U.S. patent application number 14/216301 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothing.
This patent application is currently assigned to BEDTIME SOLUTIONS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is BEDTIME SOLUTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Christiana R. Valley, Joseph Valley.
Application Number | 20140259403 14/216301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520481 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259403 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Valley; Christiana R. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING THE SOILING OF BEDCLOTHING
Abstract
The invention relates to an apparatus for preventing the soiling
of bedclothes such as bedsheets, blankets and bedspreads. The
apparatus incorporates waterproof material placed in strategic
locations to prevent urine from reaching the bedclothing. The
waterproof material is advantageously placed beneath and above the
individual user to prevent soiling of both the bedclothing
underneath and the bedclothing on top of the individual user. The
waterproof material on top of the individual user is limited to a
central portion, and the remaining material is a breathable fabric
to allow for a more comfortable sleep environment.
Inventors: |
Valley; Christiana R.;
(Mooresville, NC) ; Valley; Joseph; (Mooresville,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BEDTIME SOLUTIONS, INC. |
MOORESVILLE |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BEDTIME SOLUTIONS, INC.
MOORESVILLE
NC
|
Family ID: |
51520481 |
Appl. No.: |
14/216301 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61787679 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20130101;
A47G 9/0238 20130101; A47C 31/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/484 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/10 20060101
A47C031/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes
comprising: a tubular member, said tubular member having a
longitudinally-elongated top panel having a first edge, a second
edge, a peripheral portion, and a central portion, said tubular
member further having a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel
having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge of said
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel being attached substantially
along said first edge of said longitudinally-elongated top panel,
and said tubular member further having a head end and a foot end;
wherein said central portion of said longitudinally-elongated top
panel is substantially comprised of waterproof material; and
wherein said peripheral portion of said longitudinally-elongated
top panel is substantially comprised of breathable material.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a securing member
having a first end and a second end, said first end of the securing
member being attached to the tubular member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the securing member comprises
a flap; wherein the flap is configured such that at least a portion
of the flap may be inserted between a first supporting surface and
a second supporting surface to substantially prevent movement of
the apparatus along the plane of the first supporting surface
during use.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the longitudinal length of the
securing member is greater than one-half the longitudinal length of
the tubular member.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the flap comprises a fabric
panel.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first supporting surface
comprises a mattress.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second supporting surface
comprises a bed frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second supporting surface
comprises a box spring.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a handle member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle member is attached
to the tubular member.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle member is attached
to the securing member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of said
longitudinally-elongated top panel.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a zipper.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a hook-and-loop fastener.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a plurality of snap fasteners.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material
comprises vinyl.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waterproof material
comprises polyurethane laminate (PUL).
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breathable material
comprises cotton.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breathable material
comprises polyester.
20. An apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes
comprising: a tubular member, said tubular member having a
longitudinally-elongated top panel having a first edge, a second
edge, a peripheral portion, and a central portion, said tubular
member further having a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel
having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge of said
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel being attached substantially
along said first edge of said longitudinally-elongated top panel,
and said tubular member further having a head end and a foot end; a
securing member having a first end and a second end, said first end
of the securing member being attached to the tubular member; and a
handle member attached to either the tubular member or the securing
member; wherein said central portion of said
longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised of
waterproof material; wherein said longitudinally-elongated bottom
panel is substantially comprised of waterproof material; and
wherein said peripheral portion of said longitudinally-elongated
top panel is substantially comprised of breathable material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/787,679 for Apparatus for
Preventing the Soiling of Bedclothing, filed on Mar. 15, 2013,
which provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to bedclothes, and, more
specifically, to an apparatus for preventing the soiling of
bedclothes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many children and adolescents experience intermittent or
chronic urinary incontinence, often taking the form of bedwetting
during naps or nighttime sleep. Typically, children at least five
years of age who experience persistent nighttime wetting will be
diagnosed as having nocturnal enuresis. The causes of nocturnal
enuresis are varied and include a small bladder, stress, delayed
development of toilet training skills, neurological disorders, and
persistent urinary tract infections. For the parents of children
experiencing either normal bedwetting (e.g., bedwetting by children
under age five) or an elimination disorder like nocturnal enuresis,
ensuring that the child's bedclothes (e.g., bedding, sheets,
bedspread, comforter, and/or blankets) remain clean and sanitary
can be a time-consuming and stressful chore. If a child is
bedwetting virtually every night, the parent faces the task of
removing the soiled sheets and blankets, laundering them, then
returning them to the child's bed in time for sleep that night.
