EP3016553A1

EP3016553A1 - Detachable sheet and waterproof pad system

Info

Publication number: EP3016553A1
Application number: EP14820535.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Louise MINER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2014-02-06
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Also published as: JP2016523639A; CA2917349A1; US20160183689A1; CN105451607A; EP3016553A4; JP6580560B2; AU2014286879A1; WO2015000069A1

Abstract

Systems relating to a safe and easily removable and reusable bedding system, including a waterproof pad or a sheet pad that attaches to a fitted sheet. The detachable pads of the present invention seek to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and bed sores by providing a tightly fitted pad. The pad can be changed, cleaned, and replaced frequently and more readily without requiring regular mattress lifting.

Description

DETACHABLE SHEET AND WATERPROOF PAD SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to beds, bed sheets and waterproof bed clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mattress covers, sheets, or pads are widely used to cover mattresses. Covers, sheets, and pads come in a variety of styles and are used for several different purposes. Some offer extra cushioning and support to a sleeper, while others act as an extra layer, keeping the mattress itself cleaner.

[0003] Some people, including babies and bedridden people, can have trouble controlling their bowels or bladders and, as a result, can soil their mattress or the top element of their mattress (i.e. the cover, sheet, and/or pad) . As such, the top element of the mattress may need to be changed several times a day. This can be exhausting and time-consuming, considering the effort needed to arrange tightly fitted covers, sheets, and/or pads on the mattress. This is

especially true for caregivers who must dedicate much of their valuable time to this task.

[0004] In addition, the fit and design of the top element may be important depending on the user of the bed. For cribs, specific safety issues must be considered in the design. Designs for preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are of primary importance. SIDS is the leading cause of death in the United States for babies between one month and one year old. SIDS is not any one illness or disease. Rather, it is the

diagnosis given when a child under a year old dies suddenly and an exact cause cannot be found after a death scene investigation, an autopsy, and a review of the child's medical history are all undertaken. That SIDS can happen without warning makes it a particular source of insecurity for parents. Currently,

approximately 2,300 infants die from SIDS in the United States each year. SIDS most commonly affects babies between the ages of one and four months, and ninety percent (90%) of cases involve infants younger than six months. In light of the risk of SIDS and other aesthetic considerations, there are a number of aspects to consider when choosing a bedding element (pad, mattress, top sheet, bed cover, etc.). A thick or loose fitted cover, sheet, and/or pad may interfere with the breathing of a baby, especially if a baby's face presses against or is near these items. It is therefore imperative that the pad or mattress fits properly in the crib. Any gaps or holes could pose a danger to a baby because airflow near and around the baby's head may be reduced. The crib pad or mattress should also be firm. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of a baby's head or face, increasing the risk of suffocation. It is also important that there is no loose bedding or any objects that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation within the bed. ^0006] Another important consideration for bedding design is the effect of the bedding on a person who may not have a lot of mobility. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common skin condition that occurs when a person is unable to redistribute the pressure on their body. Bedsores are particularly common in geriatric patients and are particularly problematic for the elderly, as the healing of bedsores is slowed by increased age of the person.

^0007] In the field of geriatric medicine, bedsores can be difficult to prevent, especially in frail elderly individuals and people confined to wheelchairs. Although the primary cause of bedsores is prolonged pressure on a localized area of the body, bedsores can also be caused by a combination of pressure and friction. For this reason, tightly fitted sheets for a person with restricted mobility are crucial to the prevention of bedsores.

^0008] Another consideration is that the aged or disabled person lacking mobility may want to change their own bedding but reguires a design that is easy for them to do so .

0009] Therefore, there is a need for a safe, easily

removable and reusable waterproof pad, which mitigates if not overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides systems relating to a safe, easily removable and reusable sheet and pad system that attaches to a mattress. The detachable pad of the present invention provides a tightly fitted pad to reduce friction that can be caused by loose sheets and bedding. The pad can be changed, cleaned, and replaced freguently. In one embodiment, the pad is a waterproof pad that covers only the portion of the mattress that is in closest proximity to the pelvis and buttocks area of a user. This allows the user to remove the pad from one fitted sheet and attach it, optionally in a different orientation, to a different sized fitted sheet. In this way, a user can use the same pad for differently sized mattresses.

Additionally, the invention disclosed herein allows a user to remove bedding without having to regularly lift the mattress or manoeuvre the top sheets around the mattress corners. Therefore, this invention is particularly useful for the elderly and people with disabilities who may suffer from diminished manual dexterity . According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the invention provides a detachable sheet system for use in a bed, the system comprising: a fitted sheet constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress, the fitted sheet having a first top surface adjoining a second top surface of the mattress and a first bottom surface adjoining a second bottom surface of the mattress; a sheet pad constructed and arranged to cover a substantial portion of the second top surface of the mattress; and a first fastening means for operatively coupling the sheet pad to the fitted sheet . According to a second aspect of the present

disclosure, the invention provides a detachable sheet system for the use in a bed, the system comprising: a fitted sheet constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress, the fitted sheet having a first top surface adjoining a second top surface of the mattress and a first bottom surface adjoining a second bottom surface of the mattress, wherein the fitted sheet covers a substantial portion of the mattress; a waterproof pad constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the second top surface of the mattress, and having: a bottom waterproof layer, a middle absorbent layer, and a top fabric layer; a first fastening means for operatively coupling the waterproof pad to the fitted sheet; wherein the waterproof pad is

substantially immovable along the mattress due to the first fastening means being mounted at the edge of a third bottom surface of the waterproof pad; and wherein the waterproof pad is positioned in close proximity to a buttocks and pelvic area of a user .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

[0014] FIGURE 1 illustrates a detachable sheet system

according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIGURE 2 illustrates a detachable waterproof pad

system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; ^0016] FIGURE 3 illustrates a detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

;0017] FIGURE 4is a more detailed illustration of a

detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to further embodiment of the present invention;

^0018] FIGURE 5is a bottom view of a fitted sheet connected to a mattress according to another embodiment of the present invention;

^0019] FIGURE 6 illustrates a detachable waterproof pad

system according to further embodiment of the present invention ;

^0020] FIGURE 7 illustrates a detachable sheet system used in conjunction with a detachable waterproof pad system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention ;

;0021] FIGURE 8 illustrates a detachable sheet system with an interchangeable thematic design according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

0022] FIGURE 9 illustrates a detachable sheet system that is easy removable and bed exiting features according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention provides replacements for both bed sheets and a mattress pads. The nature of the pads described herein protects the underlying mattress from potential soiling. If a pad is soiled, it is simply unfastened from the sheet to which it is attached, washed, and reused. Additionally, the present invention provides a detachable sheet and waterproof pad system that allows a user to purchase a single waterproof pad that can be used for multiple sized beds .

[0025] FIGURES 1 through 9illustrate schematic

representations of various embodiments of the present invention and will now be described in greater detail.

[0026] Referring to FIGURE 1, the present invention

contemplates a sheet pad 120 designed to cover an entire or substantial portion of a mattress 100. The mattress 100 can optionally be supported by a bed frame (not shown), such as, for instance, a crib (not shown) .

[0027] The mattress 100 is covered by a fitted sheet 110.

The fitted sheet 110 can be designed to only cover the side portions and the edges of the top surface of the mattress 100, as shown in FIGURE 1, or it can be designed to cover the entire top surface of the mattress 100. The fitted sheet 110 may be fastened to the mattress 100 through a variety of means, described in more detail below. Without limiting the foregoing, the fastening means to fasten the fitted sheet 110 to the mattress 100 may include means well known in the art, including an elastic band system that allows the bottom surface of the fitted sheet 110 to wrap around and hold to the bottom surface of the mattress 100.

[0028] The fitted sheet 110 has a first fastening means 130A,

130B that fastens the sheet pad 120 to the fitted sheet 110. The first fastening means 130A, 130B could operate through a variety of mechanisms . For instance, a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism (such as Velcro™) could be used.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening means 130A, 130B is a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion 130A attached to the top surface of the fitted sheet 110 and a top portion 130B attached to the bottom surface of the sheet pad 120. The top and bottom portions of the first fastening means 130A, 130B cooperate to fasten the sheet pad 120 to the fitted sheet 110, such that the sheet pad 120 does not move relative to the fitted sheet 110. This aids in minimizing the friction caused by the moving of the sheet pad 120 when a person uses the detachable sheet system. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the bottom portion 130A of the two-part fastening system is configured to be located at the perimeter of the mattress 100 on the top surface of the fitted sheet 110. The complementary top portion 130B of the two-part fastening system covers the perimeter of the bottom surface of the sheet pad 120 such that the bottom portion 130A of the two-part fastening system on the top surface of the fitted sheet 110 has a corresponding top portion 130B on the bottom surface of the sheet pad 120.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hook and loop fastener means is used as the first fastening means 130A, 130B to couple the sheet pad 120 to the fitted sheet 110. The hook portion of the hook and loop fastener can be the bottom portion 130A of the two-part fastening system, while the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener can be the top portion 130B of the two-part fastening system. The two-part fastening system 130A, 130B may use strips of hook and loop fasteners or a continuous strip of hook and loop fasteners at each edge of the mattress 100, or some other configurations of fastening sections as would be readily understood by a skilled artisan. The use of such a hook-and-loop fastener provides a substantially immovable sleeping arrangement for a user and further provides an easy removal and replacement padding system. However, any other alternative fastening means known in the art may be used to provide tautness and a snug fit between the sheet pad 120 and the fitted sheet 110.

[0031] Alternative fastening means may include a zipper

device, a knot system, or buttons. Additionally, the first fastening means 130A, 130B does not need to be limited to the edges of the fitted sheet 110 or the edges of the sheet pad 120. Rather, the first fastening means 130A, 130B may cover the entire top surface of the fitted sheet 110 and the entire bottom surface of the sheet pad 120. Such an implementation of the present invention would substantially increase the immovability of the sheet pad 120 when it is fastened to the fitted sheet 110. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first fastening means 130A, 130B is intentionally mounted at the edge of the sheet pad 120 and the fitted sheet 110 to construct a substantially immovable sheet pad 120, and to prevent holes, gaps, or other openings.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet pad 120 consists of a single padded layer and a fastening means. Without limiting the foregoing, the materials that can be used in the construction of the sheet pad include nylon, polyester, cotton, rayon, bamboo, viscose, linen, and silk.

[0033] It should be understood that the fitted sheet used in any embodiments of the present invention may be designed to be waterproof, such that the fitted sheet has a waterproof layer, similar to the waterproof pad described in FIGURE 2. More specifically, the fitted sheet may be made of a waterproof material. In that case, the sheet pad may not include a waterproof layer. For further clarity, the fitted sheet may include waterproof material such that the sheet pad does not reguire any waterproof material in its construction. Yet this alternative provides

waterproofing .

[0034] FIGURE 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment uses a waterproof pad 200 instead of the sheet pad 120 (shown in FIGURE 1) . [0035] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURE 2, the mattress 100 is covered by a fitted sheet 240. The waterproof pad 200 is fastened to the fitted sheet 240 by a first fastening means 250. The first fastening means 250 can operate in the same manner as the first fastening means described in greater detail above with reference to FIGURE 1.

[0036] The waterproof pad 200 can be constructed and arranged to entirely cover the top surface of the mattress 100 as well as the top surface of the fitted sheet 240. Alternatively, the waterproof pad 200 may cover only a portion of the top surface of the mattress 100 and the fitted sheet 240. The waterproof pad 200 may have either rounded or sguared corners. In one embodiment, the waterproof pad 200 consists of three layers: a bottom waterproof layer 210, a middle absorbent layer 220, and a top fabric layer 230. These layers may form a substantially unitary article.

[0037] It should be noted that the height and the texture of the waterproof pad 200 are important, as having a pad that is too thick or too soft, for example, may cause discomfort and irritation to the user. Therefore, the overall thickness of the waterproof pad 200 is, in one embodiment, approximately 6 mm. Further, the waterproof pad 200 may be purposely stitched in a specific pattern to ensure that the middle absorbent layer 220 stays evenly distributed at a constant height or thickness. These design features further reduce the mobility of the middle absorbent layer 220. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the stitched patterns could be a variety of patterns. For example, sewn or guilted patterns, such as loops, diamonds, and squares, may be used.

Furthermore, continuous or non-continuous stitching patterns may be used.

[0038] The bottom waterproof layer 210 of the waterproof pad

200 protects the underlying mattress 100 and fitted sheet 240 from potential soiling. The bottom

waterproof layer 210 can be made of any type of water resistant or waterproof material. In one embodiment, the material used is a waterproof tent fabric, such as a mixture of polyester with plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P) . Other materials that can be used include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) , polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) polyvinyl acetate (PVA) , polyvinyl butyral (PVB) .

[0039] The middle absorbent layer 220 of the waterproof pad

200 serves the function of retaining soil or waste of a person using the pad system. The middle absorbent layer 220 can be made of any type of natural or synthetic material that is fluid absorbent. In one embodiment, the material used is a synthetic blend of polyester and viscose rayon.

[0040] The top fabric layer 230 is used to increase the

comfort and aesthetic appeal for the user. The top fabric layer 230 can be made of the same material as the fitted sheet 240 so that the color, texture, and design between the two match and the appearance of the whole pad system is aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, the top fabric layer 230 can be made of any type of natural fabric material or synthetic fabric material. In one embodiment the material used is a polyester material to maintain greater durability in everyday use. Other materials that can be used include nylon, cotton, rayon, bamboo, viscose, linen, and silk.

[0041] Additionally, the waterproof pad 200 may have an

overall thickness of anywhere from approximately one- quarter (¼) of an inch to approximately one-half (½) of an inch. However, other dimensions are, of course, possible .

[0042] FIGURE 3 shows a sheet pad system, wherein a mattress is covered by a fitted sheet 310. A sheet pad 320 is fastened to the fitted sheet 310 by a first fastening means, as described above. The top surface of the sheet pad 320 further includes a second fastening means (shown in FIGURE 4) for fastening a waterproof pad 330 to the sheet pad 320.

[0043] The second fastening means can operate in essentially the same way as the first fastening means that was described with reference to FIGURE 1. However, the second fastening means fastens the waterproof pad 330 to the sheet pad 320. Specifically, the second fastening means may be a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion attached to the top surface of the sheet pad 320 and a top portion attached to the bottom surface of the waterproof pad 330. The top and bottom portions of the second fastening means cooperate to fasten the waterproof pad 330 to the sheet pad 320, such that the waterproof pad 330 does not move relative to the sheet pad 320.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second fastening means is localized to an area of the sheet pad 320 that corresponds to the area of a user's buttocks and pelvic area. This ensures that the most common area of the mattress to be soiled is protected from soiling by the waterproof pad 330. It also restricts the waterproof pad 330 to dimensions that enable a user to use the same waterproof pad 330 with multiple differently sized mattresses, sheet pads, and fitted sheets. In one embodiment, the waterproof pad has an approximate thickness of 6 mm, an approximate length of 30 cm, and an approximate width of 30 cm. As disclosed above, the dimensions of the waterproof pad 330 can enable a user to use the same waterproof pad 330 with multiple differently sized mattresses, sheet pads, and fitted sheets. For instance, a user may first acguire the present invention for use in a crib when the user is an infant. When being used in the crib, the waterproof pad 330 may cover

substantially the whole portion of the mattress. As the user ages, they will reguire a larger bed, e.g., a twin sized bed. Instead of having to purchase an entirely new system, the user can simply purchase a second fitted sheet and/or a second sheet pad that corresponds to the size of the new mattress. The waterproof pad 330 can then be fastened to the second fitted sheet or the second sheet pad in an orientation that ensures area of the mattress that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user are protected by the waterproof pad 330. For instance, a twin sized mattress may have the

waterproof pad 330 oriented lengthwise at the centre of the twin sized mattress. When the user decides to once again scale to a larger double or gueen (full) sized mattress, the same waterproof pad 330 can be used with a third fitted sheet and sheet pad that correspond to the new size of the mattress. In one embodiment, the fastening means used to fasten the waterproof pad 330 to the third fitted sheet or sheet pad is oriented widthwise. This orientation ensures that the waterproof pad 330, when fastened to the third fitted sheet or sheet pad, is localized to the area of the mattress that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user. As such, the present invention discloses a system that allows a user to use the same waterproof pad 330 with multiple sized mattresses, fitted sheets, and sheet pads. Additionally, the present invention allows the same waterproof pad 330 to be used by different users with multiple sized mattresses, fitted sheets, and sheet pads .

[0046] A skilled artisan will understand that it would be possible to reverse the order of placement of the waterproof pad 330 and the sheet pad 320. In this reversed system, the waterproof pad 330 would be attached to the fitted sheet 310 by a first fastening means. The sheet pad 320 would then be attached to either the waterproof pad 330 or the fitted sheet 310 by a second fastening means . This would allow the sheet pad 320 to be removed from the bed without having to remove the waterproof pad 330 from the bed.

[0047] FIGURE 4 is a more detailed illustration of the

detachable sheet system shown in FIGURE 3. As can be seen, the fitted sheet 410 is fastened to the sheet pad 420 by a first fastening means 430A, 430B. In this embodiment, the first fastening means 430A, 430B is a two-part fastening system with a bottom portion 430A attached to the top surface of the fitted sheet 410 and a top portion 430B attached to the bottom surface of the sheet pad 420. As previously

described, the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means 430A, 430B cooperate to fasten the sheet pad 420 to the fitted sheet 410, such that the sheet pad 420 does not move relative to the fitted sheet 410.

[0048] The waterproof pad 440 has a bottom waterproof layer

450 and is fastened to the top surface of the sheet pad 420 by a second fastening means 460A, 460B. The second fastening means can operate in essentially the same manner as the first fastening means 430A, 430B.

[0049] As shown in the various embodiments of the invention described herein, the fitted sheet is constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress. The fastening mechanisms used to fasten the fitted sheet to the mattress will now be described with reference to F I GURE 5.

[0050] F I GURE 5 is a bottom view of a fitted sheet 510

affixed to a mattress lOOaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the fitted sheet 510 has a bottom surface adjoining a bottom surface of the mattress 100 and a top surface adjoining a top surface of the mattress 100. The sides of the mattress are covered by the fitted sheet 510, as better shown in F I GURE 6. The fitted sheet 510 is equipped with a third fastening means 520 for mounting the fitted sheet around the mattress 100 and around the bottom surface of the mattress 100. The third fastening means 520 is deployed to hold the fitted sheet 510 tightly against the mattress 100.As shown, the third fastening means 520 may make use of an elastic band fastening system. [0051] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the third fastening means 520 may be a unitary elastic band or a zipper for fastening the fitted sheet 510 to the bottom surface of the mattress 100. Other fastening means for holding the fitted sheet 510 tightly against the mattress 100 may also be used, including buttons, snaps, drawstrings and/or

combinations of such fasteners.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 5, the third fastening means 520 includes a band 530 affixed to parallel sides of the bottom surface of the fitted sheet 510. As shown in FIGURE 5, the band 530 may also be affixed to the corners of the fitted sheet 510. This band 530 helps secure the fitted sheet 510 to the mattress 100, such that the fitted sheet 510 is less likely to be move relative to the mattress 100. This reduces some friction associated with the shifting of the bedding as a user shifts sleeping positions .

[0053] It should be noted that the fitted sheet 510 can be made of any type of natural fabric material, synthetic fabric material, or moisture wicking material. For instance, the material used can be a polyester material to maintain greater durability in everyday use. Additionally, the fitted sheet 510 may be made of rayon, wool, cotton, bamboo, nylon, viscose, linen, silk, or any mixture of these materials.

[0054] FIGURE 6 shows another embodiment of the present

invention. A fitted sheet 610 is fastened to a twin sized mattress with a waterproof pad 620 coupled to the top of the fitted sheet 610 by a first fastening means 630A, 630B. In this embodiment, a bottom portion 630A of the first fastening means 630A, 630B is located at a central portion of a top surface of the fitted sheet 610. A top portion 630B of the first fastening means 630A, 630B is located along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the waterproof pad 620. The waterproof pad 620 and the fitted sheet 610 become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means 630A, 630B are coupled together. Additionally, a flat sheet 640 covers portions of the fitted sheet 610 and the waterproof pad 620. A pillow 650 is located at one end of the top surface of the fitted sheet. The pillow 650 is covered by a pillow case 660. A person skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that the pillow case 660 could be coupled to the pillow 650 by a fastening means similar to the fastening means described above. Specifically, the pillow case 660 may be removably coupled to the pillow 650 by a fastening means located on a top surface of the pillow 650 and also on a bottom surface of the pillow case 660, similar to the waterproof pad 620 or the sheet pad (shown in FIGURE 4) systems. This would allow the pillow case 660 to be easily removed from the pillow 650 to facilitate the washing of the pillow case 660. Although this embodiment was originally designed for adults, the system could also be used by users of all ages, except by newborns/infant s because the use of pillows is not recommended in light of SIDS . FIGURE 7 shows a slightly modified version of the pad system described with reference to FIGURE 6. As shown in FIGURE 7, a fitted sheet 710 is fastened to a mattress. A sheet pad 720 is coupled to the fitted sheet 710 by a first fastening means 730A, 730B located at the perimeter of a top surface of the fitted sheet 710 and the perimeter of a bottom surface of the sheet pad 720. The fitted sheet 710 and the sheet pad 720 become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the first fastening means 730A, 730B are coupled together. Additionally, a waterproof pad 740 is coupled to the top surface of the sheet pad 720 by a second fastening means 750A, 750B. A bottom portion 750A of the second fastening means 750A, 750B is located at a central portion of the top surface of the sheet pad 720, wherein the central portion of the top surface of the sheet pad 720 corresponds to the area of the sheet pad 720 that is generally in close proximity to the buttocks and pelvic area of the user. A top portion 750B of the second fastening means 750A, 750B is located along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the waterproof pad 740. The waterproof pad 740 and the sheet pad 720 become removably affixed when the top and bottom portions of the second fastening means 750A, 750B are coupled together. A flat sheet 760 covers portions of the fitted sheet 710, the sheet pad 720 and the waterproof pad 740. Additionally, a pillow 780 is located at one end of the sheet pad 720. The pillow 780 is covered by a pillow case 790. As described above, the pillow case 790 may be designed to incorporate a pad system that would facilitate easy removal and washing of the pillow case 790. It should be further noted that all elements

contemplated by the present invention, including the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, the waterproof pad, the pillow cover and the various fastening means can be made from washable materials. As such, the present invention provides an easy to release, washable sheet system, such that the elements of the invention are constructed to be able to withstand any ordinary washer and dryer . The present invention also includes embodiments that have thematic designs applied to the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, or the waterproof pad. For instance, a user may purchase various waterproof pads or sheet pads with differing themes, such that the waterproof pads or the sheet pads can be interchanged to provide a variety of themes . Another aspect of the present invention is designing fitted sheets, sheet pads, and waterproof pads with themes that work in concert.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, a sheet pad 810 may show a figure of a person 820, wherein the body of the person is represented by the area enclosed by the second fastening means described above. A waterproof pad 830 can then be designed to work in concert with this sheet pad design 820, such that various waterproof pads show various fashion designs. For instance, a user interested in fashion may have one waterproof pad 830 that has a design of a business man in a necktie and another waterproof pad 850 that has a design 860 of a man in a bowtie. The user can then interchange the waterproof pads 830, 850 such that it appears the person designed on the sheet pad is varying their clothing. Additionally, the sheet pads and the waterproof pads may be designed with different colours, such that specific waterproof pads and sheet pads can be used at different times of the year associated with various holidays. For instance, a user may use a green sheet pad with a red waterproof pad during Christmas, or a black sheet pad with an orange waterproof pad during Halloween. Other themes that could be used include, but are not limited to, sports, animals, space exploration, fan fiction, plants, superheroes, cartoons, seasons, geography, and shapes. A person skilled in the art will understand that various themes could be imprinted on the fitted sheet, sheet pad, and/or waterproof sheet pad elements of the present invention, such that the thematic interplay is between the fitted sheet and the sheet pad, the fitted sheet and the waterproof sheet pad, the sheet pad and the waterproof sheet pad, or all three of the fitted sheet, the sheet pad, and the waterproof sheet pad. Figure 9 illustrates a detachable sheet system according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Here the waterproof pad 900 has two modified elements, a modified corner element 910 and a modified side edge 920 that adheres to the fitted sheet 930 along the side of the mattress (with the mattress being under the fitted sheet) . As can be seen from Figure 9, the waterproof pad 900 drapes over a side of the mattress and is attached or adhered to the fitted sheet on the side of the mattress and not at the edge of the mattress. The other modified element is the corner element 910. At one or more of the four corners of the waterproof pad, the modified corner element 910 is not affixed or is unattached to the fitted sheet. This configuration permits the person changing the waterproof pad 900 to simply insert their hand between the waterproof pad 900 and the fitted sheet 930 to more easily remove the waterproof pad 900 for changing. Here, the modified corner element 910 of the waterproof pad 900 is shown as a straight edge; however, a more rounded edge or different shapes or ridges may be used. As can be seen, to better facilitate the removal and replacement of the waterproof pad, the corner is not only unattached to the fitted sheet but has also been cut off. For best results, the unaffixed corner is adjacent a section where the waterproof pad is affixed to the fitted sheet.

[0059] A modified side edge 920 is also taught by the present invention to affix the waterproof pad 900 to the fitted sheet 930 adjacent the side edge of the mattress. This permits a user to slide off the bed along the modified side edge without encountering a ridge or bump that may form when the waterproof pad is attached at the edge of the mattress. For elderly or mobility-challengers users, this embodiment is very advantageous and reduces mobility impediments that may be created by a slight ridge when the pad is affixed to the fitted sheet along the top surface of the mattress .

[0060] Although the illustrated detachable sheet system is designed for use with a bed, the invention can also be used with sofas, chairs, seats, and pillows.

[0061] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or

variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A detachable sheet system for use in a bed, the system comprising :

- a fitted sheet constructed and arranged to fasten around a mattress, the fitted sheet having a first top surface adjoining a second top surface of the mattress and a first bottom surface adjoining a second bottom surface of the mattress;

- a sheet pad constructed and arranged to cover a substantial portion of the second top surface of the mattress; and

- a first fastening means for operatively coupling the sheet pad to the fitted sheet.

2. A detachable sheet system for use in a bed, the system comprising :

- a waterproof pad constructed and arranged to cover a portion of the second top surface of the mattress, and having: a first bottom waterproof layer, a middle absorbent layer, and a top fabric layer;

- a first fastening means for operatively coupling the waterproof pad to the fitted sheet; and

- wherein the waterproof pad is substantially immovable along the mattress due to the first fastening means being mounted at a fourth bottom surface of the waterproof pad and wherein the waterproof pad is sized and positioned in close proximity to a buttocks and pelvic area of a user.

3. A system as in claim 1, wherein the fitted sheet is fastened to the mattress, and wherein the sheet pad is substantially immovable along the mattress due to the first fastening means being mounted at a third bottom surface of the sheet pad.

4. A system as in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fitted sheet has a waterproof portion.

5. A system as in claim 1, further including a waterproof pad, and a second fastening means located on a third top surface of the sheet pad, wherein the second fastening means operatively couples the sheet pad and the waterproof pad, the waterproof pad having: a first bottom waterproof layer, a middle absorbent layer, and a top fabric layer.

6. A system as in claim 1, wherein a thematic design is applied to at least any one of the fitted sheet and the sheet pad, and wherein the sheet pad can be interchanged with a second sheet pad to provide various themes .

7. A system as in claim 2, wherein a thematic design is applied to at least any one of the fitted sheet and the waterproof pad, a theme being completed when the waterproof pad and the fitted sheet are coupled together, and wherein the waterproof pad can be interchanged with a second waterproof pad to provide various themes.

8. A system as in claim 5, wherein a thematic design is applied to at least any one of the waterproof pad, the fitted sheet, and the sheet pad, and wherein the fitted sheet, the waterproof pad and the sheet pad can be interchanged respectively with a second fitted sheet, a second waterproof pad and a second sheet pad to provide various themes.

9. A system as in any one of claims 6, 7 and 8, wherein the thematic design is selected from the group consisting of:

fashion, sports, animals, space exploration, fan fiction, plants, superheroes, cartoons, holidays, seasons, geography, and shapes .

10. A system as in claim 2, wherein the waterproof pad is designed to be removably coupled to the fitted sheet, such that the waterproof pad can be removed from the fitted sheet and operatively coupled to a second fitted sheet designed for a differently sized mattress, thereby allowing the same waterproof pad to be used again for the differently sized mattress .

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: a hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, a knot fastening means, and a zipper.

12. The system according to claim 5, wherein the second fastening means is selected from the group consisting of: a hook-and-loop fastener, buttons, a knot fastening means, and a zipper .

13. The system according any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fitted sheet has a third fastening means comprising elastic bands for mounting the fitted sheet to the mattress.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the third fastening means comprises a unitary elastic band.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the third fastening means includes a band affixed to the first bottom surface of the fitted sheet, such that the band is attached to opposite parallel sides of the fitted sheet.

16. The system according to any one of claims 2 and 5, wherein the waterproof pad has a thickness of approximately 6 mm, an approximate length of 30 cm, and an approximate width of 30 cm.

17. The system according to any one of claims 2 and 5, wherein the waterproof pad has stitches in a pattern to ensure that the middle absorbent layer stays evenly distributed.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the stitching has a non-continuous pattern.

19. The system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fitted sheet is made from a moisture wicking material selected from the group consisting of: polyester, rayon, wool, cotton, bamboo, viscose, linen, silk, and a mixture of any of the above materials .

20. The system according to any one of claims 2 and 5, wherein the first bottom waterproof layer is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral .

21. The system according to claim 4, wherein the waterproof portion is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral.

22. The system according to any one of claims 2 and 5, wherein the middle absorbent layer is made of a material selected from a group consisting of: polyester, polyurethane, viscose, rayon, nylon, cotton, bamboo, linen, and a mixture of any of the above materials.

23. The system according to any one of claims 2 and 5, wherein the top fabric layer is made of a material selected from a group consisting of: polyester, rayon, wool, cotton, nylon, bamboo, viscose, linen, silk, and a mixture of any of the above materials.

24. The system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet pad has a modified side edge such that, when the sheet pad is affixed to the fitted sheet an opening is formed which assists in removing the sheet pad.

25. The system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet pad has at least one edge which drapes over an edge of the mattress and that affixes to the fitted sheet along the mattress side edge to enable a user to slide off the bed.

26. The system according to claim 2, wherein the sheet pad has at least one corner which is unaffixed to the fitted sheet .

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein each unaffixed corner is adjacent a section of the sheet pad which is affixed to the fitted sheet.