Strap Device For Maintaining Bedding On A Mattress

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/632,142, filed Apr. 10, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The application is generally related to bedding and, more particularly, to devices and methods of use thereof to facilitate maintaining bedding such as sheets, blankets, comforters, etc., on a corresponding mattress in an orderly fashion.

BACKGROUND

Conventional bed sheets are available in two basic varieties. First, a fitted bottom sheet that covers the mattress, and a flat top sheet that goes over the top of the fitted bottom sheet so that a user may lie therebetween. The sheets are usually covered with perhaps a blanket or a comforter as the top layer of the bed coverings. The combination of sheets, blankets, quilts, comforters, bedspreads, or duvets are draped over the mattress, and then tucked in along the sides of the mattress in order to create a neat and tidy appearance to the bed. This process is generally referred to as “making the bed.” These various bed coverings are manufactured in a multitude of sizes to accommodate the various mattress sizes (such as twin, full, queen, king, etc.), mattress depths (including standard and pillow top), and various mattress types (i.e., those used in beds at home or those used in hotels, hospitals, barracks, campers, recreational vehicles, sofa beds, cribs, etc.).

The changing of bed coverings, or “making the bed,” is often regarded as a chore. A great deal of time is expended to remake the entire bed due to the loosening of the top sheet, and other blankets or bedspreads. For example, when the top sheet is kicked free, so are the sheets and covers above. Sometimes, even the fitted sheet on top of the mattress is loosened during a night of sleep. Depending upon the number of sheets or covers on top of the sheets, and the size and type of mattress, it can take a long time to make the bed. Additionally, making the bed often requires a lot of bending over, lifting of the mattress, etc., which can lead to injuries, especially when performed on a frequent basis such as in a hospital, hotel, etc. As well, in settings other than the home, such as a hotels, hospital, etc., the collective time to make such beds, or change such beds can be significant. Further, the difficulties of making a bed can be compounded in settings where space is limited, there is a unique bed configurations (e.g., for a trundle bed or bunk beds), the bed is elevated (such as bunk beds in a military setting), etc.

From the foregoing, one recognizes that a need exists for bed coverings and a device for retaining those coverings in an orderly position on a mattress and that also makes it easier and less frequent to place a bed and its coverings in order.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is related to devices and methods of use thereof for maintaining bedding such as sheets, blankets, duvets, bedspreads, etc., in an orderly fashion on a corresponding mattress. Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices for securing a sheet on a mattress and may include a first transverse strap having a fastener disposed at each end thereof, the first transverse strap having a length that is less than a width of the mattress. A first longitudinal strap of the device may be secured to the first transverse strap and include a fastener disposed at a first end thereof. A pair of diagonal straps that include a fastener disposed at a first end thereof and a second end that is secured to the first transverse strap. Each fastener of the first transverse strap is releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the sheet, the fastener of the first longitudinal strap is releasably engaged with a bottom edge of the sheet, and the fastener of each diagonal strap is selectively engaged with both a corresponding side edge of the sheet and the bottom edge of the sheet. Embodiments of the device are configured for maintaining the bottom portion of the corresponding sheet securely tucked under the mattress so that the corresponding bed may be made more easily after each use. Preferably, embodiments of the disclosed invention maintain the sheets properly tucked under the mattress from the bottom end of the mattress up to at least one quarter to one third of the overall length of the mattress.

In one aspect, a device for securing bedding on a mattress comprise a first transverse strap including a fastener disposed of each end thereof. The device further comprises a first longitudinal strap that is secured to the first transverse strap and includes a fastener disposed at a first end thereof. Each fastener of the first transverse strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the bedding, and the fastener of the first longitudinal strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a bottom edge of the bedding.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a device for maintaining bedding on a mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example fastener of the device for maintaining bedding on a mattress shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a mattress including the device for maintaining bedding on a mattress shown in FIG. 1 installed with the corresponding bedding.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bed including the device for maintaining bedding on a mattress affixed to the bedding under the mattress.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a device for maintaining bedding on a mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a device for maintaining bedding on a mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a device for maintaining bedding on a mattress in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, unless the context dictates otherwise, reference to “a fastener” provides disclosure of embodiments in which only a single such fastener is provided, as well as embodiments in which a plurality of such fasteners are provided.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

