SLIP PREVENTATIVE FITTED SHEET

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of bedding products, specifically hospital or medical-grade bed sheets designed to improve patient safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Falls and slips are a significant health risk for elderly individuals, especially those with medical conditions that affect their balance, mobility, or strength. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four older adults in the United States experiences a fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in this population. Additionally, about 20% of these falls result in serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma. Many of these incidents occur when elderly individuals are transitioning from a lying or seated position to standing, particularly in environments like hospitals or long-term care facilities where patients may be physically compromised. Existing bed covers offer no assistance in preventing falls during these transitions. It would be desirable to provide a slip preventative bed cover by incorporating strategically placed gripping materials on an improved fitted sheet in order to reduce the risk of slips and falls, and provide greater stability during the critical moment of exiting the bed.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to improvements in fitted sheets that incorporate gripping materials intended to prevent falls and slips among elderly or physically compromised individuals. The invention is applicable in hospital, long-term care, and home care settings, where enhanced safety features are crucial for patients at risk of falls during bed exits or transfers to mobility aids. The slip preventative fitted sheet according to the present invention is constructed from fabric material, such as cotton, polyester, or a cotton-poly blend, commonly used in hospital and home care bedding. The gripping surfaces are strategically positioned along the long edge of both sides of the fitted sheet, where patients typically exit the bed. The center of the fitted sheet, where the patient rests, is intentionally left free of gripping material to preserve skin integrity and reduce the risk of friction-related injuries, such as pressure sores or skin irritation. This design provides stability for safe bed exits while maintaining comfort during prolonged use.

Fabric for the slip resistant bed cover is chosen with patient comfort in mind, particularly for elderly or bedridden individuals. It is essential that the material is breathable, soft and moisture-wicking to prevent skin issues like maceration or irritation. Cotton-polyester blends offer durability and breathability, while materials like bamboo and Tencel/Lyocell provide hypoallergenic, antibacterial properties and superior moisture control, ensuring that the patient's skin remains dry and comfortable.

Slip resistant elements are made from durable, non-slip polymers, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or rubber-based compounds selected for their high friction coefficient, durability, and ability to withstand repeated laundering without degradation. The slip resistant elements are applied in a textured pattern, such as raised ridges, dots, or grooves, to provide localized friction while ensuring the sheet remains flexible and soft for patient comfort.

The slip resistant elements are adhered to the base fabric using a heat-seal or adhesive bonding process. In some implementations, a heat-activated adhesive is applied to the underside of the gripping material, which is then pressed onto the sheet fabric and heated to create a secure bond. This ensures that the gripping material remains permanently affixed, even after multiple washes. In another embodiment, the slip resistant elements are directly extruded or printed onto the fabric using a specialized molding process, further ensuring the durability of the grip.

To maintain ease of cleaning, the slip resistant elements are resistant to detergents and high temperatures, allowing for standard hospital or home laundering without compromising grip functionality. The use of silicone or TPE is ideal for this purpose, as both materials offer excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear. The textured grip provides sufficient friction for patients attempting to stand or shift their weight, while being soft enough to prevent discomfort during regular bed use.

The fitted sheets are produced in various sizes to fit different types of beds, including standard hospital bed dimensions. The slip resistant elements are applied consistently along the long sides of the fitted sheets, typically extending from 10 to 40 inches in length and 4 to 10 inches in width, depending on the sheet size. This placement ensures that the slip resistant elements are positioned where patients typically exit the bed, without interfering with normal bed use or causing unnecessary wear to the gripping surface.

By utilizing these materials and manufacturing techniques, the slip preventative fitted sheet provides a robust, long-lasting solution for fall prevention, withstanding the rigors of everyday use in hospital or home environments. The choice of materials and precise bonding methods ensure that the gripping surfaces offer reliable friction over the product's lifespan, improving patient safety while maintaining comfort and hygiene.

In some implementations, the slip resistant elements are applied to the inside surface (mattress contacting portions) of the fitted sheet. This gripping material is designed to increase friction between the fitted sheet and the mattress, reducing the likelihood of the sheet slipping off during use. Hospital mattresses and their covers are often made from medical-grade, waterproof materials, such as vinyl, urethane-coated fabrics, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), to comply with infection control and hygiene standards, as defined by guidelines for hospital-grade surfaces that prioritize easy disinfection and resistance to contamination. These materials allow for easy cleaning and disinfection, making them resistant to bodily fluids such as urine. To ensure compatibility with these surfaces, the gripping material on the underside of the bed sheet is selected for its ability to adhere effectively to slick, non-porous surfaces.

Recommended materials for the slip resistant region comprising the slip resistant pattern(s) which may be repeating, include silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or polyurethane-based compounds, all of which are known for their high friction coefficients, durability, and resistance to chemical cleaners used in medical settings. In addition, microfiber or flocked-texture materials may also be considered for lighter gripping needs, offering improved friction without interfering with the mattress's wipeable properties. The slip resistant elements are applied in textured patterns such as dots, ridges, or chevrons to provide localized friction and maintain flexibility and comfort. By incorporating gripping material specifically designed for compatibility with standard hospital mattress covers, this embodiment provides a robust, practical solution for improving patient safety in healthcare environments.

In some implementations, the slip resistant elements located on the outer surface of the fitted sheet and may include color-coded or visually distinct sections. Such coloration serves a dual purpose: it intuitively indicates the location of the slip resistant zones to nurses, patient helpers, or other caregivers, and it guides them to position the patient's body, such as the buttocks, in alignment with these zones during bed exits. This visual cue simplifies the process for new or less experienced workers who may not yet be familiar with the sheet's functional design, ensuring the patient exits the bed at the zones for maximum stability and fall prevention. The colors or markings may be chosen for visibility, contrast with the base sheet material, or even to align with specific facility color codes for ease of recognition in healthcare environments. By enhancing the intuitive usability of the slip resistant elements with color, this embodiment further promotes patient safety and caregiver efficiency.

In some implementations, pressure sensors; force sensitive resistors, may be integrated within or adjacent to the slip resistant elements. Such indicators are designed to provide visual or tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the slip resistant zones, ensuring that patients or caregivers are guided to the correct location for safe transitions. Additionally, a monitoring system may be linked wired or wirelessly to the pressure sensors to provide alerts to caregivers, signaling patient movement or transition from the bed without assistance. This feature enhances the usability and safety of the slip preventive fitted sheet in hospital and home care settings.

Advantages and Ramifications

Strategic placement of slip resistant elements on the surface of fitted sheets combined with the intentional absence of gripping material in the center of the bed, offers a unique solution to a critical problem in hospitals and elderly care facilities: the prevention of patient falls during transitions from bed to standing. By preventing slips and falls when patients exit their beds, the slip preventative fitted sheet reduces the risk of injuries, while the absence of slip resistant elements in the center of the sheet ensures that patients remain comfortable and free from pressure sores or skin irritation during extended periods of bed rest.

The present invention addresses a long-felt but unmet need for a simple, non-invasive solution to enhance patient stability during bed-to-standing transitions. Fall prevention in hospitals often requires the use of cumbersome and expensive external devices such as bed rails, alarms, or fall mats. The slip preventative fitted sheet, however, provides an integrated, cost-effective solution that requires no modifications to the existing bed or surrounding environment and offers stability without compromising comfort, making it particularly beneficial for elderly and physically compromised individuals. This combination of safety and comfort is critical in settings where falls are a leading cause of injury.

According to recent data, around 700,000 to one million hospital patients, particularly the elderly, fall each year. A significant portion of these falls occurs when patients attempt to stand or exit the bed. Many of these falls lead to serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma. Additionally, many falls in hospitals (up to 80%) are not witnessed by staff, highlighting the importance of passive safety measures like these sheets (MedAlertHelp.org) (CDC).

The slip preventative fitted sheet provides stability without the need for invasive devices like bed rails, which can be uncomfortable and present their own hazards. The integration of slip resistant zones directly into bed sheets reduces fall risk while preserving patient comfort.

Ease of Integration with Existing Bedding Systems: The slip preventative fitted sheet can be used with standard hospital or home beds without requiring any modifications to the bed frame or mattress. This ease of adoption makes it convenient for healthcare facilities and caregivers to implement without added costs or complications.

Non-Invasive Design: Unlike assistive devices such as bed rails or floor mats, which can be bulky or create additional barriers, the slip preventative fitted sheet may be seamlessly integrated into the care giving environment.

Cost-Effective Safety Solution: The use of gripping materials on bed sheets is less costly than other fall prevention systems such as electronic bed alarms or advanced mobility aids. It offers an accessible solution for both healthcare facilities and home caregivers who may have budgetary constraints.

Reduction of Patient Anxiety: Patients, particularly elderly individuals, may experience anxiety when attempting to stand or transition from the bed due to fear of falling. The added stability offered by the slip resistant bed cover can provide psychological comfort, encouraging patients to be more confident when moving, potentially aiding in their recovery.

Maintenance of Hygiene and Cleanliness: Since the gripping material is integrated directly into the sheets, there is no need for external devices or wearable items that can become dirty or require frequent cleaning. The sheets can be laundered just like regular bedding, ensuring a high level of cleanliness in medical or home settings.

Enhancement of Patient Independence: For patients with limited mobility, the added grip could allow them to get in and out of bed with less assistance from caregivers, promoting a sense of independence and reducing the workload on healthcare staff.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the slip preventative fitted sheet placed over a mattress;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation thereof;

FIG. 3 shows the slip resistant sheet in a typical use environment;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of (FIG. 3);

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an example slip preventative fitted sheet placed over a mattress, where the dashed line regions mark slip resistant elements on the inner surface(s) of the fitted sheet;

FIG. 6 is another view thereof where a bordering section of fitted sheet is removed to show slip resistant elements (110) which are applied to the inner surface of the fitted sheet;

FIG. 7 shows an example fitted sheet according to the present invention equipped with pressure sensors;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view of an example notification method enabled by the fitted sheet of the invention;

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show by way of example and not limitation, typical patterns (104) that might also be employed in the invention.

REFERENCE LISTING OF THE NUMBERED ELEMENTS

• • (100) slip preventative fitted sheet
  • (102) textured region
  • (104) pattern of slip resistant elements
  • (106) elastic banding
  • (107) mattress
  • (108) depression of mattress
  • (109) central region of mattress
  • (110) inner surface slip resistant elements
  • (112) body pressure/position sensors
  • (114) monitoring system
  • (115) nurses station
  • (116) smart phone
  • (117) receiver

DEFINITIONS

In the following description, the term “slip resistant elements” can be used interchangeably with the term “gripping” elements and may refer to any pattern, repeating or not, that forms a slip resistant zone to prevent accidental slips, especially when getting in or out of bed. In this disclosure the term “slip preventative fitted sheet” may be referred to interchangeably with the term “sure grip sheet” or a variant thereof.

The singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term “comprises” means “includes.” All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references listed in this disclosure are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11 a slip preventative fitted sheet (100) includes one or more textured regions (102) typically placed along the long sides of the fitted sheet such that when the fitted sheet is placed over a mattress, the textured regions are positioned at the top and vertical sides of the mattress (107) and the middle/central region (109) of the fitted sheet where a person lays is clear of the texture. The textured regions include a pattern of slip resistant elements (104) (e.g., FIGS. 7, 8 and 9) that may be a repeating pattern of slightly raised elastomeric elements applied to the fabric surface by any means as would be appreciated by those having skill in the art. Each textured region flexes (108) with the mattress contours according to the weight distribution of a patient and is strategically located where a patient is most likely to exit or enter the bed and provides a slip resistant surface to prevent slips especially with patients who are physically compromised such as the elderly. Typically, the elastic elements (106) are similar to those of conventional fitted sheets.

The pattern of slip resistant elements (104) are of a non-slip polymer material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or polyurethane-based compounds, or other natural or synthetic rubber material applied in patterns such as ridges, dots, or chevrons to enhance friction while maintaining flexibility.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example improved fitted sheet according to the invention as it would appear when stretched over a twin size mattress.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation thereof where the pattern transitions to a surface generally 90 degrees from that shown in (FIG. 1).

FIGS. 3 and 4 show respectively a top plan view and side elevation similar to that of (FIGS. 1 and 2) but with the addition of a sitting figure. In FIG. 4, note the typical depressions (108) of the mattress to either side of the figure. The slip resistant region (104) applied to the fitted sheet (100) adjusts to patient movement and conforms to their body when entering or exiting at the side of the bed.

FIG. 5 shows an example fitted sheet (100) according to the present invention in a bottom plan view including the typical elastic (106) banding/gathers common to fitted sheets. Dashed line (110) indicates a pattern of slip resistant elements applied to an inner surface of the fitted sheet that is intended to contact the mattress and present the fitted sheet from slipping relative to the mattress surface.

In FIG. 6 the dashed line (113) about the periphery is a cutaway of (FIG. 5), showing slip resistant elements (110) applied to the inner surface (inside facing surfaces) of the fitted sheet (100) that would normally face the top of the mattress when the fitted sheet is placed thereon. The slip resistant surfaces make direct contact with the mattress (107) surface made typically from medical-grade, waterproof materials such as vinyl, urethane-coated fabrics, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to comply with infection control and hygiene standards.

FIG. 7 shows an example fitted sheet according to the present invention equipped with force/pressure sensitive sensors (112); e.g., force sensitive resistors (FSR), shown in dashed line. Typically such sensors may be placed within, under or adjacent the textured region (102) of the fitted sheet (100). Such sensors may be integrated with the fitted sheet within or adjacent to the textured region (102). It should be understood that the particular location or spacing of the sensors may vary according to application.

Referring to FIG. 8, the sensors of (FIG. 7) may be linked to a Bluetooth® enabled transmitter to transmit a notice/alarm to a notification and monitoring system (114) that may include a receiver apparatus (117) located at a nurses station (115), or connect to a WiFi network to send notifications to a smart phone (116) application or notify via text messaging. Such sensors may be integrated In addition to notifying caregivers of patient attempts to exit the bed, other contemplates improvements to a fitted sheet may include light emitting elements (not shown) responsive to the pressure sensors that illuminate to provide visual or tactile feedback when pressure is applied to the gripping zones, ensuring that patients or caregivers are guided to the correct entry or exit point for safe transitions.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 by way of example and not limitation, show various repeating raised elastomeric patterns that may be employed in the invention. Other suitable patterns will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art.