US20100122413A1

US20100122413A1 - Bed-side pocket storage device

Info

Publication number: US20100122413A1
Application number: US12/620,177
Authority: US
Inventors: Martha McNair
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-17
Filing date: 2009-11-17
Publication date: 2010-05-20

Abstract

A bedding element having a plurality of storage pockets. The pockets being closed on at least two sides to retain items within the pocket. The pockets further having an open top to allow for easy access to items stored within the pockets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/1156,324 filed Nov. 17, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to bed-side storage, and more particularly to a fabric storage device having pockets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is frequently desired to store items close to a bed. For example, it is desirable to keep a remote control near the bed so that the remote is usable while lying in the bed. Other useful bedside items include, but are not limited to glasses, magazines, newspapers, notepads, books, phones, medication, jewelry, bottles, flashlights, keys, pens, food, drinks and tissues. Such items are generally placed on nightstands, shelves, headboards, floors or the bed itself.
Storing these bed-side items in these locations creates numerous problems. Storing items on the bed itself creates a risk for the items to shift or fall off of the bed and break when striking the floor. Furthermore, storing items in around the bed often leads to misplaced items, placing the items out of reach or increasing clutter around the bed. As bedrooms are often dimly light it is sometimes difficult to locate items stored around the bed.
Therefore, a storage device for items such as remote controls, glasses, magazines, newspapers, notepads, books, phones, medication, jewelry, bottles, flashlights, keys, pens, food, drinks, tissues, and other items used while in bed is desired.

SUMMARY

Thus the present disclosure, in one form thereof, provides bedding having multiple storage pockets integrated therein.
More particularly, the bedding spans the width of a bed having multiple storage pockets integrated into each side of the bedding. The pockets are useful for storing numerous items commonly kept bed-side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown an embodiment of the bed-side storage device 10. The bed-side storage device 10 includes storage pockets 12. The bed-side storage device 10 further includes a top portion 14 and side portions 16.
The total length of the bed-side storage device is the top portion plus the two side portions. The total length of the bed-side storage device correlates to the width and thickness of the mattress. A wider mattress, such as a king sized mattress, utilizes a longer bed-side storage device than a narrower mattress, such as a twin sized mattress. Furthermore, a thicker mattress will also allow for a longer bed-side storage device than a thinner mattress.
In use, the top portion 14 drapes over a mattress 20. The top portion 14 correlates to the width of the mattress 20. In one embodiment, the top portion of the upper most pocket is located 1 inch below the upper surface of the mattress 20. In one embodiment, the bottom of the side portion is at least 0.5 inches above the ground. In one embodiment the distance from the top of the mattress to the bottom of the side portion is between 12 and 24 inches.
Numerous variations of the described embodiment are possible. In one embodiment, the bed-side storage device covers the entire mattress. In another embodiment, the width w of the bed-side storage device is between 6 and 36 inches. In another embodiment, the width w of the bed-side storage device is between 10 and 30 inches. In yet another embodiment the width w of the bed-side storage device is between 12 and 24 inches. The bed-side storage device rests along the head of the mattress and is located underneath the area in which pillows are customarily positioned.
Referring to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, the top portion of the bed-side storage device is situated between the mattress 20 and a mattress support 40, such as a box spring or platform. By situating the bed-storage device 10 between the mattress 20 and the mattress support 40 the bed-storage device is less likely to shift positions. However, this embodiment places the pockets further from the uppers surface of the mattress.
Referring to FIG. 4, in yet another embodiment, the side portions of the bed-side storage device are integrated directly into existing bedding textiles. The bedding textiles include, but are not limited to sheets, comforters, blankets, dust ruffles, pillow cases and duvets. By integrating the side portions into existing bedding textiles the need for an additional piece of bedding is eliminated. Furthermore, a plurality of distinct side portions can optionally be integrated into the bedding textile. Each side portion can be of the same or distinct size and may contain any number of storage pockets.
In one embodiment the bed-side storage device 10 is constructed from the same material as the mattress sheets. Optionally, the bed-side storage device 10 has the same design as the mattress sheets. It is understood that the bed-side storage device 10 can be formed from any material suitable for bedding.
In one embodiment the bed-side storage device is reversible. By reversing the bed-side storage device a distinct pattern or design is exposed. Making a single bed-side storage device suitable for at least two distinct bedding decorations.
The side portions 16 extend beyond the width of the mattress 20 and hang along the side of the mattress 20. The size of the side portions 16 are such that the bottoms of the side portions 16 are above the ground 30.
The side portions 16 further contain storage pockets 12. In one embodiment, the pockets are generally rectangular in shape and have three sealed edges. It is understood that pockets with two sealed edges may be utilized. The sealed edges are formed by any suitable means such as sewing. At least one non-sealed edge is open to allow the storage and removal of bed-side items. In one embodiment the non-sealed edge is elastic to assist in securing bed-side items. In another embodiment the top portion contains a fastening device to close the storage pocket. Fastening devices include, but are not limited to, zippers, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, and draw strings. In another embodiment a first pocket contains at least one smaller pocket integrated onto the outer or inner surface of the first pocket. In another embodiment, storage pockets span the entire width of the bed-side storage device.
In one embodiment the bed-side storage device is integrated into a pillow case. In this embodiment the side portion may extend from either one or both sides of the pillow case. For larger beds in which it is customary to use more than one pillow, only one side of the pillow case contains a side portion having storage pockets. Alternatively; two end pillow cases contain a side portion. In yet another embodiment, a second side portion extends from one pillow case, underneath an adjacent pillow and down the side of the mattress.
The storage pockets can be of any suitable size and can be customized for secure holding of bed-side items. For example, pockets can be small rectangular pockets for holding writing instruments such as pens and pencils or may be larger pockets for storage of newspapers and magazines. Furthermore the storage pockets may be lined or padded to prevent damage to fragile items such as glasses.
While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bed-side storage device comprising:

a top portion positioned on top of a mattress having a length that spans the width of the mattress; and

a first side portion connected to said top portion and hanging perpendicular to said top portion,

said first side portion further comprising a plurality of storage pockets attached thereto.

2. The bed-side storage device of claim 1 further comprising a second side portion connected to said top portion, said second side portion comprising a plurality of storage pockets thereto.

3. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets comprises a retractable elastic edge

4. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets comprises a zippered closure.

5. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets comprises hook and loop fasteners.

6. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets comprises a secondary storage pocket attached thereto.

7. The bed-side storage device of claim 1 further comprising at least one pillow case integrated into said top portion.

8. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets is lined with a material distinct from the material of said side portion.

9. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein the width of said top portion is between 6 and 36 inches.

10. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein the length of said first side portion is between 12 and 24 inches.

11. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein the width of said top portion and said first side portion are the same.

12. The bed-side storage device of claim 1, wherein said top portion is made from cotton.

13. A bed-side storage device comprising:

a top portion positioned under a mattress and over a foundation having a length that spans the width of the mattress; and

14. The bed-side storage device of claim 13 further comprising a second side portion connected to said top portion, said second side portion comprising a plurality of storage pockets thereto.

15. The bed-side storage device of claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of storage pockets comprises a secondary storage pocket attached thereto.

16. The bed-side storage device of claim 13, wherein at least on said plurality of storage pockets is fashioned to retain a bottle of fluid.

17. A bed-side storage sheet comprising:

a top portion positioned on top of a mattress that completely covers the entire area upper surface of the mattress; and

a first side pocket portion connected to said top portion and hanging perpendicular to said top portion,

said first side pocket portion further comprising a plurality of storage pockets attached thereto.

18. The bed-side storage sheet of claim 17 further comprising a second side pocket portion on the opposite side of the mattress as said first side pocket portion.

19. The bed-side storage device of claim 18 further comprising a third side pocket portion on the same side of the mattress as said first side pocket portion.

20. The bed-side storage device of claim 17 further comprising an elastic band to snugly affix said top portion to the mattress.