Abstract:
A mattress includes a number of elongate members, webs or straps that span an underside of the mattress and terminate with graspable handle portions. The straps are attached to the underside of the mattress by a hook and loop fastening system. A mattress prop may be used in conjunction with the straps for spacing the mattress from a support surface such as a bed base. In a first version the prop has a mattress attachment member and a base abutment member movable relative to the mattress attachment member from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration. A spacer member is disposed between the mattress attachment member and the base abutment member for selectively retaining the base abutment member in the erected configuration relative to the mattress attachment member.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a mattress and more particularly to a mattress that is adapted to be readily lifted and moved and which, in a preferred embodiment assists in the changing of bed linen. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. 
         [0003]    Mattresses for beds are difficult objects to handle. Typically they are formed of plurality of internal metal springs which are interconnected by a mesh. The coils and mesh are then covered with a layer of flexible foam which is in turn covered by an outer fabric layer. Consequently mattresses are relatively heavy and difficult to grasp easily. Furthermore, since they are flexible they may twist out of a person&#39;s grasp in an unpredictable fashion. 
         [0004]    In some situations there is a need to handle a large number of mattresses very frequently. One example of such a situation is the hotel industry where large numbers of beds must be made up with fresh bed linen. Obviously the more time that it takes to change a bed the more personnel are required and the greater the associated overhead. 
         [0005]    In the past some attempts have been made to provide a mattress which is adapted for improved handling. One approach has been to include handles on opposed sides of the mattress. In some instances the handles include members that penetrate through the fabric and foam layers to terminate fast with the internal mesh. It will be realized that it is difficult and expensive to manufacture mattresses of this type. Furthermore, while such mattresses may assist in addressing the problem of moving an unmade mattress from one place to another, they do not generally assist in handling a mattress that bears a fitted sheet. 
         [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a mattress that addresses one or more of the above described problems or which is at least a useful alternative to those mattresses that have hitherto been known in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress including: 
         [0000]    a number of flexible handling members attached to an underside of the mattress with graspable portions for manually for raising the mattress. 
         [0008]    Preferably the flexible handling members comprise elongate webs or straps that span an underside of the mattress. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention the flexible handling members are attached to the underside of the mattress sufficiently to keep them in place relative thereto. 
         [0010]    For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the flexible handling members are attached to the underside of the mattress by a hook and loop fastening system. Alternatively, the flexible handling members may be sewn or adhered directly to the mattress. 
         [0011]    The hook and loop fastening system may comprise an elongate portion between the mattress and the flexible handling members or alternatively it may comprise a number of separate portions. 
         [0012]    Preferably the flexible handling members have outer ends that terminate in handles comprising the graspable portions. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the handles comprise loops formed at outer ends of the flexible handling members. 
         [0013]    Preferably the mattress includes at least one mattress prop for raising the mattress from a support surface thereof. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment the mattress prop comprises an inflatable bladder which assumes an erected configuration upon inflation wherein the mattress is raised from the support surface. 
         [0015]    In an alternative and preferred embodiment of the invention the mattress prop includes a mattress support member and a base member movably attached thereto for moving from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration. 
         [0016]    Preferably the base member is movably attached to the mattress support member by a pivot. 
         [0017]    In the preferred embodiment of the invention a spacer member is disposed between the mattress support member and the base member for retaining the mattress prop in an erected configuration. 
         [0018]    Preferably the mattress support member includes a formation to retain the spacer member in the erected configuration. 
         [0019]    It is preferred that the mattress includes four of the mattress props. 
         [0020]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention the mattress support member is fastened to one of the flexible handling members. For example, the mattress support member may be riveted to said handling member. 
         [0021]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress prop for spacing a mattress from a support surface such as a bed base, said prop comprising: 
         [0000]    a. a base abutment member;
 
b. a mattress support member movable relative to the base abutment member from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration; and
 
c. a spacer member disposed between the mattress support member and the base abutment member for selectively retaining the mattress support member in the erected configuration relative to the base abutment member.
 
         [0022]    Preferably a first end of the mattress support member and a first end of the base abutment member are joined together by a first pivot. 
         [0023]    The first end of the spacer member is preferably attached to a second end of the base abutment member by a second pivot. 
         [0024]    Preferably the second end of the spacer member is slidingly engaged by the mattress support member. 
         [0025]    The spacer member may be slidingly engaged by a slot formed along the mattress support member. 
         [0026]    Preferably the slot is formed with a retaining portion that acts as a detent for retaining the spacer member in the erected configuration. 
