Bedding systems

Abstract

Various sheet configurations that improve mattress fit are described. For example, sheets having elastic corners, gripping mechanisms, and faceted side panels are provided that enhance sheet-to-mattress fit. The features employed by some or all of the versions of the sheet described herein enhance interconnection of the sheet onto the mattress, wherein sheets securely interconnect to mattresses having rounded corners or maintain fit with mattresses that have portions that selectively move.

Claims

1. A bed sheet system adapted for selective interconnection to a mattress consisting of a head portion, a foot portion, a top surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall separating the top surface from the lower surface, the bed sheet system, comprising: a top portion adapted to interface with an upper surface of the mattress having a first edge, a second edge spaced from the first edge, a left lateral edge interconnected to the first edge with a first corner edge and to the second edge with a second corner edge, and a right lateral edge interconnected to the first edge with a third corner edge and to the second edge with a fourth corner edge; a first side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the first edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a second side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the second edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a left lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the left lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a right lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the right lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; and a first corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the first corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first side panel and the left lateral side panel; a second corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the second corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the left lateral side panel and the second side panel; a third corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the third corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first side panel and the right lateral side panel; a fourth corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the fourth corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the right lateral side panel and the second side panel; and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth corner member includes an opening associated with a fabric member configured to expand when the opening is expanded.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the corner members are made of an elastic material.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the lateral edges of the first, second, third, and fourth corner member are at least partially comprised of an elastic material.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the fabric member is flexible.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening has edges that are selectively interconnected.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening has edges that are selectively interconnected with a zipper, laces, at least one snap, or at least one button.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper edges of the corner members have a curved profile.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper edges of the corner members are curved with a radius of curvature of about 18 inches.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gripping member interconnected to an inner surface of the corner members.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fabric member further includes an elastic seam located between lateral edges thereof.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the lower edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, the left lateral side panel, right side panel, and corner members are comprised of an elastic material.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lower portion having an edge that interconnects to the lower edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, the left lateral side panel, right lateral side panel, and corner members.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the top portion is removable and selectively attached to the upper edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, the left lateral side panel, right lateral side panel, and corner members, wherein the top portion is selectively attached to the first side panel, the second side panel, the left lateral side panel, right lateral side panel, and corner members with a zipper, a plurality of snaps, a zip lock mechanism, or buttons.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the fabric member further includes an elastic seam located between lateral edges thereof, and wherein at least a portion of the lower edges of the first side panel, the second side panel, the left lateral side panel, right side panel, and corner members are comprised of an elastic material.

15. A bed sheet system adapted for selective interconnection to a half-split mattress consisting of a left head portion, a right head portion, a foot portion, a top surface, a lower surface, a sidewall separating the top surface from the lower surface, a left interior sidewall, a right interior sidewall, the bed sheet system, comprising: a top portion defined by a primary segment associated with the foot portion of the mattress, a left segment extending from the primary segment and associated with the left head portion, and a right segment extending from the primary segment and associated with the right head portion, the left segment and right segment configured to fold independently relative to the primary segment, and the top portion further comprising: a first left edge, a first right edge, a second edge spaced from the first left edge and first right edge, a left lateral edge interconnected to the first left edge by a first corner edge and to the second edge by a second corner edge, a right lateral edge interconnected to the first right edge by a third corner edge and to the second edge by a fourth corner edge, an interior left lateral edge interconnected to the first left edge by a fifth corner edge; and an interior right lateral edge interconnected to the first right edge by a sixth corner edge; a first left side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the first left edge of the top portion, a lower edge configured to engage the sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a first right side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the first right edge of the top portion, a lower edge configured to engage the sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a second side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the second edge of the top portion, a lower edge to engage the sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a left lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the left lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a right lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the right lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; and an interior left lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the interior left lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; an interior right lateral side panel having an upper edge interconnected to the interior right lateral edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a first corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the first corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first left side panel and the left lateral side panel; a second corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the second corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the left lateral side panel and the second side panel; a third corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the third corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first right side panel and the right lateral side panel; a fourth corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the fourth corner edge, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the right lateral side panel and the second side panel; a fifth corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the fifth corner edge, a lower edge, and a lateral edge, which is opposite from the first corner member, interconnected to a corresponding lateral edge of the first left side panel; a sixth corner member having an upper edge interconnected to the sixth corner edge, a lower edge, and a lateral edge, which is opposite from the third corner member, interconnected to a corresponding lateral edge of the first right side panel; and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth corner member includes an opening associated that accommodates a fabric member configured to expand when edges of the opening are moved apart.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the corner members are made of an elastic material.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the lateral edges of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth corner member are at least partially comprised of an elastic material.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein a portion of the fabric member is flexible.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the opening has edges that are selectively interconnected with a zipper, laces, at least one snap, or at least one button.

