Fear reducing blockade and methods of making and using same

Disclosed herein is an apparatus to block off a space under a bed frame, the apparatus comprising a longitudinal member configured to fill a gap between a floor and a lower edge of the elongated portion of the bed frame, the first end of the longitudinal member being removably connected to the first leg of the bed frame by a first connector, and the second end of the longitudinal member being removably connected to the second leg of the bed frame by a second connector. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a device to block off a space for fear reducing, and more specifically relates to a device to block off and illuminate a dark space where a child may fear that a monster is hiding such as under a bed, in a closet or under a staircase.

BACKGROUND

It is very common and normal for children to have irrational nighttime imaginations that reduce their quality of life, such as creating fear and anxiety, stimulating nightmares, and reducing their quality of sleep. The most common irrational nighttime fears or anxieties in young children include 1) the fear that monsters are under the bed, in the closet, or in a dark shadow, and 2) the fear of the dark. While the peak of these fears occur between the ages of 4 and 6 (NSS/Harvard 2010), children ages 7 to 13 still have fear of the dark on their top 10 list (Muris 1997). In a study of Dutch children, greater than 73% of school aged children aged 4 through 12 suffer from nighttime fears (Muris et al 2001). Another study of Australian children found that 64% of kids between 8 and 16 admitted to nighttime anxieties or fears (Gordon et al 2007).

Irrational nighttime fears or anxieties are part of the normal development of a child. It is believed that younger children have irrational fears because their brain is developing its ability to be creative and imaginative while their frontal lobes, which allow them to reason and problem solve, are not fully developed until the age of 5-6 years old (Eliot 2000). Based on this, they are not able to resolve these irrational fears or anxieties independently yet. This should be taken seriously as research shows that fear and worry in childhood have be linked to difficulties in daily functioning, social functioning, academic functioning, low self-esteem, depression and drug abuse later in life (Zisenwine 2012). Given that, if parents treat their children's fears at an early age, they could help their children avoid emotional problems later in life.

SUMMARY

One embodiment described here is an apparatus to block off a space under a bed frame that includes first and second legs and an elongated portion extending between the first and second legs. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal member configured to fill a gap between a floor and a lower edge of the elongated portion of the bed frame. The longitudinal member has a first end and a second end, the first end being removably connected to the first leg of the bed frame by a first connector, and the second end being removably connected to the second leg of the bed frame by a second connector.

In some cases, the first connecter comprises at least one adjustable strap, hook-and-loop fastener (such as Velcro®), buckle, or other means of attaching at variable lengths, and the second connecter comprises at least one adjustable strap, hook-and-loop fasteners, a buckle, or other means of attaching at variable lengths.

In embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a light configured to illuminate, and the light is attachable to the longitudinal member. In some cases, the light is controlled by a controller, and the controller is wirelessly communicable through a programmed application using an electronic device. In embodiments, the light is turned on or off with a sensor, and the sensor is a motion detecting sensor, a light detecting sensor, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the length of the longitudinal member is adjustable. In embodiments, the longitudinal member is decorated with decoration including drawings, writing, artwork, textures, or molded shapes, or the longitudinal member comprises a white longitudinal member or a chalk longitudinal member with surface suitable for drawing, writing, or scratching with dry erase markers or chalk.

Another embodiment described herein is an apparatus to block off a space under a bed frame that includes first and second legs and an elongated portion extending between the first and second legs, the apparatus comprising a longitudinal member configured to fill a gap between a floor and a lower edge of the elongated portion of the bed frame, a first end cap extending from the first end of the longitudinal member and configured to cover a gap between the longitudinal member and the first leg of the bed frame and to cover at least a part of the first leg of the bed frame, and a second end cap extending from the second end of the longitudinal member and configured to cover a gap between the longitudinal member and the second leg of the bed frame and to cover at least part of the second leg of the bed frame.

In embodiments, the first end cap is in a shape of squared corner, rounded corner, curve, or other shapes, and the second end cap is in a shape of squared corner, rounded corner, curve, or other shapes. In some cases, the first or second end cap is extended from the longitudinal member using a snap-fit or other means that avows the apparatus to be shipped flatly and re-assembled easily. In embodiments, the longitudinal member is supported by a foot or at least one adjustable strap, hook-and-loop fasteners (such as Velcro®), a buckle, or other means of attaching at variable lengths.

In some cases, each end cap includes a first segment connected to the longitudinal portion and extending generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal portion, and a second segment connected to the first segment and extending generally parallel relative to the longitudinal portion.

Another embodiment described herein is a system comprising a bed frame and the above-described apparatus to block off a space under a bed frame.

Yet another embodiment is a method of reducing nighttime fear in a child comprising removably mounting the above-described apparatus beneath the child's bed frame.

A further embodiment described herein is a fear reducing device comprises a structure or form to physically block the space to re-assure a child that a monster cannot enter, exit, or reach out from a dark place, especially under a bed, in a closet, under a stair case, or other dark area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein comprise blockades that are placed under a bed, in a closet, or in another dark place to mitigate the irrational fear that a monster is hiding in those places. They physically block the space so that it is perceived that a monster cannot enter, exit, or reach out from that space. They may also have a light to illuminate the area, eliminating dark shadows that could hide a monster. The light can be turned on at set times with a controller, with a light sensor and/or with a motion sensor, so that the user is assured that the light will be on when needed. The devices can be configured to be removable so that it is still easy to access the space behind it and can be easily removed when a child outgrows the need for the device. They may also be decorated with designs, pictures, textures, or molded shapes to be aesthetically additive to the room. They also prevent children from making a mess under the bed. The devices may be easily removed so that a user can utilize the space behind the device for storage, and the devices do not detract from the room's aesthetics. The devices may have integrated drawers and/or doors to better leverage the storage space.

In some cases, end caps are added to cover gaps between bed legs and the device to eliminate visible gaps and make the device free standing. In some cases, the light is turned on with a motion sensor to re-assure the user that the light will be on when needed. In some cases, the light is turned on and/or off with a light detecting sensor to re-assure the user that the light will be on when needed and simplify the device programming. The controller can be programmed to be wireless for use in a computerized application using an electronic device. The device can include doors or drawers added for enhanced storage. The device optionally includes a hand held remote control. The device enhances beds, closets, and other dark areas offering programmable lighting, enhanced storage, and improves aesthetics that a person with nighttime fears would value.

One embodiment is an apparatus comprising a blockade configured to occupy space between a floor and at least one of a mattress, a bed frame, and a door, the blockade including a generally vertically extending first wall and a support configured to hold the blockade in a stationary position. The blockade and the support are formed as a unitary component. The support is positioned on the floor. The blockade is configured to occupy space between a floor and a mattress on a bed frame, and the blockade includes a first portion configured for use along a side of a bed and a second portion configured for use along an end of a bed. The apparatus comprises a light controlled by a controller. The light is turned on and/or off with a light detecting sensor to re-assure the user that the light will be on when needed and simplify the device programming. The controller is programmed to be wireless for use in a computerized application on an electronic device. The apparatus further comprises a door or drawer included for enhanced storage. The controller is operated using a hand held remote control.

The present disclosure describes aspects of the disclosed embodiments with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings; however, aspects of the present invention are not limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the present invention include many more embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are not to be restricted in light of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some instances, one or more features disclosed in connection with one embodiment can be used alone or in combination with one or more features of one or more other embodiments.

FIGS. 1 and 3-6are side views of a bed to illustrate a device according embodiments used for one side of the bed (i.e., the right side of a person lying on their back on the bed). However, the device can be used in the other side of the bed (i.e., the left side of a person lying on their back the bed), the head end of the bed, or the foot end of the bed.

