Privacy screen apparatus for privacy booth

Abstract

A privacy screen apparatus for a privacy booth comprises a privacy screen and means for removably mounting the privacy screen on the privacy booth. The privacy screen comprises first and second screen parts that are pivotable or slideable between an open state in which they allow a person to enter a compartment of the privacy booth, and a closed state in which they provide additional privacy to the person in the booth. The screens may cooperate to define a compartment. The screen parts may be pivotable via living hinges.

Description

This invention relates to privacy booths, in particular polling booths. The invention relates particularly to screen apparatus for use with privacy booths. United Kingdom patent GB 2212182 discloses an example privacy booth that is particularly intended for use as a polling booth. In some circumstances, users of such booths require additional privacy. It would be desirable to provide a screen apparatus for a privacy booth that addresses this problem. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Accordingly a first aspect of the invention provides a privacy screen apparatus for a privacy booth, the screen apparatus comprising a privacy screen and means for mounting, preferably removably mounting, said privacy screen on the privacy booth, wherein said privacy screen is operable between an open state and a closed state. In preferred embodiments, said privacy screen is pivotably coupled to the mounting means and is pivotable between the open and closed states. Preferably, said privacy screen comprises first and second privacy screen parts, at least one of, and preferably both of, which are operable between open and closed states in order to operate the privacy screen between its open and closed states. Preferably, at least one of, preferably both of, said first and second screen parts is pivotably coupled to the mounting means and is pivotable between the open and closed states. The privacy screen is preferably opaque but may be translucent, or otherwise configured to provide privacy to a person located behind the screen in use. Each part of the screen may be correspondingly configured. In use, at least in the closed state, the privacy screen is vertically disposed or substantially vertically disposed. The privacy screen, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts, is preferably formed from self-supporting material(s), e.g. rigid or semi-rigid material(s), e.g. cardboard, carton board, plastics or metal, such that the screen is self-supporting, e.g. rigid or semi-rigid. For example the screen and / or screen part(s) may be stiff or resiliently flexible. The privacy screen, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts, is preferably panellike in structure, and may for example be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. In preferred embodiments, the privacy screen serves, in use, as a door for a compartment of the polling booth. In preferred embodiments, each screen part serves as a respective leaf, or panel, of the door. In preferred embodiments, an outer edge of at least one of, preferably both of, the screen parts is shaped to define an aperture or gap between the screen parts when the screen parts are in the closed state, wherein the aperture or gap does not extend along the whole length (in use vertical length) of the screen parts. The preferred arrangement is such that the aperture or gap is located, in use, at a height that allows the face of a person in the compartment behind the screen to be seen by a person standing outside the compartment. The mounting means preferably comprises first and second mounting structures that are configured to fit onto, and be retained by, a respective part of the polling booth, preferably a respective partition structure of the polling booth, wherein the respective partition structures form the compartment of the polling booth with which the privacy screen apparatus is used to provide additional screening. Preferably, the first and second structures are panel-like, and may for example be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. In preferred embodiments, the mounting structures are configured to fit over the respective part of the polling booth. Each mounting structure may be hollow or box-like, and open ended at least at its bottom to allow it to receive the respective part of the polling booth. The first and second mounting structures are preferably formed from self-supporting material(s), e.g. rigid or semi-rigid material(s), e.g. cardboard, carton board, plastics or metal, such that the mounting structures are self-supporting, e.g. rigid or semi-rigid. For example the mounting structures may be stiff or resiliently flexible. Preferably, the first and second mounting structures are coupled to each other, preferably at a respective inner edge. Preferably, the coupling is configured to allow the mounting structures to pivot or fold with respect to each other, preferably between a deployed state and a stowed state. In preferred embodiments, in the deployed state, the first and second mounting structures extend radially from their coupled inner edges and are spaced apart, i.e. angularly spaced apart. Typically, the respective inner face of the mounting structures (i.e. the faces that face inwardly of the polling booth compartment in use) are angularly spaced apart by approximately 90° in the deployed state, or more generally between 60°-170°, or otherwise to match the angular spacing between the respective partition structures of the polling booth. In the stowed state, the mounting structures are folded together or against each other, i.e. face to face, preferably with no angular separation. Conveniently, the first and second mounting structures may be co-formed with each other, e.g. from the same blank of material. The first and second mounting structures may be coupled to each other by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge. In preferred embodiments, the first and second screen parts are coupled to a respective one of the first and second mounting structures. Preferably an inner edge of each screen part is coupled to an outer edge of the respective mounting structure. Preferably, each coupling is configured to allow the respective screen part to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure. Conveniently, the first and second screen parts may be co-formed with the respective mounting part, e.g. from the same blank of material. The first and second screen parts may be coupled to the respective first and second mounting structure by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge. Preferably, the respective screen part is configured to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure between the open and closed states. Preferably, in the open state, the screen, in particular the screen parts, are positioned to allow a person to enter the respective compartment of the polling booth, which in the preferred embodiment corresponds to the person entering the space defined between the first and second mounting structures (more particularly between the respective inner faces of the mounting structures) when they are in the deployed state. To this end, the screen, in particular each screen part, preferably extends outwardly, in particular away from the respective mounting structure, e.g. in the same, or substantially the same, radial direction as the respective mounting structure. In the closed state, the screen, in particular each screen part, is positioned to close or substantially close the gap between the respective partition structures of the respective compartment of the polling booth, which in preferred embodiments corresponds to the screen parts being positioned to close or substantially close the gap between the mounting structures (preferably the respective outer edges of the mounting structures) when the mounting structures are in the deployed state. Typically, in the closed state, the mounting structures and the screen are arranged triangularly with respect to each other, i.e. to form a hollow structure with a triangular cross-section. Preferably, the respective screen part is configured to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure into an out of a stowed state. In the stowed state, the screen, or screen parts, are preferably folded or otherwise located against the respective mounting structure. In some embodiments the stowed state may serve as the open state, although this makes it awkward to close the screen when a person as entered the compartment. In alternative embodiments, the screen, or screen parts, may be slidably coupled to the respective mounting structure, and may be slidable between the open and closed states, and / or slidable into and out of the stowed state. In such embodiments, the open state and stowed state may be the same. In preferred embodiments, the inner face of at least one of the mounting structures is shaped to define a cut out portion that is, when the screen apparatus is fitted to the polling booth, in register with the deployable table of the respective polling booth compartment to allow the table to be deployed and stowed. In preferred embodiments, the cut out is provided on the inner face of one of the mounting structures, and a corresponding cut out is provided on the outer face of the other one of the mounting structure such that, when the screen apparatus is fitted to the polling booth, it is in register with the deployable table of the adjacent compartment of the polling booth. A mirror may be provided on an inner surface of the screen apparatus, e.g. on an inner face of the screen. Advantageously, with the screen / screen parts in the stowed state and the mounting structures in the stowed state, the screen apparatus is compact and may be easily transported or stored. From another aspect the invention provides a polling booth with a removable screen apparatus, the screen apparatus being in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. In use, the screen apparatus may be deployed from its stowed state and mounted on the polling booth. In preferred embodiments, this involves causing the mounting structures to adopt the deployed state and then fitting each mounting structure onto the respective partition structure (i.e. the adjacent partition structures that define a compartment of the booth), which in preferred embodiments results in the respective partition structure being located within the respective mounting structure. In preferred embodiments, the arrangement is such that the screen apparatus slides downwardly onto the partition structures. With the screen / screen parts in the open state, a person may enter the compartment, after which the screen / screen parts may be moved to the closed state, thereby providing additional privacy to the person in the compartment. The aperture or gap may allow a person outside the compartment, e.g. a polling officer, to see the face of the person inside the compartment, e.g. for the purpose of identification. When not required, the screen apparatus may be removed from the polling booth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary polling booth shown in a deployed state; Figure 1B shows the polling booth of Figure 1A in a stowed state; Figure 2 shows a screen apparatus embodying a first aspect of the invention, the apparatus being shown in a stowed state; Figure 3 shows the screen apparatus of Figure 2 in a partly deployed state; Figure 4 shows the screen apparatus of Figure 2 in a deployed state, in particular showing first and second mounting structures in a deployed states, and first and second screen parts in an open state; Figure 5 shows the deployed screen apparatus of Figure 4 being fitted onto the polling booth; Figure 6 shows the deployed screen apparatus of Figure 4 installed on the polling booth and with its screen parts in the closed state; and Figure 7 shows an alternative view of the deployed screen apparatus of Figure 4 installed on the polling booth with its screen parts in the closed state, and also showing a person inside the compartment of the polling booth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A shows an exemplary privacy booth 10 in a deployed state, while Figure 1B shows the booth 10 in a stowed state. The privacy booth 10 is particularly intended for use as a polling booth and is an example of the type of booth with which embodiments of the invention may be used. Embodiments of the invention may be used with other booths, including booths of the type disclosed in GB 2212182. The booth 10 comprises a plurality of partition structures 12 that, in use or when deployed, extend radially away from a common centre and are vertically or substantially vertically disposed. The partition structures 12 are panel-like in form and are typically opaque or translucent. A respective compartment 14 is defined between adjacent partition structures 12. Each compartment 14 may have a table 16, which may be hinged to one of the partition structures 12 so that it may be moved between a deployed state (Figure 1A) and a stowed state (Figure 5). In the illustrated embodiment, there are four partition structures 12 and four compartments 14. More generally, there are at least two partition structures 12 and at least one compartment 14. In use, each compartment 14 provides a private space in which a person can cast a vote or perform some other task that requires privacy. The booth 10 may be configured to be packed into a stowed state (Figure 1B) when not in use. To this end the partition structures 12 may be foldable or pivotable at the common centre to allow the partition structures 12 to be “flat-packed” as shown in Figure 1B. The invention is not limited to use with booths 10 that can be flat-packed or otherwise packed into a stowed state. The booth 10 has legs 18 that support the partition structures 12, the legs 18 typically being telescopically deployable as can be seen from Figures 1A and 1B. Referring now in particular to Figures 2 to 7, there is shown a privacy screen apparatus 20 embodying the invention and being suitable for use with the privacy booth 10 or other suitable privacy booth. The screen apparatus 20 comprises a privacy screen 22 and means 24A, 24B for mounting, preferably removably mounting, the privacy screen 22 on the privacy booth 10. The privacy screen 22 is operable between an open state (Figures 4 and 5) and a closed state (Figures 6 and 7). The privacy screen 22 is pivotably coupled to the mounting means 24A, 24B and is pivotable between the open and closed states. Preferably, the privacy screen 22 comprises first and second privacy screen parts 22A, 22B, at least one of, and preferably both of, which are operable between open and closed states in order to 6 operate the privacy screen 22 between its open and closed states. Preferably, at least one of, preferably both of, said first and second screen parts 22A, 22B is pivotably coupled to the mounting means 24A, 24B and is pivotable between the open and closed states. The privacy screen 22 is preferably opaque but may be translucent, or otherwise configured to provide privacy to a person located behind the screen 22 in use. Each part 22A, 22B of the screen may be correspondingly configured. In use, at least in the closed state, the privacy screen 22, and therefore the screen parts 22A, 22B in preferred embodiments, is vertically disposed or substantially vertically disposed. The privacy screen 22, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts 22A, 22B, is preferably formed from self-supporting material(s), e.g. rigid or semi-rigid material(s), e.g. cardboard, carton board, plastics or metal, such that the screen is self-supporting, e.g. rigid or semi-rigid. For example the screen 22 and / or screen part(s) 22A, 22B may be stiff or resiliently flexible. The privacy screen 22, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts 22A, 22B, is preferably panel-like in structure, and may for example be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. In preferred embodiments, the privacy screen 22 serves, in use, as a door for a respective compartment 14 of the polling booth 10. In preferred embodiments, each screen part22A, 22B serves as a respective leaf, or panel, of the door. In preferred embodiments, an outer edge 26 of at least one of, preferably both of, the screen parts 22A, 22B is shaped to define an aperture or gap 28 between the screen parts 22A, 22B when the screen parts are in the closed state. The aperture or gap 28 does not extend along the whole length (in use vertical length) of the screen parts 22A, 22B, which preferably are otherwise contiguous at their outer edges 26. The preferred arrangement is such that the aperture or gap 28 is located, in use, at a height that allows the face of a person 30 in the compartment 14 behind the screen 22 to be seen by a person standing outside the compartment 14. The mounting means preferably comprises first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B that are configured to fit onto, and be retained by, a respective part of the polling booth, preferably a respective partition structure 12A, 12B of the polling booth 10, wherein the respective partition structures 12A, 12B form the compartment 14 with which the privacy screen apparatus 20 is used to provide additional screening. Preferably, the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B are panel-like, and may for example be rectangular or substantially rectangular in shape. In preferred embodiments, the mounting structures 24A, 24B are configured to fit over the respective part 12A, 12B of the polling booth. Each mounting structure 24A, 24B may be hollow or box-like, and open ended at least at its bottom to allow it to receive the respective part 12A, 12B of the polling booth. Typically, the mounting structures 24A, 24B are open along at least part of their inner edges 32A, 32B to facilitate fitting them onto the respective partition structure 12A, 12B. The first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B are preferably formed from self-supporting material(s), e.g. rigid or semi-rigid material(s), e.g. cardboard, carton board, plastics or metal, such that the mounting structures are self-supporting, e.g. rigid or semi-rigid. For example the mounting structures may be stiff or resiliently flexible. Preferably, the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B are coupled to each other, preferably at a respective inner edge 32A, 32B. Preferably, the coupling is configured to allow the mounting structures 24A, 24B to pivot or fold with respect to each other, preferably between a deployed state and a stowed state. In preferred embodiments, in the deployed state, the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B extend radially from their coupled inner edges 32A, 32B and are spaced apart, i.e. angularly spaced apart. Typically, the respective inner face 34A, 34B of the mounting structures 24A, 24B (i.e. the faces that face inwardly of the polling booth compartment 14 in use) are angularly spaced apart by approximately 