PRIVACY MODULE

Abstract

This invention relates to privacy screens, specifically, portable privacy screens with an integrated vertical height measuring tool. A portable lightweight privacy screen that can be conveniently carried and assembled and disassembled. The privacy module has one ruled segmented crown and one ruled segmented base which are identical and interchangeable with each other. They are each considered a single unit that is detachably connected together by a plurality of tubular couplers and bungee cord. The privacy module also has a plurality of ruled segmented supporting poles which are identical and interchangeable with each other. Each is considered a single unit that is detachably connected together by a plurality of tubular couplers and bungee cord. The present invention provides the collapsibility aspect by attaching bungee cord at two points on each of the separate units, giving the user the quick ease of assembling and disassembling of the structure. Further intent of the present invention is to increase the privacy area for the user, by providing a plurality of walls. The design of the present invention to provide privacy on a plurality of sides is also facilitated by an easily detachable fabric cover, interlaced with elastic from end to end, on top and bottom, which attaches and secures the fabric cover at a plurality of points by an elastic loop on the ends of the ruled segmented crown and ruled segmented base. The present invention also provides the option of attaching a plurality of privacy module together. The present invention also presents an integrated means of measuring a person's standing height by adding graduating marks to the segmented supporting poles, as well as to the segmented crown and the segmented base. Height indicator marks are placed on top of the ruled segmented crown in conjunction with the ruled segmented supporting poles, to align them with the vertically placed ruled auxiliary arm, for height extensions above 6-feet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Field of Invention

The present invention is in the technical field of privacy screens. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of portable privacy screens with an integrated height stick.

Description of the Prior Art

A wide number of privacy systems has been heretofore proposed and on trade but without a height stick being an integral part to measure and record a person's standing height. Privacy apparatus, in general, include well-made and well-purposed systems. Often, however, the convenience of setting up and breaking down, and being lightweight and portable are sometimes forgotten in the design and manufacturing process. Not to mention having to assemble and dissemble a separate height stick. Hospitals, nursing homes, health care facilities, daycare facilities, schools, etc. have a need for a lightweight, portable, and economically feasible privacy screen with an integrated height stick.

Various types of privacy screen systems are known in the art. For example, some privacy screen systems have attempted to meet some of these needs by providing a lightweight and portability aspect, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,740 B1. Though used as a privacy screen, this room divider, typically used in the wellness industry, is spatially one-dimensional, and does not provide privacy on a plurality of sides, thus, limited privacy is achieved with a single room divider.

Though the height stick integration with said privacy apparatus has not been seen heretofore, vertical measuring tools such as height sticks are well established and a proven benefit in health and science. Pat. DE102014016467A1 is a standalone height stick that is frequently used at wellness events and healthcare facilities. U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,690B2 is a wall-mountable height measuring device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,585A is a stadiometer but not light weight enough for easy portability and frequent set-up and break down.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,802 shows a privacy apparatus, that if, used as a privacy screen would be adequate for privacy but lacking in today's need for ease of portability. U.S. Pat. No. 2,967,534 discloses more than adequate privacy but presents with many more pieces to assemble and disassemble, and not quick to breakdown when rushing from one wellness screening to another.

None of the privacy apparatus of the related art was noted to includes a cohesive elastic structure which binds the many individual pieces together into fewer units, for quick and easy assemble and disassemble. Nor did any of the for mentioned privacy apparatus included an integrated height measuring tool.

