U.S. patent application number 11/746219 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for movable bed dividing screen.
Invention is credited to Helen Stowers.
Application Number | 20080276371 11/746219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39968168 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080276371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stowers; Helen |
November 13, 2008 |
MOVABLE BED DIVIDING SCREEN
Abstract
A movable, curtain-style bed divider is disclosed. In one
embodiment, the dividing screen is made from a sheer material
allowing an individual on one side of the divider to observe a
sleeping individual on the other side of the divider without having
to move the divider. In another embodiment, the dividing screen has
anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and/or anti-viral properties.
Inventors: |
Stowers; Helen;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BINGHAM MCHALE LLP
2700 MARKET TOWER, 10 WEST MARKET STREET
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-4900
US
|
Family ID: |
39968168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/746219 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/513 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 21/00 20130101;
A47G 5/00 20130101; A61G 10/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/513 |
International
Class: |
A47G 5/00 20060101
A47G005/00 |
Claims
1. A bed divider comprising: a first vertical support member
positioned proximate to the head end of a bed; a second vertical
support member positioned proximate to the foot end of said bed; a
cross-support member which is operably connected to said first
support member and said second support member; and a screen which
is movably connected to said cross-support member so as to bisect
said bed; wherein said screen comprises a sheer material which
allows light to pass therethrough.
2. The bed divider of claim 1, wherein said screen allows air to
pass therethrough.
3. The bed divider of claim 1, wherein said screen has
anti-microbial properties.
4. The bed divider of claim 1, wherein said screen is operably
connected to said cross-support member by a plurality of rings.
5. An apparatus for dividing a bed into two sleeping areas,
comprising: a first support member operably connected to the head
end of a bed; a second support member operably connected to the
foot end of said bed; a cross-support member operably connected to
said first support member and said second support member; and a
flexible screen which is movably connected to said cross-support
member so as to bisect said bed into two sleeping areas; wherein
said screen comprises a semi-transparent material which allows
light to pass therethrough.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said screen allows air to pass
therethrough.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said screen has anti-microbial
properties.
8. The bed divider of claim 5, wherein said screen is operably
connected to said cross-support member by a plurality of rings.
9. The bed divider of claim 5, wherein said first support member
and said second support member are operably connected to said bed
using screws.
10. The bed divider of claim 5, wherein said bed comprises a
mattress portion and a box spring portion; wherein said first
support member further comprises a base portion which is positioned
between said mattress portion and said box spring portion so as to
operably connect said first support member to said bed; and wherein
said second support member further comprises a base portion which
is positioned between said mattress portion and said box spring
portion so as to operably connect said second support member to
said bed.
11. A bed divider, comprising: a head end support member having a
plurality of attachment points; a foot end support member having a
plurality of attachment points; a cross-support member configured
and adapted to be operably connected to said head support member
and said foot support member at the plurality of attachment points
so as to be disposed at a distance above a bed; and a screen which
is movably connected to said cross-support member so as to bisect
said bed into two sleeping areas; wherein said screen comprises a
sheer material which allows light to pass therethrough; wherein the
plurality of attachment points on said head end support and said
foot end support are configured and arranged so as to allow the
cross-support member to be positioned at different distances above
said bed.
12. The bed divider of claim 11, wherein said screen allows air to
pass therethrough.
13. The bed divider of claim 11, wherein said screen has
anti-microbial properties.
14. The bed divider of claim 11, wherein said screen is operably
connected to said cross-support member by a plurality of rings.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Often it is desirable or necessary for a healthy individual
to sleep in the same bed as a sick individual. For example, many
couples share a bed even when one individual is ill, or a parent
may wish to sleep next to a sick child as a precautionary measure.
If the ill sleeper has a contagious condition, pathogens may be
spread to the healthy sleeper during the night. The likelihood of
passing harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and the like,
increases when the illness is characterized by coughing, sneezing,
and/or other expulsion of sputum.
[0002] Typical bed dividers are made from solid or some other
opaque material so as to prevent light from one side of the bed
from reaching the other side of the bed. This type of bed divider
is effective at allowing one individual to read or perform other
tasks in bed which require light without disturbing the individual
sleeping on the other side of the bed. However, opaque dividing
screens do not allow a healthy individual to observe an ill
individual without first moving the screen. Other bed dividers only
effectively screen a portion of one side of a bed from the other
side, e.g., the head end of the bed. A partial screen is effective
at blocking potentially contagious sputum from passing from one
side of the bed to the other so long as the ill individual is
reclined. If an ill individual sits up during the night to cough,
for example, contagious matter may pass over or around the screen.
