WO2017177888A1

WO2017177888A1 - Positioning system for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress

Info

Publication number: WO2017177888A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/080041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheung Wing Hui
Original assignee: Hotung Investments Limited
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2017-04-11
Publication date: 2017-10-19
Also published as: HK1218602A2; WO2017177888A9

Abstract

A positioning system (200) for positioning a cover sheet (100) on a mattress (20), has an elongate positioning member (210) arranged for use extending along each of two opposite side edge portions (101-104) of the cover sheet (100). The positioning member (210) has opposite first and second end parts (211,212). Two anchors (250) are used on each of two opposite sides of the mattress (20) corresponding to the opposite side edge portions (101,103) of the cover sheet (100) to hold an associated positioning member (210), directly or indirectly by its first and second end parts (211,212) respectively, against movement in upward and outward directions. Also included is engagement means (290,250,260) for use between each anchor (250) and the respective first or second end part (211,212) in order for the anchors (250) to hold the associated positioning member (210) against movement in upward and outward directions.

Description

POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR POSITIONING A COVER SHEET ON A MATTRESS

The present invention relates to a positioning system for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Both flat sheet and fitted sheet are cloth generally used to cover a mattress. A flat sheet is usually a rectangular cloth while a fitted sheet has its four corners and sometimes two or four sides fitted with elastic. Flat sheet is more often used by hotels while fitted sheet is used domestically.

To fit a flat sheet onto a mattress, the lower edges of the flat sheet is folded underneath the mattress. The weight of the mattress retains the lower edges of the flat sheet underneath it. In order for this to work effectively, an additional 43％of the flat sheet is tucked underneath the mattress. The 43％of fabric is not useful in covering the mattress. The material used in treating e.g. cleaning and ironing the 43％of fabric would constitute substantial wastage. Cutting down the amount of fabric to be placed underneath the mattress is not desirable as there may not be enough friction to retain the flat sheet. The use of fitted sheet solves part of the problem but to fit a fitted sheet, the mattress has to be lifted for tucking in the parts fitted with elastics. Lifting a mattress is extremely labor intensive.

The invention seeks to eliminate or at least to mitigate such shortcomings or problems by providing a new or otherwise improved positioning system for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a positioning system for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress, comprising an elongate positioning member arranged for use extending along each of two opposite side edge portions of a said cover sheet, the positioning member having opposite first and second end parts； two anchors for use on each of two opposite sides of a said mattress corresponding to the opposite side edge portions of a said cover sheet to hold an associated positioning member, directly or indirectly by its first and second end parts respectively, against movement in upward and outward directions； and engagement means for use between each anchor and the respective first or second end part in order for the anchors to hold the associated positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions.

Preferably, the engagement means is associated with one of the first or second end part and the respective anchor and is adapted to engage with the other of the first or second end part and the respective anchor, thereby holding the associated positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions.

More preferably, the engagement means is adjustable to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.

Yet more preferably, wherein each positioning member is arranged to be inserted through a sleeve extending along the respective side edge portion of a said cover sheet, the sleeve being connected to or an integral part of the respective side edge portion of a said cover sheet.

Preferably, at least one of the engagement means comprises a flexible elongate member.

Advantageously, the flexible elongate member is elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.

More advantageously, the flexible elongate member is associated with the respective anchor and is adapted to engage with the respective first or second end part.

Yet more advantageously, the flexible elongate member is releasably connected to the respective anchor.

It is preferable that the flexible elongate member has an intermediate part looped through the respective anchor such that it is connected at the intermediate part to the respective anchor, with two end sections thereof acting as respective engagement means for use on adjacent sides of a said mattress and corresponding adjacent sides of a said cover sheet.

More preferably, the flexible elongate member has a free end that is enlarged or looped for engagement with the respective first or second end of the associated positioning member.

Yet more preferably, the free end of the flexible elongate member is enlarged by being fitted with a bead.

Advantageously, the first or second end of the associated positioning member has a gap within which a neck behind the enlarged free end of the flexible elongate member is engageable, with the enlarged free end being retained by the gap.

More advantageously, the first or second end of the associated positioning member is bifurcate, defining the gap.

It is advantageous that the respective anchor is fixed on an associated side of a said mattress by means of at least one of a screw or bolt secured to a base structure supporting a said mattress and a foot of the respective anchor pressed under a said mattress.

Preferably, the respective anchor has a body that includes a cover to conceal an otherwise exposed part of the body.

More preferably, the cover has an outer surface provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.

Yet more preferably, the flexible elongate member is associated with the respective first or second end part and is adapted to engage with the respective anchor.

