DYNAMIC ERECTABLE BEDSHEET RISER

Abstract

A device for raising and lowering a distal portion of a bedsheet such that to accommodate the feet of a person lying in a supine position. The device includes a frame that can be mounted underneath the mattress for supporting the device. The device further includes a base coupled to the frame and a fin pivotally coupled to the base. The fin can pivot upwards to raise the distal portion of the bedsheet and can be pivoted downwards to lower the distal portion of the bedsheet.

Claims

1. A device for raising and lowering a distal portion of a bedsheet, the device comprises: a frame configured to mount to a supporting structure; a base coupled to the frame; a fin pivotally coupled to the base; and an actuating member configured to pivot the fin between an open state and a closed state, the fin is substantially upstanding in the open state, and the fin is horizontal in the closed state.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating member is a gas spring, the actuating member is configured to pull the fin from the closed state to the open state.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating member is an electric motor.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fin has a smooth and rounded surface.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: a push latch mechanism, the push latch mechanism configured to lock the fin to the base.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises: a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the horizontal portion configured to sandwich between a mattress and a platform while the fin is underneath the bedsheet.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the fin pivots to 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises: an elevating member, the base coupled to the frame through the elevating member, the elevating member configured to increase or decrease in length for increasing or decreasing an effective height of the base relative to the frame.

9. A method for raising and lowering a distal portion of a bedsheet, the method comprises the steps of: providing a device for raising and lowering the distal portion of the bedsheet, the device comprises: a frame configured to mount to a supporting structure, a base coupled to the frame; a fin pivotally coupled to the base, and an actuating member configured to pivot the fin between an open state and a closed state, the fin is substantially upstanding in the open state, and the fin is horizontal in the closed state.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the actuating member is a gas spring, the actuating member is configured to pull the fin from the closed state to the open state.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the actuating member is an electric motor.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fin has a smooth and rounded surface.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the device further comprises: a push latch mechanism, the push latch mechanism configured to lock the fin to the base.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the frame further comprises a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the horizontal portion configured to sandwich between a mattress and a platform while the fin is underneath the bedsheet.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fin pivots to 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the device further comprises: an elevating member, the base coupled to the frame through the elevating member, the elevating member configured to increase or decrease in length for increasing or decreasing an effective height of the base relative to the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device having the cover of the base of the device removed to show the inner components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows the device with the covers of the base and the fin removed to show the inner components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows the device having the cover of the fin removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows the gas spring and inner components of the fin, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 shows the inner components of the base of the device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the base and the elevating member of the device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is another view of the image shown in FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the frame, elevating member, and the base, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as apparatus and methods of use thereof. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0028] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0030] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0031] The following detailed description is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details may be set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatus are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject innovation. Moreover, the drawings may not be to scale.

[0032] Disclosed is a bedsheet riser that can selectively raise a portion of a bedsheet. Preferably, the bedsheet riser can raise a distal portion of the bedsheet that overlie the feet of a user, the bedsheet covering the user in a supine portion. The disclosed device allows users to conform or sleep in the supine position while the bedsheet can be tightly tucked under the mattress. The bedsheet riser by raising a distal portion of the bedsheet allows the users to orient their feet in a sagittal plane relative to the body. Besides the tightly tucked bedsheet, the disclosed device can allow the user to comfortably place his dorsiflexed feet while in a supine position by raising a portion of the bedsheet above the feet of the user i.e., the distal portion.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-10 which disclose a bedsheet riser device 100 that can be mounted to a side of a bed and can be used to lift a distal portion of the bedsheet such as to comfortably accommodate the feet of a user. The disclosed bedsheet riser 100 includes a frame 105 that can be used to mount the disclosed device 100 to a supporting structure, such as a bed. It is to be understood, however, that the frame can be replaced by any mounting structure that can be used to mount the disclosed device to a side of the bed. For example, suitable clamps or brackets can be used to mount the disclosed device to the bed.

[0034] The frame can be assembled from the tubular members and suitable joints, such as elbow joints and the like. The frame can be planar that can sandwich between a mattress and the top of the bed. The size of the frame can be large enough to be stably retained by the weight of an overlying portion of the mattress.

[0035] To increase the height of the disclosed device, vertical poles can be used in the frame. FIG. 2 shows such device 200 which includes an L-shape frame 210. The L-shape frame 210 includes a horizontal portion 220 and a vertical portion 230. The horizontal portion can be sandwiched between the mattress and the bed. The vertical portion 230 can provide a desired height to the disclosed device. The vertical portion can vertically extend upwards from an edge of the horizontal portion. The height of the vertical portion can be increased or decreased by using suitable tubular members. The frame can be assembled and disassembled which may allow the device to be stored and transported compactly and can be assembled before use. The device 200 can include an elevating member 240, a base 250, and a fin 260.

[0036] Again, referring to FIG. 1, device 100 further includes a base 110, the base 110 can be coupled to frame 105 through an elevating member 115 that can allow limited adjustment to the height of the base from the frame.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows the elevating member 115, more clearly shown in FIG. 10, the elevating member 115 has an upper plate 125, a lower plate 120, and an arm 130. The upper plate 125 can be coupled to the base 110, the lower plate 120 can be coupled to the frame 105, and the arm 130 can be coupled to the upper plate 125 and the lower plate 120. The lower plate 120 can be coupled to frame 105 using pivot points. The arm can be coupled to the lower plate and the upper plate using the pivots. This allows the base to be moved upwards and downwards, by pivoting the upper plate relative to the frame. The base 110 can be lifted to various levels, wherein the arm can have spaced apart holes, and removable pins 150.

[0038] To the base 110 can be coupled with a fin 135 using suitable fasteners. The fin can pivot 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees and can remain in position by using suitable gas springs 145. The fin can be pushed downwards using slight force and similarly, the fin can be pulled upwards using slight force against the gas spring. The outer surface of the fin can be smooth and rounded, wherein the fin can be placed under the distal portion of the bedsheet to lift the distal portion of the bedsheet. It is understood that the gas spring can be replaced by any other mechanism such as hydraulics, and the like. The fin can pivot 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees to prevent the closing of the fin by the weight of the bedsheet or any external force or weight on the fin.

[0039] The base 110 and the fin 135 can have covers that provide a smooth outer surface and aesthetic appearance. FIG. 3 shows an inner member 140 after the cover of the base is removed. FIG. 4 shows the inner member 155 of the fin after removing the cover of the fin.

[0040] For use, the disclosed device can be mounted to a bed, wherein the horizontal portion of the frame can be placed under the mattress while the vertical portion extends upwards along the side of the mattress. The fin can be placed under one or more bedsheets, to raise the distal portion of the bedsheet up and down. The fin can be locked to the base using a push latch mechanism. The fin can be pushed slightly to unlock the fin from the base, wherein the gas springs can pull the fin upwards raising the distal portion of the bedsheet. To lower the bedsheet, the fin can be pressed downwards towards the base and the fin can be locked to the base.

[0041] A suitable mechanism can also be provided to smoothen the pivoting of the fin relative to the base. For example, a gear or friction mechanism can be used to slow down the movement of the fin, to prevent the abrupt movement of the fin. The smooth and rounded cover of the fin can prevent the snagging of the bedsheet.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the device can be provided with an electric motor to move the fin between an open state and a closed state. The manual gas springs can be replaced by the electric motor to move the fin. In one case, a control button can also be provided that can be actuated to operate the motor for pivoting the fin in either direction i.e., to open or close the fin.

[0043] The base of the device can further include holes on its side walls. Any sheet to be placed on the bed can be stuffed into these holes to keep the sheet from slipping towards the center of the bed. FIG. 1 shows two spaced apart holes in two opposite walls of the base. These holes on the sides of the base can be useful when the disclosed device is installed on a side of a bed, instead of the end of the bed. When the device is installed on the side of the bed, the device may not retain the bedsheet raised in a tent-like manner for long but slips. By stuffing the bedsheets into these holes, the slip can be prevented.

[0044] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.