Fitted Sheet with Label

Abstract

This present invention relates to a custom fitted sheet to substantially cover a mattress. The custom fitted sheet includes a label on the top side to notify the users that the sheet is in a proper orientation before being applied to the mattress. The label may read “TOP” to indicate a top section of the sheet, wherein the label prevents the sheet from being installed on the mattress in an incorrect manner. A plurality of sleeves is present near the top corners of the sheet, and are disposed on the side surfaces of the mattress when the sheet is placed around the mattress. The sleeves provide secure storage for small personal items without risk of loss or misplacement. An elastic band is also provided along the peripheral edge of the sheet to assist in securing the sheet around the mattress.

Claims

1. A mattress covering comprising: a sheet having a size and a configuration to fit a mattress, and the mattress having a top, a plurality of sides and a bottom; the sheet having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface and a plurality of side surfaces, wherein a portion of the plurality of side surfaces are positioned under the bottom of the mattress, the top surface of the sheet is placed on the top of the mattress, and the plurality of surfaces of the sheet are in contact with the plurality of sides of the mattress; an elastic band extending around a bottom edge of the plurality of side surfaces, wherein the elastic band is positioned under the bottom of the mattress; and at least one pocket disposed on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces of the sheet.

2. The mattress covering as recited in claim 1, wherein the top surface of the sheet is provided with at least one of a directional indicia, a directional graphic, a manufacturer's name, a message label or a combination thereof.

3. The mattress covering as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one of the directional indicia, the directional graphic, the manufacturer's name, the message label or the combination thereof is placed along the leading edge.

4. The mattress covering as recited in claim 3, wherein the at least one pocket is attached to the sheet with a removable fastener.

5. The mattress covering as recited in claim 4, wherein the removable fastener is one of a hook and loop fastener or an adhesive.

6. The mattress covering as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least one pocket is provided on at least two of the plurality of side surfaces of the sheet.

7. The mattress covering as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one pocket has a wide end and a narrow end and further wherein the wide end is adjacent the top surface of the sheet.

8. The mattress covering as recited in claim 7, wherein the at least one pocket is made from a different material than the sheet.

9. The mattress covering as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one pocket is waterproof.

10. The mattress covering as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one pocket is sized and configured to hold at least one of a mobile phone, a remote device, a medicine, a pair of glasses, a tissue, a weapon, an article of jewelry, a watch, or a tablet.

11. The mattress covering as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one pocket comprises an anti-microbial coating.

12. The mattress covering as recited in claim 11, wherein the at least one pocket comprises at least one of a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a snap, an overlapping flap or a combination thereof.

13. The mattress covering as recited in claim 12, wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of attachment points adjacent to the elastic band.

14. A fitted sheet comprising: a sheet portion having a top surface with a leading edge and a trailing edge and a plurality of side surfaces each having a first edge that is adjacent the top surface and a second edge; an elastic band adjacent to the second edge of the plurality of side surfaces; at least one pocket disposed on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, the pocket having an opening with a closure; and an orientation marking disposed only along the leading edge.

15. The fitted sheet as recited in claim 14, wherein the orientation marking includes one of a directional indicia, a directional graphic, a manufacturer's name, a message label or a combination thereof.

16. The fitted sheet as recited in claim 15, wherein the message label is blank and may receive a written message.

17. The fitted sheet as recited in claim 16, wherein the closure is selected from a group comprising a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a snap, an overlapping flap or a combination thereof.

18. The fitted sheet as recited in claim 14, wherein the sheet includes first and second pockets on two different sides of the sheet.

19. The fitted sheet as recited in claim 14, wherein the sheet portion is comprised of a first material and the at least one pocket is made from a second material that is different than the first material.

20. A fitted sheet and mattress combination comprising: a mattress, the mattress having a top, a bottom and a plurality of sides; a fitted sheet having a top with a leading edge and a trailing edge and a plurality of side surfaces, wherein the top and the plurality of side surfaces are coextensive with the top and the plurality of sides of the mattress and cover a portion of the bottom of the mattress; the fitted sheet having first and second pockets disposed on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces of the fitted sheet; an elastic band extending around a periphery of an end of the plurality of side surfaces, wherein the elastic band holds the fitted sheet to the mattress; and a directional indicator disposed along a leading edge of the fitted sheet, wherein the directional indicator is selected from a group including one of a directional indicia, a directional graphic, a manufacturer's name, a message label or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet of the present invention mounted on a mattress in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet of the present invention mounted on a mattress in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a pocket is positioned on a side of the fitted bedsheet;

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a partial side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet of the present invention mounted on a mattress in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a pocket having a removable fastening feature is positioned on a side of the fitted bedsheet;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet of the present invention mounted on a mattress in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the elastic band on the periphery of the bedsheet is fully displayed; and

