Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FURNITURE COVER DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application
61/817,753
filed on April 30, 2013 and entitled Furniture Piece Cover Device and Method
of
Use and U.S. Application 14/244,654 filed on April 3, 2014 and entitled
Furniture
Cover Devices and Methods of Use. These applications are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
Background
[0002] Furniture pieces come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Examples include beds, sofas, and chairs. The furniture pieces may be used for
variety of different purposes, such as sleeping, sitting, working on a
computer,
and reading.
[0003] There are many contexts in which a cover that extends over the
furniture
piece and the user would be desirable. These may include to keep the user
warm, to prevent air drafts and/or outside light from reaching the user (such
as
when the user is sleeping), to reduce outside noise from reaching the user,
and
to provide privacy to the user.
[0004] Previous attempts have been made to provide covers to furniture pieces.
However, each of these attempts had meaningful drawbacks. Some covers are
not effective in accomplishing their desired function. This may include that
light,
noise, cold air, and/or air drafts were able to reach the user within the
cover, and
the cover provided little-to-no privacy for the user. Another issue with
previous
covers is they were aesthetically unattractive. This may include that the
cover
looked bad when deployed over the piece and/or when the cover was removed
from the piece.
[0005] Previous covers also failed because of a lack of adjustability. This
may
include when they lack of an exit route for the user. Previous covers further
did
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not provide for a stowed position when not in use. These covers required the
user to remove the cover from the furniture piece and store it away (e.g., in
a
closet or underneath the furniture piece). Otherwise, the cover was
aesthetically
unpleasing as there was no other way for the cover to be stowed. This caused
the user to either leave the cover over the furniture at all times, or fail to
use the
cover because the set-up was difficult and/or time consuming.
Summary
[0006] The present application is directed to a device for covering a
furniture
piece. The device is positionable in a deployed orientation that extends over
the
furniture piece and forms an isolated interior space for the user. The device
is
also positionable in one or more stowed orientations that are located in
proximity
to the furniture piece. The stowed orientations provide an aesthetically
pleasing
appearance that blends in with the furniture piece in a manner of the user's
choosing, such that the device does not need to be removed when not in the
deployed orientation. Further, the device provides for a straight-forward
process
of moving between the deployed and stowed orientations.
[0007] One embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piece that
is
positionable between a deployed orientation that extends over the furniture
piece
and a stowed orientation. The cover device includes a cover sheet with a
length
measured between opposing first and second longitudinal ends and a width
measured between opposing first and second lateral ends. The cover sheet is
divided along the width between a top section at a central portion of the
width, a
first lateral side between the first lateral end and the top section, and a
second
lateral side between the second lateral end and the top section. A connector
is
attached to the top section of the cover sheet and is spaced away from each of
the first and second lateral sides. A hanger engages with the connector to
position at least a portion of the top section vertically above the furniture
piece in
the deployed orientation. A tensioning element is attached to the top section
of
the cover sheet and is spaced away from each of the first and second lateral
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sides. The tensioning element is configured to apply a tensioning force to the
top
section of the cover sheet in the deployed orientation without applying a
force
along the first and second lateral sides.
[0008] The tensioning element may be a rod that is attached to the cover
sheet.
[0009] The tensioning element may include at least one elastic strap attached
to
the cover sheet and may include an outer end with a fastener to attach to the
furniture piece.
[0010] The tensioning element may be positioned at the first longitudinal end
of
the cover sheet and the connector may be positioned at the second longitudinal
end of the cover sheet.
[0011] A slit may be positioned in the first lateral side of the cover sheet
that
extends inward from the first lateral end towards the top section.
[0012] A seam may connect the top section to one of the first and second
lateral
sides.
[0013] A zipper may connect the top section to one of the first and second
lateral
sides, and the zipper may be configured for removing the lateral side from the
top
section.
[0014] The connector may be positioned at an intermediate position long the
length of the top section between the first and second longitudinal ends.
