CA2554327A1 - Screened cot enclosure - Google Patents
Screened cot enclosure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2554327A1 CA2554327A1 CA002554327A CA2554327A CA2554327A1 CA 2554327 A1 CA2554327 A1 CA 2554327A1 CA 002554327 A CA002554327 A CA 002554327A CA 2554327 A CA2554327 A CA 2554327A CA 2554327 A1 CA2554327 A1 CA 2554327A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cot
- strap
- support
- frame
- net
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C29/00—Nets for protection against insects in connection with chairs or beds; Bed canopies
- A47C29/006—Mosquito nets
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Portable Outdoor Equipment (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
According to one aspect of the present invention, a net accessory for use with a cot includes (a) a net having an inner surface with a pair of open ended sleeves formed along the inner surface for receiving tension rods; and (b) a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot. Each support strap has a feature that permits the scrap to be tightened and secured to the frame, as well as a pocket formed proximate one end. The pocket is configured to receive an end of the tension rod so as to suspend and support the net above a sleeping area of the cot.
Description
SCREENED COT ENCLOSLtRlr 3 CROSS-R,FFERENCE TO F~LAT>:D APPLICAT1UN
?he present application claims the benefit of Lt.S. patent application N~_ 60!703,793, filed July 2S, ~0~5, Wtuch. iR hereby incorporated by reference in its entitPry.
TECI~iNIC.4L FIELD
The present invention relates to cots and the tike, anr> mare particulwly, relates to a protective' .~crccn or na sup,port structure that can easily be inrorpnrated and removehly attached uo an rci~tin~ cot frame (including "folding" cots, crandard cotslbcds, sleeping bag, suetclters, e:r ) to provide emergency temporary or pcrrn~,nrnt Protection fram unwanted elements, ,uch as incccts.
in unscreaned fsrihties in the rnrrrtrx,rs or indoors.
13ACKGROU'VD
There arc a nu.~ttber of different types of producr~ chat are available to a user Who wishes nr i3 required to sleep in an ui;screened or ttn~ccurcd cnvirotlment.
Far eRample, when sleeping in an outdoor envlrenment, such as in ~ rent nr camper, or when a conventional bed is not available, a folding cot prnvldes a grand alternahvc to a conventional mattress bed. A tyP;cal cot includes a Prams that is typically fnrnlcd of a number of frame elementc that rtre fntdable in nature and support a .sleeping .e~l(lrort surface, such as a durable fabric, that s~
arrachod to the cot frame in a way rh~r Permits the entire cot structure to be neatly and comPactty folded for easy storage. The pa.a: 1 cot srrucrurc and <nrrort of the body will typically provide more comfort than a slrching bag placed nn the door of the tent, camper, ere.
One large scale purchaser of cots is the United ~tmPS en~crrmcnt which purchases cots for emergency preparedness, recreational areas, as well a.9 for personnel in the armed forces.
In munv of these applications, the personnel using rhc tins arc forced to sleep unprotect~ and exposed to undesired foreign marrrr, such as debris, as well as inseers, For example, mosquitos are very prevalent during nighttime and thus, they are at least a nuisutce and at worst, they can he a carrier of disease, etc. The ptt'sence of in5ecls at night, especially the hiring tyres, makes it d;rficult for the person using the cot to Ret a good night's sleep. Then. arc a number of net type cnclosut~s that can be used with a tent like structure to allrviare the problems naeociated with insects; however. these enclosures suffer from a n~.~mb~r of ayaociaxd disadvantages, such as being o.~erty complex and difficult go attach tn the cot frame. In addition, many net enclosures are designed specifically for use wirh a single type of cot frame and therefore, can only be wed with this exact frame ryPc, This limits the versatility and degree of application of the net enclomrr..
SUM'.vIARY
According to one aspect of the present imrnrinn, a net accessory for use with a cot includes (a) a net having an inner surfarx wirh x Pair of Qpcn ended sleeves formed along the inner surface for receiving flexible vcnsion rude; and (h) a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the car. Each support strap has a first end and an opposite second end and includes a feature that permits the strap to be ttphtened and secured to the framt, as well as a poclcct formed proximate the second end. In one embodiment, the feature is in. the forn~ of an opening formed through the strap proximate the first end. The opening is rnnf,Pttrcd to receive tho second end of Page: 2 the strap to facilitate tightening of the strap aad a pocket or socLet member is provided anrf confiKurad to receive an end of the tension rod. In aru~cher embodiment, the fcatnrr i5 in the form of a D-ring buck.Ie arrangement c5at permits attachment of rhc SrraP.
In another aspect, a cot ass;.mbly with Tn incest harrier includes a col frame having a head end and a foot end with a finer surnnrt cross ntcmber disposed at the head anal and a second cnPPnrt crass member disposed at the foot end, Each of the first and eeeond support cross members has ends that extend beyond side support frame members. The assembly lunhes includes a net having an inner surface with a pair of open ended sleeves formed along the inner SUri~rr fr~r receiving flexible tension rods. It will be un0erstood that the sleeves err mcrclr r,nr type of IU retaitliryq members and instead, the sleeves can he rcplarr~d by .srveral tic strapslcortls for retaining the rods in place.
The assembly further includes n plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot or some other similar type of strucrare. Each support strap has a first end and as opposite second end and a feature to permit tightening and attachment of Lhe strap to the frame, as l~ well as a pocket formed pmximate the second end.
In yet another aspect, a method of attac-hine an snscct harrier to a cot frame assembly includes the steps of positioning a art rclat.ivc tn the cot frame assembly, The cot frame assembly inc:hrrlec a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed st the head .rnri ,nrl , second support cross member disposed at the foot end. Each of the lust and second 20 support cross members has ends that extend beyond side support Frame members.
The method also includes the step of attaching a plur2lity of support ~trapc ca the tlrst and second suppon cuss members of thr: ;at frame ac.9cmhly. Each support strap has a first end and an opposite second end, wirh. ~ Cnckct formed rrnximate the second enU. The support Yyc: 3 Scrap is attached to one of the first and second snrrnrt cross members s0 as to dprrn the strap abrn~r the auppori cross member with the pnchct facing away from the cot frame One end of the ccns~~n. rcxi is inserted into the pocket of one support strap, through one sleeve formed along the inner surfaco of the net and then the ntha end of the tension rod is tnserted into a pocks ref another support strap. T'he above step i,t repeated until ouch tension rod iz securely held within the pockets of two cupport straps. The net is then disposed oaer the crnsion rods which zuppori the net above a sl~eplng ar,ca of rhc cot and allows the protertlve ttPr en make conract with the floor surface, thus forn~ing the enclosure.
In vet another a_spcrt, the net enclosure is not used In comhination with a cot but I~ instead is used with a flexibtc ba'e cloth that includes fzacure formed in Prcdeterrrtined locatiwv for receiving ends of the tencinn rods so as to permit the n:c enclosure rr~ he coupled to the base cloth.
A mattress can be ~ncd in eombtnation writh the base c:lnth, with the bane cloth either being disposed ahwc the mauress or the rriauress being received in the net enclosure and placxrl nn top of the hax cloth.
Further aspects and frantrcs of the present invention earl he ahprrxiatcd from the apprnded Figures and the accompanying vs~rinen description.
BRIEF DESCRIF''TION OF THE D1ZAWNG FIGL1R)=.S
The foregoing and other features of the rrcsrnt invention wilt he more rPadity apparrrrr from the following detailed descriprinn and drawings of the illustrative emb~_,ciimcntv of the invention whereat like reference rntmbrrc refer to similar elements and In which:
Fig. 1 is s perspcrtivc view ef a cot assembly with a. rr~tcctive nel enclosure according to the present invention:
Fee:: 4 FiR. ? is an end elevation view of the cot assembly of Flg. 1;
Fig. 3 is a local perspective vteu~ of a support strap according to one embodiment of the protective net enclosure of Fig. 1;
rig. a i.s r ~iwlr elevarion vices of the 9urrort strap of Fib. 3 in a fully elongated Pn~ition;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the support strap being attached to a Cross support frame member of the cot assemb~,y;
Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the support strap being attached to the cross support frame member;
F;g. 7 ..' a rrrsrectivc view y a cat aarcrhbly with a protective net enclosure xrcnrrlino tn annthcr cmh~dtmcnt of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a support strap according to a second embodiment attached to the cross support frame member; and Fig. 9 is a per!;pective view of a base cloth assembly with a protective net enclosure a:.cording to the present irventlo_~..
