Abstract:
A nestable anti-ligative bed linen device and system comprising individual bed linen units wherein a plurality of such units may nest therein and be securely positioned in place on a mattress. Said individual bed linen unit of this system comprising a blanket attached to a cover sheet at a point of union at their common ends. Said union positioned towards the edge of said common ends to allow space for nesting. Said union positioned underneath a mattress by a given distance to allow multiple bed linen units to securely position on a mattress in nested form. The anti-ligative features include a union positioned at a location on said bed linen unit to prevent a lanyard from being formed. Other anti-ligative features include quilted thick tear resistant material and a built in pillow. Additional safety mechanisms are included such as a motion sensor and alarm.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This continuation in part utility patent application claims benefit of and incorporates by reference in its entirety the prior filed parent nonprovisional utility application, U.S. Ser. No. 13/834,626. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Government has certain rights in this invention. 
     
    
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present matter relates to a nestable anti-ligative bed linen system and device. 
         [0007]    2. Background 
         [0008]    Annually, there are over 30,000 deaths due to suicide in the United States. More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. Bedding and bed sheets are the number one item used to fashion a lanyard for hanging. Bedding and bed sheets are used in 53% of all inpatient suicide completions and attempts. Therefore, there is a need to provide an attractive and safe alternative to the standard bed linens and sheets that hospitals and institutions use. 
         [0009]    To reduce the ability to form a lanyard from bed linen, the bed linen should be difficult to remove from the bed, including the sheets and any blankets. Therefore, using a one-piece blanket and mattress cover would be safer as it would be more cumbersome to remove from a bed than individual sheets or blankets. Even better, the bed linens should incorporate an alarm to warn staff that bed linens are being removed. Also, pillow cases create additional suffocation risks and should not be provided to suicidal patients. Therefore, a bed linen system is needed that incorporates a washable pillow that avoids the need for a pillowcase. 
         [0010]    The device and system must not only be safe for the particular concern addressed herein but must be practical and functional for the individuals involved. Application of this device and system typically involve the patient, caregiver and institution. As such, the functional concerns of this device must explore the particular needs of each group of individuals who interface with the device and relate back to the heart and purpose of this invention. 
         [0011]    As it regards a patient who suffers from self-harming or suicidal behavior and thoughts, the primary concern is to avoid opportunity for which a lanyard may be formed from multiple sheets of bed linen. The comfort and care of the patient is another concern where use of the device must require minimum effort for individuals who have difficulty in movement or motivation. The device must additionally serve its purpose and function effectively. In this case, the purpose and function is to provide warmth, cleanliness and a sense of security to the patient at rest. The welfare of the patient who is affected by his or her surrounding aesthetic would benefit from a visually appealing design in this invention. 
         [0012]    As it regards the caregiver and institution who manages the patient and the facility environment, the primary concerns are to the health and safety of the caregiver and patient and to minimizing expense of cost and effort while maximizing benefit and ease to the caregiver and patient. There is a need for an anti-ligative bed linen system and device that enables a caregiver to provide maximum care of the patient wherein less time and effort is dedicated to managing the bedding so that greater time and effort may be dedicated towards the patient. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,543 shows a bed linen sheet design that has an attached top sheet and bottom sheet the point of attachment between the two is at the foot of bed top edge. This patent does not address the issue of the danger of loose blankets and does not address how to safely provide blankets to a patient. In fact, the &#39;543 design does not allow a separate top and bottom sheet set to be placed over an existing top and bottom sheet set. 
         [0014]    Another approach, U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,184 shows the top and bottom sheet being attached at the side. This design could be problematic as the elderly or confused individual might try to exit the bed on the seamed side and create a fall hazard. The optimal design is for attachment towards the foot of the bed allowing ease of entry and exit from either side. The &#39;184 design also does not allow for multiple sets to be fitted to the mattress and thus not providing the ability to meet different patients&#39; needs for more warmth. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,836 shows a bed sheet top and bottom point of attachment at the bottom edge the inventor explains this feature allows the persons foot to extend pass the mattress, this would be an improvement over U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,543. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,836 does not deal with the problem of placing multiple bed linens of the design on one mattress and does not suggest any structures to make a bed linen layerable, especially a bed linen that incorporates a blanket. 
