AU2017216253A1

AU2017216253A1 - Bedsheet moisture protection

Info

Publication number: AU2017216253A1
Application number: AU2017216253A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Michael Kaplan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-02-04
Filing date: 2017-01-31
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-31
Also published as: WO2017132724A1; AU2017216253B2

Abstract

The invention provides a method and apparatus for bedsheet moisture protection. The apparatus comprises an upper bedsheet (3) comprising an inner portion (4) extending in use over a moisture producing region of the person, the inner portion being disposed within an outer portion (5) surrounding the inner portion, wherein the inner portion (4) comprises a moisture absorbent layer (9) adapted to absorb moisture from below, and a water impermeable layer (8) disposed above the moisture absorbent layer (9); and the outer portion (5) has a non- wicking property such that moisture absorbed into the moisture absorbent layer (9) of the inner portion (4) does not migrate into the outer portion (5). The method comprises placing the upper bedsheet (3) over the person in the bed.

Description

BEDSHEET MOISTURE PROTECTION

FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to moisture retention aids for protecting beds and bedding, in particular to an upper bedsheet having improved moisture retention properties and a method incorporating same.

BACKGROUND [0002] Bedwetting is a perennial problem for people of very young or old age and for people with a disability or temporary ailment. Many types of bedding protection are known, mostly focused on bed mattress protectors which are disposed beneath the patient which comprise a water impermeable layer that prevents moisture from the patient wetting the mattress. The upper bedsheet component of bedding which lies above the patient has received little innovative attention. Without any moisture protection, upper bedsheets tend to absorb moisture and become soaked throughout, causing moisture to wet bedclothes or to migrate to the floor. Even with an upper bedsheet constructed with water impermeable layer, existing moisture protecting upper bedsheets have a water impermeable layer over the entire extent of the bedsheet resulting in migration of moisture through the moisture absorbent layer at least to the floor.

[0003] Also, similar problems exist with people suffering from severe night perspiration.

[0004] There is therefore a need to provide an improved upper bedsheet incorporating moisture protection which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages .

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PCT/AU2017/050079

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided an upper bedsheet adapted to be placed above a person in a bed, the upper bedsheet comprising an inner portion extending in use over a moisture producing region of the person, the inner portion being disposed within an outer portion surrounding the inner portion, wherein the inner portion comprises a moisture absorbent layer adapted to absorb moisture from below, and a water impermeable layer disposed above the moisture absorbent layer; and the outer portion has a non-wicking property such that moisture absorbed into the moisture absorbent layer of the inner portion does not migrate into the outer portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, wherein the outer portion comprises a non-wicking fabric. The non-wicking fabric of the outer portion may extend over an upper surface of the inner portion. The moisture absorbent layer and the water impermeable layer may be attached to the non-wicking fabric at least at a boundary of the inner portion. The non-wicking fabric may comprise nylon or a hydrophobic polyester.

[0007] In one embodiment, the moisture absorbent layer is laminated to the water impermeable layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the moisture absorbent layer is a towelling material.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least the moisture absorbent layer is disposable.

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PCT/AU2017/050079 [0010] In accordance with a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a method of protecting a bed or bedding from moisture, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an upper bedsheet adapted to be placed over a person in the bed, the upper bedsheet comprising an inner portion extending in use over a moisture producing region of the person, the inner portion being disposed within an outer portion extending around the inner portion, wherein the inner portion comprises a moisture absorbent layer adapted to absorb moisture from below, and a water impermeable layer disposed above the moisture absorbent layer; and the outer portion has a nonwicking property such that moisture absorbed into the moisture absorbent layer of the inner portion does not migrate into the outer portion; and placing the upper bedsheet over the person in the bed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of also providing a water impermeable mattress protector adapted to be disposed under the person in the bed.

[0012] In both aspects of the invention, the moisture producing region may be a central torso region appropriate for containment of urination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bed and mattress;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bed and mattress of Figure 1 with a bedsheet according to an embodiment of the invention fitted thereto;

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PCT/AU2017/050079 [0015] Figure 3 is a plan view of the bedsheet of Figure 2; and [0016] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the bedsheet of Figure 2 through line A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0017] An embodiment of the current invention will now be described.

[0018] Referring first to Figure 1, a bed base 1 and mattress 2 is shown. Mattress 2 may be fitted with a water impermeable mattress protector such as is known in the prior art in order to provide protection from moisture ingress into mattress 1. Such mattress protectors typically include a moisture absorbent layer disposed above a water impermeable layer, which may be laminated together and formed into an elastic fitment arrangement to be held in place on top of mattress 2.

[0019] Referring now to Figure 2, an upper bedsheet 3 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown fitted to mattress 2. Upper bedsheet 3 is adapted to be placed over the person sleeping in the bed and comprises an inner portion 4 depicted by dashed lines denoting the boundary thereof surrounded by an outer portion 5. Inner portion 4 is sized, shaped and positioned appropriately to extend in use over a central torso region of the person likely to cover moisture from urination. Outer portion 5 comprises a remainder of the area of bedsheet 3.