It is preferable that the positioning member has a rigid body and includes a rubber cord which is threaded lengthwise through the rigid body and whose opposite ends act as the engagement means.

Preferably, each anchor having upper and outer anchor parts engageable with respective first or second end part of the positioning member on the same side as the anchor to position a said cover sheet on a said mattress, with the upper and outer anchor parts holding the said end part of the positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions respectively.

Yet more preferably, the first and second end parts of the positioning member comprise rigid end parts, each of which is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of an associated first anchor.

It is preferable that the first anchor has a protrusion acting as the upper anchor part for engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member.

Advantageously, the first anchor has a plurality of the protrusions arranged at different levels, each protrusion acting as a respective said upper anchor part for selective engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member, thereby permitting adjustment of the relative position of the positioning member at which the positioning member is engaged with the first anchor to accommodate variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.

More advantageously, the or each protrusion is folded or bent out from the body of the first anchor.

Yet more advantageously, the first anchor has a cover acting as the outer anchor part for engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member, the cover being adapted to cover the protrusion or protrusions and the respective first or second end part of the positioning member.

Preferably, the cover is pivotably connected with the body of the first anchor.

More preferably, the cover has a lower end pivotably connected with the body of the first anchor and an upper end engageable with the body of the first anchor by means of a catch.

Yet more preferably, the catch comprises a magnetic catch. It is preferable that the or each protrusion of the first anchor is provided with a frictional enhancement element for co-operation with the cover to grip an adjacent corner of a said cover sheet.

Advantageously, the frictional enhancement element is made of a rubber material.

More advantageously, the cover has an outer surface provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.

Yet more advantageously, the first and second end parts of the positioning member comprise flexible elongate parts, each of which is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of an associated second anchor.

Preferably, each flexible elongate part is elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.

More preferably, each flexible elongate part has a free end that is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of the respective second anchor.

It is preferable that the free end of each flexible elongate part is looped for engagement with the upper and outer anchor parts of the respective second anchor.

Advantageously, the positioning member has a rigid body and includes a rubber cord which is threaded lengthwise through the rigid body and whose opposite ends act as the flexible elongate parts.

It is advantageous that each of the second anchors has an engagement part formed with a recess within which a respective flexible elongate part is engageable.

Preferably, the recess has a bottom part and two opposite side parts, with either one of the side parts acting as the outer anchor part of the respective second anchor and the bottom part acting as the upper anchor part.

More preferably, the engagement part is provided by a bifurcate end of the second anchor, which has a pair of prongs separated by a gap which is the recess.

Yet more preferably, at least one of the anchors has a foot for engagement with a bottom surface of a said mattress, such that the anchor is fixed under the weight of a said mattress.

Advantageously, the foot is provided with frictional enhancement means to enhance frictional engagement with the bottom surface of a said mattress.

More advantageously, the frictional enhancement means comprises at least one of a non-planar surface of and protruding formations on the foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a positioning system in accordance with the invention for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress of the bed；

Figure 2A is an exploded view of an embodiment of an anchor of the invention；

Figure 2B is a perspective view of a part of the anchor in Figure 2A；

Figure 3 is an enlarged exploded view of the anchor in Figure 2A with a pair of frictional enhancement members and a catch；

Figures 4A to 4C is an illustrative perspective view of the anchor in Figure 2A at different stage of use；

Figure 5A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a base structure for connecting with the anchor in Figure 2A；

Figure 5B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a base structure for connecting with the anchor in Figure 2A；

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the anchor in Figure 2A with a decorated outer surface on a cover and connected to a base structure；

Figure 7 is a perspective of the base structure in Figure 5B connected with two anchors in Figure 2A at two opposite corners；

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of three positioning members in the positioning system of Figure 1；

Figure 8B is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the positioning member in Figure 8A；

Figure 9A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a positioning member；

Figure 9B is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the positioning member in Figure 9A；

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the positioning system in Figure 1 used on a mattress for positioning a cover sheet；

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cover sheet in Figure 10 with the first and second embodiments of positioning members inserted into respective sleeves of the cover sheet in Figure 10；

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover sheet in Figure 11 to be placed onto a mattress equipped with the positioning system in Figure 1；

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a mattress covered with a cover sheet maintained by the positioning system in Figure 1；

Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a part of the positioning system in Figure 13；

Figure 14A is an enlarged view of an anchor in the positioning system in Figure 14；

Figure 15A is a perspective view of the anchor in Figure 14 in an opened position；

Figure 15B is a perspective view of the anchor in Figure 14 in a closed position；

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the anchors in Figure 14 supported by the base structure in Figure 5B；

