GB2440822A

GB2440822A - Bedding system

Info

Publication number: GB2440822A
Application number: GB0715295A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Debbie Jayne Mercy
Original assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Current assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-09
Filing date: 2007-08-07
Publication date: 2008-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-07
Also published as: WO2008017825A1; GB0715295D0; EP2051609A1; GB0615766D0; AU2007283247A1; GB2440822B

Abstract

Bedding system comprises a bottom sheet 8 with integral pillow case 4, a top sheet 32 and releasable attachment means 34 by which the top sheet can be, at least partially, releasably attached to the bottom sheet. The top sheet suitably forms a duvet cover. The system may be provided in combination with one or more duvets, which may be releasably fastened to one another and/or to the inside of the duvet cover.

Description

:. 2440822 Beddijg System

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a bedding system, for example for use with a mattress.

Background to the invention

People, especially children and toddlers, need to be kept safe in bed and therefore need to be protected from falling out and from suffocation hazards.

For example, young children who have recently moved into adult-style beds and bedding often have difficulty in keeping their bedding in the correct position during the night. They can become "tangled up" in sheets and blankets, for example, whilst duvets can either slip of f the bed, leaving the sleeper unprotected, or more worryingly can end up smothering the sleeper. Similar problems can arise with pillows, especially for younger children who are using pillows for the first time.

Another common problem, as a young child makes the transition from cot to bed, is the risk of the child falling out of the bed during the night, a risk which tends to be exacerbated if the child's bedding slips out of position, causing disorientation, discomfort and often genuine fear.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or at least mitigate such problems.

Statements of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bedding system comprising (1) a bottom sheet having an integral pillow case, (ii) a top sheet and (iii) releasable attachment means by which the top sheet can be, at least partially, releasably attached to the bottom sheet.

The bottom sheet and the top sheet may each have a top surface, a bottom surface, two outer side edges, a foot edge and a head edge. In an embodiment the top and bottom sheets, when attached together, define a sleeping pocket with at least one opening.

In an embodiment at least part or all of the head edge of the top sheet is not attachable to the head edge of the bottom sheet, so as to provide an opening for the sleeping pocket.

In an embodiment the integral pillow case is located at or near the head edge of the bottom sheet. The two outer side edges of the top sheet may be shorter than the two outer side edges of the bottom sheet, such that all or part of the integral pillow case may be visible during use, even when the top sheet is attached to the bottom one.

In an embodiment all or a portion of the two outer side edges and/or the foot edges of the top and bottom sheets may be releasably attachable together. The releasable attachment means may be spaced from any one of the edges.

In use, a user may lie inside the pocket formed between the bottom sheet and the attached top sheet. This arrangement can make it more difficult for the user to roll off a surface on which the bedding is placed, for example a mattress. The bedding system of the invention may also help to reduce suffocation hazards associated with the use of a loose pillow.

Such a bedding system can therefore be particularly useful for young children.

In an embodiment, a first half of the releasable attachment means may be provided on the bottom sheet. A corresponding second half of the releasable attachment means may be provided on the top sheet. In an embodiment the first half of the releasable attachment means may be provided on the top surface of the bottom sheet and the second half of the releasable attachment means on the bottom surface of the top sheet. In an embodiment the releasable attachment means cannot be seen when the bedding system is "made up", such as on a mattress: for p example, the attachment means may be located at a distance from the relevant edge(s) of the top and/or the bottom sheets.

The releasable attachment means, for example a zip, may extend around the entire perimeter of the sleeping pocket defined between the top and bottom sheets, or only part thereof. Two or more releasable attachment means may be provided, allowing the top and bottom sheets to be attached together at two or more different locations, typically around the perimeter of the sleeping pocket. Releasable attachment means may for example be provided at or along each of the two side edges of the sleeping pocket. More particularly, the bedding system may comprise two zips, each extending along all or more typically a portion of the relevant side edge, for instance along up to a quarter or a third or a half of the length of the side edge, as measured from the open edge of the sleeping pocket. Such zips may each extend by a fifth or more, or a quarter or more, or a third or a half or more, of the length of the side edge.

