SELECTIVELY REMOVABLE PARTITION

Abstract

A partition designed to be located on a surface, such as a bar or countertop, to provide a physical barrier between individuals and small groups. The partition may have a panel with at least one forward support member attached to a lower portion of the panel. At least one rear support member may also be attached to the lower portion of the panel. The rear support member may have at least one suction cup selectively engageable with the surface.

Description

FIELD

The device relates to a selectively removable partition that may be used with countertops, bars and other related work surfaces.

BACKGROUND

The pandemic associated with the COVID-19 virus requires social distancing in most aspects of everyday life. Many environments are not readily adaptable to accommodate such distancing without significant modifications.

What is needed is a device that can be inexpensively manufactured of readily available materials that can be easily and removably installed in a variety of locations without modification to the location to provide the required distancing but which is not obtrusive. The device described herein meets these requirements as well as more.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment a partition may have a panel. At least one forward support member may be attached to a lower portion of the panel. And, at least one rear support member may be attached to the lower portion of the panel, where the rear support member may have at least one suction cup.

In another aspect, the panel may have a first planar side and an opposite second planar side, where sides may define a substantially constant thickness between them for a single layer.

In another aspect, the panel may not be symmetrical about a radial or lateral axis.

In another aspect, a front portion of the panel may have a substantially curved perimeter edge while a rear portion of the panel has a first substantially straight rear perimeter edge and a second substantially straight rear perimeter edge, where the first and second straight perimeter edges are laterally offset from one another.

In another aspect, an upper portion of the panel may have a substantially straight upper perimeter edge and the lower portion of the panel may have a substantially straight lower perimeter edge where the upper and the lower perimeter edges may be parallel to one another, but not coplanar.

In another aspect, a recessed portion may be formed adjacent the rear portion and the lower portion, the recessed portion may be formed in part by the lateral offset of the second substantially straight rear perimeter edge from the first substantially straight rear perimeter edge.

In another aspect, an aperture may be located in the rear portion. The aperture may be formed in part by a forward wall and a curved rear wall. The forward wall may extend parallel the first substantially straight rear perimeter edge.

In another aspect, the at least one forward support member may have first and second forward support members. The forward support members may have an L-shape defined by an upper leg and a lower leg extending transverse the lower leg.

In another aspect, the upper legs of the forward support members may extend parallel to and be adapted to sandwich the first and second planar sides of the panel therebetween.

In another aspect, the lower portion of the panel may have two parallel slots extending from the first planar side to the second planar side. The slots may extend parallel the lower perimeter edge.

In another aspect, an upper leg of a forward support member may have at least one aperture extending therethrough. The at least one aperture may have adapted to be aligned with at least one of the slots. The at least one aperture and the at least one slot may have adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to connect the forward support member to the panel.

In another aspect, the at least one rear support member may have first and second rear support members. Each of the rear support members may have an L-shape defined by an upper leg and a lower leg extending transverse the lower leg.

In another aspect, the upper legs of the rear support members may extend parallel to and are adapted to sandwich the first and second planar sides of the panel therebetween.

In another aspect, a lower portion of the panel may have at least one fastener aperture extending from the first planar side to the second planar side.

In another aspect, an upper leg of the rear support member may have at least one aperture extending therethrough. The at least one aperture may be adapted to be aligned with the at least one aperture in the lower portion of the panel. The apertures may be adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to connect the rear support member to the panel.

In another aspect, the upper leg of the rear support member may extend parallel an upper leg of the forward support member.

In another aspect, the lower legs of the first and second rear support members may extend parallel to, but may not be coplanar with, a lower leg of at least one forward support.

In another aspect, the lower legs of the first and second rear support members may extend perpendicular to a second substantially straight rear perimeter edge of the panel.

In another aspect, the partition may have a nonsymmetrical, single layer panel having first and second planar sides. At least one forward support may have an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg may be adapted for selective lateral movement with respect to the panel. And, the lower leg may be adapted to support the panel on a surface. Further, at least one rear support member may have an upper leg and a lower leg. The upper leg may be adapted for attachment to the panel and the lower leg may extend parallel the lower leg of the at least one front support but may not be not coplanar therewith.

In another aspect, the partition may have a panel in a sheet form. An opening may be formed in the panel, where the opening may be adapted as a handle. The panel may have a front perimeter edge defined by a radius and a straight rear perimeter edge. Further, at least one forward support member and at least one rear support member with first end portions may be attached adjacent a lower perimeter edge of the panel and second end portions that are adapted to support the panel in a transverse direction with respect to a surface on which the second end portions are adapted to rest may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of a partition;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective exploded view of the partition of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective assembled view of another embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective exploded view of another embodiment; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective assembled view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts discussed and described herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of a partition 10 is schematically depicted. The partition 10 may be comprised of a panel 12. Preferably, the panel 12 is one piece, unitary and integrally formed but it may be comprised of a plurality of pieces. In one embodiment, the panel 12 is constructed of a polycarbonate material, such as Lexan.

The panel 12 may be opaque in whole or in part and/or translucent in whole or in part. In some cases, the panel 12 may have words, symbols and/or designs (together referred to as panel features) thereon or therein that have been etched, painted, melted, carved, affixed or otherwise located in/on the panel 12. The panel features may be located on the entire panel 12, just one side of the panel 12 or on selected locations.

The panel 12 may have a first side 14 and an opposite, second side 16. The two sides 14, 16 may extend entirely parallel one another and define a substantially constant thickness between them. The sides 14, 16 of the panel 12 may define a single layer and a planar structure. In some embodiments, the panel may have a sheet-like form. In other embodiments, the thickness may vary, in whole or part, across the panel 12. In those cases, the sides 14, 16 may not be parallel one another in whole, but may be parallel one another in part.

In the depicted embodiment, the panel 12 may not symmetrical about a radial axis 18 (sometimes called a y-axis) or lateral axis 20 (sometimes called an x-axis). Instead, the panel 12 in the depicted embodiment may be defined by a perimeter 22 that varies in its direction about the panel 12. While one embodiment of a non-symmetrical panel 12 is depicted and described herein, it is with the scope of the design for a panel 12 to be symmetrical about the radial or lateral axis 18, 20.

The panel 12 may have a forward portion 24, a rear portion 26, an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 30, all of which are contained within the perimeter 22. In some embodiments, the forward portion 24 may have a substantially curved perimeter edge 32. The substantially curved perimeter edge 32 may be such as a partial circle, a partial hemisphere or other shapes with a radius of curvature. The substantially curved perimeter edge 32 may have a substantially constant radius of curvature from the upper portion 28 to the lower portion 30 of the panel 12.

The forward portion 24, with the shape described above, may function to extend, such as in a cantilevered fashion, the reach of the partition 10. This cantilevered structure may permit the partition 10 to extend beyond an end 34 of a surface 36 upon which the partition 10 may rest. This may be advantageous as it permits the partition 10 to provide a barrier between patrons at a bar, counter or table top not just along the surfaces 36 of these structures, but beyond the surfaces 36 as well.

The upper portion 28 of the panel 12 may have an upper perimeter edge 38. In some embodiments, the upper perimeter edge 38 may be substantially straight. The lower portion 30 of the panel 12 may have a lower perimeter edge 40. In some embodiments, the lower perimeter edge 40 may be substantially straight. In some embodiments, the upper and the lower perimeter edges 38, 40 may be parallel one another, but they are at different radial heights.

The rear portion 26 of the panel 12 may have a first rear perimeter edge 42 and a second rear perimeter edge 44. The first and second rear perimeter edges 42, 44 may be substantially straight. In some embodiments, the first and second straight perimeter edges 42, 44 may be laterally offset from one another. Also, the first rear perimeter edge 42 may extend parallel the second rear perimeter edge 44. The first rear perimeter edge 42 and the second rear perimeter edge 44 may extend in a substantially transverse direction to the upper and lower perimeter edges 38, 42.

The panel 12 may define a generally square or rectangular shape, but accommodating the features described above and below. In other words, the panel 12 has a generally constant height and width; of course, the width changes along the curved perimeter edge 32.

The first rear perimeter edge 42 may be connected to the upper perimeter edge 32 by a radiused transition 46, which is also part of the overall perimeter. In some embodiments, a recessed portion 48 may be formed adjacent the rear portion 26 and the lower portion 30. The recessed portion 40 may be formed in part by the lateral offset of the second rear perimeter edge 44 from the first rear perimeter edge 42. The first and second rear perimeter edges 42, 44 may be connected together by a radiused transition portion 50, but other transitions are permissible. If a radiused transition portion 50 is used, its radius may be different, such as smaller, than the radiused transition 46 between the first rear perimeter edge 42 and the upper perimeter edge 38.

The recessed portion 48 may provide a clearance area for the panel 12 to assist with its installation and/or removal, as described further below. In other embodiments, the recessed portion 48 may have a different size and/or shape, and in some embodiments, there may be no recessed portion 48 at all.

The panel 12 may have an aperture, or opening 52, adjacent or in the rear portion 26. The aperture 52 may define a generally rectangular shape in the panel 12, but other sizes and shapes of the aperture 52 are permissible. The aperture 52 is preferably large enough for a user to insert their hand, or at least one or more fingers, to move and/or carry the partition 10, as described in more detail below. In these case, the aperture 52 may function as a handle for the partition 10. In some embodiments, the aperture 52 may be formed in part by a forward wall 54 and a rear wall 52. In these cases, the forward wall 54 may extend parallel the first rear perimeter edge 42. The forward and rear walls 54, 56 may be separated by side walls 58 that may extend parallel one another. In some embodiments, the rear wall 56 may be curved to accommodate a portion of a hand or fingers.

In some embodiments, the lower portion 30 of the panel 12 may have at least one slot 60 extending from the first side 14 to the second side 16. The slot 60 may extend parallel the lower perimeter edge 40. In other embodiments, the slot 60 may instead be such as a round aperture. In the depicted embodiment, first and second slots 60, 62 may be provided. The slots 60, 62 may extend parallel to one another.

The lower portion 30 of the panel 12 may have at least one fastener aperture 64 extending from the first side 14 to the second side 16 in some cases. In these situations, there may be two fastener apertures 64, 66 located in the lower portion 30 but also toward the rear portion 26.

The partition 10 may have one or more support members. In one embodiment, the partition 10 may have a forward support member 68 and a rear support member 70. The forward support member 68 may have first and second forward support members 72, 74 and the rear support member 70 may be first and second rear support members 76, 78.

The support members 72, 74, 76, 78 may be made of metal, composite materials, fiberglass, polymer or plastic, glass, and/or wood. In one embodiment, they are at least partially constructed of brass.

In some cases, the first and second forward support members 72, 74 may each have an L-shape defined by an upper leg 72a, 74a and a lower leg 72b, 74b extending transverse the upper leg 72a, 74a. The upper legs 72a, 74a of the first and second forward support members 72, 74 may extend parallel to, and may be adapted to sandwich, the first and second sides 14, 16 of the panel 12 therebetween.

Each upper leg 72a, 74a of the forward support members 72, 74 may have at least one aperture 72c, 74c extending therethrough. In some embodiments, two aperture 72c, 74c may be provided in each upper leg 72a, 74a. The apertures 72c, 74c are adapted to be aligned with at least one of the slots 60, 62 in the panel 12. Further, the at least one aperture 72c, 74c and the at least one slot 60, 62 are adapted to receive a fastener 80 therethrough to connect the forward support members 72, 74 to the panel 12. The slots 60, 62 permit selective lateral movement of the upper legs 72a, 74a with respect to the panel 12. In other words, the fasteners 80 are permitted to selectively laterally move within the slots 60, 62. In this way, the position of the forward support members 72, 74 can be laterally adjusted to fit within the confines of a particular surface width, and/or to provide sufficient support the partition 10.

In some cases, the first and second rear support members 76, 78 may have an L-shape defined by an upper leg 76a, 78a and a lower leg 76b, 78b extending transverse the upper leg. Further, in some embodiments, the upper legs 76a, 78a of the rear support members 76, 78 may extend parallel to, and are adapted to sandwich, the first and second sides 14, 16 of the panel 12 therebetween.

As shown in the embodiment depicted in the figures, the upper leg 76a of the first rear support member 76 may extend parallel with the upper leg 72a of the first forward support member 72. Similarly, the upper leg 78a of the second rear support member 78 may extend parallel with the upper leg 74a on the second forward support member 74.

In some embodiments, the lower legs 76b, 78b of the first and second rear support members 76, 78 extend parallel to, but are not coplanar with, the lower legs 72b, 74b of the forward support members 72,74. In the depicted embodiment, the lower legs 76b, 78b of the first and second rear support members 76, 78 extend parallel to, but are not coplanar with, both the lower legs 73b, 74b of the first and second forward support 72, 74, respectively. The lower legs 76b, 78b of the first and second rear support members 76, 78 may extend perpendicularly to the second rear perimeter edge 44.

The lower legs 72b, 74b, 76b, 78b of the first and second rear support members 76, 78 and the forward support members 72, 74 are adapted to support the panel 12 on the surface 36, such as a tabletop, bar or countertop. Preferably, the first and second forward and rear support members 72, 74, 76, 78 are adapted to support the panel 12 in a substantially transverse direction or orientation with respect to the surface 36 on which the partition 10 is located. No other support structures are needed to support the partition 10 thereon.

The partition 10 has the advantage of providing a simple structure with reduced failure modes. Further, no modifications to the surface 36 are needed to secure the partition 10 thereto or thereon. Further yet, the partition 10 does not need to clamp or clinch onto any surface which makes the partition 10 readily adaptable to almost any surface. Additionally, no modifications or changes to the surface need to made to accommodate the partition 10, which is important when modification cannot be made, or would damage and/or devalue the surface. Instead, the forward pair of support members 72, 74 and the rear pair of support members 76, 78 suspend the panel 12 above the surface 36. The support members 72, 74, 76, 78 also may provide a gap 82 between the surface 36 and the lower portion 30 of the panel 12. The size of the gap 82 may be varied by positioning the panel 12 higher or lower within the support members 72, 74, 76, 78.

In some embodiments, at least one suction cup 84 may be located on at least one of the lower legs 76b, 78b of the first or second rear support member 76, 78. More particularly, the at least one suction cup 84 may be located on an underside surface 76c, 78c of one of the lower legs 76b, 78b. The suction cup 84 may be secured to the lower leg 76b, 78b with mechanical fasteners and/or adhesive. As shown in the depicted embodiment, one suction cup 84 is located on the underside surface 76c, 78c of each of the lower legs 76b, 78b.

The suction cups 84 may selectively provide an adhesive force to the surface 36 on which the partition 10 is located to help secure the partition in place. The adhesive force may be engaged by pressing the suction cups 84, when installed on the partition 10, onto the surface 36. The adhesive force may be created by the weight of the partition 10 and/or where the weight of the partition 10 is coupled with a downward force provided by the user through the handle 52, through one or more of the support members 72, 74, 76, 78 and/or through the panel.

When the partition 10 is to be moved, the users can grasp the handle 52, the one or more support members 72, 74, 76, 78 and/or the panel 12 and rotate or pivot the partition 10 upwardly, rearwardly and/or in the lateral direction. The rotational, or pivotal force, releases the suction cups 84 from the surface 36 and permits the partition 10 to be relocated as needed. The recessed portion 48 may provide clearance for the surface 36 to be selectively received therein during the rotation.

Turning now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of the partition 10A is provided. In this embodiment, the partition 10A is similar to that depicted in FIG. 1 except as noted below. Thus, reference numbers related to those used in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be used but will now have the letter A; the letter A will be used with new numbers as well.

In the embodiment for FIG. 3, the rear portion 26A of the panel 12A may have a first rear perimeter edge 42A; it may not have a second rear perimeter edge 44A used to define the recessed portion 48A in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the first straight rear perimeter edge 42A may extend largely uninterrupted from the radiused transition 46A connecting the first rear perimeter edge 42A to the upper perimeter edge 28A. Further, the first rear perimeter edge 42A may extend largely uninterrupted to the lower perimeter edge 40A through a radiused transition 86A.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict yet another embodiment of the partition 10B. In this embodiment, the partition 10B is similar to that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 except as noted below. Thus, reference numbers related to those used in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be used but will now have the letter B; the letter B will be used with new numbers as well.

In the embodiment in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rear pair of support members 76B, 78B may not be the same as the forward pair of support members 72B, 74B in terms of size and shape. In the depicted embodiment, the rear pair of support members 76B, 78B may be located along the lower portion 30B of the panel 12B and be adjacent the rear portion 26B of the panel 12B. In one embodiment, the rear pair of support members 76B, 78B may sandwich the panel 12B between them.

The rear pair of support members 76B, 78B may be identical to one another in shape and size. In some cases, each rear support member 76B, 78B may have a radially extending flange 88B1, 88B2 and a laterally extending flange 90B1, 90B2. The panel 12B may be located between the two radially extending flanges 88B1, 88B2.

The laterally extending flanges 90B1, 90B2 may each have support walls 92B1, 92B2 extending at least partially therealong. The support walls 92B1, 92B2 may provide increased stiffness and robustness to the laterally extending flanges 90B1, 90B2, which may be useful since the rear pair of support members 76B, 78B may be used as part of a handle.

The laterally extending flanges 90B1, 90B2 may also have at least one aperture 94B1, 94B2 extending therethrough. The apertures 94B1, 94B2 are designed to receive a mechanical fastener 96B1, 96B2 therein. The aperture 94B1, 94B2 may be located in the laterally extending flanges 90B1, 90B2 opposite where the axially extending flanges 90B1, 90B2 connect with the radially extending flange 88B1, 88B2.

A suction cup 84B1, 84B2 may be located directly beneath each aperture 94B1, 94B2. The suction cup 84B1, 84B2 may support the partition 10B on a surface 36B, as described above.

A handle portion 98B may be attached to each laterally extending flange 90B1, 90B2. In one embodiment, the handle portion 98B may be may be connected to each laterally extending flange 90B1, 90B2 by a fastener 100B1, 100B2 extending through the handle portion 98B, the aperture 94B1, 94B2 in the laterally extending flange 90B1, 90B2 and the suction cup 84B1, 84B2.

The handle portion 98B may be comprised of a cross-member 102B that extends parallel with, but below, the handle portion 98B. The cross-member 102B may extend from one laterally extending flange 90B1 to the other laterally extending flange 90B2. The cross-member 102B may add strength and rigidity to the handle portion 98B.

Each of the partitions 10, 10A, 10B described above provides a barrier on the surface 36. In one example, the partition 10, 10A, 10B may be located on a bar or countertop to provide a physical barrier that separate patrons who are standing, sitting or who are otherwise located at the bar/countertop. The fact that the panel 12 may be made of a clear material permits light to easily pass there through, which makes the panel 12 largely invisible. Thus, people at the bar/countertop can easily still see one another, as well as around the establishment, in which the partition 10, 10A, 10B is located. A plurality of partitions 10, 10A, 10B may be simultaneously spaced along a surface 36 to provide a plurality of separate areas, each for a patron.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present device has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the device can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A partition, comprising:

a panel;

at least one forward support member attached to a lower portion of the panel; and

at least one rear support member attached to the lower portion of the panel, wherein at least one suction cup may be attached to said rear support member.

2. The partition of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first planar side and an opposite second planar side, said sides defining a substantially constant thickness between them for a single layer.

3. The partition of claim 1, wherein said panel is not symmetrical about a radial or lateral axis.

4. The partition of claim 3, wherein a front portion of said panel has a substantially curved perimeter edge while a rear portion of said panel has a first substantially straight rear perimeter edge and a second substantially straight rear perimeter edge, wherein said first and second straight perimeter edges are laterally offset from one another.

5. The partition of claim 4, wherein an upper portion of said panel has a substantially straight upper perimeter edge and said lower portion of said panel has a substantially straight lower perimeter edge wherein said upper and said lower perimeter edges are parallel one another, but not coplanar.

6. The partition of claim 5, wherein a recessed portion is formed adjacent said rear portion and said lower portion, said recessed portion formed in part by the lateral offset of said second substantially straight rear perimeter edge from said first substantially straight rear perimeter edge.

7. The partition of claim 5, wherein an aperture is located in said rear portion, said aperture formed in part by a forward wall and a curved rear wall, wherein said forward wall extends parallel said first substantially straight rear perimeter edge.

8. The partition of claim 2, wherein said at least one forward support member comprises first and second forward support members, wherein each of said forward support members have an L-shape defined by an upper leg and a lower leg extending transverse said lower leg.

9. The partition of claim 8, wherein said upper legs of said forward support members extend parallel to and are adapted to sandwich said first and second planar sides of said panel therebetween.

10. The partition of claim 5, wherein said lower portion of said panel has two parallel slots extending from said first planar side to said second planar side, said slots extending parallel said lower perimeter edge.

11. The partition of claim 10, wherein an upper leg of a forward support member has at least one aperture extending therethrough, said at least one aperture adapted to be aligned with at least one of said slots, wherein said at least one aperture and said at least one slot are adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to connect said forward support member to said panel.

12. The partition of claim 2, wherein said at least one rear support member comprises first and second rear support members, wherein each of said rear support members has an L-shape defined by an upper leg and a lower leg extending transverse said lower leg.

13. The partition of claim 12, wherein said upper legs of said rear support members extend parallel to and are adapted to sandwich said first and second planar sides of said panel therebetween.

14. The partition of claim 13, wherein a lower portion of said panel has at least one fastener aperture extending from said first planar side to said second planar side.

15. The partition of claim 14, wherein an upper leg of said rear support member has at least one aperture extending therethrough, said at least one aperture adapted to be aligned with said at least one aperture in said lower portion of said panel, wherein said apertures are adapted to receive a fastener therethrough to connect said rear support member to said panel.

16. The partition of claim 15, wherein said upper leg of said rear support member extends parallel an upper leg of said forward support member.

17. The partition of claim 12, wherein said lower legs of said first and second rear support members extend parallel to, but are not coplanar with, a lower leg of at least one forward support.

18. The partition of claim 12, wherein said lower legs of said first and second rear support members extend perpendicular to a second substantially straight rear perimeter edge of said panel.

19. A partition, comprising:

a nonsymmetrical, single layer panel having first and second planar sides;

at least one forward support comprised of an upper leg and a lower leg, wherein said upper leg is adapted for selective lateral movement with respect to said panel, and said lower leg is adapted to support said panel on a surface;

at least one rear support member comprised of an upper leg and a lower leg, wherein said upper leg is adapted for attachment to said panel and said lower leg extends parallel said lower leg of said at least one front support but is not coplanar therewith.

20. A partition, comprising:

a panel in a sheet form, wherein an opening is formed in said panel, said opening adapted as a handle, said panel having a front perimeter edge defined by a radius and a straight rear perimeter edge;

at least one forward support member and at least one rear support member having first end portions attached adjacent a lower perimeter edge of the panel and second end portions that are adapted to support said panel in a transverse direction with respect to a surface on which said second end portions are adapted to rest.