Portable Patents (Class 160/135)
  • Patent number: 8365798
    Abstract: A privacy screen assembly has a first elongated support, a second elongated support, and a privacy screen having a first end operably coupled with the first elongated support and a second end operably coupled to the second elongated support, wherein the first privacy screen is positionable between a retracted position and a deployed position. A support member vertically supports the privacy screen and is positionable between a retracted position, wherein the support member is stored within an interior of one of the first elongated support and the second elongated support in a substantially linear configuration, and a deployed position, wherein a substantial portion of the support member extends from the interior of the elongated support and wherein a substantial portion of the support member exits the interior of the elongated support such that less of the support member is present in the interior of the elongated support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Adrian Gomez, Allen C. Hager, Kurt R. Heidmann
  • Publication number: 20130025801
    Abstract: An arrangement for a screen with a number of sections, which are foldable and/or pivotal in relation to one another and which together form a screen-off, includes a fixed section and two sections pivotal in relation thereto, or one fixed section and a number of sections which are foldable or pivotal in relation to one another and which are pivotally mounted on the fixed section, the fixed section being mounted on a foot which includes a supporting base plate and the base plate is covered by a hood in order to prevent direct contact of at least the upper side of the base plate and possibly also the major portion of the edges of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Dag Göranson, Örjan Göranson
  • Patent number: 8322060
    Abstract: A retractable double-sided banner stand has a base, two upright posts, a crossbar, and a single banner with graphic image(s) disposed on both sides of the banner. The base generally includes a housing, two housing end cap assemblies, a single core, and a retracting mechanism. The banner is wound around the core, and the retracting mechanism unwinds and winds the banner with respect to the core. The leading edge of the banner is attached to the crossbar, which is wider than the width of the banner. The banner stand has an erect upright mode for displaying the images(s), and a collapsed mode for transporting the banner stand. In the erect mode, the upright posts are retained in the base by means of a quick-release locking mechanism, the banner extends upwardly from the base, and the crossbar engages with, and is supported by, the upper portion of each of the upright posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Parizek, Curtis H. Lindblom
  • Patent number: 8312653
    Abstract: A collapsible tradeshow display includes curved end panels that provide for easier attachment and eliminate the possibility of dramatic disengagement of the panel from the display. Each end panel has a generally planar body comprised of a resilient material having a tendency to return to a generally flat configuration when in a curved configuration. A pair of side margins extend along opposing vertical sides of the body, each having a bridge portion attached thereto. A connecting means can connect the bridge portions to retain the panel in the curved configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 8261476
    Abstract: A collapsible tradeshow display includes curved end panels that provide for easier attachment and eliminate the possibility of dramatic disengagement of the panel from the display. Each end panel has a generally planar body comprised of a resilient material having a tendency to return to a generally flat configuration when in a curved configuration. A pair of side margins extend along opposing vertical sides of the body, each having a bridge portion attached thereto. A connecting means can connect the bridge portions to retain the panel in the curved configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 8196639
    Abstract: A modular panel assembly that allows for rapid and relatively simple installation, while also providing flexibility for easy adaptation to any of a variety of constructions types. In some embodiments, the modular panel assembly involves panels which are prefabricated with panel connectors. Additionally, in some embodiments, the assembly involves two panel types that are substantially similar in their outward appearance, but differ internally so as to enable each of straight and non-straight surfaces for a structure being built.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bellcomb Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: David Bell Hartwell, Jason David Pobul, Sharon Marie Johnson
  • Patent number: 8169776
    Abstract: A face panel includes a frame unit having mounting grooves arranged in parallel on the front side thereof, and decorative face members detachably fastened to the front side of the frame unit, each decorative face member having coupling devices protruded the back side thereof and detachably fastenable to the mounting groove of the frame unit, a decorative finish located on the front side thereof and carrying a design and a connection structure located on each of the two distal ends thereof for enabling a member of the decorative face members to be connected transversely in a line by means of forcing one connection structure of one decorative face member into engagement with one connection structure of another decorative face member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Chenbro Micom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui-Ching Tsai
  • Patent number: 8091605
    Abstract: An acoustic panel assembly may have one or more panels adaptable for reflecting sound waves and a support member to which the one or more panels may be attached. The support member may be extendable and retractable. The one or more panels and the support member may be collapsible into a housing. The one or more panels may be configured in one or more substantially planar portions, one or more substantially curved portions, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jim Melhart Piano and Organ Company
    Inventor: Jimmie Ray Melhart
  • Patent number: 8082971
    Abstract: A portable partition system for dividing spaces and which can easily be changed in appearance, function and size has at least one frame that includes interior grooves suitable for receiving rigid or flaccid panels. More frames may be connected with lift-off or removable pin hinge sections, which allows a user to add to or remove rigid rectangular frames from the system by simply inserting or removing hinge pins. Dowels may suspend fabric panels, or rigid flat panels may be slid down through an opening at the top of and into each frame along with removable bars to create a structure notably different in appearance or purpose. All of the components, including dowels, fabric panels, flat panels, and horizontal bars, are insertable into the rigid rectangular frames and are removable, reversible and replaceable at will and without tools to achieve many different visual effects using the same set of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Julie M. Peterson, Brendan J. Mooney
  • Patent number: 8047257
    Abstract: An apparatus for suspending above a shooting location comprises an inflatable panel and a plurality of attachment points from which the panel may be suspended. An inflation apparatus directs air into the panel through an air inlet to inflate the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: David McIntosh
  • Patent number: 8033059
    Abstract: A paneling system for use as a wing and/or return panel for dividing large open office areas into smaller work stations. The paneling system includes a frame having top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. Attachment assemblies are used for removably attaching one or more paneling system to one or more of a spine wall, post, wing panel, return panel, and work surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James Contois, Robert K. Nichols, Teresa Falck, Gregory Ferris, Matthew C. Brown, Ronald Hartman, Mark Roumfort, Christopher J. Mefford
  • Patent number: 7908803
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: John Puchniak
  • Patent number: 7874090
    Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Publication number: 20110005692
    Abstract: Components for assembling a modular exhibit structure are provided. These components include: frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels (for mounting within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust covers (for mounting over top of connected frames). These components are configured to allow a single person to assemble an exhibit structure without any specialized tools or mechanical skills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Logic Exhibit System Ltd.
    Inventors: David Christian Jensen, Alexander Renowitzky, Vlado Radanovic
  • Patent number: 7866074
    Abstract: A collapsible, freestanding oversized drawing board including a frame comprised of a plurality of frame members, a drawing sheet, and attachments to the frame. Specifically, the sheet can be drawn on, painted on, washed, or receive magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Crayola LLC
    Inventors: Heather McComb, Dexter Liu, Paul Snyder
  • Patent number: 7866366
    Abstract: An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away firm each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Molo design, Ltd.
    Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Stephanie P. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 7849562
    Abstract: An arrangement in a screen for substantially continuous adjustability and parking of the screen in a desired position, including an upper hinge and a lower hinge. The lower hinge includes a conical element for achieving a braking effect against pivoting of the parts in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dag Göranson, Örjan Göranson
  • Patent number: 7828038
    Abstract: An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable system of concealment and methods for its construction and use. The concealment system comprises a support and a curtain. The support attaches to a structure and pivots on the attachment. Various embodiments include multiple supports and multiple curtains. A method of hiding in front of a similar pattern. An alternate support may be used to form both tree blinds and ground blinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventor: John Livacich
  • Patent number: 7802605
    Abstract: A retractable barrier system comprises a plurality of barrier posts interconnectable by flexible barrier material, and a dispenser device upon which the posts can be carried and from which the posts can be dispensed, in sequence, to erect a barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Primac Limited
    Inventor: Ian James Prismall
  • Patent number: 7775002
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering an opening of a building comprising a plurality of rectangular panels. The panels are sized such that when they are stacked for storage, the panels nest together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: John Puchniak
  • Patent number: 7743781
    Abstract: A portable reconfigurable hunting blind assembly is disclosed comprising six rectangular frames joined together side edge to side edge along five hinge lines for accordion folding, and a camouflage covering mounted to each of the frames to define six panel-shaped wall units, the camouflage covering defining a window in at least some of the wall units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Micah Slaughter
  • Patent number: 7735537
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable wall-partition that includes a plurality of panels and at least one hinge that connects each of the plurality of panels to a neighboring panel. A foot is positioned on a lower edge of each of the plurality of panels. The foot includes a first extension and a second extension. Each of the extensions includes a distal end thereof. The first and the second extensions are connected to each other at a proximal end (opposite the end having a wheel) to form a vertex. The foot also includes a spring located at or near the vertex. The spring biases the first and the second extensions toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: John C. Hardt, II, Greg Moore, Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 7707790
    Abstract: A free-standing, partition-type furniture system adapted to subdivide an open space of a room, comprising a plurality of first partition panels, each including a first body portion having a pair of side edges, and a first screen member operably coupled to the first partition panel and laterally shiftable with respect to the first partition panel such that the first screen member extends from one of the side edges of the first body portion. The furniture system also includes a plurality of second partition panels each including a second body portion having an upper edge, and a second screen member operably coupled to the second partition panel and vertically shiftable with respect to the second partition panel such that the second screen member extends from the upper edge of the second body portion. The plurality of first and second partition panels are operably coupleable and arrangeable so as to subdivide the open space of a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Otto N. Williams, Joe A. Noble, Todd J. Sorel, Jess A. Sorel, Bryan T. White, Christopher A. Luomanen, Max Williams, David E. Simon, Jon H. Lefors
  • Patent number: 7673584
    Abstract: A vertical pet excrement collection device. The device is an absorbent fabric collecting sheet mounted on a frame and maintained in a substantially vertical orientation to catch pet excrement emitted that would not land on or be absorbed by a horizontal collection device. In one embodiment, the device is incorporated with and connected to an existing horizontal collection device such as a litterbox. In a second embodiment the collection device is a frame on which an absorbent sheet is mounted, the frame having an interconnected horizontal frame and vertical frame defining a horizontal pad and a vertical pad. Simple and quick removal and replacement of the absorbent material is provided so that a solid sheet may be easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas E. Aley
  • Publication number: 20100051211
    Abstract: A partition system for office or room includes a first and second partition wall, a pivot mechanism connected between the partition walls and a glide set mounted on the bottom of the partition walls. The pivot mechanism can allow the partition walls to relatively rotate. The glide set is composed of a pair of inverted vee feet and a support mechanism. The feet have flexibility for matching uneven surface. The support mechanism can rotate the feet to be parallel with the partition wall for easy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 7654276
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7610727
    Abstract: This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the vertical edges of the cover are provide in manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. Optional hangers are also used to hang the top edge of the cover to a support structure. Additionally, the cover may be provided with an adjustment belt to ensure that the cover remains taut on the support structure when locked in its fastened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Boothseal LLC
    Inventor: Dario Toledo
  • Patent number: 7594515
    Abstract: A surveillance shield comprising a rigid, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel, and at least one aperture defined by the panel, the aperture positioned in the panel such that a user may peer through the aperture while carrying the shield. The shield may also include a second mirrored plastic panel, each of the plastic panels having a frame member connected at an edge portion of the panels, the panels detachably connected to each other in a vertical attitude, each of the panels having a substantially optically correct outward facing surface to reflect accurately the surrounding environment and thereby substantially conceal the appearance of the shield. Preferably the aperture is positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield while the user carries the shield and simultaneously peers through the shield to observe game, people or a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Prock
  • Patent number: 7584776
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable wall-partition that includes a wall panel that having a first edge and a second edge transversely connected to the first edge. A swivel wheel mechanism is connected to a central position of the first edge. At least one end panel that has an intermediate portion and a hinged connection connecting the intermediate portion of the end panel to the second edge of the wall panel are also included in the portable wall-partition. Alternatively, the portable wall-partition can include a plurality of wall panels. Each of the plurality of wall panels has a lower edge and a transverse side edge; and each of the plurality of wall panels is connected at its transverse side edge to a successive wall panel. A swivelable elongate wheel frame is connected at its midpoint to a midpoint of the lower edge. A first wheel is connected to a first end of the elongate wheel frame, and a second wheel is connected to a second end of the elongate wheel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Mooreco, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Hardt, II
  • Publication number: 20090151877
    Abstract: An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Stephanie P. Forsytlle
  • Patent number: 7494111
    Abstract: A collapsible barrier system that is lightweight and meets existing safety regulations is disclosed. The barrier system has support members that are hinged to form a three dimensional structure. The structure may also have handles used in deployment and transportation of the barrier and vertical posts that support a web providing both additional structure as well as a message medium. The system can be used in a variety of temporary barrier applications both indoors and outdoors and may be enhanced with audio and/or illuminated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Flex-Safe, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Short
  • Patent number: 7461485
    Abstract: This invention relates to a security apparatus for trade show booths comprising a flexible cover section to enclose an opening in a booth structure and a means for securely fastening the edges of the cover section to an opening of a booth structure so as to provide a securable removable cover to deter individuals from stealing merchandise from a display booth or otherwise enclose the booth for privacy. In one embodiment, adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the vertical edges of the cover are provided in a manner that does not permit removal from outside of the cover when installed. These fasteners may comprise a hooked end, an arc-shaped engagement end and a tightening member between said hooked end and engagement end which work together to secure the vertical edges of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Dario Toledo
  • Patent number: 7451800
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for an expandable, hinged, multi-panel presentation. The apparatus includes a main rectangular panel, a side rectangular panel, a fastener, and an interior rectangular panel. The interior rectangular panel includes a proximal interior section having a width equal to the width of the side rectangular panel and a distal interior section coupled to the proximal interior section by a vertical hinge. The vertical hinge permits the distal interior section to pivot relative to the proximal interior section. In a first position, the interior rectangular panel displays presentation material on a front display face while overlaying the main rectangular panel and in a second position, the interior rectangular panel pivots and displays presentation material on a back display face while overlaying the side rectangular panel. Beneficially, the apparatus and system displays a greater amount of presentation material without increasing spatial area required for the display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Johnson, Khiet Quang Nguyen, Jack Chiu-Chiu Yuan
  • Publication number: 20080257502
    Abstract: The present invention provides a customizable cubicle skin and a method of manufacture. A pre-selected image is digitized and manipulated by imaging software to create a template with the image and a border. The template is printed onto a canvas using known large format printing processes and the canvas adhered onto a planar core with the border portion wrapped around the edges, and onto the back of, the core. Attachment means are affixed to the back of the core, the canvas is coated with a protectant, and the skin is mounted onto a cubicle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: David Walter McCaffery
  • Publication number: 20080251217