[0015] Another embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piece
that
is positionable between a deployed orientation that extends over the furniture
piece and a stowed orientation. The cover device includes a cover sheet with a
central section that extends between first and second ends, a first lateral
section
that extends between the first and second ends, and a second lateral section
that
extends between the first and second ends. The first and second lateral
sections
are positioned on opposing lateral sides of the central section. A hanger
engages with the central section to position at least a portion of the central
section vertically above the furniture piece in the deployed orientation. A
tensioning element is attached to the central section away from each of the
first
and second lateral sections. The tensioning element is configured to apply a
force to just the central section to reduce deflection of the central section
in the
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deployed orientation. Each of the first and second lateral sections are
isolated
from the force to hang downward from the central section in the deployed
orientation.
[0016] The cover sheet may include a total of four sides.
[0017] The cover sheet may include a total of five sides.
[0018] The tensioning element may include at least one elastic strap attached
to
the central section of the cover sheet.
[0019] The tensioning element may include weighted elements positioned along
a width of the central section.
[0020] An enclosure may be formed along the central section of the cover sheet
with the enclosure sized to contain the tensioning element.
[0021] The hanger may be attached to the second end of the cover sheet and the
tensioning element may be attached to the first end of the cover sheet.
[0022] Another embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piece
that
is positionable between a deployed orientation that extends over the furniture
piece and a stowed orientation. The cover device includes a cover sheet with a
length measured between opposing first and second longitudinal ends and a
width measured between opposing first and second lateral ends. The cover
sheet is divided along the width between a first section and a second section.
A
connector is attached to the first section of the cover sheet and is spaced
away
from the second section. A hanger engages with the connector to position at
least a portion of the first section vertically above the furniture piece in
the
deployed orientation. A tensioning element is attached to the first section of
the
cover sheet and is spaced away from the second section with the tensioning
element configured to apply a tensioning force to the first section of the
cover
sheet in the deployed orientation without applying a force to the second
section.
[0023] The second section may be isolated from the tensioning force to hang
downward from the first section in the deployed orientation.
[0024] The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in
any combination, as is desired.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation
extending over a furniture piece.
[0026] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a device in a first stowed
orientation.
[0027] Figure 2B is a perspective view of a device in a second stowed
orientation.
[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the device of Figure 1 in the
deployed
orientation.
[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the device of Figure 2 in the
stowed
orientation.
[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of a cover, a tensioning element. and
a
hanger.
[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic top view of a cover.
[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployed
orientation.
[0033] Figure 8 is a sectional view of the cover of Figure 7 cut along line
VIII¨
VIII.
[00341 Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployed
orientation.
[0035] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployed
orientation.
[0036] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.
[0037] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.
[0038] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.
[0039] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.
[0040] Figure 15 is a side view of a bracket of a hanger.
[0041] Figure 16 is a side view of a two-piece bracket supporting an elongated
member and a weight.
[0042] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a device in a stowed orientation.
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[0043] Figure 18 is a side schematic view of a device configured to be
attached
to a ceiling.
[0044] Figure 19 is a front schematic view of the device of Figure 18.
Detailed Description
[0045] The present application is directed to a furniture cover device
configured
to be used in combination with a furniture piece. The device is selectively
positionable between a deployed orientation and one or more stowed
orientations. In the deployed orientation, a cover of the device extends over
the
furniture piece and forms an interior space sized for one or more users. The
cover shelters the interior space from one or more aspects including noise,
light,
and air drafts. The cover may also insulate the interior space to control an
interior temperature. In the stowed orientations, the cover is configured to
have
an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0046] The device 10 is configured to create a partially or fully enclosed
interior
space above a furniture piece 100 when in the deployed orientation. The device
generally includes a cover sheet 20 (hereinafter cover) sized to extend over
the furniture piece 100. The cover 20 includes opposing first and second
longitudinal ends spaced apart along the length of the furniture piece 100,
and
opposing first and second lateral sides spaced across along the width. The
device 10 also includes a hanger 40 configured to be attached to a vertical
support 110 above the furniture piece 100. The sheet 20 may be configured to
be attached to the hanger 40, or may include a connector 30 to attach to the
hanger 40. The device 10 also includes a tensioning element 90 attached to the
cover 20 to reduce deflection between the cover first and second ends when the
cover is deployed, thus enlarging the interior enclosed space.
