US Patent 6957456 Bed lift

An apparatus and method for tilting a bed frame is disclosed. The apparatus raises and lowers an end of a bed frame between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The apparatus includes a power actuator connected to an extendable support bar. To raise or incline the bed, a support end of the extendable support bar contacts the floor while a lifting end raises the bed frame as the power actuator causes the extendable support bar to move from a retracted position toward an extended position. As the distance between the lifting end of the extendable support bar and the floor increases, the extendable support bar inclines the bed. To increase the rate at which the bed is inclined, ramps are placed between the extendable support bar and the bed.