Patent Application
20210361087
Embodiments of the invention relate to partitions to enable physical distancing. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention relate partitions to provide a removable barrier to enable physical distancing along public counter spaces and tables.
The novel corona virus that causes COVID-19 has been highly disruptive to the global economy. Even as the economy reopens, strict physical distancing is likely to be required to avoid recurrence of mass infections. Existing guidelines recommend at least six feet between unrelated parties.
While many businesses are erecting fixed barriers to separate patrons, or separate patrons from staff, such fixed barriers are not practical in many circumstances. Additionally, some businesses are restricting the number of patrons permitted in the establishment to allow greater space between customers. This is also not practical for some businesses. One area that has been particularly hard hit is food services particularly bars and restaurants. While individual tables in a restaurant can be segregated with fixed or free-standing barriers, bars and communal tables cannot reasonably be segregated in this manner.
A typical bar provides 2-3 feet of space per patron. This is well below the existing health guideline. Removing e.g. half the stools is not likely to be effective as many patrons stand at the bar. And if the number of patrons is reduced to meet the guidelines, the economic viability of the bar may become in doubt. Additionally, having fixed stations along the bar separated by barriers will make the bar unattractive to groups who go to the bar to socialize together.
The problem is equally acute in the gaming industry that requires a critical mass of patrons to be profitable or in some cases such as poker to even play the game. As with bars, gaming is a social activity and groups often go to the casino to enjoy each other's company in the context of the entertainment that gaming provides.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that different references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.
Embodiments of the invention provide solutions to enable reopening of bars, restaurants, gaming establishments and the like in view of the physical distancing required by COVID-19. Generally, for bars and gaming tables, patrons want to sit with their group, but the establishment needs to enable separation from other patrons to reduce the risk of the disease. Embodiments of the invention provide a protective barrier that can be easily moved from a deployed position to a stowed position on a bar, gaming table or other community surface.
Barrier 102 resided in a frame 112 that engages and locks to first branch 104 of bracket 100. When locked in place, the barrier 102 remains substantially parallel to the first branch 104 and substantially perpendicular to the communal surface to which it is attached. Second branch 106 defines a plurality of bores to enable coupling of the bracket 100 to the communal surface. In one embodiment, a plurality of bolts 224 pass through bores and engage a clamp plate 222. By tightening bolts 224, the bracket 100 clamps the communal surface between the clamp plate 222 and the first branch. In other embodiments, the clamp plate 222 may be omitted and connectors such as screws, nails, adhesives or the like can couple the second branch 106 directly or through an additional shim or other substrate to the underside of the supporting surface.
Installing a plurality of the devices along for example a bar, provides individual patrons with separation from adjacent patrons whether standing or sitting at the bar. Moreover, because the barrier 102 can be easily transitioned to a stowed position (as described below), groups can sit or stand together without the inconvenience of separation barriers.
In some embodiments, the first and second branches 104, 106 are each welded or assembled to the intermediate segment 108 to form the bracket. In one embodiment, second branch 106 is a flanged channel. The flange 232 defines the bores through which connecting bolts 224 pass to engage clamping plate 226. Tightening bolts 224 causes clamping plate to rise to engage the underside of the communal surface and clamp the surface between the clamping plate 222 and the first branch 104. Items 104,106 and 108 could also be assembled, fabricated or manufactured with alternate materials or processes
The second branch 106 defines a channel 236 that defines an internal track. Channel 236 that communicates with a channel 238 defined by the intermediate segment 108. Channel 238 also defines an internal track that in conjunction with the track defined within channel 236 provides a path along which a barrier assembly can move. That is, as discussed in more detail below, the barrier 102 is coupled to the bracket 100 by an connector that resides in the channel 238 when the barrier is deployed and transitions (with the barrier) along the track to reside in channel 236 when the barrier is stowed.
While in some embodiments, both the first branch 104 and the second branch 106 may be the same length, in other embodiments the second branch is longer and may be “cut to fit” to accommodate different communal surfaces. In one embodiment, both the first and second branches 104, 106 are in the range of 6-8″. In other embodiments, first branch 104 is in the range of 6-8″ and second branch 106 is up to 18″ and can be shortened as desired. These dimensions are only examples and other length of the first branch 104 or second branch 106 could be used in other embodiments.
As shown, the barrier 102 is provided coupled within a frame 112. The frame 112 could be formed of for example two independent pieces of L shaped steel. For example, in one embodiment, each side of frame 112 may be stamped from ⅛″ steel with a cross dimension of 1.25 inches. These dimensions have been found to have sufficient structural stability for most uses but are not believed to be essential to embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments may be formed from different materials and/or with different dimensions.
Attachment features 114 may be formed in the course of the stamping. Attachment features 114 are formed to engage branch 104 in for example receiving slots 244 to provide a stable retention of the frame 112 on the first branch 104. Attachment features 114 may be hook tabs or substantially any other shape that can provide a stable attachment to the first branch 104. The receivers for the attachment features 114 are defined to accommodate the shape of those features 114.
In other embodiments, the frame is formed with a closed end L, that is the edge of barrier 102 is not expose within the frame to the left or bottom of
The barrier 102 could be formed from acrylic also known as plexiglass, tempered glass, polycarbonate or the like. In different embodiment, the barrier 102 may be colored or colorless. In different embodiments, the barrier 102 may be transparent, translucent or opaque. In one embodiment, ⅛″ acrylic is used for the barrier 102. Acrylic has favorable weight, cost and workability characteristics. Other embodiments may use acrylic of different thicknesses. Exposed corners of the barrier can be filleted so that no sharp corners are exposed. Some commercially available acrylics have antimicrobial properties. For example, Lucite Microban® is available from Emco Industrial Plastics Inc. of Cedar Grove N.J. Such antimicrobial plastics may provide additional benefits in the context of physical distancing and cleaning.
Barrier 102 may define a cutout 118 to accommodate an connector as described in greater detail below. Barrier 102 also defines a slot for locking pin 120. In one embodiment, locking pin 120 may be spring biased to an engaged position. In another embodiment, locking pin 120 may rely on gravity to hold it in an engaged position. In still another embodiment, locking pin 120 has a threaded actuator knob that can be tightened to hold the locking pin 120 in either the engaged or disengaged position.
For embodiments where the frame is formed of two pieces, the barrier 102 may be sandwiched between the two pieces of the frame 112 with the locking pin 120 residing in the defined slot. Bolts, rivets, or other suitable connectors via connection bores 116 retain the sandwiched assembly as a unit. In other embodiments, the barrier 102 may be slid into the channel of the L shaped frame (with the locking pin 120 in place) and then bolted or riveted together. For aesthetic reasons, in such embodiments it is desirable that the barrier be shaped to accommodate the thickness of the frame material such that the barrier extends substantially flush from the distal edges of the L shaped frame. Other embodiments may use adhesives to couple the frame 112 to the barrier 102, in such embodiments, bores 116 would be unnecessary.
In some embodiments, the frame 112 and the bracket 100 may be provided with substantially any desired surface finish. In different embodiments, the component may be powdered coated, anodized, electroplated or surface treated in any other manner that retains the structural integrity of the components. In some embodiments, the components are cast, extruded, molded or otherwise formed from materials such as stainless steel, brass, copper or fiber infused plastics that naturally have a desired surface finish.
While it is not necessary to provide a handle for use with the invention, in this view two possible handle options are shown in phantom lines. In one embodiment, a handle 352 could be formed integrally as a cutout of barrier 102. In another embodiment, a separate handle 354 could be attached anywhere along an exposed edge of barrier 102. In some cases, the handle 252, 254 may aid a user in transitioning the barrier from the deployed configuration to a stowed configuration.
Locking pin 120 resides within the frame 112 and engages a locking bore in the first branch 104. When engaged, the frame 112 cannot move forward or backward along the branch and the attachment features (114 in
In some embodiment, clamping surface 422 of clamp plate 122 may be coated or have, for example, an elastomeric layer thereon to either increase grip on the surface when connected, reduce the risk of surface damage to the surface or both.
In some embodiments, the distal end of the second branch may be sealed with a cap 522. Cap 522 can be formed of plastic, rubber or any other suitable material. The primary purpose of cap 522 is to provide a stop that prevents the connector from leaving the distal end of the channel 236. In some embodiments, cap may also have for example a rare earth magnet such as a neodymium magnet embedded therein to apply a magnetic force to the connector to hold the barrier 102 near the distal end of second branch 106 unless a user applies a force to overcome the magnet. In other embodiments, instead of a cap, the magnet 520 or multiple magnets could be affixes within the channel (either bottom or sides again to act on the connector 700 to hold it in a desired location. In such an embodiment the distal end could remain open and the magnets used to ensure the connector does not escape the channel 236 unless a force is applied by the user. Any of these options provide for easy serviceability in the even a barrier is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
While magnets are convenient, other ways to bias the connector to remain near the distal end of the channel 236 are also contemplated. For example, one or more detents could be provided near the distal end. In some embodiments, the channel 236 may be installed with a slight downward slope such that gravity will bias the connector 700 to remain at the distal end. In other embodiments a slight recess, cup, or depression may be defined in the channel 236 proximate to the distal end. Other ways in which the connector 700 and therefore the barrier 102 may be biased to remain in a desired location will occur to those of skill in the art.
In one embodiment the material that defines the first branch overlays the channel of the intermediate segment and defines a slot 440 that communicates with channel 238 and through which a shaft of the connector 700 (not shown in this figure) passes when the barrier is deployed. By overlaying the channel 238, the strength of the weld between the first branch 104 and the intermediate segment 108 can be increased. It is desirable to have a strong connection at this junction as much of the stress on the apparatus accrues at this junction as patrons, for example, inadvertently bump the barrier 102 in the deployed configuration.
As more clearly shown in
First branch 1204 can be formed from any of the suitable materials discussed above. First branch 1204 defines a channel 1244 sized to allow barrier assembly 1200 to nest therein. In some embodiments the channel has a depth between one half and three quarters of the cross dimension of the frame 1212. The depth of the channel provides lateral support to reduce the risk of the barrier assembly 1200 becoming dislodged. One or more magnetic masses 1222 are provided in the channel 1244 to engage with one or more magnetic masses 1220 in the frame 1212. As used herein, “magnetic mass” includes permanent magnets and masses comprising magnetic material upon which a magnet may exert an attractive force. At least some of the magnetic masses should be permanent magnets and preferably rare earth magnets such as neodymium magnets.
Barrier 102 is coupled into a frame 1212. Frame 1212 could be formed in the same ways as described above with reference to frame 112, but instead of physical attachment features, one or more magnetic masses 1220 are coupled to or nested in the frame as the attachment features. As mentioned above, these magnetic masses 1220 attractively engage with magnetic masses 1220 to retain the barrier in the deployed configuration. To transition to the stowed configuration a user need only apply sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction and then the barrier assembly 1200 can be rotated about the connector 700 and moved along the channel 1238 and the channel (not shown) in the second branch 1206 to a location at the distal end of the second branch. Any of the various way of biasing discusses above could be used to bias the connector 700 to remain at the distal end of second branch 1206.
It should be understood that features of the embodiment could be hybridized with features of previously describe embodiments. By way of example without limitation, barrier assembly 1200 with first branch 1204 could be coupled to intermediate segment 108 and second branch 106. Similarly, intermediate segment 1208 could be used with first branch 104 and second branch 106 with the corresponding barrier assembly. Generally, any iteration of the described first branch second branch and intermediate segment could be use as long as the correct barrier assembly corresponding to the selected first branch is also used.
Frame 1312 exposes a stem 1342 and head 1346 that can be used to couple the barrier assembly the bracket 1300. In some embodiments, stem 1342 and head 1346 are integrally formed with the frame. That is, in various embodiments, the stem and head could be e.g., cast, extruded or molded as part of the frame. In other embodiment stem 1342 and head 1346 may be part of a separate structure (like T-bolt of
Bracket 1300 has a first branch 1304 and a second branch 1306 that, in use, reside above and below a supporting surface respectively. An intermediate segment 1308 couples the first branch 1304 and second branch 1306 together. In various embodiments, the bracket 1300 could be unitarily formed by extrusion, casting or molding or the like. In other embodiments, some portions of the bracket may be formed separately and coupled together. In use, the intermediate segment resides forward of the front edge of the supporting surface. Intermediate segment 1308 and second branch 1306 collectively define a track that constrains the path that the barrier 102 can move between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. As detail further below, the intermediate segment 1308 and the second branch 1304 have a generally I shaped cross section. The crosses of the I define the track 1336 along a clamp 1350 coupled to the barrier assembly can move.
Clamp 1350 in conjunction with stem 1342 and head 1346 provide a connector between the track 1336 and the barrier that allows the barrier 102 to move in plural degrees of freedom relative to the track 1336. In one embodiment, clamp is formed in two identical halves 1350-1, 1350-2 (collectively 1350). Each half 1350-1, 1350-2 defines a stem slot 1354 with a radius greater than the radius of stem 1342. In one embodiment, each half 1350-1, 1350-2 also defines a counter sunk threaded bore to accept a connecting screw 1360, and a corresponding threaded receiving bore 1356 to be engage by the screw 1360 to couple the two halves 1350-1, 1350-2 together. For clarity, the counter sunk bore 1358 of half 1350-1 aligns with the receiving bore 1356 of half 1350-2 and vice versa.
Each half 1350-1, 1350-2 also includes a mounting post 1352. When assembled, the mounting posts 1352 reside in the track 1336 and the stem 1342 resides in the stem slots 1356. When assembled, the stem slots 1356, collectively have a diameter greater than the diameter of the stem 1342 and head reside in a space internal to the clamp 1350. This allow the barrier to rotate relative to the clamp 1350. In some embodiment, clamp halves 1350-1, 1350-2 are cast or molded from UHMW or another material with a low coefficient of friction relative to the material from which the track 1336 is formed.
The bracket 1300 could use any of the previously describe way to couple to the supporting surface. In one embodiment, second branch 1306 has a flange 1324 that defines bores to receive bolts 224 that move clamp plate 222 to clamp the supporting surface between clamp plate 222 and first branch 1304. As with other embodiments, protective spacers may be used between the first branch 1304 and the supporting surface. In other embodiments, the second branch may be coupled to the underside of the supporting surface (directly or through a shim or other substrate) using screws, adhesives or the like.
As with previously described embodiments, in the stowed configuration, the barrier 102 is turned to be substantially perpendicular to the track 336 and it is desirable that it remain near the distal end of branch 1306. Any for the previously described stays can be used to bias the barrier to remain near the distal end. For example, and not limitation, the second branch could be installed with a slight downward slant such that gravity will bias the assembly toward the distal end. Detents, depressions or magnets could also be used. The end of the second branch 1306 could terminate in a lip, wall, or cap to prevent the assembly from leaving the end of the track. In other embodiments, the second branch 1306 could be sized to abut the vertical structure of the supporting surface to ensure retention of the assembly.
To transition to the stowed configuration, the frame 1312 is detached from the first branch 1304. The barrier 102 can then swivel relative to the clamp 1350 to adopt an orientation perpendicular to the track 1336 and the clamp with barrier can transition along the track 1336 in the intermediate segment 1308 into the track in the second branch 1306 coming to rest at the distal end thereof.
While in this embodiment, clamp 1350 has no moving parts, in other embodiments, mounting posts 1352 could be replaced with other rolling or gliding elements such as roller bearings, bearing races, flat glides or the like. Applicant has not exhaustively enumerated all the possible iterations of features from one embodiment that may be employed in another embodiment. Applicant submits that those skilled in the art will recognize that features of some embodiment can readily be substituted into other embodiments and that all of these various combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiment of Applicant's invention.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/880,485 filed May 21, 2020 entitled “Apparatus to Facilitate Physical Distancing”
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16880485 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 17104795 | US |