FIG. 1illustrates a device100according to a first embodiment.FIG. 1shows the side139of a bed159. The device100is in its simplest form, which includes a longitudinal member102athat fills the space under an elongated portion122of a bed frame109that supports one or more mattresses119. The bed frame109and one or more mattresses119form the bed159. The longitudinal member102ais attached to the bed legs (which may be formed by the lower portion of the posts126,127)108of the bed frame109. In embodiments, the device100is removably attached to the bed legs108proximate the lower end thereof. The longitudinal member102amay be decorated with a decoration106aincluding drawings, writing, artwork, textures and/or molded shapes that are additive to the aesthetics of the room. The decoration106acould be directly attached to the longitudinal member102a, a film that is laminated to it, stickers that are applied to it or any other means of aesthetically enhancing the longitudinal member102a. The longitudinal member102amay have a white board or chalk board surface to be drawn or wrote on with dry erase markers or chalk, respectively. Thus, the longitudinal member102ais not necessarily made from a single material, and it may include multiple layers. The longitudinal member102ais typically made of hard material such as plastic, wood, fiberglass, press board, cardboard, and glass. The longitudinal member102amay be flat and/or thin, or with a certain thickness. The device100in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system101. The system101may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary.

In embodiments, the adjustable straps104aconform to bed legs108in different shapes and sizes. The adjustable straps104aare typically made of flexible materials such as leather, fabric, thermoplastic, thermoset or other elastomer. The straps may be made of an elastic or an inelastic material. A part of the adjustable straps104a, such as an end portion, is attached to the longitudinal member102aand the adjustable straps104ahave an adjustable means of attachment, such as a Velcro connection, a buckle, or some other means of attaching at variable lengths, to the bed legs108. In embodiments, the straps are configured to be tied in knots, bows, or the like. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, each end of the longitudinal member has an upper strap104aand a lower strap104a. The longitudinal member102ahas a length shown at117.

In some cases, the longitudinal member comprises a board. The board may be made of wood, plastic, durable cardboard, composite, or another rigid material. In embodiments, the longitudinal member is solid or hollow.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 2, a device designated as101bincludes horizontally extending feet107b, which are attached to opposite ends of the longitudinal member102bfor support. One or more additional feet107boptionally can be included along the length of the longitudinal member102b. The feet107bextend generally at a perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal member on the back side of the longitudinal member102b. When using a foot107b, a support beam105bconnecting the foot107bto the longitudinal member102b, such as a diagonal beam, can be added for additional support if desired. The feet107bmay be used in addition to, or in place of, the attachment of the adjustable straps104bto the longitudinal member102b. The devices100,101requires either the use of several adjustable straps104ato hold it in position, and/or the inclusion of feet107bon the longitudinal member102b.

In some cases, the device100would be the lowest cost design, but in certain cases it might not be able to fully fill the gaps between the longitudinal member102aand the bed legs108. These gaps could allow a child to see into the dark spaces around the longitudinal member. Other more elaborate designs address this issue. In devices110,130,150,160,165,180, described below, the adjustable straps104or the feet107bmay be included, but are not necessary.

To assure a child that a monster cannot enter, exit, or reach out from the space behind the longitudinal member102a, in many cases it is desirable to have the gap between the bed legs108and the longitudinal member102abe as small as possible. However, a gap is required for easy installation and removal of the device100as well as to allow for some size variation in different bed designs. To accommodate this, the typical gap is approximately 1″ in average, ranging from ¼″ to 2″. The height from the exterior bottom of the bed frame109to the floor is usually in the range of 8″ to 12″, but can vary widely from 4″ or smaller in low profile bed frames to up to 18″ in beds designed for maximum under bed storage. Thus, the height of the longitudinal member102ais usually from 7″ to 11″, but may range from 2″ to 17¾″. The thickness of the longitudinal member typically is within the range of about ¼″ to about 1″ but could vary widely based on the specific materials and design used.

