Personal pop-up pod

Abstract

To provide a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user.SOLUTION: An personal pop-up pod can provide privacy to a user and / or can protect a user from a surrounding environment. The personal pop-up pod can be designed such that the user can move from one location to another location while using the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod can be designed such that the user can selectively gain access to the environment surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other access points. The personal pop-up pod can protect the user from a variety of conditions surrounding the personal pop-up pod such as, for example, rain, snow, wind, low temperature, and other such weather-related natural environments or communicable diseases and other such health risks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to personal pop-up pods and, more particularly, to a pop-up pod that accommodates a single occupant that allows the occupant mobility to accomplish any number of personal or professional tasks while protecting the occupant from the surrounding environment. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] Disclosed herein is a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user. In one embodiment, the personal pop-up pod can provide privacy to the user and / or protect the user from the surrounding environment. The personal pop-up pod can be designed to allow the user to remain mobile, i.e., the user can move from one place to another while using the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod can be designed to allow the user to selectively access the environment surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other access points. The personal pop-up pod can protect the user from various conditions surrounding the personal pop-up pod, such as, for example, rain, snow, wind, cold temperatures, and other such weather-related natural environments, or infectious diseases and other such health risks.

[0003] In one embodiment, the novel personal pop-up pod can be designed for a single user to provide protection to the user from the surrounding natural environment, including protection against airborne infectious diseases. In addition, the personal pop-up pod can provide protection to those in the vicinity of the user from airborne diseases carried by the user. The personal pop-up pod can be designed for use by a medical patient or a medical worker. The personal pop-up pod can provide protection to a medical patient or a medical worker in an environment where infectious diseases are commonly transmitted through the air. The personal pop-up pod can be designed to provide said protection to a patient while allowing the medical worker to access the patient to perform an examination or medical procedure, or to provide protection but not to impede the medical worker from performing their duties.

[0004] In another embodiment, the personal pop-up pod is comprised of a continuous enclosure fitted around the patient to isolate the patient from the surrounding environment. At least one of the sides of the continuous enclosure may include one or more slots, which allow a medical professional to insert their arm through the slot to access the patient for examination or medical treatment. The slot may be configured such that when the medical professional inserts their arm through the slot, the slot engages the medical professional's arm and seals the slot around said arm, restricting or preventing air flow from the interior to the exterior of the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod may optionally include a fluid port on one of the sides of the enclosure that may be connected to a vacuum pump or other negative pressure device to selectively evacuate air from the interior of the personal pop-up pod. Such a vacuum pump or negative pressure device may evacuate air from the interior of the personal pop-up pod to remove air that may contain airborne pathogens that may transmit infectious diseases to persons in close proximity to the pathogens. The vacuum pump or negative pressure device may include a filter that can capture such pathogens to substantially reduce the possibility of infectious disease transmission.

[0005] The accompanying drawings depict structures that, together with the detailed description provided below, illustrate example embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus. Where appropriate, similar elements are identified with the same or similar reference numerals. Elements shown as a single component may be replaced by multiple components. Elements shown as multiple components may be replaced by a single component. The drawings may not be to scale. Sizes of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Diagram 2] 2 is another schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic right side view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic rear view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram of the arm holes of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic front view of a personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic front view of another personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 18] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic side view of a personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic rear view of a personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 21]13 is a schematic rear view of another personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of an exemplary personal pop-up pod accommodating one user. [Diagram 23] 23 is an exemplary schematic front perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 22, where a user is seated next to another person. [Figure 24] 23 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 22. [Diagram 25] 1 is an exemplary schematic front perspective view of another personal pop-up pod accommodating one user. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic front view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a user using the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 27. [Diagram 30] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic rear view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30. [Diagram 32] FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of an access slot incorporated into the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30. [Diagram 33] FIG. 31 is a schematic side perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30 being placed on a patient with medical personnel accessing the interior through an access slot. [Diagram 34] FIG. 31 is a schematic front perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30 being fitted to a patient with medical personnel accessing the interior through an access window. [Diagram 35] A schematic diagram showing the dimensions of a personal pop-up pod and the arrangement of access slots. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 35. [Figure 37] A schematic diagram showing the dimensions of a personal pop-up pod and the arrangement of access slots. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 37. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] With reference to these figures, the devices, systems, configurations, and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of example only. It will be recognized that modifications can be made to the disclosed and described examples, configurations, forms, components, elements, devices, methods, materials, and the like, which may be desired for particular applications. In this disclosure, any specification of a particular technique, configuration, method, and the like, is either related to the particular example presented, or is merely a general description of such technique, configuration, method, and the like. Specification of specific details or examples is not intended to, and should not be, considered as essential or limiting, unless otherwise specified. Below, selected examples of devices, configurations, and methods for using a personal pop-up pod are disclosed and described in detail with reference to Figures 1-38.

