SLEEP CURTAIN

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bed dividing barrier in order to provide at least one of the individuals in a bed privacy or to limit the amount of light from one side of the bed to the other. The present invention describes a novel device that provides privacy between individuals sharing a bed and includes at least one dividing barrier which is attached at one end to at least one vertical support member and wherein such vertical support extends vertically from a base support structure. The present invention may further include a horizontal support that provides further support to the bed dividing barrier.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bed dividing barrier in order to provide at least one of the individuals in a bed privacy or to limit the amount of light from one side of the bed to the other.

BACKGROUND ART

There are many instances where couples and individuals sharing a bed may want to have some privacy while sleeping in the same bed. One individual may want to read a book, an electronic tablet, or a computer, or watch television while the other individual sharing the bed wishes to sleep. A dividing barrier to divide the bed would allow individuals to do their desired activities while not interfering with the other person sharing the bed. Another benefit of having a dividing barrier to divide the bed is the curtain would provide means to limit light entering from one side of the bed to the other.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,572 discloses the use of a triangular flag suspended from its top point to a wall. One disadvantage of that prior art reference is that a triangular flag provides limited coverage between the two sides of the bed. A second disadvantage of the prior art is that requires an attachment to the wall and therefore is fixed to a specific location and cannot be easily relocated.

To overcome these disadvantages of the prior art, an object of the present invention is a dividing barrier that would maximize the coverage area of the dividing barrier and provide superior coverage to the prior art. Another object of the present invention is that the support structure for such dividing barrier would be easily movable and not fixed to a wall. The benefit of having a support structure that could easily be moved is that it could be moved to be used in different rooms, with differently sized beds, or even on the edge of the bed. Another improvement over the prior art is that the present invention does not require an attachment to the wall, but rather the lightweight movable structure can easily be installed and removed if desired. Furthermore, the present invention may be comprised of a rectangular curtain that can be more effective in shielding light. Another object of the present invention is having the support structure and the edge of the dividing curtain positioned close to the headboard of a bed to render the novel invention more effective in shielding light, especially when using a tablet or computer. Finally, another object of the present invention, is that the support structure and dividing barrier be more easily deployable than the prior art especially when the user is lying in bed under the cover in that the user would simply need to extend the user's arm to rotate the barrier into place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is comprised of a bed dividing barrier to provide privacy to individuals sharing a bed comprising at least one dividing barrier that extends at one end from the head portion of a bed towards the opposite end, said dividing barrier attached at one end to at least one vertical support member to provide support for such dividing barrier wherein such vertical support extends vertically from a base support structure.

The at least one dividing barrier is comprised of a flexible barrier for shielding light rays from one side of the bed to the other side. In one embodiment, the at least one dividing barrier may be shaped as a pennant, flag or right angle triangle shape wherein the at least one barrier is angled and tapers at the end of the at least one barrier that is distal to the head portion of the bed. In this embodiment, the at least one barrier is releasably attached at one end to a vertical support member to provide support to the least one barrier. In said embodiment, the end of the at least one barrier distal to the head portion of the bed may be weighted so that the at least one barrier is in tension so that at least one barrier extends fully from the one end of the head towards the other.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one barrier may be releasably attached to a horizontal support member at its top edge. Such horizontal support member would provide support to the at least one barrier across the length of the at least one barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal support member may rotate about the axis of the vertical support member. In such embodiment, the user may rotate the horizontal member support so that in its deployed position wherein the horizontal member support extends along the longitudinal plane of the bed so that the horizontal support member and the at least one barrier are positioned along the central median vertical plane of the bed. In the deployed position, the at least one barrier provides privacy between the two sides of the bed. The user may also rotate the horizontal support member so that in its resting position, the horizontal member support and the at least one barrier are positioned to be parallel to the head board or wall located behind the bed. In the resting position, the horizontal support member places the at least one barrier out of the sight of the users as they are laying in bed. The benefit of such novel invention is that the at least one barrier is able to be rotated and moved and not forced to be always in a fixed position.

The at least one vertical support member of the present invention would extend vertically at one end from the base structure to the opposite end to be releasably attached to the at least one dividing barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one dividing barrier includes an open-ended sleeve along the edge of the at least one barrier most proximal to the head portion of the bed. The at least one vertical support is positioned to extend vertically within such sleeve to provide support to the at least one barrier. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vertical support member may be collapsible and extendable vertically parallel to the head board of the bed or the wall behind the bed. A benefit of the present invention is that the height of the at least one barrier is adjustable so that the user can vary the height of the vertical support member and the at least one barrier to suit the height requirements for different sized beds. The barrier can be designed to accommodate the thicker, more common, mattresses.

The base support structure may be any conventional means of supporting a vertical or upright member including but not limited to an at least two-legged stand or support, a circular base, a semi-circular base, a rectangular base, a weighted base or any conventional means of providing upright support to a vertical member. In a preferred embodiment, the base structure is comprised of a vertical support member that is fixed to a right angle two-legged stand wherein two members meet at a right angle and run parallel to the ground. The benefit of the present invention is that the support structure may be positioned in various locations. The base structure may be placed on the floor beneath the bed. In a preferred embodiment, the base structure may be placed beneath the mattress. As a result, the user may place the base structure where it best suits the requirements of the bed.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is further comprised of a detachable light fixture that may be detachably attached to a feature of the support structure. Such light fixture allows a user to focus the light on the desired side of the bed. In another embodiment, the light fixture may be integrated into the support structure of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the at least one barrier is flag shaped;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the at least one barrier is flag shaped and the base structure has been positioned beneath the mattress;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the at least one barrier is flag shaped and the base structure has been positioned beneath the mattress;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the at least one barrier, at least one vertical support member and horizontal support member are illustrated;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the base structure and vertical support member are illustrated;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a horizontal support member provides support to the at least one barrier;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a horizontal support member provides support to the at least one barrier;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the base structure has been positioned beneath the mattress;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 wherein the broken lines illustrate the positioning of the base structure beneath the mattress;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG.8 wherein the base structure has been positioned on top of the box spring or bed where the mattress (not shown) will be positioned to secure the base in place;

FIG. 11 a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 wherein the base structure has been positioned beneath the mattress;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 wherein the base structure has been positioned on top of the box spring or bed (mattress not shown) and the horizontal support member is in its deployed position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 wherein the horizontal support member is in its resting position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a detachable light fixture is detachably attached to a support member that is an integral part of the support structure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a detachable light fixture that is detachably attached to a support member that is an integral part of the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a detachable light fixture is detachably attached to a support member of the support structure;

FIG. 17 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a detachable light fixture is detachably attached to a support member of the support structure;

FIG. 18 is a left side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the light is integrated into the support structure and the head lamp is positioned hidden behind the at least one barrier;

FIG. 19 is a right side view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the light is integrated into the support structure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a light that is integrated into the support structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention wherein the horizontal support member is positioned atop the vertical support member wherein the barrier is omitted in the representation; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment similar to the embodiment in FIG. 8 wherein the design of the base differs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1, shown generally at 1, is a novel device that provides privacy between individuals sharing a bed and is comprised of at least one dividing barrier 3 which is attached at one end to at least one vertical support member 5 and wherein such vertical support 5 extends vertically from a base support structure 7.

The at least one dividing barrier 3 is comprised of a flexible barrier for shielding light rays from one side of the bed to the other side. The at least one barrier 3 may be comprised of any lightweight material that is not light permeable.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment of the invention, the at least one dividing barrier 3 may be shaped as a pennant, flag or right-angle triangle shape wherein the at least one barrier 3 is angled and tapers at the end of the at least one barrier that is distal to the head portion of the bed. The at least one barrier 3 is releasably attached at one end to a vertical support member 5 to provide support to the least one barrier 3. In said embodiment, the end of the at least one barrier distal to the head portion of the bed may be weighted by a weight 9 so that the at least one barrier 3 is in tension and is capable of extending fully from the one end of the bed towards the other.

As shown in the FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, in an embodiment, the at least one dividing barrier 3 is further comprised of an open-ended sleeve 11 along the edge of the at least one barrier most proximal to the head portion of the bed. The at least one vertical support 5 is positioned to extend vertically within such sleeve 11 to provide support to the at least one barrier 3.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, 21 and 22. In such embodiment, the at least one barrier may be releasably attached to a horizontal support member 13 at its top edge. The horizontal support member 13 provides support to the at least one barrier 3 across the length of the at least one barrier 3. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one dividing barrier 3 is also further comprised of an open-ended sleeve 15 along the top edge of the at least one barrier wherein the horizontal support member 13 is positioned to extend within such sleeve 15 to provide support to the at least one barrier 3.

In one embodiment, the horizontal support member 13 may rotate about the axis of the vertical support member 5. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the user may rotate the horizontal member support 13 to be in a “deployed” position, wherein the horizontal member support 13 extends along the length of the bed. In such deployed position, the horizontal support member 13 and the at least one barrier 3 are positioned along the central median vertical plane of the bed. As shown in FIG. 13, the user may also position the horizontal support member 13 to be in a “resting” position, such that the horizontal member support 13 and at least one barrier 3 are positioned to be parallel to the head board or wall located behind the bed. In the resting position, the at least one barrier 3 is put out of the sight of the users as they are laying in bed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the at least one vertical member of the base support structure 7 may be telescopically adjustable tubes which allow them to be collapsible and extendable. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the free end of the vertical member 17 of the base support structure 7 fits concentrically within the free end 19 of the vertical support member 5. Such free end of the vertical member 17 will bottom out within the end of the vertical support member allowing the vertical support member 5 to be supported and to be free to rotate. Such feature of the present invention allows the height of the vertical support member 17 to be adjustable so that the user can vary the height of the vertical support member 17 and the at least one barrier 3 to suit the height requirements for different sized beds. Alternatively, the vertical support member 5 is a rod that fits concentrically within the vertical member 17 of the base.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the vertical support member 5 and horizontal support member 13 may be constructed out of rigid plastic tubing. The vertical support member 6 and the horizontal support member 13 are positioned perpendicular to one another wherein the vertical support member 5 extends vertically from the base support structure. The free end of the vertical support member fits into one end of the connector bend 21. The horizontal support member 13 is positioned at a ninety-degree angle relative to the vertical support member 5 and fits into the other end of the connector bend 21.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, the vertical support member 5 and horizontal support member 13 may be constructed of a lightweight metal material. Alternatively, the vertical support member 5 and horizontal support member 13 may be constructed of wood or wood composite material. As in the other embodiment, the vertical support member 5 and the horizontal support member 13 are positioned perpendicular to one another wherein the vertical support member 5 extends vertically from the base support structure 7. As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the free end of the vertical support member fits into one opening in a connector head 23. The horizontal support member 13 is positioned at a ninety degree angle relative to the vertical support member 5 and fits into another opening of the connector head 23. The connector head 23 is therefore mounted onto the free end of the vertical support member. The connector head 23 allows the horizontal support member 13 to rotate about the axis of the vertical support member 5 and to move into “deployed” and “resting” positions. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the user is capable of rotating the horizontal support member 13 and at least one barrier to be in a “deployed” position. Likewise, the user is also able to rotate the horizontal support member 13 and at least one barrier to be in a resting position as shown in FIG. 13.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector head 23 may further include mounting for a light fixture to be attached the invention. The connector head 23 may include a support bar 25 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The light fixture 29 may be releasably attached to the support bar 25 via a clamp or clamping means 27. As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, the light fixture may be positioned to shine light on either side of the at least one barrier 3.

The base support structure 7 may be any conventional means of supporting a vertical or upright member including but not limited to an at least two-legged stand or support, a circular base, rectilinear base, a weighted base or any conventional means of providing upright support to a vertical member. In a preferred embodiment, the base structure is comprised of a vertical support member that is fixed to a right angle two-legged stand wherein two members meet at a right angle and run parallel to the ground. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22, the base structure is comprised of a vertical support member that is fixed to a two-legged stand wherein two members are positioned to run along the same plane and run parallel to the ground.

The benefit of the present invention is that the support structure may be positioned in various locations. The base structure may be placed on the floor beneath the bed or behind the bed. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the base structure 7 may be placed beneath the beneath the mattress. As a result, the user may place the base structure where it best suits the requirements of the bed.

The foregoing detailed description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bed divider to provide a light shield comprising:

At least one dividing barrier comprised of a barrier for shielding light; and

At least one vertical support member to provide support for such dividing barrier wherein such vertical support extends vertically from a base support structure; and

At least one horizontal support member to provide support to said dividing barrier.

2. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the structure is articulated to provide the ability to move the dividing barrier in a minimum of at least two separate positions, such as in use or in storage.

3. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the divider barrier is maintained in its current position by friction or by a locking mechanism internal to the support structure.

4. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the support structure is composed of one or several separate independent subsystems that interact with one another.

5. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the support structure is an assembly of tube(s), rod(s), fitting(s), connecting part(s), pivot(s), and/or articulation(s).

6. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the support structure is made of metal, plastic, wood, or composite materials components.

7. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is made of any material capable of shielding light to a degree sufficient for the purpose of this application, such as but not limited to: cloth material, fabric material, woven or non-woven material, cloth-like material, plastic film, cardboard, paper, wood, etc.

8. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is of the shape of a rectangle, a trapeze, a triangle, a pennant, or any other polygon.

9. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is positioned during use in the vicinity of the central median vertical plane of the bed.

10. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is positioned during use in the vicinity of the left or right side vertical plane of the bed.

11. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is extending from the vicinity of the head board to a minimum of 10 inches from the headboard.

12. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the distal tip of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is extending a minimum of 10 inches from the mattress top.

13. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the bottom edge of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is either (i) touching or (ii) extending a maximum distance of 5 inches from the mattress top.

14. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the essence of the interaction between the bed divider and the bed is either: (i) secured by the bed, such as, but not limited to, when the base of the support structure is positioned under the mattress; (ii) attached to the bed or the bed frame; (iii) positioned or resting on top of the bed; (iv) positioned by the bed, such as with a stand on the floor; or (v) integrated in the bed, such as in the bed frame.

15. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the vertical position of the bottom edge of the dividing barrier can be adjusted to account for different bed or mattress heights.

16. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a telescopic element.

17. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is constrained by a horizontal element integral to the support structure.

18. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is constrained by a vertical element integral to the support structure.

19. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier is weighted at a point or along an edge distal to an element integral to the structure.

20. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the base of the support structure is comprised of a flat polygonal element.

21. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the base support structure is comprised of a flat polygonal element and at least one leg extending from said base.

22. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the at least one horizontal support member and the at least one vertical member are positioned at right angles relatively to one another via a connector.

23. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier can rotate about the axis of the vertical support member.

24. A bed divider according to claim 22 wherein the connector can rotate about the axis of the vertical support member.

25. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the dividing barrier can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the vertical support member.

26. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the at least one vertical support member extending from the base is a bottom tube attached to the base.

27. A bed divider according to claim 26 wherein a second vertical support member is connected to the horizontal support member via a connector. The second vertical member is engaging the bottom vertical tube: either inside the internal diameter of the bottom tube, or around the outer diameter of the bottom tube.

28. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the support structure would allow a releasable detachable light to be positioned.

29. A bed divider according to claim 1 wherein the bed divider has a light integrated into its structure.

30. A bed divider to provide a light shield comprising:

At least one dividing barrier comprised of a barrier for shielding light; and

A mechanical structure interacting with the bed to provide support to said dividing barrier.

31. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the structure is articulated to provide the ability to move the dividing barrier in a minimum of at least two separate positions, such as in use or in storage.

32. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the divider barrier is maintained in its current position by friction or by a locking mechanism internal to the support structure.

33. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the support structure is composed of one or several separate independent subsystems that interact with one another.

34. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the support structure is an assembly of tube(s), rod(s), fitting(s), connecting part(s), pivot(s), and/or articulation(s).

35. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the support structure is made of metal, plastic, wood, or composite materials components.

36. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the support structure comprises a telescopic element to adjust height of bottom dividing barrier height according to the bed or mattress height.

37. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the nature of the interaction between the bed divider and the bed is either: (i) secured by the bed, such as, but not limited to, when part of the support structure is positioned under the mattress; (ii) attached to the bed or the bed frame; (iii) positioned or resting on top of the bed; (iv) positioned by the bed, such as with a stand on the floor; or (v) integrated in the bed, such as in the bed frame.

38. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is made of any material capable of shielding light to a degree sufficient for the purpose of this application such as but not limited to: cloth material, fabric material, woven or non-woven material, cloth-like material, plastic film, cardboard, paper, wood, etc.

39. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein said dividing barrier is noise-free upon contact.

40. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein said dividing barrier comprises a quilted material for sound insulation.

41. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is of the shape of a rectangle, a trapeze, a triangle, a pennant, or any other polygon.

42. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is positioned during use in the vicinity of the central median vertical plane of the bed.

43. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the distal tip of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is extending from the vicinity of the head board to a minimum of 10 inches from the headboard.

44. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the distal tip of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is extending a minimum of 10 inches from the mattress top.

45. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the bottom edge of the dividing barrier, when positioned during use, is either (i) touching or (ii) extending a maximum distance of 5 inches from the mattress top.

46. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is constrained by a horizontal element integral to the support structure.

47. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is constrained by a vertical element integral to the support structure.

48. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the dividing barrier is weighted at a point or along an edge distal to an element integral to the structure.

49. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the structure is raising from a base.

50. A bed divider according to claim 49 wherein the base is composed of a flat polygon base, or at least two feet connected to a connecting part, or a composite design thereof.

51. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the support structure would allow a releasable detachable light to be positioned.

52. A bed divider according to claim 30 wherein the bed divider has a light integrated into its structure.

53. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. (canceled)

56. (canceled)