Bed Covering Systems With Multiple Warmth Characteristics

Abstract

A bed covering system for more than one user is capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each user. The bed covering system includes a first cover having an upper portion, a lower portion and an inner edge, the upper portion having a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% percent of the aggregate length of the upper and lower portions when positioned upon an upper surface of a matters, the first cover having a first thermal characteristic. Included is a second cover having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an inner edge, the upper portion having a like ratio of length to the lower portion as that of the first cover, the second cover having a second thermal characteristic, an overlapping portion formed by the upper portions of each of the first and second covers, each upper portion proportioned for folding upon an opposing edge of an opposite upper portion of an opposite cover, respective inner edges of the upper portions of each cover, when folded within or upon each other, producing a longitudinal geometry having a like length to the length of each upper portion of each cover.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bed covering for more than one user and more particularly to a bed covering capable of providing different warmth characteristics to the users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the problems with sharing a bed with another person is that the two people seldom desire the same warmth characteristics. Oftentimes there is a subconscious battle over the amount of coverage of each by the bed covering, or “blanket snatching,” as one or both people desire more or less warmth or coverage during sleeping.

Many attempts and/or designs have been provided to try and overcome this problem. For example, dual controlled electric blankets, often used in Canada, are known in the art, which allow for the users to adjust the amount of heating of their blanket on their side of the bed. However, these blankets can be quite costly and do not allow for one of the users to cool down should they become too hot during the night.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,730,728 to Roberts; U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,776 to Quenneville; U.S. Pat. No. 2,689,961 to Lieberthal and U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,043 to Fabian, directed to bed coverings which are split partway down the center portion to allow one of the users to remove a portion of the covering from their body during the night should they become overheated. However, each of these prior coverings has several disadvantages. For example, each covering requires mechanical connecting means for the joining of the two halves of the covering. Therefore, should one become overheated during the night, he would have to wake-up to unfasten the connecting means and possibly disturb the other user. Furthermore, since the coverings are not split substantially along the entire length of the bed, the users are not able to readily adjust the amount of overlap or coverage thereof without disturbing the other user. Some solutions do not allow for a sufficient amount of overlap of the two halves to ensure sufficient coverage of both users. The covering in the patent to Quenneville is designed so that only one of the users may remove a portion of their covering without disturbing the other user.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a bed covering which allows for different warmth characteristics for the users, including substantially complete removal of the covering therefrom, and which coverage may readily be adjusted for one or both of the users during the night without undue disturbance to the other user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bed covering system for more than one user is capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each respective user. The covering system comprises a first cover having an upper portion, a lower portion and an inner edge thereof, said upper portion having a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% percent of the aggregate length of said upper and lower portions as positioned upon an upper surface of a mattress upon which the bed covering system is used, said upper portion having a greater width than said lower portion, the first cover having a first thermal characteristic; a second cover having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an inner edge thereof, the upper portion having a like ratio of length thereof to the lower portion as that of said first cover, said second cover having a second thermal characteristic, the inner edge of said second cover positioned in opposing relationship to the first cover, an overlapping portion formed by the upper portions of each of the first and second covers, the inner edges of each upper portion proportioned for folding within or upon an opposing edge of an opposite upper portion of an opposite cover, respective inner edges of the upper portions of each cover, when folded within or upon each other, producing a longitudinal geometry having a like length to the length of each upper portion of each cover; and a joined region securing the respective bottom portions of each of the first and second covers to each other, said joined region having a length allowing removal of the top potion of either or both of the covers, the joined region further having a length sufficient to secure an end portion thereof along a vertical end surface of the mattress and also underneath a bottom surface of the mattress at a foot of the bed sufficiently to secure the lower portion of each cover.

An object of the invention resides in constructing a covering or blanket with a slit, or the like, extending longitudinally thereof for the major portion of the length of said blanket in which each side of the covering exhibits a different thermal or warmth characteristic.

