Abstract:
The present invention relates to a cover for a mattress and bed deck. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover for an adjustable bed that reduces the exposure of the mattress and bed deck to unsanitary conditions.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/804,059, entitled MATTRESS AND BED DECK COVER, to Bruce M. Rippe, David J. Ulrich, Catherine M. Wagner, Douglas E. Borgman, and Bernard F. Voegele, filed Jul. 13, 2010, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/270,739, entitled MATTRESS AND BED DECK COVER, to Bruce M. Rippe, David J. Ulrich, Catherine M. Wagner, Douglas E. Borgman, and Bernard F. Voegele, filed Jul. 13, 2009, both incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    (a) Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a cover for a mattress and bed deck. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover for an adjustable bed that reduces the exposure of the mattress and bed deck to unsanitary conditions. 
         [0004]    (b) Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Mattress covers are commonly used to protect mattresses from staining, soiling, or other results of contact with unsanitary conditions. The need for effective mattress covers is greater in a healthcare setting, where contact with large scale contaminants, such as blood or waste products, and small scale contaminants, such as bacteria or fungi, is a daily occurrence. Mattress covers must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain a sanitary environment. 
         [0006]    Mattresses are supported by bed decks. Bed decks may come into contact with the same unsanitary conditions as mattresses and mattress covers. For example, waste produced by a patient may flow off the mattress or mattress cover and accumulate on the supporting bed deck. Under current techniques, the cumbersome mattress must be manually raised from the bed deck, the bed deck cleaned by hand using a germicidal solution, and the mattress replaced atop the bed deck. However, hospital workers may neglect to clean the bed deck, or may not fully clean the entire surface of the bed deck. Alternatively, a worker may insufficiently clean a mattress then transfer contaminants from the mattress when he moves on to clean the bed deck. Furthermore, manual cleaning may not be sufficient to eliminate bacteria embedded in the bed deck or kill fungal spores. Any contamination on the bed deck may be passed to clean mattress covers or bed sheets, from which the contaminants may contact a patient. 
         [0007]    A need exists for a removable cover that protects both mattresses and bed decks from unsanitary conditions and is capable of being laundered. This need is complicated in a healthcare environment, where mattresses and bed decks are incorporated into adjustable beds. Adjustable beds used in healthcare settings include bed decks and mattress which can be raised, lowered, and articulated into various configurations. A need exists for a removable cover for the mattress and bed deck of an adjustable bed that is capable of protecting and remaining attached to the mattress and bed deck while the adjustable bed adopts different configurations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The aforementioned problems have been solved in the present invention, which provides a mattress and bed deck cover. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover for an adjustable bed that reduces the exposure of the mattress and bed deck to unsanitary conditions. 
         [0009]    Conventional bedding utilizes a fitted sheet that encapsulates the top and sides of a mattress, and a flat sheet and one or more blankets that are tucked into the space between the mattress and the supporting bed deck or box spring. One difficulty with using a single cover to protect both the mattress and the bed deck is that access to the space between the mattress and bed deck would be lost and bedding material could not be tucked into that space. The present invention solves this problem by including a channel at the foot end of the cover, whereby a flat sheet and blankets may be tucked between the mattress and bed deck. In some embodiments, the present invention may also include a channel at the head end of the cover, whereby a fitted sheet may be wrapped around both the head end and foot end of the mattress. In some embodiments, the present invention may also include at least one flap extending from the cover and used to cover specific features of the bed deck. 
         [0010]    Adjustable beds, as used in hospitals and other healthcare settings, can be raised, lowered, and adjusted into various configurations. The present invention is capable of remaining in position on the mattress and bed deck while the adjustable bed adopts different configurations. While the bed is positioned horizontally, the mattress and bed deck cover fits tautly over the bed. A taut cover eliminates folds and gathers in which waste may accumulate and which may cause pressure ulcers. 
         [0011]    Adjustable beds, as used in hospitals and other healthcare settings, may incorporate devices, controls, and fittings such as, for example, controls to raise or lower parts of the bed or fittings for I.V. poles to be removably attached to the bed. Access to these devices, controls, and fittings cannot be restricted by the mattress and bed deck cover. The present inventions solves this problem by providing a sufficient number of apertures to grant access to devices incorporated into the bed deck, while still protecting the bed deck from contamination and remaining securely attached to the mattress and bed deck. Apertures may also be included to allow the mattress and bed deck cover to fit around bed rails, handles, other structural features of adjustable beds. 
         [0012]    Certain inorganic agents, such as metal ions, are known to have antimicrobial and antifungal activity. Silver is known as a broad spectrum antibiotic with minimal health concerns. Copper is known to have antifungal activity and a synergistic effect with silver against bacteria. Zinc has weak antimicrobial activity and the ability to moderate the release of silver from a carrier. While there is a low frequency of bacteria developing resistance to silver, exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of silver may increase the chance of resistance development. 
         [0013]    The present invention combines the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of metal ions with the need for more hygienic surfaces in bedding. In this embodiment, the present invention relates to the incorporation of metal ions into a film coating applied to a mattress and bed deck cover. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mattress and bed deck cover coated with a film coating material incorporating soluble glass carriers containing silver. A particular advantage of this embodiment of the present invention over surface treatment of bedding material with antimicrobial agents is that metal ions are not released into the environment, but kill by directly contacting the microbes or fungi. By providing a substantially nonleaching film coating, metal ions are not released into the environment, reducing the risk of bacteria developing resistance due to exposure of sub-lethal concentrations of metal ions. Thus the present invention provides the antimicrobial effectiveness of metal ions while minimizing the chances of creating bacterial strains resistant to the antimicrobial activity of metal ions. Another particular advantage of this embodiment is that incorporation of antimicrobial and antifungal properties into the present invention reduces odors. 
         [0014]    The mattress and bed deck cover is designed to be laundered using U.S. Center for Disease Control-approved healthcare laundering techniques, e.g., washing with detergent in water at a temperature greater or equal to 160° F. (71° C.) for at least 25 minutes. Quality conventional mattress covers for hospital use are manufactured using fabric welds to prevent fluids from wicking through the cover to the mattress. However, standard fabric welds tend to break during repeated laundering cycles. In addition, standard healthcare laundering techniques may not be sufficiently intense to eliminate bacteria embedded in a conventional mattress cover. In the present invention high strength welds are used which are capable of withstanding the agitation and high temperature of the laundering process. Furthermore, the antimicrobial film coating of the cover kills bacteria and prevents them from becoming embedded in the cover. Therefore, a standard healthcare laundering process is sufficiently intense to decontaminate the present invention, whereas it may not be sufficient to decontaminate a cover without such a film coating. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a mattress and bed deck cover comprising a top surface, a head end descending from the top surface, a foot end descending from the top surface and opposing the head end, a pair of opposing sides descending from the top surface and substantially perpendicular to the head end and the foot end and connected thereto, means for removably fixing the cover in relation to a mattress and a bed deck, and a foot end channel extending the width of the foot end and a portion of the length of the sides, wherein the cover is sized to enclose the mattress and at least a portion of the bed deck, with the foot end channel oriented to interpose a portion of the mattress and the bed deck. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts a foot end perspective view of an adjustable bed and a mattress; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2A  depicts a foot end perspective view of an adjustable bed and a first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2B  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 2A , focusing on a hook; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2C  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 2A , focusing on a loop; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2D  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 2A , focusing on a clip; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A  depicts a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3B  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 3A , focusing on the clip; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3C  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 3A , focusing on the loop and the hook; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  depicts a hidden line head end perspective view of the first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5A  depicts a front view of the clip; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective view of the clip; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  depicts a pattern layout for the first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7A  depicts a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7B  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 7A , focusing on a hook; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7C  depicts a detail view of  FIG. 7A , focusing on an elastic band; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  depicts a hidden line head end perspective view of the second embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a mattress  10  includes a mattress top  12 , mattress sides  14 , and mattress bottom  16 . An adjustable bed  18  incorporates a bed deck  20  which supports and underlies the mattress  10 . The bed deck  20  includes a bed deck top  22 , bed deck sides  24 , and bed deck bottom  26 . The bed deck  20  also includes at least one pivot point  28  about which the bed deck  20  and mattress  10  may be articulated. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2-4  depict a first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes a top surface  32 , a head end  34  descending from the top surface  32 , a foot end  36  descending from the top surface  32  and opposing the head end  34 , and a pair of opposing sides  38  descending from the top surface  32  and substantially perpendicular to the head end  34  and the foot end  36  and connected thereto. The cover  30  may enclose at least the mattress top  12 , mattress sides  14 , and at least a portion of the mattress bottom  16 , and at least a portion of the bed deck top  22  and bed deck sides  24 . A person lying on the cover  30 , mattress  10 , and bed deck  20  preferably orients his or her head towards the head end  34  and his or her feet towards the foot end  36 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , the cover  30  of the first embodiment is designed to be installed on a bed  18  which includes a removable foot board  19 . This foot board  19  abuts the foot end  36  of the mattress  10 , and must be removed each time the cover  30  is installed or removed from the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . 