Over time, this can lead to significant stress for the parent as
they face a seemingly endless cycle of dirty bedclothes.
[0004] Some adults experience urinary incontinence issues as well.
These adults may experience a leakage of urine due to medications
they are taking, physiological conditions, or as a result of other
medical conditions. The urinary incontinence can sometimes manifest
itself in the form of bedwetting. As such, some adults must also
grapple with the burden of frequently laundering soiled
bedclothes.
[0005] In the hospital or nursing home setting, caregivers often
deal with patients who have conditions that result in frequent
soiling of bedclothes. These conditions may include various forms
of incontinence, or bleeding or drainage from wounds or sores.
Repeated removal of all of the patient's bedclothes cannot only be
time-consuming for the caregiver, but can be disturbing for the
patient, who typically must be removed from the bed to allow for a
changing of the bedclothes.
[0006] There exists a variety of products designed to protect
bedclothes and mattresses from soiling. For example, there are
waterproof sheets or pads that can be placed underneath the person
to prevent the underlying sheets and mattress from becoming soiled.
While the positioning of waterproof materials beneath the
individual is generally effective at preventing the soiling of the
underlying sheet and mattress, this approach does nothing to
prevent the soiling of sheets, blankets and bedspreads that may be
lying on top of the individual. These overlying bedclothes often
become soiled either directly, or after coming into contact with
urine that has collected on top of the waterproof material
positioned beneath the individual. The overlying bedclothes can be
protected from soiling by placing an additional waterproof sheet in
between the individual and the overlying bedclothing. This solution
is unsatisfactory, however, because the overlying waterproof sheet,
which is typically comprised of a non-breathable fabric, does not
allow for sufficient airflow and cooling of the patient. This
results in an uncomfortable overheating of the individual, thereby
making it difficult or impossible to achieve restful sleep.
[0007] What is needed is an apparatus that protects bedclothing
from becoming soiled while allowing for suitable airflow. In
particular, what is needed is a protective apparatus that protects
the bedclothing underneath and on top of the individual while
allowing the individual to remain at a comfortable temperature to
achieve restful sleep.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention embraces an apparatus
for preventing the soiling of bedclothes.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention embraces an
apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes underneath and
on top of an individual user.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces an
apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes, which
protective apparatus prevents the soiling of bedclothes while
maintaining a comfortable sleeping temperature for the
individual.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces an
apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes that includes a
tubular member. The tubular member has a longitudinally-elongated
top panel. The longitudinally-elongated top panel has a first edge,
a second edge, a peripheral portion, and a central portion. The
tubular member also has a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel
having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is attached substantially
along the first edge of the longitudinally-elongated top panel. The
tubular member also has a head end and a foot end. The central
portion of the longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially
made of waterproof material. The peripheral portion of the
longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially made of
breathable material.
[0012] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a securing member
having a first end and a second end. The first end of the securing
member is attached to the tubular member.
[0013] In another embodiment, the securing member comprises a flap.
The flap is configured such that at least a portion of the flap may
be inserted between a first supporting surface and a second
supporting surface to substantially prevent movement of the
apparatus along the plane of the first supporting surface during
use.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal length of the
securing member is greater than one-half the longitudinal length of
the tubular member.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the flap comprises a fabric
panel.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the first supporting surface
comprises a mattress.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, the second supporting surface
comprises a bed frame.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the second supporting surface
comprises a box spring.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle
member.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the handle member is attached to
the tubular member.
[0021] In yet another embodiment, the handle member is attached to
the securing member.
[0022] In yet another embodiment, the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a zipper.
[0024] In yet another embodiment, the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a hook-and-loop fastener.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached
substantially along the second edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel by a plurality of snap fasteners.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, the waterproof material comprises
vinyl.
[0027] In yet another embodiment, the waterproof material comprises
polyurethane laminate (PUL).
