Integrated handle for a mattress assembly

Abstract

Mattress assemblies include integrated handles, wherein the integrated handles are formed in the border panel about the mattress perimeter from excess material thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mattress assembly, comprising:
 an interior region encapsulated with a cover, wherein the cover comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and a border panel extending between the top and bottom panels,   wherein the border panel comprises a fabric material having a length that exceeds a perimeter of the mattress assembly to define an excess portion, wherein the excess portion of the fabric material is folded over to form a first pleat, wherein perimeter edges associated with the border panel are attached to corresponding edges of the top and bottom panels to snugly fit the border panel about a perimeter of the interior region and define at least one integrated pocket including an open end and a closed end defined by the first pleat.   
     
     
         2 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the excess portion is folded over in two spaced apart locations to form the first pleat and a second pleat, wherein the perimeter edges associated with the border material are attached to corresponding edges of the top and bottom panels to snugly fit the border panel about the perimeter of the interior region and define at least two integrated pockets. 
     
     
         3 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the interior region comprises foam, spring coils, air bladders, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second pleats are abut one another. 
     
     
         5 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1  further comprising multiple pockets along one or more selected sidewalls of the mattress assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one integrated pocket is centrally located along a sidewall. 
     
     
         7 . The mattress assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the top and bottom panels define horizontally oriented planar surfaces when in use, and wherein the first and second pleats are substantially vertically oriented with respect to the horizontally oriented planar surfaces.