AU2017101159B4

AU2017101159B4 - Privacy screen

Info

Publication number: AU2017101159B4
Application number: AU2017101159A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jacobus Johannes Joubert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-13
Filing date: 2017-08-24
Publication date: 2018-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-13
Also published as: AU2017200002A1; AU2013205136A1; AU2017101159A4; AU2017200002B2; ZA201402644B

Abstract

-14 Abstract A privacy screen (10) for attachment to at least one surface, each surface forming part of a vertical planar surface, or being in substantial proximity to the vertical planar surface. The privacy screen (10) comprises a first side rail (14a), a second side rail (14b), a connecting rail (16) and a screen (18). Each of the first side rail (14a) and second side rail (14v) are formed from one or more segments connected to the vertical planar surface and are able to pivot relative thereto. The connecting rail is formed from one or more segments and defines a first end (40) and a second end (42). The first end (40) is connected to the first side rail (14a) and the second end (42) is connected to the second side rail (14b). These connections thereby define an interconnected length. The screen (18) connects to the pair of side rails (14a, 14b) and the connecting rail (16) in a manner that allows the screen (18) to traverse along the interconnected length. In a first state, the first and second side rail (14a, 14b) are pivoted to a position whereby the screen (18) defines an enclosed area. In a second state, the first and second side rail (14a, 14b) are pivoted towards each other until they reach a position parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical planar surface. In both states, the interconnected length remains the same. In one embodiment, the first side rail (14a) and the second side rail (14b) connect to the vertical planar surface at positions vertically offset relative to each other. In a second embodiment, the first side rail (14a) and the second side rail (14b) connected to the vertical planar surface at positions horizontally offset relative to each other. Figure 7

Description

“PRIVACY SCREEN”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a privacy screen. The privacy screen may be fixedly mounted to the externality of a vehicle or removably attached. A key element to the privacy screen is that it is able to collapse to a very small size for storage purposes.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Privacy screens are often used for showers or dressing space. For privacy screens used indoors, the privacy screen often takes the form of a fixed wall cubicle or freestanding dividers. In some cases, curtains may be used that are attached to a fixed position curtain rail.

Where the privacy screen is intended for outdoor use, the last two forms of privacy screen may also be used.

The problem with these solutions is that they are cumbersome. Freestanding dividers may be moved as required, but their size generally means that a large amount of space must be given over to their storage when not in use.

In respect of curtain dividers, while the curtain may be drawn back when in use and thus open up the area otherwise divided, the fixed rail structure they are used with must remain in place. Thus, additional real estate is always taken up by these fixed structures.

This take up of real estate can be solved by allowing the rail structure or divider to be disassembled. However, creating a privacy screen that can be disassembled creates its own problems in that the privacy screen must be reassembled every time it is desired to be used.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a privacy screen which can be easily collapsed for storage purposes when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning “including, but not limited to”.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a privacy screen comprising: at least one pair of side rails, each side rail being connected to a contiguous surface or substantially contiguous surface and able to pivot relative thereto; at least one connecting rail, the totality of the at least one connecting rail defining a first end and a second end, where each of the first end and second end being rotationally connected to one of the at least one pair of side rails and thereby define an interconnected length; and a screen connected to the at least one pair of side rails and the at least one connecting rail in a manner that allows the screen to traverse along the interconnected length where, in a first state, the side rails are pivoted to a position whereby the screen defines an enclosed area and where, in a second state, the side rails are pivoted towards each other until they reach a position parallel or substantially parallel to the contiguous, or substantially contiguous surface.

The totality of the at least one connecting rail may be offset relative to each of the at least one pair of side rails. Alternatively, or cumulatively, each side rail may have a housing connector and the housing connectors may also be offset from one another. These offsets may be either vertical offsets or horizontal offsets.

The appropriate offset may be achieved by way of a spacer ring forming part of each rotational connection.

The housing connector may be adapted for connection to a structure, for example, a fixed or movable wall. Alternatively, the housing connector is adapted for connection to the exterior of a vehicle. In this latter configuration, the housing connector may be removable, such as by being adapted for retention by way of roof racks securely fastened to a cab of the vehicle.

Where the vehicle has an enclosure with a lid, the housing connectors may also be adapted for connection to an interior side of the lid. This can then allow the housing connector to incorporate a retention flange. The retention flange can be positioned such that when sufficient downwards force is applied to the privacy screen, the retention flange abuts the lid. Alternatively, the retention flange may be fixedly connected to the lid such that any downwards force applied to the privacy screen is transferred to the lid by way of the retention flange.

The screen may further include at least one fastener adapted for releasable connection to the structure or vehicle The method by which the fastener releasably connects to the structure or vehicle may be at least one of the following methods: magnetism; mechanical connection; hook and loop structures.

The screen may have a plurality of securing rings provided therein for receiving a loop strap, the area bound by the loop strap operable to receive a portion of one of the at least one pair of side rails or the at least one connective rail. Alternatively, the screen may have a plurality of “T” piece connectors attached thereto and each of the at least one pair of side rails and the at least one connective rail has a slotted channel provided along its length for receiving at least one “T” piece connector.

In either case, the loop straps or “T” piece connectors may vary in length so that, when the privacy screen is appropriately closed, the differences in length counteract the respective vertical offset, if any, to facilitate level hanging of the screen.

The screen may have a hem for retaining at least one weight. Preferably, the weight takes the form of a piece of flexible tubing. The flexible tubing may be split split at at least one point to facilitate access to the area defined by the privacy screen.

The screen may also be cut into segments. When so arranged, preferably each segment has a width equal to the length of the at least one connecting rail or at least one side rail to which it is connected.

The screen may incorporate fastening means for fastening the segments together. Alternatively, or in conjunction, the screen may also incorporate a zip where, when unzipped, the screen is divided so as to facilitate access to the area defined by the privacy screen.

The screen may be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material The screen may also be made from a waterproof material,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is front view of the privacy screen according to a first aspect of the present invention in its closed position.

Figure 2 is a top view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its closed position. Figure 3 is a side view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its closed position. Figure

Figure 4 is a front view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its open position.

Figure 5 is a top view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its open position.

Figure 6 is a side view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its open position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the privacy screen as shown in Figure 1 in its open position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described in detail. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a privacy screen 10 for use with a vehicle (not shown). The privacy screen 10 comprises: side rails 14a, 14b; connecting rail 16; and curtain 18.

In this embodiment, the vehicle takes the form of a utility vehicle as would be known to the person skilled in the art in which the utility vehicle’s tray has at least one lidded enclosure provided on one side thereof.

Each side rail 14a, 14b takes the form of an open ended rod.

Each side rail 14a, 14b has a first end 24 and a second end 26. The first end 24 of each side rail 14a, 14b terminates in a cylinder 28. The cylinder 28 has a first open end 30 and a second open end 32. The open ends 30, 32 are concentric and operate to define concentric axes Ci, C2. Furthermore, the cylinder 28 is arranged relative to its respective side rail 14a, 14b such that the side rail 14a, 14b is substantially perpendicular to the respective concentric axis C1, C2.

The second end 26 of each side rail 14a, 14b terminates in a rotational connector 34. The rotational connector 34 incorporates a first flange 36. The first flange 36 has a securing aperture 38 provided therein.

The connecting rail 16 also takes the form of an open ended rod.

The connecting rail 16 also has a first end 40 and a second end 42. Both the first end 40 and the second end 42 terminate in a rotational connector 44. The rotational connector 44 incorporates a second flange 46. The second flange 46 also has a securing aperture 48 provided therein.

Rotational connectors 34, 44 connect to form a pivot point P between each side rail 14a, 14b and the connecting rail 16. Each connection is formed, and maintained, by a bolt and nut (not shown). The bolt passes through the securing apertures 38, 48. However, as it is important that the connecting rail 16 be offset in height from the side rails 14a, 14b, the bolt also passes through a spacer ring interposed between each rotational connector 34, 44.

The curtain 18 consists of a sheet of waterproof material having a first side 56 and a second side 58. The curtain 18 is sized such that it has a length L equal to the combined lengths LR1, LR2, LR3 of the side rails 14a, 14b and the connecting rail 16 respectively.

The curtain 18 is also sized such that, when unravelled, the curtain 18 extends from the side rails 14a, 14b and connecting rail 16 to a height just above the ground that ensures the privacy of any person positioned inside the enclosure so formed by the curtain 18.

The first side 56 of the curtain 18 has a series of connector apertures 60 provided therein. Each connector aperture 60 is reinforced by way of a metal ring 62. Passing through each connector aperture 60, and metal ring 62, is a loop strap 64.

The curtain 18 is thus attached to the side rails 14a, 14b and connecting rail 16 by passing the respective rail 14a, 14b, 16 through the loops formed by the loop straps 64.

As mentioned above, it is important that the connecting rail 16 be offset in height relative to the side rails 14a, 14b. This has an impact on the curtain 18 as the loop straps 64 that are to be positioned on the connecting rail 16 must be of a differing length to those that are to be positioned on the side rails 14a, 14b. In this embodiment, the loop straps 64 that are to be positioned on the connecting rail 16 are shorter that the loop straps to be positioned on the side rails 14a, 14b. This ensures that the curtain 18 hangs substantially level.

Sewn into the curtain 18 at its second side 58 is a hem 66. The hem 66 is used to contain a piece of flexible tubing. The importance of the flexible tubing will be described in more detail below in the context of the use of the invention.

In this first embodiment the privacy screen 10 is fixedly mounted to the utility vehicle as follows.

Each lidded enclosure has a lid. When fully opened, the lid is substantially level relative to the utility vehicle and positioned at a height generally in excess of the average person’s height.

Attached to an underside of the lid are two pivot arms. Each pivot arm is dimensioned so as to form a tight fit within its respective cylinder 28.

Furthermore, the pivot arms are offset relative to each other in relation to their distance, taken at the perpendicular, to a hinge of the lid. The importance of this offset will be explained in more detail below.

The cylinders 28 are retained in place over the pivot arms by way of a retention flange. The retention flange has an angled portion which terminates in a free end.

The invention will now be described in the context of its intended use. A user (not shown) parks the utility vehicle at their desired location. Once parked, the user opens the lidded enclosure containing the privacy screen 10. The lid is opened to the fully opened position as described above.

With the lid fully opened, the user is confronted with the privacy screen 10 in its collapsed state.

The collapsed state of the privacy screen 10 has each side rail 14a, 14b directed towards the pivot arm to which it is not connected. Due to the offset position of the pivot arms, in this closed position the side rails 14a, 14b abut each other while remaining in the same horizontal plane. In the same manner, the offset between the side rails 14a, 14b and connector rail 16 means that the connector rail 16 sits below the side rails 14a, 14b.

In this collapsed state, the curtain 18 is rolled up against the connector rail 16. A hook and loop strap (not shown) encircles the curtain 18 in this arrangement to prevent the curtain 18 from unintentionally unravelling.

To prep the privacy screen 10 for use, the user removes the hook and loop strap in a manner as would be known to the person skilled in the art. Once removed, the weight of the flexible tubing causes the curtain 18 to unravel.

Once so unravelled, the curtain 18 effectively has three segments that overlap each other in concertina fashion.

The user is then able to grab the closest rotational connector 34 and manipulate it such that the associated side rail 14a, 14b rotates about its pivot arm. At the same time, the connective nature of the side rails 14a, 14b and connecting rail 16 causes the connecting rail 16 to also rotate about the grabbed rotational connector 34.

This continues until the appropriate side rail 14a, 14b is positioned substantially perpendicular to the vehicle.

The user then grabs the other rotational connector 34 and manipulates that in a similar manner until both side rails 14a, 14b are substantially perpendicular to the vehicle 12.

The end result is an assembled privacy screen 10, The user may then enter the area enclosed by the privacy screen 10 by appropriate manipulation of the curtain 18.

Due to the fact that, in this embodiment, the privacy screen 10 is connected to the lid of a lidded enclosure, there is the potential for downward force applied to the privacy screen 10 may cause the lid to also collapse. To prevent this from happening, when arranged for normal use, the free end of the retention flange is positioned proximate hinge side of the lid. In this manner, if downward force is applied to the privacy screen 10 it causes the free end to rotate and connect with the hinge side and thus stop the privacy screen 10 from failing and exposing the user to external view (potentially in a situation of undress). It also results in a need for a higher degree of downward force being needed to be applied to the privacy screen 10 in order to also collapse the lid. This assists in preventing the user from potentially being injured by a collapsing lid.

To collapse the privacy screen 10, the process is the reverse as mentioned above with the exception of rolling up the curtain 18.

To roll up the curtain 18 the user grabs the flexible tubing located in hem 66. The tubing is then used as a spindle for rolling up the remainder of the curtain 18. The rolled up curtain 18 is then secured in place by way of a hook and loop strap.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a privacy screen for use with a vehicle. The privacy screen is identical to the privacy screen 10, and operates in an identical manner, save for the modifications mentioned below.

In this embodiment, cylinders 28 are configured to fit within roof rack adaptors. Each roof rack adaptor comprises a pivot bar and a fastener. The pivot bar is spaced from the fastener by way of a spacing arm.

The fastener is adapted to be retained by a roof rack. In this case, the fastener takes the form of a hook. When the roof rack adaptor is fastened to the roof rack by way of fastener, the spacing arm extends away substantially perpendicular to the roof rack.

The pivot bar extends perpendicular to the spacing arm. Thus, the pivot bar extends downwards towards the ground.

As with the first embodiment, the length of the spacing arms differ between the two roof rack adaptors so as to create the desired offset between the two pivot bars.

The flexible tubing is split at a point that, when properly assembled, places the split at a point approximately mid-length of one of the side rails 14a, 14b. The provision of this split allows the user to more easily fold back a portion of the curtain (as attached to the relevant side rail 14a, 14b) and thus allow easier access to the area defined by the privacy screen.

In this embodiment, the curtain 18 also has a plurality of connectors sewn down each side. These connectors take the form of magnets. The magnets are of sufficient strength as to allow a releasable, but secure, attachment between the sides of the curtain 18 and the body of the vehicle.

The curtain 18 also has hook and loop strap attached thereto about its midpoint of side 56. The hook and loop strap operates in the same manner as the separate hook and loop strap described in the first embodiment.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention: • The flexible tubing may be cut at one or more positions. These cuts may be positioned to facilitate folding back of the curtain 18 at one or more points. Alternatively, the cuts may be aligned with potential opening points in the curtain 18. • While the two embodiments described above show differing methods for attaching the privacy screen 10 to a vehicle, it should be appreciated that yet other means of attaching the privacy screen 10 may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. • Similarly, while the invention has been described in the context of connection to a utility vehicle or sedan, the invention can easily be modified for use with other forms of vehicles, such as buses and/or caravans. • It is also possible to adapt the invention for use with other items, such as fixed or removable walls that form part of a housing. The privacy screen may also be used internally, for example as part of the bathroom of a dormitory, as well as externally. • The means by which the side rail 14a, 14b is connected to the vehicle or housing may be other than as described above. For instance, the connection may be effected by suction cups. • In a similar manner, the invention may use other means to achieve the rotational connection required between rotational connectors 34,44. • The curtain 18 may be cut at a position substantially in line with one of the pair of rotational connectors 34, 44, or both, to split the curtain 18 into segments. In this manner entry to, and exit from, the area defined by the curtain 18 may be by way of this cut. • While it is preferable that the curtain 18 consist of a waterproof material in situations where the area defined by the privacy screen 10 will be a wet area, such as a shower, for other purposes any sort of opaque or semi-opaque material may be used. • While it is preferable that it be retained for its functionality as described above, the flexible tubing may be omitted. • Other means of securing the curtain 18 to the side rails 14a, 14b and connector rail 16 may be employed beyond the standard manner described above. For example, each side rail 14a, 14b and the connector rail 18 may have a slotted channel formed therein. In such a configuration, the loop straps 64 may be replaced by “T" piece connectors, the cross bar portion of the “T” piece connector being permanently retained within the slotted channel as the means of connection. • While the use of offset positioning is important to allow for collapsing of the privacy screen as discussed, this feature may be omitted in circumstances where the side rails 14a, 14b are further segmented or where the distance between the pivot arms is significantly greater than the length of the side rails 14a, 14b. • While for practical purposes the use of three rails (i.e. two side rails 14a, 14b and a connector rail 16) is preferable, there is no reason why a greater number of rails may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. • The free end may be fixedly connected to the lidded enclosure, i.e. by being welded thereto, • Rather than a split as described in the second embodiment, the curtain 18 may be provided with one or more zippers. When unzipped, each zipper would then create the desired split to facilitate entrance or exit from the area defined by the privacy screen 10. • In situations where the vehicle to which the privacy screen is desired to be attached is non-magnetic, other forms of fasteners may be used. These may be alternative non-magnetic fastening arrangements, such as button and stud connectors. Alternatively, they may take such forms as magnetic strips which may be adhesively connected to the vehicle 12 at the desired locations. • While a plurality of magnetic strips has been contemplated in relation to privacy screen, in situations where the vehicle body is non-magnetic, only a single magnet may be attached to the curtain 18 at a position that equate to the lower extremities of the vehicle concerned. In this manner, the vehicle need not be plastered with potentially unsightly magnetic strips. • The curtain 18 can be replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid material. In such an arrangement, it is preferable that the material be able to be folded to facilitate compact storage of the privacy screen 10. • The flexible tubing may also be replaced with sewn weights for means of assisting the unravelling of the curtain 18 when being set up for use.

It should be further appreciated that even more embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more of the aforementioned features, where such features are not mutually exclusive, can be created without departing from the invention’s scope.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A privacy screen for attachment to at least one surface, each surface forming part of a vertical surface that is substantially planar,, the privacy screen comprising: a first side rail, the first side rail being formed from one or more segments, connected to the vertical surface and able to pivot relative thereto; a second side rail, the second side rail being formed from one or more segments, connected to the vertical surface and able to pivot relative thereto; a connecting rail defining a first end and a second end, the connecting rail being formed from one or more segments, and where the first end is connected to the first side rail and the second end is connected to the second side rail, the connections thereby defining an interconnected length; and a screen connected to the pair of side rails and the connecting rail in a manner that allows the screen to traverse along the interconnected length, where the pivotal connection of the first side rail and second side rail are at positions vertically offset relative to each other; and where, in a first state, the first and second side rail are pivoted to a position whereby the screen defines an enclosed area and where, in a second state, the first and second side rail are pivoted towards each other until they reach a position parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical surface, the interconnected length being the same in both the first and second state.
2. A privacy screen for attachment to at least one surface, each surface forming part of a vertical surface that is substantially planar, the privacy screen comprising: a first side rail, the first side rail being formed from one or more segments, connected to the vertical surface and able to pivot relative thereto; a second side rail, the second side rail being formed from one or more segments, connected to the vertical surface and able to pivot relative thereto; a connecting rail defining a first end and a second end, the connecting rail being formed from one or more segments, and where the first end is connected to the first side rail and the second end is connected to the second side rail, the connections thereby defining an interconnected length; and a screen connected to the pair of side rails and the connecting rail in a manner that allows the screen to traverse along the interconnected length, where the pivotal connection of the second side rail is spaced from the vertical surface so as to be horizontally offset relative to the pivotal connection of the first side rail; and where, in a first state, the first and second side rail are pivoted to a position whereby the screen defines an enclosed area and where, in a second state, the first and second side rail are pivoted towards each other until they reach a position parallel or substantially parallel to the vertical surface, the interconnected length being the same in both the first and second state.
3. A privacy screen according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the connecting rail is vertically offset relative to each of the at least one pair of side rails.
4. A privacy screen according to claim 3, where the screen connects to the side rails and connecting rail by way of a plurality of loop straps and the loop straps vary in length so that, when the privacy screen is appropriately closed, the differences in length counteract the respective vertical offset of the connecting rail relative to each of the at least one pair of side rails and facilitate level hanging of the screen.
5. A privacy screen according to any preceding claim where the screen has a hem and retained within the hem is at least one weight, the weight operable as a spindle to facilitate furling and unfurling of the screen.