Patent Publication Number: US-2023143747-A1

Title: Bedmaking tools and methods of making and using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/277,699 filed on Nov. 10, 2021 entitled “BEDMAKING TOOLS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME,” the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to bed-making tools, and the use of bedmaking tools to make a bed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bed mattresses are cumbersome to work with, heavy, awkward, and many times a source for potential back strain and other injury. Some people are not physically capable of moving and maneuvering bed mattresses due to their size and weight. 
     There is a need in the art for tools that can assist a person moving and/or maneuvering a bed mattress. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to bed-making tools. In some embodiments of the present invention, the bedmaking tool comprises: a tool body having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body comprising (a) a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end, (b) a tool handle (or cantilever arm) at a second end opposite said first end, (c) a heel positioned between said wedge portion and said tool handle, said heel comprising a heel surface portion having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface of said bedmaking tool, (d) a front major surface extending from said tool front edge towards said second end, (e) a bottom surface extending from said tool front edge to said heel surface portion, and (f) said rear major surface extending from said heel surface portion towards the second end, wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end to said second end along said bottom surface and said rear major surface, and (2) said front major surface forms (i) a first acute angle A with said bottom surface along said wedge portion of said tool body, and (ii) a second acute angle B with said bottom surface along said tool handle of said tool body. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the bedmaking tool comprises: a tool body having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body comprising (a) a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end, (b) a tool handle (or cantilever arm) at a second end opposite said first end, (c) a heel positioned between said wedge portion and said tool handle, said heel comprising a heel surface portion having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface of said bedmaking tool, (d) a front major surface extending from said tool front edge towards said second end, (e) a bottom surface extending from said tool front edge to said heel surface portion, and (f) said rear major surface extending from said heel surface portion towards the second end, wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end to said second end along said bottom surface and said rear major surface, and (2) said tool body comprises an I-beam type construction comprising (a) a front I-beam member providing said front major surface, (b) a rear I-beam member providing said bottom surface and said rear major surface, and (c) an intermediate I-beam connecting member extending between said front I-beam member and said rear I-beam member, said front I-beam member being a distance d from said rear I-beam member along said overall length L 0  of said tool body. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the bedmaking tool comprises: a tool body having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body comprising (a) a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end, (b) a tool handle (or cantilever arm) at a second end opposite said first end, (c) a heel positioned between said wedge portion and said tool handle, said heel comprising a heel surface portion having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface of said bedmaking tool, (d) a front major surface extending from said tool front edge towards said second end, (e) a bottom surface extending from said tool front edge to said heel surface portion, and (f) said rear major surface extending from said heel surface portion towards the second end, wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end to said second end along said bottom surface and said rear major surface, and (2) said front major surface comprises (i) a substantially flat portion extending from said tool front edge, (ii) a first concave curvature portion extending from said substantially flat portion towards said second end, and (iii) a first convex curvature portion extending between said first concave curvature portion and said second end. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the bedmaking tool comprises: a tool body having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body comprising (a) a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end, (b) a tool handle (or cantilever arm) at a second end opposite said first end, (c) a heel positioned between said wedge portion and said tool handle, said heel comprising a heel surface portion having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface of said bedmaking tool, (d) a front major surface extending from said tool front edge towards said second end, (e) a bottom surface extending from said tool front edge to said heel surface portion, and (f) said rear major surface extending from said heel surface portion towards the second end, wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end to said second end along said bottom surface and said rear major surface, and (2) said front major surface comprises (i) a substantially flat portion extending from said tool front edge, (ii) a first concave curvature portion extending from said substantially flat portion towards said second end, (iii) a first convex curvature portion extending between said first concave curvature portion and said second end, and (iv) a second concave curvature portion extending between said first convex curvature portion and said second end. 
     The present invention is also directed to methods of making bed-making tools. In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of making a bed-making tool comprises: forming a tool body having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , the tool body comprising (a) a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end, (b) a tool handle (or cantilever arm) at a second end opposite the first end, (c) a heel positioned between the wedge portion and the tool handle, the heel comprising a heel surface portion having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface of the bedmaking tool, (d) a front major surface extending from the tool front edge towards the second end, (e) a bottom surface extending from the tool front edge to the heel surface portion, and (f) the rear major surface extending from the heel surface portion towards the second end, wherein the overall length L 0  comprises a distance from the first end to the second end along the bottom surface and the rear major surface, said forming step comprising at least one of: a thermoforming step, a machining step, a molding step, and an extrusion step. 
