AU2013100545B4

AU2013100545B4 - Slip Sheet

Info

Publication number: AU2013100545B4
Application number: AU2013100545A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Carla Lorenzi
Original assignee: Zip Sheets Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Zip Sheets Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-19
Filing date: 2013-04-19
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-19
Also published as: AU2013100545A4

Abstract

Abstract A slip sheet (100) is disclosed. The slip sheet includes a bottom sheet (102) joined to a top sheet (104) by stitching (134) around a majority of the perimeter of the top sheet. A zipper (106) proximate the upper end of top sheet (104) helps a user get into and out of bed. The slip sheet may include one or more air vents (136) to help control temperature.

Description

SLIP SHEET Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to improvements in bed sheets for restless children. Background of the Invention [0002] It is normal when retiring to bed to use a top sheet to retain body heat during the night, particularly in cooler climates. A problem arises when a sleeper becomes restless and kicks off the sheets. The problem becomes acute where the sleeper is a child. In many situations, the child will wake up from being too cold, go to the parent's bedroom and wake the parents to tuck them back in. This interrupts the parent's sleep as well as that of the child. Other times, the child will remain sleeping despite being cold, which tends to lower their resistance to diseases. Summary [0003] The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for a bed sheet for a mattress having a top, opposed ends and opposed sides connecting the opposed ends. The bed sheet includes a bottom sheet sized and configured to cover the top, sides and ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a top portion configured to cover the top of the mattress, opposite sides configured to cover the respective sides of the mattress, a head end configured to cover one of the ends of the mattress, and a foot end configured to cover the other of the ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a lower perimeter along the head end, the foot end and sides, the bottom sheet including an elastic band along at least a portion of the lower perimeter. The bed sheet also incudes a top sheet having a length, a width and an outer perimeter, a majority of the outer perimeter of the top sheet being joined to the bottom sheet by stitching along the sides and the foot end of the bottom sheet. The bed sheet further includes a fastening means for releaseably fastening a portion of the top sheet to a portion of the bottom sheet proximate the head end of the bottom sheet. [0004] In a further preferred aspect, the invention provides for a bed sheet for a mattress having a top, opposed ends and opposed sides connecting the opposed ends. The bed sheet includes a bottom sheet sized and configured to cover the top, sides and ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a top portion configured to cover the top of the mattress, opposite sides configured to cover the respective sides of the mattress, a head end configured to cover one of the ends of the mattress, and a foot end configured to cover the other of the ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a lower perimeter along the head end, the foot end and sides, the bottom sheet including an elastic band along at least a portion of the lower perimeter. The bed sheet further includes a top sheet having a length, a width and an outer perimeter, the top sheet being joined to the bottom sheet by stitching, the stitching being interrupted by at least one gap to form an air vent, the air vent having a maximum dimension less than 50 cm. The bed sheet also includes a fastening means for releaseably fastening a portion of the top sheet to a portion of the bottom sheet proximate the head end of the bottom sheet. [0005] In a further preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a bed sheet for a mattress having a top, opposed ends and opposed sides connecting the opposed ends. The bed sheet includes a bottom sheet sized and configured to cover the top, sides and ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a top portion configured to cover the top of the mattress, opposite sides configured to cover the respective sides of the mattress, a head end configured to cover one of the ends of the mattress, and a foot end configured to cover the other of the ends of the mattress, the bottom sheet having a lower perimeter along the head end, the foot end and sides, the bottom sheet including an elastic band along at least a portion of the lower perimeter. The bed sheet further includes a top sheet having a length, a width and an outer perimeter, a majority of the width of the top sheet being joined to the bottom sheet by stitching. The bed sheet also includes a non-metallic fastening means for releaseably fastening a portion of the top sheet to a portion of the bottom sheet proximate the head end of the bottom sheet. [0006] 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. [0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Brief Description of the Figures [0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a slip sheet on a mattress in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0009] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the slip sheet of Fig. 1 with the bottom sheet and the top sheet shown flat, with the top of the mattress shown in dotted outline. [0010] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the slip sheet of Fig. 1. [0011] Fig. 4 is an end view of the slip sheet of Fig. 1. [0012] Fig. 5 is a partial cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3 showing a fastening means for engaging the top sheet to the bottom sheet. Detailed Description of the Drawings [0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [0014] Figs. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of a slip sheet 100 having a bottom sheet 102, a top sheet 104, and a fastening means preferably formed as a zipper 106. In use, a person attaches slip sheet 100 to mattress 10 in the normal way. Top sheet 104 is unzipped to permit the user to get into bed. Top sheet 104 remains secured to bottom sheet 102 via stitching (described in further detail below), so that the user will remain covered during a restless night of sleep. The preferred elements of slip sheet 100 and their interrelationship are described below. [0015] Referring to Figs. 1-4, slip sheet 100 includes bottom sheet 102 with top sheet 104 preferably sewn or stitched onto bottom sheet 102. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, bottom sheet 102 includes a top portion 108 configured to cover the top of mattress 10, sides 110, 112 configured to cover the respective sides of mattress 10, a head end 114 configured to cover one of the ends of mattress 10, and a foot end 116 configured to cover the other ends of mattress 10. Bottom sheet 102 preferably includes an elastic band 118 along at least a portion of its lower perimeter. Elastic band 118 may be continuous along the entire perimeter, or discontinuous, for example, being only at the corners of the perimeter. It will be appreciated that the corner as used in this context need not refer to a 90 degree intersection between two planes, but is typically rounded.

-r [0016] Fig. 2 shows top sheet 104 having a length L, a width W, a top portion 120, a bottom portion 122 configured to face top portion 108 of bottom sheet 102, sides 124, 126, an upper end 128 oriented towards head end 114, and a lower end 130 oriented towards foot end 116. Top sheet 104 preferably includes notches 132 between sides 124, 126 and lower end 130 for ease of attachment during the manufacture of slip sheet 100. [0017] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, preferably a majority of the outer perimeter of top sheet 104 is joined to bottom sheet 102 by stitching 134 along the length of each of sides 110, 112 and foot end 116. Stitching 134 preferably terminates at approximately 70-85% of the length of top sheet 104 towards upper end 128 as seen in Fig. 2. Proximate the termination of stitching 134 is a releasable fastening means such as zipper 106 for releaseably fastening a portion of top sheet 104 to a portion of bottom sheet 102. [0018] Referring now to Figs. 1-3 and 5, zipper 106 is preferably placed proximate head end 114 of bottom sheet 102. Zipper 106 is configured to releaseably fasten a portion of top sheet 104, such as upper end 128, to a portion of bottom sheet 102 proximate head end 114. Zipper 106 is preferably oriented along the same axis as stitching 134. One or more stop means may be located at each end and anywhere along the length of zipper 106 to inhibit movement of the zipper at predetermined intervals. Such stop means may include one or more snaps. [0019] Referring to Figs. 1-3, stitching 134 is preferably interrupted by a gap along each side to form air vents 136. Air vents 136 are preferably positioned closer to foot end 116 of bottom sheet 102 than head end 114 of bottom sheet 102. Air vents 136 are preferably positioned opposite one another along the width of slip sheet 100. The air vents advantageously enhance the breathability of the slip sheet and reduce the likelihood that the sleeper will overheat, which can be a problem with conventional bedding. The air vents are configured so that the risk of a foot becoming stuck is minimised. [0020] Preferred dimensions are set forth below, although it will be appreciated that the dimensions may be varied as suitable for the intended application. Bottom sheet 102 preferably is dimensioned to fit the intended mattress size, e.g., a crib, twin, double, queen or king mattress. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the typical mattress dimensions associated with each type of mattress.

[0021] For a single size mattress, the preferred dimensions of the bottom sheet are 190 cm for the length, 91 cm for the width, and 35-40 cm for the depth (height). For the top sheet, the length is preferably in the range of 170-254 cm, more preferably approximately 180.5 cm. The width of the top sheet is preferably in the range of 100 120 cm, more preferably approximately 105 cm. [0022] For a king single size mattress, the preferred dimensions of the bottom sheet are 203 cm for the length, 107 cm for the width, and 35-40 cm for the depth (height). For the top sheet, the length is preferably in the range of 180-270 cm, more preferably approximately 194 cm. The width of the top sheet is preferably in the range of 100-200 cm, more preferably approximately 110 cm. [0023] For a double size mattress, the preferred dimensions of the bottom sheet are 203 cm for the length, 137 cm for the width, and 35-40 cm for the depth (height). For the top sheet, the length is preferably in the range of 180-274 cm, more preferably approximately 194 cm. The width of the top sheet is preferably in the range of 150-228 cm, more preferably approximately 160 cm. [0024] For a queen size mattress, the preferred dimensions of the bottom sheet are 203 cm for the length, 152 cm for the width, and 35-40 cm for the depth (height). For the top sheet, the length is preferably in the range of 180-274 cm, more preferably approximately 194 cm. The width of the top sheet is preferably in the range of 160-245 cm, more preferably approximately 175 cm. [0025] For a king size mattress, the preferred dimensions of the bottom sheet are 203 cm for the length, 182 cm for the width, and 35-40 cm for the depth (height). For the top sheet, the length is preferably in the range of 180-274 cm, more preferably approximately 194 cm. The width of the top sheet is preferably in the range of 200-260 cm, more preferably approximately 205 cm. [0026] Air vent 136 preferably has a length less than the length of zipper 106 and is located closer to the foot end of bottom sheet 102 than the head end of bottom sheet 102. [0027] Zipper 106 preferably has a length in the range of 45-70 cm, and is more preferably approximately 60 cm. The maximum length of each zipper 106 is preferably less than 70 cm and is preferably less than half the width of top sheet 104. The length of each air vent 136 is preferably less than half the length of each zipper 106.

[0028] The ranges described above may include a subset of ranges therein without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these dimensions are representative only and may be varied as appropriate. [0029] Having described the preferred components of slip sheet 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. In use, a person attaches slip sheet 100 to mattress 10 in the normal way. Slip sheet 100 is preferably engaged to mattress 10 so that stitching 134 is positioned along the sides and foot end of mattress 10, and zipper 106 is positioned along the sides of mattress 10. Preferably, stitching 134 and zipper 106 are positioned approximately half-way along the height of each side 110, 112 of bottom sheet 102. Placement of stitching 134 and zipper 106 along the sides of the mattress permit a more snug fit of top sheet 104 against the user and limits irritation by the zipper against the user. [0030] After slip sheet 100 is engaged with mattress 10, top sheet 104 is unzipped to permit the user to get into bed. Top sheet 104 remains secured to bottom sheet 102 via stitching 134 so that the user will remain covered during a restless night of sleep. Air vents 136 preferably permit slip sheet 100 to breathe to help control the temperature of the user while in bed. [0031] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps added or omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0032] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the slip sheet may be dimensioned for many types of mattresses, such a crib, twin, full size, queen and/or king mattress. In one preferred embodiment, the slip sheet is dimensioned only for use with a child's bed. Preferably the stitching and/or fastening means is positioned so that it is on the side of the mattress when the slip sheet is engaged thereto. The stitching may be positioned to be on the top of the mattress if desired. The stitching and fastening means may be along the same length or along offset lengths relative to each other. [0033] Bottom sheet 102 is preferably a fitted bottom sheet having an elastic band around the entire perimeter. It will be appreciated that the elastic band may be omitted or only partially around the perimeter of the bottom sheet if desired.

[0034] The bottom sheet and the top sheet may be manufactured with different colours and/or patterns relative to each other if desired. [0035] Fastening means other than zippers may be used. For example only, hook and loop fasteners may be utilised, or one or more snaps. A non-metallic fastening means may be used, such as plastic snaps, or hook and loop fasteners. A non-metallic fastening means is advantageous to prevent rust, or wear and tear on the sheets when the sheets are laundered. [0036] Air vents are preferably included as an opposed pair towards the lower end of the top sheet. It will be appreciated that more than two air vents may be included, or none at all if so desired. [0037] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0038] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of keeping a restless sleeper covered, yet at a comfortable temperature. [0039] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A bed sheet for a mattress having a top, opposed ends and opposed sides connecting the opposed ends, said bed sheet including: a bottom sheet sized and configured to cover the top, sides and ends of the mattress, said bottom sheet having a top portion configured to cover the top of the mattress, opposite sides configured to cover the respective sides of the mattress, a head end configured to cover one of the ends of the mattress, and a foot end configured to cover the other of the ends of the mattress, said bottom sheet having a lower perimeter along the head end, the foot end and sides, said bottom sheet including an elastic band along at least a portion of the lower perimeter; a top sheet having a length, a width and an outer perimeter, a majority of the outer perimeter of said top sheet being joined to said bottom sheet by stitching along said sides and said foot end of said bottom sheet; and a zipper proximate each side of the bottom sheet for releaseably fastening a portion of said top sheet to a portion of said bottom sheet proximate said head end of said bottom sheet, said zippers being completely separated from one another, said sides of said bottom sheet each having a height when said bottom sheet is placed on the mattress, said stitching between said top sheet and said sides of said bottom sheet being located approximately half-way along the height of each side of said bottom sheet for a majority of the perimeter of the stitching.

2. The bed sheet of claim 1, wherein each zipper is oriented along the same axis as said stitching on each side of said bottom sheet.

3. The bed sheet of any one of the above claims, wherein each of said zippers has a maximum length less than one-half the width of said top sheet.

4. The bed sheet of any one of the above claims, wherein said stitching is interrupted by at least one gap to form an air vent on each side, each air vent extending less than one-half the length of each zipper.