Additional known prior art patents include U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,738B-2; US20070107853A-1; U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,956B-2; US8454084B-2.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to provide an improved privacy screen wherein the privacy screen is easily assembled and disassembled by reducing the number of individual pieces necessary for full functionality. It is another object of the invention to help reduce the number of different equipment used in conjunction with a privacy screen, by integrating a height measuring tool as part of the structure of the privacy screen itself, for practical use as well as for convenience. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved privacy screen wherein the privacy screen is easily portable. It is still another object of the invention to provide a lightweight portable privacy screen that provides sufficient privacy for the user. Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved privacy screen that can be easily interconnected with a plurality of other privacy modules. Even still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved privacy screen of the above nature, characterized by its simple construction, easy to operate, and reliable in operation, and of low cost. Another object of the present invention is to prevent or reduce potential injury caused by forcefully assembling and forcefully dissembling many separate pieces of a structure of similar construction. It is, therefore, some principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved privacy screen with an integrated height stick, to provide adequate privacy, low cost, lightweight, easy and safe to put together and break down, and easy to carry and transport. The invention will be best understood from the following specification and appended drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an orthogonal view of ruled unit with fabric cover attachment mechanism and attached ruled auxiliary arm with ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover attachment mechanism of a new portable and collapsible privacy module apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of unit with fabric cover attachment mechanism and attached ruled auxiliary arms.

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal view of unit with fabric cover attachment mechanism of present invention with ruled auxiliary arm in measuring position.

FIG. 4 is a frontal view of unit with fabric cover attachment mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of unit with fabric cover attachment mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of unit and cover attachment mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of unit and cover attachment mechanism and ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rare view of the present invention without fabric cover affixed.

FIG. 11 is a rare view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an orthogonal view of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an orthogonal view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an orthogonal view of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an orthogonal view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an exploded orthogonal view of the present invention with ruled auxiliary arm in measuring position.

FIG. 21 is an exploded orthogonal view of unit with ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a top view of ruled segmented base or ruled segmented crown of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top view of ruled segmented base or ruled segmented crown elongated to display elastic mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a second top view of ruled segmented base or ruled segmented crown displaying the elastic mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a detailed perspective view of the fabric cover and fabric cover attachment mechanism and attachment point of the present invention, with fabric cover displaying zipper and Velcro patches.

FIG. 26 is an orthogonal view of ruled segmented base or ruled segmented crown connected to an outer ruled segmented supporting pole, along with the elastic mechanism securing pin structure of the present invention.

FIG. 27A is an enlarged sectional view of the clearance space used at connecting points in the present invention.

FIG. 27B is a sectional view of ruled segmented base or ruled segmented crown elastic mechanism and securing pin structure of the present invention, with canopy securing nut and bolt.

FIG. 28A-D are progressive detailed views of the elastic mechanism and securing pin structure within a ruled segmented supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 29A-B are a perspective and an enlarged view of the graduating lines of a ruled segmented supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective and an enlarged view of the graduating lines of a ruled auxiliary arm of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a frontal view of the measuring units on a ruled segmented supporting pole and segmented crown and segmented base of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a frontal view of the measuring units on a ruled segmented supporting pole and segmented crown and segmented base of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a frontal view of the measuring units on a ruled segmented supporting pole and segmented crown and segmented base of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a frontal view of the segmented crown, a ruled segmented supporting pole, and a ruled auxiliary arm in measuring position of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a frontal view of the ruled segmented base with height extension indicator and a ruled segmented supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a frontal view of the ruled segmented crown with height extension indicator and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a frontal view of the ruled segmented base with height extension indicator and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 38A is an orthogonal view of the ruled segmented crown with height extension indicator and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 38B is a top view of the ruled segmented crown of the present invention with height extension indicator.

FIG. 39A is a top view of the ruled segmented base of the present invention with height extension indicator.

FIG. 39B is an orthogonal view of the ruled segmented base with height extension indicator and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 40A is an orthogonal view of the ruled segmented crown with canopy support hole and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 40B is a top view of ruled segmented crown of the present invention with canopy support hole.

FIG. 41A is a top view of ruled segmented base of the present invention with canopy support hole.

FIG. 41B is an orthogonal view of ruled segmented base with canopy support hole and a ruled supporting pole of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is an orthogonal view of a plurality of the present invention, connected via ruled auxiliary arms.

FIG. 43 is an orthogonal view of a plurality of the present invention connected, with auxiliary arms covers displaying Velcro patches.

FIG. 44A is an enlarged view of a connection point for a plurality of the present invention, displaying placement of canopy support nut and bolt.

FIG. 44B is a side view of a plurality of the present invention, without fabric cover.

FIG. 45 is a side view of a plurality of the present invention, with fabric cover.

FIG. 46 is a side view of a plurality of the present invention, with zippered fabric covers.

FIG. 47A is an enlarged view of an auxiliary arm with elongated holes.

FIG. 47B sectional view of an auxiliary arm with elongated holes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It must be understood that the details employed is not limited to just this embodiment of the invention, it is capable of other embodiments and whatever phraseology and description is made here is not meant for limitation purposes.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 47 thereof, a new portable and collapsible ruled privacy screen apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 11 will be described.

The present invention as Illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 47 consists of a ruled segmented crown 11a and a ruled segmented base 11a, which are identical to each other. The present invention also has, a plurality of identical and interchangeable ruled segmented supporting poles 11b. The present invention also has a fabric cover 12. In addition, the present invention has a plurality of ruled auxiliary arms 21 covered by the auxiliary arm fabric cover 14. The privacy module 11 structure is made of, but is not limited to, ½-inch PVC pipe and is covered by a nylon non-friction fabric cover 12.

Ruled segmented crown 11a and ruled segmented base 11a are best Illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 24. Ruled segmented crown 11a and ruled segmented base 11a are identical and interchangeable. They each consist of a plurality of segments, two first segments 17, two free-floating second segments 16 (each with a length of 1′⅝″ (minus the couplers)), and one third segment 15 (with a length of 20″-two 10″ sections (minus the coupler)). First segment 17 (with an 8″ length section (minus the couplers)) houses bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b and 13c in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 which also acts as a supporting point for a segmented supporting pole 11b, as well as the attachment points for cover attachment mechanism 13d. First segment 17 also contains the connecting point 17a, a 45-degree tubular coupler, which is permanently fused to first segment 17. Connecting point 17a connects 8 to free-floating second segments 16. Second segments 16 is connected to third segment 15, via a 30-degree tubular coupler, at connecting points 15b.

As seen in FIGS. 21 through 24, first segment 17 has two points of connection, connecting point 17a, a 45-degree tubular coupler, and bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, a T-shaped tubular coupler. While connecting point 17a only serves as a connecting point for free-floating second segment 16, at the other end of first segment 17 is bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, which contains bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b and 13c.

As best Illustrated in FIGS. 24 through 28, bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, is located at the distal ends of the ruled segmented crown 11a, and at distal ends of the ruled segmented base 11a. It is bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b,13c, located in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, which introduces one of the novelties of the present invention. This is one of the reasons in which the present invention differs from prior art. It is at bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b,13c, within bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, which introduces the collapsibility properties of the structure. Due to these properties, the privacy module is easy to assemble and dissemble. These properties are also intended to reduce assemble and disassemble time by reducing the number of joints that are forcefully connected together. The use of bungee cord in attaching the individual pieces together to form the ruled segmented crown 11a and the ruled segmented base 11a, and the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b, eliminates the need to assemble or dissemble many separate pieces, therefore decreasing valuable time spent in doing so.

As best Illustrated in FIG. 24, is %-inch diameter bungee cord 13a, connected at both ends of the ruled segmented crown 11a or the ruled segmented base 11a, in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13. The two first segments 17 are connected together via bungee cord 13a within bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 at bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b and 13c. After one end of bungee cord 13a is secured in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 of one of the two first 9 segments 17, bungee cord 13a then passes through one of the two free-floating second segments 16, then through third segment 15, traveling still further through the other free-floating second segment 16 into the other first segment 17 where bungee cord 13a terminates in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, and is secured by bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b and 13c, to form a single unit: a ruled segmented crown 11a or a ruled segmented base 11a. It must be noted that third segment 15 consist of two 45-degree tubular couplers 15b permanently bonded to its ends, and one T-shaped tubular coupler 15a permanently bonded in the middle of third segment 15. While the two 45-degree tubular couplers 15b act as the other connecting point for free-floating second segment 16, the T-shaped tubular coupler 15a acts as a supporting point for one of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b. The use of the bungee cord 13a as an additional method of holding the separate pieces together, with respect to the present invention, in conjunction with the typical method of forcing joints together to erect such a structure, give the present invention a secondary means of securing the structure and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly. Other than bungee cord 13a connecting force, very little, if any additional force is necessary to hold the ruled segmented crown 11a together or hold the ruled segmented based 11a together. The rigidity of the ruled segmented crown 11a or the ruled segmented base 11a depends on the tightness of bungee cord 13a.