     The present invention is further directed to methods of using bed-making tools. In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of using a bed-making tool comprises: inserting a wedge portion comprising a tool front edge (or nose) at a first end of the bed-making tool between a mattress and a box spring; and at least one of: positioning a sheet between the mattress and the box spring using the wedge portion of the bed-making tool, lifting the mattress by pushing down on a tool handle (or cantilever arm) of the bed-making tool, and moving the mattress relative to the box spring using the bed-making tool. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary bed-making tool of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  1    as viewed from a lower side of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a left-side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a right-side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary bed-making tool along view  4 A- 4 A shown in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of another exemplary bed-making tool of the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a left-side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a top view of an exemplary mattress and sheet assembly; 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a front edge of the exemplary bed-making tool under a mattress; 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a lower portion of the exemplary bed-making tool under and lifting a mattress; 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a lower portion of the exemplary bed-making tool under and lifting a mattress, and a sheet positioned over the mattress; 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a sheet portion extending under the mattress between the mattress and a lower portion of the exemplary bed-making tool; 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a front edge of the exemplary bed-making tool guiding a sheet along an upper surface of a mattress; and 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of the exemplary bed-making tool shown in  FIG.  5    in a use position with a front edge of the exemplary bed-making tool guiding a sheet along a side surface of a mattress and under the mattress. 
     
    
    
     The features of the present bed-making tool and methods are set forth in part in the following preferred embodiments. This overview is intended to provide nonlimiting descriptions of the present subject matter and is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation. The preferred embodiments below provide further information about the bed-making tools and methods of the present invention as described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to bedmaking tools. The bedmaking tools can be used to assist someone in dressing, making, moving, handling, and/or preparing a bed that utilizes industry standard mattresses, such as a mattress with box springs. Exemplary bedmaking tools are shown, for example, in  FIGS.  1  and  5   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , exemplary bedmaking tool  10  comprises: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , and an overall thickness T 0 . Exemplary tool body  11  comprises (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (also referred to herein as nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  ((also referred to herein as cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite the first end  14 , and (c) a heel  17  positioned between the wedge portion  12  and the tool handle  15 , wherein the heel  17  (i) comprises a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and (ii) represents a portion of a rear major surface  19  of the bedmaking tool  10 . The tool body  11  further comprises (d) a front major surface  20  extending from the tool front edge  13  towards the second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from the tool front edge  13  to the heel surface portion  18 , and (f) the rear major surface  19  extending from the heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein the front major surface  20  forms (i) a first acute angle A with the bottom surface  21  along the wedge portion  12  of the tool body  11  (see, for example,  FIG.  3   ), and (ii) a second acute angle B with the bottom surface  21  along the tool handle  15  of the tool body  11  (see again, for example,  FIG.  3   ). 
     Another exemplary bedmaking tool  10  is shown in  FIGS.  5 - 7   . In this embodiment, exemplary bedmaking tool  10  also comprises: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and the other features discussed above. In this embodiment, the front major surface  20  again forms (i) a first acute angle A with the bottom surface  21  along the wedge portion  12  of the tool body  11  (see, for example,  FIG.  6   ), and (ii) a second acute angle B with the bottom surface  21  along the tool handle  15  of the tool body  11  (see again, for example,  FIG.  6   ). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4 ,  5 - 7 , and  9 - 14   , the bedmaking tool  10  may include a cantilever arm  15  with a progressively curved fixed angled wedge portion  12 . Along the rear major surface  19  of the bedmaking tool  10  is a concave curvature, which provides clearance for the tool  10  to lock a mattress  50  into place once engaged. The tool handle portion  15  of the cantilever arm  15  provides a non-slip grip for operational use, and may comprise a hole  22  where a cord (not shown) could be inserted to allow for hanging and storing. 
     The designed profile of the bedmaking tools  10  provides a number of advantages. The bedmaking tools  10  may comprise a solid profile, a hollow shell profile, or as shown in the figures, an “I-Beam” like cavity appearance, which provides manufacturing advantages and efficiencies, as well as structural and mechanical advantages over some other methods. For example, by manufacturing with cavities, the method provides injection molding advantages for releasing from molds as well as better control over wall thicknesses, and structural integrities. 
     As discussed herein, the present invention is directed to a cosmetically, visually pleasing home utility bedmaking tool  10  that assists a user in various aspects of making a bed and maneuvering a mattress. The bedmaking tool  10  of the present invention provides at least the following ways of helping with a mattress: 
     1. Handling of a Mattress 
     Method steps of shifting, lifting, and prying are necessary to make the chore of working with a mattress more manageable and less of a safety risk. For example, the step of aligning a mattress with its matching box spring underneath requires, at a minimum, shifting the mattress, and in some cases lifting the mattress. In addition, mattress makers prefer that a mattress be rotated and flipped often to prevent wear, settlement, and fatigue in the engineered materials of the mattress, and to refresh the mattress and provide a better sleeping experience for the user. 
     Many users find it difficult to initiate these endeavors due to the low height of the mattress to the ground, its proximity to the box spring, and the distance required to get underneath the mattress to initiate a better lift angle. To assist in these endeavors and potentially prevent further back strain, the bedmaking tools  10  of the present invention provide the ability to shift a bed mattress more easily (i.e., as shown, for example, in  FIG.  9   ), and at least partially lift the mattress (i.e., as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  10 - 11   ). It also provides enough lift (IMAGE 5) to allow a user to get underneath the mattress and get a better strong hold when rotating out and/or attempting to flip a mattress (see, again,  FIG.  10   ). 
     2. Installation of Fitted Sheets 
     Making a bed (i.e., working with sheets) and putting fitted sheets on mattresses (see FIG.  8 ) can be a source of frustration and prove to be difficult to nearly impossible if the sheets that are being installed are not sized correctly for the mattress that is being dressed. Consumer purchased sheets do not always hold to the same tolerance guidelines (nor do mattress makers), and so there is an obvious opportunity for variance and installation ease or difficulty. With various methods of designing a mattress to provide market advantages, as well as the result of engineered intent, mattress thicknesses often widely vary. This alone results in most sheeting to fit differently between beds. However, even if a sheet fits correctly, working with a mattress and fitted sheets still present challenges. Some of the challenges to consider, regardless of whether the sheet is a proper fit or not, are as follows: 
     a. there may be external objects and items in the way of the corner or side of the mattress, which proves to make the chore difficult to complete; 
     b. headboards, as well as footboards, may be tight to a mattress and may prove difficult to work within; 
     c. mattress may be too heavy to maneuver for the person whether it be due to age, injury, physical limitations, or any combination thereof; and 
     d. the experience of pulling even correctly fitted sheets over the mattress can be made even easier. 
     In order to solve this issue, a user must get the corner (often last corner) of the fitted sheet over their mattress and hope that they have done a good enough job so that it does not release from the corner once the person gets into the bed. The disclosed bedmaking tools  10  solve this problem by allowing the user to lift and lock up a corner (see  FIG.  12   ) of the mattress and shortening the corner-to-corner distance (036) (see  FIG.  8   ), allowing for further reach of the fitted sheet to the mattress. If the mattress diagonal corner to diagonal corner distance is X when it is in a flat state (037), by lifting and bending a corner with the tool, it naturally brings the corner to a shorter distance &lt;X (036). By doing this, it allows more fitted sheeting material to reach further into the mattress and creates a more accessible (due to it being raised to a more manageable height and away from interferences) and attainable environment for a successful sheet installation. The device locks the mattress up, freeing the hands to work with the sheets. As shown in the illustration the moment occurs at (024 &amp; 025), caused by the force of mattress weight (027) (see  FIG.  10   ). 
     3. Adjusting Bed Skirting 
     In the same way that the bedmaking tool lifts a mattress corner, making it more accessible, the bedmaking tool can also be installed and used in the middle of a mattress, allowing the user to lift the entire side of the mattress to work with and adjust decorative bed skirting. It is often difficult, as stated above, to work with the weight of a mattress. Often with bed skirting, lifting is required in order to make proper adjustments for a good cosmetically appealing dress. The bedmaking tools of the present invention provide an accessible way to pry or even lift and lock up the mattress to provide access to the open edge of the bed. As mentioned before, the bedmaking tool locks the mattress up (i.e., in a lifted position as shown, for example, in  FIGS.  10 - 11   ), freeing the user&#39;s hands to work with the bed skirting. 
     4. Adjustment of Sheet Tensioners 
     Various tension bands are used in the industry to help hold corners of fitted sheets. When using these tension bands, it is cumbersome to work with and adjust to get the correct positioning and tension adjusted without having to maneuver and lift and adjust the mattress (i.e., in a similar manner when lifting the corner of the mattress to install a fitted sheet). One can use the bedmaking tool of the present invention to lift each corner of the mattress and install sheet tensioners. The bedmaking tool of the present invention makes relatively easy work for adjusting and installing fitted sheet corners with these tension bands. Allowing for an “under the hood” approach to working with adjustments and correcting. 
     5. Tucking the Perimeter of the Bed Sheets 
     For those who suffer from back injuries or choose to be preventative in these matters, there are further challenges in tucking the hanging tail of the loose bed sheet and the fitted sheet into the perimeter of the bed. This requires one to bend over, putting undue strain on one&#39;s back and working the sheets between the mattress and the box spring, tucking in the perimeter tail of these sheets. Often it is required that one has to lift the mattress to get the sheet neatly tucked between the two. With the bedmaking tool of the present invention, a user can do this while still standing upright. 
