Bunk Bed Travel Curtain

Abstract

An article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain is disclosed. The travel curtain attached to an upper bunk of a bunk bed for covering an open side of lower bunk of bunk bed. The travel curtain includes: a curtain fabric for covering an open side of the lower bunk of the bunk bed, a set of attachment straps for coupling the travel curtain to physical elements of the upper bunk, each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps couples to itself after wrapping around one of the physical elements of the upper bunk, a plurality of attachment tabs coupled to at least one side of the curtain fabric, each of the attachment loops may be used to secure items to the travel curtain, and one or more carabiners attached to corresponding attachment loops coupled to the curtain fabric.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a travel aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain.

BACKGROUND

For backpackers who travel and stay in hostel dormitories, there is a general lack of privacy. Sleep is often interrupted by roommates turning on the light. Some travelers will hang their towel on the bed to provide some semblance of privacy. None of these approaches provide the level of privacy many travelers may desire.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain. The travel curtain attaches to an upper bunk of a bunk bed for covering an open side of lower bunk of bunk bed. The travel curtain includes: a curtain fabric for covering an open side of the lower bunk of the bunk bed, a set of attachment straps for coupling the travel curtain to physical elements of the upper bunk, each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps couples to itself after wrapping around one of the physical elements of the upper bunk, a plurality of attachment tabs coupled to at least one side of the curtain fabric, each of the attachment loops may be used to secure items to the travel curtain, and one or more carabiners attached to corresponding attachment loops coupled to the curtain fabric.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel curtain is sized to enclose 2 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 3 individual attachment straps, 2 of which are positioned at each end of the curtain fabric and 1 attachment strap positioned to correspond to a corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel curtain is sized to enclose 3 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 4 individual attachment straps positioned to correspond to a corresponding corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the travel curtain is sized to enclose 4 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 4 individual attachment straps positioned to correspond to a corresponding corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps comprises a strap of material and a coupling buckle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, each coupling buckle comprises a cam buckle.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps comprises a pair of straps of material for tying together.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment loops are positioned about a top edge of the curtain fabric.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment loops are positioned about a bottom edge of the curtain fabric.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the attachment loops are further positioned about a bottom edge of the curtain fabric.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel curtain further comprises a storage bag, the travel curtain folds to a size fitting within the storage bag.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more carabiners are attached to less than all of the attachment tabs.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the one or more carabiners comprise a locking mechanism to secure the one or more carabiners when attached to a corresponding attachment tab.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, a first carabiner comprise a locking mechanism to secure the first carabiner when attached to a corresponding attachment tab.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the curtain fabric comprises at least two fabric panels, each of the fabric panels enclose a different side and end of the lower bunk.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the curtain fabric further comprises a connecting strip of fabric for connecting the at least two fabric panels together.

Another aspect of the present disclosure, the curtain fabric further comprises a fabric tying string between each of the at least two fabric panels.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2a-d illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture providing a two-sided portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3a-d illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture for providing a three-sided and a four-sided portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4a-d illustrate carabiner supports-tabs and a storage bag that are part of an article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5a-b illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture for providing a multi-panel portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a travel aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “traveler,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g., a human, using a portable bunk bed travel curtain associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Bunk Bed Travel Curtain.” Invention may be used interchangeably with curtain.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing a travel aid. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention.

The Bunk Bed Travel Curtain 100 provides privacy and light protection for the user. It attaches to the bottom bunk of a bunk bed 105 and packs compactly into a small pouch 203. The Bunk Bed Travel Curtain 100 is lightweight and designed to be hung easily, taken down rapidly, and packed compactly, fitting neatly into a traveler's backpack.

The Bunk Bed Travel Curtain 100 provides privacy for the user on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed 105. A versatile product, the Bunk Bed Travel Curtain 100 can attach to the underside of the bunk bed, the frame of the bunk bed, or the main poles of the bunk bed 105.

