Apparatus and method for lifting a mattress

Abstract

A mattress lift apparatus is provided for insertion between a mattress and an underlying support structure, such as a box spring. The mattress lift apparatus elevates a portion of the mattress so that bed linens may be tucked between the mattress and the underlying support structure. A continuous loop is formed by a base member, an incline member, a transition member and a handle member, wherein the continuous loop provides structural integrity to the mattress lift apparatus. An aperture is formed within the continuous loop, including along an inside portion of the handle member to enable the handle member to be gripped. In one embodiment, the handle member includes a substantially semi-circular shape. In another embodiment, at least one support rib is positioned in the aperture to mechanically couple the base member and at least one of the inclined member and the transition member.

1 . A mattress lift apparatus for separating a mattress and an underlying support structure, the mattress lift apparatus comprising:
 a body comprising:
 a lift portion extending longitudinally from a distal end to proximal end, the distal end having a first predefined height that is dimensioned to be inserted between the mattress and the underlying support structure and the proximal end having a second predefined height that is dimensioned to a desired elevation of the mattress; 
 a body interior region defined within the lift portion; 
 a handle comprising: 
 a first handle end; and 
 a second handle end located opposite the first handle end, the first handle end and the second handle end being fixedly coupled to the body; 
   an aperture defined by the body, the aperture having a perimeter located within the body interior region; and   a continuous loop defined by the perimeter of the aperture and the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises:
 a base member having a first base end and a second base end, the first base end being located opposite to the second base end;   an incline member having a first incline end and a second incline end, the first incline end being located opposite to the second incline end, the first incline end being mechanically coupled to and forming an acute angle with the first base end;   a transition member having a first transition end and a second transition end, the first transition end being located opposite to the second transition end, the first transition end being mechanically coupled to the second incline end.   
     
     
         3 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the first handle end is fixedly coupled to the second transition end and the second handle end is fixedly coupled to the second base end and wherein the continuous loop is defined by the base member, the incline member, the transition member and the handle. 
     
     
         4 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a rounded nose member formed adjacent to the first incline end and the first base end, the rounded nose member being dimensioned to insert between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         5 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the rounded nose member includes a width dimension of at least one inch and wherein a portion of the inclined member and the base member located adjacent to the rounded nose member include a width dimension of at least one inch to maintain an upright position while inserted between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         6 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein a portion of the handle adjacent to the first handle end is shaped to abut the mattress, thereby limiting penetration of the mattress lift apparatus between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         7 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the transition member includes a width that tapers between a width of the second incline end and a width of the first handle end and wherein the transition member is oriented relative to the base member to include one of being substantially parallel to the base member and being non-parallel to the base member. 
     
     
         8 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one support rib positioned in the aperture to mechanically couple portions of the perimeter of the continuous loop. 
     
     
         9 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforcing member positioned within the aperture to couple selected portions of the body. 
     
     
         10 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the incline member has a width dimension that narrows between the first incline end and the second incline end. 
     
     
         11 . A mattress lift apparatus for separating a mattress and an underlying support structure, the mattress lift apparatus comprising:
 a base member having a first base end and a second base end, the first base end being located opposite to the second base end;   an incline member having a first incline end and a second incline end, the first incline end being located opposite to the second incline end, the first incline end being mechanically coupled to and forming an acute angle with the first base end;   a transition member having a first transition end and a second transition end, the first transition end being located opposite to the second transition end, the first transition end being mechanically coupled to the second incline end;   a handle having a first handle end and a second handle end, the first handle end being located opposite the second handle end, the first handle end being fixedly coupled to the second transition end and the second handle end being fixedly coupled to the second base end;   a continuous loop defined by the base member, the incline member, the transition member and the handle;   an aperture defined within the continuous loop; and   at least one support rib provided within the aperture to mechanically couple the base member and at least one of the inclined member and the transition member.   
     
     
         12 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 11 , further comprising a reinforcing member having a first support end and a second support end, the first support end being opposite the second support end, the first support end being mechanically coupled to the second transition end and the second support end being mechanically coupled to the second base end. 
     
     
         13 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 11 , further comprising a rounded nose member formed adjacent to the first incline end and the first base end, the rounded nose member being dimensioned to insert between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         14 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the rounded nose member includes a width dimension of at least one inch and wherein a portion of the inclined member and the base member located adjacent to the rounded nose member include a width dimension of at least one inch to maintain an upright position while inserted between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         15 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the base member, the incline member, the transition member, the handle and the rounded nose member include rounded edges and smooth edges to prevent damaging the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         16 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein a portion of the handle adjacent to the first handle end is shaped to abut the mattress, thereby limiting penetration of the mattress lift apparatus between the mattress and the underlying support structure. 
     
     
         17 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the transition member includes a width that tapers between a width of the second incline end and a width of the first handle end and wherein the transition member is oriented relative to the base member to include one of being substantially parallel to the base member and being non-parallel to the base member. 
     
     
         18 . The mattress lift apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the incline member has a width dimension that narrows between the first incline end and the second incline end. 
     
     
         19 . A method for separating a mattress and an underlying support structure, the method comprising:
 aligning a mattress lift apparatus between the mattress and the underlying support structure, the mattress lift apparatus comprising:
 a body having a lift portion extending longitudinally from a distal end to proximal end, the distal end having a first predefined height that is dimensioned to be inserted between the mattress and the underlying support structure and the proximal end having a second predefined height that is dimensioned to a desired elevation of the mattress and a body interior region defined within the lift portion; 
 a handle including a first handle end, and a second handle end located opposite the first handle end, the first handle end and the second handle end being fixedly coupled to the body member; 
 an aperture defined by the body, the aperture having a perimeter located within the body interior region; and 
 a continuous loop defined by the perimeter of the aperture and the handle; and 
   applying a force to the handle to insert the body of the mattress lift apparatus between the mattress and underlying support structure.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , further comprising elevating a selected portion of the mattress to enable inserting bed linens between the mattress and the underlying support structure.