Table 1 shows some common mattress dimensions by size. The distance117between the bed legs108in the length direction of the mattress is normally similar to the length of the mattress, and the distance (not shown inFIG. 1) between the bed legs108in the width direction of the mattress is normally similar to the width of the mattress. To achieve a typical 1″ gap on each side of the longitudinal member102a-h,102i, while still allowing for some variance in the bed dimensions, the typical length of the longitudinal member102a-h,102iwould be 2″ shorter than the distance between the bed legs108in the respective direction of the mattress. Thus, the typical length of the longitudinal member102a-g,102i, that is placed at the side of a bed would be approximately 49.5″ in a crib, 72″ in twin and full beds, 78″ in twin XL, queen, and king beds, and 82″ in California king beds; while the typical length of the longitudinal member103g,103h,103jthat is placed at the head or end of a bed would be approximately 26″ in a crib, 37″ in twin and twin XL beds, 52″ in full beds, 58″ in queen beds, 74″ in king beds, and 70″ in California king beds. All of these lengths could vary +/−6″ depending on the particular bed design.

FIG. 3illustrates a device110according to a second embodiment.FIG. 3shows the side139of a bed. This embodiment shows a system111that includes the device110and a bed frame109(including the longitudinally extending side supports, transversely extending mattress supports, and the bed legs108). The device110makes an improvement on the device100by adding an end cap123,129at each end of the longitudinal member102c. In the device110, the front end cap123cincludes members112cand114cand the back end cap129cincludes members118cand120c. In this embodiment, the longitudinal member102cis positioned beneath the bed frame109and optionally includes a decoration106c. In embodiments, members114cand116cextend outwardly from beneath the bedframe in a direction that is generally perpendicular relative to the length of longitudinal member102c. In embodiments, members114cand118care connected to opposite ends of the longitudinal member102c. In embodiments, member112cis connected to, and generally perpendicular to member114c, and member120cis connected to, and generally perpendicular to member118c. Thus, members112cand120cextend in a direction that is generally parallel to the length of longitudinal member102c. The device110in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms the system111. The system111may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary.

Adding the end caps123c,129cto create the device110has the benefit of eliminating any visible gaps between the longitudinal member102cand the bed legs108, which provides a higher level of assurance that no monster can enter, exit, or reach out from the space behind the device.

Adding the end caps123c,129cto create the device110also has the benefit of providing a three dimensional footprint that allows the device110to freely stand without being attached to adjustable straps104cor being supported by a foot107b(not shown inFIG. 3). Although the adjustable straps104care shown inFIG. 3, the adjustable straps104care not a necessary element of device110.

Adding the end caps123c,129cto create the device110also has the benefit of adding depth created by offsetting the longitudinal member102cunderneath the bed so that it will minimize the potential for an individual to kick the device110when entering or exiting the bed, causing damage or unsightly marks. That is, the longitudinal member102cmay be placed offset toward the under-bed direction.

The end caps allow the difference between the length of the longitudinal member102and the distance between the bed legs108to be larger, typically up to 6″, while still fully eliminating any visible gaps around the bed legs108. Thus, the device110can accommodate a wider variation of bed dimensions and still fully eliminate any visual gaps around the bed legs108. Thus, the typical length of longitudinal member102c-f(that is placed in the side of a bed) in devices110(shown inFIG. 3),130(shown inFIG. 4),150(shown inFIG. 5), and160(shown inFIG. 6) would be approximately 45.5″-49.5″ in a crib, 68″-72″ in twin and full beds, 74″-78″ in twin XL, queen, and king beds, and 78″-82″ in California king beds. All of these lengths could vary +/−6″ depending on the particular bed design.

The offset that significantly reduces the potential that the side longitudinal member102cwill get unintentionally kicked when an individual enters or exits the bed causing damage or unsightly marks, typically equates to the length of end cap members114cand118cminus 1″. The offset is preferably set to be 3″-6″, meaning that end cap members114cand118cis typically 4″-7″ long but could range from 1″ to 12″ depending on the particular bed design. Since the longitudinal member102cis set back under the side of the bed frame109, there would be no gap between the longitudinal member102cand the exterior bottom of the bed frame109in the horizontal direction, so that when looking down from above at the edge of the bed, a child would not see any gap and would be sure that a monster cannot enter, exit, or reach out from that space.

End cap members112cand120ccover one exterior side of the bed legs108. The other exterior side of the bed legs108(not shown inFIG. 3) can either be blocked by a wall or furniture, or be part of the end board (headboard or footboard) of the bed frame; alternatively, the other exterior side of the bed legs108(not shown inFIG. 3) can be covered by another device110as shown inFIG. 8. End cap members112cand120care typically in the range of 2″-6″, which is wide enough to cover the bed legs or posts, but do not hang out too far beyond the bed legs or posts to create a tripping hazard. The cap members112cand120cmay be eliminated from some designs if it is desired to not have the end cap members visible, for example, when the device is used by adults who value the lighting, aesthetic, and storage benefits of the device, but are not afraid of monsters or dark.

FIG. 4illustrates a device130according to a third embodiment.FIG. 4shows the side139of a bed. The device130includes longitudinal member102d, end cap member123dformed from cap members112dand114d, end cap member129dformed from end cap members118dand120d, and straps104d. The device130adds one or more lights144dand a controller142dto the device110. The light144dmay be one or more incandescent light bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or LED strips. The light144dmay be placed anywhere in or around the device130. For example, a LED strip144shown inFIGS. 4-7 and 9is placed at the top of the longitudinal member102d-102h. The light144dmay be one color, different colors, and/or one or more multi-colored LEDs that can change color. The light144dmay be powered by batteries, a plug, and/or a solar panel. The device130in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system131. The system131may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary. This embodiment optionally includes decorations106d.

The controller142dis typically mounted on the back of the longitudinal member102d(shown with broken lines) and turns the light on and off at set times. The controller142dcan control the level of illumination, the color of light, how the intensity of the light fades as it turns off, how the light changes color at set times, etc. For example, the user can have a lower intensity light of one color, red, starting at a first time point, then have it change to a brighter color, green, with higher intensity at a second time point, and finally turn off at a third time point. In some embodiments, the controller142dcommunicates through a wired or wireless connection to a smart device148dsuch as a computer, tablet, or smart phone for data, programming, or other exchanges between the controller142dand the smart device148d.

One or more simple opening146dfor doors or drawers optionally may be added to the longitudinal member102dto allow for easier access to the storage space behind the longitudinal member. The opening146dtypically is rectangular in shape. For example, to add a drawer, a simple frame support structure behind the longitudinal member102dcan be used to support the rails for the drawer.

FIG. 5illustrates a device150according to a fourth embodiment.FIG. 5shows the side139of a bed. The device150includes longitudinal member102e, end cap member123eformed from cap members112eand114e, end cap member129eformed from end cap members118eand120e, and straps104e. Optionally, lights144eand a drawer opening146ealso are included. The device150adds one or more sensors152eto the device130. The sensor152edetects light levels, motion, or other inputs to turn the light on and off automatically. The sensor152emay be a motion sensor that turns the light on when motion is detected, or a light sensor that turns the light on when the intensity of the ambient light is reduced to a certain level and turns the light off when the intensity of the ambient light increases to a certain level. The sensor152emay be placed anywhere in or around the device150. In some embodiments, the controller142ecommunicates through a wired or wireless connection to a smart device148esuch as a computer, tablet, or smart phone for data, programming, or other exchanges between the controller142eand the smart device148e. These different types of sensors152emay be used separately or combined, and may be used with the controller142e. For example, a light level detecting sensor is used by the controller to turn the light on when the ambient light level reduces to a certain level and then turn the light off when it rises to a certain level. The motion detecting sensor is used by the controller to turn the light on when motion is detected, then keep the light on for a certain time period, and turn the light off automatically. An example of different types of sensors working in combination is: a) a red, moderately bright light is turned on at dusk when activated by the light level detecting sensor, b) when motion is detected, a very bright white light is turned on for a set time period, typically from 20 seconds to 5 minutes, then it turns back to the moderately bright red light, c) the controller turns the light to a bright green at a set time point, acting as an alarm, when it is time to get up, and d) the controller turns the light off at a set time point. The device150in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system151. The system151may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary.

FIG. 6illustrates a device160according to a fifth embodiment.FIG. 6shows the side139of a bed. The device160includes longitudinal member102f, end cap member123fformed from cap members112fand114f, end cap member129fformed from end cap members118fand120f, and straps104f. This embodiment optionally includes a sensor152fand a drawer opening146f. The device160adds a handheld control box162fto the device150. The handheld control box162fallows for manually turning the lights on or off and other controls of the light144fsuch as changing its brightness, color, modifying the on and off times, etc. The handheld control box162fmay be corded as shown inFIG. 6or a wireless remote control that operates via infrared light, blue tooth, or some other wireless means. While the control box162fcan alleviate the need to use a smart device148fwith the system, a smart device148falso can be incorporated. In this case, either the control box162for the smart device148f, or both can be used to control the lights. The device160in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system161. The system161may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary.

FIGS. 7-9are perspective views of a bed to illustrate a device according to embodiments used for a front (head) end or back (foot) end of the bed, or used in combination.

FIG. 7illustrates a device165according to a sixth embodiment.FIG. 7shows the side139of a bed and the back (foot) end149of a bed. The device165includes longitudinal member103g, end cap member123gformed from cap members112gand114g, end cap member129gformed from end cap members118gand120g, and straps104g. The device165optionally includes a controller142g, lights144g, and an opening146gfor a drawer. The lights, etc. optionally can be switched on and off using a control box162and/or a smart device148g. The device165is configured for the head end or foot end of a bed. The device165is most commonly used for the foot end of the bed, but may also be used for the head end of the bed. The device165in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108), which includes a longitudinal member125defining the width of the bed frame109, forms a system166. The system166may further include the mattress119, but it is not necessary. In other embodiments, the bed frame does not include an elongated portion along the head and the foot of the bed, as the width of the bedframe109is defined by mattress supports positioned beneath the mattress. In this case, a box spring mattress, bunk board, or other rigid support may define the upper end of the space beneath the bed at the head end and foot end of the bed.

The key difference between the device160and the device165is that the longitudinal member103gwould be shorter than the longitudinal member102a-f. The typical length of the longitudinal member103(that is placed in the head or end of a bed) would be 2″-6″ shorter than the width of the mattress, or 22-26″ in a crib, 33-37″ in twin beds, 48-52″ in full beds, 54-58″ in queen beds, 70-74″ in king beds, and 66-70″ in California king beds. All of these lengths could vary +/−6″ depending on the particular bed design. The device165may have any of the design variants shown for the devices100,110,130,150, and160inFIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 8illustrates multiple devices used for one bed.FIG. 8shows the side139of a bed and the back (foot) end149of a bed. The device150is used for one side of the bed, the device110is used for the head end or foot end of the bed, and the device100is used for the other side of the bed. Any device in different design variants shown inFIGS. 1-6, or the combination thereof, may be used on one, two, three, or four sides of one bed. The device150,110,100in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system121. The system121may further include the mattress, but it is not necessary.

FIG. 9illustrates a device180according to a seventh embodiment.FIG. 9shows the side139of a bed and the back (foot) end149of a bed. The device180includes two longitudinal members102hand a longitudinal member103h. Optionally, one or more of the longitudinal members can be eliminated, or an additional longitudinal member can be added at the front (head) end of the bed. The longitudinal members102hand103hmay be directly connected. Three or four longitudinal members are typically connected, creating a two dimensional footprint that makes the device free standing as well as blocking the space a monster could enter, exit, and/or reach out from the space under the bed. The length of the longitudinal members102hand103his typically shorter than the typical mattress dimensions so that they connect inside of the bed legs108, creating a3″-6″ offset to reduce the potential of the device being unintentionally kicked. However, the length of the longitudinal members may also be slightly larger than the typical mattress dimensions so that they stay outside of the bed legs or posts if desired. The device180in combination with a bed frame109(including the bed legs108) forms a system1081. The system181may further include the mattress, but it is not necessary.

The device180may have all of the design variants shown inFIGS. 1-6for each of four longitudinal members. Thus, it may offer a wide variety of locations for decoration106h, controller142h, light144h, opening146hfor drawers or doors, sensor152h, a remote control162h, an associated smart device148hor combination thereof.

FIG. 10illustrates a device170according to an eighth embodiment. The device170is a free standing floor design that fills the space with a rectangular box174iinstead of the longitudinal member as shown inFIGS. 1-9. The device170is usually used in a closet, but may also be used under a stairway, under a bed, or in any other area desired. The device170may have all the design variants and features as shown inFIGS. 1-6. Although a rectangular box is shown inFIG. 10, any three dimensional shape may be used such as a longitudinal member with a foot, a sphere, a box, a cylinder, or a three dimensional molded form, etc.

Optionally, the embodiment includes decoration106i, controller142i, light144i, opening146ifor drawers or doors, sensor152i, a control box162i, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the controller142icommunicates through a wired or wireless connection to a smart device148isuch as a computer, tablet, or smart phone for data, programming, or other exchanges between the controller142iand the smart device148i.

FIG. 11illustrates a longitudinal member102jof a device according to a ninth embodiment. According to a ninth embodiment, the length of the longitudinal member is adjustable so that the same device can be used in different size beds or in different sides (includes left side, right side, head, or end) of one bed. For example, such adjustability can be achieved by sliding two longitudinal members181j,182jto be partially or wholly overlapped through a track arrangement. This could also be three overlapping longitudinal members to allow two shorter segments on the ends to provide the width adjustment while the larger center longitudinal member has other components on it such as lights, sensors, controllers, artwork, drawers, etc. . . . .

FIG. 12illustrates a somewhat shorter longitudinal member103kof a device according to a tenth embodiment. According to a tenth embodiment, the length of the longitudinal member is adjustable so that the same device can be used in different size beds or in different sides (including head, or end) of one bed. For example, such adjustability can be achieved by sliding two longitudinal members191k,192kto be partially or wholly overlapped through a track arrangement. This could also be three overlapping longitudinal members to allow two shorter segments on the ends to provide the width adjustment while the larger center longitudinal member has other components on it such as lights, sensors, controllers, artwork, drawers, etc. . . . .FIG. 13illustrates a longitudinal member102l(or103l) with end caps of a device according to a eleventh embodiment. According to this embodiment, the end caps are attached to, and extend from, the longitudinal member102l(or103l) by using a snap-fit or other means that allows the device to be shipped flat but also easily re-assembled. A snap-fit is an assembly method used to attach parts to form the final product by pushing the parts' interlocking components together. There are a number of variations in snap fits, including cantilever, torsional and annular. Other means may include matching the connecting pieces of each other to be interlocked for assembly. For example, inFIG. 13, the connection between the end cap member112land the end cap member114l, the connection between the end cap member114land the longitudinal member102l(or103l), the connection between the longitudinal member102l(or103l) and the end cap member118l, and the connection between the end cap member118land the end cap member120lare achieved by matching the connecting pieces of each other to be interlocked. Alternative attachment means, including screws, bolts, clips, etc. can be used.

FIG. 14is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface in an App (application software) for the controller. This illustration gives an example of some attributes that can be controlled in the App. InFIG. 14, the rectangular boxes represent parameters that can be adjusted (e.g., through pressing) by the user.

The numerical reference13-1illustrates a way of controlling the light to be turned on, which includes what triggers the light to be turned on, when is the light to be turned on, what is the color of the light, and what is the intensity of the light. As an example shown inFIG. 14, the light is triggered to be turned on, with a blue color and 30% intensity, when the time is 6:30 pm. As another example, the light may be triggered to be turned on, with a color and intensity, when a light detecting sensor detects light intensity reaching to a certain level (e.g., a low light level at dusk). The user can select the triggering sensor in multi sensor designs and the respective triggering condition. The user can select the light color in multi-color light designs and the intensity of the light from 0-100%. There is also an option for the light to not be turned on if desired.

The numerical reference13-2illustrates a way of controlling the light characteristic to be changed, which includes what triggers the light to be changed, when is the light to be changed, what is the color of the light, and what is the intensity of the light. This setting can be used as an alarm clock or to help train children when to get up. As an example shown inFIG. 14, the light is triggered to be changed, with a green color and 60% intensity, when the time is 7:00 am. As another example, the light may be triggered to be turned on, with a color and intensity, when a light detecting sensor detects light intensity reaching to a certain level (e.g., a low light level at dusk). The user can select the triggering sensor in multi sensor designs and the respective triggering condition. The user can select the light color in multi-color light designs and the intensity of the light from 0-100%. There is also an option for the light to not be changed if desired.

The numerical reference13-3illustrates a way of controlling the light to be turned off, which includes what triggers the light to be turned off, and when is the light to be turned off. As an example shown inFIG. 14, the light is triggered to be turned off when the time is 9:00 am. As another example, the light may be triggered to be turned off when a light detecting sensor detects light intensity reaching to a certain level (e.g., a high light level at dawn). The user can select the triggering sensor in multi sensor designs and the respective triggering condition. There is also an option for the light to not be turned off if desired.

The numerical reference13-4illustrates a way of controlling the light when the motion is detected by a sensor, regardless of whether the light is currently activated or not, which includes, when motion is detected, what is the color of the light, what is the duration of light on, and what is the intensity of the light. This setting allows for a brighter illumination when needed, for example, when the user gets up to go to the bathroom during the night. As an example shown inFIG. 14, when the motion is detected, the light is turned on with a white color and 90% intensity for 60 second. The user can select the light color in multi-color light designs, the duration of light on, and the intensity of the light from 0-100%.

The numerical reference13-5illustrates a setting option when current status is displayed, which includes setting the current date and time. As an example shown inFIG. 14, the current status displays that the date is Saturday Feb. 2, 2019 and the time is 7:31 am.

The numerical reference13-6illustrates a setting option of manually controlling the light. It allows the user to manually override the current setting to control the light status, including on/off, color, intensity, using the application software. It also allows a parent to remotely control the status of the light, for example, turning the light on from another room.

Members102,103,112,114,118and120, and free standing form174are made of materials that would hold its shape to block the space and would be perceived to be strong. For the devices100,110,130,150,160,165,170, and180, it is preferred for the members to have sufficient rigidity to allow them to be upwardly standing without the adjustable straps104. The materials commonly used are plastic, wood, fiberglass, press board, cardboard, and glass. It may also include a combination of materials that would hold its shape, which includes materials being light and low cost, for example, a wire frame to support a fabric exterior.

AlthoughFIGS. 1-12show flat members with square corners, the device may be made of one or several molded pieces or one or several pieces that could be bent along the vertical axis by the user to form the two dimensional footprint of the device. The shape of the device may also be curved, have texture, 3D molded shapes, rounded corners, and/or other shapes as desired to enhance the functionality or aesthetics.

To install devices according to embodiments described herein, the user first places the device adjacent to, or underneath, a bed, in a closet, or in another desired area. For some devices, the user may need to either add batteries or plug in the cord of the device. For some devices, the user may need to use a controller and/or a remote control to configure the settings for the lights. Some devices may be attached to the bed legs or posts using the adjustable straps.

A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.