Adjustably positionable sneeze guard

Abstract

An adjustably positionable sneeze guard includes a transparent panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, and at least two continuously flexible legs having a proximal end and a distal end. Preferably, the distal end of each support leg is attached to the lower surface of the transparent panel by means of a thumb screw, and the proximal end of each support leg is secured to a stationary base by means of a c-shaped clamp mechanism. The transparent panel is adjustably positioned on the stationary base in front of and above food, beverage or other items, to provide a barrier which protects said items from contaminants expelled from the mouth or nose of a person on the opposite side of the transparent panel. The adjustable positioning makes the sneeze guard suitable for self service, attended service, and temporary buffet service lines.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates generally to an apparatus designed for use in buffet service where unpackaged prepared food is displayed, to provide a barrier, which is placed in front of and above displayed food and beverage items, to block contaminants expelled from the mouth or nose of a customer. More specifically, the invention pertains to an adjustably positionable sneeze guard with a transparent panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least two flexible support legs, continuously flexible from a proximal end to a distal end, said distal end of each said support leg attached to said lower surface said transparent panel, and said proximal end of each said support leg attached to a stationary base, whereby, said transparent panel is adjustably positioned on said stationary base in front of and above food, beverage or other items, to protect said items from droplet contamination. [0003] 2. Description of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] The adjustably positionable sneeze guard of the present invention includes a transparent panel, at least two flexible support legs continuously flexible from a proximal end to a distal end, a means for attaching said distal end of each of said support legs to said transparent panel, and, a means for mounting said proximal end of each said support leg to a stationary base, whereby, said transparent panel is adjustably positioned on said stationary base in front of and above food, beverage or other items, to provide a barrier which protects said items from contaminants expelled from the mouth or nose of a person on the opposite side of the transparent panel.

[0021] It is a principal object of the invention to provide a sneeze guard suitable for temporary buffet use, which is light and easy to handle, is easy to set up and remove, does not require permanent attachment to the service counter or table, and may be used even with small portable tables. A further objective is to provide a sneeze guard which is easily disassembled and compact when disassembled, thereby requiring a small amount space for storage when it is not in use.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, while such sneeze guards are adjustable, there are limitations to adjustability which may result in a sneeze guard failing to give protection over the entire zone of potential droplet contamination under some circumstances.

In addition, making the required adjustments may require tools and considerable time.

Several problems occur with the suspension type sneeze guard.

A significant concern is that the sneeze guard may be easily moved out of the zone of potential droplet contamination unless properly restrained by other devices.

Furthermore, the angle of the pane of shield material is generally not adjustable.

Recently, however, there has been an increase in non-traditional means of retail food service.

Sneeze guards of the fixed non-adjustable type, and the adjustable rigid frame or rigid support post type, are not suitable for use with a temporary buffet table or sample table.

Such sneeze guards are too heavy and bulky to be easily set up and removed, and may require permanent attachment to the service counter or table.

In some cases, because the table being used is small and light, use of the standard type sneeze would result in tipping over of the table.

Adjustability of a standard type sneeze guard is also limited and may not accommodate certain serving items, such as large chafing dishes.

Such sneeze guards are also bulky and difficult to store during the times when they are not in use.

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