AU2020101622A4

AU2020101622A4 - A Bed Sheet Retention Device and Method of Use Thereof

Info

Publication number: AU2020101622A4
Application number: AU2020101622A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alan Bosworth
Original assignee: Bedsheet Bodyguard Co Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Bedsheet Bodyguard Co Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-03
Filing date: 2020-08-03
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Anticipated expiration: 2028-08-03
Also published as: WO2022027083A1; TWM618270U

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to sheets for beddings and retention devices for the same. In one form, a bed sheet retention device is provided including: an anchor configured to be located against an underside of the mattress; at least two pairs of opposed straps, each pair of opposed straps configured to extend from opposite sides of the anchor to an edge of the bed sheet; and a connecting mechanism for connecting an outer end of each strap to the edge of the bed sheet for retaining at least sides of the bed sheet around the mattress, wherein at least one of each pair of opposed straps includes a tensioning mechanism for applying a tensioning force to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress, and wherein the straps are formed from a non-elastic material to counter any lessening of the tensioning force due to stretching of the straps. 1/4 100 110 126 124 140 . ..... 9 10 120 900 122 130 814 812 816 810 800 Figure 1

Description

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A BED SHEET RETENTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to sheets for beddings and retention devices for the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is desirable when making a bed to achieve a tightly tucked appearance, particularly in relation to a bottom sheet that is laid above the mattress and atop of which occupants lie.

[0003] Usually, bottom sheets are provided either as a flat sheet or a fitted sheet, the latter having an elastic or draw-string hem to prevent the bottom sheet slipping off the mattress.

[0004] However, problems in general with such bottom sheets, whether they be flat or fitted sheets, is that they continue to slip off mattresses and attract wrinkles. The problems are particularly pronounced when the elastic in the hem of a fitted sheet degrades and/or when the bottom sheet is fitted atop a mattress having a mattress protector or topper. Further, wrinkled bottom sheets have been shown to affect an occupant's overall sleep quality.

[0005] Bed sheet retention devices are known. Typically, such devices include some combination of straps and clips for retaining a bed sheet against a mattress.

[0006] For example, US Patent Publication No. US 2019/0014913 Al discloses a bed sheet retention device including at least two straps with a pair of rings located at each end. The pair of rings are adapted to threadingly receive an edge of a bed sheet for fastening the bed sheet to the straps in a complicated manner.

[0007] For example, Chinese Utility Model No. CN 209421591 U discloses a bed sheet retention device including a pair of looped straps. Each looped strap is configured to be respectively threaded through loops provided in each corner of a bed sheet and looped about a mattress to secure the bed sheet to the mattress.

[0008] The applicant is also aware of other non-patented bed sheet retention devices. However, in all instances, the applicant has recognised that such devices suffer from a number of deficiencies, including being too complicated, lacking versatility, requiring extensive modification of the bed sheet itself, or poor design resulting in the device no longer holding the bed sheet under tension.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a bed sheet retention device and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bed sheet retention device for retaining a bed sheet in place atop a mattress, said device including: an anchor configured to be located against an underside of the mattress; at least two pairs of opposed straps, each pair of opposed straps configured to extend from opposite sides of the anchor to an edge of the bed sheet; and a connecting mechanism for connecting an outer end of each strap to the edge of the bed sheet for retaining the bed sheet in place atop the mattress, wherein at least one of each pair of opposed straps includes a tensioning mechanism for applying a tensioning force to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress, and wherein the straps are formed from a non-elastic material to counter any lessening of the tensioning force due to stretching of the straps.

[0012] Advantageously, the present invention provides a bed sheet retention device that securely retains a bed sheet to a mattress under tension. The device is easy to use and can be adjusted to fit a range of different sized mattresses and therefore is more versatile than previously provided devices. Further, embodiments of device readily attach to the edge of any bed sheet by way of the connecting mechanism, without damage or modification to the bed sheet, and a tensioning force applied by the tensioning mechanism can readily draw the edge of the bed sheet under tension over and around a sidewall of a mattress. Accordingly, the device can be used without the need for excessive force to fit a sheet over a mattress. As such, the device is particularly advantageous for the young, elderly and mobility impaired where it may further assist them in fitting a bed sheet over a mattress. Lastly and by way of its construction, the straps of the device will not stretch with use and counter or diminish the tensioning force applied by the tensioning mechanism.

