Privacy screen

Abstract

A privacy screen usable as a video conferencing backdrop is configured as a mobile assembly supported on the ground and capable of being coupled to and movable about an attachment structure on the base or column of a chair. The privacy screen may include a base, a screen extending upwardly from the base and a linkage joining the base to a chair. In use, the privacy screen moves with the chair remaining at an appropriate distance from the chair and not interfering with free movement of the chair. The base may be supported on a plurality of casters or wheels that allow the privacy screen to move easily with the chair or separately from the chair. The base may have a curved profile and the casters or wheels may be disposed along the length of the curve to provide a nonlinear arrangement that makes the privacy screen freestanding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to privacy screens, and more particularly to screens to provide a video conference backdrop and / or privacy in, for example, an office or home environment.

[0002] With the growing use of video conferencing, numerous efforts have been made to provide privacy screens that function as a backdrop for video calls. Privacy screens hide the background behind the video participant and can help to provide a clean, tidy and more professional environment. Privacy screens can be particularly helpful when a person is working from home. Typical privacy screens are positioned behind the user and are generally of sufficient size to fill the field of view of the camera used for the video conference. For example, it is not uncommon for a conventional, freestanding room divider to be positioned in the video background to function as a privacy screen. Alternatively, one of a number of freestanding privacy screens designed specifically for the purpose can be placed behind the user to function as a backdrop. While performing the basic function of hiding the video participant's background, freestanding room dividers and privacy screens suffer from a variety of issues. For example, freestanding room dividers and privacy screens provide a fixed obstacle that may interfere with other use of the room. As another example, the position of the room divider or privacy screen is largely dictated by size. More specifically, the room divider or privacy screen is generally positioned close enough to the video participant to fill the video background. This often requires the room divider or privacy screen to be placed so close to the video participant that it interferes with free movement of the video participant.

[0003] In some situations, a privacy screen or other structure that functions as a conventional “green screen” is used as a video backdrop. This hides the video participant's background and allows a number of well-known video conferencing software systems to automatically insert a digital image as a background onto the green screen. Further, at least one company offers a green screen that is mountable to the back of an office chair. The green screen extends upwardly and outwardly from the chair back with the intention of filling the video background. While the chair-back-mountable green screen provides some advantages (perhaps most notably, cost advantages), it can interfere with use of the chair. For example, the close proximity of the green screen can interfere with movement of the video participant, including the participant's head and shoulders relative to the chair. As a practical matter, it also extends the height and width of the chair back, which presents a number of additional disadvantages.

[0004] Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of privacy screens intended for use in video conferencing and other similar applications.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A privacy screen intended principally for use as a video conferencing backdrop is configured as a freestanding, mobile assembly that is coupled to the column of a chair. In one embodiment, the privacy screen generally includes a base that rests on the ground, a screen that extends upwardly from the base and a linkage that joins the base and the screen to a chair. In use, the privacy screen moves with the chair and therefore remains at an appropriate distance from the chair and does not interfere with free movement of the chair or its occupant. The privacy screen can also be easily rotated or pivoted about the column of the chair.

[0006] In one embodiment, the base is a rigid structural component that is supported on the ground by a plurality of casters, wheels, glides or other low friction components that allow the freestanding privacy screen to move easily with movement of the chair or relative to the chair. For example, the base may include three casters—one located toward each end of the base and one located about in the middle. The number of casters, wheels, glides or other low friction components may vary from application to application.

