US20100058537A1

US20100058537A1 - Bedding system and method

Info

Publication number: US20100058537A1
Application number: US12/501,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Frederick Alan Schuck
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2009-07-10
Publication date: 2010-03-11
Also published as: WO2010030621A2; WO2010030621A3

Abstract

A bedding system and method can minimize the time, labor and/or frustration associated with making a bed. The system includes a fitted sheet as well as a flat sheet and/or a comforter. The fitted sheet can conformingly fit around a mattress. The fitted sheet can be equipped with connectors in a foot side portion thereof. The flat sheet can include a panel attached to an inner side thereof in a foot end region. The flat sheet panel can include connectors adapted for removable attachment with at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet. Similarly, the comforter can include a panel attached to an inner side thereof in a foot end region. The comforter panel can include connectors adapted for removable attachment with at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet. The connectors can be any suitable structure, such as snaps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/095,347, filed on Sep. 9, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to bedding and, more particularly, to bedding sets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common task that many people perform on a regular basis is making a bed, that is, arranging sheets and/or a comforter on a bed to give a neat appearance. While a part of everyday life, the chore itself can be a relatively time consuming, labor intensive and sometimes frustrating task.
A standard bedding set can include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a comforter. Each sheet or comforter placed on the bed must be oriented in the proper manner and aligned correctly so that each piece lay correctly on the bed to ultimately give the desired appearance overall. In order to retain a fitted sheet on a mattress, the mattress must be lifted up at least at each corner so that the fitted sheet can be tucked under the bottom of the mattress. Such maneuvering of the mattress can be difficult in some cases.
Moreover, in instances where a bed skirt is used, the entire mattress is usually removed so that the bed skirt can be arranged evenly on the box spring. Once done, the mattress is placed back on top of the box spring, which, in some instances, can cause the bed skirt to become misaligned. Any movement of the sheets, while making the bed or through regular use, can cause the fitted sheet to become untucked at the corners, thereby requiring the fitted sheet to be re-tucked.
Further, a fitted sheet typically includes an elastic band at its lower end so as to hold the fitted sheet conformingly around the mattress. However, over time, the elastic band can wear or otherwise deteriorate (such as due to repeated washing), thereby losing the ability to effectively conformingly fit around the mattress. In such case, the fitted sheet is typically discarded.
Thus, there is a need for a system and method that can minimize such concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one respect, a bedding system according to aspects of the invention includes a fitted sheet. The fitted sheet has one or more first connectors on a side portion of the fitted sheet. The side portion can be a foot side portion of the fitted sheet. The one or more first connectors are exposed for connection on an outer side of the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet can have a lower edge region. In one embodiment, at least a portion of a lower edge region of the fitted sheet can be configured to be selectively tightened. Thus, the fitted sheet can be selectively tightened about a mattress.
The bedding system can further include a bed skirt attached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet. The bed skirt can extend from the fitted sheet, such as in a generally downward direction. The bed skirt can extend about at least a portion of the lower edge region. The bed skirt can be attached to the fitted sheet by stitching.
In addition, the bedding system can include a flat sheet equipped with one or more second connectors. Each second connector can be adapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector. As a result, the flat sheet can be selectively attached and detached from the fitted sheet. A panel can be attached to an inner side of the flat sheet in an end region of the flat sheet. The one or more second connectors can be provided on the panel.
Still further, the bedding system can include a comforter equipped with one or more third connectors. Each third connector can be adapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector. Thus, the comforter can be selectively attached and detached from the fitted sheet. A panel can be attached to an inner side of the comforter in an end region of the comforter. The one or more third connectors can be provided on the panel.
In another respect, a bedding system according to aspects of the invention includes a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. The fitted sheet has one or more first connectors on a foot side portion of the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet also has one or more second connectors on a foot side portion of the fitted sheet.
The flat sheet is equipped with one or more third connectors in a foot end region of the flat sheet. Each of the third connectors is adapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector on the fitted sheet. Thus, the flat sheet can be selectively connected and disconnected from the fitted sheet. The flat sheet includes a panel, which is attached to the flat sheet in the foot end region. The one or more third connectors are provided on the panel.
A comforter can be a part of the bedding system. The comforter can be equipped with one or more fourth connectors in a foot end region of the fitted sheet. Each fourth connector can be adapted for removable attachment with a respective second connector on the fitted sheet. Thus, the flat sheet can be selectively connected and disconnected from the comforter. In one embodiment, the comforter can include a panel that is attached to the comforter in the foot end region. In such case, the one or more fourth connectors can be provided on the panel.