[0008] Disclosed herein is a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user, which can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment while allowing the user to remain mobile, i.e., moving from place to place by walking, jogging, or any other common method of transportation, and while allowing the user to perform many manual tasks. In addition, the pop-up pod can include safety features, which will be described hereinafter, to protect the user. In summary, the personal pop-up pod disclosed herein is designed for various purposes. For example, the personal pop-up pod can be used by workers who need to work outdoors in natural environments, such as crosswalk guards, security guards, manual laborers, fast food workers who deliver meals purchased at drive-through windows, medical workers, patients, and many other environments. The personal pop-up pod can also be used for practical, medical, or recreational purposes to protect the user against bad weather and illness. For example, a user who enjoys walking or jogging can use the personal pop-up pod to enjoy this recreational pastime in bad weather. In the spring, an avid gardener may be able to enjoy this activity more consistently using a personal pop-up pod. A student who needs to wait for a bus to transport them to school can use a personal pop-up pod while waiting for the bus. A patient or medical personnel can use a personal pop-up pod to protect against illness in a medical facility. It will be understood that these are merely examples of the myriad uses for the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein.

[0009] As shown generally in FIGS. 1-8, the personal pop-up pod 100 can be designed with four sides (e.g., front, back, left, and right), a top, and a bottom. The four sides, top, and bottom can be a combination of transparent and opaque materials. Two of the sides, such as the left and right, can include arm holes 102 and 104 that provide an opportunity for a user to extend their arms outside the personal pop-up pod 100 when the personal pop-up pod 100 is carried by a user of the personal pop-up pod 100. Multiple sides (such as the front, left, and right) can include zippers 106, 108, and 110 that can be opened or closed to move flaps of material to expose or seal the interior of the personal pop-up pod 100 from the surrounding environment. It will be appreciated that one or more of zippers 106, 108, and 110 may be unzipped at the discretion of the user to configure personal pop-up pod 100 to suit the user and the user's needs for access to the environment surrounding the personal pop-up pod.

[0010] The personal pop-up pod 100 may include a series of safety features, such as reflective tape 112 that visually alerts others around the user of the personal pop-up pod 100 to the user's presence. It will be appreciated that if the personal pop-up pod 100 is used for a potentially dangerous task, such as a police officer directing traffic, a parking lot attendant monitoring a parking lot, or a jogger jogging along a roadway, the reflective tape 112 will reflect the headlights of oncoming vehicles, greatly increasing the chances that motorists will see the user, and thus greatly reducing the chances that the user will be involved in an accident. The materials used for the side, top, and bottom panels may be constructed from light-colored materials to add additional safety to the use of the personal pop-up pod.

[0011] As best shown in Figures 2, 8, and 9, the bottom of the personal pop-up pod 100 includes an opening 114. The opening 114 may include an elastic band 116 around the periphery of the opening 114. The opening 114 allows a user to slide the personal pop-up pod 100 downward from over the user's head until the user is positioned within the personal pop-up pod 100. The elastic band 116 may fit snugly around the user's legs to further protect that portion of the user's body from the elements. It will be appreciated that a user may remove a personal pop-up pod in a similar manner by moving the personal pop-up pod upward over the user's head until the personal pop-up pod is removed from the user.

[0012] As best seen in FIG. 3, the personal pop-up pod 100 includes a harness 118. The harness 118 is secured to the inside rear surface of the personal pop-up pod 100. As a user slides the personal pop-up pod 100 down from over the user's head, the user can thread their arms through each side of the harness 118 and place the harness 118 over the user's shoulders in a manner such that the personal pop-up pod 100 is fully supported by engagement of the harness 118 with the user's shoulders. The harness 118 can include pull tabs that can be pulled to take up slack in the harness 118 and secure the harness 118 snugly against the user's shoulders.

[0013] It will be appreciated that once the harness 118 is secured snugly against the shoulders of the user, the personal pop-up pod 100 will generally move with the user, including moving in the same direction and distance as the user's forward and backward movements, side to side movements, twisting and rotating movements, and up and down movements. It will be appreciated that when the user is engaged with the harness 118 and the personal pop-up pod 100 is "carried" by the user, the rear of the personal pop-up pod 100 will generally be in contact with or very close to the user's back, with a gap or space between the user's body and the front, left side, and right side of the personal pop-up pod 100.

[0014] Although the attachment mechanism for the personal pop-up pod is shown and described as a harness, it will be understood that other attachment mechanisms can be used, for example, two separate straps can be used instead of a harness.

[0015] 10 shows a schematic of a personal pop-up pod with an opaque top, where the material can be bright yellow (i.e., safety yellow), thereby providing additional safety to the user of the pod. Similar to the reflective tape 112, such a color can better alert those in the vicinity of the user to the user's presence. In addition to safety yellow, other colors can be used as safety colors, such as orange and red.

[0016] 11-14 show a schematic of a personal pop-up pod 200 with different dimensions than the personal pop-up pod 100 of FIGS. 1-10. This personal pop-up pod includes the same features, namely, two arm holes 102, 104, zippers 106, 108, 110 for opening the window portion, a reflective stripe 112, an opening 114 including an elastic band 116, and a harness. The top half of the personal pop-up pod 100, 200 has a transparent panel to allow the user to have a 360-degree view of his / her surroundings. The bottom half of the personal pop-up pod again includes a safety-colored yellow opaque panel and reflective tape. As shown in FIG. 15, the left and right arm holes 102, 104 of the personal pop-up pod can include a slit 120 that allows the user to pass his / her arm through the slit 120 to access the surrounding environment with his / her arm. The arm hole slit 120 can be formed by two edges 122, 124 having elastic bands running along the edges 122, 124. As can be appreciated, when a user places their arm through the slit 120, the elastic bands 122, 124 will conform snugly to the user's arm, thereby preventing elements including rain, snow, and wind, or contagious diseases from entering the personal pop-up pod through the arm hole 120.

[0017] 16-21 are schematic illustrations of a user carrying a personal pop-up pod. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a user carrying a personal pop-up pod having a clear panel on the top half of the personal pop-up pod and an opaque panel with reflective tape on the bottom half of the personal pop-up pod. A harness can be seen draped over the user's shoulders, with the user's arms extending through arm holes on either side of the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod shown in FIG. 16 is approximately 54 inches tall and approximately 22 inches wide. FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, but includes a fully clear panel. The fully clear panel improves the user's visibility and allows the user to be more fully seen by those around the user. The reflective tape at the intersections of the side panels and the safety color yellow edging provide a safety feature for the user. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a user carrying the personal pop-up pod shown in FIG. 17. In this view, the user is showing the range of motion of his or her arms as they extend through the arm holes. It will be appreciated that the range of motion afforded by the arm holes and the entire personal pop-up pod allows the user to perform a number of physical and manual tasks. For example, if the user is directing traffic with a flag or other implement, the personal pop-up pod provides the range of motion required for such tasks. In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 18, the front zipper can be opened to provide a passageway through the front panel of the personal pop-up pod. Such a passageway through the front panel can be useful if the user is employed by a fast food restaurant to deliver meals to customers in their cars who order at a drive-through window. In such a situation, the user can protect the meal from inclement weather by keeping it within the personal pop-up pod. When the user approaches the car, the user can unzip the front panel and hand the meal to a waiting customer. FIGS. 19-21 are further views of a user carrying the personal pop-up pod.

[0018] As will be appreciated, the side, top, and bottom panels are made from materials that are water, wind, and infectious virus resistant, so that the personal pop-up pod protects the user from adverse natural conditions such as snow, rain, sleet, wind gusts, and infectious diseases. With respect to the harness, the top and bottom of the harness are attached to the rear panel of the personal pop-up pod. In this configuration, the user can slide their arms through each side of the harness (as is commonly done for backpacks) and tighten the straps to secure the personal pop-up pod to the user's shoulders and back. The user can then walk around freely with the personal pop-up pod secured to the user.

[0019] As mentioned above, the personal pop-up pods can be used by workers who must work in the elements. In one example, a crossing guard can use the personal pop-up pod to perform a mission to help children and others crossing a busy roadway. The side panels can be unzipped to create windows that allow the user of the personal pop-up pod to use a hand-held stop sign common to crossing guards. In another example, a fast food restaurant employee can use the personal pop-up pod to move from vehicle to vehicle during inclement weather to take and deliver customer orders. Again, zippers can be used to open and close the windows in the front and side panels, allowing the user the flexibility to hand over orders and take payments while remaining protected from the elements.

[0020] Further disclosed herein is a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user, which can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment and provide privacy to the user. In summary, the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein are designed for various purposes. For example, the personal pop-up pod can be designed to accommodate a user sitting in a generally crowded environment where other people are sitting next to the user, such as, for example, in a sports stadium (i.e., a "stadium pod"). In such an example, the stadium pod can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment, such as rain, snow, wind, and cold, while allowing the user to watch an event. In another example, the personal pop-up pod can be designed to accommodate a user sitting in a generally crowded environment where other people are sitting next to the user, such as, for example, in an airplane, train, bus, subway, etc. (i.e., a "travel pod"). In such an example, the travel pod can provide privacy to the user in an otherwise crowded location. In another example, a personal pop-up pod can be designed to accommodate occupants who need to move from one location to another, such as workers who need to work outside of natural environments (i.e., a "mobile pod").