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet of the present invention fitted on a mattress in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the orientation label is fully displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a bedsheet or fitted sheet for a mattress or other bedding that can be conveniently used by an individual and can be easily fitted on a mattress or bedding. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved fitted sheet that enables the user to quickly identify the top side of the fitted sheet, and allows for the correct placement of the fitted sheet over a mattress. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that an individual will correctly and effortlessly place on the mattress or bedding in one attempt, thereby saving time. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a fitted sheet that includes one or more storage areas, thereby allowing for the placement of personal items such as, but not limited to a mobile phone, remote device, medicine, glasses, tissue, jewelry, watch, weapon or combinations thereof. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a uniquely designed fitted sheet that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and that is both safe and easy to use.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel custom fitted bedsheet designed to be placed around a mattress. The custom fitted bedsheet comprises a substantially rectangular or square planar fabric sheet having an elastic band along the edges of the bedsheet, particularly at the corner areas. The sheet includes a top surface to cover the top of the mattress, a headboard side surface or side edge to cover the side surface of the mattress present along the headboard of a bed, a pair of opposite side surfaces to cover the sides of the mattress and a bottom edge surface to cover the bottom side surface of the mattress. A label with indicia or graphics is positioned in the middle of the headboard side, top surface to notify the user that the bedsheet is in a proper position or orientation before being applied to the mattress or bedding. The fitted bedsheet further comprises a plurality of sleeves or pockets that are disposed on one or both of the pair of opposite side surfaces, or top surface near the top corners of the bedsheet to store personal or other small items.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention mounted on a mattress 160 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The custom fitted bedsheet 100 may be formed of any suitable fabric such, as a cotton or cotton blend, a polyester, a satin or the like. The bedsheet 100 may have a thread count ranging from 200 to 800 threads per inch, and preferably between 300 and 600 threads per inch. The bedsheet 100 is produced in the form of a generally rectangular or square planar fabric sheet having a customized design, indicia, graphics or print on the top surface 102. When mounted on a mattress 160, the bedsheet 100 has a pair of side surfaces 104, 106 with a plurality of sleeves or pockets 150, a headboard side surface 108 having the label with indicia or graphics 1080 to notify a user that the fitted sheet label 100 is in a proper position or orientation before being fitted to the mattress 160. The label with indicia or graphics 1080 is preferably positioned in the middle of the headboard side surface 108 of the bedsheet or bed linen 100 for easy viewing. The label 1080 prevents the user from accidentally positioning or putting the bedsheet 100 on upside-down or in the wrong or incorrect orientation, thereby requiring further adjustment. The sheet is generally coextensive with the top surface and sides of the mattress 160, and in most embodiments covers at least a portion of the bottom surface of the mattress 160.

[0028] The label with indicia, graphics or the like 1080 is advantageous because once the bedsheet or linen 100 is mounted on the mattress 160, the label 1080 is hidden or otherwise concealed by the headboard. The label 1080 may be written in a designer calligraphic style to complement the aesthetic appeal of the bedsheet 100. The bedsheet 100 further has a leading edge or top edge, a trailing edge or the bottom of the sheet, and side edges with the sides serving to envelope the mattress 160 once the bedsheet 100 is placed over the mattress. In one embodiment, the label 1080 is sewn, imaged, printed or heat sealed to the bedsheet 100. The label 1080 can be the same color as the fitted bedsheet 100, or can be of another complimentary color. The label 1080 may also be printed with UV activated ink so that only through the use of a special light can the label be seen. The label may read “TOP” or provide directional indicia, such as an arrow or “this end up”, to notify the user that the bedsheet 100 is in the proper orientation or position before being applied to the mattress 160 or other bedding.

[0029] The sleeves or pockets 150 of the sheet are preferably present at both of the top corners of the bedsheet 100 to secure a smartphone, tissues, television remote, jewelry, watches, weapons and/or many other relatively small or personal items for storage and convenient access. In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve or pocket 150 may be present along one of the side surfaces 104, 106 of the bedsheet 100 of the present invention, or at the head or bottom surface of the bedsheet 100 depending on the preferences of the individual. In another embodiment, a pocket or sleeve 150 may be provided on each of the side surfaces 104, 106 of the bedsheet 100, or on any combination of the side surfaces. The pocket 150 may be made of the same material as the bedsheet 100 or, alternatively, may be comprised of different materials including, without limitation, plastic, synthetic or natural fibers. The pockets 150 may further comprise an anti-microbial coating 152 such as, but not limited to, MicroBan® to prevent the transmission of germs, bacteria, viruses, infectious diseases and other harmful microbes.

[0030] In one embodiment, the custom fitted bedsheet or bed linen 100 has one or more elastic bands 1010 along the edges 101 to securely fit around the corners of the mattress or other bedding 160. The elastic band 1010 helps in facilitating the mounting of the bedsheet 100 around the corners of mattress 160 to hold the bedsheet or bed linen in proper position even as a user tosses and turns on the same throughout the night. Alternatively, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 may not have elastic bands 1010 along the edges 101 for a free fit around the mattress 160.

[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention mounted on a mattress 160 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a pocket 150 is positioned on a side of the fitted bedsheet 100. The sleeve or pocket 150 (only one of a plurality is shown for simplicity) may be securely and conventionally sewn near the top corners of the bedsheet 100 on the side surfaces 104, 106 and headboard side 108 thereof, and is adapted to be disposed along the sides of a mattress when the bedsheet 100 is placed on the mattress 160. The sleeve or pocket 150 can be used to secure a smartphone, tissues, television remote, jewelry, medicine, weapon or any other relatively small or personal item for quick and convenient access by someone positioned on, or immediately adjacent to, the bedsheet 100 and mattress 160. Various closure mechanisms 105 may also be provided for the sleeve pocket 150 including, without limitation, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic attachments, overlapping flaps and combinations thereof.

[0032] The sleeve 150 is like a patch pocket, which may be formed from material sewn on to the outer surface of the bedsheet 100, such that the sleeve 150 would have a side edge 1501 connected to another side edge 1502 by means of a back wall (e.g., the material of the bedsheet 100). The fabric of the sleeve 150 can be the same or different from the material of the multipurpose fitted sheet 100. In addition, the sleeve or pocket 150 can be waterproof so that if a liquid is stored in the pocket or sleeve, it will not create a spill that will stain or contaminate the bedsheet 100. Also, the color of the sleeve 150 can be the same or different from that of the bedsheet 100, so that the individual can easily find the sleeve or pocket. In addition, the sleeve or pocket can be provided with a line or stitching of phosphorescent material which will illuminate the position of the sleeve or pocket 150 in the dark or in other low-light conditions. The sleeve or pocket 150 is open along its top edge 1504, and the bottom 1503 of the sleeve 150 can be oval, square or any other geometric configuration in shape.

[0033] In one embodiment, the height of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 4.5 inches and the width of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 3 inches. The sleeve 150 may also have a wider top portion 151 and a narrower base portion 153 so that items are collected toward the bottom of the sleeve so that a user does not have to search for an item stored in the sleeve. Alternatively, the height of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 6 inches and the width of the sleeve 150 may be, for example, about 6 inches to accommodate additional items.

[0034] In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve 150 can have an elastic band along the top edge 1504 to prevent the items kept in the sleeve 150 from falling out of the sleeve 150 when the multipurpose fitted sheet 100 is taken off of the mattress 160. The elastic band allows for the secure storage of irregular and small items without the need of other securing aids. Alternatively, the top edge 1504 may have a zipper or hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, overlapping flaps or any combination thereof for securely closing the cavity of the sleeve 150.

[0035] The positioning and size of the sleeve 150 on the material of the bedsheet 100 is such that the sleeve 150 is disposed on the side surfaces 104, 106 of the mattress 160, and not underneath the mattress 160 when the bedsheet 100 is placed on the mattress 160. The bottom edge 1503 of the sleeve 150 is preferably two to three inches above the edge of the bedsheet 100. Alternatively, the bottom edge 1503 of the sleeve 150 may be four to five inches above the edge of the bedsheet 100. The pocket 150 may be disposed centrally along the side 104, 106 of the mattress sheet or positioned so that the upper end 151 will be near the top edge to make the pocket 150 readily accessible to an individual.

[0036] FIG. 2B illustrates a partial side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention mounted on a mattress 160 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a pocket 150 having a removable fastening feature is positioned on a side 104, 106 of the fitted bedsheet 100. The pocket 150 may be attached by sewing or may be removable and held to the mattress 160 by an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or other removable fastening feature 153.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention mounted on a mattress 160 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the elastic band 1010 on the periphery of the bedsheet 100 is fully displayed. As shown, the edge 101 along the perimeter of the multipurpose fitted sheet 100 contains an elastic band 1010 sewn in a loop for secure placement around the mattress 160. The edge 101 is secured on the rear surface of the mattress 160. Attachment points 161 may also be added to the bedsheet 100 so that the bedsheet 100 may be attached by a string or cord to a bed frame, or weights may be added to help secure the bedsheet 100 to the mattress 160 and to prevent the bedsheet 100 from moving when an individual is sleeping thereon and/or tossing and turning throughout the night. The attachment points 161 are positioned generally adjacent to the elastic band 1010 on the lower edge of the side surface 104, 106 of the bedsheet 100.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the novel custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention mounted on a mattress 160 in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the orientation label 1080 is fully displayed. The custom fitted bedsheet 100 has a plurality of symmetrical sleeves 150 near the top corners of the material of the fitted sheet 100, and can be of the same size and shape or of different sizes and shapes. The directional indicia 1080, such as the word “TOP”, may be written or printed towards the upper side 108 of the bedsheet 100. In an alternative embodiment, the label 1081 may be blank such that an individual may leave messages on the bedsheet 100 (e.g., dry erase) while at the same time providing the directional assistance for the user putting the sheet onto the mattress 160. In additional to directional indicia 1080 there may also be directional signals 109 showing the correct position of the top of the bedsheet 100. The name of the manufacturer 111 may also be provided along the leading edge to assist the user in placing the bedsheet 100 onto the mattress 160 in the proper orientation. As stated above, a relatively lightweight elastic band 1010 may be positioned along the perimeter edge 101 of the bedsheet 100.

[0039] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “custom fitted bedsheet”, “multipurpose fitted sheet”, “fitted sheet label”, and “bedsheet”, are interchangeable and refer to the custom fitted bedsheet 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 and its components of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the custom fitted bedsheet 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the custom fitted bedsheet 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0041] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0042] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.