Bedding products

Abstract

A bedding product comprises two fabric portions having different, respective warmths. The fabric portions are sized and positioned relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths. A sheet set comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and at least one pillow case, and the sheets are sized to cover both sides of a bed for two individuals. The top sheet and/or bottom sheet has two fabric portions with different, respective warmths, each portion sized and positioned on the sheet to substantially cover a respective side of the bed; the fabric portions are located relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths. A bedding product may comprise a first half with cotton located thereon and a second half with fleece located thereon, wherein the first and second halves are located opposite each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/578,425, filed Jun. 9, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to bedding products, more particularly to sheets, bedspreads, comforters, blankets, duvet covers, pillow cases and pillows.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Although room temperature varies depending on an individual's preferences, it is often difficult for people to agree on a specific room temperature. One person may prefer to keep a room cold and another person may prefer to keep the room warm. If these two people are each other's significant other, sleeping arrangements may be complicated. For example, if the bedroom is cold, the individual preferring the warmer temperature may have to sleep in layered clothing and/or use extra blankets or comforters. Alternatively, if the bedroom is warm, the individual who prefers colder temperatures may have to sleep without a blanket or clothes. In both situations, a restful sleep may be hard to obtain.

[0004] There is thus a need for a bedding product that will permit individuals to obtain a restful sleep or comfort level when the room temperature is undesirable.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a bedding product comprises two fabric portions having different, respective warmths. The fabric portions are sized and positioned relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a sheet set is for use with a bed for two individuals. The bed has one side for one individual to sleep on and another side for the other individual to sleep on. The sheet set comprises a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and at least one pillow case, and the sheets are sized to cover both sides of the bed. At least one sheet selected from the group consisting of the top sheet and the bottom sheet has two fabric portions with different, respective warmths, one portion sized and positioned on the sheet to substantially cover one side of the bed, the other portion sized and positioned on the sheet to substantially cover the other side of the bed; the fabric portions are located relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths, thereby permitting an individual's comfort preference level to be accommodated. The pillow case comprises fabric corresponding to at least one of the fabric portions. The top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the pillow case are imprinted with a coordinating pattern selected from the group consisting of a color, design and image.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the invention, a bedding product comprises a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves are located opposite each other. Cotton is located on the first half and fleece is located on the second half of the bedding product.

[0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 shows individuals sleeping on a bed with an embodiment of the bedding product thereon.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a bed with the embodiment of the bedding product of FIG. 1 thereon.

[0011] FIG. 3 shows individuals sleeping on a bed with another embodiment of the bedding product thereon.

[0012] FIG. 4 shows individuals sleeping on a bed with yet another embodiment of the bedding product thereon.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows individuals sleeping on a bed with still yet another embodiment of the bedding product thereon.

[0014] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The invention as described herein relates to bedding products. A "bedding product" is any item that relates to bedding that is made of a fabric or like material. This includes, but is not limited to, sheets, bedspreads, comforters, blankets, duvet covers, pillow cases and pillows.

[0016] The bedding product comprises at least two variations or portions of fabric. The fabric can be any type now known or invented in the future. Examples of fabrics include, but are not limited to, cotton, flannel, wool, silk, sateen, satin, twill, tweed, fleece, cashmere, chenille, felt, jersey knit, polyester, rayon, modal, nylon, velour, viscose, plastic, blends, or any other suitable material or combinations of these materials. The variations of fabric include, but are not limited to, (1) having different fabrics present; (2) having the same fabric used throughout the bedding product, but one portion of the bedding product is of a different weight from the other portion; and (3) having the same fabric or different fabrics present and also having the portions of fabric be different in color, pattern, design and/or texture.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the bedding product is a sheet 100 or a bedspread or comforter 200 having the variations of fabric situated so that the user(s) 102, 104 of the product is comfortable and/or finds the bedding product aesthetically appealing. Generally, the bedding product 100, 200 is divided so that it tailors to the comfort of the individual(s) 102, 104 sleeping on either side of a bed. If two people prefer different room temperatures, one preferring to be warm and the other preferring to be cold, the bedding product has a lighter weight material 106, 206 for the person who prefers colder temperatures and a heavier weight or warmer material 108, 208 for the person who prefers warmer temperatures. The same bedding product 100, 200 can be used for an individual who sometimes prefers warmer temperatures and who at other times prefers colder temperatures. Such a bedding product would prevent the individual from having to purchase both "winter" and "summer" bedding products.

[0018] Alternatively, if the bedding product's users have specific extremities that get cold but the remainder of their bodies remain warm, the bedding product can utilize a heavier or warmer material for the "cold" extremities and a lighter material for the remainder of the users' bodies. This type of bedding product can be used for people whose toes or feet get cold but who otherwise find the room temperature comfortable (see FIG. 4). This embodiment of the bedding product also facilitates having the heavier or warmer material strategically placed so that if two people share a bed and only one person's toes gets cold, the heavier or warmer material can be placed solely on the portion covering that individual's toes (see FIG. 5).

[0019] The appearance of the bedding product can be either a discreet blending of the two fabrics or an overt design statement. The fabrics can be permanently or impermanently sewn, fused or joined together. The difference in the texture of the fabric would indicate that the bedding product was made from two different fabrics, but using fabrics of the same color and/or pattern would minimize the variance. Alternatively, when creating a unique design statement, the fabrics can complement one another or be moderately or drastically different in appearance. A non-limiting example of a unique design statement is having one-half of the bedding product be white with blue polka dots and the other half of the product be blue with white polka dots; in this instance, the remainder of the bedding products can create an entire ensemble of blended fabrics, colors and/or textures.

[0020] If the bedding product has the fabrics not permanently joined together, the user can "mix and match" bedding products to obtain the look and feel he or she desires. This means that if the bedding product is a blanket and the user wishes to change one portion of the blanket, he or she could buy a new portion and attach it to the "old" portion.

[0021] The bedding products can be produced so that they complement one another. A bedspread or comforter 200 (FIG. 3) can contain elements of certain fabrics and throw pillows can be designed so that each side of the pillow is covered in different fabrics that complement the bedspread or comforter 200. Other accessories to the bedding products can also contain elements of the different fabrics utilized. Trash cans, lamp shades, window shades, draperies and curtains are just some of the many accessories that can blend into the bedding product design.

[0022] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the heavier or warmer fabric may be located in any location where a user prefers warmth. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bedding product comprising: two fabric portions having different, respective warmths; the fabric portions sized and positioned relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths.

2. The bedding product of claim 1, wherein the bedding product is selected from the group consisting of a sheet, comforter, and blanket, wherein the two fabric portions have respective longitudinal edges, and wherein the portions are secured in relation to each other along respective longitudinal edges to position the areas on respective sides of the bedding product, the areas sized so that one area substantially covers one side of a two person bed and the other area substantially covers the other side of the two person bed, thereby permitting an individual's comfort preference level to be accommodated.

3. The bedding product of claim 2, wherein the two fabric portions are secured directly to each other along opposing longitudinal edges.

4. The bedding product of claim 1, wherein the two fabric portions are integral with each other, the areas corresponding to different regions of an integral material.

5. The bedding product of claim 1, wherein the two fabric portions are secured relative to each other to position the area having greater warmth to contact the feet of at least one individual.

6. The bedding product of claim 1, wherein the two fabric portions comprise at least two materials, the materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, flannel, wool, silk, sateen, satin, twill, tweed, fleece, cashmere, chenille, felt, jersey knit, polyester, rayon, modal, nylon, velour, viscose, plastic, and blends of these materials with each other and other materials.

7. The bedding product of claim 1, wherein the two fabric portions comprise two different corresponding weights of substantially the same material.

8. A sheet set for use with a bed for two individuals, the bed having one side for one individual to sleep on and another side for the other individual to sleep on, the sheet set comprising: a top sheet, a bottom sheet, and at least one pillow case, the sheets sized to cover both sides of the bed; at least one sheet selected from the group consisting of the top sheet and the bottom sheet, the sheet having two fabric portions with different, respective warmths, one portion sized and positioned on the sheet to substantially cover one side of the bed, the other portion sized and positioned on the sheet to substantially cover the other side of the bed, the fabric portions located relative to each other to define two, physically distinct areas having different, corresponding warmths, thereby permitting an individual's comfort preference level to be accommodated; the pillow case comprising fabric corresponding to at least one of the fabric portions; the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the pillow case being imprinted with a coordinating pattern selected from the group consisting of a color, design and image.

9. The sheet set of claim 8, wherein the pattern extends uniformly over both of the fabric portions to create a unified design, whereby the boundary between the two fabric portions is not substantially discernible by the unified design.

10. The sheet set of claim 8, wherein the two fabric portions comprise respective, separate panels of corresponding material secured to each other by suitable stitching, and wherein the patterns of the respective fabric portions differ from each other.

11. The sheet set of claim 8, wherein the two fabric portions comprise at least two materials, the materials selected from the group consisting of cotton, flannel, wool, silk, sateen, satin, twill, tweed, fleece, cashmere, chenille, felt, jersey knit, polyester, rayon, modal, nylon, velour, viscose, plastic, and blends of these materials with each other and other materials.

12. The sheet set of claim 8, wherein the two fabric portions comprise two different corresponding weights of substantially the same material.

13. A bedding product comprising: a first half and a second half, wherein the first and second halves are located opposite each other; cotton located on the first half of the bedding product; and fleece located on the second half of the bedding product.

14. The bedding product of claim 13, wherein the bedding product further comprises a sheet.

15. The bedding product of claim 13, wherein the cotton and fleece are different in at least one item selected from the group consisting of weight, color, pattern, design, texture, and warmth.

16. The bedding product of claim 13, wherein the cotton and fleece are sewn, fused or joined together.

17. The bedding product of claim 13, wherein the cotton and fleece are substantially similar in color.