Bed sheet retention systems and methods of making and using same

Abstract

A bed sheet retention device and a bed sheet retention system are disclosed. Methods of making and using the sheet retention device and sheet retention system are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application was filed on November 13, 2023, as a PCT international patent application in the name of Travis R. Lewis, a US citizen, designating all countries, and claiming priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 426,859, filed on November 21, 2022, entitled "BED SHEET RETENTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME", the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to bed sheet retention devices, methods of making bed sheet retention devices, and methods of using bed sheet retention devices. BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Known bed sheet tensioning systems on the market rely on lifting the mattress and operating under the corners to adjust and tighten the corners of the bed sheet. There are things like elastic bands on the market to tighten the bed sheet, but a tight bed sheet will loosen unless locked in place. There are drawstring tensioning systems on the market, and corner elastic sling type tensioners are also available. Each of these is cumbersome in installation and setup, and each requires adjustment according to the size of the bed sheet and mattress you are operating on.

[0004] Operating with these bed sheet retention systems does not make making the bed easier. In fact, such bed sheet retention systems make it more labor-intensive. Such bed accessories should not make the tucking in of the bed sheet more difficult and more annoying than the bed sheet coming loose itself. Such a device should feel natural to use, as if it doesn't even exist. It should be part of the typical bed-making process and contribute to its design.

[0005] There is a need in the art for an improved bed sheet retention system that (i) stays in place once positioned, (ii) can be permanently (e.g., week after week) retained on the bed corners, and (iii) takes only a few seconds to use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to bed sheet retention systems and bed sheet retention devices by which a fitted bedsheet and a flat sheet can be fastened to a bed to prevent the bed sheet from slipping, such as in the corners of a mattress. The bed sheet retention systems and bed sheet retention devices can be used to minimize and / or eliminate the daily annoyance of keeping the bed made.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sheet retention device of the present invention includes the following sheet retention device, which includes: (I) a corner bracket, the corner bracket includes: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member, which is sized and designed to extend between the bottom surface of the mattress and the support surface below the bottom surface; and (b) two or more sheet engagement channels, which are connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, and the two or more sheet engagement channels (1) are separated from each other by the corners of the corner bracket, and (2) extend substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sheet retention device of the present invention includes the following sheet retention device, which includes: (I) a corner bracket, the corner bracket includes: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member, which is sized and designed to extend between the bottom surface of the mattress and the support surface below the bottom surface; (b) one or more sheet engagement channels, which are connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, and each sheet engagement channel: (1) includes (a) two sheet locking members, and (b) an open guiding section extending around the corner of the corner bracket; and (2) extends substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member.

[0009] The present invention also relates to a sheet retention system including one or more of the sheet retention devices described herein. In some embodiments, the sheet retention system of the present invention includes: (I) one or more sheet retention devices, where each sheet retention device includes: a corner bracket, the corner bracket includes: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member, which is sized and designed to extend between the bottom surface of the mattress and the support surface below the bottom surface; and (b) one or more sheet engagement channels, which (1) are connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, and (2) extend substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member; and (II) one or more sheet locking strips, which engage with one or two of the one or more sheet engagement channels. As discussed below, the sheet retention system of the present invention may include four or more sheet retention devices and four or more sheet locking strips, as well as other possible system / kit components, including but not limited to one or more sheets.

[0010] The present invention even further relates to a method of manufacturing a sheet retaining device. In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a sheet retaining device includes: forming a sheet retaining device that includes: a corner bracket that includes: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member sized and designed to extend between a bottom surface of a mattress and a support surface below the bottom surface; and (b) one or more sheet engaging channels connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, where each sheet engaging channel (1) includes (a) two sheet locking members, and (b) an open guiding section that extends around a corner of the corner bracket, and (2) extends substantially within a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member, and the forming step utilizes one or more steps that include: one or more thermoforming steps (such as molding steps); one or more machining steps (such as one or more drilling, cutting, stamping, sanding, grinding, etc. steps); and one or more assembly steps.

[0011] The present invention even further relates to a method of using a sheet retaining device to secure one or more sheets to a mattress. In some embodiments, the method of using a sheet retaining device includes: inserting the horizontally extending bracket member of the sheet retaining device between a bottom surface of a mattress and a support surface below the bottom surface; and engaging sheet material along the sheet retaining device with one or more sheet engaging channels, where each sheet engaging channel (1) includes (a) two sheet locking members, and (b) an open guiding section that extends around a corner of the sheet retaining device; and (2) extends substantially within a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member.

[0012] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary sheet retaining device suitable for use in the disclosed sheet retaining system is depicted;

[0015] Figure 2 Depicted is Figure 1 a right front side view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0016] Figure 3 Depicted is Figure 1 a left rear side view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0017] Figure 4 Depicted is Figure 1 a left front side view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0018] Figure 5 depicts Figure 1 a right rear perspective view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0019] Figure 6 depicts Figure 1 a top view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0020] Figure 7 depicts Figure 1 a bottom view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in

[0021] Figure 8 depicts Figure 1 another perspective view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in , showing a sheet locking strip positioned to be inserted into an exemplary sheet locking channel of the exemplary sheet retaining device;

[0022] Figure 9 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary sheet retaining device suitable for use in the disclosed sheet retaining system, the exemplary sheet retaining device including two exemplary sheet locking channels as shown;

[0023] Figure 10 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary sheet retaining device suitable for use in the disclosed sheet retaining system, the exemplary sheet retaining device including three exemplary sheet locking channels as shown;

[0024] Figure 11 depicts Figure 10 another perspective view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in , showing a sheet locking strip positioned to be inserted into a central / middle exemplary sheet locking channel of the exemplary sheet retaining device;

[0025] Figure 12 depicts Figure 10 a perspective view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in being inserted onto a corner of a mattress;

[0026] Figure 13 depicts Figure 12 a right front perspective view of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in positioned along the corner edge of the mattress shown in Figure 10 ;

[0027] Figure 14 depicts Figure 1 , Figure 9 or Figure 10 a side profile view of a sheet locked within an exemplary sheet locking channel of the exemplary sheet retaining device shown in , showing a sheet locking strip positioned to be inserted into an upper exemplary sheet locking channel of the exemplary sheet retaining device; and

[0028] Figure 15 depicts a side profile view of a sheet locked within an exemplary sheet locking channel of an exemplary sheet retention device shown in Figure 1 , Figure 9 or Figure 10 using a sheet locking strip positioned within an exemplary sheet locking channel and over a corner portion of the sheet.

[0029] Features of the sheet retention device and system and method of the present invention are set forth in part in the following preferred embodiments. This summary is intended to provide a non - limiting description of the subject matter and is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The following preferred embodiments provide further information regarding the sheet retention device and system and method of the present invention as described herein. Detailed Description

[0030] The present invention relates to a sheet retention system and a sheet retention device. The sheet retention system and the sheet retention device can include one or more sheet connecting members to hold the sheet tightly to the bed. All of the disclosed designs clamp the sheet in local separate clamps / connectors where the holding force is directed to each clamp and its teeth / connecting members.

[0031] The sheet retention device of the present invention is placed on the corners of the mattress. Depending on the installation situation, some beds have mattress covers, thick and oversized mattresses, as well as small and thin mattresses. These situations create various scenarios for installing a fitted sheet. A large oversized mattress with a mattress cover may take up a large amount of sheet material, leaving little material to wrap around the corners of the mattress. At the other extreme, the mattress is small, low - profile, and has an excessive amount of sheet material. In either scenario, the sheet retention device of the present invention is capable of (1) pressing and locking a tightly - fitting sheet in place without fear of damaging the material using clamps, and / or (2) pulling in excess sheet material and providing a good, snug fit.

[0032] The sheet retention device of the present invention slides between the mattress and the support base. This base can be a box spring, wooden slats, plywood, or other solid base on which the mattress is placed. The sheet retention device is inserted to be close to the mattress and surround the corner.

[0033] Given a particular sheet / bedding arrangement, the user can determine which sheet engagement channel to use. One or more sheet engagement channels also provide options for loose or snug sheets. Using the top track results in less material wrap and a looser sheet. The bottom track will have the deepest locking distance to provide the most tension on the sheet. Once the track is selected, the user will pull the fitted sheet over the corners of the mattress and over the sheet retention device.

[0034] For uniform locking, the user should ensure that the sheet material is in the same channel. In the case where the sheet material is above the sheet retention device, then the transparent plastic locking strip is placed on the channel platform. This platform sets and stages the material for the front track and channel grooves. It pulls the necessary material so that the locking strip smoothly enters the flange track.

[0035] Once the strip enters the locking flange area, the material is then captured and the locking strip exits the first locking section. From here, the user can tighten more material by folding over the excess corners and then following the guide rails along the corners to wrap the locking strip around it and into the secondary locking flange. This captures most of the material and places the material on the corners. The sheet is now locked in place and cannot be removed from the mattress unless the transparent locking strip is removed.

[0036] A unique feature of the present invention is that the user can not only lock the fitted sheet, but also lock the flat sheet. This feature provides an additional benefit for those who do not like to pull their sheets from the bottom and expose their feet. This keeps the bottom half of the flat sheet captured. The user can control how much slack remains in the base of the flat sheet by the amount of tension captured when installing the locking strip.

[0037] The process is the same as locking the fitted sheet, except that it is easier to return to the channel to which the fitted sheet is locked. Then, the channel will have 2 locking strips and 2 layers of sheets. Other channels can be used for the flat sheet, but it has been observed that re-entering the currently used channel saves the tool from having to pass through 2 layers of freely moving sheet material. This can cause hanging in some cases.

[0038] A significant feature of the present invention is its ability to operate in such a confined space. In many mattress scenarios, access is restricted, and the ability to guide a semi-rigid strip into the blind spots of the mattress is a major advantage of the system. Only the hand holding the corner needs to guide the strip into the next locking flange area to capture the blind side of the mattress.

[0039] The present invention describes various styles and ways of sheet retention devices to lock the material using a method similar to the above-mentioned sheet engagement channels and locking strips. These alternative options include the following:

[0040] Option A

[0041] This type of locking mechanism uses a convex track and relies on a concave clip to slide on the convex track and lock the material. This method captures the sides of the sheet material, but does not capture the corners of the material in the same way as the sliding locking strip. The clip is also more visually prominent and not as user-friendly as the above-mentioned sheet engagement channels and locking strips.

[0042] Option B

[0043] Another method uses a slit and a soft rubber material that pushes the material into the slit and clamps the material around a corner along the slit.

[0044] Option C

[0045] This method uses a concave track and a convex pin. The track on the corner bracket is tapered and the pin is straight. The material is fixed by sliding the pin into the track and locking the sides.

[0046] Option D

[0047] This method uses an aggressive groove that makes it difficult to remove the elastic band once it falls into it.

[0048] Option E

[0049] A flexible and soft rubber-like cord can be used to secure the material into a defined groove and lock the entire corner by clamping and pushing the fabric into the groove and locking it in place with the rubber cord.

[0050] Option F

[0051] This method uses a flexible material that can snap into a track (such as the above-described sheet joining channel) instead of sliding a locking strip into the track. This method lacks the rigidity of a sturdy strip passing through the channel. The concept may be very similar except that the locking strip snaps in from the front instead of sliding in from the side.

[0052] Option G

[0053] This method uses a cord (e.g., elastic or rigid) that can be fastened to the ends, and then the tension of the cord can be settled into a predetermined groove to capture the sheet.

[0054] The present invention has been described above and is further illustrated below by additional embodiments and examples, which should not be construed in any way as imposing limitations on the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, it should be clearly understood that various other embodiments, modifications, and their equivalents can be contemplated by those skilled in the art after reading the description herein without departing from the spirit and / or scope of the appended claims.

[0055] Additional Embodiments :

[0056] Embodiments of the Sheet Retaining Device

[0057] 1. A sheet retention device 100, comprising: (1) a corner bracket 10, the corner bracket 10 comprising: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member 11, the horizontally extending bracket member 11 being sized and designed to extend between a bottom surface 51 of a mattress 50 and a support surface 60 below the bottom surface 51; and (b) one or more sheet engagement channels 12, the one or more sheet engagement channels 12 being connected to the horizontally extending bracket member 11, wherein each sheet engagement channel 12 (1) comprises (a) two sheet locking members 13a / 13b, and (b) an open guiding section 14, the open guiding section 14 extending around a corner 15 of the corner bracket 10; and (2) extends substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member 11. See, for example Figures 1 to 8 the exemplary sheet retention device 100 shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the plane P in

[0058] 2. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 1, wherein each sheet engagement channel 12 extends substantially in a plane P above the horizontally extending bracket member 11.

[0059] 3. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the corner bracket 10 further comprises one or more bracket side walls 16 extending from the horizontally extending bracket member 11 to an upper edge 17 of the corner bracket 10, and each of the one or more sheet engagement channels 12 is positioned along one or more outer bracket side wall surfaces 18 of the one or more bracket side walls 16.

[0060] 4. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the corner bracket 10 further comprises two bracket side walls 16 extending from the horizontally extending bracket member 11 to an upper edge 17 of the corner bracket 10, and each of the one or more sheet engagement channels 10 is positioned along one or more outer bracket side wall surfaces 18 of the two bracket side walls 16.

[0061] 5. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 4, wherein the two bracket side walls 16 are connected to each other at the corner 15 of the corner bracket 10.

[0062] 6. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the corner bracket 10 further comprises a continuous bracket side wall 16 extending from the horizontally extending bracket member 11 to an upper edge 17 of the corner bracket 10, and each of the one or more sheet engagement channels 12 is positioned along one or more outer bracket side wall surfaces 18 of the continuous bracket side wall 16. See, for example Figure 1 and Figures 6 to 13The exemplary sheet retention device 100 shown in. As Figure 1 shown, the exemplary sheet retention device 100 includes a single continuous support sidewall 16, wherein (1) each of one or more sheet engaging channels 12 is positioned along opposing substantially straight, vertically aligned wall portions, and (2) an open guiding section 14 extends along a curved wall portion separating the opposing substantially straight, vertically aligned wall portions from each other. Referring again to Figure 1 .

[0063] 7. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 include from one to three sheet engaging channels 12. It should be noted that in some embodiments, each of the one to three sheet engaging channels 12 may be the same as each other. For example, each of the one to three sheet engaging channels 12 may have a similar height and depth (e.g., track profile height H TP and track profile width W TP ) to allow a single sheet, two or more sheets, and / or a quilt to engage / connect with a given sheet engaging channel 12. In other embodiments, when there are two or more sheet engaging channels 12, the two or more sheet engaging channels 12 may be different from each other. For example, in some embodiments, the two or more sheet engaging channels 12 independently have different heights and depths from one sheet engaging channel 12 to another (e.g., track profile height H TP and track profile width W TP ). In such a case, the sheet engaging channel 12 having a larger height and depth (e.g., a larger track profile height H TP and a larger track profile width W TP ) can be used to engage / connect with a quilt, while the sheet engaging channel 12 having a smaller height and depth (e.g., a smaller track profile height H TP and a smaller track profile width W TP ) can be used to engage / connect with a single sheet or two sheets using the same sheet retention device 100.

[0064] 8. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 include one sheet engaging channel 12.

[0065] 9. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 include two sheet engaging channels 12.

[0066] 10. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 include three sheet engaging channels 12.

[0067] 11. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the horizontally extending bracket member 11 includes an outer bracket perimeter 19, and (i) at least one aperture 20 that extends through the horizontally extending bracket member 11 within the outer bracket perimeter 19; (ii) a cutout segment (not shown) that extends through the horizontally extending bracket member 11 and forms part of the outer bracket perimeter 19; or (iii) both (i) and (ii). As Figures 2 to 5 shown, one or more bracket sidewalls 16 may also have one or more cutout segments 21 that extend through the one or more bracket sidewalls 16.

[0068] 12. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the horizontally extending bracket member 11 includes an outer bracket perimeter 19 and at least one aperture 20 that extends through the horizontally extending bracket member 11 within the outer bracket perimeter 19.

[0069] 13. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the horizontally extending bracket member 11 includes an outer bracket perimeter 19 and a single aperture 20 that extends through the horizontally extending bracket member 11 within the outer bracket perimeter 19.

[0070] 14. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 3 to 13, wherein the horizontally extending bracket member 11, the one or more bracket sidewalls 16, and the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 are integrally connected to each other.

[0071] 15. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 3 to 14, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 are positioned along the upper edge 17 of the corner bracket 10.

[0072] 16. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the two sheet locking members 13a / 13b include (i) a first sheet engaging channel 13a that extends along the corner bracket 10 in a first direction d F and (ii) a second sheet engaging channel 13b that extends along the corner bracket 10 in a second direction d S wherein the second direction d S is substantially perpendicular to the first direction d F and is in a plane P with the first direction d F See, for exampleFigure 6 .

[0073] 17. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 16, wherein when the horizontally extending bracket member 11 is positioned between the bottom surface 51 of the mattress 50 and the support surface 60 below the bottom surface 51, the first sheet engaging channel 13a is positioned to engage with a first portion 71 of the sheet 70 extending in a first direction d F and the second sheet engaging channel 13b is positioned to engage with a second portion 72 of the sheet 70 extending in a second direction d S . See, for example Figure 15 .

[0074] 18. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the two sheet locking members 13a / 13b (1) include (i) a first sheet engaging channel 13a extending along the corner bracket 10 in a first direction d F and (ii) a second sheet engaging channel 13b extending along the corner bracket 10 in a second direction d S , the second direction d S being substantially perpendicular to the first direction d F and being in a plane P with the first direction d F and (2) each of the first sheet engaging channel 13a and the second sheet engaging channel 13b independently includes (i) an upper sheet locking channel member 13U and a lower sheet locking channel member 13L located below and spaced apart from the upper sheet locking channel member 13U. See, for example, Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 8 to 9 .

