US20220022563A1

US20220022563A1 - Personal Covering and Storage System

Info

Publication number: US20220022563A1
Application number: US17/385,442
Authority: US
Inventors: Chalice Blinick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-24
Filing date: 2021-07-26
Publication date: 2022-01-27

Abstract

A personal covering and storage system comprising a bag coupled to a main strap to selectively secure the bag to a user, the bag having a pocket and a bag connector. A canopy shield detachably connected to the bag at the bag connector, the canopy shield comprising a central section supported by one or more internal primary supports, and at least one peripheral section. The canopy shield can be folded and stored in the pocket. One or more connection points wherein the canopy shield is attached to the bag by the connection points wherein the canopy shield can be folded and stored in the bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/056,364 titled “Personal Covering and Storage System” and having a filing date of Jul. 24, 2020, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to generally to a covering, more particularly to a covering for breastfeeding mothers to easily access and cover up while breastfeeding or holding her baby and easily be stored away while not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Newborn babies are often breastfed by their mothers, which can be an intimate and personal bonding experience between mother and her baby. When breastfeeding, a mother typically exposes the upper portions of her torso, which may make her uncomfortable if located in a public or highly trafficked area. Currently, the available nursing covers are fashioned as primarily a one-piece fabric drape that covers the upper torso of the mother and her infant, or large towels which are bulky and typically made out of non-breathable material. Some other available nursing covers can be repurposed as scarves, shopping cart covers, and car seat covers. Some have a strap(s) that goes around the mother's neck, while others are similar to an expanding scarf. Conventional nursing covers are also problematic because they are difficult to wear and keep around the mother's upper torso and the baby. Further baby movements may cause the covering to slip or completely fall off of the mother and baby. With currently breastfeeding covers mothers are physically restricted in their ability to manage the baby, or other items will be breastfeeding the baby all while securing and maintaining a conventional cover, wrap, or sheet in place while breastfeeding her baby.
At present, there are no nursing covers available that rise up from the waist from a waist bag and there is not any existing well ventilated, nor canopy-like covering. Available nursing covers on the market are limited in that they do not provide adequate ventilation for the infant, they do not allow for easy visualization of the infant while nursing or adjusting, and they do not offer good airflow for the mother to keep cool and comfortable. Other nursing covers are very uncomfortable in the summer months, being that they are similar to adding a layer of clothing or blanket. Available nursing covers on the market may put infants at risk for suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome.
The purpose of this invention is to conceal or provide privacy to a woman whom is breastfeeding or using a breast pump. It can also be used as a personal canopy or shield for an infant or toddler while sitting in an adult's lap. This personal infant canopy can create a space of comfort while napping or eating, limit distractions, aid in ability to nap on a plane or other public place, reduce stimuli to an overstimulated infant, and also limit exposure to germs and sunlight. The product is multi-functional. The bag component can store essential items (keys, phone, diaper, wipes), houses the canopy, and also provides the support for the function of the canopy component. The personal covering and storage system offers superior airflow to the baby and mother keeping them cool and comfortable, especially in warm conditions. The design increases flow of fresh air to the baby from above and below; possibly lowering their risk of hypoxia, retention of CO2, SIDS, and suffocation. It allows the wearer to have full visibility of their infant while feeding or while using a breast pump without struggling with loose fabric and the personal covering and storage system can be easily accessed while in public settings.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a new and improved device for a covering that is breathable, adjustable and allows the mother to quickly cover up while breastfeeding or holding her baby and quickly put away in a compact system while not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In different embodiments, a personal covering and storage system is provided comprising a bag with a main strap that selectively secures the bag to a user. The strap may be adjustable and the bag may attach about the waist of the user like a fanny pack. The bag includes a pocket in which a folded canopy shield is enclosed. The canopy shield may be detachably secured to the bag at a bag connector, and comprise a central section supported by one or more internal primary supports. The canopy shield also comprises at least one peripheral section. In a particular embodiment, the bag connector is a zipper.
The central section may include one or more panels and the peripheral section may be a top section and a bottom section, and/or a lateral panel and a back panel. The bottom sanction may hang freely on the user and the top section may be at least partially transparent and comprise a removable vizor. The primary supports may be situated at the periphery of the central section and may comprise bendable plastic or bendable metal to allow the canopy shield to be folded. Alternatively, the canopy shield may be folded at flexible junction points between two non-bendable support sections. The primary supports may be a single piece or multiple pieces. A locking rod and cord system be coupled to the central section 30 acting as a support to selectively lock the canopy shield in the unfolded position. Any other secondary support known in the art may be removably or permanently coupled to the canopy shield.