Another object is to provide a blanket with a slit having a slide fastener connected to the edges of the slit portions so as to enable the user thereof to effect a covering for either one or two persons sleeping in a double bed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a covering flap for the top edge of the blanket to enclose the end of the fastening means to prevent the latter from contacting the bodies of the user.

A yet further object is to provide a blanket of the character mentioned which is comparatively simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and one which will be very efficient and useful in operation.

With these and other objects in view, my invention includes the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as is hereinafter referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the inventive bed covering system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment thereof.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional vertical view taken at the foot end of a bed covering system of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 1, there may be seen a first embodiment of a bed covering system 10 of a type adapted for use by more than one person and for use with a bed 12. As noted in the Background of the Invention above, the system is capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each respective user in the manner set forth below.

The inventive bed covering system includes a first cover 14, having an upper portion 16 and a lower portion 18. Said first cover further exhibits an inner edge 20. Therein, as may be noted with further reference to FIG. 1, the upper portion 16 exhibits a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% of the aggregate longitudinal length of the upper and lower portions 16/18 when positioned upon an upper surface of a mattress upon which the bed covering system is to be used. It is noted that an overlap region 22 of said upper portion 16 exhibits a greater transverse width than that of said lower portion 18. Said first cover 14 is also characterized by a first thermal characteristic suitable to the warmth preference of the user sleeping upon the left side of a mattress 12.

The bed covering system 10 further includes a second cover 24 having an upper portion 26 and a lower portion 28, said upper and lower portions having a like ratio of length thereof of the upper to lower portion to that of said first cover 14. Said second cover 24 also exhibits an inner edge 30, shown in phantom, which typically is hidden by said region 22 of the first cover. It is however to be appreciated that various arrangements of inner edge 20 of the first cover relative to inner edge 30 of the second cover are within the scope of the present invention, that is, the appearance of the overlap region 22 would remain unchanged. In other words, regardless of what the folding strategy of the upper portions of the first cover relative to the second cover may be employed, the external appearance of region 22 would remain unchanged.

It is noted that second cover 24 is provided with a second thermal characteristic to accommodate the warmth preference of the individual sleeping upon the right side of mattress 12.

Downwardly of the longitudinal geometry of overlapping region 22 of the system is a joined region 32 which secures the respective lower portions 18 and 28 of each of said first and second covers 14 and 24. Said joined region 32 is provided with a top-to-bottom length sufficiently small to allow removal of the upper portion of either of said covers 14 or 24 by the individual sleeping on that side of the bed without disturbing the other individual. The joined region 32 also assists in assuring that lower portions 18 and 28 respectively of the first and second covers possess sufficient length and stability to securing end portions 34/36 thereof along a vertical end surface or foot of the mattress and also facilitates the tucking of extensions of portions 34 and 38 underneath the bottom of the mattress at the foot thereof, sufficiently to secure said lower portions 18/28 to the mattress even where one or both of the individuals sleeping upon the bed have pushed upper portions 16 and/or 26 over lower regions 18/28 of the bed covering system.

It is to be appreciated that the joining of the parts of joined region 32 may be accomplished in a number of ways including the manner indicated in FIG. 1 as well as with the use of snaps, buttons, VELCRO, or other securing means. However, for purposes of aesthetics, overlapping regions 22 may, as is shown in FIG. 2, be extended to and over the foot 124 of the mattress 12 such that joined region 32, regardless of what its mechanical form may be, is hidden (as is shown in phantom in FIG. 2) such that overlap portion extends along the entire central longitudinal length of the covering system 110 to the foot of the mattress, providing a pleasing overall appearance of the system 110 of FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3 is shown an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in which may be seen the respective first cover 114 and second cover 124 as well as a joined region 132 and overlapping region 122 which, as above noted, covers the horizontal foot 134 of the mattress. In this embodiment overlap region 122 extends downwardly past imaginary transverse line 140 to enable joined region 132 to be fully covered.

