BARRIER DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices and systems for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The devices and systems can be used to improve the sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress by reducing or inhibiting interaction between them during sleep.

BACKGROUND

Sleep is essential to a healthy life. Unfortunately, people around the world generally do not get enough quality sleep. Stress created by an active lifestyle, poor overall sleep habits, unfavorable sleep conditions, exposure to light from electronic devices, and other distractions contribute to reduced sleep time and/or poor sleep quality. Reduced sleep time and/or poor sleep quality can lead to various health problems including obesity, lack of alertness, and impaired memory. Lack of sleep and/or poor sleep quality has been shown to lead to relationship difficulties, diminished quality of life, and an increased probability of motor vehicle accidents.

Sleep problems are often further exacerbated when there is more than one subject in the same bed or sleeping area. Noise, distractions from light, unpleasant scents, body heat and motion often undermine the quality of sleep between sleep partners that share a bed or sleeping area. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for devices and methods to improve the overall quality of sleep between sleep partners that share a bed or sleeping area. The embodiments of the present invention address that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments the present invention provides, a device for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the device comprising: a barrier member; and a weighted ballast; wherein, the barrier member comprises: a top portion; a bottom portion; a first end; a second end; a first side; and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; and wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the barrier member is a resiliently deformable material or a rigid material. In some embodiments, whereby when the bottom portion is placed on the surface, the top portion is either contoured relative to or otherwise not substantially parallel to the surface. In some embodiments, wherein the second end is substantially longer than the first end. In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is positioned inside the bottom portion of the barrier member, outside of the bottom portion of the barrier member, or both. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a cover for protecting the device, wherein the cover is configured to at least partially enclose the device. In some embodiments, the cover comprises a fastener for closing an opening in the cover. In some embodiments, the device further comprises an anchoring member for attaching the device to the surface. In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both. In some embodiments, each of the at least one connecting member is independently selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener and a magnet.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the system comprising at least two devices, each device comprising: a barrier member; a weighted ballast; and at least one connecting member; wherein: the barrier member comprises: a top portion; a bottom portion; a first end; a second end; a first side; and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member; wherein the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both; and wherein the devices are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for improving sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress, the method comprising: providing at least one device of the invention; placing the at least one device on the bed mattress; positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the subjects are in need of sleep; and reducing or inhibiting interaction between the two subjects to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing or inhibiting interaction between the subjects and ambient environment to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the at least one device to the bed mattress, or to a structure in communication with the bed mattress. In some embodiments, the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary system consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective in-use view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective in-use view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, an exemplary embodiment illustrating the principles of the present invention and how it may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized to practice the present invention, and structural and functional changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. The reference numerals for like parts have been maintained through the different embodiments depicted in the drawings.

The term “device” or “inventive device” as used herein refers to a device of the present invention, where the inventive device is a device for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device (10) for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The device (10) comprises a barrier member (11), and a weighted ballast (20). The barrier member (11) comprises a top portion (12), a bottom portion (13), a first end (14), a second end (15), a first side (16), and a second side (17). The first side (16) and the second side (17) are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion (12), the bottom portion (13), the first end (14) and the second end (15). The weighted ballast (20) is positioned near the bottom portion (13) of the barrier member (11). FIG. 1 also shows a device (10) that further comprises a connecting member (30) configured to connect the device (10) to a second device (10) or second device (40).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a device (10) for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The device (10) comprises a barrier member (11), and a weighted ballast (20). The barrier member (11) comprises a top portion (12), a bottom portion (13), a first end (14), a second end (15), a first side (16), and a second side (17). The first side (16) and the second side (17) are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion (12), the bottom portion (13), the first end (14) and the second end (15). The weighted ballast (20) is positioned near the bottom portion (13) of the barrier member (11). FIG. 2 also shows a device (10) that further comprises a connecting member (30) configured to connect the device (10) to a second device (10) or second device (40).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a device (40) for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The device (40) comprises a barrier member (41), and a weighted ballast (50). The barrier member (41) comprises a top portion (42), a bottom portion (43), a first end (44), a second end (45), a first side (46) and a second side (47). The first side (46) and the second side (47) are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion (42), the bottom portion (43), the first end (44) and the second end (45). The weighted ballast (50) is positioned near the bottom portion (43) of the barrier member (41). FIG. 3 also shows a device (40) that further comprises a connecting member (60) configured to connect the device (40) to a second device (10) and/or second device (40).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The system comprises two devices (10) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 that are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members (30).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The system comprises two devices (10 and 40) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 that are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members (30 and 60).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective in-use view of a device (10) for creating a barrier between two subjects (60) who are lying beside one another on a surface (71). In this embodiment a device (10) is placed on a surface (71) of a bed (70) and positioned between two subjects (60) to create a barrier between them. Moreover, for example, the device (10) may be optionally anchored to the bed (70) or to the bed headboard (72).