What is needed is a movable bed screen that divides the length of a
bed while allowing an individual on one side of the bed to see an
individual on the other side of the bed.
SUMMARY
[0003] The disclosed technology is set forth in the claims below,
and the following is not in any way to limit, define or otherwise
establish the scope of legal protection. In general terms, the
disclosed technology relates to a dividing screen. In one
embodiment, a movable screen made from a sheer or otherwise
semi-transparent material is provided for dividing a bed into two
portions.
[0004] Further objects, embodiments, forms, benefits, aspects,
features and advantages of the claimed technology may be obtained
from the description, drawings, and claims provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of the disclosed
apparatus.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example of the
disclosed apparatus.
[0007] FIG. 3 is perspective view of still another example of the
disclosed apparatus.
DESCRIPTION
[0008] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the disclosed technology and presenting its currently
understood best mode of operation, reference will now be made to
the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language
will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosed
technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and further
modifications in the illustrated device and such further
applications of the principles of the disclosed technology as
illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to
one skilled in the art to which the disclosed technology
relates.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the disclosed apparatus
20 for dividing a bed or other sleeping area such as a futon,
couch, sofa, cot, and the like. In this particular embodiment, a
bed 22 having a head end 24 and a foot end 26 is shown. The bed is
divided into two sleeping areas 31, 33 by a dividing screen
apparatus 35 according to one embodiment. In this particular
example, sleeping areas 31 and 33 are shown as being approximately
equal in size, but this is for illustrative purposes only. In other
embodiments, the sleeping areas are unequal in size, for example,
when an adult is sleeping in the same bed as an ill child.
[0010] A dividing apparatus 35 comprises a head end support member
30 and a foot end support member 28 connected by a cross-support
member 32. Foot support member 28 further includes a floor stand
member 38 designed and configured so as to allow foot support
member 28 to be disposed in a substantially vertical position and
positioned proximate to the foot end of the bed. Head support
member 34 also includes a similar floor stand member which allows
the head support member 34 to be positioned proximate to the head
end of the bed which is not shown in this drawing for the sake of
clarity. The use of floor-standing support members 28,30 allows the
dividing screen 35 to be used with a bed 22 without having to make
modifications such as attaching mounting brackets to the bed. In
this particular example, support members 28, 30, and 32 are shown
as cylindrical-shaped bodies. In other examples, the support
members may be some other desired shape such as rectangular. The
support members may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or any other
material having sufficient structural strength. Optionally, the
support members are formed and/or colored so as to match or
complement the style and design of the bed 22. For example, the
support members may be made out of wood and carved and/or stained
so as to match a decorative headboard.
[0011] Dividing apparatus 35 further includes a screen 34 movably
attached to cross cross-support member 32 by a plurality of ring
members 36. The exact number of ring members 36 required depends
upon the weight of the material from which screen 34 is made. In
this particular example, there are a sufficient number of ring
members 36 so as to allow an individual on one side of the bed 33
to easily move the screen 34 so as to be able to reach through to
the other side of the bed 31. The use of sliding members other than
rings such as hospital-style curtain sides and tracks is also
contemplated.
[0012] Screen 34 can be made from a variety of natural and
synthetic fabrics so long as the material allows the passage of at
least some light therethrough. Preferably, screen 34 is made of a
flexible material that is sheer and/or semi-transparent so as to
allow sufficient light to pass through the screen so an individual
on one side of the bed 33 can see through to the other side of the
bed 31. Optionally, screen 34 is made of a material that allows for
the passage of some air therethrough, but not the passage of
contaminated particulate matter such as droplets of saliva,
expelled mucus, or other sputum. The use of a material that allows
for the passage of some air prevents individuals from becoming
entangled in the screen while sleeping, which could present a
suffocation hazard, while still blocking the passage of infectious
material from one side of the bed to the other. In other
embodiments, the screen material is impregnated, covered, or
otherwise includes substances having antibacterial, anti-microbial,
and/or anti-viral properties so as to provide further protection
against the spread of pathogenic materials between individuals in
the bed. In still other embodiments, the screen includes
micro-fiber materials designed to trap and/or kill bacterial or
other pathogens.
[0013] In one particular example, head end support member 30 and
foot end support member 28 are disposed relative to bed 22 so that
cross-support member 32 bisects the bed into two parts at a
distance above the bed's surface. The two parts of the bed are not
necessarily equal in area, for example, where an adult is to sleep
in the same bed as a child. Cross-support member 32 is disposed at
a distance above the surface of bed 22 sufficient such that screen
34 just touches the surface of the bed. Optionally, cross-support
member 32 is disposed such that screen 34 is at a sufficient
distance from the surface of the bed so as to allow the screen to
clear any bedding materials such as sheets, blankets, and the
like.
[0014] Continuing with the present example, there are a sufficient
number of ring members 36 so as to allow an individual on one side
of the bed 33 to easily move the screen 34 so as to be able to
reach through to the other side of the bed 31. For example, if the
ill individual begins coughing and needs assistance, the well
individual can move the screen from the head of the bed toward the
foot of the bed, reach over and assist the ill individual, then
move the screen back to its original position. Also in this
particular example, the screen is made from a sheer material which
allows the well individual to make visual contact with the ill
individual without having to first move the screen and thereby
increase the opportunity for passing pathogens to the well
individual.
[0015] Another embodiment of a dividing apparatus 40 is shown in
FIG. 2. In this particular example, a dividing screen 43 is used to
divide a bed 42 into two sleeping areas. Bed 42 comprises a box
spring 46 and a mattress 44 (shown in ghost outline for the sake of
clarity). Dividing screen 43 comprises a first vertical support 48,
a second vertical support 50, and a substantially horizontal
cross-support member 52 connecting the two vertical supports. First
vertical support 48 further includes a base portion 58 which when
disposed between mattress 44 and box spring 46 acts to hold first
vertical support 48 in the desired position. Second vertical
support 50 further includes a base portion 60 which when disposed
between mattress 44 and box spring 46 acts to hold second vertical
support 50 in the desired position. The base portions 58, 60 are
sized and configured such that the weight of the mattress 44 is
sufficient to prevent the vertical support members from moving from
their desired position and configuration.
[0016] Dividing screen 43 further includes a screen 54 operably
connected to horizontal cross-support member 52 by a connecting
means 56. In this particular example, connecting means 56 is a
movable slide track arrangement such as a hospital curtain track
known in the industry. In other examples, connecting means 56
comprises some other style of slidable or movable track or rail
apparatus. Screen 54 has similar properties to the screen
previously described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG.
1.
[0017] Still another embodiment of a dividing apparatus 62 is shown
in FIG. 3. In this particular example, a dividing screen 65 is used
to divide a bed 66 having a head end 64 and a foot end 63 into two
sleeping areas. Bed 66 comprises a frame 67 and a mattress 69.
Dividing screen 65 comprises a first support 68, a second support
70, and a cross-support member 72 connecting the supports 68, 70.
First support 68 further includes a plurality of mounting points 82
wherein cross-support member 72 is removably mounted to support
member 68. Second support 70 further includes a plurality of
mounting points 80 wherein cross-support member 72 is removably
mounted to support member 70. In this particular example, mounting
points 80, 82 are holes passing through the first and second
supports, respectively, through which pins are used to secure
cross-support member 72 at the desired height. In other examples,
the cross support member is adjustably mounted to the first and
second supports using screws, bolts, or other suitable means. In
still other examples, the height of the cross-support member
relative to the bed is adjusted by adjusting the length of the
first and second supports such as by using telescoping or otherwise
adjustable supports.
[0018] Dividing screen 65 further includes a screen 74 operably
connected to horizontal cross-support member 72 by a plurality of
connecting means 76. In this particular example, connecting means
76 is a plurality of ring type connectors such as those typically
used with flexible shower curtains. In other examples, connecting
means 76 comprises some other style of slidable or movable track or
rail apparatus. Screen 74 has similar properties to the screen
previously described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG.
1. As shown in FIG. 3, screen 74 is partially moved away from the
head end 64 of bed 66 so as to allow an individual to reach from
one side of the bed to the other.
[0019] Continuing with the present example, support member 70 is
removably mounted to bed frame 67 at mounting point 78. In this
particular example, mounting of support member 70 to frame 67 is
accomplished using screws. In other examples, bolts, pins, screws,
and/or brackets and the like may be used to mount support member 70
to frame 67. Support member 68 is similarly mounted to frame 67,
but such mounting point is not shown in this particular drawing for
the sake of clarity. In other examples, support members 68 and 70
are fixably mounted to frame 67 such as by welding, soldering, and
the like.
[0020] While the disclosed technology has been illustrated and
described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the
same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in
character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown
and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the
best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of
ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number
of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described
embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe
all such embodiment variations in the present specification.
Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications
that come within the spirit of the disclosed technology are desired
to be protected.
* * * * *