[0013] As used herein, bed sheet may refer to any generally rectangular piece of cloth laid atop a mattress and atop of which an occupant may lie. The bed sheet may preferably be referred to as a bottom sheet. The bed sheet may include a flat sheet or a fitted sheet, the latter including an elastic or draw string hem to at least partially assist in fitting the sheet to a mattress.

[0014] Each bed sheet may include an outer edge configured to at least partially wrap around a mattress. The outer edge may include opposed end edges and opposed side edges configured to respectively fit about the opposed end walls and opposed side walls of a mattress. The bed sheet may include a fitted corner between adjacent end edges and side edges.

[0015] As indicated, the device includes an anchor configured to be located against an underside of the mattress and to which the straps are anchored for applying tension to a bed sheet.

[0016] The anchor may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. The anchor may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more anchor pieces, preferably the former.

[0017] The anchor may be formed from metal, plastic or fabric material or materials, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the anchor may be formed from metal and/or plastic material or materials.

[0018] The anchor may be substantially flat or planar and may have a rounded or polygonal shape. For example, in some embodiments, the anchor may have a circular, semi-circular or oval shape. In other embodiments, the anchor may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon.

[0019] The anchor may include a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and at least one sidewall extending therebetween and defining a shape of the anchor. The opposed surfaces may include a mattress facing inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

[0020] The anchor may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Likewise, the anchor may include rounded edges extending between each surface and an adjacent sidewall.

[0021] The anchor may include one or more openings extending through the opposed surfaces to which the straps are anchored.

[0022] For example, in some embodiments, the anchor may include two or more openings each for having one or more straps anchored thereto. In such embodiments, the openings may preferably be arranged in a spaced arrangement at or near an outer perimeter of the anchor.

[0023] In other preferred embodiments, the anchor may include a single opening extending through a central portion of both surfaces of the anchor.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the anchor may be in the form of a ring, preferably a metal ring.

[0025] The straps may be anchored to the one or more openings in the anchor in any suitable way. For example, the straps may be releasably or fixedly anchored to the anchor. The straps may be directly or indirectly anchored to the anchor.

[0026] In some embodiments, a loop of each strap may be received through the one or more openings and fastened to itself to anchor the strap to the anchor.

[0027] In other embodiments, each loop may be attached to the anchor by one or more mechanical fasteners. For example, one or more threaded or rivet fasteners may extend through an end portion of a strap and the one or more openings defined in the anchor to anchor the strap to the anchor.

[0028] In yet other embodiments, each strap may have a fastener, such as, e.g., a clip or hook operatively associated with an end of the strap and the fastener may clip or hook to the one or more openings defined in the anchor to anchor the strap to the anchor.

[0029] As indicated, the device includes at least two pairs of opposed straps. The opposed straps may be arranged in any suitable arrangement for retaining a bed sheet in place atop a mattress.

[0030] For example, in some embodiments, a first pair of opposed straps may interconnect the opposed end edges of the bed sheet and the anchor and a second pair of opposed straps may interconnect the opposed side edges of the bed sheet and the anchor.

[0031] In other embodiments, the first part of opposed straps may interconnect a first pair of opposed corners of the bed sheet and the anchor and a second pair of opposed straps may interconnect a second pair of opposed corners of the bed sheet and the anchor.

[0032] In yet other embodiments, the device may include more than at least two pairs of opposed straps. For example, the device may include at least three, at least four or even at least five pairs of opposed straps.

[0033] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of pairs of opposed straps may correlate with the size of the mattress. For example, it is envisaged, that the device may include three pairs of opposed straps for retaining a bed sheet in place atop a single mattress. Likewise, the device may include four pairs or more of opposed straps for retaining a bed sheet in place atop a double mattress or larger.

[0034] The straps may be of any suitable length, width, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials for anchoring to the anchor and the edge of the bed sheet via the connecting mechanism and holding the bed sheet against a mattress under tension.

[0035] Each strap may include a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending longitudinally between the opposed ends.

[0036] In some embodiments, the elongate body may be substantially flat. In other embodiments, the elongate body may be cylindrical or tubular.

[0037] As indicated, each strap is formed from a non-elastic material or materials that is incapable of stretching at least longitudinally. For example, each strap may be made from plastic, leather or fabric material or materials. The strap may be formed from natural or synthetic fibres, such as, e.g., manila hemp, hemp, linen, cotton, coir, jute, straw, sisal, polypropylene, nylon, polyesters (e.g., PET, LCP or vectran), polyethylene, aramids, and acrylics (e.g., dralon), or any combination thereof.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, each strap may be formed from webbing. The webbing may be flat or tubular. The webbing may be made of hemp, cotton, linen, nylon, polypropylene, polyester or any combination thereof, preferably polyester.

[0039] Advantageously, by forming the straps from a non-elastic material, the tensioning force applied by the straps via the tensioning mechanism does not lessen or reduce over time.

[0040] The straps may be provided in any suitable lengths for fitting bed sheets to any standard sized mattress. For example, the straps may be provided in lengths of about 150mm, about 200mm, about 250mm, about 300mm, about 350mm, about 400mm, about 450mm, about 500mm, about 550mm, about 650mm, about 700mm, about 750mm, about 800mm, about 850mm, about 900mm, about 950mm, about 1,000mm, about 1,050mm, about 1,100mm, about 1,150mm, about 1,200mm, about 1,250mm, about 1,300mm, about 1,350mm, about 1,400mm, about 1,450mm, or even about 1,500mm or more. The straps may be provided in lengths ranging from about 200mm to about 1,500mm to fit mattresses ranging in size from single to super king.

[0041] In some embodiments, the straps may be provided in one or more standard lengths to fit mattresses of standard sizes.

[0042] In other embodiments, the straps may be provided in a single or unitary length to fit a mattress of king single or super king size but may be adjustable to fit mattresses of smaller respective sizes.

[0043] At least one of each pair of opposed straps may be adjustable in length in any suitable way.

[0044] Typically, the at least one of each pair of straps may include a strap adjuster. The strap adjuster may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0045] For example, in some embodiments the strap adjuster may be in the form of a buckle fastened at one end of the strap and configured to fasten the other end of the strap relative thereto and thereby lengthen or shorten the length of the strap.

[0046] In other embodiments, the strap adjuster may be in the form of a pair of rings fastened to one end of the strap and configured to threadingly receive and fasten the other end of the strap relative thereto and thereby lengthen or shorten the length of the strap.

[0047] In yet other embodiments, the strap adjuster may include a tri-glide slide or webbing slide fastened to one end of the strap and be configured to threadingly receive the other end of the strap therethrough for the purpose of lengthening or shortening the length of the strap.

[0048] In further embodiments, the strap adjuster may be a ladderlock buckle fastened to one end of a strap and configured to threadingly receive the other end of the strap therethrough to fasten the other end of the strap relative thereto and for the purpose of lengthening or shortening the length of the strap by cinching or partially releasing the other end of the strap relative to the buckle.

[0049] The strap adjuster may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically metal or plastic material or materials.

[0050] In some embodiments, each strap may include a single strap extending from the anchor for connecting to the edge of the bed sheet. In other embodiments, each strap may include a strap loop or looped strap extending from the anchor for connecting to the edge of the bed sheet.

[0051] As indicated, the device includes a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism for connecting an outer end of each strap to the edge of the bed sheet for retaining the bed sheet atop the mattress, and preferably the edges of the bed sheet around the mattress. This may involve a permanent connection or a releasable connection, preferably releasable.

[0052] The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with an outer end of the strap of the device and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the edge of the bed sheet.

[0053] The parts of the connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female formation that couple or mate together, including a hook and loop connection, a threaded connection, an interference (snap fit) connection or a bayonet-type connection, for example.

[0054] In some embodiments, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the outer end of the strap may include a male formation configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation of a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with an edge of the bed sheet. Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the outer end of the strap may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive or couple with a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the edge of the bed sheet.

[0055] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a male formation in the form of a hook or clip associated with an end of a strap and a female formation in the form of a shaped opening or eyelet associated or defined in the edge of the bed sheet, said hook or clip configured to hook or clip into the shaped opening or eyelet to connect the strap to the edge of the bed sheet.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a pair of opposed clamping members operatively associated with an outer end of the strap and configured to clamp against one another to releasably hold the edge of the bed sheet.

[0057] In such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may further include an actuating mechanism for moving the clamping members together and apart. The actuating mechanism may be adjustable to enable the inward pressure of the clamping members when clamping together to be adjusted.

[0058] Any suitable type of mechanism may be used. The actuating mechanism may preferably be manually actuated. For example, the actuating mechanism may include one or more of a lever, ram, operable handle, sliding arrangement (e.g., one or more shafts/columns extending through one or more apertures in the clamping members, or tongue and groove), hinged arrangement or pivoting arrangement for moving the clamping members together and apart.

[0059] The actuating mechanism may preferably include one or more biasing mechanisms or members so that movement apart works against the force of the biasing mechanism or member. The biasing mechanism or member may be one or more springs, such as, coil or leaf springs, for example.

[0060] Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the clamping members may be biased together by other types of biasing mechanisms or members, such as, e.g., magnets or magnetized elements and the like.

[0061] The pair of opposed clamping members may be of any suitable size, shape and construction suitably adapted to securely hold a portion of an edge of a bed sheet, preferably without damaging the bed sheet.

[0062] In some embodiments, the clamping members may include a pair of opposed plates configured to move apart and together with the clamping members. The plates may preferably be of like size and shape. The plates may be unitary or separate construction to the clamping members.

[0063] Each plate may further include a liner or coating at least on a portion of an abutting surface of the plate to at least partially assist in releasably holding a portion of the edge of the bed sheet.

[0064] The liner or coating may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. Typically, the liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0065] In other embodiments, each plate may include a grip defined or formed in the sheet abutting surface.

[0066] The pair of opposed clamping members may be operatively associated with end of a strap in any suitable way. For example, the clamping members may be fixedly or releasably fastened to the end of the strap, preferably fixedly via a loop strap. In some embodiments, the clamping members may be coupled to the end of a strap via a swivel connection.

[0067] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a suspender clip coupled to the end of a strap. The suspender clip may include a pair of opposed clamping members for releasably clamping an edge of the bed sheet and an actuating mechanism in the form of a lever for moving the clamping members together and apart.

[0068] As indicated, the device includes a tensioning mechanism for applying a tensioning force to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress, preferably for drawing one or more edges of the bed sheet at least over and around side walls of the mattress, more preferably over and around the side walls of the mattress to an underside of the mattress. The tensioning mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0069] Typically, the tensioning mechanism may be operatively associated with at least one strap of each pair of opposed straps.

[0070] In some embodiments the tensioning mechanism may include a tensioner, such as, e.g., a belt or strap tensioner, located between the anchor and the connecting mechanism and configured to apply tension to the strap, preferably spring tension.

[0071] In other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism may include a ratchet associated with at least one of each pair of opposed straps, said ratchet configured to apply tension to the strap.

[0072] In yet other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism may include the strap adjuster as previously described. For example, the strap adjuster may be used to shorten or reduce the length of a strap to thereby apply a tensioning force to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress.

[0073] In some embodiments, one or more of the straps may be bifurcated and divide into two outer branch straps. In such embodiments, each of the branch straps may include a connecting mechanism for connecting to the edge of the bed sheet.

[0074] Typically, the bifurcated or main strap may be interconnected to the outer branch straps by a further anchor as previously described. In such embodiments, the further anchor may include a triangular shape.

[0075] In some embodiments, the anchor may include one or more fasteners for fastening the anchor to the underside of the mattress. The one or more fasteners may include one or more mechanical fasteners (such as, e.g., threaded fasteners, pins or tacks) and/or one or more chemical fasteners (such as, e.g., a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape).

[0076] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting a bed sheet to a mattress with the bed sheet retention device of the first aspect, said method including: fitting the bed sheet to the mattress; placing the anchor of the bed sheet retention device against an underside of the mattress and connecting each pair of opposed straps extending from the anchor such that the straps extend from opposite sides of the anchor and connect to opposed edges of the bedsheet; and applying a tensioning force to at least one of each said pair of opposed straps such that the bed sheet is held under tension against the mattress.

[0077] The method may include one or more characteristics and/or features of the bed sheet retention device as hereinbefore described.

[0078] The fitting may include orientating and applying the bed sheet atop an upper side of the mattress.

[0079] The placing may include applying the anchor against the underside of the mattress. In some embodiments, the placing may include temporarily inverting the mattress for ready access to the underside of the mattress.

[0080] The placing further includes arranging the pairs of opposed straps relative to the edge of the bed sheet and connecting the straps to the bed sheet with the connecting mechanism.

[0081] In some embodiments, the placing may include arranging the pairs of opposed straps such that they interconnect the opposed end edges and opposed side edges to the anchor.

[0082] In other embodiments, the placing may include arranging the pairs of opposed straps such that they interconnect the corners of the bed sheet and the anchor.

[0083] In yet other embodiments, the placing may include interconnecting both the opposed end edges, side edges and corners with the anchor.

[0084] When the anchor is correctly placed and interconnected to the edges of the bed sheet via the straps, the tensioning force may be applied to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress.

[0085] In embodiments in which at least one strap of each pair of opposed straps includes a strap adjuster, the tensioning force may be applied by shortening the length of the strap.

[0086] Conversely, in other embodiments in which at least one strap of each pair of straps includes a tensioner, the tensioning force may be applied by activating the tensioner.

[0087] In yet other embodiments, in which the tensioner is ratchet, the tensioning force may be applied by ratcheting the strap to shorten a length of the strap.

[0088] The method may include a further step of re-inverting the mattress such that the upper side of the mattress in once again facing upwards.

[0089] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0090] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0091] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0092] Figure 1 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of a bed sheet retention device according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to a queen size mattress and securing a bed sheet to the mattress;

[0093] Figure 2 is a photograph showing a magnified view of a bifurcated strap of the bed sheet retention device shown in Figure 1;

[0094] Figure 3 is a photograph showing a magnified view of a connecting mechanism of the bed sheet retention device shown in Figure 1;

[0095] Figure 4 is a line drawing showing a plan view of the bed sheet retention device as shown in Figure 1; and

[0096] Figure 5 is a line drawing showing a plan view of a bed sheet retention device according to another embodiment of the present invention for fitting to a single size mattress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Figures 1 to 3 show a bed sheet retention device (100) and parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to a queen size mattress (900) and retaining a bed sheet (800) in place atop the mattress (900). Figure 4 shows a line drawing of the bed sheet retention device (100) shown in Figure 1 in the absence of the mattress and bed sheet.

[0098] Referring to Figure 1, the device (100) includes an anchor (110) configured to be located against an underside (910) of the mattress (900); four pairs of opposed straps (120), each pair of straps (120) extending from opposite sides of the anchor (110) towards an adjacent edge (810) of the bed sheet (800); a connecting mechanism in the form of a clamp (130) connected to an outer end (122) of each strap (120) for clamping the edge (810) of the bed sheet (800); and a tensioning mechanism in the form of a ladderlock buckle (140) associated with each strap (120) for shortening the strap (120) and thereby applying a tensioning force to draw the edge (810) of the bed sheet under tension at least partially over and around a sidewall of the mattress (900) for retaining the bed sheet (800) in place atop the mattress (900).

[0099] The bed sheet (800) is a rectangular bottom sheet for laying atop the mattress (900) and atop of which an occupant may usually lie. The outer edge (810) of the bed sheet (800) includes opposed end edges (812) and opposed side edges (814) configured to respectively fit over and around sidewalls of the mattress (900). The bed sheet (800) includes fitted corners (816) between adjacent end edges (812) and side edges (814).

[00100] Referring briefly to Figure 4, the anchor (110) is a metal ring of suitable size to have eight straps (120) anchored to it. A loop of each strap (120) is received through the ring and fastened upon itself to anchor the strap (120) to the anchor (110).

[00101] Referring back to Figure 1, the four pairs of opposed straps (120) are arranged such that they interconnect the opposed end edges (812), side edges (814) and fitted corners (816) with the anchor (110).

[00102] Each strap (120) includes an outer end (122), an opposed inner end (124) and an elongate body (126) extending longitudinally therebetween. The elongate body (126) is substantially flat.

[00103] The straps (120) are formed from polyester webbing and advantageously are non elastic to counter any lessening of the tensioning force applied by the tensioning mechanism due to stretching.

[00104] The straps (120) are provided in a range of lengths to fit mattresses (900) ranging in size from double to super king. Further, the straps are adjustable in length by way of the ladderlock buckle (140) for fitting the device (100) to differently sized mattresses (900).

[00105] Additionally, the ladderlock buckle (140) on each strap (120) can shorten each strap (120) to thereby apply the tensioning force. The length of each strap (120) can be adjusted by cinching or partially releasing the strap (120) relative to the buckle (140). The ladderlock buckle (140) is formed from plastic.

[00106] Referring briefly to Figure 3, the outer end (122) of each strap (120) is loop fastened to a clamp (130) for clamping the edge (810) of the bed sheet (800).

[00107] The clamp (130) includes a pair of opposed clamping members (132) for releasably clamping the edge (810) of the bed sheet (800) and an actuating mechanism in the form of a lever (134) for moving the clamping members (132) together and apart. Each clamping member (132) includes a liner along a clamping surface of the clamping member (132) formed from rubber or soft plastic material or materials to provide grip to the clamping surface.

