Patent Publication Number: US-2022218128-A1

Title: Sheet Assembly for Use with a Mattress in a Correctional Facility

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/137,351, filed Jan. 14, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Correctional facilities such as but not limited to prisons, jails, mental health facilities, and detention centers, provide beds for persons housed at the facility. The beds generally include a mattress and one or more sheets. The sheets can be used to cover the mattress for the person to lie on, as well as to cover the person to keep them warm while sleeping. 
     An issue for correctional facilities is that a person can use a sheet as a weapon to hurt themselves or others. One method is for a sheet to be used as a rope. This can include twisting or otherwise bunching the sheet into an elongated shape that can be tied around the neck and used to hang a person. This is an unfortunately common occurrence for persons to commit suicide while housed within a correctional facility. 
     There is a need for a sheet assembly that can function to cover the mattress and the user. The design should prevent or reduce the ability of a person to transform the sheet into a weapon, such as a rope, that can be used to hurt themselves or another. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises: a mattress section comprising a pair of overlapping sheets that are connected together along at least two sides and that form an interior space sized to contain the mattress; a cover section comprising a single sheet; and a seam that extends along a common side of each of the mattress section and the cover section with the seam connecting together the mattress section and the cover section. The cover section is movable relative to the mattress section between an open orientation away from the mattress section and a closed orientation that overlaps with the mattress section. 
     In another aspect, the mattress section comprises a single member that is folded and that forms the pair of overlapping sheets. 
     In another aspect, the single member comprises a fold edge that extends along a first lateral side of the mattress section and a pair of exposed ends that extend along an opposing second lateral side of the mattress section and that are secured together at the seam. 
     In another aspect, the single member further comprises first and second ends that extend between the first and second lateral sides with the first and second ends comprising openings that are in communication with the interior space. 
     In another aspect, the cover section comprises a greater length than the mattress section. 
     In another aspect, the overlapping sheets of the mattress section are connected together along first and second lateral sides and one end side with the seam. 
     In another aspect, the mattress section is constructed from different material than the cover section. 
     In another aspect, the seam is a first seam and further comprising a second seam that connects together one end of the mattress section. 
     In another aspect, openings are at two of the sides of the mattress section with the openings in communication with the interior space. 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises a top mattress sheet and a bottom mattress sheet that are connected together in an overlapping arrangement and that form an interior space sized to receive the mattress with each of the top and bottom mattress sheets comprising first and second lateral sides and first and second ends. A cover sheet is attached to each of the top mattress sheet and the bottom mattress sheet along the first lateral side. 
     In another aspect, the top mattress sheet and the bottom mattress sheet are constructed from a single sheet and comprise a fold line along the second lateral side. 
     In another aspect, openings are positioned between each of the first and second ends of the top and bottom mattress sheets with the openings in communication with the interior space. 
     In another aspect, the cover sheet comprises a greater length than each of the top and bottom mattress sheets. 
     In another aspect, the second ends of each of the top and bottom mattress sheets are connected together. 
     In another aspect, each of the top and bottom mattress sheets and the cover sheet comprise rectangular shapes. 
     In another aspect, the top and bottom mattress sheets and the cover sheet are connected together along the first lateral sides with a single seam. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of using a sheet assembly with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises a top mattress sheet and a bottom mattress sheet that are connected together in an overlapping arrangement and that form an interior space and a cover sheet that is attached to each of the top mattress sheet and the bottom mattress sheet along a first lateral side. The method comprises: inserting the mattress into an opening formed between the top and bottom mattress sheets; positioning the top mattress sheet along one face of the mattress and the bottom mattress sheet along an opposing second face of the mattress; aligning a seam that attaches the cover sheet to the top and bottom mattress sheets along an edge of the mattress that is positioned between the faces; and selectively positioning the cover sheet in an open orientation that is away from the mattress in a non-overlapping arrangement and a closed orientation that overlaps the mattress. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises positioning the mattress into the interior space with the mattress completely within the interior space. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises positioning the cover sheet in the closed orientation with an edge of the cover sheet extending outward beyond ends of the top and bottom mattress sheets. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises positioning a folded edge of the top and bottom mattress sheets along the mattress and away from the cover sheet. 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises: a mattress section comprising a pair of overlapping sheets connected together and forming a cavity sized to contain the mattress; a cover section comprising a single sheet; and a seam that extends along a common side of each of the mattress section and the cover section to connect the sections together. The cover section is movable between an open orientation away from the mattress section and a closed orientation that overlaps with the cover section. 
     In another aspect, the overlapping sheets of the mattress section are connected along three sides. 
     In another aspect, the mattress section is constructed from different material than the cover section. 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises: a top mattress sheet; a bottom mattress sheet that overlaps with and connects along three sides to the top mattress sheet; and a cover sheet attached to each of the top mattress sheet and a bottom mattress sheet along one of the three sides. The top mattress sheet and the bottom mattress sheet form a cavity that receives the mattress. 
     In another aspect, the top mattress sheet and the bottom mattress sheet are constructed from a single sheet having a folded configuration. 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises: rectangular top and bottom mattresses sheets that are aligned in an overlapping configuration; a rectangular cover sheet; and a seam that extends along one edge of each of the top and bottom mattress sheets and the cover sheet and that attaches the sheets together. 
     In another aspect, the top and bottom mattress sheets are a single sheet that is folded in an overlapping configuration to form the top and bottom mattress sheets. 
     One aspect is directed to a sheet assembly for use with a mattress in a correctional institution. The sheet assembly comprises: a cavity formed between top and bottom mattress sheets with the cavity comprising a single opening; and a rectangular cover sheet connected to each of the top and bottom mattress sheets along one common edge. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of using a sheet assembly with a mattress in a correctional institution. The method comprises: inserting the mattress into an opening in a mattress section and positioning a top mattress sheet along one face of the mattress and a bottom mattress sheet along an opposing second face of the mattress; aligning a seam along an edge of the mattress that is positioned between the faces; positioning a cover sheet that is attached to the mattress section at the seam in an open orientation that is away from the mattress in a non-overlapping arrangement; and positioning the cover sheet in a closed orientation that overlaps the mattress. 
     The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  schematic diagram of a sheet assembly in an open orientation. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded top view of a sheet assembly that includes a top mattress sheet, a bottom mattress sheet, and a cover sheet. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a sheet assembly in an open configuration and positioned on a mattress. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a cover sheet in a closed orientation and with a first end partially folded back. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of a second end of a cover sheet partially folded back to expose an underlying top mattress sheet and a mattress. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a sheet assembly in a closed orientation. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of a cover sheet in a closed orientation with a first end partially folded back. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart of a method of using a sheet assembly with a mattress in a correctional institution. 
         FIG. 9  schematic diagram of a sheet assembly in an open orientation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a sheet assembly  10  for use in a correctional facility. The sheet assembly  10  includes a mattress section  12  and a cover section  14 . The mattress section  12  includes a top mattress sheet  20  and a bottom mattress sheet  30  that are connected together in an overlapping arrangement. A cavity  50  is formed between the overlapping sheets  20 ,  30  and includes an opening  51  to receive a mattress (not illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). The cover section  14  is attached to the mattress section  12  and provides for positioning over a user for warmth while sleeping. The mattress section  12  and the cover section  14  are connected together and include a one-piece unitary construction. This reduces the likelihood of a person using one or both of the sections  12 ,  14  as a weapon to injure themselves or another. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the sheet assembly  10 . The mattress section  12  is formed by the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 , and the cover section  14  is formed by a cover sheet  40 . The top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  include respectively first ends  21 ,  31 , second ends  22 ,  32 , and lateral sides  23 ,  24 ,  33 ,  34 . The top mattress sheet  20  includes a length L 1  measured between the ends  21 ,  31 , and a width W 1  measured between the lateral sides  23 ,  24 . The bottom mattress sheet  30  includes a length L 2  and a width W 2 . In one example, the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  include the same shape and size. In other examples, the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  include different shapes and/or sizes. 
     The top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  are connected together at seams  61 ,  62 ,  63  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Seam  61  connects together the lateral sides  23 ,  33 . Seam  62  connects together the first ends  21 ,  31 . Seam  63  connects together the lateral sides  24 ,  34 . The seams  61 ,  62 ,  63  can extend along the entire edges, or one or more limited sections of the edges. 
     The seams  61 ,  62 ,  63  connect the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  together along three of the sides. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fourth side formed at second ends  22 ,  32  includes an opening  51  that leads into the cavity  50 . The opening  51  provides for inserting and removing the mattress. In one example, the entire fourth side is open to facilitate insertion and removal of the mattress into and out of the cavity  50 . In other examples, one or more sections of the fourth side are seamed with the opening  51  extending along a limited portion of the fourth side. 
     The cover sheet  40  includes a length L 3  measured between first and second ends  41 ,  42  and a width W 3  measured between opposing lateral sides  43 ,  44 . The cover sheet  40  can include various shapes and sizes. In one example, the cover sheet  40  includes a larger length and/or width than the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . This provides for the cover sheet  40  to fully extend over a person who is laying on the mattress section  12 . 
     In one example, the width W 3  of the cover sheet  40  is larger than the widths W 1 , W 2  of the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . The length L 3  is the same of the lengths L 1 , L 2  of the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 , but the cover sheet  40  is offset along the lengths L 1 , L 2 . That is, the first end  41  is positioned downward from the aligned first ends  21 ,  31  of the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . This provides for the head of a person to be exposed when they are laying on the mattress section  12  with their head at the first ends  21 ,  31 . The offset positioning also includes the second end  42  offset outward beyond the second ends  22 ,  32 . This offset provides for the person&#39;s feet to be covered by the cover sheet  40 . 
     In one example, the lengths L 1 , L 2 , and L 3  are all equal. The cover sheet  40  is shifted relative to the mattress sheets  20 ,  30  such that a person&#39;s head is exposed when they are using the assembly  10 . In one example, this shifting provides for the first end  41  to be longitudinally offset and away from first ends  21 ,  31  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The cover sheet  40  that forms the cover section  14  is attached to the mattress section  12  at the seam  63 . That is, the seam  63  connects together each of the lateral sides  24 ,  34 , and  43 . This connection prevents the cover sheet  40  from being removed from the mattress section  12  and used individually to craft a weapon. The integrally formed sheet assembly  10  that includes both the mattress section  12  and the cover section  14  is more difficult to craft into a weapon due to the larger size and/or bulk of the components. Thus, a person may not be able to craft an elongated member that can be used to injure themselves or another. Further, the single seam  63  that connects together the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  and the cover sheet  40  can facilitate manufacturing of the sheet assembly  10 . 
     The sheet assembly  10  can be constructed from a variety of different materials. Examples of materials include but are not limited to polyester, polypropylene, modacrylic, cotton, wool, and nylon. The sheet assembly  10  can also include various structures, including but not limited to woven, nonwoven, knit, felt, batting, foam, and film. One specific design includes a  650  denier polyester with a 10 oz. polyester batting. In one example, the cover section  14  is constructed from a heavier material than the mattress section  12 . The heavier cover section  14  is an individual element as opposed to the dual-ply mattress section  12 . The heaver cover section  14  prevents and/or reduces this section  14  from being crafted as a weapon. In another example, the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  are made from the same materials. In another example, the sheets  20 ,  30  are made from different materials. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the sheet assembly  10  in an open orientation. A mattress  100  is positioned in the cavity  50  formed between the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . The length of the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  provides for the mattress  100  to be positioned in the cavity  50 . In one example, the cavity  50  is sized to completely contain the mattress  100 . In another example, the cavity  50  is sized for just a limited section of the mattress  100  to extend outward beyond the opening  51 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the cover sheet  40 , the top mattress sheet  20 , and the bottom mattress sheet  30  are each connected together at the seam  63 . The seam  63  extends along the lateral sides  24 ,  34 ,  43  of the sheets  20 ,  30 ,  40 . The seam  63  is further positioned along a lateral edge of the mattress  100 . This positioning spaces the seam  63  away from where the person contacts against the mattress section  12  which may provide for additional comfort. In one example, the seam  63  is positioned along a lateral side of the mattress  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the cover sheet  40  in a closed orientation that extends over the top mattress sheet  20 . The cover sheet  40  can be folded back away from the first end  21  of the top mattress sheet  20  as desired by the person. The cover sheet  40  is sized to extend completely across the top mattress sheet  20 . The cover sheet  40  is offset relative to the top mattress sheet  20  such that the first end  41  of the cover sheet  40  is positioned below the first end  21  of the top mattress sheet  20 . The first ends  21 ,  31  of the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30  are attached together to form a closed end such that a head of the person does not directly contact the mattress  100 . 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cover sheet  40  is shifted relative to the sheets  20 ,  30  of the mattress section  12 . A section  68  is formed along the sheets  20 ,  30  that are not overlapped by the cover sheet  40 . In one example, this section  68  includes additional reinforcement, such as one or more additional seams or stitching, to ensure that the sheets  20 ,  30  remain attached together. 
     In one or more examples, additional reinforcement is provided along one or more of the sheets  20 ,  30 ,  40 . In one example, the additional reinforcement is positioned along the first ends  21 ,  31 ,  41  and/or second ends  22 ,  32 ,  42  where each is connected together. In one example, the additional reinforcement is additional stitching or additional seams. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom end of the sheet assembly  10 . In this example, the mattress  100  extends outward a limited amount from the opening  51 . During use, the person&#39;s feet are positioned at this bottom end. The cover sheet  40  is offset relative to the top mattress sheet  20  with the second end  42  positioned outward beyond the second end  22 . This offset provides for the cover sheet  40  to extend over the feet of the person. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the sheet assembly  10  in a closed orientation. The cover sheet  40  includes a greater width than the top mattress sheet  20  with the lateral side  43  positioned outward beyond the lateral side  23  (not illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the cover sheet  40  in a closed orientation. The first end  41  is partially folded back to expose the underlying top mattress sheet  20 . 
     In use, a mattress  100  is inserted through the opening  51  and into the cavity  50  between the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . The sheet assembly  10  is positioned with the seam  63  extending along one edge of the mattress  100 . In the open orientation, the cover sheet  40  is positioned outward away from the top and bottom mattress sheets  20 ,  30 . In a first closed orientation, the mattress  100  is positioned with the top mattress sheet  20  facing upward. The person can lay on the top mattress sheet  20  and the cover sheet  40  folded over the person. In a second closed orientation, the mattress  100  is positioned with the bottom mattress sheet  30  facing upward. The person can lay on the bottom mattress sheet  30  and the cover sheet  40  is folded over onto the person. Positioning the seam  63  along the edge of the mattress  100  provides for the sheet assembly  10  to be used in either closed orientation. 
     In one example, the top mattress sheet  20  and the bottom mattress sheet  30  are constructed from different materials. The person using the sheet assembly  10  can select which of the two materials they prefer and position that applicable sheet  20 ,  30  upward. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates on method of using a sheet assembly  10  with a mattress  100  in a correctional institution. Initially, the sheet assembly  10  is positioned for the opening  51  to be accessible. This provides for inserting the mattress into the opening  51  (block  200 ). The mattress  100  is positioned within a cavity  50  in the mattress section  12 . The insertion includes positioning a top mattress sheet  20  along one face of the mattress  100  and a bottom mattress sheet  30  along an opposing second face of the mattress  100  (block  202 ). This positioning also includes aligning a seam  63  along an edge of the mattress  100  that is positioned between the faces (block  204 ). The sheet assembly  10  is positioned with a cover sheet  40  that is attached to the mattress section  12  at the seam  63  in an open orientation that is away from the mattress  100  in a non-overlapping arrangement (block  206 ). After the person lays down on the mattress section  12 , the cover sheet  40  can be positioned in a closed orientation that overlaps the mattress  100  (block  208 ). 
     In one example, the mattress section  12  is formed by two separate sheets including a top mattress sheet  20  and a bottom mattress sheet  30 . The two separate sheets  20 ,  30  are connected together along one or more seams. In another example as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the mattress section  12  is formed by a single folded sheet  70 . The folded sheet  70  includes a top section  71  and a bottom section  72  that are in an overlapping orientation with an intermediate fold  73 . In one example, the top and bottom sections  71 ,  72  include the same shape and size. In another example, the top and bottom sections  71 ,  72  include different shapes and/or sizes. 
     In one example, the edges of the top and bottom sections  71 ,  72  are attached together at the seam  63 . The seam  63  also attaches the cover sheet  40 . The fold  73  is positioned along an opposing side of the mattress section  12  that is away from the seam  63 . A seam  62  can connect together the edges of the top and bottom sections  71 ,  72  that are opposite from the opening  51 . In one example, the seam  62  and seam  63  are separate. In another example, seams  62  and  63  are formed by a single seam. 
     In a similar example, the folded edge of the mattress section  12  is attached to the cover sheet  40  at the seam  63 . The open edges opposite the fold  73  are positioned away from the seam  63  and connected together with a separate seam. In yet another example, the fold line forms the end of the mattress section  12  opposite from the opening  51 . 
     In the various examples, the mattress section  12  can include one or more openings  51  that lead into the cavity  50 . In one example as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , a single opening  51  leads into the cavity  50 . In another example, a pair of openings  51  lead into the cavity  50 . A first opening  51  is positioned at the first ends of the top and bottom sections and a second opening  51  is positioned at the second ends. In one example in which the mattress section is formed by a single folded sheet  70 , a single seam  63  connects together the opposing lateral sides and the first and second ends each include openings  51 . In one example, the single seam  63  connects together the opposing lateral sides of the single sheet  70  and also the cover sheet  40 . In one example, the entire sheet assembly  10  includes just the single seam  63  that forms the different components of the assembly  10  into a single unitary construction. 
     In one example, the person being held at the correctional facility (e.g., the inmate) can be given the sheet assembly  10  and instructed to place it on the mattress  100 . In another example, a person working at the correctional facility can place the sheet assembly  10  on the mattress  100  and provide it to the person for use. 
     In the examples described above, the cover sheet  40  is attached to the mattress section  12  along a lateral side. In other examples, the cover sheet  40  is attached to the mattress section  12  along one of the ends. In one specific example, the cover sheet  40  is attached to the mattress section  12  long the first ends  21 ,  31  with a single seam connecting all three sheets  20 ,  30 ,  40 . 
     The sheet assembly  10  integrates multiple different components into a single component. Instead of having two or three separate pieces for their bedroll, the person has a single assembly  10 . In an institutional facility, this reduction in the number of components provided to a person can be helpful in monitoring the person and ensuring the person is not using the components in a potentially harmful and/or improper manner. Further, this reduces the number of different components that are purchased and monitored by the facility. 
     Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description. 
     As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are second ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.