Patent Publication Number: US-2016242567-A1

Title: Bed tent kit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,736, filed Feb. 26, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of tents and children&#39;s play toys with a specific focus on play accessories for a bedroom. The invention is intended primarily for indoor use in conjunction with a child&#39;s bed, but it has additional uses indoors and outdoors wherever a mattress or other sleeping foundation is utilized. The invention can be manufactured to fit any size bed and is designed for quick assembly and disassembly by either a child or an adult. 
     Children enjoy building tents or forts and especially enjoy sleeping in such temporary structures. It is common practice for children to erect tents on top of their beds and to sleep in them for consecutive nights. However, the building of such tents can often be time consuming and frustrating for both the child and the parent. Specifically for the parent, the request from a child to build a tent as bedtime nears can present challenges given that the parent is often tired by this time of night and there is little time to complete the tent before it is time for the child to go to sleep. Additionally, the building of such tents often includes the use of numerous and diverse household items, leading to a destabilized tent and creating a mess to be cleaned up once the child is done. Further, the building of such tents encumbers the use and removal of the bedding material (sheets, blankets, etc.). 
     Previous attempts have been made to address these challenges. However, prior attempts typically have various aspects that are not ideal at solving the issues outlined above. One of the most common bed tents available in the United States includes a tent that consists of a single outer shell and support poles. The outer shell has a bottom section that fits over the mattress (like a fitted sheet) and a top section that creates a dome structure. This design has several drawbacks. One drawback is that the bottom section fits snuggly over and around the mattress, which interferes with the normal use and operation of the child&#39;s bedding (sheets, blankets, duvet/bedspread, etc.). To enable the use of the child&#39;s bedding, all bedding must be removed prior to installation of the tent over the mattress. Then the bedding can be placed inside the tent; however, due to the construction of the tent, the bedding cannot drape alongside the mattress and cannot be tucked under at the foot of the bed as would normally be the case. This means that either (i) the child cannot use their normal bedding (sleeping on the floor of the tent itself) potentially leading to disturbed sleep, or (ii) the assembly is more time consuming requiring the removal of the existing bedding. In the second case, the bedding then needs to be repositioned inside the tent after assembly, which requires the parent to crawl into a tight space and work the bedding back into place. In another version of the above mentioned existing bed tent, the bottom portion of the tent fits snuggly around the outer portion of the mattress but is open to the top portion of the mattress (i.e., no “floor” to the bed tent). While this improves on (i) above, it does not improve upon (ii) above and still encumbers the normal use and fit of the child&#39;s bedding. 
     In a second common bed tent available in the United States, the tent is secured to the mattress by U-shaped straps in each corner. This design has many of the same drawbacks as the tent described previously in that the bed tent encumbers the normal use of the child&#39;s bedding. 
     Another drawback to both of these popular designs is the one piece nature of the tent, which causes several challenges. Since the outer shell is all one piece, machine washing the tent (if that is even an option given the materials used) requires the complete disassembly and removal from the bed as well as removal of all support poles. Another example of the challenges created by the one piece design is that the upper section (the section with the decorative design) is not replaceable. The owner must buy an entirely new tent should the child wish to change the theme of the tent. And finally, as a result of the one piece design, the setup requires the parent to assemble and erect the support poles from inside the tent, which can be difficult especially in a twin size bed application. 
     A third drawback to the existing bed tents on the market is that the support poles are inserted through sleeves in the outer shell, which requires more time to assemble and disassemble. 
     Other known bed tents also exist to try to address some of the challenges of the more popular bed tents; however, due to ineffective design, they are not commonly sold in the United States. Some of these known bed tents have eliminated the bottom section of the tent discussed above and instead use a combination of support poles that are affixed to the bed frame or are held in place with various tension straps. This design presents challenges for the assembly of the tent by a child and can potentially damage the bed frame. Other known bed tents have attempted to use a pop-up style tent that rests on top of the bed, but this presents many of the same challenges as the tent discussed above. For example, it requires the child&#39;s bedding to be removed should they wish to utilize the existing bedding. Further, others have attempted to use corner support brackets that affix to or press against the corners of the mattress, also requiring removal and reassembly when changing the bedding materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an objective of the present invention to address the drawbacks of known bed tents and to expand the demand for such tents. It is a further object of the invention to provide a bed tent that is quick to assemble or disassemble, has a foundation sheet that is not attached to either the mattress or the bedframe and remains permanently in place (further speeding the assembly time), has a cover or canopy that does not affix to the support poles, does not require the parent (or child) to enter the tent at any time during the assembly or disassembly process, is lightweight, allows for the unaltered use of the existing bedding (without removal during the assembly process), and has a decorative canopy that is easily removed for washing and is inexpensively replaced or exchanged without purchasing an entire bed tent. 
