U.S. patent application number 12/841325 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for corner components for a bed sheet.
Invention is credited to Cooper Hipp.
Application Number | 20100275374 12/841325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029277 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hipp; Cooper |
November 4, 2010 |
CORNER COMPONENTS FOR A BED SHEET
Abstract
An apparatus includes a first corner component that is
configured to be attached to a first corner of a bed sheet, and a
second corner component that is configured to be attached to a
second corner of the bed sheet that is on an opposite end but same
side of the bed sheet relative to the first corner. The first
corner component comprises means for coupling to the second corner
component during folding of the bed sheet. In another embodiment, a
loop is attached to one or more of the first corner component and
the second corner component, and the loop aids in the folding of
the sheet, and/or the loop in attached to the sheet.
Inventors: |
Hipp; Cooper; (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
43029277 |
Appl. No.: |
12/841325 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12176022 |
Jul 18, 2008 |
7761940 |
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12841325 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/496 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/0246 20130101;
A44B 17/0052 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/496 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a first corner component that is
configured to be attached to a first corner of a bed sheet, the
first corner component comprising a first cap and a first bottom
attachment to couple to the first cap with the first corner of the
bed sheet in between, wherein the first bottom attachment includes
a first female fastener that is not used to attach the first cap to
the first bottom attachment; and a second corner component that is
configured to be attached to a second corner of the bed sheet, the
second corner component comprising a second cap and a second bottom
attachment to couple to the second cap with the second corner of
the bed sheet in between, wherein the second bottom attachment
includes a first male fastener that is not used to attach the
second cap to the second bottom attachment, wherein the first
female fastener is configured to be coupled to the first male
fastener during folding of the bed sheet.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bed sheet comprises a
fitted bed sheet.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bed sheet comprises a flat
bed sheet.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the first
corner component and the second corner component are configured
such that when a user folds the bed sheet, the user is able to
grasp one or more of the first corner component and the second
corner component when the first female fastener is coupled to the
first male fastener.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second corner component is
configured to be attached to an opposite end but same side of the
bed sheet relative to the first corner.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a third corner
component that is configured to be attached to a third corner of
the bed sheet, the third corner component comprising a third cap
and a third bottom attachment to couple to the third cap with the
third corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the third bottom
attachment includes a second female fastener that is not used to
attach the third cap to the third bottom attachment; and a fourth
corner component that is configured to be attached to a fourth
corner of the bed sheet, the fourth corner component comprising a
fourth cap and a fourth bottom attachment to couple to the fourth
cap with the fourth corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the
fourth bottom attachment includes a second male fastener that is
not used to attach the fourth cap to the fourth bottom attachment,
wherein the second female fastener is configured to be coupled to
the second male fastener during folding of the bed sheet.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fourth corner component is
configured such that it is attached to an opposite end but same
side of the bed sheet relative to the third corner.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein one or more of the third
corner component and the fourth corner component are configured
such that when a user folds the bed sheet, the user is able to
grasp one or more of the third corner component and the fourth
corner component when the second female fastener is coupled to the
second male fastener.
