Sheet position adjustment assembly and method

Abstract

A sheet position adjustment assembly comprises a sheet that overlies a support element such as a mattress on a relatively moveable frame of an adjustable bed. A pair of lengthwise adjustable straps connect the sheet adjacent the head portion of the mattress to a relatively stationary base of the adjustable bed. The straps are securely sewn to the sheet by nylon stitching. A mat of reinforcement material is sewn to the sheet at the attachment interface with the straps. A low-friction fabric panel is provided on the underside of the sheet that slides on the mattress. An upstanding rail is attached to the bed frame adjacent the head portion of the mattress to prevent collapse as the connecting straps extend thereover during the position adjustment operation. The method of adjusting the position of the sheet comprises connecting the sheet to the fixed base portion of the adjustable bed. The position of the moveable frame is then vertically adjusted upwardly by lifting or pivoting. The straps used to connect the sheet to the bed generate a pulling force as the moveable frame and mattress rise, thereby adjusting the position of the sheet and the patient positioned thereon, toward the head of the bed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.