[0075] 19. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 18, wherein each of the upper sheet locking channel member 13U and the lower sheet locking channel member 13L is designed to engage with one or more sheet locking strips 30, one or more sheet locking pins (not shown), or both

[0076] 20. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein each of the upper sheet locking channel member 13U and the lower sheet locking channel member 13L is designed to engage with a single sheet locking strip 30

[0077] 21. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 18 to 21, wherein the upper sheet locking channel member 13U includes an upper strap engaging member 131 extending toward the lower sheet locking channel member 13L, and the lower sheet locking channel member 13L includes a lower strap engaging member 132 extending toward the upper sheet locking channel member 13U. See, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 4 .

[0078] 22. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 21, wherein the upper strap engaging member 131 is separated from the lower strap engaging member 132 by a strap engaging member separation distance d. SM , the strip engagement members are separated by a distance d SM Smaller than the strip width W of the sheet locking strip 30 S See, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 8 .

[0079] 23. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 22, wherein the strip engagement members are separated by a distance d SM At the strap entry 121 of a given sheet engagement channel 12 (e.g., at the exterior entry point 121 where the locking strap 30 engages the upper strap engagement member 131 and the lower strap engagement member 132 along the corner bracket 10; see e.g. Figure 2 ) is greater than at a midpoint 122 along a given sheet engagement channel (e.g., at a midpoint 122 along the upper strap engagement member 131 and the lower strap engagement member 132 along the corner bracket 10; see e.g. Figure 2 and 10 to Figure 11 ).

[0080] 24. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the strip engagement members are separated by a distance d SM From the strap entry 121 of a given sheet engagement channel 12 (e.g., at the exterior entry point 121 where the locking strap 30 engages the upper strap engagement member 131 and the lower strap engagement member 132 along the corner bracket 10; see e.g. Figure 8 )'s maximum separation distance d SMM to a position or length 124 along a given sheet engagement channel 12 (e.g., at a midpoint or midpoint length 124 along the corner bracket 10 along the upper strap engagement member 131 and the lower strap engagement member 132; see e.g. Figure 2 ) minimum separation distance d SMN .

[0081] 25. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 24, wherein the strip engaging member separates a distance d SM from a minimum separation distance d at a position or length 124 along a given sheet engaging channel 12 SMN to an outlet separation distance d at the strip outlet 125 of the given sheet engaging channel 12 SME , the outlet separation distance d SME being greater than the minimum separation distance d SMM . See, for example Figure 2 .

[0082] 26. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 3 to 24, wherein each sheet engaging channel 12' in the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 further comprises channel side walls 127 / 128 that (1) extend outwardly from the one or more bracket side walls 16 and (2) extend along (a) the two sheet locking members 13a / 13b and (b) the lower and upper edges 137 / 138 of the open guiding section 14. See, for example Figure 2 and Figure 5 .

[0083] 27. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 26, wherein the upper strip engaging member 131 and the lower strip engaging member 132 extend towards each other from the channel side walls 127 / 128. See again Figure 2 .

[0084] 28. The sheet retention device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the corner bracket 10 has a bracket length L of from about 6.0 inches (in) to about 12.0 in (or any value between 6.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as 8.2 in, or any value between 6.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as from 6.6 in to 11.2 in) B , a bracket width W of from about 6.0 in to about 12.0 in (or any range of values between 6.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as 9.3 in, or any range of values between 6.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as from 6.8 in to 10.2 in) B , and a bracket height H of from about 3.0 in to 12.0 in (or any value between 3.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as 8.7 in, or any range of values between 3.0 in and 12.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, such as from 5.6 in to 8.8 in) B . See, for exampleFigure 5 and Figure 7 It should be understood that each corner bracket 10 can have any desired bracket length L B and any desired bracket width W B .

[0085] 29. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the corner bracket 10 has a bracket length L ranging from about 6.0 inches (in) to about 9.0 in B , a bracket width W ranging from about 6.0 in to about 9.0 in B and a bracket height H ranging from about 3.0 in to about 6.0 in B .

[0086] 30. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the corner bracket 10 has a bracket length L of about 8.5 in B , a bracket width W of about 8.5 in B and a bracket height H of about 4.3 in B .

[0087] 31. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein each of the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 includes a track profile having a track profile height H ranging from about 0.6 in to about 3.0 in (or any value between 0.6 in and 3.0 in, incremented by 0.01 in, e.g., 0.75 in, or any value range between 0.6 in and 3.0 in, incremented by 0.01 inches, e.g., from 0.89 in to 1.65 in) TP , and a track profile width W ranging from about 0.1 in to about 1.0 in (or any value between 0.1 in and 1.0 in, incremented by 0.01 in, e.g., 0.15 in, or any value range between 0.1 in and 1.0 in, incremented by 0.01 in, e.g., from 0.16 in to 0.87 in) TP . See, for example Figure 14 It should be understood that each of the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 can independently have a track profile having any desired track profile height H TP and any desired track profile width W TP .

[0088] 32. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein each of the one or more sheet engaging channels 12 includes a track profile having a track profile height H of about 1.1875 in TPAn orbital profile width W of approximately 0.1875 in TP 。

[0089] 33. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the corner bracket 10 comprises a polymeric material.

[0090] 34. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the corner bracket 10 comprises a fiber and / or powder / particle filled polymeric material.

[0091] 35. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the polymeric material comprises a polyolefin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer), polycarbonate, polyester, or any combination thereof.

[0092] 36. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the polymeric material comprises a polyolefin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer), or a combination thereof.

[0093] 37. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the polymeric material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer).

[0094] 38. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 34 to 37, wherein the polymeric material is filled with glass fibers and / or glass powder / particles.

[0095] 39. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, further comprising: (II) one or more sheet locking strips 30, each sheet locking strip 30 sized and designed to engage with one or more sheet engagement channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0096] 40. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39, further comprising: (II) a single sheet locking strip 30 sized and designed to engage with any one of the one or more sheet engagement channels 12 within the corner bracket 10.