The bedding system can further include a bed skirt. The bed skirt can be attached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet. The bed skirt can extend from the fitted sheet, such as in a downward direction. The bed skirt can extend about at least a portion of the lower edge region. The bed skirt can be attached to the fitted sheet by stitching.
The fitted sheet can have a lower edge region. At least a portion of the lower edge region can be configured to be selectively tightened by a drawstring. The drawstring can be operatively associated with the lower edge region of the fitted sheet. Thus, the fitted sheet can be selectively tightened about a mattress. In one embodiment, the fitted sheet does not include an elastic band along the lower edge region. The drawstring can have a first end region terminating at a first end and a second end region terminating at a second end. At least a portion of the first and second end regions including the first and second ends can extend from the fitted sheet. As a result, the end regions of the drawstring can be accessed by a user. In one embodiment, the first and second end regions of the drawstring can extend from either a first longitudinal side or a second longitudinal side of the fitted sheet.
Another bedding system according to aspects of the invention includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a comforter. The system can further include a bed skirt attached to the fitted sheet about at least a portion of a lower edge region of the fitted sheet.
The fitted sheet has a first plurality of connectors and a second plurality of connectors. These connectors are provided on a foot side portion of the fitted sheet.
The flat sheet has an inner side. The flat sheet also has a foot end region. A panel is attached to the inner side of the flat sheet in the foot end region. A third plurality of connectors is provided on the panel. Each of the third plurality of connectors is adapted for removable attachment with a respective one of the first plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet. In this way, the flat sheet can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the fitted sheet.
The comforter has an inner side and a foot end region. A panel is attached to the inner side of the comforter in the foot end region. A fourth plurality of connectors is provided on the panel. Each of the fourth plurality of connectors is adapted for removable attachment with a respective one of the second plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet. Thus, the comforter can be selectively connected and disconnected from the comforter.
In yet another respect, embodiments of the invention can include a fitted sheet along with a flat sheet and/or a comforter. The fitted sheet can have a foot side portion. The fitted sheet can further include a plurality of connectors exposed on an outer side of the foot side portion.
The flat sheet can have an inner side and an outer side. The flat sheet can have a foot end region. A flat sheet panel can be attached at one end to the inner side of the flat sheet in the foot end region. A plurality of connectors can be exposed on an inner side of the flat sheet panel. Each of the plurality of connectors on the flat sheet panel can be removably attached to a respective one of the plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet. As a result, the flat sheet can be connected to the fitted sheet.
The comforter can have an inner side and an outer side. The comforter can have a foot end region. A comforter panel can be attached at one end to the inner side of the comforter in the foot end region. The comforter panel can have a plurality of connectors, which can be exposed on the inner side of the comforter panel. Each of the plurality of connectors on the comforter panel can be removably attached to a respective one of the plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet. In this way, the comforter can be connected to the fitted sheet. The flat sheet can be disposed on top of the fitted sheet, and the comforter can be disposed on top of the flat sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed including a mattress and a box spring.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fitted sheet in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a fitted sheet in accordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fitted sheet in accordance aspects of the invention, viewed along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, showing a pocket formed on an inner side of the fitted sheet in an lower edge region thereof and a drawstring inside the pocket.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a flat sheet in accordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a comforter in accordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a bedding system in accordance aspects of the invention, showing the flat sheet having a panel that is connected to a foot side surface of the fitted sheet and showing the comforter having a panel that is connected to the foot side surface of the fitted sheet.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the a fitted sheet engaging a mattress in accordance with aspects of the invention, showing an edge portion of the fitted sheet being proximate the interface between the mattress and the supporting box spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a bedding system and method that can minimize the time, labor and/or frustration associated with making a bed. Aspects of the invention will be explained in connection with one possible system and method, but the detailed description is intended only as exemplary. Embodiments of a bedding system and method according to aspects of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-8, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated structure or application.
Referring to FIG. 1, a bed 10 can include a mattress 12 and, in some instances, can also include an underlying support structure, which can be any suitable support structure. For example, the support structure can be a box spring 14 or a Captains bed or a platform bed in place of a box spring. At the outset it should be noted that a bedding system and method according to aspects of the invention can be used in connection with almost any type of bed. Thus, the system and method according to aspects of the invention can be used with king, queen, full, twin and/or any other size or shape bed. The system and method according to aspects of the invention can be made to accommodate different mattress thicknesses, including, for example, standard mattresses as well as pillow top mattresses.
Generally, the mattress 12 can have a top surface 16, a bottom surface 18, a foot side surface 20, a head side surface 22, a first longitudinal side surface 24 and a second longitudinal side surface 26. Likewise, the box spring 14 can have a top surface 28, a bottom surface 30, a foot side surface 34, a head side surface 36, a first longitudinal side surface 38 and a second longitudinal side surface 40. In one embodiment, the mattress 12 can be supported by the box spring 14. In such case, an interface 15 can be formed between the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12 and the top surface 28 of the box spring 14.
A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can include a fitted sheet 42, a flat sheet 44, and/or a comforter 46. Each of these items will be described in turn below.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fitted sheet 42 can be sized and shaped to conformingly fit over at least the top surface 16 and each side surface 20, 22, 24, 26 of the mattress 12. The fitted sheet 42 can have an outer side 48 and an inner side 50. The fitted sheet 42 can include a top portion 52, a head side portion 54, a foot side portion 56, a first longitudinal side portion 58 and a second longitudinal side portion 60. The top portion 52 and the side portions 54, 56, 58, 60 can be separate panels or they can be one continuous piece.
According to aspects of the invention, the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42 can include a plurality of connectors. The connectors can be any suitable structure. For example, the connectors can be snaps 62, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. In one embodiment, the connectors can be stainless steel snaps. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of connectors can be substantially identical.
Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors can be attached to the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42 in any suitable manner, including, for example, stitching, adhesives, fasteners and mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The connectors can be exposed for connection on the outer side 48 of the fitted sheet 42 in the foot side portion 56.
The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. The connectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectors in each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a row can be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can be different from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects. In one embodiment, there can be two rows of connectors, including an upper row 64 and a lower row 66. In such case, the upper and lower rows 64, 66 can be generally parallel to each other.
At least a portion of the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42 can include a reinforced region 68, which includes the connectors, to provide structural support for the connectors so that the connectors do not separate from the fitted sheet 42. The reinforced region 68 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For instance, at least a portion of the reinforced region 68 can be made of a different material than the rest of the fitted sheet 42, such as out of a material that is stronger than the material of the fitted sheet 42. In one embodiment, the reinforced region 68 can be at least partially made of denim. Alternatively or in addition, the reinforced region 68 can be achieved by making the reinforced region 68 thicker than any other portion of the fitted sheet 42, such as by providing a plurality of layers in the region 68. Still alternatively or in addition, the reinforced region 68 can have a greater thread count than any other portion of the fitted sheet 42. These are just a few of the possible ways in which the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42 can be reinforced.
According to aspects of the invention, the fitted sheet 42 can have an lower edge region 70, which includes a lower edge 72. The lower edge region 70 and the lower edge 72 can extend about the entire perimeter of the bed 10. The fitted sheet 42 can be sized so that, when fitted to the bed 10, the lower edge 72 of the fitted sheet 42 can be at an elevation that is substantially proximate the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12 or the interface 15, as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the lower edge 72 of the fitted sheet 42 can be at an elevation that is substantially at or slightly lower than the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12 or the interface 15.
The lower edge region 70 of the fitted sheet 42 can be configured to allow it to be tightened, thereby retaining the fitted sheet 42 in a more conforming fit with the mattress 12. Such tightening can be achieved in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, such tightening can be achieved by providing a drawstring 74, as shown in FIG. 2. The drawstring 74 can be substantially enclosed in a pocket 76 formed along the lower edge region 70 of the fitted sheet 42, as shown in FIG. 4.
