The present specification generally relates to sheet assemblies, and more specifically, sheet assemblies having a plurality of adjustable straps.
Sheet assemblies may be used in care facilities to perform a variety of functions. In some cases sheet assemblies, with or without the use of an overhead lift, may be used to turn, transport, and/or otherwise position a subject as needed. To aid in the movement of subjects, such sheet assemblies may include a plurality of straps, which extend beyond an edge of the sheet. When not in use, the plurality of straps may hang over the edge of a subject support surface (e.g., a bed). If the plurality of straps touch the floor, this could lead to contamination of the plurality of straps and/or present a potential trip hazard. Moreover, the plurality of straps, when not in use, may become entangled with objects around the subject support surface (e.g., monitoring equipment, handrails, etc.) and/or with the subject or caregivers.
In a first aspect A1, a sheet assembly includes a sheet having an edge and a pocket extending longitudinally along the edge. A plurality of loops are arranged along the edge and extend from openings formed in the pocket of the sheet. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket. At least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing such that sliding the adjustment webbing along the pocket pulls the plurality of loops into the pocket and reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops. A second aspect A2 includes the first aspect A1, wherein the adjustment webbing includes a handle positioned outside of the pocket at a pocket opening formed within the pocket. A third aspect includes the second aspect A1, wherein the pocket opening is formed at a position between a first end of the pocket and a second end of the pocket opposite the first end. A fourth aspect includes the second aspect A2 or the third Aspect A3, wherein the pocket opening is formed at one of a first end and a second end of the pocket. A fifth aspect A5 includes any preceding aspect A1-A4, wherein the plurality of loops are formed via a continuous strap at least partially disposed within the pocket, the strap arranged such that portions of the strap extend through the openings to define the plurality of loops. A sixth aspect A6 includes any of aspect A1 through aspect A4, wherein the plurality of loops are formed via a plurality of straps coupled to the sheet within the pocket. A seventh aspect A7 includes any preceding aspect A1-A6, wherein the adjustment webbing includes a plurality of anchor loops, each anchor loop defining an opening through the adjustment webbing, wherein a portion of each loop extends through the opening of the anchor loop. An eighth aspect A8 includes an preceding aspect A1-A7, wherein each loop is coupled to the sheet within the pocket at a first location and a second location.
In a ninth aspect A9, a sheet assembly includes a sheet having an edge and a pocket extending longitudinally along the edge. A strap is arranged within the pocket and defines a plurality of loops extending from the pocket of the sheet, wherein the strap is fixed relative to the pocket at a position between each loop of the strap. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket, wherein at least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing such that sliding the adjustment webbing along the pocket pulls the plurality of loops into the pocket and reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops. A tenth aspect A10 includes the ninth aspect A9, wherein the adjustment webbing includes a handle positioned outside of the pocket at a pocket opening formed within the pocket. An eleventh aspect A11 includes the tenth aspect, wherein the pocket opening is formed at a position between a first end of the pocket and a second end of the pocket opposite the first end. A twelfth aspect A12 includes the tenth aspect A10 or the eleventh aspect A11, wherein the pocket opening is formed at one of a first end and a second end of the pocket. A thirteenth aspect A13 includes any of aspects nine A9 through twelfth, wherein the adjustment webbing includes a plurality of anchor loops, each anchor loop defining an opening through the adjustment webbing, wherein a portion of each loop extends through the opening of the anchor loop.
A fourteenth aspect A14 includes any preceding aspect A1-A13, wherein at least one major surface of the sheet has a lower coefficient of friction than an opposite major surface of the sheet. A fifteenth aspect A15 includes any preceding aspect A1-A14, wherein the pocket defines a plurality of strap openings and a loop of the plurality of loops extend through a strap opening of the plurality of strap openings. A sixteenth aspect A16 includes aspect A15, wherein at a location of each loop of the plurality of loops is a first strap opening and a second strap opening, wherein the loop extends through both the first strap opening and the second strap opening.
