MODULAR PRIVACY AND STORAGE STRUCTURE, KIT, AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A modular privacy and storage structure, a kit, and a method of use are configured to provide privacy for an individual and storage for an item. The modular privacy and storage structure comprises a first and second side panel, and a base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges. In a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel. The base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress. In a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel. A pocket can be included in the structure. The kit includes a container configured to retain the modular privacy and storage structure in the second configuration. A method is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a privacy structure, and, more particularly, to a modular privacy and storage structure, a kit, and a method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Backpacking travelers who temporarily stay in hostels and camps often lack privacy in dormitory bunk beds. Specifically, hostels and camps often do not provide walls or dividers between such beds. In addition, backpacking travelers cannot carry their own portable dividers which are often too bulky to fit into a backpack.

Further, backpacking travelers may need access to items within arm's reach while the travelers lie in such bunk beds. However, if a hostel provides storage for items in a locker, such lockers are not within arm's reach.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a modular privacy and storage structure, a kit, and a method of use are configured to provide privacy for an individual.

In an embodiment, the modular privacy and storage structure is portable, and comprises a flexible pocket, a first and second side panel, and a base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges. The first and second side panels and the base panel are flexible and generally planar. In a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel. The flexible pocket is positioned between the vertically extending first and second side panels. The base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress. In a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel.

First and second complementary fasteners can be provided, with the first fastener disposed on the first side panel, with the second fastener disposed on the base panel, and the first and second fasteners engage each other to temporarily secure the first side panel to the base panel. The first and second side panels can be attached by a living hinge. The base panel and the second side panel can be attached by a living hinge. The first and second side panels can have a generally rectangular shape substantially matching the dimensions of the base panel. The flexible pocket can be positioned above the mattress. In the first configuration, the first and second side panels can extend vertically adjacent to respective portions of the mattress. In the second configuration, the first and second side panels can be folded to have a generally cylindrical shape.

In another embodiment, a kit includes a container and a modular privacy and storage structure. The modular privacy and storage structure comprises a flexible pocket, a first and second side panel, and a base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges. The first and second side panels and the base panel are flexible and generally planar. In a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel. The flexible pocket is positioned between the vertically extending first and second side panels. The base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress. In a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel. In the second configuration, the first and second side panels and the base panel are configured to be placed inside the container.

First and second complementary fasteners can be included, with first fastener disposed on the first side panel, with the second fastener disposed on the base panel, and with the first and second fasteners engaging each other to temporarily secure the first side panel to the base panel. The first and second side panels can be attached by a living hinge. The base panel and the second side panel can be attached by a living hinge. The first and second side panels can have a generally rectangular shape substantially matching the dimensions of the base panel. The flexible pocket can be positioned above the mattress. In the first configuration, the first and second side panels can extend vertically adjacent to respective portions of the mattress. The kit can include an elastic band configured to retain the first and second side panels and the base panel together in the second configuration. The container can include a handle configured to be carried with the modular privacy and storage structure positioned in the container in the second configuration.

In still further embodiments, a modular privacy structure as described above has the same structure but omits a pocket configured to store items. More specifically, the modular privacy structure has a first and second side panel and a base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges. The first and second side panels and the base panel are flexible and generally planar. In a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel. The base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress. In a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel.

If provided as a kit, embodiments can omit the pocket configured to store items, as just described, but further include an elastic band configured to retain the first and second side panels and the base panel together in the second configuration. Moreover, if a container is provided, it can include a handle configured to be carried with the modular privacy structure positioned in the container in the second configuration.

In a further embodiment, a method comprises providing a base panel and first and second side panels, folding the base away from the first and second side panels, folding the first side panel away from the second side panel, engaging complementary fasteners on the first side panel and the base panel, and positioning the base panel under a rectangular portion of a mattress. The base panel and the first and second side panels can be generally planar. The first and second side panels can extend vertically from first and second edges, respectively, of the base panel, and the first and second side panels can be perpendicular to the base panel.

Any combinations of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in a further embodiment, consistent with the disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein in accordance with the disclosure and the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front side perspective view of a modular privacy and storage structure in a folded configuration, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top front side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 1 in a partially unfolded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a top front side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 1 in a completely unfolded configuration.

FIG. 3A is a top planar view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 3 with panels lying flat on a surface.