[0047] Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of the device 10 in a deployed
orientation extending over a furniture piece 100. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate
this
device 10 in different stowed orientations each in proximity to the furniture
piece
100. The stowed orientations may include the cover 20 positioned along a
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vertical support 110 in proximity to the furniture piece 100 as illustrated in
Figure
2A, or positioned on the top of the furniture piece as illustrated in Figure
2B. In
the various stowed orientations, the cover 20 has an aesthetically pleasing
appearance. The user is able to stow the cover 20 in a variety of different
orientations depending upon their needs and/or the aesthetic appearance that
they desire.
[0048] The cover 20 is sized to extend over the furniture piece 100 in the
deployed orientation. In this embodiment, the hanger 40 is attached to a
support
110 (which in this embodiment is a vertical wall in proximity to the furniture
piece
100) and configured to position a portion of the cover 20 above the furniture
piece 100 in the deployed orientation. As illustrated in the deployed
orientation in
Figure 1, the cover 20 forms an interior space over the furniture piece 100
that is
sized for one or more users. In the stowed orientation of Figure 2, the cover
20
is not in use and is positioned away from the furniture piece 100. The cover
20 is
arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner such that it can be left until re-
deployed. Further, the device 10 is configured for a straight-forward movement
to change between the deployed and stowed orientations.
[0049] Figure 3 illustrates a side schematic view of a device 10 in the
deployed
orientation extending over the furniture piece 100. The cover 20 is sized to
extend over the furniture piece 100 and form the interior space 50 sized to
receive the user who is positioned on the furniture piece 100. The hanger 40
is
attached to the support 110 at a location vertically above the furniture piece
100
to position the cover 20 over the furniture piece 100 and form the interior
space
50. The tensioning element 90 is attached to the cover 20 to apply a force to
pull
a central portion of the cover 20 away from the hanger 40. In this embodiment,
the tensioning element 90 is an elongated rod that is attached to the cover
20.
The tensioning element 90 applies a force to a central portion of the cover
20.
This force pulls this section of the cover 20 tight to enlarge the interior
space 50.
Lateral sections on opposing sides of the central portion do not receive the
force
of the tensioning element 90 and therefore hang downward on opposing sides of
the furniture piece 100. This embodiment also includes a portion of the
central
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section hanging downward from the hanger 40 to extend behind the furniture
piece 100 (i.e., at the head of the furniture piece 100 with the tensioning
element
90 at the foot of the furniture piece 100).
[0050] Figure 4 illustrates a side schematic view of a device 10 in a stowed
orientation. In this embodiment of the stowed orientation, the cover 20
remains
attached to the hanger 40. The stowed orientation locates the cover 20 at an
end of the furniture piece 100 in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Although a
majority of the cover 20 is positioned away from the piece 100, a portion may
still
extend over the furniture piece 100 depending upon the position of the hanger
40
and the size of the cover 20. In one or more embodiments, an entirety of the
cover 20 is positioned on the furniture piece 100 in the stowed orientation.
[0051] The cover 20 is sized to extend over the entirety of a portion of the
furniture piece 100. As illustrated in Figure 5, the cover 20 includes a
length L
measured between longitudinal ends 21, 22, and a width W measured between
opposing lateral sides 23. The cover 20 may be sized relative to the furniture
piece 100 such that a perimeter edge extends below a top 101 of the furniture
piece 100 in the deployed orientation. The amount that the cover 20 extends
below the top 101 may vary. In one embodiment, the cover 20 extends to the
floor underneath the furniture piece 100. Other embodiments may include the
cover 20 having a different size such that one or more sections of the
perimeter
edge are positioned above the top 101.
