claim 14, further comprising:
- a flap joined to the top panel of the comforter and including an inner surface facing the top panel of the comforter, when the flap is closed; and
- wherein the first part of the third fastening element is coupled to the flap, and the second part of the third fastening element is coupled to the top panel of the comforter in proximity to the flap.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein:
- the comforter further includes a fourth perimeter edge opposing the third perimeter edge of the comforter and extending from the first perimeter edge of the comforter to the second perimeter edge of the comforter;
- the sheet further includes a fourth perimeter edge opposing the third perimeter edge of the sheet and extending from the first perimeter edge of the sheet to the second perimeter edge of the sheet; and
- a length from the third to the fourth perimeter edge of the sheet, is greater than a length from the third to fourth perimeter edge of the comforter; and
- further comprising a secured central flap joined along and between the first and second perimeter edges of the sheet, the central flap being disposed between the secured end flap and the fourth perimeter edge of the sheet, and including an inner surface facing a first side of the sheet, and an opening facing the opening of the end flap;
- the opening of the central flap allowing insertion of the fourth comforter perimeter edge therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the central flap and the first side of the sheet is disposed against the bottom panel of the comforter.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein a length from the fourth perimeter edge of the sheet to the junction of the central flap is approximately equal to the length from the third perimeter edge of the comforter to the fourth perimeter edge of the comforter.
18. The system of claim 3, wherein the comforter is symmetrical about a line extending across the comforter from the first flap to the second flap.
19. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second apertures of the sheet are aligned with one another and the first and second flaps of the comforter are aligned with one another.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom panels of the comforter are coupled together by a stitched seam extending along each of the perimeter edges of the comforter, the seam further coupling a piping to the top and bottom panels of the comforter, the piping extending along the comforter perimeter edges.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the stitched seam includes gaps between the top and bottom panels, the gaps allowing air to flow out from between the top and bottom panels when the top and bottom panels are forced together.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom panels of the comforter each comprise a thermoplastic material.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the comforter further comprises a fill material held between the top and bottom panels of the comforter.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom panels of the comforter are coupled together by a first plurality of spaced apart stitched seams extending between the first and second perimeter edges of the comforter and a second plurality of spaced apart stitched seams extending approximately parallel with the first and second perimeter edges of the comforter and approximately orthogonal to the first plurality of stitched seams.
25. A bedding system, comprising:
- a comforter including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge, a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge to the second perimeter edge, a top panel and a bottom panel, each panel extending between the perimeter edges;
- a first fastening element disposed in proximity to the first perimeter edge of the comforter;
- a second fastening element disposed in proximity to the second perimeter edge of the comforter;
- a first sheet including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge of the sheet, a first aperture extending through the first sheet and disposed adjacent to the first perimeter edge of the sheet, and a second aperture extending through the first sheet and disposed adjacent to the second perimeter edge of the sheet;
- the first and second apertures disposed for simultaneous alignment with the first and second fastening elements, respectively, when the sheet is placed against the bottom panel of the comforter so that the fastening elements may hold the sheet against the bottom panel of the comforter;
- a second sheet including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge of the second sheet, and a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge of the second sheet to the second perimeter edge of the second sheet; and
- a secured end flap joined along an entire length of the third perimeter edge of the second sheet and along a fraction of a length of the first and second perimeter edges of the second sheet, the end flap including an inner surface facing a first side of the second sheet and an opening allowing insertion of the third comforter perimeter edge therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the end flap.
26. A bedding system, comprising:
- a comforter including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge, a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge to the second perimeter edge, a top panel, and a bottom panel, each panel extending between the perimeter edges;
- a first sheet including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge of the first sheet, and a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge of the first sheet to the second perimeter edge of the first sheet; and
- a first secured end flap joined along an entire length of the third perimeter edge of the first sheet and along a fraction of a length of each of the first and second perimeter edges of the first sheet, the first end flap including an inner surface facing a first side of the first sheet, and an opening allowing insertion of the third perimeter edge of the comforter therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the first end flap, and the first side of the first sheet is disposed against the bottom panel of the comforter.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the comforter further includes a fourth perimeter edge opposing the third perimeter edge of the comforter and extending from the first perimeter edge of the comforter to the second perimeter edge of the comforter, and further comprising:
- a second sheet including a first perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge opposing the first perimeter edge of the second sheet, and a third perimeter edge extending from the first perimeter edge of the second sheet to the second perimeter edge of the second sheet; and
- a second secured end flap joined along an entire length of the third perimeter edge of the second sheet and along a fraction of a length of each of the first and second perimeter edges of the second sheet, the second end flap including an inner surface facing a first side of the second sheet, and an opening allowing insertion of the fourth perimeter edge of the comforter therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the second end flap and the first side of the second sheet is disposed against a second side of the first sheet.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the fraction of the length of the first and second perimeter edges of the first sheet is less than one half.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein:
- the comforter further includes a fourth perimeter edge opposite the third perimeter edge of the comforter and extending from the first perimeter edge of the comforter to the second perimeter edge of the comforter;
- the first sheet further includes a fourth perimeter edge opposite the third perimeter edge of the first sheet and extending from the first perimeter edge of the first sheet to the second perimeter edge of the first sheet; and
- a length from the third to the fourth perimeter edge of the first sheet is greater than a length from the third to the fourth perimeter edge of the comforter; and
- further comprising a secured central flap joined along and between the first and second perimeter edges of the first sheet, the central flap being disposed between the first secured end flap and the fourth perimeter edge of the first sheet and including an inner surface facing the first side of the first sheet, and an opening facing the opening of the end flap;
- the opening of the central flap allowing insertion of the fourth comforter perimeter edge therein, such that the top panel of the comforter is disposed against the inner surface of the central flap and the first side of the first sheet is disposed against the bottom panel of the comforter.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein a length from the fourth perimeter edge of the first sheet to the junction of the central flap is approximately equal to the length from the third perimeter edge of the comforter to the fourth perimeter edge of the comforter.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein:
- the first secured end flap further includes an aperture extending therethrough; and
- further comprising a fastening element disposed along the top panel of the comforter in proximity to the aperture, when the comforter is inserted within the secured end flap;
- the fastening element including first and second parts adapted for reversible coupling with one another through the aperture.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising:
- a flap joined to the top panel of the comforter and including an inner surface facing the top panel, when the flap is closed; and
- wherein the first part of the fastening element is coupled to the flap, and the second part of the fastening element is coupled to the top panel of the comforter in proximity to the flap.
Type: Application
Filed: May 22, 2008
Publication Date: Mar 19, 2009
Inventor: Michael J. Hall (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/125,467
International Classification: A47G 9/00 (20060101); A47G 9/02 (20060101);