DPTAILED DESCRIPTION OF J'RF.FFRR.>=.O Fh~O>71MFNTS
The present invention according to one aspect a Ecncrally rmbodied in Figs. 1-6 in which a cot assembly 100 is shown. The cat eesembly 100 includes a cot framo 110 that is fonned .',0 of a number of frame elements that cooperate with one another In such a way that the cat 100 can be easily folded into a cortyact structure for storage or transport. The cot frs.me 110 has a plurality of feet support assemblies 120 as well as a plurality of side (longinnrlinal) curP~rr members 130 that arc apcratmrly rvmrlrri tn thr fret cnrrnrt re~emhliec 120.
1n the il)u.stratcd cot page: ~
100 and as is typically cha case, there ere three feet assemhlics 170, namely s first end foot asscmhly 12.2, an opposite second end foot assembly 124, and an imermrrliacc or center foot as9embly J.2f hprwccn the turn end foot assemblies 122, 12y.
For example, P~ch foot assembly 1.'.0 is formed of a first foldable leg memhcr J.2R
and a second foldable leg mcmhcr 1; 9 chat criss-cross one another so as to form an X shape when the cot 100 is in the fully opened position as chown in Fig. 1. The first and second lep member 128, 1:9 can be pivoted with raspect to one another to close the fnnr assembly 120 into a compact arm.
Each side support membar 130 is ty~picelly formed of one elongated franc member that is pivotably attached m one or more other side support members 130 to once again, pcrm,ir the entire cot 100 to be folded into a cnmrart form. Each side support member 130 has a first end 132 it!st is operatively coupled to the first end fnm assembly t22 and m opposiue second end 134 that is operatively coupled to the second end foot asscmhly 124, The side support members 130 lie substantially parallel to one smother when the cot 100 is placed ,n rhc fi,.lly opened position of Fig.
).S 1. Bcnveen the tu~o side support members 1?0 lie9 the sleep nrca.
Thr we l0<1 Yunher includes a first transverse end frame member 140 di9poscd ar nr nesr the first end foot a~,tcmhly 1.?2 and a second transverse end frame member 150 disposed at or near the second end foot aescmhly 12.d, The first trans~~erse end frame member 140 extends between the first ends of the two opposing side suPpnr< members 130 ;end the two ends of the frame member !d0 define a pair of extending frame set;ti~n~ 142, 1 a4 that rxtendlprottude beyond the sidr support members 130 as shown in the Fi~ttras. The extending frame scctinns I a2, 1 a4 thus reprcqcnt fingers or amts chat extend beyond the frame members and the Bleeping ales and in the illustrated embodiment, there arc a rair of sections 142, 1na at each end ef Ltte cot 100 and thus, Paee: 6 rhcrc arr fnttr in fatal for the entire cat 100. The second transverse end Prune member 150 also includes the sections 142, 144 at the diqtal ends.
Typically, the foot a5sea~blic~ 120 and the side support members 13U are formed ~f tubular structures having a selected cross-sectional shape, such as circular or square, and are made of a metal material, such as aluminum, or wood, ere.
The cot 100 also has a pliable body support surface 160 that is operativaly sttached m the rot frame 120, 190 and provides a Sleeping area for the user of the cot 100. The body support surface 160 ii char mast often marls of a durahlc fabric or thr like that is cut to the specific Shape of the sleeping area. For example, the support surface 1 t50 can include a mrmher of side pockets that receive the side support members 130, as well ev s numhcr of rnd rr,ckrrc rhar ,rr~ivr.
the first and second transverse end frame members 140, 150, The support surface 160 also can include a number of arcuate shaped cut outs which surround end go around ~omt5 of thn cat 100 where differrnr Prune etemetus come together. V~hen the fabric support surface 160 is atuvched to the ride su~nrr mrmh~rs 190 and rhr transverse end frame members 140, 130, the surface 160 is ~trctchcd to provide a taut slccPinv arc., rh~r can support a person of a specified u-eight.
The support surface 160 can he formed of any rn~mhcr ~,f diffcn.-.nt matuials, including but not limited to natural end synthetic fabrics. The material should have sufficicr,r pliability since the entire cot 100, including the support surface IbO, must be folded up into n compact form.
The illustrated cot assembly 100 is one which is commonly used in the arnted forces and is tnadc to military apcci~cations for the DrltaTrment of Defense. The cot assembly 100 must be eoostrueced in such a way that it can fold into a compact form to permit a soldier tn carry rhr Page: 7 folded structure with other m;,litarv gear in the backpack of the soldier.
'Ibis type of cot assembly 100 is commercially available from Reyes Industries of San Antonio, Texas.
It udll be understood Char the depicted cot assetnhty iQQ i~ nerdy exemplary in nature and is not limiting of ~'hc prrv-nt i,nvcntinn in any way, In other words, there are a number of ctifferrnt 4rylc: of cats, c,pxinlly in terms of the cot frame assemblies and the pliable support (sleeping) surfaces, and therefore, it will be understood that the net enclosure of the present invention is not merely limited to the disclosed application but can be used in ocher applications so long as the cot utilizes foot and head cross supports, or Ilter:d side supports, such as urirh a stretcher.
In accordance with rhr hrexrnr ;nvrn.ts~n, a net enclosure 200 is provided for use wiih the cot assembly J00, ~q well as other cnt aavemblies and other sleeping aseemhlie5 since the net cnclr,~u;c 200 is designed to he dirrctly auachcd ire a wide ~~ariey of typos cf cots snd sleeping surfaces. The net enclosure 200 is thus not only configured to be sold with new cot aesexnblies 100 but it also can be rylrofitted for use with used cot assemblies and the like 100.
The net enclosure 200 is in the ions of a nor 2J0 that i< <haPcd and cut to predetermined dimer>_sioru. The net 210 thus can ta1ct-. nny rnrmhrr of difftrcrtt forma but typically is rectangular or square shaped u~ is o~crsnrrl ~.mrh that when the net cnclo9uIe 200 is properly insr;tllerl nn the cnt franc asxmbly, the net 210 extends below the fabric support surface 160 and can extend to touch the ground, thus forming the eleeptng enclosure. "Ibis ensures that the person that is re9ting on the fabric support surface 160 is fully enclosed by the net 210 and it is more difficult for insects to enter the sleeping area even by flying underneath the bottom eriPC of rhc net 310 and into the sleeping area.
Pie: R
The net 210 is in the form of a shed of net material char iNludes an inner surface 212 that faces end is poshinned over the fabric auppori surface 160 and an oprn:~nP outer surface 214. The net cncte,smrc 200 has at lease a pair of spaced sleeves or pockets ?20 fiormed in sciccr 1OC8210I1! alOtls tile irinrr ~tttlarP ?.12 for receivln{ tension rods 300 that are part of the net enclosure Z00. The individual alccvc~ or pockets 220 earl be formod by simply sewing an elongated pieca or strip of fabric onto the irlncr .surface 212 with the ends of the strip of fabric being open so as to permit the tension rod 300 to enter and pass freely thrnngh the sleeve 220. The ~lccvc.~ 7.20 are typically not spaced parallal to one another but are rather angled relative to one another in rhr rnutner shown in Fig. 1 so as to pernnt the tension rods 300 to be rnutcd as chnvw.
Generally, one sleeve 220 anri the associated tension rod 300 ser~ea to support one half of the nee 310, while the other sleeve :20 and the wsnciatcd tension rod 300 servee to ;uppers the other half of the net 210. As shown iri Fi;e. 1-2. u~~: rlccv;a 2r.0 prcfcrabi~~ extend a substantial ien,gttl of the cot frame assembly I LO end the fabric support surface 160 when the net 210 is properly positioned over the cot frame assembly :l 10. This permits the net .10 to he securely held in a desired location f 5 nvcr the frame and provides ample support to retain the net 210 in place even durinv ariverse weather, such as wind, where: othecwi~e, the net 210 may become separated from the rods 300 and become wind whipped which could lcarl en damage.
The Sleeves 220 sec merely one example of a type of retaining member which can be used to position arid hold the mds in place alnn~ the inner surface of the net 210. ,~llterndtively, ~IJ a number of tie straps or cords can be formed along t~tc inner mrrfacc of the net 210 and can be u.ac~l r~ Ps,sition and hold the rods.
The trn~inn end. 300 is an elongated rod that is flexible in nature and has a first end 30'? .and an opposing second crxl afli, Typically, the tension rod 300 is formed of a flexible Page: 9 synthetic material, such as a plastic, that nffcrR the necessary tlexibiliry.
This type ctf tension rod 300 ie eonunercially available: from n numhcr of di.fferem xn"rre.s that sdl camping t:quipment and in particular, this type of tendon rod 300 is of the type that is cammcnly used with tcrrt~, ~r the like. In addition, in applications where the entire assembly must be very compact, such a9 a military application, the tension rod 300 can be designed to be fotdnble in nature so that it ten fold ur .similar co how the cot frame assembly 110 folds. In one embodLment, the tension rod 300 i~ in the form of s shock-c~rdcd fthcrgla« mrl.
The net enclosure 200 alai inclml~s a Phiralih~ of support straps a00 that serve to securely position and hold they ends 302, 304 of the tctuion rods 300 in place during a«cmhly anrt use of the cot 10U. Fet ea<:h end 302, 304 of one tension rod 300, one support strap 400 is provided. Each suppcut strap 400 is in the form of a fle>uble strap that is typically formed of fabric, such as a synthetic fabric, e.g., nylon, that is elongated in form and is defined by a first end 40? and an nPhr,sinv cenc,nd sots ap4. The scrap 400 also has a first face or surface 406 arid an opposing second fact or .surfarc 40F. Typically, and as illustrated, the strap 4D0 has a rectangular shape with a length L and a width W.
As best Shown in Fig. 4, the strap 400 includes several features thar P~rmir it ro function as a support member Por receiving and holding the tension rods 30U.
In particular, the strap a00 hss a silt 410 formed therechrough near or at the first end 402 thereof. The slit 410 is merely a line;tr stir formed completely through the scrap material. The len,~th L,. of the slit 410 is preferably equal m or .~liehr)y grratrr than the width N of the snap 400;
however, it is not limited to havink such a con.tiguration.. As described below in grratcr rierzil, the slit 410 is constructed to receive the opposite imd 40-f of the strap 400 and therefore, the slit 410 .should have c"H;cicnt dimenstoru to receive the width of the strap 400, while at the same time, the portintt of the strap Pae~c: 10 400 rhat is received in ttte slit ~110 should not have excess movement therein. Tn other words, the second end 404 of the strap a00 is snuggly received and held within the slit 410.
Near or at rhr opposite second end 40~t of the strap 400, a pocket 420 is formed.
The pocket 420 defines an inner compartmcnr or space 422 that is enclosed excepr for along one J open end and is constructed to receive one end 302, 304 of the ter>sion rod 300. The pocket 4.',0 can be formed in any nurnbet of different ways with tune of the more common Wsys simply involving the sewing of a piece of fabric onto the strap 400 and then sewittt;
the Fabric piece to the strap 400 alnrtg three edges to Porm the pocket 420. Alternatively, the second r"rl 4114 of the scrap 404 can simply be folded on tov of itself sod then the two side ed~a5 of the folded fabric are sewn so as to form the pocket 420. The p~t:kcr 4?0 should have sufficient depth so that rt can securely receive and hold one sad of the tension rod 900 even v.fien the tension rod 300 is bent and flexed as shown in Figs. f and Z. The pocket 420 prcf:.-ably has apprcx;mately the same width W se the width W of thz strap X00.
Tr will be appreciated that the slit 410 can be substituted with a "n°
ring or sewn loop or any other st~itrhlc structure.
The typical st.cps for assembling the cot 100 wilt now be described. After the r~r frame assembly 110 is assrmhlc~i following the particular insuucdons specific to the cot frame, the cot frame 11U is in an opened, unfoldal, a~scrnblcd state. At this time, the first end second transverse end frame members 140, 150 (cross mcmbera) arc dicrnsed at the ends of the cot 100 and the cttrntting frame sections la?, 144 extend outwardly of each cn~i of rhc cot 100. Nezt, one Strap =l0U is posiri~nr~ along one of the extending frame sections 142, 144 as shown. in Fig. 3 with the pocket 420 facing awry from The cat frame 110. As shown, the strap 410 is merely Inn~-d over the extendtn~ frame section 142, J44 wnh the slit end 402 on one side of the extending frame Page; I1 sectione 142, 144 and die pocket end 404 on tr~r other side. 1t will he appreciated thu the strap 400 lies on the oueside o1 tile respective side (longitudinal) support mcmhcr 1?0 of the cot frame 110.
Next, one rr~l 40~, 404 of the strap 400 is held in place, while the other rnd 404.
s 402 is fed through the slit 4J0. To. F;g, 5, the first end 402 (slit end) is generally held in place.
while the second end 404 (pocket end) is man;rnlatc>3 so that it 15 fed through the slit 410 with the pocket 420 still f.rcin~ outward sway from the cot frame 110 afrP.r it is fed through the slle 410.
Alrernstively, the second end X104 of the strap 400 can be held grncrally in place, with the pocket 4~0 facine outward, and then the fires end 40:, i6 pulled up so as to rcceivc the «r~nrt. end 404 within and thrnuEh rhP slit 410.
After having hcen, r~-r-;~cd through the slit 410, the second end 104 of the stzap 400 is pulled relative to the other end and the t~'ratnc 110 itself as shown in Pig. 3. This reaulcs in the strap 400 being held snug against and along a section of r;he extending name section 1~12, 144.
Preferably, the strap a00 is Ipostttoned near or ac the location whr~rc the side suppon member 130 1.5 ir,rrrxcts the respective first and Second transverse end frsmc mcmbcr 140. 1a0. The above steps arc repeated for tech of the straps 400 s4 that eactl corner of the frsime nssembly 110 hat nor strap 400 aasched thereto.
Next the ten.~ion ~~ui~ ?00 are fed through the interior sleeves 220 associnted with the net ?10 such that the ends 30?. 30v of the rnd.s 300 clear the sleeves ??0 and are free for ~.0 insertion into respective pock:ecs 420 formed in the srr~rs a00. Once the tension rods 300 extend thrnngh the slezves 220, the net 210 is pobihoned relative to the cot frame 1 1 U such that the ituter surface of the cot net 210 faces the cot frame 110 and is generally positioned nvcr th~~. f~hric support surface 160. The curl a(1?. of ant tension rod 300 1S inserted into the pocket 4?0 associated Pale: 12 with the strap a00 that is positioned at this particular corner of the frame assembly 110. Once the end Z02 is sated titmlp in the pxkei 420, the tension rod 300 is bentlflexed and the opposite end 304 is inserted into the porker 410 crf another strap 4(~, The tension reds 300 thus assume and define a pair of arches v~~hen ends 302, 30-f ere retained in the pockets 420, with the alexvrs 220 keeping the rods 300 in the proper position for supporting the net 210.
In the illustrated embodiment and in order to increase the strength of the net enclosure, the two tension rods criss-cross one another at or near one end of the cot frame 110. In this embodiment, the other end ef the tension rod 300 is insertEd into a pocket d20 of strap dp0 that is nn the same aids nF the frame a~tcmhly 110 as shrtwn in Fig. t . This arrarbement petinits the sleeves to be formed along the inner surface of the net 210 in ~ non-i,ntrr.qectinp mxnnnr, FiE. ? shows an alternative embodiment with the only chano being how the trnsion rode 300 are routed along the irner surface of the net 210. In this embodiment, the tansion mds 300 are arranged tn a diagonal oriencation, urith the rods 300 crossing only at or neu the central top area of the frame assembly 110. .4eee.ss to the sleeping area xt the other end of thu cot is easier t 5 ,since the tPntinn rods :t00 do rwt criss-cross onE another at the eruis.
