Patent Publication Number: US-10327562-B2

Title: Four-in-one mattress management system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/534,674, filed on Jun. 27, 2012, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/078,385, which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/772,572, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,331. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a four-in-one mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     A conventional bed includes a box spring or bottom mattress or platform, (hereinafter “foundation”) and a top mattress. Top mattresses are relatively heavy items. The weight of a mattress varies as a function of the coil core, the gauge of the coil and the type of material or foam material used. An average king size mattress weighs between 85 and 115 pounds. High end king size mattresses with latex or memory foam can weigh as much as 300 pounds (http:/www.mattressdirectonline.com). As such, various tasks associated with the bed can be relatively strenuous. 
     For example, hotel and motel chains as well as healthcare facilities which include hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities (hereinafter “commercial facilities”) are known to only use flat sheets in their facilities due to the lower cost of flat sheets relative to fitted sheets and the desire to maintain fewer items in their respective inventories. As such, in order to properly make the beds in such facilities with flat sheets, housekeeping personnel need to lift the top mattress, which can be quite heavy, as discussed above. More particularly, in such facilities beds are made with a top sheet and a bottom sheet and a blanket. Both the top sheet and the bottom sheets are flat sheets. 
     In order to properly make the bed, the top and bottom sheets are tucked in between the top mattress and the foundation. More specifically, the bottom sheet is placed on the bed so that an equal amount of the sheet hangs off each side of the bed and an equal amount of the sheet hangs off the head and foot regions of the bed. The excess is tucked in at the head and foot regions of the bed to form so called “hospital corners”. Next, the excess portions of the bottom sheet are tucked in next between the mattress and the box spring. The top sheet is then placed on top of the bottom sheet and placed and tucked in the same manner as the bottom sheet with hospital style corners except the head region is left open. In other words, only the foot and side portions of the top sheet are tucked between the mattress and the box spring. Next, a blanket is placed on the bed and may be tucked in the same manner as the top sheet. 
     In order to tuck the top and bottom sheets between the mattress and the box spring, the top mattress must normally be lifted. As mentioned above, mattresses can weigh up to 300 pounds. In order to make a bed, a housekeeping employee may need to lift a mattress up to ten (10) times per bed-four (4) times for the bottom sheet and three (3) times for the top sheet and the blanket. Assuming that each housekeeping employee in a hotel, motel or healthcare facility makes at least 20-30 beds in a single shift, each housekeeping employee would typically lift a mattress at least 150-200 times per shift. Since bed making is a daily chore, housekeeping employees probably lift mattresses 150-200 times per shift on a daily basis. 
     Such sustained and repetitive lifting leads to employees developing back problems, resulting in employees missing work or, in severe cases, being placed on disability. Measures have been taken to mitigate such health problems. For example, simply using fitted sheets for the lower sheet reduces the number of times the mattress is to be lifted by 40%. However, fitted sheets do not provide the “hospital corners” in the lower bed sheets that hospitals are known for. Moreover, even using fitted sheets for the bottom sheet still requires a housekeeping employee to lift mattresses at least 90-160 times per day using the example above. 
     The use of fitted sheets is not without its drawbacks. For example, fitted sheets cost more than flat sheets. Also, frequent washing of sheets in commercial facilities tends to wear out the elastic in fitted sheets. As such, fitted sheets used in such facilities need to be replaced in applications in commercial facilities more frequently than straight sheets. 
     Other tasks associated with the bed can also be relatively strenuous. These tasks include rotating the mattress, both with and without a bed skirt, and removing the mattress in order to replace a bed skirt. 
     Thus, there is a need to facilitate these tasks. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, the present invention relates to a four-in-one mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. The system includes an active mode and a passive mode. In an active mode, all four tasks mentioned above can be performed. A passive mode is selectable. In a passive mode, the mattress can be easily rotated in a horizontal plane. During that mode, the system may hold down a bed skirt if there is one present while the mattress is being rotated. In an active mode, the present invention facilitates bed making and thus increases the efficiency of the housekeeping staff leaving more time for the housekeeping staff to attend to the rest of the room. The active mode also facilitates rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       These and other advantages of the present invention will be readily understood with reference to the following specification and attached drawing wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric drawing illustrating two people lifting a conventional mattress carried by a box spring in an attempt to rotate the mattress in a horizontal plane. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of one person rotating a conventional mattress carried by a box spring incorporating the present invention, shown with the mattress partially rotated. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a levitation device for use with the present invention shown partially integrated onto one side of a cover. 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of a portion of the levitation device illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating a conventional box spring and a conventional mattress and two covers in accordance with the present invention, shown with a portion of the levitation device integrated into one cover. 
         FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  illustrating one of the covers shown in  FIG. 5  installed on the mattress and one cover installed on the box spring. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , partially in section, illustrating one of the covers installed on the mattress and one cover installed on the box spring and shown in a rotate configuration in which the slick surfaces of the two covers are in contact with each other. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric view of an application of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  in which the bottom cover is to be placed over a bed skirt on the box spring securing it in place. 
         FIG. 9 a    is a partial side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , shown with one of the covers installed on the mattress and the other cover installed on the box spring illustrating a rotate configuration in which both slick surfaces are in contact with each other, illustrating the bottom cover installed over a bed skirt. 
         FIG. 9 b    is similar to  FIG. 9 a    but shown with one cover and the mattress encased with an encasement as shown in  FIGS. 24 a   ,  24   b.    
         FIG. 10 a    is similar to  FIG. 9 a    but shown with both covers installed on the mattress, illustrating a normal configuration in which a non-slick surface of the bottom cover is in contact with the surface of the bed skirt. 
         FIG. 10 b    is similar to  FIG. 10 a    but shown with one cover and the mattress encased with an encasement with a single cover as shown in  FIGS. 24 b  and 25 b      
         FIG. 11  is an alternative application of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10   a  in which the bed skirt is used to hide both covers in a normal configuration, shown in a rotation configuration. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial elevational view of the application illustrated in  FIG. 11  in a normal configuration in which the bed skirt is pulled down over the box spring hiding both of the covers. 
         FIG. 13  is a partial elevational view of the box spring illustrated in  FIG. 12 , partially in section, shown in a normal configuration. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system which includes an internal air pump built into the mattress, also illustrating the air conduit for supplying air to an expandable air volume which forms a portion of the levitation device, shown with a slick surface built into the mattress 
         FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 14  but illustrating an embodiment with an external air pump. 
         FIG. 16  is an alternate embodiment of the invention in which slick surfaces are integrated into both the mattress and box spring along with a portion of the levitation device, shown with the mattress removed from the box spring and fastener strips integrated into the corners of the mattress and box spring. 
         FIG. 17  is similar to  FIG. 16  but shown with the mattress placed on the box spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned with one another. 
         FIG. 18  is similar to  FIG. 17 , illustrating cooperating removable fastener strips attached to the integrated fastener strips in order to secure the mattress to the box spring. 
         FIG. 19  is a partial elevational view illustrating one corner of a mattress disposed on a box spring illustrating integrated fastener strips aligned on each of the box spring and mattress, shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip removed. 
         FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 19  but shown with the removable fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and box spring. 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of an alternative fastener configuration for securing the mattress to the box spring, illustrating a mattress disposed on a box spring in which the integrated fastener is disposed around the periphery of the box spring and the mattress, the mattress shown with an air inlet nozzle juxtaposed on a side of the mattress connected to a conduit, shown in phantom. 
         FIG. 22  is similar to  FIG. 21  but shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip attached to the integrated fastener strips on the mattress and the box spring. 
         FIG. 23  is similar to  FIG. 22  but illustrating a bed skirt which incorporates a removable fastening strip attached to the integrated fastening strips on the mattress and box spring. 
         FIG. 24 a    illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the mattress cover is a protective cover or encasement having at least one slick surface, shown with the protective cover removed from the mattress and the mattress suspended relative to the box spring, shown with an air pump and conduit attached to the encasement. 
         FIG. 24 b    is similar to  FIG. 9 b    but illustrating an alternative embodiment of the encasement illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    but shown without a stitch pattern the inflatable volume built into the encasement. 
         FIG. 25 a    is similar to  FIG. 9 b    but shown with the protective cover installed on the mattress 
         FIG. 25 b    is similar to  FIG. 25 a    but illustrating the alternative embodiment of the encasement illustrated in  FIG. 24   b.    
         FIG. 26  is similar to  FIG. 25  but illustrating a cover in accordance with the present invention installed on a platform forming a platform bed, shown with an air inlet nozzle juxtaposed on a side of the mattress. 
         FIG. 27  is similar to  FIG. 26  but showing the mattress with the cover in accordance with the present invention lifted from the platform. 
         FIG. 28 a    is a partial isometric view of a material blank for use as a cover with the present invention, shown with fold lines on adjacent edges and an obtuse angle cut-out at one corner. 
         FIG. 28 b    is similar to  FIG. 28 a    but illustrating an elastic material joining the strips defined by the fold lines and bridging the cut-out. 
         FIG. 29 a    is similar to  FIG. 28 a    but illustrates a cut-out at other than an obtuse angle. 
         FIG. 29 b    illustrates the material blank illustrated in  FIG. 29 a    with an integrated fastener strip on the strips defined by the fold lines shown with a cooperating removable fastener strip partially attached to the integrated fastener strip. 
         FIG. 29 c    is similar to  FIG. 29 b    but shown with the removable fastener strip completely attached to the integrated fastener strip. 
         FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e    illustrate an application of the mattress management system which includes a cover with four side panels in which conventional fasteners attached to the mattress and the foundation to hold the cover in place. 
         FIGS. 29 f  and 29 g    are similar to  FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e    but only includes four corner pieces that are used to hold the cover in place. 
         FIGS. 29 h  and 29 i    illustrate alternate configurations for securing the cover with respect to the foundation or mattress.  FIGS. 29 h  and 29 i    illustrate a cover in which the connection of the side panels is adjustable. 
         FIG. 29 j    illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation. 
         FIG. 29 k    illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation 
         FIG. 29 l    illustrates another alternate embodiment for securing the side panels to the mattress or foundation. 
         FIG. 29 m    illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 29 d    illustrating the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    or  FIG. 24   b.    
         FIG. 29 n    illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 29 d    illustrating the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    or  FIG. 24   b.    
         FIGS. 29 o  and 29 p    are similar to  FIGS. 29 f  and 29 g    except the mattress is covered in a zip-on encasement. 
         FIG. 30 a    is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of an invention that facilitates making a bed in which a levitation device embedded in the box spring or the cover. 
         FIG. 30 b    is similar to  FIG. 30 a    but shown with the levitation device embedded in the mattress. 
         FIGS. 30 c  and 30 d    illustrate an embodiment are similar to  FIG. 30 a    which includes a cover which forms the inflatable air volume, shown with the cover attached to the foundation. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a user tucking a sheet or blanket between a mattress and a box spring that incorporates the principles of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 30   a.    
         FIG. 32  illustrates an embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 30 a    in which the levitation device is embedded in a box spring, shown with the mattress removed. 
         FIG. 33  is similar to  FIG. 31  and illustrates a user tucking a sheet or blanket between one end of a mattress and a box spring, shown with an embodiment in which the levitation device is embedded in the box spring. 
         FIG. 34  is a partial side elevational view of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 30 a   , shown in an active position installed on a box spring. 
         FIGS. 35-37  illustrate tucking of a sheet or blanket between a mattress and box spring with the aid of one embodiment of the levitation device in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the levitation device illustrated in  FIG. 30 a    in which the levitation device is configured as an after-market device that is installable on either mattress or the box spring in which the levitation device is formed from a single cover. 
         FIG. 39  illustrates the aftermarket levitation device, illustrated in  FIG. 38 , installed on a box spring. 
         FIG. 40  is an exploded isometric view of another alternate embodiment of the levitation device illustrated in  FIG. 30 b    in which the levitation device is configured as an after-market device that is installable on either mattress or the box spring in which the levitation device is formed from two (2) covers. 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view of the aftermarket levitation device, illustrated in  FIG. 40 , installed on a box spring and shown with a portion of the top cover removed. 
         FIG. 42  is a partial isometric view of the single cover embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 38  installed on a box spring and shown in an active mode of operation. 
         FIG. 43  is a partial elevation view of a single cover levitation device illustrated in  FIG. 38  installed on a box spring with a mattress on top, shown with the levitation device in an active mode. 
         FIG. 44  is an isometric view of a levitation device installed on a box spring with an alternate exemplary pattern for the levitation device shown in phantom. 
         FIG. 45  is an isometric view of a levitation device installed on a box spring with another alternate exemplary pattern for the levitation device shown in phantom. 
         FIG. 46 a    is an isometric view of a two-sheet single cover active embodiment with a generally rectangular stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 47 a    is similar to  FIG. 46 a    but with a circular stitch pattern joining the two sheets. 
         FIGS. 46 b  and 47 b    are similar to  FIGS. 46 a  and 47 a    but illustrate multiple air inlet point feeding the inflatable volume of air. 
         FIG. 47 c    is an exemplary check valve for use in the multiple air inlets illustrated in  FIGS. 46 b    and  47   b.    
         FIG. 48  is an isometric view of a bed having a foundation, bed skirt and a top mattress illustrating a single cover embodiment of the invention with a rectangular stitch pattern built into the foundation. 
         FIG. 49  is similar to  FIG. 48  but illustrating a circular stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 50  is similar to  FIG. 48  but does not include a bed skirt. 
         FIG. 51  is similar to  FIG. 49  but does not include a bed skirt. 
         FIG. 52  illustrates a two-sheet single cover embodiment with a rectangular stitch pattern joining the two sheets with no air exit holes and a first embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 53  is similar to  FIG. 52  but illustrating a circular stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 54  is an isometric view of the adjustable air exit valve illustrated in  FIGS. 52 and 53 . 
         FIG. 55  is similar to  FIG. 52  but illustrating a zipper as a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 56  is similar to  FIG. 53  but illustrating a zipper as a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 57  is an isometric view of the zipper illustrated in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . 
         FIG. 58  is similar to  FIG. 52  but illustrating a third embodiment of the adjustable air exit valve at the discharge of the air pump. 
         FIG. 59  is similar to  FIG. 53  but illustrating the third embodiment of the adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 60  is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the adjustable air exit valve illustrated in  FIGS. 58 and 59 . 
         FIG. 61  is a sectional view of the adjustable air exit valve illustrated in  FIGS. 58-60  in a fully closed position. 
         FIG. 62  is similar to  FIG. 61  illustrating the valve in a partially closed position and further illustrating adjustment marks. 
         FIG. 63  is an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrating a single cover with a rectangular stitch pattern between the two sheets forming the expandable volume having a plurality of centrally located air exit holes with a second cover disposed over the air exit holes. 
         FIG. 64  is similar to  FIG. 63  but illustrating a circular stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 65  is similar to  FIG. 52  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 66  is similar to  FIG. 53  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 67  is similar to  FIG. 55  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 68  is similar to  FIG. 56  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 69  is similar to  FIG. 58  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 70  is similar to  FIG. 59  but illustrating centrally located air exit holes. 
         FIG. 71  is similar to  FIG. 63  but including one embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 72  is similar to  FIG. 64  but including one embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 73  is similar to  FIG. 63  but including a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 74  is similar to  FIG. 64  but including a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 75  is similar to  FIG. 63  but including a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 76  is similar to  FIG. 64  but including a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 77  is an isometric view of single cover version of the present invention, shown installed on the underside of a mattress. 
         FIG. 78  is an exploded perspective of the installed embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 77 . 
         FIG. 79  is a side elevational view in section illustrating the present invention being used to facilitate bed making. 
         FIG. 80  is a partial side elevational view in section illustrating the present invention, showing the bed sheet dangling before being tucked in between the foundation and the mattress. 
         FIG. 81  is a partial elevational view in section illustrating a sheet being tucked in. 
         FIG. 82 a    is an isomeric view of a single cover mattress management system installed on the underside of a mattress and illustrating a bed skirt installed on the foundation. 
         FIGS. 82 b  and 82 c    are similar to  FIG. 82 a    but are shown without a bed skirt and with the mattress encased with an encasement as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a    and  24   b.    
         FIG. 83 a    is an isometric view illustrating the cover illustrated in  FIG. 82 a    flipped down over the bed skirt while the mattress is being rotated. 
         FIG. 83 b    is similar to  FIG. 83 a    but illustrating the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a    and  24   b,    
         FIGS. 83 c  and 83 d    are similar to  FIG. 83 b    but without a bed skirt and illustrating the cover hiding the zipper of the encasement. 
         FIG. 84  illustrates another aspect of the invention which relates to changing the bed skirt, illustrating a user initiating removal of the mattress from the foundation. 
         FIG. 85  is similar to  FIG. 84  but showing the mattress partially removed. 
         FIG. 86  is similar to  FIG. 85  but showing the mattress removed to a position where the air exit holes on the cover are exposed. 
         FIG. 87  is similar to  FIG. 86  but showing the mattress totally removed. 
         FIG. 88  is similar to  FIG. 86  but illustrating a passive mode in which the mattress is removed without an air assist. 
         FIG. 89  is similar to  FIG. 88  but shown with the mattress completely removed in the passive mode. 
         FIG. 90  illustrates a partial reinstallation of the mattress onto the foundation and illustrating the single cover in accordance with the present invention attached to the foundation. 
         FIG. 91  is similar to  FIG. 90  but illustrating the mattress fully installed over the foundation. 
         FIG. 92  is an isometric view of a prior art bed shown with the mattress removed. 
         FIG. 93  is similar to  FIG. 92  but illustrates the mattress in an exploded view. 
         FIG. 94  is similar to  FIG. 92  but illustrates a one cover embodiment of the invention with a rectangular stitch pattern embedded in the foundation and a slick surface panel embedded in the underside of the mattress. 
         FIG. 95  is similar to  FIG. 94  but shown with the cover in accordance with the present invention embedded in the underside of the mattress. 
         FIGS. 95 a  and 95 b    are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  but illustrate multiple grommets or connection points joining the 2 sheets of the single cover. 
         FIG. 96  is similar to  FIG. 94  but illustrating an circular or oval stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 97  is similar to  FIG. 95  but illustrating a circular or oval stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 98  is similar to  FIG. 94  but also illustrating a first embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 99  is similar to  FIG. 95  but also illustrating a first embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 100  is similar to  FIG. 96  but also illustrating a first embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 101  is similar to  FIG. 96  but also illustrating a first embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 102  is similar to  FIG. 94  but also illustrating a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 103  is similar to  FIG. 95  but also illustrating a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 104  is similar to  FIG. 96  but also illustrating a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 105  is similar to  FIG. 97  but also illustrating a second embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 106  is similar to  FIG. 96  but also illustrating a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 107  is similar to  FIG. 97  but also illustrating a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 108  is similar to  FIG. 96  but also illustrating a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 109  is similar to  FIG. 97  but also illustrating a third embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 110  is an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrating a single cover with a rectangular stitch pattern between the two sheets forming the expandable volume having a plurality of centrally located air exit holes with a second cover disposed over the air exit holes embedded in a platform. 
         FIG. 111  is similar to  FIG. 110  but shown with the single cover embedded in the underside of a mattress. 
         FIG. 112  is similar to  FIG. 110  but illustrating a circular or oval stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 113  is similar to  FIG. 111  but illustrating a circular or oval stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 114  is similar to  FIG. 113  but illustrating a built in pump. 
         FIG. 115  is similar to  FIG. 112  but illustrating a built in pump. 
         FIG. 116  is similar to  FIG. 113  with shown with no air exit and relies on the porosity of the material used for the mattress to release air. 
         FIG. 117  is an exploded sectional view of a section of material in the mattress illustrating the air flowing out, as indicated by the arrows, based upon the porosity of the material used for the mattress cover. 
         FIG. 118  is similar to  FIG. 98  except no air exit holes are provided. 
         FIG. 119  is similar to  FIG. 99  except no air exit holes are provided. 
         FIG. 120  is similar to  FIG. 102  except no air exit holes are provided. 
         FIG. 121  is similar to  FIG. 103  except no air exit holes are provided. 
         FIG. 122  is an isomeric view of a conventional bed with an adjustable platform shown with a mattress in a adjusted position. 
         FIG. 123  is similar to  FIG. 114  but illustrating a single cover in accordance with the present invention carried by the adjustable platform. 
         FIG. 124  is similar to  FIG. 115  but shown with the single cover in accordance with the present invention embedded in the underside of the mattress. 
         FIG. 125  illustrates a one-piece cover in accordance with the present invention having a rectangular stitch pattern that relies on the porosity of the cover to release air. 
         FIG. 126  is similar except a circular stitch pattern is illustrated. 
         FIG. 126 b    illustrates air escape through a material with an exemplary porosity. 
         FIG. 127  is similar to  FIG. 125  except the embodiment includes air exit holes for releasing air. 
         FIG. 128  is similar to  FIG. 126  except the embodiment includes air exit holes for releasing air. 
         FIG. 129  is an exploded isomeric view of one embodiment of a mattress management system in accordance with the present invention illustrating a one piece cover with a rectangular stitch pattern attached to the underside of a mattress in an application which includes a bed skirt over the foundation. 
         FIG. 130  is similar to  FIG. 129  but illustrates a circular stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 131  is similar to  FIG. 129  but illustrates the one-piece cover removed from the upper mattress and illustrates an alternate location for the air intake. 
         FIG. 132  is similar to  FIG. 131  but illustrates the one-piece cover attached to the foundation so air blows up. 
         FIG. 133  is similar to  FIG. 129  but built in and without a bed skirt. 
         FIG. 134  is similar to  FIG. 130  but built in and without a bed skirt. 
         FIG. 135 a    is an isometric view of a one-piece cover in accordance with the present invention with an oval stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 135 b    is similar to  FIG. 135 a    but with a different stitch pattern and showing the air flow through the inflatable volume. 
         FIG. 135 c    is similar to  FIG. 135 a    but showing the air flow through the inflatable volume. 
         FIG. 136 a    is similar to  FIG. 135 a    but with a rectangular donut stitch pattern with no air exit holes but with one embodiment of an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIG. 136 b    is similar to  FIG. 136 a    but with a different stitch pattern and showing the air flow through the inflatable volume. 
         FIG. 136 c    is similar to  FIG. 136 a    but showing the air flow through the inflatable volume. 
         FIG. 137  is similar to  FIG. 135 a    but with a capital I stitch pattern. 
         FIG. 138  is similar to  FIG. 135 a    but with a capital X stitch pattern but illustrating air exit holes and without an adjustable air exit valve. 
         FIGS. 139 a , 139 b   , and  FIGS. 139 d -139 g    are similar to  FIG. 78  in which the inflatable air volume is embedded in the underside of the mattress and shown with attachment members on both the cover and the mattress for selectively securing the cover to the mattress. 
         FIG. 139 c    and  FIGS. 139 h -139 j    are similar to  FIG. 95 . 
         FIG. 139 k    is an exploded isometric view illustrating an embodiment in which the mattress is encased in an encasement and a flappable cover is configured to be attached to the encasement. 
         FIGS. 140 a -140 b    are similar to  FIG. 95  but are shown and shown with attachment members on both the cover and the mattress for selectively securing the cover to the mattress. 
         FIGS. 141 a -141 c    are similar to  FIGS. 140 a  and 140 b    but illustrate an embodiment in which the mattress is encased in an encasement similar to  FIG. 24   a.    
         FIGS. 142 a  and 142 b    are similar to  FIGS. 141 a -141 c    but illustrate a different method for securing the foundation to the mattress. 
         FIGS. 143 and 144   a  are similar to  FIGS. 16-18  but illustrate an alternative method of securing the mattress to the foundation, for example, with the attachment members illustrated in  FIG. 144   b.    
         FIG. 144 b    illustrates a conventional attachment devise comprising male and cooperating female attachment members. 
         FIGS. 145-148  are similar to  FIG. 139 g   . except the cover has no side panels and the vertical attachment members are attached on the edge of the cover. 
         FIGS. 149-151  are similar to  FIG. 139   h  except the cover has no side panels and the vertical attachment members are attached on the edge of the cover. 
         FIGS. 152-157  are similar to  FIGS. 84-91  but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    or  24   b.    
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to a four-in-one mattress management system and method for facilitating various tasks associated with beds of all sizes including making beds; rotating mattresses; holding a bed skirt in place while a mattress is rotated; installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. 
       FIGS. 1-29   p  relate to an active mattress spinner for rotating mattresses in a horizontal plane.  FIGS. 30 a   - 43  relate to a method for facilitating making a bed without the need to lift the top mattress.  FIGS. 44, 45, 135   a - 135   c ,  136   a - 136   c ,  137  and  138  illustrate alternate stitch patterns for the various embodiments discussed above. 
       FIGS. 79-81  illustrate use of the present invention to facilitate bed making.  FIGS. 82 a -82 c , 83 a  and 83 b    illustrate mattress rotation.  FIGS. 83 c , 83 d   ,  84 - 91  and  152 - 157  illustrate installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt. 
     Various embodiments of the invention are illustrated.  FIGS. 46 a -47 b   ,  52 ,  53 ,  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  59 ,  63 - 78 ,  95 ,  95   a ,  95   b ,  125 - 128 ,  131   a - 142   b  and  145 - 151  illustrate a single flippable cover embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 49-51, 94, 96-124, and 143  illustrate an embedded embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 129-130  illustrate an embodiment with a single flippable cover and embedded cover. 
     The present invention is suitable for use in various applications. These applications include, a conventional bed and mattress; a conventional bed and mattress in which the mattress is covered with an encasement. The principles of the invention are also applicable to foam mattresses that are encased in a mattress cover with a zip-out bottom panel. The invention can also be used on mattresses that are supported by fixed and adjustable platforms. 
     Mattress Management System 
     The present invention relates to a mattress management system. In one embodiment of the invention, the mattress management system includes an inflatable air volume formed as a one-piece cover formed from two sheets of material fastened together by any conventional means, such as stitching. The cover further includes side panels for attaching the cover to the underside of a mattress or to a foundation. As used herein, a foundation is defined to include a stationary platform, an adjustable platform or a box spring. 
     The mattress management system may be operated in an active mode or in a dual mode consisting of an active mode and a passive mode, as discussed above. An air inlet nozzle is provided to receive air from an air pump. The mattress management system enables the following tasks to be performed with respect the mattress. These tasks include:
         bed making   installing or removing and re-installing a mattress, for example, in order to replace a bed skirt.   rotating the mattress in a horizontal plane   in applications where bed skirts are used, holding the bed skirt in place.       

     The mattress management system may be used in an active mode in which the bed making and mattress rotation can be done in an active mode under the influence of air from the air pump. In a dual mode, the bed making is done under the influence of air flow from the air pump and mattress rotation is accomplished in a passive mode based upon the relative co-efficient of friction between an underside of the cover and the co-efficient of friction between of the underside of the mattress or the foundation. The mattress management system may be configured to provide one or more of the 4 functions described above. 
     Mattress rotation can be accomplished in an active mode or a passive mode. In a passive mode, the cover may be initially attached to the underside of a mattress so that air exit holes, for example, face downward toward the foundation. In order to rotate the mattress in a passive mode, the cover is flipped down from the mattress to the foundation, i.e. unattached from the mattress and attached to the foundation, for mattress rotation. If a bed skirt is being used, the cover is will hold the bed skirt in place while the mattress is rotated. In this position, the underside of the cover is in contact with the underside of the mattress. By forming the underside of the cover with a relatively slick surface, as described below, the mattress can be rotated relatively easily. If the mattress is rotated in an active mode, the cover is preferably attached to the foundation with the air exit holes facing upward. In this mode, the mattress is slightly levitated facilitating rotation of the mattress. As such, the cover may be used in applications where the air exit holes face up or down. 
     As will be discussed in more detailed below, in an active mode, the principles of the invention are based upon a controlled release of air from the inflatable air volume against selected resistance, as discussed below, to enable the various tasks to be performed with respect the mattress. As will be discussed below, various embodiments of this concept are contemplated. For example, the inflatable air volume may include one or more air exit holes and/or an adjustable air exit valve. Various embodiments of the adjustable air exit valve are contemplated as illustrated and discussed below. As an alternative to or in combination with air exit holes or an air exit valve, the porosity of the material used for the air bladder or the porosity of the material in contact with the bladder may be selected to provide a controlled release. Moreover, the controlled release may include attaching a supplemental interfacing material over the air exit holes, for example, to control the air release, depending on the characteristics of the material that will contact the air exit holes. 
     In general, the inflatable air volume is formed from two sheets of material as discussed below, which are attached together, for example, by stitching, or other conventional methods, as described below. As will be illustrated and discussed in more detail below, the principles of the present invention apply to various stitching patterns and in fact apply to virtually any stitching pattern. In some embodiments of the invention, the center points of the two sheets of material forming the inflatable air volume are attached together by way of a grommet, stitching or otherwise. In other embodiments, the center points of the two sheets of material are not attached together. Suitable materials for the inflatable air volume are discussed below. 
     In order to attach the inflatable air volume to a mattress or foundation, various embodiments are contemplated. In one embodiment, the inflatable air volume is embedded in a mattress or foundation. In other embodiments, the inflatable air volume includes side panels. These side panels are used to attach the inflatable air volume to a mattress or foundation. Various embodiments of the side panels are discussed below. In addition to the embodiments discussed above, the cover may be incorporated as one panel of an encasement or mattress protector, which may be at least partially water proof which slips over the entire mattress. In this embodiment, the cover in accordance with the present invention is incorporated into a bottom panel of the encasement that will be in contact with the foundation. 
     The mattress management system also includes a conduit and an air pump. In some embodiments, the air pump and conduit are external to the mattress or foundation. In other applications where the inflatable air volume is embedded into a mattress or foundation, as discussed above, the air pump and conduit may be built in to the mattress or foundation. In some embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 46 b  and 47 b   , multiple air inlet nozzles may be provided around the perimeter of the expandable air volume. Each air inlet nozzle may be provide with a check valve as illustrated in  FIG. 47   c.    
     One or more of the various permutations of the invention as discussed herein can be combined to form a mattress management system in accordance with the present invention. All such combinations are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. It is to be understood that only exemplary combinations of those permutations are illustrated and discussed below. 
       FIGS. 46 a   - 76 ,  135   a - 135   c ,  136   a - 136   c ,  137  and  138  illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a mattress management system.  FIGS. 24 a  and 24 b    illustrate embodiments of the encasement. Other embodiments of the encasement version are discussed above with respect to the use of air exit holes, an adjustable air exit valve and attachment of the center point of the two sheets forming the inflatable air volume. 
       FIGS. 46 a  and 47 a    illustrate a pair of exemplary standalone covers  300  and  303 , respectively, for example a packaged aftermarket accessory. These covers  300 ,  302  each contain an inflatable air volume portion  304  attached to side panels, generally identified with the reference numeral  306 , which allows the cover  300 , 302  to be attached to the underside of a mattress or a foundation (not shown). Each cover  300 , 302  includes an air inlet nozzle  308  and  310 , respectively, for attachment to a conduit  290  and air pump  250 . 
     Both covers  300 ,  302  include a plurality of air exit holes, generally identified with the reference numeral  312 . The sheets making up the inflatable air volume portion  304  are attached together at their center points, as generally indicated by the reference numeral  314 . The only difference between the embodiments is the stitch pattern. The cover  300  is formed with a rectangular stitch pattern, as indicated by the line  316 , wherein the cover  302  includes a generally circular stitch pattern, as indicated by the line  318 . 
     The covers  300  and  302  illustrate a packaged aftermarket bedding accessory and include a single cover BedMaker™ unit comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This sample is designed to easily install to one of either the mattress or foundation as a packaged aftermarket bedding accessory variation of the BedMaker™ technology. 
     Exemplary specifications for the covers  300  and  302  are set forth below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Fabric 300, 302: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane coated Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                   
                 Side-panels 306: 
                 1 x 
                 Polyurethane coated Polyester Jersey- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 knit material 10″ depth 
               
               
                   
                 Conduit 290: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                   
                 Air Pump 250: 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Model #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     A two cover version of the packaged aftermarket version is contemplated. The two cover version is comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This sample is designed to easily install to one of either the mattress or foundation as a packaged aftermarket bedding accessory variation of the BedMaker™ technology. In addition, a 2 nd , single layer Nylon RipStop cover (polyurethane coated on one side/slick coated on the other), with perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, works in unison with the single cover BedMaker™ unit to allow for mattress maneuvering by flipping this cover up over the mattress or down over the foundation. 
     Exemplary specifications for the two cover version are set forth below: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Fabric: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane coated Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Fabric 2 nd  Cover: 
                 1x 
                 Sheet of polyurethane/slick coat Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Side-panel: 
                 2 x 
                 Polyurethane coated Polyester Jersey- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 knit material 10″ depth 
               
               
                 Conduit: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                 Air Pump: 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump (Model 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 48 and 49  are similar to  FIGS. 46 a  and 47 a    but illustrate an embedded version of the cover in accordance with the present invention. Referring first to  FIG. 48 , the inflatable air volume portion  304  is attached to the foundation  322 , for example, a box spring, by conventional means, such as stitching or other conventional methods. The inflatable air volume portion  304  could have alternatively been embedded in the underside of a mattress  324  which rests on the foundation  322 . A bed skirt  326  may be interposed between the foundation  322  and the mattress  324 , In this application, all four tasks as discussed are not supported. Specifically, the bed skirt  326  would not be held down during mattress rotation. As such, this embodiment is primarily used in for bed making. 
       FIG. 49  is similar to  FIG. 48 . In this embodiment the cover  302  is attached to the foundation  306 , as discussed above. The only difference between the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 48 and 49  is the stitch pattern as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 50 and 51  are similar to  FIGS. 48 and 49 , respectively. The only difference is that in this application, no bed skirt is used. As such, in this application, the mattress management system can be used for bed making, mattress rotation and removing the mattress from the foundation. 
     These embodiments relate to an embedded OEM sample of a single cover BedMaker™ unit comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side of 1 sheet, polyurethane/slick coated on the other sheet), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This embodiment is designed to attach to one of either the mattress  324  or the foundation  322  to simulate a built-in (OEM) variation of the BedMaker™ technology. In addition, this single cover embodiment can be detached from said mattress or foundation and temporarily attached by way of zippers or other attachment means to the other of the mattress or foundation to allow for ease of mattress maneuvering. 
     Exemplary specifications for the OEM embedded sample is as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Fabric 304: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane/slick coated 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Nylon Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                   
                 Side-panels 322: 
                 1 x 
                 Polyurethane coated Polyester Jersey- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 knit material 10″ depth 
               
               
                   
                 Conduit 290: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                   
                 Air Pump 250: 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (Model #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 48-51  illustrate single cover embedded versions embedded in either the foundation  322  or the mattress  324 . An alternative two cover version is also contemplated, as illustrated in  FIG. 41 . The two cover version is comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This sample is designed to attach to one of either the mattress or foundation to simulate a built-in (OEM) variation of the BedMaker™ technology. In addition, a 2 nd , single layer Nylon RipStop cover (polyurethane coated on one side/slick coated on the other), with perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, works in unison with the single cover BedMaker™ unit to allow for mattress maneuvering by flipping this cover up over the mattress or down over the foundation. 
     Exemplary specifications for the two cover version are as follows: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Fabric: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane coated Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Fabric 2 nd  Cover: 
                 1x 
                 Sheet of polyurethane/slick coat Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Side-panel: 
                 1 x 
                 Polyurethane coated Polyester Jersey- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 knit material 10″ depth 
               
               
                 Conduit: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                 Air Pump (P): 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (Model #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 52-62 and 65-70  illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the cover forming the mattress management system in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS. 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 59  illustrate embodiments of a cover  328 ,  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336  and  338  in which the center points of the two sheets forming the cover are attached together as indicated by the reference numeral  314 . In these embodiments, no air exit holes are provided and the air release is controlled by an adjustable air exit valve. 
     The covers  328  and  330  may include a first type of adjustable air exit valve  340 , as indicated in  FIG. 54 . As shown, the adjustable air exit relief valve  340  may include adjustment marks so hotel house keepers, for example, can quickly and easily set all of the beds under their control to the same value. 
     The covers  332  and  334  may include a second type of adjustable air exit valve  342 , as indicated in  FIG. 57 , for example, a zipper. As shown, the adjustable air exit relief valve  342  may include adjustment marks so hotel house keepers, for example, can quickly and easily set all of the beds under their control to the same value. 
     The covers  336  and  338  may include a third type of adjustable air exit valve  344 , as indicated in  FIGS. 60-62 . As shown, the adjustable air exit relief valve  344  is incorporated into the conduit  290  attached to the air pump  25 . The adjustable air exit valve  344  may include adjustment marks so hotel house keepers, for example, can quickly and easily set all of the beds under their control to the same value. 
       FIGS. 65-70  are similar to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 52, 53, 55, 56, 58 and 59 . These embodiments, identified with the reference numerals  346 ,  348 , 350 ,  352 , 354  and  356  all include the air exit holes  312  and one of the adjustable air exit valves  340  ( FIG. 54 );  342  ( FIG. 57 ) or  344  ( FIGS. 60-62 ). 
       FIGS. 63, 64, 71-76  illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention which utilize a separate piece of material over the air exit holes to resist air flow. One of the principals of the invention is that the interfacing material in contact with the air exit holes must provide some resistance to the effluent air flow. In many applications, the porosity of the material of the underside of the mattress or the foundation is sufficient to provide enough resistance to cause levitation of the mattress. In other applications. the porosity of the interfacing material is not sufficient. In those applications, a small piece of supplemental interfacing material, for example nylon ripstop, is placed over the air exit holes  312  of the covers  300 ,  302 ,  350 ,  352 ,  346 ,  348 ,  354  and  356 , as shown. The supplemental interfacing material  358  may be attached to the various covers  300 ,  302 ,  350 ,  352 ,  346 ,  348 ,  354  and  356  by various conventional attachment means, such as Velcro, stitching or other attachment means. 
       FIG. 77  illustrates an exemplary application of the mattress management system. In this embodiment, a cover  358  is installed on the underside of a mattress  360  that rests on a foundation  364  ( FIG. 78 ). A bed skirt  362  is disposed on the foundation  364 . As shown in  FIG. 78 , the cover is attached to the mattress  360  so that air holes go up and contact the underside of the mattress  360 . Alternatively, the cover  358  could have been juxtaposed relative to the mattress so the air flowed downwardly (not shown). 
       FIGS. 79-81  illustrate the use of the mattress management system illustrated in  FIGS. 78 and 79  for bed making. As shown in  FIGS. 79 and 80 , the inflatable air volume portion of the cover  358  inflates lifting the mattress  360  from the foundation  364 . In order to allow a bed sheet  366  to be easily tucked in, as illustrated in  FIG. 81 . 
       FIGS. 82 a  and 83 a    illustrate mattress rotation of the mattress  360  with respect to the foundation  364  in an application as illustrated in  FIG. 78 . As shown in  FIG. 78 , the cover  358  is initially attached to the underside of the mattress  360 . In order to rotate the mattress  360 , the cover  358  is flipped down, i.e. detached from the mattress  360  and attached to foundation  364  over the bed skirt  362  as illustrated in  FIG. 82 a   . In this position, the cover  358  holds the bed skirt  362  in place while the mattress  360  is rotated, as illustrated in  FIG. 83 . Once the mattress is rotated to the desired position, the cover  358  may be re-attached to the underside of the mattress  360 . 
       FIGS. 82 b  and 82 c    are similar to  FIGS. 82 a  and 83 a    but shown without a bed skirt and with the mattress encased in an encasement, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a  and 24 b   .  FIG. 83 b    is similar to  FIG. 83 a    but shown with the mattress encased in an encasement, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a  and 24 b   .  FIG. 83 c    is similar to  FIG. 82 b    but without a bed skirt and illustrate how the cover hides the zipper on the encasement when it is flipped up. 
       FIGS. 84-91  illustrate the mattress management system being used to remove the mattress  360  from the platform  364  for example, to replace the bed skirt  362 , and re-insert the mattress  360  over the platform  364  after the bed skirt  362  has been removed and optionally replaced. 
       FIGS. 84-87  illustrate an air assisted application for removing the mattress from the platform  364 .  FIGS. 88 and 89  illustrate an application without an air assist.  FIGS. 90 and 91  illustrate re-installation of the mattress  360  over the platform  364 . 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 84-87 , The cover  358  is detached from the underside of the mattress  360  and attached to the platform  364  over the bed skirt  362 , as shown in  FIG. 84 . The air assist from the air pump  250  slightly lifts the mattress  360  relative to the platform  364  enabling the mattress to be pushed in the direction of the arrow  366  with little effort, as shown in  FIG. 85 . The momentum allows the mattress  360  to be continuously pushed with relatively less effort than normal, as illustrated in  FIG. 86  until the mattress  360  is completely free of the foundation  364 , as shown in  FIG. 87 . 
       FIGS. 88 and 89  illustrate removal of the mattress  360  from the foundation  364  without an air assist from the air pump  250 . In this application, the cover  358  is detached from the underside of the mattress  360  and attached to the platform  364  to hold the bed skirt  362  in place. In this embodiment, the cover  358  is formed with a relatively slick surface which allows the mattress to be pushed and slid off the platform  364  without disturbing the bed skirt  362 . 
     In all embodiments, once the mattress  360  is completely removed from the platform  364 , the cover  358  and the bed skirt  362  are removed. A new bed skirt  362  is placed over the platform  364  and the cover  358  is attached to the platform  364  over the bed skirt  362 . 
     In both the air assist and non-air assist applications, the mattress  360  is juxtaposed over the foundation under the influence of gravity, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 90 . As shown, the mattresses  360  falls over the air exit holes  312 . In an air assisted application, the mattress  360  can be pulled or pushed into position, as shown in  FIG. 91  with little effort. In a non-air assisted application, the mattress can be pushed into position, as shown in  FIG. 91  with relatively less effort due to the slick surface on the cover  358 . In both applications, once the mattress  360  is in place, as indicated in  FIG. 91 , the cover  358  is detached from the platform  364  and re-attached to the underside of the mattress  360 . 
       FIGS. 152-157  are similar to  FIGS. 84-91  but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    or  24   b.    
       FIG. 92  illustrates a mattress  366  and a foundation  368  that are known in the prior art.  FIG. 93  illustrates the mattress  366  and the foundation  368 , with the mattress  366  shown in an exploded view. Referring to  FIG. 93 , the mattress  366  includes a mattress shell  370 , a foam rubber mattress support  372  and a bottom panel  374 , attached to the mattress shell  370  by way of a zipper (not shown). A plurality of friction strips  376  is located on the underside of the panel  374 . The friction strips  376  help prevent the mattress assembly  366  from sliding with respect to the foundation  368 . The foundation  368  consists of fixed platform, for example, box springs. 
       FIGS. 94-121  illustrate various embodiments of mattress management system in accordance with the present invention incorporated into the mattress assembly  366  and platform  368 , illustrated in  FIGS. 92 and 93 .  FIG. 122  illustrates a known bed with an adjustable platform.  FIGS. 123 and 124  illustrate various embodiments of the mattress management system incorporated into the bed illustrated in  FIG. 122 . 
     Referring first to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 94-121 , the first of such embodiments is illustrated in  FIG. 94 . In that embodiment, the zip-out panel  374  is replaced with a panel  378  having a slick surface facing downward. Moreover, the zip-out panel in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 96, 98, 100,102, 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112  is likewise replaced with a panel  378  having a slick surface facing downward. An exemplary two piece cover  380  in accordance with present invention is attached or embedded in the foundation  368 . The exemplary cover  368  is configured so the center points of the two sheets forming the cover are attached, as indicated by the reference numeral  314 . The exemplary cover  380  also includes a plurality of air exit holes  312 .  FIG. 95  illustrates another exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the zip=out panel  374  is replaced by a cover (not shown) with a slick bottom side. A cover  382  is zipped into the underside of the mattress  366 . The cover includes air exit holes  312  and includes the connection  314  between the two sheets forming the cover  382 . The cover  382  includes an elastic collar that is attached to the mattress  366  to allow the mattress  360  to be slid or rotated with respect to the foundation  368 . The side of the cover facing the foundation  368  is formed with a relatively slick surface. In order to prevent rotation of the mattress  366  with respect to the foundation  368 , the collar  384  is disconnected from the mattress  366  and connected to the foundation. 
       FIGS. 140 a -140 b    are similar to  FIG. 95  but are shown and shown with attachment members on both the cover and the mattress for selectively securing the cover to the mattress. 
       FIGS. 96 and 97  are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  and differ with respect to the stitch patterns used for creating the inflatable air volume.  FIGS. 94 and 95  illustrate a generally rectangular air volume while  FIGS. 96 and 97  illustrate an oval or circular stitch pattern. 
       FIGS. 98-109  are similar to  FIGS. 94-97  but illustrate different stitch patterns and include adjustable air exit valves.  FIGS. 98 and 99  are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  but include an adjustable air exit valve, as illustrated in  FIG. 54 .  FIGS. 100 and 101  are similar to  FIGS. 96 and 97  but include an adjustable air valve  340 .  FIGS. 102 and 103  are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  but include an adjustable air exit valve  342 , as illustrated in  FIG. 57 .  FIGS. 104 and 105  are similar to  FIGS. 96 and 97  but include an adjustable air valve  342 .  FIGS. 106 and 107  are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  but include an adjustable air exit valve  344 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 60-62 .  FIGS. 108 and 109  are similar to  FIGS. 96 and 97  but include the adjustable air exit valve  344 . 
       FIGS. 110 and 111  are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  but include a small piece of supplemental interfacing material  358  over the air exit holes  312 .  FIGS. 112 and 113  are similar to  FIGS. 96 and 97  but include a small piece of supplemental interfacing material  358  over the air exit holes  312 .  FIGS. 95 a  and 95 b    are similar to  FIGS. 94 and 95  except those embodiments illustrate multiple grommets connections point as used herein grommets can be individual connections point or continuous stitching. Grommets can be physical grommets or stitching or any other conventional technique for connecting the two sheets together. 
       FIGS. 114 and 115  are similar to  FIGS. 113 and 112  but illustrate a built in pump.  FIG. 116  is similar to  FIG. 97  but without air exit holes. In this embodiment the air exits by way of the inherent porosity of the material as indicated in  FIG. 117 . The arrows, generally identified with the reference numeral  365 , illustrate the air flow through the material of the mattress shell  370  ( FIG. 93 ) and the foam rubber mattress support  372 . 
       FIGS. 118 and 119  are similar to  FIGS. 98 and 99  but do not include air exit holes.  FIGS. 120 and 121  are similar to  FIGS. 102 and 103  but do not include air exit holes. 
       FIG. 122  illustrates a conventional bed on an adjustable platform. The adjustable platform bed, generally identified with the reference numeral  390 , includes a foundation  394 . The foundation  394  includes a base  396  and an adjustable platform  398 . The adjustable platform  398  is mechanically supported by the base  396 . Electric motors (not shown) are used to adjust the position of the adjustable platform  396 . The mattress  392  is known to have a zip-out panel (not shown). One or more slick surfaces may be incorporated into the adjustable platform bed  390  to facilitate bed making without the use of an air pump. Specifically, the adjustable platform  398  may be covered with a relatively a material having a relatively slick surface. The zip-out panel may be alternatively or in addition be replaced by different panel (not shown) with a slick surface. One or both of these slick surfaces can be used to facilitate bed making, thus forming a passive bed maker. 
       FIGS. 123 and 124  illustrate a mattress management system built in to the adjustable platform bed  390 .  FIG. 115  illustrates an embodiment in which an inflatable air volume  400  and air intake nozzle  402 , as discussed below, are attached or embedded to the adjustable platform  398  for facilitating bed making, as discussed below. A conduit  404  and air pump  406  are attached to the air intake nozzle  402 . The conduit  404  and air pump  406  may extend out one end of the adjustable platform bed  390  or may be located underneath the adjustable platform  398  with the conduit and/or the air intake nozzle  402  extending through the platform  398 . 
       FIG. 124  is similar to  FIG. 123  but shown with the inflatable air volume  400  on the underside of the mattress  392 . As best shown in  FIG. 123 , the underside of the mattress  392  includes a zip-out panel  408 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 124 , the zip out panel is replaces by a zippered panel  410  with an inflatable volume  400 . As shown, an inflatable volume  400  with a circular stitch pattern with air exit holes and the center of the sheets forming the inflatable volume attached together. A piece of supplemental interfacing material  412  is attached over the air exit holes. However, it is to be understood that  FIGS. 123 and 124  are exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood that all of the various permutations for the inflatable volume  400  are suitable for this application. 
       FIGS. 125-128  illustrates various versions of the inflatable air volume, generally identified with the reference numeral  420 , generally identified with the  422 - 428 , formed from two sheets of material, as discussed below, to form a single cover. Each cover  422 - 428  includes a plurality of side panels, generally identified with the reference numeral  430 . In order to secure the inflatable volume  420  with respect to the mattress or foundation, the panels  430  provide a relatively tight grip relative to the mattress or foundation. The fabrication of a inflatable volume formed as a single cover is discussed below. 
     The cover  422 - 428  may be installed on the underside of a mattress or on a foundation. The covers  422 - 428  may be formed with all of the permutations discussed herein.  FIGS. 125-128  merely represent exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 125  illustrates the cover  422  with a rectangular stitch pattern and no air exit holes. The two sheets making up the cover  422  are attached together in roughly the center of the two sheets, as indicated by the reference numeral  430 . In this embodiment, the air escapes as a function of the porosity of the material, as indicated by the reference numeral  440  and  FIG. 117 .  FIG. 126  is similar to  FIG. 125  but illustrates a circular stitch pattern for the inflatable air volume  420 .  FIGS. 127 and 128  are similar to  FIGS. 125 and 126  but include air exit holes  312 . 
       FIGS. 129 and 130  illustrate exemplary applications of the mattress management system in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the cover  426  ( FIG. 127 ) is installed on the underside of a mattress  444 . A bed skirt  445  is placed over the foundation  446 . In this embodiment, the air flow is downward. The air flows through the bed skirt and is opposed by a top panel  448  of the foundation  446  to allow the mattress  444  to be levitated, as discussed below. The top panel  448  may be attached to a top surface of the foundation by any conventional means, for example stitching, as indicated by the reference numeral  449   
       FIG. 130  is similar to  FIG. 129  but utilizes the cover  128 , illustrated in  FIG. 128 . The only physical difference between the covers  426  and  428  is the stitch pattern The cover  426  illustrates a rectangular stitch pattern while the cover  428  illustrates a circular stitch pattern for the inflatable volume.  FIGS. 131 and 132  are similar to  FIGS. 129 and 130  but do not include the panel  448 . 
       FIGS. 133 and 134  are similar to  FIGS. 129 and 130 . The only difference is that the inflatable volumes are built into the mattress. 
     As mentioned below, an exemplary mattress encasement version is provided as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a  and 24 b   . The exemplary mattress encasement version is comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, stitched to replace the bottom panel of an encasement-type mattress protector, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume located on the underside of the encasement, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This sample is designed to install over the mattress as a mattress encasement variation of the BedMaker™ technology. 
     Exemplary specifications for the mattress encasement version are set forth below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Fabric: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane coated Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Mattress encasement: 
                 1 x 
                 Protect-A-Bed AllerZip bed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 bug/waterproof bedding encasement 
               
               
                 Conduit: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                 Air Pump: 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump (Model 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     An alternative 2 cover embodiment of the mattress encasement version is contemplated. The two cover version is comprised of 2 individual king size sheets of Nylon RipStop fabric (polyurethane coated on 1 side), joined together via perimeter and center stitching, with 4 air exit holes around the center stitch, stitched to replace the bottom panel of an encasement-type mattress protector, and an air inlet to accommodate an air-inlet hose attached to an air pump. Once actuated, the pump provides a continuous source of air into the expandable volume located on the underside of the encasement, provided by the 2 layers of joined Nylon fabric, to provide mattress lift for the purpose of facilitating ease of sheet tucking between the mattress and mattress foundation. This sample is designed to install over the mattress as a mattress encasement variation of the Bed Maker™ technology. In addition, a 2 nd , single layer Nylon RipStop cover (polyurethane coated on one side/slick coated on the other), with perimeter-sewn polyester side-skirt material, works in unison with the single cover BedMaker™ unit to allow for mattress maneuvering by flipping this cover up over the mattress or down over the foundation. 
     Exemplary specifications for this embodiment are set forth below. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Fabric: 
                 2 x 
                 Sheets of polyurethane coated 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Nylon Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Mattress encasement: 
                 1 x 
                 Protect-A-Bed AllerZip bed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 bug/waterproof bedding encasement 
               
               
                 Fabric 2 nd  Cover: 
                 1x 
                 Sheet of polyurethane/slick coat Nylon 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ripstop, 75″ × 79″ each 
               
               
                 Side-panel: 
                 1 x 
                 Polyurethane coated Polyester Jersey- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 knit material 10″ depth 
               
               
                 Conduit: 
                 1 x 
                 PVC Hosing, 1.5″ i.d. × 2.5′ length 
               
               
                 Air Pump: 
                 1 x 
                 Coleman 120 V Electric Quick Pump (Model 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5999C120) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Bed Maker™ 
     A stand-alone system and method is disclosed for facilitating making beds of all sizes with one or more flat sheets by minimizing lifting of the top mattress so that flat sheets and/or blankets can be tucked between the upper mattress and the box spring or platform without lifting the top mattress. As used herein, box spring is to be understood to be a box spring or a platform. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to a levitation device that can be centrally located between the mattress and the box spring. The levitation device is driven by an air source, such as an air pump or other source of air, and has a normal mode and an active mode. In a normal mode, the air source is off and the levitation device is relatively flat. In an active mode, the air source is on and the levitation device is expanded lifting the top mattress relative to the box spring. By centrally locating the levitation device relative to the mattress and the box spring, a portion of the mattress is lifted, thus relieving the weight of mattress along the edges. As such, during an active mode, flat sheets and blankets can be tucked between a mattress and box spring virtually effortlessly without the need to lift the top mattress. When the bed is made the air source is simply turned off allowing the mattress to be lowered onto the box spring. 
     As mentioned above, this embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 30-43 . In particular,  FIGS. 30-37  illustrate an embodiment in which the levitation device is embedded into one or the other of a mattress or a box spring.  FIGS. 38, 39, 42 and 43  illustrate an aftermarket embodiment in which the levitation device is formed as a single cover that can easily be installed on either the mattress or the box spring by a consumer or a commercial facility.  FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate an alternative aftermarket device formed as two covers. 
     The invention described herein is useful when a bed is properly made, as discussed above, with one or more flat sheets. As used herein, flat sheets are defined to mean a rectangular sheet of cloth having a standard size for covering a standard mattress as described below. 
     US standard mattress and standard flat sheet sizes are provided below. It is to be noted that the principles of the invention are also applicable to non-US mattress and flat sheet sizes, as well as non-standard sizes and also apply to so-called “deep pocket” mattresses and flat sheets. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 US Standard Mattress Sizes 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Common Term 
                 Size in inches 
                 Size in Centimeters 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Twin 
                 39 × 75 
                  99 × 190 
               
               
                   
                 X-Long Twin 
                 39 × 80 
                  99 × 203 
               
               
                   
                 Full 
                 54 × 75 
                 137 × 190 
               
               
                   
                 Queen 
                 60 × 80 
                 153 × 203 
               
               
                   
                 King 
                 76 × 80 
                 198 × 203 
               
               
                   
                 California King 
                 72 × 84 
                 182 × 213 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 US Standard Flat Sheet Sizes 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Common Term 
                 Size in inches 
                 Size in Centimeters 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Twin 
                 66 × 96 
                 167 × 243 
               
               
                   
                 X-Long Twin 
                  66 × 102 
                 167 × 259 
               
               
                   
                 Full 
                 81 × 96 
                 205 × 243 
               
               
                   
                 Queen 
                  90 × 102 
                 228 × 259 
               
               
                   
                 King 
                 108 × 102 
                 274 × 259 
               
               
                   
                 California King 
                 108 × 102 
                 274 × 259 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring first to  FIGS. 30 a   - 37 , a first embodiment of the BedMaker™ device is illustrated. In this embodiment, the levitation device may be embedded in either the underside of the mattress or the top side of the box spring, as illustrated in  FIGS. 30 a  and 30 b   . As defined herein, “embedded” is defined to mean permanently attached, for example, by stitching, or removably attached using a fastener system, such as a zipper or a Velcro fastening system to the surface of a box spring or mattress. Moreover, although the various embodiments, illustrated in  FIGS. 30-43 , show the air flow from the levitation device in an upward direction, the principles of the invention are applicable to embodiments in which the air flow from the levitation device is in a generally downward or upward direction. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 30 a   , a top mattress  201  and a box spring  203  are shown. The levitation device is generally identified with the reference numeral  200 . The levitation device  200  includes an inflatable volume, formed from two sheets of material, stitched or otherwise fastened together, generally identified with the reference numeral  202 . As shown in  FIG. 30 a   , the inflatable volume may be formed with a circular shape, as shown in  FIG. 30  or rectangular or octagonal shapes, as shown in  FIGS. 44 and 45 , respectively or virtually any shape, as further illustrated in  FIGS. 135 a -135 c , 136 a -136 c   ,  137  and  138 . 
     The inflatable volume  202  includes an air inlet nozzle  204  and one or more vent holes, generally identified with the reference numeral  206 . Four (4) vent holes are shown. More or fewer vent holes  206  could be used. The vent holes  206  are used to exhaust excess air from the inflatable volume  202  during an active mode when an air supply is applied to the air inlet nozzle  204  while maintaining the inflatable volume  202  in an expanded condition as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . 
     One or more grommets or stitches  208  may be used to create one or more air pockets within the inflatable volume  202 . As best shown in  FIG. 33 , the grommet  208  creates a donut shaped air pocket defining air pocket portions  210  and  212  when an air supply is connected to the air inlet nozzle  204  ( FIG. 30 a   ). These air pocket portions  210 ,  212  lift the cover  218  and the upper mattress  201 . Even though the pocket portions  210  and  212  do not extend to the edges of the sides  214  and  216 , the mattress  201  tends to rise along the sides  214  and  216 . 
     In one embodiment, the levitation device  200  includes the inflatable volume  202 , formed from two sheets, and a cover  218  forming a third sheet. The cover  218  is used to provide resistance to the air flow from the air exit holes. In other embodiments in which the material from the underside of the mattress or the foundation is found to provide sufficient resistance, the cover  218  may be eliminated. As shown in  FIGS. 30 a   ,  33  and  34 , air is applied to the air inlet nozzle  204 , as indicated by the arrow  217  ( FIG. 33 ), for example, by way of an air pump  250  (( FIG. 39 ) in order to fill up the pocket portions  210  and  212  as indicated by the arrows  219  ( FIG. 34 ),  220  and  222  ( FIG. 33 ). Excess air is vented through the vent holes  208  ( FIG. 30 a   ) to create an air cushion under the cover  218 , as indicated by the arrows  224  and  226  ( FIG. 34 ). This air cushion acting through the air pressure under the cover  218  may be used to support the upward force created by the expansion of the pockets  210  and  212  to lift the upper mattress  214 , as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . With a continuous air supply, the cover  218  is configured as a sieve to leak excess air, for example, around the perimeter, as generally indicated by the arrows  228  ( FIG. 30 a   ),  230  ( FIG. 32 ) and  232  ( FIG. 34 ) when an air supply is connected to the air inlet nozzle  204 . The sieve is configured so that the leakage from the top cover  218  and the air flow from the vent holes  208 , for a given amount of air flow into the air inlet nozzle  204 , is sufficient to maintain the air pocket portions  210 ,  212  ( FIG. 33 ) in an expanded position, as best shown in  FIG. 33 . Once the bed is made, the air supply to the air inlet nozzle  204  ( FIG. 30 a   ) is turned off. Subsequently, the air in the pockets is vented through the vent holes  208  and the sieve. 
     As mentioned above, the levitation device  200  includes an inflatable volume  202  and a cover  218  ( FIG. 30 a   ). In an embedded embodiment, there are several embodiments for the inflatable volume. In one embodiment, the inflatable volume can be formed as a separate device and added to a standard box spring  203 . In this embodiment, the inflatable volume  202  is formed from two (2) sheets  234 ,  235  of an air impermeable material, such as, PU coated nylon ripstop or PU/PVC coated nylon taffeta or material of similar or lesser air permeability. In this embodiment, the sheets are cut into an appropriate shape, such as a circle, as shown in  FIG. 30 a   , or other shapes, such as a rectangular or octagonal shape, shown in  FIGS. 44 and 45 , respectively or virtually any other shapes, as further illustrated in  FIGS. 135 a -135 c , 136 a -136 c   ,  137  and  138 . Alternatively, the shape of the inflatable volume  202  can be created by sewing two (2) sheets together in a desired shape. 
     The air inlet nozzle  204  is also integrally formed in the sheets. The sheets are then fastened together in a desired shape, as discussed above, using a fastening method appropriate for the material used for the sheets, such as sewing for fabric sheets or for polymer based sheets, adhesives and/or heat sealing. 
     In an embodiment with an independent inflatable volume  244  ( FIGS. 38-41 ), the inflatable volume can simply be placed on top of the box spring  203  so that air inlet nozzle  204  extends outwardly therefrom. Alternatively, the inflatable volume  202  ( FIG. 30 a   ) may be secured to the underside of the cover  218  ( FIG. 34 ) or secured to a top surface  234  of the box spring  203 . In both embodiments, the cover  218  is secured to the box spring  203 . As best shown in  FIG. 32 , the cover  218  is secured to the box spring  203  in such way to create a sieve by way of a plurality of air channels, generally identified with the reference numeral  236 . As mentioned above, the sieve functions to exhaust excess air from under the cover, as indicated by the arrows  228  ( FIG. 30 a   ). 
     The cover  218  simply rests on the inflatable volume  202  ( FIG. 30 a   ) to enable the air released from the vent holes  206  to collect in the air pocket portions  238  and  240  ( FIG. 33 ), formed between the inflatable volume  202  and the underside of the cover  218 . The excess air in the air pocket portions  238  and  240  is expelled through the air channels  236  ( FIGS. 32, 34 ). As defined herein, excess air means air pressure beyond the amount of air pressure required to lift the top mattress  201  ( FIG. 33 ). 
     Alternatively, the inflatable air volume  202  can be incorporated into the top cover  218  or incorporated into the top surface  234  ( FIG. 30 a   ) of the box spring  203 . Incorporating the inflatable volume  202  can be accomplished in multiple ways. One way is to form the inflatable volume as an independent item from two sheets of material and to secure the inflatable volume  202  to either the cover  218  or the top surface  234  of the box spring  203  by suitable means, as discussed above. 
     Alternatively, the cover  218  or top surface  234  can be used to form a portion of the inflatable volume. In these embodiments, the cover  218  or top surface  234  of the box spring  203  is formed from an air impermeable material. In this embodiment, the inflatable volume  202 , is formed by cutting a piece of air impermeable material in the shape of the inflatable volume  202  and securing it to the top cover  218  or top surface  234  of the box spring  203 . 
     In addition to or in lieu of air impermeable material, a material may be used that is air permeable with a leakage rate comparable to leakage through the air channels  236  ( FIG. 32 ). An exemplary material is nylon taffeta or polyester. In such an embodiment, the air channels  236  are eliminated and the top cover  218  is completely attached around the periphery of the box spring  203 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 38, 39, 42 and 43 . In this embodiment, the levitation device, generally identified with the reference numeral  242  includes an inflatable volume  244  and a cover  246 . This embodiment is an aftermarket item that can be installed after a bed is purchased. In this embodiment, the cover  246  is formed as a fitted sheet to allow it to be installed by a consumer or housekeeper in a commercial facility after a bed has been purchased. The levitation device  242  may be fabricated as discussed above or below. As shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , the cover  246  may be formed with a plurality of air channels  248  or alternatively, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 30 b    is similar to  FIG. 30 a   . In  FIG. 30 b   , the inflatable air volume may be embedded in the underside of a mattress.  FIGS. 30 c  and 30 d    illustrate an embodiment in which the inflatable air volume is embodied in a cover.  FIGS. 139 a -139 g    are similar to  FIG. 30 b    in which the inflatable air volume is embedded in the underside of the mattress and shown with attachment members on both the cover and the mattress for selectively securing the cover to the mattress. 
       FIGS. 145-148  are similar to  FIG. 139 g    but illustrate a cover with no side panels and a different attachment method for securing the mattress to the foundation. except the cover has no side panels and the vertical attachment members are attached on the edge of the cover.  FIGS. 149-151  are similar to  FIG. 139   h  except the cover has no side panels and the vertical attachment members are attached on the edge of the cover 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 38, 39, 42 and 43  operates in the same manner as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 30 a   - 37 . In particular, with reference to  FIG. 43 , air from the air supply  250  is received into the inflatable air volume  244 , as indicated by the arrows, generally indicated with the reference numeral  252 . causing the pockets  254  within the inflatable air volume  244  to expand, thus lifting the cover  218 , which, in turn, lifts the upper mattress  201 , as shown and indicated by the arrows  256  and  258 . As discussed above, excess air is vented through the vent holes (not shown) and moves between the inflatable volume  244  and the cover  248  and out air channels  260  formed in the cover  248 , as indicated by the arrows  262  ( FIG. 42 ), or alternatively as discussed above. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41 . This embodiment is an after-market embodiment, generally identified with the reference numeral  266  and includes two covers  268  and  270 . Both covers  268  and  270  are formed as fitted sheets and are both installed either the upper mattress  201  with air blowing down, as shown in  FIG. 40  or on the box spring  203  with air blowing up, as shown in  FIG. 41 . The covers  268  and  270  may be formed as discussed below in connection with  FIG. 5 , or as discussed above. In this embodiment, excess air naturally escapes between the covers  268  and  270 , thus eliminating the need for sieves. 
     All of the embodiments discussed above with respect to the embodiments of the invention for facilitating making a bed operate in a similar manner and are explained with reference to  FIGS. 35-37 . Referring first to  FIG. 35 , portions of the mattress  201  around the edges lift when the air supply  250  ( FIG. 43 ) is attached to the air inlet nozzle  204  ( FIG. 30 ) and turned on defining an active mode. 
     As shown in  FIG. 35 , a sheet or blanket  272  is shown dangling from an edge of the mattress  201 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 36 . The free end of the blanket or sheet  272  is tucked between the mattress  201  and the box spring  203 . Since the weight of the mattress  201  is being supported by the levitation device  200  ( FIG. 30 ) and the edges of the mattress are slightly lifted, a consumer or commercial housekeeper is able to easily and virtually effortlessly slide their hand in the direction of the arrow  276  between the mattress  201  ( FIG. 36 ) and box spring  203 . As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , that action slightly lifts the edge  214  of the mattress  201  to enable the blanket or sheet  272  to be tucked between the top of the cover  218  ( FIG. 30 ) and a bottom surface  278  ( FIG. 37 ) of the mattress  201 . The lifting force of the levitation device  200  ( FIG. 30 ), as indicated by the arrows  280 , holds the sheet or blanket  272  in place as the user&#39;s hand  274  is removed, as indicated by the arrow  282  ( FIG. 37 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 31 , the user proceeds down the opposing side edges  214  and  216  as well as the foot end edge  215  tucking in a sheet or blanket  274 . As the user proceeds down the sides edges  214  and  216  and the foot end edge  215 , the portions of the blanket or sheet  274  are held in place. The tucking continues until the blanket or sheet  274  is completely tucked between the mattress  201  and the box spring  203 . The corners, generally identified with the reference numeral  286  may be tucked in either before or after the side edges  214 - 216 .  FIG. 31  illustrates an exemplary application in which the corners on the foot end  215  of the bed are tucked in last. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , while the bed is being made, excess air is being expelled in the direction of the arrows, generally identified with the reference numeral  288 , in a manner as discussed above. When the bed is made, the air supply  250  ( FIG. 39 ) is turned off, defining a normal mode. In this mode, the mattress  201  rests firmly on the box spring  203 . The air supply  250  and its conduit  290  may be disconnected from the air supply nozzle  204  ( FIG. 30 ). 
     An important aspect of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41  is that it is multi-functional and thus forms a hybrid device. More specifically, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41  can be used to facilitate making a bed, as discussed above or alternatively to rotate a mattress. In order to take advantage of this aspect of the invention, both covers  268  and  270  are attached to one or the other of the mattress  201  or the box spring  203 , defining a bed making mode, as discussed above. By flipping the cover  270  so that the cover  270  is attached to one or the other of the mattress  201  and the box spring  203  and the cover  268  is attached to the other of mattress  201  or the box spring  203 , the invention can be used to rotate the mattress  201 , as discussed below, defining a mattress rotation mode. 
     Levitation Device 
     The levitation device  200  includes an inflatable volume  202  configured in a circular pattern, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 a   . The principles of the invention are also applicable to alternative patterns. For example,  FIG. 44  illustrates a levitation device  300  with an inflatable volume  302  with a rectangular pattern.  FIG. 45  illustrates a levitation device  310  with an inflatable volume  312  with an octagonal pattern.  FIGS. 135 a -135 c , 136 a -136 c   ,  137  and  138  illustrate alternate embodiments to the stitch pattern.  FIGS. 44 and 45  illustrate embodiments, which include a cover over the air exit holes of the inflatable air volume. Two sheet embodiments of the inflatable air volume in which the air exit holes are in contact with the material on the underside of a mattress or the material of the foundation that will contact the air exit holes. 
     Since the levitation devices  300  and  310  are essentially the same except for the pattern for the inflatable volume, only the levitation device  300  is described. Referring to  FIG. 44  the levitation device  300  is formed with an inflatable volume  302  and air inlet nozzle  304 , shown in phantom. The inflatable volume  302  includes one or more air exit holes, as shown in phantom and generally identified with the reference numeral  306  and one or more grommets  308  or stitched, as discussed above. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inflatable volume  302  is covered with a cover and formed as single cover aftermarket device, similar to the levitation device shown in  FIG. 38 , attached to a box spring  203 . 
     The materials used for the hybrid embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 40 and 41  are the same as discussed below. The materials for the embedded embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 30-37  may be as set forth below may be PU coated nylon ripstop and/or PV coated nylon taffeta. The materials for the aftermarket embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 38 and 39  may be as set forth above 
     Mattress  360 ™ 
       FIGS. 1-29  relate to device for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. A first embodiment of the device is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 . In this embodiment, in order to facilitate rotation of the mattress with respect to the box spring, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces are provided by two (2) separate covers; a first cover for the box spring or platform and a second cover for the mattress. The first cover is provided with a slick surface and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side which also includes part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. The levitation device creates an air column or cushion between the covers on the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly. Once the mattress has been rotated to the desired position, the air supply is removed and the first cover is attached to the underside of the mattress so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring or platform or bed skirt and its slick side is in contact with the slick side of the other cover and the levitation device defining a normal mode of operation. 
     In a rotate mode of operation, the first cover is attached to the box spring or platform or bed skirt so that its non-slick surface is in contact therewith. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16-23 , the first cover may be integrally incorporated into the box spring or a slick surface may be integrally formed on the platform that forms part of the platform bed. In that embodiment, in order to prevent movement of the mattress with respect to the box spring or platform, the mattress is secured relative to the box spring or platform by removable fasteners in a normal mode of operation, as shown in  FIGS. 19-23 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the first cover, identified with the reference numeral  22  includes a rectangular panel  26 , configured to the size of a box spring  30 . The cover  22  may include a stretchable band  34 , attached to the periphery of the panel  26 . The band  34 , allows the cover  22  to be removably secured to the box spring  30 , as generally shown in  FIG. 6 . The sides of the cover may be formed to be 9″ deep and made of a PU coated polyester 1-way stretch (horizontal) material that fits tight around the mattress or box spring. 
     The second cover, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and generally identified with the reference numeral  120 , includes a panel  124 , configured to the size of a mattress  28  ( FIG. 16 ). The cover  120  includes a stretchable band  132 , attached to the periphery of the panel  124 . The band  132 , allows the cover  120  to be removably secured to the underside of the mattress  28 , as generally shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The panel  124  and the band  132  portion of the cover  120  are similar to the cover  22  except that the cover  120  additionally includes an integrally formed levitation device. More particularly, an expandable air volume or bladder is formed in a portion of the cover  120 . The expandable volume may consist of a top layer  121  being secured, for example, by sewing or other means, over a portion of the panel  124 . As shown, the top layer  121  may be formed from the same material as the panel  124  and formed in virtually any shape, as discussed above, such as a circular shape, and generally centrally located with respect to the cover  120 . The top layer  121  and the panel  124  are formed with a slick surface facing outwardly. The other side of the cover  120  may be formed with either a slick surface or a non-slick surface. 
     The expandable volume includes an air intake nozzle  123  ( FIG. 3 ) and one or more air discharge holes, generally identified with the reference numerals  131  and  133 . A grommet  129  ( FIG. 4 ) or other fastening means to attach a center point of the top cover  121  to the panel  124 , such as heat sealing, stitching, glue or the like, may be centrally located with respect to the top layer  121  and used to secure a one point on the top cover  121  to the panel  124  and create the expandable volume which includes the air channels, identified by the reference numeral  143  to create the air flow as illustrated by the arrows  135   a  and  137  from the nozzle  123  to the discharge holes  131  and  133 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , once air is applied to the air intake nozzle  123  ( FIG. 3 ), the expandable volume is inflated as shown and an air column to be formed adjacent the grommet  129 . The air column lifts or levitates a surface in contact with the air column, such as a cover, whether or not embedded in the mattress  28 , which, in turn, lifts a portion of the mattress  28  and relieving some of the weight along the periphery of the mattress  28 . In as much as the slick surface of the cover  22  is in contact with the slick surfaces of the top cover  121  and the slick surface of the panel  124 , the mattress  28  ( FIG. 5 ) is virtually effortlessly rotated, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Once the mattress  28  has been rotated to the desired position, the cover  22  is attached to the mattress  28  causing its non-slick side to be contact with the box spring  30 . 
     The bands  132  and  34  ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ) may be formed from an elastic material, for example, spandex and other stretchable materials, such as mesh or an elastic banding and attached to the panels  124  and  26  respectively, for example, by sewing. Alternatively, the bands  32 ,  34  ( FIG. 5 ) can be formed from a mesh or stretchable fabric. The bands  132  and  34  ( FIG. 5 ) can also be formed from the same material as the panels  124  ( FIG. 3 )  24 ,  26  or same materials as sides of the mattress, mattress encasement, or box spring and secured to the mattress  28  and box spring or platform  30  by way the vertical attachments methods, as discussed below. Horizontal attachments methods may also be used to tighten the grip of the cover with respect to the mattress, box spring, or foundation. The single cover and coverless embodiments, including aftermarket encasements and mattress covers with zip-out bottom panels as discussed above may also include the attachment methods described in conjunction with the two cover embodiment. of a drawstring (not shown) or other attachment method. 
     The bands  132  and  34  may also be formed by less labor intensive methods, as illustrated in  FIGS. 28 a -28 b    and  FIGS. 29 a -29 c   . The methods illustrated in these figures, reduce the amount of sewing and thus the labor involved. For simplicity, only one cover  22  is described and illustrated. However, these teachings also apply to the band  132  and panel  124  of the cover  120 . Referring first to  FIGS. 28 a  and 28 b   , one corner of a cover blank, generally identified with the reference numeral  21 , is illustrated for simplicity. The cover blank  21  is formed as a generally rectangular piece of material with fold lines, generally identified with the reference numeral  23 , adjacent to each edge of the rectangular piece of material. As shown in  FIG. 28 a   , a piece of material is cut out of each corner defining, for example, an obtuse angle. The cut-out is identified with the reference numeral  25 . The bands  34 ′ are folded down as shown in  FIG. 28 b   . A piece of flexible material, such as elastic, identified with the reference number  27 , is used to bridge the cut-out  25 . The flexible material  27  is secured to the ends of the contiguous bands  34 ′. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 28 a  and 28 b    significantly reduces the labor costs. 
     A second technique to reduce labor costs is illustrated in  FIGS. 29 a -29 c   . In this embodiment, the corners of the material blank  21 ′ are cut to form a cut-out  25 ′ that is not an obtuse angle. The exemplary cut-out  25 ′ is shown at roughly a 90 degree angle. In this embodiment, a fastener strip  29  is affixed to each end of the band  34 ″, adjacent the cut-out  25 ′. A cooperating removable fastener strip  31  may be attached to the fastener strips  29  to secure the adjacent bands  34 ″ together. The fastener strips  29  and  31  may be Velcro or other type of fastener. The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 29 a -29 c    allows the material blank  21 ′ to be juxtaposed over the mattress  28  or box spring  30  with the removable fastener strips  31 , as least partially removed, for example, as shown in  FIG. 29 b   . and secured to the exposed cooperating fastener strip  29 , once the cover  20  is in place, as shown in  FIG. 29   c.    
       FIGS. 29 e -29 j    illustrate various techniques to tighten the grip of the cover, for example, the one cover mattress management system described herein, with respect to a mattress or foundation. As shown in  FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e   , conventional fasteners, such as snaps, Velcro or buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral  504  are rigidly affixed to the mattress  500  and/or the foundation  502 . Mating fasteners  506  may be provided on the cover  503 . As shown in  FIG. 29 d   , the cover  503  is attached to the foundation  502 . As the cover  503  is attached to the mattress  500 , the mating fasteners  500  and  506  are joined together to secure the cover  503  relative to the mattress, as illustrated in  FIG. 29 e   . It is also contemplated to dispose additional mating fasteners on the cover  503  and the foundation to secure the cover  503  to the foundation  502 . 
       FIGS. 29 f  and 29 g    are similar to  FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e   . In this embodiment, the cover  503  is not provided with full side panels  505 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e   , but rather corner flaps, generally identified with the reference numeral  507 .  FIGS. 29 m  and 29 m    are similar to  FIGS. 29 d  and 29 e    but illustrate the mattress encased in an encasement, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 a  24 b   .  FIGS. 29 o  and 29 p    are similar to  FIGS. 29 f  and 29 g    but show a mattress encased with a zip-on encasement. 
       FIGS. 29 h  and 29 i    illustrate different exemplary techniques for providing a tight grip between the cover  503 . In these embodiments, at least two of the side panels  509 ,  510  are not attached together, as shown. In  FIG. 29 h   , the end of one side panel  509  includes a loop  512 . The adjacent side panel  509  includes a plurality of buttons, generally identified with the reference numeral  514 , for receiving the loop  512 . The grip of the cover  503  is adjusted depending on the particular button selected to catch the loop.  FIG. 29 i    is similar but utilizes a drawstring  514  to tighten the grip of the cover  503  with respect to a mattress or foundation.  FIGS. 29 k    and  29 I represent an alternative method for securing the cover  503  with respect to a mattress or foundation. 
       FIG. 29 j    illustrates a cover  503  in which all of the side panels are connected forming a fitted sheet. In this embodiment, each side panel may include a strap and Velcro, as generally indicated by the reference numeral  516 . In this embodiment the strap can be tightened and attached to the Velcro in the tightened position to tighten the grip of the cover  503  relative to the mattress  518  or foundation (not shown). 
     In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the cover  22  ( FIG. 5 ) may have a “slick” side having a relatively low co-efficient of friction and a non-slick side having a relatively higher co-efficient of friction. The other cover  120  which includes a portion of the levitation device has at least one slick side and may have two slick sides. As such, when the slick surfaces of the two covers  120  and  22  are selectively placed in contact with each other, the mattress  28  can be rotated in a horizontal plane with minimal effort by one person in a configuration defining a rotate mode of operation, as discussed in more detail below. The non-slick side of the cover  22  is used to selectively be placed in contact with an uncovered surface of the box spring  30 . The non-slick side provides a the uncovered surface of the box spring  30 , platform or bed skirt  36  in order to reduce if not prevent unintended rotation of the mattress in a normal configuration. 
     Various materials, such as cloth, and other materials that are bendable and amenable to being folded are suitable for the panels  124 ,  26  for the covers  10 ,  22 . The material for one cover  120 ,  22  need only have a slick side and a non-slick side. The non-slick side can be created on one side of a slick material by way of a coating or sewing or fusing a non-slick backing to one side of the non-slick material. Various conventionally available materials are suitable for the cover having a slick side and a non-slick side. For example, “30 Denier Heat Sealable (backside) 100% Nylon Rip Stop” material is suitable for use with the present invention or other materials with similar coefficients of friction on the slick and non-slick sides. Such material may be nylon, for example, 100% nylon with a coating on one side, for example, urethane or other thermal plastic or heat sealable coating. Such nylon rip stop material is known to come in widths of 58-86 inches wide and weighs about 1.1 to 4.4 ounces per square yard. Such material can easily be pieced together to accommodate various mattress widths if necessary. 
     Nylon rip stop material suitable for use with the present invention is available from various sources, such as, Quest Outfitters of Sarasota, Fla. (http:/questoutfitters.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at http:/questoutfitters.com/coated.html#HEAT_SEALABLE, hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable nylon taffeta material is also available from Rockywoods in Loveland, Colo. (http:/www.rockywoods.com). Their nylon taffeta material is described in detail at http:/www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Hardware-Patterns-Kits/Medium-Weight-Nylon-Fabrics/Heat-Sealable-70-Denier-Nylon-Taffeta, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Non-woven materials may also be used for the cover  120 ,  22  having a slick side and a non-slick side. For example, Tyvek® polyethylene non-woven fabric, as manufactured by the DuPont Corporation and described in detail at http:/www2.dupont.com/Products_and_Services/en_VN/nwn.html may be used. Other materials having two slick sides can also be used, such as, silicone impregnated nylon rip stop, for example, as available from Seattle Fabrics, Inc., http:/www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons.html. Other materials can also be used with a coating applied to one side. Moreover, different materials can be used for each cover in an application. 
     As will be discussed in more detail below, several embodiments of the invention include an expandable air volume and no air exit holes or an adjustable air exit valve. These embodiments rely on the porosity of the material to provide a controlled release of the air from the expandable air volume. 
     Various embodiments discussed herein require one or two covers with a slick side and a non-slick side. The following materials are suitable for this purpose and are described below. For example, the following exemplary materials may be used:
         warp-knit fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.   a non-woven material with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.   Tricot fabric with a polyurethane backing or a silicone coating.   a stitch bond fabric with a polyurethane laminate coating or a silicone coating.   Nylon or polyester ripstop with a silicone coating on one side and a polyurethane coating on the other side   a stitch bond fabric, available from Tietex, item no 944164, style no. C243, wherein the fabric is 32% rayon, 22% polyester, 6% twaron and 40% coat.       

     Materials having a similar co-efficient of friction and porosity characteristics may also be used. All such materials are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention. 
     The following textile materials may be also be used for the various surfaces discussed above. These textile materials can be used uncoated or coated on one or both sides as indicated below to control the co-efficient of friction to create a slick surface or a non-slick surface relative to the co-efficient of friction on the other uncoated or coated side. 
     70 DENIER×70 DENIER NYLON RIPSTOP 
     70 DENIER×70 DENIER POLYESTER RIPSTOP 
     70 DENIER NYLON &amp; POLYESTER BLEND 
     70 DENIER NYLON TAFFETA 
     70 DENIER POLYESTER TAFFETA 
     30 DENIER POLYESTER OR NYLON RIPSTOP OR 
     TAFFETA 
     210 DENIER OXFORD NYLON 
     210 DENIER OXFORM POLYESTER 
     210 DENIER NYLON &amp; POLYESTER BLEND 
     WARP-KNIT FABRIC 
     POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) 
     POLYETHELENE SHEETING 
     POLYPROPOLENE SHEETING 
     NON-WOVEN FABRIC 
     OLEFIN (a.k.a. polyethylene &amp; polypropylene) 
     STITCH-BOND FABRIC 
     COTTON BLEND 
     TERRY MATERIAL 
     TRICOT 
     HIGH DENSITY &amp; MOLECULAR WEIGHT 
     POLYETHELYNE FILM 
     The following coatings have a relatively high co-efficient of friction. These coatings may be used to provide a rough or non-slick surface. 
     POLYURETHANE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     THERMO PLASTIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     RUBBER coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     HEAT SEALABLE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     WATER REPELLENT coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     ACRYLIC coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     ADHESIVE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE 
     UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric) 
     The following coatings may be coated on a side of the materials provide a relatively low co-efficient of friction and thus may be used to provide a slick surface: 
     SILICONE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     TEFLON coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     PETROLEUM BASE coated/laminated/bonded/impregnated/backing 
     BLENDED COATING OF ANY OF THE ABOVE 
     SLICK FIBER WOVEN INTO FABRIC 
     UNCOATED (inherent COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF uncoated fabric) 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 5-8 , a first cover  22  is attached to a box spring  30  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring  30  and its slick side is facing upwardly. The second cover  120  which includes a portion of the levitation device is attached to the underside of a mattress  28 . In a rotate mode of operation, the cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring  30  and its slick side is facing upwardly so that its slick side is in contact with the slick surfaces  121  and  124  of the cover  120 . In a normal mode of operation, the cover  22  is attached to the mattress  28  so that its non-slick side contacts the box spring  28  and its slick side contacts the slick surfaces  121  and  124  of the cover  120 , thereby reducing unintended movement of the mattress  28  relative to the box spring  30  or bed skirt  36  or platform. 
     A small air supply  127  is connected to the air intake nozzle  123  by way of a conduit  125 , as generally shown in  FIG. 3 . Since the force required to lift the mattress  28  is proportional to the pressure multiplied by the area of the mattress  28 , the area of the top cover  121  may be divided into the total weight of the mattress  28  by the amount of pressure required by the air pump  160 . As shown, the diameter of the top cover  121  may be selected to be slightly less than the width of the mattress  28 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 3 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In this embodiment, a conduit  125 ′ between the air intake nozzle  123  ( FIG. 3 ) and the air pump  127  may be partially incorporated into the mattress  28 .  FIG. 16  illustrates yet another alternate embodiment in which includes an embedded conduit  125 ″ the mattress  28  in that it is in fluid communication with the interior of the expandable volume and is connected to the air supply pump  127  ( FIG. 3 ) external to the cover  120  by way of a connector  131 . 
       FIGS. 9 a   - 13  illustrate one application of the covers  120  and  22  in which a bed skirt  36  is draped over the box spring  30 , as generally shown in  FIG. 9 a   . Heretofore rotation of a mattress  28  with a bed skirt  36  draped over the box spring  30  was a relatively cumbersome task. The present invention greatly simplifies rotation of the mattress  28  in such an application. More specifically, in this application, the cover  120  is attached to the underside of the mattress  28  so that its non-slick side or non-slick side, i.e. side not including the top cover  121 , is in contact with the mattress  28  and its slick side, i.e. side including the top cover  121 , is facing downward. The other cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  over the bed skirt  36  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt  36  and its slick side is facing upward, thereby placing the slick sides of the covers  120  and  22  in contact with each other, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The mattress  28  can then be rotated virtually effortlessly, as generally illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     After the mattress  28  is rotated to the desired position, the cover  22  is detached from the box spring  30  and attached to the mattress  28  over the cover  120 , as shown in  FIG. 10 a   . This places the non-slick side of the cover  22  in contact with the bed skirt  36  to reduce if not prevent unintended rotation of the mattress  28 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the bed skirt  36  is uncovered and undisturbed since the cover  22  holds the bed skirt  36  in place during the rotation of the mattress  28 . 
       FIGS. 11-13  are similar to  FIGS. 9 a  and 10 a    and illustrate another application in which the bed skirt  36  is used to hide the covers  120  and  22  in a normal configuration. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the bed skirt  36  is disposed around the mattress  28  so that its finished side is in contact with the mattress  28  and its unfinished side is facing outwardly. The cover  120  is attached to the mattress  28  over the bed skirt  36  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the bed skirt  36  and its slick side is facing downwardly. The other cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring  30  and its slick side is facing upwardly, thus placing the slick sides of the covers  120  and  22  in contact with each other. The mattress  30  can then be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly by one person. Once the mattress  28  is in the desired position, the cover  120  is detached from the mattress  28  and attached to the box spring  30 , over the other cover  22 . This places the non-slick side of the cover  120  in contact with the underside of the bed skirt that is in contact with the mattress  28 , thereby reducing unintended rotation of the mattress  28 . Once the cover  120  is attached to the box spring  30 , the bed skirt  36  is folded down over the box spring  30 , thereby hiding both the first and second covers  120  and  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIGS. 9 b  and 10 b    are similar to  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    but illustrate a one cover embodiment with the mattress encased in an encasement as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    or  24   b.    
       FIGS. 24 a , 24 b  and 25 a , 25 b    relate to a mattress encasement version and illustrate an embodiment in which the cover  120  is replaced with a protective cover  40 , such as a waterproof cover, that encapsulates the mattress  28 . The cover  40  is formed with a portion of the levitation device, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 a    and discussed above. The protective cover  40  is to size and shape of the mattress  28  to provide a relatively snug fit. An opening  42  is provided along one edge of the protective cover  40  to enable the mattress  28  to be placed inside the protective cover  40  so that the levitation device is facing downwardly. A conventional fastener, such as a zipper  44  may be used to close the opening  42 . In this embodiment, one surface  46   a  of the cover  40  is provided with a slick surface  46   a  as is the top cover  121 ′ of the levitation device or top surface of the box spring  22  ( FIG. 24 a   ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 24 a   , the mattress  28  and the cover  40  are configured so that the slick surface  46   a  faces the box spring  30 . The cover  22  is formed with a slick surface and a non-slick surface. The cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  so that its non-slick side is in contact with the box spring  30  and its non-slick side is facing upwardly. The slick side  46   a  of the cover  40  cooperates with the slick side of the cover  22  to facilitate rotation of the covered mattress  28  in a rotate mode. The cover  22  is as described above with a slick surface and a non-slick surface. More particularly, in a rotate mode of operation, the cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  so that its non-slick surface is in contact with the box spring  30  and the slick surface faces upwardly in order to contact the slick surface of the protective cover  40 . In this mode, the mattress  28  can be effortlessly rotated in a horizontal plane once the air pump  127  ( FIG. 3 ) is turned on to fill and continue to feed the expandable air column with air creating a levitation effect. An alternative embodiment of the encasement is illustrated in  FIGS. 24 b    and  25   b.    
     In addition to the embodiments discussed above which require two covers, alternate embodiments are discussed below in which one or both of the covers  120  and  22  are integrally formed in the mattress or box spring  30 , respectively. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16-23 , one or both of the covers  120  and  22  may be eliminated and integrally formed in the mattress  28  or box spring  30 . For example, assume that the cover  120  is integrally formed on the underside of the mattress  28 . In this embodiment, the cover  22  is attached to the box spring  30  so that its non-slick surface is in contact with the box spring  30  and its slick surface faces upwardly in a rotate mode of operation. Once the mattress is rotated to the desired position, the cover  22  is attached to the mattress  28  so that its non-slick surface is in contact with the box spring  30  and its slick surface is in contact with the slick surfaces  121 ′ and  124 ′ of the cover  120 ′ in a normal mode of operation. 
     Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 16-18 , both covers  120 ′ and  22 ′ can be integrally formed in the mattress  28  and box spring  30 , respectively with their respective slick surfaces in constant contact. In this embodiment, the slick surfaces  121 ′ and  124 ′ of the cover  120 ′ and the slick surface of the cover  22 ′ is attached to the underside of the mattress  28  such that the slick surface faces downwardly and is in contact with the underside of the mattress  28 . In a rotate mode of operation, the slick surface of the cover  120 ′ is in contact with the slick surface integrally formed in the box spring  30 . 
     In order to prevent movement of the mattress  28  with respect to the box spring  30  in a normal mode of operation, fasteners, for example, Velcro fasteners, may be provided on the corners of both the mattress  28  and the box spring  30 . In particular, permanent fastener strips  54  are provided on the corners of the mattress  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 . Similarly, permanent fastener strips  56  are provided on the corners of the box spring  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , when the mattress  28  is correctly aligned with the box spring  30 , the permanent fastener strips  54 ,  56  on the mattress  28  are aligned with the permanent fastener strips  56  on the box spring  30 . In order to secure the mattress  28  relative to the box spring  30 , removable cooperating fastener strips  58  are selectively attached to the permanent fastener strips  54  and  56  as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 20  defining a normal mode of operation. The removable fastener strips  58  are simply removed in order to rotate the mattress  28  and replaced once the mattress  28  has been rotated. 
     An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 143 and 144   a . In this embodiment, the mattress is secured the foundation by way of a vertical attachment device, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 144   b.    
     Two alternate embodiments are illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , permanent fastener strips  60  and  62  are located around the peripheries of the mattress  28  and the box spring  30 , adjacent to the edges where the mattress  28  and the box spring  30  come together. As shown in  FIG. 22 , a cooperating removable fastener strip  64  is attached to the permanent fastener strips  60  and  62  on the mattress  28  and box spring  30 , respectively. In yet another alternate embodiment as shown in  FIG. 23 , the cooperating removable fastener strip  64  may be affixed to the inside of a bed skirt  66 . With such a configuration, not only are the mattress  28  and box spring  30  secured together, the configuration also allows a bed skirt  66  to be easily installed. 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate an application of the invention on a platform bed, generally identified with the reference numeral  70 . In this embodiment, the cover  120 ′ is incorporated on the underside of a mattress  28 . with the intake nozzle  123  terminated to one edge of the mattress  28 . In this embodiment, the mattress  28  sits directly on a platform  72 , which is formed with a slick surface  74  which cooperates with the slick surfaces  121 ′ and  124 ′ of the cover  120 ′. In a rotate mode of operation, air from an air supply (not shown) is applied to the intake nozzle  123  which causes the mattress  28  to levitate. The headboard  76  may be removed from the platform  74  or alternatively the mattress may be slid out away from the headboard and the mattress  28  before being rotated to its desired position. The air supply is then removed and the mattress returns to a rest position on the platform  72  and the headboard  76  is replaced in a normal mode. The mattress  28  is then secured to the platform  74  by a conventional fastener system or any of the attachment methods discussed below or any other conventional attachment methods. 
     Attachment Means 
     Various vertical and horizontal attachments are disclosed herein. Horizontal attachments are used to secure side panels together, for example as illustrated in  FIGS. 28 a -29 c , and 29 h -29 l   . Other attachment means such as illustrated in  FIG. 24 j    may be used as well. Such horizontal attachments may also be used to tighten the grip of the side panels of the cover, or optionally the encasement, to a mattress or a foundation. Horizontal attachments methods may also be used to tighten the grip of the cover with respect to the mattress, box spring, or foundation. The single cover and coverless embodiments, including aftermarket encasements and mattress covers with zip-out bottom panels as discussed above may also include the attachment methods described in conjunction with the two cover embodiment. 
     Vertical attachments are used to secure a cover to a mattress ( FIGS. 143-144   a  and  148 ); a cover to a mattress with a zip out bottom panel ( FIGS. 139 h -139 j , 140 a , 140 b   , and  149 - 151 ); and an aftermarket encasement ( FIGS. 141 a - c   , and  145 - 147 ). Various other vertical attachments are illustrated for attaching a cover to a mattress ( FIGS. 24 m , 24 n   ) and a mattress covered with an aftermarket encasement ( FIGS. 24 o  and 24 p   ). 
     In addition, a flip panel, straps, or other members (not shown) can either be attached to a mattress, mattress cover, encasement, or foundation. A fastener system can be imbedded in the flip panel, straps, or other members that cooperates with a mating fastener such as a zipper, buttons, buckles, or other fasteners to a cover or the foundation to secure the mattress to the foundation or to secure a cover to the mattress, mattress cover, or encasement, or foundation. 
     All fastener systems described and illustrated herein are suitable for both the vertical and horizontal attachments for all embodiments of the invention and can be used interchangeably or in combination with each other or any other conventional attachment methods. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the present invention can be utilized with only the cover  120 . In this embodiment, the invention relies on the surface of the box spring  30  to cooperate with the levitation device. Also, the cover  22  can be provided with either two (2) slick sides or a slick side and a non-slick side. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.