[0052] The cover 20 includes a central section 85 that extends along the
length
between the first and second ends 21, 22. The central section 85 is the
portion
of the cover 20 that aligns with the top 101 of the furniture piece 100 in the
deployed orientation. The central section 85 may have a variety of different
widths depending upon the size of the furniture piece 100. A first lateral
section
86 is positioned on a first lateral side of the central section 85. This
section 86
extends between the first lateral side 23 and the central section 85. A second
lateral section 86 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of the
central
section 85 and extends between the second lateral side 23 and the central
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section 85. In the embodiment of Figure 5, each lateral section 86, 87 has the
same width. Other embodiments may include different widths.
[0053] In one or more embodiments, the different sections 85, 86, 87 are
separated by dividers 70. The dividers 70 may include a variety of different
configurations, including but not limited to seams, adhesives, mechanical
fasteners, and combinations thereof. The dividers 70 may provide for
selectively
removing one or more of the sections from the cover 20. In one embodiment,
one or more of the dividers 70 are zippers that provide for selectively
attaching
the one or more sections. In one or more embodiments, the different sections
85, 86, 87 are not separated by dividers.
[0054] In one or more embodiments, sheet 20 includes a substantially
rectangular shape as illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 5 includes the sheet 20
in an
open configuration in which it is generally planar. Sheet 20 may also include
different shapes in the open configuration. In one or more embodiments, sheet
20 may be shaped to provide for a fitted shaped when deployed. Figure 6
includes an embodiment with the central section 85 including a greater length
than the lateral sections 86, 87. Various other shapes and sizes may also be
used to conform to the furniture piece 100 and to adjust a size and aspects of
the
interior space 50.
[0055] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the cover 20 in a deployed
orientation. In this embodiment, the central section 85 is further divided
into a
top section 71, a foot section 72, and a back section 73. Opposing lateral
sections 86, 87 are also positioned on opposite sides of the top section 71.
In
one or more embodiments, each of the sections is substantially planar when the
cover is in the deployed orientation to extend completely around the furniture
piece 100 is surrounded. In one or more embodiments, the dividers 70 provide
for attaching the sections together at various angular positions. As
illustrated in
Figure 8, the first lateral section 86 is at an angle fl relative to the top
section 71
and the second lateral section 87 is at an angle a relative to the top section
71.
In this embodiment, each of angles a and fl are about 900. Other embodiments
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may include different angles. This "fitted" configuration may provide for the
cover
20 to more specifically match the dimensions of the furniture piece 100.
[0056] The cover 20 may be constructed as a single continuous piece, or from
two or more separate pieces that are attached together. In one or more
embodiments, each section of the cover 20 is constructed from a separate piece
that is connected together at the one or more dividers 70. The different
pieces
may be made from the same or different materials. The dividers 70 may provide
for selectively removing one or more of the sections from the cover 20. In one
embodiment, one or more of the dividers 70 are zippers that provide for
selectively attaching the one or more sections.
[0057] Figures 7 and 8 include the cover 20 having five sides (i.e., top
section 71,
foot section 72, back section 73, and lateral sections 86, 87). Other
embodiments may include different numbers of sides. Figure 9 illustrates an
embodiment with four sides (i.e., the central section includes a top section
71
and foot section 72 without a head section). Figure 10 illustrates an
embodiment
with three sides. Various other embodiments may include different numbers of
sections. Further, the different sections and sides may be folded in various
configurations in both the deployed and stowed orientations.
[0058] In one embodiment of manufacturing the cover 20, the user provides the
dimensions of their furniture piece 100. The cover 20 is then constructed to
be
tailored to these dimensions.
[0059] In another embodiment, the cover 20 does not include dividers 70. The
cover 20 extends over the bed 100 in the deployed position and generally folds
about the furniture piece 100 to conform to the dimensions. The central
section
85 extends over the top of the furniture piece 100, and the lateral sections
86, 87
extend over the opposing sides.
[0ow] The cover 20 may be constructed from a variety of different materials.
Examples include but are not limited to cotton sheeting, polyester fleece,
plastic
sheeting, elastic sheeting (e.g., Spandex material), flannel, gauze, vinyl,
and
leather. The cover 20 may be a single ply, or may include two or more plies.
The cover 20 may be constructed from the same material throughout, or may
CA 02848830 2014-04-11
include one or more different sections with different constructions. The cover
20
may be opaque to prevent light from penetrating into the interior space 50
when
in the deployed orientation. The cover 20 may also be constructed to prevent
or
reduce exterior sounds from being audible within the interior space 50 when in
the deployed orientation.
[0061] The tensioning element 90 is attached to the central section 85 of the
cover 20 and causes a force to be applied to the central section 85 to reduce
deflection in the deployed orientation thus enlarging the interior space 50.
The
force applied by the tensioning element 90 is not exerted on the lateral
sections
86, 87. Therefore, these sections 86, 87 hang downward from the central
section
85 via gravity to extend around the furniture piece 100.
[0062] The tensioning element 90 may include a single element (as illustrated
in
Figure 11), or may include multiple elements. In embodiments with multiple
elements, each element may be the same or different. The tensioning element
90 may also allow the cover 20 to be draped or folded on or near the furniture
piece 100 when not in use.
[0063] The tensioning element 90 may be connected to the cover 20 at a variety
of locations along the central section 85, including the first end 21, second
end
22, and intermediate locations. The tensioning element 90 may comprise various
configurations, including but not limited to a weight, such as a weighted rod
or
heavy fabric strip, soft or foldable elements that stiffen when the cover 20
is in
use (e.g., shape-memory polymers, current-induced stiffeners such as
electrorheological materials), elastic or nonelastic straps, fabric sections,
elastic
bands, clips, hooks, and grommets. In one or more embodiments, the tensioning
element 90 is attached to the cover 20. Other embodiments may include the
cover 20 having a receptacle 92 sized to receive the tensioning element 90. In
one embodiment as schematically illustrated in Figure 11, the cover 20
includes
a sleeve 92 sized to receive a weight (Figure 11 includes an elongated rod).
[0064] In one or more embodiments, the tensioning element 90 is attached at or
near the first end 21 of the central section 85 of the cover 20. The
tensioning
element 90 acts to pull the central section 85 away from the hanger 40 in the
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deployed orientation. This prevents the cover 20 from sagging over the
furniture
piece 100 and thereby increases the volume of the interior space 50. Figure 11
illustrates one embodiment with the tensioning element 90 attached at the
first
end 21. In this embodiment, the tensioning element 90 is a rod that fits
within a
sleeve 92 in the cover 20. The rod extends across the width W of the central
section 85.
[0065] The tensioning element 90 may also include one or more elastic members
that can be stretched in the deployed orientation to apply a force to the
cover 20.
Figure 12 illustrates tensioning straps 91 positioned at the end 21 of the
central
section 85 of the cover 20. The straps 91 are configured to attach to the
furniture
piece 100. In one embodiment, the straps 91 include fasteners or hook-and-loop
connectors that engage with corresponding devices on the furniture piece 100.
Another embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 includes tensioning straps 91 at
the
opposing end (i.e., second end 22) of the cover 20. The straps 91 are
configured
to engage with the hanger 40. In the various embodiments, the end of the cover
20 opposite from the straps 91 is configured to be held in position. This may
include the end being attached to the hanger 40 (Figure 12) or secured to the
furniture piece 100 (Figure 13). The cover 20 may be secured to the furniture
piece 100 through various manners, including by being positioned under the
furniture piece 100, and by fasteners on the cover 20 that connect to the
furniture
piece 100.
[0066] In one or more embodiments as illustrated in Figure 14, the tensioning
element 90 extends the length L of the cover 20. A first section of the
element 90
may extend outward from the first end 21 of the cover 20 and a second section
may extend outward from the second end 22. Each of the sections is configured
to be secured to the furniture piece 100, hanger 40, vertical support 110, or
other
structure. In one or more embodiments, one or more elastic straps 91 extend
the
length of the cover 20.
[0067] In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is constructed of a flexible
material. In one specific embodiment, the cover 20 is constructed from
Spandex.
This provides for the cover 20 itself to be the tensioning element 90 such
that it
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can be pulled tight in the deployed orientation. The cover 20 may be further
configured to be secured on the opposing ends 21, 22 to the furniture piece
100,
hanger 40, vertical support 110, or other structure.
p0681 The cover 20 may also include one or more vents 25 as illustrated in
Figure 3 for air to flow into and out of the interior space 50. The one or
more
vents 25 may have various sizes, and may be positioned at various locations
about the cover 20. The vents 25 may further include closure devices 26, such
as zippers, buttons, hooks, magnets, etc. to open and close the vents 25, and
to
adjust the size as necessary.
[0069] As illustrated in Figure 7, the cover 20 may also include one or more
slots
51 that extend inward from the perimeter edge to allow for users to move into
and out of the interior space 50 when the device 10 is in the deployed
orientation.
This provides for user movement into and out of the interior space 50 without
having to change the device 10 from the deployed to the stowed orientation.
The
slots 51 may be configured to be closed when the user is in the interior space
50.
This may include forming the slots 51 such that opposing sides overlap. The
slots 51 may also include one or more closure devices (e.g., zipper, buttons,
magnets, hooks). In one or more embodiments, a separate flap is attached to
the cover 20 in proximity to the slot 51. The flap is sized and configured to
be
positioned over the slot 50 to close the slot 50. The flap may also be moved
away from the slot 50 as necessary.
[0070] The device 10 also includes a hanger 40 configured to position at least
a
portion of the cover 20 vertically above the furniture piece 100. The hanger
40
may also be configured to receive a second portion of the cover 20 in the
stowed
orientation to position the cover 20 relative to the furniture piece 100. The
hanger 40 may be permanently or removably attached to the cover 20.
[0071] In one embodiment, the hanger 40 includes one or more brackets 41 and
an elongated member 42. In one embodiment, the hanger 40 includes two
brackets 41 that are spaced apart across the width W of the cover 20 with each
being configured to receive the elongated member 42. Other embodiments may
include three or more brackets 41. In the multi-bracket embodiments, each of
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the brackets 41 may include the same or different shapes and/or sizes. In
another embodiment, the hanger 40 includes a single bracket 41.
[0072] Figure 15 illustrates a bracket 41 that includes a first side 43
configured to
be attached to the support 110. The first side 43 may include at least a
portion
that is substantially flat to mount against the support 110. Bracket 41 also
includes one or more openings (not illustrated) to receive a fastener for
attachment to the support 110. A first receptacle 44 may be configured to hold
the elongated member 42 that is attached to the cover 20. Bracket 41 may also
include a second receptacle 45 that may be configured to receive a portion of
the
cover 20 at or near the first end 21 in the stowed orientation. In one
embodiment, this includes a portion of the cover 20 itself such as the first
end 21.
In one embodiment, the second receptacle 45 is configured to receive the
tensioning element 90, such as an elongated rod. In another embodiment, the
second receptacle 45 is configured to receive one or more elastic straps 91.
The
receptacles 44, 45 may include various shapes and sizes depending upon the
different aspects of the cover 20. The receptacles 44, 45 may include an
enclosed perimeter, as illustrated by the first receptacle 44 in Figure 15, or
may
include an open perimeter as illustrated by the second receptacle 45. In one
embodiment, the second receptacle 45 is open to facilitate receiving a portion
of
the cover 20 at or near the first end 21 when the user positions the device 10
in
the stowed orientation. Figure 15 includes the first receptacle 44 positioned
vertically above the second receptacle 45. This configuration provides for an
elongated member 42 that forms part of the hanger 40 to be positioned
vertically
above the tensioning element 90 in one of the stowed orientations. Other
embodiments may include the first receptacle vertically below the second
receptacle 45, or at the same level.
[0073] Hanger 40 may also include a variety of shapes and sizes. These may
include but are not limited to one or more hooks, bands, ties, rings, etc.
[0074] Figure 15 includes the bracket 41 being a single, unitary piece.
Bracket
41 may also include multiple pieces as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure
16. Bracket 41 includes a first piece 41a configured to hold a first section
of the
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cover 20, and a second piece 41b to hold a second section. In one embodiment,
the first piece 41a is configured to hold a rod 42 that forms a part of the
hanger
40, and the second piece 41b configured to hold the tensioning element 90.
[0075] In one or more embodiments, hanger 40 includes an elongated member
42 that is attached to the cover 20. The elongated member 42 may be a rod
configured to fit into the first receptacle 44 of the one or more brackets 41.
Hanger 40 may also be configured to receive other forms of attachment.
[0076] The device 10 may also include a connector 30 attached to the cover 20
for connecting with the hanger 40. In one embodiment, the connector 30
includes one or more sleeves each sized to receive an elongated member 42 of
the hanger 40 as illustrated in Figure 16. The connector 30 may also be one or
more mechanical fasteners such as but not limited to screws, nails, rivets,
and
clamps. Connector 30 may also include straps that extend from the cover 20. In
one or more embodiments, these straps are the tensioning element 90. In other
embodiments, the straps are separate from the tensioning element 90.
[0077] In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is attached to the hanger 40
at
or in proximity to the second end 22. In other embodiments, and intermediate
section of the cover 20 is attached to the hanger 40. Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4
illustrate an embodiment with an intermediate section of the central section
85
attached to the hanger 40. The attachment to the hanger 40 divides the central
section 85 into the top section 71 and the back section 73. The top section 71
extends from the connector 30 to the first end 21 (and is further divided into
a
foot section 72 due to contact with the furniture piece 100). The back section
73
extends from the connector 30 to the second end 22. In one embodiment as best
illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the back section 73 remains in the same
position in
both the stowed and deployed orientations. In one embodiment as illustrated in
Figures 3 and 4, the back section 73 hangs downward from the hanger 40 and is
positioned at the head of the furniture piece 100.
[0078] In use, the device 10 may initially be in the stowed orientation when
the
user is not on the furniture piece 100. In one embodiment as illustrated in
Figures 2 and 4, the stowed orientation includes the cover 20 being positioned
CA 02848830 2014-04-11
along a side of the furniture piece 100. The stowed orientation may resemble a
head board of a furniture piece 100 or a curtain, both of which accentuate the
room and/or hide the purpose of the device 10 from a viewer. The stowed
orientation may also include the cover 20 being removed from the hanger 40 as
will be explained below.
[0079] The user may subsequently move the device 10 to the deployed
orientation. This may occur with the user being positioned on the furniture
piece
100 or prior to the user being on the furniture piece 100. In one or more
embodiments, this includes the user removing the portion of the cover 20
(which
may include the tensioning element 90) from the hanger 40. The user then pulls
the first end 21 such that the central section 85 extends over the top 101 of
the
furniture piece 100. The tensioning element 90 pulls the central section 85 in
a
direction away from the hanger 40. The user may also position the lateral
sections 86, 87 of the cover 20 beyond the lateral sides of the furniture
piece
100.
[0080] The interior space 50 is formed between the top 101 of the furniture
piece
100 and the cover 20. This positioning minimizes or eliminates exterior light
from
reaching the interior space 50. In one embodiment, the cover 20 is positioned
to
contact against one or more of the ends and lateral sides of the furniture
piece
100 to prevent any openings from forming between the cover 20 and bed 100.
[0m] When inside the interior space 50, the user may exit through a slot 51
that
extends into the cover 20 from the perimeter edge. In one embodiment, the
cover 20 includes a pair of slots 51 with one for each lateral section 86, 87.
[0082] The device 10 may be changed from the deployed orientation to the
stowed orientation either while the user is positioned on the furniture piece
100 in
the interior space 50, or after the user has exited the interior space 50. In
one or
more embodiments, the user lifts the cover 20 and attaches a section at or
near
the end 21 to the hanger 40. In one or more embodiments, this includes the
user
placing the tensioning element 90 in the one or more brackets 41. This may
also
include hooking a portion of the cover 20 onto the hanger 40.
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CA 02848830 2014-04-11
[0083] In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 remains attached to the hanger
40 in the stowed orientation. Figures 2 and 4 illustrate one embodiment.
Another embodiment is illustrated in Figure 17 in which both the first and
second
ends 21, 22 of the cover 20 are directly attached to the hanger 40. In a
similar
embodiment, the second end 22 is attached to the hanger 40, and the first end
21 is detached. This may include the cover 20 in a folded arrangement below
the hanger 40 at the head of the furniture piece 100.
[0084] In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is detached from the hanger 40
in the stowed orientation. The cover 20 may then be folded or draped on or in
close proximity to the furniture piece 100. This may include the cover 20
spread
over the furniture piece, or folded at the head or foot of the furniture piece
100.
[0085] The tensioning element 90 may also be configured to attach a portion of
the cover 20 to an overhead structure 112, such as the ceiling 112. Figures 18
and 19 illustrate an embodiment with the furniture piece 100 positioned in a
room
with a side wall (i.e., support 110), a floor 111, and a ceiling 112. A
tensioning
element 90 is a connection structure attached to the ceiling 112 that includes
a
base and a cord. The cover 20 includes a connector 29 configured to attach
with
the cord of the connection structure 90. The connector 29 is positioned at or
in
proximity to the first end 21 of the cover 20. The connector 29 is attached to
the
structure 90 to position the first end of the cover upward away from the
furniture
piece 100 such that the interior space 50 is open to the exterior. In one or
more
embodiments, the overhead structure 112 is a bedpost, bed frame, portable
frame, window support, or other like structure that is located below a ceiling
of
the room.
[cam In one or more embodiments, the tensioning element 90 is configured to
apply a tensioning force to the cover 20 when attached to the overhead
structure
112. In one or more embodiments as illustrated in Figure 18, an attachment 99
connected to the overhead structure 112 is positioned outward beyond a line L
that is perpendicular to the overhead structure 112. This places the
attachment
99 outward beyond an end of the cover 20 and beyond the connector 29. The
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structure 90 that extends between the attachment 99 and connector 29 is than
at
an acute angle relative to the overhead structure 112.
[0087] The various devices 10 disclosed in this application may be used with a
variety of different furniture pieces 100. One embodiment includes the use of
the
device 10 with a bed 100. Device 10 may also be used with various other
furniture pieces, including but not limited to a sleep platform, futon,
sleeping bag,
chair, sofa, table, bench, lounge chair, chaise lounge, and recliner.
[0088] The support 110 is positioned vertically above the top 101 of the
furniture
piece 100 and provides for positioning the cover 20 in the deployed
orientation
and some of the stowed orientations. In one embodiment, the support 110 is a
wall positioned behind the piece 100. Support 110 may also include other
structures, including but not limited to a headboard on a bed 100, bedpost,
bed
frame, portable frame, tree, and window.
[0089] In one embodiment, the cover 20 does not include a tensioning element
90. The configuration of the cover 20 is adequate to hold the position of the
cover 20 in the deployed orientation and form the interior space 50.
[ono] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over",
"upper",
and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of
one
element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations
than those
depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as "first", "second", and the
like, are
also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also
not
intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the
description.
[0oi] As used herein, the terms "having", "containing", "including",
"comprising"
and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated
elements
or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles
"a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural as well as the singular,
unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0092] The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than
those
herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential
characteristics of
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the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
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