US20180352971A1

US20180352971A1 - Containment apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20180352971A1
Application number: US15/781,408
Authority: US
Inventors: Jodi Bracho
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2016-12-02
Publication date: 2018-12-13
Also published as: US20170156515A1; WO2017096226A1

Abstract

Disclosed are containment apparatuses that include, in some embodiments, a flexible barrier configured to attach to a tray. The flexible barrier may include a middle panel configured to extend approximately perpendicular to and along a perimeter of the tray. The flexible barrier also has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. A right side panel of the flexible barrier extends from the first edge toward the middle panel and a left side panel of the flexible barrier extends from the second edge toward the middle panel. The containment apparatus further includes an adjustable coupler configured to attach the right side panel to the left side panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for containing food, toys, utensils and other items on a tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trays may be used for placing and supporting food, toys, utensils, or other items. Trays are often portable and can be securely coupled to a frame of a chair. While using the tray, supported items can be accidentally knocked off or thrown off the tray and land on the floor and/or on other nearby objects including furniture, rugs, and the like, causing damage to the nearby objects and at times causing irritation to those nearby.

SUMMARY

There is a long-felt need in the art for an apparatus that prevents items supported by a tray from falling off. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a containment apparatus that includes a flexible barrier configured to attach to a tray, e.g., the tray of a high chair, a wheel chair, or other seating unit. The flexible barrier has a middle panel configured to extend along a perimeter of the tray. The flexible barrier also has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. A right side panel of the flexible barrier extends from the first edge toward the middle panel and a left side panel of the flexible barrier extends from the second edge toward the middle panel. The containment apparatus further includes an adjustable coupler configured to attach the right side panel to the left side panel.
According to another aspect of the disclosure, a containment apparatus includes a flexible barrier panel having an upper edge and a lower edge opposite the upper edge, a right end section extending between the upper edge and the lower edge, and a left end section opposite the right end. The containment apparatus further includes an adjustable coupler having a first part that is removably attached to a second part. The first part is attached to the right end section and the second part is attached to the left end section. The flexible barrier panel and the adjustable coupler are configured to together extend about a chair and a tray coupled to the chair, such that the lower edge engages the tray.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods for using a containment apparatus, which methods include a step of rotating a right side panel relative to a middle panel. The middle panel has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge and the right side panel extends from the first edge. The method also includes rotating a left side panel relative to the middle panel. The left side panel extends from the second edge. Additionally, the method includes attaching the right side panel, the left side panel, and the middle panel to a tray and coupling the right side panel to the left side panel using an adjustable coupler.
The present disclosure also provides a containment apparatus that includes a middle panel having a first length of memory wire shaped so as to define a first opening and one or more edges of the middle panel. The middle panel is at least partially defined by first and second attachment edges and a middle panel portion of fabric extending over the first opening. The containment apparatus further includes a right panel having a second length of memory wire shaped so as to define a second opening and one or more edges of the right panel and a right panel portion of fabric extending over the second opening. The containment apparatus also includes a left panel having a third length of memory wire shaped so as to define a third opening and one or more edges of the left panel, and a left panel portion of fabric extending over the third opening. The right panel is foldably secured to the first attachment edge of the middle panel and the left panel is foldably secured to the second attachment edge of the middle panel.
Further provided is a containment apparatus that includes a first flexible panel, the first panel having a length of memory wire that defines an opening and an amount of mesh that extends over the opening. The panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The apparatus further includes a first coupler coupled to the first end of the first flexible panel and a second coupler coupled to the second end of the first flexible panel. The first and second couplers are configured to releasably engage with one another so as to secure the containment apparatus about a chair.
Additional aspects of the invention are as follows.
Aspect 1: A flexible barrier comprising:
a first side panel comprising a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end, a first fabric panel, a first strip of an edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the first fabric panel, and a first wire secured within the first strip, the first strip defining a first panel perimeter, the first wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the first panel perimeter;
a second side panel comprising a front end, a rear end, an upper end, a lower end, a second fabric panel, a second strip of an edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the second fabric panel, and a second wire secured within the second strip, the second strip defining a second panel perimeter, the second wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the second panel perimeter;
a third panel comprising a left side, a right side, a third fabric panel, a third panel strip of the edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the third fabric panel, a third wire secured within the third panel strip, the third panel strip defining a third panel perimeter, the third wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the third panel perimeter;
a fourth panel having a left edge affixed to the front end of the first side panel, a right edge affixed to left side of the third panel, a fourth panel upper strip of the edge material, a fourth panel lower strip of the edge material, a fourth fabric panel, and a fourth stiffening rod, the fourth panel upper strip and fourth panel loser strip being affixed to the fourth fabric panel, the stiffening rod being secured within the fourth panel upper strip;
a fifth panel having a right edge affixed to the front end of the second side panel, a left edge affixed to right side of the third panel, a fifth panel upper strip of the edge material, a fifth panel lower strip of the edge material, a fifth fabric panel, and a fifth stiffening rod, the fifth panel upper strip and fifth panel loser strip being affixed to the fifth fabric panel, the stiffening rod being secured within the fifth panel upper strip; and
at least one coupler, each of the at least one coupler having a left end that is affixed to a rear end of the first side panel and a right end that is affixed to the rear end of the second side panel.
Aspect 2: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, wherein the third panel perimeter is substantially circular in shape.
Aspect 3: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, the first panel perimeter and a second panel perimeter each having a rounded rectangular shape.
Aspect 4: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, wherein the fourth panel lower strip and the fifth panel lower strip are comprised of an elastic material.
Aspect 5: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, wherein an elastic material is attached to each of the fourth panel lower strip and the fifth panel lower strip.
Aspect 6: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, further comprising a mirrored surface.
Aspect 7: The flexible barrier of Aspect 1, wherein the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel, and the third fabric panel each comprise a mesh fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the containment apparatus of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the containment apparatus of the present application, there is shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a containment apparatus coupled to a highchair;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the containment apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing ways the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-5 may be folded;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another containment apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the containment apparatus shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the containment apparatus shown in FIGS. 6-9 removed from the highchair; and

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of another containment apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed subject matter. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality,” as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. Additionally, unless specified otherwise, use of the word “substantially” herein is intended to mean considerable in extent or largely but not necessarily wholly that which is specified.
It is to be appreciated that certain features of the disclosed subject matter which are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed subject matter that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges includes each and every value within that range. Any documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.
FIGS. 1 through 5 show a containment apparatus 100 removably attached to a highchair assembly 102, according to an aspect of this disclosure. The highchair assembly 102 includes a chair 104 and a tray 106 coupled to the chair 104. The containment apparatus 100 includes a flexible barrier 108 and an adjustable coupler 130 (shown in FIG. 3) that together extend around both the chair 104 and the tray 106. The containment apparatus 100 is configured to be removably attached to chair and table assemblies having various shapes and sizes. For example, when attached to a highchair assembly such as highchair assembly 102, the flexible barrier 108 and the adjustable coupler bend about highchair assembly 102 in order to accommodate its contours. The containment apparatus 100 may be configured for containing items on a tray such as, for example, toys, books, utensils, educational materials, therapy materials, combinations thereof, or any other items that may be placed on a tray.
With reference to FIG. 3, the flexible barrier 108 has an upper edge 110, a lower edge 112 opposite the upper edge 110, a first rear edge 114, and a second rear edge 116 opposite the first rear edge 114. The lower edge 112 extends along a bottommost edge of the flexible barrier 108 and the upper edge 110 extends around an uppermost edge of the flexible barrier 108. The lower edge 112 may be configured to engage and attach to an edge or perimeter 118 of the tray 106. To secure the flexible barrier 108 to the tray 106, a portion of the flexible barrier 108 engages the perimeter 118. Alternatively, the entire lower edge 112 may engage the perimeter 118. Alternatively still, only portions of the lower edge 112 may engage and attach to the perimeter 118.
The flexible barrier 108 includes a middle panel 120, a right side panel 122, and a left side panel 124. The middle panel comprises a left edge and a right edge, also referred to as attachment edges. Each of the side panels comprises a front edge, a rear edge and upper edge and a lower edge. The middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124 may each be configured to extend approximately perpendicular to and along the perimeter 118 of the tray 106. The right side panel 122 may extend from the first rear edge 114 of the barrier toward the right edge of the middle panel 120. The left side panel 124 may extend from the second side rear edge 116 of the barrier toward the left edge of the middle panel 120. The right side panel 122 and the left side panel 124 may each be foldably attached to a first attachment edge 120 a and a second attachment edge 120 b of the middle panel 120, respectively. The middle panel 120 being at least partially defined by the first attachment edge 120 a and the second attachment edge 120 b. In an aspect of this disclosure, the right side panel 122 may have a shape and size that is substantially the same as the left side panel 124.
An interior of the flexible barrier 108 may be reflective or mirrored. For example, a person sitting in chair 104 with the flexible barrier 108 attached to the tray 106 could see a reflection when looking at the flexible barrier 108. Alternatively, the flexible barrier 108 may be clear or transparent such that a person could see through the flexible barrier 108. The barrier may be formed of a synthetic, glossy material so as to facilitate cleaning, though this is not a requirement.
In an alternative aspect, the flexible barrier 108 may also include a left connection panel 126 and a right connection panel 128. The left connection panel 126 may be positioned in between the left side panel 124 and the middle panel 120, and the right connection panel 128 may be positioned in between the right side panel 122 and the middle panel 120. The left connection panel 126 may be configured to foldably connect a front end of the left side panel 124 to a left edge of the middle panel 120, and the right connection panel 128 may be configured to foldably connect a front end of the right side panel 122 to a right edge of the middle panel 120.
To help maintain outward structural stability, the left and right connection panels or panels 126 and 128 may contain boning, such as a stiffening rod, 135 sewn into their respective top hems along the upper edge 110. (Boning may be used to provide rigidity to one or more portions of the disclosed articles.) The hems of the panel comprise strips of an edge material that define an outer perimeter of a fabric or mesh panel. The lower edge 112 of the left and right connection panels 126 and 128 may contain elastic material 136 sewn into their respective bottom hem to improve the grip of the flexible barrier 108 onto the tray 106. In a further aspect, the flexible barrier 108 may also include elastic material 136 secured to at least one of the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124. The elastic material 136 may be configured to engage with the perimeter 118 of the tray 106 to which the containment apparatus 100 is secured. The elastic material 136 may be in the form of a skirt, a lower strip of material attached to the panel, or other extension from the panel or panels. In some embodiments, the elastic material 136 acts to stretch and then secure at least a portion of the apparatus 100 to the tray 106. As one example, an elastic material 136 (e.g., Spandex™, Lycra™, or even material from a Spanx™ garment or similar) may be sewn to a bottom edge of the flexible barrier 108. When the apparatus 100 is deployed about a tray 106, the elastic material 136 is then stretched around an edge of the tray 106 so as to secure the apparatus 100 to the tray 106.
The left and right connection panels 126 and 128 may comprise a stretchable or flexible material, such as, for example, rubber, neoprene, spandex, or the like. The flexible material may enable the flexible barrier 108 to extend or stretch around the tray 106 to provide a secure connection. The flexible material may also enable the flexible barrier to extend around trays 106 having a variety of shapes and/or sizes. The apparatus 100 may exhibit a curved profile when deployed in a planar state atop a flat surface.
The adjustable coupler 130 may be configured to attach and secure the containment apparatus 100 to the highchair assembly 102. The adjustable coupler 130 may include a first coupler portion 132 secured to the first side edge 114 of the flexible barrier 108, and a second coupler portion 134 secured to the second side edge 116 of the flexible barrier 108. The first coupler portion 132 may removably attach to the second coupler portion 134. In an alternative aspect, the containment apparatus 100 may include more than one adjustable coupler 130. The adjustable coupler 130 may include at least one snap clip 138 and an adjustable strap 140, which are well known to those in the art and may include, for example, the clips found on backpacks, luggage, and other similar gear. The adjustable coupler 130 may also include, loop and hook connectors, belt straps, button connectors, tie strings, combinations thereof, or still other coupling mechanisms.
The adjustable coupler 130 may include (a) elastic material (not shown) extending from and secured to one or more of the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124, (b) a buckle (not shown) coupled to one or more of the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124, (c) a snap clip coupled to one or more of the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124, or any combination thereof of (a), (b), and (c).
The flexible barrier 108 and the adjustable coupler 130 are configured to extend around the chair 104 and the tray 106 coupled to the chair 104, such that the lower edge 112 of the flexible barrier 108 is engaged with the tray 106 and the first coupler portion 132 is attached to the second coupler portion 134.
The flexible barrier 108 may include memory wire. For example, the middle panel 120 may include a first memory wire 142 having a first length, the right side panel 122 may include a second memory wire 144 having a second length, and the left side panel 124 may include a third memory wire 146 having a third length. Each memory wire 142, 144, and 146 may be hemmed into each respective panel 120, 122, and 124. As used herein, memory wire and wire encompass any material known in the art which is capable of returning to its original shape after being deformed and suitable for maintaining the shape of the barrier.
Two or more of the memory wires 142, 144, and 146 may be identical to one another (e.g., the right and left side panels 122 and 124 are of the same shape and/or size), although this is not a requirement. For example, the first memory wire 142 may have a substantially circular shape, causing the middle panel 120 to have a perimeter having a substantially circular shape. The second and third memory wires 144 and 146 may have perimeters having a rounded rectangular shape, causing the right side panel 122 and the left side panel 124 to have rounded rectangular shapes, respectively. In alternative aspects, each memory wire 142, 144, and 146 may be in a circular, triangular, or other polygonal form, causing each respective panel 120, 122, and 124 to have a substantially similar form.
In an alternative aspect, the flexible barrier 108 may include a mesh material 148 defining a portion of each of the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124. For example, each of the first, second, and third memory wires 142, 144, and 146 may each define one or more edges forming a frame that defines an opening extending through the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124, respectively. The mesh material 148 may be coupled to each of the first, second, and third memory wires 142, 144, and 146, such that each mesh material 148 substantially extends over each respective opening. It will be appreciated that the flexible barrier 108 may include the mesh material 148, the elastic material 136, combinations thereof, and/or other fabric or material.
At least one of the lengths of the first memory wire 142, the second memory wire 144, and the third memory wire 146 is configured so as to permit twistable collapsibility of the opening defined by the respective wire. Further, at least one of the lengths of the first memory wire 142, the second memory wire 144, and the third memory wire 146 is configured so as to permit a portion of the respective panel to twistably fold back on the respective panel.
Each memory wire 142, 144, and 146 may be positioned within a jacket or cover, such as rubber or plastic tubing or other sheath disposed over or around at least a portion of each memory wire 142, 144, and 146. The jacket may protect each memory wire 142, 144, and 146 from damage during use. Each memory wire may be positioned within a strip of an edge material that is affixed to an outer perimeter of a fabric or mesh panel. The strip of edge material is folded over onto itself and sewn to form a hem. The memory wire or other resilient material is positioned inside the hem formed by the strip of edge material defining the panel perimeter
The containment apparatus 100 may be secured to the highchair assembly 102 by the following steps. A first step includes rotating the right side panel 122 relative to the middle panel 120, such that the right side panel 122 is substantially perpendicular to the middle panel 120. A second step includes rotating the left side panel 124 relative to the middle panel 120, such that the left side panel 124 is substantially perpendicular to the middle panel 120. A third step includes attaching the right side panel 122, the left side panel 124, and the middle panel 120 to the tray 106. A fourth step includes coupling the right side panel 122 to the left side panel 124 via the adjustable coupler 130.
The containment apparatus 100 may be affixed to a highchair assembly 102 so that the flexible barrier surrounds an outer perimeter of a tray and a seat of a high chair.
The containment apparatus 100 may be removed from the highchair assembly 102 by uncoupling the right side panel 122 from the left side panel 124, and removing the right side panel 122, the left side panel 124, and the middle panel 120 from the tray 106.
The containment apparatus 100 may be stored and/or packaged by the following method (600) as illustrated in FIG. 6A: Starting from an initial state (602), a first step (604) includes folding right side panel 122 where it adjoins right connection panel 128 so that right side panel 122 sits parallel on top of middle panel 120. A second step (606) includes folding left side panel 124 where it adjoins left connection panel 126 so that left side panel 124 sits parallel beneath middle panel 120.
An alternative storage and packaging method (700) may be achieved in the following steps as illustrated in FIG. 6B: Starting from an initial state (702), a first step (704) includes twisting a right portion 701 of the right side panel 122 180 degrees about a first axis 730, so that the right side panel 122 forms a figure eight. A second step (706) includes folding the right portion 701 of the right side panel 122 figure eight on to the left side of the figure eight about a second axis 740 that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first axis 730, such that the right side panel 122 forms two overlapping circles. A third step (708) includes twisting a left portion 703 of the left side panel 124 180 degrees about the first axis 730 so that the left side panel 124 forms a figure eight. A fourth step (710) includes folding the left portion 703 of the left side panel 124 figure eight onto the right side of the figure eight about a third axis 750 that is perpendicular, or approximately perpendicular to the first axis 730 and parallel, or approximately parallel to the second axis 740, such that the left side panel 124 forms two overlapping circles. A fifth step (712) includes folding the right side panel 122 relative to the middle panel 120 so that the two overlapping circles of the right side panel 122 sit parallel to and on top of the middle panel 120. A sixth step (714) includes folding the left side panel 124 relative to the middle panel 120 so that the two overlapping circles of the left side panel 124 sit parallel to and beneath the middle panel 120.
Another alternative storage and packaging method may be achieved in the following steps: A first step includes rotating the right side panel 122 relative to the middle panel 120, such that the right side panel 122 lays on top of or beneath the middle panel 120, and both the right side panel 122 and the middle panel 120 extend in substantially the same direction. A second step includes rotating the left side panel 124 relative to the middle panel 120, such that the left side panel 124 lays on top of or beneath the middle panel 120, and both the middle panel 120 and the left side panel 124 extend in substantially the same direction. A third step includes twisting the right side panel 122, the left side panel 124, and the middle panel 120 about a first axis. A fourth step includes twisting the right side panel 122, the left side panel 124, and the middle panel 120 about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The apparatus 100 may be packaged with a pouch, pocket, or other carrying case into which the apparatus 100 may fit when in a folded (or partially-folded form).
FIGS. 7 through 11 illustrate another aspect of a containment apparatus in which each of the components may take a different form. While there are a limited number of aspects described, these specific aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as otherwise described and claimed herein. Modifications and variations from these aspects exist. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific detail set forth in the examples.
FIGS. 7 through 11 show a containment apparatus 200 removably attached to the highchair assembly 102. The containment apparatus 200 includes a flexible barrier 208 that extends around both the chair 104 and the tray 106. The flexible barrier 208 has an upper edge 210, a lower edge 212 opposite the upper edge 210, a right end section 214, and a left end section 216 opposite the right end section 214. The lower edge 212 extends along a bottommost edge of the flexible barrier 208 and the upper edge 210 extends around an uppermost edge of the flexible barrier 208. The lower edge 212 may be configured to engage and attach to the perimeter 118 of the tray 106 to secure the flexible barrier 208 to the tray 106.
The flexible barrier 208 may include memory wire. The upper edge 210 may include an upper memory wire having an upper length and the lower edge 212 may include a lower memory wire having a lower length. The upper memory wire and the lower memory wire may each extend from the first side edge 214 to the second side edge 216. A mesh and/or elastic material may attach to and extend between the upper memory wire and the lower memory wire. The mesh and/or elastic material may be configured to extend around the perimeter 118 of the tray 106 to which the containment apparatus 200 is secured. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the containment apparatus may include support straps 232 configured to engage an underside of the tray 106.
The flexible barrier 208 may be configured so as to permit the upper memory wire to collapse onto the lower memory wire when the containment apparatus 200 is removed from the highchair assembly 102. The upper memory wire and the lower memory wire may each be configured to twistably collapse to further reduce the size of the containment apparatus 200 for packaging or storing.
The containment apparatus 200 may further include an adjustable coupler 230. Referring to FIG. 11, the adjustable coupler 230 includes a first part 234 and a second part 236. The first part 234 is attached to the right end section 214 and the second part 236 is attached to the left end section 216. The first part 234 may be removably attached to the second part 236 to secure the containment apparatus 200 to the tray 106. The containment apparatus 200 may include more than one adjustable coupler 230 attached to the flexible barrier 208. In an alternative aspect, the adjustable coupler 230 may be configured and aligned substantially similarly as the adjustable coupler 130 of the containment apparatus 100.
The containment apparatus 200 may also include a plurality of panels, such as the middle panel 120, the right side panel 122, and the left side panel 124 of containment apparatus 100. Each of the plurality of panels may be configured substantially similarly to the panels 120, 122, and 124 of containment apparatus 100.
FIG. 12 illustrates another aspect of a containment apparatus 300 in which each of the components may take a different form. The containment apparatus 300 is removably attached to the tray 106. The containment apparatus 300 includes a barrier 308 attached to the tray 106 via suction cups 310. The barrier 308 includes a frame 312 and mesh panels 314 secured to the frame 312.
While there are a limited number of aspects described, these specific aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as otherwise described and claimed herein. Modifications and variations from these aspects exist. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific detail set forth in the examples.
All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. The scope of the protected innovation is defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A flexible barrier comprising:

a first side panel comprising a front edge, a rear edge, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first fabric panel, a first strip of an edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the first fabric panel, and a first wire secured within the first strip, the first strip defining a first panel perimeter, the first wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the first panel perimeter;

a second side panel comprising a front edge, a rear edge, an upper edge, a lower edge, a second fabric panel, a second strip of an edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the second fabric panel, and a second wire secured within the second strip, the second strip defining a second panel perimeter, the second wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the second panel perimeter;

a third panel comprising a left side, a right side, a third fabric panel, a third panel strip of the edge material affixed to an outer perimeter of the third fabric panel, a third wire secured within the third panel strip, the third panel strip defining a third panel perimeter, the third wire being made of a resilient material and extending around the third panel perimeter;

a fourth panel having a left edge affixed to the front edge of the first side panel, a right edge affixed to left side of the third panel, a fourth panel upper strip of the edge material, a fourth panel lower strip of the edge material, a fourth fabric panel, and a fourth stiffening rod, the fourth panel upper strip and fourth panel lower strip being affixed to the fourth fabric panel, the stiffening rod being secured within the fourth panel upper strip;

a fifth panel having a right edge affixed to the front edge of the second side panel, a left edge affixed to right side of the third panel, a fifth panel upper strip of the edge material, a fifth panel lower strip of the edge material, a fifth fabric panel, and a fifth stiffening rod, the fifth panel upper strip and fifth panel lower strip being affixed to the fifth fabric panel, the stiffening rod being secured within the fifth panel upper strip; and

at least one coupler, each of the at least one coupler having a left portion that is affixed to a rear edge of the first side panel and a right portion that is affixed to the rear edge of the second side panel.

2. The flexible barrier of claim 1, wherein the third panel perimeter is substantially circular in shape.

3. The flexible barrier of claim 1, the first panel perimeter and a second panel perimeter each having a rounded rectangular shape.

4. The flexible barrier of claim 1, wherein the fourth panel lower strip and the fifth panel lower strip are comprised of an elastic material.

5. The flexible barrier of claim 1, wherein an elastic material is attached to each of the fourth panel lower strip and the fifth panel lower strip.

6. The flexible barrier of claim 1, further comprising a mirrored surface.

7. The flexible barrier of claim 1, wherein the first fabric panel, the second fabric panel, and the third fabric panel each comprise a mesh fabric.

8.-9. (canceled)

10. The containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the middle panel includes a first memory wire, the right side panel includes a second memory wire, and the left side panel includes a third memory wire.

11. The containment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first memory wire defines a first opening, the second memory wire defines a second opening, and the third memory wire defines a third opening, and wherein a fabric is coupled to each respective memory wire such that the fabric extends over each respective opening.

12. The containment apparatus of claim 3, wherein the fabric comprises mesh.

13. The containment apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third memory wires is configured so as to permit twistable collapsibility of the opening to which said first, second, or third wire defines.

14. The containment apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third memory wires is configured so as to permit a portion of the panel with which the at least one of the first, second, or third memory wires is associated to twistably fold back on said panel.

15. The containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable coupler comprises at least one of (a) an amount of elastic material extending from and secured to one or more of the middle, right, and left panels, and (b) a snap clip and an adjustable strap coupled to one or more of the middle, right, and left panels.

16. The containment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the elastic material is configured to engage with the perimeter of the tray to which the flexible barrier is secured.

17. The containment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus exhibits a curved profile when deployed in a planar state atop a flat surface.

18. (canceled)

19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the flexible barrier panel includes a right panel, a middle panel, and a left panel, the middle panel being positioned between the right panel and the left panel, wherein the right panel extends from the right end section to the middle panel and the left panel extends from the left end section to the middle panel.

20.-21. (canceled)

22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the right panel, the middle panel, and the left panel each include a wire frame and a mesh material, each wire frame defining an opening extending therethrough, wherein each mesh material is coupled to each respective wire frame such that each mesh material substantially extends over each respective opening.

23. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further includes a right connection panel and a left connection panel, wherein the right connection panel is positioned between the right panel and the middle panel, wherein the left connection panel is positioned between the left panel and the middle panel, and wherein the right connection panel foldably connects the right panel and the middle panel, and wherein the left connection panel foldably connects the left panel and the middle panel.

24. The containment apparatus of claim 11, further comprising elastic material secured to at least one of the middle, right, and left panels, the elastic material configured to engage with an edge of the tray to which the apparatus is secured.

25.-28. (canceled)