Bedsheet attachment system

Abstract

A bedsheet attachment system is provided for use in commercial accommodation settings. The system includes a covering comprising at least two but preferably three interconnected sheets of varying lengths joined at their bottom edges and a fastening mechanism configured to secure the covering to a mattress. The fastening mechanism includes clamps with fixed channels and movable jaws that engage the edges of the covering. The system reduces the time and physical effort required to prepare a bed, ensures compatibility with commercial laundry equipment, and provides a consistent and secure fit for the covering.

Description

Bedsheet Attachment SystemField of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to bed linen systems, particularly to systems for securing bed coverings around mattresses in commercial accommodation settings. The system is designed to reduce the physical strain and time required to make beds, while ensuring compatibility with industrial laundry processes and maintaining consistent presentation standards.Background of the Invention

[0002] In the commercial accommodation industry, the process of making beds presents significant challenges, particularly for housekeeping staff who often experience repetitive strain injuries and back pain due to the awkward lifting angles and repetitive movements involved.

[0003] The industry standard practice typically requires a three-sheet method, where multiple layers of bed linen are applied separately to a mattress. This approach is not only physically demanding but also time-intensive, with each bed taking several minutes to prepare. Given the large number of beds in many hotels and motels, the cumulative time and physical toll on staff can be substantial.

[0004] The need for efficient, ergonomic, and cost-effective solutions has become increasingly important as the hospitality sector seeks to address labour shortages, rising staff costs, and workplace injury concerns. Existing alternatives, such as fitted sheets or designs incorporating zippers or elastic fasteners, have not been widely adopted in commercial settings due to compatibility issues with industrial laundry equipment, such as linen presses. These limitations have left a gap in the market for a bed linen system that is faster to install, easier to use, and compatible with commercial laundering processes.

[0005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] A system is provided for bed linen particularly designed for use in commercial accommodation settings but potentially having application in other settings, such as hospitality, aged care and the like. The system includes a covering comprising at least two interconnected sheets to replicate the industry-standard three-sheet method, as well as a fastening mechanism attached to the top and bottom ends of the ensemble base. The covering comprising three interconnected sheets may be used to provide an additional sheet or to encapsulate a duvet between the intermediate and short length sheets. The covering comprising two interconnected sheets may be used where an independent blanket or duvet is employed.

[0007] The fastening mechanism comprises clamps with fixed channels and movable jaws that securely engage the covering. This system reduces the physical effort and time required to make a bed while maintaining compatibility with commercial laundry processes. The design ensures consistent and repeatable presentation, addresses ergonomic concerns for staff, and enhances operational efficiency in accommodation businesses. Furthermore, the sheets can be laundered and pressed together, because they are connected together at their bottom edges.

[0008] According to one aspect, there is provided a bedsheet attachment system comprising a covering including long- and intermediate-length sheets attached at their bottom edges, together with sheet-edge clamps configured to secure the bottom edges and a top edge of the long-length sheet, the clamps being attached under the top and bottom ends of a mattress.

[0009] In embodiments, the covering may further include a short-length sheet connected to the long- and intermediate-length sheets at their bottom edges so that the ensemble can be laundered and pressed as a single article.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system may employ only one bottom clamp and one top clamp, providing a simpler installation process and reducing the number of components fitted to the ensemble base.

[0011] In embodiments, each clamp may comprise a fixed channel oriented with its opening facing laterally outward and a movable jaw operably interfacing with thechannel, the jaw being openable to a width greater than the channel when removed from the channel and closing automatically when inserted into the channel. This arrangement allows the jaw to resist dislodgement under the vertical tension applied by the covering once fitted.

[0012] In certain embodiments the sheets may share a common width to ensure consistent alignment during installation and when subjected to industrial pressing processes.

[0013] In preferred embodiments, the jaw members may define protrusions configured to grip the covering. The top and bottom edges of the covering may have hemmed edges and the protrusions may engage behind a hemmed edge to promote reliable retention. In further embodiments, the hemmed edge of the top edge of the long- length sheet may be folded more than twice so that its width closely matches that of the hemmed bottom edges, allowing the same clamp configuration to be used interchangeably at both ends of the mattress.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protrusions may comprise respective rows of teeth on each jaw member, and the teeth of each row may be laterally offset so that they mesh when the jaw is closed, thereby promoting stable frictional engagement even when the sheets are subjected to repeated pulling forces.

[0015] In other embodiments, one jaw member may include a pin arranged to penetrate aligned apertures in the covering and an opposite jaw member, thereby inhibiting unintended withdrawal of the covering once secured. The aligned apertures may also serve as registration features during installation.

[0016] In embodiments, the system may further comprise a board configured to wedge under the mattress and define a shelf for resting the short-length sheet thereon when installing a duvet. The board may define a rectangular portion and a pair of insertion portions enabling it to be stably supported between the mattress and the base. In variations, the shelf functionality may be integrated into the ensemble base itself to provide a permanent support surface during duvet installation. In further variations, the integrated shelf may be retractable into the ensemble base for improvedpresentation and ergonomics, and extendable outward when required to support the short-length sheet during duvet installation.

[0017] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of securing a bedsheet attachment system to a mattress, the method comprising laying the covering flat with its bottom edges aligned along the bottom end of the mattress, inserting the bottom edges into the bottom edge clamps by opening the clamps and positioning the hemmed edges between the jaw members, and securing the long -length sheet by inserting its top edge into the top edge clamps. In embodiments, the method may include resting the short-length sheet on a shelf provided by a board or an integrated support while installing a duvet so that the sheet does not contact the floor.

[0018] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows the covering positioned over a mattress, illustrating the arrangement of the sheets and the attachment points for the clamps.

[0021] Figure 2 shows the covering comprising the long, intermediate, and shortlength sheets, attached at their bottom edges, and demonstrates their relative dimensions and alignment.

[0022] Figures 3 and 4 shows a clamp in detail in closed and open configurations, illustrating its operation in securing the covering.

[0023] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the clamp adjacent to the top edge of the long-length sheet in the open configuration.

[0024] Figure 6 shows the hemmed edges of the top and bottom edges of the sheets, including the folded hemmed edge of the top edge of the long-length sheet.

[0025] Figure 7 shows the clamps used interchangeably at both the top and bottom edges of the mattress.

[0026] Figure 8 shows a top view of a holding board positioned under the mattress providing a shelf for supporting the short-length sheet during installation of a duvet.

[0027] Figure 9 shows a side view of the holding board wedged under the mattress, with its insertion portions positioned securely between the mattress and the base.Description of Embodiments

[0028] Figure 2 shows a covering 101 as part of a bedsheet attachment system. The covering 101 comprises a long-length sheet 102A and an intermediate-length sheet 102B. In embodiments, the covering 100 may further comprise a short-length sheet 102C. These sheets 102 are attached together at their bottom edges 103, typically stitched along the entire length of the bottom edges 103.

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates the covering 101 positioned over a mattress 104. The system 100 further includes sheet edge clamps 105, comprising bottom edge clamps 105B and top edge clamps 105A, which attach to the ensemble base under the bottom and top edges of the mattress 104, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the system 100 comprises only one bottom edge clamp 105B and one top edge clamp 105A.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 , the covering 101 is positioned so that the bottom edges 103 of the sheets 102 reach the bottom edge clamps 105B, and only the long-length sheet 102A reaches the top edge clamps 105A. The intermediate-length sheet 102B may have a length configured to reach the upper edge of the mattress 104, while the short-length sheet 102C may be offset from the upper edge of the mattress 104, allowing the intermediate-length sheet 102B to fold back over the top edge of the short-length sheet 102C. In certain applications, a duvet may be inserted between the intermediate-length sheet 102B and the short-length sheet 102C, wherein the top edge of the intermediate-length sheet 102B folds back over the top edge of the shortlength sheet 102C to conceal the duvet between them and create a neat edge.

[0031] Figures 3 and 4 show the clamps 105 in further detail, in accordance with an embodiment wherein each clamp 105 comprises a fixed channel 106 oriented with its opening 107 facing laterally outward from the mattress 104. Specifically, the channel 106 may define a web 108, an upper flange 109A, and a lower flange 109B, with the edges of the flanges 109 away from the web 108 defining the opening 107. In preferred embodiments, the clamps 105 are permanently attached to the ensemblebase, allowing the mattress 104 to be independently flipped, turned or replaced without interfering with the installed clamps 105. The channel 106 defines a low profile and short width, which does not significantly raise the edge of the mattress 104.

[0032] The clamps 105 also include a movable jaw 1 10 that operably interfaces with the channel 106. Figure 4 shows the movable jaw 1 10 in an open position when pulled from the channel 106, while Figure 3 shows the jaw 1 10 in a closed position when inserted into the channel 106. In use, the jaw 1 10 is pulled laterally from the channel 106, and a corresponding edge of the covering 101 is inserted between its members 1 1 1 . As the jaw 1 10 is pushed back into the channel 106, the flanges 109 force the jaw members 1 1 1 closed, thereby clamping the edge of the covering 101 securely between them. The location of the clamps 105 at the edge of the mattress 104 creates a vertical pulling force on the jaw 1 10 by the covering 101 . However, as the jaw 1 10 is designed to be pulled laterally from the channel 106 (orthogonally to the vertical pulling force), the jaw 1 10 cannot be dislodged from the channel 106 under tension applied to the sheets 102. The clamps 105 may be designed so that the movable jaw 1 10 cannot be separated from the channel 106.

