U.S. patent application number 10/260266 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for restraint for bed covers.
Invention is credited to Lantagne, Lynda D..
Application Number | 20040060113 10/260266 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32029648 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lantagne, Lynda D. |
April 1, 2004 |
Restraint for bed covers
Abstract
A restraint for bed covers serves to pull an upper bedsheet or
cover taut laterally across a bed and person confined therein. The
present restraint assists in preventing a confused or restless
bedridden patient from dislodging or pulling at dressings,
catheters, IV tubes, and the like, thus assuring that proper
treatment is provided for the patient. The present restraint
comprises a relatively short elastic strap having a bed cover
attachment end with a garter-type fastener extending therefrom,
i.e., a button and clasp assembly. The opposite end portion of the
strap includes complementary portions of hook and loop fastener
material (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) disposed thereon, with the strap
looping about a portion of the bedframe structure and securing back
to itself. A preferred embodiment includes a D-ring or the like
extending from the button and clasp attachment, through which the
strap is drawn for greater leverage before being secured to
itself.
Inventors: |
Lantagne, Lynda D.;
(Summerville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
32029648 |
Appl. No.: |
10/260266 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/494 ; 128/869;
5/496 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/494 ;
005/496; 128/869 |
International
Class: |
A47G 009/02 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A restraint for bed covers, comprising: at least one flat and
flexible elastic strap having a bedframe structure contact surface
and a non-contact surface opposite said bedframe structure contact
surface, and devoid of lateral extensions therefrom; a bed cover
attachment end extending from said strap; a strap self-attachment
end opposite said bed cover attachment end of said strap; a bed
structure attachment portion disposed upon said strap, between said
bed cover attachment end and said strap self-attachment end
thereof; a bed cover attachment clasp extending from said bed cover
attachment end of said strap; and complementary, mating first and
second portions of hook and loop fastener material disposed upon
one said surface of said bed structure attachment portion of said
strap.
2. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 1, wherein: said
first of said portions of hook and loop fastener material is
disposed upon said non-contact surface of said strap, generally
medially therealong; said second of said portions of hook and loop
fastener material is disposed upon said non-contact surface of said
strap, adjacent said strap self-attachment end; and a cinch ring is
disposed at said bed cover attachment end of said strap, and facing
said bedframe structure contact surface of said strap.
3. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 2, wherein said
cinch ring comprises a D-ring formed of non-metallic material.
4. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 2, further
including: a strap loop formed in said bed cover attachment end
extending from said strap; and said cinch ring and said bed cover
attachment clasp captured by and secured to said strap by said
strap loop.
5. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 1, wherein: said
first of said portions of hook and loop fastener material is
disposed upon said contact surface of said strap, adjacent said bed
cover attachment end thereof; said second of said portions of hook
and loop fastener material is disposed upon said contact surface of
said strap, adjacent said strap self-attachment end; and a medial
strap area devoid of hook and loop fastener material is disposed
between said first and said second portions of hook and loop
fastener material.
6. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 1, wherein said
bed cover attachment clasp comprises a loop having an eye with an
elongated neck extending therefrom, and a mating resilient button
removably disposed therein and selectively capturing the bed covers
therebetween.
7. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 6, wherein said
loop of said bed cover attachment clasp is formed of a nonmetallic
material.
8. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 1, wherein said
strap is formed of a woven fabric elastic material.
9. A restraint for bed covers, comprising: at least one flat and
flexible elastic strap having a bedframe structure contact surface
and a non-contact surface opposite said bedframe structure contact
surface, and devoid of lateral extensions therefrom; a bed cover
attachment end extending from said strap; a strap self-attachment
end opposite said bed cover attachment end of said strap; a bed
structure attachment portion disposed upon said strap, between said
bed cover attachment end and said strap self-attachment end
thereof; a bed cover attachment clasp extending from said bed cover
attachment end of said strap; a first portion of hook and loop
fastener material disposed upon said non-contact surface of said
strap, generally medially therealong; a second portion of hook and
loop fastener material disposed upon said non-contact surface of
said strap, adjacent said strap self-attachment end, mating with
and selectively engaging said first portion of hook and loop
fastener material; and a cinch ring disposed at said bed cover
attachment end of said strap, and facing said bedframe structure
contact surface of said strap.
10. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 9, wherein said
cinch ring comprises a D-ring formed of non-metallic material.
11. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 9, further
including: a strap loop formed in said bed cover attachment end
extending from said strap; and said cinch ring and said bed cover
attachment clasp captured by and secured to said strap by said
strap loop.
12. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 9, wherein said
bed cover attachment clasp comprises a loop having an eye with an
elongated neck extending therefrom, and a mating resilient button
removably disposed therein and selectively capturing the bed covers
therebetween.
13. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 12, wherein
said loop of said bed cover attachment clasp is formed of a
non-metallic material.
14. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 9, wherein said
strap is formed of a woven fabric elastic material.
15. A restraint for bed covers, comprising: at least one flat and
flexible elastic strap having a bedframe structure contact surface
and a non-contact surface opposite said bedframe structure contact
surface, and devoid of lateral extensions therefrom; a bed cover
attachment end extending from said strap; a strap self-attachment
end opposite said bed cover attachment end of said strap; a bed
structure attachment portion disposed upon said strap, between said
bed cover attachment end and said strap self-attachment end
thereof; a bed cover attachment clasp extending from said bed cover
attachment end of said strap; a first portion of hook and loop
fastener material disposed upon said contact surface of said strap,
adjacent said bed cover attachment end thereof; a second portion of
hook and loop fastener material disposed upon said contact surface
of said strap, adjacent said strap self-attachment end, mating with
and selectively engaging said first portion of hook and loop
fastener material; and a medial strap area devoid of hook and loop
fastener material disposed between said first portion and said
second portion of hook and loop fastener material.
16. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 15, further
including: a strap loop formed in said bed cover attachment end
extending from said strap; and said bed cover attachment clasp
captured by and secured to said strap by said strap loop.
17. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 15, wherein
said bed cover attachment clasp comprises a loop having an eye with
an elongated neck extending therefrom, and a mating resilient
button removably disposed therein and selectively capturing the bed
covers therebetween.
18. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 17, wherein
said loop of said bed cover attachment clasp is formed of a
non-metallic material.
19. The restraint for bed covers according to claim 15, wherein
said strap is formed of a woven fabric elastic material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tiedown straps
and restraints, and more particularly to two embodiments of a
restraint particularly adapted for securing a bedsheet or the like
across a bed. The present restraints are particularly useful in the
hospital or patient care environments for restraining confused or
active patients to prevent their removal of dressings, IV tubes,
and the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] From time to time in the medical field, patients exhibit
various negative behaviors toward their medical treatment. This may
be due to Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, head
injury, or for various reasons. Such patients often attempt to
remove catheters and IV tubes, and/or remove dressings or other
medication which has been applied. Obviously, some form of
restraint is necessary under such circumstances, in order to
prevent the patient from doing harm to him or herself.
[0005] Accordingly, various restraints have been developed in the
past, which secure the patient's arms and/or other portions of the
patient's body, to prevent the patient from accessing any medical
treatments which have been applied. A problem with many of these
restraints, is that the patient is so severely restricted that he
or she cannot move to relieve pressure points which develop during
prolonged bed rest or immobile confinement. The patient must
receive periodic care and be moved from time to time, in order to
prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers (bedsores). Yet,
restraints which permit the patient to move about and change
position, often do not provide the security required for the
medical treatment which has been applied to the patient.
[0006] In addition to the above noted problems with patient
restraints, many such restraints comprise relatively long straps
and the like which extend over the bed covers and patient and
completely beneath the bed, and secure end-to-end. Such elongated
restraints are cumbersome at best to install, and do nothing to
prevent movement of the bedsheet due to the limited motion of which
the patient is capable. The patient may still at least partially
remove the bedsheet and/or covering, by thrashing about or just by
ordinary movement in the bed, thus requiring the restraints to be
loosened to reposition the bedsheet and/or covers, and then again
securing the restraints.