[0007] In one embodiment, the base is curved about a generally vertical axis. For example, the base may follow an arc (a segment of a circle) in which the curved is selected to provide the desired spacing between the casters, wheels or glides. For example, in implementations that include three casters, the arc may be selected to laterally offset the center caster from the two outer casters by a distance that is sufficient to allow the privacy screen to be freestanding (e.g. capable of remaining upright without support from the chair). In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral offset may be about 10 inches or in the range of about 0 inches to about 16 inches (it being understood that the. The radius of curvature of the base may vary from application to application, and, in some applications, the base may follow a compound curve or follow a complex curve. In some applications, the radius of curvature of the base may be selected so that the column of the chair is approximately at its vertex. In such applications, if the privacy screen is rotated or pivoted by the linkage around the chair column, the casters or wheels supporting the privacy screen will generally move along a common arcuate path. The arcuate extent of the base may vary from application to application. For example, the arcuate extent of the base may be about 75 degrees, in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, or in the range of 45 to 180 degrees. In alternative applications, the base may be straight, rather than curved. For example, in the context of a base with three casters, the base may include a single straight segment (without any lateral offset between the casters) or the base may include two straight segments—one extending from one of the outer casters to the center caster and another extending from the other outer caster to the center caster. In applications that include two straight segments, the relative angle of the two straight segments may be selected to provide the desired lateral offset between the center caster the two outer casters. The size and shape of the base may vary from application to application. The overall width of the base may vary from application to application depending on various factors, such as the distance of the screen from the chair, the expected field of view of the video camera and other factors.

[0008] In one embodiment, the screen extends at least the full width of the base and extend upwardly through a region corresponding to the anticipated field of view of a video camera used in video conferencing by an occupant of the chair. The size, shape and configuration of the screen may vary from application to application. However, by way of example and not limitation, the screen may have a width of about 32 inches or in the range of about 24 inches to about 48 inches. In one embodiment, the size and shape of the screen are selected to generally fill the field of view of a conventional video camera being used by the occupant of the chair. In other applications, the size and shape of the screen may be selected to provide the occupant of the chair with a degree of privacy from other people that may be located in close proximity. For example, in an open office environment, the size of the privacy screen may be increased to give some level of isolation from the surrounding environment.

[0009] In applications that incorporate a curved base, the bottom end of the screen may be curved in a manner consistent with the curvature of the base or it may have a shape that is not consistent with the base. The screen may follow the same curve from bottom to top or it may vary in shape over its surface. For example, in applications in which the bottom end of the screen is curved, the screen may gradually transition from the curved profile at its bottom end into a flat profile at its upper end.

[0010] In one embodiment, the screen is manufactured from a sheet of flexible material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) or other similar polymeric materials. In one embodiment, the sheet is sufficiently flexible to allow the bottom end of the sheet to be curved and interfitted with the curved base. If desired, the top end may be interfitted with a rigid structural component that dictates the shape of the top end of the sheet. For example, in one embodiment, the top end of the sheet is interfitted with a rigid top channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the linkage includes a beam with a first end that is affixed to the base and a second end that is joined to a coupler that is capable of being selectively secured about the column of a chair. The length of the beam may be selected to position the screen at an appropriate distance from the chair. This may be selected to accommodate the full range of motion of the chair back. For example, the beam length may be selected to position the screen approximately 30 inches from the chair column or alternatively approximately 24 inches to approximately 48 inches from the chair column. To facilitated use of the privacy screen with a variety of different chair columns, the beam may be joined to the base by a first knuckle that allows the beam to pivot up and down relative to the base and joined to the clasp by a second knuckle that allows the clasp to pivot up and down relative to the beam. The two knuckles cooperate to allow the linkage to be affixed to chair columns at different heights. In some applications, the knuckles are configured to remain loose enough to allow adjustment without the need for tools. In applications that incorporate a knuckle, the knuckle may be locked in the correct position, for example, by a set screw. This may help to provide the base and screen with more rigid support.

[0012] In one embodiment, the beam of the linkage may be adjustable in length to allow variation in the distance between the chair and the privacy screen. For example, in one embodiment, the beam may include two beam portions that can be adjusted relative to one another to set the privacy screen at the desired distance. The beam portions may be two pieces of tubing that are telescopically interfitted and adjustable through the use of one or more spring buttons or other retainer(s) / fastener(s).

[0013] In one embodiment, the coupler is a clamp, clasp or other component that is capable of being closed about an attachment structure on the base, such as the column or other portion of the base. If desired, a low friction element, such as a bushing or set of bearings may be fitted between the coupler and the base to facilitate rotational movement of the coupler relative to the base. For example, a two-part bushing may be fitted together about the attachment structure on the base and then the coupler may be closed about the bushing. The size and shape of the bushing may be selected to accommodate the corresponding attachment structure. In some applications, the privacy screen may be provided with a plurality of different sized / shaped bushings that accommodate different sized / shaped attachment structures. In alternative embodiments, the coupler may be a solid ring that is fitted over the attachment structure. For example, the chair and base may be partially disassembled so the upper end of the attachment structure is free, thereby allowing the ring to be fitted over the attachment structure from above.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base includes a supplemental attachment structure provided specifically to receive the coupler. For example, the base may include a rigid flange that has sufficient structural integrity to receive and support the coupler and the linkage. In one embodiment, the flange is a rigid circumferential flange disposed above the legs of the base. The flange may define an internal circumferential opening configured to receive the bottom end of the chair column. In embodiments of this type, the coupler may be split and designed close about the flange or the coupler may be a solid ring that is fitted down over the flange from above.

[0015] The privacy screen may incorporate one or more supplemental features. For example, in one embodiment, the screen may include one or more wings that can be selectively extended to temporarily increase the size of the screen. For example, top, left and / or right wings may be added to the top, left and / or right ends of the screen. The wings may be joined to the screen by any suitable structure, such as by hinges that allow the wings to fold out into extended positions or sliding fitments that allow the wings to slide out into the extended positions.

[0016] In one embodiment, the surface of the screen facing the chair is covered by a green screen material that facilitates use of the automated green screen systems. The green screen material may be permanently or removably affixed to the screen.

[0017] In one embodiment, the surface facing opposite the chair may be a corkboard, white board, chalk board or have another type of functional surface.

[0018] The current embodiments provide a mobile, freestanding privacy screen that provides distinct advantages over conventional privacy screens. Because the privacy screen is designed to be joined to a chair, it moves simultaneously with the chair, thereby maintaining appropriate distance and eliminating the risk of moving the chair into the privacy screen. With the increased use of video conferencing, the present invention is able to privacy screen that is always ready for use by the occupant of the chair. The screen is not only useful as a video conferencing backdrop, but because of its mobility can be easily moved about the chair to provide privacy within the local environment. When a curved base is used, it not only provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but it also means that wheels or casters mounted along the base will be arranged in a nonlinear configuration that gives the privacy screen its freestanding nature. In some applications, the linkage may include knuckles that allow the linkage to adjust to different types and styles of chairs. In some applications, the linkage may be adjustable in length to facilitate use with different chairs.

[0019] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.

[0020] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair fitted with a privacy screen in accordance with a current embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the chair fitted with the privacy screen.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the privacy screen.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the privacy screen.

[0025] FIG. 5 is right side view of the privacy screen.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the privacy screen.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view showing the base of the privacy screen.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing the top of the privacy screen.

[0029] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the linkage.

[0030] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupler disposed above a chair base with an attachment flange.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a front view of the privacy screen.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the privacy screen.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTSI. Overview

[0033] A current embodiment of the privacy screen is shown in FIGS. 1-10 and generally designated 10. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the privacy screen 10 is shown coupled to a generally conventional office chair 200 where it functions as a video conferencing backdrop and / or a privacy screen for an individual seated in the chair 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the privacy screen 10 generally includes a base 12, a screen 14 and a linage 16. The base 12 is supported on the ground by a plurality of casters 20a-c that allow the privacy screen 10 to move easily over the ground, for example, when the chair 200 is moved or the position of the privacy screen 10 relative to the chair 200 is adjusted. If desired, the base 12 and casters 20a-c can be arranged to provide a freestanding privacy screen 10 that is capable of standing upright without support from the chair 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 is affixed to and extends upwardly from the base 12. The linkage 16 extends from the base 12 and is removably coupled to the chair 200, for example, to the column of the chair. The linkage 16 maintains a consistent distance between the chair 200 and the privacy screen 10 even when the chair moves. The linkage 16 may be adjustable to accommodate different chairs 200.

[0034] Although the different elements and assemblies of the embodiments are described herein as having certain functional characteristics, each element and / or its relation to other elements can be depicted or oriented in a variety of different aesthetic configurations, which support the ornamental and aesthetic aspects of the same. Simply because an apparatus, element or assembly of one or more of elements is described herein as having a function does not mean its orientation, layout or configuration is not purely aesthetic and ornamental in nature.

[0035] Directional terms, such as “vertical,”“horizontal,”“top,”“bottom,”“upper,”“lower,”“inner,”“inwardly,”“outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

[0036] In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,”“on,”“engaged with,”“adhered to,”“secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,”“directly on,”“directly engaged with,”“directly adhered to,”“directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.II. Description of Illustrated Embodiment

[0037] As noted above, the privacy screen 10 of the present invention is configured for use with a generally conventional office chair 200. Given that the office chair 200 is generally conventional, it will not be described herein in detail. Suffice it to say that the illustrated office chair 200 generally includes a pedestal 202 that is supported on the ground by a plurality of casters 204, a column 206 extending upwardly from the pedestal 202, a seat adjuster 208, a seat210 and a back 212 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Although the present invention is illustrated in use with a conventional office chair, the present invention is suitable for use with other types of chairs. In other applications, the privacy screen 10 may be adapted to attach to different types of seating and to different parts of the seating. For example, in alternative embodiments, the privacy screen 10 may be affixed to one or more of the pedestal, column, seat adjuster, seat and / or back.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, the privacy screen 10 of the illustrated embodiment generally includes a base 12, a screen 14 and a linkage 16. The illustrated base 12 is a structural component configured to receive and / or support the bottom of the screen 14. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 defines an upwardly opening channel 18 that is coupled to the bottom of the screen 14. As shown in FIG. 7, a bottom portion of the screen 14 is fitted into the interior of the channel 18. The screen 14 may be affixed to the base 12. For example, the screen 14 may be friction fitted into the base 12 and / or it may be secured by fasteners (not shown) and / or adhesives (not shown). When fasteners are used, one or more fasteners may extend through the channel 18 into and / or through the screen 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 has a generally U-shaped cross-section, but its cross-sectional shape may vary from application to application as desired. For example, in alternative embodiments, the base 12 may have an L-shaped cross-section or an inverted T-shaped cross-section.

[0039] The base 12 is supported on the ground by a plurality of casters, wheels or other rolling components that allow the freestanding privacy screen 10 to move easily over the ground. In some applications, the base 12 may alternatively be supported on low friction glides. This gives the privacy screen 10 mobility, which allows it to easily move simultaneously and in unison with movement of the chair 200 and allows a user to easily move the privacy screen 10 about the chair 200 as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 include three casters 20a-c. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, one of the casters 20a is located toward a first end of the base 12, a second caster 20b is located about in the middle of the base 12 and a third caster 20c is located toward a second end of the base 12. The casters 20a-c are affixed to the base 12 using conventional mounting hardware. In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the base 12 arranges the middle caster 20b in a laterally offset (rather than linear) relationship with respect to the end casters 20a, 20c that helps to maintain the privacy screen 10 in an upright position. The illustrated arrangement may be sufficient to support the privacy screen 10 in an upright position even when not coupled to a chair. The degree of lateral offset between the casters can be increased and / or decreased by varying the size and / or curvature of the base 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle caster 20b is laterally offset from the end casters 20a, 20c by about 10 inches, but the amount of lateral offset may vary from application to application. For example, it may range from about 0 inches to about 12 inches. The number of casters, wheels, glides or other low friction components may vary from application to application. For example, the base 12 may be fitted with more or less than three casters. In the illustrated embodiment, the casters 20a-c are mounted directly beneath and in general vertical alignment with the base 12, which among other things reduces the profile of the privacy screen 10 and facilitates movement (particularly pivoting movement of the privacy screen 10 about the chair 200). In alternative embodiments, the casters 20a-c (or other similar components) may be mounted in a position laterally offset from the longitudinal extent of the base 12 to provide enhanced stability. For example, in one alternative embodiment, each of the individual casters 20a-c can be replaced by a pair of casters (not shown) that are offset from opposite sides of the base 12, for example, by a cross member joined to the bottom of the base 12 and extending transversely thereto.

[0040] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 6, the illustrated base 12 follows a gradual curve. In this embodiment, the base 12 is an arc curved through a horizontal plane about a generally vertical axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature is selected primarily to provide a laterally-offset caster arrangement that allows the privacy screen 10 to be freestanding. In alternative applications, the radius of curvature may be a function of the length of the linkage 16 so that the column 206 of the chair 200 is approximately at the vertex of the curve. In applications in which the linkage 16 is adjustable in length, the range of adjustability of the linkage 16 may include (or approximately include) the radius of curvature of the base 12. When the length is set to correspond with the radius of curvature of the base, the casters or wheels supporting the privacy screen 10 will generally move along a common arcuate path when the privacy screen 10 is rotated or pivoted by the linkage 16 around the chair column 206. This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also minimizes the traveling profile of the base 12 as the privacy screen 10 is pivoted about the chair column 206, thereby reducing the area in which adjacent items might abut the base 12 as the privacy screen 10 is moved.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the curved base 12 follows an arc having a constant radius of curvature. The arc corresponding with the base 12 subtends an angle of about 75 degrees, or an angle in the range of 60 to 120 degrees, or an angle in the range of 45 to 180 degrees. The size of the base 12 may be selected to support a screen 14 that fills the field of view of a camera during video conferencing. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the screen 14 extends beyond opposite ends of the base 12. In this embodiment, the screen 14 subtends an angle of about 100 degrees (though its size may vary as discussed in more detail below). While the illustrated base 12 is somewhat shorter than the illustrated screen 14, the relative lengths of the base 12 and the screen 14 may vary from application to application. For example, the base 12 and the screen 14 may alternatively have the same length or may vary in length to different degrees. Typically, however, the size of the base 12 and the screen 14 are selected so that the screen 14 fills the field of view of the video conferencing camera. Accordingly, the size, shape and configured of the base 12 and the screen 14 are selected as a function of, among other things, the anticipated position of the video conferencing camera (not shown), the distance of the screen 14 from chair column 206, the anticipated height and orientation of the video conferencing camera and the anticipated field of view of the camera. When the privacy screen 14 is also intended for use in providing local privacy, the size of the base 12 and the screen 14 may be adjusted to provide the desired level of privacy. For example, it may be desirable to increase the width and / or height of the privacy screen 10 to provide privacy from the local environment.

[0042] Although the illustrated base 12 has a constant radius of curvature with a vertex at about the chair column 206, the radius of curvature of the base may vary from application to application, and, in some applications, the base may follow a compound curve or follow a complex curve. In other alternative applications, the profile of the base may be straight (rather than curved), may include a plurality of straight segments or may include a combination of curved and straight segments.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the privacy screen 10 includes a structural base 12. In alternative embodiments, however, the base may be eliminated and the casters, wheels, glides or other low friction components may be affixed directly to the bottom of the screen. This alternative is most suitable for use when the screen is manufactured with sufficient structural integrity to properly function without a base.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 is configured to extend upwardly from the base 12 to provide the backdrop for video conferencing and / or create a privacy barrier from the local environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 has a height of approximately 60 inches and a width of approximately 32 inches. However, the size, shape and configuration of the screen 14 may vary from application to application. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 extends through a region corresponding to the anticipated field of view of a video camera used in video conferencing by an occupant of the chair 200. Referring now to FIG. 3, the screen 14 extends somewhat beyond the full width of the base 12 and extends upwardly to height expected to be sufficient to fill the anticipated field of view. While the size and shape of the illustrated screen 14 are selected to generally fill the anticipated field of view, the size and shape of the screen 14 may also be selected to provide the occupant of the chair with the desired degree of privacy from other people that may be located in close proximity in the local environment. For example, in an open office environment, the size and shape of the screen 14 may be increased beyond what is required for a video backdrop to give some level of isolation from the surrounding environment.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end of the screen 14 is fitted into bottom channel 18 in the base 12 and is curved in a manner consistent with the base 12. In alterative embodiments, the bottom end of the screen 14 may have a shape that is not consistent with that of the base 12. The screen may follow the same curve from bottom to top or it may, as in the illustrated embodiment vary, in shape over its surface. For example, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2, the bottom end of the screen 14 is curved in concert with the base 12 and the screen 14 gradually transitions from the curved profile at its bottom end into a flat (or linear) profile at its upper end. In this embodiment, the top edge of the screen 14 is interfitted with a rigid structural component that defines the shape of the top of the screen 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the top edge of the illustrated screen 14 is fitted with a rigid top channel 60. The illustrated top channel 60 is secured to the top edge of the screen 14 by a friction fit, but it may be attached by additional or alternative ways. For example, the top channel 60 may additionally or alternatively be secured to the screen 14 by adhesive and / or fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 is somewhat rectangular in that its top and bottom edges extend through spaced-apart horizontal planes and its left and right side edges extend through spaced-apart and somewhat parallel vertical planes. It should be noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, the overall width of the screen 14 widens somewhat toward its upper end when the screen 14 is formed from a rectangular sheet of material. As noted above, the size, shape and configuration of the screen may vary from application to application. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the screen may configured to be generally coextensive with the anticipated video conferencing field of view. In such applications, the screen may be mounted above the base by one or more upright members. As another example, the screen may not be a single, continuous component, but may instead include a plurality of separate screen segments.

[0046] The construction of the screen 14 may vary from application to application. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 is formed from a single sheet of material that is capable of being formed to match the curve of the base 12. The screen 14 may be formed from one or more pieces of sheet material, such as metal, plastic, wood, laminate or composite material. In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 14 is manufactured from a single sheet of such as polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”). During assembly, the bottom edge of the PET sheet may be bent to fit into the bottom channel 18. In alternative embodiments, the screen 14 may include a framework (not shown) and covering (not shown). For example, the framework may include an assembly of frame components that form the general shape of the screen 14 and provide a structure upon which to mount the covering. The framework may be assembled from segments of a wide range of materials, such as plastic, metal and wood.

[0047] If desired, the screen 14 may be provided with a covering. When included, the covering may be selected to provide the screen 14 with the desired exterior surface (aesthetic and / or functional). The covering may cover all or only a portion of the screen 14. In some applications, different coverings may be provided on different portions of the screen 14. The covering may be permanently or removably joined to the screen using any suitable attachment structure. For example, the covering may be affixed over all or a portion of the front and / or rear major surface of the screen by fasteners, splines, clamps, hook-and-loop fasteners and / or adhesives. As another example, the covering may be in the form of a sock that is fitted over the screen, for example, covering the front and back sides. If desired, the covering may include separate covering portions that are mounted over different regions of the screen. The covering may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as PET felt, wood, fabric, and plastic to name a few.

[0048] As noted above, the privacy screen 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes a linkage 16 that joins the privacy screen 10 to the chair 200 and, more specifically, joins the base 12 of the privacy screen 10 to the base 202 of the chair 200 (See, for example, FIGS. 1, 2 and 9). In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 16 includes a beam 30 with a first end 32 that is affixed to the base 12 and a second end 34 that is joined to a coupler 36 that is capable of being selectively affixed to an attachment structure on the chair base 202, which may be the chair column 206 or some other structure on the base 202, such as the flange 218 shown in FIG. 10. The length of the beam 30 may be selected to position the screen 14 at an appropriate distance from the chair 200. For example, the beam 30 length may be selected to position the screen 14 approximately 30 inches from the chair base 218 or the chair column 206 or alternatively approximately 24 inches to 48 inches from the chair base 218 or the chair column 206. In alternative applications, the beam 30 may be adjustable in length. For example, although not shown, the beam 30 may include first and second beam segments that are telescopically adjustable with respect to one another to vary the length of the beam 30. The two beam segments may include a generally conventional push-button locking mechanism that allows the beam length to be adjusted without tools. In other alternative embodiments, the beam 30 may incorporate other length adjustable constructions.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage 16 is configured to facilitate use of the privacy screen 10 with a variety of different chairs and chair bases. To this end, the first end 32 of the beam 30 is joined to the base 12 by a first knuckle 40 that allows the beam 30 to pivot up and down relative to the base 12 and the second end 34 of the beam 12 is joined to the coupler 36 by a second knuckle 42 that allows the coupler 36 to pivot up and down relative to the beam 30. The two knuckles 40, 42 cooperate to allow the linkage 16 to be affixed to chair bases at different heights. In some applications, the two knuckles 40, 42 may be loose enough to allow them to pivot freely and therefore permit adjustment without the need for any tools. In other applications, the knuckles 40, 42 (one or the other or both) may be locked in the correct position, for example, by a set screw (not shown) or locking knob (not shown). Locking the knuckles 40, 42 may help to provide the base 12 and screen 14 with additional support. In the illustrated embodiment, the knuckle 40, 42 have a single degree of freedom. In alternative embodiments, the knuckles may provide two or more degrees of freedom to allow relative movement in other directions. In some applications, one or both of the knuckles 40, 42 may be ball joints or other joints that allow free movement in all directions.

[0050] As noted above, the coupler 36 is configured to join the privacy screen 10 to the chair 200. The coupler may have essentially any configuration that allows it to be joined to the chair 200. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 36 is specially configured to be easily attached to and removed from an attachment structure on chair base 202, such as the chair flange 218 (See FIG. 10) or the chair column 206, though it could be configured in alternative embodiments to attach to other parts of the chair base 202 or the chair 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 36 is clasp or clamp that is capable of being closed about the flange 218 without the need for any disassembly. For example, the coupler 36 may be a clasp formed by two “C” shaped or semicircular ring segments that can be closed about the flange 218. If desired, the two ring segments may be joined by a hinge at one end to facilitate opening and closing of the coupler 206 by pivoting as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 10. In such applications, the clasp may include structure that retains the ring segments in the closed position. For example, a knob, wingnut or other similar fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the free ends of the two ring segments in the closed position. In alternative embodiments, the coupler may be a solid ring that is fitted over the flange 218 or the chair column 206. For example, the chair may be partially disassembled so the top end or bottom end of the flange 218 or the column 206 is free, thereby allowing the ring to be fitted over the free open top.

[0051] If desired, a low friction element, such as a bushing or bearings may be fitted between the coupler 36 and the flange 218 to facilitate rotational movement of the coupler 36 relative to the flange 218. For example, when the coupler 36 includes two hinged ring segments, two associated semicircular bushing segments 208a-b may be included and positioned to engage the chair flange 218. As another example, when the coupler 36 is a solid ring, a circular bearing assembly (not shown) or circular bushing (not shown) may be concentrically joined to the coupler 36 where it will interface with the exterior of the flange 218. To accommodate different chairs with different sized / shaped columns, a plurality of interchangeable bushings of different sizes / shapes may be provided.

[0052] The privacy screen shown in FIGS. 1-12 is merely exemplary and the privacy screen may be implemented with a wide variety of alternative base, screen and linkage configurations. Further, the privacy screen may incorporate one or more supplemental features. For example, in some embodiments, the screen 14 may include one or more wings (not shown) that can be selectively extended to temporarily increase the size of the screen. For example, top, left and / or right wings may be added to the top, left and / or right ends of the screen. The wings may be joined to the screen by any suitable structure, such as by hinges that allow the wings to fold out into extended positions or sliding fitments that allow the wings to slide out into the extended positions.

[0053] In other embodiments, the surface of the screen 14 facing the chair 200 may be covered by a green screen, such as a layer of fabric of an appropriate green-screen color, to facilitate use of an automated green screen systems. The green screen material may be permanently or removably affixed to the screen.

[0054] In one embodiment, the surface facing opposite the chair may be a corkboard, white board, chalk board or have another type of functional surface. This allows the otherwise essentially non-functional rear side of the privacy screen to be functional.

[0055] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,”“an,”“the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; Y, Z, and / or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.

Claims

1. A privacy screen for a chair comprising:an upright screen having front and rear major surfaces;a plurality of rolling elements supporting the screen, the rolling elements arranged to provide the screen with mobility; anda linkage joined directly or indirectly to the screen, the linkage having a length and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the front major surface of the screen, the linkage having a remote end configured to be removably joined to a chair, whereby the privacy screen is supported on the ground and can be coupled to a chair such that the privacy screen moves with a coupled chair and the screen remains at a fixed distance from a coupled chair dependent on the length of the linkage.

2. The privacy screen of claim 1 further including a base, the plurality of rolling elements being coupled to the base, the screen joined to and extending upwardly from the base.

3. The privacy screen of claim 2 wherein the base has a curved profile; andwherein the plurality of rolling elements are arranged along the curved profile such that at least one rolling element is out of linear alignment with the other rolling elements such that the privacy screen is freestanding atop the rolling elements.

4. The privacy screen of claim 3 wherein the base defines an upwardly opening channel; andwherein the screen is seated within the upwardly opening channel.

5. The privacy screen of claim 4 wherein the rolling elements are at least one of casters and wheels; andwherein the base is supported on at least three rolling elements.

6. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein the screen has a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the screen following a curved profile corresponding with the curved profile of the base.

7. The privacy screen of claim 6 wherein the screen has a top edge, the top edge having a linear profile.

8. The privacy screen of claim 5 wherein the linkage includes a coupler at the remote end, the coupler being configured to connect to a chair.

9. The privacy screen of claim 8 wherein the coupler is configured to be connected to an attachment flange on a chair base.

10. The privacy screen of claim 8 wherein the coupler is a ring configured to be fitted about a rigid circular flange coupled to the chair base.

11. The privacy screen of claim 8 wherein the coupler is configured to close about a chair attachment structure.

12. The privacy screen of claim 2 wherein the linkage is joined to the base by a first knuckle and the remote of the linkage is joined to the coupler by a second knuckle.

13. The privacy screen of claim 12 wherein the linkage is adjustable in length.

14. A privacy screen capable of being selectively coupled to a chair comprising:a rigid base;a screen extending upwardly from the base, the screen having front and rear major surfaces;a plurality of rolling elements coupled to the base to directly support the screen on a ground, the rolling elements providing the privacy screen with mobility;a linkage extending from the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the front major surface of the screen, the linkage having a length and a remote end configured to be removably joined to a chair, whereby the privacy screen can be coupled to a chair such that the privacy screen moves with a coupled chair and the screen remains at a fixed distance from a coupled chair dependent on the length of the linkage.

15. The privacy screen of claim 14 wherein the base has a curved profile; andwherein the plurality of rolling elements are arranged along the curved profile such that at least one rolling element is laterally offset from the other rolling elements, whereby the privacy screen is freestanding atop the rolling elements.

16. The privacy screen of claim 15 wherein the base defines an upwardly opening channel; andwherein the screen is seated within the upwardly opening channel.

17. The privacy screen of claim 14 wherein the rolling elements are at least one of casters and wheels; andwherein the base is supported on at least three rolling elements.

18. The privacy screen of claim 17 wherein the screen has a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the screen following a curved profile corresponding with the curved profile of the base; andwherein the screen has a top edge, the top edge having a linear profile.

19. The privacy screen of claim 14 wherein the base defines a curved upwardly opening bottom channel;further including a top support defining a downwardly opening top channel; andwherein the screen is manufactured from a flexible sheet material, a bottom edge of the sheet being fitted into the curved bottom channel and a top edge of the sheet being fitted into the top channel.

20. The privacy screen of claim 19 wherein the linkage is joined to the base by a first knuckle and the remote of the linkage is joined to the coupler by a second knuckle.

Images