Barrier device and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A device for creating a barrier between two subjects who are lying beside one another on a surface. The device 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.

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  claim 1 , wherein the barrier member is a resiliently deformable material or a rigid material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , 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  claim 1 , wherein the second end is substantially longer than the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , 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  claim 1 , further comprising a cover for protecting the device, wherein the cover is configured to at least partially enclose the device. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the cover comprises a fastener for closing an opening in the cover. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an anchoring member for attaching the device to the surface. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one connecting member configured to connect the device to a second device. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 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  claim 9 , 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  claim 1 ;   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  claim 13 , wherein the activity is the same or different. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the article is a bed, couch, or floor. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , 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  claim 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  claim 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  claim 17 , 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  claim 17 , wherein the subjects suffer from or are at risk of poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation.