Personal pop-up pod

Abstract

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 and / or protection to 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 location 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 rain, snow, wind, cold temperatures, and other such weather-related natural environments, or infectious diseases and other such health risks.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure generally relates to personal pop-up pods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pop-up pod that can accommodate a single user who can achieve any number of personal or professional tasks while maintaining the user's mobility and protecting the user from the surrounding environment. 【Summary of the Invention】 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0002】 This specification discloses 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 maintain mobility, i.e., the user can move from one location 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, low temperature, and other such natural environments related to climate, or infectious diseases and other such health risks. 【0003】 In one embodiment, a novel personal pop-up pod can be designed for a single user to protect the user from the surrounding natural environment, including protection against airborne infectious diseases. In addition, the personal pop-up pod can protect people near the user from airborne diseases carried by the user. The personal pop-up pod can be designed for use by healthcare patients or healthcare workers. The personal pop-up pod can protect healthcare patients and healthcare workers in environments where infectious diseases are commonly transmitted through the air. The personal pop-up pod can be fitted to a patient to provide such protection, or it can be fitted to a healthcare worker so that they can access the patient to examine or treat them, or so that protection is possible, but without interfering with the performance of the healthcare worker's duties. 【0004】 In another embodiment, the personal pop-up pod comprises a continuous enclosure fitted around a patient to isolate the patient from the surrounding environment. At least one side of the continuous enclosure may include one or more slots, which allow a healthcare worker to insert their arm through the slot to access the patient and perform an examination or medical procedure. The slots may be configured such that, when a healthcare worker inserts their arm through the slot, the slot engages with the healthcare worker's arm to seal the slot around the arm, restricting or obstructing the flow of air from the inside to the outside of the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod may optionally include a fluid port on one side of the enclosure, which can be connected to a vacuum pump or other negative pressure device to selectively evacuate air from the inside of the personal pop-up pod. Such a vacuum pump or negative pressure device can evacuate air from the inside of the personal pop-up pod to remove air that may contain airborne pathogens that could infect a person nearby with an infectious disease. The vacuum pump or negative pressure device may include a filter that can capture such pathogens, thereby substantially reducing the possibility of infection. 【0005】 The accompanying drawings illustrate structures illustrating exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus, along with the detailed description provided below. Where appropriate, similar elements are identified by 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. Drawings may not be to scale. The size of certain elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0006】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is another schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic rear view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic left side view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic right side view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic bottom view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 9] This is a schematic bottom view of the personal pop-up pod. [Figure 10] This is a schematic top view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 11] This is a schematic rear view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 14] This is a schematic front view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the armhole for a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 16] This is a schematic front view of a personal pop-up pod being carried by the user. [Figure 17] This is a schematic front view of another personal pop-up pod being carried by a user. [Figure 18] This is a schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod being carried by the user. [Figure 19] This is a schematic side view of a personal pop-up pod being carried by the user. [Figure 20] This is a schematic rear view of a personal pop-up pod being carried by the user. [Figure 21]Schematic rear view of another personal pop-up pod when being carried by a user. [Figure 22] Exemplary schematic front perspective view of a personal pop-up pod accommodating one user. [Figure 23] Exemplary schematic front perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 22 where the user is sitting next to another person. [Figure 24] Exemplary schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 22. [Figure 25] Exemplary schematic front perspective view of another personal pop-up pod accommodating one user. [Figure 26] Schematic perspective view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] Schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 28] Schematic front view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] Schematic view where the user is using the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 27. [Figure 30] Schematic perspective view of a personal pop-up pod. [Figure 31] Schematic rear view of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] Schematic view of an access slot incorporated in the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30. [Figure 33] Schematic side perspective view where the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30 is worn by a patient and a healthcare worker is accessing the interior through the access slot. [Figure 34] Schematic front perspective view where the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 30 is worn by a patient and a healthcare worker is accessing the interior through the access window. [Figure 35] Schematic view showing the dimensions of a personal pop-up pod and the arrangement of the access slot. [Figure 36] Schematic view showing the dimensions of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 35. [Figure 37] It is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of a personal pop-up pod and the arrangement of access slots. [Figure 38] It is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of the personal pop-up pod of FIG. 37. 【Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0007】 Referring to these figures, the devices, systems, configurations, and methods disclosed in this document will be described in detail as mere examples. It will be recognized that modifications can be made to the examples, configurations, forms, components, elements, devices, methods, materials, etc. disclosed and described, and such modifications may be desired for a particular application. In this disclosure, any particularization of a particular technology, configuration, method, etc. is either in relation to the particular examples presented or merely a general description of such technology, configuration, method, etc. The specification of particular details or examples is not intended to be, and should not be regarded 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 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 38. 【0008】 This specification discloses a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user, which protects the user from the surrounding natural environment while allowing the user to maintain mobility, i.e., allowing the user to move from place to place by walking, jogging, or any other common means of transportation, and while allowing the user to perform many manual tasks. In addition, this pop-up pod may include safety features described below to protect the user. In summary, the personal pop-up pod disclosed herein is designed for a variety of purposes. For example, this personal pop-up pod can be used by workers who need to work outdoors in natural environments and many other environments, such as crosswalk monitors, security guards, manual laborers, fast food workers carrying meals purchased at drive-through windows, healthcare workers, and patients. This personal pop-up pod can also be used for practical, medical, or recreational purposes to protect the user from inclement weather or illness. For example, a user who enjoys walking or jogging can use this personal pop-up pod to enjoy this recreational activity in inclement weather. In spring, those who enjoy gardening may find that using a personal pop-up pod allows them to enjoy this activity more consistently. Students who need to wait for a bus to get to school can use a personal pop-up pod while waiting. Patients or healthcare workers can use a personal pop-up pod in a healthcare facility to protect themselves from illness. It will be understood that these are merely examples of the countless uses for the personal pop-up pod disclosed herein. 【0009】 As schematically shown in Figures 1 to 8, the personal pop-up pod 100 can be designed to have 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 sides, may include armholes 102 and 104, which give the user the opportunity to extend their arms outside the personal pop-up pod 100 when the personal pop-up pod 100 is carried by the user. Multiple sides (such as the front, left, and right sides) may include zippers 106, 108, and 110, which can be opened and closed to move the material flaps and expose or seal the interior of the personal pop-up pod 100 from the surrounding environment. It will be understood that one or more of zippers 106, 108, and 110 may be opened at the user's discretion to configure the personal pop-up pod 100 to suit the user's needs for access to the user and the environment surrounding the personal pop-up pod. 【0010】 The personal pop-up pod 100 may include a set of safety features, such as reflective tape 112 that visually warns people around the user of the personal pop-up pod 100 of the user's presence. When the personal pop-up pod 100 is used for potentially dangerous jobs, such as when a police officer directs traffic, a parking attendant monitors a parking lot, or a jogger jogs along the roadway, it will be understood that the reflective tape 112 reflects the headlights of approaching vehicles, greatly increasing the chances that drivers will see the user, and therefore greatly reducing the chances that the user will be involved in an accident. The materials used for the side panels, top panel, and bottom panel can be made of bright-colored materials to add further safety to the use of the personal pop-up pod. 【0011】 As best illustrated 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 its outer circumference. The opening 114 allows the user to slide the personal pop-up pod 100 downward from above the user's head until the user is positioned inside the personal pop-up pod 100. The elastic band 116 can fit snugly around the user's legs to provide further protection for parts of the user's body from the natural environment. It will be understood that the user can remove the personal pop-up pod in a similar manner by moving it upward to above the user's head until the personal pop-up pod is removed from the user. 【0012】 As best illustrated in Figure 3, the personal pop-up pod 100 includes a harness 118. The harness 118 is attached to the rear inner surface of the personal pop-up pod 100. When the user slides the personal pop-up pod 100 downward from above the user's head, the user can put their arms through each side of the harness 118, positioning the harness 118 on the user's shoulders in such a manner that the personal pop-up pod 100 is fully supported by the engagement of the harness 118 with the user's shoulders. The harness 118 may include pull tabs that can be pulled to remove slack and secure the harness 118 snugly against the user's shoulders. 【0013】 When the harness 118 is securely fastened to the user's shoulders, it will be understood that the personal pop-up pod 100 will generally move with the user, including moving in the same direction and by the same distance as the user's forward and backward movements, side to side movements, twisting and rotational movements, and up and down movements. When the user is engaged with the harness 118 and the personal pop-up pod 100 is “carried” by the user, it will be understood that the rear of the personal pop-up pod 100 will generally be in contact with or very close to the user’s back, with gaps or spaces between the user’s body and the front, left, and right sides of the personal pop-up pod 100. 【0014】 While the mounting mechanism for the personal pop-up pod is illustrated and described as a harness, it should be understood that other mounting mechanisms can be used. For example, two independent straps can be used instead of a harness. 【0015】 Figure 10 schematically shows a personal pop-up pod with an opaque top. Here, the material can be bright yellow (i.e., safety yellow), thereby providing further safety to the user of the pod. Similar to reflective tape 112, such a color can better alert people nearby to the user's presence. In addition to safety yellow, other colors such as orange and red can be used as safety colors. 【0016】 Figures 11-14 schematically show a personal pop-up pod 200 with different dimensions from the personal pop-up pod 100 in Figures 1-10. This personal pop-up pod includes the same features, namely, two armholes 102, 104, zippers 106, 108, 110 for opening the window section, an opening 114 including reflective stripes 112 and elastic bands 116, and a harness. The upper half of the personal pop-up pods 100 and 200 has a transparent panel so that the user can see 360 ​​degrees around them. The lower half of the personal pop-up pod, in this case as well, includes an opaque panel and reflective tape in a safety color yellow. As shown in Figure 15, the left and right armholes 102, 104 of the personal pop-up pod may include slits 120, which allow the user to pass their arms through the slits 120 to access the surrounding environment with their arms. The slit 120 of the armhole can be formed by two edges 122, 124, which have elastic bands running along them. As can be understood, when the user puts their arm through the slit 120, the elastic bands 122, 124 fit snugly to the user's arm, thereby preventing natural elements, including rain, snow, and wind, or infectious diseases, from entering the personal pop-up pod through the armhole 120. 【0017】 Figures 16–21 schematically show a user carrying a personal pop-up pod. Figure 16 is a front perspective view showing a user carrying a personal pop-up pod that has a transparent panel on the upper half and an opaque panel with reflective tape on the lower half. You can see that the user is wearing a harness over their shoulders, and their arms are extending through armholes on both sides of the personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pod shown in Figure 16 is approximately 54 inches tall and 22 inches wide. Figure 17 is similar to Figure 16, but this personal pop-up pod includes an all-transparent panel. The all-transparent panel improves the user's visibility, making the user more fully visible to those around them. Reflective tape and safety-colored yellow trim at the intersections of the side panels provide safety features for the user. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a user carrying the personal pop-up pod shown in Figure 17. In this figure, the user is shown with a range of motion of their arms when their arms are extended through the armholes. It will be understood that the range of motion provided by the armhole 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 equipment, the personal pop-up pod provides the range of motion necessary for such work. In addition, as shown in Figure 18, the front zipper is opened to provide a passageway through the front panel of the personal pop-up pod. Such a passageway in the front panel may be useful if the user is employed by a fast-food restaurant and delivers meals to customers in their cars who have ordered at a drive-thru window. In such a situation, the user can protect the meals from bad weather by holding them inside the personal pop-up pod. As the user approaches the car, they can open the zipper on the front panel and hand the meal to the waiting customer. Figures 19–21 are further illustrations of the user carrying the personal pop-up pod. 【0018】 As is understood, the side panels, top panel, and bottom panel are made from materials that prevent the intrusion of water, wind, and infectious viruses, and as a result, the personal pop-up pod protects the user from adverse natural conditions such as snow, rain, sleet, and strong winds, as well as infectious diseases. Regarding the harness, the upper and lower parts of the harness are attached to the rear panel of the personal pop-up pod. In this configuration, the user can secure the personal pop-up pod to their shoulders and back by sliding their arms through each side of the harness (as is commonly done with a backpack) and tightening the straps. The user can then walk around freely with the personal pop-up pod secured to them. 【0019】 As described above, personal pop-up pods can be used by workers who must work in natural environments. For example, a pedestrian crossing monitor can use a personal pop-up pod to perform the task of assisting children and other people crossing busy roads. Zippers on the side panels can be opened to create windows, allowing the user of the personal pop-up pod to use a handheld stop sign common to pedestrian crossing monitors. In another example, an employee of a fast-food restaurant can use a personal pop-up pod to move from vehicle to vehicle in bad weather, taking and delivering customer orders. Again, zippers can be used to open and close the windows on the front and side panels, allowing the user to flexibly hand over orders and receive payments while remaining protected from the natural environment. 【0020】 This specification further discloses a novel personal pop-up pod designed for a single user, which can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment and provide the user with privacy. In summary, the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein are designed for a variety of purposes. For example, a 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 inside a sports stadium (i.e., a “stadium pod”). In such an example, a stadium pod can protect the user from the surrounding natural environment, such as rain, snow, wind, and cold, while allowing the user to watch the event. In another example, a 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 on an airplane, train, bus, or subway (i.e., a “travel pod”). In such an example, a travel pod can provide the user with privacy in a place that would otherwise be crowded. In another example, a personal pop-up pod could be designed to accommodate users who need to move from one place to another, such as workers who need to work outside of a natural environment (i.e., a "mobile pod"). 【0021】 Figures 22-24 show embodiments of the stadium pod 300. The stadium pod includes four transparent side panels and a top panel, the top panel of which may be transparent or opaque as shown in the figures. The transparent side and top panels are made of a material that prevents water from entering and thus protects the user in rainy or snowy weather. In addition, the side and top panels retain body heat, thereby raising the temperature inside the stadium pod compared to the ambient temperature. The transparent side panels provide the user with a 360-degree view so that the user can observe surrounding activities such as sporting events. The side panels may include windows that can be opened and closed using one or more fasteners, such as zippers 302, 304, and 306, so that the user can communicate with the person sitting next to them or receive items such as food and drinks through the windows. In addition, the windows can be opened to increase ventilation inside the stadium pod if the user wishes. The bottom of the stadium pod may be largely open or may include a flap of material on which the user can sit when seated in a stadium chair or spectator seat. As shown in Figure 23, the stadium pod is designed to accommodate the user but not obstruct the view of those sitting next to them. In addition, transparent side panels allow anyone sitting behind the user to see through the stadium pod. 【0022】 Figures 25-26 show an embodiment of the travel pod 400. The travel pod includes four opaque side panels and an opaque top panel. The side panels may include windows that open and close using fasteners such as zippers. The opaque side and top panels can provide privacy to the user when traveling on public transport such as airplanes, trains, buses, and subways. In addition, the side and top panels can provide the user with protection against bacteria and viruses that spread easily when people gather in crowded or enclosed spaces. The user can open and close the windows as they wish. The user can open the windows to communicate with the person sitting next to them or to receive items such as food and drinks through the windows. The bottom of the travel pod is mostly open. The travel pod is designed to accommodate the user but not disturb the person sitting next to them. The materials used for the side and top panels may be configured to allow the pod to "breathe". In other words, this material allows air to pass through and ventilate the travel pod, but bacteria and viruses cannot pass through it. 【0023】 The mobile pod can generally be designed like a stadium pod, but it can also include a support mechanism connected to the inside of the mobile pod and engaging with the user, so that the mobile pod is supported by such engagement and stays around the user even when the user moves from one place to another. The mobile pod includes four side panels and a top panel. One or more side panels may be transparent. The side and top panels are made of a material that prevents water from entering, so that the mobile pod protects the user from adverse natural environments such as snow, rain, and sleet. In one example, this support mechanism may be a pair of straps similar to those on a backpack. The top and bottom of each strap are attached to the rear panel of the mobile pod. In such a configuration, the user can slide their arms through the straps (as is commonly done with a backpack) 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 them. 【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 the front panel of the movable pod, and the other end of each strap may be attached to the rear panel of the movable pod. The straps can be fastened so that the user can put the straps over their shoulders and the movable pod is supported around the user. In yet another example, the support mechanism may include a waist strap attached to the pair of straps, which is fastened around the user's waist. In such a configuration, the user can then walk around freely with the movable pod fastened to them. 【0025】 As described above, mobile pods can be used by workers who must work in natural environments. For example, a pedestrian crossing monitor can use a mobile pod to carry out the task of assisting children and other people crossing busy roads. The windows allow the user of the mobile pod to use a handheld stop sign, which is common for pedestrian crossing monitors. In another example, an employee of a fast-food restaurant can use a mobile pod to take and deliver customer orders by moving from vehicle to vehicle in bad weather. Again, the windows allow the user to flexibly hand over orders and receive payments while remaining protected from the natural environment. 【0026】 Further embodiments of a novel personal pop-up pod 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 maintain mobility, i.e., allowing the user to move from place to place by walking or any other common means of transportation, 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 infectious diseases such as influenza, the common cold, and chickenpox, and new threats such as coronaviruses (also known as SARS-CoV-2), can be critical in controlling the spread of such harmful and potentially deadly diseases. Such devices and products can, consequently, save lives. 