The top and bottom sheets may be secured together, for example by stitching, along those parts of the perimeter of the sleeping pocket which are not provided with releasable attachment means.

In an embodiment the bottom sheet may comprise a "sleeping area" which may correspond approximately in size and shape to the size and shape of a mattress onto which the bedding is intended to be placed. For example, the bedding system of the invention may be intended and/or adapted for use on a mattress for a child's bed, either of a standard single bed size or of a smaller size specially adapted for children. It may be intended and/or adapted for use on a mattress for a cot-bed.

A bedding system according to the invention for use with a single bed mattress may thus have a sleeping area which is approximately the same size and shape as the top surface of a single bed mattress, and which includes the integral pillow case. For use on a double bed the sleeping area (including the integral pillow case) may be approximately the same size and shape as the top surface of a double bed mattress. The perimeter of the sleeping area may therefore comprise two long side edges which correspond approximately in length to the length of a mattress, a foot end edge which corresponds approximately in width to the width of the foot end of a mattress and a head end edge which corresponds approximately in width to the width of the head end of amattress. Alternatively the sleeping area may be smaller than the size of a mattress on which the bedding system is to be used.

* The sleeping area may be the same size as the bottom sheet or may instead be smaller than the bottom sheet. In an embodiment where the sleeping area is smaller than the bottom sheet, the bottom sheet may comprise a sleeping area and a border. The border may extend outwardly -around all or part of the sleeping area. In an embodiment the border may be designed to drape over one or more edges of a mattress onto which the bedding is fitted during use, as a "valance". The sleeping area and the border may be formed integrally from a single piece of material or may be formed by joining a sleeping area and a border together, for example by stitching.

In an embodiment the bottom sheet or its border may comprise straps elastic means or a skirt with an elasticated perimeter (for example, around all or part of the perimeter of the sleeping area), so that the bottom sheet can be "fitted" around a mattress during use. This can help retain the bedding system in place on the mattress.

In an embodiment the bottom sheet may comprise, on its under surface (ie, the surface opposite to that which carries the integral pillow case), a pocket or pouch designed to accommodate an end of a mattress on which the bedding system is used. The pocket or pouch may be elasticated around all or part of its perimeter, and/or provided with other means by which it may be held in position around the end of the mattress.

Such a pocket or pouch may be positioned at the head end of the bottom sheet. It may extend from the head end of the bottom sheet at least as far as the first point of possible attachment of the bottom sheet to the top one, and/or at least beyond the integral pillow case. It may extend by a fifth or more, or a quarter or more, or a third or even a half or more, of the length of the bottom sheet, as measured from its head end in use. It may extend by up to a fifth or a quarter or a third or a half of the length of the bottom sheet.

The pocket or pouch may be integral with the rest of the bottom sheet; for example, it may be formed by folding the bottom sheet under on itself at its head end. Alternatively the pocket or pouch may be formed from a separate sheet of fabric and attached, for instance by stitching, to the rest of the bottom sheet.

The provision of a pocket or pouch to accommodate an end of a mattress can help to secure the bedding system of the invention in position during use, reducing the risk of the bottom sheet falling off the mattress and thus improving the overall stability and safety of the system.

In an embodiment the top sheet may comprise a "sleeping area" which may correspond approximately in size and shape to a sleeping area on the bottom sheet, or may be shorter than a sleeping area on the bottom sheet so as to leave at least a part of the integral pillow case uncovered during use.

The top sheet sleeping area may be the same size as the top sheet or may instead be smaller. When it is smaller than the top sheet, the top sheet may comprise a sleeping area and a border. This border may extend outwardly around all or part of the sleeping area. In an embodiment the border may be designed to drape over one or more edges of a mattress onto which the bedding is fitted during use. The sleeping area and the border may be formed integrally from a single piece of material or may be formed by joining a sleeping area and a border together, for example by stitching.

In an embodiment the sleeping areas of the top and bottom sheets may be aligned when the two sheets are attached together.

In an embodiment a first half of the releasable attachment means may be provided along an appropriate portion of the perimeter of the sleeping area on the top surface of the bottom sheet. A second half of the releasable attachment means may be provided along an appropriate portion of the perimeter of the sleeping area on the bottom surface of the top sheet. In this embodiment, in particular where either or both of the top arid bottom sheets includes a border as well as the sleeping area, the releasable attachment means may be at least partially hidden from view during use, thus giving the bedding system a more pleasing appearance.

The releasable attachment means may be any known means, for example hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro, poppers, or other mechanical means such as a zip. In an embodiment the zip may be a two-way zip.

In an embodiment the integral pillow case may be formed from a sheet of material which may be attached to the bottom sheet by any suitable means for example by stitching, poppers or one or more zips. Alternatively the pillow case may be formed integrally with the rest of the bottom sheet, for instance by folding it back on itself. In an embodiment one or more edges (typically side edges) of the integral pillow case is unattached to the bottom sheet, so as to allow insertion of a pillow. An edge (again typically a side edge) of the case may be folded back on itself, as is conventional for pillow cases, to form an "pocket" which helps to hold a pillow in position inside the case.

An integral pillow case may advantageously help to prevent a user getting his or her head trapped under a pillow, or between a pillow and another object such as a bedroom wall.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top sheet may take the form of a duvet cover, having a pocket into which a duvet may be inserted. The top sheet may therefore comprise top and bottom surfaces which between them define such a pocket. The pocket should be open or openable (for example, by means of a zip, poppers, hook and loop fasteners or other releasable fastening means as are known in the art) along at least a part of its perimeter, to allow insertion of a duvet. The open part of its perimeter may for example be located near or along the foot edge of the top sheet (ie, near or along the foot of a bed on which the bedding system is fitted during use). The duvet cover may be of a size and shape adapted to accommodate a duvet of the appropriate size, for example a standard size child's duvet or a single duvet.

In this embodiment, the bedding system of the invention can thus provide for both top and bottom sheets, duvet and pillow to be integrated, ensuring that all components of the system remain in their correct positions during use.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a bedding system in accordance with the first aspect, the top sheet of which has the form of a duvet cover as described above, in combination with a duvet which is or can be inserted into the duvet cover. The duvet may be removably insertable into the cover.

A bedding system in accordance with the second aspect of the invention may comprise two or more duvets, each of which may be removably located or locatable inside the duvet cover provided in the top sheet. It may for example comprise a plurality of relatively low tog duvets, for example 1, or 2, or 3, or 3.5, or 4, or 4.5, or 5 tog duvets, or a plurality of relatively high tog duvets, for example 6, or 7, or 8, or 9 or 10 tog duvets, or a mixture of low and high tog duvets. In an embodiment two or more duvets may be removably attachable to one another in order to make duvet(s) of higher tog ratings, for example using releasable attachment means such as poppers, zips or hook and loop fasteners. In this way, the overall "tog" rating of the bedding may be altered according to the user's requirements (for example, depending on the time of year, the location of use or the weather) by using different duvets or combinations of duvets inside the duvet cover.

In an embodiment, for example, the bedding system may be provided with two 4.5 tog duvets, thus allowing the user to select an overall tog rating of either 4.5 or 9. For a bedding system intended for use with a cot-bed, a single 4.5 tog duvet may suffice, this being the current maximum tog rating for duvets of this size.

Such a bedding system may comprise two or more duvet covers, which may be removably attachable to one another and/or to the top sheet by suitable means such as zips, poppers or hook and loop fasteners. One or more duvets may then be insertable into each of the duvet covers, again increasing the versatility of the system.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bedding system in accordance with either the first or the second aspect, additionally comprising a pillow which is or can be inserted into the integral pillow case. The pillow may be removably insertable into the pillow case.

According to any aspect of the invention, a duvet may be adapted to be releasably attachable to the inside of a duvet cover provided by the top sheet of the bedding system. This can help prevent the duvet from slipping out of place inside the cover during use, which can otherwise be an inconvenience and cause discomfort to the user. Thus, for example, the duvet and the inside of the duvet cover may be provided with one or more interengaging fasteners such as poppers, press-studs, zips or

S

S hook and loop fasteners. Suitably such fasteners are located at or near the corner(s) of the duvet and duvet cover. For example, two such fasteners may be provided, one at each of the top corners ("head" edge corners) of the duvet, with interengaging fastener parts provided in corresponding positions on the inside of the duvet cover.

Fasteners usable to attach two or more duvets together may for example be located at or near the bottom corners ("foot" edge corners) of the duvets.

According to one embodiment of the invention, two or more duvets and the duvet cover may be provided with an interengaging system of fasteners, in particular poppers, which allow either or both of the duvets to be attached to the inside of the duvet cover, and suitably allow both duvets to be attached together to the inside of the cover. Such a system may involve interengaging sockets and studs, and may be such as to allow a first fastener part provided on a first duvet to engage with either a second fastener part on a second duvet or a third fastener part on the inside of the duvet cover.

In accordance with the invention, either or both of the top and bottom sheets (and suitably also the integral pillow case) may be impregnated, coated or otherwise provided with a protective substance such as an anti-allergy, anti-dust mite or antimicrobial substance or composition. The same applies to any duvet(s) or pillow(s) provided as part of a bedding system according to the invention.

In general, the top and bottom sheets and the integral pillow case, as well as any associated elements such as pockets or attachable duvet covers, may be made from any suitable material, for example a fabric such as cotton, polyester or a combination thereof.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following example. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Moreover unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same or a similar purpose.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bedding system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a section through a bedding system according to the invention, shown in use fitted around a mattress; Figure 3 is an under plan view of the bedding system and mattress shown in Figure 2; Figures 4 and S are exploded perspective views of parts of a bedding system according to the invention, such as that of Figure 1 or Figure 2; and Figure 6 shows cross sections through fasteners useable in a bedding system according to the invention.

All figures are schematic.

Detailed description

As can be seen in Figure 1, the invention provides a bedding system indicated generally at 1. The system comprises a bottom sheet 2, here shown fitted around a conventional child's size mattress. The sheet 2 is shaped to provide an integral pillow case 4. The system also includes a top sheet 6 which is releasably attached, around three of its four sides, to the bottom sheet 2, as described below.

The bottom sheet 2 has a top surface 8, a bottom surface (not shown), two outer side edges (only one shown, at 10), a foot edge 12 and a head edge 14. The top sheet 6 has a top surface 16, a bottom surface 18, two outer side edges (only one shown, at 20), a foot edge 22 and a head edge 24. The top and bottom sheets form a pocket 26, open at the edge 24, inside which a user can sleep. The head edge 24 of the top sheet 6 is not attached to the bottom sheet 2.

The integral pillowcase 4 is located near the head edge 14 of the bottom sheet 2. The top sheet 6 is shorter than the bottom sheet 2, such that a part of the integral pillowcase 4 is visible during use. The pillowcase is effectively a pocket into which a pillow can be removably inserted, and is sized and shaped accordingly. it may be open at either or preferably both of its side edges (ie, those edges which are approximately perpendicular to the head edge 14 of the bottom sheet), for ease of insertion and removal of a pillow.

The bottom sheet 2 has a "sleeping area" which corresponds in size and shape to the pocket 26 defined between the top and bottom sheets. The sleeping area also corresponds generally to tO the size and shape of the upper surface of the mattress (not shown) over which the bedding system 1 is placed.

The perimeter of the sleeping area comprises two long sides which are equal in length to or shorter than the mattress; a foot end which is equal in width to or shorter than the width of the foot end of the mattress; and a head end which is equal in width to or shorter than the width of the head end of the mattress. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the perimeter of the sleeping area is defined in part by the zip 28, which allows the top and bottom sheets to be releasably fastened together along at least one of their edges but which can be opened to allow ease of access to the sleeping "pocket" 26.

The zip 28 thus secures together the top and bottom sheets, helping to prevent a user -in particular a child -who is sleeping in the thus-defined pocket from falling out of bed.

The zip 28 is suitably an open-ended zip, and preferably has a reversible slider so that it can be opened from either inside or outside the sleeping pocket. Two or more such zips may be used if convenient.

The bottom sheet 2 further comprises a border 30 around the sleeping area. The border 30 extends outwardly from the sleeping area to form a skirt with an elasticated perimeter which can be tucked under the mattress. In this embodiment the bottom sheet 2 is thus a "fitted" sheet.

The top sheet 6 also comprises a "sleeping area" 32 which is similar in size and shape to, although shorter than, the sleeping area on the bottom sheet 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the two sleeping areas are aligned.

In Figure 1 a first half 34 of the zip 28 is provided at least partially along one long side of the sleeping area of the bottom sheet 2. A second half 36 of the zip 28 is provided at least partially along one long side of the sleeping area 32 on the bottom surface 18 of the top sheet 6. In this embodiment the zip 28 is hidden from view when the bedding is "made up", by a border 38 around the sleeping area 32 of the top sheet 6 which in use drapes over the sides and foot end of the mattress. Thus the zip is concealed beneath the upper surface 16 of the top sheet 6.

The zip 28 may extend around the entire perimeter of the sleeping pocket 26 or only part thereof. Alternatively two or more zips may be provided, for example one along each side edge of the sleeping pocket (again each such zip may extend along all or more typically a portion of the relevant side edge, for instance along up to a quarter or a third or a half of the length of the side edge, as measured from the open edge of the sleeping pocket).

The top sheet 6 preferably functions as a duvet cover, as described in more detail in connection with Figure 2. The duvet cover may contain a duvet, for example a removable duvet. The duvet and/or the top and/or bottom sheets are preferably provided (eg, impregnated) with anti-allergy and/or anti-dust mite protection.

The bedding system shown in Figure 2 is generally analogous to that of Figure 1. It is shown in transverse section, ie, a section taken along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bedding system or of a bed onto which it is fitted.

The Figure 2 system comprises a fitted bottom sheet 40, which is fitted around a mattress 41, and a top sheet 42 which is removably connected to the bottom sheet by means of a zip 44.

The top and bottom sheets together define a pocket 46 in which a user can sleep. The top sheet 42 itself has both an upper layer 48 and a lower layer 50, which together define a duvet pocket 52 into which a duvet 54 has been removably inserted. The upper and lower layers 48, 50 are attached together (typically sewn together) along their top and side edges, but are open along at least a part of their bottom edges to allow insertion and removal of a duvet. The top sheet 42 thus provides a duvet cover, which by means of the zip 44 can be secured to the bottom sheet 40. As is conventional for duvet covers, the at least partly open edge of the duvet cover may be reversibly closable for instance using a zip, one or more poppers, or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro'.

Figure 3 is an under plan view of the Figure 2 system, showing how the bottom sheet 40, having an elasticateci border 56, is fitted around the mattress 41. The bottom sheet also has an elasticated pocket 58 at its head end, to accommodate the head end of the mattress. This increases the stability of the bedding system in use, helping to prevent the bottom sheet from slthping, or being pulled, off the mattress. The pocket 58 extends slightly further down the mattress than the top of the zip 44, which also coincides approximately with the lower end of the integral pillow case (not shown), which level is indicated at 59 in Figure 3.

It can be seen from Figures 1 to 3 that a bedding system according to the invention can provide a safe and easy to use environment for a sleeping child. Both pillow and duvet cover are retained in position, increasing both safety and comfort, and the attachment of the top and bottom sheets can help prevent the child from falling out of bed or the cover(s) from slipping either wholly or partially off the bed. The integral pillow case can prevent the child's head from getting trapped under the pillow, and hence reduce the risk of suffocation.

The top and bottom sheets can however be separated from one another to facilitate changing and washing, and any duvet and/or pillow used with the bedding system can also be removed, in conventional manner, when desired. At the same time, the provision of an all-in-one bedding system can increase the ease and speed with which a bed can be made and re-made when necessary, something which is particularly useful where young children are concerned.

