U.S. patent application number 10/764924 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for screening device.
Invention is credited to Gadd, Brenda Margerat, Richardson, Michael Daniel.
Application Number | 20050034748 10/764924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34137759 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050034748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gadd, Brenda Margerat ; et
al. |
February 17, 2005 |
Screening device
Abstract
A screening tube 1 having a stored state and a deployed state.
The tube 1 is self supporting when in the deployed state and is
collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state. The tube 1
comprises a flexible tubular sheet 15 that defines a screened space
within the bore of the tube 1. The tube 1 may comprise walls. The
screening tube 1 may be provided with a coil 13 to support the
walls 15 of the tube when the tube 1 is in the deployed state.
Inventors: |
Gadd, Brenda Margerat;
(Essex, GB) ; Richardson, Michael Daniel; (Essex,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ST. ONGE STEWARD JOHNSTON & REENS, LLC
986 BEDFORD STREET
STAMFORD
CT
06905-5619
US
|
Family ID: |
34137759 |
Appl. No.: |
10/764924 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/126 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 1/1244 20130101;
E04H 15/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/126 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 12, 2003 |
GB |
0318909.9 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
GB |
0321081.2 |
Claims
1. A screening tube having a stored state and a deployed state, the
tube being self supporting when in the deployed state and being
collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state, the tube
comprising a flexible tubular sheet that defines a screened space
within the bore of the tube.
2. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube comprises
tube walls and a coil to support the walls of the tube when the
tube is in the deployed state.
3. A screening tube according to claim 2 wherein the coil is a
compression spring.
4. A screening tube according to claim 3 wherein restriction means
are provided for restricting expansion of the compression spring
when the screening tube is in the deployed state.
5. A screening tube according to claim 4 wherein the restriction
means are adjustable restriction means to allow adjustment of the
height of the screening tube when the tube is in the deployed
state.
6. A screening tube according to claim 3 wherein a restrictor is
provided for restricting expansion of the compression spring when
the screening tube is in the deployed state.
7. A screening tube according to claim 4 wherein the restrictor is
an adjustable restrictor allowing height adjustment of the
screening tube when the tube is in the deployed state.
8. A screening tube according to claim 2 wherein the coil is a
tension spring and a support member is provided to support the tube
when the tube is in the deployed state.
9. A screening tube according to claim 2 wherein the coil is an
inflatable coil.
10. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube
comprises tube walls and a compressible support member in at least
a portion of a wall of the tube to support the walls of the
screening tube when the tube is in the deployed state.
11. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube
comprises a removable base portion.
12. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube is open
at both ends.
13. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube
comprises means for securing the tube to the ground.
14. A screening tube according to claim 13 wherein the means for
securing the tube to the ground comprise spikes arranged for
placement in the ground.
15. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube is of
circular cross section.
16. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube is of
square cross section.
17. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein the tube is of
polygonal cross section.
18. A screening tube according to claim 17 wherein the polygon is a
regular polygon.
19. A screening tube according to claim 17 wherein the polygon is
an irregular polygon.
20. A screening tube according to claim 1 wherein when the tube is
in a stored state the screening tube may be used as a buoyancy
aid.
21. A screening tube having a stored state and a deployed state,
the tube being self supporting when in the deployed state and being
collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state, the tube
comprising a flexible tubular sheet that defines a screened space
within the bore of the tube and a coil to support walls of the tube
when the tube is in the deployed state.
22. A screening tube having a stored state and a deployed state,
the tube comprising support means for supporting the tube when the
tube is in the deployed state, the tube being collapsible from the
deployed state to the stored state, the tube comprising a flexible
tubular sheet that defines a screened space within the bore of the
tube.
23. A screening tube having a stored state and a deployed state,
the tube being self supporting when in the deployed state and being
collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state, the tube
comprising a flexible tubular sheet that defines a screened space
within the bore of the tube and forms walls of the tube and an
inflatable coil to support the walls of the tube.
24. A screening tube having a stored state and a deployed state,
the tube being self supporting when in the deployed state and being
collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state, the tube
comprising a flexible tubular sheet that defines a screened space
within the bore, the tube arranged so that when the tube is in a
stored state the screening tube may be used as a bouyancy aid.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to screening devices. More
particularly the invention relates to changing tubes for use in
changing in and out of clothing in public places, for example
whilst on a beach. As will become apparent, a changing tube may be
used to change in and out of clothing in a wide range of different
locations, for example by the side of lakes, on camp sites etc.
[0002] Swimming in the sea or lakes is a popular pastime
particularly in warm summer weather. However, it is usually
necessary at some point for an individual to change in and out of
his/her swimming costume, to dry himself with a towel etc by the
side of the water. Different devices have been provided to allow
individuals to change in comfort and privacy whilst at the beach. A
well know example is a windbreaker.
[0003] A simple embodiment of a windbreaker comprises a plurality
of poles to which are attached a sheet of material. In use the
poles are driven into the ground. The poles then support the sheet
of material. The suspended sheet of material protects an individual
from the wind and provides a screen behind which an individual may
change.
[0004] However, windbreakers have several disadvantages. They only
provide a screen in a limited number of directions. It is common to
set the windbreaker up so that people may sit downwind of the
breaker out of the wind. In such circumstances the windbreaker does
not provide privacy from people sat down wind of the breaker.
Further, the use of, usually wooden, poles makes carrying the
screen cumbersome. Erecting such windbreakers requires driving
poles into the sand (usually by use of a mallet) and consequently
it is usual to set a screen up in one location and leave it erected
in that position throughout a day trip to the beach. This reduces
the flexibility of use of windbreakers. The present invention aims
to alleviate some of the problems associated with the prior
art.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a screening tube having a stored state and a deployed
state, the tube being self supporting when in a deployed state and
being collapsible from the deployed state to the stored state, the
tube comprising a flexible tubular sheet that defines a screened
space within the bore of the tube.
[0006] The tube may comprise a coil to support walls of the
screening tube. The coil may be a compression spring. When the coil
is a compression spring the screening tube may comprise restriction
means for restricting expansion of the compression spring when the
tube is in the deployed state. The restriction means may be
adjustable to allow adjustment of the height of the screening tube
when the tube is in the deployed state.
[0007] The coil may be a tension spring. In this case the screening
tube comprises a support member to support the tube when the tube
is in the deployed state.
[0008] The screening tube may comprise a compressible screening
member in at least a portion of a wall of the tube to support the
walls of the screening tube when the tube is in the deployed
state.
[0009] The coil may be an inflatable coil. By adjusting the
inflation of the coil, the height of the screening tube may be
varied. Inflation of the coil may cause the coil to press the sides
of the screening tube outwards, expanding the space screened by the
screening tube.
[0010] The screening tube may be open at both ends. The screening
tube may comprise a removable base portion.
[0011] The screening tube may comprise means for securing the tube
to the ground. The means for securing the tube to the ground may
comprise spikes arranged for placement in the ground.
[0012] The tube may be of circular cross section. Where the
screening tube has a circular cross section the tube is
particularly easy to change in. The circular section allows equal
room in every direction for an individual changing in the centre of
the tube. An individual is therefore less likely to knock against
the sides of the tube whilst changing.
[0013] The screening tube may be of square cross section. In the
case where the screening tube is of square cross section the
screening tube is particularly convenient to store. In its
collapsed state a square screening tube may be conveniently stored
in boxes, on shelves etc.
[0014] The screening tube may be of polygonal cross section. The
polygon may be a regular polygon. Alternatively the polygon may be
and irregular polygon.
[0015] When in the stored state the changing tube may be useable as
a buoyancy aid.
[0016] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not exclusion of any
other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or
steps.
[0017] A changing tube which embodies this invention is described
now by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a circular changing tube;
[0019] FIGS. 2a and 2b is a part section through the wall of the
changing tube showing different ways in which material may be
attached to a coil of the changing tube shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a removable base portion for use with the
changing tube shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows the changing tube of FIG. 1 in a stored
state;
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a square changing tube.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a changing tube 1 of generally circular
cross-section in its deployed state. The changing tube comprises
two circular hoops 11 located at either end of the changing tube 1
and interconnected by a wall 15 of opaque material. The hoops 11
are made of low density plastics material. The changing tube 1
further comprises a coil 13 disposed between the two hoops 11. The
ends of the coil 13 are attached to the hoops 11.
[0024] The coil 13 is an aluminium coil. However, in alternative
embodiments the coil may be made of plastics material or another
metal. The coil may be a conventional compression spring.
Alternatively the coil may be a coiled hollow tube sealed at either
end.
[0025] When the changing tube 1 is in the deployed state, the coil
13 is at its natural length or near to its natural length. The
spring 13 may be compressed by bringing the two hoops 11 together
and releasably securing the hoops 11 together. When the two hoops
13 are adjacent to each other, the changing tube is in its stored
state.
[0026] The wall 15 is made up of an opaque material, in particular
the wall 15 is made up of nylon material. FIG. 2A shows a part
section of the arrangement of the wall 15. The wall 15 comprises
and outer wall 12 and an inner wall 21. The inner wall 21 is made
of the same material as the outer wall 15. The section shown in
FIG. 2A is from the right hand side of the changing tube 1 as shown
in FIG. 1. The inner wall 21 and the outer wall 12 are attached
either side of the coil 13.
[0027] FIG. 2B shows an alternative embodiment in which the wall 15
of the changing tube has only a single outer wall 12 located on the
outside of the circular coil 13.
[0028] FIG. 1 also shows a pair of adjustment straps 17 located
between the pair of hoops 11. Each adjustment strap 17 is attached
to both hoops 11 and is of adjustable length. When the changing
tube 1 is in the deployed state as shown in FIG. 1 the adjustment
strap 17 acts to restrict the expansion of the coil 13. Adjustment
of the length of the straps 17 therefore allows adjustment of the
height of the changing tube 1.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a removable base portion 3 for use with the
changing tube 1. The removable base portion 3 has a base hoop 31
over which base material 33 is stretched. The removable base
portion 3 has four spikes 35. The removable base portion further
has attachment means (not shown) in order to attach the removable
base portion to a changing tube 1.
[0030] In use, the removable base portion 3 is placed on a desired
location on the ground and pressed downwards in order to drive the
spikes 35 into the ground. A changing tube 1 in its stored state,
with the coil 13 compressed, is then placed over the removable base
portion 3 and attached to the removable base portion using the
attachment means. A user then stands on the removable base portion
3 and deploys the changing tube 1 by releasing securing means 41
(shown in FIG. 4). When the user has finished using the changing
tube he may return the changing tube to its stored state by pulling
the upper hoop 11 towards the ground. In this manner the coil 13 is
compressed. When the upper hoop 11 has been moved down to the lower
hoop 11 the two hoops are secured together using the securing means
41. FIG. 4 shows a changing tube in its stored state held in this
stored state by the securing means 41.
[0031] When in the stored state, the changing tube 1 may be used as
a buoyancy aid. The buoyancy of the changing tube 1 is provided by
the low density plastic hoops 11 which cause the changing tube to
float on water.
[0032] In alternatives, buoyancy may be provided by sealed coiled
tubing 13. Alternatively the inner and outer walls (15, 21) maybe
airtight and the space between the walls, containing the spring 13,
sealed to form an airtight compartment. Air trapped between the
inner wall 21 and the outer wall 15 may provide buoyancy to the
tube 1. The buoyancy is provided in a similar manner to arm bands
and the walls may be made of similar material. In this case the air
trapped in between the walls would not be sufficient to support the
walls when the changing tube 1 is in the deployed state.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows an alternative changing tube of square
cross-section. The design of this changing tube is in many respects
similar to the changing tube described with respect to FIG. 1.
Therefore only differences between the two changing tubes will be
described. The square changing tube has four sides and it is
therefore difficult to construct a coil of square section for use
in such a changing tube. The changing tube in FIG. 5 therefore has
a wall spring 51 located in a pair of opposing sides of the
changing tube 5. Only one wall spring 51 is shown in FIG. 5. In the
other sides are provided connecting bars which add structure to the
walls. The wall spring and connecting bars together form a
concertina like structure. The wall spring 51 is made up of a
"zig-zagging" aluminium member attached to both square hoops 11 of
the changing tube 5. As will be apparent to the person skilled in
the art, in alternatives the "zig-zagging member" may be made of
other materials.
[0034] When the changing tube 1 is deployed, the outer wall 12 may
be seen by people outside the changing tube 1. It may, therefore,
be desirable to use the outer wall 12 for advertising purposes. It
may be that in some circumstances it would be desirable to give
away changing tubes 1 to people for no charge in order to obtain
advertising space on, for example, beaches.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the coil and/or hoops of a
circular changing tube of the type previously described may
comprise inflatable hollow tubing. The coiled hollow tube may be
made of a flexible plastics material. The tube may have a valve to
allow inflation of the tube either by mouth, by air pump or by
other means.
[0036] When a changing tube of this type is in its stored state the
inflatable tube is deflated and is collapsible down to a near flat
state. When in this stored state the inflatable tube may be pressed
flat and rolled or folded as desired.
[0037] To deploy the changing tube, air is pumped into the
inflatable tube causing the inflatable tube to expand. As the
inflatable tube is inflated, the changing tube spreads upwards and
may also spread outwards. The inflatable tube may be inflated until
the changing tube reaches the desired height or the inflatable tube
is fully inflated.
[0038] When the changing tube is in the deployed state, the side
walls of the tube are supported by a combination of air pressure in
the inflatable tube and natural resistance to deformation of the
plastic inflatable tubes and the side walls.
* * * * *