U.S. patent application number 11/827820 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for vehicle mountable privacy screen.
Invention is credited to James F. Weintre, Benjamin D. Wild.
Application Number | 20080011435 11/827820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38948066 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wild; Benjamin D. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
Vehicle mountable privacy screen
Abstract
A vehicle mounted privacy screen comprising a screen panel, at
least one removable attachment member associated with each of at
least two opposed portions of the screen panel and a connection
member that connects the screen panel to the removable attachment
member. One removable attachment member is preferably attached to
the top of the vehicle and another to the open door, with the
privacy screen hanging from connection member or members.
Inventors: |
Wild; Benjamin D.;
(Oceanside, CA) ; Weintre; James F.; (Oceanside,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HEDMAN & COSTIGAN P.C.
1185 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
38948066 |
Appl. No.: |
11/827820 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60831182 |
Jul 14, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0057 20130101;
B60R 2011/004 20130101; B60R 2011/0059 20130101; B60R 15/00
20130101; B60R 2011/0056 20130101; B60R 2011/0071 20130101; B60R
2011/0084 20130101; B60R 2011/007 20130101; B60R 11/00 20130101;
B60R 2011/0082 20130101; B60R 2011/0068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/351 |
International
Class: |
A47G 5/00 20060101
A47G005/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle mounted privacy screen comprising a screen panel, at
least one removable attachment member associated with each of at
least two opposed portions of the screen panel and a connection
member that connects the screen panel to the removable attachment
member.
2. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the screen
panel is made of a natural material, a synthetic material or a
material that is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
3. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 2 wherein the screen
panel is taken from the group consisting of a towel and a polyester
sheet.
4. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the screen
panel is a rectangle.
5. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the screen
panel has a window section for covering an adjacent window of a
vehicle on which the vehicle mounted privacy screen is mounted.
6. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the
removable attachment member is taken from the group consisting of a
magnet, a suction cup, a static film, a clip, a hook and a
strap.
7. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the
removable attachment member is a magnet.
8. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 7 wherein the magnet
has a non-scratch covering to protect an exterior finish of the
vehicle.
9. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the
connection member comprises a connector that is coupled to the
attachment member and a retention member.
10. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 9 wherein the
connector is taken from the group consisting of a line, string,
rope, wire and a strap.
11. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 10 where the
connector is coupled to the attachment member with an adhesive,
crimp, tie, clip, snap, clasp, hook, catch, hook and loop fastener,
screw, fastener, pin, tab, knot or melted connector end.
12. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 9 wherein the
retention member is taken from the group consisting of holes,
rings, grommets, rivets, clips, catches, snaps, clamps, crimps,
clasps, hook and loop fasteners, pins, tabs and fasteners.
13. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 12 wherein the
retention member includes an aperture through which the connector
can be threaded and on which the retention member can slide.
14. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 9 wherein the
retention member comprises a release element for releasing the
screen panel.
15. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 9 wherein the
connection member further comprises a movable stop.
16. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 9 wherein the
connector is integrally formed with the screen panel and has one or
more coupling elements for coupling to the attachment member.
17. The vehicle mounted privacy screen of claim 1 wherein the
privacy screen further comprises at least one additional attachment
member and connection member for securing an additional portion of
the screen panel to a vehicle.
18. A vehicle mounted privacy screen comprising a screen panel, a
screen panel, at least one removable attachment member associated
with each of at least two opposed portions of the screen panel and
a connection member that connects the screen panel to the removable
attachment member, said connection member comprising a connector
that is coupled to the attachment member and a retention member
that is attached to the screen panel, wherein the attachment member
is a magnet having a covering and the retention member includes a
release element for releasing the screen panel from the retention
member.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/831,182 filed on Jul. 14, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of portable
privacy screens or drapes and, more particularly, to a portable
privacy screen or drape for use with a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are occasions when a person needs heightened privacy
around their vehicle, i.e., to change in and out of sporting attire
or other gear associated with outdoor recreation. Many people are
forced to use their vehicle only, or merely a towel wrapped around
their bodies, for privacy. This sometimes makes changing
uncomfortable due to the small spaces of a vehicle compartment
and/or the limited privacy afforded by the interior of a vehicle.
Attaching a screen or drape to the open doorway of a vehicle
provides a greater area for freedom of movement, and greater and
more secure privacy rather than merely wrapping a towel around
one's body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed generally to a vehicle
mounted privacy screen comprising a screen panel, at least one
removable attachment member associated with each of at least two
opposed portions of the screen panel and a connection member that
connects the screen panel to the removable attachment member.
[0005] The screen panel can be formed of any suitable natural
and/or synthetic material. Preferred materials, however, include
terrycloth towels, which can serve a dual purpose as a towel and
can be washed if they get dirty, and lightweight polyester
materials, which are more easily packable and less expensive.
[0006] The screen panel can be formed in any shape, with a
rectangular shape being preferred. In a variation of the preferred
embodiment, the screen panel can include an additional window
section such that the window section covers the adjacent vehicle
window when the screen panel traverses an open doorway of the
vehicle.
[0007] The removable attachment member can be any device that is
removably attachable to the vehicle and is capable of supporting
the screen panel in a screening position. In a preferred
embodiment, the removable attachment member can be one or more
magnets, suction cups, static films, hooks, clips, straps or the
like, or combinations thereof, with magnets being most preferred.
When magnets or other metallic attachment members are used, it is
preferred that they have a non-scratch coating or covering so that
they do not mark the finish of the vehicle.
[0008] The connection member can also be any suitable device or
devices that are capable of connecting the screen panel to the
removable attachment member. These can include elements formed
separate from the screen panel, as a part of the screen panel or
combinations thereof.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the connection member includes a
connector, such as a line, string, rope, wire, strap, etc. that is
coupled to the removable attachment member, and retention member
for holding the screen panel. Although the retention member can be
fixed to the screen, i.e., one or more holes, rings, rivets or
grommets through which a line passes, it is preferred that the
retention member is a releasable member, such as clips, catches,
snaps, clamps, clasps, Velcro, pins, tabs or the like, such that
the screen panel can be removed from the retention member for
cleaning, etc.
[0010] The connection member may also include adjustable sliders,
or movable stops, that can assist in holding the screen panel in an
open or a closed position. This is most preferred when the
retention members are capable of sliding on the connector, i.e.,
when the retention members are holes or grommets, or when the
retention member may otherwise slide along the connector.
[0011] Additionally, the connection member can be coupled to the
removable attachment member in any suitable fashion, including
using permanent and removable attachments. For example, the
connector can be fixed to the removable attachment member by such
means as adhesives, crimps or, especially when a nylon rope
connector is used, melting the connector end or the connector can
be removable from the attachment member, such as by means of ties,
clips, snaps, clasps, hooks, catches, Velcro, screws, fasteners,
pins, tabs, knotting or the like.
[0012] The connection member can be adjustable, so that the
distance between the attachment member and the screen panel can be
adjusted for particular uses. For example, when the connector is
formed as a strap attached to or integral with the privacy screen,
the strap may have a series of elements that can be used for
coupling the removable attachment member to the screen panel at
different location.
[0013] Of course, additional removable attachment members can be
used, i.e., to secure additional locations or portions of the
screen panel to the vehicle. These can be used at opposing areas of
the screen panel or at single locations, as desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be better understood when
considered in view of the attached drawings, in which like
reference characters indicate like parts. The drawings, however,
are presented merely to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the
invention without limiting the invention in any manner
whatsoever.
[0015] FIG. 1 is an elevation of a preferred embodiment of the
vehicle mounted privacy screen of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a partial view of a first preferred coupling of
the connector to the removable attachment member of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a partial view of an alternative preferred
coupling of the connector to the removable attachment member of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front schematic view of a preferred arrangement
of the removable attachment members to a vehicle.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a rear schematic view of a preferred embodiment of
the vehicle mounted privacy screen mounted on a vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an alternative version of a screen panel for use
with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a second alternative version of a screen panel for
use with the present invention, including a window section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, a screen or drape is adapted to
cover the open doorway of a vehicle to provide a greater area for
freedom of movement, and greater and more secure privacy, than
merely wrapping a towel around one's body.
[0023] A preferred embodiment of the vehicle mounted privacy screen
2 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a screen
panel 4, at least one removable attachment member 6 associated with
each of at least two opposed portions of the screen panel 4 and a
connection member 8 that connects the screen panel 4 to the
removable attachment member 6.
[0024] The connection member includes a connector 10 that is
coupled to the removable attachment member 6, and retention members
12 for holding the screen panel. Although the connector 10 is shown
as a line with an attachment member 6 at each end and two retention
members 12 thereon, it could be a shorter length extending between
one attachment member 6 and one retention member 12.
[0025] The retention members 12 can be fixed to the screen, i.e.,
using one or more rivets or crimps or holes, rings, or grommets
through which a connector 10 passes, however, it is preferred that
the retention members 12 are releasable, including a release
element such as a clip, catch, snap, clamp, clasp, Velcro, pin, tab
or the like. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
retention members 12 are clips that can be secured in a closed
configuration about a portion of the screen panel 4 and opened to
release the screen panel 4.
[0026] The retention member 12 preferably includes not only a clamp
16 for retaining the screen panel 4, but also an aperture 18 which
receives the connector 10 and on which the retention member can
slide, for sliding the screen panel 4 into an open or closed
configuration.
[0027] The preferred connection member 8 shown here also includes
two movable stops 14 that can assist in holding the screen panel 4
in a closed position. Preferably, the stops 14 are line clamps,
which have a central opening to receive a line and a spring loaded
clamp. When a button associated with the clamp is depressed, the
line is released and the stop 14 can be moved to a desired
position. When the button is released, the clamp engages the line
and the stop 14 is fixed in position.
[0028] Although any suitable means for coupling the connector 10 to
the removable attachment member 6 is anticipated for practicing the
present invention, FIGS. 2A and 2B demonstrate acceptable methods.
In FIG. 2A, the connector 10 passes through an aperture 20 in the
removable attachment member 6 and is knotted such that the knot 22
is not capable of passing back through the aperture 20. The knot 22
can be fixed in a knotted configuration, i.e., by melting the line
when a nylon rope is used as the connector 10, or merely left in a
tied state, so that the connector 10 can be untied for removal from
the attachment member 6 if desired.
[0029] Additionally, the coupling of the connector 10 to the
attachment member 6 can utilize an adjustable coupling, with
clamps, clips, snaps, etc. Such an embodiment would allow for the
length of the connector 10 to be adjusted rather than moving the
placement of the attachment members 6 closer or farther away from
each other on the vehicle. Examples of this arrangement are shown
in FIGS. 5 and 6, discussed below.
[0030] The screen panel 4 can be formed of any suitable material,
as described above. A terrycloth towel has at least two advantages,
where it can serve as a towel and can be washed or replaced with
another towel if it gets dirty. However, a lightweight polyester
material may be preferred, where it forms a screen panel that is
more easily packable, harder to get dirty and less expensive.
[0031] The screen panel 4 may also be formed of any suitable shape,
the most simple of which is a rectangle. However, for increased
privacy, the screen panel 4 may have a window section 24. These
embodiments are best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively, which
also show the connector 10 as tabs integral with the screen panel 4
and having a series of coupling elements 26 that allow the user to
adjust the fit of the screen panel 4 to the attachment members 6.
In these embodiments, the coupling elements 26 on the connectors 10
are preferably releasable members that cooperate with mating
members on the attachment members 6, such as snaps, clips, Velcro
patches, catches, pins, hooks or the like. For example, the
coupling member may be a snap that cooperates with a mating snap on
the attachment member 6.
[0032] Moreover, there may be more than one pair of attachment
members 6 connected to the screen panel 4. Connectors 10 can
connect attachment members 6 to different locations of the screen
panel 4, including the bottom corners as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 or
middle portions as shown in FIG. 4. These can be used at opposing
areas of the screen panel, or at single locations (not shown), as
desired.
[0033] As discussed above, the removable attachment members 6 can
be any device that is removably attachable to the vehicle and is
capable of supporting the screen panel 4 in a screening position.
In a preferred embodiment, the removable attachment member 6 can be
one or more magnets, suction cups, static films, hooks, clips,
straps or the like, or combinations thereof, with magnets being
most preferred. In this regard, magnets can provide a strong
attachment to the vehicle, while suction cups may be prone to the
effects of a moist or dirty vehicle surface, accidental movement or
unfastening because of human body movement or wind.
[0034] When magnets or other metallic attachment members 6 are
used, it is preferred that they have a non-scratch covering, either
a coating layer or a cover, so that they do not mark the finish of
the vehicle. Rubber or latex coatings or covers, on at least the
portion of the magnet that would be expected to come into contact
with the vehicle surface, are most preferred, although fabric,
plastic or other coverings could be used.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the connector 10 can be a line, string,
cord, and/or rope with removable attachment members 6 in the form
of magnets affixed to both ends. The magnets are affixed to the
ends of the connector 10 by adhesive or with use of magnets having
apertures, feeding the line through the aperture and knotting it.
One of the attachment members 6 is then preferably placed on the
roof of the vehicle and another is placed on the door of the
vehicle.
[0036] Of course, the attachment members 6 need not be the same
about the screen panel 4. One of the attachment members can be a
magnet attached to the roof of the vehicle and the other may be a
Velcro tab that can be attached about the top of a frame of the
window on the vehicle door (not shown).
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention with a minimum of two (2) retention members 12 in the
form of clips that are attached to the connector 10, in the form of
a line, string, cord, and/or rope, by rings 18. The rings 18 allow
the clips to move along the line for holding the opposed sides of
the screen panel 4 at desired positions. The two clips can be fixed
at desired positions through the use of adjustable sliders or
movable stops 14. Two additional connectors 10' in the form of
short pieces of line, string, cord, and/or rope each have a smaller
magnet as an attachment member 6' to hold the sides of the screen
panel 4 in place.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is for use on a vehicle with the door in the open
position. The connector 10 line, with attachment members 6 in the
form of magnets at each end, is used to provide the screen panel 4
with horizontal support. One magnet of the horizontal support line
is placed on the roof of the vehicle. The connector 10 in the form
of a line, string, cord, and/or rope is then laid over the top
portion of the door frame or window of the open vehicle door. The
other magnet of the horizontal support line is placed on a metal
portion of the door, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0039] The natural or synthetic fabric that makes up the screen
panel is then clipped to the horizontally laid line, string, cord,
and/or rope, providing a screen and/or drape of the area between
the open vehicle door and vehicle compartment. Secondary attachment
members 6' coupled to connection members 12' formed with short
connectors 10' are clipped to each vertical side of the hanging
screen panel 4, and the magnets are attached to the vehicle and
vehicle door to provide lateral support. See FIG. 4). All magnets
can be moved, or can be adjustably coupled to the connectors, to
adjust for fabric tautness and maximum privacy.
[0040] Variations, modifications and alterations to the preferred
embodiment of the present invention described above will make
themselves apparent to those skilled in the art. All such changes
are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention, limited solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *