Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a mattress raising inflatable for assisting in a change of bed linen.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily for use as a means for enabling efficient change of bed linen substantially without the need for heavy lifting of a mattress and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[003] When making a bed or changing bed linen it is usual to lift away a portion of a mattress from a base of a bed so as to tuck in or remove a sheet, blanket or mattress protector.

[004] A mattress in a mattress and base bed ensemble can be a substantial weight, and lifting such a weight from a substantially standing position can place a significant strain on a person changing linen. This strain is exacerbated if for example there are multiple beds and different sized beds such as single, double, queen or king size, having a range of weight.

[005] Lifting a mattress during the process of changing and making a bed usually requires a person to lift an entire bed section with one hand while removing or inserting and adjusting linen with the other.

[006] Some attempts have been made to address this problem by providing a mattress jack system in which an inflatable insert is sandwiched between the base and mattress and the insert receiving air and raising and lowering the mattress relative to the base. The problem with this type of system however is that while there is a focus on raising the mattress to minimize physical lifting, there is effectively no space between the mattress and insert to locate and retain a sheet.

[007] The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus or system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. [008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mattress raising inflatable including: a. an inflatable body formed of panels having: i. a boxlike structure when inflated with a periphery that substantially follows a rectangular outline matching or just smaller than the mattress to be lifted, ii. a plurality of inflating sections of the boxlike structure of the inflatable body located to raise a number of spaced peripheral areas and central areas; and b. an inflating valve in the periphery and substantially external to the inflatable body allowing for pumping to inflate the inflatable body while not providing an impediment felt by a user of the bed in normal use; wherein in an inflatable condition the inflatable body elevates the position of the mattress or portions thereof relative to the bed base to allow removal and replacement of bed linen such as bed sheets substantially without having to physically lift the mattress.

[0010] The mattress raising inflatable of the present invention causes the mattress to be raised relative to the base at a number of inflating sections which provides effective space at peripheral areas of the mattress for removing or inserting of a sheet or blanket or the like between the inflatable and the mattress. The ability to create space by the inflating sections represents a substantial departure from and contribution over the prior art.

[0011] Preferably the boxlike structure of the inflatable body follows a rectangular outline less than 20mm smaller than the mattress to be lifted

[0012] The inflatable body can include the panels connected to form cut-outs extending substantially from a top plane of the boxlike structure of the inflatable body to a bottom plane.

[0013] Preferably the cut-outs include one or more internal cut-outs spaced from the periphery. The cut-outs can additionally include one or more outside cut-outs altering the periphery.

[0014] The cut-outs can further include one or more cut-outs spaced from each other and spaced from the periphery. [0015] The internal cut-outs can decrease inflatable volume by about 20%. Preferably the internal cut-outs decrease inflatable volume by greater than 20%. The arrangement of cut-outs substantially decreases the footprint occupied by the device which saves material costs but also addresses the problem of the lack of space for insertion of a sheet or blanket by the prior art mattresses.

[0016] In a related aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of changing bedding on a mattress including the steps of: providing a mattress raising inflatable below a mattress to be raised; providing a low volume mattress raising inflatable for quick inflation having; inflating the mattress raising inflatable through a peripheral inflating valve into an inflating body; controlling the inflating of the mattress; wherein in an inflatable condition the inflatable body elevates the position of the mattress or portions thereof relative to the bed base to allow removal and replacement of bed linen such as bed sheets substantially without having to physically lift the mattress.

[0017] Preferably the step of providing a low volume mattress raising inflatable for quick inflation uses a mattress raising inflatable with a boxlike structure when inflated with a periphery that substantially follows a rectangular outline matching or just smaller than the mattress to be lifted.

[0018] Preferably the step of providing a low volume mattress raising inflatable for quick inflation uses a reduced volume mattress raising inflatable with panels connected to form cut-outs extending substantially from a top plane of the boxlike structure of the inflatable body to a bottom plane.

[0019] The step of providing a low volume mattress raising inflatable for quick inflation can use a reduced volume mattress raising inflatable with panels connected to form cut outs decreasing inflatable volume by about 20%.

[0020] Preferably the step of controlling the inflating of the mattress uses a single foot switch operation.

[0021] The step of controlling the inflating of the mattress can use an auto cut-off switch after 90 seconds of operation or maximum pressure reached.

[0022] Preferably the step of controlling the inflating of the mattress uses an auto deflation after a short time such as 10 minutes of operation.

[0023] Preferably the step of controlling the inflating of the mattress uses a bell or alarm that activates once the inflatable body is entirely inflated. [0024] The step of controlling the inflating of the mattress can alternatively use a wireless operation with app to control entire multiple beds and can detect whether bed has been inflated and deflated that day.

[0025] Preferably the step of Inflating the mattress raising inflatable includes an inflation time less than 90 seconds.

[0026] Preferably the step of Inflating the mattress raising inflatable uses a 500-Watt pump providing inflation time less than 60 seconds. Preferably the air compressor includes valving or adjustable speed operation to vary the flow rate of air from the compressor.

[0027] It can be seen that the invention of a provides the benefit of easy access to. [0028] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment/preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a mattress raising inflatable with panel inserts in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable with a series of panel inserts according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable having a spaced couple of panel inserts according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation in a vertical cross section of a mattress raising inflatable having a recessed panel insert according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable having a first arrangement of cut out portions according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable having a second arrangement of cut out portions according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention having an inflatable body insert of figure 6 with a second arrangement of cut out portions in a non-inflated condition; Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a compressor comprising part of the mattress raising inflatable system of figure 7;

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable system according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention having an inflatable body insert with a second arrangement of cut out portions of figure 6 in an inflated condition providing space underneath a mattress; and

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a mattress raising inflatable system according to yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention having an inflatable body insert with a second arrangement of cut out portions of figure 6 in a non-inflated condition;

Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0030] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0031] Referring to figure 1 there is shown a mattress raising inflatable 1 comprising an inflatable body 2 having a plurality of inflating sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The inflating sections or panels are located in the body 2 and when inflated in a select combination or separately the sections or panels raise peripheral areas of a mattress (fig. 8) from a base 35 of a mattress and base ensemble.

[0032] Raising of the separate peripheral areas of a mattress (see particularly Fig. 8) creates space at peripheral edges between the mattress and bed base for removal or insertion of a sheet or blanket or the like. This also provides the benefit of not requiring any fasteners to retain a protective cover or sheet on or over the mattress raising inflatable.

[0033] The one or more inflating sections3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 is selectively inflated by an inflating means 8 including a compressor 9, switching pedal 10 for selective inflating and deflating, and conduits interconnecting the compressor and inflatable sections. In operation, a select inflatable section is subject to inflation by the compressor and raises a peripheral portion of the mattress from the base.

[0034] The panel raises a select area of the mattress from the base. This is clearly an improvement over prior art. [0035] In one embodiment the mattress raising inflatable has a boxlike structure as shown in figure 1 when inflated. In figure 1 the inflatable sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 combine to describe a periphery that substantially follows a rectangular outline matching or just smaller than the mattress to be lifted (not shown).

[0036] The inflating sections of the boxlike structure of the inflatable body are located to raise a number of spaced peripheral areas and central areas. The mattress raising inflatable further includes an inflating valve 11 in the periphery and substantially external to the inflatable body allowing for pumping to inflate the inflatable body while not providing an impediment felt by a user of the bed in normal use.

[0037] In an inflatable condition the inflatable body elevates the position of the mattress or portions thereof relative to the bed base to allow removal and replacement of bed linen such as bed sheets substantially without having to physically lift the mattress. [0038] Figures 2 and 3 show various embodiments of the present invention whereby the mattress raising inflatable 1 can include a plurality of interconnected inflatable sections interconnected to a unitary inflating means 8. As shown in figure 2 there is provided three interconnected inflatable sections 12, 13 and 14 spaced apart in parallel describing an overall rectangular perimeter or space smaller than the perimeter of the mattress. Inflatable sections 12, 13 and 14 can be inflated progressively so that different select peripheral locations of the mattress can be raised to enable retraction and insertion of a sheet at different locations about the mattress periphery. It is an advantage of the invention to enable differential or progressive inflation so that different or select peripheral locations between the mattress and base can be progressively accessed and sheets retained by subsequent select deflating of a select inflatable portion.

[0039] Similarly, figure 3 shows a pair of spaced apart inflatable sections 15 and 16 received within an inflatable body 2. The separate inflatable sections can be selectively inflated or partially inflated or deflated to allow raising and/or lowering of select peripheral locations of the mattress so that a person can circumnavigate the mattress inserting a sheet or removing while select peripheral locations are raised and sheet retained.

[0040] Referring to figures 4 to 6 there is shown a range of inflatable configurations in accordance with the invention whereby the inflatable in figure 4 shows progressive inflation from a first inflatable condition in which there is a raised section 17 and a recessed section 18 as the inflatable body progressively inflates. In this condition the raised section 17 raises a peripheral location of a mattress and creates a space between the mattress and the recessed section 18 for removal or insertion of a sheet, and when the inflatable body is fully inflated 19 a sheet is sandwiched between the mattress and inflatable body and the body can be deflated thereafter.

[0041] Figures 5 and 6 show variations of the inflatable body in figure 4 having multiple cut out portions 20, 21, 22 and 23. The overall perimeter geometry described in figures 5 and 6 is rectangular with the spaced cut out portions providing inflatable panel sections 24a, b, c and d and 25a, b, c and d. The separate panel locations can be inflated in a progressive manner whereby different panels are raised and or lowered thereby raising and or lowering different peripheral locations of a mattress to allow removal or insertion and retention of a sheet about the periphery of a bed.

[0042] The compressor can be actuated remotely to quickly inflate or deflate a select panel location so that the mattress or select peripheral locations can create a space for insertion and retention or removal.

[0043] Referring to figures 7, 8 and 9 there is schematically illustrated a mattress raising inflatable system 25 according to the present invention. The system 55 comprises an inflatable insert body 2 having multiple cut out portions 20, 21 (not shown), 22 and 23. The overall perimeter geometry of the inflatable insert body 2 is rectangular with the spaced cut out portions providing inflatable panel sections 25a, b, c and d as shown in figure 6 located in the inflatable insert body 2. When inflated in a select combination or separately, the sections or panels raise peripheral areas of a mattress 35 (seen in fig. 9) from a base of a mattress and base ensemble.

[0044] Raising of the separate peripheral areas of a mattress (see particularly Fig. 9) creates space at peripheral edges between the mattress and a bed base for removal or insertion of a sheet or blanket or the like. This also provides the benefit of not requiring any fasteners to retain a protective cover or sheet on or over the mattress raising inflatable 2.

[0045] As shown in figure 7, the system further includes an inflating means 8 including a compressor mounted within a housing body, the housing body including vents 56 allowing transfer of air between the housing and ambient environment, and a handle 57 for easy portability. The inflating means 8 further includes a power cord 58 and air outlet 59 to the inflatable insert to an air inlet valve 60 on the inflatable insert body 2.

[0046] The one or more inflating sections 25a, b, c and d created by cutout portions 20, 21 , 22 and 23 is selectively inflated by the compressor 9 using a switching foot pedal control 10 for selective inflating and deflating, and conduits interconnecting the compressor and inflatable sections. In operation, a select inflatable section is subject to inflation by the compressor and raises a peripheral portion of the mattress from the base as shown in figure 9. Figure 9 also shows an actuating control mechanism 61 including actuator for inflation and deflation modes of operation, which is integrated in the compressor housing body. In a deflating mode, the insert body is able to collapse effective so as not to interfere with otherwise smooth bedding mattress.

[0047] Figure 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention which provides a low-profile compressor housing with slotted openings for venting air, a handle built into the housing and a wireless remote actuator 62 for inflating and deflating modes of operation. The wireless remote can include an app to control entire multiple beds and can detect whether bed has been inflated and deflated that day.

[0048] One benefit of the inflatable panel system of the present invention is that a smaller footprint is occupied by the inflatable insert body and the raising or lowering of a select peripheral location of a mattress by the one or more inflatable panels. Having a plurality of inflatable panels allows for progressive inflation or select inflation of a select location also allows easy removal or insertion of a sheet and also allows for easy retention of a sheet once inserted.

[0049] The problem with this type of system however is that while there is a focus on raising the mattress to minimize physical lifting, there is effectively no space between the mattress and insert to locate and retain a sheet.

[0050]

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[0051] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0052] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0053] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[0054] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[0055] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[0056] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[0057] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0058] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[0059] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[0061] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the domestic home or hotel/motel industry.