US20020144346A1

US20020144346A1 - Bedclothing that wraps completely around its mattress

Info

Publication number: US20020144346A1
Application number: US10/051,576
Authority: US
Inventors: Tobin McTyre
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-05
Filing date: 2002-01-16
Publication date: 2002-10-10

Abstract

A bedcover that wraps completely underneath and around a mattress it is designed and sized for use with, it is part of a system of interlocking bedcovers anchored to its bed from underneath the mattress. It can replace common store-bought bedclothing, or used in cooperation with the same. It is superior to common store-bought bedclothes however, in that its layers can be variably positioned for comfort and tethered to other layers and the mattress itself, making the task of making the bed easier and faster.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to bedclothing, specifically to items like sheets, blankets, and bedspreads that are used to cover a mattress.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

This document uses the terms “bedclothing” and “bedcovers” interchangeably. A description of the manufacture of the material with which these are made is beyond the scope of this document; that art is already well defined.

Most people have had their bedcovers fall off while asleep. They get cold, cannot sleep, have to get up, replace the covers, and tuck them back in. When one makes the bed, he goes back and forth from side to side lifting the mattress and tucking the cover in. This long and tedious process is repeated with every bedcover each time the bed is made. Parents become anxious when their toddler moves from a crib to a bed; they fear that their child will fall out of bed and get hurt.

These problems have existed for longer than any reader of this document has been alive. Many devices have been created to fix these and similar problems. Here are U.S. patent examined during a patent search before the completion of this document:



1,368,582	1,865,329	2,239,017	2,525,713	2,662,234	2,695,414
3,083,378	3,521,309	3,654,646	3,824,640	3,857,124	3,962,739
4,035,854	4,079,472	4,145,778	4,161,044	4,197,601	4,266,308
4,308,626	4,316,299	4,402,098	4,413,368	4,656,682	4,680,821
4,841,588	4,964,184	5,072,470	5,084,929	5,092,010	5,099,531
5,189,744	5,321,862	5,375,274	5,884,349	5,901,389	6,014,782
6,108,836	6,134,730.

The above listed prior art solves these problems to varying degrees and in different ways. A few have been around for more than half a century, but none have become household names. Many are specialized devices targeted to solve one specific problem. Many use elastic to keep itself tethered to the bed at a specific position. Some have pockets that attach to the mattress head or foot-end, or both. With the exception of three, all the above devices grab the mattress from above like a hand that holds a bar of soap with palm facing down, or from a side using a pocket that fits over a mattress edge.

Unlike the others, the devices described in Roberts U.S. Pat. No. 2,239,017, Lysiak's U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,470, and Staudinger's U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,929 grab the mattress from underneath. This entirely different structure has a distinct advantage. Mattress and sleeper weights increase its anchor to the bed at all contact points with the mattress bottom. The device is held to the mattress along either bed side from its contact with the mattress at the opposite side and all points in between.

Roberts' device does a good job of anchoring bedcovers to the bed, but it relies on three elastic straps and a heavy canvas pad. It only defines one layer of cover as part of the invention: a top sheet. It, therefore, does not replace a fitted sheet, blanket, and additional covers; these must be bought separately at a store. The store-bought blanket and additional covers are tethered to the device by tucking them under two of the before mentioned straps. The top sheet, that is part of the invention, is irregularly cut so it can be pinned under the mattress at the foot-end. The straps, canvas pad, and irregularly cut sheet increase the complexity of the device, and therefore the cost of making it. Additionally, Roberts' invention does not have the ability to graduate its position or tightness around the mattress. The only options are to tether it or un-tether it. If tethered, it tightly fits around the sleeper. If un-tethered it fits loosely around the sleeper and can easily be kicked off the bed by sleeper movement. There is no in between adjustment for its tightness or position on the mattress.

Lysiak's device does an excellent job of anchoring bedclothes to the mattress, but it is not a bedcover. It is only designed to work in cooperation with common store-bought bedclothes. It does not replace them.

Staudinger's device uses an elastic strap to fix itself to the mattress from underneath at only two points: one on each side of the bed and close to the head-end. It uses the “grab from above” technique at other mattress contact points. Staudinger's device replaces a store-bought fitted sheet and top sheet; it does not work with a store-bought fitted or top sheet nor can it replace other store-bought covers such as a blanket. It is targeted for use with very young children and uses expensive elastic to grab the mattress. It's complicated structure increases manufacturing expense and impedes the making of a mass-market product.

SUMMARY

My invention is a bedcover that wraps completely underneath and around its mattress with enough material left out to cover the mattress top. It surrounds and engulfs the mattress, and can also surround and engulf the sleeper along with the mattress. It can be part of a system of interlocking bedcovers anchored to the bed. The tethered position and tightness of its one or more covers can be adjusted by the sleeper for comfort. It can be used to replace common bedclothes available at a department store. It can also be used in conjunction with common store-bought bedclothes.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, the specific objects of this invention are to provide a device that does the following:

1. Wraps completely underneath and around the mattress it is designed and sized for use with,

2. Uses mattress and sleeper weight to keep itself anchored to its bed so well, it will not be pulled out from under the mattress by normal sleeper movement,

3. Can be used in conjunction with common bedcovers bought at the department store,

4. Can be used to replace common store-bought bedcovers,

5. Has a simple design and is not made with expensive labor intensive elastic, so minimal time and effort are required to make the product,

6. Has at least one side that can be opened for easy entry and exit,

7. Is reversible so that the installer can place the side that opens on either side of the bed,

8. Is modular so that multiple bedcover layers can be easily added, variably positioned, connected to each other, and removed,

9. Can confine the sleeper to decrease the chance of falling out of bed,

10. And, makes the chore of making up the bed substantially easier and faster than with common store-bought bedclothing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures are not drawn to any scale. Hatching is used on some but not all drawings to differentiate the invention from parts of the bed. AR figures are of isometric style with the same view as FIG. 1-B; bed left [0023] side 33, foot-end 34, and top 40 are in the foreground, and bed right side 35, head-end 32, and underneath (or bottom) are in the background. This document includes at least one of these reference numeral marks on each drawing page to help the viewer keep the same perspective. No reference numeral mark is made for the bed or mattress bottom even though it is referred to in this document.
There are ten (10) series of figures accompanying this document. All figures in a series have the same base number; for example, series [0024] 2 of figures includes FIG. 2-A, FIG. 2-B, and FIG. 2-C. An figures in a series show the same invention part, usually under different circumstances.
FIG. 1-A shows raw material and items used to make a sample of a Simplest Embodiment bottom cover. FIG. 1-B shows the same sample installed on its bed. Series [0025] 2 of figures shows a series of steps used to install the Simplest Embodiment.
FIG. 3-A, FIG. 3-B, and FIG. 4-A show the Simplest Embodiment used as a base for the system of interlocking bedcovers. [0026]
FIG. 5-A shows raw material and items used to make a Preferred Embodiment bottom cover. [0027]
FIG. 5-B and FIG. 5-C show how to install it [0028]
FIG. 6-A shows raw material and items used to make a Preferred Embodiment top cover. FIG. 6-B shows how to install it. [0029]
Series [0030] 7 of figures shows the Preferred Embodiment after it is installed on its mattress.
FIG. 8-A shows the Preferred Embodiment used as the base for the system of interlocking bedcovers. [0031]
Series [0032] 9 of figures shows a complex variation of the Simplest Embodiment.

Series 10 of figures shows a complex variation of the Preferred Embodiment.



LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

13	top cover.	14	bottom cover.
25	zipped zipper.	25′	male zipper half.
25″	female zipper half.	26	zipper key
32	bed or mattress head-end.	33	bed or mattress left side.
34	bed or mattress foot-end.	35	bed or mattress right side.
36	edge of raw material.	37	edge of raw material.
38	edge of raw material.	39	edge of raw material.
40	top of bed or mattress.	41	connected snaps.
41′	male snap halves.	41″	female snap halves.
42	hook-and-loop fastener	42′	male hook-and-loop fastener.
	connection points.
42′c	top cover male	42″	female hook-and-loop fastener.
	hook-and-loop fastener.
42″c	top cover female
	hook-and-loop fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION BASIC STRUCTURE

This invention is made of any material, woven or not, that bedclothing is made of. It is larger than bedclothing though, and made to wrap completely around and underneath the mattress it is designed and sized for use with. Common store-bought bedcovers are not designed to do this. A king-sized blanket is not wide enough to wrap around the bottom of a king-sized mattress with enough material left out to cover the mattress top. The king-sized version of this invention is. [0034]
bedclothing material used to make this invention is called raw material in this document because the invention is made from it. [0035]
This invention is a device, made of one or more parts that wrap around its mattress. There are two basic embodiments. They are called Simplest Embodiment and Preferred Embodiment, and there are many possible variations of each of these. FIG. 1-B shows the least complicated variation of the Simplest Embodiment. It is made of one piece of raw material called [0036] bottom cover 14 because it wraps around the mattress bottom. FIG. 6-B shows the Preferred Embodiment. It is made of two pieces of raw material; bottom cover 14 wraps around the mattress bottom and top cover 13 wraps around the mattress top. They are connected together with hook-and-loop fasteners along the mattress side or sides.
The system of interlocking bedcovers is based on the Simplest Embodiment, Preferred Embodiment, or any variation thereof. FIG. 8-A shows the system of interlocking bedcovers based on the Preferred Embodiment. The lower third of FIG. 8A shows the Preferred Embodiment installed on its mattress. Floating above are two additional top covers [0037] 13, each of which is added by fastening it to the previously installed cover with hook-and-loop fasteners.
The dimensions of this invention vary depending on the mattress size for which it is made. There are different twin, full, queen, and king sized versions that match their respective mattress size. Because of this, algebraic formulas with variables are used to specify raw material dimensions. This allows manufacturers to apply these recommended specifications to build a sample of the invention for a mattress of any size. The following variables are used in these formulas: [0038]
r is the shrinkage factor of the raw material. If not known, it is assumed to be 5% (r=1.05). [0039]
x is the length of the mattress and is equal to the shortest distance from its head-[0040] end 32 edge (please see FIG. 1-B) to its foot-end 34 edge.
y is the width of the mattress and is equal to the shortest distance from its [0041] left side 33 edge to its right side 35 edge.
z is the height of the mattress and is equal to the distance top of [0042] mattress 40 is above whatever the mattress rests on.
Please refer to FIG. 1-A and FIG. 1-B. FIG. 1-A shows raw material used to make the Simplest Embodiment. FIG. 1-B shows it installed on its mattress. The sleeper enters by sliding in between it and the mattress, and some material is pulled up as a result. To compensate, it can be made larger. For this reason, recommended measurement specification formulas in this document fix a range for raw material edges [0043] 36, 37, 38, and 39, and therefore, a range for the size of the invention sample made from the raw material. The minimum recommended specification in this range defines the smallest reasonable measurement of the edge; if made smaller, the invention may work but will not do so optimally. The maximum recommended specification defines the largest reasonable measurement of the edge; the invention works fine if made larger, but to do so would provide little benefit to the consumer and typically increase manufacturing costs. The manufacturer varies raw material size within the recommended measurement specification range in accordance with market demands.
Simplest Embodiment [0044]
FIG. 1-A shows the Simplest Embodiment alone as if laid out flat. [0045] Bottom cover 14 is made of one rectangular piece of raw material designed and sized to wrap around its mattress. Edges 36 and 38 are its width, and edges 37 and 39 are its length. FIG. 1-B shows it installed on its bed. Toward foot-end 34, it covers mattress top 40, bottom, and left side 33 edge. Series 1 of figures shows the smallest sample of the Simplest Embodiment specified by the formulas below. Sixty percent (60%) of the mattress at the foot-end is covered. If these figures disclosed the largest sample specified, the entire mattress would be covered. Here are the recommended measurement specification formulas for the Simplest Embodiment:
WIDTH; 2r(y+z+5 feet)≧[0046] edge 36=edge 38≧r(2y+z).
LENGTH; r(x+2z+1 foot)≧[0047] edge 37=edge 39≧r(0.6x).
For those readers who need help remembering their algebra, here is an example. A mattress has a length (x) of 79 inches, a width (y) of 76 inches, and a height (z) of 7 inches. The shrinkage factor of raw material is 5% (r=1.05). Anything in parenthesis must be calculated first, multiplication denoted by an “*” is calculated next, and lastly, addition which is denoted by a “+”. The length of raw material (edges [0048] 37 and 39) should be at least 49.77 inches: r(0.6x)=1.05*(0.6*79) inches. And, the length should be less than or equal to 110.25 inches: r(x+2z+1 foot)=1.05*(79+2*7+12) inches. The width of raw material (edges 36 and 38) should be at least 166.95 inches: r(2y+z)=1.05*(2*76 +7) inches. And, the width should be less than or equal to 300.3 inches: 2r(y+z+5 feet)=2*1.05 (76+7+60) inches.
Series [0049] 2 of figures shows how to install the device disclosed in series 1 of figures:
1. FIG. 2-A; with mattress removed, either invention half is put on box springs at foot-[0050] end 34.
2. FIG. 2-B; the mattress is put back on. [0051]
3. Optionally, store-bought covers such as a fitted sheet are put on the mattress. [0052]
4. FIG. 2-C; the other half of the invention is wrapped around and on top of the mattress and optional store-bought covers added in step 3. [0053]
5. Additional store-bought covers are optionally put on over the mattress, store-bought covers added in step 3, and invention. [0054]
FIG. 1-B and FIG. 2-C show where raw material edges lie after installation on the bed. These two figures illustrate two different installations of the same device. In FIG. 1-B, the invention wraps around mattress left [0055] side 33, and in FIG. 2-C it wraps right side 35. The installer reverses the bed side it wraps around and opens from by positioning the invention in step 1 above to do so.
A sleeper enters the invention by lifting it up and sliding in between it and the mattress. Or if used to replace the fitted sheet, the sleeper sleeps on it and under store-bought covers installed in step 5 above. The bed is made by pulling up and straightening out all store-bought covers and the invention. To wash it, it is removed from the bed, washed, dried, and re-installed. [0056]
FIG. 3-A, FIG. 3-B, and FIG. 4-A show the Simplest Embodiment as the foundation or base for the system of interlocking bedcovers. FIG. 3-A shows an addition to the Simplest Embodiment described earlier- top cover male hook-and-[0057] loop fastener 42′c sewn on the raw material downside. FIG. 3-B shows the device in FIG. 3-A installed on its mattress. It is shown hatched in FIG. 3-B for clarity. The male fastener faces away from the mattress along left side 33. FIG. 4-A shows the device in FIG. 3-B with two top covers 13 floating above bottom cover 14. Although only two are shown, as many as desired can be added. Each top cover has downside top cover female hook-and-loop fasteners 42″c and upside top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners 42′c. Each cover is added by attaching its female fasteners to the male fasteners on the previously installed cover. Since the bottom cover is the first cover installed, it replaces the store-bought fitted sheet if desired. If not, the consumer installs the store-bought fitted sheet and other covers before wrapping the bottom cover around them and the mattress. Then additional covers 13 are added, and if desired, more store-bought covers after that. If the system of interlocking bedcovers is used to replace all store-bought covers, the sleeper sleeps on bottom cover 14 and under the additional covers.
Preferred Embodiment [0058]
Series [0059] 5, 6, and 7 of figures show the Preferred Embodiment. It is composed of two covers. After installation as shown in FIG. 5-C, bottom cover 14 is sandwiched between its mattress and box springs. FIG. 6-B shows that top cover 13 covers the mattress and connects to the bottom cover with hook-and-loop fasteners at hook-and-loop fastener connection points 42 (marked in FIG. 7-B). Together, the two covers wrap around the mattress.
FIG. 5-A shows raw material and items used to make [0060] bottom cover 14. Top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners 42′c are attached to its downside. They can be separate short strips as shown in FIG. 5-A or long strips the entire length of each raw material edge as shown in FIG. 6-B. The bottom cover must be wide enough to stretch the width (y) of the box springs and mattress plus provide some overhang material. The male fasteners are sewn to this overhang for easy access after the mattress is put on. The “0.75 inches” in the recommended bottom cover specification formulas below represent this strip of material that hangs over the box springs side:
WIDTH; r(y+2z)≧[0061] edge 36=edge 38≧r(y+2(0.75 inches)).
LENGTH; r(x+2z)≧[0062] edge 37=edge 39≧r(0.6x+0.75 inches).
FIG. 6-A shows raw material and items used to make [0063] top cover 13. Top cover female hook-and-loop fasteners 42″c on its downside attach to the male fasteners previously described on the bottom cover. Top cover male book-and-loop fasteners 42′c on its upside attach to female fasteners on a subsequently added top cover. Here are recommended top cover specification formulas:
WIDTH; r(y+2z+6 feet)≧[0064] edge 36=edge 38≧r(y+2(0.75 inches)).
LENGTH; r(x+2z+2 feet)≧[0065] edge 37=edge 39≧r(0.6x+0.75 inches).
If the minimum width specification for both the bottom cover and top cover are used, then together they will not reach all the way around the mattress. Installation of the Preferred Embodiment is as follows: [0066]
1. FIG. 5-B—with mattress removed, [0067] bottom cover 14 is placed on box springs so that it covers the foot-end while its top cover male fasteners 42′c (marked in FIG. 5-A) hang off the side.
2. FIG. 5-C—the mattress is put back on and optional store-bought covers are installed on it, but not over the male fasteners. [0068]
3. FIG. 6-B—top cover [0069] 13 is put on the mattress top and positioned in accordance with the sleeper's preference.
[0070] 4. FIG. 7-A and FIG. 7-B—top cover female fasteners 42″c (marked on FIG. 7-A) are connected to top cover male fasteners 42′c (marked on FIG. 7-B) to secure it around the mattress.
5. Additional store-bought covers are optionally put on over the mattress, previously installed store-bought covers, and invention. [0071]
The sleeper enters the Preferred Embodiment by disconnecting the hook-and-loop fasteners along either bed side, left [0072] 33 or right 35. The sleeper then slides in between it and the mattress and re-attaches the fasteners, adjusting hook-and-loop fastener connection points 42 to control cover looseness and position on the mattress top. Or if used to replace the fitted sheet, all fasteners are connected and the sleeper lies on the top cover and under store-bought covers installed in step 5 above. To facilitate this, the manufacturer may also place fasteners along the bed head-end. The bed is made by straightening out all covers and connecting all fasteners.
The top cover and bottom cover are reversible. As such, the top cover can functionally replace the bottom cover even though its female fasteners are rendered useless. The manufacturer may determine that it is less expensive to make, stock, and ship two identical top covers with the product instead of maintain two covers with separate specifications. [0073]
The Preferred Embodiment has a substantial advantage over the Simplest Embodiment. When it needs washing, the top cover is disconnected from the bottom cover, washed, dried, and replaced. The need to remove the mattress and re-install the bottom cover is eliminated since it rarely comes in contact with sleeper skin, and therefore, rarely needs washing. [0074]
FIG. 8-A shows the Preferred Embodiment used as the base for the system of interlocking bedcovers. The lower third shows the Preferred Embodiment already installed. [0075] Top cover 13 is attached to bottom cover 14 along mattress left 33, foot-end 34, and right 35 sides. Floating above are two additional top covers 13. Each connects to the previously installed cover along the same sides. All three top covers have downside top cover female hook-and-loop fasteners 42″c and upside top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners 42′c. For drawing simplicity, male fasteners only are marked on the upper and lower cover and female fasteners only are marked on the middle cover. Each top cover is added by attaching its female fasteners to the male fasteners on the previously installed cover. The three reference numeral marks “42′c” on the lower third of FIG. 8-A point to both hidden male fasteners on the bottom cover and visible male fasteners on the already-installed top cover. The two floating top covers each have two rows of male fasteners on their upside, whereas the installed top cover only has one. This is done to minimize the chance of sleeper skin coming in contact with male fasteners on the installed top cover, which may be used to replace a fitted sheet. The two additional top covers have two rows of male fasteners to give the sleeper greater flexibility in the placement of subsequently added top covers. As with the Simplest Embodiment, as many covers as desired can be added, and they can replace or work in cooperation with a store-bought fitted sheet, top sheet, blanket, and other common covers.
Additional Embodiments [0076]
There are many variations of each of the two main embodiments. This section will briefly describe one complex variation of the Simplest Embodiment and one complex variation of the Preferred Embodiment. [0077]
Please refer to series [0078] 9 of figures. It shows a variation of the Simplest Embodiment with the addition of a zipper 25, a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, and snaps 41. Raw material and parts are marked on FIG. 9-A. Male zipper half 25′ is sewn or otherwise connected to half of edge 38 and matching. female zipper half 25″ is attached to the other half of edge 38. Similarly, male snap halves 41′ and female snap halves 41″ are attached along edge 36. For optimum operation, the male snap halves should be attached on the raw material downside and the female snap halves should be attached to the upside. Male hook-and-loop fastener 42′ is attached to raw material downside along edge 37 and female hook-and-loop fasteners 42″ are attached to its upside along edge 39. After this variation is wrapped around the mattress (FIG. 9-B), zipper key 26, snaps, and hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to fasten raw material edges together along mattress foot-end 34, head-end 32, and left side 33 respectively. Hook-and-loop fastener connection points 42 are adjustable to control cover position and tightness. As with all variations of this invention, it is reversible and can be positioned during installation so that connection points 42 fall along mattress right side 35. Top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners 42′c are sewn to raw material downside on FIG. 9-A, and face away from the mattress after installation (FIG. 9-B). They attach to female fasteners on a subsequently added top cover (not shown), making this sample of the Simplest Embodiment the base for the system of interlocking bedcovers.
Series [0079] 10 of figures shows a variation of the Preferred Embodiment. Like all Preferred Embodiment variations, it is composed of bottom cover 14 and top cover 13. As shown in FIG. 10-D, the invention is secured around its mattress along the right bed side with zipper 25, the foot-end with a plurality of snapped snaps 41, and left bed side 33 at hook-and-loop fastener connection points 42. FIG. 10-A shows the placement of parts on bottom cover 14: male zipper half 25′, male snap halves 41′, and top cover male hook-and-loop fastener 42′c. FIG. 10-C shows placement of matching female parts on top cover 13: female zipper half 25″, female snap halves 41″, and top cover female hook-and-loop fasteners 42″c. The two rows of female snap halves 41″ allow the sleeper to vary the position and tightness of the top cover along the head to foot direction like hook-and-loop fastener connection points 42 allow these to be varied transversely from left to right bed side. FIG. 10-C and FIG. 10-D show two top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners 42′c on the top cover upside, one along each bed side. These connect to top cover female hook-and-loop fasteners on a subsequently added additional top cover (not shown).
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope. [0080]
Thus the reader will see that this invention is a simple inexpensive bedcover that will remain anchored to the bed during sleeper movement. It can be used with all common bedclothes available at the department store or when used as part of the system of interlocking bedcovers, it can replace the same. It can confine the sleeper to decrease the chance of falling out of bed. And, the task of making up the bed becomes considerably faster and easier. [0081]
Even though this document contains many specifics, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention; they are provided to illustrate a few of its many variations and embodiments. The appended claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of this invention. [0082]
Listed below are some further changes conceived of by the inventor: [0083]
1. Raw material heretofore described has been rectangular in that [0084] edge 36 is equal in measurement to edge 38, and edge 37 is equal to edge 39. Making these sides unequal may provide a better product.
2. Any suitable device like hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, and zippers, can be used to connect cover edges and layers along any bed side. The manufacturer may also opt to sew these or use another permanent connection mechanism. Or, they may be left un-connectable; as shown in FIG. 4-A, there is no connection device along [0085] right side 35 and foot-end 34.
3. The measurement specification formulas herein are recommendations derived from testing prototypes of the device. The manufacturer may find that the market demands a device outside these. [0086]
4. The device is designed so male hook-and-loop fasteners do not readily come in contact with the sleeper's skin because such devices are rough to the touch. If male fasteners are developed that are soft to the touch then this can change. The device functions correctly with male or female fasteners at placement points specified in this document, provided the appropriate matching fasteners are placed to mate with them. [0087]
5. This document describes fasteners as being attached to raw material upside or downside and along an edge. In many cases the invention works fine if they are placed other than as stated. On page 10 (second paragraph) for example, top cover male hook-and-loop fasteners are described on bottom cover raw material downside. The invention works fine if they are placed on the upside. Prototype testing has determined that the downside is the most efficient. [0088]
6. Additional fasteners can be put on a cover at places other than those disclosed in this document: such as the middle of the cover. This would be done to provide additional tethering or control of cover position and tightness on the mattress. This concept can also be used to make a “one size fits all” device. Sized large to fit a king size bed, the cover would have fasteners placed at various spots on it. Some would be used to maintain folds in its material, decreasing its effective size so that it works with a smaller mattress. Others would be placed at spots and only used with a certain size mattress. [0089]

Claims

I claim:

1. A bedcover that is installed on a mattress and made of bedclothing material of sufficient size to transversely wrap around said mattress from the mattress side, around the mattress top, the other mattress side, and the mattress bottom, back to the first mentioned mattress side.

2. A system of interlocking bedcovers comprising:

a) the bedcover of claim 1 further including a top cover male fastener secured to it, and

b) any number of top covers added on top of said mattress, each made of bedclothing material and comprising:

i. another top cover male fastener, and

ii. a top cover female fastener, whereby the top cover is annexed by mating its top cover female fastener to said top cover male fastener on the previously installed bedcover.

3. The system of interlocking bedcovers of claim 2 wherein the fastener connection point can be graduated to change the bedcover position or tightness on and around said mattress.

4. The bedcover of claim 1 wherein said bedcover has sufficient size for its edges to meet after it is wrapped around said mattress, and further including:

a) a male fastener fixed to it along its edge, and

b) a female fastener fixed to it along its edge in a manner and position whereby edges of said bedcover can be connected by mating said female fastener to said male fastener.

5. The bedcover of claim 4 wherein the fastener connection point can be graduated thereby changing the position or tightness of said bedcover on and around said mattress.

6. A system of interlocking bedcovers comprising:

a) the bedcover of claim 4 further including a top cover male fastener secured to it, and

b) any number of top covers added on top of said mattress, each made of bedclothing material, and comprising:

i. a top cover male fastener, and

ii. a top cover female fastener whereby the top cover is annexed by mating its top cover female fastener to said top cover male fastener on the previously installed cover.

7. The system of interlocking bedcovers of claim 6 wherein the fastener connection point can be graduated thereby changing the cover position or tightness on and around said mattress.

8. A bedcover comprising:

a) a bottom cover that is made of bedclothing material, lies sandwiched between a mattress and matching box springs, is wider than said mattress, and has a top cover male fastener secured to it in a manner and position so that said top cover male fastener is easily accessible, and

b) a top cover that is made of bedclothing material, lies mostly on top of said mattress, and has a top cover female fastener secured to it whereby said top cover can be attached to said bottom cover by mating its female fastener to said top cover male fastener.

9. The bedcover of claim 10 wherein the fastener connection point can be graduated to change the position or tightness of said bedcover on and around said mattress.

10. A system of interlocking bedcovers comprising:

a) The bedcover of claim 8 wherein said top cover has a top cover male fastener secured to it, and

b) any number of additional top covers each made of bedclothing material and comprising:

a) a top cover male fastener, and

b) a top cover female fastener whereby the additional top cover is added on top of said mattress by mating its top cover female fastener to said top cover male fastener on the previously installed top cover.

11. The system of interlocking bedcovers of claim 10 wherein the fastener connection point can be graduated to change the position or tightness of the bedcovers on and around said mattress.