FIG. 4 is a top front side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 1 mounted in relation to a mattress.

FIG. 5 is a top rear side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top front side perspective view of a hook-and-loop fastener securing together panels of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top front side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 4 being folded.

FIG. 8 is a top front side perspective view of the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 4 being further folded into the folded configuration of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a top front side perspective view of a kit having a container configured to retain the folded modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a top front plan view of the folded modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 1 being further folded.

FIG. 11 is a top front side perspective view of the folded modular privacy and storage structure in a cylindrical folded configuration.

FIG. 12 is a cylindrical container configured to retain the modular privacy and storage structure in the cylindrical folded configuration of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method of operation of the kit and the modular privacy and storage structure of FIG. 9.

It is noted that the drawings are illustrative and are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Example embodiments consistent with the teachings included in the present disclosure are directed to a modular privacy and storage structure 10, a kit 100, and a method 200 of use are configured to provide privacy and storage for an individual.

As shown in FIG. 1, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 is shown in a folded configuration, having at least three generally rectangular panels 12, 14, 16. It is to be understood that one or more of the panels 12, 14, 16 can have an alternate shape, such as a generally square shape, a generally circular shape, or a generally oval or elliptical shape. The panel 12 acts as a base configured to be positioned under a rectangular portion of a mattress 18, as shown in FIG. 5. The panels 14, 16 are configured to be side panels which stand vertically upright from and perpendicular to the base panel 12. During deployment of the modular privacy and storage structure 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the base panel 12 is unfolded away from the pair of side panels 14, 16, as shown in FIG. 2, and the side panel 14 is further unfolded away from the side panel 16, as shown in FIG. 3. The panels 12, 14, 16 can be further unfolded to lay flat on a surface, as shown in FIG. 3A. Such an unfolded configuration in FIG. 3A can also correspond to the configuration of the modular privacy and storage structure 10 at the time of manufacture.

The fully deployed and unfolded modular privacy and storage structure 10 is shown in FIGS. 4-5, with the base panel 12 under a rectangular portion of the mattress 18 of a bed, and with the side panels 14, 16 standing vertically upright from the base panel 12. The weight of the mattress 18 maintains the base panel 12 in a generally horizontal orientation, with the side panels 14, 16 standing vertically upright relative to the base panel 12. Thus, the weight of the mattress 18 provides significant stability to the fully deployed modular privacy and storage structure 10.

In the fully deployed and unfolded configuration, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 provides privacy to travelers in dormitory beds, such as bunk beds, in hostels or camps. It is to be understood that three or more such vertical panels 14, 16 can be used to surround a greater portion of the mattress 18. In addition, it is to be understood that two or more base panels 12 can be positioned underneath a greater portion of the mattress 18 to be configured with greater stability of the overall modular privacy and storage structure 10.

The modular privacy and storage structure 10 can be used with any size of mattress 18, such as mattresses having international dimensions. In addition, the mattress 18 can be a fabric mattress, an air mattress, a foam mattress, a spring mattress, or any other known type of mattress having a generally rectangular shape. Thus, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 has universal use with any generally rectangular mattress provided in bunk beds of hostels or camps. In addition, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 can have multiple applications, such as providing a portable playpen for children, a privacy structure for sleeping children, and an isolating structure for pets such as dogs or cats.

To maintain the fully deployed configuration of the modular privacy and storage structure 10, complementary fasteners can be used to secure the panels 12, 14, 16 together. Some of the fasteners can temporarily secure pairs of panels 12, 14, 16 together. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, a pair 20, 22 of complementary fasteners are provided on the side panel 14 and the base panel 12, respectively. FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of the pair 20, 22 of fasteners. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of complementary fasteners 24, 26 can be provided on the side panel 16 and the base panel 12, respectively. Alternatively, the side panel 16 and the base panel 12 can be attached to each other by a living hinge along at least a portion of the edges 28, 30 of the side panel 16 and the base panel 12, as shown in FIG. 5.

In addition, the side panels 14, 16 can be temporarily secured by complementary fasteners, as described below. Alternatively, the side panels 14, 16 can be attached to each other permanently by a living hinge along at least a portion of the vertical edges of the side panels 14, 16, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7.

The fasteners 20, 22, 24, 26 can be hook-and-loop fasteners, also known as “VELCRO”, commercially available from “VELCRO IP HOLDINGS LLC”. Alternatively, the fasteners 20, 22, 24, 26 can be snap-type fasteners. In addition, the fasteners 20, 22, 24, 26 can be buttons engaging button holes. Still further, the fasteners 20, 22, 24, 26 can be zippers. Furthermore, any other known types of fasteners can be used to temporarily fasten the base panel 12 and the side panel 14. In addition, the base panel 12 and the side panel 16 can be temporarily or permanently fastened by any other known types of fasteners.

The modular privacy and storage structure 10 can be customized to different desired orientations. For example, after the panels 12, 14, 16 are deployed, the overall structure 10 can be rotated in space by re-orienting the three connected panels 12, 14, 16. For example, one of the panels 14, 16 can act as a base panel positioned under a rectangular portion of the mattress 18, and the panel 12 can act as a vertically oriented side panel. A user can orient the panels 12, 14, 16 to provide more privacy on the horizontal or vertical dimensions depending on personal preference. For example, the overall structure 10 can be 21 inches high by 29 inches wide in one orientation, and 29 inches high by 21 inches wide in another orientation. In any orientation, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 continues to function to provide privacy to the user.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 can optionally include at least one pocket 32 attached to adjacent sides of the side panels 14, 16. The pocket 32 can be permanently attached to the adjacent side panels 14, 16. Alternatively, the pocket 32 can be temporarily attached to the adjacent side panels 14, 16 by hook-and-loop fasteners or any other known type of fastener, as described above. The pocket 32 can be suspended between the two vertical panels 14, 16 and can be long enough to utilize the mattress 18 for support as the pocket 32 is filled. The pocket 32 is attached to the vertical panels 14, 16 on an upper half of the pocket 32. Such positioning of the pocket 32 on the vertical panels 14, 16 allow the mattress 18 to slip under the pocket 32 and still be on top of the base panel 12. The height of the pocket 32 above the mattress 18 can be adjusted and customized. For example, the vertical side panels 14, 16 can have fasteners along the length of the side panels 14, 16 configured to engage complementary fasteners on the sides of the pocket 32. Alternatively, a portion of the vertical side panels 14, 16 can be composed of fabric including loops to engage hooks on the pocket 32 in a hook-and-loop fastener configuration. Thus, the pocket 32 can be positioned above a mattress 18 of any height.

The pocket 32 can hold essential items or any relatively small, desired items, which a user of modular privacy and storage structure 10 needs to be nearby while staying in a dormitory or other public setting. Such items can include car plugs, an eye mask, cough drops, keys, a phone, a water bottle, etc. Accordingly, the user does not have to go to a distant locker having such items. In addition, the user does not have to bring potentially germ-infected day bags into bed for such essential or desired items. In an alternate embodiment, the pocket 32 temporarily attached to the panels 14, 16 can be removed by the user, allowing the user to retain essential toiletries in the pocket 32, and so the user can easily take the pocket 32 to a bathroom at any time, such as during dormitory quiet hours. Such a removable pocket 32 avoids opening lockers or luggage which can make noise, which is not desirable during quiet hours in such facilities as hostels or camps.

In accordance with a salient aspect of the invention, when the pocket 32 is provided, it is attached or attachable so as to reside on a sheltered part of the modular privacy structure, that is, so as to overlie the mattress 18 and be visible to a user lying on the mattress. This provides a modicum of security by keeping the contents within arm's reach of the user while in bed.

The pocket 32 can be composed of flexible material, allowing the pocket 32 to be unfolded as the side panels 14, 16 are deployed, as shown in FIG. 3. In turn, the pocket 32 can be folded as the side panels 14, 16 are folded together as shown in FIG. 7 and described below. If the pocket 32 can be removably attached to the side panels 14, 16, the pocket 32 can be placed between the side panels 14, 16 when such side panels 14, 16 are folded together as shown in FIG. 7.

The side panels 14, 16 can generally planar. In addition, the side panels 14, 16 can be composed of fabric suspended between generally rectangular edges. The fabric of the side panels 14, 16 allow breathability for a user lying near the side panels 14, 16. The pocket 32 can contribute to maintaining the verticality of the planar panels 14, 16 by retaining the panels 14, 16 together at the vertical edges of the panels 14, 16. Alternatively, at least one of the panels 14, 16 can include at least one flexible wire 51 extending through the respective panel 14, 16 and configured to maintain a respective panel 14, 16 in a planar configuration. The flexible wire 51 can be composed of a shape-memory alloy or resilient stainless steel which returns to a generally linear shape in the planar panels 14, 16 after being bent, as described below. The flexible wire 51 can have a round cross-section for easy manipulation of the panels, or can have an elliptical or rectilinear cross-section to assist in unfolding the panels to a prescribed shape and orientation. Accordingly, the panels 14, 16 are compactable, breathable, and lightweight, which in turn causes the overall modular privacy and storage structure 10 to be compactable, breathable, and lightweight.

Once the modular privacy and storage structure 10 is unfolded and deployed, the user can use the structure 10. After use, the user can readily transform the modular privacy and storage structure 10 to a compact form by removing the structure 10 from the mattress 18, and then the folding the modular privacy and storage structure 10 to a compact folded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. Referring to FIG. 7, the user detaches the fasteners 20, 22, and rotates the side panel 14 towards the side panel 16 to be in a folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. The pocket 32 can also be folded between the panels 14, 16 to be in a folded configuration. Referring to FIG. 8, the user then rotates the base panel 12 towards the side panel 14, so that the panels 12, 14, 16 are in a compact and folded configuration, as shown in FIG. 9.

Referring further to FIG. 9, a kit 100 includes a container 40 and the modular privacy and storage structure 10. The container 40 has an opening 42 to the interior of the container 40. The container 40 is configured to receive the modular privacy and storage structure 10 through the opening 42 and to resist transformation of the structure 10 from the compact, folded configuration due to the interior of the container pressing against the panels and resisting the urgency of the resilient wire 51. The container 40 can also include a handle 44 configured to allow the user to carry the container 40 with the modular privacy and storage structure 10 therein. Accordingly, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 and the kit 100 are portable. Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 can be removed from the container 40 and readily assembled or disassembled by the user in seconds.

In an alternative embodiment, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the assembled configuration can be further folded, as shown in FIG. 10, such that the panels 12, 14, 16 fold up into a generally cylindrical assemblage 50 having layers of circular discs in a more compact configuration. The cylindrical shape is due to the panels themselves having rounded corners which, when twisted as shown in FIG. 10, changes the generally rectangular form of each panel to now assume a more circular shape. Such a more compact cylindrical assemblage can be inserted into a generally cylindrical container or carrying case 52 through an opening 54 to the interior of the container 52. The cylindrical assemblage 50 can be secured in the more compact configuration with a band 56 or other known fastener structures that can hold the cylindrical assemblage 50 in the more compact configuration. The band 56 can be an elastic band that is under tension when in place about the cylindrical assemblage 50. Alternatively, the band 56 can be a belt with a buckle, with the belt about the cylindrical assemblage 50 and secured by the buckle to hold the cylindrical assemblage 50 in the more compact configuration. The band or the container, when provided, resists transformation of the structure 10 from the compact, folded configuration by restraining the panels and resisting the urgency of the resilient wire 51 in the now-folded panels. A handle or hook 58 can also be configured to allow the user to carry the container 52. Thus, the container 52 can be configured to be portable and used as a travel bag for the cylindrical assemblage 50.

The cylindrical assemblage 50, by itself or contained within the container 52, can be, for example, about 11 inches in diameter. Accordingly, the cylindrical assemblage and the container 52 can fit into any standard size backpack, which is about at least 22 inches high by at least 14 inches wide. In this manner, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 can be readily retained and carried by a traveler to and from destinations such as a dormitory of a hostel or a camp.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method 200 of operation of the kit 100 and the modular privacy and storage structure 10 deploys the modular privacy and storage structure 10 to be assembled and positioned under a rectangular portion of a mattress 18. The method 200 includes the step 210 of removing the modular privacy and storage structure 10 from the container 40 of the kit 100, as shown in FIG. 9, and this step is performed when a container is provided. Alternatively, the structure 10 can have an elastic band removed from around it so as to free the panels for unfolding in the next steps. The base panel 12 is then folded down and away from the side panels 14, 16 in step 220, as shown in FIG. 2. One side panel 14 is then folded away from the other side panel 16 in step 230, as shown in FIG. 3. The folding steps are accompanied by an assist due to the energy stored in the resilient wire 51 which is disposed within the seams of the respective panels. Complementary fasteners 20, 22 on the panels 12, 14 engage each other in step 240, as shown in FIG. 3. The method 200 then deploys the assembled panels 12, 14, 16 to position the base panel 12 under a rectangular portion of the mattress 18 in step 250, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. Once deployed, if the embodiment includes a pocket 32, the pocket is disposed above the mattress as a result of step 250. Thus, the modular privacy and storage structure 10 is assembled and deployed to be configured for use by a user. Disassembly of the deployed modular privacy and storage structure 10 is performed by reversing steps 210-250 of the method 200.

It is to be further understood that like or similar numerals in the drawings represent like or similar elements through the several figures, and that not all components or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”. “including.” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there is a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including.” “comprising.” “having.” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention encompassed by the present disclosure, which is defined by the set of recitations in the following claims and by structures and functions or steps which are equivalent to these recitations.

Claims

1. A portable modular privacy and storage structure, comprising: a flexible pocket configured to store an item;a first and second side panel; anda base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges,wherein the first and second side panels and the base panel are flexible and generally planar,wherein, in a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel,wherein, in the first configuration, the flexible pocket is positioned between the vertically extending first and second side panels,wherein, in the first configuration, the base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress, andwherein, in a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel.

2. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, further comprising: first and second complementary fasteners,wherein the first fastener is disposed on the first side panel,wherein the second fastener is disposed on the base panel, andwherein the first and second fasteners engage each other to temporarily secure the first side panel to the base panel.

3. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second side panels are attached by a living hinge.

4. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein the base panel and the second side panel are attached by a living hinge.

5. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second side panels have a generally rectangular shape substantially matching the dimensions of the base panel.

6. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein the flexible pocket is positioned above the mattress.

7. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein, in the first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically adjacent to respective portions of the mattress.

8. The portable modular privacy and storage structure of claim 1, wherein, in the second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to have a generally cylindrical shape.

9. A kit, comprising: a container; anda modular privacy and storage structure, comprising: a flexible pocket configured to store an item;a first and second side panel; anda base panel having a generally rectangular shape with first and second edges,wherein the first and second side panels and the base panel are flexible and generally planar,wherein, in a first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically from the first and second edges, respectively, and perpendicular to the base panel,wherein, in the first configuration, the flexible pocket is positioned between the vertically extending first and second side panels,wherein, in the first configuration, the base panel is configured to be positioned and retained under a rectangular portion of a mattress by the weight of the rectangular portion of the mattress,wherein, in a second configuration, the first and second side panels are folded to be positioned parallel and adjacent to the base panel, andwherein, in the second configuration, the first and second side panels and the base panel are configured to be placed inside the container.

10. The kit of claim 9, further comprising: first and second complementary fasteners,wherein the first fastener is disposed on the first side panel,wherein the second fastener is disposed on the base panel, andwherein the first and second fasteners engage each other to temporarily secure the first side panel to the base panel.

11. The kit of claim 9, wherein the first and second side panels are attached by a living hinge.

12. The kit of claim 9, wherein the base panel and the second side panel are attached by a living hinge.

13. The kit of claim 9, wherein the first and second side panels have a generally rectangular shape substantially matching the dimensions of the base panel.

14. The kit of claim 9, wherein the flexible pocket is positioned above the mattress.

15. The kit of claim 9, wherein, in the first configuration, the first and second side panels extend vertically adjacent to respective portions of the mattress.

16. The kit of claim 9, further comprising: an elastic band configured to retain the first and second side panels and the base panel together in the second configuration.

17. The kit of claim 9, wherein the container includes a handle configured to be carried with the modular privacy and storage structure positioned in the container in the second configuration.

18. A method, comprising: providing a base panel and first and second side panels;folding the base away from the first and second side panels;folding the first side panel away from the second side panel;engaging complementary fasteners on the first side panel and the base panel; andpositioning the base panel under a rectangular portion of a mattress.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the base panel and the first and second side panels are generally planar.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second side panels extend vertically from first and second edges, respectively, of the base panel, wherein the first and second side panels are perpendicular to the base panel.