PORTABLE CHANGING ROOM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/666,489, filed Jul. 1, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to outdoor gear and equipment, and more particularly, to a portable changing room.

BACKGROUND

It is common for people to engage in outdoor activities that require changing clothing in public spaces. When outdoors, privacy is limited because one is typically exposed to others being nearby. For example, when visiting the beach, many people are usually visiting at the same time. A person may need to exchange wet and sandy clothes for clean, dry clothes before returning to a car or leaving the beach in general. When camping, campgrounds are usually full of strangers walking nearby. In another example, models usually have to change in and out of several outfits during photoshoots within the visibility of many people nearby. Models can be very vulnerable since they are usually the focus of attention for being in any given location.

The common approach to changing in public is to leave an area and find a private room such as a restroom. However, public restrooms can be filthy and smelly, and are even sometimes inconveniently inaccessible. Another approach is to use a towel or blanket to cover oneself during changing. Commonly, this approach requires the assistance of another person to hold the towel or blanket while removing some clothing for new clothing. It can be easy for others to see the person's exposed body because towels and blankets do not cover everything.

Existing portable changing rooms often require intricate assembly processes, involving multiple steps or components that can be time-consuming and frustrating to set up, especially in outdoor or public settings.

Many current solutions fail to provide sufficient privacy, relying on flimsy materials or designs that do not effectively shield users from view, particularly in crowded or exposed environments like beaches or parks.

Traditional changing rooms may be bulky and difficult to transport, lacking the compactness needed for easy storage in vehicles or carrying during outdoor activities.

Some portable changing rooms on the market are not user-friendly, making them impractical for quick deployments and collapses. For example, previous designs often lack versatility to adapt to different environments or activities, limiting their usefulness for various outdoor and recreational scenarios. Additionally, some current portable changing rooms can be very hard to fold once they have been opened. Once opened, the changing rooms seldom return to a compact, leading to user frustration due to difficult folding processes and inconveniences in carrying the devices around.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a portable changing room apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collapsible wire frame. The wire frame includes a top end and a bottom end. A fabric covers the wire frame from the top end to the bottom end. The collapsible wire frame is configured to generate in cooperation with the fabric, a volume enclosed by the fabric in response to an expansion of the collapsible wire frame.

In another aspect, a portable changing room apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collapsible wire frame. The wire frame includes a top end of the wire frame, a bottom end of the wire frame, and a spiral section of the wire frame connecting the top end of the wire frame to the bottom end of the wire frame. A cover is coupled to the top end of the wire frame, to the bottom end of the wire frame, and to the spiral section of the wire frame. In a collapsed state, the top end of the wire frame abuts the bottom end of the wire frame. In an expanded state, the top end of the wire frame, the bottom end of the wire frame, the spiral section of the wire frame, and the cover cooperate as a freestanding structure and are configured to generate a tubular changing room covering at least some part of a body of a user standing inside a volume between diametrically opposed sides of the cover.

In another aspect, a portable changing room apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collapsible wire frame. The wire frame includes a flat, open, top end, a flat, bottom end, and a helical section of the wire frame connecting the top end of the wire frame to the bottom end of the wire frame. An opaque fabric cover, including an interior surface and an exterior surface, covers the helical section of the wire frame from the top end of the wire frame to the bottom end of the wire frame. A liner is attached to and covering the interior surface of the fabric cover and covering the helical section of the wire frame. A floor is attached to the flat, bottom end of the wire frame. A mesh lining is coupled to and covers an interior surface of the floor. In a first state, the helical section of the wire frame compresses pulling the top end of the wire frame to the bottom end of the wire frame with the fabric covering crumpling between the top end of the wire frame and the bottom end of the wire frame. In a second state, the top end of the wire frame is expanded from the bottom end of the wire frame. The helical section of the wire frame and the cover expand and are configured to generate an enclosed volume of space within diametrically opposed sides of the interior surface of the opaque fabric cover. The top end of the wire frame, the bottom end of the wire frame, and the helical section of the wire frame are configured to maintain a self-supported structure.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a portable changing room apparatus in an expanded state, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a default collapsed state for transportation.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 prior to being stepped into for use by a user, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an edge view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in a collapsed state, depicting a fastener securing ends together.

FIG. 5 is an edge view of the apparatus of FIG. 4, showing the fastener untied.

FIG. 6 is an edge view of the apparatus of FIG. 4, with the fastener untied, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an edge view of the apparatus of FIG. 4, at a beginning stage of expanding the frame for use.

FIG. 8 is an edge view of the apparatus of FIG. 4, with the frame expanded from the closed state.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting a user within the apparatus during use.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 9, with the frame of the apparatus being collapsed during use, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 9, with the frame of the apparatus collapsed during use, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of the apparatus of FIG. 3, showing an initial tension of the frame in readiness for expansion.

FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of the frame, in a fully collapsed and compact state, consistent with embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a wire frame in an expanded state, consistent with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. Like or similar components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.

Overview

In general, and referring to the Figures, embodiments of the subject apparatus address the need for a convenient and private space to change clothes in public settings, such as beaches, parks, outdoor events, or any location where traditional changing facilities are unavailable or inadequate. Existing solutions often lack portability, ease of use, or the ability to provide complete privacy. This portable changing room solves these problems by offering a lightweight, easily transportable, and quick-to-deploy solution that ensures user privacy.

The apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-13 includes a collapsible wire frame 110 covered in an opaque fabric 120 (for example, polyester, nylon, etc.). The wire frame 110 may be a flexible metal wire coil or compression spring. The wire frame 110 may include a top end 130 and a bottom end 140 that are substantially flat. The wire frame 110 may be seen in a collapsed compact state outside of the fabric 120 in FIG. 13.

Collapsed State

In the collapsed state, the helical section of the wire frame 110 compresses pulling the top end 130 of the wire frame 110 to the bottom end 140 of the wire frame 110 with the fabric covering 120 crumpling between the top end 130 and the bottom end 140. When collapsed, the top end 130 may abut the bottom end 140 (for example, as shown in FIG. 13).

Expanded State

In the expanded state, the apparatus 100 is in a configuration for use as a changing room or the like. The top end 130, bottom end 140, and the intermediate section of the wire frame 110 cooperate to provide framing covered by the fabric 120 that provides an enclosed volume of space large enough for a person to move within and change clothes (or for other privacy uses). An outline of the ends 130; 140 can be seen in FIG. 1 at the top and bottom of the apparatus 100 when the apparatus is in the expanded state. At both ends 130; 140, the wire frame 110 is coiled within through the fabric to form the circular ends that are the top end 130 and bottom end 140 of the wire frame 100. The wire frame 110 provides a self-supported, free-standing structure in the expanded state. The fabric 120 may be a cover that covers the wire frame 110 or the wire frame 110 may be integrated into the fabric 120. When in the expanded state, the wire frame 110 and fabric 120 may define an enclosed volume between diametrically opposed sides of the interior surface of the fabric 120. For example, the connection of the top end 130, to the spiral or helical section of the wire frame 110, to the bottom end 140 and the surrounding fabric 120 cover may generate a cylindrical, tube-shaped room within which the user may stand and change. The frame 110 may generally extend to a height proximate a user's shoulders (for example, 54 inches tall and 28 inches in diameter) (which may vary from user to user depending on the user's height). An illustration of the apparatus in use with a person drawing up or pushing down the top end 130 of the wire frame 110 is shown in FIG. 9. While the embodiment shown is cylindrical, other embodiments may use other shaped frame ends which may result in a different shaped frame (for example, rectangular ends).

FIG. 2 shows a default state of the apparatus 100 inside a carry bag with straps 160. As may be appreciated, the spiral wire frame 110 may fully collapse into a flat disc in the default state. Users will be able to easily carry the lightweight apparatus 100 in the collapsed state using the bag and straps 160.

The bottom end 140 provides a stable base. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 12, in some embodiments, the bottom end 140 of the apparatus 100 may be closed providing a floor 150 for users to stand upon. Some embodiments may include a mesh lining 190 over the floor 150 providing the user protection for bare feet. Some embodiments may include an interior liner 170 that covers the wire frame 110 on the interior surface of the fabric 120 to protect the user from the wire frame 110.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9-12, the top end 130 of the apparatus 100 may be open-ended allowing users to step onto the closed, bottom floor 150 and pull the top end 130 of the frame 110 up and around their body. When the top end 130 is lifted to the fully expanded state, the wire frame 110 being self-supporting maintains the structural integrity of the room using tension so that the user can change without having to hold onto the frame 110. When done changing, the user may press the top end 130 of the frame down which will cause the coiled wire of the wire frame 110 to collapse as turns of the coil layer onto themselves. The fabric 120 will crumple in between the ends 130 and 140 to provide a compact device. When collapsed, the ends 130 and 140 of the apparatus 100 may be secured together using a fastener 180 (for example, a hook and loop system) which can be seen in FIGS. 4-6 and 12.

Applications

The following are examples of applications where the apparatus 100 may be used.

Outdoor Events: The portable changing room apparatus 100 can be utilized at outdoor events such as festivals, concerts, the beach, or sporting events, providing attendees with a private space to change clothes.

Camping: The portable changing room apparatus 100 can serve as a convenient changing space for campers, offering privacy in remote outdoor locations where traditional facilities are unavailable.

Photography and Film: The portable changing room apparatus 100 may be used as a mobile changing room on location for photographers or film crews, ensuring privacy for models or actors during costume changes.

Portable Bathroom Cover: When paired with a portable toilet (portapotty), the portable changing room apparatus 100 can function as a private bathroom enclosure. This application provides users with a complete privacy solution for personal hygiene needs in outdoor settings.

Structural Variations:

Size and Shape: The design of the portable changing room apparatus 100 can be adapted to vary in size and shape to accommodate different user preferences or specific needs. For example, variants could include larger or smaller cylindrical structures based on intended use. In addition, the length (height) of the wire frame 110 may be shorter or longer than what is disclosed.

Materials: Different alternative materials may be used for the wire frame 110 and polyester fabric covering 120 to potentially enhance durability, reduce weight, or improve aesthetic appeal.

Additional Features: Some embodiments may incorporate features that are not shown including for example, ventilation openings, storage pockets, or reflective elements for safety in low-light conditions which could further enhance usability in various applications.

These versatile applications and structural adaptations showcase the portable changing room apparatus 100 flexibility to meet diverse user needs beyond its original purpose, expanding its potential utility in outdoor and remote environments.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “above,” “below” and the like as used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, for example, an item disposed above another item may be located above or below the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction; and an item disposed below another item may be located below or above the other item along a vertical, horizontal or diagonal direction. Some frames of references and the position of claimed structure relative to those frames of reference may be gleaned from the appended drawings. Yet, it should be understood that for some embodiments, the detection from devices disclosed herein may not be restricted to being accomplished from any particular position shown, whether the device is above, below, or on one side of the user being monitored.

Those of skill in the art would appreciate that various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.