     6. Quick Flipping the Corners 
     The bedmaking tools  10  of the present invention enable a quick installation method for getting tight fitted sheets over the corner of a bed mattress either to quickly make a bed or the initial step of getting extremely tight sheets over the mattress to then be lifted and then adjusted with the corner lift method. The bedmaking tool  10  of the present invention provides a quick and leveraged way of working with an aggravating tight corner and flipping the sheet over the edge of this corner as shown in  FIGS.  13 - 14   . 
     The bedmaking tools  10  of the present invention may further comprise one or more of the features shown in  FIGS.  1 - 14   , and described below. 
     eye  22  for hanging bedmaking tool  10  on, for example, a nail head; 
     a handle butt  23  for reducing the tendency for the users&#39; hand to slip; 
     the ability to stand upright and not fall over when left on a floor (or another flat surface); 
     a gripping portion  15 ′ along the tool handle  15 ; 
     a rear surface  19  having a locking curvature that allows the tool  10  to past below a horizontal plane  32  as shown in  FIGS.  10 - 11   ; 
     heel  17  that provides a pivot radius upon which the levering action rolls and pivots. This heel rolls on the box spring and allows the mattress to be moved upward by a cam-like action. It&#39;s radius size, for example, of about 2.0 inches (in) or greater, makes for a gradual transition for smooth rotation. 
     tool may, for example, have an overall height H 0  of about  20  in, which allows for proper leverage; 
     the distance from (i) a pivot point on the heel  17  and (ii) a point where the user&#39;s hand holds tool handle  15  provides leverage so the weight of the mattress  36  is reduced; 
     a first angle A of about 15°, which enables the tool  10  to (i) easily slide in between mattress  36  and box spring  37 , (ii) start the mattress  36  lifting sequence, and (iii) tightly tuck a sheet  35  in between the mattress  36  and box spring  37 ; 
     a front edge or nose  13  of wedge portion  12  is sized and designed to (i) be inserted in between the mattress  36  and box spring  37 , (ii) support a mattress  36  once locked upward, (iii) not be too sharp of an edge (i.e., to puncture or cut a sheet  35  or mattress  36 ), but still have enough edge to perform a suitable sheet tucking function; 
     a front edge or nose  13  of wedge portion  12  having a nose radius of about 3/16 in; and 
     a “stop” location  24  along wedge portion  12  for the tucking of the wedge portion  12  under a mattress  36 . 
     The bedmaking tools  10  of the present invention may be used in one or more steps as shown in  FIGS.  8 - 14   , and described below. 
     Tucking Function 
     arrow  33  shown in  FIGS.  9  and  12    shows the driving force performed by a user&#39;s knee or leg  34  during the tucking of sheet  35  under mattress  36  (i.e., between mattress  36  and box spring  37 ); 
     wedge portion  12  has a length that enables (i) penetration between the mattress  36  and box spring  37 , and (ii) pushing of excess sheet  35  under the mattress  36 ; 
     pushing the tool  10  up to shoulder  24  along wedge portion  12  provides enough length to perform an efficient “tuck” and creates a stopping point  11  for mattress  36  along tool  10 . 
     Insertion of the Tool for Tucking and Initial Lifting Steps 
     arrow  38  shown in  FIG.  9    shows a pull direction of the handle  15  once the tool  10  has been properly inserted to stopping point  11  for mattress  36  along tool  10  to (i) start a mattress  36  lift, or to be used for shifting the mattress  36 ; 
     arrow  33  shown in  FIGS.  9  and  12    shows the driving force performed by a user&#39;s knee or leg  34  during the tucking of sheet  35  under mattress  36  (i.e., between mattress  36  and box spring  37 ); 
     wedged space  39  shown in  FIG.  9    is created by tool  10 , and represents the location where tucking takes place; 
     for lifting, lever force shown arrow  38  is included to lift the mattress  36  with the tool  10 . 