    Abstract: Presently, room screens or dividers are made for office cubicles; privacy in medical facilities and one size fits all in decorating homes. The current decorative tri-fold screens are not adjustable in size or patterns. They are heavy, cumbersome and expensive. The consumer cannot change the color if he/she decided to redecorate or move. This new screen product is easily portable. It can be assembled and disassembled by the consumer. It will not take up a lot of retail space because it will be sold in a narrow box. The consumer can easily transport it home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Nichola Elaine Dutre
  • Patent number: 7386960
    Abstract: A modular supporting structure is intended to support juxtaposed panels in order to form a modular partition wall adapted to subdivide and define a space to be used as an office into independent working zones. The modular supporting structure comprises a lower cross member, a plurality of intermediate cross members, an upper cross member and a plurality of upright spacers, with each upright spacer interconnecting a pair of adjacently arranged cross members. Only one joining element is provided for interconnection of each intermediate cross member to a pair of lower and upper upright spacers, respectively, at their point of concurrence, in order to form a supporting structure consisting of a framework of rectangular elementary cells intended to frame the juxtaposed panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Unifor S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Molteni
  • Patent number: 7377078
    Abstract: A workstation (desk) 7 that can be assembled or disassembled without the use of tools or fasteners, mounted on casters 40, with adjustable integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14. In an open plan work environment a user of the workstation (desk) can create private, semi private and open personal workspace by pivoting the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14, easily roll the workstation (desk) 7 to another location without disturbing other workstations (desks) 7, and create new workstation (desk) 7 configurations by connecting workstation together using the integrated privacy enclosure panels 8, 10, 12, 14 as common connecting elements. Thus a considerably more versatile workstation is provided that can enable users the ability to immediately create a multitude of workstation configurations and arrangements to suit their long term and immediate needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Michael John Golino, Zlatan Vukosavljevic
  • Patent number: 7373746
    Abstract: A sign assembly supported above a supporting surface includes at least one sign frame, an upstanding hinge rod assembly mounted on the supporting surface, and a hinge plate rotatably supported by the hinge rod assembly is connected to one frame side. The other frame side connects to a second plate that is supported by a pre-installed post or another hinge rod assembly. The angles of the one or more sign frames can be changed to meet installation requirements until the post mounts and/or hinge rod assemblies are fixed relative the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Technalink, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Pettesch
  • Publication number: 20080099158
    Abstract: I searched the patent files and could not find a similar product, therefore, I wish to obtain a patent on my invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Benson Effle
  • Patent number: 7350772
    Abstract: A foldable foam-based divider device includes a plurality of panels, each panel including a middle foam plate and front and back semi-rigid paper plates mounted on and sandwiching the middle foam plate, the middle foam plate further including at least one outwardly extending connecting tab and at least one tab-receiving recess with adjacent ones of the plurality of panels connected to one another in accordion-like fashion with the connecting tab extending into the tab-receiving recess and being secured therein by connection of the front and back semi-rigid paper plates to the connecting tab. The plurality of panels is movable between a closed position with the plurality of panels forming a folded stack of generally parallel panels and an opened position wherein the plurality of panels forms an extended wall operative to selectively divide an area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Christian Legrand
  • Publication number: 20070193612
    Abstract: A portable reconfigurable hunting blind assembly is disclosed comprising six rectangular frames joined together side edge to side edge along five hinge lines for accordion folding, and a camouflage covering mounted to each of the frames to define six panel-shaped wall units, the camouflage covering defining a window in at least some of the wall units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Micah Slaughter
  • Patent number: 7252106
    Abstract: A sunshade apparatus configured to inhibit the sun's rays, constructed with a plurality of flexible panels, having the ability to form a three-dimensional shape that provides a compact collapsible structure, and minimum assembly. The sunshade three-dimensional structure has the capability to easily adapt to an object or stand on its own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Carl J Conforti
  • Publication number: 20070175597
    Abstract: A fabric panel room divider includes tension members biased against horizontal surfaces to support a fabric panel utilizing little floor space without any additional support structure or mounting hardware. The fabric panel room divider includes sleeves enclosed at a top and open at a bottom into which the tension members are installed. The tension members exert a bias force against a ceiling and floor to support the fabric panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Mary E. Gillis
  • Patent number: 7234275
    Abstract: One version of the barrier system may include a first barrier and a second barrier, in which each of the first and second barriers may have a support structure and an upwardly-extending structure. In addition, the first barrier may have a retaining structure adapted to facilitate retention of a portion of the upwardly-extending structure of the second barrier when one of the first and second barriers is in an inverted position. This inverted orientation may be especially advantageous when storing a pair of barriers. For example, in such an orientation, the barrier-pair may occupy less floor- or ground-space than two such barriers placed side-by-side. Moreover, depending on the height of the particular storage area, a second pair of similarly inverted barriers may be securely placed on top of the first pair. In this fashion, the barriers occupy relatively little storage space, space which typically is quite limited and therefore valuable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Safety by Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christine M. Haggy, John W. Marr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7231954
    Abstract: A portable barrier panel for providing privacy to a screened area comprises a plurality of vertical support tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises a plurality of elongate legs having an adjustable length. The elongate legs attached to a lower portion of the vertical support tubes, such that an angle ? exists between the elongate leg and the vertical support tube axis. The angle ? is adjustable. The portable barrier panel further comprises an elongate horizontal framing member having first and second ends that are supported by top two different vertical support tubes. The portable barrier panel further comprises an opaque curtain mounted to the horizontal framing member and at least one of the vertical support tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Craig S. Green
  • Patent number: 7216381
    Abstract: A portable privacy enclosure for sunbathing and other applications includes a bottom panel for engaging the ground or other underlying surface. A first pair of side panels are foldably attached to one longitudinal side of the bottom panel and a second pair of side panels are similarly attached to an opposite side of the bottom panel. A pair of opposing end panels are foldably attached to respective ends of the bottom panel. Each end panel extends between a respective opposing pair of the side panels. Fasteners are provided for releasably interconnecting each adjoining pair of vertical panels to hold the enclosure in an assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Ingrid Setzer
  • Patent number: 7213632
    Abstract: A portable folding room partition has typically 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. Each of the carrier panels includes a vertical end frame member having a horizontal spread end foot with wheels rigidly connected to its lower end. A pull handle is connected to each carrier panel in a position aligned over each spread end foot. The intermediate panels also have wheels and are hingedly connected to one another between the carrier panels to define the partition. Movement of the carrier panels by persons gripping the pull handles acts to spread or collapse the inactive intermediate panels while providing them with stabilizing support at each end. In a preferred form, each of the carrier panels has a pair of spaced apart spreaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: Steven D. Goldstein, Michael D. Edwards, William J. Mark
  • Patent number: 7185861
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to any improved display system unit for holding display panels, photomurals, banners, signs or the like in a variety of sizes. There is also depicted multi-unit systems consecutively joined by hinged and straight connectors to form any desired display configuration. Interchangeable snap or press fit connectors allow alternate assemblies and wall or floor mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Xtra Lite Display Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lester A. LaMotte
  • Patent number: 7143553
    Abstract: The modular multi-configurable display has a series of box frames and provides variable positioning for appurtenances. The display can include a plurality of vertical columns, and generally horizontal trusses. The columns are capable of receiving the trusses at each end of the columns. Each box frame can be stackable with another box frame such that the vertical span of the display is adjustable. Appurtenance can be attached at various positioning locations to the display such that a myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson
  • Patent number: 7051482
    Abstract: An office panel partition includes a panel frame having at least two uprights and a horizontal structural member rigidly interconnecting the uprights. The panel frame has a first side and a second opposite side, and the panel frame defines at least four apertures on the first side thereof. The partition also includes a cover member having a major planar surface defining an exterior surface of the partition. The cover member includes at least four projections that are removably insertable into the at least four apertures to removably secure the cover member to the frame. The apertures are arranged in at least two vertically spaced horizontal rows and at least two horizontally spaced vertical columns. The apertures in a first one of the columns have different horizontal dimensions than those of the apertures located in the other of the columns. Each of the projections has a range of lateral positions when inserted into a respective one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, Mark T. Slager, Dean K. Hubbard, Roy W. Fink, Steven J. Throndset, David J. Battey, Robert E. Jeffers, Allen C. Hager