Figure 17A to Figure 17C is a cross-sectional view of the anchor in Figure 15B with the positioning member placed at different levels；

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the mattress in Figure 13 showing a corner of the cover sheet being folded and fixed in place；

Figure 18A is an enlarged view of a part of the mattress in Figure 18；

Figure 19A is an enlarged view of the part in Figure 18A with the anchor opened；

Figure 19B is an enlarged view of the part in Figure 18A with the anchor closed；

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a positioning system in accordance with the invention for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress of the bed；

Figure 21 is an enlarged view of a part of the positioning system in Figure 20 showing an anchor connected to a base structure；

Figure 22A is a perspective view of four positioning members useful in the positioning system in Figure 20；

Figure 22B is an enlarged view of the positioning member in Figure 22A；

Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the positioning member in Figure 22B；

Figure 24 is an enlarged view of a base member of the anchor in Figure 21；

Figure 25A and Figure 25B shows a perspective view of the base member in Figure 24 connected to a base structure；

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a cover sheet with the positioning member of Figure 22A inserted into respective sleeves in the cover sheet；

Figures 26A to 26C are enlarged view of different parts of the cover sheet in Figure 26；

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a mattress to be covered by the cover sheet in Figure 26；

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the mattress in Figure 27 covered by the cover sheet in Figure 26；

Figure 29 is the mattress in Figure 28 with corners of the cover sheet being folded into an isosceles triangle and fixed in place by two adjacent anchors；

Figure 29A is an enlarged view of a part of the cover sheet on the mattress in Figure 29；

Figure 30 is an enlarged view of a part of the mattress in Figure 29；

Figure 31 is a front perspective view of the mattress in Figure 29；

Figure 32 is an enlarged view of a part of the mattress in Figure 31；

Figure 33 is a front perspective view of the mattress in Figure 29 with a longer positioning member requiring a slightly different connection arrangement；

Figure 34 is an enlarged view of a part of the mattress in Figure 33；

Figure 35 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a positioning system in accordance with the invention for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress of the bed；

Figure 36 is a front perspective view of the mattress with the positioning system in Figure 35；

Figure 37 is a perspective view of four elongate positioning members of the positioning system of Figure 35；

Figures 38A and 38B are perspective views of an end of one positioning member of Figure 37, showing an end piece thereof；

Figure 39 is a perspective view showing how the positioning members of Figure 37 are fitted into respective side edge portions of the cover sheet of Figure 2；

Figures 39A to 39C are enlarged perspective views of parts of the arrangement of Figure 39；

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the cover sheet fitted with positioning members of Figure 5, shown above the bed；

Figure 41 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the bed of Figure 40, showing an anchor with two rubber cords；

Figures 42A and 42B are perspective and cross-sectional views showing how an end of the rubber cord of Figure 41 is engaged with the end piece of Figures 38A and 38B；

Figure 43 is a perspective view of the two rubber cords of the anchor of Figure 41 in engagement with respective end pieces of two adj acent positioning members；

Figures 44 and 45 are perspective views of the rubber cord in isolation；

Figure 46 is a perspective view of the anchor in isolation；

Figure 47 is a perspective view of the anchor with a foot；

Figure 48 is a perspective view of a base member in the anchor in Figure 46；

Figure 49 is a perspective view of a base member in the anchor in Figure 47；

Figure 50 is a perspective view of the base member in Figure 48 with a rubber cord；

Figure 51 is a perspective view of a base member in Figure 49 with a rubber cord and showing the cover in isolation；

Figure 52 is an exploded view of the anchor in Figure 46 with a rubber cord；

Figure 53 is an exploded view of the anchor in Figure 52 without the rubber cord；

Figure 54 is an exploded view of the anchor in Figure 47 with a rubber cord；

Figure 55 is an exploded view of the anchor in Figure 54 without the rubber cord；

Figures 56A to 56C are cross-sectional views of the anchor in Figure 55, taken along its length, showing the anchor at different stages of use；

Figure 56D is a cross sectional view of the anchor in Figure 55, taken across its length；

Figure 57 is a side perspective view of a mattress with the positioning system in Figure 35； and

Figure 58 is a bottom perspective view of a part of the mattress in Figure 57.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 to 58 of the drawings, there is shown a bed 10 with a mattress 20 supported on a base structure 30, with the mattress 20 being covered or protected by a cover sheet 100 which is positioned by means of a first positioning system 200 embodying the invention for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress.

