Abstract: The center indicator for bedding of this invention includes an indicator of the center line or mid-point between edges of bedding materials, or bed cloths, sheets, blankets, bed spreads, comforters, quilts, coverlets, and other bedding. The center indicator marks or makes obvious the center line of the bedding. This provides an easy method for a person to quickly and properly make a bed with equal amounts of material falling on each side of the bed. It eliminates the need to move back and forth to adjust the bedding material. Since the use of the center indicator for bedding makes it easy to position the bedding, the provisions of this invention are very helpful in teaching and helping a child or mentally impaired person to make a bed. The center indicator could be by many different methods.

Abstract: A hugging mattress and method of using, and a sheet therefore, the sheet having two walled slots or pockets extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mattress and preferably nesting within two corresponding holes in the mattress. The mattress holes go all the way through the mattress and are rectangular or oblong and situated near each end of the mattress at the approximate shoulder and thigh positions. The function of the holes is to extend the normal pleasures of a mattress to allow hugging one's bedmate for extended periods of time without the crushing weight one feels on his or her arm. The mattress can come with insertable plugs to make it a conventional mattress when the owner doesn't feel like hugging or when for safety such as when children may jump on a bed. The method of using the mattress including extending an arm of the user in a first hole in the mattress, then rotating the mattress 180° to enable the user to extend an arm into a second hole of the mattress.

Abstract: A fitted sheet includes a sheet body portion made of a flexible sheet material. The body is generally rectangular in shape, defining a first end, two sides and a second end opposite to the first end. A pair of generally triangular slots is formed in the first end. The triangular slots being disposed substantially symmetrically either side of a longitudinal axis (12) passing through the center of the first end and the center of the second end, and they are spaced apart a distance X. The triangular slots define an open end and two opposite sides, each side having an approximate length Y wherein the length Y is the same order of magnitude as length X. The opposed sides of each triangular slot (28A, 28B), (30A, 30B) are stitched to provide an engagement with the end of a suitably sized mattress. The area of sheet adjacent the engaged mattress end is not held against the upper surface of the mattress, so that the sheet can pivot away from the mattress.

Abstract: This invention, the hugging mattress, consists of addition of two holes to any of the otherwise conventional mattress designs. Said holes go all the way through the mattress and are rectangular or oblong and situated near each end of the mattress at the approximate shoulder and thigh positions. The function of the holes is to extend the normal pleasures of a mattress to allow hugging ones bedmate for extended periods of time or even all night long without the crushing weight one now feels on his arm. The hugging mattress will come with insertable plugs to make it a conventional mattress when the owner doesn't feel like hugging or when for safety such as when children may jump on a bed. It will also be accompanied by a bottom fitted sheet with pockets to fit the said holes.

Abstract: Applications of a metallized textile. The textile is activated by precipitating noble metal nucleation sites on the fibers of the textile. Immersing the activated textile in a suitably prepared solution of a metal cation, and adding a reducing agent, leads to the formation of a metal plating tightly and intimately bonded to the fibers of the textile. Exposure of the metallized textile to air oxidizes the surface of the metal plating. Applications of the metallized textile include acaricides, fungicides, bactericides, armor, electrodes, anti-static devices, RF shielding, and radar reflectors.

Abstract: A protective cover for a motor vehicle conventional floor mat comprising a removable fabric protectively enclosing the top side of the mat. An elastic strip integral with the inner rim of the cover removably engages the cover to the underside of the floor mat. The conventional floor mat has a mat irregular peripheral edge and the cover edge is custom fitted to the mat irregular peripheral edge. An elastic strip unitary with the cover inner rim allows the cover to be disengaged from the floor mat by stretching the elastic strip to a biased mode. The cover is preferably made of an uncut pile fabric such as terry cloth. A waterproofing layer is preferably attached to the interior surface of the cover.

Abstract: A sheet is provided for dressing a mattress. The sheet may be formed from a tube of knit fabric having spaced apart ends closed by end seams normal to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The tube is longitudinally open, from end to end, to provide an opening for application of the sheet to a mattress.

Abstract: A bed sheet of generally rectangular configuration defines a pair of opposing long edges and a pair of opposing short edges. The bed sheet includes indicia extending substantially along at least one of the edges thereof. The indicia is in the form of a repeated pattern of an alphabet letter indicating a size of the sheet. In addition, the indicia may be color coded.

Abstract: A fitted sheet for use as a disposable stretcher/gurney linen, comprising an elongated sheet having a length and a width adapted to accommodate and be placed onto a stretcher/gurney to cover a mattress carried by the stretcher/gurney and prevent the mattress from being soiled, the length dimension being greater than the width dimension, at least one end of the length dimension is protected for temporary connection with the mattress for retaining the sheet on the mattress when the sheet is placed onto the mattress, and a flap on each side of the sheet extends along the length dimension for use as carriers to lift the sheet and move it with an individual thereon from one place to another.

