U.S. patent application number 10/942991 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for screen assembly.
Invention is credited to Paul Clubbe.
Application Number | 20060080918 10/942991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36059659 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060080918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clubbe; Paul |
April 20, 2006 |
Screen assembly
Abstract
A screen assembly includes a first frame member, a second frame
member and a spring biased roller rotatably mounted in one of the
first frame member and the second frame member. A screen is fixed
at one end to the spring biased roller and is fixed at a second end
to an other of the first frame member and the second frame member.
An extendable linkage assembly connects the first frame member to
the second frame member. The extendable linkage assembly includes a
first arm hingedly connected the first frame member, at a point
offset from a center thereof, a second arm hingedly connected to
the first arm and hingedly connected to the second frame member,
proximal a center thereof, a third arm hingedly connected to the
first frame member, at a point on an opposing side of center as the
first arm and a fourth arm hingedly connected to the third arm and
hingedly connected to the second frame member, proximal the center.
The extendable linkage assembly also includes a first biasing
member connected along the second arm and connected to the second
frame member, at a point offset from the center and a second
biasing member connected along the fourth arm and connected to the
second frame member, at a point on an opposing side of the center
as the first biasing member. The first and second frame members are
positionable between a closed position in which the first and
second frame members are adjacent each other and the screen is
rolled on the spring biased roller, and an open position in which
the first and second frame members are separated and the screen is
at least partially unrolled from the spring biased roller.
Inventors: |
Clubbe; Paul; (Stouffville,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MIN, HSIEH & HACK LLP
8270 GREENSBORO DRIVE
SUITE 630
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
36059659 |
Appl. No.: |
10/942991 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/238.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/04 20130101;
G03B 21/58 20130101; F16M 11/16 20130101; F16M 2200/061 20130101;
F16M 11/38 20130101; F16M 2200/08 20130101; F16M 11/22
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/238.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. A screen assembly comprising: a first frame member; a second
frame member; a spring biased roller rotatably mounted in one of
said first frame member and said second frame member; a screen
being fixed at one end to said spring biased roller and being fixed
at a second end to an other of said first frame member and said
second frame member; an extendable linkage assembly connecting said
first frame member to said second frame member, the extendable
linkage assembly comprising: a first arm hingedly connected said
first frame member, at a point offset from a center thereof; a
second arm hingedly connected to said first arm and hingedly
connected to said second frame member; a third arm hingedly
connected to said first frame member, at a point on an opposing
side of center as said first arm; a fourth arm hingedly connected
to said third arm and hingedly connected to said second frame
member; a first biasing member connected along said second arm and
connected to said second frame member; a second biasing member
connected along said fourth arm and connected to said second frame
member; said first and second frame members being positionable
between a closed position in which said first and second frame
members are adjacent each other and said screen is rolled on said
spring biased roller, and an open position in which said first and
second frame members are separated and said screen is at least
partially unrolled from said spring biased roller.
2. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second
arm is hingedly connected to said second frame member proximal a
center of said second frame member.
3. The screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein said fourth
arm is hingedly connected to said second frame member proximal said
center of said second frame member.
4. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first
biasing member is connected to said second frame member at a point
offset from said center and said second biasing member is connected
said second frame member at a point on an opposing side of said
center as said first biasing member.
5. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first arm
is longer than said second arm.
6. The screen assembly according to claim 2, wherein said third arm
is longer than said fourth arm.
7. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein said point at
which said first arm is hingedly connected to said first frame
member is proximal an end of said first frame member.
8. The screen assembly according to claim 7, wherein said point at
which said third arm is hingedly connected to said first frame
member is proximal an opposing end of said first frame member.
9. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein when said
first and second frame members are in a fully open position, a
point of hinged connection of said first and second arms is
adjacent a point of hinged connection of said third and fourth
arms.
10. The screen assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first
biasing member is connected to said second arm at a point along
said second arm that is closer to said second frame member than a
center of said second arm.
11. The screen assembly according to claim 10, wherein said second
biasing member is connected to said fourth arm at a point along
said fourth arm that is closer to said second frame member than a
center of said fourth arm.
12. The screen assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
stabilizing feet, each frame member having at least one stabilizing
foot at an end thereof for stabilizing said screen in an upright
position when said first and second frame members are in an open
position.
13. The screen assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a
releasable locking mechanism on said frame members for releasably
locking said first frame member to said second frame member when
said frame members are in said closed position.
14. A screen assembly comprising: a first frame member; a second
frame member; a spring biased roller rotatably mounted in one of
said first frame member and said second frame member; a screen
being fixed at one end to said spring biased roller and being fixed
at a second end to an other of said first frame member and said
second frame member; an extendable linkage assembly connecting said
first frame member to said second frame member, the extendable
linkage assembly comprising: a first arm hingedly connected said
first frame member, at a point offset from a center thereof; a
second arm hingedly connected to said first arm and hingedly
connected to said second frame member, proximal a center of said
second frame member; a third arm hingedly connected to said first
frame member, at a point on an opposing side of center as said
first arm; a fourth arm hingedly connected to said third arm and
hingedly connected to said second frame member, proximal said
center of said second frame member; a first biasing member
connected along said second arm and connected to said second frame
member, at a point offset from said center of said second frame
member; a second biasing member connected along said fourth arm and
connected to said second frame member, at a point on an opposing
side of said center of said second frame member as said first
biasing member; said first and second frame members being
positionable between a closed position in which said first and
second frame members are adjacent each other and said screen is
rolled on said spring biased roller, and an open position in which
said first and second frame members are separated and said screen
is at least partially unrolled from said spring biased roller.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to screens for
projecting images onto and in particular, the present invention
relates to portable screens that are easily opened for projection
of images onto and closed for storage or transport.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Screens are widely used in homes and in offices for
displaying movies, television programs, computer displays or the
like, from projectors. There are many different types of screen
assemblies that are commonly used in both homes and in offices for
housing such screens. Wall mounted screens are convenient as a wall
provides a stable and flat surface on which to mount the screen.
Ceiling mounted screens are also convenient as the screen is opened
by extending the screen downwardly for use and the screen is closed
by retracting the screen into a housing mounted to the ceiling. The
ceiling mounted housing provides a convenient storage location that
can be hidden from view. Both wall and ceiling mounted housings are
inconvenient for movement of the screen to other locations. Such
screens are not intended to be portable for movement throughout a
house, an office, between offices, etc.
[0003] Portable screen assemblies have found use as portability of
screens is useful for changing venues in which the screen is used.
One example of such a screen is the large screen on a tripod stand
that has commonly been used for projecting, for example, slides
from a slide projector. Although these screens found extensive use
in the past, such screens are somewhat awkward to carry and to
erect.
[0004] One particular portable screen that has been proposed is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,377 to Takamoto et al. This
portable screen includes two frame members that are generally
parallel. One of the frame members houses a spring-biased roll to
which one end of the screen is attached and the screen is wound
onto the roll when in the closed position. The other end of the
screen is attached to the other frame member and the frame members
are separated to open the screen. Support bars extend between the
frame members to maintain the screen in the open position.
[0005] This screen suffers from some disadvantages, however. In
particular, the edges of this screen are not well supported and
tend to curl. Therefore the screen does not provide a flat
projection surface for viewing. In instances in which it is
desirable to only partially open the screen, the tension in the
screen is reduced, causing further screen instability and edge
curl.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide a portable screen
assembly with improved screen stability and reduced edge curl.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
screen assembly that includes a first frame member, a second frame
member and a spring biased roller rotatably mounted in one of the
first frame member and the second frame member. A screen is fixed
at one end to the spring biased roller and is fixed at a second end
to an other of the first frame member and the second frame member.
An extendable linkage assembly connects the first frame member to
the second frame member. The extendable linkage assembly includes a
first arm hingedly connected the first frame member, at a point
offset from a center thereof, a second arm hingedly connected to
the first arm and hingedly connected to the second frame member,
proximal a center thereof, a third arm hingedly connected to the
first frame member, at a point on an opposing side of center as the
first arm and a fourth arm hingedly connected to the third arm and
hingedly connected to the second frame member, proximal the center.
The extendable linkage assembly also includes a first biasing
member connected to the second arm and connected to the second
frame member, at a point offset from the center and a second
biasing member connected to the fourth arm and connected to the
second frame member, at a point on an opposing side of the center
as the first biasing member. The first and second frame members are
positionable between a closed position in which the first and
second frame members are adjacent each other and the screen is
rolled on the spring biased roller, and an open position in which
the first and second frame members are separated and the screen is
at least partially unrolled from the spring biased roller.
[0008] Advantageously, improved stability of the screen is realized
through the use of the extendable linkage assembly. Tension is
maintained across the screen as the extendable linkage assembly is
biased to counter the bias of the spring biased roller. Thus, the
spring biased roller is biased to roll the screen and move the
frame members into the closed position. The extendable linkage is
biased to counter the bias of the spring biased roller and maintain
the frame members in an open position. The spring biased roller and
the extendable linkage assembly reduce screen edge curling and
provide a substantially flat projection surface. Also, the width of
the screen that is used can be adjusted as the separation of the
two frame members is adjustable and therefore the screen assembly
can be used even when the two frame members are not in the fully
opened position. Improved screen stability and reduced screen edge
curling is realized even when the frame members are not in the
fully opened position.
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, two arms are
hingedly connected to each frame member for providing
stability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screen assembly according
to an embodiment of the present invention, the screen assembly
shown in an open position;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the screen
assembly of FIG. 1, the screen assembly shown in the open
position;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the screen assembly of FIG. 1,
shown in the open position and in a partially open position in
ghost outline.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the screen assembly of FIG. 1,
shown in the partially open position;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the screen assembly of FIG. 1,
shown in the closed position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the screen assembly of FIG.
1, shown in the closed position and with feet of the screen
assembly shown in an open position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the screen
assembly of FIG. 1, with the feet shown in a closed position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the a portion of the screen
assembly of FIG. 1, including one of the feet;
[0018] FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of a portion of the screen
assembly of FIG. 1, including one foot in the open position;
[0019] FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the portion of the
screen assembly of FIG. 9A, with the sides of the foot compressed
for moving from the open position to the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference is made to the figures to describe a screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
screen assembly is indicated generally by the numeral 20 in the
figures. The screen assembly 20 includes a first frame member 22, a
second frame member 24 and a spring biased roller 26 rotatably
mounted in one of the first frame member 22 and the second frame
member 24. A screen 28 is fixed at one end to the spring biased
roller 26 and is fixed at a second end to an other of the first
frame member 22 and the second frame member 24. An extendable
linkage assembly 30 connects the first frame member 22 to the
second frame member 24. The extendable linkage assembly 30 includes
a first arm 32 hingedly connected the first frame member 22, at a
point offset from a center thereof, a second arm 34 hingedly
connected to the first arm 32 and hingedly connected to the second
frame member 24, proximal a center thereof, a third arm 36 hingedly
connected to the first frame member 22, at a point on an opposing
side of center as the first arm 32 and a fourth arm 38 hingedly
connected to the third arm 36 and hingedly connected to the second
frame member 24, proximal the center. The extendable linkage
assembly 30 also includes a first biasing member 40 connected along
the second arm 34 and connected to the second frame member 24, at a
point offset from the center and a second biasing member 42
connected along the fourth arm 38 and connected to the second frame
member 24, at a point on an opposing side of the center as the
first biasing member 40. The first and second frame members 22, 24
are positionable between a closed position in which the first and
second frame members 22, 24 are adjacent each other and the screen
28 is rolled on the spring biased roller 26, and an open position
in which the first and second frame members 22, 24 are separated
and the screen 28 is at least partially unrolled from the spring
biased roller 26.
[0021] The portable screen assembly 20 will now be further
described with reference to the figures. Referring first to FIGS. 1
and 2, the first and second frame members 22, 24, respectively are
made of a suitable material such as aluminum. As shown in the
Figures, the first and second frame members 22, 24, respectively,
are approximately equivalent in length and both are generally
C-shaped in cross-section. The first frame member 22 is suitably
sized to contain the spring biased roller 26 including the screen
28 rolled around the spring biased roller 26, within. The second
frame member 24 is suitably sized to receive the extendable linkage
assembly 30, as will be further described herein, and to mate with
the first frame member 22 when in the closed position, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6. Clearly, the edges of the C-shaped first frame
member 22 are suitable for mating with complementary edges of the
C-shaped second frame member 24.
[0022] A first side of the screen 28 is fixed to the second frame
member 24 and an opposing second side of the screen 28 is fixed on
the spring biased roller 26 in the first frame member 22. To fix
the screen to the second frame member 24, the first side of the
screen 28 is fixed to a metal bar that in turn is fixed within the
second frame member 24. The opposite second side of the screen 28
is fixed to the spring biased roller 26 that is rotatably mounted
within the first frame member 22 and is biased to rotate to receive
the screen 28 as the screen 28 rolls around the spring biased
roller 26.
[0023] The screen 28 is made of a suitable material such as a
multi-layer material including, for example a resin layer covering
a bead layer formed on a reflective layer. The reflective layer is
bonded to a base material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The screen 28 is flexible for rolling onto the spring biased roller
26 and unrolling when separating the frame members 22, 24.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the screen is movable between an
open position which is best shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position
which is best shown in FIG. 6. The extendable linkage assembly 30
(best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4) connects the first frame member 22 to
the second frame member 24 and provides stability for the screen
28. The extendable linkage assembly 30 includes arms that are
numbered as the first arm 32, second arm 34, third arm 36 and
fourth arm 38, for the purpose of clarity of the present
description. A pair of biasing members referred to herein as the
first biasing member 40 and the second biasing member 42, also form
part of the extendable linkage assembly 30 for providing stability
for the screen 28.
[0025] The first arm 32 is hingedly connected to the first frame
member 22 at a point proximal the top of first frame member 22. The
hinged connection of the first arm 32 to the first frame member 22
is facilitated by a mounting bracket 44 that is fixed to and
protrudes inwardly from an interior wall of the C-shaped first
frame member 22. As shown, the mounting bracket 44 is closer to the
opening of the C-shaped first frame member 22 than the spring
biased roller 42 and is located behind the screen 28 when the first
and second frame member 22, 24 are in the open position. Clearly
the mounting bracket 44 is located so that it does not interfere
with the screen 28 or the spring biased roller 42 and is located so
as not to interfere when the first and second frame members 22, 24
are moved into the closed position. The end of the first arm 32 is,
in turn, hingedly connected to the mounting bracket 44 to allow
rotation of the first arm 32 with respect to the first frame member
22.
[0026] The opposite end of the first arm 32 is hingedly connected
to an end of the second arm 34 by a hinge pin, to allow rotation of
the second arm 34 with respect to the first arm 32. The opposite
end of the second arm 34 is, in turn, connected to the second frame
member 24 at a point proximal the center of the second frame member
24. The hinged connection of the second arm 34 to the second frame
member 24 is facilitated by a mounting bracket 46 that is fixed to
the back, within the C-shaped second frame member 24. The second
arm 34 is hingedly connected to the mounting bracket 46.
[0027] As shown in the Figures, the first biasing member 40 is a
spring coil. One end of the first biasing member 40 is connected
along the second arm 34, at a point approximately two thirds of the
way along the length of the second arm 34, closer to the point of
connection of the second arm 34 to the second frame member 24 than
to the point of connection of the second arm 34 to the first arm
32. The other end of the first biasing member 40 is connected to
the second frame member 24 at a point proximal but not at the top
of the second frame member 24.
[0028] As shown in the figures, the third arm 36 is hingedly
connected to the first frame member 22 at a point proximal the
bottom of first frame member 22. The hinged connection of the third
arm 36 to the first frame member 22 is facilitated by a mounting
bracket 48 that is fixed to and protrudes inwardly from an interior
wall of the C-shaped first frame member 22. As shown, the mounting
bracket 48 is closer to the opening of the C-shaped first frame
member 22 than the spring biased roller 42 and is located behind
the screen 28 when the first and second frame members 22, 24 are in
the open position. Clearly the mounting bracket 48 is located so
that it does not interfere with the screen 28 or the spring biased
roller 42 and is located so as not to interfere when the first and
second frame member 22, 24 are moved into the closed position. The
end of the third arm 36 is, in turn, hingedly connected to the
mounting bracket 48 to allow rotation of the third arm 36 with
respect to the first frame member 22.
[0029] The opposite end of the third arm 36 is hingedly connected
to an end of the fourth arm 38 by a hinge pin, to allow rotation of
the fourth arm 38 with respect to the third arm 36. The opposite
end of the fourth arm 38 is, in turn, connected to the second frame
member 24 at a point proximal the center of the second frame member
24. The hinged connection of the fourth arm 38 to the second frame
member 24 is facilitated by a mounting bracket 50 that is fixed to
the back, within the C-shaped second frame member 24. The mounting
bracket 46 to which the second arm 34 is connected, is adjacent the
mounting bracket 50 to which the fourth arm 38 is connected. Thus,
the point of connection of the second arm 34 to the second frame
member 22 is adjacent the point of connection of the fourth arm 38
to the second frame member 22.
[0030] Similar to the first biasing member 40, the second biasing
member 42 is also a coil spring. One end of the second biasing
member 42 is connected along the fourth arm 38 at a point
approximately two thirds of the way along the length of the second
arm 24, closer to the point of connection of the fourth arm 38 to
the second frame member 24 than to the point of connection of the
fourth arm 38 to the third arm 36. The other end of the second
biasing member 42 is connected to the second frame member 24 at a
point proximal but not at the bottom of the second frame member
24.
[0031] As is shown in the Figures, the third arm 36 is hingedly
connected to the first frame member 22 at a point that is
approximately equidistant and on an opposing side of center as the
first arm 32. Similarly, the second biasing member 42 is connected
to the second frame member 24 at a point that is approximately
equidistant and on an opposing side of center as the first biasing
member 40. Clearly the second arm 34 is not as long as the first
arm 32. Similarly, the fourth arm 38 is not as long as the third
arm 36.
[0032] When the screen assembly 20 is in the open position, the
first frame member 22 is separated from the second frame member 24,
as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the point of connection of
the first and second arms 32, 34 is adjacent the point of
connection of the third and fourth arms 36, 38. Each of the first,
second, third and fourth arms 32, 34, 36, 38 are as close to
horizontal as these arms are permitted to extend. The spring biased
roller 26 is biased to roll up the screen 28 which is fully
extended. Thus, the spring biased roller biases the screen assembly
into the closed position. The first biasing member 40 biases the
second arm 34 upwardly, into the near-horizontal position shown in
FIG. 2. The second biasing member 42 biases the fourth arm 38
downwardly, into the near-horizontal position shown in FIG. 2.
Thus, the first and second biasing members 40, 42 bias the screen
assembly 20 into the open position. When in the open position, the
force biasing the screen assembly 20 into the open position is
greater than the force biasing the screen assembly 20 into the
closed position. Thus, the screen remains in the open position.
[0033] When the screen assembly 20 is in the closed position, the
first frame member 22 is adjacent and co-operates with the second
frame member 24, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first and second
frame members 22, 24 mate together to form an enclosure that
contains the screen 28 rolled around the spring biased roller 26
and the extendable linkage assembly. In this position, the first,
second, third and fourth arms 32, 34, 36, 38 as well as the first
and second biasing members 40, 42 are substantially vertical and
are located within the second frame member 24, as best shown in
ghost outline in FIG. 5.
[0034] The first frame member 22 is positionable with respect to
the second frame member 24 such that the screen assembly is in the
open position, the closed position, or a partially open position in
between the open and closed positions, shown in ghost outline in
FIG. 3 and in full outline in FIG. 4.
[0035] Each of the first frame member 22 and the second frame
member 24 includes an upper end cap 53 and a bottom end cap 54 that
are fixed to and close off the ends of the respective one of the
first frame member 22 and the second frame member 24. Each of the
first and second frame members 22, 24 also includes two collapsible
stabilizing feet 52 at a bottom end thereof for stabilizing the
screen in an upright position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the
screen assembly in the closed position, with the collapsible
stabilizing feet 52 shown in an open position. FIG. 7 is a
perspective view of a portion of the screen assembly showing the
collapsible stabilizing feet 52 (referred to as feet herein) in a
closed position. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second frame
member 24 includes the bottom end cap 54 that wraps around the
lower portion of the second frame member 24 and is closed on a
bottom surface thereof. The bottom end cap 54 is fixed to the
second frame member 24 and includes two generally rectangular
recessed receptacles 56 for receiving the feet 52 therein, when the
feet 52 are in the closed position. The recessed receptacles 56 are
on opposing sides of the bottom end cap 54, such that the feet 52
are received in the receptacles 56 in a front and a rear of the
second frame member 22.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B to describe one side of the
first frame member 22, the bottom end cap 54 includes a
semi-circular slot 58 at a bottom end of the rectangular recessed
receptacle 56, for receiving a portion of one of the feet 52.
Downwardly projecting parallel walls 60 extend only partially into
the semicircular slot 58, as shown. At each end of the semicircular
slot, apertures 62 extend through the bottom end cap 54 for
receiving pivot pins of one of the feet 52.
[0037] Each of the feet 52 has a generally U-shaped body 64 with a
pair of semi-circular projections 66 at each end of the body 64.
Each semi-circular projection 66 includes one flat surface 68
facing inwardly and a shaped surface 70 facing outwardly. Each
shaped surface 70 includes a rib 72 that is defined by a forward
inclined edge 74 and a rearward shoulder 76.
[0038] Pivot pins 78 extend outwardly from each of the shaped
surfaces 70 of the two outermost semi-circular projections 66,
approximately from the center of each semi-circular projection 66
of each foot. The pivot pins 78 are received in the apertures 62 of
the bottom end cap 54 for hinged connection of each foot 52 in the
bottom end cap 54. Clearly the semicircular projections 66 extend
into the semi-circular slot 58 and the shaped surfaces 70 cooperate
with the walls 60 for positioning the foot 52 in an open position
and a closed position.
[0039] When the foot 52 is in the closed position, the body 64 of
the foot 52 is received in the respective recessed receptacle 56.
One edge of each of the walls 60 abuts a respective forward
inclined edge 75 of the shaped surface 70. When moving the foot 52
from the closed position to the open position, each inclined edge
75 is forced against the edge of the respective wall 60 to move the
side of the rib 72 into abutment with and adjacent the respective
wall 60. It will be understood that this movement in each of the
semicircular projections 66, and the interaction with the walls 60,
causes the ends of the U-shaped body 64 to be urged together. When
the foot 62 is moved all the way to the open position, each rib 72
is moved past the respective wall 60 and the rearward shoulder 76
abuts the edge of the wall 60. In this position, the ends of the
U-shaped body 64 are no longer urged together and therefore they
are returned to the separated position, as best shown in FIG. 9A.
When in the open position, each foot 52 extends outwardly from the
bottom end cap 54 to stabilize the remainder of the screen assembly
20 in the upright position. To return the foot 62 to the closed
position, the ends of the U-shaped body 64 are urged together as
best shown in FIG. 9B, and the foot 62 is moved to the closed
position.
[0040] It will be understood that two feet 52 are hingedly
connected on opposite sides of each bottom end cap 54. The two feet
52 extend outwardly from opposite sides of each bottom end cap 54.
Thus, the screen assembly 20 of the present embodiment includes
four feet 52 in total.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the screen assembly 20 includes
releasable locking mechanisms on each side thereof, to maintain the
screen assembly 20 in the closed position during, for example,
transporting. Each releasable locking mechanism includes a spring
biased latch 80 on the first frame member 22 that cooperates with a
respective catch 82 on the second frame member 24. The spring
biased latch 80 is received in the catch 82 and is retained therein
until the spring biased latch 80 is urged inwardly toward the first
frame member 22, to release the latch 80 from the catch 82. As
shown in FIG. 6, each latch 80 is located approximately central to
a respective side of the first frame member 22. Similarly, each
catch 82 is located approximately central to a respective side of
the second frame member 24 such that each latch 80 is received in
the respective catch 82 when the screen assembly 20 is in the
closed position.
[0042] For ease of portability, the screen assembly 20 also
includes a handle 84 fixed at either end, to the second frame
member 24. The handle 84 is approximately centrally located along
an end surface of the second frame member 24.
[0043] In use, the screen assembly 20 is set up by moving each of
the feet to the open position as shown in FIG. 6. Next, each latch
80 is released from the respective catch 82 by urging each latch 80
inwardly toward the first frame member 22. With the latches 80
released from the catches 82, the first and second frame members
22, 24 are separated, thereby unrolling the screen 28 in between.
For transportation, the first and second frame members 22, 24 are
moved toward each other until each latch 80 is received in the
respective catch 82. When moving the first and second frame members
22, 24 together, the screen 28 is rolled on the spring biased
roller 26. The feet 52 are then moved into the closed position by
urging the ends of the U-shaped body 64 together, thereby releasing
the rearward shoulders 76 from abutment with the edges of the
respective walls 60. The feet 52 are then pivoted into the
respective recessed receptacles 56.
[0044] A specific embodiment of the present invention has been
shown and described herein. However, modifications and variations
to these embodiments may be possible. For example, the size and
shape of many of the elements described herein may vary while still
performing the same function. All such modifications and variations
are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present
invention.
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