Strap Device For Maintaining Bedding On A Mattress

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/632,142, filed Apr. 10, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The application is generally related to bedding and, more particularly, to devices and methods of use thereof to facilitate maintaining bedding such as sheets, blankets, comforters, etc., on a corresponding mattress in an orderly fashion.

Conventional bed sheets are available in two basic varieties. First, a fitted bottom sheet that covers the mattress, and a flat top sheet that goes over the top of the fitted bottom sheet so that a user may lie therebetween. The sheets are usually covered with perhaps a blanket or a comforter as the top layer of the bed coverings. The combination of sheets, blankets, quilts, comforters, bedspreads, or duvets are draped over the mattress, and then tucked in along the sides of the mattress in order to create a neat and tidy appearance to the bed. This process is generally referred to as “making the bed.” These various bed coverings are manufactured in a multitude of sizes to accommodate the various mattress sizes (such as twin, full, queen, king, etc.), mattress depths (including standard and pillow top), and various mattress types (i.e., those used in beds at home or those used in hotels, hospitals, barracks, campers, recreational vehicles, sofa beds, cribs, etc.).

The changing of bed coverings, or “making the bed,” is often regarded as a chore. A great deal of time is expended to remake the entire bed due to the loosening of the top sheet, and other blankets or bedspreads. For example, when the top sheet is kicked free, so are the sheets and covers above. Sometimes, even the fitted sheet on top of the mattress is loosened during a night of sleep. Depending upon the number of sheets or covers on top of the sheets, and the size and type of mattress, it can take a long time to make the bed. Additionally, making the bed often requires a lot of bending over, lifting of the mattress, etc., which can lead to injuries, especially when performed on a frequent basis such as in a hospital, hotel, etc. As well, in settings other than the home, such as a hotels, hospital, etc., the collective time to make such beds, or change such beds can be significant. Further, the difficulties of making a bed can be compounded in settings where space is limited, there is a unique bed configurations (e.g., for a trundle bed or bunk beds), the bed is elevated (such as bunk beds in a military setting), etc.

From the foregoing, one recognizes that a need exists for bed coverings and a device for retaining those coverings in an orderly position on a mattress and that also makes it easier and less frequent to place a bed and its coverings in order.

The present disclosure is related to devices and methods of use thereof for maintaining bedding such as sheets, blankets, duvets, bedspreads, etc., in an orderly fashion on a corresponding mattress. Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices for securing a sheet on a mattress and may include a first transverse strap having a fastener disposed at each end thereof, the first transverse strap having a length that is less than a width of the mattress. A first longitudinal strap of the device may be secured to the first transverse strap and include a fastener disposed at a first end thereof. A pair of diagonal straps that include a fastener disposed at a first end thereof and a second end that is secured to the first transverse strap. Each fastener of the first transverse strap is releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the sheet, the fastener of the first longitudinal strap is releasably engaged with a bottom edge of the sheet, and the fastener of each diagonal strap is selectively engaged with both a corresponding side edge of the sheet and the bottom edge of the sheet. Embodiments of the device are configured for maintaining the bottom portion of the corresponding sheet securely tucked under the mattress so that the corresponding bed may be made more easily after each use. Preferably, embodiments of the disclosed invention maintain the sheets properly tucked under the mattress from the bottom end of the mattress up to at least one quarter to one third of the overall length of the mattress.

In one aspect, a device for securing bedding on a mattress comprise a first transverse strap including a fastener disposed of each end thereof. The device further comprises a first longitudinal strap that is secured to the first transverse strap and includes a fastener disposed at a first end thereof. Each fastener of the first transverse strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding side edge of the bedding, and the fastener of the first longitudinal strap is configured to be releasably engaged with a bottom edge of the bedding.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, unless the context dictates otherwise, reference to “a fastener” provides disclosure of embodiments in which only a single such fastener is provided, as well as embodiments in which a plurality of such fasteners are provided.

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

In the following description and claims, wherever the word “comprise” or “include” is used, it is understood that the words “comprise” and “include” can optionally be replaced with the words “consists essentially of” or “consists of” to form another embodiment.

The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

Referring now to the Figures, a devicefor securing bedding (e.g., a sheet) on a mattress in an orderly fashion is shown in. The bedding securing devicecan include one or more transverse straps (e.g., first and second transverse straps,) and one or more longitudinal straps (e.g., first and second longitudinal straps,) that are configured to maintain the lower portion of a sheeton the lower portion of a mattressas a user gets in and out of the bed so that the sheetdoes not have to be refitted to the mattress() after each use. The transverse strap(s) can extend transversely across the mattress (e.g., between the sides of the mattress), and the longitudinal strap(s) can extend longitudinally along (optionally, parallel to) the mattress (e.g., between a head of the bed and a foot of the bed). In the embodiment shown, the bedding securing deviceincludes a first transverse strapand a second transverse strap. Optionally, the first transverse strapcan be substantially parallel to the second transverse strap. The first transverse strapcan have a first endand a second end, both the first and the second endsandeach having a fastenerdisposed thereon. Referring additionally to, optionally, each fastenercan be an alligator-type fastener including a pair of jaws. In further optional aspects, the jawscan be selectively opened and closed with a lever. Each jawcan include a plurality of teethso that the jawsmay be used to grip a portion of a corresponding bed sheetbetween the opposing sets of teeth. As shown, the jawsof each fastenercan be spaced apart from each other (e.g., in a closed position) so that the jawsmay be used to grasp not only sheets, but bedspreads, comforters, throws, blankets, etc., as well as sheets. It should be understood that the device is not limited to the illustrated fasteners and can include other releasable fasteners, including, for example, spring-biased clips, hooks, buttons, or snaps. It is further contemplated that the associated bedding (e.g., sheet) can comprise a corresponding fastener, such as a buttonhole, loop, snap, or the like.

Similarly, the second transverse strapcan have a first endand a second and, both of which include a fastenerdisposed thereon. Optionally, one fastenerof each of the transverse strapsandis disposed on one of its terminal endsand, respectively, and an adjustment clip(e.g., a tri-glide slide, buckle, or the like) is disposed on the other terminal endand, respectively, of the strap. As such, the strap,may be passed through the adjustment clipso that the overall length of the strap,may be adjusted by simply sliding the adjustment clip, to which one of the terminal ends,is secured, along the length of the middle portion of the strap,. The second fastenerfor the strap is held at a looped portion,of the strap,, as is known in the art. As such, the bedding securing devicemay be adjustable so that the devicemay be used with varying sized bedding (e.g., sheets) for the same sized mattress. In some alternate embodiments, the adjustable clipmay be omitted and the length of the strap fixed. For example, referring also to, the bedding securing devicecan be sized for a particular mattress size, such as a twin, full, queen, or king-sized mattress.

Still referring to, the bedding securing devicealso includes at least a first longitudinal strap. The first longitudinal strapcan have a terminal endsecured to the first transverse strap, a mid-portionthat is secured to the second transverse strapand an adjustment clipthat is secured to the second terminal endof the first longitudinal strapsuch that the strap loops back on itself, as discussed above. Similarly to the first and the second transverse strapsand, the first longitudinal strapalso includes a fastenerwhich is retained on the looped portionof the first transverse strap so that the fastener is disposed at the bottommost end, or second endof the first transverse strap. As shown in, the bedding securing devicepreferably includes a second longitudinal strapthat also includes a first terminal endand is secured to the first transverse strap, a mid-portionthat is secured to the second transverse strap, and an adjustment clipthat is secured to the second terminal endof the second longitudinal strapand is slidable along the length of the second longitudinal strap. Again, a fasteneris retained on the looped portionof the second longitudinal strapso that the free second endsandof the first and second longitudinal strapsand, respectively, may be fastened to the bottom edgeof a corresponding sheet, as shown in. In other aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) of the bedding securing devicecan have a fixed length. That is, in these aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) do not have an adjustable length. Optionally, in these aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length selected for use with a particular mattress size, such as a twin, full, queen, or king-sized mattress.

Still referring to, the bedding securing devicecan include a first diagonal strapand a second diagonal strap. The first and second diagonal straps,can be coupled to one or both of a transverse strap and a longitudinal strap. For example, each of the first and second diagonal straps,can include a first terminal end,secured to the second transverse strapand an adjustment clipthat is secured to the second terminal end,of the corresponding diagonal strap,such that the strap loops back on itself, as discussed above. Similarly to the longitudinal and transverse straps, the first and second diagonal strapsandalso include a fastenerwhich is retained on the looped portionandof the corresponding diagonal strap so that the fasteneris disposed at the distal end, or second endandof the corresponding diagonal strap. Preferably, as shown in, the fastenerof the first and second diagonal strapsandare used to engage both the side edgesand the bottom edgeof the bedsheetin order to properly retain the sheetor the mattress. In other aspects, the first and second diagonal straps,of the bedding securing devicecan have a fixed length. Although the first and second diagonal straps,are shown as coupled to the second transverse strap, in further aspects, the diagonal straps can be coupled to a longitudinal strap (e.g., a respective outermost respective longitudinal strap).

It is contemplated that the straps (e.g., longitudinal straps, transverse straps, and diagonal straps) can be secured together via any suitable means, including, but not limited to, stitching, heat bonding, or one or more fasteners, such as snaps, staples, or clips.

In some aspects, the straps (e.g., longitudinal straps, transverse straps, and diagonal straps) can comprise a textile, such as, for example, polymer webbing. Optionally, in these aspects, the straps can comprise nylon. In some aspects, the straps can comprise knit elastic material. The knit elastic material can comprise synthetic or natural elastic material (e.g., rubber), or a combination thereof. In other aspects, the straps can comprise elastic cord. In other aspects, the straps can comprise leather or faux leather. In some aspects, the straps can be configured to resiliently, elastically elongate. In other aspects, the straps can be inelastic.

Referring now to, in use a bedding securing deviceis disposed adjacent the bottom surfaceof a corresponding mattressand engages a lower portion of the side edgesof the sheetas well as the bottom edgeof the corresponding sheet. As shown, both the first and the second transverse strapsandare engaged to the side edgesof the corresponding bed sheetby the corresponding fasteners. As well, the free endsandof the first and second longitudinal strapsandare secured by the corresponding fastenersto the bottom edgeof the corresponding sheet. Lastly, the first and second diagonal strapsand, respectively, are engaged to the corresponding side edgesas well as the bottom edgeof the sheetto help maintain the bottom portion of the sheeton the mattressin a smooth and orderly fashion. As shown, the diagonal strapsandassist in maintaining the bottom corner of the sheetin position on the mattress.

As best seen in, the bedding securing deviceis configured to maintain the bottom portion of the sheeton the mattress, which is supported by the bed frame, yet allow a user free access to enter between the sheetand the fitted sheetor the mattressas the top edgeof the sheetis not engaged by the bedding securing device. As such, after use, the user is only required to refit the upper portion of the sheetto the mattressto provide an orderly appearance of the sheeton the mattress. Preferably, the first and second transverse strapsand, the first and second longitudinal strapsand, as well as the first and second diagonal strapsand, are constructed of a slightly elastic material so that the bottom portion of the bed sheetwill give some as the user is positioned on the mattress, yet return to the original orderly position once the user is no longer supported by the mattressbeneath the sheet.

Referring to, in some aspects, the bedding securing devicecan be configured for use with a particular mattress size. For example, the bedding securing devicecan be configured for use with a twin-sized mattress and can have two longitudinal straps. In some optional aspects, and as shown in, the bedding securing devicecan have three longitudinal straps. Optionally, the bedding securing devicehaving three longitudinal straps can be configured for use with a full or queen-sized mattress. In some optional aspects, and as shown in, the bedding securing devicecan have four longitudinal straps. Optionally, the bedding securing devicehaving four longitudinal straps can be configured for use with a king-sized mattress.

In various exemplary aspects, the first and second transverse straps,can be spaced by a distance from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches or about 8 inches. In various exemplary aspects, adjacent longitudinal straps (e.g.,,can be spaced by a distance from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or from about 6 inches to about 9 inches, or about 7 inches or about 8 inches.

In various exemplary aspects, the first and second diagonal straps,can be spaced outwardly of the outermost longitudinal straps by about 1 inch.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 16 inches to about 22 inches, or about 20 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or about 5 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a twin mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 24 inches to about 42 inches, or about 38 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 12 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or about 5 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a full mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 34 inches to about 26 inches, or about 42 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 14 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or about 7 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a queen mattress.

In some aspects, the transverse strap(s) can have a length from about 48 inches to about 64 inches, or about 58 inches. In additional aspects, the longitudinal strap(s) can have a length from about 8 inches to about 20 inches or about 14 inches. In additional aspects, the diagonal straps, when provided, can have a length from about 5 inches to about 10 inches, or about 7 inches. Such measurements can advantageously be used with a king mattress.

It is contemplated that such measurements can be advantageous for elastic straps. It is further contemplated that the measurements can be modified based on the materials used, the mattress size, and the bedding dimensions. For example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a king-sized mattress (e.g., less than 76 inches, or less than 70 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a queen-sized mattress (e.g., less than 60 inches, or less than 50 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a full-sized mattress (e.g., less than 54 inches, or less than 48 inches). As another example, the transverse strap(s) can have a length that is less than that of a twin-sized mattress (e.g., less than 38 inches, or less than 30 inches).

In some aspects, the outermost longitudinal straps can be spaced inwardly from the first and the second endsandof the first strapby from about 5 inches to about 20 inches. For example, the outermost longitudinal straps can be spaced inwardly from the first and the second endsandof the first strapby from about 5 inches to about 8 inches, or about 7 inches (e.g., for use with a twin mattress), or from about 8 inches to about 11 inches, or about 9.5 inches (e.g., for use with a full mattress), or from about 10 inches to about 12 inches, or about 11 inches (e.g., for use with a queen-sized mattress), or from about 10 inches to about 16 inches, or about 12 inches (e.g., for use with a king-sized mattress).

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A device for securing bedding on a mattress, comprising:

Aspect 2: The device of aspect 1, further comprising:

Aspect 3: The device of aspect 2, wherein the first transverse strap is configured to be disposed between a bottom edge of the mattress and the second transverse strap.

Aspect 4: The device of aspect 2, wherein the second transverse strap is configured to be disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the mattress at a distance from a bottom edge of the mattress that is at least equal to one-third of an overall length of the mattress.

Aspect 5: The device of aspect 4, further comprising a second longitudinal strap including a fastener disposed at a first end thereof, wherein the second longitudinal strap is secured to the second transverse strap, wherein the second longitudinal strap is also secured to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 6: The device of aspect 2, wherein the first transverse strap, the second transverse strap, and the first longitudinal strap are constructed from a resilient material.

Aspect 7: The device of aspect 6, wherein each fastener of the device is an alligator clamp.

Aspect 8: The device of aspect 2, wherein the device is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the mattress, whereas a body portion of the bedding is disposed adjacent a top surface of the mattress.

Aspect 9: The device of aspect 1, wherein the device is configured for use with the mattress, the mattress having a predetermined width, wherein the first transverse strap has a length that is less than the predetermined width of the mattress.

Aspect 10: The device of aspect 1, further comprising a pair of diagonal straps, each diagonal strap having a fastener disposed of a first end thereof and a second end that is secured to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 11: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap is adjustable in length.

Aspect 12: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap of the pair of diagonal straps forms an acute angle with the first transverse strap.

Aspect 13: The device of aspect 10, wherein each diagonal strap of the pair of diagonal straps is attached to the first transverse strap.

Aspect 14: The device of aspect 1, wherein the first transverse strap has a fixed, predetermined length.

Aspect 15: A system comprising: