Partition plate

Abstract

A bulkhead includes, but is not limited to, a first body including a planar collapsible material. The separator further includes a plurality of fold-resistant flat substrates. The separator further includes an adhesive. The substrate is adhered to the first body by an adhesive and arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and rows. Each column and each row are spaced apart from adjacent ones thereof, thereby defining a longitudinal gap between the columns and a lateral gap between the rows. The first body is folded laterally along the longitudinal gap in an accordion-like manner and is simultaneously folded longitudinally along the lateral gap in an accordion-like manner. When the first main body is folded transversely and longitudinally at the same time, the partition plate shrinks in the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction. The bulkhead extends both laterally and longitudinally when the first body is simultaneously deployed laterally and longitudinally.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Application No. 18 / 049,163, filed on October 24, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to partitions, and more particularly to partitions for separating spaces occupied by people. Background Art

[0004] Conventional partitions, such as those used to separate one room or chamber from another, or those used to divide an undivided space into partitioned spaces, come in various forms. For example, conventional partitions include pivot doors, pocket doors, swing doors, metal bulkheads, retractable walls, curtains, hidden walls, etc.

[0005] In a conventional aircraft interior, metal bulkheads attached to opposite walls of a tubular aircraft cabin are typically used in combination with curtains to separate a portion of the aircraft cabin from an adjacent portion to form a separate compartment. Metal bulkheads consume floor space and increase the weight of the aircraft. They are immovable and must be taken into account when laying out the floor plan of the aircraft's furniture and other equipment. Fabric curtains suspended between the bulkheads are heavy and lack an aesthetic appearance.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a partition that addresses the above - mentioned problems. Further, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following summary and detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background art, as well as from the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various non - limiting embodiments of partitions are disclosed herein.

[0008] In a first non - limiting embodiment, the partition includes, but is not limited to, a first body, the first body including a foldable material. The first body has a first side and a second side. The first body has a planar configuration when unfolded. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of substrates. Each of the plurality of substrates has a flat geometry and is anti - foldable. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, an adhesive. Each of the plurality of substrates is adhered to the second side of the first body by the adhesive and is arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. Each column of the plurality of columns is spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between the columns. Each row of the plurality of rows is spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows. The first body is configured to fold in a bellows - like manner in a transverse direction along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps and simultaneously fold in a bellows - like manner in a longitudinal direction along the plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows. When the first body is folded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition contracts in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. When the first body is unfolded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition extends in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0009] In another non - limiting embodiment, the partition includes, but is not limited to, a first body, the first body including a foldable material. The first body has a first side and a second side. The first body has a planar configuration when unfolded. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of substrates. Each of the plurality of substrates has a flat geometry and is anti - foldable. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, a second body, the second body including a decorative foldable material. The second body has a planar configuration when unfolded. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, a third body, the third body including a decorative foldable material. The third body has a planar configuration when unfolded. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, an adhesive. Each of the plurality of substrates is adhered to the second side of the first body by the adhesive and is arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. Each column of the plurality of columns is spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between the columns. Each row of the plurality of rows is spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows. The second body is adhered to the first side of the first body by the adhesive. The third body is adhered to the second side of the first body and the back side of the plurality of substrates by the adhesive. The first body, the second body, and the third body are configured to fold in a bellows - like manner in a transverse direction along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps and simultaneously fold in a bellows - like manner in a longitudinal direction along the plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows. When the first body, the second body, and the third body are folded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition contracts in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. When the first body, the second body, and the third body are unfolded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition extends in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where the same numbers represent the same elements, and:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a non - limiting example of a vehicle adapted to be used with a non - limiting embodiment of a partition manufactured in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein;

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the interior of the vehicle of, which is equipped with a non - limiting example of a partition manufactured in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein, the partition being set in a closed configuration;

[0013] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 a perspective view of, where the partition is set in a partially open configuration;

[0014] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 a perspective view of, where the partition is set in a fully open configuration;

[0015] Figure 5 is Figures 2 - 4 an exploded view of the partition of;

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing Figures 2 - 4 a non - limiting example of the support layer of the partition of;

[0017] Figure 7 is Figures 2 - 4 a perspective view of a non - limiting example of the base of the partition of;

[0018] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing Figure 6 the plurality of bases of coupled to the support layer of Figure 7 ;

[0019] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 2 a perspective view of, where the interior of the vehicle is equipped with an alternative non - limiting embodiment of a partition manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the partition being set in a closed configuration; and

[0020] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9 a perspective view of, where the partition is set in a fully open configuration. Detailed Description

[0021] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the foregoing background or the following detailed description.

[0022] This disclosure relates to an improved partition. The disclosed partition is configured to fold and unfold between an open position and a closed position. While conventional curtains or collapsible partitions are configured to fold in an accordion-like manner in only a single direction (e.g., laterally), the disclosed partition is configured to fold in two directions (both laterally and longitudinally). Moreover, the disclosed partition is configured to do so simultaneously. This is achieved by using multiple layers, where at least one layer includes a plurality of substrates made of a fold-resistant material and a second layer adapted to fold. Each of the plurality of substrates has the same size and shape, and each substrate is attached to the second layer via an adhesive. The plurality of substrates are arranged in a spaced-apart pattern creating both rows and columns. In a non-limiting example, the pattern is a herringbone pattern. The second layer is configured to fold simultaneously along both the rows and the columns in an accordion-like manner. Thus, when folded simultaneously along the rows and columns, the partition contracts both laterally and longitudinally. Conversely, when unfolded along the rows and columns, the partition extends both laterally and longitudinally.

[0023] A better understanding of the above partition can be obtained by viewing the drawings attached to this application and by viewing the detailed description below.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a vehicle 20 suitable for use with the partition disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 20 is depicted as an aircraft. While the disclosed partition is compatible with use on an aircraft, it should be understood that the disclosed partition is not limited to such use. Instead, the disclosed partition is compatible with all types of vehicles. Moreover, the disclosed partition is not limited to use with vehicles. Instead, the disclosed partition can be used in any conceivable application where a partition is needed to separate or enclose a space. For example and without limitation, the disclosed partition can be used as an alternative to a swinging door or a pocket door in a home application. Additionally, the disclosed partition can be used as a device for partitioning workstations into cubicles in an office application. In other embodiments, the partition of the present invention can be used in any other application where a conventional partition is used.

[0025] Continuing reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an upstream or forward longitudinal view of the interior of the vehicle 20. Bulkheads 22 and 24 extend from opposite inner walls of the cabin of the vehicle 20. Bulkheads 22 and 24 extend laterally into the central portion of the cabin. A gap 25 is formed between the inner edge 26 of bulkhead 22 and the inner edge 28 of bulkhead 24. Closing the gap 25 are partitions 30 and 32, each of which has been manufactured in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In another non-limiting embodiment, a single partition can be employed to span the gap 25.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 30 extends in an inward direction from the inner edge 26, and the partition 32 extends in an inward direction from the inner edge 28. In Figure 2 the partition 30 and the partition 32 fully extend and meet in the middle to enclose the gap 25. In an example, the two partitions are held together in the middle of the cabin by any suitable coupling mechanism (including but not limited to by hook-and-loop connectors or by magnets). This configuration will alternatively be referred to herein as the closed position or the extended position. When in the closed position, the upper peripheral profiles of the partitions 30 and 32 are configured to have arcs that conform to the circular inner profile of the ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle 20. In other embodiments, any part of the perimeter of the partition 30 and any part of the partition 32 can be contoured to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of any opening to which the partitions 30 and 32 are coupled.

[0027] As Figure 2 shown, the partitions 30 and 32 each have an aesthetically pleasing decorative appearance. In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative appearance includes a herringbone pattern. As discussed in detail below, the herringbone pattern is not superficial or only at the surface level, but runs through the entire structure of the partitions 30 and 32. The partitions 30 and 32 are each configured and trained to fold in a bellows-like manner along the folds in the herringbone pattern. Specifically, each partition is configured to fold horizontally or laterally along the transverse axis 36 and also vertically or longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 38 simultaneously. The ability to fold horizontally and vertically in a bellows-like manner has the effect of causing each partition to contract along both its length dimension and its height dimension, which in turn results in an increase in the width or thickness of each partition when folded or contracted. Although the herringbone pattern has been shown in Figure 2 and throughout the present disclosure, it should be understood that any other suitable repeating pattern that effectively allows the partitions to fold simultaneously in both the horizontal and vertical directions can also be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 2 , Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal upstream or front view of the interior of the vehicle 20 shown in Figure 2 where the partitions 30 and 32 are in a partially folded or contracted state. In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 are respectively mounted to the inner edge 26 and the inner edge 28 at the longitudinal center positions along each partition. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, when the partition 30 contracts, the upper end of the partition 30 contracts vertically downward from the ceiling of the cabin, and the lower end of the partition 30 contracts vertically upward from the floor of the cabin. The same applies to the partition 32.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 may be mounted to the inner edges 26 and 28, respectively, at vertically lower positions along the partitions 30 and 32. In such an embodiment, the partition 30 will contract longitudinally downward from the ceiling of the cabin, while the lower portion of the partition 30 will still be adjacent to the floor surface of the cabin. Conversely, in yet another embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 may be mounted to the inner edges 26 and 28, respectively, at vertically higher positions along the partitions 30 and 32. In such an embodiment, the partition 30 will contract longitudinally upward from the floor of the cabin.

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, when the partitions 30 and 32 are in a partially contracted state, a gap 34 is formed between the inner edge 36 of the partition 30 and the inner edge of the partition 32. The extent of the gap 34 can be controlled by the user by simply contracting the partitions 30 and 32 to a desired contracted state. The gap 34 allows movement between the two compartments of the cabin separated by the partitions 30 and 32, while still providing a degree of separation between the two compartments. In an embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 may include one or more magnets that facilitate holding the partitions 30 and 32 in their partially contracted state.

[0031] Continuing to refer Figures 1 - 3 , Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal upstream or front view of the interior of the vehicle 20 shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , where the partitions 30 and 32 are in a fully folded or contracted state. As Figure 4 shown, when the partitions 30 and 32 are in a fully contracted state, the gap 34 has widened compared to Figure 3 . In this fully folded or contracted state, the partitions 30 and 32 have contracted both laterally and longitudinally compared to their corresponding states as shown in Figure 3 . Additionally, when fully folded or contracted, the gap 34 allows maximum access and movement between the two compartments of the cabin separated by the partitions 30 and 32. This configuration will alternatively be referred to herein as the open position or the retracted position. As described above, in an embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 may include one or more magnets that facilitate holding the partitions 30 and 32 in their fully contracted state.

[0032] Continuing to refer Figures 1 - 4 , Figure 5 is an exploded view of the partition 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 are substantially identical. Thus, the description of the exploded view of the partition 30 provided below equally applies to the partition 32.

[0033] Figure 5The embodiment of the partition 30 shown in the figure includes a decorative layer 40, an adhesive layer 42, a support layer 44, an adhesive layer 46, a plurality of substrates 48, an adhesive layer 50, and a decorative layer 52. In other embodiments, more or fewer layers may be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0034] Each of the decorative layer 40 and the decorative layer 52 includes any suitable decorative material capable of being folded. In an example, the decorative layer 40 and the decorative layer 52 may each include a leather material, a felt material, a vinyl material, or a vinyl material or a printed 3D plastic, ABS, or polymer.

[0035] The adhesive layer 42, the adhesive layer 46, and the adhesive layer 50 may include any material or substance having double-sided adhesiveness and effectively joining two adjacent layers to each other. The adhesive layers 42, 46, and 50 may include a film adhesive, a liquid adhesive, a spray adhesive, or any combination thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the adhesive layers 42, 46, and 50 are transparent. In another non-limiting embodiment, the adhesive layers 42, 46, and 50 are at least partially translucent.

[0036] The support layer 44 may be composed of any material capable of being folded. In a non-limiting example, the support layer 44 may include a mylar material. In other embodiments, the support layer 44 may include any other suitable material, including but not limited to a vinyl material or a printed 3D plastic, ABS, or polymer.

[0037] The plurality of substrates 48 includes a plurality of individual substrates, each substrate having a geometric configuration that includes a component of the decorative repeating pattern of the partition 30. In the non-limiting shown embodiment, each substrate has substantially the same geometric configuration. The geometric configuration of each individual substrate 48 is such that when they are positioned close to each other in a spaced-apart relationship and arranged and oriented in the Figure 5 manner shown in the figure, then the plurality of substrates 48 and the spaces therebetween generally form Figure 2 the herringbone pattern shown in the figure. In a non-limiting example, each individual substrate 48 has a diamond configuration. In other embodiments, any other geometric configuration that effectively forms an overall pattern supporting simultaneous lateral / horizontal and longitudinal / vertical folding may be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0038] Each substrate 48 is composed of a material resistant to folding. In an example, the substrate 48 may be composed of a plexiglass material. In other embodiments, the plurality of substrates 48 may be composed of any other suitable material that is resistant to folding and capable of presenting and maintaining the desired geometric configuration. Examples of such materials include but are not limited to a vinyl material or a printed 3D plastic, ABS, or polymer.

[0039] When assembled, the various layers of the separator 30 are sandwiched together, with adhesive layers disposed between adjacent non - adhesive layers to form an integrated composite body of different layered materials (referred to herein as the "separator body"). All layers except the plurality of substrates 48 are foldable. Since the plurality of substrates 48 are arranged in a spaced - apart manner on the support layer 44, there are spaces between adjacent substrates 48 to allow each of the other layers to be folded along these spaces.

[0040] Once the separator body has been formed, it must then be "trained". As used herein, the term "training" refers to the process of pre - folding the separator body in a predetermined manner that allows the separator body to fold both laterally / horizontally and longitudinally / vertically. An example of how to train a herringbone - patterned material is shown in a YouTube video, which can be accessed by searching using the title "Origami Herringbone Tesselation Tutorial", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Thus, the process of training / folding a sheet of material to impart a herringbone pattern to the sheet of material is well - known in the art.

[0041] Once the separator body has been trained, it can be cut or otherwise given a profile that will conform to the dimensions, profile, and configuration of the opening into which it will be fitted. In an embodiment, the separator body can be cut or otherwise given an appropriate profile before the training process. Once the separator body has been trained and profiled, it is ready to be used as the separator 30. The training process not only allows the separator to fold both laterally and longitudinally simultaneously, but also creates a crease appearance in the separator surface of the repeating pattern. It is the crease appearance that gives the separator its decorative appearance. In the illustrated embodiment, the crease appearance is a herringbone pattern. In other embodiments, any other suitable pattern that allows folding simultaneously in the lateral and longitudinal directions can be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0042] Continuing to refer Figures 1 - 5 to Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the support layer 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the support layer 44 has a herringbone pattern printed on its surface. The adhesive layer 46 is transparent or sufficiently translucent to allow the printed herringbone pattern to remain visible after the adhesive layer 46 has been applied. This printing of the herringbone pattern in combination with the use of a transparent or translucent adhesive facilitates the application and positioning of each of the plurality of substrates 48 onto the support layer 44. In another non - limiting embodiment, the support layer 48 can include a decorative material, thereby eliminating the need for two separate layers to provide support and a decorative function.

[0043] Continuing to referFigures 1 - 6 , Figure 7 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of the base 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 48 has a diamond configuration. This diamond configuration is suitable for being within the pattern printed on the surface of the support layer 44 as shown in Figure 6 and facilitates the creation of a herringbone pattern. In another embodiment employing a different pattern, the base 48 will have a shape / profile / configuration that will form a different pattern when arranged with other similarly shaped base members.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 48 is made of plexiglass. In other embodiments, the base 48 can be made of any other suitable anti-folding material. When a plurality of bases 48 are arranged and adhered to the surface of the support layer 44, this anti-folding property will facilitate the training of the partition body. This is because each non-foldable base will be spaced apart from each other non-foldable base. This spaced-apart arrangement will leave vertical and horizontal gaps between the respective bases, which are bridged by the remaining layers of the partition body. Each of the remaining layers is made of a foldable material. The worker performing the training process will use his or her hand to touch the relatively hard and non-foldable adjacent bases 48 through the partition body. Once detected, the worker will know to fold the partition body between the adjacent bases 48. In this way, the base 48 serves as a guide for the training process.

[0045] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 7 , Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of bases 48 adhered to the support layer 44 in a herringbone pattern. In this view, a plurality of longitudinal gaps 56 and a plurality of transverse gaps 58 are respectively provided between the columns and rows formed by the plurality of bases 48. The longitudinal gaps 56 and the transverse gaps 58 facilitate the training of the composite body of different layers, as described above.

[0046] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 8 , Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the interior of the vehicle 20 similar to the view shown in Figure 2 . Figure 2 and Figure 9 The main difference between Figure 9 is that in Figure 9 , the bulkheads 22 and 24 in the interior of the vehicle 20 are omitted. Instead, the partitions 60 and 62 are used to divide the cabin of the aircraft 20 into separate compartments. Except for the profile and dimensions, the partitions 60 and 62 are identical to the partitions 30 and 32 in all respects. The partitions 60 and 62 have been given a profile and dimensions that allow each partition to conform to the inner surface of the cabin from wall to wall. In Figure 9In the embodiment shown, the partitions 60 and 62 are each coupled to the lower portions of opposite walls of the cabin of the aircraft 20 and each extend from the opposite walls into the central portion of the cabin to meet in the middle. Their upper profiles are configured to conform to the circular arc of the interior of the cabin, and their lower profiles are configured to conform to the straight line of the cabin floor. As Figure 9 shown, the partitions 60 and 62 are in the extended or closed position. In this position, the partitions 60 and 62 divide the originally continuous and adjacent chambers into two different chambers.

[0047] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 - 9 , Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 9 in which the partitions 60 and 62 are set in the retracted or open position. The partitions 60 and 62 each contract horizontally and vertically and have a created gap 25 that allows movement between the adjacent chambers formed by the partitions 60 and 62. In the embodiment shown, the gap 25 is maximized. The user can partially close the gap 25 by pulling the partitions 60 and 62 towards each other, thereby setting the amplitude of the gap 25 to any desired distance.

[0048] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that there are numerous variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention in any way. Instead, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A partition, comprising: a first body including a foldable material, the first body having a first side and a second side, the first body having a planar configuration when unfolded; a plurality of substrates, each of the plurality of substrates having a flat geometric shape and being anti-foldable; and an adhesive, wherein each of the plurality of substrates is adhered to the second side of the first body by the adhesive and arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, each column of the plurality of columns being spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between the columns, and each row of the plurality of rows being spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows, wherein the first body is configured to fold in a transverse direction along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps in an accordion-like manner and simultaneously fold in a longitudinal direction along the plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows in the accordion-like manner, wherein when the first body is folded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition contracts in both the transverse and longitudinal directions, and wherein when the first body is unfolded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition extends in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

2. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the flat geometric shape of each substrate is substantially the same as the flat geometric shape of each other substrate.

3. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the transverse contraction of the partition to the longitudinal contraction of the partition is at least 2:

1.

4. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the first foldable body includes Mylar material.

5. The partition according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of substrates includes plexiglass material.

6. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating pattern is printed on the second side.

7. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the first body has a configuration conforming to an opening associated with the partition when unfolded.

8. The partition according to claim 1, wherein the repeating pattern includes a herringbone pattern.

9. A partition, comprising: a first body including a foldable material, the first body having a first side and a second side, the first body having a planar configuration when unfolded; a plurality of substrates, each of the plurality of substrates having a flat geometric shape and being anti-foldable; a second body including a decorative foldable material, the second body having the planar configuration when unfolded; a third body including the decorative foldable material, the third body having the planar configuration when unfolded; and an adhesive; wherein each of the plurality of substrates is adhered to the second side of the first body by the adhesive and arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, each column of the plurality of columns being spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between the columns, and each row of the plurality of rows being spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of transversely extending gaps between the rows, Wherein, the second body is adhered to the first side of the first body by the adhesive. Wherein, the third body is adhered to the second side of the first body and the dorsal side of the plurality of substrates by the adhesive. Wherein, the first body, the second body and the third body are configured to be folded in the transverse direction along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps in an accordion-like manner, and at the same time folded in the longitudinal direction along the plurality of laterally extending gaps between the rows in the accordion-like manner. Wherein, when the first body, the second body and the third body are folded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition shrinks in both the transverse and longitudinal directions, and Wherein, when the first body, the second body and the third body are unfolded simultaneously in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction, the partition extends in both the transverse and longitudinal directions.

10. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The flat geometry of each substrate is substantially the same as the flat geometry of each other substrate.

11. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The ratio of the transverse contraction of the partition to the longitudinal contraction of the partition is at least 2:

1.

12. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The first body comprises a Mylar material.

13. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, Each of the plurality of substrates comprises a plexiglass material.

14. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The second body and the third body each comprise a leather material.

15. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The repeating pattern is printed on the second side of the first body.

16. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The first body has a configuration that conforms to the opening associated with the partition when unfolded.

17. The partition according to claim 9, Wherein, The repeating pattern comprises a herringbone pattern.

18. The partition according to claim 10, Wherein, The laterally extending gaps extend laterally in a zigzag pattern.

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