In other words, the two tension rod9 300 arc diagonally ,seated such rhar rhr t~.nrla X02. ?(id err arat~rt ;n rliaganally c~ppositc straps 400. In this embodiment, each sleeve 220 may be partitioned into tv.~o distinct. aligned cectians to accommodate the crias-crossing of the tension rods 300.
The construction of the net enclosure 200 and the support straps 440 provide an effective yet easy tv use system for providing a cot supported insect barrier.
One of the advantages of the present invenrion is that the cottstructlon rJf the net enclosure 200 and the support straps 400 permits the present invention to fit any cot that utitiTec x crnc~ memhrr (Irancv~rsr frTmr mrTttbcrj at the head and foot end of the cot or lateral side member, Thja dtaign pcrmice the Irrcscnt Page: 11 invention to be eesily reerofittcd and used with convcntion~l wr.s. The net enclosure 200 and the support straps 400 can thus cwt only be distributed with the cot frame aQCCmbly 110 irsclf but also it can be distributed separotely and thrn later attached (retrof ttcdJ to a cct frame assertb(v 110.
Fig. a illustrates a support soap 430 according to another embodiment and for use .5 in any of the different embodiments of the present invention. The support strap 430 is similar to the strap 400 shown in F;g. 3 in that it includes a pocket 420 at one end thereof; however, the suppor t strap 430 includes a D-ring type hucklc urangement 440 for securely tightening the strap 430 to hold the strap 430 to the frame section J4~ (nr r~rhrr ohjtxt). The illustrates arranaetnent 4.10 includes a D-rind end the strap itself is simply looped around the object tn which the srrar d30 In !s to be attsclted and is then looped through the D-rinn snd then tightened. The sutrp 430 iv then used in rh~ ~,mc way that tht: strap eOp 15 used in that the pocket 420 thereof receives an end of the tcruinn rod.
Fig. 9 illustratrc annthrr embodiment of the net accessory of the present invention in which a base cloth 500 iv used inqtc~d of r rnt and therefore, the net enclosure 200 is attached to 15 the base cloth X00 as opposed to a cot. The bast cloth 500 is fotmtcd ~f a flrr;hle ma~Prial, such as a plastic material, that can be folded and unfolded and placed over a ground surface or other s"rfacc on which the person :is to rest. In the Illustrated embodiment, the base cloth S00 is fom~cd of a flexible plastic sheet aaj includes a plurality of grommets 510 or similar type of reinforced opcni~ that can rrceive an nl~jecL While the illustrated bate cloth 500 has a rectangular shape end therefore, the grommets 510 arc lncatcd in rhr four corners thereof, the base cloth S00 can have any number of other shapes, indudinc oblong or oval or square, ctc.
The base cloth 500 can be either placed on top of an exi9ting mattrcr;.s nr cugh;nn member 520 that is intended to be slept on or if the base cloth 500 can be laid on the grnunrl Pa~c; 14 surface and the mattress 520 is positioned within the nct cnclo~urc 00 rtn top of the base cloth J00 as shown In Fig. 9. I3owever, it will be appreciated that arty number of diffcr~nr awangcmenu can he uqrxl bctwwrn the base cloth 500 and the mattress 5Z0. Thus, the position of the n~ttres~ 5~0 nn top of the base cloth 500 i~ merely exemplary and Is not limiting of the relationship bdtrveen these two camponen~. The bast cloth S(.1Q could equally be placed on top of the mattress 520 or merely on top of some other support structure, In artdition, the mattress 520 and the base cloth 500 do nut have to be two different components but instead can he formed as a single lntesral structure.
In thin embodimant, there are ruo pockets 420 formed a4 narr of the snaps to capture chc cogs of the tension rod and therefore, the ends of the tension rods 300 arc received thrnu~h rhr optnings of the LrnmmPt.s ~lO. Once the tendon rods 300 are received tihrough the ~rotnrnct~ S1Q
sad they are rrlca~cd, rhc rrlcasc of energy therefrom causes the base cloth 510 to be pulled outwardly in its corners, ~ erchy hctnn,~ng more sorerched.
It will therefore be appreciated that the rerm "cot" used herein, in~:ludiog in the claims, covers a wide range of different type of cot structure, including folding pots, standard cots~beds, arid anv other type of structure that has a alccpine surface and a frame similar to the ones dc~crihed herein and suitable for att.schment to the net eccesqoty of the present invrnrinr,, Having rl~.sc.nbcd embodiments of the invention with reference to the c,ccompanyinE
drawings, it is to be understood rhrr the invernion is rwt limited to those przcise emb«dlInentS, and that various ehan~rs and modifications may he effPrred therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention ac drf;r,r_d in the appended claims.
Page: 15
?he present application claims the benefit of Lt.S. patent application N~_ 60!703,793, filed July 2S, ~0~5, Wtuch. iR hereby incorporated by reference in its entitPry.
TECI~iNIC.4L FIELD
The present invention relates to cots and the tike, anr> mare particulwly, relates to a protective' .~crccn or na sup,port structure that can easily be inrorpnrated and removehly attached uo an rci~tin~ cot frame (including "folding" cots, crandard cotslbcds, sleeping bag, suetclters, e:r ) to provide emergency temporary or pcrrn~,nrnt Protection fram unwanted elements, ,uch as incccts.
in unscreaned fsrihties in the rnrrrtrx,rs or indoors.
13ACKGROU'VD
There arc a nu.~ttber of different types of producr~ chat are available to a user Who wishes nr i3 required to sleep in an ui;screened or ttn~ccurcd cnvirotlment.
Far eRample, when sleeping in an outdoor envlrenment, such as in ~ rent nr camper, or when a conventional bed is not available, a folding cot prnvldes a grand alternahvc to a conventional mattress bed. A tyP;cal cot includes a Prams that is typically fnrnlcd of a number of frame elementc that rtre fntdable in nature and support a .sleeping .e~l(lrort surface, such as a durable fabric, that s~
arrachod to the cot frame in a way rh~r Permits the entire cot structure to be neatly and comPactty folded for easy storage. The pa.a: 1 cot srrucrurc and <nrrort of the body will typically provide more comfort than a slrching bag placed nn the door of the tent, camper, ere.
One large scale purchaser of cots is the United ~tmPS en~crrmcnt which purchases cots for emergency preparedness, recreational areas, as well a.9 for personnel in the armed forces.
In munv of these applications, the personnel using rhc tins arc forced to sleep unprotect~ and exposed to undesired foreign marrrr, such as debris, as well as inseers, For example, mosquitos are very prevalent during nighttime and thus, they are at least a nuisutce and at worst, they can he a carrier of disease, etc. The ptt'sence of in5ecls at night, especially the hiring tyres, makes it d;rficult for the person using the cot to Ret a good night's sleep. Then. arc a number of net type cnclosut~s that can be used with a tent like structure to allrviare the problems naeociated with insects; however. these enclosures suffer from a n~.~mb~r of ayaociaxd disadvantages, such as being o.~erty complex and difficult go attach tn the cot frame. In addition, many net enclosures are designed specifically for use wirh a single type of cot frame and therefore, can only be wed with this exact frame ryPc, This limits the versatility and degree of application of the net enclomrr..
SUM'.vIARY
According to one aspect of the present imrnrinn, a net accessory for use with a cot includes (a) a net having an inner surfarx wirh x Pair of Qpcn ended sleeves formed along the inner surface for receiving flexible vcnsion rude; and (h) a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the car. Each support strap has a first end and an opposite second end and includes a feature that permits the strap to be ttphtened and secured to the framt, as well as a poclcct formed proximate the second end. In one embodiment, the feature is in. the forn~ of an opening formed through the strap proximate the first end. The opening is rnnf,Pttrcd to receive tho second end of Page: 2 the strap to facilitate tightening of the strap aad a pocket or socLet member is provided anrf confiKurad to receive an end of the tension rod. In aru~cher embodiment, the fcatnrr i5 in the form of a D-ring buck.Ie arrangement c5at permits attachment of rhc SrraP.
