PORTABLE PERSONAL SNEEZE GUARD PROTECTION SYSTEM
A portable sneeze guard system for facilitating personal protection using durable lightweight acrylic and a design which easily supports opening, closing and transportation. This approach includes radial, series, modular and reconfigurable designs and a design which protects student desk areas with desk legs offset from the edge of the desk. This is approach accommodates easy cleaning and easy integration into a professional work environment. It also accommodates ease of transportation by folding the device to a smaller size.
The present invention is filed as a utility patent application and claims the benefit of provisional application 63/101,408 filed on 28 Apr. 2020 and a second provisional application 63/102,718 filed on 27 Jun. 2020, a third provisional application 63/103,005 filed on 13 Jul. 2020, and a fourth provisional application 63/103,551 filed on 9 Aug. 2020, and a fifth provisional application 63/103,917 filed on 1 Sep. 2020.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to an apparatus designed for use in buffet service where unpackaged prepared food is displayed, and the apparatus acts as a hygiene barrier. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a sneeze guard system, to be used by a single person, to be easily opened, closed, and carried from site to site. Said invention having one or more flexible support side panels, which are continuously flexible and can easily be extended from their closed position to an open position and vice versa. This also relates to protections systems with a radial centering, a serial focus, a combined radial and serial focus, and modular based protections shields.
REFERENCES CITEDThe following references are cited.
Mandated by various state and local laws and regulations, sneeze guards have been in use for many years and are well known in the food service industry for use in protecting unpackaged prepared foods from certain contaminants when those foods are displayed in a service line for customer viewing and selection. These sneeze guards protect from droplet contamination which may be expelled during a cough or sneeze from the nose or mouth of a potential customer.
Available in various styles and configurations, typically a sneeze guard has some sort of permanent installation using some sort of rigid support frame, hanging from chains, or using multiple rigid and stationary support posts.
Generally, as food service installations are typically not uniform or modular in size, these sneeze guard solutions require a degree of customization.
Some inventors (English 20060175940) have taught that it is desirable to have adjustable position sneeze guards. However, given the fixed constraints of the areas to be protected those adjustments are quite limited. Specifically, English teaches,
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- “This adjustable hinge assembly component (adjustable hinge) may be installed and used in a sneeze guard in a manner which allows each of the transparent sneeze guard panes in a series of sneeze guard panes to be adjusted angularly and/or rotationally, within the need to tighten a screw or nut to lock the pane in a particular configuration.”
The current environment of highly contagious and health-threatening virus infections, such as covid-19, necessitates that people take care to protect themselves. Protection could be in the form of company/institutional provided sneeze guard like protections that are installed in work environments, libraries, ect. Or that protection could be in the form of a more personal device, which could be maintained and carried by the individual from meeting to meeting to desk in the workplace and even to the library or other places after work. The present invention addresses not food protection, but people protection and more specifically an individual personal protection system (“Personal Protection System”) which can be used by an individual at multiple locations. This system has the advantages that it is easy to setup, is lightweight, easy to use, may be easily moved from site to site, and is easy to carry.
The present invention provides a novel and advantageous sneeze guard system having a highly portable design, easy to adjust side clear panels for protection, visibility and stability, a clear sneeze guard back panel for protection and visibility, a small user convenience slot which allows for safely and easily passing papers or the positioning of a laptop computer so that the screen is visible on the non-user side of the sneeze guard back panel and the keyboard is accessible on the user's side, and an easy to fold arrangement which makes the entire system easy to carry and move.
The present invention is hygienically safe, (“Hygienically Safe”) meaning it protects against droplet contamination which may be expelled during a cough or sneeze from the nose or mouth of another individual in close proximity.
A key objective of the sneeze guard system of the present invention is that the user can easily either setup or close up the system in a matter of 10 seconds or less.
Another important objective of the present invention is that the system be lightweight, durable, and easy to transport from location to location.
Another important objective of the present invention is that the system have a simple and easy carry mechanism such as a built in handle or equivalent.
A further objective of the present invention is that the system have a Hygienically Safe portal to pass papers or allow for positioning of a laptop computer where the display side is on the nonuser side of the clear sneeze guard back panel and the keyboard is on the user side.
Another objective of the present invention is that the side panels simultaneously serve as both protection and support members of the protection system to obviate the use of unattractive or bothersome support legs.
Another objective of the present invention is that it permits opening and closing and movement from site location to site location without the detachment or reattachment of any parts.
Another objective of the present invention is that the back and side panels be easily and completely accessible to facilitate quick cleaning and wipe down.
Another objective of the present invention is that design permits use of multiple systems in a back-to-back, or side-to-side manner or both.
The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
To better appreciate the present invention, we first discuss some deficiencies with the prior art which we seek to correct. We first note that while not restricting the present invention to be used only for a personal individual's use, it is for individuals needing Hygienically Safe protection which gave rise to the present invention. We further note that the additional aspects of the present invention specifically included to help an individual's personal use, will also help improve the more general use of a protection device. Those aspects include a high degree of portability, easy of opening and closing, stack-ability of the closed device, back-to-back and side-to-side aesthetic usage, easy to clean and maintain design, and a Hygienically Safe convenience slot.
Prior art solutions have been tailored to the food industry and involve physical anchoring or permanent type installations. Indeed, portability in that environment is to be avoided—except for relocating one securely installed installation to another position. In addition, those prior art solutions integrate no other features beyond installation adjustments.
A main embodiment of the present invention describes a system which is highly portable for personal use. Various embodiments of the system disclosed here facilitate ease of use, user convenience, aesthetic integration of the protection device into the work environment.
The sneeze guard back panel 300 also has a slot 302 cut out at the bottom of the panel. This convenience slot, (Convenience Slot) has rounded corners 303 and it allows either a laptop or papers to easily pass under the slot. In particular a laptop may be positioned using the slot so as to have the display on the non-user side of the sneeze guard back panel 300 while the keyboard is on the user side. This affords more seating and positioning options for the user. As the sneeze guard back panel is see-through, it permits easy laptop readability and PC camera function through the panel. The convenience slot also allows for power cords and microphone cables to easily fit through the slot.
The back panel also has rounded corners 304 on cornered edges.
The left side panel 400 has an attached continuous hinge on the right for attachment to the back panel 300 on the left. The continuous hinge 401 is shown mounted on the panel.
The right side panel 500 has an attached continuous hinge on the left side for attachment to the back panel 300 on the right. The continuous hinge 501 is shown mounted on the panel.
The side panels 400, 500 rotate independently, each on a continuous hinge 401,501. These hinges are attached by permanent adhesive. The mobility of the two side panels 400, 500 allow for positioning that not only can be conveniently positioned by the user but that also that provides simultaneous support for stability of the protection system, whereby the side panels support the sneeze guard back panel in an upright position. This mobility includes a wide angle of rotation starting at approximately zero degrees for the closed position (“Closed Position”), opening to 90 degrees at a preferred embodiment position, and opening wider than 90 degrees if the user so prefers.
This hinge attached (“Hinge Attached”) panel is a preferred embodiment of the present invention using a continuous hinge adhesively attached. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are equivalent hinge and hinge like attachment options, made of different materials, and attached by adhesive or by metal fasteners which also could be used and are under the scope of the present invention.
The use of two side panels in conjunction with the sneeze guard back panel, ie 3 panels total, is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention could be constructed using only a total 2 panels, or alternatively a total of 4 or more panels and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
A main embodiment of the present invention describes a system which is highly portable for personal use. Various embodiments of the system disclosed here facilitate ease of use, user convenience, aesthetic integration of the protection device into the work environment.
The sneeze guard back panel parts 900 and 1000 also have a slot 902 and 1002 cut out at the bottom of the panel. This convenience slot, (Convenience Slot) has rounded corners 903 and 1003 and it allows either a laptop or papers or other things to easily pass under the slot. In particular a laptop may be positioned using the slot so as to have the display on the non-user side of the sneeze guard back panel parts 900 and 1000 while the keyboard is on the user side. This affords more seating and positioning options for the user. As the sneeze guard back panel is see-through, it permits easy laptop readability and PC camera function through the panel. The convenience slot also allows for power cords and microphone cables to easily fit through the slot.
The left side panel 1100, which has rounded corners 1104 on cornered edges, has an attached continuous hinge on the right for attachment to the back panel part 900 on the left. The continuous hinge 1103 is shown mounted on the panel.
The right side panel 1200, which has rounded corners 1204 on cornered edges, has an attached continuous hinge on the left side for attachment to the back panel 1000 on the right. The continuous hinge 1201 is shown mounted on the panel.
The side panels 1100, 1200 rotate independently, each on a continuous hinge 1101, 1201. These hinges are attached by permanent adhesive. The mobility of the two side panels 1100, 1200 allow for positioning that not only can be conveniently positioned by the user but that also that provides simultaneous support for stability of the protection system, whereby the side panels support the sneeze guard back panel in an upright position. This mobility includes a wide angle of rotation starting at approximately zero degrees for the closed position (“Closed Position”), opening to 90 degrees at a preferred embodiment position, and opening wider than 90 degrees if the user so prefers.
This hinge attached (“Hinge Attached”) panel is a preferred embodiment of the present invention using a continuous hinge adhesively attached. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are equivalent hinge and hinge like attachment options, made of different materials, and attached by adhesive or by metal fasteners which also could be used and are under the scope of the present invention.
The use of two side panels in conjunction with the sneeze guard back panel, hinged in the center ie 4 panels total, is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention could be constructed using only a total 2 panels, or alternatively a total of 5 or more panels and still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the height of the various back panels and side panels could be varied to accommodate different uses. For example, a very tall person may require that the back panels and side panes be higher. Small children may benefit from shorter heights, or even taller heights if the objective is to protect them when they are both seated and standing. In addition, some school desks are slanted, so an embodiment of the present invention may benefit by having the side panes be slated at an angle corresponding to the slope of the school desk while the back panel part or parts are not slanted. These variations are envisioned as part of the scope of the present invention.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiment presented in
In each reconfiguring the user adjusts one or more of the hinged partition panels by rotating the panel on it's hinge.
Those skilled in the art will see that there is not a limit of four panels connected in this radial manner. A total of three panels could be connected radially as described above but that would limit the total number of partitions to three as there are only three panels to arrange and it would be difficult to achieve a stable placement of two partitions. Four panels, however, is a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it permits the maximum number of different arrangements. A larger size table may create a need for additional connected panels for different arrangements. The inventors recognize this. consider that as the table size increases necessitating additional panels, it will be more practical to adapt a modular approach standardizing on a three or four panel, or both, radial modular unit, connected in the manner described above, and deploying one or more modular units to achieve the desired number of arranged partitions. The inventors also note that it is possible to combine two or more modular units of with the different modular units each containing two or more different number of panels. In other words, it is not necessary to have a modular unit with one fixed number of panels. There may be different modular units each with a different number of panels contained with that unit. This approach would allow for more standard manufacturing units yet still provide complete flexibility in the number of partitions to be arranged for a particular solution.
Two or more modular units may be joined together using a simple U-bold type clip. More specifically, there are commercially available nylon U/J type clamps which could be used off the shelf to connect and de-connect the modular units quickly and easily.
Note the overlap between panels 1506 and 1501 as shown in
The length of panels 1502 thru 1505 may be varied at the time of manufacture to accommodate the width of the table 1507 and thereby result in partitions of appropriate size for the user company or organization.
the modular unit shown in
As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the system shown in
In the preferred embodiments of the present invention describing radial panels, the drawings show panels of equal size. This is a preferred aspect of the invention but those skilled in the art recognize that panel sizes may be chose to be a different size, most likely height, but not limited or constrained to height, to accommodate a larger size partition or some other special requirement of the user.
As discussed above the protection system's preferred embodiments are constructed of acrylic, or equivalent as discussed previously.
One of the preferred embodiments shown in
It is understood that the preferred embodiments shown in
One particular challenging environment to protect with an acrylic shield or equivalent is the school desk environment. These desks typical present a small surface area often with molded pencil slots. Usually these desks are rectangular. Sometimes they have a triangular design. Using a device as shown in
Some offered solutions use a gripper which is adhered to the desk by some type of adhesive and the gripper is supposed to exert some pressure on the bottom edge of the acrylic holding. Such gripping approaches are marginal as students are often vigorous and push desks when standing causing the top-heavy shields to fall.
Complicating matters is the fact that many desks have legs that extend outward at an angle instead of going straight down to the floor.
In particular the placement of the hoes 1702 within the leg supports are important in this particular preferred embodiment as some desk legs slop outward and the closer the leg support holes are to the desk itself the less angel that may be introduced. For sloping desk legs, the second set of holes 1703 are not significant in holding the panel and the two holes 1702 are entirely sufficient to secure the panel to the desk.
The use of cable ties or straps or cord or equivalent may be sufficient to secure the leg supports to the desk legs. While the type of binding used is not critical, what is important is that the binding material permit the leg support to be tightly secured to the desk legs.
The leg supports and bindings are not the only things that support this shield unit to the desk.
In this embodiment these side panels are shown connected by rotating continuous hinges 1803. The hinges help the rotating panels to position on the desk for the convenience of the student. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different hinges or methods of attachment such as interlocking attachments, bending the acrylic so that it does not move, or just gluing the acrylic is possible as equivalent approaches under the present invention. However in this embodiment the ability to rotate is felt important to the usefulness of the invention.
The combined approach of having leg support 1702 and possibly 1703 together with the support from the side panels provides for a sturdy support environment for this protection unit. That the front panel abuts the front of the desk allows for the pencil slots to still be usable. That the side panels are movable allows for accommodation for either right-handed or left-handed writers as they can move the desired side panel to an angle which works for them.
The support legs are of sufficient width to allow for one inch either side of the one-inch support holes 1702, 1703. The support legs are kept to minimum width to allow for as much leg space for the student under the desk. As the side panel do not require leg support, leg space on the side panels is not at issue.
This embodiment can easily be modified to accommodate the triangle desk design by eliminating one of the side panels.
This embodiment can also be easily modified for a number of holes 1702, 1703 in the leg support allowing manufacturing to make one model number and allowing field installation to select the set of holes most advantageous to secure the leg supports to the desk legs.
The cutout 2003 in the main shield 2001 is a rectangular area which leaves a free space for the students to extend their legs between the desk legs.
Also shown on the mail shield 2001 is a portion of a continuous hinge 2006 which secures the rotating side panel 2101.
As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the mail shield 2001 has a slight indent 2005 above the desk surface. This indent serves two purposes: (1) it keeps the surface are of the main shield 2001 which is above the desk surface symmetrical to the area of the side panel 2101 which is attached by a continuous hinge 2006, 2102, (2) and it insures that the length of the this main panel running horizontal to the desk does not overlap the edge of the desk. Overlapping would be less convenient for the desk user.
The offset blocks, 2201, 2301, shown in
The offset distance of desk legs from the edge of the desk may not be the same for both legs. As one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention two different methods are offered to accommodate that difference in leg offset.
Note that in
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the side panels 1801 1802 do not need to be rectangular but may of a different design shape and may have sloping or rounded edges.
Nothing in this specification should be understood to limit this invention to merely the work environment. This protection system could be used to provide a safe environment to read book in a library or hotel environment, or to eat a quick breakfast in a hotel buffet breakfast room, or many other environments. Although
Claims
1. A sneeze guard system comprising a sneeze guard back panel, one or more hinge attached side panels acting as support means for supporting said sneeze guard back panel in a first position, while permitting one or more said side panels to rotate in either direction supporting said sneeze guard back panel in a different position.
2. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said side panels rotate to a closed position.
3. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sneeze guard back panel has a through hole permitting hand carrying.
4. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sneeze guard back panel has a convenience slot cut into the bottom.
5. A system as set forth in claim 1, with a center hinge in said back panel permitting folding of said sneeze guard panel in half.
6. A system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the sneeze guard back panel has a small through hole in each outermost side panel permitting a cord to be run through each hole secured by a knot for hand or shoulder carrying.
7. A sneeze guard system comprising three or more hinge attached panels, said panels acting as both a support structure for said system and as sneeze guard protection, said panels able to rotate 0 degrees to 170 degrees or more.
8. A system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said panels are connected as radial panels.
9. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said panels may be rotated to divide a 360 degree area into two parts, three parts or four parts of approximate equal area.
10. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said panels may be rotated to position adjacent to each other.
11. A system as set forth in claim 7 wherein said panels are connected as serial panels.
12. A system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said panels may be positioned with a similar system as two modular units arranged as a larger system.
13. A system as set forth in claim 7, said radial panels are further connected with one or more serial panels, said serial panels acting as both a support structure for said system and as sneeze guard protection.
14. A sneeze guard system to fit together with a standard rectangular or triangular size school desk where a student would sit having their legs under the desk comprising one main panel, said panel acting as both a support structure for said system and as sneeze guard protection, said panel attached to one or more side panels, said side panels able to rotate 0 degrees to 120 degrees or more.
15. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said main panels has a cutout below the desk level to allow said legs to extend under said main panel under the desk.
16. A system as set forth in claim 15 wherein said main panel has one or more leg supports extending downward from said main panel protection area, said leg support having one or more holes large enough to allow for a strap or tie material to tie said leg support to a said leg of the desk.
17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said side panels may be rotated to position on the desk surface supplying both support and sneeze guard protection.
18. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said main panel has one or more leg supports extending downward from said main panel protection area, said leg support attaching to an offset block which surrounds said desk leg and extends from the desk leg to the leg support.
19. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said side panels may be rotated to position on the desk surface supplying both support and sneeze guard protection.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 27, 2021
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2022
Inventors: John O'Brien (Chatham, NJ), Diane Conti (Venice, FL)
Application Number: 17/300,245