[0021] 22-24 show an embodiment of a stadium pod 300. The stadium pod includes four transparent side panels and a top panel, where the top panel may be transparent or may be opaque as shown in the figures. The transparent side and top panels are made from a material that prevents water ingress, thus protecting the occupant in rainy or snowy weather. In addition, the side and top panels retain body heat, thereby increasing the temperature within the stadium pod relative to the ambient temperature. The transparent side panels provide a 360 degree view to the occupant so that the occupant can observe surrounding activity, such as a sporting event. The side panels may include windows that can be opened and closed using one or more fasteners, such as zippers 302, 304, 306, so that the occupant can communicate with the person sitting next to the occupant or receive items, such as food and drink, through the windows. In addition, the windows may be opened to increase ventilation within the stadium pod if desired by the occupant. The bottom of the stadium pod may be generally open or may include a flap of material that the occupant can sit on when seated in a stadium chair or bleacher. As shown in Figure 23, the stadium pod is designed to accommodate the occupant but not obstruct anyone sitting next to the occupant, and in addition, the transparent side panels allow anyone sitting behind the occupant to see through the stadium pod.

[0022] 25-26 show an embodiment of a travel pod 400. The travel pod includes four opaque side panels and an opaque top panel. The side panels may include windows that are opened and closed using fasteners such as zippers. The opaque side and top panels may provide privacy to the user when the user travels on public transportation such as airplanes, trains, buses, subways, etc. In addition to this, the side and top panels may provide the user with protection against bacteria and viruses that are often spread when people gather in crowded or enclosed places. The user may open and close the window when desired. The user may open the window to communicate with the person sitting next to the user or to receive items such as food and drinks through the window. The bottom of the travel pod is generally open. The travel pod is designed to accommodate the user but not disturb the person sitting next to the user. The materials used for the side and top panels may be configured to allow the pod to "breathe." That is, the material allows air to pass through the material to ventilate the travel pod, but does not allow bacteria and viruses to pass through the material.

[0023] The mobile pod may be designed generally like a stadium pod, but may include a support mechanism connected to the interior of the mobile pod and engaging with the user, such that the mobile pod is supported by such engagement and stays around the user as the user moves from one location to another. The mobile pod includes four side panels and a top panel. One or more of the side panels may be transparent. The side panels and top panel are made of a material that prevents water ingress, such that the mobile pod protects the user from adverse natural elements such as snow, rain, and sleet. In one example, the support mechanism may be a pair of straps similar to a backpack. The top and bottom of each strap are attached to the rear panel of the mobile pod. In this configuration, the user can slip their arms through the straps (as is commonly done for backpacks) and tighten the straps to secure the mobile pod to the user's shoulders and back. The user can then walk around freely with the mobile pod secured to the user.

[0024] In another example, the support mechanism may be a pair of straps. However, in this example, one end of each strap may be attached to a front panel of the moveable pod and the other end of each strap may be attached to a rear panel of the moveable pod. The straps may be secured such that a user may place the strap over their shoulder so that the moveable pod is supported around the user. In another example, the support mechanism may include a waist strap attached to the pair of straps, the waist strap secured around the user's waist. In such a configuration, the user may then freely walk around with the moveable pod secured to the user.

[0025] As noted above, the mobile pods can be used by workers who must work in the elements. In one example, a crossing guard can use the mobile pod to perform a mission to help children and others cross a busy roadway. The window allows the user of the mobile pod to use a handheld stop sign, common to crossing guards. In another example, a fast food restaurant employee can use the mobile pod to move from vehicle to vehicle during inclement weather to take and deliver customer orders. Again, the window allows the user the flexibility to hand over orders and accept payments while remaining protected from the elements.

[0026] Further embodiments of novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user are disclosed, which can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment, including airborne diseases, while allowing the user to remain mobile, i.e., moving from place to place by walking or any other common method of locomotion, and further allowing the user to perform manual tasks using their arms and hands. It will be recognized that devices and products that limit the spread of recurrent infections such as influenza, colds, and chicken pox, as well as emerging threats such as coronavirus (also known as SARS-CoV-2), can be critical in controlling the spread of such harmful and potentially deadly diseases. Such devices and products ultimately save lives.