The personal covering and storage system may further comprise one or more secondary straps that are detachably coupled to a secondary connector 25 to another secondary strap. canopy shield. The secondary straps may have an adjustable length and may be situated about the user at a second site on the user's body. A secondary connector may attach one secondary strap to another secondary strap, or a single strap may be detachably coupled to the canopy shield at two locations. The secondary straps may move up and down to adjust to the user.
A method of selectively shielding a portion of a user from view is provided in which a bag having a pocket and a connector is secured to the user via a strap at a first site on the user's body. The pocket encompasses a canopy shield detachably connected to the bag at the connector, and the canopy shield comprises a central section supported by one or more foldable internal supports. The canopy shield is removed from the pocket and the internal supports unfolded to support the central section about the about the user to shield at least a portion of the user from view. Secondary straps detachably coupled to the canopy shield may be used to secure the canopy shield about the user at a second site. An external support may be attached to the canopy shield to secure the canopy shield in an unfolded position.
Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth within the specification. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.
Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of molding a fishing lure, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of molding a fishing lure, step for performing the function of molding a fishing lure,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.
Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the personal covering and storage system while in its closed position in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the personal covering and storage system while in its open position in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 3 is a side views of the personal covering and storage system and other embodiments attached to a mother in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a personal covering and storage system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a side and front views of the personal covering and storage system attached to a mother in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the personal covering and storage system while in its open position in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7a is an isomeric view of the personal covering and storage system attached to a wearer in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7b is a view of the personal covering and storage system at the shoulder on a wearer in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7c is a top view of the personal covering and storage system attached to a wearer in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 8a is an isomeric view of the personal covering and storage system attached to a wearer in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 8b is an isomeric view of the personal covering and storage system with the rigid piece in the pocket in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 8c is an isomeric view of the personal covering and storage system attached to a wearer in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.
Referring initially to FIG. 1-FIG. 2 a front view personal covering and storage system stored in a pack showed generally at 1. The personal covering and storage system 1 comprising a bag 10 that houses a pop-up canopy shield 20. The canopy shield 20 can easily pop open from the main front pocket 9 of the bag 10 into the intended canopy shape with the help of one or more internal primary supports 32 or frame which provides a structure for the canopy shield. The internal primary supports 32 can be a single piece and can be manufactured from, but is not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, Delrin, or the like, or bendable and/or flexible plastic or metal such as stainless-steel rods, aluminum, spring steel or the like. When closing the canopy shield 20 back into the bag 10 it can be easily collapsed with one hand by twisting and folding it into a circular shape (similar to the function of a car windshield cover) and then tucking it back into the main pocket of the bag. The canopy shield 20 can be attached to or detachable from the bag 10 with a male/female snap 28 near the hips of the wearer, within the bag or the snaps can be for example, buttons, button tack, or the like. The canopy shield 20 can be open on the bottom so the infant's legs/feet can be out if needed and to provide more airflow to the baby and the user. The canopy shield 20 can be made from breathable nylon/spandex, polyester, rayon, linen, or the like fabric fitted over at least internal primary supports 32 which can create the frame. The internal primary supports 32 can be sewn onto with pockets, sewn into, or the like into the canopy shield 20 which can provide a solid structure for the canopy shield around the infant and the user.