[0097] 41. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 39 or 40, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 has a strip width W ranging from about 0.5 in to about 1.5 in S and a strip thickness T ranging from about 0.05 in to about 0.10 in S and a strip length L ranging from about 4.0 in to about 18.0 in S 。

[0098] 42. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 39 to 41, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 has a strip width W ranging from about 0.8 in to about 1.2 in S and a strip thickness T ranging from about 0.05 in to about 0.08 in S and a strip length L ranging from about 12.0 in to about 16.0 in S .

[0099] 43. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 39 to 42, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 has a strip width W of about 1.0 in S and a strip thickness T of about 0.0625 in S and a strip length L of about 15.5 in S .

[0100] 44. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 39 to 43, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 has (1) a 0.5 in radius of rounding at each strip corner 31 to make each strip end 32 circular, and (2) a strip edge 33 that is rounded by about 0.03125 in to provide a smooth surface finish without corners or edges

[0101] 45. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 39 to 44, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 comprises an acrylic material or a polycarbonate material

[0102] 46. The sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 39 to 45, wherein each sheet locking strip 30 comprises an acrylic material

[0103] 47. A sheet retaining device 100, comprising: (I) a corner bracket 10, which comprises: (a) a horizontally extending bracket member 11, the horizontally extending bracket member 11 being dimensioned and designed to extend between the bottom surface 51 of the mattress 50 and a support surface 60 below the bottom surface 51; and (b) two or more sheet engaging channels 12 connected to the horizontally extending bracket member 11, the two or more sheet engaging channels 12 (1) being separated from each other by a corner 15 of the corner bracket 10, and (2) extending substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member 11. See, for example Figures 1 to 8 the exemplary sheet retaining device 100 shown in Figures 2 to 5 and the plane P in

[0104] 48. The sheet retaining device 100 according to embodiment 47, wherein the two or more sheet engaging channels 12 comprise (a) two sheet locking members 13a / 13b

[0105] 49. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 48, wherein the two sheet locking members 13a / 13b are separated from each other by (b) an open guiding section 14 extending around the corner 15 of the corner bracket 10.

[0106] 50. The sheet retention device 100 according to embodiment 49, wherein the sheet retention device 100 includes one or more features described in any one of embodiments 2 to 46.

[0107] Embodiments of the Sheet Retaining System or Kit

[0108] 51. A sheet retention system (or kit) 1000, comprising: (I) four or more of the sheet retention devices 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38 and 47 to 50; and (II) four or more of the one or more sheet locking strips 30 described in any one of embodiments 39 to 46.

[0109] 52. The sheet retention system (or kit) 1000 according to embodiment 51, wherein the four or more of the sheet retention devices 100 include four sheet retention devices 100; and the four or more of the one or more sheet locking strips 30 include four sheet locking strips 30.

[0110] It should be understood that the sheet retention system (or kit) 1000 of the present invention may include one or more additional system / kit components. Suitable additional system / kit components include, but are not limited to, one or more additional sheet retention devices 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 38 and 47 to 50; one or more additional sheet locking strips 30 described in any one of embodiments 39 to 46; one or more sheets 70; one or more sheet connectors (not shown) other than the sheet locking strips 30 described in any one of embodiments 39 to 46; one or more bed-making tools / mattress-lifting tools as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 983,628, entitled "BEDMAKING TOOLS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME", filed on November 9, 2022, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; one or more elastic cord-type connectors (not shown) that can be used to diagonally attach two sheet retention devices 100 to each other under a given mattress 50 (i.e., connect two diagonally opposed sheet retention devices 100 to each other via at least one aperture 20 within each sheet retention device 100) and any combination thereof.

[0111] Method of Manufacturing a Sheet Retaining Device

[0112] 53. A method of manufacturing the sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38 and 47 to 50, the method comprising: forming the corner bracket 10 using one or more steps, the one or more steps including: one or more thermoforming steps (e.g., molding steps); one or more machining steps (e.g., one or more drilling, cutting, stamping, sanding, grinding, etc. steps); and one or more assembly steps.

[0113] 54. The method according to embodiment 53, wherein the forming step includes: one or more thermoforming steps (e.g., molding steps).

[0114] 55. The method according to embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the forming step includes: a single thermoforming step (e.g., molding step).

[0115] Embodiments of the Method of Using a Sheet Retaining Device

[0116] 56. A method of using the sheet retaining device 100 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38 and 47 to 50, the method comprising: inserting the horizontally extending bracket member 11 between the bottom surface 51 of the mattress 50 and the support surface 60 below the bottom surface 51; and engaging the sheet material 70 with one or more sheet engaging channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0117] 57. The method according to embodiment 56, wherein the engaging step includes: engaging a first sheet material portion 71 of the first sheet 70 with one of the two sheet locking members 13a, and engaging a second sheet material portion 72 of the first sheet 70 with the remaining one 13b of the two sheet locking members 13a / 13b. See again Figure 15 。

[0118] 58. The method according to embodiment 56 or 57, wherein the engaging step includes: engaging two separate sheets 70 (not shown) with one or more sheet engaging channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0119] 59. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 58, wherein the engaging step includes: engaging two separate sheets 70 (not shown) with a single sheet engaging channel 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0120] 60. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 58, wherein the engaging step includes: engaging two separate sheets 70 (not shown) with two or more sheet engaging channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0121] 61. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 60, wherein the joining step comprises: inserting one or more sheet locking strips 30 as recited in any one of embodiments 39 to 46 into one or more sheet joining channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0122] 62. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 61, wherein the joining step comprises: independently inserting a single sheet locking strip 30 as recited in any one of embodiments 39 to 46 into one or more sheet joining channels 12 of the corner bracket 10.

[0123] 63. The method according to any one of embodiments 56 to 62, wherein the method comprises: securing one or more sheets 70 to a mattress 50 using the sheet retention system (or kit) 1000 as described in embodiment 51 or 52.

[0124] Example

[0125] The prepared sheet retention system includes 4 plastic corner brackets (i.e., 4 sheet retention devices, such as those shown in and / or described in the above embodiments 1 - 38 and 47 - 50). Each sheet retention device is characterized by locking tracks / sheet joining channels of different heights for holding the sheets. The locking tracks are characterized by streamlined entry and exit ports to ensure that the sheet material does not bunch up or hang up when inserting the plastic locking strip. Figures 1 to 15 Each corner bracket / sheet retention device is 8.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 4.3125 inches high. The holes are in the center of the feet / horizontal extending bracket members of the bracket / sheet retention device to reduce the resin cost required during manufacturing / molding, reduce the product weight, and improve handling. The transparent plastic locking strip is 1 inch wide by 0.0625 inches thick by 15.5 inches long. It has a 1 / 2 - inch radius of rounding on the corners so that the ends are rounded, and the edges are rounded to a maximum of 0.03125 inches to give the plastic strip a very smooth finish with no corners or edges. The locking strip slides into one of the 1 to 3 (or more, if available) provided retention track options (i.e., the provided sheet joining channels). These tracks are 1.1875 inches high by 0.1875 inches wide with rounded corners. These dimensions provide the necessary tolerances for the locking strip to easily slide into the track in the case where the sheet is captured in its path. This tolerance also allows for the insertion of a secondary locking strip to capture the flat sheet as well as another 0.0625 - thick locking strip. This optional second strip is used to lock the flat sheet in place at the foot of the bed.

[0126]

[0127] ​The inside of the locking channel is rounded to provide a smooth travel for the locking strip to pass through. The inner lip of the flange maintains a smaller radius of rounding to improve material wrapping and maintain a strong angle to allow the material to pull the locking strip upward into the top of the channel. This edge, along with the tolerances, provides an excellent locking mechanism for the strip and the sheet material. This also allows for very easy installation of these locking strips.

[0128] The corner bracket is designed such that there are up to three channels, allowing the locking strip to follow the channels. Each sheet locking channel has a platform, an inlet, a locking flange, an outlet, a guiding corner bend, and then, on the vertical side that is 90 degrees around the corner of the bracket, there is another platform, an inlet, a locking flange, and an outlet. This enables the locking strip to lock the sheet on two sides of the corner using a single locking strip.

[0129] Each sheet locking channel is divided into 3 separate segments: (a) two sheet locking flange sides / channels, and (b) a flange-free open guiding channel around the corner of the bracket / sheet retention device. The platform at the inlet of the corner bracket / sheet retention device is 1.0 inch deep to allow for a good seating of the locking strip to stage the entry of the collected sheet material. The inside of the corner bracket / sheet retention device is smooth and has a reinforced rounded corner at the bottom that connects to the vertical extension wall of the bracket / sheet retention device.

[0130] The foot pad / horizontally extending bracket member of the corner bracket / sheet retention device is positioned under the mattress and fixed in place. The foot pad / / horizontally extending bracket includes the large holes as previously described, but its edges are chamfered and tapered to a sharp edge. This edge allows the foot / horizontally extending bracket of the bracket / sheet retention device to easily penetrate and slide between the mattress and the base on which the bed is placed. This edge continuously surrounds the foot of the bracket / sheet retention device, allowing the corner bracket to be inserted from any direction. The large 5.5-inch hole in the center of the foot pad / horizontally extending bracket member of the corner bracket / sheet retention device is rounded to a complete semi-circle, which prevents sharp edges and improves handling when holding the bracket / sheet retention device. The inner corner wall of the bracket / sheet retention device has a radius that matches the 2.5-inch radius of most industrial standard mattresses. All edges of the bracket / sheet retention device are rounded so that no sharp edges will damage the sheet material.

[0131] Alternatives to the above-mentioned bracket / sheet retention device are also provided, including a bracket / sheet retention device that includes: a convex track with a concave clip, a narrow track vent with a flat strip that can be folded down on the side, a tapered wedge, a button, a snap, a crimp, etc. All bracket / sheet retention devices are simple to use and can be made of various colors and plastics.

[0132] The above-mentioned stent / sheet retention device was initially made of glass-filled polyolefin to ensure rigidity. Then, the above-mentioned stent / sheet retention device was manufactured from a single solid molded plastic or a multi-part assembled plastic component. Cheaper plastics such as ABS were used.

[0133] The transparent locking strip is made of acrylic or polycarbonate. Acrylic is the preferred material for forming the transparent locking strip because it is more economical and has good visibility and transparency, as well as good flexibility and rigidity. These locking strips have or do not have holes and / or gripping means for the user's thumb or finger at the opposite ends.

[0134] It should be understood that although the above-mentioned sheet retention device, sheet retention system, and / or method are described as "comprising" one or more components or steps, the above-mentioned sheet retention device, sheet retention system, and / or method can "comprise", "consist of", or "consist essentially of" any of the above components, features, or steps of the sheet retention device, sheet retention system, and / or method. Therefore, in cases where the present invention or parts thereof have been described using open-ended terms such as "comprising", it should be readily understood (unless otherwise stated) that the description of the present invention or parts thereof should also be interpreted as using the terms "consist essentially of" or "consist of" or their variants as discussed below to describe the present invention or parts thereof.

[0135] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "contains," "containing," "characterized by," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion of the recited components, subject to any limitations explicitly indicated otherwise. For example, a sheet retention device, sheet retention system, and / or method that "comprises" a list of elements (e.g., components, features, or steps) need not be limited to those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not explicitly listed or inherent to the sheet retention device, sheet retention system, and / or method.

[0136] As used herein, the transitional phrases "consists of" and "consisting of" exclude any element, step, or component not specified. For example, "consists of" and "consisting of" as used in a claim limit the claim to the components, materials, or steps specifically recited in the claim, excluding those ordinarily associated therewith (i.e., impurities within a given component). When the phrases "consists of" and "consisting of" appear in a clause of the body of a claim rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrases "consists of" and "consisting of" limit only the elements (or components or steps) recited in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0137] As used herein, the transitional phrase "consists essentially of" and "consisting essentially of" are used to define a sheet retention device, a sheet retention system, and / or a method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect one or more of the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. The term "consists essentially of" occupies a middle ground between "comprises" and "consists of".

[0138] Furthermore, it should be understood that the sheet retention devices, sheet retention systems, and / or methods described herein may include any of the components and features described herein, consist essentially of them, or consist of them, e.g., as shown in the figures, with or without any feature(s) not shown in the figures. In other words, in some embodiments, the sheet retention devices, sheet retention systems, and / or methods of the present invention do not have any additional features other than those shown in the figures, and these additional features not shown in the figures are expressly excluded from the sheet retention devices, sheet retention systems, and / or methods. In other embodiments, the sheet retention devices, sheet retention systems, and / or methods of the present invention do have one or more additional features not shown in the figures.

[0139] Although the specification has been described in detail in terms of specific embodiments of the specification, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can readily conceive of variations, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments upon understanding the foregoing. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be evaluated as the scope of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A sheet retaining device, comprising: A corner bracket, comprising: A horizontally extending bracket member dimensioned and configured to extend between a bottom surface of a mattress and a support surface below the bottom surface; and One or more sheet engaging channels connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, wherein each sheet engaging channel (1) includes (a) two sheet locking members, and (b) an open guiding section that extends around a corner of the corner bracket; and (2) extends substantially within a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member.

2. The sheet retaining device according to claim 1, wherein each sheet engaging channel extends substantially within a plane P above the horizontally extending bracket member.

3. The sheet retaining device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the corner bracket further includes one or more bracket sidewalls extending from the horizontally extending bracket member to an upper edge of the corner bracket, and each of the one or more sheet engaging channels is positioned along one or more outer bracket sidewall surfaces of the one or more bracket sidewalls.

4. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The corner bracket further includes two bracket sidewalls extending from the horizontally extending bracket member to an upper edge of the corner bracket, and each of the one or more sheet engaging channels is positioned along one or more outer bracket sidewall surfaces of the two bracket sidewalls.

5. The bed sheet retention device according to claim 4, wherein, The two bracket sidewalls are connected to each other at a corner of the corner bracket.

6. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The corner bracket further includes a continuous bracket sidewall extending from the horizontally extending bracket member to an upper edge of the corner bracket, and each of the one or more sheet engaging channels is positioned along one or more outer bracket sidewall surfaces of the continuous bracket sidewall.

7. The bed sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The one or more sheet engaging channels include one to three sheet engaging channels.

8. The sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels include one sheet engaging channel.

9. The sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more sheet engaging channels include two sheet engaging channels.

10. The bed sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The one or more sheet engaging channels include three sheet engaging channels.

11. The sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the horizontally extending bracket member includes an outer bracket perimeter, and (i) at least one aperture extending through the horizontally extending bracket member within the outer bracket perimeter; (ii) a cutout section extending through the horizontally extending bracket member and forming part of the outer bracket perimeter; or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

12. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The horizontally extending bracket member includes an outer bracket perimeter and at least one aperture extending through the horizontally extending bracket member within the outer bracket perimeter.

13. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The horizontally extending bracket member includes an outer bracket perimeter and a single aperture extending through the horizontally extending bracket member within the outer bracket perimeter.

14. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the horizontally extending support member, the one or more support sidewalls, and the one or more sheet engagement channels are integrally connected to each other.

15. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the one or more sheet engagement channels are positioned along the upper edge of the corner bracket.

16. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the two sheet locking members include (i) a first sheet engagement channel extending along the corner bracket in a first direction, and (ii) a second sheet engagement channel extending along the corner bracket in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction and in the plane P with the first direction.

17. The sheet retention device according to claim 16, wherein, When the horizontally extending support member is positioned between the bottom surface of the mattress and the support surface below the bottom surface, the first sheet engagement channel is positioned to engage with a first portion of the sheet extending in the first direction, and the second sheet engagement channel is positioned to engage with a second portion of the sheet extending in the second direction.

18. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the two sheet locking members (1) include (i) a first sheet engagement channel extending along the corner bracket in a first direction, and (ii) a second sheet engagement channel extending along the corner bracket in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction and in the plane P with the first direction, and (2) the first sheet engagement channel includes (i) an upper sheet locking channel member and a lower sheet locking channel member positioned below and spaced apart from the upper sheet locking channel member.

19. The sheet retention device according to claim 18, wherein each of the upper sheet locking channel member and the lower sheet locking channel member is designed to engage with one or more sheet locking strips, one or more sheet locking pins, or both.

20. The sheet retention device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein each of the upper sheet locking channel member and the lower sheet locking channel member is designed to engage with a single sheet locking strip.

21. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein, The upper sheet locking channel member includes an upper strip engagement member extending toward the lower sheet locking channel member, and the lower sheet locking channel member includes a lower strip engagement member extending toward the upper sheet locking channel member.

22. The sheet retention device according to claim 21, wherein, The upper strip engagement member and the lower strip engagement member are separated by a strip engagement member separation distance less than the strip width of the sheet locking strip.

23. The sheet retention device according to claim 22, wherein, The strip engagement member separation distance is greater at the strip entrance of a given sheet engagement channel than at the midpoint along the given sheet engagement channel.

24. The sheet retention device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, The strip engagement member separation distance decreases from a maximum separation distance at the strip entrance of a given sheet engagement channel to a minimum separation distance at a position or length along the given sheet engagement channel.

25. The sheet retention device according to claim 24, wherein, The strip engagement member separation distance increases from a minimum separation distance at a position or length distance along a given sheet engagement channel to an outlet separation distance at the strip outlet of the given sheet engagement channel, and the outlet separation distance is greater than the minimum separation distance.

26. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 3 to 24, wherein each sheet engagement channel in the one or more sheet engagement channels further comprises channel sidewalls that (1) extend outwardly from the one or more bracket sidewalls and (2) extend along (a) the two sheet locking members and (b) the lower and upper edges of the open guiding section.

27. The sheet retention device according to claim 26, wherein the upper strip engagement member and the lower strip engagement member extend towards each other from the channel sidewalls.

28. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the corner bracket has a bracket length L ranging from about 6.0 inches (in) to about 12.0 in B , a bracket width W ranging from about 6.0 in to about 12.0 in B and a bracket height H ranging from about 3.0 in to about 12.0 in B .

29. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the corner bracket has a bracket length L ranging from about 6.0 inches (in) to about 9.0 in B , a bracket width W ranging from about 6.0 in to about 9.0 in B and a bracket height H ranging from about 3.0 in to about 6.0 in B .

30. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein, The corner bracket has a bracket length L of approximately 8.5 in B 、a bracket width W of approximately 8.5 in B and a bracket height H of approximately 4.3 in B .

31. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein each of the one or more sheet engagement channels includes a track profile having a track profile height H ranging from about 0.6 in to about 1.5 in TP , and a track profile width W ranging from about 0.1 in to about 0.3 in TP .

32. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein each of the one or more sheet engagement channels includes a track profile having a track profile height H of approximately 1.1875 in TP and a track profile width W of approximately 0.1875 in TP .

33. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the corner bracket comprises a polymeric material.

34. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the corner bracket comprises a fiber and / or powder / particle filled polymeric material.

35. The sheet retention device according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyolefin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer), polycarbonate, polyester, or any combination thereof.

36. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyolefin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer), or a combination thereof.

37. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the polymeric material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (i.e., ABS copolymer).

38. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the polymeric material is filled with glass fiber and / or glass powder / particles.

39. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising: One or more sheet locking strips, each sheet locking strip sized and designed to engage with the one or more sheet engagement channels of the corner bracket.

40. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 1 to 39, further comprising: A single sheet locking strip sized and designed to engage with any one of the one or more sheet engagement channels within the corner bracket.

41. The sheet retention device according to claim 39 or 40, wherein, Each sheet locking strip has a strip width W ranging from about 0.5 in to about 1.5 in S and a strip thickness T ranging from about 0.05 in to about 0.10 in S and a strip length L ranging from about 4.0 in to about 18.0 in S .

42. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein each sheet locking strap has a strap width W ranging from about 0.8 in to about 1.2 in S , a strap thickness T ranging from about 0.05 in to about 0.08 in S and a strap length L ranging from about 12.0 in to about 16.0 in S .

43. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein, Each sheet locking strip has a strip width W of approximately 1.0 in S 、a strip thickness T of approximately 0.0625 in S and a strip length L of approximately 15.5 in S .

44. The sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein, Each sheet locking strip has (1) a 0.5 in rounded corner radius at each strip corner to make each strip end circular and (2) strip edges rounded at approximately 0.03125 in to provide a smooth surface finish without corners or edges.

45. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein each sheet locking strip comprises an acrylic material or a polycarbonate material.

46. The sheet retention device according to any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein each sheet locking strip comprises an acrylic material.

47. A sheet retaining device, comprising: (I) A corner bracket, the corner bracket comprising: (a) A horizontally extending bracket member sized and configured to extend between a bottom surface of a mattress and a support surface below the bottom surface; and (b) Two or more sheet engaging channels connected to the horizontally extending bracket member, the two or more sheet engaging channels (1) being separated from each other by a corner of the corner bracket, and (2) extending substantially in a plane P parallel to the horizontally extending bracket member.

48. The sheet retaining device according to claim 47, wherein the two or more sheet engaging channels include (a) two sheet locking members.

49. The sheet retention device according to claim 48, wherein, The two sheet locking members are separated from each other by an open guiding section extending around a corner of the corner bracket.

50. The sheet retaining device according to claim 49, wherein the sheet retaining device includes one or more features recited in any one of claims 2 to 46.

51. A sheet retaining system (or kit), comprising: Four or more of the sheet retaining devices according to any one of claims 1 to 38 and 47 to 50; And Four or more of one or more sheet locking strips recited in any one of claims 39 to 46.

52. The sheet retaining system (or kit) according to claim 51, wherein the four or more of the sheet retaining devices include four sheet retaining devices; and the four or more of the one or more sheet locking strips include four sheet locking strips.

53. A method of manufacturing a sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 38 and 47 to 50, the method comprising: Forming the corner bracket using one or more steps, the one or more steps including: One or more thermoforming steps (e.g., molding steps); One or more machining steps (e.g., one or more drilling, cutting, stamping, sanding, grinding, etc. steps); and One or more assembly steps.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein, The forming step includes: One or more thermoforming steps (e.g., molding steps).

55. The method according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the forming step includes: A single thermoforming step (e.g., molding step).

56. A method of using a sheet retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 38 and 47 to 50, the method comprising: Inserting the horizontally extending bracket member between a bottom surface of a mattress and a support surface below the bottom surface; And Engaging a sheet material with one or more sheet engaging channels of the corner bracket.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein, The engaging step includes: Engaging a first sheet material portion of a first sheet with one of the two sheet locking members, and Engaging a second sheet material portion of the first sheet with the remaining one of the two sheet locking members.

58. The method according to claim 56 or 57, wherein the engaging step includes: Engage two separate sheets with one or more sheet engaging channels of the corner bracket.

59. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the engaging step comprises: Engage two separate sheets with a single sheet engaging channel of the corner bracket.

60. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the engaging step comprises: Engage two separate sheets with two or more sheet engaging channels of the corner bracket.

61. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 60, wherein the engaging step comprises: Insert one or more sheet locking strips as recited in any one of claims 39 to 46 into one or more sheet engaging channels of the corner bracket.

62. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 61, wherein the engaging step comprises: Independently insert a single sheet locking strip as recited in any one of claims 39 to 46 into one or more sheet engaging channels of the corner bracket.

63. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 62, wherein the method comprises: Fix one or more sheets to the mattress using the sheet retention system (or kit) of claim 51 or 52.

Images