In a seventeenth aspect A17, a sheet assembly for positioning a subject includes a sheet having a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a subject support portion spanning between the first edge and the second edge, a first pocket extending longitudinally along the first edge, and a second pocket extending longitudinally along the second edge. A first plurality of loops are arranged along the first edge and extend from the first pocket of the sheet. A first adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the first pocket, wherein at least a portion of each loop of the first plurality of loops is anchored to the first adjustment webbing such that sliding the first adjustment webbing along the first pocket pulls the first plurality of loops into the first pocket and reduces an exposed length of the first plurality of loops. A second plurality of loops are arranged along the second edge and extend from the second pocket of the sheet. A second adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the second pocket, wherein at least a portion of each loop of the second plurality of loops is anchored to the second adjustment webbing such that sliding the second adjustment webbing along the second pocket pulls the second plurality of loops into the second pocket and reduces the exposed length of the first plurality of loops. An eighteenth aspect A18 includes the seventeenth aspect A17, wherein each of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing include a handle positioned outside of the first pocket and the second pocket respectively. A nineteenth aspect A19 includes the eighteenth aspect A18, wherein each of the first pocket and the second pocket include a pocket opening formed at a position between a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the first pocket and the second pocket. A twentieth aspect A20 includes either the eighteenth aspect A18 or the nineteenth aspect, wherein each of the first pocket and the second pocket include a pocket opening formed at one of a first end and a second end of the first pocket and the second pocket. A twenty-first aspect A21 includes any of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twentieth aspect A20, wherein each of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing include a first handle positioned at one end of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing and a second handle positioned at an opposite end of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing. A twenty-second aspect A22 includes any of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twenty-first aspect A21, wherein the first plurality of loops are formed via a continuous strap coupled to the sheet within the first pocket so as to form the first plurality of loops. A twenty-third aspect A23 includes of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twenty-second aspect A22, wherein the second plurality of loops are formed via a continuous strap coupled to the sheet within the second pocket so as to form the second plurality of loops. A twenty-fourth aspect A24 includes any of the seventeenth aspect through the twenty-third aspect, wherein the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing includes a plurality of anchor loops, each anchor loop defining an opening through the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing, wherein a portion of each loop extends through the opening of the anchor loop. A twenty-fifth aspect A25 includes any of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twenty-fourth aspect A24, wherein at least one major surface of the sheet has a lower coefficient of friction than an opposite major surface of the sheet. A twenty-sixth aspect A26 includes any of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twenty-fifth aspect A25, wherein each of the first pocket and the second pocket define a plurality of strap openings and a loop of each of the first plurality of loops and the second plurality of loops extend through a strap opening of the plurality of strap openings. A twenty-seventh aspect A27 includes the twenty-sixth aspect A26, wherein at a location of each loop of the first plurality of loops and the second plurality of loops is a first strap opening and a second strap opening, wherein the loop extends through both the first strap opening and the second strap opening.
In a twenty-eighth aspect A28, a method of adjusting the sheet assembly of any of the first aspect A1 through sixteenth aspect A16 includes pulling the adjustment webbing along pocket, thereby causing the plurality of loops to move from an extended position to a retracted position. A twenty-ninth aspect A29 includes aspect twenty-eight A28, further including pulling on a loop of the plurality of loops, thereby causing the loop of the plurality of loops to move from the retracted position to the extended position. A thirtieth aspect A30 includes either of aspect twenty-eight A28 or aspect twenty-nine A29, wherein pulling on the adjustment webbing, includes pulling a handle coupled to the adjustment webbing.
In a thirty-first aspect A31, a method of assembling the sheet assembly any of the first aspect A1 through sixteenth aspect A16 includes forming the pocket along the edge of the sheet, coupling the plurality of loops to the sheet within the pocket, and anchoring a portion of the each of the loops to the adjustment webbing.
In a thirty-second aspect A32, a method of adjusting the sheet assembly of any of the seventeenth aspect A17 through the twenty-seventh aspect A27 includes pulling at least one of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing, thereby causing at least one of the first plurality of loops and the second plurality of loops to move from an extended position to a retracted position. A thirty-third aspect A33 includes the thirty-first aspect A31, further including pulling on a loop of one of the first plurality of loops and the second plurality of loops, thereby causing the loop of the first plurality of loops or the second plurality of loops to move from the retracted position to the extended position. A thirty-fourth aspect includes any of the thirty-first aspect A31 through the thirty-third aspect A33, wherein pulling on the at least one of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing, comprises pulling a handle coupled to one of the first adjustment webbing and the second adjustment webbing.
In a thirty-fifth aspect A35, a method of assembling the sheet assembly of any of the seventeenth aspect through the twenty-seventh aspect includes forming the first pocket along the first edge of the sheet, coupling the first plurality of loops to the sheet within the first pocket, anchoring a portion of the each loops of the first plurality of loops to the first adjustment webbing, forming a second pocket along the second edge of the sheet, coupling the second plurality of loops to the sheet within the second pocket, and anchoring a portion of the each loop of the second plurality of loops to the second adjustment webbing.
In a thirty-sixth aspect A36, a kit includes the sheet assembly of any preceding, and instructions for adjusting the sheet assembly. A thirty-seventh aspect A37 includes the thirty-sixth aspect, wherein the instructions are printed or embroidered onto the sheet assembly.
These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to sheet assemblies that include a sheet and a plurality of loops coupled to the sheet that are moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, a sheet assembly includes a sheet that includes a pocket extending longitudinally along an edge of the sheet. A plurality of loops are arranged along the edge and extend from strap openings in the pocket of the repositioning sheet. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket. A least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing such that sliding of the adjustment webbing along the pocket reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops outside the pocket. That is, the plurality of loops may be retracted into the pocket of the sheet, thereby shortening an exposed length of the plurality of loops. This may prevent the loops from becoming a trip hazard or becoming entangled with people or objects surrounding a subject support surface when not in use. Various embodiments of the sheet assembly and methods of use and/or methods of assembling a sheet assembly will be described in more detail herein.
Referring now to
For example, and as illustrated in
Referring now to
The sheet 102 may generally be provided by a flat sheet of material or layers of material that includes a first edge 104a and a second edge 104b opposite the first edge 104a. A subject support portion 103 spans a distance between the first edge 104a and the second edge 104b. In use, a subject 10 may be positioned on or within the subject support portion 103.
One or more pockets may be formed within the sheet 102. For example, a first pocket 106a may extend longitudinally along the first edge 104a and/or a second pocket 106b may extend longitudinally along the second edge 104b. The first and/or second pockets 106a, 106b may each define a passage through which the adjustment webbing 120 slides (e.g., in a longitudinal direction along the +/−X axis of the depicted coordinate axes) to move the plurality of loops 110, anchored to the adjustment webbing 120, from the extended position to the retracted position. The “extended position” refers to the plurality of loops 110, or a portion thereof, extending a maximum distance, DM, from the first pocket 106a or the second pocket 106b, such as illustrated in
The first and second pockets 106a, 106b may be formed in a variety of ways. For example, the first and second pockets 106a, 106b may be formed by folding the sheet 102 over top of itself along the first edge 104a and/or the second edge 104b. The folded material may then be stitched, welded, or otherwise fixed in place to provide the first and/or second pockets 106a, 106b. In some embodiments, a second layer of material may instead be added and sewn, or welded, or otherwise affixed to the sheet 102 to form the first and/or second pockets 106a, 106b. Though only illustrated as extending along the first edge 104a and the second edge 104b in
Still referring to
In embodiments, the pocket(s) 106a, 106b may further define a plurality of strap openings through which a loop 111 of the plurality of loops 110 extends. For example, at a position of each loop 111 may be a first strap opening 109a through which a first portion 112a of the loop 111 extends and a second strap opening 109b through which the second portion 112b of the loop 111 extends. Referring briefly to
Referring generally to
Referring again to
Furthermore, it is noted that though the various embodiments depicted in
Referring now to
In embodiment depicted in
Though each loop 111 illustrated in the above embodiments is separate and distinct from one another, in some embodiments, each loop 111 may be formed from a single continuous strap. For example, and with reference to
The plurality of loops 110 may be formed of any material and may be formed of the same or a different material from the plurality of the sheet 102 and/or the adjustment webbing 120. For example, the plurality of loops 110 may be formed of any material or combination of materials including natural and/or synthetic fibers woven and/or bonded into a length of material. In some embodiments, the material may be subject to disinfection and/or sterilization treatments, accordingly, the material may be resistant to breakdown which may otherwise be cause by disinfection and/or sterilization treatments. In some embodiments, the material may have or may be treated to have anti-microbial characteristics. In some embodiments, the plurality of loops 110 may be constructed of a material that has load bearing properties allowing the plurality of loops 100 to support the weight of a human subject. In some embodiments, the plurality of loops 110 may be formed from a textile comprising natural fibers that are derived from animal (protein), vegetable (cellulose), and/or mineral sources. Illustrative examples of natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cellulose (staple) fibers such as bast, leaf, seed hair, cane, grass, and reed; protein (staple) fibers such as hair, wool, and/or filaments (e.g., secretions such as silk); and mineral fibers such as asbestos, glass, gold, silver, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the plurality of loops 110 may be formed from one or more manufactured fibers such as manmade (humanmade), regenerated, or synthetic fibers having a chemical composition that is organic or inorganic or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments the plurality of loops 110 may be formed from one or more fibers having a chemical composition that is organic or inorganic. Illustrative examples of organic polymer fibers from natural sources include, but are not limited to, acetate, alginate, cupro, elastodiene, lyocell, model, triacetate, and viscose. Illustrative examples of organic fibers made from synthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, acrylic, aramid, chlorofibre, elastane, elastodiene, elastoelfin, elastomultiester, flurofiber, melamine, modacrylic, polyamide, polyester, polyethelene, polyimide, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polypropylene/polyamide biocomponent, and vinylal. Illustrative examples of inorganic fibers include, but are not limited to, carbon, ceramic, glass, and metal. In some embodiments, coatings, such as antimicrobial coatings, may be applied to the plurality of loops 110.
Referring again to
The first adjustment webbing 120a may be anchored to one of the first portion 112a or the second portion 112b of each loop 111 of the first plurality of loops 110a such that sliding the first adjustment webbing 120a causes the first plurality of loops 110a to move from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby reducing an exposed length of the first plurality of loops 110. Similarly, the second adjustment webbing 120b may be anchored to one of the first portion 112a and the second portion 112b of each loop 111 of the second plurality of loops 110b such that sliding the second adjustment webbing 120b causes the second plurality of loops 110b to move from the extended position to the retracted position, thereby reducing an exposed length of the second plurality of loops 110. As noted above, in various embodiments, the loop 111 may be anchored to the adjustment webbing 120 via stitching, adhesive, welding, or the like.
Still referring to
As illustrated in
In the embodiments described above, the adjustment webbing 120 may be anchored to the plurality of loops 110 via welding, stitching, adhesive, or the like. With reference now to
Le2≈Le1−2x
where Le1 is the exposed length when the loop 111 is in the extended position and x is the distance the second portion 112b is pulled into the pocket 106. However, in other embodiments, such as where a portion of the loop 111 is fixed to the anchor loop 124 via stitching or adhesive that change in length from the extended position to the retracted position may be equal to the distance the adjustment webbing 120 is moved within the pocket.
In any of the embodiments described herein, the adjustment webbing 120, and/or the handle(s) 122, may be formed of any material and may be formed of the same or a different material from the plurality of loops 110 and/or the sheet 102. For example, the adjustment webbing 120 may be formed of any material or combination of materials including natural and/or synthetic fibers woven and/or bonded into a sheet of material. In some embodiments, the material may be subject to disinfection and/or sterilization treatments, accordingly, the material may be resistant to breakdown which may otherwise be cause by disinfection and/or sterilization treatments. In some embodiments, the material may have or may be treated to have anti-microbial characteristics. In some embodiments, the adjustment webbing 120 and/or the handle(s) 122 may be constructed of a material that has load bearing properties allowing adjustment webbing 120 and/or handles(s) 122 to support the weight of a human subject. In some embodiments, the adjustment webbing 120 and/or handles 122 may be formed from a textile comprising natural fibers that are derived from animal (protein), vegetable (cellulose), and/or mineral sources. Illustrative examples of natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cellulose (staple) fibers such as bast, leaf, seed hair, cane, grass, and reed; protein (staple) fibers such as hair, wool, and/or filaments (e.g., secretions such as silk); and mineral fibers such as asbestos, glass, gold, silver, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the adjustment webbing 120 and/or the handle(s) 122 may be formed from one or more manufactured fibers such as manmade (humanmade), regenerated, or synthetic fibers having a chemical composition that is organic or inorganic or derivatives thereof. In some embodiments the adjustment webbing 120 and/or the handle(s) 122 may be formed from one or more fibers having a chemical composition that is organic or inorganic. Illustrative examples of organic polymer fibers from natural sources include, but are not limited to, acetate, alginate, cupro, elastodiene, lyocell, model, triacetate, and viscose. Illustrative examples of organic fibers made from synthetic polymers include, but are not limited to, acrylic, aramid, chlorofibre, elastane, elastodiene, elastoelfin, elastomultiester, flurofiber, melamine, modacrylic, polyamide, polyester, polyethelene, polyimide, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polypropylene/polyamide biocomponent, and vinylal. Illustrative examples of inorganic fibers include, but are not limited to, carbon, ceramic, glass, and metal. In some embodiments, coatings, such as antimicrobial coatings, may be applied to the adjustment webbing 120 and/or handle(s) 122.
In any of the provided embodiments, because at least a portion of each loop 111 is anchored to the adjustment webbing 120, movement of the adjustment webbing 120 causes the plurality loops 110 (for example, the first plurality of loops 110a or the second plurality of loops 110b) to retract into the pocket 106a, 106b, thereby reducing an exposed length of the plurality of loops 110.
Referring to
Referring again to
In some embodiments, the sheet assembly 100 may be provided in a kit. In such embodiments, the kit may include instructions detailing the method 200 of use. For example, in some embodiments, the instructions may be provided on the sheet 102 of the sheet assembly 100. For example, text and/or graphics may be provided on the sheet 102 (e.g., printed, embroidered, or the like). For example,
At step 304, the method 300 includes coupling the plurality of loops 110 to the sheet 102 within the pocket 106. For example, a first plurality of loops 110a may be coupled to the sheet 102 within the first pocket 106a and a second plurality of loops 110b may be coupled to the sheet 102 within the second pocket 106b. Each loop of the plurality of loops 110 may be formed via separate straps or via a continuous strap affixed to the sheet 102 between each loop as described above.
At step 306, the method 300 may include anchoring a portion of each loop 111 to an adjustment webbing 120 such as via sewing, welding, adhesives, or the like. In some embodiments, each loop 111 may be anchored to the adjustment webbing 120 by an anchor loop 124, such as described above. For example, a portion of each loop 111 may be positioned within an opening 125 defined by each anchor loop 124. As described herein, the first plurality of loops 110a may be anchored to the first adjustment webbing 120a and the second plurality of loops 110b may be anchored to the second adjustment webbing 120b.
It should now be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to sheet assemblies that include a sheet and a plurality of loops coupled to the sheet that are moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, a sheet assembly includes a sheet that includes a pocket extending longitudinally along an edge of the sheet. A plurality of loops are arranged along the edge and extend from the pocket of the sheet. An adjustment webbing is slidably positioned within the pocket. A least a portion of each loop of the plurality of loops is anchored to the adjustment webbing and sliding of the adjustment webbing along the pocket reduces an exposed length of the plurality of loops. Accordingly, the plurality of loops may be retracted into the pocket of the sheet, thereby shortening an exposed length of the plurality of loops. This may prevent the loops from becoming a trip hazard or becoming entangled with people or objects surrounding a subject support surface.
It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/068,395, filed Aug. 21, 2020, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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4723327 | Smith | Feb 1988 | A |
6341393 | Votel | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6378148 | Votel | Apr 2002 | B1 |
10398614 | Rigoni et al. | Sep 2019 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20220054341 A1 | Feb 2022 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63068395 | Aug 2020 | US |