         [0027]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a mattress assembly including 
         [0028]    a base; 
         [0029]    a mattress; 
         [0030]    an inflatable prop disposed between the base and the mattress comprising an inflatable bladder which assumes an erected configuration upon inflation for raising the mattress from the base. 
         [0031]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a 
         [0032]    method for changing bed linen comprising the steps of: 
         [0033]    locating props at or toward the underside of four corners of a mattress; 
         [0034]    bringing the props to an erected configuration to thereby space at least the corners of the mattress from an underlying support surface; 
         [0035]    changing the bed linen whilst the props are in the erected configuration; 
         [0036]    once the bed linen has been changed bringing the props to a collapsed configuration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the underside of a mattress according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a handle portion of straps of the mattress of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the handle portion of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the underside of the mattress of  FIG. 1  with a fitted sheet installed. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4A  is a plan view of the underside of the mattress where straps that do not span the width of the mattress have been fitted in accordance with a less preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 4B  is a side and partially exploded view of the mattress above a base showing a continuous hook and loop fastening system. 
           [0044]      FIG. 4C  shows a variation wherein the hook and loop fastening system comprises a plurality of separate regions. 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  depicts a mattress prop according to a preferred embodiment of a second aspect of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  shows the mattress prop of  FIG. 5  in an erected configuration. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the mattress prop of  FIG. 5  in use and in a collapsed configuration. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the mattress prop of  FIG. 5  in use and in an erected configuration. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a somewhat stylized side view of the mattress prop of  FIG. 5  in use in conjunction with mattress straps of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 9A  depicts the underside of the mattress of  FIG. 9  wherein four props  12   c  are positioned thereunder. 
           [0051]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a mattress prop according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a first, collapsed, configuration. 
           [0052]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the mattress prop of  FIG. 10  in a second, erected, configuration. 
           [0053]      FIG. 11A  is a plan view of the underside of a mattress with four of the mattress pumps of  FIGS. 10 and 11  located thereunder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0054]    Reference will now be made to  FIG. 1 , which is a plan view of the underside of a mattress  2  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Spanning across the width of the underside of the mattress are two spaced apart flexible handling members in the form of straps  4   a  and  4   b . The straps are typically made of a strong woven fabric, for example the type of woven material that is used to make vehicle seat belts. 
         [0055]    Medial portions  7   a ,  7   b  of each of the straps are fastened to the underside of the mattress with a hook-and-loop fastening system such as Velcro. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the ends of each of the straps  4   a  and  4   b  are portions for grasping by hand. More particularly, they are formed as loops  8  which comprise handles. Each loop  8  is made simply by folding ends of each of the straps back upon themselves and then stitching them in place as shown in region  10 , to thereby form the loop. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  shows the underside of the mattress  2  with a fitted sheet  9  installed thereon. It will be noted that the portions  7   a ,  7   b  of each strap that are fastened to the underside of the mattress do not extend to the edge of the mattress but rather terminate sufficiently inward from the mattress edge so that they do not interfere with fitted sheet  9 . 
         [0058]    Since the straps  4   a ,  4   b  and loops  8  are flexible they can be easily tucked into, or pulled out from, fitted sheet  9  without having to remove the fitted sheet from the mattress. Alternatively, they can be simply folded back under the mattress. 
         [0059]    It is preferable that each of the straps be placed underneath the mattress a minimum of 200 mm in from the sides and 300 mm to 400 mm from the head and foot ends of the mattress. If the straps are attached closer to the head end of the mattress then they are likely to be difficult to use as they may be obstructed by bedside tables and the like. 
         [0060]    Furthermore, it is also preferable that a continuous length of fabric be used for each strap which spans the underside of the mattress and terminates in loops or other types of handle at either end. In a variation of the invention shown in  FIG. 4A  of the invention four distinct straps  7   x ,  7   y ,  7   z  and  7   w  are used, each attached near a corner of the underside of the mattress. However, such an arrangement is more likely to damage the mattress as the lifting load is not as well distributed as it is by using continuous straps  7 A,  7 B (of  FIG. 4 ) that span the underside of the mattress. 
         [0061]    It is also possible, in another variation of the invention, for the straps to be orientated so that they span from the head to the foot of the mattress, rather than from side to side. However, while such an arrangement is possible, having an end of the straps at the head is likely to be inconvenient since the head of a bed is usually placed against a wall or bedhead so that access to the loops of the straps may be obstructed. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , there is shown an exploded side view, which is not necessarily drawn to scale, of the mattress, base and strap wherein the two parts of the hook and loop fastening system  11   a  and  11   b , which respectively are attached to the strap and to the mattress can be seen. 
         [0063]    It is not necessary that the straps be attached to the underside of the mattress all the way across the underside.  FIG. 4C  shows a variation wherein distinct patches of the hook and loop fastening system are used. Furthermore, while a hook and loop fastening system is preferred the straps could be sewn or glued directly to the mattress. 
         [0064]    A mattress prop according to a preferred embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 10 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mattress prop  12  comprise opposed members in the form of a mattress support member comprising mattress plate  14  and a base abutment member comprising a base plate  18  (best seen in  FIG. 6 ). The plates  14  and  18  are joined at one end by a pivot  16 , which allows the plates to swing away and toward each other from a collapsed configuration, shown in  FIG. 5  to an erected configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0066]    Mattress plate  14  is formed with sides  28  along each of which an elongate slot  22  is formed therethrough. The slot  22  captures the head  24  of a pin about which one end of a spacer member  30  pivots. An opposite end of the spacer member  30  is connected, by pivot  20  to sides  19  of the base plate  18  at a distance from pivot  16 . 
         [0067]    The base plate  18  is formed with upright sides  19  into each of which there is formed a slot  32  for receiving the pin heads  24  when the mattress prop  12  is in the collapsed configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0068]    At one end of the slot  22 , remote from pivot  16 , the slot terminates in a right angled bend which acts as a retaining formation or detent  26 . The detent  26  receives and captures the pin  24 , and so the spacer member  30 , in the erected configuration of the prop which is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in use a leading edge of the mattress plate  14  of the prop  12  supports the underside of the mattress  2 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , not only does the mattress plate  14  support the underside of the mattress  2  but it is also attached to the underside of mattress  2  by a hook and loop fastening system  33  (such as Velcro®) wherein a first part of the fastening system is glued to the plate  14  and a second part of the fastening system is sewn, glued or otherwise attached to the underside of the mattress  2 . 
         [0070]    In use, a person wishing to change the bed linen lifts the mattress  2  and so brings plate  14  of mattress prop  12  upward. Alternatively, if the hook and loop system  33  is not used the person could instead lift the leading end of the mattress plate  14 . Consequently, the mattress plate  14  swings up around pivot  16 . As it does so the spacer member  30  swings about pivot  20  and the pin head  24  slides along slot  22  until it is captured by detent  26  thereby coming to the erected position shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0071]    In the erected configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8  the person is able to easily remove and refit the bed linen since the mattress  2  is held spaced apart from the base  34  as shown. It is preferable that one of the props  12  be used at each of the four corners of the mattress. 
         [0072]    Once the bed linen has been changed the person then raises mattress  2  (or raises the leading edge of mattress plate  14  and so also the mattress  2 ) so that the pin head  24  falls out from the detent  26  and is able to slide back along slot  22  as the prop  12  resumes the collapsed configuration illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0073]    Although it is not essential, preferably the mattress prop  12  is used in conjunction with a mattress that has straps and is as of the type explained in  FIGS. 1 to 4 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 9  is a sideview of a portion of a mattress  2  fitted with strap  4  and mattress prop  12 . The upper edge of mattress plate  14  in this embodiment is riveted to strap  4  by means of a rivet  35 , although other attachment means may also be employed. Consequently, lifting one end of the strap also causes the adjacent mattress plate  14  of prop  12  to rise so that the erected configuration shown in  FIG. 9  is achieved. 
         [0075]      FIG. 9A  shows the underside of a mattress where four of the props  12   a  . . .  12   b  have been disposed towards each of the corners of the mattress and fastened to the lifting straps  4   a ,  4   b  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is depicted an alternative embodiment of a mattress prop being an inflatable bladder  36 . The inflatable bladder is made of a tough, resilient and deformable material such as a suitable plastic envelope and is connected to a fluid pump  38 , e.g. an air pump, by a hose  40 . 
         [0077]    The pump  38  may be motor or foot driven.  FIG. 11A  shows the preferred situation where four of the mattress pumps  36   a  to  36   d  are used, each toward or at a corner of the underside of the mattress  2 . 
         [0078]    As shown in  FIG. 11A , the props are preferably all connected by their hoses  40   a  to  40   d  to a common pump  38 . 
         [0079]    In use, an operator starts the pump  38  to cause inflation of the bladders  36   a  to  36   c  so that the mattress  2  rises from the base  34  to a suitable height wherein the sheet over the mattress can be readily changed. Once the bed linen has been changed the bladder is allowed to deflate, for example by disconnecting hoses  40   a  to  40   d  from the pump or by turning off the pump  38 . 
         [0080]    In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. 
         [0081]    The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. 
         [0082]    It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. 
         [0083]    The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 
         [0084]    Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term “substantially” or “about” will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. 
         [0085]    Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.