Square Leg Utility

Abstract

A portable room divider for partitioning an enclosed space is disclosed. The portable room divider includes base legs placed apart from one another. Each of the base legs includes a vertical pole receiving opening. The portable room divider includes vertical poles, each of the vertical poles connects a base leg of the base legs. The portable room divider includes horizontal poles connecting the vertical poles at the top and bottom. The horizontal poles hold a piece of fabric. The base legs, the vertical poles, the horizontal poles, and the fabric provide a freestanding structure to partition an enclosed space. The portable room divider including an H-shaped frame and an elongated frame connecting the vertical poles is also disclosed. The portable room divider allows the user to carve out separate spaces of varied length in the enclosed space. The portable room divider provides easy installation and removal and allows for easy storage and transport.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to room furniture. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable room divider for partitioning or dividing a larger enclosed space such as a room or workspace or other enclosed environments into smaller areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Room dividers or wall partitions or partition systems are generally used to divide large enclosed spaces such as rooms or halls or workspace environments into smaller (private) areas. Room dividers help occupants have personal privacy from others. Most room dividers provide movable freestanding screens that are relatively inexpensive and permit the formation of smaller areas in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Several room dividers have been disclosed in the past. An example of a room divider is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 8,893,762, entitled “Expandable Portable Wall Partition” (“the '762 Patent”). The '762 Patent discloses a horizontally expandable, portable wall partition that is incrementally expandable between a closed position and an open position. The portable wall partition consists of several upright panel members that are sidewardly adjacent and vertically parallel to one another. These panel members are interconnected by connectors that allow the panels to slide past one another from the closed position to the expanded position.

Another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,885, entitled “Portable Room Divider” (“the '885 Patent”). The '885 Patent discloses a combination cabinet-room divider including at least one storage compartment which contains a plurality of folded wall panels. The panels can be removed and unfolded to form a wall that is anchored at one end to the cabinet.

Yet another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,632, entitled “Portable Folding Room Dividing Partition” (“the '632 Patent”). The '632 Patent discloses a portable folding room partition having five articulated panels with wheels including two panels located at the ends of the partition which comprise carrier panels that serve as stabilizing elements for imparting movement to several intermediate panels as the partition is folded or unfolded.

Yet another example is disclosed in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,784, entitled “Stabilized Portable Room Divider” (“the '784 Patent”). The '784 Patent discloses a portable room divider including a plurality of wall panels interconnected by hinges.

Although the above-discussed disclosures provide different room dividers, they have a few problems. For instance, the room dividers take up a lot of space even in their folded or collapsed configuration due to their construction. Further, vertical poles or members that help the room dividers to stand over a surface retain their length as they cannot be folded or collapsed. This poses a problem during the storage and transportation of room dividers. Further, it takes considerable time to install and uninstall existing room dividers due to their complex structural features.

Therefore, there is a need for a portable room divider that is easy to install and uninstall, which can be broken down into smaller parts for easy storage and transport while retaining its structural stability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable room divider for partitioning an enclosed space and avoids the drawback of known room dividers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable room divider that is easy to install and uninstall by a single user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable room divider that allows users to divide up larger spaces into smaller separate spaces or create additional workspaces in an enclosed space such as a home, office, college, or any other building/structure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable room divider having unique base legs that may be in the shape of an arc or any other shape capable of supporting vertical poles.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable room divider having unique connectors for connecting the base legs to vertical poles and vertical poles to horizontal poles.

In order to overcome the limitations here stated, the present invention provides a portable room divider. The portable room divider provides two base legs placed apart from one another. Each of the base legs includes a vertical pole with a receiving opening. The portable room divider presents two vertical poles. Each of the two vertical poles connect a base leg of the base legs. The portable room divider includes two horizontal poles, one connecting the vertical poles at the top and another connecting the vertical poles at the bottom.

Here, each of two vertical poles provide a two-part configuration in that each vertical pole includes two smaller poles i.e., half-length poles. The smaller poles connect in a snap-fit or button release mechanism. Further, each of the two horizontal poles provide a two-part configuration in that each horizontal pole includes two smaller poles i.e., half-length poles. The smaller horizontal poles connect in a screw/thread mechanism.

The portable room divider includes connectors, each having a tapered portion and a flat surface. The connectors help to connect the horizontal poles to the vertical poles. Further, the connectors help to connect the vertical poles to the base legs.

The portable room divider presents a fabric or screen. The fabric provides a non-see-through or non-transparent or opaque material that obscures the view from one side to another. A user places the portable room divider in an enclosed space such as a room, office, garage, college, school, hospital, church, or any other enclosed space. The portable room divider creates separate or private spaces within the enclosed space.

In one implementation, the portable room divider presents an H-shaped leg and/or elongated frames to connect to the vertical poles. The H-shaped leg and/or elongated frames help to connect multiple fabrics and place the portable room divider in a variety of configurations such as at an angle or in a straight-like configuration to separate the enclosed space in a variety of ways.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the portable room divider allows a user to uninstall each of the vertical poles and horizontal poles into smaller parts thereby making it easy for storage and transportation. The smaller vertical poles and horizontal poles, the legs and the fabric fit in a small box which the user can carry easily. The fabric folds easily and retains its shape and size even after repeated use.

In another advantageous feature of the present invention, the portable room divider allows carving out separate (private) space without having to create permanent or expensive temporary structures. The portable room divider installs and uninstalls easily when compared to rigid structures as known in the art. The portable room divider allows a single user to install or uninstall with just a screwdriver without needing help from another individual.

Features and advantages of the invention hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying FIGUREs. As will become apparent, the disclosed invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the invention as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGUREs and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable room divider used in an office environment to partition workstations, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A through 2G illustrate various features of the portable room divider;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate features of connecting horizontal poles to vertical poles;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a feature of connecting fabric to the horizontal poles;

FIG. 5 illustrates a feature of connecting vertical poles to horizontal poles and base legs;

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a portable room divider, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the center legs of the portable room divider shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a portable room divider, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the center legs of the portable room divider shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a portable room divider, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a top view of the center legs of the portable room divider shown in FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portable room divider, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed portable room divider. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed portable room divider.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the invention preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present invention describes a portable room divider, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the portable room divider. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this invention.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It should be understood that the present invention describes a portable room divider for partitioning an enclosed space. The portable room divider includes base legs placed apart from one another. Each of the base legs includes a vertical pole with a receiving opening. The portable room divider includes vertical poles, each of the vertical poles connects a base leg of the base legs. The portable room divider includes horizontal poles connecting the vertical poles at the top and bottom. The horizontal poles hold the fabric. The base legs, the vertical poles, the horizontal poles, and the fabric provide a freestanding structure to partition an enclosed space.

Various features and embodiments of a portable room divider for partitioning an enclosed space are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1 to 9.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary environment 10 of the portable room divider 12 partitioning a workspace environment into two smaller areas or separate workstations 14. The portable room divider 12 presents a pair of base legs 16 placed apart from one another. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a base leg 16, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Each base leg 16 presents free ends 18 that rest on a surface such as the ground. The shape of the base legs 16 allow the portable room divider 12 to have minimum contact with the ground i.e., through the free ends 18. This allows for ease in maintaining a clean environment in the enclosed space such as a workspace environment where the portable room divider 12 is used. In one example, each of the free ends 18 provide a cap-like structure (not shown) made of soft material. The cap-like structure prevents damaging the surface upon which the portable room divider 12 is placed upright on the surface/ground. Each base leg 16 contains an opening for receiving a vertical pole 19 for connecting vertical pole 20 with the base leg 16. Specifically, each vertical pole receiving opening 19 receives a vertical pole 20 i.e., first vertical pole 22 to connect to a base leg 16.

FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of one of the vertical poles 20. Here, the vertical pole 20 indicates an upright pole or upright member that perpendicularly positions with respect to the ground. The vertical poles 20 encompass the first vertical pole 22 and the second vertical pole 24. The first vertical pole 22 provides a hollow structure with the first opening 26 at one end. The first vertical pole 22 is made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The first vertical pole 22 presents a second opening 28 for receiving a horizontal pole or horizontal member 50. The first vertical pole includes a section 30 that extends from the first vertical pole 22. Here, the section 30 has a diameter that is less than the first vertical pole 22. Section 30 presents button 32 extending from its surface.

The second vertical pole 24 contains a third opening 32 for receiving a section 30 to connect the first vertical pole 22 to the second vertical pole 24. The second vertical pole 24 contains a button receiving opening 34 for receiving a button 32. Here, the button 32 enters the button receiving opening 34 to firmly connect the first vertical pole 22 and the second vertical pole 24. FIG. 2C shows the first vertical pole 22 connected to the second vertical pole 24. The second vertical pole 24 contains a fourth opening 36 for connecting the horizontal pole 50. The second vertical pole 24 presents a head portion 38.