[0027] The personal pop-up pod disclosed herein is designed to facilitate various activities, such as providing specialized services, while providing protection to both the user and those in close proximity to the user. For example, the personal pop-up pod can be used by medical personnel who are in close proximity to a patient who may be carrying an infectious disease. In one example, an intake administrator in an emergency room or throughout a medical facility who works with newly arrived patients can wear the personal pop-up pod while working with such patients to minimize the threat of exposure to infectious diseases carried by the patient. The personal pop-up pod is designed to allow the user to keep their arms and hands free to perform manual tasks, such as recording information, operating portable electronic devices, and performing tests such as taking blood pressure and temperature. As will be appreciated, once a patient is admitted to a medical facility, medical personnel who further work with the patient suspected of having an infectious disease can wear the personal pop-up pod to protect against infectious diseases as well. For example, doctors, nurses, janitors, caterers, cleaners, etc. who work in areas of a medical facility dedicated to treating patients with infectious diseases can wear personal pop-up pods to perform their duties on a daily basis. In another example, food processing, handling, and preparation workers can wear personal pop-up pods to protect the food they prepare from infectious diseases that may be carried by food processing, handling, and preparation workers. Although it has become common practice for employees to refrain from coming to work if they exhibit symptoms of infectious diseases, certain such diseases may be transmitted before an infected person shows any symptoms. Therefore, people who work in industries where diseases can spread quickly to those who consume the products of that industry (such as food processing, handling, and preparation) should take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of such diseases. One such precaution is to work while using personal pop-up pods to protect the products from the workers' infectious diseases. Selected examples of such jobs include food manufacturing employees, grocery store employees, and restaurant cooks. It will be appreciated that these are merely examples of the myriad uses for the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 27-29, the personal pop-up pod 500 can be designed with four sides (e.g., front, back, left, and right), a top, and a bottom. The four sides and the top can be constructed of transparent materials, or alternatively, a combination of transparent and opaque materials. In one embodiment, the materials used can be treated with antimicrobial agents to further protect the user. Two of the sides, such as the left and right sides, can include arm holes 502 and 504, which provide an opportunity for the user of the personal pop-up pod 500 to stretch their arms outside of the personal pop-up pod 500 when carrying the personal pop-up pod 500. As shown, the arm holes 502 and 504 can be a generally round piece of material with vertical slits 506, 508 bisecting the rounded portion. As previously mentioned, the slits of the arm holes 502 and 504 can include two edges with elastic bands running along the edges. A user's arms can be extended through the slits, which are designed to comfortably engage the user's arms such that the sides are generally sealed while allowing the user to move their arms freely as needed to perform manual tasks. In one embodiment, arm holes 502 and 504 are positioned substantially closer to the front of personal pop-up pod 500 than to the rear to make it easier for the user to perform manual tasks without the front of personal pop-up pod 500 getting in the way.

[0029] A side (such as the front side) may include a zipper 510 that may be opened or closed to move a flap of material to expose or seal that side of the personal pop-up pod 500 from the surrounding environment. It will be appreciated that such zipper 510 may be opened at the discretion of the user to configure the personal pop-up pod 500 to suit the user and the user's needs for access to the environment surrounding the personal pop-up pod 500. When the zipper 510 is closed, the front side is sealed from the surrounding environment. When the zipper 510 is opened, the user may access the surrounding environment through the front side of the personal pop-up pod 500. It will be appreciated that when the user is not in an environment where infectious diseases are a threat, the front side may be opened to allow greater access to perform certain tasks.

[0030] The bottom of the personal pop-up pod 500 can be generally open. Such a configuration can allow the user more movement relative to the personal pop-up pod 500 and add comfort to the user while using the personal pop-up pod. In another embodiment, the bottom can include a portion of material that includes a generally circular opening in the center of the portion of material. The circular opening can include an elastic band around the periphery of the opening. Either a generally open bottom or a bottom with a circular opening allows the user to slide the personal pop-up pod 500 downward from over the user's head until the user is positioned within the personal pop-up pod 500. In an embodiment with a circular opening, the elastic band can fit snugly around the user's waist or upper legs to further protect the user. It will be appreciated that the user can remove the personal pop-up pod 500 in a similar manner by moving the personal pop-up pod upward over the user's head until the personal pop-up pod 500 is removed from the user.

[0031] As best seen in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 (which shows a user carrying the personal pop-up pod 500), the personal pop-up pod 500 includes a harness 512. In one embodiment, the harness 512 is secured to the inside surface of the rear of the personal pop-up pod 500. In another embodiment, the harness 512 is secured at least partially at the intersection of the rear and left and right sides. The harness 512 includes a pair of upper shoulder straps each connected to an adjustable lower strap to fit and secure the harness 512 to the user's upper body. In addition, the harness 512 can include a horizontal cross strap that optionally connects the two shoulder straps to further secure the harness 512 to the user's upper body. As the user slides the personal pop-up pod 500 over the user's head and moves the personal pop-up pod 500 downward, the user can thread their arms through each side of the harness 512 and place the harness 512 over the user's shoulders in a manner such that the personal pop-up pod 500 is fully supported by engagement of the harness 512 with the user's shoulders. The harness 512 can include pull tabs that can be pulled to take up slack in the harness 512 and secure the harness 512 snugly around the user's shoulders and upper body.

[0032] It will be appreciated that once the harness 512 is secured snugly around the shoulders and upper body of the user, the personal pop-up pod 500 will generally move with the user, including moving in the same direction and distance as the user's forward and backward movements, side to side movements, twisting and rotating movements, and up and down movements. It will be appreciated that when the user is engaged with the harness 512 and the personal pop-up pod 500 is carried by the user, the rear of the personal pop-up pod 500 will generally be in contact with or very close to the user's back, with a gap or space between the user's body and the front, left, and right sides of the personal pop-up pod 500. Although the attachment mechanism for the personal pop-up pod is illustrated and described as a harness, it will be appreciated that other attachment mechanisms can be used. For example, two separate straps can be used in place of a harness.

[0033] In one embodiment, the rear of the personal pop-up pod 500 can be configured as one continuous transparent panel. In another embodiment, the rear can be configured with an open section to facilitate airflow through the personal pop-up pod 500. For example, the section above the attachment of the harness 512 can be open. Such a configuration may be convenient for jobs that are physically demanding and / or require quick movement from one location to another.

[0034] 29, a user is shown carrying the personal pop-up pod 500 with the harness 512 draped over the user's shoulders and a horizontal cross strap connecting the two shoulder straps. The user's arms extend through arm holes 502 and 504 on either side of the personal pop-up pod 500 in a position to perform a manual task.

[0035] In one embodiment, the personal pop-up pod is approximately 32 inches tall, approximately 22 inches wide (left to right), and approximately 14 inches deep (front to back). These dimensions are only one example of the size of a personal pop-up pod. It will be appreciated that other dimensions can be used to accommodate different sized users with different tasks.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the range of motion afforded by the arm holes and the entire personal pop-up pod allows the user to perform any number of physical tasks. For example, a healthcare worker may work with patients to perform tests or take notes related to their treatment. A food manufacturing plant worker may operate machinery, package food, etc. A grocery store clerk may stock shelves and work with customers. A restaurant employee may prepare food and deliver food to customers. The front zipper can be optionally opened to perform certain tasks as needed.

[0037] As will be appreciated, the materials that make up the sides, top, and bottom are made from materials that prevent the ingress of airborne pathogens. With respect to the harness, the top and bottom of the harness can be attached to the rear of the personal pop-up pod. In this configuration, the user can slide their arms through each side of the harness (as is commonly done for backpacks) and tighten the straps to secure the personal pop-up pod to the user's shoulders and back. The user can then walk around freely with the personal pop-up pod secured to the user.

[0038] Further embodiments are disclosed of a novel personal pop-up pod designed for use by patients in a medical facility that can protect the patient and medical personnel attending the patient from the transmission of diseases, including airborne diseases, and that allows medical personnel to access the patient to examine or perform a medical procedure while thus protecting both the patient and medical personnel from infectious diseases.

[0039] As mentioned above, devices and products that limit the spread of recurrent infectious diseases can be very important in controlling the spread of such harmful and potentially deadly diseases. Regular and effective use of such devices and products can slow or stop the spread of infectious diseases, ultimately saving lives. One common method of controlling the spread of infectious diseases is to create physical barriers between people who are in close proximity to one another while facilitating the contact between people necessary to perform certain essential tasks. Whatever the situation, providing medical care to sick patients is an important task that healthcare workers must perform, even at the risk of infection.

[0040] The personal pop-up pods disclosed herein are designed to facilitate various activities, such as providing medical services, while protecting both the patient and the medical personnel in the vicinity of the patient. For example, the personal pop-up pod can be worn by a patient who is about to undergo a medical examination or procedure. The personal pop-up pod is designed to allow the medical personnel to access the patient. Such access can be facilitated by one or more access points on the personal pop-up pod, where the medical personnel can insert their hands or arms or medical instruments into the personal pop-up pod to access the patient and perform the required medical examination or procedure.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 30-34, the personal pop-up pod 600 can be designed in a generally cubical shape with the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600 defined by five panels (e.g., a front panel 602, a back panel 604, a left panel 606, a right panel 608, and a top panel 610). The portion opposite the top panel 610 is generally open. The five panels (602, 604, 606, 608, and 610) can be constructed from transparent materials or, alternatively, can be constructed from a combination of transparent and opaque materials. In one embodiment, the panels (602, 604, 606, 608, and 610) as well as the materials that make up the entire pop-up pod 600 can be treated with an antimicrobial agent to further protect patients and medical personnel.

[0042] The personal pop-up pod 600 can include access slots incorporated into the personal pop-up pod 600. In one example (best shown in FIGS. 31 and 32), two access slots 612 and 614 are incorporated into the back panel 604 of the personal pop-up pod 600. The access slots 612 and 614 allow medical personnel to access the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600. As shown in the figures, the access slots 612 and 614 can each include a generally round piece of material (616 and 618) with a vertical slot (620 and 622) that bisects the round piece of material (616 and 618). The vertical slots (620 and 622) can include two edges with elastic bands running along each edge. A healthcare professional can insert his / her arm through the vertical slots (620 and 622), which are designed to comfortably engage the healthcare professional's arm such that the vertical slots (620 and 622) generally seal around the healthcare professional's arm while allowing the healthcare professional to move the arm freely as needed to perform necessary manual procedures within the personal pop-up pod 600. In addition to receiving the healthcare professional's arm, the access slots (612 and 614) can receive medical instruments such as, for example, an endoscope, a biopsy device, or a portion of a ventilator. Thus, the healthcare professional can use the access slots (612 and 614) to manually examine or perform medical procedures on a patient wearing the personal pop-up pod 600.

[0043] The personal pop-up pod 600 may additionally include access windows incorporated therein. In one example (best shown in FIG. 30), a first access window 624 is incorporated into the left panel 606 of the personal pop-up pod 600, and a second access window 626 is incorporated into the right panel 608. Each access window (624 and 626) is comprised of a generally semicircular zipper that can be unzipped or unzipped such that a generally semicircular flap of material can be moved to expose or seal the left panel 606 or right panel 608 (respectively) of the personal pop-up pod 600 from the surrounding environment. It will be appreciated that such zippers can be unzipped at the discretion of the medical practitioner to configure the personal pop-up pod 600 to suit the medical practitioner's needs for access to the interior of the personal pop-up pod. Similar to the access slots (612 and 614), the access windows 624 and 626 allow medical personnel access to the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600 so that the medical personnel can insert their arms or medical instruments or devices into the personal pop-up pod as needed to perform any necessary manual procedures or treatments on the patient within the personal pop-up pod 600. As shown, the access windows 624 and 626 are larger than the access slots 612 and 614, and therefore, it will be understood that they can accommodate larger medical instruments and devices than the access slots 612 and 614.

[0044] 33 and 34 show the personal pop-up pod 600 being fitted to a patient while a medical professional is attending to the patient. As noted above, the opposite portion of the top panel 610 is generally open. However, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the lower portion of the back panel 604 curls down to be positioned under the patient's head. The front panel 602 includes a lower edge 628 that engages the patient's torso. The lower edge 628 includes an elastic band that runs along the lower edge 628 so that the front panel 602 can seal against the patient's torso. It will be appreciated that the lower portion of the back panel 604 curling under the patient's head and the lower edge 628 of the front panel 602 sealing against the patient's torso cooperate to generally seal the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600 around the patient's head and upper torso.

[0045] With reference to Figure 33, a medical practitioner can access the patient to perform a medical procedure by inserting their arm through access slots 612 and 614. With reference to Figure 34, a medical practitioner can access the patient to perform a medical procedure by inserting their arm through access windows 624 and 626. It will be appreciated that the medical practitioner can perform a medical procedure as shown in Figures 33 and 34 while remaining safe from infectious diseases carried by the patient, and conversely, the patient remains safe from infectious diseases carried by the medical practitioner.

[0046] 35 and 36 show the dimensions and location of the access slots for one embodiment of a personal pop-up pod. In this embodiment, the back panel (as shown in FIG. 35) is approximately 18 inches high (H 1 ) and a width (W) of approximately 21 inches 1 The access slots are located approximately in the vertical center of the rear panel, and each access slot is approximately 3 inches (D 1 , D 3 ) from each other. 2 ) apart. In this embodiment, the left panel (as shown in FIG. 36) is approximately 18 inches high (H2 ) and approximately 18 inches wide (W 2 ).

[0047] 37 and 38 show the dimensions and location of the access slots for another embodiment of a personal pop-up pod. In this embodiment, the back panel (as shown in FIG. 37) is approximately 21 inches high (H 3 ) and a width (W) of approximately 21 inches 3 The access slots are located approximately in the vertical center of the rear panel, and each access slot is approximately 3 inches (D 4 , D 6 ) from each other. 5 ) apart. In this embodiment, the left panel (as shown in FIG. 38) is approximately 21 inches high (H 4 ) and approximately 18 inches wide (W 4 ).

[0048] In another embodiment, an additional access window is disposed on the top panel of the personal pop-up pod. Such access window may be zipped and opened by a medical professional to access the patient's torso from directly above the patient's torso. As will be appreciated, the material comprising the panel may be made from a material that prevents the entry of airborne pathogens. The access window may include a zipper that seals the access window when closed to prevent pathogens from passing through the zipper. Additionally, a flap of material may be disposed over the zipper to further prevent pathogens from passing through the zipper.