     The above and other objects are accomplished according to an embodiment of the invention by the provision of a bed tent kit to provide a removable enclosure over a bed mattress, comprising: a foundation sheet having a first edge region and adapted for placement between the bed mattress and a supporting structure beneath the bed mattress, wherein the foundation sheet includes a plurality of first attachment mechanisms spaced apart along the first edge region of the foundation sheet; a set of support poles having free pole ends each adapted for attachment to the foundation sheet by a respective one of the first attachment mechanisms, the set of support poles presenting a framework above the mattress when the free pole ends are attached to the foundation sheet; and a canopy sheet having a second edge region and a plurality of second attachment mechanisms spaced apart along the second edge region, the canopy sheet being adapted to rest over the framework when the set of support poles are attached to the foundation sheet, wherein the canopy sheet is attachable to the foundation sheet by the second attachment mechanisms independent of the attachment of the free pole ends of the support poles to the foundation sheet by the first attachment mechanisms. 
     In an embodiment, the foundation sheet fits between the mattress and box spring (or mattress and bed frame if no box spring is used). The foundation sheet is independent from the canopy sheet, and it is not secured to the mattress, box spring, or any part of the bed, requiring no additional hardware to be used in conjunction with the bed and resulting in no damage/alterations to the bed. The foundation sheet is held in place by the weight of the mattress, which is placed on top of the foundation sheet. Once in place, the foundation sheet remains in place even when the tent is not in use and is hidden underneath the mattress. This shortens the time needed to erect the tent in each future use. 
     In another embodiment the support poles are foldable or collapsible, and are attached to the foundation sheet at opposite corners, arch upward, and cross over the center of the bed. The canopy sheet is placed over top of the folding support poles, stretched downward, and the corners of the canopy sheet are coupled to the foundation sheet using a variety of potential connection mechanisms. 
     The independence between the foundation sheet and canopy sheet, placement of the foundation sheet under the mattress, as well as the placement of the canopy sheet over top of the support poles presents numerous benefits when erecting a bed tent:
         1. The tent is designed for very quick assembly and disassembly. The only items needing disassembly and storage are the canopy sheet and folding support poles. The foundation sheet remains in place and is concealed beneath the mattress.   2. The mattress provides a natural anchoring device for the foundation sheet, providing stability and eliminating any need to fasten supports to the bed or mattress.   3. The separation of the foundation sheet and canopy sheet allows the canopy to be removed without disassembly of any other piece of the tent. This allows for ease of washing or inexpensive replacement of the canopy (as the canopy can be replaced without full replacement of the tent).   4. The foundation sheet sits under the mattress (not on top of the mattress), and the support poles are attachable to the foundation sheet, not the mattress. The primary benefit of the design is that nothing covers the mattress allowing all bed coverings (sheets, blankets, duvet/bedspread) to remain in place during assembly and operate normally while the bed tent is in place.   5. The foundation sheet sits underneath the mattress allowing the support poles to extend below the mattress (as opposed to being on top of the mattress), providing for added stability.   6. The support poles are on the inside of the structure (versus a typical dome tent where the poles are outside, or worse, threaded through the canopy sheet) and are affixed to the foundation sheet prior to assembly of the canopy. This avoids the need to erect the poles and canopy simultaneously. This further avoids the need to have an adult or anyone enter the tent structure to erect the support poles.   7. All poles are of equal length avoiding the need for the person erecting the tent to know which pole goes in which position.   8. The poles are on the inside of the structure, which allows an opportunity to hang add-on accessories such as a hanging light, clock, fan, etc.   9. The canopy sheet attaches to the foundation sheet, not the support poles, providing for independence between the support poles and canopy.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is further explained in relation to the attached drawings and detailed descriptions below. 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of the mattress and box spring with a see-through view shown in dashed lines of the outline of the foundation sheet. The figure also shows the extensions coming off the corners of the foundation sheet which have pockets into which the support poles are inserted. 
         FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    shows two side views of a section of the support poles, with  FIG. 2 a    showing the assembled poles and  FIG. 2 b    showing the poles in a folded state 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the assembled tent without the canopy sheet. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of one corner showing how the poles fit into the pocket of the extension corner of the foundation sheet. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of an optional top clip for holding the two support poles together at the top of the arch. 
         FIG. 6  is an overhead view of the assembled tent without the canopy sheet, and also showing the optional top clip at the top of the support poles. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the fully assembled tent with see-through views of the mattress, box spring, support poles and foundation sheet extension pockets, and additionally showing an opening in a closed state, for example by a zipper, for entry into the tent. 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    show two partial views of the canopy sheet, with  FIG. 8 a    being an external view of one corner of the canopy sheet with a see-through view of the mattress, box spring, support poles and foundation sheet extension pockets, and  FIG. 8 b    being an internal view looking outward from the mattress/box spring outward to the support poles and canopy sheet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , a foundation sheet ( 10 ) is placed between a mattress ( 12 ) and box spring ( 14 ) (or mattress and bed frame if no box spring is used). The foundation sheet ( 10 ) can be cut slightly smaller than the dimensions of the box spring ( 14 ) and mattress ( 12 ) so as to conceal it from sight when not in use, but the foundation sheet ( 10 ) does not necessarily need to be cut smaller than the box spring ( 14 ) and mattress ( 12 ). The foundation sheet ( 10 ) can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, vinyl, polyethylene, cotton, linen, polyester, rubber, or any thin, flexible or elastic material. In one embodiment of the invention, the foundation sheet ( 10 ) is made of cotton or other material similar to typical bedding material in order to more closely match the type of material used in a sleeping situation; however, in other embodiments, the material is a more durable material such as vinyl or polyethylene so that the foundation sheet ( 10 ) will last longer. 
     In the one embodiment, the foundation sheet ( 10 ) is cut shorter than the dimensions of the mattress ( 12 ) (and therefore concealed from normal view), and the foundation sheet has short extensions ( 16 ) off each of the four corners to which the support poles ( 20 ) and canopy sheet ( 30 ) may be attached. In other embodiments, if the foundation sheet ( 10 ) is cut wider than the dimensions of the mattress ( 12 ) (and is not concealed from normal view), the foundation sheet ( 10 ) does not necessarily need the extensions ( 16 ) off each corner, and the support poles ( 20 ) and canopy sheet ( 30 ) can attach directly to the foundation sheet ( 10 ). The foundation sheet extensions ( 16 ) may be of the same material as the foundation sheet ( 10 ) or of an alternative material. The foundation corners (if extensions are not used) or the foundation sheet extensions ( 16 ) (if extensions are used) has first attachment mechanisms spaced apart along an edge region ( 19 ) of the foundation sheet, such as receptacles ( 18 ) at the ends of the corners ( 18   a ) of the foundation sheet to which the support poles ( 20 ) are affixed. In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacles ( 18 ) are pockets manufactured into the material into which the free ends of the support poles ( 20 ) are inserted. In other embodiments, receptacles ( 18 ) could be in the form of grommets, snaps, or any other appropriate fastening device. The support polls may be foldable or collapsible, as known in the art. 
     In the another embodiment, the folding support poles ( 20 ) may comprise two in number and are of equal length; however, such length will vary depending upon the size of the tent desired. In other embodiments, additional folding support poles ( 20 ) could be used, for example, crossing the width or length of the bed for further support. The folding support poles ( 20 ) fold into several smaller sections for ease of storage. The folding support poles ( 20 ) can be made of varying materials. In one embodiment, the support poles ( 20 ) are made of fiberglass. In other embodiments, the support poles ( 20 ) could be made of other materials such as metal or plastic so long as they provide for the necessary flexibility and strength in use. 
     The folding mechanism in the folding support poles ( 20 ) can vary in nature. For example, in one embodiment, the folding feature will be achieved using a varying number of sections of poles, each with a hollow core through which an elastic cord ( 22 ) is inserted. Each section will have a ferrule ( 24 ) that allows for two sections to be secured together. The elastic cord ( 22 ) allows the sections to be separated and folded against each other when not in use, but they also provide necessary tension to hold the section in the ferrule ( 24 ) when in use. In other embodiments of the invention, the folding mechanism could be alternative fastening methods such as hinges. 
     The folding support poles ( 20 ) have free ends or tips that are appropriate based on the receptacles used in conjunction with the foundation sheet ( 10 ). In one embodiment, the foundation sheet ( 10 ) (or extensions ( 16 )) will have pockets ( 18 ) and the folding support poles ( 20 ) will have rubber tips. In other embodiments, the foundation sheet ( 10 ) (or extensions ( 16 )) will have grommet holes that are smaller than the diameter of the folding support poles ( 20 ), and the folding support poles ( 20 ) will have metal or plastic tips that are smaller than the grommet holes. In still other embodiments, the foundation sheet ( 10 ) (or extensions ( 16 )) will have snaps and the support poles ( 20 ) will have the opposite snap. Other fastening mechanisms could also be used. 
     The folding support poles ( 20 ) are affixed to opposite corners of the foundation sheet ( 10 ) and bow upward forming an arch that crosses above the center of the mattress. In one embodiment, the folding support poles ( 20 ) may be secured at the top of the arch. In other embodiments, the folding support poles ( 20 ) are not secured at the top of the arch and are held in place simply by the tension produced by the canopy sheet ( 30 ) when installed. The method of securing the folding support poles ( 20 ) together at the top of the arch can vary from ties, clips, and other securing devices. In one embodiment, the folding support poles ( 20 ) are secured using a plastic clip ( 26 ) that may be molded to match the curvature of the arch and snaps in place on each pole. 
     The canopy sheet ( 30 ) is in the shape of a dome and can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, vinyl, polyethylene, cotton, linen, polyester, rubber, or any thin, flexible or elastic material. In one embodiment of the invention, the canopy sheet ( 30 ) is made of cotton or other material similar to typical bedding material in order to more closely match the type of material used in a sleeping situation. Such material also provides the benefit of breathability, eliminating the need for vents in the canopy sheet ( 30 ). In other embodiments, the material is a more durable material such as vinyl or polyethylene so that the canopy sheet ( 30 ) will last longer; however, in such embodiments, the canopy sheet ( 30 ) may require vents to be utilized to provide necessary ventilation. 
     The canopy sheet ( 30 ) is placed over top of the folding support poles ( 20 ) after the poles are attached to the foundation sheet ( 10 ). The canopy sheet ( 30 ) is of a size that, when placed over the folding support poles ( 20 ) and in its final position, the bottom edges of the canopy sheet ( 30 ) extend below the bottom of the mattress ( 12 ). After being placed over top of the folding support poles ( 20 ), the canopy sheet ( 30 ) is stretched downward and affixed at the corners to the foundation sheet ( 10 ). The method by which the canopy sheet ( 30 ) is affixed to the foundation sheet ( 10 ) can vary and may include second attachment mechanisms spaced apart along an edge region ( 31 ) of the canopy sheet, such as receiving pockets ( 32 ) in the canopy sheet ( 30 ), snaps, clips or hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro brand fasteners, or other fastening mechanism. In the one embodiment of the invention, the canopy sheet ( 30 ) has pockets ( 32 ) manufactured into each corner ( 32   a ) (only one of which is shown  FIGS. 8 a , 8 b   ) of the canopy, into which the foundation sheet ( 10 ) (or foundation sheet extensions ( 16 ) if used) may be inserted. In other embodiments, the canopy sheet ( 30 ) is affixed to the foundation sheet ( 10 ) (or foundation sheet extensions ( 16 ) if used) by snaps, hook and loop fastener, clips or other fastening device.  FIG. 8 b    is a partial view inside the canopy sheet of the pocket ( 32 ) at one of the corners ( 32   a ) and illustrates how the foundation sheet extension pockets ( 18 ) may fit into the canopy sheet pocket ( 32 ).  FIG. 8 a    is a similar view from outside the canopy sheet, showing in dashed lines the otherwise hidden mattress ( 12 ), box spring ( 14 ), foundation sheet extension ( 16 ), foundation sheet pocket ( 18 ), support pole ( 20 ), and canopy pocket ( 32 ). 
     The canopy sheet ( 30 ) has an entry opening ( 34 ) for ingress and egress. The entry opening ( 34 ) can be opened or closed with varying mechanisms including zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, magnets, or other methods. One embodiment uses a zipper; however, other embodiments may use other methods. The invention may also use a mechanism for keeping the entry opening ( 34 ) in a wide open position. Options include hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other mechanisms attached to the canopy. 
     The invention has been described in detail with respect to exemplary embodiments, and it will now be apparent from the foregoing to those skilled in the art, that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader, aspects, and the invention, therefore, as defined in the appended claims, is intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit of the invention.