In the following description and claims, wherever the word “comprise” or “include” is used, it is understood that the words “comprise” and “include” can optionally be replaced with the words “consists essentially of” or “consists of” to form another embodiment.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Referring now to the Figures, a device 10 for securing bedding (e.g., a sheet) on a mattress in an orderly fashion is shown in FIG. 1. The bedding securing device 10 can include one or more transverse straps (e.g., first and second transverse straps 20, 22) and one or more longitudinal straps (e.g., first and second longitudinal straps 30, 32) that are configured to maintain the lower portion of a sheet 60 on the lower portion of a mattress 50 as a user gets in and out of the bed so that the sheet 60 does not have to be refitted to the mattress 50 (FIG. 4) after each use. The transverse strap(s) can extend transversely across the mattress (e.g., between the sides of the mattress), and the longitudinal strap(s) can extend longitudinally along (optionally, parallel to) the mattress (e.g., between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed). In the embodiment shown, the bedding securing device 10 includes a first transverse strap 20 and a second transverse strap 22. Optionally, the first transverse strap 20 can be substantially parallel to the second transverse strap 22. The first transverse strap 20 can have a first end 20a and a second end 20b, both the first and the second ends 20a and 20b each having a fastener 24 disposed thereon. Referring additionally to FIG. 2, optionally, each fastener 24 can be an alligator-type fastener including a pair of jaws 28. In further optional aspects, the jaws 28 can be selectively opened and closed with a lever 26. Each jaw 28 can include a plurality of teeth 27 so that the jaws 28 may be used to grip a portion of a corresponding bed sheet 60 between the opposing sets of teeth 27. As shown, the jaws 28 of each fastener 24 can be spaced apart from each other (e.g., in a closed position) so that the jaws 24 may be used to grasp not only sheets, but bedspreads, comforters, throws, blankets, etc., as well as sheets. It should be understood that the device is not limited to the illustrated fasteners and can include other releasable fasteners, including, for example, spring-biased clips, hooks, buttons, or snaps. It is further contemplated that the associated bedding (e.g., sheet) can comprise a corresponding fastener, such as a buttonhole, loop, snap, or the like.

Similarly, the second transverse strap 22 can have a first end 22a and a second and 22b, both of which include a fastener 24 disposed thereon. Optionally, one fastener 24 of each of the transverse straps 20 and 22 is disposed on one of its terminal ends 20c and 22c, respectively, and an adjustment clip 34 (e.g., a tri-glide slide, buckle, or the like) is disposed on the other terminal end 20c and 22c, respectively, of the strap 20. As such, the strap 20, 22 may be passed through the adjustment clip 34 so that the overall length of the strap 20, 22 may be adjusted by simply sliding the adjustment clip 34, to which one of the terminal ends 20c, 22c is secured, along the length of the middle portion of the strap 20, 22. The second fastener 24 for the strap is held at a looped portion 20d, 22d of the strap 20, 22, as is known in the art. As such, the bedding securing device 10 may be adjustable so that the device 10 may be used with varying sized bedding (e.g., sheets) for the same sized mattress. In some alternate embodiments, the adjustable clip 34 may be omitted and the length of the strap fixed. For example, referring also to FIGS. 5-7, the bedding securing device 10 can be sized for a particular mattress size, such as a twin, full, queen, or king-sized mattress.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bedding securing device 10 also includes at least a first longitudinal strap 30. The first longitudinal strap 30 can have a terminal end 30c secured to the first transverse strap 20, a mid-portion 30e that is secured to the second transverse strap 22 and an adjustment clip 34 that is secured to the second terminal end 30c of the first longitudinal strap 30 such that the strap loops back on itself, as discussed above. Similarly to the first and the second transverse straps 20 and 22, the first longitudinal strap 30 also includes a fastener 24 which is retained on the looped portion 30d of the first transverse strap so that the fastener is disposed at the bottommost end, or second end 30b of the first transverse strap 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the bedding securing device 10 preferably includes a second longitudinal strap 32 that also includes a first terminal end 32c and is secured to the first transverse strap 20, a mid-portion 32c that is secured to the second transverse strap 22, and an adjustment clip 34 that is secured to the second terminal end 32c of the second longitudinal strap 32 and is slidable along the length of the second longitudinal strap 32. Again, a fastener 24 is retained on the looped portion 32d of the second longitudinal strap 32 so that the free second ends 30b and 32b of the first and second longitudinal straps 30 and 32, respectively, may be fastened to the bottom edge 64 of a corresponding sheet 60, as shown in FIG. 3. In other aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) of the bedding securing device 10 can have a fixed length. That is, in these aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) do not have an adjustable length. Optionally, in these aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length selected for use with a particular mattress size, such as a twin, full, queen, or king-sized mattress.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the bedding securing device 10 can include a first diagonal strap 40 and a second diagonal strap 42. The first and second diagonal straps 40, 42 can be coupled to one or both of a transverse strap and a longitudinal strap. For example, each of the first and second diagonal straps 40, 42 can include a first terminal end 40c, 42c secured to the second transverse strap 22 and an adjustment clip 34 that is secured to the second terminal end 40c, 42c of the corresponding diagonal strap 40, 42 such that the strap loops back on itself, as discussed above. Similarly to the longitudinal and transverse straps, the first and second diagonal straps 40 and 42 also include a fastener 42 which is retained on the looped portion 40d and 42d of the corresponding diagonal strap so that the fastener 24 is disposed at the distal end, or second end 40b and 42b of the corresponding diagonal strap. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 24 of the first and second diagonal straps 40 and 42 are used to engage both the side edges 66 and the bottom edge 64 of the bedsheet 60 in order to properly retain the sheet 60 or the mattress 50. In other aspects, the first and second diagonal straps 40, 42 of the bedding securing device 10 can have a fixed length. Although the first and second diagonal straps 40, 42 are shown as coupled to the second transverse strap 22, in further aspects, the diagonal straps can be coupled to a longitudinal strap (e.g., a respective outermost respective longitudinal strap).

It is contemplated that the straps (e.g., longitudinal straps, transverse straps, and diagonal straps) can be secured together via any suitable means, including, but not limited to, stitching, heat bonding, or one or more fasteners, such as snaps, staples, or clips.

In some aspects, the straps (e.g., longitudinal straps, transverse straps, and diagonal straps) can comprise a textile, such as, for example, polymer webbing. Optionally, in these aspects, the straps can comprise nylon. In some aspects, the straps can comprise knit elastic material. The knit elastic material can comprise synthetic or natural elastic material (e.g., rubber), or a combination thereof. In other aspects, the straps can comprise elastic cord. In other aspects, the straps can comprise leather or faux leather. In some aspects, the straps can be configured to resiliently, elastically elongate. In other aspects, the straps can be inelastic.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in use a bedding securing device 10 is disposed adjacent the bottom surface 58 of a corresponding mattress 50 and engages a lower portion of the side edges 66 of the sheet 60 as well as the bottom edge 64 of the corresponding sheet 60. As shown, both the first and the second transverse straps 20 and 22 are engaged to the side edges 66 of the corresponding bed sheet 60 by the corresponding fasteners 24. As well, the free ends 32b and 30b of the first and second longitudinal straps 30 and 32 are secured by the corresponding fasteners 24 to the bottom edge 64 of the corresponding sheet 60. Lastly, the first and second diagonal straps 40 and 42, respectively, are engaged to the corresponding side edges 66 as well as the bottom edge 64 of the sheet 60 to help maintain the bottom portion of the sheet 60 on the mattress 50 in a smooth and orderly fashion. As shown, the diagonal straps 40 and 42 assist in maintaining the bottom corner of the sheet 60 in position on the mattress 50.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the bedding securing device 10 is configured to maintain the bottom portion of the sheet 60 on the mattress 50, which is supported by the bed frame 70, yet allow a user free access to enter between the sheet 60 and the fitted sheet 61 or the mattress 50 as the top edge 62 of the sheet 60 is not engaged by the bedding securing device 10. As such, after use, the user is only required to refit the upper portion of the sheet 60 to the mattress 50 to provide an orderly appearance of the sheet 60 on the mattress 60. Preferably, the first and second transverse straps 20 and 22, the first and second longitudinal straps 30 and 32, as well as the first and second diagonal straps 40 and 42, are constructed of a slightly elastic material so that the bottom portion of the bed sheet 60 will give some as the user is positioned on the mattress, yet return to the original orderly position once the user is no longer supported by the mattress 50 beneath the sheet 60.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, in some aspects, the bedding securing device 10 can be configured for use with a particular mattress size. For example, the bedding securing device 10 can be configured for use with a twin-sized mattress and can have two longitudinal straps. In some optional aspects, and as shown in FIG. 6, the bedding securing device 10 can have three longitudinal straps. Optionally, the bedding securing device 10 having three longitudinal straps can be configured for use with a full or queen-sized mattress. In some optional aspects, and as shown in FIG. 6, the bedding securing device 10 can have four longitudinal straps. Optionally, the bedding securing device 10 having four longitudinal straps can be configured for use with a king-sized mattress.

In various exemplary aspects, the first and second transverse straps 20, 22 can be spaced by a distance from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches or about 8 inches. In various exemplary aspects, adjacent longitudinal straps (e.g., 20, 22 can be spaced by a distance from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches or about 8 inches.

In various exemplary aspects, the first and second diagonal straps 40, 42 can be spaced outwardly of the outermost longitudinal straps by about 1 inch.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 16 inches to about 22 inches, or about 20 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or about 5 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a twin mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 24 inches to about 42 inches, or about 38 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or about 5 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a full mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 34 inches to about 26 inches, or about 42 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 14 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or about 7 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a queen mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 48 inches to about 64 inches, or about 58 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 14 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or about 7 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a king mattress.

It is contemplated that such measurements can be advantageous for elastic straps. It is further contemplated that the measurements can be modified based on the materials used, the mattress size, and the bedding dimensions. For example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a king-sized mattress (e.g., less than 76 inches, or less than 70 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a queen-sized mattress (e.g., less than 60 inches, or less than 50 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a full-sized mattress (e.g., less than 54 inches, or less than 48 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a twin-sized mattress (e.g., less than 38 inches, or less than 30 inches).

In some aspects, the outermost longitudinal straps can be spaced inwardly from the first and the second ends 20a and 20b of the first strap 20 by from about 5 inches to about 20 inches. For example, the outermost longitudinal straps can be spaced inwardly from the first and the second ends 20a and 20b of the first strap 20 by from about 5 inches to about 8 inches, or about 7 inches (e.g., for use with a twin mattress), or from about 8 inches to about 11 inches, or about 9.5 inches (e.g., for use with a full mattress), or from about 10 inches to about 12 inches, or about 11 inches (e.g., for use with a queen-sized mattress), or from about 10 inches to about 16 inches, or about 12 inches (e.g., for use with a king-sized mattress).

EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A device for securing bedding on a mattress, comprising:

• • a first transverse strap including a fastener disposed of each end thereof; and
  • a first longitudinal strap that is secured to the first transverse strap and includes a fastener disposed at a first end thereof;
  • wherein each fastener of the first transverse strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the bedding, and
  • wherein the fastener of the first longitudinal strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a bottom edge of the bedding.

Aspect 2: The device of aspect 1, further comprising:

• • a second transverse strap including a fastener disposed at each end thereof,
  • wherein the first longitudinal strap is secured to the second transverse strap, and wherein each fastener of the second transverse strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the bedding.

Aspect 3: The device of aspect 2, wherein the first transverse strap is configured to be disposed between a bottom edge of the mattress and the second transverse strap.

Aspect 4: The device of aspect 2, wherein the second transverse strap is configured to be disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the mattress at a distance from a bottom edge of the mattress that is at least equal to one-third of an overall length of the mattress.

Aspect 5: The device of aspect 4, further comprising a second longitudinal strap including a fastener disposed at a first end thereof, wherein the second longitudinal strap is secured to the second transverse strap, wherein the second longitudinal strap is also secured to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 6: The device of aspect 2, wherein the first transverse strap, the second transverse strap, and the first longitudinal strap are constructed from a resilient material.

Aspect 7: The device of aspect 6, wherein each fastener of the device is an alligator clamp.

Aspect 8: The device of aspect 2, wherein the device is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the mattress, whereas a body portion of the bedding is disposed adjacent a top surface of the mattress.

Aspect 9: The device of aspect 1, wherein the device is configured for use with the mattress, the mattress having a predetermined width, wherein the first transverse strap has a length that is less than the predetermined width of the mattress.

Aspect 10: The device of aspect 1, further comprising a pair of diagonal straps, each diagonal strap having a fastener disposed of a first end thereof and a second end that is secured to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 11: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap is adjustable in length.

Aspect 12: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap of the pair of diagonal straps forms an acute angle with the first transverse strap.

Aspect 13: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap of the pair of diagonal straps is attached to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 14: The device of aspect 1, wherein the first transverse strap has a fixed, predetermined length.

Aspect 15: A system comprising:

• • a mattress having a width;
  • bedding extending over the mattress, the bedding having a bottom edge and opposed side edges; and
  • a device as in aspect 1, wherein the device is positioned beneath the mattress, wherein:
    • the fastener of each end of the transverse strap is coupled to a corresponding side edge of the bedding; and
    • the fastener of the longitudinal strap is coupled to the bottom edge of the bedding.

Aspect 16: The system of aspect 15, wherein the transverse strap has a length that is less than the width of the mattress.

Aspect 17: The system of aspect 15, wherein the bedding comprises one of a sheet, a blanket, a duvet, or a comforter.

Aspect 18: A method of using the device, the method comprising:

• • positioning the device below a mattress;
  • coupling the fastener of each end of the transverse strap is coupled to a corresponding side edge of a bedding; and
  • coupling the fastener of the longitudinal strap is coupled to the bottom edge of the bedding.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.