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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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.