Partitioned Modular Bedding

Abstract

The improved partitioned modular bedding device converts a standard mattress into a partitioned sleeping arrangement wherein multiple individuals may sleep without interfering with one another. A washable fabric base member covers the mattress top and is retained thereon by tensioned side panels. Outer flanges, a foot flange, and a head flange on the top surface of the base member define each occupant chamber. Releasable fasteners attach overlapping flange ends. A sheath member attaches to the inner surface of the outer flanges and foot flange to secure the occupant within the chamber. One or more overlayer members and an underlayer member may be utilized within the chamber for occupant comfort, each retained within the chamber by releasable fasteners.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A partitioned modular bedding device, the device comprising:
 a base member for covering the top of a mattress having side walls, the base member further comprising side panels and a releasable tensioner for closely fitting the side panels against the mattress side walls; and   at least one chamber for accepting an occupant on the top surface of the base member, the chamber comprising:
 a plurality of peripheral flange members, each flange member comprising a plurality of releasable fasteners; and 
 a sheath member for providing retention of the occupant within the chamber, the sheath member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery corresponding to the flange member releasable fasteners for mating of the outward facing surface of the sheath member to the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members. 
   
     
     
         2 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener material, magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, and button fasteners. 
     
     
         3 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the releasable fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the outward width of the hook and loop fastener material allows adjustment of the chamber to accommodate various occupant body sizes. 
     
     
         4 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the sheath member releasable fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook portion is affixed to the surface of the sheath member that contacts the flange members. 
     
     
         5 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the releasable attachment fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook member material portion and the loop material portion are oriented such that the strongest shear force resistance direction of the hook material faces inward toward the center of the chamber member. 
     
     
         6 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the releasable tensioner comprising a drawstring and cord lock member. 
     
     
         7 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the base member comprising a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one chamber is substantially perpendicularly oriented with respect to another chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the chamber further comprising:
 an overlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members.   
     
     
         9 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the chamber further comprising:
 a plurality of overlayer members, each overlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members, the plurality of overlayer members forming a stack.   
     
     
         10 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the chamber further comprising:
 an underlayer member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the underlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the base member within the chamber.   
     
     
         11 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the chamber further comprising:
 a plurality of chambers for accepting an occupant, each chamber separated from the adjacent chamber by a neutral zone therebetween.   
     
     
         12 . The modular bedding device of  claim 1 , the device further comprising:
 an sleeve member having an extension flap with releasable fasteners for releasably engaging a peripheral flange member releasable fastener.   
     
     
         13 . A partitioned modular bedding device, the device comprising:
 a base member for covering the top of a mattress having side walls, the base member further comprising side panels and a releasable tensioner for closely fitting the side panels against the mattress side walls; and   at least one chamber for accepting an occupant affixed to the top surface of the base member, the chamber defined by a plurality of peripheral flange members.   
     
     
         14 . The modular bedding device of  claim 13 , the chamber further comprising:
 a sheath member for providing retention of the occupant within the chamber, the sheath member having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery corresponding to the flange member releasable fasteners for mating of the outward facing surface of the sheath member to the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members.   
     
     
         15 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , wherein the releasable fasteners are chosen from the group consisting of hook and loop fastener material, magnetic material, snap fasteners, zipper fasteners, and button fasteners. 
     
     
         16 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , the releasable fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the outward width of the hook and loop fastener material allows adjustment of the chamber to accommodate various occupant body sizes. 
     
     
         17 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , the sheath member releasable fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook portion is affixed to the surface of the sheath member that contacts the flange members. 
     
     
         18 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , the releasable attachment fasteners comprising hook and loop fastener material, wherein the hook member material portion and the loop material portion are oriented such that the strongest shear force resistance direction of the hook material faces inward toward the center of the chamber member. 
     
     
         19 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , the base member comprising a plurality of chambers, wherein at least one chamber is substantially perpendicularly oriented with respect to another chamber. 
     
     
         20 . The modular bedding device of  claim 14 , the chamber further comprising:
 one or more overlayer members having a plurality of releasable fasteners around the periphery for mating of the outward facing surface of the overlayer member to corresponding releasable fasteners on the inward facing surface of the peripheral flange members, the overlayer members capable of stacking.