A bedding system according to the invention may be provided in combination with one or more duvets for insertion into the duvet cover provided by the top sheet.

In an embodiment of the invention, the duvet can be releasably attached to at least a part of the duvet cover. Figure 4, for instance, shows part of the top layer 60 and bottom layer 62 of a duvet cover, formed in a top sheet which is part of a bedding system according to the invention. Also shown is part of a duvet 64 which can be inserted into the cover. The duvet may for example be of a size suitable for use on a cot bed or other child's bed, or on a standard adult single bed.

The duvet 64 can be attached to the inside of the bottom layer 62 by means of fasteners 66 provided at the top corners of the two items (fasteners are provided at both top corners, although only one set can be seen in Figure 4). These fasteners may be of any suitable type, for example hook and loop fasteners, press-studs or poppers, suitably poppers made from a plastics material. The poppers may be of the type which comprise interengaging male and female parts, for example a stud and a socket adapted to receive the stud, as shown for instance in Figure 6. By means of the fasteners 66, the duvet 64 can be secured in place

within its cover. This not only facilitates its correct insertion when a bed is being made, but also helps prevent slippage of the duvet inside the cover during use. Undesirable movement of a duvet within its cover can result in warmer and cooler regions in the bed and can generally cause discomfort to the user.

Figure 5 shows how a similar fastening system may be used to hold two or more duvets in position within a cover defined by a top layer 70 and bottom layer 72 in a bedding system according to the invention. Here, two duvets 74, 76 can be used together to provide a greater degree of warmth, for instance during the winter or in a colder climate. The two duvets can be attached to one another using fasteners 78 provided at their bottom corners (again, typically, fasteners will be provided at both bottom corners, although only one set is shown in Figure 5).

These can be conventional fasteners such as poppers or hook and loop fasteners, preferably the former and again suitably of the type which include interengaging male and female parts.

In addition to the fasteners 78, fasteners 80 are provided at the top corners of the duvets and of the inner surface of the bottom layer 72. Fasteners 80 may again be of any suitable type, but preferably provide a three-way fastening system of the type illustrated in Figure 6, which allows either (a) duvet 76 to be secured to the bottom layer 72, (b) duvet 74 to be secured to the layer 72 or Cc) duvet 74 to be secured to duvet 76 which is in turn secured to the layer 72. This increases the versatility of the bedding system, allowing a user to select (in particular if duvet 74 has a different tog rating to duvet 76) different duvet tog ratings according to requirements, for example dependent on the time of year or location of use.

Suitable fasteners 80 are shown in more detail in Figure 6.

These comprise plastics "poppers" of a type available for example from YKK plc. The underside duvet cover 72 (ie, the bottom layer of a t'top sheet" in a bedding system according to the invention) carries, at each of its two top corners, a first popper comprising a socket 90 and a cap 92. The duvet 76 is provided, again at each of its two top corners, with a second popper comprising a stud 94 and a socket 96. The stud 94 is adapted to engage with, and can be pressed into place in yet readily prised apart from, the socket 90 of the first popper; Socket 96 has the same form as socket 90.

The second duvet 74 carries, at each of its two top corners, a third popper comprising a stud 98, of the same form as stud 94, and a cap 100. Again, stud 98 is adapted to engage with, and can be pressed into place in yet readily prised apart from, either the socket 90 or the socket 96.

Typically, the poppers may be positioned approximately 5 cm in from each of the top and side edges of the relevant duvet or cover. They may be provided on the top layer 70 of the duvet cover instead of or as well as the bottom layer 72.

A similar popper arrangement may be used, for example in the bedding system shown in Figure 4, to secure a single duvet inside a duvet cover. Either the duvet could carry a stud and cap and the duvet cover a mating socket and cap, or vice versa.

Claims

Claims 1. A bedding system comprising Ci) a bottom sheet having an

integral pillow case, (ii) a top sheet and (iii) releasable attachment means by which the top sheet can be, at least partially, releasably attached to the bottom sheet.

2. A bedding system according to claim 1, wherein the top and bottom sheets, when attached together, define a pocket with at least one opening.

3. A bedding system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the two outer side edges of the top sheet are shorter than the two outer side edges of the bottom sheet, such that all or part of the integral pillow case is visible during use, when the top sheet is attached to the bottom one.

4. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein all or a portion of the two outer side edges and/or the foot edges of the top and bottom sheets are releasably attachable together.

5. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first half of the releasable attachment means is provided on the bottom sheet and a Corresponding second half of the releasable attachment means is provided on the top sheet.

6. A bedding system according to claim 5, wherein the first half of the releasable attachment means is provided on the top surface of the bottom sheet and the second half of the releasable attachment means is provided on the bottom surface of the top sheet.

7. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable attachment means is located at a distance from the relevant edge(s) of the top and/or bottom sheets, such that the releasable attachment means is at least partially hidden from view during use.

8. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted for use on a mattress for a cot-bed or child's bed.

9. A bedding system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is adapted for use on a mattress for a standard sized single bed.

10. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom sheet comprises a sleeping area and a border which extends outwardly around all or part of the sleeping area.

11. A bedding system according to claim 10, wherein the border is adapted to drape over one or more edges of a mattress onto which the bedding system is fitted during use.

12. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom sheet comprises straps, elastic means or a skirt with an elasticated perimeter arranged around its edge, so that the bottom sheet can be fitted around a mattress during use.

13. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top sheet comprises a sleeping area and a border which extends outwardly around all or part of the sleeping area.

14. A bedding system according to claim 13, wherein the border is adapted to drape over one or more edges of a mattress onto which the bedding is fitted during use.

15. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable attachment means comprises a zip. (1

16. A bedding system according to claim 15, wherein the zip is a two-way zip.

17. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral pillow case is formed integrally with the bottom sheet.

18. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom sheet comprises a pocket or pouch designed to accommodate an end of a mattress on which the bedding system is used.

19. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top sheet takes the form of a duvet cover, having a pocket into which a duvet may be inserted.

20. A bedding system according to claim 19, wherein the pocket may be opened and closed by means of a releasable fastening means along at least a part of its perimeter, to allow insertion of a duvet.

21. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, the top sheet of which has the form of a duvet cover, in combination with a duvet which is or can be inserted into the duvet cover.

22. A bedding system according to claim 21, in combination with two or more duvets, each of which is removably locatable inside the duvet cover.

23. A bedding system according to claim 22, wherein the two or more duvets are removably attachable to one another.

24. A bedding system according to claim 23, wherein the two or more duvets are removably attachable to one another by means of one or more poppers.

25. A bedding system according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the two or more duvets include two 4.5 tog duvets.

26. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more duvet covers which are removably attachable to one another and/or to the top sheet.

27. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, which additionally comprises a pillow which is or can be inserted into the integral pillow case.

28. A bedding system according to claim 21 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein a duvet is releasably attachable to the inside of the duvet cover provided by the top sheet.

29. A bedding system according to claim 28, wherein the duvet and the inside of the duvet cover are provided with one or more interengaging fasteners.

30. A bedding system according to claim 29, wherein the fasteners comprise poppers.

31. A bedding system according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the fasteners are located at or near the corner(s) of the duvet and duvet cover.

32. A bedding system according to claim 22 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein two or more duvets and the duvet cover are provided with an interengaging system of fasteners, which allow either or both of the duvets to be attached to the inside of the duvet cover, and allow both duvets to be attached together to the inside of the cover.

33. A bedding system according to claim 32, wherein the interengaging system comprises interengaging sockets and studs.

34. A bedding system according to claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the interengaging system is such as to allow a first fastener part provided on a first duvet to engage with p. either a second fastener part on a second duvet or a third fastener part on the inside of the duvet cover.

35. A bedding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top and/or bottom sheets and/or the integral pillow case are impregnated, coated or otherwise provided with a protective substance such as an anti-allergy, anti-dust mite or antimicrobial substance or composition.

36. A bedding system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings.