partition

Abstract

A partition includes, but is not limited to, a first body comprising a planar, foldable material. The partition further includes a plurality of anti-fold flat substrates. The partition further includes an adhesive. The substrates are adhered to the first body by the adhesive and are arranged in a repeating pattern defining a plurality of columns and rows. Each column and each row is spaced from its adjacent counterparts, defining longitudinal gaps between the columns and lateral gaps between the rows. The first body is folded laterally along the longitudinal gaps in an accordion-like manner and simultaneously folded longitudinally along the lateral gaps in an accordion-like manner. The partition contracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body is simultaneously folded laterally and longitudinally. The partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body is simultaneously unfolded laterally and longitudinally.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18 / 049,163, filed October 24, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to partitions, and more particularly to partitions for dividing a space occupied by a person. BACKGROUND

[0004] Conventional partitions, such as those used to separate one room or chamber from another room or chamber, or those used to divide an undivided space into divided spaces, come in a variety of forms. For example, conventional partitions include pivoting doors, pocket doors, swing doors, metal bulkheads, retractable walls, curtains, disappearing walls, and the like.

[0005] In conventional aircraft interiors, metal bulkheads attached to opposing walls of a tubular aircraft cabin are often 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 add weight to the aircraft. They are immovable and must be accounted for when laying out the floor plan of the aircraft’s furnishings and other equipment. Fabric curtains suspended between the bulkheads are heavy and lack an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a partition that addresses the above issues. Moreover, in view of the background discussion, further desired features and characteristics will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

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

[0008] In a first non-limiting embodiment, the partition includes, but is not limited to, a 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 substrate of the plurality of substrates has a flat geometry and is resistant to folding. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, an adhesive. Each substrate 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 laterally extending gaps between the rows. The first body is configured to fold in an accordion-like manner along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps in a lateral direction and simultaneously fold in an accordion-like manner along the plurality of laterally extending gaps between the rows in a longitudinal direction. The partition retracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body is simultaneously folded in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. The partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body is simultaneously unfolded in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment, the partition includes, but is not limited to, a 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 substrate of the plurality of substrates has a flat geometry and is resistant to folding. The partition further includes, but is not limited to, a 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 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 substrate 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 laterally 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 a backside of the plurality of substrates by the adhesive. The first body, the second body, and the third body are configured to fold in an accordion-like manner along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps in a lateral direction and simultaneously fold in an accordion-like manner along the plurality of laterally extending gaps between the rows in a longitudinal direction. The partition retracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body, the second body, and the third body are simultaneously folded in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. The partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions when the first body, the second body, and the third body are simultaneously unfolded in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] The application will be described below with reference to the following drawings, wherein identical numbers indicate identical elements, and:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 9 , wherein the partition is disposed in a fully open configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0022] An improved partition is disclosed herein. The partition of the present disclosure is configured to fold and unfold between an open position and a closed position. While conventional window treatments or foldable partitions are configured to fold in only a single direction (e.g., in the lateral direction) in an accordion-like manner, the partition of the present disclosure is configured to fold in two directions (both in the lateral and longitudinal directions). Moreover, the partition of the present disclosure is configured to do so simultaneously. This is accomplished through the use of multiple layers, at least one of which includes a plurality of substrates composed of a material that is resistant to folding and a second layer that is adapted to fold. Each of the plurality of substrates is the same size and shape, and each is attached to the second layer via an adhesive. The plurality of substrates are arranged in a spaced apart pattern that creates both rows and columns. In a non-limiting example, the pattern is a herringbone pattern. The second layer is configured to fold in an accordion-like manner along both the rows and columns simultaneously. Thus, when folded along both the rows and columns simultaneously, the partition retracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Conversely, when unfolded along the rows and columns, the partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0023] A better understanding of the above-described partition can be obtained through a review of the drawings appended hereto and the following detailed description.

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

[0025] With continued reference to 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 opposing interior walls of the cabin of the vehicle 20. The bulkheads 22 and 24 extend laterally into the center portion of the cabin. A gap 25 is formed between an interior lateral edge 26 of the bulkhead 22 and an interior lateral edge 28 of the 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 from the inboard edge 26 in the inboard direction, and the partition 32 extends from the inboard edge 28 in the inboard direction. In Figure 2 embodiments, the partitions 30 and 32 are held together in the middle of the cabin by any suitable coupling mechanism, including but not limited to by a hook and loop connector or by magnets. This configuration will be alternatively referred to herein as a closed position or an extended position. When in the closed position, the upper perimeter profile of the partitions 30 and 32 is configured to have an arc that conforms to the circular interior profile of the ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle 20. In other embodiments, any portion of the perimeter of the partition 30 and any portion of the perimeter of the partition 32 can be profiled to conform to the curvature of the interior surface of any opening with which the partitions 30 and 32 are coupled.

[0027] As Figure 2 illustrated in Figure 2 , 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 merely surface level, but rather is throughout the structure of the partitions 30 and 32. The partitions 30 and 32 are each configured and trained to fold in an accordion-like manner along the folds in the herringbone pattern. Specifically, each partition is configured to fold horizontally or laterally along a transverse axis 36, and also to fold vertically or longitudinally along a longitudinal axis 38, simultaneously. Being able to fold horizontally and vertically in an accordion-like manner has the effect of causing each partition to contract along both its length dimension and 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 illustrated in

[0028] With continued reference to Figures 1-2 , Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an upstream or forward-looking longitudinal view of the interior of the vehicle 20 shown in Figure 2 , with the partitions 30 and 32 in a partially folded or contracted state. In the illustrated embodiment, the partitions 30 and 32 are mounted to the inboard edge 26 and the inboard edge 28, respectively, at a longitudinal center location along each partition. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, when the partition 30 is contracted, the upper end of the partition 30 is contracted vertically downward from the ceiling of the cabin, and the lower end of the partition 30 is contracted vertically upward from the floor of the cabin. The same applies to the partition 32.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, bulkheads 30 and 32 may be mounted to inner edges 26 and 28, respectively, at their lower vertical positions along the cabin floor. In this embodiment, bulkhead 30 retracts longitudinally downwards from the cabin ceiling, while the lower portion of bulkhead 30 remains adjacent to the cabin floor surface. Conversely, in yet another embodiment, bulkheads 30 and 32 may be mounted to inner edges 26 and 28, respectively, at their higher vertical positions along the cabin floor. In this embodiment, bulkhead 30 retracts longitudinally upwards from the cabin floor.

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

[0031] Continue to refer to Figures 1-3 , Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 The perspective view of the interior of the vehicle 20 shown is an upstream or forward longitudinal view, in which partitions 30 and 32 are fully folded or retracted. Figure 4 As shown, when partitions 30 and 32 are in a fully retracted state, the gap 34 and Figure 3 Compared to its current wider shape, in this fully folded or contracted state, it is similar to... Figure 3 Compared to their respective states shown, bulkheads 30 and 32 have retracted in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Furthermore, when fully folded or retracted, gap 34 allows for maximum access and movement between the two compartments of the cabin separated by bulkheads 30 and 32. This configuration will be alternatively referred to herein as the open position or the retracted position. As described above, in embodiments, bulkheads 30 and 32 may include one or more magnets that facilitate holding bulkheads 30 and 32 in their fully retracted state.

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

[0033] Figure 5The embodiment of the partition 30 shown 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 used without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0034] Decorative layer 40 and decorative layer 52 each comprise any suitable decorative material that can be folded. In the example, decorative layer 40 and decorative layer 52 may each comprise leather, felt, vinyl, or printed 3D plastic, ABS, or polymer.

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

[0036] The support layer 44 can be made of any foldable material. In a non-limiting example, the support layer 44 may include mylar material. In other embodiments, the support layer 44 may include any other suitable material, including but not limited to vinyl materials or printed 3D plastics, ABS, or polymers.

[0037] The plurality of substrates 48 comprises a plurality of individual substrates, each substrate having a geometric configuration that includes components of a decorative repeating pattern of the partition 30. In a non-limiting embodiment shown, 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-out relationship and... Figure 5 When arranged and oriented as shown, the multiple bases 48 and the spaces between them generally form Figure 2 The herringbone pattern is shown. In a non-limiting example, each individual base 48 has a diamond configuration. In other embodiments, any other geometric configuration may be employed to effectively form an overall pattern that supports simultaneous lateral / horizontal and longitudinal / vertical folds without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0038] Each substrate 48 is made of a fold-resistant material. In this example, substrate 48 may be made of plexiglass. In other embodiments, the multiple substrates 48 may be made of any other suitable material that is fold-resistant and capable of presenting and maintaining a desired geometric configuration. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, vinyl materials or printed 3D plastics, ABS, or polymers.

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

[0040] Once the spacer body has been formed, it must then be "trained." As used herein, the term "trained" refers to the process of pre-folding the spacer body in a predetermined manner that allows the spacer body to be folded simultaneously in both the lateral / horizontal and longitudinal / vertical directions. An example of how to train a material having a herringbone pattern is shown in a YouTube video that can be accessed by searching using the title "Origami Herringbone Tesselation Tutorial," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their 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 spacer body has been trained, it can be cut or otherwise imparted with a profile that will conform to the size, profile, and configuration of the opening into which it will be fitted. In embodiments, the spacer body can be cut or otherwise imparted with the appropriate profile prior to the training process. Once the spacer body has been trained and profiled, it is ready to be used as a spacer 30. The training process not only allows the spacer to be folded simultaneously in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, but also creates a crease appearance in the repeating pattern of the spacer surface. It is the crease appearance that produces the decorative appearance of the spacer. In the illustrated embodiment, the crease appearance is a herringbone pattern. In other embodiments, any other suitable pattern that allows for simultaneous folding in both the lateral and longitudinal directions can be employed without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0042] With continued reference to Figures 1-5 , 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 coupled 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 comprise a decorative material, thereby eliminating the need for two separate layers to provide the support and decorative functions.

[0043] With continued reference toFigures 1-6 , Figure 7 is a perspective view of a non-limiting example of a base 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 48 has a diamond configuration. This diamond configuration is suitable for use within the pattern printed on the surface of the support layer 44 shown in Figure 6 . The diamond configuration facilitates the creation of the herringbone pattern within the pattern printed on the surface of the support layer 44 shown in

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 48 is composed of organic glass. In other embodiments, the base 48 can be composed of any other suitable material that is resistant to folding. When multiple bases 48 are arranged and adhered to the surface of the support layer 44, this resistance to folding will facilitate the training of the bulkhead 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 that are bridged by the remaining layers of the bulkhead body. Each of the remaining layers is composed of foldable material. The worker conducting the training process will touch the adjacent base 48 with his or her hand through the bulkhead body that is relatively rigid and non-foldable. Upon detection, the worker will know to fold the bulkhead body between the adjacent base 48. In this manner, the base 48 serves as a guide for the training process.

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

[0046] With continued reference 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 The main difference between Figure 9 and Figure 9 is that in Figure 9 the interior of the vehicle 20 omits the bulkheads 22 and 24. Instead, bulkheads 60 and 62 are used to partition the cabin of the aircraft 20 into separate chambers. The bulkheads 60 and 62 are identical to the bulkheads 30 and 32, respectively, in all respects except for the contours and dimensions. The bulkheads 60 and 62 have been given contours and dimensions that allow each bulkhead to conform from wall to wall to the interior surface of the cabin. InIn the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, partitions 60 and 62 are each coupled to a lower portion of opposing walls of the cabin of aircraft 20 and each extend from the opposing walls into a central portion of the cabin to meet in the middle. Their upper profiles are configured to conform to a circular arc of the interior of the cabin and their lower profiles are configured to conform to a straight line of the floor of the cabin. As shown in FIG. 1, partitions 60 and 62 are in an extended or closed position. In this position, partitions 60 and 62 divide what would otherwise be a continuous and contiguous chamber into two distinct chambers. Figure 9 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, partitions 60 and 62 are each coupled to a lower portion of opposing walls of the cabin of aircraft 20 and each extend from the opposing walls into a central portion of the cabin to meet in the middle. Their upper profiles are configured to conform to a circular arc of the interior of the cabin and their lower profiles are configured to conform to a straight line of the floor of the cabin. As shown in FIG. 1, partitions 60 and 62 are in an extended or closed position. In this position, partitions 60 and 62 divide what would otherwise be a continuous and contiguous chamber into two distinct chambers.

[0047] With continued reference to Figures 1-9 , Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 9 FIG. 1, wherein partitions 60 and 62 are disposed in a retracted or open position. Partitions 60 and 62 are each retracted horizontally and vertically and have created a gap 25 that allows movement between adjacent chambers formed by partitions 60 and 62. In the embodiment shown, gap 25 is maximized. A user can partially close gap 25 by pulling partitions 60 and 62 toward each other, thereby setting the amplitude of gap 25 to any desired distance.

[0048] While at least one example embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a great variety of modifications are possible. It should also be appreciated that the example embodiment or embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an example embodiment of the disclosure. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the example embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A partition, comprising: A first body comprising a foldable material, the first body having a first side and a second side, the first body having a planar configuration when unfolded; Multiple substrates, each of which has a flat geometry and is resistant to folding; as well as Adhesive, 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 of the plurality of columns is spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between columns, and each of the plurality of rows is spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of laterally extending gaps between rows. The first body is configured to fold laterally in an accordion-like manner along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps, and simultaneously fold longitudinally in the same accordion-like manner along the plurality of laterally extending gaps between rows. When the first body is folded simultaneously in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, the partition contracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, and When the first body unfolds simultaneously in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, the partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

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

3. The partition according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the lateral 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 comprises Mylar material.

5. The partition according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of substrates comprises an 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 that conforms to the 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 comprising a foldable material, the first body having a first side and a second side, the first body having a planar configuration when unfolded; Multiple substrates, each of which has a flat geometry and is resistant to folding; The second body includes a decorative foldable material, and the second body has the planar configuration when unfolded; The third body includes a decorative foldable material, which has the planar configuration when unfolded; as well as Adhesives; 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 of the plurality of columns is spaced apart from each adjacent column to define a plurality of longitudinally extending gaps between columns, and each of the plurality of rows is spaced apart from each adjacent row to define a plurality of laterally extending gaps between 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 an accordion-like manner along the plurality of longitudinally extending gaps in the transverse direction, and simultaneously fold in the same accordion-like manner along the plurality of transversely extending gaps between rows in the longitudinal direction. When the first body, the second body, and the third body are folded simultaneously in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, the partition contracts in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, and When the first body, the second body, and the third body are simultaneously deployed in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, the partition extends in both the lateral and longitudinal directions.

10. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, The ratio of the lateral contraction of the partition to the longitudinal contraction of the partition is at least 2:

1.

11. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, The first body comprises Mylar material.

12. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the plurality of substrates comprises an plexiglass material.

13. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, The second body and the third body each comprise leather material.

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

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

16. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, The repeating pattern includes a herringbone pattern.

17. The partition according to claim 9, wherein, The flat geometry of each substrate is substantially the same as the flat geometry of each of the other substrates.

18. The partition according to claim 17, wherein, The laterally extending gaps extend laterally in a zigzag pattern.

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