Patent Publication Number: US-2011061701-A1

Title: Bed cover with an attachable tent

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/241,626, filed Sep. 11, 2009, entitled “Bed Cover with an Attachable Tent,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bed cover with an attachable tent. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a relatively easily assembled, collapsible tent for use in connection with a bed cover or other such bedding or sleeping article. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Living in societies and environments completely run by adults has a tendency to alienate children, leaving them feeling stateless, having no territory to call their own. In efforts to give children a place to call home and be creative and imaginative, various manufacturers and companies have developed forts and tents that allow children and adults alike to stake out at least a small piece of land for their own fantasy world, be it on the living room floor, in the backyard, or otherwise. However, all of these structures require adult assistance, such as in the areas of assembly and setup; even if a child attempts to assemble a structure, adult supervision would be required to ensure the safety and protection of the child from sharp edges, potential suffocation hazards, and other obstacles. 
     Children&#39;s forts of various types and styles are currently made by several manufacturers. Known designs include tents that are assembled by attaching material together using suction cups and ropes in order to erect the fort. However, such structures are complicated, sometimes dangerous, and typically require adult supervision during assembly. 
     Other known designs include a tent that can be placed on top of a bed. Such structures may pop up and stay up using a wire and material construction. These products are difficult to assemble and disassemble to and from the fully erect position of the tent. Additionally, the wire edges are not comfortable for the child&#39;s body to be in contact with and can cause serious discomfort and possibly injury. 
     Thus, there is a need for a bed cover with a relatively simple, detachably attachable tent that is safe during assembly and in operation, and capable of assembly by a child with minimal or no assistance from an adult. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bed cover with a detachably attachable tent. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a collapsible tent for use in connection with a bed cover or other such article. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising at least a first panel comprising a child-safe support material, and at least an attachment means for attaching at least a portion of the first panel to an article of bedding. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising at least a first panel, an article of bedding, and at least an attachment means for attaching at least a portion of the first panel to an article of bedding. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising a panel having a substantially planar surface, a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, side edges, and a foldable means centered on a plane perpendicular to the planar surface located between the top edge and the bottom edge dividing the panel into a plurality of panel sections; wherein the panel is foldable about the foldable means so the back side of each of the plurality of panel sections is movable inwardly toward the foldable means, wherein the panel forms a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed; a child-safe support material for providing child-safe support to the panel, wherein the child-safe support material may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of the panel; and an attachment means secured to the panel for detachably attaching at least a portion of the panel to the article of bedding. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising at least a first panel and a second panel; an article of bedding; and at least an attachment means for attaching at least a portion of at least one of the at least first and second panels to at least a portion of the article of bedding. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising a plurality of panels, each having a substantially planar surface, a front side, a back side, a proximate edge, a distal edge, and side edges; a panel attachment secured to the proximate edge of each of the plurality of panels for detachably attaching the proximate edges of each of the plurality of panels together forming a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed; a child-safe support material for providing child-safe support to each of the plurality of panels, wherein the child-safe support material may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of each panel; a bedding attachment secured to a distal edge of each of the plurality of panels for detachably attaching the distal edge of each of the plurality of panels to an article of bedding covering the bed. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent is provided comprising a top panel having a front side and a back side, a proximate edge, a distal edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; a front panel having a front side and a back side (not shown), a proximate edge, a distal edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a first bed attachment secured to the front panel distal edge for detachably attaching the tent to an article of bedding covering a bed, wherein the front panel proximate edge may be secured to the top panel proximate edge with a foldable top panel attachment; a first side panel having a front side and a back side, a proximate edge, a distal edge, an inner side edge, an outer side edge, and a second bed attachment secured to the first side panel distal edge for detachably attaching the tent to the article of bedding, wherein the inner side edge of the first side panel may be secured to the first side edge of the front panel with a first foldable tent attachment and the first side panel proximate edge may be detachably attached to the first side edge of the top panel; a second side panel having a front side and a back side, a proximate edge, a distal edge, an inner side edge, an outer side edge, and a third bed attachment secured to the second side panel distal edge for detachably attaching the tent to the article of bedding, wherein the inner side edge of the second side panel may be secured to the second side edge of the front panel with a second foldable tent attachment and the second side panel proximate edge may be detachably attached to the second side edge of the top panel; and a child-safe support material for providing child-safe support to the tent, wherein the child-safe support material may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of the top panel, the front side and the back side of the front panel, the front side and the back side of the first side panel, and the front side and the back side of the second side panel; wherein the back side of the first side panel, the back side of the second side panel, and the back side of the top panel may be folded inwardly toward the back side of the front panel forming a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a bed tent assembly is provided comprising an article of bedding for covering a bed having a top side and a bottom side wherein the bottom side of the article of bedding overlays a top surface of a bed; and a tent attachment secured to the top of the article of bedding for removably attaching the article of bedding to a tent; and a bed tent comprising a plurality of panels, each having a substantially planar surface, a front side, a back side, a proximate edge, a distal edge, and side edges; a panel attachment secured to the proximate edge of each of the plurality of panels for detachably attaching the proximate edges of each of the plurality of panels together forming a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed; a child-safe support material for providing child-safe support to each of the plurality of panels, wherein the child-safe support material may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of each panel; a bedding attachment secured to a distal edge of each of the plurality of panels for detachably attaching the distal edge of each of the plurality of panels to the tent attachment. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a bed tent is provided comprising providing a length of a textile; cutting a panel from the length of a textile; providing child-safe support material; cutting a strip of the child-safe support material; installing the strip of the child-safe support material in the panel; and securing a bedding attachment means to the panel for attachment to a piece of bedding material; providing the piece of bedding material; and securing a tent attachment means to the piece of bedding material for attachment to the bedding attachment means, comprises providing at least a length of a material, cutting a first panel from the length of a material, providing an amount of a stiffener material, cutting a plurality of elongated strips of a stiffener material spanning substantially the length of the first panel&#39;s shortest span, installing the plurality of elongated strips of stiffener material in the first panel, installing at least an attachment means on at least a portion of the first panel, and repeating the method for additional panels, if needed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top view of an unfolded bed tent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the bed tent from  FIG. 1  in a folded position; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of an unassembled bed tent panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of a bed tent showing the bed tent panel from  FIG. 3  in a folded position; and 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top view of an unfolded bed tent in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a bed tent assembly in a folded position, showing a bed tent similar to that depicted in  FIG. 5 , attached to an article of bedding, covering a bed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart depicting a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments or other examples described herein. However, it will be understood these examples may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail, so as to not obscure the following description. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein are for exemplary purposes only and other examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, the examples disclosed. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a top view of an unfolded bed tent  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The bed tent  100  may generally comprise a panel  101  having a substantially planar surface, a front side, a back side (not shown), a top edge  102 , a bottom edge  103 , side edges  104 , and a foldable means  106  centered on a plane perpendicular to the planar surface located between the top edge  102  and the bottom edge  103 , dividing the panel into a plurality of panel sections  110 . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel  101  is foldable about the foldable means  106  so the back side of each of the plurality of panel sections  110  is movable inwardly toward the foldable means  106  wherein the panel  101  forms a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the bed tent  100  may also comprise child-safe support material  112  for providing child-safe support to the panel, wherein the child-safe support material may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of the panel and panel material  114 . In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the tent  100  may also comprise an attachment means  116  secured to the panel  101  for detachably attaching at least a portion of the panel  101  to an article of bedding. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel  101  may generally comprise a panel material  114  comprising any material feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to any material or textile material (such as cloth, linen, silk, cotton, Nylon®, Nylon® blends, polymers, polymer blends, etc.) or any combination thereof. In addition, although depicted in  FIG. 1  as a generally rectangular shape, it should be noted the panel  101 , as well as any other panels utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention, may take any shape feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to polygonal, circular, ovoid, and freeform shapes, without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel  101  may comprise a substantially planar surface, or any other surface in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the panel  101  may comprise any surface shape and texture feasible in embodiments of the present invention including but not limited to, concave, convex, smooth, curved, and contoured surfaces, and the like, for example. Although top edge  102 , the bottom edge  103 , and the side edges  104  are depicted as straight lines in  FIG. 1 , the edges  102 ,  103 , and  104  may form any shape, length, or thickness in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, including, for example, cartoon characters, cars, animals, other child-friendly shapes, and the like. The shape may generally be child-friendly and easily assembled by children. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the foldable means  106  may generally comprise any textile or structure capable of folding, such as a seam or a hinge, and the like. The plurality of panel sections  110  may generally comprise any textile material and may comprise any size and shape feasible within embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the foldable means  106  may separate the panel  101  into a plurality of panel sections  110  of equivalent size. In alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable means  106  may separate the panel  101  into a plurality of panel sections of unequal size. 
     The bed tent may also comprise one or more lengths of a child-safe support material  112 , depicted in  FIG. 1  as high-density foam strip inserts (hereinafter “stiffeners”). These stiffeners  112  may comprise any material or combination of materials feasible in embodiments of the present invention, for example, to provide rib-like structure or stiffness or rigidity sufficient for the structure to be erected in some manner such that it creates at least an area for receiving a child and/or adult. The material or combination of materials of the stiffeners  112  include but are not limited to any open- or closed-cell foam material that is compressible and presents an insubstantial or negligible risk to a child. The stiffeners  112  may also comprise a material that is compressible, child-safe, and elastic or semi-elastic in nature, such as viscoelastic polyurethane foam (e.g., “memory foam”). In another embodiment, the stiffeners  112  may constitute polymer tubing, which may be encased or otherwise disposed in the material of a panel. 
     In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, the stiffeners  112  may be installed into at least the panel  101  to form a rigid or semi-rigid structure, capable of maintaining itself in a formed position when stationary and not subjected to extraneous external forces. As depicted, the stiffeners  112  may be installed into the panel  101  by way of disposing them into a plurality of identifiable pockets formed in a void in the panel, or by placing the stiffeners  112  within the panel and sewing or sealing the material area around the stiffener  112 , thus holding the stiffener  112  in a substantially fixed position. The sewing or sealing operation may be conducted utilizing any conventional technique, including hand-sewing, machine-sewing, heat-sealing (as with a polymeric or thermoplastic fabric), any other technique feasible in embodiments of the present invention, or any combination thereof. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the stiffeners  112  in the bed tent may be removably replaceable. In such an embodiment, any number of stiffeners  112  may be placed into voids, pockets or crevasses in the panels, as described herein, and be able to be removed at any time. The stiffeners may then be replaced after a period of time, when, for example, the stiffeners  112  begin to lose rigidity or so the panel material  114  may be washed or laundered when it becomes soiled. 
     Although depicted in  FIG. 1  as containing four stiffeners  112 , it should be noted that embodiments of the present invention may contain any number of stiffeners feasible in embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the panel may contain two stiffeners, one at either end, which may be sufficient to bestow the aforementioned characteristics on the panel. Additionally, although shown as parallel to the short end of a rectangular shape, the stiffeners may be configured in any fashion feasible in embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. By way of example, the stiffeners may be configured to form an “X” or honeycomb configurations. 
     Furthermore, although depicted as rectangular in shape, the stiffeners  112  may take any shape feasible in embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, stiffeners  112  may take any form, including flat, rounded, hollow, cylindrical, polygonal, circular, spheroid, or other shapes. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, the shape of the stiffeners  112  may be dictated or otherwise influenced by the shape of the panel  101 . For example, circular or semicircular panels may utilize rounded or curved stiffeners located at least one point for purposes of ease of manufacturing and ease of installation. In an embodiment utilizing substantially flat or planar panels and substantially flat or planar stiffeners, the structure of the tent may allow for rolling and compression of the bed tent, thus minimizing the volume and/or surface area of the bed tent and facilitating efficient storage. 
     Additionally, although depicted as rib-like members, it should be noted the stiffeners can take any form feasible in embodiments of the present invention. For example, the stiffeners may constitute at least a portion or substantially all of the area and/or volume inside any one or more of the panels. In such a manner, the stiffener(s) may include a single rigid or semi-rigid member encased in the material of a panel. 
     Also as depicted in  FIG. 1 , at the panel  101  may be fitted with at least an attachment means  116 . The attachment means  116  may comprise any attachment means feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), one or more adhesive strips, buckles, buttons, clasps, clips, flanges, frogs, pegs, pins, rings, snaps, straps, ties, zippers, any other attachment means, and combinations thereof. Although depicted in  FIG. 1  as having two strips of Velcro®-like material it should be noted any number of any combination of attachment means may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a bed tent  200  from  FIG. 1  in a folded or assembled position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of panel sections  210  may have identical, substantially similar, or substantially different features and characteristics in various embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, a top edge  202 , bottom edge  203 , side edges  204 , foldable means  206 , child-safe support material  212 , the panel material  214 , and the attachment means  216 , are similar to those described in  FIG. 1 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of panel sections  210  may be attached in a manner such that the panels and the surface upon which each panel rests  208  form a generally triangular shape. This may be accomplished by attaching at least a portion of each of the plurality of panel sections  210  in contact to form a foldable means  206  generally comprising an apex or joint surface. In such a manner, a child may play in, or use for recreation, the triangular space formed by the plurality of panel sections  210  and the surface upon which the panels rest  208  (e.g., bed cover, floor, etc.) as his/her own territory. 
     In one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the plurality of panel sections  210  may be removably attached at the apex or joint surface by way of attachment means, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  and described herein with respect to previously-described embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments of the present invention, the patterns, design, texture, indicia, theme, and the like on the plurality of panel sections  210  is similar or identical. By way of example, a car theme may be chosen in which the plurality of panel sections  210  form the structure of the top portion of a car and the surface upon which the panels rest  208  comprises a bed cover with a design depicting a bottom portion of the car. In embodiments of the present invention, the tent  200  generally may comprise the same patterns and indicia as the surface upon which the panels rest  208 . These coordinated patterns and themes are within the scope of embodiments of the present invention. 
     The attachment means  216  nearest the surface  208  upon which the panels rest may serve to attach one or more of the panels to the surface  208 . For example, the attachment means  216  disposed on each of the plurality of panel sections  210  may comprise a hook strip (i.e., one section of a hook-and-loop fastener system), while the surface  208 , such as a comforter, article of bedding, floor, or other surface feasible in embodiments of the present invention, may contain a loop strip (i.e., the other section of the hook-and-loop fastener system); when engaged, the hook strip and the loop strip would produce a fastening mechanism, which requires some force to disengage. 
     As discussed earlier with respect to other previously-described embodiments of the present invention, any number of panels  210  may be connected or otherwise engaged without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The space formed by the panels  210  and the surface  208  or surfaces involved may be generally triangular, rectangular, otherwise polygonal, circular, freeform shaped or any other shape feasible in embodiments of the present invention. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a panel may be utilized in connection with, for example, a bed cover and a wall, creating a sort of “lean-to” structure. In such an embodiment, the first panel may be attached to no surface or to one or both surfaces, creating a generally right-triangular shaped space in which a child may play. If in the configuration of a “lean-to,” the panel may be attached on one end to the bed and on the distal edge to a wall or other structure (not shown). 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the bed tent  210  may be collapsed in a relatively simplistic manner. In such an embodiment, one or more panels may be joined at an edge and/or via foldable means  206  as described hereinabove. To collapse, if a plurality of panels  210  is joined at an foldable means  206 , the panels  210  may be folded along the foldable means  206  to collapse into a relatively flat structure with relatively low volume; if the plurality of panels is connected by no other means than by attachment means, the plurality of panels  210  may be stacked on top of each other and stored. This process may be easily completed by small children and thus would not necessarily require adult supervision. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top view of an unassembled bed tent panel section  300  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The panel section  300  may have identical, substantially similar, or substantially different features and characteristics in various embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the panel section  300  may comprise a panel having a substantially planar surface, a front side, a back side (not shown), a proximate edge  305 , a distal edge  302 , and side edges  304 . In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300  may also comprise a panel attachment  318  secured to the proximate edge  305  of each of a plurality of panels for detachably attaching the proximate edges  308  of each of a plurality of panels together forming a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed. Additionally, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300  may further comprise a child-safe support material  312  for providing child-safe support to each panel  300 , wherein the child-safe support material  312  may be secured within a void formed between the front side and the back side of the panel. Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300  may also comprise a bedding attachment  316  secured to a distal edge  302  of the panel section  300  for detachably attaching the distal edge  302  of the panel section to an article of bedding covering the bed. Further, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300 , may also comprise a panel attachment  318  secured to proximate edge  305  of the panel section  300  for detachably attaching the proximate edge  305  of the panel section to one or more additional panel sections (see  FIG. 4 ). In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the side edges  304 , child-safe support material  312 , a panel material  314 , and the attachment means  316 , are similar to those depicted and described above in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the proximate edge  305  and the distal edge  302  may be of any length, shape, size feasible in embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel attachment  318  may comprise any attachment means feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), one or more adhesive strips, buckles, buttons, clasps, clips, flanges, frogs, pegs, pins, rings, snaps, straps, ties, zippers, any other attachment means, and combinations thereof. Any number of any combinations of attachment means may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300  may comprise any size and shape and any material feasible in embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the panel section  300  may be foldable, and alternatively, the panel section  300  may not be foldable. Generally, one or more panel sections  300  may be assembled to form any bed tent feasible in embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a perspective side view of a bed tent including a plurality of panels  410  similar to the bed tent panel described in  FIG. 3 . In embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of panels  410  may be attached to each other in a manner such that the panels and the surface upon which each panel rests  408  form a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above a surface  408 . This may be accomplished by attaching at least a portion of each panel section  410  to a portion of another panel section. In such a manner, a child may play in, or use for recreation, the space formed by the panel sections  410  and the surface upon which the panels rest  408  (e.g., bed cover, floor, etc.) as his/her own territory. In one embodiment, at least a portion of each of the panel section  410  may be removably attached at the apex or joint surface by way of a panel attachment  418  with respect to previously-described embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, a proximate edge  405 , a distal edge  402 , a side edges  404 , the surface upon which each panel rests  408 , a child-safe support material  412 , a panel material  414 , a bedding attachment  416 , and a panel attachment  418 , are similar to those described in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The attachment means  416  nearest the surface upon which the panels rest  408  may serve to attach one or more of the panels  410  to the surface  408 . For example, the attachment means  416  disposed on each of the panel sections  410  may comprise a hook strip (i.e., one section of a hook-and-loop fastener system), while the surface  408 , such as a comforter, article of bedding, floor, or other surface feasible in embodiments of the present invention, may contain a loop strip (i.e., the other section of the hook-and-loop fastener system); when engaged, the hook strip and the loop strip would produce a fastening mechanism which requires some force to disengage. 
     As discussed earlier with respect to other previously-described embodiments of the present invention, any number of panels  410  may be connected or otherwise engaged without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The space formed by the panels  410  and the surface  408  or surfaces involved may be generally triangular, rectangular, otherwise polygonal, circular, freeform shaped or any other shape feasible in embodiments of the present invention. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the bed tent  400  may be disassembled in a relatively simplistic manner. In such an embodiment, one or more panels  410  may be joined at an edge and/or a panel attachment  418  as described hereinabove. To disassemble, the panel attachment  418  may be disengaged from an engaged position. If plurality of panels  410  is connected by no other means than by the panel attachment  418 , the plurality of panels  410  may be stacked on top of each other and stored. This process may be easily completed by small children and thus would not necessarily require adult supervision. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a top view of an unfolded bed tent  500  in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, the bed tent  500  comprises a top panel  530  having a front side and a back side (not shown), a top panel proximate edge  532 , a top panel distal edge  534 , a first side edge  536  and a second side edge  538 ; a front panel  540  having a front side and a back side (not shown), a front panel proximate edge  542 , a front panel distal edge  544 , a first side edge  546 , a second side edge  548 , and a first bed attachment  550  secured to the front panel distal edge  544  for detachably attaching the tent  500  to an article of bedding covering a bed, wherein the front panel proximate edge  542  may be secured to the top panel proximate edge  532  with a foldable top panel attachment  552 ; a first side panel  560  having a front side and a back side (not shown), a first side panel proximate edge  562 , a first side panel distal edge  564 , an inner side edge  566 , an outer side edge  568 , and a second bed attachment  570  secured to the first side panel distal edge  564  for detachably attaching the tent  500  to the article of bedding, wherein the inner side edge  566  of the first side panel  560  may be secured to the first side edge  546  of the front panel  540  with a first foldable tent attachment  572  and the first side panel proximate edge  562  may be detachably attached to the first side edge  536  of the top panel  530 ; a second side panel  580  having a front side and a back side (not shown), a second side panel proximate edge  582 , a second side panel distal edge  584 , an inner side edge  586 , an outer side edge  588 , and a third bed attachment  590  secured to the second side panel distal edge  584  for detachably attaching the tent  500  to the article of bedding, wherein the inner side edge  586  of the second side panel  580  may be secured to the second side edge  548  of the front panel  540  with a second foldable tent attachment  574  and the second side panel proximate edge  582  may be detachably attached to the second side edge  538  of the top panel  530 ; and a child-safe support material  598  for providing child-safe support to the tent  500 , wherein the child-safe support material  598  may be secured within in a void formed between the front side and the back side of the top panel  530 , the front side and the back side of the front panel  540 , the front side and the back side of the first side panel  560 , and the front side and the back side of the second side panel  580 , wherein the back side of the first side panel  560 , the back side of the second side panel  580 , and the back side of the top panel  530  may be folded inwardly toward the back side of the front panel  540  forming a canopy substantially enclosing an area below the canopy above an article of bedding covering a bed, wherein the enclosed area is large enough for acceptance of a child. In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the tent  500  may further comprise a window  554  cut out of the front panel  540  or any other panel. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, while the top panel  530 , the front panel  540 , the first side panel  560 , and the second side panel  580  are depicted with various shapes, any size and shape is contemplated within the embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the top panel  530 , the front panel  540 , the first side panel  560 , and the second side panel  580 , and the child-safe support material  598  may comprise any child-safe material. For example, soft compressible materials and textiles may be use to prevent the risk of injury to a child. The child-safe support materials to be used in accordance with the embodiments depicted in  FIG. 5  are similar to those described in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention. The edges  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 ,  548 ,  562 ,  5264 ,  566 ,  568 ,  582 ,  584 ,  586 , and  588  may comprise any angle, size, shape, texture, and the like feasible in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, the window  554  may comprise any size and shape feasible in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For example, the window  554  may comprise a car window shape, a spaceship window shape, a ship porthole shape, or a double window shape. Additionally, for example, any number of windows  554  cut out of any panel  530 ,  540 ,  560 , and  580  is contemplated within the embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the attachments  552 ,  572 , and  574 , and any other attachment in accordance with embodiments depicted in  FIG. 5  are similar to those described in other embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a perspective side view of a bed tent assembly  600  comprising a bed tent  601  similar to that depicted in  FIG. 5  in a folded position attached to an article of bedding  694  covering a bed  696  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the article of bedding  694  may comprise a top side and a bottom side (not shown), wherein the bottom side of the article of bedding may overlay the top surface of the bed  696 . In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the article of bedding  694  may also comprise a tent attachment secured to the top of the article of bedding  694  for removably attaching the article of bedding  694  to the tent  601 . A top panel  630 , a front panel  640 , a first side panel  660 , a second side panel  680 , and a window  654  may have identical, substantially similar, or substantially different features and characteristics in various embodiments of the present invention, including those depicted and described in  FIG. 5 . 
     In accordance with many embodiments of the present invention, the front panel  640 , the first side panel  660 , and the second side panel  680  may comprise a plurality bedding attachments  692  detachably attachable to a correspondent attachment secured to the article of bedding  694 . In embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of bedding attachments  692  may have similar properties to those described in embodiments of the present invention depicted and described in  FIGS. 1-4 , as well as all alternative attachment means with similar properties. For example, the plurality bedding attachments  692  may comprise a hook strip (i.e., one section of a hook-and-loop fastener system), while the article of bedding  694  or other surface feasible in embodiments of the present invention, may contain a loop strip (i.e., the other section of the hook-and-loop fastener system); when engaged, the hook strip and the loop strip would produce a fastening mechanism, which requires some force to disengage. 
     As discussed earlier with respect to other previously-described embodiments of the present invention, any number of panels may be connected or otherwise engaged without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. The space formed by the panels and the surface or surfaces involved may be generally triangular, rectangular, otherwise polygonal, circular, freeform shaped, or any other shape and size feasible in embodiments of the present invention. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the bed tent  601  may be collapsed or disassembled in a relatively simplistic manner. In such an embodiment, one or more panels may be joined at an edge and/or via attachment means as described hereinabove. To collapse, if a plurality of panels is joined at a foldable means, the panels may be folded along the foldable means to collapse into a relatively flat structure with relatively low volume. 
     In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, if the plurality of panels is connected by a disengagable attachment means, the disengagable attachment mans may be disengaged and the plurality of panels may be stacked on top of each other and stored, such that a child may easily disassemble and assemble the tent  601 . Any combination of foldable means and disengagable attachment means are contemplated in the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a method  700  of manufacturing a children&#39;s bed tent is depicted in flowchart form in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The method  700  may begin at block  702 . After block  702 , the method  700  may then proceed to step  704 . 
     In step  704 , a length of material is provided. The material may be any material described hereinabove with respect to the material utilized in previously-described embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited cloth, linen, silk, cotton, Nylon®, Nylon® blends, polymers, polymer blends, etc. and other textile materials. After step  704 , the method  700  may proceed to step  706 . 
     In step  706 , a first panel is cut from the length of a material. The first panel may take any shape feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including those described hereinabove, such as polygonal, circular, and freeform shape. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the first panel may be cut by hand, machine, mechanical device, or any other feasible means for cutting a panel from a length of material. After step  706 , the method  700  may proceed to step  708 . 
     In step  708 , an amount of a child-safe support material is provided. This material may comprise any material or combination of materials feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to any open- or closed-cell foam material that is compressible and presents an insubstantial or negligible risk to a child. The material may also comprise a material that is compressible, child-safe, and elastic or semi-elastic in nature, such as viscoelastic polyurethane foam (e.g., “memory foam”). In another embodiment, the stiffeners may constitute polymer tubing, which may be encased or otherwise disposed in the material of a panel. After step  708 , the method  700  may proceed to step  710 . 
     In step  710 , strips of the child-safe support material may be cut. Any number of flat, semi-flat, curved, round, oval or any other shaped strips may be cut in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and the strips may take on any shape described hereinabove with respect to previously-described embodiments of the present invention, or any combination thereof. After step  710 , the method  700  may proceed to step  712 . 
     In step  712 , the strips of the child-safe support material may be installed in the first panel. This may be accomplished by way of disposing them into a plurality of pockets formed in the first panel, or by placing the strips within the first panel and sewing or sealing the material area around the strip, thus holding the strip in a substantially fixed position. The sewing or sealing operation may be conducted utilizing any conventional technique, including hand-sewing, machine-sewing, heat-sealing (as with a polymeric or thermoplastic fabric), any other technique feasible in embodiments of the present invention, or any combination thereof. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the stiffeners in the bed tent may be removably replaceable. In such an embodiment, any number of stiffeners may be placed into pockets or crevasses in the panels, as described herein, and be able to be removed at any time. The stiffeners may then be replaced after a period of time, when, for example, the stiffeners begin to lose rigidity or the panel material  114  may be washed or laundered when soiled. After step  712 , the method  700  may proceed to step  714 . 
     In step  714 , the first panel may be fitted with at least a bedding attachment means. The bedding attachment means may comprise any attachment means feasible in embodiments of the present invention, including but not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), one or more adhesive strips, buckles, buttons, clasps, clips, flanges, frogs, pegs, pins, rings, snaps, straps, ties, zippers, any other attachment means, and combinations thereof. Any number of any combinations of bedding attachment means may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention. After step  714 , the method  700  may proceed to decision  716 . 
     In decision  716 , the manufacturer decides if more than one panel needs to be manufactured. If any subsequent panels are to be manufactured, the method  700  may proceed to step  704  and repeat each subsequent step as described hereinabove. If only a first panel will be manufactured, the method  700  may proceed to termination block  718 . The method  700  terminates at termination block  718 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, prior to proceeding to the termination block  718 , the method  700  may proceed to providing a piece of bedding material and securing a tent attachment means to the piece of bedding material for attachment to the bedding attachment means in a manner feasible with embodiments of the present invention or similar formatives thereof. 
     While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. In particular, it should be appreciated that any element of any embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with any other elements from any other embodiments disclosed herein, in accordance with yet further embodiments of the present invention.