The drawstring 74 can have a first end 78 and a second end 80. At some point, the two ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can exit the pocket 76 and can be accessed by a user. The ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can be provided at any suitable point along the perimeter of the bed 10. In one embodiment, the ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can extend out of the pocket 76 on one of the longitudinal sides 58, 60 of the fitted sheet 42. By providing the ends 78, 80 in such a location, the ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can be accessed without interference from the head board or foot board of the bed, if any. Of course, the ends 78, 80 can extend out of the pocket 76 on the head side end 54 or the foot side end 56. The ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can be held together and tension on the drawstring can be maintained by a tie cock 82. The drawstring 74 can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the fitted sheet 42 does not have an elastic band, as is commonly found in known fitted sheets.
In one embodiment, the fitted sheet 42 can also include a bed skirt 84. The bed skirt 84 can be made of any suitable material. The bed skirt 84 can be attached to the lower edge region 70, such as at the lower edge 72, of the fitted sheet 42 and can extend downward therefrom. The bed skirt 84 can extend about the lower end region 70 of the fitted sheet 42. In one embodiment, the bed skirt 84 can be provided about the lower end region 70 of the fitted sheet 42, except for in the head side portion 54 of the fitted sheet 42 where no bed skirt is provided.
The bed skirt 84 can be attached to the fitted sheet 42 in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the bed skirt 84 can be permanently attached to the fitted sheet 42, such as by stitching 86. Alternatively, the bed skirt 84 can be removably attached to the fitted sheet 42, such as by snaps, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. The bed skirt 84 can be sized and shaped as necessary. The distance the bed skirt 84 extends from the lower end 7 of the fitted sheet 42 can be any suitable length.
A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can also include a flat sheet 44, as is shown in FIG. 5. The flat sheet 44 can be made of any suitable material. The flat sheet 44 can include a foot end region 90. The flat sheet 44 can have an inner side 92 and an outer side 94.
According to aspects of the invention, the flat sheet 44 can include a panel 96. The panel 96 can be attached to the inner side 92 of the flat sheet 44 in the foot end region 90. The panel 96 can be attached at one of its ends 98 to the flat sheet 44 in any suitable manner, including, for example, by stitching 100. The panel 96 can have an inner side 102 and an outer side 104. In one embodiment, the panel 96 can be positioned so that when the flat sheet 44 is placed on a mattress 12, the panel 96 can hang over the foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12, as shown in FIG. 7. The flat sheet panel 96 can be made of any suitable material. The flat sheet panel 96 can be made of the same material as the flat sheet 44, or it can be made of a different material.
According to aspects of the invention, the flat sheet panel 96 can include a plurality of connectors. The connectors can be any suitable structure. For example, the connectors can be snaps 106, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. In one embodiment, the connectors can be stainless steel snaps. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of connectors can be substantially identical. The connectors on the flat sheet panel 96 can be adapted for removable connection to at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet 42. In one embodiment, the connectors on the flat sheet panel 96 can be adapted for removable connection to the upper row 64 of connectors on the fitted sheet 42, as is shown in FIG. 7.
Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors can be attached to the flat sheet panel 96 in any suitable manner, including, for example, stitching, adhesives, fasteners and mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The connectors can be exposed for connection on the inner side 102 of the flat sheet panel 96.
The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. The connectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectors in each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a row can be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can be different from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects.
At least a portion of the flat sheet panel 96 can include a reinforced region 108, which includes the connectors. The reinforced region 108 can provide structural support for the connectors so that the connectors do not separate from the flat sheet panel 96. Such reinforcement can be achieved in any suitable manner, including any of those mentioned above in connection with the reinforced region 68 of the fitted panel 42.
The bedding system according to aspects of the invention can also include a comforter 46, as is shown in FIG. 6. The term “comforter” is intended to mean any type of comforter, blanket or covering. The comforter 46 can be made of any suitable material, and it can have any suitable size and shape. The comforter 46 can include a foot end region 110. The comforter 46 can have an inner side 112 and an outer side 114.
According to aspects of the invention, the comforter 46 can include a panel 116. The panel 116 can be attached to the inner side 112 of the comforter 46 in the foot end region 110. The comforter panel 116 can be attached at one of its ends 118 to the inner side 122 in any suitable manner, including, for example, by stitching 120. The comforter panel 116 can have an inner side 122 and an outer side 124. In one embodiment, the comforter panel 116 can be positioned so that when the comforter 46 is placed on a bed, at least a portion of the panel 116 hangs over the foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12, as is shown in FIG. 7. Generally, the comforter 46 can be longer than the flat sheet 44 in the longitudinal direction so that the comforter 46 hangs lower off at least the foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12.
The comforter panel 116 can be made of any suitable material. The comforter panel 116 can be made of the same material as the comforter 46, or it can be made of a different material.
According to aspects of the invention, the comforter panel 116 can include a plurality of connectors. The connectors can be any suitable structure. For example, the connectors can be snaps 126, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. In one embodiment, the connectors can be stainless steel snaps. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of connectors can be substantially identical. The connectors on the comforter panel 116 can be adapted for removable connection to at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet 42. For instance, the connectors on the comforter panel 116 can be adapted for removable connection to the lower row of connectors 66 on the fitted sheet 42.
Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors can be attached to the comforter panel in any suitable manner, including, for example, stitching, adhesives, fasteners and mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The connectors can be exposed for connection on the inner side of the comforter panel.
The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. The connectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectors in each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a row can be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can be different from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects.
At least a portion of the comforter panel 116 can have a reinforced region 128, which includes the connectors, to provide structural support for the connectors so that the connectors do not separate from the comforter panel 116. Such reinforcement can be achieved in any suitable manner, including any of those described above in connection with the reinforced region 68 of the fitted sheet 42.
It should be noted that at least some of the above items—the fitted sheet 42, the flat sheet 44 and/or the comforter 46—can all be packaged together and sold to consumers as a complete bedding set. In such case, the fitted sheet 42 can be pre-attached to at least one of the flat sheet 44 and the comforter 46. Additional items can be included in the set, such as pillow cases, shams and decorative pillows, just to name a few examples.
Now that the individual components have been described, one manner of using the invention will be described. The following description is intend for illustration purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. The bedding system according to aspects of the invention can be placed on an bed and unfolded. The fitted sheet 42 can be pulled over the edges of the mattress 12 such that the lower edge 72 of the fitted sheet 42 is at or near the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12 around the perimeter of the bed, as is shown in FIG. 8. Once the fitted sheet 42 is properly positioned, the drawstrings 74 can be pulled to ensure that the fitted sheet 42 conformingly engages the mattress 12.
Referring to FIG. 7, the flat sheet 44 can be straightened out on the bed and on top of the fitted panel 42. The foot end region 90 of the flat sheet 44 and the flat sheet panel 96 can be draped over the foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12. The connectors provided on the flat sheet panel 96 and the corresponding connectors on the fitted sheet 42 can be brought into engagement. In some instances, the flat sheet panel 42 and the fitted panel 44 can be pre-attached.
The comforter 46 can be straightened out on the bed and on top of the flat panel 44. The foot end region 110 of the comforter 46 and comforter panel 116 can be draped over the foot side edge 21 of the bed. The comforter 46 can hang lower off the side edges of the bed than the flat sheet 44. The connectors provided on the comforter panel 116 and the corresponding connectors on the fitted sheet 42 can be brought into engagement. In some instances, the comforter panel 116 and the fitted sheet 42 can be pre-attached. The bed has now been made. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the comforter 46 or the flat sheet 44 may not be used or be included.
In the morning, when the sheets 42, 44 and/or comforter 46 may be in disarray, a person need only to straighten out the flat sheet 44 and/or the comforter 46 and then the bed is made. Such straightening can be achieved by pulling the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 toward the head end side 22 of the mattress. Because the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 are attached at the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42, the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 can be conveniently located for the person making the bed and can be easily smoothed out. If necessary, the drawstring 74 can be tightened reestablish the conforming fit of the fitted sheet 42 about the mattress 12.
If a person wishes to wash one or more of the pieces of the bedding system according to aspects of the invention, then the intended piece can be readily detached from the other pieces. For instance, the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 can be quickly removed from the fitted sheet 42 by detaching the respective connectors. Of course, the fitted sheet 42 can readily be removed from the mattress 12, such as by releasing the tension on the drawstrings 74 and pulling the fitted sheet 42 off of the mattress 12.
A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can have a number of advantages. For instance, it can facilitate bed making, potentially so that the user cannot mis-make the bed. The user can consistently and efficiently make the bed without much hassle. Further, the system and method according to aspects of the invention can lead to appreciable time savings. In addition, the labor input can be minimized, as the mattress does not have to be lifted up to tuck the fitted sheet in or removed to place the bed skirt. Further, during use, the fitted sheet will not become untucked. In addition, the fitted sheet can, in some embodiments, avoid the use of a elastic band, thereby minimizing concerns of the elastic wearing or otherwise deteriorating.
It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A bedding system comprising:

a fitted sheet having at least one first connector on a side portion thereof such that the at least one first connector is exposed for connection on an outer side of the fitted sheet.

2. The bedding system of claim 1 wherein the side portion is a foot side portion.

3. The bedding system of claim 1 further including a bed skirt attached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet and extending therefrom, wherein the bed skirt extends about at least a portion of the lower edge region.

4. The bedding system of claim 3 wherein the bed skirt is attached to the fitted sheet by

stitching.

5. The bedding system of claim 1 further including a flat sheet equipped with a second connector adapted for removable attachment with the first connector, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively attached and detached from the fitted sheet.

6. The bedding system of claim 4 wherein a panel is attached to an inner side of the flat sheet in an end region thereof, wherein the at least one second connector is provided on the panel.

7. The bedding system of claim 1 further including a comforter equipped with at least one third connector, each third connector is adapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector, whereby the comforter can be selectively attached and detached from the fitted sheet.

8. The bedding system of claim 7 wherein a panel is attached to an inner side of the

comforter in an end region thereof, wherein the at least third connector is provided on the panel.

9. The bedding system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a lower edge region of the fitted sheet is configured to be selectively tightened, whereby the fitted sheet can be selectively tightened about a mattress.

10. A bedding system comprising:

a fitted sheet having at least one first connector and at least one second connector on a foot side portion thereof; and

a flat sheet equipped with at least one third connector in a foot end region thereof, each third connector being adapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector on the fitted sheet, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively connected and disconnected from the fitted sheet.

11. The bedding system of claim 10 further including a comforter equipped with at least one fourth connector in a foot end region thereof, each fourth connector being adapted for removable attachment with a respective second connector on the fitted sheet, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively connected and disconnected from the comforter.

12. The bedding system of claim 11 wherein a panel is attached to the comforter in the foot end region thereof, wherein the at least one fourth connector is provided on the panel.

13. The bedding system of claim 10 wherein a panel is attached to the flat sheet in the foot end region thereof, wherein the at least one third connector is provided on the panel.

14. The bedding system of claim 10 further including a bed skirt attached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet and extending therefrom, wherein the bed skirt extends about at least a portion of the lower edge region.

15. The bedding system of claim 14 wherein the bed skirt is attached to the fitted sheet by stitching.

16. The bedding system of claim 10 wherein the fitted sheet has a lower edge region, at least a portion of the lower edge region being configured to be selectively tightened by a drawstring operatively associated with the lower edge region of the fitted sheet, wherein the fitted sheet does not include an elastic band along the lower edge region, whereby the fitted sheet can be selectively tightened about a mattress.

17. The bedding system of claim 16 wherein the drawstring has a first end region terminating at a first end and a second end region terminating at a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first and second end regions including the first and second ends extend from the fitted sheet, whereby the end regions of the drawstring can be accessed by a user.

18. The bedding system of claim 17 wherein the first and second end regions of the drawstring extend from one of a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of the fitted sheet.

19. A bedding system comprising:

a fitted sheet having a first plurality of connectors and a second plurality of connectors on a foot side portion thereof; and

a flat sheet having a foot end region, the flat sheet including a panel having a third plurality of connectors thereon, the panel being attached to an inner side of the flat sheet in the foot end region thereof, each of the third plurality of connectors being adapted for removable attachment with a respective one of the first plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the fitted sheet; and

a comforter having a foot end region, the comforter including a panel having a fourth plurality of connectors thereon, the panel being attached to an inner side of the comforter in the foot end region thereof, each of the fourth plurality of connectors being adapted for removable attachment with a respective one of the second plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet, whereby the comforter can be selectively connected and disconnected from the comforter.

20. The bedding system of claim 19 further including a bed skirt attached to the fitted sheet about at least a portion of a lower edge region thereof.