[00108] Referring to Figure 2, the pairs of opposed straps (120) interconnecting the opposed fitted corners (816) of the bed sheet (800) with the anchor (110; not shown) bifurcate and divide from the main strap (120A) into two outer branch straps (120B). The main strap (120A) and the two outer branch straps (120B) are interconnected by a triangle ring (i.e., a further anchor; 210). The two outer branch straps (120B) each have a clamp (130) loop fastened to a respective outer end (122) and the branch straps (120B) angle outwards to clamp an edge (810) of the bed sheet (800) to either side of the fitted corner (816) of the bed sheet (800).

[00109] Figure 5 shows a line drawing of another embodiment of the device (100) configured for retaining a bed sheet (800; not shown) atop a single-size mattress (900; not shown). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the previous embodiment will be referenced with the same reference numeral.

[00110] Referring to Figure 5, the device (100) again includes an anchor (110) configured to be located against an underside of a mattress; clamps (130) for clamping the edge of a bed sheet and a tensioning mechanism in the form of a ladderlock buckle (140) associated with each strap (120) for shortening the strap (120) and thereby applying a tensioning force to thereby draw the edge of a bed sheet under tension at least partially over and around a sidewall of a mattress for retaining the bed sheet in place atop the mattress.

[00111] However, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the device (100) includes three pairs of opposed straps (120) extending outward from the anchor (110). The three pairs of opposed straps (120) are arranged such that they interconnect the opposed side edges (814; not shown) and fitted corners (816; not shown) with the anchor (110). Each of the diagonal pairs of opposed straps (120) bifurcate and divide from the main strap (120A) into two outer branch straps (120B) with associated clamps (130) for clamping to either side of a fitted corner (816; not shown).

[00112] A method of fitting a bed sheet (800) to a mattress (900) with the bed sheet retention device (100) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

[00113] The bed sheet (800) is first fitted atop an upper side of the mattress (900).

[00114] The mattress (900) with the fitted bed sheet (800) is then inverted to provide ready access to the underside (910) of the mattress (900).

[00115] The anchor (110) of the device is centrally placed against the underside (910) of the mattress and each pair of opposed straps (120) is arranged such that the straps (120) extend from opposite sides of the anchor (110).

[00116] The pairs of straps (120) are then clamped via the respective clamps (130) provided at the end of each strap (120) to the edge (810) of the bed sheet (800) such that they interconnect the opposed end edges (812), side edges (814) and fitted corners (816) with the anchor (110).

[00117] A tensioning force is applied to each strap (120) by shortening the length of each strap (120) with the associated ladderlock buckle (140) to draw the edge (810) of the bed sheet (800) under tension partially over and around a sidewall of the mattress (900). The bed sheet (800) is now retained in place atop the mattress (900).

[00118] The mattress (900) with fitted and now secured bed sheet (800) can then be re inverted such that the upper side of the mattress (900) is once again facing upwards.

[00119] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00120] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00121] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bed sheet retention device for retaining a bed sheet in place atop a mattress, said device including: an anchor configured to be located against an underside of the mattress; at least two pairs of opposed straps, each pair of opposed straps configured to extend from opposite sides of the anchor to an edge of the bed sheet; and a connecting mechanism for connecting an outer end of each strap to the edge of the bed sheet for retaining the bed sheet in place atop the mattress, wherein at least one of each pair of opposed straps includes a tensioning mechanism for applying a tensioning force to hold the bed sheet under tension against the mattress, and wherein the straps are formed from a non-elastic material to counter any lessening of the tensioning force due to stretching of the straps.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes three pairs of opposed straps for retaining the bed sheet to a single-size mattress.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device includes four pairs of opposed straps for retaining the bed sheet to a double mattress or larger.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tensioning force applied by the tensioning mechanism is configured to draw one or more edges of the bed sheet at least around and about side walls of the mattress.

5. A method of fitting a bed sheet to a mattress with the bed sheet retention device of any one of claims 1 to 4, said method including: fitting the bed sheet to the mattress; placing the anchor of the bed sheet retention device against an underside of the mattress and connecting each pair of opposed straps extending from the anchor such that the straps extend from opposite sides of the anchor and connect to opposed edges of the bedsheet; and applying a tensioning force to at least one of each said pair of opposed straps such that the bed sheet is held under tension against the mattress.

Date: 3 August 2020