Yes, I do, Tom, for the following reason…
I badly need new hydraulic struts on our Exsis and it’s got to the point that I can no longer single-handedly push the bed up! While I unlock the latch ready, Maggie starts to push on the second, ‘flap’ part of the bed. This then makes the start-push easier. And it’s the start-push that your idea may solve.
Building on your idea, I see a pole that is a specific length (critcal) and fits on the edge of the bed – a short ‘L’-shaped piece of angle so it won’t slide back and forth? A rubber buffer of some sort on the other end so it doesn’t damage the floor. A push on the pole and bed, until the base of the pole can be placed on the floor below the step, wedged there by the step and with the bed half up. The bulk of the weight of the lift is then done. As you say, it’s easier to complete the second part of the lift, as it’s the first part that’s the difficult one, having to do it in one go, one smooth movement. A short push then, while operating the locking handle sees it located.
This would also be brilliant for those of shorter stature, the weaker elderly (like me!), women on their own and so on. At least one lady member has spoken to me about this very problem.
This is part of my problem… shoulder injuries are playing havoc with me and bed-putting-up is getting really problematic, even when I get the struts replaced – so your idea has really got me thinking, Tom. A stout, thick aluminium pole… ‘L’ bracket affixed to to top… rubber pad of some sort affixed at the bottom…
It could work!
Top idea!
Barry