AU2017100939A4 - Bed sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a cover adapted to be fitted to a mattress to provide a sleeping surface and a method of covering a mattress. The mattress has a top face, a bottom face and side faces, the cover comprises: a flat sheet of an elastic fabric stretchable in both a length and a breadth; and a fastener attached to a perimeter of the flat sheet; wherein the flat sheet is sized and sufficiently stretchable to fit over and around the top and side faces of the mattress and to be held stretched around the top and side faces by the fastener on the bottom face of each mattress and to provide a substantially crease free surface on the top and sides of the mattress when the mattress is any one of a number of mattresses having a range of different sizes. Fig3

Description

1 2017100939 07 Μ 2017

TITLE BED SHEET FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to bedsheets, in particular to a bedsheet providing a sleeping surface which is adaptable to different sizes of mattresses.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fitted bedsheets using conventional cotton fabrics are convenient for larger mattresses owing to the high level of standardisation amongst the few sizes such as king size, queen size, double and single. With a high level of standardisation, it is possible to manufacture a fitted bedsheet for each available size. Such fitted bedsheets typically comprise cotton sheets with seams sewn into the corners so that the sheet takes the shape of the top and side faces of the mattress. However, as far as cots for infants are concerned, there is no size standardisation and therefore it is difficult for sheet manufacturers to satisfy the market with appropriately sized fitted bedsheets.

[0003] There is therefore a need to provide an improved bed sheet which can be fitted to mattress is a range of sizes

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with a first broad aspect of the invention 2 2017100939 07 Μ 2017 there is provided a cover adapted to be fitted to a mattress to provide a sleeping surface; the mattress having a top face, a bottom face and side faces, the cover comprising: a flat sheet of an elastic fabric stretchable in both a length and a breadth; and a fastener attached to a perimeter of the flat sheet; wherein the flat sheet is sized and sufficiently stretchable to fit over and around the top and side faces of the mattress and to be held stretched around the top and side faces by the fastener on the bottom face of each mattress and to provide a substantially crease free surface on the top and sides of the mattress when the mattress is any one of a number of mattresses having a range of different sizes.

[0005] In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of covering a mattress to provide a sleeping surface, the mattress having a top face, side faces and a bottom face, the method comprising the steps of (1) providing a cover comprising: a flat sheet of an elastic fabric stretchable in both a length and a breadth; a fastener attached to a perimeter of the flat sheet; wherein the flat sheet is sized and sufficiently stretchable to fit over and around the top and side faces the mattress and to be held stretched around the top and side faces by the fastener on the bottom face of the mattress and to provide a substantially crease free surface on the top and sides of the mattress when the mattress is any one of a number of mattresses having a range of different sizes; and (2) fitting the cover over the top and side faces of the mattress and fastening the cover at the bottom face of the mattress [0006] In one embodiment, the fastening tape is a loop of elastic tape having an extended length less than a perimeter of the bottom face of the mattress. 3 2017100939 07 Μ 2017 [0007] In one embodiment, the sheet of elastic fabric is seamless and uniform.

[0008] In one embodiment, the elastic fabric is stretchable in both length and breadth by at least 20%, at least 30% or preferably at least 40% or 50% and even more preferably at least 60%.

[0009] In one embodiment, the elastic fabric is a knitted fabric comprising elastane.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mattresses of a range of different sizes include cot mattresses.

[0011] In one embodiment, the range of different sizes vary by at least 30% from smallest to largest in length or width, preferably at least 40%, even more preferably at least 50% or 60%.

[0012] In one embodiment, the range of different sizes extends from cots size to single bed size.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flat sheet elastic fabric is in the shape of a rounded rectangle

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A shows a cover according to an embodiment of the invention; [0015] Figure IB shows a plan view of a mattress of appropriate 4 2017100939 07 Μ 2017 size to be covered by the cover of Figure 1A the same magnification; [0016] Figure 2 shows the mattress of Figure IB in perspective view; [0017] Figure 3 shows the mattress of Figure IB and Figure 2 covered and fastened by the cover of Figure 1A;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] An embodiment of the current invention will now be described.

[0019] Referring first to Figure 1A, cover 1 comprises a flat sheet 20 of elastic fabric. In this embodiment, the elastic fabric is a knitted material constructed from a yarn containing bamboo viscose and 5% elastane. The fabric is elastic to a siabstantial degree being capable of extension of nearly 100% in both length and breadth, as measured by gripping across either length or breadth and pulling to maximum extension. Unextended dimensions of the flat sheet 20 are 168 mm x 130 mm, and the flat sheet 20 is generally in the shape of a rounded rectangle. The bamboo viscose component provides a comfortable sleeping surface as a bed sheet, and the elastane provides the elasticity. Persons skilled in the art of fabric design and manufacture will understand the processes involved in design and manufacture of such a fabric. Around a border 3 sewn into a pocket is a fastening tape 4 in the form of a band of dressmaker's elastic, shown in its unextended form before sewing 5 2017100939 07 Μ 2017 into border 3. When fastening tape 4 is sewn into border 3, obviously sheet 20 is gathered together around fastening tape 4 in a crumpled form, before fitting on a mattress.

[0020] Figure IB shows a plan view of a mattress 10 for which the cover 1 is appropriately sized for fitting, at the same magnification as Figure B. An unextended length of the fastening tape 4 is less than the perimeter of mattress 10 to allow secure fastening around mattress 10.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of mattress 10, having a top face 11 and side faces 12, 13 visible. Dimension of mattress 10 is length L of 120 cm, width W of 60 cm and depth D of 10 cm, typical of a small cot.

[0022] Figure 3 shows mattress 10 from below with cover 1 fitted thereon, with bottom face 14 visible, where border 3 can be seen indicating flat sheet 20 stretched around top face 11 and side faces 12 and 13 (and equivalent opposite side faces not visible), with substantially crease free surfaces at least on top face 11 and the side faces.

[0023] With the dimensions and elasticity of the elastic flat sheet of the current embodiment, the cover 1 is adapted to cover any mattress in a range of different sizes, right up to single bed size of about 190 cm length by 92 cm width by 15 cm or more, covering a smallest to largest difference of 50% to 60% in each dimension.

[0024] It will be appreciated that this range is exemplary only and the invention extends to covers of varying elasticity and corresponding different ranges of suitable mattress sizes. 6 2017100939 07M2017 [0025] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, which is determined from the broadest scope and claims.

[0026] For example, while the invention as exemplified in relation to infant cot mattresses where the benefits of the invention are particularly valuable due to the non-standardised size of cot mattresses, the invention extends to mattresses of any size.

[0027] Further, while the invention as exemplified comprises a flat sheet made from a uniform and seamless sheet of elastic material, the invention extends to flat sheets which also incorporate areas which may be non-uniform and which are not necessarily constructed from a single piece of fabric.

[0028] Further still, while the invention is exemplified with respect to a knitted fabric, woven fabrics are also within the scope of the invention to the extent that such fabrics can be made sufficiently elastic for the performance of the invention.

[0029] The term "flat sheet of an elastic fabric" in the claims refers to a sheet which is planar in its unstretched form, before the fastening tape is attached to the perimeter.

[0030] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence 2017100939 07 Μ 2017 7 or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Further, any method steps recited in the claims are not necessarily intended to be performed temporally in the sequence written, or to be performed without pause once started, unless the context requires it.

[0031] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims (5)

1. A cover adapted to be fitted to a mattress to provide a sleeping surface; the mattress having a top face, a bottom face and side faces, the cover comprising: a flat sheet of an elastic fabric stretchable in both a length and a breadth; and a fastener attached to a perimeter of the flat sheet; wherein the flat sheet is sized and sufficiently stretchable to fit over and around the top and side faces of the mattress and to be held stretched around the top and side faces by the fastener on the bottom face of each mattress and to provide a substantially crease free surface on the top and sides of the mattress when the mattress is any one of a number of mattresses having a range of different sizes.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a loop of an elastic tape attached around the perimeter of the flat sheet having an unextended length less than a perimeter of the bottom face of the mattress.

3. The cover of claim 1 or 2 wherein the sheet of elastic fabric is seamless and uniform.

4. A method of covering a mattress to provide a sleeping surface, the mattress having a top face, side faces and a bottom face, the method comprising the steps of (1) providing a cover comprising: a flat sheet of an elastic fabric stretchable in both a length and a breadth; a fastener attached to a perimeter of the flat sheet; wherein the flat sheet is sized and sufficiently stretchable to fit over and around the top and side faces the mattress and to be held stretched around the top and side faces by the fastener on the bottom face of the mattress and to provide a substantially crease free surface on the top and sides of the mattress when the mattress is any one of a number of mattresses having a range of different sizes; and (2) fitting the cover over the top and side faces of the mattress and fastening the cover at the bottom face of the mattress.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the mattresses having a range of different sizes include cot mattresses.