         [0036]    The mattress and bed deck cover  30  is preferably constructed of a liquid-impermeable fabric with a film coating. In a preferred embodiment, the fabric is a multi-directional stretch polyester fabric with welded or sealed seams and corners. In this embodiment, the mattress and bed deck cover  30  is suitable for disinfection using healthcare laundering techniques. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes an inner surface  40 , which contacts the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 , and an outer surface  42 , which is exposed to the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the film coating is polyurethane and is only present on the outer surface  42 . The film coating preferably incorporates an agent with antimicrobial and/or antifungal properties such as, for example, antimicrobial metal. In a preferred embodiment, the film coating contains borophosphosilicate glass carriers containing silver ions. In this preferred embodiment, the film coating provides the cover  30  with a substantially nonleaching antimicrobial film coating. 
         [0037]    The mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes means for removably fixing the cover  30  in relation to the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . In one embodiment, the means for removably fixing the cover  30  includes at least one elastic band  44 . In the first embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 , the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes an elastic band  44  that draws the mattress and bed deck cover  30  under the bed deck  20  for retention. In this embodiment, the elastic band  44  is sewn or welded into the lower edge of the sides  38  and the lip of the head end pocket  56 , forming a U-shape, with a hook  46  attached to either end of the elastic band  44 . These hooks  46  may be used to secure the cover  30  to fittings on the bed deck  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0038]    In this first embodiment, the means for removably fixing the cover  30  also includes a plurality of loops  48 , each with a sprung gate, commonly referred to as “carabiners.” These loops  48  are affixed to the lower edge of the sides  38 , and may be used to secure the cover to the fittings on the bed deck  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2C . Preferably, each of the plurality of loops  48  are constructed from plastic. 
         [0039]    In this embodiment, the means for removably fixing the cover  30  also includes a plurality of straps  50 . Each strap  50  descends from the one of the sides  38  of the cover  30 . Each of the plurality of straps  50  includes a clip  52  to removably secure the cover  30  to the bed deck  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2D . The clip  52  is positioned within a strap channel  54 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , and is described in more detail below. 
         [0040]    In other embodiments, the mattress and bed deck cover  30  may employ fasteners, zippers, buttons, clips, magnets, hook and loop attachments or other suitable means or combination of means for removably fixing the mattress and bed deck cover  30  in relation to the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4 , the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes a head end pocket  56  located at the head end  34  of the cover  30  and extending the width of the cover  30  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The head end pocket  56  is defined by the top surface  32 , sides  38 , head end  34 , and a head end panel  78  extending the width of the head end  34  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The head end panel  78  is substantially perpendicular to the sides  38  and head end  34 , and is connected thereto, and is substantially parallel to the top surface  32 . The head end pocket  56  is sized to receive at least one of the head end of the mattress  10  and the head end of the bed deck  20 . In this first embodiment, the head end pocket  56  is sized to receive a portion of both the mattress  10  and the bed deck  20   
         [0042]    The mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes a foot end channel  58  located at the foot end  36  of the cover  30  and extending the width of the foot end  36  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The foot end channel  58  permits a fitted sheet to wrap around the foot end corners of the mattress  10  and permits flat sheets and blankets to be tucked between the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 , while still limiting contact between contaminants and the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4 , the foot end channel  58  in this embodiment has a greater length near the sides  38  of the cover  30 , which decreases at an angle, and remains constant near the center of the cover  30 . In other embodiments, the foot end channel  58  may have a constant length across its width, or may otherwise be adapted to correspond to the top  22  and sides  24  of the bed deck  28 . 
         [0043]    In this first embodiment, the cover  30  includes a foot end mattress pocket  74  defined by the top surface  32 , sides  38 , foot end  36 , and upper surface of the foot end channel  58 . The foot end pocket is sized to receive the foot end of the mattress  10 . 
         [0044]    The adjustable bed  18  may include at least one device, control, or fitting, such as, for example a bed rail, a fitting for an I.V. holder, a trapeze adapter, or a control for the bed  18 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2A , one style of adjustable bed  18  includes at least one fitting, in this case, one located near each of the corners of the bed deck  20  adjacent to the foot end  34 . These two fittings are configured to each accept the vertical pole of an I.V. holder. To allow these poles to pass through the cover  30 , the first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes at least one cover aperture  60 . More specifically, the cover  30  includes a cover aperture  60  in proximity to each of the corners of the lower surface of the foot end channel  58 , and arranged to allow a pole to pass serially through the cover aperture  60  and a fitting in the bed deck  20 . Each cover aperture  60  is adapted to surround a pole, providing a channel through the cover  30 , while maintaining coverage of the bed deck  20  and retention of the mattress and bed deck cover  30  on the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . In other embodiments, the adjustable  18  bed may include zero, one, or a plurality of fittings which require access through the cover  30 . In these embodiments, the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes one cover aperture  60  per fitting, properly sized to snugly accept the pole or other object to be passed through the cover  30 . 
         [0045]    The cover  30  includes a tab  66  extending lengthwise from the lower surface of the foot end channel  58 . The tab  66  includes at least one tab aperture  68 . This first embodiment of the present invention is designed to be installed on a bed deck  20  including at least one bed deck guide  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A . In this embodiment, the cover  30  includes one tab aperture  68  per bed deck guide  70 , the tab aperture  68  being sized to accept the bed deck guide  70 . Upon installation of the cover  30 , the foot board  19  is removed, the tab  66  is extended beneath the customary position of the foot board  19  and positioned such that a bed deck guide  70  extends through each tab aperture  68 , and the foot board  19  is replaced atop the tab  66 . Extending each bed deck guide  70  through a tab aperture  68  mechanically secures the cover  30  to the bed deck  20 .  FIG. 2A  depicts the installed cover  30  wherein the tab  66  extends beneath the foot board  19  and the bed deck guides  70  are retained each within a tab aperture  68 . 
         [0046]    In this first embodiment, the cover  30  includes a pair of flaps  72  descending from each foot end  36  corner. Each flap extends along a portion of a side  38  and a portion of the foot end  36  of the cover. These flaps  72  are configured to cover the corners of the bed deck  20  adjacent the foot end  36 . In other embodiments, the cover may include zero, one, at least one, or a plurality of flaps  72  descending from the sides  38 , head end  34 , or foot end  36  of the cover  30 , or extending from other locations on the cover  30 , as necessary to cover specific features on the bed deck  20  or bed  18 . 
         [0047]    The mattress and bed deck cover  30  may include at least one orientation marker  76  to assist users in properly installing the cover  30  on an adjustable bed  18 . At least one marker  76  may be used to identify the head end  34  and foot end  36  of the cover  30 , identify the locations of means for removably fixing the cover  30  in relation to the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 , or otherwise provide guidance to users regarding the proper installation of the cover  30 . 
         [0048]    In the first embodiment, the bed deck  20  is 33.5 inches (85.1 cm) inches wide by 85.0 inches (215.9 cm) long. In this embodiment, the mattress  10  is sized about 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide by 85.5 inches (217.2 cm) long. The mattress  10  is about 2.125 inches (5.40 cm) high. In this embodiment, the mattress and bed deck cover  30  is sized to snugly fit the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . The mattress and bed deck cover  30  is about 85.5 inches (217.2 cm) long, 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide and about 4.125 inches (10.48 cm) high. In a preferred embodiment, the cover  30  is manufactured from a multi-directional stretch polyester fabric capable of stretching at least several inches in each direction. 
         [0049]    In this embodiment, the head end pocket  56  extends from the head end  34  of the cover  30  with a length of about 10.125 inches (25.72 cm). The foot end channel  58  has a length of about 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) adjacent the side  38  of the cover  30 . The length decreases to about 5.163 inches (13.11 cm) as the channel extends 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) from the side  38 , remains constant at 5.163 inches (13.11 cm) for a width of 11.0 inches (27.9 cm), then increases back to a length of about 16.0 inches (40.6 cm) as the channel  58  extends 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) to the opposing side  38  of the cover  30 . The foot end channel  58  is located on the foot end  36  of the cover at a height of about 2.125 inches (5.40 cm) from the top surface  32  of the cover  30 . The foot end channel  58  extends the full width of the cover  30 . The foot end pocket  74  is located above the foot end channel  58  and corresponds to the shape of the foot end channel  58 . The tab  66  is centered width-wise on the foot end  36 , and extends lengthwise from the foot end  36 . The tab  66  is about 26.625 inches (67.63 cm) wide and about 2.0 inches in length (5.0 cm). The at least one tab aperture  68  is two apertures, each positioned to accept a bed guide  70  when the cover  30  is installed on the bed  18 . Each of the pair of flaps  72  descends about 2.0 inches (5.0 cm) from the lower surface of the foot end channel  58  and extends about 1.75 inches (4.45 cm) along an opposing side  38  of the cover  30  and about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) along the foot end  36  of the cover  30 . The height of the cover  30  at the foot end  36 , including the foot end pocket  74  and the flaps  72 , is about 4.125 inches (10.48 cm) high. 
         [0050]    Each strap  50  descends about 4.0 inches (10.2 cm) below the edge of each side  38  and is about 2.875 inches (7.30 cm) in length. As shown in  FIG. 3B , each strap  50  includes a strap channel  54  sized to snugly fit the clip  52 . Each strap also includes a strap aperture  54 , through which a portion of the clip  52  extends. In this embodiment, as indicated in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 C and  4 , a strap  50  descends from each of the sides  38  and is located about 30.375 inches (77.15 cm) from the head end  34 . A loop  48  descends from each of the sides  38  and is located about 48.625 inches (123.5 cm) from the head end  34 . Hook  46  are attached to each end of the elastic band  44 , and are secured to the lower edge of each side  38  at a position about 63.625 inches (161.6 cm) from the head end  34 . In other embodiments, the positions of each element of the means for removably fixing the cover  30  to the mattress  10  and bed deck  20  may be modified to fit the particular mattress  10  and bed deck  20  of interest. 
         [0051]    This first embodiment describes a mattress and deck cover.  30  sized to fit a particular mattress used in the healthcare industry. In other embodiments, the mattress and bed deck cover  30  may be sized to fit crib, twin/single, full/double, queen, king, or non-standard sized mattresses. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the clip  52  comprises a generally rectangular body  80  having opposing rounded ends  82 . The body  80  includes a pair of ascending opposing arms  84  and a pair of opposing legs  86 , each leg  86  descending from a rounded end  82 . 
         [0053]    The clip  52  includes a center line  90 , about which the clip is laterally symmetrical. The opposing arms  84  extend generally upwards from the body  80  at an angle, then curve in the direction of the center line  90 . The body  80  also includes a pair of descending juts  88 , each jut  88  associated with and located in proximity to one of the legs  86 . Each leg  86  includes a nub  92  extending therefrom in the direction of the center line  90 . As shown in  FIG. 2D , the clip  52  is configured to snap fit onto a generally rectangular structural element  94  of the bed  18 , contacting one side of the element  94  with the juts  88 , contacting the opposite side of the part with the nubs  92 , and contacting the sides of the element  94  with the legs  86 . When the clip  52  is attached to the bed  18 , the arms  84  extend outwards from the bed  18 . A user may squeeze the arms  84  together, thereby causing the body  80  to bend about the center line  90  and release the legs  86  from the structural element  94 . 
         [0054]    In one embodiment, the clip  52  is about 3.03 inches (7.70 cm) inches in length, 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in width, and 1.20 inches (3.06 cm) in height. The body  80  has a height of about 0.075 inches (1.9 mm). The rounded ends  82  are segments of a circle with a radius of 0.19 inches (4.8 mm). Each arm  84  extends generally upwards at a point about 1.124 inches (2.855 cm) from its nearest end  82  at an angle of 75 degrees from the body  80  to a height of about 1.016 inches (2.58 cm), then curves in the direction of the center line  90 . The gap between the opposing faces of the arms  84  is about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The top surface of the body  80  is substantially flat. The bottom surface of the body  80  is slightly curved, with the narrowest portion located at the center line  90  and having a height of 0.075 inches (1.91 mm). The bottom surface of the body is a segment of a circle having a radius of 12.977 inches (32.96 cm). Each jut  88  is located about 0.3125 inches (7.94 mm) from its nearest end  82  and is generally trapezoidal in shape. Each jut  88  is about 0.131 inches (3.33 mm) wide at the body  80  and narrows to about 0.073 inches (1.85 mm) wide. Each leg  86  extends downward 0.522 inches (13.26 mm) as measured from the top surface of the body  80 , and is about 0.125 inches (3.18 mm) long. Each leg  86  includes a generally triangular nub  92  with a rounded corner which extends in the direction of the center line  90 . The horizontal faces of the nubs  92 , as shown in  FIG. 5C , oppose the bottom surfaces of the juts  88 . The height of each nub  92  is about 0.127 inches (3.23 mm) and the greatest width of each nub  92 , not including the width of the arm  86 , is about 0.084 inches (2.13 mm). The horizontal faces of the nubs  92  are separated from the bottom surfaces of the juts  88  by a height of about 0.162 inches (4.11 mm). 
         [0055]      FIG. 6  depicts a pattern layout  94  of the first embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover  30 . Cut lines  96  in the fabric are indicated by solid lines. Fold lines  98  are indicated by dashed lines. A plurality of marker holes  99  are used to place the fabric on locator pins when individual panels are sewn or welded together. These marker holes  99  are preferably located in the seam allowance of the cover  30 . In this first embodiment, a clip  52  is secured to each strap  50  by inserting the arms  84  of the clip  52  into the strap aperture  64 , folding the fabric along fold line  6 - 6  onto itself to partially surround the body  80  of the clip  52 , and sewing or welding the layers of fabric together to form the strap channel  54  that retains the clip  52 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 7-8  depict a second embodiment of a mattress and bed deck cover  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 8 , the mattress and bed deck cover  130  includes a top surface  32 , a head end  34  descending from the top surface  32 , a foot end  36  descending from the top surface  32  and opposing the head end  34 , and a pair of opposing sides  38  descending from the top surface  32  and substantially perpendicular to the head end  34  and the foot end  36  and connected thereto. The cover  130  is preferably constructed from the same liquid-impermeable, stretchable fabric as the first embodiment. 
         [0057]    The mattress and bed deck cover  130  includes means for removably fixing the cover  130  in relation to the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . In one embodiment, the means for removably fixing the cover  30  includes at least one elastic band  144 . In the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7-8 , the mattress and bed deck cover  30  includes an elastic band  144  that draws the mattress and bed deck cover  30  under the bed deck  20  for retention. In this embodiment, the elastic band  144  is sewn or welded into the lower edge of the sides  38 , the lip of the head end bed deck pocket  154 , and the lip of the foot end bed deck pocket  176 , defining an opening into which the mattress  10  and bed deck  20  may be serially inserted. The means for removably fixing the cover  130  further comprises a plurality of hooks  146 . The plurality of hooks  146  may be attached by sewing or welding directly to inner surface  40  of the cover  130 , or by other suitable means. 
         [0058]    The cover  130  includes a foot end channel  158 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the cover  130  includes a foot end mattress pocket  174  defined by the top surface  32 , sides  38 , foot end  36 , and upper surface of the foot end channel  158 . The foot end pocket is sized to receive the foot end of the mattress  10 . The cover  130  further comprises a foot end bed deck pocket  176  defined by the lower surface of the foot end channel  158 , the sides  38 , the foot end  36 , and a foot end panel  166  extending the width of the foot end  36  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The foot end panel  166  is substantially perpendicular to the sides  38  and foot end  36 , and is connected thereto, and is substantially parallel to the top surface  32 . The foot end bed deck pocket  176  is sized to receive the foot end of the bed deck  20 . The sides  38  of the cover  130  descending from the foot end channel  158  narrow to correspond to the shape of a narrowing bed deck (not shown). 
         [0059]    The mattress and bed deck cover  130  includes a head end channel  150  located at the head end  34  of the cover  30  and extending the width of the head end  34  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The head end channel  150  permits a fitted sheet to wrap around the head end corners of the mattress  10  while still limiting contact between contaminants and the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . In this second embodiment, the cover  130  includes a head end mattress pocket  156  defined by the top surface  32 , sides  38 , head end  34 , and upper surface of the head end channel  150 . The head end mattress pocket  156  is sized to receive the head end of the mattress  10 . The cover  130  further comprises a head end bed deck pocket  154  defined by the lower surface of the head end channel  50 , the sides  38 , the head end  34 , and a head end panel  178  extending the width of the head end  34  and a portion of the length of the sides  38 . The head end panel  178  is substantially perpendicular to the sides  38  and head end  34 , and is connected thereto, and is substantially parallel to the top surface  32 . The head end bed deck pocket  154  is sized to receive the head end of the bed deck  20 . The length of the head end bed deck pocket  154  is less than that of the head end mattress pocket  156 , corresponding to relative lengths of the mattress  10  and bed deck  20  in this second embodiment. 
         [0060]    The cover  130  includes a pair of generally triangular shaped flaps  172  extending laterally from the sides of the head end channel  150 . The flaps  172  are configured to cover corners of the bed deck  20  adjacent the head end  34  (not shown), and prevent contaminants from contacting this portion of the bed deck  20 . 
         [0061]    In the second embodiment, the mattress  10  is sized about 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide by about 83.0 inches (210.8 cm) long. The bed deck  20  is about 76 inches (193 cm) inches long. The bed deck  20  is about 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide for the majority of its length, and narrows to 34.0 inches (86.4 cm) wide over the 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) of length adjacent the foot end  36 . In this embodiment, the mattress and bed deck cover  130  is sized to snugly fit the mattress  10  and bed deck  20 . The mattress and bed deck cover  130  is about 83.0 inches (210.8 cm) long, 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide and 7.875 inches (20.0 cm) high. 
         [0062]    In this second embodiment the head end channel  150  has a length of about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) and is located at a height of about 4.625 inches (11.75 cm) from the top surface  32  of the cover  130 . The head end mattress pocket  156  extends about 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) in length past the end of the head end bed deck pocket  154 . The foot end channel  158  has a length of about 15 inches (38.1 cm) and is located at a height of about 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) from the top surface  32  of the cover  130 . The channels  150 ,  158  extend the full width of the cover  130 . The foot end bed deck pocket  176  is about 34.0 inches (86.4 cm) wide at the foot end  36 , extends in the direction of the head end  34  for about 12.5 inches (31.75 cm), and widens to 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) wide. A generally triangular flap  172  extends from each side of the head end channel  150  and each is about 3.76 inches (9.55 cm) long and about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) wide. 
         [0063]    In a preferred embodiment, the mattress and bed deck cover  30 ,  130  is capable of being laundered using healthcare laundering techniques. The cover  30 ,  130  is manufactured primarily using fabric welds. In present invention, 0.125 inch (0.318 cm) fabric welds are used with a pull strength of about 19.8 pounds per square inch (6.895 kPa), which are capable of withstanding the agitation and high temperature of the laundering process. In addition, the hemmed edges surrounding the elastic band  44 ,  144  may incorporate a plurality of exit holes (not shown) approximately 0.125 inches (0.318 cm) in diameter. The exit holes permit trapped water to drain out during the laundering process. The hemmed edges surrounding the elastic bands  44 ,  144  are preferably the only hemmed attachments on the cover; all others are welded. The clips  52  are permanently attached to the cover  30  and are not removed prior to laundering. 
         [0064]    While the present invention is discussed primarily in context of a hospital setting, the mattress and bed deck cover  30 ,  130  may be used in non-hospital settings, or with non-adjustable beds. For example, the present invention may be used in nursing homes or hospice facilities. The present invention may also be used in the home, for example, for an individual who uses a hospital-style bed  18  on account of an ongoing medical condition that would benefit from an antimicrobial sleeping surface which prevents contamination of underlying bedding. 
         [0065]    The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.