In general, the positioning system 200 includes an elongate positioning member 210 arranged for use extending along each of two opposite side edge portions of the cover sheet 100. Each positioning member 210 has opposite first and

second end parts

211 and 212. The positioning system 200 also includes two anchors 250 for use on each of two opposite sides of the mattress 20 corresponding to the opposite side edge portions of the cover sheet 100. The anchors 250 serve to hold an associated positioning member 210 directly or indirectly by its first and

second end parts

211 and 212 respectively, against movement in upward and outward directions i.e. in general displacement or shifting of the cover sheet 100 relative to the mattress 20 during use of the bed 10. The positioning system 200 further includes engagement means 290 for use between each anchor 250 and the respective first or second end part 211/212 in order for the anchors 250 to hold the associated positioning member 210 against movement in upward and outward directions.

Generally stated, the engagement means 290 is associated with one of the first or second end part 211/212 and the respective anchor 250 and is adapted to engage with the other of the first or second end part 211/212 and the respective anchor 250, thereby holding the associated positioning member 210 against movement in upward and outward directions. The engagement means 290 is adjustable to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member 210 at which the associated positioning member 210 is held by the anchors 250, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between the cover sheet 100 and the mattress 20.

The cover sheet 100 has a body in the form of a generally rectangular flat sheet having two pairs of opposite

side edge portions

101, 102, 103 and 104 around the sheet body, i.e. a first pair of opposite right and left

side edge portions

101 and 103 and a second pair of opposite head and tail

side edge portions

102 and 104. There are at least two square/round corners 109 across the head side edge portion 104 and the left and right

side edge portions

101 and 103. When the cover sheet 100 is in use, i.e. placed on a mattress 20 to cover the same, its four side edge portions 101 to 104 hang downwards and cover all four sides of the mattress 20 respectively, including at least an upper part for the head side edge portion 102 in the presence of a headboard.

Ideally, the width of the side edge portions 101 to 104 should be sufficient to cover and conceal the entire thickness (or at least a substantial part thereof) of the mattress 20. The head side edge portion 102 may be narrower than the other three

side edge portions

101, 103 and 104, as the mattress’s head side is often concealed by a headboard.

On the four side edge portions 101 to 104 of the cover sheet 100, there are formed respective

elongate sleeves

105, 106, 107 and 108 which extend along the free edges of the respective side edge portions 101 to 104. In a different embodiment, only one pair of the left and right

side edge portions

101 and 103 may be provided with such sleeves 105 and 107.

The sleeves 105 to 108 are elongate tubular receptacles integrally formed from the fabric of the corresponding side edge portions 101 to 104 of the cover sheet 100, i.e. they are integral parts of the side edge portions 101 to 104. Alternatively, the sleeves 105 to 108 may be pre-formed, e.g. as tubes, and then connected or sewed on to the corresponding side edge portions 101 to 104. Each sleeve 105/106/107/108 may be formed or located at any position (i.e. vertical position in use) within the width of the respective side edge portion 101/102/103/104. Generally, it should preferably, but not necessarily, run parallel to the free edge of the respective side edge portion 101/102/103/104. In this particular embodiment, each sleeve 105/106/107/108 is positioned right at the free edge of the respective side edge portion 101/102/103/104.

Each sleeve 105/106/107/108 has two

openings

91 and 92 at opposite ends thereof, for insertion of a respective elongate positioning member 210. While inserted, each elongate positioning member 210 has its

opposite end parts

211 and 212 projecting out of the respective sleeve 105/106/107/108 through the corresponding openings 91 and 92.The elongate positioning member 210 acts a batten to stiffen the corresponding side edge portion 101/102/103/104 of the cover sheet 100. The elongate positioning members 210 are hereinafter referred to alternatively as battens 210.

Each batten 210 is provided by a respective aluminum tube of a flat rectangular cross-section, and includes a pair of end pieces 213 which are connected by being plugged with its rear end into the first and

second end parts

211 and 212 of the batten 210 respectively.

The general features as described above are generic features that are common to the positioning system 200 of all embodiments.

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 19, including a second embodiment that is a slight variation of the first embodiment. A third embodiment is shown in Figures 20 to 34, and a fourth embodiment in Figures 35 to 58.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 19, in the first embodiment of the positioning system 200, the anchor 250 (herein known as the Type A anchor) has an upper anchor part 250A and an outer anchor part 250B engageable with

respective end parts

211 and 212 of the positioning member 210. The

end parts

211 and 212 of the positioning member 210 are on the same side as the anchor 250 to position the cover sheet 100 on the mattress 20 such that the cover sheet 100 is fixed in position by way of friction (see Figures 17A to 17C) between the frictional enhancement member 270 and the cover 258. First and second parts 211A/211B/212A/212B of the positioning member 210 on each

end parts

211 and 212 are rigid end parts useful in abutting the upper and

outer anchor parts

250A and 250B respectively.