20. A bed sheet system, comprising: a top portion having a first edge configured to interface with a head portion of a mattress, a second edge spaced from the first edge and configured to interface with a foot portion of the mattress, and a left lateral edge and a right lateral edge that associate the first edge to the second edge; a first side panel having an angled upper segment with an upper edge interconnected to the first edge of the top portion, an intermediate segment interconnected to the upper segment, and an angled lower segment with a lower edge configured to engage a sidewall or a lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a second side panel having an angled upper segment with an upper edge interconnected to the second edge of the top portion, an intermediate segment interconnected to the upper segment, and an angled lower segment with a lower edge configured to engage a sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a left lateral side panel having an angled upper segment with an upper edge interconnected to the left lateral edge, an intermediate segment interconnected to the upper segment, and an angled lower segment with, a lower edge configured to engage a sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; a right lateral side panel having an angled upper segment with an upper edge interconnected to the right lateral edge, an intermediate segment interconnected to the upper segment, and an angled lower segment with a lower edge configured to engage a sidewall or the lower surface of the mattress, and lateral edges that interconnect ends of the upper edge to ends of the lower edge; and a first corner member having an upper edge interconnected to a first corner edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first side panel and the left lateral side panel; a second corner member having an upper edge interconnected to a second corner edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the first side panel and the right lateral side panel; a third corner member having an upper edge interconnected to a third corner edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the right lateral side panel and the second side panel; a fourth corner member having an upper edge interconnected to a fourth corner edge of the top portion, a lower edge, and lateral edges that interconnect corresponding lateral edges of the left lateral side panel and the second side panel; and wherein at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth corner member includes an opening associated with a fabric member configured to expand when edges of the opening are separated.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the Summary of the Invention given above and the Detailed Description given below serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a bedding system of an embodiment of the present invention proximate to a mattress of a bed, the bedding system comprising a retention element, a first bedding element, and a second bedding element.

(3) FIG. 1B is a cutaway side elevation view of the bedding system of FIG. 1A illustrating the relative positions of the retention element, the first bedding element, and the second bedding element when the bedding system is positioned on the mattress.

(4) FIG. 1C is a cutaway side elevation view of a bedding system of another embodiment including a retention element interconnected to a mattress with a closure.

(5) FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the first bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 1A.

(6) FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the second bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 1A.

(7) FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the bedding system of FIG. 1A positioned on the mattress of the bed with the mattress, the retention element, and the first bedding element shown through the second bedding element.

(8) FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the bedding system taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 4 and illustrating the arrangement of a first closure to interconnect the first bedding element to the retention element and a second closure and a third closure to interconnect the second bedding element to the first bedding element.

(9) FIG. 5B is another cross-sectional view of the bedding system of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate position of the second and third closures to interconnect the first and second bedding elements.

(10) FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a bedding system of another embodiment of the present invention positioned on a mattress and showing a first bedding element and a second bedding element interconnected to a retention element by buttons.

(11) FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the first bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 6.

(12) FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the second bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 6.

(13) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bedding system taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6 and showing an arrangement of buttons used to interconnect the first and second bedding elements to the retention element.

(14) FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating an alternate arrangement of the first and second bedding elements with respect to the buttons.

(15) FIG. 11 is still another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 and illustrating the first and second bedding elements interconnected to buttons affixed to the retention element.

(16) FIG. 12A is a top plan view of another bedding system of an embodiment of the present invention positioned on a mattress and showing a first bedding element and a retention element interconnected to a second bedding element by buttons fixed to the second bedding element.

(17) FIG. 12B is a cutaway side elevation view of the bedding system of FIG. 12A illustrating the relative positions of button holes of the retention element and the first bedding element when the bedding system is positioned on the mattress and illustrating an optional zipper to interconnect the retention element to the mattress.

(18) FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the first bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 12A.

(19) FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the second bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 12A.

(20) FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bedding system of FIG. 12A taken along line 15-15 and showing the retention element and the first bedding element interconnected to the second bedding system by buttons affixed to the second bedding element.

(21) FIG. 16A is a top plan view of yet another bedding system of the present invention and illustrates a retention element positioned on a mattress with a first bedding element interconnected to the retention element by a two-part closure and a second bedding element interconnected to the first bedding element by buttons.

(22) FIG. 16B is a cutaway side elevation view of the bedding system of FIG. 16A illustrating the relative positions of a two-part closure for interconnecting the first bedding element to the retention element as well as button holes of the first bedding element to receive a button affixed to the second bedding element.

(23) FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the first bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 16A.

(24) FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the second bedding element of the bedding system of FIG. 16A.

(25) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 16A and illustrates the first bedding element interconnected to the retention element by the two-part closure and the second bedding element interconnected to the first bedding element by the buttons.

(26) FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 19 and illustrating another bedding system in which a two-part closure interconnects a first bedding element to a retention element and buttons affixed to the first bedding element interconnect the second bedding element to the first bedding element.

(27) FIG. 21 shows a duvet and duvet cover of the prior art.

(28) FIG. 22 is a detailed of FIG. 21.

(29) FIG. 23 shows a duvet cover of one embodiment of the present invention.

(30) FIG. 24 is a detailed view of FIG. 23.

(31) FIG. 25 is a detailed view of FIG. 23 showing an alternate technique for interconnecting a corner of the duvet to the duvet cover.

(32) FIG. 26 is a detailed view of FIG. 23 showing an alternate technique for interconnecting a corner of the duvet to the duvet cover.

(33) FIG. 27 is a detailed view of the interconnection scheme employed by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.

(34) FIG. 28 is a detailed view of FIG. 23 showing an alternate technique for interconnecting a corner of the duvet to the duvet cover.

(35) FIG. 29 is a detailed view of FIG. 23 showing an alternate technique for interconnecting a corner of the duvet to the duvet cover.

(36) FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a sheet system of one embodiment of the present invention.

(37) FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 30.

(38) FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a bed sheet system of another embodiment of the present invention.

(39) FIG. 33 is a detailed view of FIG. 32 showing a corner of a bed and interconnected sheet.

(40) FIG. 33A is a detailed view of FIG. 32 showing a corner of a bed and interconnected sheet of another embodiment of the present invention.

