US20160017631A1

US20160017631A1 - Slumber separator

Info

Publication number: US20160017631A1
Application number: US14/805,255
Authority: US
Inventors: Sean H. Gilmore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-21
Filing date: 2015-07-21
Publication date: 2016-01-21

Abstract

A structure includes a collapsible frame, a skin configured to be supported by the collapsible frame, a divider arranged to divide an interior of the structure into at least two compartments, and a mattress attachment structure secured to at least one of the collapsible frame and the skin.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Tents are structures that can be used both indoors and outdoors.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In general, in one aspect, one or more embodiments of the invention are directed to a structure comprising: a collapsible frame; a skin configured to be supported by the collapsible frame; a divider arranged to divide an interior of the structure into at least two compartments; and a mattress attachment structure secured to at least one of the collapsible frame and the skin.
In another aspect, one or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to a tent structure comprising: a frame having a first support, a second support, and at least two members, the first support, the second support, and the two members being connected using connections; a skin configured to be supported by the frame, the skin comprising a window and an entrance; an elasticized periphery; and a divider arranged to divide an interior of the tent structure into at least two compartments.
In yet another aspect, one or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for providing selective privacy on a mattress, the method comprising: placing an elasticized periphery around the mattress, wherein the elasticized periphery is attached to a skin; and erecting a collapsible frame such that the collapsible frame and the skin form an enclosure having a divider therein, the divider comprising a central panel that is movable between a first position and a second position.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where a central panel is in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where a central panel is in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where windows, side openings, and a central panel are in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where a side opening is in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where a roof window and side windows are in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where a roof window and side windows are in a closed position.

FIG. 8 is an example of an elasticized bottom of a structure in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of a multifunctional, collapsible, and portable structure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures (also referred to as FIGS.) are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
In the following detailed description of embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the structure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that these embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
FIG. 1 illustrates a structure 100 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The structure 100 may be collapsible and, thus, may be easily transported and stored. The structure 100 may be generally tent-shaped or may have a more specific shape, such as a parabolic cylinder or a semi-cylinder. In one or more embodiments, the structure 100 may include a first support 101A, a second support 101B, members 103, a skin 105, connectors 107, and a divider 111. In some embodiments, the structure 100 may be disposed on a mattress 121.
The first and second supports 101A, 101B and the members 103 may be structurally rigid poles capable of collapsing. The poles may be formed from any material known in the art, such as plastic, aluminum, graphite, among others. The members 103 and supports 101A, 101B may each comprise multiple sub-members (not shown) connected to one another to form the entire member. The sub-members may be connected internally by an elastic cord or similar structure to facilitate assembly into the entire member.
The first and second supports 101A, 101B and the members 103 may be connected by connections such as connectors 107 so as to form a frame that defines a volume and that supports the skin 105. The connections may be of different types or different configurations at different locations of the frame. At some or all connection points, the connections may be an interlocking arrangement between two or more members or supports, as opposed to a separate physical connector 107. For example, clips may be formed in or attached to the ends of the members 103 that are sized so as to clip to the first and second supports 101A, 101B. When connected as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second supports 101A, 101B are substantially perpendicular to the members 103 at the points of connection. Further, according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the frame is such that first ends of the members 103 connect with one of the two supports 101A, 101B and second ends of the members 103 connect with the other of the two supports 101A, 101B.
In one or more embodiments, the members 103, when engaged with the supports 101A, 101B, may be disposed at a first predetermined height. In one or more embodiments, when the frame comprises four members 103, two of the four members may be disposed at a first predetermined height and the other two of the four members may be disposed at a second predetermined height when the members are engaged with the supports. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that many other configurations of the frame are possible within the scope of this disclosure. That is, the number of supports and/or the number of members may vary depending on the structure being erected. For example, one or more embodiments of the present invention include a third support (not shown) disposed parallel to and in between the first support 101A and the second support 101B. If such a third support is used, the members 103 may be connected to the third support using connections, or alternatively may be connected only to the supports 101A, 101B and thus may bypass the third support. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more embodiments of the present invention include six members 103.
The connections between the supports 101A, 101B and the members 103 may be those shown in, for example, FIG. 1, or any apparatus, component, equipment, interlocking arrangement, or tool that one of ordinary skill in the art can use to connect the supports 101A, 101B with the members 103.
The skin 105 is supported by the frame formed by the first and second supports 101A, 101B, the members 103, and the connectors 107. The skin 105 may be disposed substantially outside the frame, so as to cover or envelop the frame. Alternatively, the skin 105 may be disposed substantially inside the frame, so that portions of the frame are visible from the outside. In still another embodiment, the skin 105 may comprise a plurality of layers so as to sandwich the frame. In some embodiments, sleeves 131 may be formed in or connected to the skin, through which the supports 101A, 101B and the members 103 may pass to secure the skin to the frame.
The skin 105 may be formed of a single piece, but the invention is not limited to this. The skin may comprise one or more panels that are connected together by any permanent means such as stitching or glue, or by any temporary means such as zippers, Velcro®, or the like.
The skin 105 may be made from a material that is waterproof or windproof. The skin may comprise one or more panels that are connected together by zippers, Velcro®, or the like. The skin 105 may be made from a material that is windproof or waterproof. The skin 105 may be made from a material that has reasonable breathability. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the skin 105 may be made from at least one of nylon, polyester, spandex, norva, textured yarns, and fabric or the like.
In the embodiment shown, the skin 105 has openings that form an entrance 117A and an entrance 117B. In the embodiment shown, the two entrances are provided at opposite sides of the structure, where one entrance (entrance 117A) is shown in the open state and the other (entrance 117B) is shown in the closed state. The entrances provide a way to access the interior of the structure 100 and also provide ventilation for those who occupy the structure 100. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, it is not necessary that there be two entrances. One entrance, such as entrance 117A, may be sufficient to gain access to the interior of the structure. Alternatively, more than two entrances may be provided. For entrance 117A shown in FIG. 1, the opening takes the form of a central, vertical cut in the skin, resulting in two flaps 129A, 130A that may be temporarily secured at or near support 101A to keep the entrance in the open position when desired. When it is desired to keep the entrance in the closed position, the central, vertical cut may be closed by any conventional means, including but not limited to Velcro®, clips, zippers, straps, buttons, snaps, or magnets. A closure may also be provided along the bottom of flaps 129A, 130A by any conventional means, including but not limited to Velcro, clips, straps, buttons, snaps, or magnets.
The skin may be provided with additional openings, such as a side window 113, a roof window 115, or simply a slit (not shown) that one can utilize for the purpose of connecting an electronic accessory inside the structure 100 to a power source (not shown) outside of the structure 100.
When in an open position, such as that shown in FIG. 1, a side window 113 may be folded and secured by an attachment device 118. Similarly, the other openings may also be folded and secured by an attachment device 118. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the attachment device could take any form, such as ties, clips, straps, magnets, or the like.
The skin 105 and the frame create an enclosure 109. The enclosure 109, which is the interior of the structure 100, may be divided into compartments 109A, 109B by a divider 111. The skin 105 and the divider 111 may be formed in one piece, or may be stitched or otherwise secured together from multiple panels in a conventional manner. Alternatively, the divider 111 may be separate from the skin 105 and the divider 111 may be attached to the skin 105 by, for example, Velcro® or some other attachment, such as clips, straps, buttons, or magnets.
Further, according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the divider 111 may comprise one or more pockets 125 for storing objects, and a central panel 119 enabling access from one compartment to another compartment without needing to exit the structure 100. The central panel 119 serves as a gateway between the two compartments when it is in an open position (as shown in FIG. 1) and provides privacy when it is in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 2).
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the structure 100 shown in FIG. 1. Redundant descriptions are omitted. Particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates that divider 111 comprises the pocket 125 and a central panel 119 in a closed position so as to divide the structure 100. The central panel 119 may further comprise a window 123. The window 123 may be secured to the central panel 119 by Velcro® or the like so as to allow communication between occupants without opening the central panel 119. Furthermore, as discussed, an attachment device 118 may be used to secure the various openings when in an open position.
FIG. 2 shows entrance 117A in the open position. The flaps 129A, 130A are held open and secured to support 101A by an attachment device 118. FIG. 2 depicts the support 101A in the shape of a parabola, but the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, the support 101A may be in other shapes, such as a triangle or square.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As FIG. 3 is substantially similar to FIG. 2, redundant descriptions are omitted. The figure depicts central panel 119 in an open position so as to serve as a gateway and provide access between the compartments 109A, 109B of the structure 100.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where entrance 117A, side windows 113, roof window 105, and central panel 119 are all in the closed position. Entrance 117A is secured in the closed position by closing seam 133A using any conventional means, for example, Velcro® clips, straps, buttons, or magnets
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Redundant descriptions are omitted. In this view, an entrance 117B is shown, which is in the closed position. Entrance 117B is secured in the closed position by closing seam 133B using any conventional means, for example, Velcro®, clips, straps, buttons, or magnets.
FIG. 6 is an end side view of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where the roof window 115 and the side windows 113 are in the closed position. Redundant descriptions are omitted. The figure shows perpendicular engagements between supports 101A, 101B and the members 103 at connectors 107. More specifically, first ends of the plurality of members 103 connect to the support 101A and second ends of the plurality of members 103 connect to the support 101B.
FIG. 7 is a top view of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention where the roof window 115 and the side windows 113 are in the closed position. Redundant descriptions are omitted. The figure shows the attachment devices 118 used to secure openings when they are in the open position. The figure further depicts perpendicular engagements between supports 101A, 101B and the plurality of members 103 at connectors 107. More specifically, first ends of the plurality of members 103 connect to the support 101A and second ends of the plurality of members 103 connect to the support 101B.
FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of structure 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, the structure 100 has a bottom 127 that extends across some or all of the bottom of the structure. The bottom 127 may be a part of the skin 105 or may be releasably attached thereto. The bottom 127 may be disposed onto a mattress 121 as discussed above. The bottom 127 may be made from any suitable material, such as nylon or polyester. Attached to the bottom 127 is a mattress attachment structure. The attachment may be permanent, or releasable using conventional means such as, for example, Velcro®, clips, straps, buttons, or magnets. Although the mattress attachment structure is attached to the bottom 127 in this embodiment, it could also be attached to the skin 105 or to the frame. The purpose of the mattress attachment structure is to secure the structure to the top of a mattress such that the structure extends over the mattress and remains in place. The mattress attachment structure may take any appropriate form, for example straps that run under a mattress, elastic or non-elastic cords that are placed so as to be secured around the corners of a mattress, or any other type of attachment that would adequately secure the structure on the mattress. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the mattress attachment structure comprises an elasticized periphery 129, in the manner of a fitted bed sheet. The elasticized periphery 129, when placed around the mattress, secures the combination of the structure 100 and the mattress in place. Although the embodiment of an elasticized periphery 129 is shown, as noted above other manners of connection, such as straps, elastic cords, or buttons, could be employed.
Embodiments of the present invention provide selective privacy to occupants who share a structure. For example, the invention may be used to provide privacy to two individuals who share a bed during a sleep-over. In some embodiments, the degree of privacy is selectable between a closed configuration where a divider is completely closed, an open configuration where the divider is open, and a middle configuration where the divider is closed but a window formed therein is open. Embodiments of the present invention may be used both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the structure may be combined with a mattress to provide comfort, for example, during a sleepover or an outing.
Embodiments of the invention include a method of providing privacy on a mattress. In accordance with one or more of these embodiments, a user places a skin having an elasticized periphery on a mattress, and places the elasticized periphery around the mattress. If the supports and the members are formed from sub-members, the user then connects these sub-members to form the entire supports and the entire members. The members are fed through corresponding member sleeves in the skin. The supports are then fed through corresponding support sleeves in the skin, and the ends of the members are secured to the supports using connections such as clips, thus forming a frame and causing the frame and the skin together to form an enclosure.
While the disclosure includes a number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised that do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, although the present application only shows the central panel 119 to open and close in a vertical direction, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that the central panel 119 may open and close sideways. The same rationale is applied to other openings that include, but are not limited to, the entrances 117A, 117B, the side windows 113, and the roof window 115.
Further, although the figures herein show the structure 100 being attached to the mattress 121, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that the structure 100 may attach directly to the floor or attach to some other intermediary components not limited to the mattress 121.
Furthermore, although the present application shows the connectors 107 to connect the members 103 and the supports 101A, 101B, the connectors 107 may be configured to connect additional components not shown so as to connect multiple structures 101 together. For example, two such structures 100, as shown in FIG. 1, may be connected, via the connectors 107, so as to create a structure that comprises four compartments. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A structure comprising:

a collapsible frame;

a skin configured to be supported by the collapsible frame;

a divider arranged to divide an interior of the structure into at least two compartments; and

a mattress attachment structure secured to at least one of the collapsible frame and the skin.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame comprises a plurality of collapsible poles that are connected to one another using connections.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame comprises a first support, a second support, two members, and connections connecting the first support, the second support, and the two members.

4. The structure according to claim 3, wherein:

the first support and the second support are parallel to one another, and

the first support and the second support are perpendicular to the two members.

5. The structure according to claim 4, wherein:

the collapsible frame further comprises a third member and a fourth member, and

the third member and the fourth member are connected to and perpendicular to the first support and the second support.

6. The structure according to claim 5, wherein:

the two members are disposed at a first height, and

the third member and the fourth member are disposed at a second height.

7. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the skin comprises an entrance.

8. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the divider comprises a storage pocket.

9. The structure according to claim 1, wherein:

the skin comprises a roof window,

the roof window is configured to be folded and secured by an attachment device, and

the roof window is distributed over the two compartments.

10. The structure according to claim 1, wherein:

the divider comprises a central panel, and

the central panel comprises a window.

11. The structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two compartments comprises a side window.

12. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the collapsible frame is substantially semi-cylinder-shaped.

13. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the mattress attachment structure comprises an elasticized periphery.

14. The structure according to claim 13, wherein the skin comprises a bottom portion, and wherein the elasticized periphery is integral with the bottom portion.

15. The structure according to claim 2, wherein the skin comprises a plurality of sleeves through which at least some of the plurality of poles pass.

16. The structure according to claim 2, wherein the connections comprise connectors separate from the poles.

17. The structure according to claim 2, wherein the connections comprise interlocking portions of the poles.

18. A tent structure comprising:

a frame having a first support, a second support, and at least two members, the first support, the second support, and the two members being connected using connections;

a skin configured to be attached to the frame, the skin comprising a window and an entrance;

an elasticized periphery; and

a divider arranged to divide an interior of the tent structure into at least two compartments.

19. A method for providing selective privacy on a mattress, the method comprising:

placing an elasticized periphery around the mattress, wherein the elasticized periphery is attached to a skin; and

erecting a collapsible frame such that the collapsible frame and the skin form an enclosure having a divider therein, the divider comprising a central panel that is movable between a first position and a second position.