U.S. patent application number 11/763872 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for barrier.
Invention is credited to Craig S. Green.
Application Number | 20070235068 11/763872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32511567 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070235068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Craig S. |
October 11, 2007 |
BARRIER
Abstract
A portable barrier panel for providing privacy to a screened
area comprises a plurality of vertical support tubes. The portable
barrier panel further comprises a plurality of elongate legs having
an adjustable length. The elongate legs attached to a lower portion
of the vertical support tubes, such that an angle .alpha. exists
between the elongate leg and the vertical support tube axis. The
angle .alpha. is adjustable. The portable barrier panel further
comprises an elongate horizontal framing member having first and
second ends that are supported by top two different vertical
support tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises an
opaque curtain mounted to the horizontal framing member and at
least one of the vertical support tubes.
Inventors: |
Green; Craig S.; (Placentia,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
32511567 |
Appl. No.: |
11/763872 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
10728327 |
Dec 4, 2003 |
7231954 |
|
|
11763872 |
Jun 15, 2007 |
|
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60431413 |
Dec 5, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/114 ;
160/351; 52/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/022
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/114 ;
160/351; 052/063 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/60 20060101
E04H015/60 |
Claims
1. A portable barrier panel system comprising: a plurality of
support tubes having an elongate support tube axis, a first portion
and a second portion opposite the first portion; a plurality of
elongate legs that are attached to the first portion of a selected
one of the plurality of support tubes, such that an angle between a
selected one of the plurality of elongate legs and the support tube
axis is adjustable; an elbow assembly mounted on the second portion
of the selected support tube, the elbow assembly having a side tube
holder that can be rotated around the support tube axis; an
elongate framing member that is at least partially supported by the
side tube holder; and an opaque curtain mounted to the elongate
framing member.
2. The portable barrier panel system of claim 1, further comprising
a rubber cap positioned on the selected elongate leg, opposite the
selected support tube.
3. The portable barrier panel system of claim 1, wherein the elbow
assembly includes a plurality of side tube holders that can be
rotated around the support tube axis, the system further comprising
a plurality of elongate framing members, each of which is at least
partially supported by one of the plurality of side tube
holders.
4. The portable barrier panel system of claim 1, further comprising
a roof support member that is supported by an inclined roof support
holder mounted to the elbow assembly.
5. The portable barrier panel system of claim 1, wherein three
elongate legs are attached to the first portion of the selected
support tube.
6. The portable barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the opaque
curtain includes a substantially transparent window.
7. The portable barrier panel of claim 1, wherein the elbow
assembly includes a plurality of side tube holders that can be
rotated around the support tube axis.
8. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of horizontal framing
members having first and second ends; a plurality of vertical
support posts that are positioned to support the ends of the
horizontal framing members, wherein there are more vertical support
posts than horizontal framing members; an adjustable leg mounted to
a selected one of the plurality of vertical support posts, the
adjustable leg (a) having a variable length and (b) being attached
to the selected vertical support post such that an angle between
the adjustable leg and the selected vertical support post is
variable; and an opaque curtain at least partially supported by at
least one of the horizontal framing members.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a plurality of adjustable legs
are mounted to the selected vertical support post, each of the
plurality of adjustable legs having a variable length.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least three
horizontal framing members and at least four vertical support
posts.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a plurality of adjustable
legs are mounted to the selected vertical support post, each of the
plurality of adjustable legs being attached to the selected
vertical support post at a variable angle .alpha..
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a plurality of adjustable
legs are mounted to the selected vertical support post, each of the
plurality of adjustable legs being attached to the selected
vertical support post at a variable angle .alpha. that is between
about 0.degree. and about 180.degree..
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the opaque curtain includes a
plurality of wind vents configured to allow air to pass through the
opaque curtain.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a roof support
member that is supported by at least two of the plurality of
vertical support posts.
15. A portable barrier kit comprising: a plurality of support tubes
having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first
portion; a plurality of elongate legs that are attached to the
first portion of a selected one of the plurality of support tubes
at an adjustable angle .alpha., and that have an adjustable length;
a plurality of framing members configured to be mounted to the
second portion of the support tubes; an instruction sheet
containing instructions for mounting the plurality of framing
members to the plurality of support tubes so as to form a
self-supporting portable barrier structure; and a storage bag
capable of holding the plurality of support tubes, the plurality of
framing members and the instruction sheet.
16. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, further comprising an
elbow assembly that is configured to couple the selected support
tube to a selected one of the plurality of framing members, such
that the selected framing member is rotatable with respect to the
selected support tube, and wherein the storage bag is further
capable of holding the elbow assembly.
17. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
support tubes and the plurality of framing members comprise
powder-coated aluminum tubing.
18. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, wherein three elongate
legs are attached to the first portion of the selected support
tube.
19. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, further comprising a
plurality of rubber caps which are configured to be fitted onto the
plurality of elongate legs, wherein the storage bag is further
capable of holding the plurality of rubber caps.
20. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, wherein the adjustable
angle .alpha. is adjustable to 0.degree., such that the plurality
of elongate legs can be positioned parallel to the selected support
tube.
21. The portable barrier kit of claim 15, further comprising an
opaque curtain configured to be at least partially supported by a
selected one of the plurality of framing members, wherein the
storage bag is further capable of holding the opaque curtain.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/728,327 (filed 4 Dec. 2003), which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/431,413
(filed 5 Dec. 2002). The entire contents of both of these priority
applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a barrier, and
relates more specifically to a portable, adjustable barrier that
can be used to provide privacy to a cordoned off area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A wide variety of barriers are used for many purposes,
including for providing privacy to, and/or restricting entry to, a
cordoned off area. For example, homeowners often erect fences
around a portion of their property to provide a private yard that
is separated from neighboring parcels. Such fencing often comprises
a permanent, immovable structure that is anchored into a grounded
foundation, thereby allowing it to withstand adverse weather
conditions, or minor impacts from objects. Temporary barriers that
are not permanently anchored in the ground, and which can be moved
from one location to another, have also been developed. Temporary
barrier systems provide many of the advantages of permanent
fencing, while its portability allows it to be used in applications
such as creating indoor and/or outdoor compounds, securing
construction/roofing sites, and managing outdoor special
events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Although temporary barrier systems provide many of the
advantages of permanent barriers, conventional temporary barrier
systems suffer from several disadvantages. For example,
conventional temporary barrier systems are susceptible to toppling
in windy conditions, or when placed on uneven terrain. Furthermore,
many conventional temporary barrier systems do not provide privacy,
which is often advantageous. Finally, conventional temporary
barrier systems are often cumbersome and difficult to transport,
and are difficult to construct and collapse. To address these
concerns, an improved portable barrier system has been
developed.
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a portable barrier panel for providing privacy to a screened area
comprises a plurality of vertical support tubes. The vertical
support tubes have an elongate axis, a lower portion and an upper
portion opposite the lower portion. The portable barrier panel
further comprises a plurality of elongate legs having an adjustable
length. The elongate legs attach to the lower portion of the
vertical support tubes, such that an angle .alpha. exists between
the elongate leg and the vertical support tube axis. The angle
.alpha. is adjustable. The portable barrier panel further comprises
a top elbow assembly mounted on the upper portion of the vertical
support tubes. The top elbow assembly has a side tube holder
positioned in a substantially perpendicular configuration with
respect to the vertical support tube axis. The side tube holder can
be rotated around the vertical support tube axis. The portable
barrier panel further comprises an elongate horizontal framing
member having first and second ends. The first and second ends are
supported by side tube holders that form a part of top elbow
assemblies that are mounted to two different vertical support
tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises an opaque
curtain mounted to the horizontal framing member and at least one
of the vertical support tubes.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus comprises a frame that includes n
horizontal framing members having first and second ends, and n+1
vertical support posts. The vertical support posts are positioned
to support the ends of the horizontal framing members. The value n
is an integer greater than or equal to one. The apparatus further
comprises a leg assembly mounted to and supporting each of the n+1
vertical support posts. The leg assembly has a plurality of
elongate legs with an adjustable length. The elongate legs are
attached to the vertical support post such than an angle .alpha.
exists between the elongate leg and the vertical support post. The
angle .alpha. is adjustable. The apparatus further comprises an
opaque curtain supported by the frame.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a kit comprises a plurality of vertical support tubes
having a lower portion and an upper portion. A plurality of
elongate legs are attached to the lower portion of the vertical
support tubes at an adjustable angle. The elongate legs have an
adjustable length. The kit further comprises a plurality of
horizontal framing members configured to be mounted to the upper
portion of the vertical support tubes. The kit further comprises a
plurality of opaque curtains configured to be at least partially
supported by the horizontal framing members. The opaque curtains
form a plurality of barrier panels that are rotatable with respect
to each other. The kit further comprises an instruction sheet
containing instructions for assembling the barrier panels. The kit
further comprises a storage bag capable of holding the vertical
support tubes, the horizontal framing members, and the instruction
sheet.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a portable barrier system for providing an enclosed and
covered area comprises a plurality of enclosure side panels. The
system further comprises a plurality of vertical support posts that
have a lower portion and an upper portion opposite the lower
portion. The system further comprises a plurality of elongate legs
having an adjustable length. The elongate legs are attached to the
lower portion of the vertical support posts. An angle .alpha.
exists between the elongate leg and the vertical support post. The
angle .alpha. is adjustable. The system further comprises a top
elbow assembly mounted on the upper support portion of the vertical
support posts. The top elbow assembly includes a side tube holder
positioned in a substantially perpendicular configuration with
respect to the vertical support post. The top elbow assembly also
includes an inclined roof support holder positioned in an inclined
orientation with respect to the side tube holder. The system
further comprises a roof support member that is supported by two
inclined roof support holders. The roof support member forms a roof
apex at an elevation above an elevation of the upper portion of the
vertical support posts. The system further comprises a flexible
roofing material overlaying the roof support member and forming an
enclosed and covered area within the enclosure side panels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the portable barrier system
described herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the
following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of an assembled portable barrier system.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the barrier system
of FIG. 1, positioned in an "L"-shaped configuration.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the barrier system of FIG. 1,
having a parallel configuration.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the barrier system of
FIG. 1, positioned in a zigzag configuration.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the barrier system of FIG. 1,
illustrating the rotation of the panels and the adjustable
legs.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of a single panel of an exemplary
embodiment of the barrier system frame with an opaque curtain
removed.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the leg
attachment assembly.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of the leg attachment assembly of FIG.
7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of certain components of an
exemplary top elbow assembly.
[0019] FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
capping tube that is included in the top elbow assembly of FIG.
9.
[0020] FIG. 10B is a top view of the capping tube of FIG. 10A,
taken along line 10B-10B.
[0021] FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a side
tube holder that is included in the top elbow assembly of FIG.
9.
[0022] FIG. 11B is a top view of the side tube holder of FIG. 11A,
taken along line 11B-11B.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary top elbow assembly
that has been mounted to a vertical tube and a horizontal tube.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a top view of an exemplary top elbow assembly
that includes three side tube holders.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an
opaque curtain that can be used with the barrier system disclosed
herein.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating an exemplary technique
for securing the opaque curtain to the barrier system frame.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind
brace that has been secured to the barrier system frame.
[0028] FIG. 17A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
movable clamp used to secure a wind brace to the barrier system
frame, taken along line 17A-17A of FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 17B is a end view of the movable clamp of FIG. 17A,
taken along line 17B-17B.
[0030] FIG. 17C is a bottom view of the movable clamp of FIG. 17B,
with the horizontal side tube removed for clarity, taken along line
17C-17C.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a top view of an exemplary roof frame configured
for use with the portable barrier system disclosed herein.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of the exemplary roof frame of FIG.
18.
[0033] FIG. 20A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a roof
center support configured to interconnect two upper roof support
bars.
[0034] FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the roof center
support of FIG. 20A, taken along line 20B-20B.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of two exemplary roof center supports
secured together with a screw.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
barrier system that encloses a covered area with a roof.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an
enclosed room having an opening.
[0038] FIG. 24 is an exemplary embodiment of a multiple room
structure that can be constructed using the barrier system.
[0039] FIG. 25A is an elevation view of the multiple room structure
of FIG. 24.
[0040] FIG. 25B is a detail view of an exemplary roof joint present
in the multiple room structure of FIG. 25A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Introduction
[0041] As set forth above, an improved portable barrier system has
been developed that improves upon conventional temporary fencing
systems. The various embodiments of the improved portable barrier
system described herein can be used in a wide variety of
applications. For example, certain embodiments are particularly
well-adapted for use as a privacy shield by public authorities,
and/or as a barrier for crowd control at public events.
[0042] An exemplary embodiment of an adjustable, portable barrier
system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The portable barrier 100
includes a frame 102 that is supported by a plurality of adjustable
legs 104. The frame 102 supports one or more opaque curtains 106.
For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame 102
supports three adjustable curtains 106 that form a first end panel
108, a second end panel 110, and an intermediate panel 112. In
other embodiments, the barrier system 100 includes fewer than three
panels or greater than three panels, thereby allowing several
different barrier system configurations to be created.
[0043] As will be described in greater detail below, the panels
108, 110, 112 are generally rotatable with respect to each other,
thus allowing the barrier system 100 to be deployed in a wide
variety of different configurations. For example, FIG. 2
illustrates the portable barrier system 100 of FIG. 1 in an
"L"-shaped configuration, with the second end panel 110 oriented
substantially perpendicular to both the first end panel 108 and the
intermediate panel 112. As another example, FIG. 3 illustrates the
portable barrier system 100 of FIG. 1 in a linear configuration,
with all of the panels 108, 110, 112 oriented substantially
parallel. Still another configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4,
wherein the portable barrier system 100 has been positioned in a
zigzag orientation. Several other configurations exist, including
configurations with fewer than three panels or greater than three
panels.
[0044] An overhead view of the frame 102 is provided in FIG. 5. In
particular, FIG. 5 shows that the illustrated frame 102 has
rotation points 114 where the intermediate panel 112 is connected
to the first and second end panels 108, 110. The rotation points
114 allow the panels to be rotated through an angle of nearly
360.degree., thereby providing great flexibility with respect to
the large number of orientations in which the barrier system 100
can be deployed. As mentioned above, in other embodiments the frame
102 includes fewer than three panels or greater than three
panels.
[0045] Additionally, FIG. 5 shows that the illustrated frame 102 is
supported by a plurality of adjustable legs 104. In this exemplary
embodiment, the adjustable legs 104 are disposed in groups of three
having a tripod configuration, with a group of three legs 104
positioned at the ends of the panels 108, 110, 112. In other
embodiments, the adjustable legs can be provided in groups of more
than three legs, or less than three legs; however, use of three
legs per group allows to frame to have good stability without being
overly heavy. Generally, a barrier system 100 having n panels will
have n+1 sets of three adjustable legs. Further details on the
adjustable legs 104 will be provided below.
[0046] A side view of the frame 102 of one of the panels 108, 110,
112 is provided in FIG. 6. Generally, the end panels and the
intermediate panel have a similar construction. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the frame 102 includes six adjustable legs
104 disposed in two groups of three, each group having a tripod
configuration as described previously. The adjustable legs 104 are
secured to a vertical tube 116 at a leg attachment assembly 118,
which will be described in greater detail below. The vertical tubes
116 are each attached to a horizontal side tube 120 at a top elbow
assembly 122, which is be described in greater detail below. Thus,
in a single panel, there are two horizontal side tubes 120, as
illustrated in FIG. 6. In such embodiments, the horizontal side
tubes 120 are joined with an interconnecting horizontal
intermediate tube 124, which is secured to the horizontal side
tubes 120 using twist locks 126 in the illustrated embodiment. In
this configuration, the horizontal side tubes 120 have an outer
diameter configured to be received into the inner diameter of the
horizontal intermediate tube 124, which results in a telescopable
configuration.
[0047] Leg attachment assembly.
[0048] An exemplary embodiment of the leg attachment assembly 118,
which allows the legs 104 to be adjustably attached to the vertical
tubes 116, is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In particular, FIG. 7
is a side view of the leg attachment assembly 118, while FIG. 8 is
a top view of the leg attachment assembly 118. Only one of the
three legs 104 is shown in these figures for clarity. The
illustrated leg attachment assembly 118 includes one or more
semicircular leg mounting plates 128 that are attached, for
example, by welding, to the vertical tube 116. Generally, a
separate leg mounting plate 128 is attached to the vertical tube
116 for each leg 104 that is to be attached to the vertical tube
116. Thus, in the tripod leg configuration described above, three
leg mounting plates 128 are attached to the vertical tube 116, as
illustrated in FIG. 8. Only one of the leg mounting plates is
illustrated in FIG. 7 for clarity.
[0049] Still referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 7 and 8, the leg mounting plate 128 includes a plate axle
hole 130 and a plurality of plate circumferential holes 132. The
plate axle hole 130 is configured to align with a leg axle hole 134
that passes through the upper portion of the leg 104 (see FIG. 8).
When the plate axle hole 130 and the leg axle hole 134 are aligned,
an axle prong 136 of a "U"-shaped pin 138 can be passed through
both axle holes 130, 134. This arrangement allows the leg 104 to
rotate around the plate axle hole 130, with the axle prong 136
acting as an axle. The leg 104 can be locked in a particular
position by placing a locking prong 140 of the "U"-shaped pin 138
through a leg locking hole 142 in the leg 104, and into one of the
circumferential holes 132 in the leg mounting plate 128.
[0050] In a modified embodiment, the "U"-shaped pin 138 can be
secured in the locked position by placing a spring 144 on the axle
prong 136, as illustrated in FIG. 8. A stop nut 148 is optionally
positioned on the pin 138, thus preventing the curved portion of
the pin 138 from being pulled into, and possibly wedged in, the leg
locking hole 142. In such embodiments, the leg 104 can be unlocked
by pulling the locking prong 140 out of the plate circumferential
hole 132, thereby rendering the leg 104 free to rotate around the
plate axle hole 130, as described above. Additionally, the leg 104
can be fully removed from the leg mounting plate 128 by removing
the pin 138 from the leg mounting plate 128 altogether.
[0051] The leg attachment assembly 118 allows the leg 104 to be
rotated with respect to the vertical tube 116 through a wide range
of angles a that range from .alpha..apprxeq.0.degree. to a
.alpha..apprxeq.180.degree.. For example, in FIG. 7, the leg 104 is
oriented substantially perpendicular to the vertical tube 116. Each
of the plate circumferential holes 132 allows the leg 104 to be
locked in a different position. In certain embodiments, a storage
circumferential hole 146 is positioned such that the leg 104 can be
"folded up" along and parallel to the vertical tube 116 (such that
.alpha..apprxeq.0.degree.), thereby providing a compact storage
configuration.
[0052] Certain features of an exemplary embodiment of the leg 104
are also illustrated in FIG. 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the
leg 104 comprises a relatively small diameter tube 150 that is
dimensioned to be received into a relatively large diameter tube
152. The tubes 150, 152 are interconnected with a twist lock 154.
The small diameter tube 150 is generally able to slide in and out
of the large diameter tube 152, but the twist lock 154 can be used
to lock the position of the tubes 150, 152 such that they cannot be
moved with respect to each other. This configuration advantageously
allows the length of each of the legs 104 to be independently
adjusted. The leg 104 also optionally includes an end cover 156
positioned over the end of the leg 104 configured to be placed on
the ground. The end cover 156 is configured to provide additional
friction between the ground and the leg 104, thereby increasing the
overall stability of the barrier system 100. For example, in one
embodiment the end over 156 comprises a rubber cap; other
high-friction materials can be used in other embodiments.
[0053] Top elbow assembly.
[0054] As described previously, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the
frame 102 includes a top elbow assembly 122 that is used to secure
the vertical tube 116 to one or more horizontal side tubes 124.
Components of an example top elbow assembly 122 are shown in the
exploded view of FIG. 9. As illustrated, the top elbow assembly 122
includes a hollow capping tube 158 that is open at a bottom end 160
and is tapped with a screw hole 180 at a top end 162. A detailed
view of the hollow capping tube 158 is provided in FIGS. 10A and
10B. The body of the illustrated hollow capping tube 158 is also
tapped with a screw hole and a nut 182 along the tube body. The nut
182 can be fastened to the tube body using any appropriate
fastening technique, such as welding for instance. In an exemplary
embodiment, the hollow capping tube 158 has an inner diameter
dimensioned to receive the vertical tube 116 therein.
[0055] One or more side tube holders 164, each having a flattened
end 166 with a screw hole 168 can be positioned over the top end
162 of the hollow capping tube 158. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates
two side tube holders 164 positioned over the hollow capping tube
158. A detailed view of an exemplary side tube holder 164 is
provided in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As illustrated, the body of the side
tube holder 164 is tapped with a screw hole and a nut 184 along the
tube body. The nut 184 can be fastened to the tube body using any
appropriate fastening technique, such as welding. A pop rivet 186
is optionally affixed to the side tube holder 164 as illustrated in
FIGS. 11A and 11B. In an exemplary embodiment, the side tube holder
164 has an inner diameter dimensioned to receive one of the
horizontal side tubes 120 therein.
[0056] Referring still to FIG. 9, washers 170, such as Teflon.RTM.
washers, are optionally positioned between the capping tube 158 and
the one or more side tube holders 164. The capping tube 158 and
side tube holders 164 can be secured together using a screw 172 and
a lock nut 174, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Optionally, a fender
washer 176 and a bushing 178 can be included in the top elbow
assembly 122, as illustrated.
[0057] An exemplary assembled top elbow assembly 122 having one
side tube holder 164 is illustrated in FIG. 12. Additionally, FIG.
12 illustrates how the top elbow assembly 122 can be mounted to the
vertical tube 116 and the horizontal side tube 120. In particular,
the vertical tube 116 is slid into the bottom end 160 of the
capping tube 158, and the horizontal side tube 120 is slid into the
side tube holder 164. The presence of a pop rivet 186 reduces the
likelihood that the horizontal side tube 120 can become wedged in
the necked-down portion 188 of the side tube holder 164.
[0058] The horizontal side tube 120 can be secured in the side tube
holder 164 by threading an eyebolt 190 through a nut 184.
Similarly, the vertical tube 116 can be secured in the capping tube
158 by treading an eyebolt 192 (see FIG. 9) through a nut 182.
However, it should be clear that, before securing the vertical tube
116 and the capping tube 158 together, the horizontal side tube 120
can be rotated with respect to the vertical tube 116. In
embodiments wherein the top elbow assembly 122 includes more than
one side tube holder 164, the orientation of the side tube holders
164 can be adjusted by loosening the screw 172, and rotating the
side tube holders 164 as desired. This concept is more clearly
shown in FIG. 13, which is a top view of an exemplary top elbow
assembly 122 having three side tube holders 164. As illustrated in
FIG. 13, the side tube holders 164 are rotatable with respect to
the vertical tube 116.
[0059] By configuring the side tube holders 164 to be rotatable
with respect to the vertical tube 116, the barrier system can be
deployed in the wide variety of configurations described above. In
particular, referring again to FIG. 5, the vertical tubes 116 are
positioned at the rotation points 114, with the panels 108, 110,
112 rotatable around the vertical tubes 116. The particular
positioning of a panel can be easily adjusted by loosening the
eyebolt 192, rotating the panel as desired, and then re-tightening
the eyebolt 192. By including more than two side tube holders 164
in the top elbow assembly 122, such as illustrated in FIG. 13,
still further barrier system configurations can be created.
[0060] Barrier system assembly.
[0061] Having described the details of the leg attachment
assemblies 118 and the top elbow assemblies 122, an exemplary
technique for assembling an exemplary embodiment of the barrier
system 100, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, will now be described in
greater detail. The barrier system 100 described herein is
configured such that it can be easily and quickly assembled from
its individual components by a single person. When unassembled, an
exemplary embodiment of the barrier system 100 is capable of being
stowed in a relatively small area, such as in a small duffel bag or
other storage container that can be easily placed in a car
trunk.
[0062] Before assembling the barrier system 100, a deployment
location is selected, and in particular, the desired locations of
the leg attachment assemblies 118 are identified. As described
above, a barrier system having three panels 108, 110, 112 will be
supported by four leg attachment assemblies 118. Once these
locations are identified, the leg attachment assemblies 118 are
deployed. The legs 104 are adjusted-both in length and in
deployment angle .alpha. as described above--such that the vertical
tube 116 is substantially vertical. A bubble-type level or the like
can be attached to or formed integrally with the vertical tube to
help achieve more precise orientation.
[0063] Once the leg attachment assemblies 118 are deployed, the top
elbow assemblies 122 are positioned atop each of the vertical tubes
116. In a barrier system having three panels, such as illustrated
in FIG. 1, top elbow assemblies 122 having one side tube holder 164
are positioned on the two vertical tubes 116 at either end of the
barrier system 100, while top elbow assemblies 122 having two side
tube holders 164 are positioned on the two intermediate vertical
tubes 116. It should be clear that in barrier systems having more
complex shapes, top elbow assemblies 122 having an appropriate
number of side tube holders 164 can be positioned on each vertical
tube 116. In particular, the number of side tube holders 164
associated with a particular vertical tube 116 corresponds to the
number of panels that adjoin the vertical tube 116. In addition, in
some embodiments, the top elbow assemblies can be positioned prior
to deployment of the vertical tubes.
[0064] After the appropriate top elbow assemblies 122 are
positioned atop the vertical tubes 116, horizontal side tubes 120
are secured in each of the side tube holders 164. For each panel, a
horizontal intermediate tube 124 is then positioned to connect the
two horizontal side tubes 120. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the
horizontal side tubes 120 and the intermediate tube 124 are
connected using a twist lock 126 positioned adjacent to either end
of the intermediate tube 124. Once the horizontal intermediate
tubes 124 have been positioned, the eyebolts 190, 192 on the top
elbow assemblies 122 can be tightened to secure the frame in
place.
[0065] Once the frame has been assembled, using the procedure set
forth herein or an equivalent procedure, opaque curtains 106 are
secured to one or more of the panels 108, 110, 112. An exemplary
opaque curtain 106 is illustrated in FIG. 14. As illustrated, the
opaque curtain 106 comprises a opaque panel dimensioned to fit
within the panels 108, 110 112 of the frame 102, as described
above. In an exemplary embodiment, the opaque curtain 106 comprises
a canvas material, although other suitable materials--such as
plastic or Mylar.RTM.--can be used in other embodiments. The opaque
curtain 106 optionally includes one or more wind vents 194 to
reduce the likelihood of the barrier system 100 toppling when
subjected to strong winds or other inclement weather. Preferably,
the degree of opacity is such that a clear view of the cordoned
area is not possible. In some embodiments, however, more
transparent curtains can be used.
[0066] Still referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 14, the opaque curtain 106 preferably also includes a
plurality of grommets 196 positioned around the curtain perimeter,
the grommets 196 optionally being approximately equally spaced
apart. The grommets 196 can be used to secure the opaque curtain to
the frame 102, as illustrated in FIG. 15. In particular, a
plurality of elastic ball ties 198 can be used to secure the opaque
curtain 106 to the frame 102 at the locations of the grommets 196.
Elastic ball ties 198 are available from Hoover Fence Company
(Newton Falls, Ohio).
[0067] The stability of the barrier system 100 described herein can
be enhanced by attaching an optional anchor 200 to the frame 102,
as illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, in one embodiment, the
anchor 200 can be a heavy object, such as a jug of water, a
sandbag, or a bag of rocks, hung from the frame 102. In one
embodiment, the anchor 200 is hung from the eyebolt 192 of the top
elbow assembly 122. In another embodiment, the anchor 200 can be
hung from the top of the frame 102. It should be evident that the
anchor 200 need not be a heavy object, but can also comprise a
spike that can be secured in the ground.
[0068] For further stability, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, in a
modified embodiment one or more sandbags 202 can be tied to one or
more of the grommets 196 along the bottom perimeter of the opaque
curtain 106. Securing sandbags 202 to the bottom perimeter of the
opaque curtain 106 reduces flapping of the bottom of the curtain
106 when the barrier system is subjected to windy or otherwise
inclement weather.
[0069] The stability of the barrier system 100 can also be enhanced
by installing an optional wind brace 204 on the frame 102, as
illustrated in FIG. 16. In such embodiments, the wind brace 204
comprises two support tubes 206 having different diameters that can
be jointed with a twist lock 208. The two support tubes 206 are
secured to horizontal side tubes 120 of two different panels of the
barrier system 100, thereby enhancing the stability of the barrier
system 100 in windy or otherwise inclement weather.
[0070] The support tubes 206 are secured to the horizontal side
tubes 120 using movable clamps 210, which are illustrated in
greater detail in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C. In particular, the
movable clamp 210 comprises a brace 212 configured to be positioned
over one of the horizontal side tubes 120. In particular, the brace
212 can be secured to one of the horizontal side tubes 120 by
tightening an eyebolt 214, as illustrated in FIG. 17B. Once the
brace 212 is secured to the horizontal side tube 120, the wind
brace support tube 206 can be secured to the external side of the
brace 212 as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B. In particular, the
wind brace support tube 206, which includes a screw hole 218, can
be passed over a flathead screw 216 protruding from the external
side of the brace 212. The support tube 206 can then be secured to
the brace 212 by tightening a lock nut 220 onto the flathead screw
216.
[0071] The wind brace 204 provides additional stability to the
barrier system 100, which is particularly advantageous in windy or
otherwise inclement weather. Specifically, installation of the wind
brace 204 restricts movement of the panels to which it is attached.
As described above, the positioning of the braces 212 along the
horizontal side tubes 120 is adjustable, thereby allowing the wind
brace 204 to be installed in a wide variety of different barrier
configurations.
[0072] Roof assembly.
[0073] In certain embodiments, a plurality of barrier system panels
can be arranged such that an enclosed area is created, such as an
enclosed, three- or four-sided room. In such embodiments, it can be
advantageous to have the enclosed area covered with a roof to
provide protection from environmental conditions such as snow,
rain, or intense sunlight. FIG. 18 illustrates that an optional
roof support frame can be used to support a roof over an area that
has been enclosed using the barrier system 100 described
herein.
[0074] In particular, FIG. 18 illustrates that two orthogonal roof
support members 222 can be used to support a roof over an enclosed
area formed by the barrier system 100 described herein. Each of the
illustrated roof support members 222 comprises two lower roof
support bars 224 and two upper roof support bars 226, The lower
roof support bars 224 can be mounted to the top elbow assemblies
122 using an inclined roof support holder 228, as illustrated in
FIG. 19. In such embodiments, the inclined roof support holder 228
is mounted to the top elbow assemblies 122 in the same manner that
the side tube holders 164 are mounted to the top elbow assemblies
122 (see FIG. 9). In an exemplary embodiment, the lower roof
support bars 224 are secured to the upper roof support bars 226
using twist locks 230, although other removable fasteners can be
used in other embodiments.
[0075] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, for each of the
roof support members 222, the two upper roof support bars 226 are
connected with a roof center support 232 that is positioned at the
apex of the roof. A detailed view of an exemplary roof center
support 232 is provided in FIGS. 20A and 20B. As illustrated, the
roof center support 232 includes two hollow tube portions 234
configured to receive the upper roof support bars 226. The hollow
tube portions 234 include one or more through holes 236 configured
to align with one or more through holes (not shown) on the upper
roof support bars 226. When the upper roof support bars 226 are
inserted into the hollow tube portions 234 such that the through
holes in these two elements align, a locking pin 238 can be
inserted through the aligned holes, thereby securing the upper roof
support bars 226 to the roof center support 232. Other locking
mechanisms also can be used.
[0076] Referring still to FIG. 20A, the roof center support 232
optionally includes a center flattened portion 240 that has a screw
hole 242. As illustrated in FIG. 21, this configuration allows roof
center supports 232 corresponding to each of the two orthogonal
roof support members 222 to be secured together with a screw 244 at
the roof apex. Although securing the two orthogonal roof support
members 222 at the roof apex is optional, doing so advantageously
provides the roof with enhanced structural stability, with is
particularly useful when the roof is subjected to windy or
otherwise inclement weather conditions.
[0077] As referred to above, and as illustrated in FIG. 22, the
optional roof support frame disclosed herein can be used to support
a flexible roof 246 over an area that has been enclosed using the
barrier system 100. The flexible roof 246 optionally includes
internal grommets (not shown), such that elastic ball ties 252 can
be used to secure the roof 246 to the underlying framing members.
However, in a modified embodiment, the roof 246 is configured to
securely fit over the roof support frame and a portion of the side
panels of the enclosed area, such that additional securing
mechanisms are not necessary.
[0078] An exemplary embodiment of the roof 246 includes a top
portion 248 and overhanging eaves 250, the combination of which is
configured to environmentally isolate the enclosed area from
effects such as wind and moisture. Thus, the roof 246 comprises a
material that is impermeable to water in such embodiments, such as
a plastic tarp. The overhanging eaves 250 from each side of the
enclosed area are optionally secured together, for example using
elastic ball ties, so as to reduce the likelihood that the
overhanging eaves 250 will flap against the side walls or the roof
in windy or otherwise inclement weather.
[0079] It should be recognized that a four-sided enclosure, or
room, can be constructed using the barrier system disclosed herein.
Additionally, the room can optionally include a roof using the roof
assembly disclosed herein. One such configuration is illustrated in
FIG. 23. In particular, FIG. 23 illustrates that an enclosed room
can be provided with an opening 254, such as an entrance or exit,
by folding back the opaque curtain 106 that forms the room
sidewalls 256. The opening 254 can be maintained in an open
condition by tying two grommets 196 together as illustrated, such
as with an elastic ball tie. Likewise, the opening 254 can be
closed by tying the opaque curtain grommets 196 to one of the
vertical tubes 116. In embodiments of the barrier system wherein an
enclosed room is created, the optional wind vents 194 can be
omitted from the opaque curtain 106, thereby providing enhanced
privacy within the room.
[0080] Although FIG. 23 illustrates a single room, the barrier
system 100 described herein can also be used to create structures
comprising multiple rooms. For example, FIG. 24 illustrates an
overhead view of the framing that can be used to create one
embodiment of a multiple room structure. In particular, by
configuring the top elbow assemblies 122 to include an appropriate
number of side tube holders 164 (for adjacent room sidewalls 256)
and inclined roof support holders 228, the appropriate room
configuration can be constructed. For example, in the exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, the top elbow assemblies 122a,
122d, 122e and 122h each include two side tube holders 164 for the
two room sidewalls 256 that adjoin those top elbow assemblies, and
one inclined roof support holder 228 for the one roof support
member 222 that is supported by those top elbow assemblies.
Similarly, the top elbow assemblies 122b, 122c, 122f and 122g each
include three side tube holders 164 for the three room sidewalls
256 that adjoin those top elbow assemblies, and two inclined roof
support holders 228 for the two roof support members 222 that are
supported by those top elbow assemblies. Other multiple room
configurations can be constructed in other embodiments using
equivalent techniques.
[0081] The exterior of the exemplary structure illustrated in FIG.
24 is provided in the elevation view of FIG. 25A. Additionally,
FIG. 25A illustrates that the room sidewalls 256 optionally include
a window 258, which can serve a variety of purposes, such as to
increase the amount of light within the room, or to provide
occupants of the room with an exterior view. In an exemplary
embodiment, the window 258 comprises a transparent, flexible
material, such as flexible Plexiglas.RTM.. The overhanging eaves
250 of adjacent rooms are optionally sealed together, such as with
a clip 260, such as illustrated in the detail view of FIG. 25B.
This configuration advantageously reduces the likelihood of water
entering the enclosed area during inclement weather by passing down
between adjacent roots 246.
[0082] Exemplary materials and dimensions.
[0083] As described above, the barrier system 100 disclosed herein
can be configured for use in a wide variety of applications, such
as to provide privacy for a cordoned off area, or to provide
shelter from adverse environmental conditions such as wind and/or
rain. Additionally, the barrier system 100 is portable, meaning
that it can easily be collapsed into individual components, such as
individual frame components, that can be stored in a relatively
small space, such as the trunk of a car. Thus, specific materials
and dimensions for the barrier system 100 can selected
accordingly.
[0084] For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the structural
members of the frame 102, such as the legs 104, the vertical tubes
116, the horizontal tubes 120, 124, and the roof support members
222, comprise powder-coated aluminum. The frame connection
elements, such as the leg attachment assemblies 118 and the top
elbow assemblies 122 can also comprise aluminum. Aluminum
advantageously provides a structural frame that is relatively
strong, but that is nevertheless light enough such that one person
can carry the barrier system components in a storage bag. However,
the structural members of the frame can comprise other materials or
combinations of materials in other embodiments, such as steel, a
resin-based material or a carbon graphite material, for example but
without limitation.
[0085] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the opaque
curtains 106 and the roof 246 comprise a material that provides
sufficient protection from environmental conditions such as wind
and precipitation. Examples of such materials include, but are not
limited to, nylon, polyester and polypropylene. Composite or
multi-layered materials can be used in other embodiments. The
opaque curtains 106 and/or the roof 246 optionally include a
transparent window, such as a flexible Plexiglas.RTM. window, to
provide additional light to an enclosed area, or to provide
occupants of an enclosed area with a outside view.
[0086] The barrier system 100 disclosed herein can be configured to
have a wide variety of dimensions, depending on a particular
application. In one embodiment, the barrier system is provided with
dimensions that allow the individual components to be disassembled
and placed in a storage bag that is small enough to fit within the
trunk of a standard passenger car. This configuration
advantageously enhances the portability of the barrier system 100,
since special storage or handling equipment is unnecessary.
[0087] For example, in one embodiment, the panels 108, 110, 112
have a length of approximately 12 feet, such that a three-paneled
barrier system (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5) has a total
length of approximately 36 feet. In such embodiments, the vertical
tubes 116 are configured to have a height of approximately 6 feet,
although the exact height can be adjusted by manipulating the
length of the adjustable legs 104, as described above. For example,
the leg tubes 150, 152 (see FIG. 8) can each have a length of
approximately two feet, such that the overall height of the leg 104
can be adjusted from approximately 2 feet to approximately four fee
using the leg twist lock 154. The height of the legs 104 can be
adjusted to provide a more secure foundation on uneven terrain, and
can also be adjusted to manipulate the overall height of the
barrier system 100. In embodiments using the panel dimensions
described herein, an opaque panel 106 having dimensions of
approximately 6 feet high by approximately 12 feet long can be
mounted on the frame 102.
[0088] The structural members of the frame 102, such as the legs
104, the vertical tubes 116, the horizontal tubes 120, 124, and the
roof support members 222, comprise hollow cylindrical tubes having
an outer diameter ranging from approximately 0.75 inches to
approximately 1.25 inches. In instances where two structural
members are joined with a twist lock component, such as described
herein, the two structural members can be provided with slightly
different outer diameters. For example, in one embodiment, a first
structural member has an outer diameter of approximately 1.000
inches, and a second structural member has an outer diameter of
approximately 1.125 inches. Examples of structural members that are
joined in this fashion include, but are not limited to, the leg
tubes 150, 152 (see FIG. 8), the horizontal tubes 120, 124 (see
FIG. 6), the tubes comprising the roof support members 222 (see
FIG. 18), and the tubes comprising the wind brace 204 (see FIG.
16). The wall thickness of the tubes used herein is selected to
provide the structural members with sufficient structural
integrity, and in an exemplary embodiment, is between approximately
0.04 inches and approximately 0.07 inches. In one embodiment, the
wall thickness is approximately 0.053 inches, and in another
embodiment, the wall thickness is approximately 0.060 inches. Other
wall thicknesses can be used in other embodiments.
[0089] In embodiments wherein a roof is provided over an enclosed
area, such as illustrated in FIG. 22, the apex of the roof can be
configured to extend 2 feet over the top of the wall panels. Other
roof heights can be used in other embodiments by manipulating the
inclination of the inclined roof support holders 228 and the length
of the roof support members 222 (see FIGS. 18 and 19).
[0090] In one exemplary embodiment, the barrier system 100 is
provided in a kit that includes the structural components described
herein, such as the framing members and the opaque curtains, as
well as an instruction sheet containing assembly and disassembly
instructions for the barrier system. In one embodiment, the kit
includes components required to construct a three-panel barrier,
such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5. In other embodiments, the
kit includes components required to built smaller or larger
barriers. The kit also optionally includes a distance measurement
line that can be used to estimate the appropriate distances that
the leg attachment assemblies 118 should be separated, thereby
facilitating quick assembly of the barrier system. In such
embodiments, the distance measurement line has a length that is
approximately equal to the length of the opaque curtain. In one
embodiment, the kit components can be stowed in a storage bag that
is dimensioned to fit within the trunk of a car, and that is
configured to be easily carried by a single person. For example, in
one such embodiment, the storage bag has a length less than six
feet, and in another such embodiment, the storage bag has a length
less than five feet. As another example, in one such embodiment,
the components of the kit weigh less than 50 pounds, and in another
such embodiment, the components of the kit weigh less than 40
pounds.
[0091] Exemplary applications.
[0092] As set forth above, the barrier system described herein can
be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, the barrier
system is particularly useful as a privacy screen by public safety
entities, such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments,
for purposes such as to preserve investigative areas, to restrict
unauthorized access, and to provide privacy to persons involved at
the scene of a public incident (such as an automobile accident or a
crime scene). The barrier system can also be used by public
utilities or construction agencies to shield work areas from public
view, and to restrict access to work areas. In still other
applications, the barrier system can be used to quickly provide a
temporary enclosed and optionally covered area, such as an enclosed
room, that can be used for a virtually unlimited number of
applications. Exemplary applications include, but are not limited
to, an area for conducting interviews, for reporting to media
agencies, for conducting business or selling goods and/or services,
for providing a cordoned off recreation area, and for providing a
dining and/or cooking area.
[0093] The barrier system can also be used to provide wind
abatement, to provide a covered storage area, and to cordon off
areas surrounding items such as recreational vehicles, trailers,
and tents. The utility of the barrier system in these and other
applications is enhanced by the fact that the barrier system can be
moved and constructed relatively quickly and easily by a single
person.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0094] While the foregoing detailed description discloses several
embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that
this disclosure is illustrative only and is not limiting of the
present invention. It should be appreciated that the specific
configurations and operations disclosed can differ from those
described above, and that the methods described herein can be used
in contexts other than the provision of privacy barriers.
* * * * *