In an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective in-use view of a system for creating a barrier between two subjects (60) who are lying beside one another on a surface (71). In this embodiment the system comprises two devices (10 and 40) that are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members (30 and 60). The devices (10 and 40) are placed on a surface (71) of a bed (70) and positioned between the two subjects (60) to create a barrier between them. Moreover, for example, the devices (10 and 40) independently may be optionally anchored to the bed (70) or to the bed headboard (72).

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises a barrier member. In some embodiments, the barrier member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end, and the second end. The barrier member can be made of any known material. In some embodiments, the barrier member is a resiliently deformable material or a rigid material. In some embodiments, the barrier member is any known cushion material, e.g. foam or memory foam. Non-limiting examples of materials suitable for use as the barrier member include a polymer foam such as polyester foam, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, etc. Additional non-limiting examples of materials suitable for use as the barrier member include rubber or plastic.

In various embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) may possess a variable overall shape. For example, in some embodiments, it is envisioned that when the bottom portion of the barrier member (and hence the device) is placed on a surface, the top portion of the barrier member (and hence the device) is either contoured relative to or otherwise not substantially parallel to the surface. A non-limiting example of such a barrier member and device is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 herein. In another non-limiting example of the barrier member, it is envisioned that a second end of the barrier member (and hence the device) may be substantially longer than a first end of the barrier member (and hence the device). A non-limiting example of such a barrier member and device is illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 herein.

In various embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) is substantially square or substantially rectangular in shape. For example, in some embodiments, it is envisioned that when the bottom portion of the barrier member (and hence the device) is placed on a surface, the top portion of the barrier member (and hence the device) is otherwise substantially parallel to the surface. In another non-limiting example of the barrier member, it is envisioned that a second end of the barrier member (and hence the device) may be substantially similar in length to a first end of the barrier member (and hence the device). A non-limiting example of such a barrier member and device is illustrated in FIG. 3 herein.

In various embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) can be of any design, size, shape, height, width, length, and/or dimension. In some embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) may be 1 inch to 36 inches tall. In some embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) may be 1 inch to 24 inches wide. In some embodiments, the barrier member (and hence the device) may be 12 inches to 72 inches long.

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises a weighted ballast, wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises a weighted ballast, wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is positioned inside the bottom portion of the barrier member, outside of the bottom portion of the barrier member, or both. In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is positioned inside the bottom portion of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is positioned outside the bottom portion of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is configured to provide stability to the barrier member (and hence the device). In some embodiments, the weighted ballast is configured to allow the barrier member (and hence the device) to stand upright. The weighted ballast can be made of any known material. In various embodiments, the weighted ballast can comprise any known material that is capable of providing stability to the barrier member (and hence the device) and/or that allows the barrier member (and hence the device) to stand upright. In various embodiments, the weighted ballast is a non-toxic material. Non-limiting examples of materials for use as the weighted ballast include sand, gravel, stones, rocks, dehydrated beans, rice, water, any suitable organic material, metal, plastic, etc. In various embodiments, the weighted ballast can be of any design, size, shape, height, width, length, and/or dimension.

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises a cover for protecting the device. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises a cover for protecting the device. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to at least partially enclose the device. In some embodiments, the cover is configured to entirely enclose the device. The cover may be made of any known material. Non-limiting examples of cover materials include cotton, polyester, leather, artificial/synthetic leather, velvet, linen, wool, fur, artificial/synthetic fur, nylon, satin, silk, hemp, etc.

In various embodiments, the cover optionally comprises at least one fastener for closing an opening in the cover. In various embodiments, the cover comprises at least one fastener for closing an opening in the cover. The fastener for closing an opening in the cover can be made of any known material and be of any known design, size, shape, height, width, length, and/or dimension. Non-limiting examples of fasteners for closing an opening in the cover include hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®), button(s), snap(s), zipper(s), etc.

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises an anchoring member for attaching the device to a surface. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises an anchoring member for attaching the device to a surface. The anchoring member can be of any known material and be of any known design, size, shape, height, width, length, and/or dimension. Non-limiting examples of an anchoring member include a belt, rope, strap, band, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., VelcroR), button(s), snap(s), magnet(s), etc. In some embodiments, the anchoring member is attached to the inventive device. In some embodiments, the anchoring member is attached to the cover for protecting the inventive device. In some embodiments, the anchoring member is attached to the barrier member of the inventive device.

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach the device to a second device. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned on the second end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned near the second end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned on the first end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned near the first end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, at least one connecting member is positioned on the first end of the barrier member and at least one connecting member is positioned on the second end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, at least one connecting member is positioned near a first end of the barrier member and at least one connecting member is positioned near a second end of the barrier member. In some embodiments, the cover optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the cover comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the second device is a device of the present invention. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach two or more devices. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises at least one connecting member configured to connect or attach two or more devices. In some embodiments, the two or more devices are devices of the present invention. The connecting member can be made of any known material and be of any known design, size, shape, height, width, length, and/or dimension. In some embodiments, each of the at least one connecting member is independently selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), and a magnet.

In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach the device to a second device. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both. In some embodiments, the cover optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the cover comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach the device to a second device. In some embodiments, the second device is a device of the present invention. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention optionally comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach two or more devices. In various embodiments, the device of the present invention comprises at least one connecting member configured to removably connect or removably attach two or more devices. In some embodiments, the two or more devices are devices of the present invention.

In various embodiments, two or more devices can be removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members. In various embodiments, two or more devices can be removably connected to one another by their respective connecting members. As mentioned above the connecting member may be positioned on the barrier member, the cover, or both. By connecting or attaching two or more devices together subjects may create a barrier between them that is best suited for their physical size (e.g., height, weight, width, and overall size), the ambient conditions (e.g., conditions of the place of sleep, brightness from windows or other light sources, proximity of subjects to one another, etc.), or the activity being performed by the two subjects (e.g., one subject may be sleeping, while the other subject is reading a book or watching television, or both subjects may be sleeping). Non-limiting examples of an activity include sleeping, reading, snoring, watching television, playing a video game, operating a computer, talking on a phone, etc.

One skilled in the art would readily understand that “one or more” includes one, two, three, four, five, and so on. One skilled in the art would readily understand that “two or more” includes two, three, four, five, and so on. One skilled in the art would readily understand that “at least one” includes one, two, three, four, five, and so on. One skilled in the art would readily understand that “at least two” includes two, three, four, five, and so on. It will be understood by those within the art that there is no limitation on the number of devices that can be removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members. It will be understood by those within the art that there is no limitation on the number of devices that can be removably connected to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the system comprising at least two devices, each device comprising a barrier member; a weighted ballast; and at least one connecting member, wherein the barrier member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member; wherein the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both; and wherein the devices are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the system comprising at least two devices, each device comprising a barrier member; wherein the barrier member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the system comprising at least two devices, each device comprising a barrier member; and at least one connecting member, wherein the barrier member comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; wherein the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both; and wherein the devices are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing at least one device of the present invention; placing the at least one device on the surface of the article; and positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing at least one device of the present invention; placing the at least one device on the surface of the article; and positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the two subjects are engaged in at least one activity. In some embodiments, the activity is the same or different. In some embodiments, the article is a bed, couch, or floor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the at least one device to the article, or to a structure in communication with the article. In various embodiments, the method further comprises providing one or more additional devices of the present invention, and removably attaching the devices to one another by their respective connecting members. In some embodiments, the activity is sleeping, reading, snoring, watching television, playing a video game, operating a computer, or talking on a phone, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the structure is a bed headboard, bed frame, couch cushion, or wall.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing a device of the present invention; placing the device on the surface of the article; and positioning the device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing a device of the present invention; placing the device on the surface of the article; and positioning the device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the two subjects are engaged in at least one activity. In some embodiments, the activity is the same or different. In some embodiments, the article is a bed, couch, or floor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the device to the article, or to a structure in communication with the article. In various embodiments, the method further comprises providing one or more additional devices of the present invention, and removably attaching the devices to one another by their respective connecting members. In some embodiments, the activity is sleeping, reading, snoring, watching television, playing a video game, operating a computer, or talking on a phone, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the structure is a bed headboard, bed frame, couch cushion, or wall.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing a system of the present invention; placing the system on the surface of the article; and positioning the system between the two subjects to create a barrier between them. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing a system of the present invention; placing the system on the surface of the article; and positioning the system between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the two subjects are engaged in at least one activity. In some embodiments, the activity is the same or different. In some embodiments, the article is a bed, couch, or floor. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the system to the article, or to a structure in communication with the article. In some embodiments, the activity is sleeping, reading, snoring, watching television, playing a video game, operating a computer, or talking on a phone, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the structure is a bed headboard, bed frame, couch cushion, or wall.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for improving sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress, the method comprising: providing at least one device of the present invention; placing the at least one device on the bed mattress; positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the subjects are in need of sleep; and reducing or inhibiting interaction between the two subjects to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing or inhibiting interaction between the subjects and ambient environment to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the at least one device to the bed mattress, or to a structure in communication with the bed mattress. In some embodiments, the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation. In various embodiments, the method further comprises providing one or more additional devices of the present invention, and removably attaching the devices to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for improving sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress, the method comprising: providing a device of the present invention; placing the device on the bed mattress; positioning the device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the subjects are in need of sleep; and reducing or inhibiting interaction between the two subjects to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing or inhibiting interaction between the subjects and ambient environment to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the device to the bed mattress, or to a structure in communication with the bed mattress. In some embodiments, the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation. In various embodiments, the method further comprises providing one or more additional devices of the present invention, and removably attaching the devices to one another by their respective connecting members.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for improving sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress, the method comprising: providing a system of the present invention; placing the system on the bed mattress; positioning the system between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the subjects are in need of sleep; and reducing or inhibiting interaction between the two subjects to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises reducing or inhibiting interaction between the subjects and ambient environment to improve the sleep quality in the subjects. In some embodiments, the method further comprises anchoring the system to the bed mattress, or to a structure in communication with the bed mattress. In some embodiments, the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation.

Some embodiments of the present invention can be defined as any of the following numbered paragraphs:

1. A device for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the device comprising: a barrier member; and a weighted ballast; wherein: the barrier member comprises: a top portion; a bottom portion; a first end; a second end; a first side; and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; and wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member.

2. The device of paragraph 1, wherein the barrier member is a resiliently deformable material or a rigid material.

3. The device of paragraph 1 or 2, whereby when the bottom portion is placed on the surface, the top portion is either contoured relative to or otherwise not substantially parallel to the surface.

4. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the second end is substantially longer than the first end.

5. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-4, wherein the weighted ballast is positioned inside the bottom portion of the barrier member, outside of the bottom portion of the barrier member, or both.

6. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-5, further comprising a cover for protecting the device, wherein the cover is configured to at least partially enclose the device.

7. The device of paragraph 6, wherein the cover comprises a fastener for closing an opening in the cover.

8. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-7, further comprising an anchoring member for attaching the device to the surface.

9. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-8, further comprising at least one connecting member configured to connect the device to a second device.

10. The device of paragraph 9, wherein the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both.

11. The device of paragraph 9 or 10, wherein each of the at least one connecting member is independently selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener and a magnet.

12. A system for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface, the system comprising at least two devices, each device comprising: a barrier member; a weighted ballast; and at least one connecting member; wherein: the barrier member comprises: a top portion; a bottom portion; a first end; a second end; a first side; and a second side, wherein the first side and the second side are in mechanical communication with one another by way of each being attached to the top portion, the bottom portion, the first end and the second end; wherein the weighted ballast is positioned near the bottom portion of the barrier member; wherein the at least one connecting member is positioned on or near the second end of the barrier member, or on or near the first end of the barrier member, or both; and wherein the devices are removably attached to one another by their respective connecting members.

13. A method for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface of an article, the method comprising: providing at least one device of any one of paragraphs 1-11; placing the at least one device on the surface of the article; and positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the two subjects are engaged in at least one activity.

14. The method of paragraph 13, wherein the activity is the same or different.

15. The method of paragraph 13 or 14, wherein the article is a bed, couch, or floor.

16. The method of any one of paragraphs 13-15, further comprising anchoring the at least one device to the article, or to a structure in communication with the article.

17. A method for improving sleep quality in two subjects who are lying beside one another on a bed mattress, the method comprising: providing at least one device of paragraph 1; placing the at least one device on the bed mattress; positioning the at least one device between the two subjects to create a barrier between them, wherein the subjects are in need of sleep; and reducing or inhibiting interaction between the two subjects to improve the sleep quality in the subjects.

18. The method of paragraph 17, further comprising reducing or inhibiting interaction between the subjects and ambient environment to improve the sleep quality in the subjects.

19. The method of paragraph 17 or 18, further comprising anchoring the at least one device to the bed mattress, or to a structure in communication with the bed mattress.

20. The method of any one of paragraphs 17-19, wherein the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation.

As used herein the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to devices, systems, methods, articles of manufacture, apparatus, and respective component(s) thereof, that are useful to an embodiment, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether useful or not. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim the invention, the present invention, or embodiments thereof, may alternatively be described using alternative terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.

Unless stated otherwise, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar references used in the context of describing a particular embodiment of the application (especially in the context of claims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the application otherwise claimed. The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.” No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the application.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to any animal (e.g., human or non-human animal). Preferably, the subject is a human or domestic animals and/or pets, such as but not limited to cats, or dogs. More preferably, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the two subjects are both human. In some embodiments, of the two subjects, the first subject is a human, and the second subject is a human. In some embodiments, of the two subjects, the first subject is a human, and the second subject is a domestic animal or pet. In some embodiments, the first subject is human, and the second subject is a dog or a cat.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequent described circumstance may or may not occur, so that the description includes instances where the circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the device of the present invention is a “barrier device”. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention is a “pillow barrier device”. In some embodiments of the present invention, the device of the present invention is a “sleep barrier device”. It should be understood that the term “pillow” or phrase “pillow barrier device” or phrase “barrier device” or phrase “sleep barrier device” should not be construed as limiting the invention. It should be understood that devices, systems, and methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention may be used with or without pillows, and with or without cushions or other bedding-related devices. The term “pillow” should be broadly construed as defining a pillow either with or without a pillowcase, cover, sham, or other covering.

In various embodiments provided herein, the devices and systems of the present invention are depicted and described as having certain shapes and dimensions. In alternative embodiments, the devices and systems of the present invention may be dimensioned and shaped in ways other than as depicted and described herein.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention.

A device and/or system consistent with the present invention may also be used in conjunction with other sleep-aids and/or anti-snoring devices (e.g., nostril-expanding adhesive strips, sleep-positioning devices (e.g., knee-rest pillows), etc.) to provide enhanced comfort and/or improved quality of sleep.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about” or “approximately” preceded the numerical value or range.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of enablement, illustration, and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive of or to limit the present invention to the precise forms discussed. The present invention may be embodied in structural and/or functional components other than those specifically set forth herein, without departing from the present invention. Thus the present invention is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and broad scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

BARRIER DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

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