Elements 132A represent VELCRO, snaps or buttons that may be used to join left and right covers 114/124 to each other within the joined region 132.

With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a further embodiment 210 of the invention in which respective first and second covers 214 and 224 are, in the upper portions 216 and 226 thereof, joined by a zipper, clips, buttons, VELCRO or the like, such that overlap regions 22 and 122 of prior embodiments is not a part of the system. However, a joined region remains in this embodiment such that an individual sleeping at either side of the bed may readily fold back his or her upper portion without compromise of the integrity of the complete bed covering system 210. In other respects, the embodiment of FIG. 4 follows closely the structure and function as above set forth with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

With reference to the perspective view of FIG. 5, there may be seen a yet further embodiment 310 of the inventive bed covering system for use with a mattress 12. In this embodiment, the inventive bed covering system includes a first cover 314 having an upper portion 316 and a lower portion 318. Said first cover further exhibits an inner edge 320 which, as may be noted in FIG. 5, extends past centerline 321 of the mattress 12. However, in usage with more than one person upon mattress 12, overlapping region 322 optionally folded back substantially to said centerline 321. As in other embodiments, above described, the upper portion exhibits a length in a range of about 70 to about 90 percent of the aggregate longitudinal length of the respective upper and lower portions 316 and 318 when positioned upon the upper surface of the mattress. First cover 314, as in other embodiments, is characterized by a first thermal characteristic, for example, as in the use of a flannel material, suitable to the warmth preference of the user sleeping upon the left side of the bed.

The bed covering system 310 further includes a second cover 324 having an upper portion 326 and a lower portion 328, said upper and lower portions having a like ratio of length thereof of the upper to the lower portion as that of said first cover 314. Said second cover 324 also exhibits an inner edge, namely, edge 329 which, in the view of FIG. 5, is folded co-linearly beneath inner edge 320 of left cover 316, thus forming overlapping region 322, although the relative transverse positions, when of folded, of edges 310 and 329 is selectable to the preference of the users of the system. In other words, edge 320 may be co-linear with edge 329 or edge 320 may be fully or partially folded back toward centerline 321, as may be inner edge 329 of cover 324. It is noted that second cover 324 is provided with the second thermal characteristic, for example, cotton fabric, to accommodate the thermal preference of the individual sleeping upon the right side of the bed or mattress 12.

Downwardly of the longitudinal geometry of overlapping region 322 (as above described) is a joined region 332 which secures respective lower portions 318 and 328 of each of said first and second covers 314 and 324 to each other. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, this joinder occurs through the use of a stitched portion 333 which is positioned about centerline 321 of the covering system and also is preferably stitched in four rectilinear horizontal and vertical directions shown conceptually by arrows within region 333. That is, stitched portion 333 is employed to hold the lower portions 318 and 328 of the respective covers 314 and 324 together. Such stitching occurs below overlapping region 322 and extends downwardly to the portions of cover 314 and 324 which extend downwardly over foot 334 of the mattress.

There is accordingly provided a split sheet, split bedspread or split comforter system in which the character of the system may be completely hidden as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 and in which, when purchasing of the system, the buyer or buyers may select the warmth or thermal characteristic for each side of the bed that is preferred. The above system also does not require any special purpose joining device for the securement of the respective portions of the system, as is required in U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,043 to Fabian. The absence of a complex or rigid joining device also simplifies the fitting of the system to the foot of the bed and underneath the foot of the mattress. The present invention also avoids complexities associated with dual side electrically heated blankets or the like is the case in U.S. Pat. No. 3,072,776 to Quenneville.

While there has been shown and described above the preferred embodiment of the instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as set forth in the Claims appended herewith.

Claims

1. A bed covering system for more than one user, said system capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each respective user, the bed covering system comprising:

(a) a first cover having an upper portion, a lower portion and an inner edge thereof, said upper portion having a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% percent of the aggregate length of said upper and lower portions as positioned upon an upper surface of a mattress upon which the bed covering system is used, said first cover having a first thermal characteristic;

(b) a second cover having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an inner edge thereof, said upper portion having a like ratio of length thereof to the lower portion as that of said first cover, said second cover having a second thermal characteristic;

(c) an overlapping portion formed by the upper portions of each of said first and second covers, each upper portion proportioned for folding upon an opposing upper portion of an opposite cover, respective inner edges of said upper portions of each cover, when folded upon each other, producing a longitudinal geometry having a like length; and

a joined region securing said respective lower portions of each of said first and second covers to each other, said joined region having a length allowing substantial removal of the upper portion of either of said covers, said joined region further having a length sufficient to secure a foot portion of said covers thereof along a vertical foot surface of said mattress.

2. The bed covering system as recited in claim 1, in which a stitching pattern defines said joined region.

3. The bed covering as recited in claim 1, in which said joined region defines a permanent connection between respective lower portions of each cover.

4. The bed covering system as recited in claim 2, further comprising an extension of a longitudinal geometry of respective upper portions of said system to cover said joined region at the foot of the bed.

5. The bed covering system as recited in claim 1, in which said coverings comprise sheets.

6. The bed covering system as recited in claim 1, in which said coverings comprise blankets.

7. The bed covering system as recited in claim 1, in which said coverings comprise comforters.

8. The system as recited in claim 3, further comprising an extension of respective upper portions sufficient to cover said joined region at the foot of the bed and also extend beneath the foot of the bed.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, in which said first cover defines a greater width than said second cover.

10. A bed covering system for more than one user, said system capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each respective user, the bed covering system comprising:

(a) a first cover having an upper portion, a lower portion and an inner edge thereof, said upper portion having a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% percent of the aggregate length of said upper and lower portions as positioned upon an upper surface of a mattress upon which the bed covering system is used, said upper portion having a greater width than said lower portion, said first cover having a first thermal characteristic;

(b) a second cover having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an inner edge thereof, said upper portion having a like ratio of length thereof to the lower portion as that of said first cover, said second cover having a second thermal characteristic; said inner edge of said second cover proportioned in opposing relationship to said first cover.

(c) an overlapping portion formed by the upper portions of each of said first and second covers, said inner edge of each upper portion proportioned for folding upon an opposing edge of an opposite upper portion of an opposite cover, respective inner edges of said upper portions of each cover, when folded upon each other, producing a longitudinal geometry having a like length; and

(d) a joined region securing said respective lower portions of each of said first and second covers to each other, said joined region having a length allowing substantial removal of the upper portion of either or both of said covers, said joined region further having a length sufficient to secure a foot portion thereof along a vertical foot surface of said mattress.

11. The bed covering system as recited in claim 10, in which a plurality of fastening means defines said joined region.

12. The bed covering as recited in claim 10, in which said joined region defines a permanent integral connection between respective lower portions of each cover.

13. The bed covering system as recited in claim 11, further comprising an extension of a longitudinal geometry of said inner edges of respective upper portions of said system to cover said joined region at both its horizontal and other areas at or beneath the foot of the bed.

14. The bed covering system as recited in claim 10, in which said coverings comprise sheets.

15. The bed covering system as recited in claim 10, in which said coverings comprise blankets.

16. The bed covering system as recited in claim 10, in which said coverings comprise comforters.

17. The system as recited in claim 12, further comprising an extension of longitudinal geometry of said inner edges of respective upper portions sufficient to cover said joined region at both its horizontal and other portions at the foot of the bed.

18. The system as recited in claim 10, in which said upper portion of said second cover includes a greater width than the lower portion thereof.

19. The system as recited in claim 10 in which said joined region also extends underneath a bottom surface of the mattress at a foot of the bed sufficiently to secure lower portions of said covers thereunder.