Abstract: A method of making a partially fitted top sheet for a bed mattress, having a predetermined thickness and a rectangular upper surface with a predetermined width and predetermined length, from a rectangular flat bed sheet. Such method includes cutting away at least one edge of such rectangular flat bed sheet and finishing the cut edge to form a rectangular flat bed sheet having a width approximately equal to the width of such bed mattress plus twice the thickness of such bed mattress and determining which of two adjacent corners will be further formed into bottom corners of such bed sheet. Then, sewing each of such bottom corners of the rectangular bed sheet as necessary to provide a pair of rectangular side portions joined to a rectangular bottom portion to form a three-sided shirt capable of extending perpendicularly away from a remaining portion of such flat bed sheet. Such three-sided skirt having a width approximately equal to the thickness of such bed mattress.

Abstract: A table cover for covering a top surface and open side areas of a table. The inventive device includes a top cover web having opposed top cover longitudinal edges thereof placable over the top surface of an associated table structure. A first side drape web is coupled to a first edge of the top cover so as to hang downwardly therefrom to cover a first open side area of the table. A second side drape web is similarly coupled to a second edge of the top cover to hang downwardly therefrom to cover a second open side area of the table. The table cover is formed by a process resulting in an inherent placement of the table cover in a folded condition for rolling into a supply roll, whereby a suitable length of the table cover can be dispensed from the roll and cut to fit a particular length of the associated table. The table cover is preferably formed of contrastingly colored webs and may additionally include a valance extending along a juncture of the first side web and the top cover web.

Abstract: A partially fitted top sheet for a bed mattress having a configuration like that of a "shoe-box lid" with one end removed and having a rectangular upper surface portion adapted to fit flatly over a rectangular upper surface of the mattress, a pair of rectangular side portions and a rectangular bottom portion each extending from the top surface portion like a three-sided skirt, the width of which should ideally overhang only a major portion of the mattress sides.

Abstract: Bed clothes include a bottom sheet having a pocket formed at the head end and a pocket formed at the rearward end, the pockets sized to snuggly fit the head and foot ends of a mattress. Each pocket is formed with a bottom flap having a width (as measured from the mattress end towards the center of the mattress) greater than the thickness of the mattress, to firmly retain the bottom sheet into position. A top sheet is attached along a foot end to the foot end of the bottom sheet, and along the foot ends of the bottom sheet side panels, with auxiliary foot end portions extending beyond the side panels. The auxiliary foot end portions are attached along the lower edge of the bottom sheet side panels to form a fitted neat appearance for the top sheet.

Abstract: A apparatus for use in assisting a person in getting into or out of bed, adjusting position on a bed, or performing exercises on a bed. The apparatus comprises a sheet having one or more grasp able fabric handles situated in convenient positions which can be grasped by a person needing assistance in adjusting position, exercising, or entering or exiting a bed. The apparatus is secured firmly to a mattress be means of straps affixed on its bottom surface, so that stress caused by the use of the handles will not dislodge it from the bed.

Abstract: A composite fabric and its method of disposal after use. Garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as the composite of a reusable first component and a woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a second component. The second component is water soluble in temperatures above approximately 140.degree. F. After use, the composite is subjected to water of sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol component but not the reusable first component.

Abstract: A water bed sheet structure is arranged to accommodate extended configuration sizes of water bed mattresses, wherein the sheet structure includes overlapping at first ends of first and second sheets selectively securable together utilizing an elongate row of fastener structure.

Abstract: A bed covering has connectable panels which are connected at overlapping borders by complementary fasteners. When used to make up a bed, one panel can be hidden by the bed's blanket while the other is folded over the upper portion of the blanket, or the foregoing appearance can be simulated, to provide an aesthetically pleasing visible effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in puncture-resistant and medicinal treatment garments. Garments made from fibers such as KEVLAR.RTM. and designed to deter penetration of objects are subjected to an additional brushing step to enhance the fibers' abilities to prevent penetration of sharp needle-like penetrating objects. The fibers may also be coated with an abrasive material to further engage and deflect penetrating objects. In another aspect of the invention, the fibers may be coated with a disinfectant or pharmaceutical agent. The coated fibers, having the improved fiber structure resulting from the brushing step, may be used in fabrics to treat skin conditions, disinfect penetrating objects in puncture-resistant materials, or as a disinfecting prevention fabric for use in textiles in high risk infection areas such as hospitals and public facilities.

Abstract: A medical machine assembly such as an X-ray machine assembly is disclosed which has a cover for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids away from contact with any part of the machine assembly and especially form the interior thereof. This assembly includes a base, an x-ray tube, a patient table mounted on the base, a cushion disposed on the patient table, and a cover disposed on the cushion. The cushion has a body portion and a rear dam portion. The cover has a rear dam portion located on the cushion dam portion. The cover also has a middle body portion disposed on the cushion body portion. The cover also has a front flap portion for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids outwardly from the middle body portion and away from contact with any part of the machine assembly.