(41) FIG. 34 is a partial cross-section showing a bed sheet system of another embodiment of the present invention.

(42) FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of a gripping member employed by some embodiments of the present invention.

(43) FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of a gripping member employed by some embodiments of the present invention.

(44) FIG. 37 is a partial cross-section showing a bed sheet system of another embodiment of the present invention.

(45) FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing a bed sheet system of another embodiment of the present invention configured to accommodate split mattress beds.

(46) FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of FIG. 38.

(47) FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of FIG. 38, wherein a portion of the mattress is omitted for clarity.

(48) FIG. 41 shows an anchor member employed by the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 38.

(49) FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of FIG. 38, wherein a portion of the mattress is omitted for clarity.

(50) The following component list and associated numbering found in FIGS. 21-42 is provided to assist in the understanding of some embodiments of the present invention:

#Component

(51) 402 Duvet 406 Duvet cover 410 Opening 414 Duvet corner 418 Duvet cover corner 422 Strap 426 Anchor 430 Top surface 434 Bottom surface 438 Top edge 442 Bottom edge 446 Left edge 450 Right edge 454 Zipper 455 Access Opening 456 Snap base 458 Snap top 459 Loop 460 Connector 464 Button 468 Member 472 Duvet cover strap 476 Duvet strap 480 Slot 490 Clip 494 Strap

#Component

(52) 508 Corner member 510 Side panel 512 Top edge 516 Elastic member 520 Bottom edge 524 Top edge 528 Opening 532 Fabric 600 Sheet 604 Gripping member 608 Inner surface 612 Side panel 616 Top panel 620 Elastic edge 624 Mattress 628 Gripping member 632 Post 636 Button 640 Nut 644 Backing member 700 Sheet 704 Side panel 708 Elastic edge 712 Top panel 716 Upper segment 720 Primary segment 724 Lower segment 728 Mattress

#Component

(53) 732 Edge profile 800 Sheet 804 Foot portion 808 Head Portion 812 Split plane 816 Anchor 820 Sheet retention member 824 Stay 828 Elastic member 832 Corner 900 Removable top sheet 904 Side member 908 Mattress 912 Zipper 918 Extension 920 Bottom member

(54) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(55) Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a bedding system 12 of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The bedding system 12 generally comprises a retention element 14, a first bedding element 30, and a second bedding element 70.

(56) The retention element 14 generally includes a first portion 27A of a first two-part closure 26 and a first longitudinal panel 16A connected to a second longitudinal panel 16B by first and second transverse panels 18A, 18B. In one embodiment, the retention element 14 has a generally rectangular shape.

(57) The retention element 14 generally has a size and shape selected to fit a mattress 2 of a bed. More specifically, the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the retention element 14 generally corresponds to the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the mattress 2. Additionally, the length and width of the retention element 14 are about equal to, or slightly greater than, the corresponding length and width of the mattress 2.

(58) The first and second longitudinal panels 16A, 16B are adapted to contact at least a portion of respective first and second longitudinal sidewalls 4A, 4B of the mattress 2 when the retention element 14 is positioned on the mattress 2. Similarly, the first and second transverse panels 18 contact at least a portion of respective first and second transverse sidewalls 6 of the mattress when the retention element is on the mattress 2. In one embodiment, the panels 16-18 of the retention element 14 substantially cover corresponding sidewalls 4-6 of the mattress 2 as generally illustrated in FIG. 1B. In another embodiment, the panels 16-18 of the retention element 14 contact at least a portion of the top portion 8 of the mattress 2. Optionally, an elastic material or other biasing element may be positioned proximate to one or more of an upper peripheral edge 20 and a lower peripheral edge 22 of one or more of the panels 16-18 to decrease at least one of the length and the width of the retention element 14 with respect to the mattress 2.

(59) In one embodiment, the retention element 14 optionally includes a bottom panel 24 adapted to at least partially contact a bottom portion 10 of the mattress 2. In one embodiment, the bottom panel 24 is continuous between the first and second longitudinal panels 16A, 16B and between the first and second transverse panels 18A, 18B. In this manner, the optional bottom panel 24 may cover all of the bottom portion 10 of the mattress. Alternatively, the bottom panel 24 is discontinuous such that there are apertures in the bottom panel 24 and only some of the bottom portion 10 of the mattress is covered.

(60) Optionally, the first closure portion 27A may extend substantially continuously around the retention element. Accordingly, in one embodiment, each of the panels 16A, 16B, 18A, 18B includes a portion of the first closure portion 27A. Alternatively, one or more of the panels 16A, 16B, 18A, 18B may be devoid of the first closure portion 27A. Thus, in another embodiment, the first closure portion 27A is only included on the first and second longitudinal panels 16A, 16B. In one embodiment, the first closure portion 27A is spaced from an upper peripheral edge 20 of the retention element 14. In another embodiment, the first closure portion 27A is positioned proximate to, or at, the edge 20 of the retention element 14. In one embodiment, the first closure portion 27A is positioned proximate to an upper peripheral edge 20 of the retention element 14. In another embodiment, the first closure portion 27A is substantially parallel to the upper peripheral edge 20. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the first closure portion 27A may be arranged at any location of the retention element. Accordingly, in another embodiment, the first closure portion 27A may alternatively be spaced from the upper peripheral edge, or closer to the lower peripheral edge 22 than to the upper peripheral edge.

(61) Referring now to FIG. 1C, the retention element 14A may optionally be interconnected to the mattress 2A with one or more fasteners or closures. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any type of closure or fastener may be used to interconnect any embodiment of retention element of the present disclosure to the mattress. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, buttons 64 positioned on the mattress 2A may engage button holes 60 formed in the retention element 14A. Alternatively, the retention element 14A may include buttons that engage button loops or button holes formed on the mattress 2A. In another embodiment, one or more of snaps, buttons, a zipper, and a hook and loop fastener are used to interconnect the retention element 14A to the mattress 2A.

(62) The first bedding element 30 generally includes an exterior surface 32 opposite to an interior surface 34, and a first peripheral edge 36A opposite to a second peripheral edge 36B. A second portion 27B of the first closure 26 is interconnected to the interior surface 34 to align with the first portion 27A of the first closure 26. In this manner, the second portion 27B is interconnectable to the first portion 27A of the first closure 26. In one embodiment, the first two-part closure 26 is a zipper. A pull for the first closure 26 may be associated with the second closure portion 27B. Alternatively, the zipper pull may be associated with the first closure portion 27A.

(63) In one embodiment, the first bedding element 30 has at least one of a length that is greater than a length of the longitudinal panels 16 and a width that is greater than a length of the first and second transverse panels 18 of the retention element 14. Accordingly, when the first bedding element 30 is interconnected to the retention element 14, the first and second peripheral edges 36A, 36B drape at least partially down over the first and second longitudinal sidewalls 4A, 4B of the mattress as generally illustrated in FIG. 1B.

(64) Optionally, referring now to FIG. 2, the first bedding element 30 comprises first and second panels 52, 54 that extend from a medial panel 50. In one embodiment, the first and second panels 52, 54 extend about 1 inch from the medial panel 50; however, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the first and second panels 52A, 52B may be of any predetermined width. In another embodiment, the first and second panels extend between about 0.5 inch and about 8 inches from the medial panel 50. Slots 56 may be formed proximate to corners of the first bedding element 30 such that the first and second panels 52, 54 may drape at least partially down against the sidewalls 4 of the mattress. Optionally, a closure, such as but not limited to, a zipper, a snap, or a tie may be interconnected to adjacent sides of one or more of the slots 56. In this manner, the slots 56 may be at least partially closed by the closure.

(65) The first bedding element 30 also includes a first portion 43A of a second two-part closure 42 and a first portion 45A of a third two-part closure 44. In one embodiment, the first portions 43A, 45A are interconnected to the first bedding element at a position substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 40 of the first bedding element 30 that is substantially equally spaced from the first and second peripheral edges 36A, 36B. Optionally, the first portions 43A, 45A are positioned on the first and second panels 52, 54 respectively. In one embodiment, the first portions 43A, 45A are positioned closer to the respective first and second peripheral edges 36A, 36B than the second portion 27B of the first closure 26. In another embodiment, the first closure 26 is arranged such that the first and second portions 27A, 27B are not between the top portion 8 of the mattress 2 and the interior surface portion 34 of the first bedding element 30 when the first bedding element 30 is positioned on the mattress 2.

(66) Preferably, the first portions 43A, 45A extend along at least a portion of a length of each of the first and second peripheral edges 36A, 36B as illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, in one embodiment, the first portions 43A, 45A of the second and third closures 42, 44 extend up to about one-third of the length of edges 36A, 36B. Alternatively, the first portions 43A, 45A may extend up to about one-half of the length of edges 36. However, in another embodiment, the first portions 43A, 45A have a length substantially equal to the length of the first and second longitudinal sidewalls 4A, 4B of the mattress 2.

(67) In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5A, the first closure portions 43A, 45A of the second and third closures 42, 44 are interconnected to the interior surface 34 of the first bedding element 30. Alternatively, the first closure portions 43A, 45A may optionally be interconnected to the exterior surface 32 of the first bedding element 30A as illustrated in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B also illustrates an embodiment of the first bedding element 30A that is wider than the mattress 2 such that the first and second panels 52A, 52B drape downwardly proximate to the longitudinal panels 16A, 16B of the retention element.

(68) Additionally, the first bedding element 30 may optionally include a first portion 47A of a fourth two-part closure 46. The first portion 47A is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40 proximate to a third peripheral edge 38A.

(69) Optionally, the first bedding element 30 may be interconnected directly to the mattress 2 without the use of the retention element 14. Accordingly, one embodiment, the first bedding element 30 includes a second portion 27B of a first two-part closure 26 that interconnects to a first portion 27A of the first closure 26 affixed to the mattress 2. In one embodiment, the first portion 27A is positioned on at least one of the longitudinal sidewalls 4 of the mattress. Optionally, in another embodiment, the first bedding element 30 is interconnected to the mattress 4 by a plurality of buttons or snaps.

(70) In one embodiment, the first bedding element 30 is a sheet. The first bedding element 30 may be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the first bedding element includes cotton. In another embodiment, the first bedding element comprises at least one of cotton, wool, silk, and a synthetic material. Optionally, the first bedding element is pre-washed, or pre-shrunk, before the portions of the two-part closures 26, 42, 44, 46 are affixed to the first bedding element.

(71) The second bedding element 70 generally comprises an exterior surface 72, an interior surface 74, and a first peripheral edge 76A generally parallel to a second peripheral edge 76B. The second bedding element 70 has a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the first bedding element 30. In one embodiment, a width of the second bedding element 70 is greater than the width of the first bedding element 30. Accordingly, when the second bedding element 70 is interconnected to the first bedding element 30 at least a portion of the first bedding element 30 extends downwardly past the first and second peripheral edges 36A, 36B of the first bedding element 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 5A. Optionally, the second bedding element 70 is longer than the first bedding element 30.

(72) Slots 56 may be formed proximate to corners of the second bedding element 70 similar to the slots 56 of the first bedding element. Closures may be associated with one or more of the slots 56 to draw the slots 56 at least partially closed.

(73) The second bedding element 70 also includes a second portion 43B of the second closure 42 and a second portion 45B of the third closure 44. The second portions 43B, 45B are positioned on the second bedding element 70 to align with the corresponding first portions 43A, 45A of the first bedding element 30. In this manner, the second bedding element may be selectively interconnected to the first bedding element.

(74) In one embodiment, the second portions 43B, 45B are interconnected to the interior surface portion 74. Optionally, the second portions 43B, 45B may be positioned proximate to the respective first and second peripheral edges 76. In this manner, when the second and third closures 42, 44 are interconnected as generally illustrated in FIG. 5A, the second bedding element 70 drapes from the exterior surface portion 32, around the peripheral edges 36A, 36B and proximate to the interior surface portion 34 of the first bedding element 30. In another embodiment, the second portions 43B, 45B may be spaced from the peripheral edges 76A, 76B as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

(75) Optionally, a second portion 47B of the fourth two-part closure 46 may be interconnected to the second bedding element 70 to align with the first portion 47A. In this manner, a foot portion of the first bedding element 30 may be interconnected to the second bedding element. Accordingly, the first and second portions 47A, 47B of the fourth closure 46 may be separated to provide more room for an occupant of the bed. The first and second bedding elements 30, 70 are generally illustrated as interconnectable using three two-part closures 42, 44, and 46; however, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the any one of the two-part closures 42-46 may independently interconnect the first and second bedding elements. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the first and second bedding elements 30, 70 only include one of the closures 42, 44, 46. In another embodiment, the first and second bedding element 30, 70 include any two of the closures 42, 44, 46. Alternatively, the first and second bedding elements may include all three of the closures 42, 44, 46.

(76) The second bedding element 70 may be any type of a sheet or cover for a bed. The second bedding element 70 may comprise one or more of cotton, silk, nylon, wool, and a synthetic material. In one embodiment, the second bedding element 70 is comprised of a durable material suitable for outdoor use. In one embodiment, at least the exterior surface portion 72 of the second bedding element comprises a water-proof or a water-resistant material.

(77) In one embodiment, the second bedding element 70 is a quilt. In another embodiment, the second bedding element 70 is a duvet-type cover comprising two or more layers that define a cavity or pocket 80. The pocket 80 may be sized to retain an insulating material. Thus, insulation may be removed from, or added to, the pocket 80 to adjust the amount of insulation of the second bedding element 70. In this manner, the second bedding element 70 may be adjusted for year-round used, from a summer-weight duvet to a winter-weight duvet. Optionally, retention elements, such as ties, snaps, or hooks, may be positioned within the pocket 80 for interconnected to a selected insulating material.

(78) Preferably the pocket 80 is closed on at least the first and second peripheral edges 76. Optionally, the pocket 80 is closed proximate to one or more of the foot end 78A and the head end 78B of the second bedding element 70. An aperture 82, illustrated in FIG. 4, for accessing the pocket 80 may optionally be positioned proximate to one or more of the foot 78A and the head 78B of the second bedding element. In one embodiment, the aperture 82 generally comprises a slot in the exterior surface portion 72 of the second bedding element. Alternatively, the aperture 82A is formed in the interior surface portion 74 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Optionally, the aperture 82, 82A may include a closure, such as a zipper, buttons, or snaps. The pocket 80 may be formed on a portion of the width of the second bedding element 70 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, the pocket may generally extend from the first peripheral edge 76A to the second peripheral edge 76B as generally illustrated in FIG. 3.

(79) To replace or clean the bedding system 12, the first and second bedding elements 30, 70 may be individually removed from the retention element 14. Optionally, the first and second bedding elements may be interconnected when the first bedding element 30 is removed from the retention element.

(80) Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, a bedding system 112 of another embodiment of the present invention is generally illustrated. The bedding system 112 is similar to bedding system 12. However, the first and second bedding elements 130, 170 are interconnected to the retention element 114 by buttons. In one embodiment, the buttons are double buttons 162 with a first head and a second head that are interconnected by a shank. Although only five buttons 162 and button holes 160 are illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, this is merely for clarity. Accordingly, a plurality of buttons 162 and button holes 160 may be associated with bedding system 112.

(81) In one embodiment of the present invention, at least the first and second bedding elements 130, 170 include aligned button holes 160A, 160B. The button holes 160A are generally arranged through the first and second bedding elements about parallel to the longitudinal axis 140 of the first bedding element 130. Said another way, the button holes 160A are arranged similar to the positions of the second and third two-part closures 42, 44 of the bedding system 12. Optionally, button holes 160B may be arranged generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 140 such that the foot end 178A of the second bedding element 170 may be interconnected to the first bedding element and, optionally, to the retention element.

(82) Optionally, the retention element 114 may also include button holes 160 that align with the button holes 160 of the first bedding element 130 and, optionally, the second bedding element 170. In this manner, one or more double buttons 162 may be used to interconnect the first and second bedding elements to the retention element 114 as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 10.

(83) In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 11, the buttons 164 are interconnected to the retention element 114. The buttons 164 are positioned on the retention element 114 to be received through the button holes 160 of the first bedding element 130 and, optionally, the second bedding element 170. Preferably, the buttons are interconnected to the retention element 114 such that sufficient space is left between the button 164 and the retention element 114 to receive one or more of the first bedding element and the second bedding element.

(84) Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, yet another embodiment of a bedding system 212 of the present invention is generally illustrated. The bedding system 212 is similar to bedding systems 12, 112 and includes the same or similar features. More specifically, the bedding system 212 includes button holes 260 on the retention element 214 and the first bedding element 230 aligned with buttons 266 affixed to the second bedding element 270. The buttons 266A and button holes 260B may be positioned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 240 of the first bedding element 230. Accordingly, the buttons 266A and button holes 260A are generally arranged in positions similar to the second and third closures 42, 44 of bedding system 12. Optionally, buttons 266B and buttons holes 260B may be arranged generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis 240 in a manner similar to the fourth fixture 46 of bedding system 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the mattress 2 may optionally include a first closure portion 227 to engage a corresponding second closure portion (not illustrated) of the retention element 214. In this manner, the retention element 214 may be releasably interconnected to the mattress 2.

(85) Referring now to FIGS. 16-20, still another bedding system 312 of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The bedding system 312 includes both a two-part closure 326 to interconnect a retention element 314 to a first bedding element 330 and buttons 366 and button holes 360 to interconnect a second bedding element 370 to the first bedding element 330. Accordingly, the bedding system is similar to bedding systems 12, 112, 212 and includes the same or similar features.

(86) The retention element 314 includes a first portion 327A of the two-part closure 326. A second portion 327B of the two-part closure 326 is affixed to the interior surface 334 of the first bedding element 330 in alignment with the first portion 327A. Accordingly, the first bedding element 330 may be selectively interconnected to the retention element 314 in a manner the same as, or similar to, the retention element 14 and first bedding element 30 of bedding system 12.

(87) The first bedding element 330 also includes button holes 360 to receive buttons 366 affixed to an interior surface 374 of the second bedding element 370. The buttons 366A and button holes 360A are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis 340 of the first bedding element 330. In one embodiment, the buttons 366A and buttons holes 360A are arranged similar to the second and third two-part closures 42, 44 of bedding system 12. Optionally, additional button holes 360B and buttons 366B may be positioned on the first and second bedding elements 330, 370 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 340 similar to the fourth two-part closure 46 of bedding system 12. In this manner, the foot end 378A of the second bedding system 370 may be selectively interconnected to the first bedding system 330.

(88) Referring now to FIG. 20, in another embodiment, the second bedding element 370A includes buttons holes 360 that are aligned with buttons 368 affixed to the first bedding element 330.

(89) FIGS. 23-29 show systems for interconnecting duvets 402 to duvet covers 406. The duvet cover 406 generally comprises a top surface 430 and a bottom surface 434 connected on their respective top edges 438, bottom edges 442, left edges 446, and right edges 450. To facilitate placement of the duvet 402 within the duvet cover 406, however, at least two adjoining edges are selectively interconnected by, for example, with a zipper 454. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other selective interconnection mechanisms, such as zip locks, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or buttons may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. The selective interconnection mechanism may be concealed within seams associated with the top surface 430 to the bottom surface 434 or by flaps that extend from the edges of the top or bottom surface.

(90) In operation, the selectively interconnected edges are separated to expose the interior of the duvet cover 406, which allows for quick and easy insertion of the duvet 402. Thus, the user is provided with greater access to the duvet cover interior which allows the duvet to be aligned correctly relative to the top surface and the bottom surface. Thereafter, the open edges are reconnected.

(91) The duvet cover of some embodiments of the present invention also includes access openings 455 located on the edges or portions of the edges that are not severable. In the embodiment shown, the access openings 455 are provided on the left edge 46 and right edge 450 and adjacent to the top edge 438 of the duvet cover 406 the access openings allow access into the interior so the top corners of the duvet 402 may be adjusted and aligned with corresponding interior corners of the duvet cover 406.

(92) Methods of securing duvet corners to the interior corners of the duvet cover are shown in FIGS. 243-29. In FIG. 24, a strap 422 connected to the interior corner 418 of the duvet cover 406 is modified to include a snap base 456 and a snap top 458, wherein the strap 422 can be looped 459 and secured to itself. The loop 459 is configured to capture and anchor 426 employed on the duvet 402. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other selective interconnection mechanisms may be employed on the strap without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), magnets, rubber studs, a butterfly clutch, a jewelry clutch, a safety clasp, a screw/nut interconnection system, a stick pin, and any other similar type of selective interconnection mechanism or device. In other embodiments, the strap 422 extending from the interior corner of the duvet cover 418 may include a button, snap, magnet, hook and loop fastener, etc. that interconnects with a compatible connector sewn to the corner of the duvet. Alternatively, the corners of the duvet may include protrusions or buttons (in one embodiment, soft compliant buttons as found on rugby shirts, for example) that are received within holes provided in the straps 422 extending from the interior corners of the duvet cover.

(93) FIGS. 25-27 show a method employed by some embodiments of the present invention wherein the corner of duvet cover 418 interconnects with the corner of the duvet 414 by way of a connector 460 comprised of spaced buttons 464 interconnected by a member 468 as shown in FIG. 27. The member 468 may be rigid such as in the construction of a cufflink or bendable. In one embodiment of the present invention, the member 468 is made of an elastic material such that the spaced buttons 464 are biased towards each other.

(94) FIG. 25 shows duvet cover with a strap 472 that engages a corresponding strap 476 on the duvet. FIG. 26 shows a related configuration wherein the duvet cover includes a plurality of straps 472 that engage a complimentary strap 476 on the duvet. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that straps that extend from the corner of the duvet may be provided wherein the duvet cover includes a single strap, e.g., a configuration opposite to that shown in FIG. 26. In addition, it should be understood that the duvet and the duvet cover each may include straps extending outwardly from their respective corners without departing from the scope of the invention. Regardless of the configuration provided, each strap 472 and 476 are provided with holes or slots 480 configured to receive a connector 460 with a portion located within a space defined by coinciding strap holes and the thickness of the interconnected straps.

(95) In one embodiment, the button 464 defined the extent of the member 468, wherein the interconnection between the member 468 and at least one of the buttons 464 is selectively modifiable such that moving the connector 460 through the aligned slots 480 of the interconnected straps 472 and 476 facilitated. For example, at least one button 464 may be made of a resilient material, such as rubber and deflectable, wherein the connector 460 can be pushed through aligned slots 480. In still yet other embodiments of the present invention, the member comprises a rigid post that receives a button 464 similar to the mechanisms found in lapel pins. The member 468 may be threaded wherein at least one button 464 is screwed onto the member 468 after it is threaded pushed the aligned slots 480.

(96) In some instances, the duvet does not include an anchor or strap emanating therefrom. Accordingly, a strap is provided that is interconnected to the corner of the duvet cover that terminates in a clip 490 that grasps a corresponding corner of the duvet. FIG. 28 shows a related embodiment wherein the clip 490 is interconnected to a strap 494 or anchor extending from the corner of the duvet 414 that selectively interconnects to the strap 422 extending from the interior corner 418 of the duvet cover 6.

(97) Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 29 wherein clips 490 are used to grasp corners of the duvet 414 and corresponding interior corners of the duvet cover 418. The clips 490 can be directly interconnected with a buckle connection similar to that found on backpacks. Alternatively, the clips 490 may possess straps 422 and 494 extending therefrom adapted to selectively interconnect by any of the methods described herein or known in the art or knotted to each other. Still further, a single strap may extend between the clips.

(98) FIGS. 30 and 31 show sheet system of one embodiment of the present invention that addresses some issues encountered in hospitals and hotels. U.S. Pat. No. 10,368,654 describes a bedding system that includes a removable top sheet 900 selectively interconnected to side members 904 that fit around lateral edges of a mattress 908. The '654 Patent also describes how the top sheet 900 is selectively interconnected to the side members 904 by way of a zipper 912, for example, and describes extensions interconnected to outer edges of the top sheet that will effectively conceal the side members. Thus, hospitality staff and medical personnel would not need to lift the mattress to remove the top sheet. The extensions are primarily provided to conceal the zipper, but they also function to conceal the side members.

(99) In one embodiment, the side panels are constructed of a different material than that of the top sheet. For example, the side panels may be made of any fabric/mess/stretchable material. The extensions 918, which in this embodiment is of the same material as the top sheet and has a free, draping edge, hide the side panels. Furthermore, the side members 904 can be made of an antibacterial or an easy-to-clean material (e.g., plastic) that can be quickly sanitized between guests or patients, but which may not be aesthetically pleasing. The extensions 918 address this issue by concealing the side members 904. In some embodiments, the extensions 416 are configured to selectively interconnect to the side members 904 by any of the mechanisms or means described herein.

(100) The side members form a stable sheet base configured to fit snugly on the mattress. The corners formed by interconnected base members may be comprised of vertical elastic material that allows the base to accommodate a variety of mattress thicknesses. The bottom edges of the side members employ continuous and sturdy elastic edges that extend well underneath the mattress to enhance interconnection thereto. Some embodiments, however, employ a bottom member 920 or straps that interconnect longitudinal or transverse bottom edges of the side members under the mattress. In some embodiments of the present invention, the top sheet includes a pocket for air mattresses, disposable pads, etc. which help keep these components in place and enhance patient comfort.

(101) FIGS. 32 and 33 show a sheet 500 of another embodiment of the present invention that provides a secure connection with a mattress 504. More specifically, some mattresses are not of traditional construction, wherein their corners employ a curve, which adversely affects the fit of the sheet onto the mattress. Here, the sheet has an elongated corner member 508 configured to correspond with curved mattress corners. Side panels 510 interconnected to the curved mattress corners are interconnected to a top edge to 512 of the sheet 500. The side panels 510 may employ an elastic bottom edge that fits beneath the mattress to securely hold the sheet onto the mattress. In traditional construction, the side panels meet at a rough corner secured by at least one seam that does not accommodate curved mattress corners very well.

(102) The corner member 508 replaces the traditional sheet corner construction and includes ends comprise of elastic members 516. In some embodiments, the present invention employs elastic members between the two and elastic members 516 to further enhance fit. In still yet other embodiments, the entirety of the corner member 508 is made of an elastic material or flexible fabric. The bottom edge 520 of the corner member 508 may also be elastic to correspond with elastic edges of the side members 510. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the sheet 500 may be selectively interconnected to a top edge 524 of the side panel 510 and corner members 508 as described in the applications and patents listed above and incorporated by reference herein.

(103) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33A, the corner member 508 includes an opening 528 or slit extending from the top edge 524 or a point adjacent to the top edge 524 to the bottom edge 520 or to a point adjacent to the bottom edge 520. The opening 528 is associated with additional corner member fabric 532 that may be flexible. The opening 528 may be selectively closable to conceal the fabric 532. For example, the opening may be selectively closed with a zipper, laces, buttons, snaps, etc. In operation, separating the opening's edges allows the fabric 532 to expand to receive thicker and/or larger mattresses.

(104) FIGS. 34-36 shows a sheet 600 of another embodiment of the present invention that employs at least one gripping member 604 associated with its inner surface 608. Here, the gripping member 604 is associated with the inner surface 608 of the sheet's side panel 612. In other embodiments, the gripping member 604 is associated with the top panel 616 of the sheet 600. Of course, gripping members 604 may be associated with the mattress's side panels 612, corners, and/or and top panel 616. The gripping member 604 may be provided in the form of a thin strip or possess a wider dimension to cover more of the mattress. The gripping member of one embodiment of the present invention is made of a silicone or rubber-based material. In other embodiments, the gripping member is comprised of a magnet that selectively engages a magnet provided on the mattress 624, or corresponding hook and loop interconnection members. The side panel 612 may also possess an elastic edge 620 at its bottom end to enhance sheet contact with the mattress. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side panel 612 may be selectively interconnected to the top panel 616 by way of a zipper, for example.

(105) In operation, the gripping members 604 engage the mattress 624, thereby reducing or preventing movement of the sheet 600 relative to the mattress 624. This functionality is desirable, especially when the sheet 600 is employed on a selectively movable mattress 624, which will be described below. In some other embodiments, a gripping member 628 is also employed on the mattress. The gripping member 604 may be interconnected to the sheet 600 and/or mattress 624 with adhesive. In other embodiments, the gripping member is sewn onto the sheet 600. And still yet in other embodiments, the gripping member 604 is selectively interconnected to the sheet 600, which will be described in further detail below.

(106) FIGS. 35 and 36 show examples of how the gripping members 604 of some embodiments are constructed. The gripping member 604 of FIG. 35 is associated with at least one post 632 that terminates at a button 636. As in some of the embodiments described above, the button 636 may be selectively deflectable, similar to a rugby shirt button, and configured to fit through a corresponding hole or slot provided in the sheet. Accordingly, this embodiment of the present invention is selectively removable from the sheet, which facilitates sheet cleaning and folding. FIG. 36 shows a similar embodiment where the gripping member is associated with posts 632 of a different character. For example, the posts 632 may be threaded and configured to accept a nut 640 or similar fastener, wherein posts are fit through holes in the sheet and the sheet is positioned between the nut and the gripping member. Alternatively, the post may be relatively smooth with a pointed tip and configured to accept a backing member 644, such as those found on lapel pins.

(107) FIG. 37 shows a sheet 700 of yet another embodiment of the present invention that employs a multifaceted side panel 704. Like some of the other embodiments described herein, the side panel may terminate at an clastic end 708 and/or be selectively interconnected to the top panel 712. Here, the side panel 704 comprises an angled upper segment 716, a primary segment 720, and an angled lower segment 724. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the side panel 704 may have more facets. The sheet 700 of this embodiment is configured to facilitate interconnection with the mattress 728 that employs a rounded edge profile 732 found in many dorm and RV mattresses. The features of other mattresses described above-elastic corner members (FIG. 33) and gripping members (FIG. 34)may be included with this embodiment.

(108) FIGS. 38-42 show a sheet 800 of still yet another embodiment of the present invention adapted to fit onto half-split mattresses defined by a foot portion 804 with movable head portions 808 extending therefrom. The head portions 808 define a split plane 812 that extends from the head of the mattress towards the foot of the mattress. It is often difficult to securely maintain a sheet onto these types of mattresses because head portions 808 can move relative to each other and relative to the foot portion. Accordingly, an anchor 816 is provided that interfaces with the split plane 812 at a point where the head portions 808 meet the foot portion 804. The anchor 816 includes a sheet retention member 820 interconnected to a stay 824 by way of an elastic member 828. In one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the stay is interference fit within the split plane. The sheet retention member 820 engages the top panel of the foot portion 804 and is biased towards the stay 804 by the elastic member 828, thereby anchoring in the sheet 800 to the mattress. Fixing this portion of the sheet 800 helps prevent motion of the sheet relative to the mattress, especially at the corners 832 of the head portions 808 as they move relative to the foot portion 804. FIG. 42 shows an alternative embodiment of the anchor 816 that employs retention members 820 on either side of the elastic number 828. Here, one retention member is configured to interface with the top panel of the sheet 800 and the opposite retention member is designed to interface with the bottom of the mattress.

(109) The term mattress, as used herein, refers to mattresses of all sizes and thicknesses. Accordingly, the mattress may be sized for a crib or a toddler's bed. The mattress may also be for a fold-out bed (such as a sofa sleeper, a cot, or a murphy bed). Alternatively, the mattress may be one of a twin, full, queen, king, or any other size mattress. The sheets described herein may also be sized to fit an inflatable mattress of any size or shape.

(110) The phrases at least one, one or more, and and/or, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions at least one of A, B and C, at least one of A, B, or C, one or more of A, B, and C, one or more of A, B, or C, and A, B, and/or C means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

(111) Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about.

(112) The term a or an entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms a (or an), one or more and at least one can be used interchangeably herein.

(113) The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms including, comprising, or having and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.

(114) It shall be understood that the term means as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term means shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Abstract, and Claims themselves.

(115) While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the aspects of various embodiments described herein may be combined and/or combined with the inventions and aspects of inventions described and claimed in the applications for patent and patents referred to above and incorporated by reference herein. For example, aspects of the inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,570,026, 3,591,875, 4,922,565, 5,042,099, 6,757,923, 7,231,679, 7,487,561, 7,975,334, 8,332,976, 8,726,907, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20030177579, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20040139552, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20070113341, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20070174962, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20150182032, all of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.