FIG. 26 best depicts a canopy support hole 34, in the ruled segmented base, being utilized as a means of stabilizing the privacy module 11 to the ground by inserting a stake 39.

As best Illustrated in FIG. 27B, bungee cord attachment mechanism 13a,13b and 13c, consists of bungee cord 13a which is looped around a strong metal supporting pin 13b, and is then secured by two metal rings 13c. The metal rings 13c compress the end of bungee cord 13a to itself to maintain a secured loop. Supporting pin 13b is inserted via two drilled holes, at a 90-degree angle from top to bottom or 180-degree angle from side to side, within each first segment 17. After supporting pin 13b has been inserted, 10 bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 is fused over and around the end of first segment 17 ensuring a stable and secure supporting pin 13b.

As best Illustrated in FIGS. 20, 23 and 27A through 33, are joint clearance space 30, which is not greater than 0.015625 or 1/64″, and clearance tip 29, which is 1-inch in length, they are necessary for privacy module 11 to function optimally. Joint clearance space 30 or clearance tip 29, facilitates effortless insertion and extraction of the detachably connected joints of the present invention, in conjunction with bungee cord 13a, located in the ruled segmented crown 11a and the ruled segmented base 11a. Joint clearance space 30 or clearance tip 29, also facilitates effortless insertion and extraction of detachably connected joints, in conjunction with bungee cord 18a, located in the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b. The combination of the clearance space 30 or clearance tip 29, and the use of bungee cords 13a and 18a, provide the desired collapsibility properties to the present invention. The clearance space 30 can be created, with respect to the ruled segmented crown 11a and ruled segmented base 11a, by widening the diameter of the 45-degree tubular couplers 17a and 45-degree tubular coupler 15b. Clearance tip 29 can be created by decreasing the circumference of the free-floating segments 16. With respect to the segmented supporting poles 11b, clearance space 30 can be created, by widening the diameter of straight coupler 18, Tshaped tubular coupler 15a, and bungee cord attachment mechanism housings 13, which are T-shaped tubular couplers. Bungee cord attachment mechanism housings 13 also act as a connection point for the segmented supporting poles 11b. Clearance tip 29 can be created by decreasing the circumference of free-floating segment 20.

As best Illustrated in FIGS. 28A through 28D, is %-inch thick bungee cord 18a, which connects both proximal ends of segmented pole 11b together in bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 18, a straight coupler. The two first segments 19 are connected together via bungee cord 18a within bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 18 at bungee cord attachment mechanism 18a,18b and 18c. After bungee cord 18a is attached within bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 18 of one of the first two segment 19, it passes through free-floating second segment 20 then through the 11 other first segment 19, and terminates within bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 18 at bungee cord attachment mechanism 18a,18b and 18c, forming a single unit: a ruled segmented pole 11b. This additional method of holding the many separate pieces together, with respect to the present invention, in conjunction with the typical method of forcing joints together to erect such a structure, gives the present invention a secondary means of securing the structure and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly. Other than bungee cord 18a connecting force, very little, if any additional force is necessary to hold the ruled segmented supporting pole 11b together. The rigidity of each ruled segmented supporting pole 11b depends on the tightness of bungee cord 18a.

As best Illustrated in FIG. 28D the bungee cord attachment mechanism 18a,18b and 18c, consists of bungee cord 18a which is looped around a strong metal supporting pin 18b and is then secured by two metal rings 18c. The metal rings 18c compress the end of bungee cord 18a to itself to maintain a secured loop. Supporting pin 18b is inserted via two drilled holes, at a 90-degree angle from top to bottom or 180-degree angle from side to side, within each first segment 19. After supporting pin 18b has been inserted, bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 18 is fused over and around the end of first segment 19 ensuring a stable and secure supporting pin 18b.

FIG. 25 best describes fabric covering 12 and fabric cover attachment mechanism 13d. Fabric covering 12 is made of a light-weight non-friction nylon. Fabric covering 12 extends 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. Fabric covering 12 wraps around privacy module 11, specifically, fabric covering 12 wraps around the top of ruled segmented crown 11a and the bottom of ruled segmented base 11a, and is secured on a plurality of bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13. The security of fabric covering 12 depends on fabric cover attachment mechanism 13d to hold it in place. The fabric cover attachment mechanism 13d, is a flat 3/16-inch width durable elastic material, which is sewn into and runs the entire top width and bottom width of fabric covering 12. Fabric cover attachment mechanism 13d is double-looped for added security to ensure that fabric covering 12 is adequately affixed to privacy module 11. Fabric covering 12 also has 12 Velcro patches 38 sewn into the inside vertical edges, which corresponds with the Velcro patches 38 sewn in along the outside vertical edges of the ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover 14, to help stabilize and keep it from flapping, best seen in FIGS. 25 and 43. Zippers 37 can also be sewn in along the vertical edges of fabric cover 12 and along the vertical edges of the ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover 14, in conjunction with the Velcro patches 38, see FIGS. 1, 25,43 and 46.

FIGS. 29A through 41B, illustrate the vertical measuring tool aspect of the present invention, a more detailed depiction of the rulers. In this embodiment, the rulers make use of two scales. The first scale is the foot scale 22 divided into inches and quarterinch increments. The second scale in this embodiment is the metric scale 23 divided into centimeter increments. The two scales are best seen in FIGS. 29A through 30B. Best illustrated in FIGS. 29A and 29B are the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b, with foot scale 22 and metric scale 23 beginning at zero at the bottom and reaching a height of 5 feet 10 inches or 177.9 cm, allowing for a 1 inch height in the ruled segmented base and a 1 inch height in the ruled segmented crown, equaling a total of 6 feet or 183 cm. Best illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B are the ruled auxiliary arm 21 with foot scale 22 and metric scale 23 beginning at zero and reaching a length of 2 feet or 60.96 cm.

Illustrated in FIGS. 31 through 33, is the labeling technique which helps to give the interchangeability property between the ruled segmented crown 11a and the ruled segmented base 11a. In addition to the units being structurally identical, specific labeling was required in order to have the ability to use either unit in the desired position. In order to switch positions from being the ruled segmented crown 11a to becoming the ruled segmented base 11a and vice versa, seamlessly; zero-mark 27, 1-inch mark 28, 180 cm-mark 31, 183 cm-mark 32 and 6 ft-mark 33, had to be oriented and displayed in this specific way on T-shaped tubular coupler 15a, and on bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13, both located on the ruled segmented crown 11a and on the ruled segmented base 11a. One or a plurality of ruled segmented supporting poles 11b can be labeled with graduating marks, but all bungee cord attachment 13 mechanism housing 13 and all T-shaped tubular coupler 15a must be labeled with graduating marks, in order to utilize the interchangeability property of the ruled segmented crown 11a and the ruled segmented base 11a.

FIGS. 20 and 31 through 41 best depict height extension indicator 26. Ruled auxiliary arm 21, in addition to increasing the privacy area and connecting additional privacy modules 11, the ruled auxiliary arm 21 can also be used to extend the measuring capacity of the ruled segmented supporting poles, by an additional 23.3 inches or 59.18 centimeters, by positioning and holding it vertically above bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 or T-shaped tubular coupler 15a on the ruled segmented crown 11a. Located center-top of bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 and T-coupler 15a, is the height extension indicator 26, in which a ruled auxiliary arm 21 can be aligned, in order to extend the combined height capacity of the ruled supporting pole 11b and ruled segmented crown 11a, well depicted in FIGS. 20 and 34. Since the ruled segmented crown 11a and the ruled segmented base 11a are identical and interchangeable, the height extension indicator 26, is embedded in both. The height extension indicator 26 is an indentation, 1/16 to ⅛-inch-deep, to indicate the proper vertical placement of ruled auxiliary arm 21 for height extension purposes.

FIGS. 38A through 41B, further depict the height extension indicator 26, which has four semi-circles, two inners and two outers, located at center-top of bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 and T-shaped tubular coupler 15a. The inner semicircles 26a have a diameter equal to that of the ruled auxiliary arm 21, and the outer semi-circles 26b have a measurement equal to that of the circumference of the ruled auxiliary arm 21, as best seen in FIGS. 41A and 41B. Ruled auxiliary arm 21 should fit into height extension indicator 26 easily in order to facilitate proper and accurate placement.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1,43 and 46, is ruled auxiliary arm 21, draped with the ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover 14, with sewn-in Velcro patches 38 on the outside. The ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover 14, slips over the ruled auxiliary arm 21 via the sewn pocket 14 running the entire width of the ruled auxiliary arm 21 to increase the privacy area of privacy module 11. The ends of the ruled auxiliary arm cover 14 are snug enough to keep it in place, elastic could be sewn into the ends of the ruled auxiliary arm fabric cover 14 to produce a similar result. In addition to increasing privacy area, the ruled auxiliary arm 21 also facilitates the connectivity of a plurality of privacy modules 11 together, by extending between, and connecting two vertically-positioned privacy modules 11, at both bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 on the ruled segmented crown 11a. The ruled auxiliary arm 21 is made of the same ½-inch PVC pipe as the privacy module 11, and is 23.3 inches in length, which is equal to the length of each individual segments of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b. The ruled auxiliary arm 21 is equal to each of the two first segments 19 (not including the straight couplers 18), and the individual free-floating segment 20.

Best illustrated in FIG. 42, is the combination of a plurality of privacy modules 11. Demonstrated, is the ability to connect an additional privacy module 11 via ruled auxiliary arm 21, at bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13. Both bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 in the ruled segmented crown 11a should be utilized when combining two vertically positioned privacy modules 11, for added stability of the combined structure.

FIGS. 44 through 46 best illustrate the stacking of a plurality of privacy modules 11. Stacking is the layering of one horizontally positioned privacy module 11 on top of two vertically positioned privacy modules 11. The ruled auxiliary arm 21 is 23.3 inches in length, which is equal to the length of each individual segments of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b. The ruled auxiliary arm 21 is equal to each of the two first segments 19 (not including the straight couplers 18), and the individual free-floating segment 20. Equal lengths of the ruled auxiliary arm 21 to the segments of ruled segmented supporting poles 11b is important in order to get an accurate alignment and fit when stacking the privacy modules. When the ruled auxiliary arms 21 is equal in length to the individual segments of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b, facilitation of proper alignment with the canopy support holes 34 of the horizontal 15 privacy module 11 and the canopy support holes 34 of the vertically positioned privacy module 11, along with the alignment of ruled auxiliary arm elongated holes 35 of the ruled auxiliary arms 21, is made easier for the canopy supporting bolts 36a to pass from the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b, of the horizontally positioned privacy module 11, through the canopy support holes 34. Then continuing through the ruled auxiliary arm elongated holes 35, and finally terminating at the lower part of bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13 of the vertically positioned privacy modules 11, where canopy supporting nut 36b secures the supporting bolt 36a, stabilizing the combined tri-structure. The canopy supporting holes 34 will support bolts up to ¼ inch in diameter with a length of 3 inches. Canopy support holes 34 and auxiliary arm elongated holes 35, are placed on the side of the foot scale 22 and metric 23 of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b and the ruled auxiliary arms 21, to avoid interfering with the graduating marks. Center of the canopy support holes 34 and the auxiliary arm elongated holes 35, are located ⅜ of an inch from the proximal ends of the ruled segmented supporting poles 11b and ⅜ of an inch from the distal ends of the bungee cord attachment mechanism housing 13.

FIG. 47 best illustrates the ruled auxiliary arm 21 elongated holes 35, which measure ½ inch in length and ⅝-inch width, they are larger than the canopy support holes 34, in order to facilitate an easier threading of securing bolt 36a through all three sections when stacking. Also, because the ruled auxiliary arm 21 elongated holes 35 are a secondary means of securing the attachment of a horizontally placed privacy module 11, the securing bolts 36a and securing nuts 36b, in conjunction with the canopy support holes 34, are the primary means of securing the combined structure, therefore elongating the holes will not cause destabilization of the tri-module structure.

While there has been described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations, omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A portable lightweight privacy screen with an integrated height measuring tool that can be conveniently carried and assembled and disassembled, wherein the tubular couplers contain bungee cord attachment, comprising; an upper identical and interchangeable ruled segmented crown, which acts as one unit, a lower identical and interchangeable ruled segmented base, which acts as one unit, a plurality of identical and interchangeable ruled segmented supporting poles, each acting as a single unit;ruled segmented crown, ruled segmented base, and all ruled segmented supporting poles are as individual units that are detachably connected together by a plurality of tubular couplers;whereby each unit, ruled segmented crown, ruled segmented base, and ruled segmented supporting poles, is collapsible upon itself and still be a single unit for packing and transport;the ruled segmented base will retain the two first segments, the two second segments, and third segment; the ruled segmented crown will retain the two first segments, the two second segments, and third segment;the ruled segmented supporting poles will retain its two first segments on opposite ends and single middle second segment, as a unit;being kept in those aforementioned positions as a single unit due to a plurality of bungee cord attachment mechanisms and a plurality of bungee cord attachment mechanism housings;an additional plurality of tubular couplers, including some of the aforementioned tubular couplers are used to interconnect the upper ruled segmented crown, ruled segmented base, and plurality of ruled segmented supporting poles to form the present invention.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein a portable lightweight privacy screen that can be conveniently carried and assembled and disassembled, comprising; a plurality of bungee cord attachment mechanisms and bungee cord attachment mechanism housings:the bungee cord is securely fastened in a loop, by a plurality of metal rings, around a metal pin embedded in a tubular housing by way of a plurality of holes from top to bottom or from side to side and covered with an outer tubular housing to encompass the entire 360 degree of the tubular member said pin is embedded;the aforementioned bungee cord attachment mechanism and bungee cord attachment mechanism housing utilized at the ends of the ruled segmented crown and at the ends of the ruled segmented base, cause the plurality of the segments to maintain and act as a single structural unit.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said plurality of bungee cord attachment mechanism and bungee cord attachment mechanism housing have the bungee cord securely fastened, in a loop by a plurality of metal rings, around a metal pin embedded in a tubular housing by way of a plurality of holes from top to bottom or from side to side and covered with an outer tubular housing to encompass the entire 360 degree of the tubular member said pin is embedded; the plurality of the aforementioned bungee cord attachment mechanism and bungee cord attachment mechanism housing utilized, at the proximal ends of the plurality of ruled segmented supporting poles, cause the plurality of segments to maintain and act as a single structural unit.

4. A portable lightweight privacy screen comprising; a detachably connected ruled auxiliary tubular extension to increase the size of the privacy area;a plurality of detachably connected ruled auxiliary tubular extensions and tubular couplers are used to interconnect additional privacy modules;a detachably connected ruled auxiliary tubular extension fabric cover with zippers or Velcro patches.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein, the present invention in the present embodiment is a single privacy module; can be combined with two additional privacy modules via the detachably connected ruled auxiliary tubular extension;a horizontally positioned privacy module can be combined with two vertically positioned privacy modules by a plurality of detachably connected ruled auxiliary tubular extensions, tubular couplers, and nuts and bolts to secure a semi-enclosed structure.

6. A portable lightweight privacy screen that can be conveniently carried and assembled and disassembled, wherein the tubular couplers contain bungee cord attachment, comprising; an integrated height measuring tool;with graduating marks for a foot scale and a metric scale;a height extension indicator;height extension tubular member.