[0049] In another embodiment, a vacuum pump or other negative pressure device may be used with the personal pop-up pod. In such an embodiment, a port may be incorporated into any of the panels of the personal pop-up pod and configured to engage one end of a hose, tube, or other suitable conduit. The other end of the hose may engage with the vacuum pump. The medical personnel may selectively activate the vacuum pump to suck air out of the personal pop-up pod through the port in the panel of the personal pop-up pod. It will be appreciated that such a process may evacuate air from the interior of the personal pop-up pod, which may include evacuating pathogens carried by the patient that may transmit infectious diseases to those in the vicinity of the patient. The vacuum pump or negative pressure device may include a filter that may capture such pathogens, substantially reducing the possibility of transmission of infectious diseases. It will be appreciated that such a process may make attending to the patient safer, particularly when the medical personnel use the access window from the need to insert large medical instruments or devices into the personal pop-up pod.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein may be disposable devices that are used once and then discarded, or may be reusable devices. The materials that make up the personal pop-up pods are of a type that can be disinfected by application of a liquid disinfectant. Once disinfected, the personal pop-up pods can be folded and stored and reused in future procedures.

[0051] The foregoing description of these examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the forms described. Many modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of these modifications have been discussed and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. These examples were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the various examples as suited to the particular applications contemplated. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but may be used by those skilled in the art in any number of applications and equivalent arrangements.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention preferably includes the following examples. [Section 1] an interior chamber formed by the connection of the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, the right panel, and the top panel; a first arm hole formed in the left panel; a second arm hole formed in the right panel; a harness fixed to the inner surface of the rear panel; A personal pop-up pod with [Section 2] 10. The personal pop-up pod of claim 1 further comprising a bottom panel. [Section 3] Item 3. The personal pop-up pod of item 2, wherein the bottom panel includes an opening, the opening being formed by an elastic band disposed around the periphery of the opening. [Section 4] The first arm hole is a first flap of material secured to said left panel; a second flap of material secured to the left panel adjacent the first flap of material; a first elastic piece disposed along a first end of the first flap of material; and a second elastic piece disposed along a first end of the second flap of material; The second arm hole is a third flap of material secured to said right panel; a fourth flap of material secured to the right panel adjacent the third flap of material; a third elastic piece disposed along a first end of the third flap of material; and Item 1, a personal pop-up pod comprising a fourth elastic piece disposed along a first end of the fourth material flap. [Section 5] Item 1. The personal pop-up pod described in item 1, wherein the harness includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap. [Section 6] Item 1, a personal pop-up pod further comprising at least one reflective piece. [Section 7] Item 1, the personal pop-up pod further comprising a window in the front panel. [Section 8] Item 8. The personal pop-up pod described in item 7, further comprising a zipper configured to open and close the window. [Section 9] an interior chamber formed by the connection of the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, the right panel, and the top panel; a first arm hole formed in the rear panel; a second arm hole formed in the rear panel; A personal pop-up pod with [Section 10] Item 10. The personal pop-up pod of item 9, wherein the bottom edge of the front panel includes an elastic piece disposed along the bottom edge. [Section 11] Item 10. The personal pop-up pod of item 9, wherein the bottom of the back panel curls inward toward the interior chamber. [Section 12] The first arm hole is a first flap of material secured to said rear panel; a second flap of material secured to the rear panel adjacent the first flap of material; a first elastic piece disposed along a first end of the first flap of material; and a second elastic piece disposed along a first end of the second flap of material; The second arm hole is a third flap of material secured to said rear panel; a fourth flap of material secured to the rear panel adjacent the third flap of material; a third elastic piece disposed along a first end of the third flap of material; and Item 10. A personal pop-up pod as described in item 9, comprising a fourth elastic piece disposed along a first end of the fourth material flap. [Section 13] Item 10. The personal pop-up pod of item 9, further comprising a window in the left panel. [Section 14] Item 14. The personal pop-up pod described in item 13, further comprising a zipper configured to open and close the window. [Section 15] Item 10. The personal pop-up pod of item 9, further comprising a window in the right panel. [Section 16] Item 16. The personal pop-up pod described in item 15, further comprising a zipper configured to open and close the window. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100 Personal Popup Pods 102 Arm hole 104 Arm Hole 106 Zipper 108 Zipper 110 Zipper 112 Reflective tape 114 Aperture 116 Elastic Band 118 Harness 120 Slit 122 Relationship 124 En 200 Personal Pop-Up Pods 300 Stadium Pods 302 Zipper 304 Zipper 306 Zipper 400 Travel Pod 500 Personal Pop-Up Pods 502 Arm hole 504 Arm hole 506 Slit 508 Slit 510 Zipper 512 Harness 600 Personal Pop-Up Pods 602 Front Panel 604 Rear Panel 606 Left Panel 608 Right Panel 610 Top Panel 612 Access Slot 614 Access Slot 616 Round Material Pieces 618 Round Material Pieces 620 Slots 622 Slots 624 First Access Window 626 Second Access Window 628 Lower edge

Claims

[Claim 1] an interior chamber formed by the connection of the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, the right panel, and the top panel; a first arm hole formed in the left panel; a second arm hole formed in the right panel; a harness fixed to the inner surface of the rear panel; A personal pop-up pod with

Images