WO1995013730A1

WO1995013730A1 - Improvements relating to bed sheets

Info

Publication number: WO1995013730A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1994/000132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Phillip Taigel
Original assignee: Glenn Phillip Taigel
Priority date: 1993-11-16
Filing date: 1994-11-15
Publication date: 1995-05-26
Also published as: AU8069194A

Abstract

A combination bed sheet assembly facilitating correct location on and fitment to a mattress, comprising lower and upper main sheet parts (1 and 2) with an integral foot end part (1a, 2a) arranged for location about and under the foot end of a mattress; the lower and upper main sheet parts (1, 2) being of dimensions commensurate with the mattress to which the assembly is to be fitted, with longitudinal side portions (1b, 1c, 2b, 2c) arranged to be engaged over and under the respective longitudinal side portions of the mattress, but with the upper main sheet part (2) of larger dimensions than the lower sheet part (1) for relatively unrestricted accommodation of a user therebetween, and respective mating vertical corner foot end edge portions (10, 11, and 12, 13) of the lower and upper sheet parts being conjoined to form an at least partly boxed foot end to the assembly which is locatable over the foot end of the mattress.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS REIATING TO BED SHEETS

FIELD OF INVENTION AND BACKGROUND

This invention relates to bed sheets and more particularly relates to the construction of bed sheets and their arrangement for fitting over and to mattresses.

Conventionally separate upper and lower bed sheets, between which a person or persons can locate, are provided for fitment over a mattress; and this requires time and effort in obtaining correct alignment and fitment in the making up of a bed. The time and effort required for bed making is of particular concern in commercial applications such as in hotels and motels, sleeper trains and passenger ships and the like.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved bed sheet construction and arrangement facilitating bed making and in a lesser time than that applicable to conventional bed making operations.

Other and more particular objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first broad aspect, the invention primarily comprises a combination upper and lower sheet assembly having a substantially rectangular lower sheet part commensurate in dimensions with a mattress to which it is to overlie and be fitted with peripheral longitudinal side and foot end portions engageable over and under corresponding edge and end parts of the mattress, and an integral or permanently conjoined substantially rectangular upper sheet part extending from a common junction with the lower sheet part at or near said foot end portion with respective mating vertical corner foot end edge portions of the upper and lower sheet parts being conjoined to form an at least partly boxed foot end to the assembly which is locatable over the foot end of the mattress.

In a second aspect of the invention, said upper sheet part of the assembly has a common junction with said lower sheet part at or near at least an adjoining foot end portion of at least one of said longitudinal side portions of the lower sheet part.

In a third aspect of the invention the sheet assembly according to the immediately preceding paragraph has said common foot end junction with said lower sheet part at least one longitudinal side portion, extending for between 5%-25% of the full length thereof.

In another aspect of the invention said upper sheet part extends from a common junction with one longitudinal side portion of the lower sheet extending for a major part of the length thereof.

In a further aspect of the invention, at least part of the peripheral edge portions of said lower sheet part is or are shaped arranged and constructed with the provision of bottom tie or elasticated means to define a fitted sheet for location on the mattress in a manner facilitating fitment and retention in the desired appropriate location.

In yet another aspect of the invention the foot end part of the combination sheet assembly is constructed and arranged to define a retaining pocket locatable over and under the foot end part of the mattress.

The invention further includes the method of forming an integral combination bed sheet assembly substantially as hereinafter exampled and described.

THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of sheet material laid out prior to forming the sheet assembly according to one aspect of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a foot end corner part of the material of figure 1 in a partly folded position prior to forming the assembly;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the corner fragment of figure 2, further folded and positioned for partial joining prior to completing the assembly;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the corner fragment of figures 2 and 3, fully joined to form the assembly;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary underside perspective view of the assembly fitted to a mattress; and

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, but illustrating a modification to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Referring firstly to figure 1 of the drawings, in this first form of the invention the sheet assembly is made up from either a single piece of linen or other suitable sheet material or two conjoined pieces of material, to define a substantially rectangular lower sheet part 1 and a substantially rectangular upper sheet part 2 - both being dimensioned to suit the particular mattress size for which they are intended (eg single, double, queen or king size) and allowing for overlap of and tucking below at least the longitudinal side and foot end parts of the mattress. Optionally the sheet assembly may have the lower sheet part shaped and dimensioned to allow overlap of and tucking below the mattress head end part.

Thus, the lower sheet part 1 has a main central rectangular portion approximating the upper side dimensions of the mattress, an elongate rectangular foot end portion la conjoining the central portion to extend the full width of the central portion and mattress and being of a width or depth greater than the depth of the mattress, and opposite elongate rectangular longitudinal side portions lb and lc conjoining and extending the full length of the central portion and mattress. Where the lower sheet 1 is required to overlap the head end of the mattress, then the lower sheet 1 will also have an elongate rectangular conjoining head end portion similar to the foot end portions la (as indicated in broken outline in figure 1 and denoted Id) , either equal in length to the foot end portion la and width of main central portion or extending fully to include the additional side portions (lb,lc) widths and merge therewith without corner parts le being cut away.

The upper sheet part 2 has its main rectangular central portion of similar width and length to the central portion of the lower sheet 1, and is similarly provided with integral conjoining elongate rectangular foot end and longitudinal side portions (2a,2b and 2c, respectively); but preferably such portions 2a, 2b and 2c are of greater width than the width of the lower sheet end and longitudinal side portions la, lb and lc, by at least a few centimetres to enable assembly make-up as hereinbefore described and allow additional space between the lower and upper sheets for the accommodation and comfort of users, in particular to avoid restriction at the foot end of the assembly.

Nominal sheet fold lines between the respective central and side portions of the sheets 1 and 2 and at the mattress upper periphery are indicated by broken lines 3,3a (transverse) for the foot end and 4,4a,5 and 5a (longitudinal) for the opposite longitudinal side portions; and nominal sheet fold lines at the mattress lower periphery "tuck under" positions are indicated by broken lines 6,6a,7 and 7a (longitudinal) for the opposite longitudinal side portions, and 8 and 8a (transverse) for the foot end portion. The junction between the foot end portions la and 2a of the lower sheet part 1 and upper sheet part 2 , extending transversely and equidistant between the lower foot end fold lines 8 and 8a, is indicated by the double broken line 9. In a finished sheet assembly according to this first form of the invention, with the upper sheet part 2 overlying the lower sheet part 1, junction 9 will be the lowermost foot end terminal edge and located under the mattress when fitted. In forming an assembly of unitary construction, the junction 9 will be the conjoining fold line between the lower and upper sheet parts 1 and 2; and in a two piece construction, the junction 9 will be a convenient and the preferred location of a permanently sewn join between the lower and upper sheet parts 1 and 2.

Referring also now to figures 2-5 of the drawings, figure 2 illustrates (at one foot end corner) preliminary part folding of the piece (or pieces of conjoined) material about fold lines 3,3a,5, and 5a, and at junction 9; and figure 3 illustrates further folding of the same corner part to show the bringing together for joining by sewing of corner edge portions 10 and 11, 12 and 13. The two pairs of corner edge portions 10 and 11, 12 and 13 can be separately sewn and subsequently joined by further sewing, or all four edge portions 10,11,12,13 simultaneously sewn, to form a unitary boxed corner arranged for location as a snug fit over the respective foot end corner part of the mattress 14 as shown in figures 4 and 5 - with the junction 9 peripheral portion and the longitudinal peripheral edge portion of the formed sheet assembly tucked under the mattress 14 as more particularly illustrated in figure 5.

The opposite side foot end corner of the sheet assembly is similarly sewn to define a unitary boxed corner for that corner part of the mattress; and if required or preferred corner edge portions 15 and 16 at opposite sides of the head end of the lower sheet part 1 only can be brought together and sewn to define a boxed head end part arranged for fitment over and under the head end part of the mattress.

In one preferred form of the invention where the sheet assembly is a 'fitted sheet' assembly, junction 9 is sewn (in both the unitary and two part forms) with double closely spaced and parallel transverse lines of stitching to define a tubular pocket 9a within which an elastic strip or a non-elastic draw string or tape 17 is or can be located; and a short length (eg

10cms-20cms) of the longitudinal peripheral edge portions of the overlapping longitudinal side portions lb and 2b, lc and 2c, at the foot end of the assembly can be similarly sewn to define tubular portions 18 for the accommodation and securement therein of end portions 17a of the elastic strip or non-elastic draw string or tape 17.

In one modification or variation of the invention (not shown), the full length of the 'tuck-under' peripheral edge portions of the opposite longitudinal side portions of the opposite longitudinal side portions lb and lc (and the extended head end portion Id where provided) of the lower sheet part 1 only can be sewn to define a continuous tubular pocket accommodating an elastic strip. In another modification or variation elasticated angled corner ties can be provided as indicated in broken line 19 can be provided at the lower peripheral corner parts of the sheet assembly.

In a further modification of the invention the elasticated or non-elastic tie means can be dispensed with and the lower foot end portion la of at least the lower sheet 1 is arranged to be extended further, as shown in figure 6 and denoted by the reference l'a; to be sewn at edges 11a and thus define an open underside pocket locatable over the foot end portion of the mattress 14. A similarly formed underside pocket can be provided at the head end of the lower sheet part for location over the head end part of the mattress. In some instances, it may also be preferred that the upper sheet part 2 has its foot end longitudinal side edge portion sewn to the mating lower sheet part edge portions for 5% to 25% of the length thereof to define an upper foot end pocket in which a users feet locate. It is not necessary that the upper sheet part 2 be extended as part of the pocket l'a, and thus a two piece construction may be preferable with the upper sheet part terminating at and sewn to the lower sheet part at or near the junction 9 or fold lines 3 or 8 of the lower sheet.

in a further modification, particularly suited to single bed situations and where one side of the bed locates against a wall (eg as may be the case in small rooms ships cabins, railcar sleeper berths and the like), and is difficult to access, the longitudinal peripheral edge portions of the lower and upper sheet parts 1 and 2 can be conjoined for a major part (eg 60% to 80%) of the full length of the difficult access side. Some people do not like to be confined at the foot end of bed coverings, and in another modification it is envisaged that the foot end of the upper sheet part 2 can be provided with a transverse opening (as indicated in broken outline at 20 in figure 1) to enable a users feet to project therethrough, if required. Alternatively, instead of a full preformed opening 20 that part can be in the nature of a flap with the upper transverse edge portion 20a remaining attached to the main body of the upper sheet part 2.

Thus, by this invention there is provided a sheet assembly enabling quick and easy fitment to a mattress to thus provide economy in labour in situations where there are large numbers of beds to be frequently made up.

In a still further modification of the invention, the upper sheet part 2 is provided on its upper outer side with a number of spaced VELCRO (registered trade mark) or like hooked filament fastener parts 21 (eg located at upper surface corner parts) with which similar positional mating VELCRO or like fastener parts provided on the underside of a duvet, eiderdown, continental quilt or other bed cover can be detachably engaged for retention of the cover in the desired location, or removal as required.

Some preferred aspects of the invention have been described and illustrated by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings; and it will be appreciated that other variations of and modifications to the invention can take place without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination upper and lower bed sheet assembly having a substantially rectangular lower sheet part commensurate in dimensions with a mattress to which it is to overlie and be fitted with peripheral longitudinal side and foot end portions engageable over and under corresponding edge and end parts of the mattress, and an integral or permanently conjoined substantially rectangular upper sheet part extending from a common junction with the lower sheet part at or near said foot end portion with respective mating vertical corner foot end edge portions of the upper and lower sheet parts being conjoined to form an at least partly boxed foot end to the assembly which is locatable over the foot end of the mattress.

2. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim

1, wherein said upper sheet part of the assembly has a common junction with said lower sheet part at or near at least an adjoining foot end portion of at least one of said longitudinal side portions of the lower sheet part.

3. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim

2, wherein said common foot end junction with said lower sheet part at least one longitudinal side portion, extends for between 5%-25% of the full length thereof.

4. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper sheet part extends from a common junction with one longitudinal side portion of the lower sheet extending for a major part of the length thereof.

5. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the peripheral edge portions of said lower sheet part is or are shaped arranged and constructed with the provision of bottom tie or elasticated means to define a fitted sheet for location on the mattress in a manner facilitating fitment and retention in the desired appropriate location.

6. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the foot end part of the combination sheet assembly is constructed and arranged to define a retaining pocket locatable over and under the foot end part of the mattress.

7. An integral bed sheet assembly comprising: a. a lower sheet part having a main central rectangular portion approximating the upper side dimensions of a mattress it is to overlie, an elongate rectangular foot end portion conjoining the central portion to extend the full width thereof and be of a width or depth greater than the depth of the mattress, and opposite elongate rectangular side portions conjoining and extending the full length of the central portion; and b. an upper sheet part having a main rectangular central portion of similar length and width to the central portion of the lower sheet part, an elongate rectangular foot end portion conjoining the central portion to extend the full width thereof and be of a width or depth greater than that of the lower sheet part foot end portion, and opposite elongate rectangular wide portions conjoining and extending the full length of the upper sheet part central portion and being of a width greater than the width or depth of the mating lower sheet part longitudinal side portions; c. the transverse edge portions of the lower and upper sheet parts foot portions remote from the respective central portions being conjoined to define a bottom transverse junction, and the foot end edge portions of upper and lower sheet part longitudinal side portions and the respective opposite ends of the upper and lower sheet parts foot end portions being arranged to mate and be conjoined so as to form opposite foot end corner parts locatable as a close fit about the foot end of the mattress.

8. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower sheet part has an extended head end portion arranged for location about and under the head end of the mattress to which it is fitted.

9. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said extended head end portion of the lower sheet part has opposite corner parts conjoined to mating corner edge parts of longitudinal side flaps on the upper sheet part to define a boxed head end to the assembly which is locatable as a close fit over the head end of a mattress.

10. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein lower foot end parts of the assembly are provided with elastic strip or non-elastic draw/tie string means for securement of the assembly at the foot end of the mattress to which it is fitted.

11. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein the head end of the lower sheet part is provided with elastic strip or non-elastic draw/tie string means for securement of the assembly at the head end of the mattress to which it is fitted.

12. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot end portion of the assembly at the upper sheet part has a transverse aperture through which a users feet can project.

13. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein said foot end aperture is closable by a flap portion of the upper sheet part.

14. A bed sheet assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper outer surface of the upper sheet part is provided with a plurality of spaced fastener element parts with which complementary and similarly positioned mating fastener element parts provided on the underside of a bed cover are detachably engageable, for removable fitment of the bed cover over the assembly.

15. A combination upper and lower bed sheet assembly arranged and constructed and adapted for fitment to a mattress substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of forming an integral combination upper and lower bed sheet assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.