Multi-purpose structure for seated humans in transportation vehicles

Abstract

A portable, multi-purpose structure for use while seated during travel in multiple forms of transportation vehicles. The structure is used while occupants are restrained by seat belts and car seats in various forms of transportation consisting of a plurality of walls, a ceiling, bottom, and various portals. Accessories such as decorative panels and pockets in various shapes, sizes, colors and prints can be added in embodiments intended for use by or entertainment of children while seated and traveling. Additional accessories such as lights, games and toys can be added to increase functionality and entertainment. The structure provides an opportunity for children to be inside a structure, covered while seated and traveling for play, education, privacy and shade.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0001]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0002]Not Applicable[0003]The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:Patent NumberIssue datePatentee5,137,044November 1992Brady6,854,476 B1February 2005Chai7,174,584 B2February 2007Danaher5,762,393June 1998Darmas, Sr.7,185,694March 2007Dunn et. al.4,743,215May 1988EmmonsD519,915 SMay 2006Eskandry5,733,165March 1998Kelley6,948,632 B2September 2005Kellogg et. al.4,858,634August 1989McLeese3,675,667July 1972Miller4,825,892May 1989Norman5,038,812August 1991Norman3,990,463November 1976Norman3,960,161June 1976Norman4,745,936May 1988Scherer4,862,943September 1989Shafia5,249,592October 1993Springer et. al.6,168,495 B1January 2001Yoon5,301,705April 1994Zheng5,975,101November 1999Zheng6,209,557 B1April 2001Zheng5,816,279October 1998ZhengBACKGROUND [0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention generally relates to tents, canopies and multi-purpose structures. In particular, to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome with the present invention which reflects the desirability of providing children with the opportunity to continue playing inside a tent, structure while seated during travel. The popularity of tents and play structures is well known in the prior art, children like to be covered, inside something like a tent or structure. Children spend a great amount of time traveling in various types of transportation vehicles where they are confined to their seat, in child restraints and seat belts. The present invention enables children to be inside a structure while seated, traveling and confined to a seat with a seat belt or child restraint. Kids can continue the fun, play and imagination playing inside a structure while they are traveling, confined to a seat without obstructing the view of a driver in an automobile or impacting other passengers in other forms of transportation.

[0012]The tent structure of the present invention generally comprises flexible panels of thin material joined together to form an enclosure. The walls made of a light material such as mesh or rip stop to ensure good ventilation and stability. The ceiling generally comprises a lightweight material such as netting, mesh, rip stop or the like to ensure ventilation and an unobstructed view through the top of the structure. Some embodiments of the structure are self-erecting shelters that include a structural frame made of a flexible resilient steel, metal, plastic material or the like are attached to the panels of the walls and ceiling to keep its shape and stability. Other embodiments of the structure are canopy like and can be attached to seats, windows or the like to create a structure and maintain its shape and stability. The structures can be folded and twisted and put into a small accessory bag when not in use for convenient transport.

[0015]The structure can mimic various shapes and sizes and may be used with accessories. Toggle loops can be attached in various areas in the structure to facilitate the addition of accessories containing toggles that can be attached to the structure by inserting the toggles into the toggle loops. Side panels, ceiling panels, window panels and door panels can be added to modify the structures appearance, the experience of the occupant and the use / purpose of the structure.

Problems solved by technology

There are currently no tent like products or canopies available that can be used in conjunction with seat belts and child restraints while a user is seated in a transportation vehicle.

Current products don't provide breakaway panels for quick access to the occupant.

Structures with varying degrees of enclosure providing an un-obstructed view for use in a vehicle are unavailable.

Canopies that extend over and around a seated occupant to provide shade and protection from the sun are unavailable.

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