Patent ID: 12239171

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AT LEAST ONE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference number a framework10for supporting a piece of fabric12to form a concealed space for infant lactation is shown. The piece of fabric12may be a decorative baby blanket or even a cherished hand made knitted blanket as soiling is avoided. As best seen inFIG.3, framework10in major part includes a horizontal cross member14, first and second vertical support members16, first and second side arms18and first and second elongated flat feet20, together with swivel fasteners22shown inFIGS.1,2,9A and9Bfor attachment of the piece of fabric12.

Horizontal cross member14, first and second vertical support members16and first and second side arms18are formed with telescoping sections, one portion of which slides inside the other with a snap pin or twist lock24to establish the extent to which the telescoping sections extend. Telescoping sections allow a user to adjust the width and height of framework10to fit the user and also allow framework10to compact in collapsed form as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, when fully extended or deployed, horizontal cross member14defines a space from about 12 to about 24 inches, first and second vertical support members16from about 9 to about 18 inches and side arms18from about 9 to about 18. As will be apparent based on the instant disclosure, the dimensions of the space defined by framework10may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

As shown in the drawings, horizontal cross member14is mounted on first and second vertical support members16with right angle elbows26such that first and second vertical support members16are at approximately right angles, or perpendicular to horizontal cross member14. First and second side arms18are mounted at opposite ends of horizontal cross member14inboard of right angle elbows26with a first mechanical fastener28for angular movement of the side arms in two planes with respect to horizontal cross member14. As shown inFIG.7, each first mechanical fastener28comprises a spring loop30with end tabs32between which is received a tongue34provided on an end of each side arm18. A bolt36is passed through an aperture38in tongue34and aligned apertures40in tabs32. A nut42when tightened on bolt36causes spring loop30is tighten on horizontal cross member14allowing the vertical angle of each side arm18to horizontal cross member14to be adjusted and set. Upward movement of side arms18may be used to block the view of a person setting on the right or the left of the user. As nut42is tightened on bolt36and tongue34is pinched between tabs32, the horizontal angle of each side arm18to horizontal cross member14may be adjusted and set, for example wider to accommodate a bigger person or narrower to fit within the dimensions of a chair with arms.

First and second elongated flat feet20are attached to first and second vertical support members16opposite horizontal cross member14with a second mechanical fastener44permitting rotation of the first and second elongated flat feet20on vertical support members16and allowing movement of the vertical support members along the elongated flat feet. As shown inFIG.8, each of second mechanical fasteners44comprises an assembly including a slide46attached to a side edge of the flat foot20. A spring loop48with end tabs50is tightened about vertical support member16with a bolt51that passes through apertures52in tabs50and through an elongated longitudinal slot54in slide46. As a nut56is tightened on bolt51, spring loop48is tighten on vertical support member16fixing the angle that flat feet20make with respect for horizontal cross member14and the position of vertical support member16along elongated slot54.

Swivel fasteners22illustrated in the form of spring clamps are provided on horizontal cross member14and side arms18. Swivel fasteners22in their basic form consist of two jaws held under tension by a metal spring. The jaws clamp down on both sides of piece of fabric12to keep it in place. The spring clamps as best seen inFIGS.9A and9Bare preferably swivel mounted to the horizontal cross member and side arms to avoid loss and provide compaction on collapsed form as described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal cross member14, vertical support members16and side arms18may have a circular cross-section and be constructed of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, aluminum, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), carbon reinforced plastics or the like. Elongated flat feet20may also be formed of similar materials. In most embodiments, it is advantageous for the material to be rigid enough to be self-supporting while light enough to allow framework10to be easily transported.

In the expanded configuration as shown inFIGS.1-6, framework10forms a perimeter within which a mother may position her body while seated in a seat or chair with elongated flat feet20wedged under her legs such that vertical support members16are held upright. A curtain formed with piece of fabric12pinned with swivel fasteners22forms a concealed space for infant lactation or permits a mother to pump milk modestly. Framework10also provides an open space for maneuvering and helping the infant latch. The curtain formed by the fabric is spaced from the mother and infant such that air flow is not blocked and over heating and possible baby breathing difficulties are avoided. In addition the open space allows for eye contact between the mother and the infant which promotes bonding which is very important to both.

In collapsed form, piece of fabric12may be unpinned from swivel fasteners22which may be rotated such that they are aligned with horizontal cross member14and side arms18. Horizontal cross member14, vertical support members16and side arms18may be shortened by loosening snap or twist locks24. By loosing nut42on bolt36of each first mechanical fastener28side arms18may be rotated inwardly such that they are parallel to horizontal cross member14. By loosening nut56on bolt51of each second mechanical fastener44vertical members16may be slid along elongated slot54in slide46such that framework10folds into a flat rectangular form as shown inFIG.10for transport which may be in a diaper bag or the like.

In the preceding description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.