The curtain fits compactly into a small draw string bag 203. The draw string bag 203 has a small carabiner 503, as shown in FIG. 5b, that can be used to attach to the outside of the backpack, as well as the tabs on the curtain 100 itself. The curtain 100 has up to 4 attachment straps 102a-d sewn onto the curtain fabric. When the curtain is hung, it hangs in a shape matching a corresponding number of covered sides of the bunk bed 105. Each attachment strap 102a-d has a cam buckle 401 as shown in FIG. 4b, allowing for adjustability depending on the size of the physical bunk bed 105, the underside slats, the pole, or the frame. In other embodiments, the cam buckle 401 may be replaced with other coupling buckles, ties, and similar coupling devices that couple parts of each strap together after the straps 102a-d are placed about a part of the bunk bed 105.

The curtain 100 may comprise different numbers of panels 101 and different length panels 101 that cover 2, 3, and 4 sides of the lower bunk of the bunk bed 105. Embodiments different length panels 201, 301, and 351 are disclosed below in reference to FIGS. 2-5. The curtain 100 may be made of polyester material and typically has a length of 75″ and height of 39″ that is sized to cover a standard twin bed sized bunk bed 105. Of course, the curtain 100 may be of different sizes for use on different sized bunk beds 105 as need. The curtain 100 also may be made of other fabrics such as cotton, nylon, and similar natural and manmade fabrics.

FIGS. 2a-d illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture providing a two-sided portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention. FIGS. 2a-d show various views of a two-sided curtain 200 according to the present invention. FIGS. 2a-b show a two-sided curtain 200 attached to the posts of the bunk bed 205a-d. FIGS. 2c-d show the curtain 200 attached to the underside frame of the top bunk bed 206.

The two-sided curtain 200 has 3 straps 202a-c sewn onto the curtain fabric 201. When the two-sided curtain 201 is hung, it hangs in an “L” shape. Each of a set of 3 attachment strap 202a-c have a cam buckle 401 as shown in FIG. 4b, allowing for adjustability depending on the physical size of the bunk bed 105, the underside slats, the pole, or the frame. The two-sided curtain 201 has multiple tabs on the bottom/middle outside, multiple tabs on the bottom inside, and multiple tabs on the top inside with carabiners. Details and arrangement of these tabs and carabiners is disclosed below in reference to FIGS. 5a-b. In other embodiments, the set of 3 attachment strap 202a-c may be attached to corresponding bed slats 207a-n that are part of the upper bunk of the bunk bed 105 to support a mattress 208. These slats 207a-n also may be other types of mattress support structures, for example an interconnected mesh of springs and cables attached to the bed frame 206.

The tabs and carabiners allow the curtain to fold up into itself, exposing one side of the bed and allowing the user to socialize during the day. When the two-sided curtain 201 is hung, the string bag 203 and carabiner 403 can attach to the bottom tabs 402, allowing the user to store their possessions. The bag 203 and possessions will rest on the bunk bed 105 while attached to the tabs to avoid pulling down the two-sided curtain 201 with the extra weight. In a preferred embodiment, the curtain 201 may fold and be stored within the bag 203 when not in use. In other embodiments, the curtain 201 may fold up upon itself into a compact bundle of fabric that may be coupled together using snaps, strings, buttons, Velcro™, and similar connecting devices to hold the folded curtain in a compact shape. While the string bag 203 is shown as a separate item in FIG. 2a-d, in alternate embodiments, the bag 203 may be sewn or otherwise coupled to an inside surface of the curtain 201 to enable a folded curtain to be contained therein. The bag coupled to the curtain 201 may also be a folding cover (not shown) that attached to item to encase the folded curtain.

The various straps 202a-c may be attached to any part of the bunk bed 105 with the strap 202a-c looping around a frame member of the bunk bed 105 and feeding through the buckle 401. The various tabs and carabiners may be placed along a top edge, a bottom edge, and a middle portion of the two-sided curtain 200. Any number of tabs may possess a carabiner as desired. The various straps 202a-c may be made of elastic or similar stretchable material to exert a force to keep a top edge of the curtain 201 taught with respect to the inner edges of the bunk bed 105.

FIGS. 3a-b illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture for providing a three-sided portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention. FIGS. 3a-b show different views of a three-sided curtain 300. FIG. 3b shows the three-sided curtain 300 attached to the underside frame 206 of the bunk bed 105. FIG. 3a shows the three-sided curtain 300 attached to the bunk bed posts 205a-d. As noted above with respect to FIG. 2a, the three-sided curtain 300 may also attach to bed slats 207a-n for the top bunk in addition to the underside frame 206 of the bunk bed 105.

The three-sided curtain 300 has 4 straps 302a-d sewn onto the curtain fabric 301. When the curtain 300 is hung, it hangs in a “U” shape. Each strap 302a-d has a cam buckle 401, allowing for adjustability depending on the physical size of the bunk bed, the underside slats 207a-n, the pole 205a-d, or the frame 206. The three-sided curtain 300 has multiple tabs sewn onto the bottom inside of the fabric and multiple tabs sewn onto the top inside on the opposite side. There are multiple carabiners attached to the bottom tabs.

In a preferred embodiment, the tabs and carabiners, as discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5a-b, may comprise 3 tab/carabiner pairs along a top edge and bottom edge of the curtain fabric 301. These also may be located on either side of the curtain fabric 300, although the carabiners are typically located on an inside surface of the three-sided curtain 300 where they are accessible from within the lower bunk.

FIGS. 3c-d illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture for providing a four-sided portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention. FIGS. 3c-d show different views of a four-sided curtain 351. FIG. 3c shows a outside , side view of the four-sided curtain 350 attached to the underside frame 206 of the bunk bed 105. FIG. 3d shows a top down view of a four-sided curtain 350 attached to the bunk bed posts 205a-d.

The straps 302a-d are attached to the underside frame 206 of the bunk bed 105, to the bunk bed posts 205a-d, and to the bed slats 207a-n for the top bunk in addition to the underside frame 206 of the bunk bed 105 as disclosed above in reference to FIGS. 2a-d and FIGS. 3a-b. In all other respects, these various embodiments are identical except for the length of the curtain 351 in which different numbers of sides to the bunk bed 105 are covered.

FIGS. 4a-d illustrate carabiner supports and a storage bag that are part of an article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention. FIG. 4a shows a tab 402 having an attached carabiner 403 about a top edge of the curtain fabric 301 by an open edge of the curtain fabric 301. One of the attachment straps 202a is shown looped over the underside 206 of the top bunk before returning and engaging the cam buckle 401. Other coupling mechanisms may be used to secure the attachment strap 202a to itself after looping around a part of the bunk bed 105.

FIG. 4b shows a tab 402 having an attached carabiner 403 about a top edge of the curtain fabric 301 by a center corner of the curtain fabric 301 about a bunk bed post 205b. If needed, additional attachment straps 202a-d may be located between the corner posts 205a-d to prevent the curtain fabric 301 from sagging in the center of the space between the posts 205a-d. The attachment straps in the above-described embodiments are sewn onto the curtain fabric 301. Other attachment mechanisms include a reinforced slot or hole, not shown, in which the attachment straps 205a-d may pass to form a closed loop about the cam buckle 401. Additionally, other types of buckles and coupling mechanisms may be used in forming the loop between the curtain fabric 301 and the bunk bed 105.

FIG. 4c shows a carabiner 203 hanging from one of the attachment tabs 402 that is coupled to the curtain fabric 201. The attachment tab 402 is shown sewn to the curtain fabric 201 and having a loop through which the carabiner 403 may be attached. As noted above, the number and location of these attachment tabs 302 may vary as shown herein. The carabiner 403 may be coupled to every attachment tab 402 in one embodiment and only a subset of the attachment tabs 402 in another embodiment. Because the carabiner 403 may be attached and removed by the traveler as desired, the number of carabiners 403 and their location about the curtain fabric may vary to meet the needs of the traveler at any point in time.

FIG. 4d shows a storage bag 203 coupled to the curtain fabric 201 by a carabiner 403 looped around a tie string 404 or an attachment tab (not shown) that is part of the storage bag 203. The carabiners 403 may comprise a pivoting release arm, a threaded closing sleeve, and similar closing and locking mechanisms to secure the carabiner 403 to the tab 402 that is attached to the curtain fabric 201. The carabiner 403 also may include a locking mechanism, including a key lock, a combination lock, a biometric engaging lock, and similar locking devices (not shown) to keep attached possessions coupled to the curtain fabric 201.

FIGS. 5a-b illustrate example embodiments of an article of manufacture for providing a multi-panel portable bunk bed travel curtain according to the present invention. In an alternate embodiment 500 shown in FIG. 5a, the curtain fabric 501a-b may comprise more than one separate fabric panel 501a-b. Each of the panels 501a-d is sized to match the length of one side of the bunk bed 105. FIG. 5a shows a two-panel curtain 501a-b. FIG. 5b shows a three-panel curtain 510 with two side panels 501a,c and an end panel 501b.

Attachment straps 504a-d, 514a-f are shown attached to an upper edge of each of the curtain fabric panels 501a-c. Fabric tying strings 507 may be positioned on edges of the fabric panels 501a-c to permit the traveler to tie the sides of these fabric panels together once inside the bed. The fabric tying strings are typically evenly spaced along the top edge and the bottom edge of the fabric panels 501a,c.

The multi-panel curtain 500, 510 is shown having 3 tabs sewn onto the bottom inside of the fabric and 3 tabs sewn onto the top inside of the fabric on the opposite side. There are 3 carabiners attached to the bottom tabs. The tabs and carabiners allow the curtain to fold up into itself, exposing one side of the bed and allowing the user to socialize during the day. When the curtain is hung, the string bag and carabiner can attach to the bottom tabs, allowing the user to store their possessions. The bag and possessions will rest on the bed while attached to the tabs to avoid pulling down the curtain with extra weight.

FIG. 5b also shows a row of attachment tabs 502a-n and mating carabiners 503a-n located throughout the surface of the fabric curtain 501. A center row of tabs and carabiners are shown in FIG. 5b, as compared to only top and bottom rows of tabs and carabiners shown in FIG. 5a.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included in this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for providing a portable bunk bed travel curtain, the travel curtain attached to an upper bunk of a bunk bed for covering an open side of lower bunk of bunk bed, the travel curtain comprises:

a curtain fabric for covering an open side of the lower bunk of the bunk bed;

a set of attachment straps for coupling the travel curtain to physical elements of the upper bunk, each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps couples to itself after wrapping around one of the physical elements of the upper bunk;

a plurality of attachment tabs coupled to at least one side of the curtain fabric, each of the attachment loops may be used to secure items to the travel curtain; and

one or more carabiners attached to corresponding attachment loops coupled to the curtain fabric.

2. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the travel curtain is sized to enclose 2 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 3 individual attachment straps, 2 of which are positioned at each end of the curtain fabric and 1 attachment strap positioned to correspond to a corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

3. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the travel curtain is sized to enclose 3 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 4 individual attachment straps positioned to correspond to a corresponding corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

4. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the travel curtain is sized to enclose 4 adjacent sides of the lower bunk and the set of attachment straps comprise 4 individual attachment straps positioned to correspond to a corresponding corner of the lower bunk between an end and a side of the lower bunk.

5. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps comprises a strap of material and a coupling buckle.

6. The travel curtain according to claim 5, wherein each coupling buckle comprises a cam buckle.

7. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein each attachment strap within the set of attachment straps comprises a pair of straps of material for tying together.

8. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the attachment loops are positioned about a top edge of the curtain fabric.

9. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the attachment loops are positioned about a bottom edge of the curtain fabric.

10. The travel curtain according to claim 8, wherein the attachment loops are further positioned about a bottom edge of the curtain fabric.

11. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the travel curtain further comprises a storage bag, the travel curtain folds to a size fitting within the storage bag.

12. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the one or more carabiners are attached to less than all of the attachment tabs.

13. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the one or more carabiners comprise a locking mechanism to secure the one or more carabiners when attached to a corresponding attachment tab.

14. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein a first carabiner comprise a locking mechanism to secure the first carabiner when attached to a corresponding attachment tab.

15. The travel curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain fabric comprises at least two fabric panels, each of the fabric panels enclose a different side and end of the lower bunk.

16. The travel curtain according to claim 15, wherein the curtain fabric further comprises a connecting strip of fabric for connecting the at least two fabric panels together.

17. The travel curtain according to claim 15, wherein the curtain fabric further comprises a fabric tying string between each of the at least two fabric panels.