[0028] In yet another embodiment, the breathable material comprises
cotton.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the breathable material comprises
polyester.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention embraces an
apparatus for preventing the soiling of bedclothes. The apparatus
includes a tubular member having a longitudinally-elongated top
panel. The longitudinally-elongated top panel has a first edge, a
second edge, a peripheral portion, and a central portion. The
tubular member further has a longitudinally-elongated bottom panel
having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is attached substantially
along the first edge of the longitudinally-elongated top panel. The
tubular member also has a head end and a foot end. The apparatus
also includes a securing member having a first end and a second
end. The first end of the securing member is attached to the
tubular member. A handle member is attached to either the tubular
member or the securing member. The central portion of the
longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised of
waterproof material. The substantially-elongated bottom panel is
substantially comprised of waterproof material. The peripheral
portion of the longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially
comprised of breathable material.
[0031] The foregoing, as well as other objectives and advantages of
the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished,
are further specified within the following detailed description and
its accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary apparatus
according to the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary
apparatus according to the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view depicting a typical use by
an individual in a bed of an exemplary apparatus according to the
present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary
apparatus according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The disclosure relates to an apparatus for preventing
bedclothes from becoming soiled by an individual, such as soiling
from bedwetting. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus
comprises a tubular member having a longitudinally-elongated top
panel having a first edge, a second edge, a peripheral portion, and
a central portion. The tubular member also has a
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel having a first edge and a
second edge. The first edge of the longitudinally-elongated bottom
panel is attached substantially along the first edge of the
longitudinally-elongated top panel. The tubular member also has a
head end and a foot end. The central portion of the
longitudinally-elongated top panel is substantially comprised of
waterproof material, and the peripheral portion is substantially
comprised of breathable material.
[0037] Reference is now made to the illustrations shown in FIGS. 1
through 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 5 for
preventing the soiling of bedclothes comprises a tubular member 10.
The tubular member 10 defines an opening 60 of sufficient size to
allow for an individual (e.g., a child or adult human) to be
positioned at least partly inside of said tubular member 10. In
this way, when the apparatus 5 is in use, the tubular member 10
envelopes at least a portion (e.g., the lower torso) of the
individual positioned within the opening 60. It will be understood
that the use of the term "tubular" is not intended to be limited to
a strictly tube-shaped body. Instead, the term embraces a generally
tubular elongated body. The tubular member 10 has a head end and a
foot end. When in use, the head end would be the end positioned
nearest the head of the individual user, and the foot end would be
the end positioned nearest the feet of the individual user.
[0038] The tubular member 10 is comprised of a
longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 and a
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20. The
longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 has a first edge and a second
edge. The longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 also has a
peripheral portion 25 and a central portion 30 (e.g., middle
portion). The central portion 30 is substantially comprised of
waterproof material. The term waterproof is intended to mean that
the material substantially prevents the penetration of water or
other liquids through the material. Typically, the waterproof
material is a fabric having a waterproof coating. Examples of
waterproof material include vinyl, rubber and polyurethane
laminate. When the individual is positioned inside of the apparatus
5 (e.g., with the individual's torso and legs substantially
surrounded by the apparatus), the central portion 30 is positioned
on top of the individual user's lower torso, thereby serving as a
waterproof barrier preventing, for example, urine from soaking
through onto the bedclothes overlaying the individual user inside
the apparatus 5. The central portion 30 is substantially waterproof
because that area is most likely to be in the position where the
individual would excrete urine when the individual is in a face-up
position (e.g., when the individual is sleeping on his or her
back).
[0039] The peripheral portion 25 is substantially constructed of a
breathable (e.g., porous) material, typically a breathable fabric
(e.g., cotton fabric, cotton). The breathable fabric allows for
adequate circulation of air around the individual, thereby
providing for a suitable sleeping environment (e.g., a comfortable
temperature). In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral portion 25
is comprised of a breathable fabric that also has
moisture-repelling qualities. This allows for much of the moisture
to be wicked away from the child while also allowing for some
moisture to contact the child's body, thereby alerting the child
that a bedwetting has occurred. This can be useful in the nighttime
toilet training process.
[0040] By limiting the waterproof area to the central portion 30,
the longitudinally-extended top panel 15 more closely resembles a
typical top bedsheet than it would if it were constructed entirely
of waterproof material, which tends to be less comfortable for the
individual user. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion 30
may be in a shape that is attractive or interesting to children
(e.g., a star or a flower).
[0041] The longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 includes a
first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 is attached substantially
along the corresponding first edge of the longitudinally-elongated
top panel 15. The second edge of the longitudinally elongated
bottom panel 20 is attached substantially along the corresponding
second edge of the longitudinally-elongated top panel 15. The
longitudinally-elongated top panel 15 and the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 may be fixably attached
(e.g., sewn together), removably attached (e.g., zippered or
snapped together), or integral with each other. The
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel 20 is typically substantially
comprised of a waterproof material (e.g., fabric with a waterproof
coating), thereby preventing urine or other material from soiling
the underlying bedclothes or supporting surface.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the second edge of the
longitudinally-elongated bottom panel is removably attached to the
corresponding second edge of the longitudinally-elongated top
panel. The two edges may be removably attached using any acceptable
fastening means, including a hook-and-loop fastener, a zipper, a
plurality of snap fasteners, and/or buttons.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 5 includes a
securing member 50. The securing member 50 is attached to the
tubular member 10. Typically, the securing member 50 is a panel
having a first end attached to the tubular member 10 and a second
end suitable for removably securing the apparatus to a first
supporting surface (e.g., mattress). In a preferred embodiment, the
securing member 50 is a flap (e.g., a fabric flap, fabric panel).
The flap may be configured such that at least a portion of the flap
may be inserted between the first supporting surface and a second
supporting surface (e.g., mattress, box springs, bed frame, or
floor). When tucked in between the first supporting surface and the
second supporting surface, the supporting member 50 (e.g., flap)
substantially prevents movement of the apparatus 5 along the plane
of the first supporting surface during use (e.g., prevents
horizontal movement of the apparatus 5). This allows the apparatus
5 to remain substantially in the best position vis-a-vis the
individual and the first supporting surface for preventing the
leakage of moisture (e.g., urine) outside of the apparatus 5 during
use, thereby preventing the soiling of bedclothes either beneath or
above the apparatus 5.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the securing member 50 may be
configured to be removably attached to either the first supporting
surface or the second supporting surface, such as by various
fastening means, including a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap
fastener, a button, a tie, etc.
[0045] As depicted in FIG. 3, when the securing member 50 is tucked
beneath the mattress, the securing member 50 prevents the apparatus
5 from becoming displaced during use (e.g., during sleep). If the
apparatus 5 were to become displaced, it may impair the
effectiveness of the apparatus 5. For example, if the central
portion 30 were to move away from the individual user's lower torso
area, there would be no waterproof barrier protecting the overlying
bedclothes from becoming soiled from, for example, nighttime
urination. In an alternative embodiment, the securing member 50 may
be a strap.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal length of the
securing member 50 is greater than one-half of the longitudinal
length of the tubular member 10. In general, the longer the
securing member 50 is in proportion to the length of the tubular
member 10, the greater the stability that can be achieved. In other
words, using a longer securing member 50 generally allows for
greater control over the stability of the apparatus 5 during
use.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 5 according to the
present disclosure includes a handle member 55 attached to the
tubular member 10. The handle member 55 allows for simplified
removal of the apparatus 5 from the mattress. When a parent or
caregiver notices that the apparatus 5 has become soiled, he or she
can slide the apparatus 5 off of the child or patient and easily
pull it off the bed using the handle member 55. The parent can
simply pull the handle member 55 and the entire apparatus 5 slides
off of the mattress. In this way, the underlying and overlying
bedding do not have to be removed during the changing process, and
a clean apparatus 5 can be quickly placed on the bed so that the
child or patient can resume sleeping. Alternatively, the child may
be alerted by the wetness of the apparatus 5 that a bedwetting has
occurred, and may simply pull the handle member 55 to remove the
soiled apparatus 5 on his or her own. In this way, the simplified
changing process facilitated by the present apparatus 5 can allow
for a feeling of greater independence for the child. Typically, the
handle member 55 is comprised of an elongated strap having two
ends, with each end attached to the tubular member 10. In an
alternative embodiment, the handle member 55 may be attached to the
securing member 50.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the tubular member's head end defines an
opening 60 for receiving the individual. Typically, the tubular
member's foot end also defines the opening 60, thereby allowing the
individual's feet and lower legs to extend through the apparatus 5
and allowing for increased airflow. In an alternative embodiment,
the tubular member's head end defines an opening 60 but the foot
end is closed. In this alternative embodiment, the apparatus 5
resembles a sleeping bag. This configuration provides greater
insulation for the individual user, which may be desirable in
colder conditions.
[0049] In the specification and figures, typical embodiments of the
invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited
to such exemplary embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, specific
terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *