Privacy screen

Abstract

A privacy screen comprises a free-standing wall member and a support stand. In one embodiment, the wall member has a thickness and an outer surface visible to the user. The wall member is preferably made of expanded beads that extend across the entirety of the thickness of the panel and define the outer surface thereof, such that they are visible to the user. In another embodiment, the wall member comprises a first and second sheet, each of which has an outer surface defining the outer surface of the wall member. At least a portion of the first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of the second sheet, and at least another portion of the first sheet abuts at least a portion of the second sheet, with the abutting portions being connected. In another aspect, a system of privacy screens comprises a first and second privacy screen comprising a wall member having a curvilinear side edge. The first and second privacy screens are arranged such that the curvilinear edges thereof are disposed adjacent one another.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/240,499, filed Oct. 13, 2000, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to privacy screens, and in particular, to light weight, strong, portable privacy screens, to systems thereof, and to methods of making and using such screens.

[0003] Typically, privacy screens used to define work spaces are relatively heavy and difficult to assemble. Indeed, such screens often are made of wood, steel or other like relatively expensive and heavy materials. In addition, such screens often comprise extensive internal or external frame structures to provide the requisite structural support, which can add to the weight and cost of the screen. In addition, many conventional screens do not provide a tackable surface, for example, when made out of metal or hard plastic. Moreover, typical screens often require numerous fasteners and other parts, and skilled installers or mechanics are often required to assemble the screens using various tools.

[0004] In addition, privacy screens are typically configured with a linear, or straight, side edges, for ease of manufacturing and the like. However, when such screens are not attached to each other or to a wall, but rather are freestanding, they can be susceptible to having a slipshod appearance when the floor or other support surface is not even or level, such that the side edges of adjacent screens are not parallel.

[0005] In addition, many conventional screens cannot be shipped by commercial carriers due to the relatively large size and weight of the screens. For example, United Parcel Service (UPS) has a size limitation of a 130 cumulative inches, which is defined as the circumference of the product plus the height thereof. Since many customers desire to have products shipped via such carriers, whether through orders placed on the internet or over the telephone, it can be advantageous to provide a screen meeting such size limitations. Moreover, many customers desire screens that can be easily assembled without the need for special tools, and which are light weight and portable.

SUMMARY

[0006] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the invention, one embodiment of a privacy screen comprises a free-standing wall member having a thickness and an outer surface visible to the user. The wall member is preferably made of expanded beads that extend across the entirety of the thickness of the wall member and define the outer surface thereof, such that they are visible to the user. A method of making such a screen also is provided.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the wall member comprises a first and second sheet, each of which has an outer surface defining the outer surface of the wall member. At least a portion of the first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of the second sheet, and at least another portion of the first sheet abuts at least a portion of the second sheet, with the abutting portions being connected. A method of making such a screen also is provided.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a system of privacy screens comprises a first and second privacy screen, each comprising a wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge. The first and second privacy screens are arranged such that the curvilinear edges thereof are disposed adjacent one another.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of configuring a workspace comprises positioning the second privacy screen adjacent the first privacy screen with the curvilinear edges thereof being disposed adjacent one another.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a privacy screen comprises sliding a stand onto a wall member such that the stand is engaged therewith, wherein the slideable engagement is the only connection between the stand and the wall member.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy screen is provided. The kit comprises a wall member and a support stand adapted to support the wall member. The wall member has a maximum circumference and a maximum height, wherein a combination thereof is less than or equal to 130 inches.

[0012] The present inventions provide significant advantages over other privacy screens. For example, privacy screens having wall members made of expanded beads, or alternatively, from a pair of sheets, are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and are relatively light weight. In addition, the wall members provide their own structural support and do not therefore require any external or internal support structure, or any complicated fasteners, tools or assembly instructions. In addition, the privacy screen can be easily assembled by simply sliding the stand member onto the bottom of the wall member without the need for additional fasteners.

[0013] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the curvilinear side edges of the wall members disguise any misalignment of adjacent screens when placed on an uneven surface, for example.

[0014] In addition, the screens, which are light weight and which can be made relatively thin due to their unique construction, can be made relatively tall, so as to satisfy the need to provide privacy, yet still be eligible for shipping on various commercial carriers, such as UPS.

[0015] The present invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workspace environment including a plurality of privacy screens supported on a floor and a table with a privacy screen supported thereon.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a privacy screen.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an end view of the privacy screen shown in FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the privacy screen shown in FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of a wall member.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall member shown in FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a privacy screen.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an end view of the privacy screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the privacy screen shown in FIG. 9.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a wall member.

[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wall member shown in FIG. 12.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 12.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wall member taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 12.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a wall member.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support stand.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a side view of the support stand shown in FIG. 17.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a chart illustrating the tensile strength of an exemplary embodiment of foam material as a function of density.

[0035] FIG. 20 is a chart illustrating the compressive strength of an exemplary foam material as a function of density.

[0036] FIG. 21 is a chart illustrating the flexural strength at 5% strain of an exemplary foam material as a function of density.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The terms “front”, “side”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “upwardly” and “downwardly” as used herein are intended to indicate the various directions and portions of the privacy screen and/or wall member as normally understood when viewed from the perspective of a user facing the screen or wall member. Likewise, the term “lateral” refers to the direction running across the width of the privacy screen, while the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction running along the height of the privacy screen from the top to the bottom thereof. The term “freestanding” refers to a privacy screen that is capable of standing on its own on a support surface, such as a floor or worksurface, and does not require for support, but may be configured with, an attachment or connection to an adjacent screen, permanent wall or other wall panel.

[0038] Referring to the drawings, and as best shown in FIG. 1, a workspace is shown as including a desk 2 and a plurality of privacy screens 10, 50, 100. The desk includes a worksurface 6 supported by a plurality of support legs 4. Two embodiments of the privacy screen 10, 50 are supported on a support surface 8, configured as a floor. A third embodiment of the privacy screen 100 is supported along a rear edge of the worksurface 6.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a first embodiment of the privacy screen 10 includes a wall member 12 and a pair of support stands 120. The wall member 12 is preferably supported in a substantially vertical orientation. The wall member has a top edge 14, a bottom edge and opposite side edges 18. In addition, the wall member has opposing front 16 and back surfaces 20, 22. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the side edges 18 of the wall member are preferably curvilinear. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the side edges 8 have a convex contour, although it should be understood that other curvilinear contours could also be employed, for example, the wall member could be provided with side edges having either a concave or an undulating wave contour, or some other like configuration. When, as shown in FIG. 1, two or more privacy screens 12, 50 are positioned next to each another, with the curvilinear side edges 18, 58 of each disposed adjacent one another, the juxtaposition of the curvilinear side edges 18 alleviates or helps to eliminate any visual misalignment that might otherwise be apparent with linear edges, due for example to the unevenness of the support surface or to manufacturing tolerances. Such alignment problems are especially problematic with free-standing screens that are not attached to one another, since an attachment can maintain the alignment of adjacent edges of the screens.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11, the support stand 120 is configured with two triangular portions 122 that form a gap or slot 136 between a substantially vertical, and upstanding leg 124 formed along one side of each triangular portion. The term “stand” should be broadly interpreted to mean any structure on or in which the wall member may be placed, attached to, or otherwise engaged with so as to maintain the screen in a particular orientation, and preferably upright. The remaining two sides 126, 128 of the triangular portion terminate at the comer or vertex 130 of the triangular portion opposite the leg. The sides 126, 128 and vertex 130, act as support fact of the support stand. The leg 126 extends down from a vertex 132 which is common to the triangular portions 122, such that the vertex 130 is lower than the vertex 132 and such that the bottom edge 16 of the wall member is raised off of or spaced from the support surface 8. The sides 124 and 128 meet at a vertex 134, which is the uppermost point of the support stand and which defines the entry to the slot 136. The support stand 120 is preferably made from a single piece of wire, which is formed into the two triangular portions 122.

[0041] During installation, a bottom of the wall member 12 is slid into the slot 136 of the support stand 122 between the legs 124, which engage or abut the front and back surface 20, 22 of the wall member. The triangular portions 122, with their support feet, extend outward from a plane defined by the wall member 12 and preferably lie in a plane that is substantially perpendicular with the plane defined by the wall member. As the wall member 12 is slideably engaged with the support stand 122 in the slot 136, the bottom edge 16 of the wall member preferably rests on a curved bottom of the slot 136, which is formed at the junction of the two legs at the common vertex 132 of the two triangular portions. Preferably, two support stands 122 are used to support each wall member, although it should be understood that one or more support stands would work.

[0042] Although the shape of the wall member, and in particular, the curvilinear side edges 18, alleviates any apparent or visual misalignment of the wall members, the wall members also can be pivoted about an axis perpendicular to the plane defining the wall member by moving the bottom of the wall member 12 up or down within the slot 136 of one of the support stands so as to provide the capability to align adjacent privacy screens. The slot 136 formed by the support stand is dimensioned to provide a friction fit with the wall member such that it will remain supported by the support stand 122 even if the wall member is not engaged with the bottom of the slot on the support stand.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 8, in one embodiment, the bottom of the wall member is configured with two pairs of vertically oriented, raised U-shaped ridges 24, with each pair of ridges extending from opposite sides, or the front and back surface, of the wall member. The ridge 24 forms a vertically extending channel or groove 26, which is shaped to receive the leg 124 of the support stand.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, a pair of grooves or channels 66 are formed or recessed inwardly from the front and back surfaces 60, 62 of the wall member 52. The channel 66 is shaped to receive the leg 124 of the support stand. In either embodiment, the channel or groove 26, 66 provides a locator for the stand and maintains the vertical orientation of the support stand relative to the wall member such that the stand 122 cannot pivot out of engagement with the wall member 12, 52. Moreover, the configuration of the wall members 12, 52 and support stand 122 provides for easy assembly without the need for additional fasteners or tools. Moreover, as explained above, the slideable engagement allows for easy adjustment or alignment of the privacy screen. It should be understood, however, that many types of stands, including those attached with fasteners and not necessarily having triangular portions, could be used to support the wall panel. In addition, adhesive and the like can be applied to further attach the support stand to the wall member. Preferably, the support stand 122 does not extend above a lower third of the wall member 12, 52, such that the majority of the wall member is exposed to the user without the visual interference of the support stand.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wall member 12 is preferably formed from a pair of sheets 28, 30, which are preferably made of polyethylene. Alternatively, the sheets can be made of polypropylene, ABS, or other known thermoplastic sheet materials. Preferably, the wall member 12 is made by the process of double wall vacuum forming to improve the structural rigidity of the wall member and to resist torsion and bending. The process comprises having a pair of plastic sheets 28, 30 suspended on a rotary turntable. While the turntable rotates, the temperature of each sheet is raised by a heating element until the sheets soften. The softened sheets are then placed over preheated upper and lower aluminum molds. A vacuum is applied to each mold resulting in a pre-heated sheet being sucked into each mold so that the sheet takes on the shape of the mold. Both molds are then clamped together under pressure. During the clamping process, the sheets 28, 30 are fused to each other at places known as pinch points 32 wherever the upper sheet and lower sheets contact or abut each other when the mold halves come together. The fused pinch points 32 increase the module of rigidity and strength of the part. The joined sheets 28, 30 are then cooled and removed from the mold.

[0046] Looking to the particular wall member embodiment, the molds are configured such that the sheets each include a plurality of star-shaped portions 32 that are abutted and fused to join the sheets 28, 30. In addition, a peripheral edge portion 34 of the sheets are abutted and fused. The star-shaped portions 32, or pinch points, are arranged in columns and rows to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while at the same time providing enough fusion points to provide the screen with adequate rigidity. One of skill in the art will understand that the shape or configuration of the pinch points should not be limited to the specific star-shaped embodiment, but can assume any number of various configurations, including various alphanumeric characters, other geometric shapes, wildlife caricatures, etc.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the remaining portions 36, 38 of the sheets 28, 30 are spaced apart from each other to provide the wall member 12 with a thickness. For example, the ridge portions 24, and corresponding groove 26, are formed in the mold as the sheets conform to the shape of the mold. Preferably, the plastic sheets are translucent, although it should be understood that they could also be made opaque or entirely transparent, depending on the types of materials used. In addition, although the outer surface of the sheets is preferably left exposed to the user, it should be understood that the wall member could be covered with a fabric or other fascia material.

[0048] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-15, the wall member 52 is made of expanded beads. In a preferred embodiment, the wall member is made of a molded ARCELL resin, which is a semi-rigid, closed cell, cellular plastic foam, and which is available from the ARCO Chemical Co. In particular, loose beads, preferably made of a polystyrene and polypropylene blend, are injected or introduced into a mold, preferably made of two pieces. Steam is then injected or introduced into a cavity formed by the mold. The steam causes the beads to expand and to fill the mold cavity so as to assume the shape of the cavity. In this way, the term “expanded beads” means any type of material that comes in a bead or other granular form and which expands when exposed to steam, or to any other gas or liquid, to form a rigid or semi-rigid structure such as a foam. After the beads expand, the mold is cooled and the wall panel is removed, preferably with standard, conventional ejector pin technology. The resultant molded copolymer product exhibits properties that lie between rigid and flexible foams. For example, the molded products have greater tensile, flexural and compressive strengths than flexible foams, but at the same time are tougher and more fracture resistant than rigid foams. In addition, water vapor transmission and water absorption properties are slightly better than rigid foams. Of course, as with other plastic foams, the mechanical properties are density dependent. Various water and thermal properties of an exemplary foam product are listed in Table I below as a function of density, while various mechanical properties of an exemplary foam product are illustrated in FIGS. 19-21. 1 TABLE I Water and Thermal Properties Nominal Density (pcf) 1.5 2.0 2.5 Water Vapor Transmission Rate  perm in. less than 1 (for these densities)  grains/hr. ft.2 less than 0.2 (for these densities) Water Absorption  volume percent 0.5 to 1 (for these densities) Thermal Conductivity  k factor, BTU in./hr. ft.2 ° F. 0.30 0.29 0.28  R Value, per inch 3.3 3.4 3.6

[0049] The wall member 52 is preferably used without any other fascia material, such as a fabric, being applied thereto. Of course, it should be understood that fabrics or other fascia materials could be applied over an expanded bead core. In the preferred embodiment, the wall member 52 is made up of a relatively homogenous material consisting of the expanded beads, which extend across the entirety of the thickness of the wall member 52 and define the outer surface 60, 62 of the wall member that is visible to the user. In an alternative embodiment, a coating, transparent or otherwise, can 20 be applied to the outer surface of the wall member. In a preferred embodiment, no coating is applied to the outer surface. Various dyes and the like can be introduced during the molding process, or the beads themselves can be provided in various colors, such that the wall member can be configured in any number of various colors, e.g., blue, red, green, etc. In this way, the wall member 52 can be made to order to fit the user's needs with little or no additional cost. The expanded beads, which make up the entirety of the wall member, provide the wall member with excellent structural rigidity without the need for any additional internal or external frame structure. In addition, the expanded beads provide an excellent tackable surface, such that the user can display various items by tacking them to the screen.

[0050] Depending on the configuration of the mold cavity, the wall member can have various recesses or raised portions formed therein and thereon respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, a plurality of star-shaped tapered recesses 64 are formed on each side of the wall member. Moreover, a star-shaped opening 68 is formed through the entirety of the thickness of the wall member 52. Of course, one of skill in the art would understand that the recesses and openings 64, 68 could be configured in any number of shapes, depending on the desires of the end user. The openings 68 allow for the circulation of air through the wall member and further provide access for light. As referenced above, in addition to various recesses 64 or openings 68, raised portions could also be formed on the wall panel by providing various recesses in the mold cavity. In addition, the mold is preferably configured so as to provide a rounded peripheral edge 70 on all of the edges of the wall member.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the wall member 52 is about 2 inches thick and has a maximum width, measured at the apex of the curvilinear portion 72, of about 30 inches, thereby yielding a maximum circumference of about 64 inches. In addition, the preferred wall member has a maximum height of about 55 inches. The maximum circumference is measured around the width of the object, rather than around the length thereof, since the height is also taken into consideration in determining the maximum combined, cumulative measurement. The combined maximum height and circumference of the wall member is therefore about 119 inches. As explained above, this is less than the maximum 130 inches permitted for shipping via UPS. Of course, the width, thickness and height can be manipulated to provide various cumulative measurements that are less than or equal to 130 inches.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1, 16 and 17, an alternative embodiment of a privacy screen 100 is shown as being supported on a work surface. The privacy screen 100 includes a wall member 102 that is relatively short, but elongated along its lateral extent. The wall member 102 can be made in the same way as described above with respect to the first two embodiments, including making it from a pair of sheets using the double wall vacuum technology or from expanded beads. The wall member 102 includes a U-shaped groove shaped to receive a support stand, and a plurality of grooves running across a thickness of the wall member along the bottom edge thereof so as to provide clearance for the support stand vase.

[0053] The privacy screen includes a support stand 104, best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The support stand is preferably made of wire and includes two spaced-apart U-shaped portions 110 that form a slot 140 therebetween, which is dimensioned to receive a bottom edge of the wall member. The portions 110 are joined at a junction 112. The support stand further comprises a base portion 114 comprising a support member 116 that engages a top of the worksurface and a brace member 118 that loops around a rear edge of the worksurface and extends beneath the work surface. The brace member 118 and support member 116 form a slot 138 that receives the worksurface.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A privacy screen for a workspace comprising:

a free-standing wall member having a thickness and an outer surface visible to a user, wherein said wall member is made of expanded beads extending across the entirety of said thickness with said expanded beads defining said outer surface such that said expanded beads are visible to the user.

2. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said expanded beads comprise a styrene, polypropylene blend.

3. The privacy screen of claim 1 having a plurality of holes extending through the entirety of said thickness of said wall member.

4. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is substantially homogenous and is made entirely of said expanded beads.

5. The privacy screen of claim 1 further comprising a support stand connected to a bottom of said wall member.

6. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein said support stand comprises a slot, wherein a bottom edge of said wall member is received in said slot.

7. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is further defined by a maximum circumference and a maximum height, and wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches.

8. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said wall member is substantially vertical and comprises at least one side edge, wherein said side edge is curvilinear.

9. The privacy screen of claim 1 wherein said expandable beads are dyed one or more colors.

10. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein said support stand does not extend above a lower third of said wall member, and wherein said wall member does not have any internal or external support structure extending above said lower third of said wall member.

11. A system of privacy screens for a workspace comprising:

a first privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge;

a second privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge; and

wherein said second privacy screen is positioned adjacent said first privacy screen with said curvilinear side edge of said second privacy screen disposed adjacent said curvilinear side edge of said first privacy screen.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said curvilinear side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a substantially convex portion.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said curvilinear side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a substantially concave portion.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and second privacy screens is made of expanded beads.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and second privacy screens is made of a pair of polyethylene sheets.

16. The system of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and second screens is tackable.

17. The system of claim 11 wherein said curvilinear side edge of each of said first and second screens is a first curvilinear side edge, and wherein each of said first and second screens comprise a second curvilinear side edge opposite said first curvilinear side edge.

18. A privacy screen for a workspace comprising:

a free-standing wall member comprising a first and second sheet, wherein each of said first and second sheets has an outer surface defining an outer surface of said wall member, and wherein at least a portion of said first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of said second sheet, and wherein at least a portion of said second sheet abuts at least a portion of said second sheet, wherein said abutting portions of said first and second sheets are connected.

19. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said first and second sheets are made of polyethylene.

20. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said first and second sheets are translucent.

21. The privacy screen of claim 18 further comprising a support stand connected to a bottom of said wall member.

22. The privacy screen of claim 21 wherein said support stand comprises a slot, wherein a bottom edge of said wall member is received in said slot.

23. The privacy screen of claim 18 wherein said wall member is further defined by a maximum circumference and a maximum height, and wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches.

24. The privacy screen of claim 21 wherein said support stand does not extend above a lower third of said wall member, and wherein said wall member does not have any internal or external support structure extending above said lower third of said wall member.

25. A method for configuring a workspace comprising:

providing a first privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge;

providing a second privacy screen comprising a substantially vertical wall member comprising a curvilinear side edge; and

positioning said second privacy screen adjacent said first privacy screen with said curvilinear side edge of said second privacy screen disposed adjacent said curvilinear side edge of said first privacy screen.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said curvilinear side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a substantially convex portion.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said curvilinear side edges of said first and second privacy screens comprises a substantially concave portion.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and second privacy screens is made of expanded beads.

29. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and second privacy screens is made of a pair of polyethylene sheets.

30. The method of claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and second screens is tackable.

31. The method of claim 25 wherein said curvilinear side edge of each of said first and second screens is a first curvilinear side edge, and wherein each of said first and second screens comprise a second curvilinear side edge opposite said first curvilinear side edge.

32. A method for making a privacy screen comprising:

providing a mold defining a shape of a wall member;

introducing a plurality of expandable beads into said mold;

introducing steam into said mold and thereby causing said expandable beads to expand to form said wall member;

removing said expanded bead, wall member from said mold; and supporting said wall member on a support surface.

33. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy screen, the kit comprising:

a support stand; and

a wall member wall member made of expanded beads and having a maximum circumference and a maximum height, wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches, and wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported by said support stand.

34. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy screen, the kit comprising:

a support stand; and

a wall member wall member made of pair of polyethylene sheets and having a maximum circumference and a maximum height, wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches, wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported by said support stand.

35. The kit of claims 33 or 34 wherein said stand is adapted to be slidably engaged with a bottom of said wall member.

36. A kit having components capable of being assembled as a privacy screen, the kit comprising:

a support stand having a slot; and

a wall member wall member having a maximum circumference, a maximum height and a bottom wherein a combination of said maximum circumference and said maximum height is less than or equal to 130 inches, and wherein said wall member is adapted to be supported by said support stand, and wherein said bottom is adapted to be received in said slot.

37. A method for making a privacy screen comprising:

providing a wall member having a bottom edge;

providing a stand having a slot; and

sliding said bottom edge of said wall member into said slot wherein said bottom edge is engaged by said stand, and wherein said slideable engagement is the only connection between said support stand and said wall member.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein said wall member is made of a substantially homogenous material.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein said wall member is made of expanded beads.