US20180325290A1

US20180325290A1 - Bedding foot pocket device

Info

Publication number: US20180325290A1
Application number: US15/955,898
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronald C. Zimmerman; Suzanne C. Zimmerman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-10
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

A bedding foot pocket device is provided. The device preferably may be used with a mattress having a top wall and bottom wall upon which individuals commonly sleep. The device may include a body which may receive all or portions of the mattress. A pocket panel may be coupled to the body so that when a mattress is received by the device, the pocket panel may be positioned above the top wall thereby forming a pocket between the pocket panel and the body. The pocket panel may have a terminal edge which may provide access to the pocket. The body may receive portions of a mattress and a user may rest on the body and mattress. The user may selectively insert portions of their body, such as their feet, into the pocket by passing portions of their body under the terminal edge between the pocket panel and the body.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/504,286, filed on May 10, 2017, entitled “FITTED SHEET FOOT POCKET DEVICE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of bedding and bed covering devices. More specifically, this patent specification relates to bedding and bed covering devices which are able to receive portions of the body of a person.

BACKGROUND

When sleeping in or resting in a bed, many people suffer from cold feet. The addition of one or more blankets to the bed typically does not resolve the problem because the blankets have the effect of make the entire body warmer and in many cases the body becomes too hot while the feet are still cold.
One method for remedying this problem of cold feet in bed involves finding and adorning the feet with a pair of socks to create additional warmth. However, this may require the person to seek out or find a suitable pair of socks, and once on, they can become uncomfortable, may fall off, and therefore defeat their entire purpose. Furthermore, with socks, if one's feet become too warm, the socks need to be removed which can be an inconvenience for the one or more people that may otherwise be comfortable in bed. As a further drawback, many people dislike the image of even wearing socks to bed.
Therefore, a need exists for novel devices for creating bed foot warmth. A further need exists for novel foot warmth devices which are convenient to use for a person in bed. There is also a need for novel foot warmth devices which may be used without disturbing other people in the bed. Finally, a need exists for novel foot warmth devices which do not unnecessarily provide warmth to other portions of the body.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A bedding foot pocket device is provided. The device preferably may be used with a mattress having a top wall and bottom wall upon which individuals commonly sleep, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first end wall, and a second end wall. In some embodiments, the device may include a body which may receive all or portions of the mattress by being configured to cover one or more portions of the mattress. A pocket panel may be coupled to the body so that when a mattress is received by the device, the pocket panel may be positioned above the top wall thereby forming a pocket between the pocket panel and the body. The pocket panel may have a terminal edge which may provide access to the pocket. The body may receive portions of a mattress and a user may rest on the body and mattress. The user may selectively insert portions of their body, such as their feet, into the pocket by passing portions of their body under the terminal edge between the pocket panel and the body. The pocket may provide insulation and warmth retention to portions of the body within the pocket which is of great comfort to users suffering from unevenly warm body portions, such as cold feet.
In further embodiments, the device may include a body having a top panel for covering the top wall, a first side panel for covering the first sidewall, a second side panel for covering the second sidewall, a first end panel for covering the first end wall, and a second end panel for covering the second end wall. A pocket panel may be coupled to one or more panels of the body along a coupling perimeter so that the pocket may be formed between the top panel and the pocket panel. The body may receive portions of a mattress and a user may rest on the top panel of the body and mattress. The user may selectively insert portions of their body, such as their feet, into the pocket by passing portions of their body under the terminal edge between the pocket panel and the top panel of the body.
In alternative embodiments, the device may comprise a body having a bottom panel for covering portions of the bottom wall, a first side panel for covering portions of the first sidewall, a second side panel for covering portions of the second sidewall, and a first end panel 1 for covering portions of the first end wall. A pocket panel may be coupled to the body. The first side panel may be coupled to the pocket panel, bottom panel, and first end panel, and the first side panel and first end panel may be coupled together along a first vertical corner. The second side panel may be coupled to the pocket panel, bottom panel, and first end panel, and the second side panel and first end panel may be coupled together along a second vertical corner. A pocket may be formed between the pocket panel and the body. The pocket panel may have a terminal edge, and the terminal edge may provide access to the pocket for a user resting on a mattress that is received in the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a reverse top perspective view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a sectional, through line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2, elevation view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of another example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a reverse top perspective view of another example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional, through line 6-6 shown in FIG. 5, elevation view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a sectional, through line 7-7 shown in FIG. 4, elevation view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of an example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a reverse top perspective view of a further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom plan view of a further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 shows a top plan view of still a further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of yet a further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top plan view of another further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 shows a top plan view of still another further example of a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16 depicts a top perspective view of an example of a mattress which may be used with a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 a bottom perspective view of an example of a mattress which may be used with a bedding foot pocket device according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “rear”, “front”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.
As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.
A new bedding and bed covering device which are able to receive portions of the body of a person is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-15 illustrate examples of a bedding foot pocket device (“the device”) 100 according to various embodiments. The device 100 preferably may be used with a mattress 200 having a top wall 201, bottom wall 202, first sidewall 203, second sidewall 204, first end wall 205, second end wall 206, and bottom wall 207 as shown in FIGS. 11, 16, and 17 upon which individuals commonly sleep. In some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a body 11 which may receive all or portions of the mattress 200 by being configured to cover one or more portions of the mattress 200. A pocket panel 31 may be coupled to the body 11 so that when a mattress 200 is received by the device 100, the pocket panel 31 may be positioned above one or more portions of the top wall 201 thereby forming a pocket 32 between the pocket panel 31 and the body 11. The pocket panel 31 may have a terminal edge 33 which may provide access to the pocket 31. The body 11 may receive portions of a mattress 200 and a user may rest on the body 11 and mattress 200. The user may selectively insert portions of their body, such as their feet, into the pocket 32 by passing portions of their body under the terminal edge 33 between the pocket panel 31 and the body 11. The pocket 32 may provide insulation and warmth retention to portions of the body within the pocket 32 which is of great comfort to users suffering from unevenly warm body portions, such as cold feet.
In preferred embodiments, the body 11 may be configured to secure the device 100 to a mattress 200, and a pocket panel 31 may be coupled to the body 11 to form a pocket 32 into which portions of a user's body, such as their feet, ankles, and optionally legs, may be inserted. The pocket panel 31 may be coupled to a top panel 12, first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, second end panel 16, and/or a bottom panel 17.
In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the body 11 may have a retaining edge 23, which may comprise a resilient material 41, and which may be configured to gather portions of the body 11 around portions of a mattress 200 to couple or secure the device 100 to the mattress 200. In other embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 9-11, the terminal edge 33 of a pocket panel 31, which may also comprise a resilient material 41, may be coupled to the retaining edge 23 of the body 11 so that both the terminal edge 33 and retaining edge 23 may be configured to gather portions of the pocket panel 31 and body 11 around portions of a mattress 200 to couple or secure the device 100 to the mattress 200.
In some embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise a material which may be stretched to become elongated and which may return to its original length when not being stretched. In some embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise or may be formed from spandex, lastex, rubber, silicone rubber, elastic plastics, or any other material or combination or materials that are substantially able to regain their shape after deformation. In further embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise or may be formed from a braided elastic material, a woven elastic material, or a knitted elastic material. In still further embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise or may be formed from braided elastic fabric materials, woven elastic fabric materials, knitted elastic fabric materials, neoprene, elastane, cotton swimwear elastic, roll elastic, non-roll elastic, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, or any other suitable elastic, elastomer, or other resilient material.
In other embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise a flexible material which may be movably coupled to or within a terminal edge 33 and/or a retaining edge 23 so that the resilient material 41 may function similar to a draw string which may be used to gather the terminal edge 33 of the pocket panel 31 and/or retaining edge 23 of the body 11 towards a mattress 200 received by the device 100. Preferably, in these embodiments, a resilient material 41 may comprise a length of nylon, satin, spandex, cotton, silk, and polyester or blends thereof, woven materials, non-woven materials, synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, or other thermoplastic materials or mixtures or any other flexible material which may be suitable for functioning as a draw string in bedding applications.
A pocket panel 31 may be configured in any size and shape so as to form a pocket 32 of any size and shape which may be positioned above the top wall 201 of a mattress 200 that is received by the device 100. In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10, a pocket panel 31 may be configured with a generally rectangular shape and may comprise a terminal edge 33 which may be generally parallel to the first end panel 15 and second end panel 16 of a mattress received by the device 100. In other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 12, a pocket panel 31 may be configured with a generally trapezoidal shape and may comprise a terminal edge 33 which may be generally angled towards or away from the first end panel 15 and second end panel 16 of a mattress received by the device 100. In still other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 13, a pocket panel 31 may be configured with a terminal edge 33 which may be generally convex curved towards the first end panel 15 of a mattress received by the device 100. In still other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 14, a pocket panel 31 may be configured with a terminal edge 33 which may be generally concave curved away the first end panel 15 of a mattress received by the device 100. In yet other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 15, the device may comprise two or more pocket panels 31.
One or more panels 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, of the body 11 and/or the pocket panel 31 may be made from or comprise a flexible material. In preferred embodiments, one or more panels 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, of the body 11 and/or the pocket panel 31 may be made from or comprise a fabric material which may include fabrics of natural and synthetic materials such as, for example, nylon, satin, spandex, cotton, silk, and polyester or blends thereof, woven materials such as felt, non-woven materials including non-woven spunbond or carded webs of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polyester, a non-woven web of cellulosic fibers, textile fibers such as rayon fibers, or a blend of cellulosic and textile fibers; or melt blown thermoplastic fibers, such as macro fibers or micro fibers of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or other thermoplastic materials or mixtures of such thermoplastic macro fibers or micro fibers with cellulosic, pulp or textile fibers, and natural fibers (e.g., wood or cellulose), or any other flexible material which may be suitable for bedding applications.
In preferred embodiments, the device 100 may comprise and insulating material 43 which may insulate portions of the user from heat loss. In some embodiments, the top panel 12 may comprise an insulating material 43 which may be positioned to face or line the side of the top panel 12 which may form portions of the pocket 32 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In further embodiments, the pocket panel 31 may comprise an insulating material 43 which may be positioned to face or line the side of the pocket panel 31 which may form portions of the pocket 32 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
In some embodiments, an insulating material 43 may comprise fleece, fur, terrycloth, flannel, down insulation, synthetic insulation, such as short-staple polyester fill or continuous filament polyester fill, neoprene, or any other flexible natural or synthetic insulating material. In further embodiments, an insulating material 43 may comprise an extra layer of fabric material, such as which may be used to form the pocket panel 31 or body panels 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.
Turning now to the examples of FIGS. 1-8, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a body 11 which may have a top panel 12 for covering the top wall 201, a first side panel 13 for covering the first sidewall 203, a second side panel 14 for covering the second sidewall 204, a first end panel 15 for covering the first end wall 205, and a second end panel 16 for covering the second end wall 206. The first side panel 13 may be coupled to the top panel 12, the second side panel 14 may be coupled to the top panel 12 opposite the first side panel 13, and the first end panel 15 may be coupled to the top panel 12. The first side panel 13 and first end panel 15 may be coupled together along a first vertical corner 18, and the second side panel 14 and first end panel 15 may be coupled together along a second vertical corner 19. The second end panel 16 may be coupled to the top panel 12 opposite the first end panel 15. The first side panel 13 and second end panel 16 may be coupled together along a third vertical corner 21, and the second side panel 14 and second end panel 16 may be coupled together along a fourth vertical corner 22.
In some embodiments, the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, and/or second end panel 16 may also be sized and shaped to also extend over portions of the bottom wall 202. In further embodiments, the body 11 may comprise a retaining edge 23, and the retaining edge 23 may comprise a resilient material 41. The retaining edge 23 may be formed along or extend along the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, and second end panel 16 as shown in FIG. 8, and the retaining edge 23 may be configured to gather the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, and second end panel 16 towards each other across the bottom wall 202 to secure the device 100 to a mattress 200 received by the device 100 as shown in FIG. 8. A retaining edge 23 having a resilient material 41 along all or portions of its length may enable the body 11 to be secured to a mattress 200 in a manner similar to that of a fitted sheet.