In another aspect, a cot ass;.mbly with Tn incest harrier includes a col frame having a head end and a foot end with a finer surnnrt cross ntcmber disposed at the head anal and a second cnPPnrt crass member disposed at the foot end, Each of the first and eeeond support cross members has ends that extend beyond side support frame members. The assembly lunhes includes a net having an inner surface with a pair of open ended sleeves formed along the inner SUri~rr fr~r receiving flexible tension rods. It will be un0erstood that the sleeves err mcrclr r,nr type of IU retaitliryq members and instead, the sleeves can he rcplarr~d by .srveral tic strapslcortls for retaining the rods in place.
The assembly further includes n plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot or some other similar type of strucrare. Each support strap has a first end and as opposite second end and a feature to permit tightening and attachment of Lhe strap to the frame, as l~ well as a pocket formed pmximate the second end.
In yet another aspect, a method of attac-hine an snscct harrier to a cot frame assembly includes the steps of positioning a art rclat.ivc tn the cot frame assembly, The cot frame assembly inc:hrrlec a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed st the head .rnri ,nrl , second support cross member disposed at the foot end. Each of the lust and second 20 support cross members has ends that extend beyond side support Frame members.
The method also includes the step of attaching a plur2lity of support ~trapc ca the tlrst and second suppon cuss members of thr: ;at frame ac.9cmhly. Each support strap has a first end and an opposite second end, wirh. ~ Cnckct formed rrnximate the second enU. The support Yyc: 3 Scrap is attached to one of the first and second snrrnrt cross members s0 as to dprrn the strap abrn~r the auppori cross member with the pnchct facing away from the cot frame One end of the ccns~~n. rcxi is inserted into the pocket of one support strap, through one sleeve formed along the inner surfaco of the net and then the ntha end of the tension rod is tnserted into a pocks ref another support strap. T'he above step i,t repeated until ouch tension rod iz securely held within the pockets of two cupport straps. The net is then disposed oaer the crnsion rods which zuppori the net above a sl~eplng ar,ca of rhc cot and allows the protertlve ttPr en make conract with the floor surface, thus forn~ing the enclosure.
In vet another a_spcrt, the net enclosure is not used In comhination with a cot but I~ instead is used with a flexibtc ba'e cloth that includes fzacure formed in Prcdeterrrtined locatiwv for receiving ends of the tencinn rods so as to permit the n:c enclosure rr~ he coupled to the base cloth.
A mattress can be ~ncd in eombtnation writh the base c:lnth, with the bane cloth either being disposed ahwc the mauress or the rriauress being received in the net enclosure and placxrl nn top of the hax cloth.
Further aspects and frantrcs of the present invention earl he ahprrxiatcd from the apprnded Figures and the accompanying vs~rinen description.
BRIEF DESCRIF''TION OF THE D1ZAWNG FIGL1R)=.S
The foregoing and other features of the rrcsrnt invention wilt he more rPadity apparrrrr from the following detailed descriprinn and drawings of the illustrative emb~_,ciimcntv of the invention whereat like reference rntmbrrc refer to similar elements and In which:
Fig. 1 is s perspcrtivc view ef a cot assembly with a. rr~tcctive nel enclosure according to the present invention:
Fee:: 4 FiR. ? is an end elevation view of the cot assembly of Flg. 1;
Fig. 3 is a local perspective vteu~ of a support strap according to one embodiment of the protective net enclosure of Fig. 1;
rig. a i.s r ~iwlr elevarion vices of the 9urrort strap of Fib. 3 in a fully elongated Pn~ition;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the support strap being attached to a Cross support frame member of the cot assemb~,y;
Fig. 6 is another perspective view of the support strap being attached to the cross support frame member;
F;g. 7 ..' a rrrsrectivc view y a cat aarcrhbly with a protective net enclosure xrcnrrlino tn annthcr cmh~dtmcnt of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a support strap according to a second embodiment attached to the cross support frame member; and Fig. 9 is a per!;pective view of a base cloth assembly with a protective net enclosure a:.cording to the present irventlo_~..
DPTAILED DESCRIPTION OF J'RF.FFRR.>=.O Fh~O>71MFNTS
The present invention according to one aspect a Ecncrally rmbodied in Figs. 1-6 in which a cot assembly 100 is shown. The cat eesembly 100 includes a cot framo 110 that is fonned .',0 of a number of frame elements that cooperate with one another In such a way that the cat 100 can be easily folded into a cortyact structure for storage or transport. The cot frs.me 110 has a plurality of feet support assemblies 120 as well as a plurality of side (longinnrlinal) curP~rr members 130 that arc apcratmrly rvmrlrri tn thr fret cnrrnrt re~emhliec 120.
1n the il)u.stratcd cot page: ~
100 and as is typically cha case, there ere three feet assemhlics 170, namely s first end foot asscmhly 12.2, an opposite second end foot assembly 124, and an imermrrliacc or center foot as9embly J.2f hprwccn the turn end foot assemblies 122, 12y.
For example, P~ch foot assembly 1.'.0 is formed of a first foldable leg memhcr J.2R
and a second foldable leg mcmhcr 1; 9 chat criss-cross one another so as to form an X shape when the cot 100 is in the fully opened position as chown in Fig. 1. The first and second lep member 128, 1:9 can be pivoted with raspect to one another to close the fnnr assembly 120 into a compact arm.
Each side support membar 130 is ty~picelly formed of one elongated franc member that is pivotably attached m one or more other side support members 130 to once again, pcrm,ir the entire cot 100 to be folded into a cnmrart form. Each side support member 130 has a first end 132 it!st is operatively coupled to the first end fnm assembly t22 and m opposiue second end 134 that is operatively coupled to the second end foot asscmhly 124, The side support members 130 lie substantially parallel to one smother when the cot 100 is placed ,n rhc fi,.lly opened position of Fig.
).S 1. Bcnveen the tu~o side support members 1?0 lie9 the sleep nrca.
Thr we l0<1 Yunher includes a first transverse end frame member 140 di9poscd ar nr nesr the first end foot a~,tcmhly 1.?2 and a second transverse end frame member 150 disposed at or near the second end foot aescmhly 12.d, The first trans~~erse end frame member 140 extends between the first ends of the two opposing side suPpnr< members 130 ;end the two ends of the frame member !d0 define a pair of extending frame set;ti~n~ 142, 1 a4 that rxtendlprottude beyond the sidr support members 130 as shown in the Fi~ttras. The extending frame scctinns I a2, 1 a4 thus reprcqcnt fingers or amts chat extend beyond the frame members and the Bleeping ales and in the illustrated embodiment, there arc a rair of sections 142, 1na at each end ef Ltte cot 100 and thus, Paee: 6 rhcrc arr fnttr in fatal for the entire cat 100. The second transverse end Prune member 150 also includes the sections 142, 144 at the diqtal ends.
Typically, the foot a5sea~blic~ 120 and the side support members 13U are formed ~f tubular structures having a selected cross-sectional shape, such as circular or square, and are made of a metal material, such as aluminum, or wood, ere.
The cot 100 also has a pliable body support surface 160 that is operativaly sttached m the rot frame 120, 190 and provides a Sleeping area for the user of the cot 100. The body support surface 160 ii char mast often marls of a durahlc fabric or thr like that is cut to the specific Shape of the sleeping area. For example, the support surface 1 t50 can include a mrmher of side pockets that receive the side support members 130, as well ev s numhcr of rnd rr,ckrrc rhar ,rr~ivr.
the first and second transverse end frame members 140, 150, The support surface 160 also can include a number of arcuate shaped cut outs which surround end go around ~omt5 of thn cat 100 where differrnr Prune etemetus come together. V~hen the fabric support surface 160 is atuvched to the ride su~nrr mrmh~rs 190 and rhr transverse end frame members 140, 130, the surface 160 is ~trctchcd to provide a taut slccPinv arc., rh~r can support a person of a specified u-eight.
The support surface 160 can he formed of any rn~mhcr ~,f diffcn.-.nt matuials, including but not limited to natural end synthetic fabrics. The material should have sufficicr,r pliability since the entire cot 100, including the support surface IbO, must be folded up into n compact form.
The illustrated cot assembly 100 is one which is commonly used in the arnted forces and is tnadc to military apcci~cations for the DrltaTrment of Defense. The cot assembly 100 must be eoostrueced in such a way that it can fold into a compact form to permit a soldier tn carry rhr Page: 7 folded structure with other m;,litarv gear in the backpack of the soldier.
'Ibis type of cot assembly 100 is commercially available from Reyes Industries of San Antonio, Texas.
It udll be understood Char the depicted cot assetnhty iQQ i~ nerdy exemplary in nature and is not limiting of ~'hc prrv-nt i,nvcntinn in any way, In other words, there are a number of ctifferrnt 4rylc: of cats, c,pxinlly in terms of the cot frame assemblies and the pliable support (sleeping) surfaces, and therefore, it will be understood that the net enclosure of the present invention is not merely limited to the disclosed application but can be used in ocher applications so long as the cot utilizes foot and head cross supports, or Ilter:d side supports, such as urirh a stretcher.
In accordance with rhr hrexrnr ;nvrn.ts~n, a net enclosure 200 is provided for use wiih the cot assembly J00, ~q well as other cnt aavemblies and other sleeping aseemhlie5 since the net cnclr,~u;c 200 is designed to he dirrctly auachcd ire a wide ~~ariey of typos cf cots snd sleeping surfaces. The net enclosure 200 is thus not only configured to be sold with new cot aesexnblies 100 but it also can be rylrofitted for use with used cot assemblies and the like 100.
The net enclosure 200 is in the ions of a nor 2J0 that i< <haPcd and cut to predetermined dimer>_sioru. The net 210 thus can ta1ct-. nny rnrmhrr of difftrcrtt forma but typically is rectangular or square shaped u~ is o~crsnrrl ~.mrh that when the net cnclo9uIe 200 is properly insr;tllerl nn the cnt franc asxmbly, the net 210 extends below the fabric support surface 160 and can extend to touch the ground, thus forming the eleeptng enclosure. "Ibis ensures that the person that is re9ting on the fabric support surface 160 is fully enclosed by the net 210 and it is more difficult for insects to enter the sleeping area even by flying underneath the bottom eriPC of rhc net 310 and into the sleeping area.
Pie: R
The net 210 is in the form of a shed of net material char iNludes an inner surface 212 that faces end is poshinned over the fabric auppori surface 160 and an oprn:~nP outer surface 214. The net cncte,smrc 200 has at lease a pair of spaced sleeves or pockets ?20 fiormed in sciccr 1OC8210I1! alOtls tile irinrr ~tttlarP ?.12 for receivln{ tension rods 300 that are part of the net enclosure Z00. The individual alccvc~ or pockets 220 earl be formod by simply sewing an elongated pieca or strip of fabric onto the irlncr .surface 212 with the ends of the strip of fabric being open so as to permit the tension rod 300 to enter and pass freely thrnngh the sleeve 220. The ~lccvc.~ 7.20 are typically not spaced parallal to one another but are rather angled relative to one another in rhr rnutner shown in Fig. 1 so as to pernnt the tension rods 300 to be rnutcd as chnvw.
Generally, one sleeve 220 anri the associated tension rod 300 ser~ea to support one half of the nee 310, while the other sleeve :20 and the wsnciatcd tension rod 300 servee to ;uppers the other half of the net 210. As shown iri Fi;e. 1-2. u~~: rlccv;a 2r.0 prcfcrabi~~ extend a substantial ien,gttl of the cot frame assembly I LO end the fabric support surface 160 when the net 210 is properly positioned over the cot frame assembly :l 10. This permits the net .10 to he securely held in a desired location f 5 nvcr the frame and provides ample support to retain the net 210 in place even durinv ariverse weather, such as wind, where: othecwi~e, the net 210 may become separated from the rods 300 and become wind whipped which could lcarl en damage.
The Sleeves 220 sec merely one example of a type of retaining member which can be used to position arid hold the mds in place alnn~ the inner surface of the net 210. ,~llterndtively, ~IJ a number of tie straps or cords can be formed along t~tc inner mrrfacc of the net 210 and can be u.ac~l r~ Ps,sition and hold the rods.
The trn~inn end. 300 is an elongated rod that is flexible in nature and has a first end 30'? .and an opposing second crxl afli, Typically, the tension rod 300 is formed of a flexible Page: 9 synthetic material, such as a plastic, that nffcrR the necessary tlexibiliry.
This type ctf tension rod 300 ie eonunercially available: from n numhcr of di.fferem xn"rre.s that sdl camping t:quipment and in particular, this type of tendon rod 300 is of the type that is cammcnly used with tcrrt~, ~r the like. In addition, in applications where the entire assembly must be very compact, such a9 a military application, the tension rod 300 can be designed to be fotdnble in nature so that it ten fold ur .similar co how the cot frame assembly 110 folds. In one embodLment, the tension rod 300 i~ in the form of s shock-c~rdcd fthcrgla« mrl.
The net enclosure 200 alai inclml~s a Phiralih~ of support straps a00 that serve to securely position and hold they ends 302, 304 of the tctuion rods 300 in place during a«cmhly anrt use of the cot 10U. Fet ea<:h end 302, 304 of one tension rod 300, one support strap 400 is provided. Each suppcut strap 400 is in the form of a fle>uble strap that is typically formed of fabric, such as a synthetic fabric, e.g., nylon, that is elongated in form and is defined by a first end 40? and an nPhr,sinv cenc,nd sots ap4. The scrap 400 also has a first face or surface 406 arid an opposing second fact or .surfarc 40F. Typically, and as illustrated, the strap 4D0 has a rectangular shape with a length L and a width W.
As best Shown in Fig. 4, the strap 400 includes several features thar P~rmir it ro function as a support member Por receiving and holding the tension rods 30U.
In particular, the strap a00 hss a silt 410 formed therechrough near or at the first end 402 thereof. The slit 410 is merely a line;tr stir formed completely through the scrap material. The len,~th L,. of the slit 410 is preferably equal m or .~liehr)y grratrr than the width N of the snap 400;
however, it is not limited to havink such a con.tiguration.. As described below in grratcr rierzil, the slit 410 is constructed to receive the opposite imd 40-f of the strap 400 and therefore, the slit 410 .should have c"H;cicnt dimenstoru to receive the width of the strap 400, while at the same time, the portintt of the strap Pae~c: 10 400 rhat is received in ttte slit ~110 should not have excess movement therein. Tn other words, the second end 404 of the strap a00 is snuggly received and held within the slit 410.
Near or at rhr opposite second end 40~t of the strap 400, a pocket 420 is formed.
The pocket 420 defines an inner compartmcnr or space 422 that is enclosed excepr for along one J open end and is constructed to receive one end 302, 304 of the ter>sion rod 300. The pocket 4.',0 can be formed in any nurnbet of different ways with tune of the more common Wsys simply involving the sewing of a piece of fabric onto the strap 400 and then sewittt;
the Fabric piece to the strap 400 alnrtg three edges to Porm the pocket 420. Alternatively, the second r"rl 4114 of the scrap 404 can simply be folded on tov of itself sod then the two side ed~a5 of the folded fabric are sewn so as to form the pocket 420. The p~t:kcr 4?0 should have sufficient depth so that rt can securely receive and hold one sad of the tension rod 900 even v.fien the tension rod 300 is bent and flexed as shown in Figs. f and Z. The pocket 420 prcf:.-ably has apprcx;mately the same width W se the width W of thz strap X00.
Tr will be appreciated that the slit 410 can be substituted with a "n°
ring or sewn loop or any other st~itrhlc structure.
The typical st.cps for assembling the cot 100 wilt now be described. After the r~r frame assembly 110 is assrmhlc~i following the particular insuucdons specific to the cot frame, the cot frame 11U is in an opened, unfoldal, a~scrnblcd state. At this time, the first end second transverse end frame members 140, 150 (cross mcmbera) arc dicrnsed at the ends of the cot 100 and the cttrntting frame sections la?, 144 extend outwardly of each cn~i of rhc cot 100. Nezt, one Strap =l0U is posiri~nr~ along one of the extending frame sections 142, 144 as shown. in Fig. 3 with the pocket 420 facing awry from The cat frame 110. As shown, the strap 410 is merely Inn~-d over the extendtn~ frame section 142, J44 wnh the slit end 402 on one side of the extending frame Page; I1 sectione 142, 144 and die pocket end 404 on tr~r other side. 1t will he appreciated thu the strap 400 lies on the oueside o1 tile respective side (longitudinal) support mcmhcr 1?0 of the cot frame 110.
Next, one rr~l 40~, 404 of the strap 400 is held in place, while the other rnd 404.
s 402 is fed through the slit 4J0. To. F;g, 5, the first end 402 (slit end) is generally held in place.
while the second end 404 (pocket end) is man;rnlatc>3 so that it 15 fed through the slit 410 with the pocket 420 still f.rcin~ outward sway from the cot frame 110 afrP.r it is fed through the slle 410.
Alrernstively, the second end X104 of the strap 400 can be held grncrally in place, with the pocket 4~0 facine outward, and then the fires end 40:, i6 pulled up so as to rcceivc the «r~nrt. end 404 within and thrnuEh rhP slit 410.
After having hcen, r~-r-;~cd through the slit 410, the second end 104 of the stzap 400 is pulled relative to the other end and the t~'ratnc 110 itself as shown in Pig. 3. This reaulcs in the strap 400 being held snug against and along a section of r;he extending name section 1~12, 144.
Preferably, the strap a00 is Ipostttoned near or ac the location whr~rc the side suppon member 130 1.5 ir,rrrxcts the respective first and Second transverse end frsmc mcmbcr 140. 1a0. The above steps arc repeated for tech of the straps 400 s4 that eactl corner of the frsime nssembly 110 hat nor strap 400 aasched thereto.
Next the ten.~ion ~~ui~ ?00 are fed through the interior sleeves 220 associnted with the net ?10 such that the ends 30?. 30v of the rnd.s 300 clear the sleeves ??0 and are free for ~.0 insertion into respective pock:ecs 420 formed in the srr~rs a00. Once the tension rods 300 extend thrnngh the slezves 220, the net 210 is pobihoned relative to the cot frame 1 1 U such that the ituter surface of the cot net 210 faces the cot frame 110 and is generally positioned nvcr th~~. f~hric support surface 160. The curl a(1?. of ant tension rod 300 1S inserted into the pocket 4?0 associated Pale: 12 with the strap a00 that is positioned at this particular corner of the frame assembly 110. Once the end Z02 is sated titmlp in the pxkei 420, the tension rod 300 is bentlflexed and the opposite end 304 is inserted into the porker 410 crf another strap 4(~, The tension reds 300 thus assume and define a pair of arches v~~hen ends 302, 30-f ere retained in the pockets 420, with the alexvrs 220 keeping the rods 300 in the proper position for supporting the net 210.
In the illustrated embodiment and in order to increase the strength of the net enclosure, the two tension rods criss-cross one another at or near one end of the cot frame 110. In this embodiment, the other end ef the tension rod 300 is insertEd into a pocket d20 of strap dp0 that is nn the same aids nF the frame a~tcmhly 110 as shrtwn in Fig. t . This arrarbement petinits the sleeves to be formed along the inner surface of the net 210 in ~ non-i,ntrr.qectinp mxnnnr, FiE. ? shows an alternative embodiment with the only chano being how the trnsion rode 300 are routed along the irner surface of the net 210. In this embodiment, the tansion mds 300 are arranged tn a diagonal oriencation, urith the rods 300 crossing only at or neu the central top area of the frame assembly 110. .4eee.ss to the sleeping area xt the other end of thu cot is easier t 5 ,since the tPntinn rods :t00 do rwt criss-cross onE another at the eruis.
In other words, the two tension rod9 300 arc diagonally ,seated such rhar rhr t~.nrla X02. ?(id err arat~rt ;n rliaganally c~ppositc straps 400. In this embodiment, each sleeve 220 may be partitioned into tv.~o distinct. aligned cectians to accommodate the crias-crossing of the tension rods 300.
The construction of the net enclosure 200 and the support straps 440 provide an effective yet easy tv use system for providing a cot supported insect barrier.
One of the advantages of the present invenrion is that the cottstructlon rJf the net enclosure 200 and the support straps 400 permits the present invention to fit any cot that utitiTec x crnc~ memhrr (Irancv~rsr frTmr mrTttbcrj at the head and foot end of the cot or lateral side member, Thja dtaign pcrmice the Irrcscnt Page: 11 invention to be eesily reerofittcd and used with convcntion~l wr.s. The net enclosure 200 and the support straps 400 can thus cwt only be distributed with the cot frame aQCCmbly 110 irsclf but also it can be distributed separotely and thrn later attached (retrof ttcdJ to a cct frame assertb(v 110.
Fig. a illustrates a support soap 430 according to another embodiment and for use .5 in any of the different embodiments of the present invention. The support strap 430 is similar to the strap 400 shown in F;g. 3 in that it includes a pocket 420 at one end thereof; however, the suppor t strap 430 includes a D-ring type hucklc urangement 440 for securely tightening the strap 430 to hold the strap 430 to the frame section J4~ (nr r~rhrr ohjtxt). The illustrates arranaetnent 4.10 includes a D-rind end the strap itself is simply looped around the object tn which the srrar d30 In !s to be attsclted and is then looped through the D-rinn snd then tightened. The sutrp 430 iv then used in rh~ ~,mc way that tht: strap eOp 15 used in that the pocket 420 thereof receives an end of the tcruinn rod.
Fig. 9 illustratrc annthrr embodiment of the net accessory of the present invention in which a base cloth 500 iv used inqtc~d of r rnt and therefore, the net enclosure 200 is attached to 15 the base cloth X00 as opposed to a cot. The bast cloth 500 is fotmtcd ~f a flrr;hle ma~Prial, such as a plastic material, that can be folded and unfolded and placed over a ground surface or other s"rfacc on which the person :is to rest. In the Illustrated embodiment, the base cloth S00 is fom~cd of a flexible plastic sheet aaj includes a plurality of grommets 510 or similar type of reinforced opcni~ that can rrceive an nl~jecL While the illustrated bate cloth 500 has a rectangular shape end therefore, the grommets 510 arc lncatcd in rhr four corners thereof, the base cloth S00 can have any number of other shapes, indudinc oblong or oval or square, ctc.
The base cloth 500 can be either placed on top of an exi9ting mattrcr;.s nr cugh;nn member 520 that is intended to be slept on or if the base cloth 500 can be laid on the grnunrl Pa~c; 14 surface and the mattress 520 is positioned within the nct cnclo~urc 00 rtn top of the base cloth J00 as shown In Fig. 9. I3owever, it will be appreciated that arty number of diffcr~nr awangcmenu can he uqrxl bctwwrn the base cloth 500 and the mattress 5Z0. Thus, the position of the n~ttres~ 5~0 nn top of the base cloth 500 i~ merely exemplary and Is not limiting of the relationship bdtrveen these two camponen~. The bast cloth S(.1Q could equally be placed on top of the mattress 520 or merely on top of some other support structure, In artdition, the mattress 520 and the base cloth 500 do nut have to be two different components but instead can he formed as a single lntesral structure.
