US20150013067A1

US20150013067A1 - Non-slip three sided bed skirt

Info

Publication number: US20150013067A1
Application number: US14/327,200
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Patrick Coughlin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2014-07-09
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

Non-slip three sided bed skirt is disclosed. The bed skirt comprises the combination of an elongate, planar non-slip material interposable between a box spring and a mattress long a peripheral edge thereof and a layer of decorative textile/fabric depending from one side thereof extending outwardly from the mattress and box spring. Typically, three segments of non-slip material and decorative textile attached thereto are attached to form a three sided bed skirt to fit conventional bedding, although other shapes and sizes are contemplated. The non-slip material is formed from a polymer designed to remain securely in position. The fabric is cut to form a desired length to accommodate a specific box spring size.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/845,464, filed Jul. 12, 2013, entitled NON-SLIP THREE-SIDED BED SKIRT, all of the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to a non-slip, three sided bed skirt for use as a substitute for conventional bed skirts that is far easier to position and maintain than convention bed skirts.
As is well-known in the art, bed skirts using traditional construction methods shift out of place over time and look unsightly requiring the user to remove the mattress to adjust. Such process is not only labor intensive, it also places individuals at risk for back injury due to strain from lifting the mattress, which is a well-documented health concern in the hospitality industry and housekeeping workforce. In this regard, traditional methods for constructing bed skirts rely on a simple fabric decking material that lays completely over the top surface of the box spring to hold the bed skirt in place when a mattress is placed thereon.
Attempts in the art have been made to simplify such structure by dispensing with the need to incorporate fabric decking material and instead utilize only a small portion of material that is interposed between the mattress and box spring. Exemplary of such devices include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,290 A, issued Sep. 19, 2000 entitled DUST RUFFLE STRUCTURE, the teachings of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Despite numerous advantages of having a simpler design and easier integration between a mattress and box spring combination, such prior art structure suffers from the drawback of becoming easily dislodged when inserted into position between the mattress and box spring. In this regard, such structure does not sufficiently become fixed into position and can become dislodged after being affixed into position between the mattress and box spring. Moreover, such structure is designed to have a length of bed skirt material that enables such device to be used with beds and box springs of varying heights, which requires the user to selectively position the bed skirt and estimate the height (often imprecisely) by which the bed skirt material will hang about the box spring. Moreover, the bed skirt that is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,290 is manufactured in one continuous length of material that can be cut to size for a specific bed. Such design, however, is flawed because when fabricated from a continuous length, the two corners at the foot of the bed cannot be rounded in a visually pleasing manner insofar as the ideal bed skirt would have sewn in corners that fit the contours of the bed and will appear fitted and custom compared to the aforementioned prior-art dust ruffle.
Further problematic with prior art bed skirt alternatives is the incorporation of elastic bands and the like that facilitate the ability of the bed skirts to grip about the upper surface of the box spring to thus hug the corners of a mattress. Such elasticized edges are dysfunctional insofar as such elastic edges require constant adjustment and add to the expense of manufacturing. Furthermore, the dust ruffle structure having elastic incorporated therein must be manipulated to fit a specific type of bed, and do not have any type of ability to be customized for a particular bed structure.
Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for an improved bed skirt, and in particular a three sided bed skirt to accommodate conventional rectangular beds, that can be easily deployed and put into position between a box spring and a mattress that enables the bed skirt to have a customized, finished look that eliminates the aforementioned deficiencies. There is likewise a need in the art for such an improved bed skirt that is of simple design, inexpensive to manufacture, can be tailored to fit a bed of any type of size and shape, becomes more firmly seated into position when deployed between a box spring and mattress, and is substantially less labor-intensive to deploy than prior art bed skirts, and in particular conventional bed skirts requiring that the mattress be completely removed from the box spring to enable the bed skirt to be placed in position. Still further, there is a need in the art for such a bed skirt that significantly reduces the risk of injury, and in particular back injury, that can occur per installation and positioning of conventional bed skirts.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an improved non-slip, three sided bed skirt that can be easily deployed between a box spring and mattress and enable the bed skirt to remain securely seated into position and assume a tailored look that can be utilized with beds of any shape and size, as may be desired.
According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises the combination of a first horizontally-configured non-slip material, preferably formed from a polymer material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is operative to be interposed between a box spring and mattress along a peripheral edge thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the non-slip material member will be formed as an elongate panel having a width of sufficient size such that the non-slip material will remain securely in place once positioned within the sandwich defined by the box spring and mattress. In a preferred embodiment, the width can range from a few inches to over a foot, with a width of at least four (4) inches being preferred in some embodiments and a width of at least six (5) inches being preferred when a greater degree of security is desired.
Depending from a side of the non-slip material extending along the peripheral edge thereof is a decorative textile/fabric material interconnected therewith, typically by sewing or stitching, which may take any of a variety of forms known in the art and operative to define the bed skirt. The depending textile/fabric may have a height and length selectively chosen so as to accommodate a particular size and dimension of bed, and preferably will be configured so as to extend between the juncture between the mattress and box spring to the floor supporting the bedding structure.
The combination of the non-slip material and decorative textile depending therefrom, thus define a generally inverted “L” shape and may be formed as elongate members interposable about respective sides of a box spring and mattress. In use, multiple segments of the interconnected non-slip material and decorative textile will be sewn together, typically to form a three sided bed skirt, which can be attached to a conventional mattress and box spring such that the non-slip material remains interposed between the mattress and box spring and the decorative textile correspondingly depending therefrom extending about three sides of the box spring to thus define the bed skirt. As most beds are typically four sided in nature, with the fourth side typically attached to a head board structure, it is contemplated that the bed skirts of the present invention will be formed to have three sides to accommodate the outwardly facing sides of the bed, although other shapes and sizes can also be readily accommodated via a custom bed skirt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed skirt constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention as interposed between a mattress and a box spring, the latter being shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the mattress, bed skirt and box spring of FIG. 1 showing the bed skirt as positioned upon said box spring.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bed skirt of the present invention assuming a conventional three-sided configuration.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be implemented or performed. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for practicing the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
The present invention is directed to a non-slip, three-sided bed skirt for use with conventional bedding, namely a box spring and mattress. The bed skirt of the present invention advantageously enables the bed skirt to be readily positioned between the mattress and box spring in a manner that does not require the mattress to be lifted to any great degree or is otherwise moved so as to enable the bed skirt to be secured into position.
Bearing such principals in mind, and referring now to the figures and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a bed skirt 10 as constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as interposed between a mattress 12 and box spring 14, the latter shown in phantom. The bed skirt 10 is designed and configured to assume the appearance of a conventional bed skirt, with the exception that the bed skirt 10 is operative to have a more tailored, custom fit about the box spring 14 upon which the bed skirt 10 is affixed.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown how the bed skirt 10 of the present invention is positioned relative the box spring 14 and mattress 12. As illustrated, the bed skirt 10 is positioned to lay upon the top surface 14 a of box spring 14 such that three sides of the bed skirt, namely, a, b, and c, define a three-sided border around the periphery of the box spring 14. Along those lines, and according to a preferred embodiment, the bed skirt 10 is fabricated to have only three sides, with the remaining side being open so as to accommodate a head board, bed frame or similar structure that typically prevents the bed skirt 10 from extending about the fourth side of the bed. It should be understood, however, that in certain embodiments that a fourth side of the bed skirt 10, may be included as part of the present invention as may be desired for beds either not having a head board or is not obstructed from not having a bed skirt extending thereacross.
As illustrated, each respective side, a, b, c of the bed skirt 10 is defined by a generally horizontal, planar, elongate segment of non-slip material 16, that is designed to extend along a dedicated peripheral edge of the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14, and a segment of decorative textile 18 depending therefrom, discussed below. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the elongate, planar segment of non-slip material 16 is operative to engage the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14 and remain firmly secured thereto, particularly in use when sandwiched between the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14 and mattress 12 resting thereupon. In order to provide the absolute maximum degree of secure attachment when interposed between box spring 14 and mattress 12, the non-slip material 16 is preferably constructed form polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which provides outstanding results to thus enable the bed skirt 10 to remain securely in position when positioned about the top surface 14 a of box spring 14, as shown in FIG. 2. Along those lines, prior art attempts to design bed skirts that are interposed between mattresses and box springs are typically formed a synthetic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubbers, that do not provide enough of a frictional engagement between the box spring and mattress and thus do not remain secured into position to the degree as the present invention does by using a PVC-based non-slip material.
Depending from a respective side of the planar, non-slip material extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of upper surface 14 a of box spring 14 are decorative textile/fabric segments 18, which may take any of a variety of conventional textiles/materials/fabrics known in the art. With respect to the present invention, it is contemplated that decorative textile 18 will be custom sized so as to have a particular height “H”, as shown in FIG. 3, or other type dimensions as may be desired for a particular bed. In this regard, although depicted as being utilized in connection with a conventional rectangular-shaped bed, the segments of non-slip material 16 and decorative textile 18 depending therefrom may be sized and adapted for use in any of a variety of shapes bed, including circular beds, heart shaped beds and the like.
To achieve that end, and referring again to FIG. 3, it will be understood that the size and dimensions of the bed skirt 10 of the present invention may be varied as may be desired for a variety of bed sizes. Along those lines, it is understood that the different dimensions, such as the length “L” shown in connection with side “a” may be varied, as may be the width “W” of the respective sides a, b, and c, that cooperate to define a generally “U” shape. According to a preferred embodiment, the non-slip material segment 16 will preferably be formed such that the non-slip material has a width of sufficient size so as to secure the bed skirt 10 into position once interposed between the mattress 12 and upper surface 14 a of box spring 14. Presently, it is contemplated that the width of non-slip segment 16 can range from 2 inches to over 12 inches although greater or lesser widths are contemplated. In some embodiments, the segments 16 are at least four inches wide, and preferably at least six inches wide, although other widths are contemplated. As for the depending decorative textile material 18, that may be designed to have any of a variety of lengths corresponding to the non-slip segments 16 interconnected therewith as may be desired for a particular bed, and more particularly the box spring thereof. Moreover, the height “H” will be selectively chosen, for example, 8-10 inches, as may be desired. In one conventional embodiment, the decorative textile 18 will have a height “H” or drop of approximately 14 inches, as will accommodate more conventional box springs. Along these lines, it is contemplated that the decorative textile 18 will be custom cut and not adjustable in nature, as attempted in the prior art, insofar as being adjustable in nature detracts from the appearance and causes the bed skirt to have a less than desirable appearance. As for the interconnection between the non-slip material 16 and decorative textile 18, that may be accomplished by any of a variety of means known in the art, which typically will comprise stitching the two respective materials to one another, although any type of attachment means, such as by gluing, snap fasteners, ties, hook and pile fasteners, such as Velcro, and the like are all contemplated to be within the scope of present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, and initially to FIG. 4, there is shown how the bed skirt 10 of the present invention engages the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14. As illustrated, the non-slip material 16 engages upon the top surface 14 a such that the decorative textile 18 extends thereover and down the side of box spring 14 as shown. Again, the height “H” of decorative textile 18 will be selectively chosen so as to accommodate a particular box spring. Moreover, the width of non-slip material 16 may be sized as desired for a particular application, and may be provided with a greater width to the extent a greater degree of attachment to the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14 is desired.
To provide further attachment means for the bed skirt 10 to interconnect with the upper surface 14 a of box spring 14, as shown in FIG. 5, there is further optionally provided a hook member 20 that may be preferably integrated at the juncture where the non-slip material 16 interconnects with depending decorative textile member 18. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such hook member 20 further facilitates the ability of the bed skirt 10 to remain in secure position. Along those lines, it is contemplated that such hook member may be positioned at the distal-most ends of sides a, and b, as shown in FIG. 3 to thus secure the bed skirt at points closest to the open head board side of the bed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, although shown as a hook member, such additional attachment means 20 may likewise take any of a variety of forms known in the art, and may include snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, ties or any other attachment means as would be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
In order to provide a custom, tailored look, it is expressly contemplated that the respective sides a, b, and c, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, will be formed as separate segments that are selectively sewn or attached to one another to form the bed skirt, and in particular the three-sided bed skirt, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The non-slip material 16 is first cut into proper width strips that correspond with the length of the three sides of box spring 14 and bed skirt textiles 18 (two at side a, and c and one at the foot, side b). The non-slip material 16 can also be sewn to platform strips in proper position with the non-slip side facing downward. Optionally, a small strip of commercial grade hook and loop tape can be sewn to the ends of the bed skirt nearest the head of the bed and the corresponding piece of hook and loop tape should be adhered directly to the side of the box spring 14. This optional feature will secure the adjustable length feature of the non-slip bed skirt into its proper position, as may be desired.
In order to use the bed skirt 10 of the present invention, initially, with the mattress removed, the bed skirt is unfolded and adjusted at the foot of the bed skirt such that the bed skirt 10 is carefully aligned with the corners of the box spring 14 for proper fit. This process is repeated for the two sides of the bed. If utilizing the optional hook and loop, remove the backing from the adhesive and place it in the proper desired position on the box spring. Then match the corresponding hook and loop that is affixed to the bed skirt to the box spring.
Unlike prior art bed skirts that are formed as an entire length of material and “curved” to fit a particular bed, the present invention expressly contemplates that specific segments will be made to thus enable the corners of the bed skirt, namely, such as where segments a and c attach with segment b, will have a cleaner, more tailored right-angle appearance. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such appearance, as can be attained with the readily deployable bed skirt of the present invention, has not heretofore been available. Along those lines, and as stated above, bed skirts using traditional construction methods shift out of place over time and look unsightly requiring the user to remove the mattress to adjust. The invention claimed here solves this problem, particularly insofar as the bed skirt of the present invention omits platform/decking and using a commercial grade, non-slip material constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backed polyester, the bed skirt can be installed and repositioned without removing the mattress.
Stated more succinctly, the present invention differs from what currently exists. Prior to this invention, bed skirts would become unsightly as the skirt shifted out of position with use. This invention maintains its proper position without the use of fasteners. Moreover, manufacturing the bed skirt with only three sides, not four, as is the traditional method in commercial applications, the present invention reduces the critical dimensions required by eliminating the need for the length measurements, thus allowing the bed skirt to become adjustable in the length for a much better fit. Also, manufacturing the bed skirt 10 per the three-sided method discussed above, the bed skirt becomes highly adjustable for varying lengths of bedding.
As will be further appreciated by those skilled in the art, prior to this invention bed skirts would become unsightly as the skirt shifted out of position with use as relying simply on a fabric decking material to hold the bed skirt in position as a bed is used requires constant adjustment of the bed skirt on the box spring. This design also requires the heavy mattress to be removed and subjecting the user to injury. Advantageously, the present invention maintains its proper position without the use of fasteners. Moreover, the invention allows the bed skirt 10 to be installed and adjusted as needed while the mattress is in position. By proper application of the non-slip material, any shifting of the bed skirt is greatly reduced thus creating a more visually attractive product.
Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bed skirt comprising:

an elongate, planar segment of non-slip material interposable between an upper surface of a box spring and a mattress, said non-slip material being designed to be interposed along and contiguous with a peripheral edge of said box spring;

a decorative textile attached along the length of said non-slip material along the peripheral edge thereof and extending downwardly along the length of said box spring when said non-slip material is interposed between said upper surface of said box spring and said mattress along said peripheral edge of said box spring.

2. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein said non-slip material comprises polyvinyl chloride and has a width sufficient to retain said bed skirt in position when interposed between said mattress and box spring.

3. The bed skirt of claim 1 wherein said non-slip material comprises polyvinyl chloride and has a width of from 2-17 inches.

4. The bed skirt of claim 3 wherein said non-slip material comprises polyvinyl chloride and has a width of at least 4 inches.

5. The bed skirt of claim 3 wherein said non-slip material comprises polyvinyl chloride and has a width of at least 6 inches.

6. The bed skirt of claim 3 wherein said decorative textile is sewn to said non-slip material.

7. The bed skirt of claim 4 further comprising a hook member affixed to the underside of said non-slip material for engaging and interconnecting with said upper surface of said box spring when said non-slip material is interposed between said mattress and said box spring.

8. A bed skirt comprising first, second and third segments cooperating to define a generally “U” shape, said respective one of said segments being defined by a elongate, planar segment of non-slip material interposable between a conventional rectangular box spring and a mattress along a peripheral edge thereof, said non-slip material having a decorative textile affixed thereto and operative to extend over said box spring when said non-slip material is interposed between said box spring and said mattress along a peripheral edge thereof, each respective segment being sized and configured to extend along a dedicated side of said box spring such that three of said four sides of said conventional rectangular box spring have said decorative textile segments extending thereover.

9. The bed skirt of claim 8 wherein said non-slip material is fabricated from PVC.

10. The bed skirt of claim 8 wherein said decorative textile is attached to said PVC non-slip material.

11. The bed skirt of claim 10 wherein each of said first segment, said second segment and said third segment of said bed skirt assume a generally inverted “L” shape when said non-slip material is interposed between said box spring or mattress along a peripheral edge thereof.

12. The bed skirt of claim 10 wherein said first and third segments of said bed skirt extend distally to the head of said bed when said non-slip material is interposed between said box spring and said mattress.

13. The bed skirt of claim 12 wherein said distal ends of said first and said third segments are provided with a hook material operative to engage with said upper surface of said box spring so as to facilitate the ability of said bed skirt to remain secured into position when positioned upon said box spring.