In some embodiments, a pocket panel 31 and a bottom panel 17 may generally comprise the same size and shape so that the retaining edges 23 of the side panels 13, 14, may be generally parallel with the vertical corners 18, 19, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In other embodiments, the retaining edges 23 of the side panels 13, 14, may be angled relative to the vertical corners 18, 19. For example, the device 100 may comprise a pocket panel 31 that is smaller in size and shape than a bottom panel 17 so that the retaining edges 23 of the side panels 13, 14, may be angled relative to the vertical corners 18, 19, so that portions of the retaining edges 23 of the side panels 13, 14, that are closer to the pocket panel 31 may also be relatively closer to the vertical corners 18, 19, and portions of the retaining edges 23 of the side panels 13, 14, that are closer to the bottom panel 17 may be relatively farther from the vertical corners 18, 19, which may help to keep the terminal edge 33 more in place as one inserts one's foot/feet into the pocket 32.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a body 11 having a top panel 12 for covering the top wall 201, a first side panel 13 for covering the first sidewall 203, a second side panel 14 for covering the second sidewall 204, a first end panel 15 for covering the first end wall 205, and a second end panel 16 for covering the second end wall 206. A pocket panel 31 may be coupled to any portion or panel 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, of the body 11 along a coupling perimeter 34. In some embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 may be coupled to the top panel 12 proximate to the junction of the top panel 12 with a first side panel 13, second side panel 14, and/or first end panel 15. In preferred embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 may be coupled to or proximate to the top panel 12 with stitching or any other suitable coupling method. In alternative embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 may be coupled to the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, and first end panel 15.
The pocket panel 31 may be coupled to the body 11 so that when a mattress 200 is received by the device 100, the pocket panel 31 may be positioned above one or more portions of the top panel 12 which may be covering the top wall 201 thereby forming a pocket 32 between the pocket panel 31 and the top panel 12. The pocket panel 31 may have a terminal edge 33 which may provide access to the pocket 31. The body 11 may receive portions of a mattress 200 and a user may rest on the top panel 12 of the body 11 and mattress 200. The user may selectively insert portions of their body, such as their feet, into the pocket 32 by passing portions of their body under the terminal edge 33 between the pocket panel 31 and the top panel 12 of the body 11.
Turning to the example of FIGS. 4-6, in some embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 of the pocket panel 31 may be removably coupled to the body 11. In further embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 of the pocket panel 31 may be removably coupled to a top panel 12, first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, second end panel 16, and/or a bottom panel 17.
In preferred embodiments, the coupling perimeter 34 of the pocket panel 31 may be coupled to the body 11 with one or more removable fasteners 42. In further embodiments, the pocket panel 31 may comprise one or more removable fasteners 42 which may be removably coupled to one or more removable fasteners 42 of the body 11. Removable fasteners 42 may include hook and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, zipper type fasteners having a plurality of interlocking teeth, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners such as screws and bolts, buckle type fasteners and the like, or any other suitable joining method capable of temporarily securing portions of a pocket panel 31 to the body 11.
Preferably, one or more removable fasteners 42 may be coupled to or coupled proximate to the terminal edge 33. In some embodiments, one or more removable fasteners 42 may be coupled to the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, and/or first end panel 15 as shown in the example of FIGS. 4-6. In further embodiments, one or more removable fasteners 42 may be coupled to the top panel 12 and/or bottom panel 17.
Referring now to the example of FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the device 100 may comprise a body having a bottom panel 17 for covering portions of the bottom wall 202, a first side panel 13 for covering portions of the first sidewall 203, a second side panel 14 for covering portions of the second sidewall 204, and a first end panel 15 for covering portions of the first end wall 205. Optionally, the body 11 and pocket panel 31 may be positioned over a fitted sheet 300 (FIG. 11) on a mattress 200. A pocket panel 31 may be coupled to the body 11. The first side panel 13 may be coupled to the pocket panel 31, bottom panel 17, and first end panel 15, and the first side panel 13 and first end panel 15 may be coupled together along a first vertical corner 18. The second side panel 14 may be coupled to the pocket panel 31, bottom panel 17, and first end panel 15, and the second side panel 14 and first end panel 15 may be coupled together along a second vertical corner 19. A pocket 32 may be formed between the pocket panel 31 and the body 11. The pocket panel 31 may have a terminal edge 33, and the terminal edge 33 may provide access to the pocket 32 for a user resting on a mattress that is received in the pocket 32.
In some embodiments, the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, first end panel 15, and bottom panel 17 may be sized and shaped to also extend over and end portion of the mattress 200. In further embodiments, the body 11 may comprise a retaining edge 23, and the retaining edge 23 may be formed along or extend along the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, and bottom panel 17 as shown in FIGS. 8-11. The retaining edge 23 of the body 11 may be coupled to the terminal edge 33 of the pocket panel 31 so that the retaining edge 23 and terminal edge 33 may both be configured to gather the first side panel 13, second side panel 14, bottom panel 17, and pocket panel 31 towards each other across portions of the mattress 200.
While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device 100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the body panels 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, pocket panel(s) 31, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100, such as the body panels 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, pocket panel 31, and/or any other element discussed herein, may be made from or may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100 may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device 100.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A bedding foot pocket device for use with a mattress having a top wall, bottom wall, first sidewall, second sidewall, first end wall, and second end wall, the device comprising:

a body for covering portions of the mattress, the body including a top panel for covering the top wall, a first side panel for covering the first sidewall, the first side panel coupled to the top panel, a second side panel for covering the second sidewall, the second side panel coupled to the top panel opposite the first side panel, a first end panel for covering the first end wall, the first end panel coupled to the top panel, wherein the first side panel and first end panel are coupled together along a first vertical corner, and wherein the second side panel and first end panel are coupled together along a second vertical corner, and a second end panel for covering the second end wall, the second end panel coupled to the top panel opposite the first end panel, wherein the first side panel and second end panel are coupled together along a third vertical corner, and wherein the second side panel and second end panel are coupled together along a fourth vertical corner; and

a pocket panel coupled to the body along a coupling perimeter to form a pocket between the pocket panel and the body, the pocket panel having a terminal edge, wherein the terminal edge provides access to the pocket.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises an insulating material.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the pocket panel comprises an insulating material.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling perimeter is coupled to the top panel.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling perimeter is coupled to the first end panel.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the coupling perimeter is removably coupled to the body.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the pocket panel and body each comprise a removable fastener.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a retaining edge, and wherein the retaining edge comprises a resilient material.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the retaining edge extends across the first side panel, second side panel, first end panel, and second end panel.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the top panel, first side panel, second side panel, first end panel, and second end panel each comprise a fabric material.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the pocket panel comprises a fabric material.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the terminal edge comprises a resilient material.

13. A bedding foot pocket device for use with a mattress having a top wall, bottom wall, first sidewall, second sidewall, first end wall, and second end wall, the device comprising:

a body for covering portions of the mattress, the body including a bottom panel for covering portions of the bottom wall, a first side panel for covering portions of the first sidewall, a second side panel for covering portions of the second sidewall, a first end panel for covering portions of the first end wall; and

a pocket panel coupled to the body, wherein the first side panel is coupled to the pocket panel, bottom panel, and first end panel, wherein the first side panel and first end panel are coupled together along a first vertical corner, wherein the second side panel is coupled to the pocket panel, bottom panel, and first end panel, wherein the second side panel and first end panel are coupled together along a second vertical corner, wherein a pocket is formed between the pocket panel and the body, the pocket panel having a terminal edge, and wherein the terminal edge provides access to the pocket.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the pocket panel comprises an insulating material.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein the body comprises a retaining edge, and wherein the retaining edge comprises a resilient material.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the retaining edge extends across the first side panel, second side panel, and bottom panel.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the retaining edge is coupled to the terminal edge.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein the terminal edge comprises a resilient material.

19. The device of claim 11, wherein the first side panel, second side panel, and first end panel each comprise a fabric material.

20. The device of claim 11, wherein the pocket panel comprises a fabric material.