U.S. patent application number 09/975503 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-30 for privacy screen.
Invention is credited to Insalaco, Robert W., Ritch, David J., Saffell, Mark B., Stannis, Gordon J..
Application Number | 20020062933 09/975503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26933455 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020062933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Insalaco, Robert W. ; et
al. |
May 30, 2002 |
Privacy screen
Abstract
A privacy screen comprises a free-standing wall member and a
support stand. In one embodiment, the wall member has a thickness
and an outer surface visible to the user. The wall member is
preferably made of expanded beads that extend across the entirety
of the thickness of the panel and define the outer surface thereof,
such that they are visible to the user. In another embodiment, the
wall member comprises a first and second sheet, each of which has
an outer surface defining the outer surface of the wall member. At
least a portion of the first sheet is spaced from at least a
portion of the second sheet, and at least another portion of the
first sheet abuts at least a portion of the second sheet, with the
abutting portions being connected. In another aspect, a system of
privacy screens comprises a first and second privacy screen
comprising a wall member having a curvilinear side edge. The first
and second privacy screens are arranged such that the curvilinear
edges thereof are disposed adjacent one another.
Inventors: |
Insalaco, Robert W.;
(Holland, MI) ; Ritch, David J.; (Malibu, CA)
; Saffell, Mark B.; (Manhattan Beach, CA) ;
Stannis, Gordon J.; (West Olive, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Andrew D. Stover
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
P.O. Box 10395
Chicago
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
26933455 |
Appl. No.: |
09/975503 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60240499 |
Oct 13, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/12 20130101;
E04B 2/7405 20130101; A47G 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/351 |
International
Class: |
A47G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A privacy screen for a workspace comprising: a free-standing
wall member having a thickness and an outer surface visible to a
user, wherein said wall member is made of expanded beads extending
across the entirety of said thickness with said expanded beads
defining said outer surface such that said expanded beads are
visible to the user.
2. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said expanded beads
comprise a styrene, polypropylene blend.
3. The privacy screen of claim 1 having a plurality of holes
extending through the entirety of said thickness of said wall
member.
4. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is
substantially homogenous and is made entirely of said expanded
beads.
5. The privacy screen of claim 1 further comprising a support stand
connected to a bottom of said wall member.
6. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein said support stand
comprises a slot, wherein a bottom edge of said wall member is
received in said slot.
7. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is
further defined by a maximum circumference and a maximum height,
and wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said
maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches.
8. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is
substantially vertical and comprises at least one side edge,
wherein said side edge is curvilinear.
9. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said expandable beads are
dyed one or more colors.
10. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein said support stand does
not extend above a lower third of said wall member, and wherein
said wall member does not have any internal or external support
structure extending above said lower third of said wall member.
11. A system of privacy screens for a workspace comprising: a first
privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member
comprising a curvilinear side edge; a second privacy screen
comprising a substantially vertical wall member comprising a
curvilinear side edge; and wherein said second privacy screen is
positioned adjacent said first privacy screen with said curvilinear
side edge of said second privacy screen disposed adjacent said
curvilinear side edge of said first privacy screen.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said curvilinear
side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a
substantially convex portion.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said curvilinear
side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a
substantially concave portion.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and
second privacy screens is made of expanded beads.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and
second privacy screens is made of a pair of polyethylene
sheets.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and
second screens is tackable.
17. The system of claim 11 wherein said curvilinear side edge of
each of said first and second screens is a first curvilinear side
edge, and wherein each of said first and second screens comprise a
second curvilinear side edge opposite said first curvilinear side
edge.
18. A privacy screen for a workspace comprising: a free-standing
wall member comprising a first and second sheet, wherein each of
said first and second sheets has an outer surface defining an outer
surface of said wall member, and wherein at least a portion of said
first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of said second sheet,
and wherein at least a portion of said second sheet abuts at least
a portion of said second sheet, wherein said abutting portions of
said first and second sheets are connected.
19. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said first and second
sheets are made of polyethylene.
20. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said first and second
sheets are translucent.
21. The privacy screen of claim 18 further comprising a support
stand connected to a bottom of said wall member.
22. The privacy screen of claim 21 wherein said support stand
comprises a slot, wherein a bottom edge of said wall member is
received in said slot.
23. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said wall member is
further defined by a maximum circumference and a maximum height,
and wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said
maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches.
24. The privacy screen of claim 21 wherein said support stand does
not extend above a lower third of said wall member, and wherein
said wall member does not have any internal or external support
structure extending above said lower third of said wall member.
25. A method for configuring a workspace comprising: providing a
first privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall
member comprising a curvilinear side edge; providing a second
privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member
comprising a curvilinear side edge; and positioning said second
privacy screen adjacent said first privacy screen with said
curvilinear side edge of said second privacy screen disposed
adjacent said curvilinear side edge of said first privacy
screen.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said curvilinear
side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a
substantially convex portion.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said curvilinear
side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a
substantially concave portion.
28. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and
second privacy screens is made of expanded beads.
29. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and
second privacy screens is made of a pair of polyethylene
sheets.
30. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and
second screens is tackable.
31. The method of claim 25 wherein said curvilinear side edge of
each of said first and second screens is a first curvilinear side
edge, and wherein each of said first and second screens comprise a
second curvilinear side edge opposite said first curvilinear side
edge.
32. A method for making a privacy screen comprising: providing a
mold defining a shape of a wall member; introducing a plurality of
expandable beads into said mold; introducing steam into said mold
and thereby causing said expandable beads to expand to form said
wall member; removing said expanded bead, wall member from said
mold; and supporting said wall member on a support surface.
33. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy
screen, the kit comprising: a support stand; and a wall member wall
member made of expanded beads and having a maximum circumference
and a maximum height, wherein a combination of said maximum
circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130
inches, and wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported by
said support stand.
34. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy
screen, the kit comprising: a support stand; and a wall member wall
member made of pair of polyethylene sheets and having a maximum
circumference and a maximum height, wherein a combination of said
maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal
to 130 inches, wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported
by said support stand.
35. The kit of claims 33 or 34 wherein said stand is adapted to be
slidably engaged with a bottom of said wall member.
36. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy
screen, the kit comprising: a support stand having a slot; and a
wall member wall member having a maximum circumference, a maximum
height and a bottom wherein a combination of said maximum
circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130
inches, and wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported by
said support stand, and wherein said bottom is adapted to be
received in said slot.
37. A method for making a privacy screen comprising: providing a
wall member having a bottom edge; providing a stand having a slot;
and sliding said bottom edge of said wall member into said slot
wherein said bottom edge is engaged by said stand, and wherein said
slideable engagement is the only connection between said support
stand and said wall member.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein said wall member is made of a
substantially homogenous material.
39. The method of claim 38 wherein said wall member is made of
expanded beads.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/240,499, filed Oct. 13, 2000, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to privacy screens,
and in particular, to light weight, strong, portable privacy
screens, to systems thereof, and to methods of making and using
such screens.
[0003] Typically, privacy screens used to define work spaces are
relatively heavy and difficult to assemble. Indeed, such screens
often are made of wood, steel or other like relatively expensive
and heavy materials. In addition, such screens often comprise
extensive internal or external frame structures to provide the
requisite structural support, which can add to the weight and cost
of the screen. In addition, many conventional screens do not
provide a tackable surface, for example, when made out of metal or
hard plastic. Moreover, typical screens often require numerous
fasteners and other parts, and skilled installers or mechanics are
often required to assemble the screens using various tools.
[0004] In addition, privacy screens are typically configured with a
linear, or straight, side edges, for ease of manufacturing and the
like. However, when such screens are not attached to each other or
to a wall, but rather are freestanding, they can be susceptible to
having a slipshod appearance when the floor or other support
surface is not even or level, such that the side edges of adjacent
screens are not parallel.
[0005] In addition, many conventional screens cannot be shipped by
commercial carriers due to the relatively large size and weight of
the screens. For example, United Parcel Service (UPS) has a size
limitation of a 130 cumulative inches, which is defined as the
circumference of the product plus the height thereof. Since many
customers desire to have products shipped via such carriers,
whether through orders placed on the internet or over the
telephone, it can be advantageous to provide a screen meeting such
size limitations. Moreover, many customers desire screens that can
be easily assembled without the need for special tools, and which
are light weight and portable.
SUMMARY
[0006] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the invention, one
embodiment of a privacy screen comprises a free-standing wall
member having a thickness and an outer surface visible to the user.
The wall member is preferably made of expanded beads that extend
across the entirety of the thickness of the wall member and define
the outer surface thereof, such that they are visible to the user.
A method of making such a screen also is provided.
[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the wall member comprises a
first and second sheet, each of which has an outer surface defining
the outer surface of the wall member. At least a portion of the
first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of the second sheet,
and at least another portion of the first sheet abuts at least a
portion of the second sheet, with the abutting portions being
connected. A method of making such a screen also is provided.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a system of privacy
screens comprises a first and second privacy screen, each
comprising a wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge. The
first and second privacy screens are arranged such that the
curvilinear edges thereof are disposed adjacent one another.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of
configuring a workspace comprises positioning the second privacy
screen adjacent the first privacy screen with the curvilinear edges
thereof being disposed adjacent one another.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of
assembling a privacy screen comprises sliding a stand onto a wall
member such that the stand is engaged therewith, wherein the
slideable engagement is the only connection between the stand and
the wall member.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a kit having
components capable of being assembled as a privacy screen is
provided. The kit comprises a wall member and a support stand
adapted to support the wall member. The wall member has a maximum
circumference and a maximum height, wherein a combination thereof
is less than or equal to 130 inches.
[0012] The present inventions provide significant advantages over
other privacy screens. For example, privacy screens having wall
members made of expanded beads, or alternatively, from a pair of
sheets, are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and are
relatively light weight. In addition, the wall members provide
their own structural support and do not therefore require any
external or internal support structure, or any complicated
fasteners, tools or assembly instructions. In addition, the privacy
screen can be easily assembled by simply sliding the stand member
onto the bottom of the wall member without the need for additional
fasteners.
[0013] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the curvilinear side
edges of the wall members disguise any misalignment of adjacent
screens when placed on an uneven surface, for example.
[0014] In addition, the screens, which are light weight and which
can be made relatively thin due to their unique construction, can
be made relatively tall, so as to satisfy the need to provide
privacy, yet still be eligible for shipping on various commercial
carriers, such as UPS.
[0015] The present invention, together with further objects and
advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workspace environment
including a plurality of privacy screens supported on a floor and a
table with a privacy screen supported thereon.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a privacy
screen.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an end view of the privacy screen shown in FIG.
3.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the privacy screen shown in FIG.
3.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of a wall
member.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall member
shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken
along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken
along line 8-8 in FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
privacy screen.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an end view of the privacy screen shown in FIG.
9.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the privacy screen shown in FIG.
9.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
wall member.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall member
shown in FIG. 12.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken
along line 14-14 in FIG. 12.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken
along line 15-15 in FIG. 12.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a
wall member.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support
stand.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of the support stand shown in FIG.
17.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a chart illustrating the tensile strength of an
exemplary embodiment of foam material as a function of density.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a chart illustrating the compressive strength of
an exemplary foam material as a function of density.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating the flexural strength at 5%
strain of an exemplary foam material as a function of density.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The terms "front", "side", "back", "top", "bottom",
"upwardly" and "downwardly" as used herein are intended to indicate
the various directions and portions of the privacy screen and/or
wall member as normally understood when viewed from the perspective
of a user facing the screen or wall member. Likewise, the term
"lateral" refers to the direction running across the width of the
privacy screen, while the term "longitudinal" refers to the
direction running along the height of the privacy screen from the
top to the bottom thereof. The term "freestanding" refers to a
privacy screen that is capable of standing on its own on a support
surface, such as a floor or worksurface, and does not require for
support, but may be configured with, an attachment or connection to
an adjacent screen, permanent wall or other wall panel.
[0038] Referring to the drawings, and as best shown in FIG. 1, a
workspace is shown as including a desk 2 and a plurality of privacy
screens 10, 50, 100. The desk includes a worksurface 6 supported by
a plurality of support legs 4. Two embodiments of the privacy
screen 10, 50 are supported on a support surface 8, configured as a
floor. A third embodiment of the privacy screen 100 is supported
along a rear edge of the worksurface 6.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a first embodiment of the privacy
screen 10 includes a wall member 12 and a pair of support stands
120. The wall member 12 is preferably supported in a substantially
vertical orientation. The wall member has a top edge 14, a bottom
edge and opposite side edges 18. In addition, the wall member has
opposing front 16 and back surfaces 20, 22. In a preferred
embodiment, at least a portion of the side edges 18 of the wall
member are preferably curvilinear. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,
at least a portion of the side edges 8 have a convex contour,
although it should be understood that other curvilinear contours
could also be employed, for example, the wall member could be
provided with side edges having either a concave or an undulating
wave contour, or some other like configuration. When, as shown in
FIG. 1, two or more privacy screens 12, 50 are positioned next to
each another, with the curvilinear side edges 18, 58 of each
disposed adjacent one another, the juxtaposition of the curvilinear
side edges 18 alleviates or helps to eliminate any visual
misalignment that might otherwise be apparent with linear edges,
due for example to the unevenness of the support surface or to
manufacturing tolerances. Such alignment problems are especially
problematic with free-standing screens that are not attached to one
another, since an attachment can maintain the alignment of adjacent
edges of the screens.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11, the support stand 120 is
configured with two triangular portions 122 that form a gap or slot
136 between a substantially vertical, and upstanding leg 124 formed
along one side of each triangular portion. The term "stand" should
be broadly interpreted to mean any structure on or in which the
wall member may be placed, attached to, or otherwise engaged with
so as to maintain the screen in a particular orientation, and
preferably upright. The remaining two sides 126, 128 of the
triangular portion terminate at the comer or vertex 130 of the
triangular portion opposite the leg. The sides 126, 128 and vertex
130, act as support fact of the support stand. The leg 126 extends
down from a vertex 132 which is common to the triangular portions
122, such that the vertex 130 is lower than the vertex 132 and such
that the bottom edge 16 of the wall member is raised off of or
spaced from the support surface 8. The sides 124 and 128 meet at a
vertex 134, which is the uppermost point of the support stand and
which defines the entry to the slot 136. The support stand 120 is
preferably made from a single piece of wire, which is formed into
the two triangular portions 122.
[0041] During installation, a bottom of the wall member 12 is slid
into the slot 136 of the support stand 122 between the legs 124,
which engage or abut the front and back surface 20, 22 of the wall
member. The triangular portions 122, with their support feet,
extend outward from a plane defined by the wall member 12 and
preferably lie in a plane that is substantially perpendicular with
the plane defined by the wall member. As the wall member 12 is
slideably engaged with the support stand 122 in the slot 136, the
bottom edge 16 of the wall member preferably rests on a curved
bottom of the slot 136, which is formed at the junction of the two
legs at the common vertex 132 of the two triangular portions.
Preferably, two support stands 122 are used to support each wall
member, although it should be understood that one or more support
stands would work.
[0042] Although the shape of the wall member, and in particular,
the curvilinear side edges 18, alleviates any apparent or visual
misalignment of the wall members, the wall members also can be
pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the plane defining the wall
member by moving the bottom of the wall member 12 up or down within
the slot 136 of one of the support stands so as to provide the
capability to align adjacent privacy screens. The slot 136 formed
by the support stand is dimensioned to provide a friction fit with
the wall member such that it will remain supported by the support
stand 122 even if the wall member is not engaged with the bottom of
the slot on the support stand.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 8, in one embodiment, the bottom
of the wall member is configured with two pairs of vertically
oriented, raised U-shaped ridges 24, with each pair of ridges
extending from opposite sides, or the front and back surface, of
the wall member. The ridge 24 forms a vertically extending channel
or groove 26, which is shaped to receive the leg 124 of the support
stand.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, a
pair of grooves or channels 66 are formed or recessed inwardly from
the front and back surfaces 60, 62 of the wall member 52. The
channel 66 is shaped to receive the leg 124 of the support stand.
In either embodiment, the channel or groove 26, 66 provides a
locator for the stand and maintains the vertical orientation of the
support stand relative to the wall member such that the stand 122
cannot pivot out of engagement with the wall member 12, 52.
Moreover, the configuration of the wall members 12, 52 and support
stand 122 provides for easy assembly without the need for
additional fasteners or tools. Moreover, as explained above, the
slideable engagement allows for easy adjustment or alignment of the
privacy screen. It should be understood, however, that many types
of stands, including those attached with fasteners and not
necessarily having triangular portions, could be used to support
the wall panel. In addition, adhesive and the like can be applied
to further attach the support stand to the wall member. Preferably,
the support stand 122 does not extend above a lower third of the
wall member 12, 52, such that the majority of the wall member is
exposed to the user without the visual interference of the support
stand.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wall member 12 is preferably
formed from a pair of sheets 28, 30, which are preferably made of
polyethylene. Alternatively, the sheets can be made of
polypropylene, ABS, or other known thermoplastic sheet materials.
Preferably, the wall member 12 is made by the process of double
wall vacuum forming to improve the structural rigidity of the wall
member and to resist torsion and bending. The process comprises
having a pair of plastic sheets 28, 30 suspended on a rotary
turntable. While the turntable rotates, the temperature of each
sheet is raised by a heating element until the sheets soften. The
softened sheets are then placed over preheated upper and lower
aluminum molds. A vacuum is applied to each mold resulting in a
pre-heated sheet being sucked into each mold so that the sheet
takes on the shape of the mold. Both molds are then clamped
together under pressure. During the clamping process, the sheets
28, 30 are fused to each other at places known as pinch points 32
wherever the upper sheet and lower sheets contact or abut each
other when the mold halves come together. The fused pinch points 32
increase the module of rigidity and strength of the part. The
joined sheets 28, 30 are then cooled and removed from the mold.
[0046] Looking to the particular wall member embodiment, the molds
are configured such that the sheets each include a plurality of
star-shaped portions 32 that are abutted and fused to join the
sheets 28, 30. In addition, a peripheral edge portion 34 of the
sheets are abutted and fused. The star-shaped portions 32, or pinch
points, are arranged in columns and rows to provide an
aesthetically pleasing appearance, while at the same time providing
enough fusion points to provide the screen with adequate rigidity.
One of skill in the art will understand that the shape or
configuration of the pinch points should not be limited to the
specific star-shaped embodiment, but can assume any number of
various configurations, including various alphanumeric characters,
other geometric shapes, wildlife caricatures, etc.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the remaining portions 36, 38 of
the sheets 28, 30 are spaced apart from each other to provide the
wall member 12 with a thickness. For example, the ridge portions
24, and corresponding groove 26, are formed in the mold as the
sheets conform to the shape of the mold. Preferably, the plastic
sheets are translucent, although it should be understood that they
could also be made opaque or entirely transparent, depending on the
types of materials used. In addition, although the outer surface of
the sheets is preferably left exposed to the user, it should be
understood that the wall member could be covered with a fabric or
other fascia material.
[0048] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-15, the wall
member 52 is made of expanded beads. In a preferred embodiment, the
wall member is made of a molded ARCELL resin, which is a
semi-rigid, closed cell, cellular plastic foam, and which is
available from the ARCO Chemical Co. In particular, loose beads,
preferably made of a polystyrene and polypropylene blend, are
injected or introduced into a mold, preferably made of two pieces.
Steam is then injected or introduced into a cavity formed by the
mold. The steam causes the beads to expand and to fill the mold
cavity so as to assume the shape of the cavity. In this way, the
term "expanded beads" means any type of material that comes in a
bead or other granular form and which expands when exposed to
steam, or to any other gas or liquid, to form a rigid or semi-rigid
structure such as a foam. After the beads expand, the mold is
cooled and the wall panel is removed, preferably with standard,
conventional ejector pin technology. The resultant molded copolymer
product exhibits properties that lie between rigid and flexible
foams. For example, the molded products have greater tensile,
flexural and compressive strengths than flexible foams, but at the
same time are tougher and more fracture resistant than rigid foams.
In addition, water vapor transmission and water absorption
properties are slightly better than rigid foams. Of course, as with
other plastic foams, the mechanical properties are density
dependent. Various water and thermal properties of an exemplary
foam product are listed in Table I below as a function of density,
while various mechanical properties of an exemplary foam product
are illustrated in FIGS. 19-21.
1TABLE I Water and Thermal Properties Nominal Density (pcf) 1.5 2.0
2.5 Water Vapor Transmission Rate perm in. less than 1 (for these
densities) grains/hr. ft..sup.2 less than 0.2 (for these densities)
Water Absorption volume percent 0.5 to 1 (for these densities)
Thermal Conductivity k factor, BTU in./hr. ft..sup.2 .degree. F.
0.30 0.29 0.28 R Value, per inch 3.3 3.4 3.6
[0049] The wall member 52 is preferably used without any other
fascia material, such as a fabric, being applied thereto. Of
course, it should be understood that fabrics or other fascia
materials could be applied over an expanded bead core. In the
preferred embodiment, the wall member 52 is made up of a relatively
homogenous material consisting of the expanded beads, which extend
across the entirety of the thickness of the wall member 52 and
define the outer surface 60, 62 of the wall member that is visible
to the user. In an alternative embodiment, a coating, transparent
or otherwise, can 20 be applied to the outer surface of the wall
member. In a preferred embodiment, no coating is applied to the
outer surface. Various dyes and the like can be introduced during
the molding process, or the beads themselves can be provided in
various colors, such that the wall member can be configured in any
number of various colors, e.g., blue, red, green, etc. In this way,
the wall member 52 can be made to order to fit the user's needs
with little or no additional cost. The expanded beads, which make
up the entirety of the wall member, provide the wall member with
excellent structural rigidity without the need for any additional
internal or external frame structure. In addition, the expanded
beads provide an excellent tackable surface, such that the user can
display various items by tacking them to the screen.
[0050] Depending on the configuration of the mold cavity, the wall
member can have various recesses or raised portions formed therein
and thereon respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, a
plurality of star-shaped tapered recesses 64 are formed on each
side of the wall member. Moreover, a star-shaped opening 68 is
formed through the entirety of the thickness of the wall member 52.
Of course, one of skill in the art would understand that the
recesses and openings 64, 68 could be configured in any number of
shapes, depending on the desires of the end user. The openings 68
allow for the circulation of air through the wall member and
further provide access for light. As referenced above, in addition
to various recesses 64 or openings 68, raised portions could also
be formed on the wall panel by providing various recesses in the
mold cavity. In addition, the mold is preferably configured so as
to provide a rounded peripheral edge 70 on all of the edges of the
wall member.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the wall member 52 is about 2
inches thick and has a maximum width, measured at the apex of the
curvilinear portion 72, of about 30 inches, thereby yielding a
maximum circumference of about 64 inches. In addition, the
preferred wall member has a maximum height of about 55 inches. The
maximum circumference is measured around the width of the object,
rather than around the length thereof, since the height is also
taken into consideration in determining the maximum combined,
cumulative measurement. The combined maximum height and
circumference of the wall member is therefore about 119 inches. As
explained above, this is less than the maximum 130 inches permitted
for shipping via UPS. Of course, the width, thickness and height
can be manipulated to provide various cumulative measurements that
are less than or equal to 130 inches.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1, 16 and 17, an alternative embodiment
of a privacy screen 100 is shown as being supported on a work
surface. The privacy screen 100 includes a wall member 102 that is
relatively short, but elongated along its lateral extent. The wall
member 102 can be made in the same way as described above with
respect to the first two embodiments, including making it from a
pair of sheets using the double wall vacuum technology or from
expanded beads. The wall member 102 includes a U-shaped groove
shaped to receive a support stand, and a plurality of grooves
running across a thickness of the wall member along the bottom edge
thereof so as to provide clearance for the support stand vase.
[0053] The privacy screen includes a support stand 104, best shown
in FIGS. 17 and 18. The support stand is preferably made of wire
and includes two spaced-apart U-shaped portions 110 that form a
slot 140 therebetween, which is dimensioned to receive a bottom
edge of the wall member. The portions 110 are joined at a junction
112. The support stand further comprises a base portion 114
comprising a support member 116 that engages a top of the
worksurface and a brace member 118 that loops around a rear edge of
the worksurface and extends beneath the work surface. The brace
member 118 and support member 116 form a slot 138 that receives the
worksurface.
[0054] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
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