     Lifting Rotation Moment 
     arrow  40  shown in  FIG.  10    shows the motion that lifts mattress  36 , using the radiused heel  17  as a rolling pivot; 
     arrow  41  shown in  FIG.  10    shows the counter-moment in which the weight of the mattress  36  exerts down and causes the tool handle  15  to push down into the box spring  37 , “locking” the tool  10  into place and keeps the mattress  36  up; 
     in some embodiments, a distance D P  from (i) the front edge or nose  13  of wedge portion  12  to (ii) a pivot point p P  along a portion of rear major surface  19  along heel  17  is approximately 9.0 in; 
     Other Details of Operation Shown in the Figures 
     a foot  46  of the tool  10 , which comprises wedge portion  12  and heel  17 , is shown in  FIG.  11   , and includes the anatomy of the tool  10  to the right of the break line  45 ; 
     break line  45  is a plane in which the edge/tip  13  of the wedge portion  12  is in line or to the left of the heel  17 ; 
     stopping point  47  is where box spring  37  meets curved neck  15  of tool  10 ; 
     tool  10  desirably has enough curve in the tool handle  15  area (i.e., along rear major surface  19 ) to allow enough swing angle for the wedge portion  12  and its supporting nose or front edge  13  to clear the break line  45  so that a desired rotational moment occurs to keep the tool  10  under the mattress  36  and locked down; 
     in some embodiments, if the nose or front edge  13  is to the right of the break line  45 , the tool  10  is pushed out from the mattress  36  and does not stay up on its own; 
     horizontal break line  32  for tool handle  15  is shown in  FIG.  11   , and desirably tool handle  15  passes through horizontal break line  32  to allow for a full rotation so that tool handle  15  is near or below the horizontal break line  32  when it is in a locked state; 
       FIG.  11    shows fitted sheet  35  being applied over a corner of mattress  36  with corner  48  of the fitted sheet  35  to be pulled over the corner of the mattress  36  once the corner of the mattress  36  is up and locked; 
     sitting point  49  shown in  FIG.  11    is where nose or front edge  13  meets mattress  36 , and desirably, at this point, mattress  36  can envelope the nose or front edge  13  and keep the tool  10  in place securely; 
       FIG.  8    shows mattress  36  with fitted sheet  35  being installed thereon, with distance D 1  showing the distance that fitted sheet  35  extends once positioned using tool  10 , and distance D R  represents a length of a partially installed fitted sheet  35  in a relaxed state during normal installation circumstances 
       FIGS.  13 - 14    show a quick corner flip sheet installation, wherein pulling moment  50  is used to flip a corner  48  of the fitted sheet  35  over the corner  51  of the mattress  36  (as shown in  FIG.  13   ), with sheet material take-up  58  represent sheet material  35  that tool  10  will position past a pinch point  59 ; 
     pinch point  59  is the “hinge” or “pinch” point at which the nose or front edge  13  of tool  13  will pivot into the mattress  36  (i.e., along corner  51  of mattress  36 ); and 
     the elastic portion of fitted sheet  35  will snap and spring over the heel  17  of the tool  10  and be diverted to the lowest point on the corner  48  that the sheet material take-up  58  will allow, which is referred to herein as “shooting the corner,” namely, the tension in the elastic will slide off the heel  17  and spring down the side of the mattress  36 . 
     Additional Embodiments 
     Bedmaking Tools 
     
         
         1. A bedmaking tool  10  comprising: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body  11  comprising (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite said first end  14 , (c) a heel  17  positioned between said wedge portion  12  and said tool handle  15 , said heel  17  comprising a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface  19  of said bedmaking tool  10 , (d) a front major surface  20  extending from said tool front edge  13  towards said second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from said tool front edge  12  to said heel surface portion  18 , and (f) said rear major surface  19  extending from said heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end  14  to said second end  16  along said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (2)(i) a first portion  20 ′ of said front major surface  20  forms a first acute angle A with said bottom surface  21  along said wedge portion  12  of said tool body  11 , and (ii) a second portion  20 ″ of said front major surface  20  forms a second acute angle B with said bottom surface  21  along said tool handle  15  of said tool body  11 . See, for example,  FIG.  3   . 
         2. A bedmaking tool  10  comprising: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body  11  comprising (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite said first end  14 , (c) a heel  17  positioned between said wedge portion  12  and said tool handle  15 , said heel  17  comprising a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface  19  of said bedmaking tool  10 , (d) a front major surface  20  extending from said tool front edge  13  towards said second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from said tool front edge  12  to said heel surface portion  18 , and (f) said rear major surface  19  extending from said heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end  14  to said second end  16  along said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (2) said tool body  11  comprises an I-beam type construction comprising (a) a front I-beam member  20 I providing said front major surface  20 , (b) a rear I-beam member  19 I providing said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (c) an intermediate I-beam connecting member  27  extending between said front I-beam member  20 I and said rear I-beam member  19 I, said front I-beam member  20 I being a distance d from said rear I-beam member  19 I along said overall length L 0  of said tool body  11 . See, for example,  FIGS.  4 - 4 A . 
         3. A bedmaking tool  10  comprising: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body  11  comprising (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite said first end  14 , (c) a heel  17  positioned between said wedge portion  12  and said tool handle  15 , said heel  17  comprising a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface  19  of said bedmaking tool  10 , (d) a front major surface  20  extending from said tool front edge  13  towards said second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from said tool front edge  12  to said heel surface portion  18 , and (f) said rear major surface  19  extending from said heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end  14  to said second end  16  along said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (2) said front major surface  16  comprises (i) a substantially flat portion  20 ′ extending from said tool front edge  12 , (ii) a first concave curvature portion  24  extending from said substantially flat portion  20 ′ towards said second end  15 , and (iii) a first convex curvature portion  25  extending between said first concave curvature portion  24  and said second end  15 . See, for example,  FIG.  6   . 
         4. A bedmaking tool  10  comprising: a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , said tool body  11  comprising (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite said first end  14 , (c) a heel  17  positioned between said wedge portion  12  and said tool handle  15 , said heel  17  comprising a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface  19  of said bedmaking tool  10 , (d) a front major surface  20  extending from said tool front edge  13  towards said second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from said tool front edge  12  to said heel surface portion  18 , and (f) said rear major surface  19  extending from said heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein (1) said overall length L 0  comprises a distance from said first end  14  to said second end  16  along said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (2) said front major surface  16  comprises (i) a substantially flat portion  20 ′ extending from said tool front edge  12 , (ii) a first concave curvature portion  24  extending from said substantially flat portion  20 ′ towards said second end  15 , (iii) a first convex curvature portion  25  extending between said first concave curvature portion  24  and said second end  15 , and (iv) a second concave curvature portion  26  extending between said first convex curvature portion  25  and said second end  15 . See, for example,  FIG.  4   . 
         5. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein (i) a first portion  20 ′ of said front major surface  20  forms a first acute angle A with said bottom surface  21  along said wedge portion  12  of said tool body  11 , and (ii) a second portion  20 ″ of said front major surface  20  forms a second acute angle B with said bottom surface  21  along said tool handle  15  of said tool body  11 . 
         6. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 and 3 to 4, wherein said tool body  11  comprises an I-beam type construction comprising (a) a front I-beam member  20 I providing said front major surface  20 , (b) a rear I-beam member  19 I providing said bottom surface  21  and said rear major surface  19 , and (c) an intermediate I-beam connecting member  27  extending between said front I-beam member  20 I and said rear I-beam member  19 I, said front I-beam member  20 I being a distanced from said rear I-beam member  19 I along said overall length L 0  of said tool body  11 . 
         7. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 2 and 5 to 6, wherein said front major surface  16  comprises (i) a substantially flat portion  20 ′ extending from said tool front edge  12 , (ii) a first concave curvature portion  24  extending from said substantially flat portion  20 ′ towards said second end  15 , and (iii) a first convex curvature portion  25  extending between said first concave curvature portion  24  and said second end  15 . See, for example,  FIG.  6   . 
         8. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 2 and 5 to 7, wherein said front major surface  16  comprises (i) a substantially flat portion  20 ′ extending from said tool front edge  12 , (ii) a first concave curvature portion  24  extending from said substantially flat portion  20 ′ towards said second end  15 , (iii) a first convex curvature portion  25  extending between said first concave curvature portion  24  and said second end  15 , and (iv) a second concave curvature portion  26  extending between said first convex curvature portion  25  and said second end  15 . See, for example,  FIG.  4   . 
         9. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 and 5 to 8, wherein first acute angle A is less than about 45°, and second acute angle B is greater than about 45° up to about 90°. 
         10. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 and 5 to 9, wherein first acute angle A is from about 10° to about 30°, and second acute angle B is from about 60° to about 90°. 
         11. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 and 5 to 10, wherein first acute angle A is about 15°, and second acute angle B is about 80°. 
         12. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein a third portion  20 ′″ of said front major surface  20  forms a first obtuse angle C with said bottom surface  21  along said tool handle  15  of said tool body  11 . See, for example,  FIG.  3   . 
         13. The bedmaking tool  10  of embodiment 12, wherein said first obtuse angle C ranges from greater than about 90° to about 120°. 
         14. The bedmaking tool  10  of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein said first obtuse angle C ranges from about 95° to about 110°. 
         15. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 12 to 14, wherein said first obtuse angle C is about 100°. 
         16. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein a fourth portion  20 ′′ of said front major surface  20  forms a second acute angle D with said bottom surface  21  along said tool handle  15  of said tool body  11 . See, for example,  FIG.  3   . 
         17. The bedmaking tool  10  of embodiment 16, wherein said second acute angle D ranges from greater than about 45° to less than about 90°. 
         18. The bedmaking tool  10  of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein said second acute angle D ranges from about 55° to about 80°. 
         19. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein said second acute angle D is about 60°. 