Each anchor 250 has a generally flat vertical body 251 that includes a cover 258 to conceal the body 251 or an otherwise exposed part of the body 251. The body 251 is in the form of a metal bracket which is folded to form left and right side flanges 252, three protrusions 250A, and includes two holes 255. The cover 258 includes an outer surface 259 that may be provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.

The upper anchor parts 250A are protrusions of the body member 251 of the anchor 250 at different levels for selective engagement with a part 210A of the positioning member 210. The engagement means 290 of this positioning system 200 are provided by the anchors 250 and in particular the three protrusions 250A of each anchor 250. Depending on the size of the cover sheet 100, a suitable protrusion is selected for engagement with the positioning member 210. This permits adjustment of the relative position of the positioning member 210 at which the positioning member 210 is engaged with the anchor 250 to accommodate variation in dimension between the cover sheet 100 and the mattress 20. Ultimately, to ensure the cover sheet 100 is smooth and flat on the mattress 20. Each of those protrusions 250A is folded or bent out from the body 251 of the anchor 250. The first part 211A of the positioning member 210 abuts an underside of the protrusion 250A when the system 200 is in place.

The outer anchor part 250B may be a cover 258 pivotally connected to the body 251 for engagement with the second end part 250B of the positioning member 250. This cover 258 has a size and shape adapted to cover the protrusions 250A and the first and

second end parts

211 and 212 of the positioning member 250. The positioning member 210 is prevented from moving in an outward direction away from the body 251 by having the second part 211B abutting the outer anchor part 250B. Lower end of the cover 258 is pivotally connected with the body 251 of the anchor 250 and an upper end engageable with the body 251 of the anchor 250 by means of a catch 300. The catch is preferably a magnetic catch fixed to the body 251 of the anchor 250 and pulls on the cover 258 which is a ferromagnet.

Each protrusion 250A is provided with a frictional enhancement element 270 for co-operation with the cover 258 to grip an adjacent corner of the cover sheet 100. The frictional enhancement element 270 is preferably a T-shaped element with its stem sleeved onto the protrusion 250A. Instead of the cover 258 being the outer anchor part 250B, the underside of the arms of the frictional enhancement element 270 may be useful as the outer anchor part 250B. The frictional enhancement element 270 is made of a rubber material which exhibits a sliding friction to fix the position of the square/round corners 109 of the cover sheet 100.

The cover 258 has an inner surface 258A formed with at least one aperture 258B for accommodating the frictional enhancement element 270 when the cover 258 is in a closed position.

These anchors 250 are to be fixed right at the bottom of respective base structures 30 (Type A base structure) as shown in Figure 5A, with their feet 256 tucked under the respective base structure 30 and fixed by screws (or bolts) 94 through the holes 257 upon the bottom surfaces of the base structures 30. An alternative embodiment of the base structure 30 (Type B base structure 30) is shown in Figure 5B to be employed at corners underneath the mattress 20 as can be seen in Figure 10. Two anchors 250 can be fixed at two opposite corners of the Type B base structure 30. The anchors 250 are placed on the top of the Type B base structure 30 with their feet laid on an upper surface of the Type B base structure 30 and fixed by screws 94. All of the base structures 30 and the anchors 250 are fixed under the mattress 20 such that the anchors 250 are fixed under the weight of the mattress 20.

Although not preferred, screws 94 may be employed through the holes 257 on the foot 256 or the holes 255 on the body member 251 to directly fix the foot 256 to a support frame 40 of a mattress 20. The base structure 30 is provided with frictional enhancement means, which may be in the form of protruding formations, to enhance frictional engagement with the bottom surface of a said mattress 20. It may also be in the form of a non-planar pleated plate with or without such protruding formations. The base structure 30 may form part of the foot 256 of the anchor 250.

There are four battens 210 each provided by a respective aluminum tube of a flat rectangular cross-section, and includes a pair of end pieces 213 which are connected by being plugged with its rear end into the first and

second end parts

211 and 212 of the batten 210 respectively. Each end piece 213 has a triangular ringed end 214.

Each batten 210 is inserted in respective sleeve 105/106/107/108 through any one of the two

openings

91 and 92. While inserted, each elongate positioning member 210 has its

opposite end parts

211 and 212 projecting out of the respective sleeve 105/106/107/108 through the corresponding

openings

91 and 92.

In use, the cover sheet 100 adjacent the batten 210 runs through a convoluted path inside the anchor 250 amongst the protrusion 250A, the aperture 258B and the cover 258, to be retained by way of friction or through frictional engagement. The frictional enhancement member 270 increases the friction.

These features are common to the first, second and third embodiments.

Specific to the first embodiment as shown in Figures 12 to Figure 19B, four anchors 250 (Type A) as detailed above are used with a pair of anchors 250 (Type B) of a slightly different configuration (see Figures 12 to 14) . The further embodiment of the anchor 250 is basically the same as that described above but has a hook 280 on one of the flanges 252 of the base member 251 as can be seen in Figure 14. The hook 280 is a 7-shaped formation integrated with the base member 251. The hook 280 is for engaging a rubber cord 260 which extends from the triangular ringed end 214 of the batten 210 inserted into the sleeve 106 at the head side edge portion 102 of the cover sheet 100. A loop is formed at a free end of each of the rubber cord 260 for looping onto the hook 280.

The rubber cord 260 may run through the entire length of the batten 210 or is tied to the triangular ringed end 214 and extends therefrom.

The positioning system 200 includes four Type A anchors 250 and two Type B anchors 250. The batten 210 on the side edge portion 101 engages the protrusions 250A and the frictional enhancement means 270 of a Type A anchor 250 and a Type B anchor 250 present on a same side of the mattress 20. The batten 210 on the side edge portion 103 engages the protrusion 250A and the frictional enhancement means 270 of another Type A anchor 250 and the other Type B anchor 250 present on a same side of the mattress 20 opposite that of the earlier mentioned side. The batten 210 on the side edge portion 104 engages the protrusion 250A and the frictional enhancement means 270 of the rest of the Type A anchors 250. The batten 210 at the head side edge portion 102 has two of the said rubber cords 260 tied to or extend from the triangular ringed ends 214 for engaging the respective hook on the Type B anchors 250. At each corner of the mattress between the side edges 101 and 104, 103 and 104, two Type A anchors are attached to a same Type B base member 30. The Type B anchors are attached to respective Type A base member 30.

Referring to Figures 18 to 18A which show one way of how the corners 109 of the cover sheet 100 may be folded into a right-angled triangle and with its outermost tip being clipped in position between the cover 258 and the frictional enhancement element 270 of one of the Type A anchor 250.

Figures 19A and 19B show a different way of folding the corners of the cover sheet 100. Each corner 109 is folded to form an isosceles triangle with the two lower corners clipped in position by two adjacent anchors 250 attached to a same Type B base member 30.

The second embodiment is a variation of the first embodiment with all four battens 210 being provided without rubber cord 260. There is no Type B anchor 250 and only eight Type A anchors. Each of the battens 210 has its two

end parts

211 and 212 engage the protrusion 250A and the frictional enhancement means 270 of two Type A anchors 250 on the same side of the mattress 20.

Referring now to Figures 20 to 34, there is shown the third embodiment of the positioning system 200. In this embodiment, best seen in Figure 23, all four battens 210 are connected to the anchors 250 through respective rubber cord 260 is threaded lengthwise through the rigid body of the batten 210 and whose opposite ends act as the flexible elongate parts for looping onto the anchor 250. In more detail, the rubber cord 260 runs through a hollow interior of each batten 210 and through holes on the end pieces 213. The rubber cord 260 leads to and beyond the outer tip of the triangular ringed end 214 to form an elastic loop. Each rubber cord 260 is elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member 210 at which the associated positioning member 210 is held by the anchors 250 to accommodate variation in dimension between the cover sheet 100 and the mattress 20.

Each anchor 250 has a plain body member 251. There is no protrusion or frictional enhancement member. It is a plain plate that supports the upper and

outer anchor parts

250A and 250B.

Preferably each anchor 250 has a foot 256 at its top end of the base member 251 for connecting to or integrally formed with a base structure 30 for engagement with a bottom surface of a said mattress 20, such that the anchor 250 is fixed under the weight of a said mattress 20.The bottom end of the base member 251 is integrally formed with an inverted U-shaped hook which acts as the upper and

outer anchor parts

250A and 250B. The loop of the rubber cord 260 is looped for engagement with the inverted U-shaped hook of the respective anchor 250. The U-shaped hook includes a recess 250AB within which a respective rubber cord 260 is engageable. The recess 250AB has a bottom part and two opposite side parts, with either one of the side parts acting as the outer anchor part 250B and the bottom part acting as the upper anchor part 250A. More specifically, the U-shaped hook is a bifurcate end of the anchor 250, which has a pair of prongs separated by a gap which is the recess 250AB. The positioning system 200 of the third embodiment includes four anchors 250 of the same kind. The rubber cords 260 of the adj acent batten 210 shares the same recess 250AB of the same anchor 250.

The anchors 250 are to be fixed, by screws (or bolts) 93 through the holes 255, on the peripheral side of the base structure 30. These anchors 250 are to be fixed right at the bottom of the peripheral side of the base structure 30, with their feet 256 tucked under the base structure 30 and fixed by screws (or bolts) 94 through the holes 257 upon the bottom surface of the base structure 30. Frictional enhancement means may be provided to enhance frictional engagement with the bottom surface of a said mattress 20.

Referring finally to Figures 35 to 58, there is shown the fourth embodiment of the positioning system 200, in which each end piece 213 is bifurcate by having a bifurcate front end that defines a gap 214. With some changes in the construction, the first and

second end parts

211 and 212 of each batten 210 may be bifurcated, or alternatively folded back, to form the respective gap 214. Hence the use of a separate or distinct end piece 213 is not essential.

As to the anchors 250, there are two types of a slightly different construction. In general, each anchor 250 has a generally flat vertical body 251 that includes a cover 258 to conceal the body 251 or an otherwise exposed part of the body 251. The body 251 is in the form of a metal bracket which is folded to form left and right side flanges 252, a top flange 253 and a T-shaped hook 254 in the middle, and includes three holes 255. The cover 258 has two pairs of

protrusions

258C and 258D for snap-fitting onto and over the body 251 as illustrated in Figures 55 and 56A to 56D, and includes an outer surface 259 that may be provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.

These features are shared by the anchors 250 of both types, i.e. a first type and a second type that further includes a foot 256 with three holes 257. The foot 256 is a horizontal flat plate folded to the rear from the bottom of the body 251, of a width about three times that of the body 251.

The two types of anchors 250 are alternatives, each for use in a set of four at, or adj acent, the four corners of the base structure 30 respectively. The anchors 250 of the first type are to be fixed, by screws (or bolts) 93 through the holes 255, on the peripheral side of the base structure 30. For a base structure 30 whose peripheral side is not sufficiently rigid for screws or is not to be damaged by screw holes, the anchors 250 of the second type should be used instead. These anchors 250 are to be fixed right at the bottom of the peripheral side of the base structure 30, with their feet 256 tucked under the base structure 30 and fixed by screws (or bolts) 94 through the holes 257 upon the bottom surface of the base structure 30.

As to the engagement means 290 of this positioning system 200, they are provided by four flexible elongate members, each of which is in the form of a rubber cord 260 that is elastically extensible and contractible. The rubber cords 260 are associated with respective anchors 250 of either type in use, by being attached thereto. The rubber cords 260 are adapted to engage with the first and

second end parts

211 and 212 of the battens 210 via the respective end pieces 213.

Each rubber cord 260 is releasably connected to the respective anchor 250. More specifically, the rubber cord 260 has an intermediate part 263 which is looped through the anchor 250 and hitched by a knot to the T-shaped hook 254 of the anchor body 251. The rubber cord 260 is connected at its intermediate part 263 to the anchor 250, with two

end sections

261 and 262 thereof acting as respective engagement means 290, i.e. acting in effect as two rubber cords 260, for use on adj acent sides of the mattress 20 and corresponding adjacent sides of the cover sheet 100.

With a set of four anchors 250 in use at, or adjacent, respective corners of the mattress 20 and each anchor 250 being fitted with two rubber cords 260, two rubber cords 260 are available for use on each side of the four sides 101/102/103/104 of the cover sheet 100 for engaging the corresponding batten 210 on that side by its opposite end pieces 213.

Each free end of the rubber cord 260 is enlarged (or looped) , by being fitted with a cylindrical bead 264 as shown, for engagement with a respective end piece 213 of the associated batten 210. To engage the end piece 213, the rubber cord 260 is pulled by its bead 264 to the end piece 213 and stretched to insert the part or neck immediately behind the bead 264 laterally into the gap 214 of the end piece 213. The bead 264 will, upon release, be retained by the gap 214 and hence engage the end piece 213 and be kept in place by sitting in a recess above or a widened part of the gap 214.

The positioning system 200 maintains the cover sheet 100 flat on the mattress 20, with the rubber cords 260 being elastic to stretch and flatten the cover sheet 100 while in general preventing the cover sheet 100 from shifting over the mattress 20. Also, the rubber cords 260 are elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the battens 210 at which the battens 210 are held by the anchors 250, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between the cover sheet 100 and the mattress 20.

The invention has been given by way of example only, and various other modifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiments may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as specified in the appended claims.

Claims

A positioning system for positioning a cover sheet on a mattress, comprising:

an elongate positioning member arranged for use extending along each of two opposite side edge portions of a said cover sheet, the positioning member having opposite first and second end parts；

two anchors for use on each of two opposite sides of a said mattress corresponding to the opposite side edge portions of a said cover sheet to hold an associated positioning member, directly or indirectly by its first and second end parts respectively, against movement in upward and outward directions； and

engagement means for use between each anchor and the respective first or second end part in order for the anchors to hold the associated positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement means is associated with one of the first or second end part and the respective anchor and is adapted to engage with the other of the first or second end part and the respective anchor, thereby holding the associated positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the engagement means is adjustable to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each positioning member is arranged to be inserted through a sleeve extending along the respective side edge portion of a said cover sheet, the sleeve being connected to or an integral part of the respective side edge portion of a said cover sheet.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the engagement means comprises a flexible elongate member.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flexible elongate member is elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6， wherein the flexible elongate member is associated with the respective anchor and is adapted to engage with the respective first or second end part.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flexible elongate member is releasably connected to the respective anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the flexible elongate member has an intermediate part looped through the respective anchor such that it is connected at the intermediate part to the respective anchor, with two end sections thereof acting as respective engagement means for use on adjacent sides of a said mattress and corresponding adjacent sides of a said cover sheet.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the flexible elongate member has a free end that is enlarged or looped for engagement with the respective first or second end of the associated positioning member.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the free end of the flexible elongate member is enlarged by being fitted with a bead.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first or second end of the associated positioning member has a gap within which a neck behind the enlarged free end of the flexible elongate member is engageable, with the enlarged free end being retained by the gap.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first or second end of the associated positioning member is bifurcate, defining the gap.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the respective anchor is fixed on an associated side of a said mattress by means of at least one of a screw or bolt secured to a base structure supporting a said mattress and a foot of the respective anchor pressed under a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the respective anchor has a body that includes a cover to conceal an otherwise exposed part of the body.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cover has an outer surface provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the flexible elongate member is associated with the respective first or second end part and is adapted to engage with the respective anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the positioning member has a rigid body and includes a rubber cord which is threaded lengthwise through the rigid body and whose opposite ends act as the engagement means.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each anchor having upper and outer anchor parts engageable with respective first or second end part of the positioning member on the same side as the anchor to position a said cover sheet on a said mattress, with the upper and outer anchor parts holding the said end part of the positioning member against movement in upward and outward directions respectively.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first and second end parts of the positioning member comprise rigid end parts, each of which is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of an associated first anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first anchor has a protrusion acting as the upper anchor part for engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first anchor has a plurality of the protrusions arranged at different levels, each protrusion acting as a respective said upper anchor part for selective engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member, thereby permitting adjustment of the relative position of the positioning member at which the positioning member is engaged with the first anchor to accommodate variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the or each protrusion is folded or bent out from the body of the first anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first anchor has a cover acting as the outer anchor part for engagement with the respective first or second end part of the positioning member, the cover being adapted to cover the protrusion or protrusions and the respective first or second end part of the positioning member.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the cover is pivotably connected with the body of the first anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 25, wherein the cover has a lower end pivotably connected with the body of the first anchor and an upper end engageable with the body of the first anchor by means of a catch.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the catch comprises a magnetic catch.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the or each protrusion of the first anchor is provided with a frictional enhancement element for co-operation with the cover to grip an adjacent corner of a said cover sheet.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the frictional enhancement element is made of a rubber material.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the cover has an outer surface provided with printed matter for decorative or advertising purposes.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first and second end parts of the positioning member comprise flexible elongate parts, each of which is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of an associated second anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 31, wherein each flexible elongate part is elastically extensible and contractible to permit adjustment in length to suit the relative position of the associated positioning member at which the associated positioning member is held by the anchors, thereby accommodating variation in dimension between a said cover sheet and a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 32, wherein each flexible elongate part has a free end that is engageable with the upper and outer anchor parts of the respective second anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 33, wherein the free end of each flexible elongate part is looped for engagement with the upper and outer anchor parts of the respective second anchor.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the positioning member has a rigid body and includes a rubber cord which is threaded lengthwise through the rigid body and whose opposite ends act as the flexible elongate parts.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein each of the second anchors has an engagement part formed with a recess within which a respective flexible elongate part is engageable.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 36, wherein the recess has a bottom part and two opposite side parts, with either one of the side parts acting as the outer anchor part of the respective second anchor and the bottom part acting as the upper anchor part.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the engagement part is provided by a bifurcate end of the second anchor, which has a pair of prongs separated by a gap which is the recess.
A positioning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein at least one of the anchors has a foot for engagement with a bottom surface of a said mattress, such that the anchor is fixed under the weight of a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the foot is provided with frictional enhancement means to enhance frictional engagement with the bottom surface of a said mattress.
A positioning system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the frictional enhancement means comprises at least one of a non-planar surface of and protruding formations on the foot.