Patent Grant
10508452
The present invention relates to privacy screens, more particularly to outdoor, decorative, sunlight mitigating, and wind resistant, panel privacy assemblies for space-dividing both residential and commercial environments.
As urban populations grow and the trend for outdoor living becomes a staple for homeowners and renters alike, the need for out-of-doors privacy has never been greater. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that as of 2012, 80.7 percent of the population resided in urban areas. Moreover, while homes have been increasing in size, lots have been decreasing. Similarly, the Apartment and Condominium Construction industry has been experiencing one of the fastest expansions within the construction sector. In their personal landscapes, everywhere, people are in closer proximity to one another and in need of privacy.
Also, there is a trend to bring the indoors, out, by creating outdoor landscapes that are well-designed, comfortable retreats. In 2016, The Institute of Architects reported that the outdoor living market expected to top $7.1 billion by 2020. Consumers desire relaxing, personal spaces with lighting and furnishings, including privacy partitions that decoratively enhance views or, in some cases, screen undesirable vistas.
Important, too, for outdoor living is a means to limit exposure to skin cancer-causing, ultraviolet (UV) rays. Identifying adequate shading devices for outdoor living environments is a concern.
Taking advantage of these outdoor spaces on fair-weather days means that privacy, decorative, and at least partially sun-shielding privacy screens are required to function in breezes and winds that often arise on the sunniest occasions. Outdoor space-dividers need to be wind resistant and stable under such conditions.
There exists, across industries, a variety of devices that include parts addressing the aforementioned needs relative to an effectively functioning outdoor privacy screen. However, no product or disclosure addresses all of these requirements in a single, successful invention.
Prior art discloses outdoor, manually moveable and portable privacy screens, windscreens, and sunshades, among others. Privacy is usually achieved by tensioning one or more, large, flexible i.e., fabric panels to a frame. However, tensioned panels are not wind resistant and in breezy conditions, such screens become unstable. And, recommendations for leg bracing via sandbags or other weights is unwieldy and unattractive. In addition, although large, flexible panels may be removable from their frames, they are costly to replace, difficult to clean, and offer fewer design alternatives than the smaller, easily removable panels of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,648 (Goharjou; Sep. 10, 1996) discloses a portable wall system with flexible sheet half-moon cut flaps. However, wind slits are negligible in wind force abatement.
Fixed, e.g., bolted down, clamped on, etc., outdoor deck partitions and balcony shields exist in prior art. These types rely on the structural integrity of their foundations or supports for stability. Compromised deck flooring or balcony railing inhibits the safe functioning of these types. And, unlike the present invention, fixed types lack mobility to provide light deflection as the sun changes position throughout the day. U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,566 B2 (Larin; Feb. 4, 2003), discloses a balcony railing-affixed shielding device with two flexible panels.
Outdoor, wind-resistant, multi-panel products exist in prior art such as traffic shields and fence products. These barriers are unrelated to the functional privacy the present invention assumes. U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,645 B1 (Cannova; Mar. 10, 2015) discloses a portable wind-resistant traffic screen wherein “The screen partially disengages . . . for the purpose of reducing wind pressure . . . .”
Devices with flexible fabric, louver-arranged panels for permitting airflow, and wind resistance, where the lamellae are not interconnected for motion, exist ranging from windbreakers to insect screens. However, prior art discloses no invention that allows air to pass between flexible-fabric louver-arranged panels ensuring resistance to wind gusts such as the present invention assumes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,381 (Greenbaum; Feb. 21, 1984) discloses a windbreaker secured to a frame.
Prior art discloses indoor, space-dividing privacy partitions with flexible frame covers typically designed for venues such as: offices, hotel rooms, and, production facilities. Prior art reveals no invention incorporating both mobility and a decorative mix-and-match, multi-panel function such as the present invention assumes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,043 B1 (Simon et. al, Mar. 12, 2002) discloses an office partition of draped fabric panels reliant on a fixed frame.
Prior art reveals inventions incorporating quick-release snap fasteners for attaching flexible sheets to solid substrates in devices such as boat covers and display frames among others. No prior art reveals a quick-release, panel fastening system such as the present invention assumes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,548 (Goudie; Sep. 18, 1984) discloses a display frame wherein snap fasteners work in conjunction with stabilizing flat bar (see
The present invention's features are easily distinguishable from these and other devices. None of the above devices, taken either singly or in combination, provides a privacy screen for outdoor, residential and commercial use such as the present invention assumes.
The present invention was developed of tubular aluminum, solid aluminum bar, solid steel foot components, and fabric panels for a free-standing and stable; manually moveable; easily assembled frame incorporating releasably-fastened, frame-attached elements suspending a series of mix-and-match, flexible, louver-arranged panels that afford privacy, mitigation of sunlight, and an allowance for air flow thus creating a wind resistant privacy screen.
It is the object of the invention that the privacy screen be both for residential and commercial use.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen affords stability and wind resistance by incorporating weighted base foot components.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen affords stability and wind resistance by arranging fabric panels in an airflow-permitting louver configuration.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen is manually moveable and easy to assemble.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen affords concealment by fastening and suspending fabric panels in louver arrangement.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen mitigates harmful UV sunlight by partially accommodating the changing angle of the light throughout the day by means of screen mobility and ultraviolet-ray protective, fabric panels.
It is another object of the invention that fabric panels for outdoor screen use be constructed of standard outdoor awning or woven PVC coated polyester fabric.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen enable decorative function flexibility by incorporating multiple, detachable, interchangeable, and replaceable fabric panels that are easy to maintain and cost effective to replace.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen be available with quick-release snap fasteners that secure metal bar held fabric panels to vertical tube members of said structural frame.
It is another object of the invention that the privacy screen be modular by enabling outer edge vertical members of one screen to fit snugly to side-by-side outer edge vertical members of one or more additional screens.
The present invention is a single structure frame with foot components and comprised of: metal tubing, square bar, and plate; bolts; bolt-less right angle connectors; retractable-pin spring-clip fasteners; grip knobs; quick-release snap fasteners; and, frame-detachable metal flat bars that support hanging, flexible fabric privacy panels.
The privacy frame panels are made of non-transparent, ultraviolet-ray protective, solution-dyed acrylic awning or PVC coated polyester mesh fabric. Panel fabrics are easy to clean; and, sun and mildew resistant.
When assembled, the privacy frame is supported by two sets of solid-metal, foot components i.e., a base plate with welded arch and bolted foot post; frame-attached by sliding said post into the lower frame vertical tube bottom end and securing said post, tube, and arch by a hand-tightened grip knob. A second set of foot components is likewise secured to a second vertical tube bottom end. Spring-clip fasteners inserted into lower frame vertical tube upper ends are in turn spring-clip fastened to two longitudinal tube frame member lower ends. Longitudinal frame tubes are thus connected to the lower frame section.
Spring-clip fasteners are then inserted into two longitudinal tube frame member upper ends that in turn spring-clip to upper frame vertical tubes. The rectangular frame with foot components is thus assembled. Five fabric panels are then hem-slid onto five metal flat bars. Each metal flat bar is independently, quick-released fastened to the frame face at regular intervals.
The assembly of the invention is comprised of approximately eight simple steps including base feet assembly, i.e., bolting foot posts to base plates; connecting foot posts and base plate arches to the lower frame section via hand-tightened grip knobs; spring-clip fastening longitudinal side tubes to both the lower and upper frame tube sections; sliding fabric panels over respective metal flat bars; and, quick-release fastening metal flat bars to said frame.
By way of example, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale.
The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts.
A problem in the market exists that there is no outdoor, independently stable, easily moveable, space-dividing residential and commercial privacy screen that offers within a single invention, sunlight mitigation, wind resistance; and, interchangeable, cost effective, decoratively changeable, louver configured, releasably-fastened, flexible panels. The various embodiments of the privacy screen herein are designed for outdoor residential and commercial use. However, the screen may be utilized to accommodate indoor privacy needs as well. For example, in addition to outdoor residential use on patios, decks, and in the landscape, among other locations, the screen may be used indoors to provide privacy within rooms and spaces where division, retreat, or a measure of solitude is desired. Consumers may select among a variety of frame, panel colors, and materials dependent upon preference and application.
Commercially, the privacy screen may be used outdoors in a variety of venues where some measure of separation from others is preferred. Outdoor seating for coffee shops and restaurants are primary examples. Indoor use might include situations where pharmacies arrange client privacy and retail stores provide fitting space partitions. Commercial organizations may incorporate their identities on screen frame panels as well as determine frame and panel colors. In all cases, both out-of-doors and indoors, the privacy screen is designed to be multi-functional, visually pleasing, high quality, and of moderate cost to consumers.
The privacy screen in the illustrated embodiment is modular in function as left top frame vertical tube 5 and left longitudinal side tube 22 and the left planar foot base plate 43 outside edges form a single vertical plane that allows two or more screens to snugly align when placed in a side-by-side configuration. In this embodiment, the frame with foot components can be up to 7 feet in height and up to 5 feet in width although these embodiments may be increased or decreased dependent upon the functionality desired.
With the above described structure, the left and right side frame tubes, connectors, foot components, horizontal flat bars, snap fastener components, and fabric panels are identical one to the other. However, with frame assembly, the two right angle connectors 4 and, the two sets of foot components, i.e., base plate 43 with bolt-connected foot post 35 and weld-attached arch plate 38 are grip knob 40 secured to the frame in mirror image of one to the other. In addition, although the left side frame tubes, connectors, foot components, topmost frame attached flat bar, snap fastener components, and fabric panel thereof will be described below, it is understood that the description to follow is equally applicable to the connection of the right side frame tubes, connectors, foot components, and all other frame attached flat bars, snap fastener components, and fabric panels.
wherein, for connecting the left longitudinal tube 22, to the bottom left frame vertical tube 28, a non-limiting example is, the next spring-clip fastener 10 spring-pin non hoop open end 10c is inserted into the left bottom frame vertical tube 28 upright open end 30 such that the spring-clip fastener 10 retractable spring button 11b protrudes from the bottom frame vertical tube 28 rear face hole 29; and, wherein said spring-clip fastener 10 hoop end 12a is inserted into the left longitudinal side tube color-coded bottom open end 25a such that the spring-clip fastener 10 retractable spring button 11a protrudes from the left longitudinal side tube 22 rear face hole 23c (
wherein said left base plate 43 is also single hole drilled at approximately ½″ to the right of said plate 43 longitudinal midpoint 45 and longitudinal outer face edge 47; and, wherein a ¾″ diameter, square solid steel left foot post 35 approximately 5¾″ high, single hole drilled on its inside face plane 36 and at approximately 5″ from said post bottom end 37 to a depth of approximately ½″; and, wherein said post 35 is also single hole drilled on its bottom face center point 37 to a depth of approximately ⅜″; and, wherein said post 35 is secured to a left base plate 43 by aligning said post bottom face center point hole 37 with said base plate 43 hole 45 and by positioning said foot post 35 outside face plane parallel with said base plate 43 longitudinal edge 47 and by inserting a 5/16″ diameter hex bolt 48 up through the bottom of the left foot base plate 43 hole 45 and into the left vertical foot post 35 bottom center face hole 37 and allen-wrench tightening said bolt 48 thus securing the left foot plate 43 to the left foot post 35, in a ninety-degree relation to one another, such that said post 35 may be placed in a vertically upright position; and,
wherein to secure the left bottom frame vertical tube 28 to left foot components, a non-limiting example is, a left bottom frame vertical tube open bottom end 34 is slid over and onto a left foot post 35 vertically upright end 30 thus aligning the bottom frame vertical tube 28 inside face hole 33; foot post 35 inside face hole 36; and, planar arch plate 38 hole 39; and, wherein a 1¾″ diameter grip knob 40 with an approximately 5/16″ diameter 18 thread, and approximately ½″ long screw thread 41 is inserted through the planar arch plate 38 hole 39; bottom frame vertical tube 28 hole 33 and into the aligned foot post 35 hole 36 such that said bottom left frame vertical tube 28 is connected to left foot components, i.e., base plate 43 with bolt-connected foot post 35 and weld-attached planar arch plate 38.
wherein a non-limiting example is, flexible panels 18 are made of ultraviolet-ray protective, solution-dyed acrylic awning fabric or a PVC coated polyester mesh fabric. Panel fabrics are easy to clean with a mild soap and water; and, are sun and mildew resistant.
Construction
Various embodiments of the privacy screen may be constructed of a lightweight rigid frame with flexible panel material. For example, in some embodiments, the frame may be constructed of 1½″×1½″ or 2″×2″ hollow aluminum tubing, 1″×1″, 1½″×1½″ or 2″×2″ hollow steel tubing; solid aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate bar; or, wood, among others. Frame finishes may be embodied as anodized and powder coated; and, textured or smooth among others. Frame color may be embodied across the full range of industrial offerings as well as colors uniquely created for the invention herein. In some embodiments, the height and width of the frame may vary per the specific residential, commercial, outdoor, or indoor application. Likewise, horizontal, flat bar supports may vary in length, width, or thickness to accommodate specific applications. For example, aluminum, polycarbonate, acrylic, steel, and wood bars are among the embodied materials that may secure flexible panels to the frame. Flat bar supports may also embody varied finishes and colors in the same manner as the frame. Frame top section right angle connectors may be also be embodied as various colors and types including spring-clip, bolt, or rivet, among others. Likewise, right angle connector material may be nylon, plastic, aluminum, steel, or composite materials. Frame tube spring-clip fasteners may be embodied as zinc-plated steel, aluminum, or a combination of nylon and zinc-plated steel, among other materials. Said frame tube fasteners may also vary in type and be embodied as hinged or telescoping among others.
Further, privacy screen flexible panel embodiments forming a louver configuration may be constructed of any size or shape. Embodiments including various numbers of panels on a frame; and or, the length, width or height of panels may vary per application. Panels may be horizontal bar attached by open pocket hem-sliding onto said bars, but also by such other means, but not limited to, folding a panel top hem edge over said bar and securing said panel with hook and loop fastening tape; snap fasteners; magnets; grommets; and, buttons; or other such embodiments that allow the panel to be easily disengaged from its support bar. In another embodiment, a narrow, approximately ¾″ wide by 42″ long, lightweight, polycarbonate strip, or other type of stiffening material affording “ballast” may be inserted into a flexible fabric panel horizontal open pocket bottom hem as a means to provide a measure of panel strengthening and or rigidity.
Panels of different colors, shapes, designs, and various straight and scallop edges among others, may be constructed. Die cutouts within panels may be embodied. Double layer panels of different materials, the same materials, intact or cutout to reveal one material behind the other are among the possible embodiments. Panel material may be opaque, translucent or in some circumstances and to a degree, transparent. Panels may be printed on a single side or both sides.
Likewise, in some outdoor privacy frame panel embodiments flexible fabrics may include, but are not limited to, printed acrylics, acrylic-coated polyesters, cotton-polyester blends, vinyl-coated synthetic fiber mesh, olefin, and, canvas e.g., cotton, linen, polyester, acrylics and blends of these materials; and, coated, woven polyester, back-lit textiles among possible types. Similarly, indoor privacy screen flexible materials embodiments may consist of a variety of standard drapery or upholstery fabrics that comply with U.S. government textile industry safety standards and regulations for indoor fabric applications. Panel weights and thicknesses may vary as well. Frame and panels may be enhanced with a wide range of embellishment and trim embodiments. For example, fabric, metal, plastic and wood ornamentations and trims may be applied to any part of the frame, foot base assembly, panel support, or panel itself.
Privacy screen fasteners that secure metal bar held fabric panels to the longitudinal frame members, i.e., quick-release snap fastener components in the present embodiment, may vary to include, but are not limited to, other quick release types such as magnetic; turn; rivet; and, hook and loop fasteners. Various, but not limited to, non-quick release type fasteners may also be embodied such as rivets, bolts, and screws.
The solid steel planar foot base plate, foot base arch, and foot post component material, weights, dimensions, and shapes, embodied in the present invention, are designed to support the frame depicted herein. Alternate material, weight, dimension, and shape embodiments may be assumed given changes in the privacy screen i.e., frame or panel dimensions, and or materials, and or applications. Possible foot component embodiments may include a foot base plate, foot base arch, and foot post constructed of, but not limited to, a polycarbonate or similar material that is molded for a hollow interior that may be filled with material such as, but not limited to, sand or water.
Other foot base plate, foot base arch, and foot post component embodiments may include a range of designs, including but not limited to, foot base plate perforations that enable securing to a foundation, and; base plate and arch raised embossments, or die cutouts any of which provide decoration and or identification, may be embodied. Foot base plate, foot base arch, and post finishes may also be embodied as anodized, powder coated, textured, and smooth, among others. Colors may be embodied across the full range of industrial offerings as well as colors uniquely created for the invention and its various exemplary embodiments herein.
The outdoor privacy screen functions efficiently indoors, both residentially and commercially. For indoor applications, substitution of the foot components of the present invention, for a lighter-weight planar foot base plate, foot base arch, and or foot post with or without foot base plate and or arch perforations, raised embossments, or die cutouts are examples of alternative embodiments.
Finally, the grip knob with screw thread of the present invention, for securing privacy screen foot posts to the frame, may also be embodied in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials.
Although the above description contains many specifics and embodiments, including those depicted in the accompanying figures, such embodiments merely illustrate and are not restrictive to the broad, present invention, and this invention is not limited to those specific constructions and displays given that those skilled in the art may employ various other modifications within the scope of the following Claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3308875 | Abrams | Mar 1967 | A |
| 3561518 | Johnson | Feb 1971 | A |
| 4432381 | Greenbaum | Feb 1984 | A |
| 4471548 | Goudie | Sep 1984 | A |
| 4516620 | Mulhern | May 1985 | A |
| 4881565 | Turk | Nov 1989 | A |
| 5553648 | Goharjou | Sep 1996 | A |
| 6032684 | Narron | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6206079 | Selgrad | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6354043 | Simon et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
| 6513566 | Larin | Feb 2003 | B2 |
| 7841378 | Henning | Nov 2010 | B2 |
| 7857291 | Dombrowski | Dec 2010 | B2 |
| 8015738 | Ernetoft | Sep 2011 | B2 |
| 8104574 | Kellenaers | Jan 2012 | B1 |
| 8973645 | Cannova | Mar 2015 | B1 |
| 9038296 | Melic | May 2015 | B2 |
| 9315985 | Gosling et al. | Apr 2016 | B2 |
| 9512670 | Forbis et al. | Dec 2016 | B2 |
| 20150136341 | Bally | May 2015 | A1 |
| 20170011671 | Goldrich | Jan 2017 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180347200 A1 | Dec 2018 | US |
