Pocket sheet, also convertible into a simplified duvet cover

Abstract

Just as fitted sheets provide structure to the lower bed sheet, pocket sheets give structure to the upper bed sheet. To provide a hygienic shield between a duvet and a sleeping person, the upper bed sheet is customarily folded back over the duvet at the head end. The pocket sheet fixes this folded portion in place by fastening together the side hems, either permanently by sewing or releasably using press buttons, thus forming a pocket structure to house the duvet's head end and prevent the sheet and duvet from separating when tossed about by the sleeping person. The pocket sheet is convertible into a simplified duvet cover by attaching a separate matched-size cover sheet using releasable fasteners at their side hems. The bed maker places the cover sheet over the duvet and tucks both into the pocket, then fastens cover sheet to pocket sheet to hold the duvet securely.

Claims

1-20: (canceled)

21: A pocket sheet comprising: A bed sheet that is rectangular in shape and hemmed on all sides, thus having a head end hem, a foot end hem, a first side hem and a second side hem opposite to the first side hem, wherein a portion of said bed sheet is configured to lie flat beneath a blanket or duvet, said flat portion dimensioned to fully shield an underside of the blanket or duvet, said flat portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein a portion of said bed sheet is folded at a line parallel to the head end hem, over the upper surface of said flat portion, forming a fold portion, said fold portion configured to wrap over a head end of the blanket or duvet, wherein said fold portion is fastened to said flat portion by sewing together a segment of their respective adjoining first side hems and sewing together a segment of their respective adjoining second side hems, thereby securing said fold portion to said flat portion, and effectively forming a pocket configured to house the head end of the blanket or duvet.

22: The pocket sheet of claim 21 wherein the head end hem is as wide as said fold portion, such that said fold portion is double-layered.

23: The pocket sheet of claim 21 further comprising: a) a first plurality of press button halves sewn along the first and second side hems on the upper surface of said flat portion of said pocket sheet, including flat portion lying beneath said fold portion, b) a separate flat cover sheet, of substantially the same length and width as said flat portion of said pocket sheet, wherein said cover sheet is hemmed on all sides, thus having a head end hem, a foot end hem, a first side hem and a second side hem opposite to the first side hem, and said cover sheet has an upper surface and a lower surface, c) said cover sheet having a second plurality of press button halves, complementary to those on said pocket sheet, sewn on along the first and second side hems on the lower surface of said cover sheet, d) said cover sheet configured at bed-making to fully cover a duvet lying on the upper surface of said flat portion of said pocket sheet, with both cover sheet and duvet tucked under said fold portion of said pocket sheet, e) first side hem on lower surface of cover sheet positioned adjoining first side hem on upper surface of pocket sheet and second side hem on lower surface of cover sheet positioned adjoining second side hem on upper surface of pocket sheet, f) thereby configured to sandwich the duvet between said cover sheet and said pocket sheet and securely hold the duvet in place when the complementary press button halves on the respective adjoining first side hems and the respective adjoining second side hems of said cover sheet and said pocket sheet are fastened together.

24: A pocket sheet comprising: A bed sheet that is rectangular in shape and hemmed on all sides, thus having a head end hem, a foot end hem, a first side hem and a second side hem opposite to the first side hem, wherein a portion of said bed sheet is configured to lie flat beneath a blanket or duvet, said flat portion dimensioned to fully shield an underside of the blanket or duvet, said flat portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein a portion of said bed sheet is intended to be folded at a line parallel to the head end hem, over the upper surface of said flat portion, to form a fold portion, said fold portion configured to wrap over a head end of the blanket or duvet, wherein said fold portion and said flat portion are provided with complementary press button halves on their respective adjoining first side hems and complementary press button halves on their respective adjoining second side hems, such that said fold portion may be fastened to said flat portion at bed-making, to form a pocket configured to house the head end of the blanket or duvet.

25: The pocket sheet of claim 24 wherein the head end hem is as wide as said fold portion, such that said fold portion is double-layered.

Description

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0027] Drawings are not to scale.

[0028] FIG. 1 (prior art) Plan view of a flat bed sheet, showing a fold (10) at the head end, which is the customary arrangement when a flat sheet is used as an upper bed sheet.

[0029] FIG. 1a (prior art) Cross-section of the flat bed sheet, with the fold (10) wrapping over a duvet (12).

[0030] FIG. 2 Plan view of a pocket sheet, showing a pocket (20) at the head end, formed by sewing together part of the adjoining hems at the left and right sides of the folded portion.

[0031] FIG. 2a Middle cross-section of the pocket sheet, showing the pocket (20) wrapping a duvet (12).

[0032] FIG. 2b Hem cross-section of the pocket sheet at either side, accentuating the sewn segment (22) of the pocket, that fastens the fold portion of the sheet to the flat portion of the sheet.

[0033] FIG. 3a Middle cross-section of a single-fold pocket (20), resembling an elongated letter c.

[0034] FIG. 3b Middle cross-section of a double-fold pocket (30), resembling an elongated letter e.

[0035] FIG. 3c Hem cross-section of an easy access pocket (32), in which there is a hand-width opening at the head end of the pocket, before the sewn segment.

[0036] FIG. 3d Hem cross-section of a fastened pocket (34), in which the hems at the left and right sides of the pocket are attached using press buttons vs. sewn.

[0037] FIG. 4 (prior art) Plan view of a flat upper bed sheet with a fold (10) over a cover sheet (40).

[0038] FIG. 4a (prior art) Cross-section of the flat upper bed sheet, cover sheet and duvet assembly in a typical hotel bed-making arrangement.

[0039] FIG. 5 (prior art) Plan view of a duvet cover (50).

[0040] FIG. 5a (prior art) Middle cross-section of the duvet cover enclosing a duvet.

[0041] FIG. 6 Plan view of a pocket sheet, converted into a simplified duvet cover by attaching a matched-size cover sheet (40) at the left and right side hems, using press button sets (60) at the positions shown.

[0042] FIG. 6a i Middle cross-section of the pocket sheet, cover sheet and duvet assembly.

[0043] FIG. 6a ii Middle cross-section of the pocket sheet, a pocketed cover sheet (62), and duvet assembly.

[0044] FIG. 6b Hem cross-section of the pocket sheet and cover sheet, accentuating the sewn segment (22) of the pocket (20), and the positions of the press button sets (60), with particular attention to those within the pocket.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0045]

TABLE-US-00002 10 fold 12 duvet 20 pocket 22 sewn segment 30 double-fold pocket 32 easy access pocket 34 fastened pocket 40 cover sheet 50 duvet cover 60 press button sets 62 pocketed cover sheet

Detailed Description

[0046] Part 1 Pocket Sheet

[0047] FIGS. 1 and 1a (prior art) show fold 10 of a flat sheet in its usual configuration relative to duvet 12.

[0048] The depth of fold over the duvet at the head end is subject to the bed maker's preference for the day.

[0049] FIGS. 2, 2a and 2b illustrate a pocket sheet, in which a defined fold has been fastened in place by sewing together a part of the left and right side hems, forming pocket 20 for securing the head end of a duvet. Sewnsegment 22 that fastens the fold portion of the sheet to the flat portion of the sheet is accentuated in FIG. 2b.

[0050] The pocket should be made sufficiently deep so that the duvet is retained in place securely, but not so deep as to make insertion of the duvet difficult or inconvenient. The pocket depth suggested is 35 cm to 45 cm, but is not limited to this range. The pocket should be snugly fitted to the duvet, preferably the same width as the duvet. Since soft materials have some give, the duvet will tuck easily into the pocket without the pocket being any wider. A deep, snug pocket holds the duvet in place firmly when the assembly is tossed about. The pocket sheet should be a few cm longer than the duvet to adequately shield the duvet at the foot end.

[0051] The pocket sheet is best made with materials like cotton and cotton blends, that are soft, yet handle well. Cotton blends, with built-in wrinkle-resistance are especially desirable. On the other hand, slippery, formless materials like bamboo rayon, jersey, silk and microfiber do not have suitable properties for making pocket sheets. FIGS. 3a through 3d show details of some pocket embodiments.

[0052] Simple single-fold pocket 20 shown in FIG. 3a would have a wide hem at the open edge, just like the head end hem of a flat sheet. This pocket embodiment has a middle cross-section that resembles an elongated letter c.

[0053] Double-fold pocket 30 shown in FIG. 3b has a middle cross-section that resembles an elongated letter e. The advantage of a double fold is neater appearance, as a folded edge is not as subject to wrinkles after laundering.

[0054] Although not illustrated, the pocket may have a triple fold, such that the upper part of the pocket is three-layered, hemmed neatly together at the open edge.

[0055] FIG. 3c shows easy access pocket 32, an embodiment in which the fold portion of a bed sheet is partially sewed to the flat portion it is folded over at their adjoining hems, beginning about a hand's width from the fold and ending at the end of the folded portion. Described another way, the side hems are attached after leaving about a 15 cm opening from the head end fold, thus providing hand access to the top of the pocket for a bed-maker to pull up and position the duvet.

[0056] FIG. 3d shows fastened pocket 34, an embodiment in which the hems of a fold portion of a bed sheet are fastened to the hems of the flat portion it is folded over using three sets of press buttons. Other types of cloth fastener may be used, providing they can withstand repeated laundering.

[0057] Both easy access pocket 32 and fastened pocket 34 can have single-layered or double-layered fold portions.

[0058] The pocket sheet solves the problem of an upper bed sheet separating from a duvet when a sleeping person pulls the assembly up to his or her chin when cold and tosses the assembly aside when hot. Instead of loosely folding a flat upper bed sheet over the duvet at the head end, the duvet is securely held within a defined structure, which is a deep, snugly fitted pocket. By its ability to retain the duvet within the pocket even when the assembly is tossed about during sleep, the pocket sheet maintains the hygienic barrier between the person and the duvet, and prevents the layers at the neckline slipping apart, which causes such discomfort to the sleeping person.

[0059] In a home setting, bed and breakfast or air B&B, a pocket sheet can be used with a duvet, blanket, comforter, quilt or even a duvet already within a duvet cover, effectively keeping them clean. Housekeepers will further appreciate the usefulness of the pocket sheet in helping them consistently make up a neat bed. Bed users should be the most satisfied constituent of all, as the best part is the enhanced and peaceful sleep experience when they no longer need to fidget with layers slipping apart at the neckline, and are assured of hygienic protection.

[0060] Part 2 Pocket Sheet, Converted into a Simplified Duvet Cover

[0061] In hotels, inns and motor lodgings, in addition to an upper bed sheet placed beneath the duvet, a cover sheet is placed above the duvet to protect its top surface from wear and tear.

[0062] FIGS. 4 and 4a (prior art) illustrate the typical arrangement of these layers in a contemporary hotel setting. Cover sheet 40 wraps around duvet 12 at the head end, and fold 10 of the upper bed sheet wraps back over both the duvet and the cover sheet. This assembly looks quite neat when made up, but falls apart easily when a hotel guest pulls it up to his chin when cold, or tosses it aside when hot.

[0063] Although not illustrated, some hotel housekeepers wrap the upper bed sheet around the duvet first, then the cover sheet around both duvet and upper bed sheet, with the hem of the cover sheet facing the guest's body. This makes the top surface of the assembly look like a duvet cover but is the most uncomfortable one of all for hotel guests.

[0064] The portion of any flat sheet that is wrapped around at the head end is subject to the size of the sheets provided relative to the duvet size, as well as the technique and temperament of the housekeeper for the day.

[0065] FIGS. 5 and 5a (prior art) show duvet cover 50, which is a full casing, sewn at head end and sides, and open at the foot end for inserting a duvet. After duvet 12 has been inserted, the hems at the foot end may be fastened, commonly with buttons, to hold the duvet in.

[0066] A duvet cover provides good protection for a duvet and there are no layers at the neckline to bother a sleeping person, however duvet covers are limited in their use by the difficulty in putting them on. Inserting a duvet into a duvet cover requires considerable skill and time; think of putting what is essentially a huge pillow case neatly onto a floppy duvet exceeding the size of a Queen mattress, to understand why duvet covers are not more popular. Duvet covers are used where the cost in time and labor can be offset, for example, on cruise ship cabins that require weekly changing vs. daily changing, or in luxury hotels that can price in extra housekeeping personnel and time.

[0067] This is why bed sheet sets are still the linens of choice in most hotels and inns.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pocket sheet and a cover sheet of substantially the same width and length, attached at their left and right side hems with press button sets 60, thus converted into a simplified duvet cover. The press button positions shown are at the head end of the sheets within the pocket, near the opening of the pocket within the pocket, and near the foot end of the sheets, thus three sets on each side.

[0069] FIG. 6a i shows a middle cross-section of a pocket sheet, cover sheet and duvet assembly, indicating the position of duvet 12 sandwiched between the pocket sheet and cover sheet 40, and that both duvet and cover sheet are tucked into pocket 20 at the head end.

[0070] FIG. 6b shows a hem cross-section of the pocket sheet and cover sheet to accentuate how cover sheet 40 is attached with press button sets 60 to the flat portion of the pocket sheet, and within pocket 20 at the head end. The press button halves sewn on the pocket sheet will face up. The press button halves sewn on the cover sheet will face down. The hems of the pocket sheet and cover sheet should be made wide enough to accommodate the press buttons, even after the sides of the pocket are sewn together.

[0071] The sequence when making up a bed will be to lay down the pocket sheet, then the duvet above it, then the cover sheet on top. Tuck duvet and cover sheet neatly into the pocket, then button down the cover sheet to the pocket sheet at their side hems, securely sandwiching the duvet between them.

[0072] The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 uses the minimum number of press buttons, however press button sets can be sewn all along the side hems at any interval desired. Extra buttons reinforce holding the assembly in place, the trade-off being a little more time for bed-making.

[0073] Press buttons are suitably simple, inconspicuous, sturdy and inexpensive, but other kinds of releasable cloth fastener may be used, especially acknowledging that new reusable adhesives may eventually replace traditional fasteners. The method of fastening the cover sheet to the pocket sheet should be unobtrusive, simple to use and sturdy to laundering.

[0074] The cover sheet may be made of the same material as the pocket sheet, or of more decorative and durable materials, for example, those with patterns, texture or a sateen weave.

[0075] FIG. 6a ii shows a middle cross-section of a pocket sheet, pocketed cover sheet 62 and duvet assembly. In this embodiment, the cover sheet is also made as a pocket sheet, with the pocket on its underside at the foot end. The pocketed cover sheet helps to keep the ends of the bedclothes together in a tidy package.

[0076] The duvet, pocket sheet and cover sheet purchased for a bed should be of the same specified width, and wide enough to exceed the mattress height on each side of the bed, so that the layers can be neatly tucked under the mattress. This would also provide adequate excess width to cover the sleeping person or persons when un-tucked. The specified length of the pocket sheet and cover sheet should be the same, and a few cm longer than the duvet length, to adequately shield the duvet at the foot end. All three should be long enough to tuck under the mattress at the foot end when the head end is correctly positioned on the bed.

[0077] The specificities in the above description shall not be construed as limiting, but as providing guidance and examples. Many other variations are possible. For example, the pocket sheet and cover sheet may have releasable fasteners between them at the head end of the pocket, or each may have releasable fasteners that attach directly to the duvet. The scope of the embodiments shall be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

CONCLUSION AND ADVANTAGES

[0078] The pocket sheet aims to advance the upper bed sheet in the same way that the fitted sheet did for the lower bed sheet. The function of an upper bed sheet is to provide a comfortable and hygienic shield between a duvet and a sleeping person, but utility is lacking in a flat sheet, especially at the head end where a portion of the sheet is simply folded back over the duvet. Of course the layers slip apart when the sleeping person pulls on the assembly or tosses it aside. The pocket sheet fixes the customary fold of the upper bed sheet by fastening the side hems of the fold portion to the adjoining hems of the flat portion it is folded over, by sewing or using press buttons, forming a pocket, that is further enhanced by specifying deep and snug dimensions, for retaining a duvet in place even when the assembly is tossed about. The effectiveness of the upper bed sheet in maintaining a protective barrier between the duvet and the sleeping person is significantly improved with a pocket sheet, and the comfort of the sleeping person is much enhanced when she is freed from constant fussing with the layers at her neckline.

[0079] Prior art did not focus on the shortcomings in the most widely used method of making up a bed, which is still using a flat upper bed sheet. Key to acceptance and adoption of any change is minimum deviation from the current method of doing things. The pocket sheet does not change the current method, but provides a tool to housekeepers for making up a neat and standardized bed. Bed occupants should not notice any difference in appearance but would find their sleep experience pleasantly enhanced.

[0080] Similarly, the contemporary method of making up beds in hotels and commercial lodgings is to wrap both a cover sheet and a flat upper bed sheet over a duvet at the head end, as shown in FIG. 4a. All the layers fall out of place when a guest moves about in his sleep. By attaching the cover sheet to a pocket sheet at their hems using press buttons as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6b, and described above, the pocket sheet and cover sheet stay in place relative to each other and the duvet is kept securely sandwiched between them. Again change to the current popular method is minimal in effort to the housekeeper and barely visible to the guest. Hotels and inns could genuinely market an innovative product that increases comfort and hygiene for their guests.

[0081] Of further benefit, the pocket sheet will help to standardize bed linen sizing at the brand level. Presently, only mattress sizes are defined and standardized. Duvet and blanket sizes vary widely and flat bed sheets, even for standard mattress sizes, range from stingy to over-sized. Housekeepers are left to decide how much to fold over the duvet on a daily basis, and attempt to even out the excess width, if any, on the two sides. When ordering a pocket sheet, however, a hotel chain or brand name bed linen retailer will require the purveyor or manufacturer to properly size the pocket sheet and the cover sheet to their house duvet. Housekeeping staff will appreciate the better fit and predetermined pocket depth, and bed making will be more standardized. At the retail level, the brand name seller can use this feature to market a duvet and sheet set together, encouraging brand loyalty.