         [0016]    U.S. Patent Application No. 2001/0032358 shows a bed linen assembly comprising a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a comforter, attached at three sides with one opening side to allow the user to enter and exit through. The fitted sheet is designed to fit around a mattress. This invention by design creates a level of difficult for the user and caregiver in terms of limited space and restriction of movement. The device poses difficulty for the caregiver to access the patient resting within the device. In case the patient should have to be removed from the bed, the caregiver must contend with removal of the entire bed linen system of this invention, which is wrapped around the patient on all 3 sides. If the patient should request additional layers of comforter for warmth, there is no safe way off adding more layers internally within this pocket style device without risk of suffocation or restriction of movement. Adding layers over top this device would result in risk of enabling the user to create a lanyard device there from. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,543 shows a bed linen system comprising a first fitted cover sheet positioned under a second cover sheet and a third independent sheet attached underneath the first fitted cover sheet by a Velcro type attachment meas. The first two sheets are connected at their bottom ends where the user&#39;s feet would abut against when in use. This device is inherently limiting by design wherein the point of attachment between the first two sheets are located at the edge of the top surface of the mattress, restricting movement if the user&#39;s foot extends beyond the length of the mattress. If additional layers of linen is required, said linen would have be laid over top, defeating the purpose of this patent which is to avoid loosely laying sheets. The fact that an attached comforter is not contemplated in this claimed design renders it inadequate in addressing the concerns provided above. Without the ability to layer anti-ligative bed linen assemblies, the user would have to resort back to unsafe methods of adding loose layers of sheets and blankets. The risk of enabling the patient to create a lanyard from loose sheets and bedding remains unremedied in this scenario. 
         [0018]    Therefore, there is a need for a one-piece bed linen solution that is not easily removed, yet is layerable to address the warmth needs of different patients. Additionally, the bed linen should be made out of thicker, tear resistant fabrics, such as quilted materials, that are difficult to convert into a lethal lanyard. Also, a bed linen system is needed that alerts staff when a patient is attempting to remove the bed linen from a mattress. Furthermore, such a bed linen system would avoid using pillow cases that can be easily converted to deadly objects. Additionally, the bed linen system needs to be easily washed to be hygienic for numerous uses by numerous people. The present invention accomplishes these objectives. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The invention herein provides a solution to the problems and concerns raised above. What is claimed is an anti-ligative bed linen system comprising one or more bed linen units, each bed linen unit being constructed in a safe manner to prevent use as lanyard material. The invention is further dually fitted and nestable by design such that safety is preserved while enabling the user or caregiver to add layers to the system with ease of mind and effort. 
         [0020]    The invention herein provides many benefits: ease of bed making, comfort, flexibility to safely have more than one blanket, and added aesthetic to the living environment. The bed linen system includes one or more bed linen units. Each bed linen unit comprising at least one blanket and one cover sheet. Said blanket is preferably made from thicker material that is difficult to disengage, such as quilted material. The cover sheet is preferably a thinner sheet intended to cover the mattress and to provide comfort for rest. The cover is preferably fitted directly over the mattress whereas the blanket portion covers the person lying on top of said cover and mattress. The invention herein further pertains to the blanket and cover connected at their relative ends by one or more points of union. The point of union may extend the entire length along the common edge of said cover sheet and blanket or it may extend only a partial way along the length of the common edge. The union itself may comprise a single length of connection or a series of shorter connections. The connections may be by any known means, including but not limited to stitching, weld, adhesive, button, staple, zipper, etc. The surface area size of the cover and blanket should be great enough to cover a substantial portion of the mattress top surface and to further reach below the bottom surface of the mattress where the union would be securely tucked beneath. Multiple bed linen units may be nested within each other in tandem manner. Each union of the individual bed linen units when nested together in plural manner should be tandemly positioned against each other, forming a plurality of nested unions. The plurality of nested unions should be tucked in a group underneath the mattress by a sufficient distance to hold the plurality of bed linen units in place when a person is resting within on said mattress. The location of the point of union for each individual bed linen unit determines the way in which a user interacts with the device and system. If the union is located along the bottom end of the bed linen unit, the blanket would be pulled downward for access and the user would enter from either the first or second side of the mattress. Similarly, a point of union located towards a side end of said bed linen unit would require the user to enter from the opposite side of the mattress along with the top and bottom ends. 
         [0021]    The core purpose of this device and system is to minimize and avoid the formation of a lanyard. As such, the location of the union and the type of material used are important to the anti-ligative features of this invention. Comfort and ease are further considered by this invention. The user and caregiver must be able to interact with this system as one would in ordinary circumstances, but in a safer and ergonomically easier manner. The union feature lessens the amount of handling involved when dealing with bed linen. The ability to tuck and nest the bed linen unit allows a user to easily layer multiple blankets and sheets with minimal effort while achieving a quick finished aesthetic. It also provides easy access to the patient for the caregiver, who must contend difficult patients and risk of harm from nearby material. According to this invention, the caregiver simply pushes the blanket aside towards the end where the union is located, exposing a substantial portion of the user&#39;s body. The caregiver gains access to the user without concern over loose bedding material. The bed linen unit of this invention, when securely positioned on a mattress, should maintain in relative position on a mattress such that, when the blanket is pulled away, it remains attached to the mattress in organized manner. Unlike current devices where loose blankets are easily thrown astray and become accessible to neighboring patients, the blanket portion of this invention remains attached to the fitted cover sheet and is less accessible to others nearby. The caregiver would not have to be concerned about the location of the blanket while attempting to access and care for the patient. The bed linen device and system of this invention also encourages a more efficient and organized housekeeping system. In addition, the bed linen system of this invention may be equipped with an alarm system, which activates if the bed linen device is removed. Tampering would trigger a response to hospital staff. 
         [0022]    From an aesthetic perspective, each bed linen unit may include an aesthetically pleasing design such as an overhang or draping to the side of the mattress. The draping may be achieved by means of pleating, stylized edge (curved, angled or straight edges or combinations thereof), means that allow tucking along particular sides of the mattress, etc. The manner of aesthetic construction is not limited to the examples listed herein. The inherent feature and design of this invention allows for a wide variety of aesthetics to be created. The ability to create a variety of aesthetics that purposefully mimics standard features in the art helps to enhance rehabilitation of the user. The construction of the device and system herein not only functions in similar way to current standard products in the art, but may further be designed to mimic such standards, allowing the user or patient to feel integrated within societal norms. This feeling of integration is helpful to a patient&#39;s self esteem and rehabilitation. If the bed linen system looks good, is easy to manage, and is safe for use, then the burden of care is outweighed by its ergonomic affect and appeal. 
         [0023]    The bed linen system includes a bi-fold pillow made from thicker fabrics, such as a quilted material. The bi-fold design compartmentalizes stuffing into smaller sections thereby stabilizing the pillow stuffing. The stuffing resists clumping, which can occur when laundering the pillow. The quilted pillow eliminates the asphyxiation hazard associated with vinyl pillows and eliminates the danger of a pillowcase being used as a ligature for suicide. In addition, the use of thicker fabrics and quilted fabric makes the bed linens tamper resistant and tear resistant. 
         [0024]    The nesting feature is the an important enabling element of this invention, which focuses on the ability to nest multiple bed linen units on a mattress while maintaining a secure position on said mattress. These two qualities must be concurrently achieved and maintained so that this bed linen system is comfortable, easy to manage and safe for the user over long periods of time. This objective is enabled by the choice location of union between the cover sheet and blanket and the location where the union is positioned relative to the mattress. Preferably, the union is located along a common edge of the blanket and cover. When placed over the mattress, the point of union should lie underneath the mattress surface by a particular inward distance sufficient to secure the unit onto the mattress. This distance may be as minimal as one inch or greater, but preferably approximately two or more inches underneath and inward towards the center of the mattress bottom surface. The point of union when positioned underneath the mattress should lie furthest inward from the edge of said mattress. An open space is provided there from towards the top surface of the bed between the blanket and the attached bottom cover. The space between said blanket and bottom cover allows additional bed linen unit to nest therein. Not only may another bed linen unit nest within the first, but both layers of nested bed linen units may concurrently fit over the mattress without interference of the other. The space between the cover and blanket of each bed linen unit should be sufficient for an individual to comfortably enter and exit the mattress without much restriction. The available unrestricted space further allows a caregiver greater and easier access to the user lying within. The position of the union of each bed linen unit should be adjacently or tandemly positioned to another when more than one are in nested position. The adjacently positioned union of the plurality of bed linen units tucked underneath the mattress allows the system to securely maintain position on the mattress in consolidated uniform manner. The further distance inward by which the union is tucked underneath said mattress, the greater the number of bed linen units may be nested within and be securely maintained in position. If the material involved is thick quilted material, the position should be greater than 1 inch inward from the bottom edge of the mattress. The union may comprise one or more points of connection along one or more sides of the bed linen unit. The points of union preferably should not connect more than half the surface area of the blanket to the more than half the surface area of the cover sheet, otherwise defeating the intended ease and access sought to be achieved. 
         [0025]    The union component may comprise a single or a series of connections at any particular end of said bed linen unit. Said union may be achieved by stitch, staple, weld, adhesive, etc. Alternative embodiments of this invention may include a bed linen unit comprising one or more blanket attached one or more cover sheet. In any case, each unit should comprise at least one blanket and at least one cover sheet, attached together at one or more points of union along the edge of said device. Said union should be able to reach underneath the bottom surface of said device and inward by a distance to allow secure positioning and secure nesting of additional bed linen units. 
         [0026]    There are a number of advantages to this invention. The primary advantage is the elimination of hazard often observed with standard bed linen products. The combination of thick tear resistant material, elimination of separate pillow devices, and large awkward shape of the device itself makes it difficult to create a lanyard or cause asphyxiation. A second advantage is in the ability to maintain this level of safety and ease of care even when additional bed linen units are layered and nested within. A third advantage is in the ability to securely position a plurality of nested bed linen units by their points of unions. A fourth advantage is the amount of space available to the user to stretch within the device and system when in use. A fifth advantage is the ease and amount of access a caregiver may have to the user lying within. The caregiver need not contend with a confusion of loose sheets and blankets, since they are preconfigured to move in a given direction and stay in a certain position. A sixth advantage is with improved organization and efficiency for housekeeping. A seventh advantage of this invention is its inherent construction which enables a variety of aesthetics to be added. Yet another advantage of this invention is in the ability to embed simple technology for added safety features, such as a motion detecting alarm for staff and caregiver. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an anti-ligative bed linen topside; 
           [0028]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mattress cover; 
           [0029]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mattress cover; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of an anti-ligative bed linen bottom side; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the bed linen; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a partial side elevational view of the bed linen on a mattress; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an extended flap; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second bed linen X being placed over a first bed linen Y; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a side elevated view of a second bed linen ready to be placed over a first bed linen; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a second bed linen being placed over a first bed linen; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a side elevated view of a first bed linen placed over a second bed linen; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a bed linen with an exploded view of sensor material; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a bed linen; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alarm system being actuated; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of an alarm system being actuated; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of an alarm system in a ready state; 
           [0043]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the alarm system in a ready state; 
           [0044]      FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of the alarm system being actuated; 
           [0045]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the anti-ligative bed linen system; 
           [0046]      FIG. 18A  is a top plan view of a bi-fold pillow in an unfolded state; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18B  is a side elevational view of a bi-fold pillow; 
           [0048]      FIG. 18C  is a front elevational view of a bi-fold pillow; 
           [0049]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of a pillow half, illustrating lofty stuffing; 
           [0050]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a bi-fold 
           [0051]      FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of the invention herein according to a preferred alternative embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]    Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. The illustrations herein should not be interpreted to limit the scope of invention herein but rather as examples of preferred embodiments of the broader invention. The scope of each claim should be interpreted broadly in favor of the inventor. 
         [0053]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
         [0054]    With respect to the drawings, the invention includes an anti-ligative bed linen system  5  for a mattress  11 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The bed linen system  5  includes a bed linen unit  10 , in  FIG. 1 . In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the bed linen unit  10  includes a blanket  16  having a top end  16 A, a bottom end  16 B, a first side end  21  and a second side end  22 . Said bed linen unit further having a cover having a top end  23 A, bottom end  23 B, a first  24  and a second side end  25 . Said blanket and cover attached at one or more ends, but preferably at no more than two ends, to form a union at the point of attachment. There may be more than one union located a particular end of attachment of said blanket and cover. Each send end of said blanket and cover terminating at an exposed edge. Each said exposed edge may be straight, curved, angled or combinations thereof. In  FIG. 17 , a cover  14  is configured to fit on the mattress  11 . The cover  14  has an top surface  14 A and a bottom surface  14 B, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The top surface  14 A would be facing the external ambient environment away from the mattress surface and the bottom surface  14 B would face the mattress  11 . The blanket similarly having a bottom surface and a top surface. Said bottom surface of said blanket  26 A facing towards the mattress while the top surface of said blanket  26 B facing away from the mattress. 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 3 , a lower portion of the bottom surface  26 A of the blanket  16  is secured to a lower portion of the top side surface  14 A of the cover  14  creating a secured union  18  between the blanket  16  and cover  14  at the bottom end. In a preferred embodiment, the union  18  located towards the bottom end is configured to wrap under the mattress  11 , securely positioning the cover  14  onto the mattress  11 .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate different embodiments of the end portion. In a preferred embodiment, the cover  14  is configured to wrap under all sides of the mattress  11 . In  FIG. 4 , the union  18  is configured to lie under the mattress  11  when the bed linen  10  is placed on the mattress  11 . In one embodiment, the cover  14  wraps under the mattress  11  about six inches deep to better secure the cover  14  and so that the union  18  can be place farther under the mattress  11  to provide space for additional bed linens  10  to be added. In one embodiment, the union  18  is created with the stitching running the width of union  18 , or partial width, although other securing methods could be used such as hard plastic rivets, or a combination of securing methods could be used. In  FIG. 3 , a main portion of the blanket  16  is not secured to the cover  14  and is available to be used for warmth when the anti-ligative bed linen system  5  is placed on the mattress  11 . 
         [0056]    To achieve a pleasing aesthetic, in one embodiment, the lower portion of the blanket  16  includes an extended flap  20  having a width W 2  narrower than the width W 1  of the main portion  16 D of the blanket  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment the width W 2  of the extended flap  20  is approximately the same width as the cover  14  and the mattress  11 . In  FIG. 2 , the edge of  20 A of the extended flap  20  is secured between the bottom side surface  26 A of the blanket  16  and bottom end of the top surface  14 A of the cover  14  creating the secured union  18  between the blanket  16  and cover  14  at the furthest edge of the bottom end. The union  18  length is defined as wholly or partially fixed. In the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , I the extended flap  20  having tapered edges  17  and the union  18  length is defined as wholly or partially fixed between each taper  17  of the blanket  16  in one embodiment, the tapered edges  17  are not stitched to the cover  14 . In  FIGS. 2 and 4 , an upper part  20 B of the extended flap  20  is not secured to the cover  14  and extends approximately up to a top surface  11 A of the mattress  11  when the bed linen  10  is placed on the mattress  11 , allowing the main portion  16 D of the blanket  16  to drape over side edges  11 B of the mattress  11 . The combined structure of the blanket  16  easily draping over the mattress  11  and being secured to a fitted or preconfigured cover  14  simplifies the making of a bed by eliminating the need to tuck the corners of sheets or blankets. Less effort is needed to make the bed, which facilitates an unmotivated person to complete a bed making task, in turn improving their sense of confidence and self esteem. 
         [0057]    In one embodiment, the bed linen unit  10  is made of a material having a thickness that hinders persons from rolling the bed linen  10  to use as a ligature to commit suicide. In another embodiment, the bed linen unit  10  is made of a material having a strength that hinders persons from tearing the bed linen  10  to use as a ligature to commit suicide. This bed linen system  5  is structured to eliminate the use of loose sheets and be used in place of such sheets. Preferably, the bed linen unit  10  is made of a quilted material, with the quilting strengthening the material. The material is preferably a washable durable material, such as a cotton polyester blend, but other suitable materials with similar properties may be used. A quilted cotton material adds to a person&#39;s comfort and the quilted bed linen  10  provides aesthetic and therapeutic value as well. Threads used for the quilting are preferably heavy polyester threads to make the bed linen system  5  tough and resistant to tearing. 
         [0058]    In one embodiment in  FIG. 6 , the union  18  is configured to lie under the mattress  11  allowing a plurality  10 P of bed linens  10  to be placed onto the mattress  11 . This embodiment provides the ability to safely place more than one bed linen  10  on the mattress  11  to provide additional warmth from additional blankets  16 . In  FIGS. 7 and 17 , a bed linen Y is first placed on a mattress  11 . Next, in  FIG. 8 , bed linen X is positioned over bed linen Y. This results with bed linens X and Y being placed together on a mattress in nested position, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Bed linen X&#39;s blanket  16  and bed linen Y&#39;s blanket  16  are available to be positioned on the top of the mattress in nested fashion  11  as desired. 
         [0059]    One embodiment of the bed linen system  5  further includes an alarm system  30  ( FIG. 12 ) that warns when the bed linen  10  has been removed from the mattress  11 . In an embodiment in  FIG. 17 , the alarm system  30  includes a first sensor piece  32  (may be either sensor emitting or sensor receiving) incorporated into at least one section  14 D of the cover  14 . The first sensor material  32  may be sewed into the cover  14 . In  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a second sensor piece  34  (either sensor emitting or receiving) is placed proximate to the mattress  11  and recognizes proximity of the first sensor piece  32 . In  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a circuit  38  is in communication with the second sensor piece  34 . Also in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an alarm  40  is in communication with the circuit  38 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the circuit  38  actuates the alarm  40  when the second sensor piece  34  indicates to the circuit  38  that the first sensor piece  32  is no longer in close proximity, indicating the bed linen  10  is being removed from the mattress  11 . The term “in communication with” includes both wired and wireless forms of communication, such as traditional metal wiring or wireless communications suitable for use with alarm systems. Any use of wires needs to be securely incorporated to avoid being used as a lanyard as well. As the alarm system  30  is used in close proximity to a sleeping person, care must be taken that the alarm system  30  possesses no risk of fire. 
         [0060]    One embodiment of the alarm system  30  further includes a setting switch  36  ( FIG. 12 ) in communication with the circuit  38 . The setting switch  36  activates and deactivates the alarm system  30 . In one embodiment, the alarm  40  includes a visual warning indicator  42 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . In another embodiment in  FIG. 13 , the alarm  40  includes an audio warning indicator  44 . The alarm  40  may include both the visual and audio warning indicators  42 ,  44  to better alert the appropriate people that the bed linen  10  is being removed from the mattress  11  and a person may be attempting to harm themselves. 
         [0061]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , the second sensor piece  34  of the cover  14  is configured to be located under the mattress  11  when the cover  14  is placed on the mattress  11 . Another embodiment of  FIG. 17  provides a second sensor piece  34  attached to a bed platform  12  located underneath the mattress  11 . The first or second sensor pieces  32 ,  34  may be a metalized material, such as a soft flexible metal mesh type material that can be reliably detected by a sensor piece of the first or second type,  32 ,  34  although other suitable material may be used. Either first or second sensor pieces  32 ,  34  must be washable and have buffering features to minimize risk of tear into the bed linen unit  10 . 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 18A , another embodiment of the bed linen system  5  further includes a washable bi-fold quilted pillow  50 . As the entire pillow  50  is washable, the pillow  50  does not need a pillowcase. Additionally, as the pillow  50  is quilted, the pillow  50  is difficult to tear open to use for suffocation. The bi-fold pillow  50  shown in  FIGS. 18A-18C  includes two pillow halves  56  that are hinged together with a strip of fabric  52 , in  FIG. 18B . In  FIG. 19 , each pillow half  56  has lofty stuffing  58  that is not typical of pillow stuffing. The lofty stuffing  58  is typically used in blankets and is rolled up and stuffed into each half  56 , as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . The two pillow halves  56  create a clumping resistant stuffing that will stand up to numerous washings. In  FIG. 20 , each pillow  50  includes a tacking  54  to further prevent clumping by stabilizing the lofty stuffing within the pillow  50 . The bi-fold pillow  50  provides a pillow  50  that has compartmentalized the lofty stuffing  58  thus giving the lofty stuffing  58  a stabilizing property that will resist clumping when laundered, yet be thin enough to fit in most standard size washing machines. Folding the two halves  56  together creates a pillow  50  that is the thickness of typical pillows. One use of the bi-fold pillow  50  could be in psychiatric institutions that require frequent washings of pillows for infection control. This bi-fold pillow  50  would be a replacement to typical vinyl covered pillows found in hospitals and institutions. Vinyl covered pillows have been used by psychiatric patients for self-harm by asphyxiation, by creating an opening and wrapping the vinyl covering over their head. 
         [0063]    Additional illustration is provided according to  FIG. 21  wherein the point of union  18  is located at either first  24  or second end  25  of said bed linen unit. This alternative embodiment may be preferable for institutions where mattresses are aligned alongside a wall wherein the user would be limited to enter from top, bottom or a side end of the mattress. The union  18  being located at either the first or second end of the bed linen unit allows the user to flip the blanket upward from a side end rather than from the bottom end. For any single bed linen unit, at least one cover is attached to at least one blanket wherein, no matter the number of attached linen, a space is provided between the blanket and the cover from the point union to allow nesting of additional bed linen units and tucking of the plurality of nested units inward from the bottom edge and surface of the mattress. 
         [0064]    The overarching purpose and intent is to provide a comfortable and easy to manage bed linen device and system that simulates a standard bed linen application which includes the ability to enter, exit and layer comfortably and with anti-ligative features that minimizes the ability to form a lanyard. This invention improves on existing systems by minimizing the amount of effort typically expended to manage a bed linen system for institutions that manage individuals with self harming tendencies. The improvement also includes a decreased risk of danger to the user by minimizing the ability of converting a bed linen system into a lanyard. The inherent structure of this device allows aesthetically pleasing features and technology to be easily designed into manufacturing without interfering with the intended construction of the invention. The enabling feature of this device, the nestable union element, does not contradict nor interfere with existing standards or of aesthetics for bed linen systems in the art. This device easily mimics existing ideas and designs for bed linen aesthetics, which helps the user to integrate with social standards and norms. The device herein may be nested while the remaining elements of the bed linen unit and system may still drape over the side in a pleasing manner. Even further, the inherent structure and design of this invention, no matter the particular embodiment, provides sufficient space for the user to exit and enter and for the caregiver to access, simulating the affect of a typical unconnected bed linen system. As such, ease and comfort to the user is improved without compromising safety and welfare of the caregiver by the improved design. Management of such an embodiment of this invention would require no greater effort (but in fact less effort) by the caregiver than the standard existing bed linen systems and devices. 
         [0065]    While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 
         [0066]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
         [0067]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0068]    All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0069]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.