The bag 10 can further comprise an upper cover 2, an adjustable main strap 3 having an adjustable strap ring 4 and an attachment clip 5. The upper cover 2 can be attached to a bottom cover 7 by an attachment mechanism 6 such as a zipper, buttons, snaps or the like. The upper cover 2 can be closed onto the bottom cover 7 by a closing mechanism 8 such as a zipper, buttons or the like. The bag 10 can further comprise a back cover (not shown) which can be permanently attached to the upper cover 2 and the bottom cover 7 forming a pocket or pouch within the bag 10 for the canopy shield 20 to be stored in. The main strap 3 can be permanently or removably attached to the upper cover 2, bottom cover 7, back cover or any combination thereof by sewing, or attaching by zipper, buttons, snaps, or the like. The attachment clip 5 can be a three-prong plastic clip, or in other embodiments a buckle, clip buckle, tongue buckles, clip latch, or the like. The bag 10 can be made from a nylon, spandex blend, cotton, polyester, or any combination synthetic or natural fiber blends, with two open pockets and a large main pocket with a zipper closure. The attachment closure for the bag 10 can be a three-prong plastic clip. The bag has an adjustable main strap 3 designed at accommodate sizes XS to XXL.
The canopy shield 20 can further comprise a central section 30 comprising at least one panel 33. The at least one panel 33 can comprise a top section 22, middle section 35 and a bottom section 21 wherein the middle section, top section and bottom section can be attached together by sewing, snapping, buttoning, or the like together forming the canopy shield. In certain embodiment anyone of the central section 30, top section 22, and bottom section 21 can be omitted to create the canopy shield 20. The top section can further comprise a removable vizor 23. The visor 23 can be placed substantially towards the top of the canopy shield 20 made from a breathable mesh fabric for optional, additional top-view coverage that is still offers great airflow and some visibility. The canopy shield 20 and visor 23 can be easily manipulated and adjusted how desired. The bottom section 21 of the canopy shield 20 does not have an internal primary support 32 within the fabric but instead is stitched with elastic so the wearer can leave this flap hanging down for additional coverage or lift it up/close it by folding it up unto the canopy shield for additional airflow from the bottom section 21 of the canopy shield. In other embodiments the bottom section 21 can have an internal primary support 32. The internal primary supports 32 can be placed between the central section 30 and bottom section 21, and central section 30 and the top section 22, and the top section and the secondary straps 26. In other embodiments the internal primary supports 32 can be clipped or removably attached to the canopy shield 20.
The removable visor 23 and bottom section 21 of the canopy shield 20 can provide the wearer with the ability to create a unique fit and experience to their own personal liking. The canopy shield 20 also has optional side panel, as shown in FIG. 7a can be adjustable and can be secured using Velcro straps in the closed position. These side panels provide side-view coverage if this is needed. The side panels are made of a soft nylon, polyester, spandex, or the like fabric.
The middle section 35, top section 22, and a bottom section 21 forming the central section 30 can be attached at the bottom portion near or at the bag 10 by one or more bag connector 29 by such as, for example, webbing, snaps, stitching or the like, which can be elastic allowing the middle section, top section, and a bottom section to easily close and overlap each other and then fold into the bag 10. The top section 22 can further comprise a mechanism for one or more secondary straps 26 to move up and down on the top section which can be a slide rings, sliders, bearing and rod, or the like. The secondary straps 26 allows for the user to adjust for height and width allowing the user to comfortably wear the personal covering and storage system 1. The secondary straps 26 can further one or more secondary connectors 25 and adjustable strap slide rings 24 wherein the clips can be attached to the adjustable strap slide rings by sewing, Velcro, or button them onto the adjustable strap slide rings. The secondary connectors 25 can be plastic clips, metal clips, or the like that can easily attach to the user's shirt, bra, or the like. The adjustable strap slide rings 24 can be slidably attached to the secondary straps 26 by an adjustable ring, or the like wherein the adjustable strap slide rings can slide up and down to adjust to the user's specifications and comfort. In other embodiments the bag connector 29 can expand the canopy shield and lock into place with a locking rod and cord mechanism 40 coupled to the central section 30 keeping the canopy shield open when set in place by the user as shown in FIG. 4.
In embodiments the personal covering and storage system 1 is first applied to the waist of an adult, similar to any popular waist bag. The bag 10 has an adjustable waist strap 3 designed to accommodate sizes XS to XXL. The pocket 9 on the front of the bag is then opened with a zipper. It is at this point the adult should pick up their infant or toddler and securely hold them with one arm while using their other arm to easily pull the canopy shield 20 out and open with the other hand. It is optionally secured with secondary straps 26 that can either clamp onto the wearer's shirt or bra strap, or the straps can attach to each other and be secured behind the wearers neck. The canopy shield 20 easily pops open into the intended canopy shape with the help of internal primary supports 32 or frame which provides its structure which can be inserted in casing 31 stitched into the back side of the fabric or the middle panel, top section, and bottom section 21. It is easily adjusted to the desired fit and amount of coverage by adjusting the waist strap 3, the visor position, and the bottom section 21 position. The wearer can comfortably and privately breastfeed or use a breast pump with full visibility of their child. The infant or toddler can nap, eat (bottle or breast), rest, or sit in comfort with the wearer under the canopy shield. The internal primary supports 32 can be attached to either central section 30, and top section 22 or any combination thereof by an elastic braided fabric or fabric casing 31 wherein the elastic braided fabric allows for easy movement of the internal rods with the middle panel, and top section. In certain embodiments, the bottom section 21 can include an internal primary supports 32.
Referring to FIG. 3-5 the personal covering and storage system which shows the personal covering and storage system being used with the current embodiment and alternate styles attached to the user.
Referring to FIG. 6-8 c a front view of another embodiment of the personal covering and storage system. The personal covering and storage system comprising a bag 10 that is coupled to a main strap 3 to selectively secure the bag to a user, the bag having a pocket 9 and a bag connector 29 wherein the canopy shield 20 can be folded and stored in the pocket 9. The canopy shield 20 can be detachably connected to the bag 10 at the bag connector 29, the canopy shield can comprise a central section 30 supported by one or more internal primary supports 32 and at least one peripheral section 72. The peripheral section 72 can comprise at least one lateral side panel 72 and at least one back panel 74. The canopy shield 20 can pop open from the pocket 9 of the bag 10 into the intended canopy shield shape with the help of one or more internal primary supports 32 or frame which provides a structure for the canopy shield. The internal primary supports 32 can be in or form the shape of such as, for example, circular, square, hexagonal, or the like when open and can be folded down to fit into the pocket 9.
The canopy shield 20 can further comprise a central section 30 wherein the central section comprises a top and a bottom and wherein the internal supports 32 are placed at the top and bottom of the central section. In certain embodiments, the internal supports 32 can be around the perimeter of the central section 30 and in other embodiments internal supports can be omitted or can be around the central section and the peripheral section 72.
In embodiments the central section 30 can have at least one peripheral section 72 attached to the central section wherein the peripheral section can comprise at least one lateral side panel 72 and at least one back panel 74. In the preferred embodiment the lateral side panels 72 can be at least two and can oppose each other on the user. The lateral side panels 72 can be secured to the back panel 74 by any permanent attaching means, such as stitching or the like, or in other embodiments the lateral side panels can be secured by such as, for example, hook and loop, button, pins, or the like. The lateral side panels 72 and/or the back panel 74 can be attached to the bag 10 by one or more bag connectors 29 by such as, for example, stitching, buttons, hook and loop, or like. The internal primary supports 32 can be located within the central section 30 and/or within the side panels 72 or both the central or primary sections.
One or more of the bag connectors 29 can extend around the bag 10 towards the back 5 of the bag in such a manner that it can extend around the user's waist near the user's back. The bag connectors 29 can be located in such a manner that the two back panels create an opening for the user's back which can be off of the user's neck and back. The back panel edge 76 can be stitched with elastic so it is easier to pull up over the shoulder, and so it fits more snuggly onto the wearer. The lateral side panel 72 can further comprise a section pocket 84 in which a section support 82 can be inserted to keep the central section 30 away from a user's body, as shown in FIG. 8a . The section pocket 84 can be located substantially near the top of the lateral side panel 72, or it can be located anywhere on the lateral side panel. The secondary support 82 can be removably attached, permanently attached, or separate from the canopy shield 20. In one or more embodiments the secondary support 82 can be sewn into the shoulder portion of the lateral side panels 72, the central section 30 or peripheral section 72. When returning the canopy shield 20 to the bag 10, the secondary support 82 can be removed from the canopy shield 20 and can be placed within the bag.
In embodiments the top section 22 can be flipped up over the shoulder portion of the lateral side panels 72 for more top coverage. In another embodiment, the lateral side panels 72 can further comprise a hole (not shown) for the user's arms to be placed through. The bag 10 can be made without the upper cover 2. In this embodiment the bottom cover 7 can be permanently attached to the back panel 74 forming at least one pocket or pouch within the bag 10. The bag 10 can be soft and flexible, or it can be more rigid which can prevent rolling.
A method of selectively shielding a portion of a user from view, the method comprising the acts of securing a bag 10 having a pocket 9 and a connector 29 to the user via a strap 3 at a first site on the user's body, wherein the pocket encompasses a canopy shield 20 detachably connected to the bag at the connector, the canopy shield comprising a central section 30 supported by one or more foldable internal supports 32. Removing the canopy shield 20 from the pocket 9 and unfolding the internal supports 32 to support the central section 30 about the about the user to shield at least a portion of the user from view. One or more secondary straps are detachably coupled to the canopy shield, the method further comprising securing the secondary straps 26 about the user at a second site. Attaching a secondary support 82 to the canopy shield 20.
In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.
Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

What is claims is:

1. A personal covering and storage system comprising:

a bag coupled to a main strap to selectively secure the bag to a user, the bag having a pocket and a bag connector;

a canopy shield detachably connected to the bag at the bag connector, the canopy shield comprising a central section supported by one or more internal primary supports, and at least one peripheral section; and

wherein the canopy shield can be folded and stored in the pocket.

2. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the central section comprises at least one panel.

3. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral section is a top section and a bottom section.

4. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the primary supports comprise bendable plastic or bendable metal.

5. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable.

6. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more secondary straps that are detachably coupled to the canopy shield.

7. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 6, wherein the secondary straps have an adjustable length and are coupled to a secondary connector to detachably couple one secondary strap to another secondary strap.

8. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 3, wherein the bottom section hangs freely on a user.

9. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 3, wherein the top section further comprises a removable vizor.

10. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 6, wherein the secondary straps move up and down to adjust to the user.

11. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a zipper.

12. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a locking rod and cord system coupled to the central section.

13. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one peripheral section comprises at least one lateral side panel and at least one back panel.

14. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 13 wherein the supports are placed between the lateral side panel and the central section.

15. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 13 wherein the central section comprises a top and a bottom and wherein the internal supports are placed at the top and bottom of the central section.

16. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 1 wherein the internal supports are a single piece.

17. The personal covering and storage system according to claim 13 further comprising a secondary support that is removably or permanently coupled to the canopy shield.

18. A method of selectively shielding a portion of a user from view, the method comprising the acts of:

securing a bag having a pocket and a connector to the user via a strap at a first site on the user's body, wherein the pocket encompasses a canopy shield detachably connected to the bag at the connector, the canopy shield comprising a central section supported by one or more foldable internal supports; and

removing the canopy shield from the pocket and unfolding the internal supports to support the central section about the about the user to shield at least a portion of the user from view.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein one or more secondary straps are detachably coupled to the canopy shield, the method further comprising securing the secondary straps about the user at a second site.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising attaching an secondary support to the canopy shield.