In thin embodimant, there are ruo pockets 420 formed a4 narr of the snaps to capture chc cogs of the tension rod and therefore, the ends of the tension rods 300 arc received thrnu~h rhr optnings of the LrnmmPt.s ~lO. Once the tendon rods 300 are received tihrough the ~rotnrnct~ S1Q
sad they are rrlca~cd, rhc rrlcasc of energy therefrom causes the base cloth 510 to be pulled outwardly in its corners, ~ erchy hctnn,~ng more sorerched.
It will therefore be appreciated that the rerm "cot" used herein, in~:ludiog in the claims, covers a wide range of different type of cot structure, including folding pots, standard cots~beds, arid anv other type of structure that has a alccpine surface and a frame similar to the ones dc~crihed herein and suitable for att.schment to the net eccesqoty of the present invrnrinr,, Having rl~.sc.nbcd embodiments of the invention with reference to the c,ccompanyinE
drawings, it is to be understood rhrr the invernion is rwt limited to those przcise emb«dlInentS, and that various ehan~rs and modifications may he effPrred therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention ac drf;r,r_d in the appended claims.
Page: 15
Claims (19)
1. A net accessory for use with a cot comprising:
a net having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface for receiving tension rods; and a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot, each support strap having a first end and an opposite second end, each strap having an opening formed proximate the first end and a pocket formed proximate the second end, wherein the opening is configured to receive the second end of the strap to permit the strap to be secured to the frame and the pocket is configured to receive one end of the tension rod.
a net having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface for receiving tension rods; and a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot, each support strap having a first end and an opposite second end, each strap having an opening formed proximate the first end and a pocket formed proximate the second end, wherein the opening is configured to receive the second end of the strap to permit the strap to be secured to the frame and the pocket is configured to receive one end of the tension rod.
2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the retaining members comprise open ended sleeves formed along the inner surface.
3. A cot assembly with an insect barrier comprising:
a cot frame having a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed at the head end and a second support cross member disposed at the foot end, each of the first and second support cross members having distal ends that extend beyond side support frame members;
a net having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface, the retaining members receiving flexible tension rods: and a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot, each support strap having a first end and a pocket formed proximate an opposite second end, wherein the strap includes a feature that permits it to be tightened and secured to the frame and the pocket is configured to receive an end of the tension rod so as to space and support the net above a sleeping area of the cot.
a cot frame having a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed at the head end and a second support cross member disposed at the foot end, each of the first and second support cross members having distal ends that extend beyond side support frame members;
a net having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface, the retaining members receiving flexible tension rods: and a plurality of support straps for attachment to a frame of the cot, each support strap having a first end and a pocket formed proximate an opposite second end, wherein the strap includes a feature that permits it to be tightened and secured to the frame and the pocket is configured to receive an end of the tension rod so as to space and support the net above a sleeping area of the cot.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining members comprise open ended sleeves.
5. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the straps are disposed at corners of the cot frame and in locations at the distal ends of the first and second support cross members outside of the side support members.
6. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap comprises an elongated fabric member formed of a synthetic material and the strap feature is in the form of a D-ring buckle construction that permits tightening of the strap for attachment to the frame.
7. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the strap feature is in the form of a slit formed in the strap to receive the second end of the strap therethrough for tightening the strap and attaching it to the frame.
8. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the straps are orientated such that the pocket thereof face in directions away from the cot frame.
9. The cot assembly of claim 7, wherein a length of the slit is equal to or greater than a width of the strap.
10. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the straps are attached to the first and second support cross members with the second end of the strap being received through the strap feature such that the strap is wrapped around and securely attached to one of the first and second support cross members.
11. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the pocket is formed along one face of the strap.
12. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the tension rod extends between and is held within two straps disposed on the same side of the cot frame.
13. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the tension rod extends between and is held within two straps that are diagonally disposed with respect to one another.
14. The cot assembly of claim 3, wherein the net is dimensioned so that when the net is mounted above the cot frame, and edge of the net extends to a ground surface.
15. An assembly with an insect barrier comprising:
a flexible base cloth having a plurality of receiving members formed therewith in predetermined locations; and a net structure having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface and a plurality of flexible tension rods that are received through the retaining members so as to be captured thereby, the tension rods having distal ends being received through the receiving members to suspend and support the net above the base cloth.
a flexible base cloth having a plurality of receiving members formed therewith in predetermined locations; and a net structure having an inner surface with a pair of retaining members formed along the inner surface and a plurality of flexible tension rods that are received through the retaining members so as to be captured thereby, the tension rods having distal ends being received through the receiving members to suspend and support the net above the base cloth.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the base cloth comprises a sleeping surface and the receiving members are one of the grommets and sockets provided in corners of the base cloth.
17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the retaining members comprise open ended sleeves.
18. A method of attaching an insect barrier to a cot frame assembly comprising the steps of:
positioning a net accessory relative to the cot frame assembly that includes a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed at the head end and a second support cross member disposed at the foot end, each of the first and second support cross members having ends that extend beyond side support frame members;
attaching a plurality of support straps to the first and second support cross members of the cot frame assembly, wherein each support strap has a first end and a pocket formed proximate an opposite second end;
positioning a net accessory relative to the cot frame assembly that includes a head end and a foot end with a first support cross member disposed at the head end and a second support cross member disposed at the foot end, each of the first and second support cross members having ends that extend beyond side support frame members;
attaching a plurality of support straps to the first and second support cross members of the cot frame assembly, wherein each support strap has a first end and a pocket formed proximate an opposite second end;
19 inserting one end of the tension and into the pocket of one support strap, through one sleeve formed along the inner surface of the net and then inserting the other end of the tension rod into a pocket of another support strap;
repeating the above step until each tension rod is securely held within the pockets of two support straps; and disposing the net over the tension rods which support the net above a sleeping area of the cot.
repeating the above step until each tension rod is securely held within the pockets of two support straps; and disposing the net over the tension rods which support the net above a sleeping area of the cot.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US70379305P | 2005-07-28 | 2005-07-28 | |
| US60/703,793 | 2005-07-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2554327A1 true CA2554327A1 (en) | 2007-01-28 |
Family
ID=37696200
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002554327A Abandoned CA2554327A1 (en) | 2005-07-28 | 2006-07-27 | Screened cot enclosure |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20070022530A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2554327A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT506513B1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2011-07-15 | Joka Werke Johann Kapsamer Gmbh & Co Kg | DEVICE FOR PARTIAL SHIELDING OF OBJECTS |
| US10000942B2 (en) * | 2016-02-02 | 2018-06-19 | AKZ Designs, LLC | Collapsible all-terrain cot or tent apparatus |
| CN105795785B (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2017-11-17 | 李华 | A kind of foldable support and mosquito net |
| RU187195U1 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2019-02-22 | Надежда Викторовна Ильина | Removable berth guard |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD289787S (en) * | 1984-12-03 | 1987-05-12 | Eppenbach Lawrence C | Tent |
| USD304966S (en) * | 1987-09-10 | 1989-12-05 | Eppenbach Lawrence C | Tent |
| US4858635A (en) * | 1988-02-22 | 1989-08-22 | Eppenbach Lawrence C | Tent |
| USD370046S (en) * | 1994-09-27 | 1996-05-21 | Eppenbach Lawrence C | Tent |
| USD372953S (en) * | 1994-10-07 | 1996-08-20 | Mike Florez | One person dome shaped army cot tent |
| US5949066A (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 1999-09-07 | O.R. Technology, Inc. | System and method for creating and utilizing a sinusoidal based pattern sensor to achieve precise positioning of a movable element |
| KR100410815B1 (en) * | 2000-12-15 | 2003-12-18 | 황주환 | Equipment prevent of crooked seat and one touch for bed carry |
| US6715168B2 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2004-04-06 | Troy Eugene Williams | Mosquito net frame |
| US6644329B2 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-11-11 | Wallace G Tomason | Tent adapted for attachment to a cot |
| US6752164B1 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2004-06-22 | Wan Joo Park | Room tent |
-
2006
- 2006-07-27 US US11/495,849 patent/US20070022530A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-07-27 CA CA002554327A patent/CA2554327A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20070022530A1 (en) | 2007-02-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |