Patent application title: Covering System
Inventors:
Cheryl Means (Las Vegas, NV, US)
IPC8 Class: AA47C2700FI
USPC Class:
Class name:
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Patent application number: 20150282632
Abstract:
A covering system includes multiple sheets joined together at various
peripheral sections to form a single cover. The system inhibits slippage
by the individual sheets and prevents feet from sticking out. The system
fits onto variously sized mattresses. A padded sheet engages the
mattress, and includes a padded outer periphery. A fitted sheet overlays
the padded sheet and includes a fitted inner periphery that forms a
double stitch junction with the padded outer periphery. The junction is
hidden to minimize contact with a user. Hidden zippers and buttons also
form junctions thereto. A fitted outer periphery partially encapsulates
the mattress. An external sheet overlays the fitted sheet and includes a
protruding section that joins with the fitted sheet to form a constrained
terminal configuration for inhibiting feet from extending out. An
external head end can be folded back over the external sheet.Claims:
1. A system comprising: a padded sheet configured to engage a mounting
object, said padded sheet comprising a padded outer periphery; a fitted
sheet configured to at least partially join said system to said padded
sheet and said mounting object, said fitted sheet comprising a fitted
mounting surface disposed to engage said padded sheet, said fitted sheet
further comprising a fitted inner periphery disposed to join with said
padded outer periphery for at least partially joining with said padded
sheet, said fitted sheet further comprising a fitted outer periphery
configured to at least partially overlap a mounting object periphery for
at least partially joining said system with said mounting object; and an
external sheet configured to at least partially overlay said fitted sheet
and said padded sheet, said external sheet comprising a pair of external
lateral ends disposed to extend along a pair of mounting object lateral
ends, said external sheet further comprising an external head end
disposed to orient towards a mounting object head end, said external
sheet further comprising an external foot end disposed to orient towards
a mounting object foot end, said external foot end comprising a
protruding section configured to extend out from said external foot end,
said protruding section comprising a protruding edge disposed to join
with said fitted inner periphery.
2. The system of claim 1, in which said system comprises a cover for a mattress.
3. The system of claim 2, in which said mounting object comprises a mattress having a substantially rectangular shape.
4. The system of claim 3, in which said padded sheet comprises a mattress pad.
5. The system of claim 4, in which said padded sheet comprises a substantially rectangular shape configured to at least partially match said substantially rectangular shape of said mounting object, said padded sheet further comprising a thickness approximately between 1/2'' to 11/2''.
6. The system of claim 5, in which said fitted sheet comprises a fitted linen sheet.
7. The system of claim 6, in which said fitted outer periphery comprises an elastic band configured to press inwardly against said padded outer periphery.
8. The system of claim 7, in which said junction between said fitted inner periphery and said padded outer periphery comprises a double stitch, said double stitch disposed to position on said fitted mounting surface.
9. The system of claim 8, in which said fitted sheet comprises a fitted sheet mounted section configured to engage said padded sheet.
10. The system of claim 9, in which said fitted sheet comprises at least one fitted sheet sidewall section configured to extend along said pair of mounting object lateral ends, and/or said mounting object head end, and/or said mounting object foot end.
11. The system of claim 10, in which said external sheet comprises a linen sheet.
12. The system of claim 11, in which said pair of external lateral ends is configured to extend freely along said pair of mounting object lateral ends, or wedge into said pair of mounting object lateral ends.
13. The system of claim 12, in which said external head end is configured to fold at least once onto said external sheet.
14. The system of claim 13, in which said protruding edge is configured to fold at least once for joining with said fitted inner periphery.
15. The system of claim 14, in which said protruding edge is disposed to position between said fitted sheet mounting section and said at least one fitted sheet sidewall section for joining with said fitted inner periphery.
16. The system of claim 15, in which said junction between said protruding edge and said fitted inner periphery is disposed to form on said fitted mounting surface.
17. The system of claim 16, in which said protruding section further comprises a pair of external foot end outer section configured to extend along said pair of mounting object lateral ends.
18. The system of claim 17, in which said between said protruding edge and said fitted inner periphery comprises a hidden zipper and/or a button.
19. A system comprising: means for orienting a covering system in alignment with a mounting object; means for engaging a padded sheet with said mounting object; means for joining a fitted outer periphery with a padded outer periphery; means for joining a fitted inner periphery with a padded outer periphery; means for extending a pair of external lateral ends along a pair of mounting object lateral ends; means for extending an external head end towards a mounting object head end; means for folding said external head end at least once; means for extending an external foot end towards a mounting object foot end; means for extending a protruding section beyond said mounting object foot end; and means for joining a protruding edge with said fitted inner periphery, said junction disposed to position on a fitted mounting surface.
20. A system consisting of: a padded sheet configured to engage a mounting object, said mounting object comprising a mattress, said padded sheet comprising a padded outer periphery, said padded sheet further comprising a mattress pad, said padded sheet further comprising a substantially rectangular shape configured to substantially match said mounting object; a fitted sheet configured to at least partially join said system to said padded sheet and said mounting object, said fitted sheet comprising a linen fitted sheet, said fitted sheet further comprising a fitted mounting surface disposed to engage said padded sheet, said fitted sheet further comprising a fitted inner periphery disposed to join with said padded outer periphery for at least partially joining with said padded sheet, said junction between said fitted inner periphery and said padded outer periphery comprising a double stitch, said double stitch disposed to position on said fitted mounting surface, said fitted sheet further comprising a fitted outer periphery configured to at least partially overlap a mounting object periphery for at least partially joining said system with said mounting object, said fitted outer periphery comprising an elastic band configured to press inwardly against said padded outer periphery, said fitted sheet further comprising a fitted sheet mounted section configured to engage said padded sheet, said fitted sheet further comprising at least one fitted sheet sidewall section configured to extend along said pair of mounting object lateral ends, and/or said mounting object head end, and/or said mounting object foot end; and an external sheet configured to at least partially overlay said fitted sheet and said padded sheet, said external sheet comprising a linen sheet, said external sheet further comprising a pair of external lateral ends disposed to extend along a pair of mounting object lateral ends, said pair of external lateral ends configured to extend freely along said pair of mounting object lateral ends, or wedge into said pair of mounting object lateral ends, said external sheet further comprising an external head end disposed to orient towards a mounting object head end, said external head end configured to fold at least once onto said external sheet, said external sheet further comprising an external foot end disposed to orient towards a mounting object foot end, said external foot end comprising a protruding section configured to extend out from said external foot end, said protruding section comprising a protruding edge disposed to join with said fitted inner periphery, said protruding edge disposed to position between said fitted sheet mounting section and said at least one fitted sheet sidewall section for joining with said fitted inner periphery, said junction between said protruding edge and said fitted inner periphery disposed to form on said fitted mounting surface.
Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to a covering system. More particularly, the invention relates to a covering system having multiple layers of sheets that join together at various peripheral sections to form a single cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
[0006] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that a bed sheet is a rectangular piece of cloth or linen cotton used to cover a mattress. It is this sheet that one typically lies on and uses to form a protective cover against external elements.
[0007] Often, a second flat bed sheet is laid on top of the sheet covering the mattress. The second sheet is a flat sheet, and when a top sheet is used, the sheet covering the mattress is known as a fitted sheet. One sleeps between the two bed sheets. A blanket may also be used to provide an additional layer of warmth. The sheets may be constructed from various materials, such as cotton, linen, satin, silk, rayon, bamboo fiber, polypropylene spunbond, and blends of cotton with polyester.
[0008] Typically, arranging the sheets on the mattress to form a clean, organized look involves multiple steps of folding, and tucking. For example, a flat bed sheet is overlocked around the edges to form four seams. One of the seams is wider than the other three and helps with orienting the sheet correctly on the mattress. The wider seam goes at the head end of the mattress.
[0009] In many instances, the sides do not have seams, but are finished with the selvedge only. When placing a flat sheet on a bed, the junctions can be manufactured and designed to make a printed side softer, and thus the printed side should be placed on the bed printed side down. When folding back the covers, this also allows the printed side to show, for aesthetic purposes. The process of folding and orienting the sheets may require time and effort.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary covering system engaging an exemplary mounting object, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary external sheet partially covering an exemplary fitted sheet and an exemplary padded sheet on an exemplary mounting object, and FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary external head end folded back on an exemplary covering system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary covering system, where FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary external sheet, an exemplary fitted sheet, an exemplary padded sheet, and an exemplary mounting object, FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary external sheet partially covering an exemplary fitted sheet and an exemplary padded sheet, and FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary covering system fully engaged with an exemplary mounting object, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary double stitching junction between an exemplary fitted inner periphery and an exemplary padded outer periphery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary protruding edge joined with an exemplary fitted inner periphery on an exemplary fitted mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate various views of an exemplary corner where an exemplary fitted sheet joins an exemplary external foot end of a flat sheet, where FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary folded protruding edge positioned between an exemplary folded fitted inner periphery of an exemplary fitted sheet mounting section and an exemplary fitted sheet sidewall section, and FIG. 5B illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary folded protruding edge positioned between an exemplary folded fitted inner periphery of an exemplary fitted sheet mounting section and an exemplary fitted sheet sidewall section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary fasteners used in an exemplary covering system, where FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary hidden zipper joining an exemplary fitted sheet with an exemplary external sheet, and FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary buttons joining an exemplary fitted sheet with an exemplary padded sheet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0020] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0021] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0023] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
[0024] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.
[0025] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.
[0026] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
[0027] Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0028] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0029] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0030] Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0031] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.
[0033] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular tangible means of implementation.
[0034] In the following description and claims, the terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0036] There are various types of covering systems that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the covering system may include a plurality of sheets joined together at various peripheral sections to form a single cover. The plurality of sheets join, in some embodiments through double stitching, to form a single cover overlaying a mounting object. In one embodiment, the covering system inhibits slippage by the individual sheets and prevents feet from sticking out from an external foot end of the external cover. The junctions between the sheets may be hidden to avoid direct contact with a user. The covering system may be configured to operate with variously sized and dimensioned mattresses.
[0037] In some embodiments, the covering system may create a protective covering that enables a user to position between the mounting object and the covering system, with the mounting object providing a surface to rest on and the covering system providing an external cover. Additionally, the covering system may enable the user to cover a mounting object, such as a mattress, in a single expedited and organized step. The single step for covering the mounting object comprises overlaying the covering system over the mounting object in an orientation that aligns the lateral and longitudinal edges of the covering system and the mounting object. In this manner, the tucking, folding, and bending that are normally required to cover the mounting object are not necessitated.
[0038] In some embodiments, the covering system may form free lateral edges and a constrained foot end. Through this configuration, a protruding portion of the foot end forms a closed, constrained edge that inhibits an extremity from the user from being uncovered. The lateral edges and the nonprotruding section of the foot end remain free to form sidewalls along the mounting object or wedge into the mounting object, as the user may desire. In this manner, an extremity of the user can be covered by the covering system without the extremities extending past the foot end, such as a foot or leg exposed outside of the covering system.
[0039] In some embodiments, the covering system may include a padded sheet configured to engage the mounting object and form a semi-rigid foundation. The padded sheet may include, without limitation, a mattress pad, a pad, and a cushion. The padded sheet may be sized and dimensioned to substantially match the shape of the mounting object, such as a rectangular shape. The padded sheet may include a padded outer periphery that forms the shape and engages additional sheets in the covering system.
[0040] In some embodiments, the covering system may include a fitted sheet configured to at least partially fasten the covering system to the mounting object. The fitted sheet may include a fitted mounting surface that engages the padded sheet. The fitted sheet may include a fitted inner periphery and a fitted outer periphery. Each periphery at least partially helps join the covering system to the mounting object. The fitted inner periphery joins with the padded outer periphery. The fitted outer periphery forms the terminal edge of the fitted sheet. From the point of the fitted inner periphery, the fitted outer periphery extends down past the padded sheet and along the mounting object. In one embodiment, the fitted outer periphery may include a fastening mechanism, such as an elastic drawstring, that partially overlaps a mounting object periphery to at least partially form a secure junction between the covering system and the mounting object. In this manner, the fitted sheet may join with the padded sheet and the mounting object from two different points. The first, through sewn double stitches at the fitted inner periphery and the padded outer periphery. The second junction point may include the fitted outer periphery partially encapsulating the mounting object by at least partially wrapping around the mounted object.
[0041] In some embodiments, the covering system may include an external sheet that at least partially overlays the fitted sheet and the padded sheet. In one embodiment, the external sheet may form an outer shell that covers an object resting on the fitted sheet. The external sheet may include a pair of external lateral ends that extend down freely along a pair of mounting object lateral ends. The pair of external lateral ends may wedge into the mounting object or remain free, as desired. The external sheet may further include an external head end that orients towards a mounting object head end. In one embodiment, the external head end may fully extend to align with the mounting object head end. However, the external head end may also be folded over onto the external sheet.
[0042] In some embodiments, the external sheet may include an external foot end. The external foot end at least partially joins with the fitted inner periphery of the fitted sheet. However in other embodiments, the external foot end may join at any point on the fitted mounting surface. The external foot end may include an uneven, slot shape configured to provide additional space for an extremity of the object under the external cover. In one embodiment, the external foot end may include a protruding section that extends a unit of length beyond the external foot end. The protruding section may be centrally positioned. The protruding section may align and join with the fitted inner periphery or a section of the fitted mounting surface. The junction may include a double stitch sewing that is hidden in the fitted inner periphery, so as to avoid contact with the object positioned under the external sheet.
[0043] In one embodiment, the stitching, or any other fastening means used to join the plurality of sheets may position on an underside of the fitted sheet, at a fitted mounting surface, and thereby does not come into contact with an object, such as a person, that is positioned beneath the external cover. A pair of external foot end outer sections that do not protrude outwardly like the protruding section may hang down freely along the pair of mounting object lateral ends, or wedge inside the mounting object. In this manner, the strategic location of the junctions in the plurality of sheets may maintain alignment with the mounting object and facilitate covering the mounting object.
[0044] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary covering system engaging an exemplary mounting object, where FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary external sheet partially covering an exemplary fitted sheet and an exemplary padded sheet on an exemplary mounting object, and FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary external head end folded back on an exemplary covering system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a covering system 100 includes a plurality of sheets joined together at various peripheral sections to form a single cover. The plurality of sheets join, in some embodiments through double stitching, to form a single cover overlaying a mounting object. In some embodiments, the plurality of sheets may include an external sheet 102, a fitted sheet 110, and a padded sheet. Suitable materials for the external sheet and the fitted sheet may include, without limitation, cotton, flannel, linen, satin, silk, rayon, sateen, muslin, percale, bamboo fiber, polypropylene spunbond, and blends of cotton with polyester. The padded sheet may include a mattress pad approximately between 1/2''-11/2'' thick, and having a semi-rigid structure for forming a foundation. In some embodiments, the padded portion of the system may be made of various foam type materials, such as but not limited to polyethylene or polypropylene, and in various foam formats such as but not limited to open cell foam, memory foam, egg carton foam, etc. The padded portion may also be made of various other materials, including but not limited to cotton, wool, natural down, or synthetic down. It is contemplated that some embodiments may be used to cover various different objects such as, but not limited to, cots, couches, chairs, air mattresses, etc. In some embodiments, various plastics may be used for the external sheets so that the system may be used to cover motorcycles, cars, and other items with the padding providing scratch resistance and the plastic external sheets providing weather protection.
[0045] In some embodiments, the covering system may form a protective covering that enables a user to position between the mounting object and the covering system, with the mounting object providing a surface to rest on and the covering system providing an external cover. Additionally, the covering system may enable the user to cover a mounting object, such as a mattress, in a single expedited step. The single step for covering the mounting object comprises overlaying the covering system over the mounting object in an orientation that aligns the lateral and longitudinal edges of the covering system and the mounting object. In this manner, the tucking, folding, and bending that are normally required to cover the mounting object are not necessitated.
[0046] In some embodiments, the covering system may form free lateral edges and a constrained foot end. In this manner, a protruding portion of the foot end forms a closed, constrained edge that inhibits an extremity from the user from being uncovered. The lateral edges and the nonprotruding section of the foot end remain free to form sidewalls along the mounting object or wedge into the mounting object, as the user may desire. In this manner, an extremity of the user can be covered by the covering system without the extremities extending past the foot end, such as a foot or leg exposed outside of the covering system.
[0047] In some embodiments, an object may position beneath the external sheet and the fitted sheet. The external sheet may provide novelty by forming loose external ends and a constrained foot end for preventing an extremity form the object from extending beyond the external sheet. For example, without limitation, feet remain within the external sheet and are not exposed to external elements, while the lateral ends remain free or tucked into a mattress, as desired. Further, any junctions and stitching between the external sheet, the fitted sheet, and the padded sheet are positioned such that the object does not engage the junctions, which may be double stitches that could cause irritation to the object. In some embodiments, the external sheet may include a pair of external lateral ends 112 that extend along the mounting object. The external sheet further includes an external head end 104 that orients towards a head section of the mounting object. The external cover may further include an external foot end 106 that orients towards a foot section of the mounting object. The external foot end may include a protruding section 108 that extends beyond the mounting object and provides additional space for the extremities of the object. The protruding section may securely join with the fitted sheet to form a constrained terminal configuration that inhibits the object or extremities of the object from passing beyond the external cover. In some embodiments the foot end may be stitched into place and/or other attachment means may be used such as, but not limited to, zippers, hidden zippers, buttons, snaps, ties, hook-and-loop material, or other devices and means.
[0048] In one embodiment, the covering system inhibits slippage by the individual sheets and prevents feet from sticking out from an external foot end of the external cover. The covering system may be configured to operate with variously sized and dimensioned mattresses, including, without limitation, a twin mattress, a single mattress, a queen mattress, and a king mattress. The covering system may also enable a bed to be made much quicker and with less physical labor than current methods since the system typically reduces the typical three step approach of making a bed into one step. The system typically prevents bed sheets from slipping out of position while someone is sleeping on and/or under the sheets and may help to ensure the sleeper stays comfortably covered all night. Some embodiments may be configured so that the top sheet is long enough to cover the feet of a sleeper in the bed and to provide plenty of room to typically not restrict or constrain the sleeper's feet.
[0049] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate detailed perspective views of an exemplary covering system, where FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary external sheet, an exemplary fitted sheet, an exemplary padded sheet, and an exemplary mounting object, FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary external sheet partially covering an exemplary fitted sheet and an exemplary padded sheet, and FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary covering system fully engaged with an exemplary mounting object, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the covering system may include a padded sheet 200 configured to engage a mounting object 204 and form a semi-rigid foundation. The mounting object may include, without limitation, a mattress, a sleeping pad, and a cushion. The padded sheet may include, without limitation, a mattress pad, a pad, and a cushion. The padded sheet may be sized and dimensioned to substantially match the shape of the mounting object, such as a rectangular shape. The padded sheet may include a padded outer periphery 202 that forms the shape and engages the fitted sheet.
[0050] In some embodiments, the covering system may include a fitted sheet configured to at least partially fasten the covering system to the mounting object. The fitted sheet may include a fitted mounting surface that engages the padded sheet. The fitted sheet may include a fitted inner periphery and a fitted outer periphery. Each periphery at least partially helps join the covering system to the mounting object. The fitted inner periphery joins with the padded outer periphery. The fitted outer periphery forms the terminal edge of the fitted sheet. From the point of the fitted inner periphery, the fitted outer periphery extends down past the padded sheet and along the mounting object. In one embodiment, the fitted outer periphery may include a fastening mechanism, such as an elastic drawstring, that partially overlaps a mounting object periphery to at least partially form a secure junction between the covering system and the mounting object. In this manner, the fitted sheet may join with the padded sheet and the mounting object from two different points. The first, through sewn double stitches at the fitted inner periphery and the padded outer periphery. The second junction point may include the fitted outer periphery partially encapsulating the mounting object by at least partially wrapping around the mounted object.
[0051] In some embodiments, the covering system may include an external sheet that at least partially overlays the fitted sheet and the padded sheet. In one embodiment, the external sheet may form an outer shell that covers an object resting on the fitted sheet. The external sheet may include a pair of external lateral ends that extend down freely along a pair of mounting object lateral ends. The pair of external lateral ends may wedge into the mounting object or remain free, as desired. In one embodiment, the pair of external lateral ends are sufficiently long enough to ensure the sheets can be placed over the mattress in any fashion a user desires, either tucked or untucked. The external sheet may further include an external head end that orients towards a mounting object head end. In one embodiment, the external head end may fully extend to align with the mounting object head end. However, the external head end may also be folded over onto the external sheet.
[0052] In some embodiments, the external sheet may include an external foot end. The external foot end at least partially joins with the fitted inner periphery of the fitted sheet. However in other embodiments, the external foot end may join at any point on the fitted mounting surface. The external foot end may include an uneven, slot shape configured to provide additional space for an extremity of the object under the external cover. In one embodiment, the external foot end may include a protruding section that extends a unit of length beyond the external foot end. The protruding section may be centrally positioned. The protruding section may include a protruding edge 206 configured to align and join with the fitted inner periphery or a section of the fitted mounting surface. The junction between the protruding edge and the fitted inner periphery may include a double stitch sewing that is hidden in the fitted mounting surface, so as to avoid contact with the object positioned under the external sheet.
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary double stitching junction between an exemplary fitted inner periphery and an exemplary padded outer periphery, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the stitching, or any other fastening means used to join the plurality of sheets may position on an underside of the fitted sheet, at a fitted mounting surface 300. In this manner, the object, such as a person may avoid direct contact with tan abrasive junction. The junction may include, without limitation, a double stitch, zippers, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, hidden zippers, snaps, ties, or other fastening means.
[0054] In some embodiments, the external sheet forms a junction with the fitted sheet to attach thereto. The fitted sheet may include a fitted inner periphery 302 that joins with the protruding edge of the external sheet. The junction may include a double stitch. An additional junction may be between the padded sheet and the fitted sheet. In this junction, which joins the fitted sheet with the padded sheet, a fitted outer periphery 304 from the fitted sheet may join with the padded outer periphery. In both junctions, the object does not have direct contact thereto.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary protruding edge joined with an exemplary fitted inner periphery on an exemplary fitted mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the external sheet may include a pair of external lateral ends that extend down freely along a pair of mounting object lateral ends. The pair of external lateral ends may wedge into the mounting object or remain free, as desired. The external sheet may further include an external head end that orients towards a mounting object head end. In one embodiment, the external head end may fully extend to align with the mounting object head end. However, the external head end may also be folded over onto the external sheet.
[0056] In some embodiments, the external sheet may include an external foot end. The external foot end at least partially joins with the fitted inner periphery of the fitted sheet. However in other embodiments, the external foot end may join at any point on the fitted mounting surface. The external foot end may include an uneven, slot shape configured to provide additional space for an extremity of the object under the external cover. In one embodiment, the external foot end may include a protruding section that extends a unit of length beyond the external foot end. The external foot end may further include a pair of external foot end outer sections 400 on each side of the protruding section. The pair of external foot end outer sections do not protrude outwardly like the protruding section, but rather hang down freely along the pair of mounting object lateral ends, or wedge inside the mounting object. In this manner, the strategic location of the junctions in the plurality of sheets may maintain alignment with the mounting object and facilitate covering the mounting object.
[0057] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate various views of an exemplary corner where an exemplary fitted sheet joins an exemplary external foot end, where FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed close up view of an exemplary folded protruding edge positioned between an exemplary folded fitted inner periphery of an exemplary fitted sheet mounting section and an exemplary fitted sheet sidewall section, and FIG. 5B illustrates a sectioned side view of an exemplary folded protruding edge positioned between an exemplary folded fitted inner periphery of an exemplary fitted sheet mounting section and an exemplary fitted sheet sidewall section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the junction between the external sheet and the fitted sheet employs at least one fold. In one embodiment, the protruding edge form the external sheet may be folded at least once and positioned between a fitted inner periphery from a fitted sheet mounting section 500 and at least one fitted sheet sidewall section 502 that converge at a corner. The sheets may be folded over in all three sections with at least one fold to create a smoother junction, which facilitates sewing and provides additional comfort for a user. In some embodiments junctions may be formed in various different locations along the sheets. For example, without limitation, a junction may be formed along one long edge. This may enable the product to me more easily used on bunk beds, bunks on submarines and ships, and regular beds pushed up against a wall or into a corner.
[0058] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate detailed perspective views of exemplary fasteners used in an exemplary covering system, where FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary hidden zipper joining an exemplary fitted sheet with an exemplary external sheet, and FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary buttons joining an exemplary fitted sheet with an exemplary padded sheet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, various fasteners, beyond double stitch sewing, may be utilized to join together the plurality of sheets in the covering system. For example, discrete, hidden fasteners that minimize discomfort to a user and enhance aesthetics may be used. The detachable nature of these fasteners may enable enhanced washing and maintenance of the individual sheets. For example, washing the external sheet and the fitted sheet in a washing machine, and washing the larger, more rigid padded sheet with a steamer. In one embodiment, a hidden zipper 600 may releasably fasten the external sheet to the fitted sheet. Furthermore, at least one button 602 may secure the fitted sheet to the padded sheet.
[0059] In one alternative embodiment, the covering system may be utilized to cover variously shaped and sized objects, such as a vehicle, a house, and instrumentation. In another alternative embodiment, the external sheet may be water proof. In another alternative embodiment, the plurality of sheets are detachable with buttons, zippers, and magnet fasteners. In yet another alternative embodiment, the covering system is permanently attached to the mattress.
[0060] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0061] It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC §112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a "mean for" claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of "mean for" claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.
[0062] Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.
[0063] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a dispensing system and method that contains a plurality of compositions for dispensing, mixing, and application on a surface according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the dispensing system and method that contains a plurality of compositions for dispensing, mixing, and application on a surface may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the dispensing system and method that contains a plurality of compositions for dispensing, mixing, and application on a surface described in the foregoing were principally directed to a mixing system for skin enhancement cosmetic implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to mixing chemicals in a laboratory, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.
[0064] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.
[0065] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
[0066] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
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