The vertical poles 20 connect to a base leg 16. FIG. 2D shows a feature of connecting a vertical pole 20 i.e., first vertical pole 22 to a base leg 16. The vertical pole 20 connects to the first connector 40 which in turn connects to a base leg 16. FIG. 2E shows the first connector 40 having a cylindrical-like structure with the fifth opening 42. The first connector 40 presents a first tapered section 44. The vertical pole receiving opening 19 of the base leg 16 receives the first tapered section 44. The first tapered section 44 fits into the vertical pole receiving opening 19 and presents a flat surface to connect the first vertical pole 22. Subsequently, the first fastener 46 inserts through the vertical pole receiving opening 19, fifth opening 42, and the first opening 26 to connect the base leg 16 and the first vertical pole 22.

The portable room divider 12 includes a pair of horizontal poles or horizontal members 50. Each pair of horizontal poles 50 includes a first horizontal pole 52 and a second horizontal pole 58. FIG. 2F shows an exploded view of the horizontal pole 50 having a first horizontal pole 52 and a second horizontal pole 58. The first horizontal pole 52 provides a hollow structure with a sixth opening 54 and a seventh opening 56. Each of the sixth openings 54 and the seventh openings 56 presents a hollow structure with inner treading (not shown). Here, the seventh opening 56 indicates a female member for receiving a male member 60 of the second horizontal pole 58. The second horizontal pole 58 presents a male member 60 and an eighth opening 62. The male member 60 includes a threaded portion. A user inserts the male member 60 into the seventh opening or female member 56 and turns or rotates the second horizontal pole 58 to connect to the first horizontal pole 52. FIG. 2G shows the second horizontal pole 58 connecting the first horizontal pole 52, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a feature of connecting the horizontal poles 50 to one of the vertical poles 20. Each of the horizontal poles 50 presents a second connector 64 to connect to the pair of vertical poles 20. The second connector 64 has a cylindrical-like structure with a ninth opening 66. FIG. 3B shows the second connector 64 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The second connector 64 presents a second tapered section 68. At the bottom, the second opening 28 receives the second tapered section 68. Here, the second tapered section 68 inserts in a second opening 28 and presents a flat surface to connect the first horizontal pole 52. Subsequently, the second fastener 70 inserts through the second opening 28, the ninth opening 66, and the sixth opening 54 to connect the first vertical pole 22 and the first horizontal pole 52. Similarly, the first horizontal pole 52 connects to the second vertical pole 24 at the top. Here, the fourth opening 36 receives the second tapered section 68 such that the flat surface of the second tapered section 68 connects the first horizontal pole 52. Subsequently, the second fastener 70 inserts through the fourth opening 36, the ninth opening 66, and the sixth opening 54 to connect the first vertical pole 22 and the first horizontal pole 52.

After connecting the horizontal poles 50 to one side of vertical pole 20, the horizontal poles 50 receive a fabric or screen 72 as shown in FIG. 4A. Fabric 72 indicates a sheet made of cotton, or fibre, or synthetic material such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, or spandex, or any other suitable material. Fabric 72 presents a non-see-through or non-transparent or opaque material that obscures the view from one side to another. Fabric 72 presents a lightweight, soft, and smooth or rugged configuration. Fabric 72 has properties allowing it to stretch over its normal/original size or configuration without breaking or tearing off and still recover to its original shape and size/length. In other words, fabric 72 presents a flexible material that stretches and recovers to its original shape and size/length. Fabric 72 provides a suitable strength and required durability. Fabric 72 is resistant to body oils, heat, perspiration, chemical solvents, lotions, or other extreme environmental conditions. Fabric 72 is washable and does not lose any of its properties even after repeated use. Fabric 72 contains horizontal pole receiving sections 74 at both ends i.e., at the top and bottom. FIG. 4B shows fabric 72 having a horizontal pole receiving section 74 through which the horizontal poles 50 draw through and connect. The user pulls fabric 72 until fabric 72 reaches closer to vertical pole 20 (FIG. 4A).

Subsequently, the user connects another vertical pole 20 to the second horizontal poles 58 at the bottom and top as explained above. At the bottom, the second fastener 70 inserts through the second opening 28, the ninth opening 66 and the eighth opening 62 to connect the first vertical pole 22 and the second horizontal pole 58. Similarly, the first horizontal pole 52 connects to the second vertical pole 24 at the top. Here, the fourth opening 36 receives the second tapered section 68 such that the flat surface of the second tapered section 68 connects the second horizontal pole 58. Subsequently, the second fastener 70 inserts through the fourth opening 36, the ninth opening 66, and the eighth opening 62 to connect the second vertical pole 22 and the second horizontal pole 58, as shown in FIG. 5.

The portable room divider 12 presents a total dimension of 71″ Width×72″ Height. Here, the horizontal poles 50 have a total length of approximately 70″ inches in that each of the first horizontal poles 52 and the second horizontal poles have a length of approximately 35″. However, each of the first horizontal poles 52 and second horizontal poles 58 may have different dimensions from one another and have a total length of 70″ inches when connected. Further, each side of the vertical poles 20 have a total length of approximately 70″ inches in that each of the first vertical poles 22 and the second vertical poles 24 have a length of approximately 35-36″ inches. However, each of the first vertical poles 22 and the second vertical poles 24 may have different dimensions from one another and have a total length of approximately 70″ inches when connected. The base legs 16 raises the height of the portable room divider 12 by approximately 2 to 6 inches. Fabric 72 comes in a variety of colors as desired by the user. In one example, the base legs 16, vertical poles 24, and horizontal poles 50 come in a dark grey color and offer a neat and classic look in the enclosed space.

The portable room divider 12 stands vertically (upright) with support from the base legs 16 and acts as a freestanding structure for use in a variety of enclosed spaces. For example, the portable room divider 12 is ideal for use in enclosed spaces such as homes, office environments, garages, patios, kitchens, restaurants, balconies, schools, colleges, churches, or any other enclosed space. The portable room divider allows the user to carve out separate (private) spaces without having to create permanent or expensive temporary structures. The portable room divider 12 installs and uninstalls easily. For instance, the user uninstalls the vertical poles 20 by releasing the button 34 to separate the first vertical pole from the second vertical pole 24. The user unscrews or rotates the second horizontal pole 58 to separate the first horizontal pole 52 and the second horizontal pole 58. Further, the user unscrews the fasteners 46; 70 to uninstall the base legs 16. The user then folds the fabric 72. This way, the portable room divider 12 allows a single user to install or uninstall with just a screwdriver and without needing help from another individual. After uninstalling the base legs 16, the vertical poles 24, the horizontal poles 50, and the fabric 72, the portable room divider 12 folds and allows for easy storage and transportation.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the portable room divider 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 100 presents a center leg 102. FIG. 6B shows a top view of the center leg 102. The center leg 102 presents an H-shaped frame 104 having first leg supports 106. Each of the first leg supports 106 presents a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the first leg supports 106 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. The H-shaped frame 104 contains the first vertical pole receiving openings 108 configured to receive the center vertical poles 110. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 100 includes two center vertical poles 110 for providing two fabrics or screens 124 at an angle from one another, as shown in FIG. 6A. Each of the center vertical poles 110 have a similar configuration as the vertical poles 20 explained above. In one example, the center vertical poles 110 include connectors 112 for keeping together the center vertical poles 110 in proper alignment and perpendicularly with respect to the ground.

Further, the portable room divider 100 includes side legs 114 placed at a distance from the center leg 102. Each of the side legs 114 presents an elongated frame 116 with second leg supports 118. Each of the second leg supports 118 presents a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the second leg supports 118 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the elongated frames 116 encompass a second vertical pole receiving opening 120 for receiving a side vertical pole 122. Each of the side vertical poles 122 have a similar configuration as the vertical poles 20 explained above. The portable room divider 100 includes horizontal poles 124 similar to the horizontal poles 50 explained above. The horizontal poles 124 receive fabric 126 and connect the center vertical poles 110 and side vertical poles 122. The horizontal poles 124 connect to the vertical poles 110 and the side vertical poles 122 via a connector (not shown, similar to connector 64).

The portable room divider 100 illustrates a feature of connecting two portable room dividers 10 as explained using FIG. 1 with the help of the H-shaped frame 104. Further, the portable room divider 100 allows to partition enclosed spaces at an angle with support from the H-shaped frame 104 and the side legs 114. Each of the elongated frames 116 at the ends rest in a substantially perpendicular orientation to horizontal poles 124. This allows the portable room divider 100 to withstand small and external forces and stand freely on the ground.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a portable room divider 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 200 presents a set (two) of first or center legs 202 placed apart from one another. FIG. 7B shows a front view of the center leg 202. Each of the center legs 202 present a first elongated frame 204 placed horizontally with respect to the ground. The first elongated frame 204 contains the first leg supports 206, each in a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the first leg supports 206 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the center legs 202 contain the first vertical pole receiving openings 208 configured to receive the center vertical poles 210. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 200 includes two center legs 202, each receiving two center vertical poles 210 for holding three fabrics or screens 226 (three times the length of the portable room divider 10) in a straight-line alignment, as shown in FIG. 7A. Each of the center vertical poles 210 have a similar configuration as the vertical pole 20 explained above. In one example, the center vertical poles 210 include connectors 212 for keeping the center vertical poles 210 in proper alignment and perpendicular with respect to the ground.

Further, the portable room divider 200 includes second legs 214 placed at a distance/side and far from the center vertical poles 210. Here, the second legs 214 rest on the ground substantially perpendicular to the center legs 202. Each of the second legs 214 presents an elongated frame 216 having the second leg supports 218. Each of the second leg supports 218 presents a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the second leg supports 218 provides a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the elongated frames 216 encompass a second vertical pole receiving opening 220 for receiving the side vertical pole 222. Each of the side vertical poles 222 has a similar configuration as the vertical pole 20 explained above. The portable room divider 200 includes horizontal poles 224 similar to the horizontal poles 50 explained above. The horizontal poles 224 hold fabric 226 and connect the center vertical poles 210 and side vertical poles 222. The horizontal poles 224 connect to center vertical poles 210 and side vertical poles 222 via a connector (not shown, similar to connector 64).

The portable room divider 200 acts as a longer partition wall and allows to partition enclosed spaces with support from the center legs 202 and the side legs 214. Each of the second elongated frames 216 at the ends rest substantially perpendicular to horizontal poles 224. This allows the portable room divider 200 to withstand small and external forces and stand freely on the ground.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a portable room divider 300, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 300 presents a set of (two) first or center legs 302 placed apart from one another. FIG. 8B shows a front view of the center leg 302. Each of the center legs 302 contains an elongated rod 304 placed perpendicular with respect to the ground. The elongated rod 304 contains the first leg supports 306, each having a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the first leg supports 306 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the center legs 302 contains tubes 308 configured to receive the center vertical poles 310. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 300 includes two center legs 302, each receiving two center vertical poles 310 for providing three fabrics or screens 326 (three times the length of the portable room divider 10) in a straight-line alignment, as shown in FIG. 8A. Each of the center vertical poles 310 have a similar configuration as the vertical pole 20 explained above. In one example, the center vertical poles 310 include connectors 312 for keeping together the center vertical poles 310 in proper alignment and perpendicular with respect to the ground.

Further, the portable room divider 300 includes second legs 314 placed at a distance/side and far from the center vertical poles 310. Here, the second legs 314 rest on the ground substantially perpendicular to the first legs 302. Each of the second legs 314 presents an elongated frame 316 having second leg supports 318. Each of the second leg supports 318 presents a cup-shaped structure that touches the ground. Each of the second leg supports 318 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the elongated frames 316 encompass a second vertical pole receiving opening 320 for receiving the side vertical pole 322. Each of the side vertical poles 322 has a similar configuration as the vertical pole 20 explained above. The portable room divider 300 includes horizontal poles 324 similar to horizontal poles 50 explained above. The horizontal poles 324 holds fabric 326 and connects the center vertical poles 310 and side vertical poles 322. The horizontal poles 324 connect to the vertical poles 310 and the side vertical poles 322 via a connector (not shown, similar to connector 64).

The portable room divider 300 acts as a longer partition wall and allows the user to partition enclosed spaces with support from the first legs 302 and side legs 314. Each of the second elongated frames 316 at the ends rest in a substantially perpendicular position to the horizontal poles 324. This allows the portable room divider 300 to withstand small and external forces and stand freely on the ground.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the portable room divider 400, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the current embodiment, the portable room divider 400 contains legs 402 placed at a distance similar to the base legs 16 in FIG. 1. Each of legs 402 presents an elongated frame 404 with leg supports 406. Each of the leg supports 406 presents a cup-shaped structure that contacts the ground. Each of the leg supports 406 provide a soft material to prevent scratching or damaging the ground. Each of the elongated frames 404 encompass vertical pole receiving opening 408 for receiving the vertical pole 410. Each of the vertical poles 410 has a similar configuration as the vertical pole 20 explained above. The portable room divider 400 includes horizontal poles 412 similar to the horizontal poles 50 explained above. The horizontal poles 412 hold fabric 414 and connects the vertical poles 410. The horizontal poles 412 connect to the vertical poles 410 via a connector (not shown, similar to connector 64).

The presently disclosed portable room divider allows the user to carve out separate spaces of varied length using inexpensive materials. The freestanding portable room divider allows the user to use it to partition any enclosed space into smaller spaces. Further, the portable room divider is very easy to assemble as it just requires a screwdriver to connect the vertical poles and the horizontal poles with the help of a connector and fastener.

Although it is explained that each of the vertical poles and the horizontal poles come in a two-part configuration, a person skilled in the art appreciates that each of the vertical poles and horizontal poles can be a single component.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the portable room divider may come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the need of the user. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of the materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed portable room divider.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and invention disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A portable room divider, comprising:

base legs placed apart from one another, wherein each of said base legs comprises a vertical pole receiving opening;

vertical poles, each of said vertical poles connects a base leg of said base legs, wherein said vertical pole receiving opening receives said vertical pole via a first connector, and wherein said first connector comprises a first tapered section that enters said vertical pole receiving opening and connects said vertical pole to said base leg; and

horizontal poles connecting said vertical poles at the top and bottom, wherein said horizontal poles hold a piece of fabric,

wherein said base legs, said vertical poles, said horizontal poles and said fabric provide a freestanding structure to partition an enclosed space.

2. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein said horizontal poles connect to said vertical poles via second connectors, wherein each of said second connectors comprises a tapered section.

3. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein the first connector further comprises a flat surface contacting the vertical pole.

4. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein each of said base legs comprises free ends contacting the ground.

5. The portable room divider of claim 4, wherein each of the free ends comprises a cap-like structure for preventing damage to the ground.

6. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein each of said vertical poles comprises a first vertical pole and a second vertical pole, wherein the first vertical pole connects to the second vertical pole in a snap fit or button release mechanism.

7. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein each of said horizontal poles comprises a first horizontal pole and a second horizontal pole, wherein the first horizontal pole comprises a female connector and the second horizontal pole comprises a male connector, and wherein the male connector connects to the female connector to mount the second horizontal pole and the first horizontal pole.

8. The portable room divider of claim 1, wherein the fabric presents a non-see-through material to obscure the view from one side to another.

9. A portable room divider, comprising:

a center leg and a side leg placed apart from one another, wherein each of said center legs and said side legs comprise a vertical pole receiving opening;

vertical poles, each of said vertical poles connect said center leg and said side leg;

horizontal poles connecting said vertical poles at the top and bottom via connectors, wherein each of said connectors comprise a tapered portion and a flat surface, and wherein said vertical poles contact the flat surface of said connectors and horizontal poles contact the tapered portion; and

a fabric connecting said horizontal poles, wherein said center leg, said side leg, said vertical poles, said horizontal poles and said fabric provide a freestanding structure to partition an enclosed space.

10. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein said center leg comprises an H-shaped frame.

11. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein said center leg comprises an elongated frame.

12. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein said side leg comprises an elongated frame.

13. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein said side leg comprises an elongated frame, wherein the elongated frame is substantially perpendicular to said center leg.

14. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein the fabric presents a non-see-through material to obscure the view from one side to another.

15. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein each of said vertical poles comprise a first vertical pole and a second vertical pole, wherein the first vertical pole connects to the second vertical pole in a snap fit or button release mechanism.

16. The portable room divider of claim 9, wherein each of said horizontal poles comprise a first horizontal pole and a second horizontal pole, wherein the first horizontal pole comprises a female connector and the second horizontal pole comprises a male connector, and wherein the male connector connects to the female connector to mount the second horizontal pole and the first horizontal pole.

17. A method of providing a portable room divider for partitioning an enclosed space, said method comprising:

placing legs apart from one another, each of said legs comprising a vertical pole receiving opening;

providing vertical poles, each of said vertical poles connecting each of said legs at said vertical pole receiving opening via a first connector, said first connector comprising a first tapered section entering said vertical pole receiving opening and connecting said vertical pole to said leg;

providing horizontal poles connecting said vertical poles at the top and bottom, said horizontal poles receiving a fabric; and

providing a freestanding structure for partitioning an enclosed space using said legs, said vertical poles, said horizontal poles and said fabric.

18. The method of claim 18, further comprising connecting said horizontal poles and said vertical poles using second connectors, each of said second connectors comprising a tapered section.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising configuring the vertical poles into a first vertical pole and a second vertical pole, the first vertical pole connecting the second vertical pole in a snap fit or button release mechanism.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing each of the legs as an elongated frame.