[0007] The present inventor is also aware of a number of different
straps, ties, etc. which are adapted to secure bedding to the bed,
but which do not secure a top sheet or covering securely across a
person in the bed. Most such devices are adapted to secure a lower
sheet atop the mattress, and do little or nothing to secure the top
sheet and/or covers across a person in the bed, or to limit
movement of the person in the bed. Accordingly, a need will be seen
for a restraint for bed covers, which holds the top sheet or cover
securely across the patient confined to the bed, and precludes
excessive movement of the patient to prevent the patient from
accessing and/or removing IV tubes, catheters, dressings, etc.
which may be applied to the patient.
[0008] A discussion of the related art of which the present
inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the
present invention, is provided below.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,156,740 issued on Oct. 12, 1915 to Charles
M. Berdan, titled "Blanket Holder," describes an elongated elastic
strap which is adapted to secure completely around a mattress.
Length adjustment is provided, and two tabs having clasp and button
elements thereon, extend laterally from the strap. It is not clear
from the Berdan disclosure, just what the orientation of the device
is intended to be, but it would appear that the two button and
clasp bedsheet attachments would secure the sheet longitudinally,
rather than laterally as does the present invention, when the
elongated strap is secured about the mattress.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 1,602,305 issued on Oct. 5, 1926 to Erasmus
Helm, titled "Bed Covering Holder," describes a relatively short
elastic or other strap, having a button and clasp at one end and a
pair of tie strings at the opposite end. The Helm device attaches
around a portion of the bed frame, with the button and clasp
securing to the edge of the bedsheet to secure the bedsheet across
the bed. However, the Helm device requires that the ties be secured
about a portion of the bed frame, rather than using the continuous
length of strap having complementary attachment means, for securing
the strap back to itself around the bed frame structure. The
present bed frame attachment means greatly facilitates the
attachment of the device to the bed frame, as opposed to the
relatively tedious tying of the device to the frame as required by
Helm. The present bed frame attachment system greatly facilitates
adjustment of the device, as well.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,163,521 issued on Jun. 20, 1939 to Elmer J.
Schumacher, titled "Garter Fastener," describes a grip comprising
two plates, with one having a channel along one edge and the other
having an edge which fits into the channel. The fabric of the
hosiery is gripped between the two edges of the plates, when the
plates are secured together. The Schumacher fastener differs
considerably from the present restraint, in that (1) Schumacher
does not use a button and clasp temporary fastener to grip the
fabric, but uses a snap fastener to secure the to plates together;
and (2) the Schumacher strap is a permanent part of the garter, and
cannot be secured to another structure (e.g., bed frame).
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,326,399 issued on Aug. 10, 1943 to Della M.
Shields, titled "Bed Clothes Harness," describes a series of
harness strap embodiments. One includes a bottom strap which
extends transversely beneath the mattress, with a pair of
longitudinal straps extending therefrom and an opposite pair of
longitudinal straps which are pinned to the bottom of the mattress.
A series of button and clasp fasteners are provided on the distal
ends of each of the longitudinal straps and on the top of the
lateral strap surrounding the mattress. The sheet is gripped within
these button and clasp fasteners. Other embodiments function in
much the same manner, but include ties to secure the harness to the
bed structure. Shields does not provide any means for securing any
of the straps back to themselves for single person adjustment, as
provided by the present invention. Moreover, all of the Shields
embodiments secure beneath the mattress, which makes it impractical
to install or remove the devices while the bed is occupied. The
present restraints do not secure beneath the mattress, but only to
the bed frame and covering, and may be installed and removed while
the bed is occupied.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 2,857,643 issued on Oct. 28, 1958 to Guy
Tomsic, titled "Contour Sheets," describes a relatively short strap
having a grip on each end thereof, for grasping diagonally opposite
sides of a sheet to pull the sheet taut over a mattress. Tomsic
discloses a series of different adjusters for his device, but all
of the embodiments secure beneath the mattress, rather than
attaching to the bed frame as in the case of the present
invention.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,092,848 issued on Jun. 11, 1963 to George B.