9. An apparatus comprising: a bed sheet comprising, a first corner
component that is configured to be attached to a first corner of
the bed sheet, the first corner component comprising a first cap
and a first bottom attachment to couple to the first cap with the
first corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the first bottom
attachment includes a first female fastener that is not used to
attach the first cap to the first bottom attachment; a second
corner component that is configured to be attached to a second
corner of the bed sheet, the second corner component comprising a
second cap and a second bottom attachment to couple to the second
cap with the second corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the
second bottom attachment includes a first male fastener that is not
used to attach the second cap to the second bottom attachment,
wherein the first female fastener is configured to be coupled to
the first male fastener during folding of the bed sheet; a third
corner component that is configured to be attached to a third
corner of a bed sheet, the third corner component comprising a
third cap and a third bottom attachment to couple to the third cap
with the third corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the
third bottom attachment includes a second female fastener that is
not used to attach the third cap to the third bottom attachment;
and a fourth corner component that is configured to be attached to
a fourth corner of the bed sheet, the fourth corner component
comprising a fourth cap and a fourth bottom attachment to couple to
the fourth cap with the fourth corner of the bed sheet in between,
wherein the fourth bottom attachment includes a second male
fastener that is not used to attach the fourth cap to the fourth
bottom attachment, wherein the second female fastener is configured
to be coupled to the second male fastener during folding of the bed
sheet.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein one or more of the first
corner component and the second corner component are configured
such that when a user folds the bed sheet, the user is able to
grasp one or more of the first corner component and the second
corner component when the first female fastener is coupled to the
first male fastener.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one or more of the third
corner component and the fourth corner component are configured
such that when a user folds the bed sheet, the user is able to
grasp one or more of the third corner component and the fourth
corner component when the second female fastener is coupled to the
second male fastener.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second corner component
is configured to be attached to a second corner of the bed sheet
that is on an opposite end but same side of the bed sheet relative
to the first corner; and wherein the fourth corner component is
configured to be attached to a fourth corner of the bed sheet that
is on an opposite end but same side of the bed sheet relative to
the third corner.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bed sheet comprises a
fitted bed sheet.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bed sheet comprises a
flat bed sheet.
15. A method comprising: folding a bed sheet, wherein the folding
comprises, holding a first corner component, wherein the first
corner component comprises a first cap that is coupled to a first
bottom attachment of the first corner component with a first corner
of the bed sheet in between; holding a second corner component,
wherein the second corner component comprises a second cap that is
coupled to a second bottom attachment of the second corner
component with a second corner of the bed sheet in between;
connecting, while holding the first corner component, a first
female fastener that is part of the first bottom attachment to a
first male fastener of a third bottom attachment of a third corner
component, wherein a third cap of the third corner component is
coupled to the third bottom attachment with a third corner of the
bed sheet in between, wherein the third corner is on an opposite
end but same side of the bed sheet relative to the first corner;
and connecting, while holding the second corner component, a second
female fastener that is part of the second bottom attachment to a
second male fastener of a fourth bottom attachment of a fourth
corner component, wherein a fourth cap of the fourth corner
component is coupled to fourth bottom attachment with a fourth
corner of the bed sheet in between, wherein the fourth corner is on
an opposite end but same side of the bed sheet relative to the
second corner.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein folding the bed sheet comprises
bringing together the first corner having the first corner
component and the second corner having the second corner
component.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the bed sheet comprises a
fitted bed sheet.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the bed sheet comprises a flat
bed sheet.
19. An apparatus comprising: a first corner component that is
configured to be attached to a first corner of a bed sheet; and a
second corner component that is configured to be attached to a
second corner of the bed sheet that is on an opposite end but same
side of the bed sheet relative to the first corner; wherein the
first corner component comprises means for coupling to the second
corner component during folding of the bed sheet.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means for coupling the
first corner component to the second corner component comprises one
or more of a magnet, a clip, a hook, and Velcro.RTM..
21. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising a loop coupled to one or
more of the first corner component and the second corner
component.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein one or more of the first
corner component and the second corner component are attached to
the bed sheet by one or more of stitching, an adhesive, and
Velcro.RTM.
23. An apparatus comprising: a bed sheet comprising: a first corner
component that is configured to be attached to a first corner of a
bed sheet; and a second corner component that is configured to be
attached to a second corner of the bed sheet that is on an opposite
end but same side of the bed sheet relative to the first corner;
wherein the first corner component comprises means for coupling to
the second corner component during folding of the bed sheet.
24. An apparatus comprising: a bed sheet comprising, a first corner
component comprising a first cap and a first bottom attachment to
couple to the first cap with a first cord in between, wherein the
first cord is attached to a first corner of the bed sheet, wherein
the first bottom attachment includes a first male fastener that is
not used to attach the first cap to the first bottom attachment;
and a second corner component comprising a second cap and a second
bottom attachment to couple to the second cap with a second cord in
between, wherein the second cord is attached to a second corner of
the bed sheet, wherein the second bottom attachment includes a
first female fastener that is not used to attach the second cap to
the second bottom attachment, wherein the first female fastener is
configured to be coupled to the first male fastener during folding
of the bed sheet.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, comprising: a third corner component
comprising a third cap and a third bottom attachment to couple to
the third cap with a third cord in between, wherein the third cord
is attached to a third corner of the bed sheet, wherein the third
bottom attachment includes a second female fastener that is not
used to attach the third cap to the third bottom attachment; and a
fourth corner component comprising a fourth cap and a fourth bottom
attachment to couple to the fourth cap with a fourth cord in
between, wherein the fourth cord is attached to a fourth corner of
the bed sheet, wherein the fourth bottom attachment includes a
second male fastener that is not used to attach the fourth cap to
the fourth bottom attachment, wherein the second female fastener is
configured to be coupled to the second male fastener during folding
of the bed sheet.
26. An apparatus comprising: a bed sheet comprising, a first corner
component comprising a first cord, wherein the first cord is
attached to a first corner of the bed sheet, wherein the first
corner component comprises a first male fastener; and a second
corner component comprising a second cord, wherein the second cord
is attached to a second corner of the bed sheet, wherein the second
component comprises a first female fastener, wherein the first
female fastener is configured to be coupled to the first male
fastener during folding of the bed sheet.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of and claims the
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to Cooper Hipp, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/176,022, entitled "CORNER COMPONENTS
FOR A BED SHEET," filed on Jul. 18, 2008 (Attorney Docket No.
2841.001US1), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The approaches described in this section could be pursued,
but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously
conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein,
the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the
claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by
inclusion in this section.
[0003] There are different types and sizes of bed sheets. For
example, the types include fitted, flat, etc., while the sizes
include single, double, queen, king, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The embodiments are provided by way of example and not
limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which
like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a bed sheet, according to some example
embodiments.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a corner component having a female
fastener, according to some example embodiments.
[0007] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a corner component having a male
fastener, according to some example embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates two corner components for two corners of
a bed sheet that are coupled together, according to some example
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a top side of bed sheet having corner
components that include loops, according to some example
embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom side a bed sheet having corner
components, according to some example embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a method for folding a bed sheet
having corner components, according to some example
embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a corner component, a portion thereof
having a male fastener and a portion thereof having a female
fastener, according to some example embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the corner component of
FIGS. 8A-8D coupled to a bed sheet.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates the corner component of FIGS. 8A-8D,
including a male fastener and a female fastener, coupled to a bed
sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Methods, apparatus and systems for corner components for a
bed sheet are described. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that
embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, structures and techniques
have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the
understanding of this description.
[0016] Some example embodiments include one or more components that
are attached to corners of a bed sheet to enable fitting of the bed
sheet on a bed mattress. In some example embodiments, these same
components may also be used to enable the folding of the bed sheet.
Some example embodiments may be used on any type of bed sheet
(e.g., fitted, flat, etc.). Further, these components may be
permanently or detachably affixed to the bed sheet.
[0017] In some example embodiments, there is a component for each
of the four corners of the bed sheet. In some example embodiments,
a given component may include a cap and a bottom attachment wherein
the bed sheet is in between when the cap and the bottom attachment
are coupled together. The cap may be positioned on top of the bed
sheet relative to when the bed sheet is placed on a bed mattress.
Moreover, the cap may include some type of label to identify which
corner of the bed mattress that the corner of the bed sheet is to
be placed. For example, the labels may be head-right, head-left,
foot-right and foot-left. Such labels ensure that the person
placing the sheet on the mattress does so on a first attempt. In
particular, a bed sheet and mattress are generally rectangular (not
square). Accordingly, this rectangular shape prevents any corner of
the sheet being placed on any corner of the mattress. Incorrectly
placing a first corner of the sheet onto the mattress precludes a
person from correctly placing the remaining three corners onto the
mattress. The labels, in accordance with some example embodiments,
preclude the misaligning of the corners of the sheet with the
corners of the mattress.