[0020] Referring now to Figure 3, a plan view of rectangular flat bedsheet 3 is shown showing rectangular inner portion 4

WO 2017/132724

PCT/AU2017/050079 positioned within outer portion 5. For a typical single bedsheet of width 1800 mm and length 2600 mm, the central portion is conveniently about 900 mm wide and 1000 millimetres long, but it will be appreciated that many variations in dimension and shape are possible to provide useful coverage of a source of urination. When the invention is applied in other purposes such as night perspiration, the length is conveniently about 1900 mm to cover substantially the entire body of the person. Importantly, outer portion 5 surrounds inner portion 4.

[0021] Referring now to Figure 4, a cross-sectional view through line A-A shown in Figure 3 is depicted. In this embodiment, the upper bedsheet 3 is conveniently constructed using a rectangular sheet with non-wicking properties forming both the outer portion 5 and an upper surface 7 of inner portion 4. A suitable material of non-wicking properties includes a nylon or hydrophobic polyester fabric. Inner portion 4 comprises a moisture absorbent layer 9 such as a towelling material laminated to a water impermeable layer 8 such as polyurethane, as is known in the art for mattress protectors. Inner portion 4 is attached to the nonwicking fabric 5,7 through stitching 10 around a boundary.

[0022] In use, moisture is absorbed into moisture absorbent layer 9 but resists extending outside the inner portion 4 by the outer portion 5 which surrounds the inner portion 4, by virtue of the non-wicking properties of outer portion 5. In this way, the person is kept relatively dry by absorption of the moisture into the moisture absorbent layer 9, and wetting of the blankets or dripping onto the floor is prevented as moisture is inhibited from soaking past the boundary with the outer portion 5.

[0023] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, which is determined from the

WO 2017/132724

PCT/AU2017/050079 broadest scope and claims.

[0024] For example, any material with non-wicking properties is suitable for outer portion 5, and is not necessarily restricted to woven fabrics. Further, outer portion 5 must surround inner portion 4 but in the broadest aspect of the invention does not need to extend fully to the outer edge of the bedsheet 3, which could contain alternative materials without non-wicking property outside outer portion 5.

[0025] Further, while the example provided describes that the inner portion 4 is attached by stitching 10 around the boundary thereof to the outer portion 5, any mode of attachment including welding or removable attachment such as Velcro fastener or a sewn pocket is within the scope of the invention. A removable attachment embodiment would allow for the possibility of a disposable moisture absorbent layer construction, still within the broadest aspect of the invention.

[0026] Further still, while the example provided above describes that the bedsheet 3 is constructed from a non-wicking fabric which extends from the outer portion 5 over an upper surface 7 of the inner portion 4, it will be appreciated that the upper surface 7 within the boundary of the inner portion 4 is not necessary although it is desirable for aesthetic reasons and simplicity of construction.

[0027] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence

WO 2017/132724 ₇ PCT/AU2017/050079 or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Further, any method steps recited in the claims are not necessarily intended to be performed temporally in the sequence written, or to be performed without pause once started, unless the context requires it.

[0028] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. An upper bedsheet adapted to be placed above a person in a bed, the upper bedsheet comprising an inner portion extending in use over a moisture producing region of the person, the inner portion being disposed within an outer portion surrounding the inner portion, wherein the inner portion comprises a moisture absorbent layer adapted to absorb moisture from below, and a water impermeable layer disposed above the moisture absorbent layer; and the outer portion has a non-wicking property such that moisture absorbed into the moisture absorbent layer of the inner portion does not migrate into the outer portion.

2 . The upper bedsheet of claim 1, wherein the outer portion comprises a non-wicking fabric.

3. The upper bedsheet of claim 2, wherein the non-wicking fabric of the outer portion extends over an upper surface of the inner portion.

4. The upper bedsheet of claim 3, wherein the moisture absorbent layer and the water impermeable layer are attached to the non-wicking fabric at least at a boundary of the inner portion.

5. The upper bedsheet of claim 1, wherein the moisture absorbent layer is laminated to the water impermeable layer.

6. The upper bedsheet of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the non-wicking fabric comprises nylon or a hydrophobic polyester.

7. The upper bedsheet of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the moisture absorbent layer is a towelling material.

8. The upper bedsheet of claim 1, wherein at least the moisture absorbent layer is disposable.

9.

The upper bedsheet of claim 1, wherein the moisture

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PCT/AU2017/050079 producing region is a central torso region.

10. A method of protecting a bed or bedding from moisture, the method comprising the steps of:

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the moisture producing region is a central torso region.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of also providing a water impermeable mattress protector adapted to be disposed under the person in the bed.