         20. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein said tool body  11  comprises a solid construction with negligible or no voids within said tool body  11 . 
         21. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein said tool body  11  comprises at least one void or hollow portion within said tool body  11 . 
         22. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 2 and 6 to 21, wherein said distance d varies from about 0 at said tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) up to about 3.0 inches (in) along said overall length L 0  of said tool body  11 . It should be noted that distance d can be any length greater than 0 up to 3.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, e.g., about 2.2 in, or any range of values between 0 and 3.0 in, in increments of 0.1 in, e.g., from about 0.1 in to about 2.8 in. 
         23. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 2 and 6 to 22, wherein said distance d varies from about 0 at said tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) up to about 2.0 in along said overall length L 0  of said tool body  11 . 
         24. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein said overall height H 0  ranges from about 6.0 in to about 48.0 in, said overall width W 0  ranges from about 1.0 in to about 6.0 in, said overall thickness T 0  ranges from about 0.2 in to about 4.0 in, and said overall length L 0  ranges from about 9.0 in to about 60.0 in. 
         25. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein said overall height H 0  ranges from about 12.0 in to about 30.0 in, said overall width W 0  ranges from about 1.5 in to about 4.0 in, said overall thickness T 0  ranges from about 0.3 in to about 3.5 in, and said overall length L 0  ranges from about 18.0 in to about 45.0 in. 
         26. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein said overall height H 0  is about 24.0 in, said overall width W 0  ranges from about 1.5 in to about 3.0 in, said overall thickness T 0  ranges from about 0.3 in to about 3.2 in, and said overall length L 0  is about 21.0 in. 
         27. The bedmaking tool 10 of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein said overall width W 0  remains substantially constant along said tool body  11 . 
         28. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein said overall width W 0  varies along said tool body  11 . 
         29. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 26 and 28, wherein said overall width W 0  (i) remains substantially constant along said wedge portion  12  and said heel  17 , and (ii) decreases along said overall length L 0  from said heel  17  to said first end  14 . 
         30. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein said overall thickness T 0  varies along said tool body  11 . 
         31. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein said overall thickness T 0  is greatest along said heel  17  of said tool body  11 . 
         32. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein said overall thickness T 0  gradually increases along said wedge portion  12 , reaches a greatest thickness along said heel  17 , and decreases along at least a portion of said overall length L 0  from said heel  17  to said first end  14 . 
         33. The bedmaking tool  10  of embodiment 32, wherein said overall thickness T 0  remains substantially constant along at least a portion of said overall length L 0  from said heel  17  to said first end  14 . 
         34. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein said bedmaking tool  10  stands upright on a flat surface via said bottom surface  21 . 
         35. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 34, further comprising a hole  22  extending through said tool body  11  at second end  16 , said hole  22  being sized to accept a cord or string (not shown) that enables said bedmaking tool  10  to be stored on a nail (or similar item)(not shown). 
         36. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein said tool body  11  comprises one or more materials selected from a polymer, a metal, a ceramic, a cellulosic material (e.g., wood), a foam material, or any combination thereof. 
         37. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein said tool body  11  comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer. It should be understood that any polymer may be used to form the bedmaking tool  10  as long as the resulting bedmaking tool  10  has a desired amount of stiffness, rigidity, and lifting capacity. 
         38. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein said tool body  11  comprises polypropylene. 
         39. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein said tool body  11  comprises fiber-reinforced polypropylene. It should be understood that any reinforcing fiber may be used including, but not limited to, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, etc., or any combination thereof. The fibers may be incorporated into the bedmaking tool  10  as individual fibers, unidirectional fibers, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knit fabric, or any combination thereof. 
         40. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein said tool body  11  comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
         41. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 37 and 40, wherein said tool body  11  comprises fiber-reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
         42. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 36 and 38, wherein said tool body  11  consists essentially of polypropylene. 
         43. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein said tool body  11  consists essentially of fibers and polypropylene. 
         44. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 36 and 40, wherein said tool body  11  consists essentially of polypropylene. 
         45. The bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 37 and 41, wherein said tool body  11  consists essentially of fibers and polypropylene. 
       
    
     Methods of Making Bedmaking Tools 
     
         
         46. A method of making the bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 45, said method comprising at least one of: a thermoforming step, a machining step, a molding step, and an extrusion step. 
         47. A method of making a bedmaking tool  10 , said method comprising: forming a tool body  11  having an overall height H 0 , an overall width W 0 , an overall thickness T 0 , and an overall length L 0 , the tool body  11  comprising (a) a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14 , (b) a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) at a second end  16  opposite the first end  14 , (c) a heel  17  positioned between the wedge portion  12  and the tool handle  15 , the heel  17  comprising a heel surface portion  18  having an arc of curvature thereon, and representing a portion of a rear major surface  19  of the bedmaking tool  10 , (d) a front major surface  20  extending from the tool front edge  13  towards the second end  16 , (e) a bottom surface  21  extending from the tool front edge  12  to the heel surface portion  18 , and (f) the rear major surface  19  extending from the heel surface portion  18  towards the second end  16 , wherein the overall length L 0  comprises a distance from the first end  14  to the second end  16  along the bottom surface  21  and the rear major surface  19 , said forming step comprising at least one of: a thermoforming step, a machining step, a molding step, and an extrusion step. 
         48. The method of embodiment 46 or 47, wherein said forming step comprises a thermoforming step or molding step. 
         49. The method of any one of embodiments 46 to 48, further comprising a hole-forming step, said hole-forming step being used to from a hole  22  through tool body  11  at second end  16 . 
         50. The method of any one of embodiments 46 to 49, further comprising any additional step, if any, needed to provide one or more features as described in embodiments 1 to 45. 
       
    
     Methods of Using Bedmaking Tools 
     
         
         51. A method of using the bedmaking tool  10  of any one of embodiments 1 to 45, said method comprising at least one of: inserting a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14  of the bed-making tool  10  between a mattress  36  and a box spring  37 ; and at least one of: positioning a sheet  35  between the mattress  36  and the box spring  37  using the wedge portion  12  of the bed-making tool  10 , lifting the mattress  36  by pushing down on a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) of the bed-making tool  10 , and moving the mattress  36  relative to the box spring  37  using the bed-making tool  10 . 
         52. A method of using a bed-making tool  10  comprises: inserting a wedge portion  12  comprising a tool front edge  13  (or nose  13 ) at a first end  14  of the bed-making tool  10  between a mattress  36  and a box spring  37 ; and at least one of: positioning a sheet  35  between the mattress  36  and the box spring  37  using the wedge portion  12  of the bed-making tool  10 , lifting the mattress  36  by pushing down on a tool handle  15  (or cantilever arm  15 ) of the bed-making tool  10 , and moving the mattress  36  relative to the box spring  37  using the bed-making tool  10 . 
       
    
     The present invention is described above and further illustrated below by way of examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Preparation of Bedmaking Tool 
     Exemplary bedmaking tools having one of more features (i) as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7    and/or (ii) as described in embodiments 1 to 45 above were prepared using conventional steps (e.g., one or more thermoforming steps, one or more machining steps, one or more 3D printing steps, one or more connection/assembly steps, one or more cutting steps, etc.). 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Use of a Bedmaking Tool 
     Bedmaking tools formed in Example 1 were used in methods of making beds and/or manipulating a sheet  35 , a mattress  36 , and/or a box spring  37  as shown in  FIGS.  8 - 14   . 
     It should be understood that although the above-described bedmaking tools, and/or methods are described as “comprising” one or more components or steps, the above-described bedmaking tools, and/or methods may “comprise,” “consists of,” or “consist essentially of” any of the above-described components, features, or steps of the bedmaking tools, and/or methods. Consequently, where the present invention, or a portion thereof, has been described with an open-ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description of the present invention, or the portion thereof, should also be interpreted to describe the present invention, or a portion thereof, using the terms “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” or variations thereof as discussed below. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains,” “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated otherwise, of the recited components. For example, a bedmaking tool, and/or method that “comprises” a list of elements (e.g., components, features, or steps) is not necessarily limited to only those elements (or components or steps), but may include other elements (or components or steps) not expressly listed or inherent to the bedmaking tool, and/or method. 
     As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists of” and “consisting of” exclude any element, step, or component not specified. For example, “consists of” or “consisting of” used in a claim would limit the claim to the components, materials or steps specifically recited in the claim except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith (i.e., impurities within a given component). When the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, the phrase “consists of” or “consisting of” limits only the elements (or components or steps) set forth in that clause; other elements (or components) are not excluded from the claim as a whole. 
     As used herein, the transitional phrases “consists essentially of” and “consisting essentially of” are used to define a bedmaking tool, and/or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of” occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of.” 
     Further, it should be understood that the herein-described bedmaking tools, and/or methods may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the herein-described components and features, as shown in the figures with or without any feature(s) not shown in the figures. In other words, in some embodiments, the bedmaking tools, and/or methods of the present invention do not have any additional features other than those shown in the figures, and such additional features, not shown in the figures, are specifically excluded from the bedmaking tools, and/or methods. In other embodiments, the bedmaking tools, and/or methods of the present invention do have one or more additional features that are not shown in the figures. 
     While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.