[0018] Moreover, in some example embodiments, these same corner
components may also be used in folding the bed sheet. Folding bed
sheets (especially fitted sheets) may be problematic because of the
gathered edges that are used to keep the sheet fitted on the
mattress. Proper folding of fitted sheets generally reduces the
size of the sheet after the folding is completed. In some example
embodiments, the bottom attachment of these components include a
female or male fastener. For example, the components at the top and
the bottom of the sheet may be female and male, respectively (or
vice versa). As further described below, as part of the folding of
the sheet, the top fasteners are attached to the bottom fasteners
for the two different sides of the sheet. In some example
embodiments, the caps of the top components include loops that are
used to hold the sheet while the sheet is being folded. These loops
may be a part of the caps. Alternatively, these loops may be
separate components that are positioned between the cap and the
bottom attachment after the cap and the bottom attachment are
coupled together. Accordingly, as described, some example
embodiments include corner components for bed sheets that allow for
a person (1) to more easily place the sheet on a mattress and (2)
to more easily fold the sheet.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a bed sheet, according to some example
embodiments. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a bed sheet 100 that
includes a head 102 and a foot 104. The bed sheet 100 may be any
type of bed sheet (e.g., fitted, flat, etc.). Four corner
components are attached at the four corners of the bed sheet 100. A
corner component 106 is attached to a corner at the head, left side
of the bed sheet 100. A corner component 108 is attached to a
corner at the head, right side of the bed sheet 100. A corner
component 110 is attached to a corner at the foot, left side of the
bed sheet 100. A corner component 112 is attached to a corner at
the foot, right side of the bed sheet 100. These corner components
may be permanently or detachably affixed to the bed sheet 100. A
more detailed description of the corner components is now
described.
[0020] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a corner component having a female
fastener, according to some example embodiments. FIGS. 2A-2C
illustrate a corner component 200 that may be representative of any
of the corner components of FIG. 1. The corner component 200
includes a cap 202 and a bottom attachment 204. The bottom
attachment 204 includes a female fastener 207. As further described
below, another type of corner component includes a male fastener.
Accordingly, two corner components are coupled together using the
female and male fasteners. In particular, these fasteners may be
used for coupling together when the bed sheet is being folded.
[0021] As shown, the bed sheet 100 is between the cap 202 and the
bottom attachment 204 when the two are attached together. The cap
202 includes a pin 205 that is inserted into a receiver section of
the bottom attachment 204 when the cap 202 is attached to the
bottom attachment 204. The pin 205 pierces the bed sheet 100 and is
then inserted into the receiver section of the bottom attachment
204. Accordingly, the cap 202 is secured to the bottom attachment
204 with the bed sheet 100 in between.
[0022] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a corner component having a male
fastener, according to some example embodiments. FIGS. 3A-3C
illustrate a corner component 300 that may be representative of any
of the corner components of FIG. 1. The corner component 300
includes a cap 302 and a bottom attachment 304. The bottom
attachment 304 includes a male fastener 307.
[0023] As shown, the bed sheet 100 is between the cap 302 and the
bottom attachment 304 when the two are attached together. The cap
302 includes a pin 305 that is inserted into a receiver section of
the bottom attachment 304 when the cap 302 is attached to the
bottom attachment 304. The pin 305 pierces the bed sheet 100 and is
then inserted into the receiver section of the bottom attachment
304. Accordingly, the cap 302 is secured to the bottom attachment
304 with the bed sheet 100 in between.
[0024] In some example embodiments for a given bed sheet, two
corner components include a female fastener and two corner
components include a male fastener. For example, the two corner
components at the head of the bed sheet may include female
fasteners, while the two corner components at the foot of the bed
sheet may include male fasteners. Alternatively, the two corner
components at the head of the bed sheet may include male fasteners,
while the two corner components at the foot of the bed sheet may
include female fasteners. Alternatively, the two corners components
on the left side of the bed sheet may include female fasteners,
while the two corner components on the right side of the bed sheet
may include male fasteners, or vice versa relative to the sides of
the bed sheet.
[0025] In some example embodiments, the cap 202 and the cap 302 are
on the top side of the bed sheet relative to the bed sheet being
placed on a bed mattress. The cap 202 and the cap 302 may include
some type of label to identify which corner of the bed mattress
that the corner of the bed sheet is to be placed. For example, the
labels may be head-right, head-left, foot-right and foot-left. Such
labels ensure that the person placing the sheet on the mattress
does so on a first attempt (as described above).
[0026] While FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a pin and receiver section
for coupling the two parts of the corner components together,
embodiments are not so limited. In some example embodiments, the
cap and the bottom attachment may be in a button configuration for
snapping together. In some example embodiments, the cap and the
bottom attachment may be attached to the bed sheet via Velcro or
stitching. Accordingly, the cap and the bottom attachment are not
directly coupled together.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates two corner components for two corners of
a bed sheet that are coupled together, according to some example
embodiments. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates two corner
components coupled together through the female fastener of a first
bottom attachment of a first corner component and the male fastener
of a second bottom attachment of a second corner component. In FIG.
4, the corner component 200 of FIG. 2 is coupled to the corner
component 300 of FIG. 3. As shown, the female fastener of the
corner component 200 is attached to the male fastener of the corner
component 300. This enables two corners of a bed sheet to be
coupled together. For example, the head and the foot for a given
side of a bed sheet may be coupled together. As described below,
such coupling may be used to the folding of the bed sheet.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a top side of bed sheet having corner
components that include loops, according to some example
embodiments. In particular, FIG. 5 includes a top side of a bed
sheet 500 relative to its positioned after being placed on a bed
mattress. The bed sheet 500 includes a head 502 and a foot 504. The
bed sheet 500 may be any type of bed sheet (e.g., fitted, flat,
etc.). Four corner components are attached at the four corners of
the bed sheet 500. A cap 506 of a corner component is attached to a
corner at the head, left side of the bed sheet 500. A cap 508 of a
corner component is attached to a corner at the head, right side of
the bed sheet 500. A cap 510 of a corner component is attached to a
corner at the foot, left side of the bed sheet 500. A cap 512 of a
corner component is attached to a corner at the foot, right side of
the bed sheet 500. These corner components may be permanently or
detachably affixed to the bed sheet 500.
[0029] A loop 520 is positioned at the corner at the head, left
side of the bed sheet 500. A loop 522 is positioned at the corner
at the head, right side of the bed sheet 500. In some example
embodiments, the loops 520 and 522 may be permanently affixed to
the caps 506 and 508, respectively. Alternatively, the loops 520
and 522 may be separate components that are positioned between the
caps 506 and 508, respectively, after the caps are coupled to their
associated bottom attachments. As further described below, the
loops 520 and 522 may be used to assisting the folding of the bed
sheet.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom side a bed sheet having corner
components, according to some example embodiments. In particular,
FIG. 6 includes a bottom side of a bed sheet 600 relative to its
positioned after being placed on a bed mattress. The bed sheet 600
includes a head 602 and a foot 604. The bed sheet 600 may be any
type of bed sheet (e.g., fitted, flat, etc.). Four corner
components are attached at the four corners of the bed sheet 600. A
bottom attachment 606 of a corner component is attached to a corner
at the head, left side of the bed sheet 600. A bottom attachment
608 of a corner component is attached to a corner at the head,
right side of the bed sheet 600. A bottom attachment 610 of a
corner component is attached to a corner at the foot, left side of
the bed sheet 600. A bottom attachment 612 of a corner component is
attached to a corner at the foot, right side of the bed sheet 600.
These corner components may be permanently or detachably affixed to
the bed sheet 600.
[0031] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate having two loops positioned on the top
side and at the head of the bed sheet. However, embodiments are not
so limited. In some example embodiments, there may be a greater or
lesser number of loops. Also, in some example embodiments, if there
are two loops, the two loops may be in other positions (e.g., foot,
left side, right side, opposite corners, etc.). Also, in some
example embodiments, the loops may be positioned on the bottom side
of the bed sheet.
[0032] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a method for folding a bed sheet
having corner components, according to some example embodiments. In
particular, FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a method for folding a bed sheet
700. While illustrated relative to having loops, in some example
embodiments, the method may be performed without the loops.
[0033] In FIG. 7A, the person folds the bed sheet 700 such that a
head 720 is folded into the foot 722 of the bed sheet 700. In FIG.
7B, using their right hand, a user holds a loop for a cap 708
positioned at the head, right side of the bed sheet 700. Using
their left hand, the user locates a bottom attachment 704. The user
then connects the male fastener of the bottom attachment 704 to the
female fastener of the cap 708. Using their left hand, a user holds
a loop for a cap 706 positioned at the head, left side of the bed
sheet 700. Using their right hand, the user locates a bottom
attachment on the foot, bottom side (not shown). The user then
connects the male fastener of the bottom attachment (not shown) to
the female fastener of the cap 706.
[0034] In FIG. 7C, the user holds the loop for the cap 708 in their
left hand and holds the loop for the cap 706 in their right hand.
This holding creates a flat draping of the bed sheet 700. In FIG.
7D, the user brings together the two loops, thereby folding the bed
sheet 700. Depending on the desired folded size, the user may
continue folding the bed sheet 700 in half until the desired
storage size is achieved.
[0035] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a corner component 800, a portion
thereof having a male fastener and a portion thereof having a
female fastener, according to some example embodiments.
Specifically, FIG. 8A illustrates a male assembly 805 of a corner
component 800. The male assembly 805 of FIG. 8A includes a cap 810,
a cap base 815, and a cord 820. The cap base 815 includes a knob
816, a guide 817, and an opening 818 in the guide 817. The knob 816
couples with a receptacle (not shown) on the underside of the cap
810. The cord 820 includes a loop 821 and extensions 822. The loop
821 is placed around the knob 816, the extensions 822 extend
through the opening 818 in the guide 817, and the cord 820 is
secured therein when the cap 810 and the cap base 815 are coupled
together via the knob 816 and the receptacle on the underside of
the cap 810.
[0036] FIG. 8B illustrates a female assembly 830. The female
assembly 830 includes a cap base 835 and a cap 840. The female
assembly 830 includes a knob and receptacle (both not shown in FIG.
8B) just like the knob 816 and receptacle of FIG. 8A. The female
assembly 830 is formed by coupling the cap base 835 to the cap 840.
The cap 840 of FIG. 8B includes a female fastener 845, which
receives the cap base 815 of the male assembly 805 of FIG. 8A, as
illustrated in FIG. 8C. The completed assembly of the corner
component 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8D.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates the male assembly 805 of FIG. 8A coupled
to a bed sheet 860 via the cord 822. The cord 822 can be sewn into
a corner seam as shown in FIG. 9. In other embodiments, it can be
sewn into other portions of the bed sheet. In a similar fashion,
the female assembly 830 can be sewn into a corner that is opposite,
but preferably on the same side, as the corner into which the male
assembly 805 is sewn. The male assembly 805 and the female assembly
830 can then be used to fold a bed sheet 860 as disclosed above.
FIG. 10 illustrates the male assembly 805 and the female assembly
830, each coupled via its cord 822 to a particular corner of a bed
sheet 860. FIG. 10 further illustrates the coupling of the male
assembly 805 and the female assembly 830, and the resulting
alignment of the respective corners of the bed sheet 860 to which
the respective cords are attached, as occurs in the process of
folding the bed sheet 860 as disclosed above.
[0038] In any of the disclosed embodiments, the means for coupling
one corner component to another corner component can include a
magnet, a clip, a hook, a loop, and Velcro.RTM.. Similarly, in any
of the disclosed embodiments, a corner component can be coupled to
a bed sheet by stitching, an adhesive, and Velcro.RTM..
[0039] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0040] In view of the wide variety of permutations to the
embodiments described herein, this detailed description is intended
to be illustrative only, and should not be taken as limiting the
scope of the invention. What is claimed as the invention,
therefore, is all such modifications as may come within the scope
and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.
Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
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