[0033] The channel 106 may include inner formations 1 12 on the inner faces of the flanges 109, designed to press firmly against the jaw 1 10 to provide sufficient clamping force.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the sheets 102 may have a common width.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the clamp 105 adjacent to the top edge 1 13 of the long-length sheet 102A in the open configuration. In some embodiments, the inner faces of the jaw members 1 1 1 may include protrusions 1 14. With reference to Figure 6, the bottom edges 103 and the top edge 1 13 of the long-length sheet 102A may have hemmed edges 1 15. The hemmed edge 1 15 of the bottom edges 103 may be formed by inserting the bottom edges of the intermediate-length sheet 102B and the short-length sheet 102C between a doubly folded back bottom edge of the long- length sheet 102A.

[0036] These protrusions 1 14 may be configured to grip behind the hemmed edges 1 15 to prevent disengagement from the jaws 1 10.

[0037] Figure 6 shows how the hemmed edge 1 15 of the top edge 1 13 of the long - length sheet 102A may be folded back on itself three times to increase its width, preferably matching the width of the hemmed edge 1 15 at the bottom edges 103. This configuration allows the clamps 105 to be used interchangeably at both the top and bottom edges of the mattress 104, as shown in Figure 7.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the protrusions 1 14 may comprise two rows of teeth on the inner surfaces of each jaw member 1 1 1. These teeth may be substantially triangular, as shown in Figure 5 although less pointy configurations, such as rounded teeth may be employed to reduce potential damage to the sheets 102. Furthermore, the teeth may be offset sideways to intermesh, enhancing the frictional engagement of the sheets 102 and preventing puncturing.

[0039] In some embodiments, to further enhance securement, one jaw member 1 1 1 may include a pin 1 16 that penetrates an aligned aperture 1 17 in the covering 101 and an aligned aperture 1 18 in the opposite jaw member 1 1 1. Figure 2 shows these apertures 1 17 in the covering 101 when laid flat, which also serves alignment purposes before fastening to the clamps 105. When the jaws 1 10 close, the pin 1 16 inserts through the sheet aperture 1 17 and the opposite jaw aperture 1 18, thereby preventing dislodgement from the jaw 1 10. In the embodiment shown, each jaw comprises a pair of side pins 1 16 and respective apertures 1 18.

[0040] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment wherein the system further includes a holding board 1 19 designed to be wedged under the bottom edge of the mattress 104 to define a ledge 120. This ledge supports the short-length sheet 102C while installing the duvet, preventing it from lying on the floor. The holding board 1 19 may define a rectangular portion 121 and a pair of insertion portions 122 that are inserted between the mattress 104 and the base, as shown in Figure 9. This arrangement ensures that the rectangular portion 121 extends horizontally outward, defining the shelf 120. In other embodiments, the functionality of the holding board 1 19 may be incorporated directly into the ensemble base, wherein a ledge or shelf formation is integrated into the base structure to support the short-length sheet 102C during installation of a duvet. In such arrangements, the integrated shelf may be fixed orretractable. The integrated shelf may be dimensioned and positioned to replicate the support provided by the removable holding board 1 19, while eliminating the need for a separate component. In alternative embodiments, the integrated shelf may be retractable into the ensemble base when not in use and extendable outward for duvet installation, thereby maintaining a streamlined presentation and reducing obstruction around the bed perimeter.

[0041] The system 100 is configured for efficient and secure installation of bed linen over a mattress 104. The following describes an exemplary method of use for installing the covering 101 and securing it using the clamps 105.

[0042] The covering 101 m ay be initially provided in a folded state, using a specific fold pattern which when unfolded follows the installation process. The covering 101 is placed at the top of the mattress 104. The covering 101 is first unfolded sideways so that the sheets 102 extend over the sides of the mattress 104. The top edge 1 13 is then unfolded and draped over the top end of mattress 104 towards clamp the 105A. The top edge 1 13 is inserted into the edge clamp 105A by pulling jaws 1 10 laterally out of channel 106, positioning the hemmed edges 1 15 of the sheets between the jaw members 1 1 1 , and pressing the jaws 1 10 back into the channels 106. The intermeshing teeth 1 14 on the jaw members 1 1 1 securely engage the hemmed edges 1 15, ensuring a firm hold.

[0043] The covering 101 is then unrolled lengthwise until the bottom edge 103 aligns with the bottom edge of the mattress 104 and the clamp 105B. By attaching edge 1 13 to clamp 105A first, edge 103 can be pulled towards clamp 105B without edge 1 13 moving from its proper alignment. When this alignment is achieved, the intermediatelength sheet 102B automatically aligns with the top edge of the mattress 104, and the short length sheet 102C aligns with the bottom edge of the pillows (placed later), due to its pre-configured dimensions and the fold pattern used

[0044] The bottom edges 103 are inserted into the bottom edge clamps 105B by pulling the jaws 1 10 laterally out of the channels 106, positioning the hemmed edges 1 15 of the sheets between the jaw members 1 1 1 , and pressing the jaws 1 10 back intothe channels 106. The intermeshing teeth 1 14 on the jaw members 1 1 1 securely engage the hemmed edges 1 15, ensuring a firm hold.

[0045] For setups using a duvet the holding board 1 19, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, is positioned under the mattress 104 with its insertion portions 122 wedged between the mattress 104 and the base. The rectangular portion 121 extends outward, creating a shelf 120 onto which the short-length sheet 102C rests during installation of the duvet. The short-length sheet 102C is then pulled back and placed on the holding board 1 19 to prevent it from touching the floor. The duvet is then placed over sheet 102B, then sheet 102C is pulled back into place and holding board 1 19 removed. In embodiments where a shelf is integrated into the ensemble base, the short-length sheet 102C may instead be rested directly on the integrated shelf during this step.

[0046] The intermediate -length sheet 102B is then folded back over the top edge of the short-length sheet 102C to create a neat overlap.

[0047] To complete the installation, the covering 101 is adjusted to ensure uniform tension across all sheets, minimising wrinkles and ensuring a professional appearance. The corners are then tucked in using industry standard hospital corners. The clamps 105, positioned at the top and bottom ends of the mattress 104, resist vertical pulling forces, maintaining the covering 101 securely in place.

[0048] This system 100 provides an efficient, ergonomic, and secure method for applying and maintaining bed linen in commercial accommodation settings, reducing physical strain and installation time while ensuring a consistent and professional presentation.

[0049] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A bedsheet attachment system comprising: a covering comprising long and intermediate length sheets attached at their bottom edges; sheet edge clamps configured to secure the bottom edges and a top edge of the long-length sheet, wherein the clamps are attached under the top and bottom ends of a mattress.

2. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 1 , wherein the covering further comprises short length sheet and wherein the short length sheet and the long and intermediate length sheets are attached at their bottom edges.

3. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 1 , wherein the clamps comprise only one bottom clamp and one top clamps.

4. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 1 , wherein each clamp comprises a fixed channel oriented with its opening facing laterally outward, and a movable jaw operably interfacing the channel, the jaw being openable to wider than the channel when taken out of the channel and closing when inserted into the channel.

5. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 1 , wherein the sheets have a common width.

6. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 3, wherein jaw members define protrusions to engage the covering.

7. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 5, wherein the top and bottom edges of the covering have hemmed edges, and wherein the protrusions engage behind a hemmed edge.

8. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 6, wherein a hemmed edge of the top edge of the long-length sheet is folded over more than twice.

9. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 7, wherein the hemmed edge of the top edge of the long-length sheet is folded over more than twice so that its width substantially matches that of a hemmed edge of the bottom edges.

10. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 5, wherein the protrusions comprise each jaw member defining a respective row of teeth.1 1 . The bedsheet attachment system of claim 9, wherein the teeth of each row are offset laterally so that they mesh.

12. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 3, wherein one jaw member comprises a pin that penetrates aligned apertures in the covering and the opposite jaw.

13. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 1 , further comprising a board configured for wedging under a mattress and defining a shelf extending therefrom for resting the short-length sheet thereon.

14. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 13, wherein the shelf is integrated into the ensemble base so as to define a fixed support for the short-length sheet.

15. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 14, wherein the integrated shelf is retractable into the ensemble base and extendable outward when required to support the short-length sheet.

16. The bedsheet attachment system of claim 12, wherein the board defines a rectangular portion and a pair of insertion portions along one long side of the rectangular portion.

17. A method of securing a bedsheet attachment system as defined in claim 1 to a mattress, comprising: laying the covering flat with its bottom edges aligned along the bottom end of the mattress; inserting the bottom edges into the bottom edge clamps by opening the clamps and positioning the hemmed edges of the covering between the jaw members; securing the long-length sheet by inserting its top edge into the top edge clamps, aligning the hemmed edge with the jaw members.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising resting the short-length sheet on the shelf of a board wedged under the mattress to prevent the sheet from touching the floor during installation of a duvet.

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