【0027】 The personal pop-up pods disclosed herein are designed to facilitate a variety of activities, such as providing professional services, while protecting both the user and those nearby. For example, these personal pop-up pods can be used by healthcare workers in close proximity to patients who may have an infectious disease. In one example, an intake administrator in an emergency room or throughout a healthcare facility, who is in contact with a newly arrived patient, may wear a personal pop-up pod while interacting with such a patient to minimize the threat of exposure to infectious diseases carried by that patient. The personal pop-up pods are designed to allow the user to freely use their arms and hands to perform manual tasks such as recording information, operating portable electronic devices, and taking examinations such as measuring blood pressure and temperature. As can be understood, once a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, healthcare workers who have further contact with the patient suspected of having an infectious disease may also wear personal pop-up pods for protection against infection. For example, doctors, nurses, janitors, cooks, and cleaners working in areas of a medical facility dedicated to treating patients with infectious diseases can wear personal pop-up pods while performing their duties on a daily basis. In another example, workers in food processing, handling, and cooking can wear personal pop-up pods to protect food being prepared from infectious diseases that may be carried by the workers. While it is becoming common practice for employees to stay home if they show symptoms of an infectious disease, certain such diseases can be transmitted before an infected person shows any symptoms. Therefore, people working in industries where diseases can spread rapidly to consumers of the industry's products (such as food processing, handling, and cooking) should take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of such diseases. One such precaution is to work while using personal pop-up pods to protect products from worker infections. Selected examples of such jobs include employees of food manufacturers, grocery store employees, and restaurant cooks. It should be understood that these are merely examples of the countless applications of the personal pop-up pod disclosed herein. 【0028】 As shown in Figures 27-29, the personal pop-up pod 500 can be designed to have four sides (e.g., front, rear, left, and right), a top, and a bottom. The four sides and top can be made of transparent material, or alternatively, a combination of transparent and opaque materials. In one embodiment, the materials used can be treated with an antimicrobial agent to further protect the user. Two of the sides, such as the left and right sides, may include armholes 502 and 504, which provide the user of the personal pop-up pod 500 with the opportunity to extend their arms outside the personal pop-up pod 500 when carrying it. As shown, the armholes 502 and 504 may be portions of a generally rounded material having vertical slits 506, 508 that divide the rounded portion in two. As previously mentioned, the slits of the armholes 502 and 504 may include two edges with elastic bands running along the edges. The user's arm can be extended through the slit, which is designed to comfortably engage with the user's arm so that the sides are largely sealed, while allowing the user to move their arm freely as needed to perform manual tasks. In one embodiment, the arm holes 502 and 504 are positioned substantially closer to the front of the personal pop-up pod 500 than to the rear, making it easier for the user to perform manual tasks without the front of the personal pop-up pod 500 interfering with the work. 【0029】 The sides (such as the front) may include a zipper 510, which can be opened or closed to move a flap of material, exposing or sealing that side of the personal pop-up pod 500 from the surrounding environment. It will be understood that such a zipper 510 can be opened at the user's discretion to configure the personal pop-up pod 500 to suit the user's needs for access to the user and the environment surrounding the personal pop-up pod 500. When the zipper 510 is closed, the front is sealed from the surrounding environment. When the zipper 510 is opened, the user can access the surrounding environment through the front of the personal pop-up pod 500. It will be understood that when the user is not in an environment where infection is a threat, the front zipper can be opened to allow for wider access to perform certain tasks. 【0030】 The bottom of the personal pop-up pod 500 can be entirely open. Such a configuration allows the user to move more freely within the personal pop-up pod 500 and can add comfort to the user while using the personal pop-up pod. In another embodiment, the bottom may include a portion of material that includes a generally circular opening in the center of the portion of material. The circular opening may include an elastic band around the outer circumference of the opening. With either an entirely open bottom or a bottom with a circular opening, the user can slide the personal pop-up pod 500 downward from above the user's head until the user is positioned inside the personal pop-up pod 500. In the 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 understood that the user can remove the personal pop-up pod 500 in a similar manner by moving the personal pop-up pod upward to above the user's head until the personal pop-up pod 500 is removed from the user. 【0031】 As best seen in Figure 28 and Figure 29 (showing 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 rear inner surface of the personal pop-up pod 500. In another embodiment, the harness 512 is secured, at least partially, to the intersection of the rear and the 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 may include horizontal cross straps to optionally connect 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 their head and moves it downward, the user can put their arms through each side of the harness 512 and position the harness 512 on their shoulders in such a manner that the personal pop-up pod 500 is fully supported by the engagement of the harness 512 with the user's shoulders. The harness 512 may include pull tabs that can be pulled to remove slack and secure the harness 512 snugly to the user's shoulders and upper body. 【0032】 When the harness 512 is securely fastened to the user's shoulders and upper body, it will be understood that the personal pop-up pod 500 will move generally with the user, including moving in the same direction and by the same distance as the user's forward and backward, side-to-side, twisting and rotational, and up and down movements. When the user is engaged with the harness 512 and the personal pop-up pod 500 is carried by the user, it will be understood that the rear of the personal pop-up pod 500 will be in contact with or very close to the user's back, and there will be gaps or spaces 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 understood that other attachment mechanisms may be used. For example, two independent straps may be used instead of a harness. 【0033】 In one embodiment, the rear of the personal pop-up pod 500 can be configured as a single continuous transparent panel. In another embodiment, the rear can be configured as an open section to facilitate airflow within the personal pop-up pod 500. For example, the section above the attachment point for the harness 512 can be left open. Such a configuration may be useful for physically demanding jobs and / or jobs requiring quick movement from one location to another. 【0034】 Referring again to Figure 29, the harness 512 is shown over the user's shoulders, with horizontal cross straps connecting the two shoulder straps, and the user is carrying the personal pop-up pod 500. The user's arms extend through armholes 502 and 504 on either side of the personal pop-up pod 500, positioned for manual work. 【0035】 In one embodiment, this personal pop-up pod is approximately 32 inches tall, 22 inches wide (from left to right), and 14 inches deep (from front to back). These dimensions are just one example of the size of a personal pop-up pod. It will be understood that other dimensions can be used to accommodate users of different sizes and different tasks. 【0036】 It will be understood that the range of motion provided by the armholes and the entire personal pop-up pod allows the user to perform a variety of physical tasks. For example, a healthcare worker can interact with a patient to perform examinations related to their treatment or to take notes. A food factory worker can operate machinery or package food. A grocery store clerk can stock shelves or interact with customers. A restaurant employee can prepare food or serve it to customers. The front zipper can be optionally opened as needed to perform specific tasks. 【0037】 As is understood, the materials that make up the sides, top, and bottom are made from materials that prevent the entry of airborne pathogens. As for 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 with backpacks) and tighten the straps to secure the personal pop-up pod to their shoulders and back. The user can then walk around freely with the personal pop-up pod secured to them. 【0038】 Further embodiments of a novel personal pop-up pod designed for patient use in healthcare facilities are disclosed. This pop-up pod can protect patients and accompanying healthcare workers from infection with diseases, including airborne diseases. This novel personal pop-up pod allows healthcare workers to access patients for examination or medical treatment while thus protecting both patients and healthcare workers from infection. 【0039】 As described above, devices and products that limit the spread of recurring infections can be crucial 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 infections, ultimately saving lives. One common method of controlling the spread of infections is to create physical barriers between people in close proximity while facilitating the necessary contact between people to perform certain critical tasks. Regardless of the circumstances, providing medical care to sick patients is a critical task that healthcare workers must perform, even at the risk of infection. 【0040】 The personal pop-up pods disclosed herein are designed to facilitate a variety of activities, such as providing medical services, while protecting both the patient and healthcare workers near the patient. For example, a personal pop-up pod can be fitted to a patient seeking examination or medical treatment. The personal pop-up pod is designed to allow healthcare workers to access the patient. Such access can be facilitated by one or more access points on the personal pop-up pod, allowing healthcare workers to insert their hands, arms, or medical instruments into the pod to access the patient and perform the necessary examination or medical treatment. 【0041】 As shown in Figures 30 to 34, the personal pop-up pod 600 can be designed in a roughly cubic shape, having an interior defined by five panels (e.g., a front panel 602, a rear panel 604, a left panel 606, a right panel 608, and a top panel 610). The portion opposite the top panel 610 is roughly open. The five panels (602, 604, 606, 608, and 610) can be made of transparent material, or alternatively, a combination of transparent and opaque materials. In one embodiment, the panels (602, 604, 606, 608, and 610) and the materials constituting the entire pop-up pod 600 can be treated with an antimicrobial agent to further protect patients and healthcare workers. 【0042】 The personal pop-up pod 600 may include access slots incorporated into the personal pop-up pod 600. In one example (best shown in Figures 31 and 32), two access slots 612 and 614 are incorporated into the rear panel 604 of the personal pop-up pod 600. Access slots 612 and 614 allow healthcare workers to access the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600. As shown in the figures, access slots 612 and 614 may each include a generally rounded section of material (616 and 618) with vertical slots (620 and 622) that bisect the rounded section of material (616 and 618). The vertical slots (620 and 622) may include two edges with elastic bands running along each edge. A healthcare worker can insert their arm through the vertical slots (620 and 622), which are designed to comfortably engage with the healthcare worker's arm, while allowing the healthcare worker free movement of their arm as needed to perform necessary manual tasks within the personal pop-up pod 600, so as to provide a general seal around the healthcare worker's arm. In addition to receiving the healthcare worker's arm, the access slots (612 and 614) can also receive medical instruments such as endoscopes, biopsy devices, and parts of ventilators. Thus, healthcare workers can use the access slots (612 and 614) to manually examine or perform medical procedures on patients wearing the personal pop-up pod 600. 【0043】 In addition, the personal pop-up pod 600 may include access windows incorporated into the personal pop-up pod 600. In one example (best shown in Figure 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) consists of a roughly semicircular zipper that can be opened and closed by moving a flap of roughly semicircular material, allowing the left panel 606 or the right panel 608 (each) of the personal pop-up pod 600 to be exposed to or sealed from the surrounding environment. It will be understood that such zippers can be opened at the discretion of the healthcare worker to configure the personal pop-up pod 600 to suit the healthcare worker's need 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 healthcare workers to access the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600, and as a result, they can insert their arms or medical instruments or devices into the personal pop-up pod 600 as needed to perform necessary manual work or procedures on the patient inside the personal pop-up pod 600. As shown in the figure, it will be understood that the access windows 624 and 626 are larger than the access slots 612 and 614, and therefore can accommodate larger medical instruments and devices than those in the access slots 612 and 614. 【0044】 Figures 33 and 34 show the patient-fitted personal pop-up pod 600 with a healthcare professional accompanying the patient. As described above, the opposite side of the top panel 610 is largely open. However, as shown in Figures 33 and 34, the lower part of the rear panel 604 is curled downward so as to be positioned beneath the patient's head. The front panel 602 includes a lower edge 628 that engages with the patient's torso. The lower edge 628 includes an elastic band running along it so that the front panel 602 can seal against the patient's torso. It will be understood that the lower part of the rear panel 604, which curls beneath the patient's head, and the lower edge 628 of the front panel 602, which seals against the patient's torso, work together to largely seal the interior of the personal pop-up pod 600 around the patient's head and upper torso. 【0045】 Referring to Figure 33, a healthcare worker can access a patient and perform medical procedures by inserting their arm through access slots 612 and 614. Referring to Figure 34, a healthcare worker can access a patient and perform medical procedures by inserting their arm through access windows 624 and 626. It will be understood that healthcare workers can perform medical procedures as shown in Figures 33 and 34 while remaining safe from infections carried by the patient, and conversely, the patient will remain safe from infections carried by the healthcare worker. 【0046】 Figures 35 and 36 show the dimensions and access slot locations of one embodiment of the personal pop-up pod. In this embodiment, the rear panel (as shown in Figure 35) is approximately 18 inches high (H1) and approximately 21 inches wide (W1). The access slots are located approximately in the vertical center of the rear panel, with each access slot located approximately 3 inches (D1, D3) from the vertical edge of the rear panel. This pair of access slots are located approximately 8 inches (D2) apart from each other. In this embodiment, the left panel (as shown in Figure 36) is approximately 18 inches high (H2) and approximately 18 inches wide (W2). 【0047】 Figures 37 and 38 show the dimensions and access slot locations of another embodiment of the personal pop-up pod. In this embodiment, the rear panel (as shown in Figure 37) is approximately 21 inches high (H3) and approximately 21 inches wide (W3). The access slots are located approximately in the vertical center of the rear panel, with each access slot located approximately 3 inches (D4, D6) from the vertical edge of the rear panel. This pair of access slots are located approximately 8 inches (D5) apart from each other. In this embodiment, the left panel (as shown in Figure 38) is approximately 21 inches high (H4) and approximately 18 inches wide (W4). 【0048】 In another embodiment, an additional access window is located on the top panel of the personal pop-up pod. Such an access window can be opened and closed by a healthcare worker using a zipper to access the patient's torso from just above the patient's torso. As is understood, the material constituting the panel can be made from a material that prevents the entry of airborne pathogens. The access window may be equipped with a zipper that seals the access window when closed to prevent pathogens from passing through the zipper. In addition, a flap of material may be positioned to cover the zipper to further prevent pathogens from passing through the zipper. 【0049】 In another embodiment, a vacuum pump or other negative pressure device can be used with the personal pop-up pod. In such an embodiment, an opening can be incorporated into one of the panels of the personal pop-up pod and configured to engage with one end of a hose, tube, or other suitable conduit. The other end of the hose can engage with the vacuum pump. A healthcare worker can selectively activate the vacuum pump to draw air out of the personal pop-up pod through the opening in the panel of the personal pop-up pod. It will be understood that such a process can expel air from inside the personal pop-up pod, which includes expelling pathogens carried by the patient that could infect people near the patient with an infection. The vacuum pump or negative pressure device can substantially reduce the possibility of infection by including a filter that can capture such pathogens. It will be understood that such a process can make it safer to accompany a patient, in particular when a healthcare worker uses an access window due to the need to insert a large medical instrument or device into the personal pop-up pod. 【0050】 It will be understood that the personal pop-up pods disclosed herein may be single-use, disposable devices or reusable devices. The materials constituting 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 above-mentioned descriptions of these examples are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms described. Many modifications are possible based on the above teachings. Some of these modifications are discussed, while others will be understood by those skilled in the art. These examples have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles of various examples that are suitable for specific conceivable applications. The scope of the invention is, of course, not limited to the examples shown herein, but can be used by those skilled in the art for any number of applications or equivalent devices. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0052】 100 Personal Pop-Up Pods 102 Arm holes 104 Arm holes 106 Zippers 108 Zippers 110 zippers 112 Reflective Tape 114 Aperture 116 Elastic Band 118 Harness 120 slits 122 En 124 Yen 200 Personal Pop-Up Pods 300 Stadium Pods 302 Zipper 304 Zipper 306 Zipper 400 Travel Pods 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 slots 614 access slots 616 Round material part 618 Round part of the material 620 slots 622 slots 624 First access window 626 Second access window 628 Lower edge

Claims

[Claim 1] A personal pop-up pod for a single user, An enclosure comprising a front panel, rear panel, left panel, right panel, and top panel connected to each other to form an internal space, A first arm hole, located in the left panel for accommodating one of the user's arms, A first material portion including a first edge and a first expandable member fixed along the first edge, A second material portion including a second edge and a second expandable member fixed along the second edge, A first slit formed between the first edge and the second edge, A first arm hole having, A second arm hole, positioned in the right panel for accommodating one of the user's arms, A third material portion including a third edge and a third expandable member fixed along the third edge, A fourth material portion including a fourth edge and a fourth expandable member fixed along the fourth edge, A second slit formed between the third edge and the fourth edge, A second arm hole having, Equipped with, Each of the first and second expandable members extends in a straight line connecting a first portion located on the inner edge of the first arm hole and a second portion located on the inner edge of the first arm hole and facing the first portion. A personal pop-up pod in which each of the third and fourth telescopic members extends linearly, connecting a third portion located on the inner edge of the second arm hole and a fourth portion located on the inner edge of the second arm hole and facing the third portion. [Claim 2] When the user positions their arm through the first slit, the first and second telescopic members make close contact with the user's arm. The personal pop-up pod according to claim 1, wherein when the user positions their arm through the second slit, the third and fourth telescopic members make close contact with the user's arm. [Claim 3] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a bottom panel connected to the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, and the right panel. [Claim 4] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 3, wherein the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, the right panel, and the bottom panel are made of a material that prevents water from entering. [Claim 5] The bottom panel includes an opening to accommodate the user's lower body. The opening includes a substantially circular edge and an expandable member fixed along the substantially circular edge. The personal pop-up pod according to claim 3, wherein when a user uses the personal pop-up pod, the substantially circular edge of the bottom panel makes close contact with the user's lower body. [Claim 6] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 1, further comprising a harness fixed to the inner surface of the enclosure. [Claim 7] The aforementioned harness is, The left shoulder strap, The right shoulder strap and A left-side piece, wherein one end of the left-side piece is fixed to one end of the left-side shoulder strap, A right-side piece, wherein one end of the right-side piece is fixed to one end of the right-side shoulder strap, Equipped with, The personal pop-up pod according to claim 6, wherein the harness is fixed to the inner surface of the rear panel by fixing the other end of the left shoulder strap to the inner surface of the rear panel, fixing the other end of the right shoulder strap to the inner surface of the rear panel, fixing the other end of the left piece to the inner surface of the rear panel, and fixing the other end of the right piece to the inner surface of the rear panel. [Claim 8] A left-side pull tab is positioned to adjust the length of the left-side piece, A right-side pull tab is positioned to adjust the length of the aforementioned right-side piece, A personal pop-up pod according to claim 7, comprising: [Claim 9] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 1, further comprising at least one reflector fixed to the outer surface of the enclosure. [Claim 10] The at least one reflector is fixed along the lower half of the front panel, the rear panel, the left panel, and the right panel, The personal pop-up pod according to claim 9, further comprising an opaque portion which is at least along the top panel and is colored with a safety color. [Claim 11] A left-side window located on the left-side panel, wherein a zipper is positioned along the edge of the left-side window so as to selectively open and close the left-side window, and the flap of the material can be moved by opening and closing the zipper, the left-side window comprises A right-side window located on the right-side panel, wherein a zipper is positioned along the edge of the right-side window so as to selectively open and close the right-side window, and the right-side window is provided with a material flap that can be moved by opening and closing the zipper, The zipper can be used to selectively open the left window and the right window for communication between the internal space and the external environment. The personal pop-up pod according to claim 1, wherein the first arm hole is located in the flap of the material of the left window, and the second arm hole is located in the flap of the material of the right window. [Claim 12] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 11, further comprising a front window positioned on the front panel, wherein a zipper is positioned along the edge of the front window so as to selectively open and close the front window. [Claim 13] The personal pop-up pod according to claim 11, wherein each of the zippers follows a downward U-shaped path surrounding the corresponding first armhole or the second armhole.

Images