90° in the deployed state, or more generally between 60°-170°, or otherwise to match the angular spacing between the respective partition structures 12A, 12B of the polling booth 10. In the stowed state, the mounting structures 24A, 24B are folded together or against each other, i.e. face to face, preferably with no angular separation. Conveniently, the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B may be co-formed with each other, e.g. from the same blank of material. The first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B may be coupled to each other by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge. In preferred embodiments, the first and second screen parts 22A, 22B are coupled to a respective one of the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B. Preferably an inner edge 36A, 36B of each screen part 22A, 22B is coupled to an outer edge 38A, 38B of the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B. Preferably, each coupling is configured to allow the respective screen part 22A, 22B to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B. Conveniently, the first and second screen parts 22A, 22B may be co-formed with the respective mounting part 24A, 24B, e.g. from the same blank of material. The first and second screen parts 22A, 22B may be coupled to the respective first and second mounting structure 24A, 24B by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge. Preferably, the respective screen part 22A. 22B is configured to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B between the open and closed states. Preferably, in the open state, the screen 22, in particular the screen parts 22A, 22B, are positioned to allow a person to enter the respective compartment 14 of the polling booth 10, which in the preferred embodiment corresponds to the person entering the space defined between the first and second mounting structures 24A, 24B (more particularly between the respective inner faces 34A, 34B of the mounting structures) when they are in the deployed state. To this end, the screen 22, in particular each screen part 22A, 22B, preferably extends outwardly, in particular away from the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B, e.g. in the same, or substantially the same, radial direction as the respective mounting structure (see Figures 4 and 5). In the closed state, the screen 22, in particular each screen part 22A, 22B, is positioned to close or substantially close the gap between the respective partition structures 12A, 12B of the respective compartment 14 of the polling booth, which in preferred embodiments corresponds to the screen parts 22A, 22B being positioned to close or substantially close the gap between the mounting structures 24A, 24B (preferably the respective outer edges 38A, 38B of the mounting structures) when the mounting structures are in the deployed state (see Figures 6 and 7). Typically, in the closed state, the mounting structures 24A, 24B and the screen 22 are arranged triangularly with respect to each other, i.e. to form a hollow structure with a triangular cross-section. Preferably, the respective screen part 22A, 22B is configured to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B into an out of a stowed state (see Figure 3). In the stowed state, the screen, or screen parts 22A, 22B, are preferably folded or otherwise located against the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B (preferably the respective inner face of the mounting structure). In some embodiments the stowed state may serve as the open state, although this makes it awkward to close the screen when a person as entered the compartment. In alternative embodiments, the screen 22, or screen parts 22A, 22B, may be slidably coupled to the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B, and may be slidable between the open and closed states, and / or slidable into and out of the stowed state. In such embodiments, the open state and stowed state may be the same. In preferred embodiments, the inner face 34A, 34B of at least one of the mounting structures 24A, 24B is shaped to define a cut out portion 40 that is, when the screen apparatus 20 is fitted to the polling booth 10, in register with the deployable table 16 of the respective polling booth compartment 14 to allow the table to be deployed and stowed (see Figure 5). In preferred embodiments, the cut out 40 is provided on the inner face 34B of one of the mounting structures 24B, and a corresponding cut out (not visible) is provided on the outer face of the other mounting structure 24A such that, when the screen apparatus 20 is fitted to the polling booth 10, it is in register with the deployable table 16 of the adjacent compartment of the polling booth. A mirror 42 may be provided on an inner surface of the screen apparatus 20, e.g. on an inner face of the screen 22. Advantageously, with the screen / screen parts 22 / 22A, 22B in the stowed state and the mounting structures 24A, 24B in the stowed state, the screen apparatus 20 is compact and may be easily transported or stored, as is shown in Figure 2. In use, the screen apparatus 20 may be deployed from its stowed state and mounted on the polling booth 10 (see Figure 5). In preferred embodiments, this involves causing the mounting structures 24A, 24B to adopt the deployed state and then fitting each mounting structure 24A, 24B onto the respective partition structure 12A, 12B (i.e. the adjacent partition structures that define a 9 compartment of the booth), which in preferred embodiments results in the respective partition structure 12A, 12B being located within the respective mounting structure 24A, 24B. In preferred embodiments, the arrangement is such that the screen apparatus 20 slides downwardly onto the partition structures 12A, 12B. With the screen / screen parts 22 / 22A, 22B in the open state, a person 5 30 may enter the compartment 14, after which the screen / screen parts may be moved to the closed state, thereby providing additional privacy to the person 30 in the compartment (see Figure 7). The aperture or gap 28 may allow a person outside the compartment 14, e.g. a polling officer, to see the face of the person 30 inside the compartment, e.g. for the purpose of identification. When not required, the screen apparatus 20 maybe removed from the polling booth 10. 0 The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A privacy screen apparatus for a privacy booth, the screen apparatus comprising a privacy screen and means for mounting, preferably removably mounting, said privacy screen on the privacy booth, wherein said privacy screen is operable between an open state and a closed state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said privacy screen is pivotably coupled to the mounting means and is pivotable or slidable between the open and closed states.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein said privacy screen comprises first and second privacy screen parts, at least one of, and preferably both of, which are operable between open and closed states in order to operate the privacy screen between its open and closed states.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claims, wherein at least one of, preferably both of, said first and second screen parts is pivotably coupled to the mounting means and is pivotable or slidable between the open and closed states.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the privacy screen, and / or screen parts, are opaque or translucent, or otherwise configured to provide privacy.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the privacy screen, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts, is self-supporting, for example being rigid or semi-rigid or resiliently flexible.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the privacy screen, and / or at least one of, preferably each of, the screen parts, is panel-like in structure.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the privacy screen serves, in use, as a door for a compartment of the polling booth, wherein, preferably, each screen part serves as a respective leaf, or panel, of the door.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3, wherein an outer edge of at least one of, preferably both of, the screen parts is shaped to define an aperture or gap between the screen parts when the screen parts are in the closed state, wherein the aperture or gap preferably does not extend along the whole length of the screen parts.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means comprises first and second mounting structures that are configured to fit onto, and be retained by, a respective part of the polling booth, preferably a respective partition structure of the polling booth between which a compartment is defined.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first and second structures are panel-like, and / or may be hollow or box-like.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein each mounting structures is configured to fit over the respective part of the polling booth, and may be open ended at least at its bottom, and optionally at an inner edge, to allow it to receive the respective part of the polling booth.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first and second mounting structures are self-supporting, for example being rigid or semi-rigid resiliently flexible.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first and second mounting structures are coupled to each other, preferably at a respective inner edge, the coupling preferably being configured to allow the mounting structures to pivot or fold with respect to each other, preferably between a deployed state and a stowed state.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, in a deployed state, the first and second mounting structures extend radially from their coupled inner edges and are angularly spaced apart.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein, in a stowed state, the mounting structures are folded together or against each other.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the first and second mounting structures are co-formed with each other and / or are coupled to each other by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 17 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the first and second screen parts are coupled to a respective one of the first and second mounting structures, preferably such that an inner edge of each screen part is coupled to an outer edge of the respective mounting structure.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each coupling is configured to allow the respective screen part to pivot or fold with respect to the respective mounting structure.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the first and second screen parts are co-formed with the respective mounting part and / or may be coupled to the respective first and second mounting structure by one or more hinge, e.g. one or more living hinge.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the respective screen part is configured to pivot or slide with respect to the respective mounting structure between the open and closed states.

22. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein, in the open state, the screen, preferably the screen parts, are positioned to allow a person to enter a space defined between the first and second mounting structures when they are in the deployed state, and wherein, preferably, the screen, preferably each screen part, may extend outwardly, preferably away from the respective mounting structure.

23. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein, in the closed state, the screen, preferably each screen part, is positioned to close or substantially close the gap between the mounting structures when the mounting structures are in the deployed state, preferably such that, in the closed state, the mounting structures and the screen are arranged triangularly with respect to each other.

24. The apparatus of any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3, wherein the respective screen part is configured to pivot or slide with respect to the respective mounting structure into an out of a stowed state and wherein, preferably, in the stowed state, the screen, or screen parts, are folded or otherwise located against the respective mounting structure.

25. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an inner face of at least one of the mounting structures is shaped to define a cut out portion that is, when the screen apparatus is fitted to the polling booth, in register with a deployable table of the respective polling booth compartment to allow the table to be deployed and stowed.

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