Abstract: A fitted top sheet with a pleat across the foot end thereof to provide room for a user's feet when placed on a mattress.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber healthcare fabric for use in blankets and the like includes a repeating pattern of synthetic fiber filaments arranged in an open work construction. The fabric includes laterally spaced groups of closely positioned synthetic fiber filaments which are arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows. The laterally spaced groups of closely positioned synthetic fiber filaments are laterally offset from one another in adjacent rows, but are longitudinally aligned with one another in alternating rows. Generally elongated openings are formed between adjacent pairs of laterally spaced groups of closely positioned synthetic fiber filaments and adjacent pairs of longitudinally aligned groups of closely positioned synthetic fiber filaments, thereby providing a light-weight fabric with spaced air-flow channels or openings.

Abstract: Bedding for use a rectangular mattress which defines indicia thereon for alignment with the mattress to facilitate making the bed. The indicia includes a first transverse mattress foot alignment indicator and a mattress centering indicator. The foot alignment indicator is spaced inwardly from and extends parallel to the foot end of the bedding such that upon properly positioning the bedding on the mattress, the foot indicator is disposed over and extends parallel to the foot of the mattress and the centering indicator is disposed over a portion of the mattress so as to superimpose the central longitudinal axis of the bedding over the central longitudinal axis of the mattress.

Abstract: A fluidized bead bed including a conductive filter sheet for dissipating static electricity generated by the movement of the beads in the fluidized state. The filter sheet includes a conductive layer, a superimposed conductive net, or is interwoven with conductive fibers to conduct the static electricity to ground or to dissipate the static electricity as a heat loss or electromagnetic wave radiation.

Abstract: A fitted sheet is formed with material that is tapered in width between the side edges, so that the material is wider between the side edges, at the mid point between the top and bottom edges, and narrower in regions closer to the top and bottom edges.

Abstract: Bedclothing for waterbeds comprising a flat generally rectangular panel co-extensive in top plan view dimensions with the upper surface of the mattress. Said panel provided with a least two side drops and one end drop. Said side and end drops coupled at one margin with said panel and at a spaced parallel margin with triangular corner pieces at each end of said end drop. The couplings, drops, panel corner and triangular corner piece cooperating by geometric shape and joinder to form margins defining a pocket and pocket aperture through which the mattress or bladder corner may be manually drawn. At least the corner piece to be formed from top panel material cut on the bias for elasticity. Said aperture margins containing water surge therethrough sand preventing mattress withdrawal therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a contour bed sheet is provided in which the contour is formed integral with the sheet. The sheet is formed by cutting slots in the edges of each end of the bottom sheet and at one end of a top sheet. The slots are cut at selected locations of the edges of the sheet such that when the cut edges are sewn or otherwise joined together, that a mattress end flap and bottom flap are formed to define a contour sheet.

Abstract: A bulked web composite comprises a differentially tensioned reticulated web of elastic material bonded to at least one gatherable web whereby, upon release of the tensioning forces, the gatherable web or webs are gathered by the reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas due to the different tension levels of the reticulated web. Also disclosed is a method of making a bulked web composite by the steps of: forming a reticulated web of elastic material and elongating at least portions of the web by differentially tensioning it, and bonding the differentially tensioned web to at least one gatherable web to form a composite. The composite is then relaxed whereby portions of the gatherable web are gathered by the contracted reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas. Bulked web composites of such type may be employed to form disposable swim wear, towels, wash cloths, and the like.

Abstract: Disposable fitted sheets and method for making them. The sheets are formed without necessitating prior cutting by folding edges of the material and attaching the folded-over edges along diagonal lines associated with each corner. Elastic bands cooperate with each pocket to maintain the fit on the corners of the mattress. The bands are fastened in a stretched condition to the folded-over edges while the sheet is in a flat state. The process of the invention is particularly adapted to continuously forming such sheets which may be formed from a variety of inexpensive materials. Sheets of the invention are particularly useful in hospitals and nursing homes where frequent bedding changes may be needed.

Abstract: Specific zeolite particles retaining therein a metal ion having a bactericidal activity are packed and retained in a mixed fiber assembly composed of low-melting thermoplastic synthetic fibers and ordinary fibers. The zeolite particles are retained by welding of the low-temperature thermoplastic synthetic fibers but in a state of allowing the contact thereof with an external fluid. The particle-packed fiber article has an excellent and durable antibacterial activity and can be used in various fields.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet is adapted for use with a relatively thin mattress having cutaway corners. The fitted sheet is formed from a blank of sheet material to have corner pockets that easily fit over the mattress corners. In particular embodiments the sheet is formed from the blank by a series of folding operations and is then stitched at the corner pockets to complete the sheet. The resulting fitted sheet may be ironed in conventional flat-ironing machines and may be folded into a compact form by an automatic folding machine.