Gronvold, titled "Bed Sheet Holder," describes a pair of diagonally
disposed straps which extend beneath the mattress to secure to the
corners of the bottom sheet of the assembly. The ends of the straps
are bifurcated and attach to opposed corners of the sheet. Gronvold
does not provide any means of securing a relatively short strap to
the side members of the bed frame to grip the adjacent sheet, as in
the case of the present invention. The Gronvold strap assembly
differs from the present invention in the same manner as the strap
arrangements of the Berdan '740, Shields '399, and Tomsic '643 U.S.
patents discussed above, in that all of those devices pass beneath
the mattress and cannot be installed or removed without moving the
mattress.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,137 issued on Sep. 17, 1985 to Lester K.
Murray, titled "Bedding Holder," describes a device formed as a
single component of semi-rigid material (plastic, etc.), with one
end extending beneath a mattress and the opposite end extending
therefrom. The opposite end comprises a pair of arms which grip the
bedsheet or blankets therebetween, with a latch component holding
the two arms together to secure the sheet(s) therebetween. The
Murray device cannot be used in the manner of the present
invention, i.e., wrapping it about the frame structure of the bed,
due to the relatively inflexible nature of the Murray holder.
Moreover, the Murray device is anchored beneath the mattress as in
many other devices discussed above, thus requiring that the
mattress be moved for installing or removing the device.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,240 issued on Apr. 28, 1987 to William
B. Hutton et al., titled "Device For Attaching Sheets To A
Waterbed," describes an elastic strap which uses a snap fastener to
attach to the inside wall of the box structure of a waterbed. The
opposite, free end of the strap includes a slotted clasp into which
a flanged button is installed, with the combination gripping the
sheet therebetween. Hutton et al. do not provide any means of
passing their strap around the bed frame or some component thereof,
as in the case of the present invention. Moreover, the button of
the sheet attachment assembly of the Hutton et al. device, is
completely separate from the remainder of the device; Hutton et al.
do not provide any means of attaching the button to the remainder
of the device when the button is removed from the clasp.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,016 issued on May 5, 1987 to Ronald D.
Seeman, titled "Bedclothes Retainer," describes a series of
relatively short straps having a bedsheet attachment clip at one
end and hook and loop fastening material at the other. A first hook
and loop panel is permanently attached beneath the mattress or
bedframe, with the mating material at the end of one strap being
secured thereto. A second strap may be secured to the first strap,
using the same procedure. As in the case of most of the other
devices with which the present inventor is aware, Seeman requires
that the mattress be moved in order to install and remove his
retainers, or at least that a permanent anchor be installed beneath
the bed or bedframe, and that a person reach beneath the bed in
order to remove and install the Seeman retainers.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,617 issued on May 16, 1989 to Patrick S.
Dameron, titled "Bedding Attachment Devices," describes a series of
embodiments, each having hook and loop material which attaches
removably to mating material which is permanently installed beneath
the frame of the bed assembly. At least one of the embodiments
includes a series of straps extending from a single anchor point,
with each of the straps having a button and clasp (i.e.,
garter-type) fastener at the distal or free end thereof, for
securing to the bedding. The Dameron embodiments differ from the
present invention, in that Dameron does not provide any means of
looping one end or portion of the strap around a portion of the bed
frame, as does the present invention. Dameron requires that a
person reach beneath the bedframe to attach or remove his
device.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,541 issued on Sep. 5, 1989 to William B.
Hutton et al., titled "Device For Attaching A Sheet To A Mattress,"
describes a strap which is placed diagonally beneath the corner of
a mattress. The strap includes a slotted plate at each end, with a
flanged button fitting into the plate and gripping the sheet
therebetween, in the manner of a garter-type fastener. The '541
Hutton et al. device uses a similar means to fasten the sheet to
the device as that disclosed in the Hutton et al. '240 U.S. patent,
discussed further above. In the case of the Hutton et al. '541
device, the mattress must be moved in order to install or remove
the device therefrom. Hutton et al. do not provide any means of
removably securing their bedsheet fastener directly to the
bedframe, as provided by the present invention.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,470 issued on Dec. 17, 1991 to Phillip
J. Lysiak, titled "Device For Holding Bedclothes In A Fixed
Position On A Bed," describes a complex series of straps which
extend between the mattress and a lower box spring or other
mattress support. Lysiak requires that a series of peripheral bars
be provided, around which the sheets, covers, etc. are wrapped. A
series of clamps are then secured to the sheet or blanket wrapped
bars, to draw the bedding taut over the upper mattress. The Lysiak
system is impractical for use in a hospital or similar facility
with bedridden patients, as the upper mattress must be lifted to
adjust the straps using the Lysiak device. Moreover, the Lysiak
assembly extends essentially omnidirectionally beneath the
mattress, and clamps the edges of the bedding on all sides. This is
clearly not workable for a top sheet or blanket, which must be
folded back from the head of the bed.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,743 issued on Jan. 19, 1993 to Bennie L.
Lanman, titled "Waterbed Sheet Attachment System," describes a
complex series of straps which are placed beneath a waterbed
mattress, with the straps having distal ends which secure the
overlying sheet or cover in place. The structure and function of
the Lanman strap system is limited to securing only the sheet or
cover immediately overlying the mattress, and cannot be used for
securing upper sheets, covers, or blankets over a person in the
bed, as the present invention provides. The Lanman assembly is more
closely related to the strap system of the Lysiak '470 U.S. patent,
discussed immediately above, than to the present invention.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,547 issued on Jul. 1, 1997 to William R.
Hutton et al., titled "Bed Sheet Attachment Device For A Mattress,
And Method," describes the permanent installation of a gripper
plate or clasp to the side or edge panel of a mattress at the time
of manufacture. The clasp is configured like the conventional
garter clasp, but the flanged button is a separate component which
is used to capture the lower sheet or cover between the clasp and
button. The clasp and its associated strap are permanently affixed
to the side of the mattress, and cannot be removed. The device of
the Hutton et al. '547 U.S. patent is incapable of securing an
upper sheet to the mattress, as it would be covered or concealed by
the lower sheet. In contrast, the present sheet retaining device is
a separate entity from the mattress, and may be adjustably
positioned as desired along the frame rails of the bed.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,861 issued on Oct. 6, 1998 to Linda
LaGrange et al., titled "Sheet Gripping System," describes a
generally T-shaped strap having a long lateral crossmember and
relatively short stem. The assembly is placed beneath the mattress,
to secure the overlying bottom sheet by means of a conventional
button and clasp attachment. The LaGrange et al. straps are more
closely related to the straps of the Berdan '740 U.S. patent,
discussed further above, than to the present invention, with its
removable attachment to the bedframe rails and provision for
securing sheets or covers laterally over a person in the bed.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,766 issued on Feb. 13, 2001 to Dorothy
J. Farrugia, titled "Bed Covering Anchor System," describes a
series of straps which extend beneath the mattress, to secure a
bottom sheet covering the mattress. The Farrugia strap system is
more closely related to the bottom sheet retaining straps of the
Gronvold '848, Lysiak '470, Lanman '743, and LaGrange et al. '861
U.S. patents, than to the present invention, as the Farrugia straps
cannot be secured to the bedframe rails to extend around the
vertical sides of the bottom sheet and attach to an upper sheet or
covering to hold it tautly in place laterally across the bed, as
does the present bed cover restraint invention.
[0025] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/116,763 published on Aug.
29, 2002 to Jeremy Weir et al., titled "Bed Covering Securing
System," describes a fitted lower sheet with a drawstring in its
border, for securing beneath the mattress. Clearly, a drawstring
attachment cannot be used to secure an upper sheet or cover over
the bed, as one end of the upper sheet or cover must remain clear
of the head of the bed.
[0026] French Patent Publication No. 966,658 published on Oct. 16,
1950 to Eugene Banyasz illustrates two embodiments of a garter-type
clasp utilizing an elongate keeper which extends along the length
of the clasp opening or passage. No means for attaching the device
to the structure of a bedframe in order to secure the upper sheet
or covers thereacross, is apparent in the '658 French Patent
Publication.
[0027] Finally, German Patent Publication No. 1,040,473 published
on Oct. 9, 1958 to Kurt Lorber illustrates a garter-type fastener
apparently having an unattached button. The clasp extends
downwardly from an elongate strap, with the assembly providing for
the attachment of a sheet of material depending downwardly
therefrom. This is opposite the disposition of the present bedcover
restraint device, with its anchor strap attaching below the clasp
to the underlying bedframe structure.
[0028] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
invention as claimed. Thus a restraint for bed covers solving the
aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention comprises two embodiments of a
restraint or retaining device for securing an upper bedsheet,
cover, or the like laterally across a bed, in order to assist in
restraining a restless or confused patient therein. The present
restraints each include a garter-type fastener at one end thereof,
for securing to the bedsheet or other covering. The opposite bed
structure attachment end of each restraint embodiment includes
complementary hook and loop material disposed upon different
portions thereof, and providing for the bed attachment end to be
looped about a portion of the bed structure (e.g., frame rail,
etc.) and secured back to itself. A preferred embodiment includes a
D-ring for additional leverage and adjustment.
[0030] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide at least two embodiments of a restraint for bed covers,
serving to secure the top sheet or cover laterally across the bed
and any person within the bed, and holding the sheet or cover taut
across the bed and person therein.
[0031] It is another object of the invention to provide such
restraints comprising an elastic strap having a garter-type (i.e.,
button and clasp) bedsheet or cover fastener disposed at one end
thereof, and an opposite bed structure attachment end having
complementary hook and loop fastener material portions thereon, for
looping around a portion of the bedframe structure and attaching
back to itself.
[0032] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
preferred embodiment restraint including a D-ring or the like
extending from the button and clasp fastener attachment end,
through which the bed structure attachment end of the strap is
passed, drawn taut, and secured back to itself.
[0033] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0034] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a bed
confined patient being restrained by a bedsheet secured by a series
of restraints for bed covers according to the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a single one of the
restraints for bed covers illustrated in FIG. 1, comprising a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a second embodiment
of a single restraint for bed covers of the present invention.
[0038] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] The present invention comprises two embodiments of a
restraint for bed covers, which serves to secure the bed covers
(sheet, etc.) laterally across the bed, to the bedframe rails or
other bed structure along each side of the bed. FIG. 1 of the
drawings illustrates the installation of a series of first
embodiment restraints 10, secured through a series of passages P
along the left rail R of the frame of the bed B. Alternatively, the
restraints 10 may be secured around the rail R or other bedframe
structure, as desired. (It will be understood that while only the
left side of the bed B is illustrated, that the present restraints
10 are arranged symmetrically along each side of the bed B, to
provide the desired lateral restraint of a bedsheet S or other
covering therebetween.)
[0040] The present restraints 10 pull the sheet S or other
covering, tautly across a patient within the bed B, thereby
restraining a restless or confused patient and the patient's arms,
preventing the patient from accessing or removing IV tubes,
dressings, catheters, etc. Alternatively, the patient's arms may be
placed outside the sheet S, to prevent the patient from accessing
medical treatment beneath the sheet S. It will also be noted in
FIG. 1, that one of the present restraints 10 is used to support an
IV bag I or the like, from a support T. The restraint 10 holding
the IV bag I is inverted relative to the restraints 10 installed
along the edge of the bedsheet S, with its retaining loop portion
passing upwardly over the hook H portion of the support T. However,
the structure of the restraint 10 holding the IV bag I is the same
as that of the restraints 10 securing the bedsheet S.
[0041] FIG. 2 of the drawings provides a detailed perspective view
of a first embodiment restraint 10, showing its various features.
The primary component of the restraint 10 is a relatively short,
flat, and flexible strap 12, preferably formed of a woven fabric
elastic material to provide the desired stretch and "give" to the
device and to the sheet S restrained thereby. The strap 12 has a
bedframe structure contact surface 14, which is in contact with the
bed rail R or other frame component when the strap 10 is secured
thereto, and an opposite non-contact surface 16, disposed away from
the bedframe structure when the restraint 10 is secured thereto. It
will be seen that the present restraint 10 does not interconnect
with any other restraints, and is devoid of any lateral
extensions.
[0042] The strap 12 includes a bed cover attachment end 18. A bed
cover attachment clasp assembly 20 extends from the cover
attachment end 18 of the strap 12, and is secured thereto by a loop
22 formed in the end 18 of the strap 12. The strap 12 further
includes a strap self-attachment end 24 opposite the bed cover
attachment end 18 thereof. A bed structure attachment or enclosure
portion 26 is disposed along the strap 12, generally between the
bed cover attachment end 18 and the strap self-attachment end 24
thereof, with this generally medial portion 26 actually contacting
or encircling/enclosing a portion of the bedframe rail R or other
bedframe structure therein.
[0043] A first portion 28 of hook and loop fabric fastener material
is installed upon the non-contact surface 16 of the strap 12,
generally medially therealong, i.e., in the area of the bed
structure attachment portion 26 of the strap 12, or perhaps
slightly toward the self-attachment end 24 of the strap 12. A
second portion 30 of hook and loop fastener material is installed
upon the non-contact surface 16 of the strap 12, along the portion
of the strap 12 adjacent the self-contact end 24 of the strap 12.
The hook and loop fastener material portions 28 and 30 may comprise
Velcro.RTM., or other similar suitable material as desired, with
the first portion 28 of the material comprising loop material, and
the second portion 30 comprising hook material which matingly and
removably engages with the loop material, as is known in the
art.
[0044] The sheet attachment clasp loop 22 also serves to capture a
cinch ring 32 installed therein, with the ring 32 installed to face
the bedframe contact surface 14 of the strap 12. After securing the
sheet attachment clasp assembly 20 to the sheet S, the free or
self-attachment end 24 of the strap 12 is passed around or through
the bedframe structure or rail R, inserted through the cinch ring
32, and pulled taut and secured back to itself by engaging the two
mating hook and loop fastener portions 28 and 30 with one another.
The cinch ring 32 greatly facilitates installation of the present
restraint to a bedframe rail R or other structure, permitting the
installer to do so using only one hand. The cinch ring 32 is
preferably in the form of a D-ring, and is preferably formed of a
non-metallic material (e.g., a sturdy Nylon or other plastic
material, etc.) in order to preclude any generation of sparks for
greater safety in an oxygen rich environment, as is often
encountered in medical treatment facilities.
[0045] The bed cover attachment clasp 20 extending from the bed
cover attachment end 18 of the strap 12, generally comprises a
garter-type fastener which captures the sheet S or other cover
between the two matingly engaging components. Such fasteners 20
include a loop 34 with an eye 36 and an elongated neck 38 extending
therefrom, and a mating resilient button 40 captured on a flexible
tab 42 extending from the base of the loop 34. The button 40 has a
narrow shank (not shown), which fits within the narrow neck 38 of
the loop 34. Preferably, the loop 34 is formed of a non-metallic
material, for greater safety in an oxygen rich environment.
[0046] FIG. 3 provides a detailed perspective view of a second
embodiment restraint 110. The restraint 110 structure is similar to
that of the restraint 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, but differs in the
placement of hook and loop fasteners thereon and deletion of the
D-ring therefrom. The primary component of the restraint 110 is a
relatively short, flat, and flexible strap 112, preferably formed
of a woven fabric elastic material to provide the desired stretch
and "give" to the device and to the sheet S restrained thereby. The
strap 112 has a bedframe structure contact surface 114, which is in
contact with the bed rail R or other frame component when the strap
110 is secured thereto, and an opposite non-contact surface 116,
disposed away from the bedframe structure when the restraint 110 is
secured thereto. The restraint 110 is also devoid of any
interconnections or lateral extensions, as in the case of the first
embodiment restraint 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, discussed further
above.
[0047] The strap 112 includes a bed cover attachment end 118. A bed
cover attachment clasp assembly 120 extends from the cover
attachment end 118 of the strap 112, and is secured thereto by a
loop 122 formed in the end 118 of the strap 112. The strap 112
further includes a strap self-attachment end 124 opposite the bed
cover attachment end 118 thereof. A bed structure attachment or
enclosure portion 126 is disposed along the strap 112, generally
between the bed cover attachment end 118 and the strap
self-attachment end 124 thereof, with this generally medial portion
126 actually contacting or encircling/enclosing a portion of the
bedframe rail R or other bedframe structure therein.
[0048] A first portion 128 of hook and loop fabric fastener
material is installed upon the bedframe structure contact or
enclosure/encircling surface 114 of the strap 112, extending along
the strap surface 114 from a location generally adjacent the bed
cover attachment end 118 and cover attachment end loop 122. A
second portion 130 of hook and loop fastener material is installed
upon the non-contact surface 116 of the strap 112, along the
portion of the strap 112 adjacent the self-contact end 124 of the
strap 112. The hook and loop fastener material portions 128 and 130
may comprise Velcro.RTM., or other similar suitable material as
desired, with the first portion 128 of the material comprising loop
material, and the second portion 130 comprising hook material which
matingly and removably engages with the loop material, as is known
in the art.
[0049] The bed cover restraint 110 of FIG. 3 differs from the
restraint 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, in that the arrangement of the hook
and loop material 128 and 130 results in a relatively large medial
strap area 132 devoid of hook and loop fastener material, disposed
between the first and second portions 128 and 130 of hook and loop
fastener material. As the hook and loop material 128 and 130 is
substantially non-elastic, the medial strap area 132 provides the
desired stretch and "give" for the strap 112. The restraint 110 of
FIG. 3 also differs from the restraint 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that
there is no cinch ring installed within the bed cover attachment
clasp loop 122; only the bed cover attachment clasp 120 is captured
by and secured within the clasp loop 122.
[0050] The bed cover attachment clasp 120 extending from the bed
cover attachment end 118 of the strap 112 of FIG. 3, is essentially
identical to the clasp 20 of the restraint 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2,
with minor structural variations permissible so long as the
function is not affected. The clasp 120 generally comprises a
garter-type fastener which captures the sheet S or other cover
between the two matingly engaging components. Such fasteners 120
include a loop 134 with an eye 136 and an elongated neck 138
extending therefrom, and a mating resilient button 140 captured on
a flexible tab 142 extending from the base of the loop 134. The
button 140 has a narrow shank (not shown), which fits within the
narrow neck 138 of the loop 134. Preferably, the loop 134 is formed
of a non-metallic material, for greater safety in an oxygen rich
environment.
[0051] Installation of the restraint 110 of FIG. 3, differs
somewhat from the procedure used to install the restraint 10 of
FIGS. 1 and 2. The process begins in both cases by securing the bed
cover attachment clasp 20 or 120 to the sheet(s) S and/or other
covers, by capturing the sheet(s) S between the loop 134 and button
140, with the cover attachment loop 134 to the outside of the
covering. Next, the free or self-attachment end 124 of the strap
112 is passed around the bed structure, e.g., frame rail R, or
through a passage P therein and pulled upwardly, with the two
mating hook and loop fastener portions 128 and 130 pressed together
to engage with one another.
[0052] In conclusion, the present restraint for bed covers in
either of its embodiments, provides a much needed means for nurses,
orderlies, and other medical professionals, to easily secure a
bedsheet or other cover laterally across a bed, to restrain a
restless or confused patient therein. The present restraints assure
that the bedsheets and/or covers remain in place, thus protecting
the privacy and dignity of the patient. Yet, the elastic nature of
the strap material, provides some "give" to the bed covers,
allowing the patient to change positions and move about to a
certain extent, and avoiding extreme pressures upon the patient
which could result in abrasion, ulceration (bedsores), etc.
However, the restraining forces are sufficient to hold the arms of
a confused or restless patient beneath the sheets as desired, in
order to preclude removal of medical treatment (catheters, IV
tubes, bandages and dressings, etc.) by the patient. Alternatively,
the patient's arms may be placed outside of the sheets and covers,
in order to prevent the patient from reaching beneath the covers to
access any medical treatments applied.
[0053] While both of the embodiments of the present invention work
well to provide the above benefits, the primary embodiment of FIGS.
1 and 2 will be found to facilitate the installation of the device
by a single person. The medical professional need only clasp the
sheet(s), covers, etc. in the sheet or cover attachment clasp, pass
the free end of the strap through or around the bedframe structure
and through the D-ring of the restraint, then draw the free end
back down and secure it to the mating fastener material. This is
easily accomplished with one hand, leaving the other hand free to
assist in controlling the patient, or for other purposes as
required. Accordingly, the present restraint for bed covers will
prove to be a much appreciated article of equipment for medical
professionals of all types, and will serve to greatly facilitate
certain aspects of patient care.
[0054] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *