Visual and Auditory Reducing Enclosure

Abstract

A device for eliminating auditory and visual distractions for the user. The device is adjustable and features walls comprised of fabric to accomplish its design goal. Extendable poles provide the structure for the device. The tent-like device can quickly expand into its useful position. The device can also quickly collapse. The device can be stored in a storage container for simple transportation.

Claims

1. A collapsible and portable barrier system comprising: a left-side pole housing; a right-side pole housing; and a plurality of poles comprising: a right-side primary support pole and a left-side primary support pole configured to hold fabric upright along a rear wall side; and two or more skeletal poles configured to attach to said fabric on a left side and a right side of said barrier system, wherein said left-side primary support pole and at least a first skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the left-side pole housing, and wherein said right-side primary support pole and at least a second skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the right-side pole housing.

2. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 1, further comprising a fabric that is opaque.

3. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 1, wherein the left-side pole housing and the right-side pole housing are each comprised of a pin bracket hinge system.

4. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 1, wherein the left-side and right-side walls can be opened or closed using a pin bracket spacer.

5. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 1, wherein the collapsible and portable barrier system can go from a closed configuration to an open configuration in less than ten seconds.

6. A collapsible and portable barrier system comprising: a left-side pole housing; a right-side pole housing; and a plurality of poles comprising: a right-side primary support pole and a left-side primary support pole configured to hold fabric upright along a rear wall side; and two or more skeletal poles configured to attach to said fabric on a left side and a right side of said barrier system, wherein said left-side primary support pole and at least a first skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the left-side pole housing, wherein said right-side primary support pole and at least a second skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the right-side pole housing, and wherein said collapsible and portable barrier system can be expanded to an open configuration from a closed configuration by a single user in ten seconds or less.

7. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 6, wherein the collapsible and portable barrier system can collapse into a storage enclosure.

8. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 6, wherein said storage enclosure comprises one or more wheels or one or more handles.

9. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 6, wherein the collapsible and portable barrier system can be expanded to an open configuration from a close configuration by one or more users.

10. A collapsible and portable barrier system comprising: a left-side pole housing; a right-side pole housing; and a plurality of poles comprising: a right-side primary support pole and a left-side primary support pole configured to hold fabric upright along a rear wall side; and two or more skeletal poles configured to attach to said fabric on a left side and a right side of said barrier system, wherein said left-side primary support pole and at least a first skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the left-side pole housing, wherein said right-side primary support pole and at least a second skeletal pole of the two or more skeletal poles are connected to the right-side pole housing, and wherein said adjustable base can be configured to adjust the size of said collapsible and portable barrier system from between 2 meters to 3.5 meters.

11. The collapsible and portable barrier system of claim 10, wherein the base can be secured in a predetermined width with a system of pins.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the device used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a top view of the device used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a front view of the device used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of the poles and pin bracket inside of the walls used to support the enclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of the device in its expanded form.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of the left wall of the device in its expanded form.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of the rear wall of the device in its expanded form.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of the device in an expanded state where the base of the device is also expanded.

[0017] FIG. 9 is an exemplary illustration of the device in an expanded state where the base of the device is also expanded.

[0018] FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of the enclosure that houses the device in a long-term storage state.

[0019] FIG. 11 is an exemplary illustration of the rear wall of the device in an expanded form.

[0020] FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of the side walls of the device in an expanded form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In some embodiments, the device provides auditory and/or visual privacy for users. The auditory and/or visual privacy can be provided by opaque, sound-reducing fabric (FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the structural frame of the device is comprised of poles (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the device consists of a rectangular rear wall (FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the left and right walls of the device are quarter-circles that can resemble a fan-like foldout (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the front of the device is left open.

[0022] In some embodiments, the device can be folded and stored in a portable, self-collapsing storage container (FIG. 10). The storage container can have latches that keep the structure enclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus features a handle on both sides of the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container has wheels. The size, shape, and features of the storage container make the device easy to store and transport.

[0023] Once the latches on the storage container are opened, the device can expand into an open configuration. Users can expand the device into its expanded form in as little as five seconds. Users begin the expansion process by erecting the primary support poles. Users can secure the poles in a desired position with a locking mechanism. Once the primary support poles are erected, the poles that support the left-side and right-side walls can expand into position under the force of gravity. The poles that support the left-side and right-side walls can also be pulled into position by the user.

[0024] In some embodiments, the walls are comprised of opaque and/or sound reducing fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric is sound reducing. In some embodiments, the fabric is not sound reducing. The fabric can be any color. The fabric can be black. The fabric can be grey. The fabric can be the team's colors. The fabric can be spandex. The fabric can be a combination of various materials. The fabric can be rayon. The fabric can be nylon.

[0025] The rear wall of the device can be rectangular in shape (FIG. 7). The rear wall can be 1.0 meter in width. The rear wall can be 1.2 meters in width. The rear wall can be 1.4 meters in width. The rear wall can be 1.6 meters in width. The rear wall can be 1.8 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.0 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.2 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.4 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.4 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.6 meters in width. The rear wall can be 2.8 meters in width. The rear wall can be 3.0 meters in width. The rear wall can be 3.2 meters in width. The rear wall can be 3.4 meters in width. The rear wall can be 3.6 meters in width. The rear wall can be 3.8 meters in with. The rear wall can be 4.0 meters in width. The rear wall can be any width within the given range and can reasonably exceed the minimum and maximum widths provided.

[0026] The rear wall can be 1.0 meter in height. The rear wall can be 1.2 meters in height. The rear wall can be 1.4 meters in height. The rear wall can be 1.6 meters in height. The rear wall can be 1.8 meters in height. The rear wall can be 2.0 meters in height. The rear wall can be 2.2 meters in height. The rear wall can be 2.4 meters in height. The rear wall can be 2.6 meters in height. The rear wall can be 2.8 meters in height. The rear wall can be 3.0 meters in height. The rear wall can be any height within the given range and can reasonably exceed the minimum and maximum heights provided.

[0027] The left and right-side walls of the device can each resemble a quarter-circle. In some embodiments, the left and right-side walls of the device can resemble a fan-like foldout. (FIG. 6). The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximately 1.0 meter. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 1.2 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 1.4 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 1.6 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 1.8 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 2.0 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 2.2 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 2.4 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 2.6 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 2.8 meters. The left and right-side walls can have a radius of approximate 3.0 meters. The left and right-side walls can be any radius within the given range and can reasonably exceed the minimum and maximum radii provided.

[0028] In some embodiments, both left and right-side walls are comprised of at least three support poles. In some embodiments, both left and right-side walls are comprised of nine poles (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, both left and right-side walls are comprised of as many as 12 poles. The polls can be comprised of a flexible lightweight material. The poles can be made of fiberglass. The poles can be made of aluminum. In some embodiments, the poles comprising the left and right-side walls are hollow and allow for one pole to be secured in another pole.

[0029] The poles that provide structural support for the device can be secured in a housing device. In some embodiments, the poles are held in place by a pin bracket (FIG. 4). The pin bracket can be made of aluminum. The pin bracket can be made of other materials. In some embodiments, the pin bracket is triangular in shape. In some embodiments, the pin bracket is approximately 20-30 centimeters in width and 20-30 centimeters in height.

[0030] In some embodiments, the poles can be adjusted using a pin bracket spacer (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the pin bracket is a diagonally cut, square piece of light-weight material. The pin bracket can be aluminum. A locking mechanism can hold the pin bracket in place.

[0031] When the device is expanded, the poles can be adjusted through the use of pinholes in the pin bracket. In some embodiments, the poles are secured with nuts and bolts. In some embodiments, the poles, and thus, the wall, can be collapsed inward toward the first pole and expanded by releasing the poles (FIG. 4). The pinholes in the pin bracket can be approximately 2-3 centimeters apart along the hypotenuse of the pin bracket (FIG. 4).

[0032] To deploy the device, the primary support pole (FIG. 4) is unfolded out of the enclosure. The user deploying the device can extend either the left primary support pole or the right primary support pole first (FIG. 4). The user assembling the device will lift the flap until the primary support pole clicks into its corresponding position inside the pin bracket.

[0033] The base of the device, which can function as the device's storage container, can also expand to various widths (FIGS. 8-9). Once the desired width is reached, users can secure the position of the base with pins.

[0034] The device's side walls can fully expand once the main rod is completely vertical and secured into place. The side walls can expand into the shape of a quarter-circle. The side walls can resemble a fan-like foldout.

[0035] The device can be deployed in three seconds. The device can be deployed in four seconds. The device can be deployed in five seconds. The device can be deployed in six seconds. The device can be deployed in seven seconds. The device can be deployed in eight seconds. The device can be deployed in nine seconds. The device can be deployed in ten seconds. The short amount of time required to deploy the device makes the apparatus more efficient and less cumbersome than dragging chairs away from the opposing team and crowd. The device eliminates the need for a second team bench area. This saves time compared to moving the team from the bench to the center of the playing surface and assembling and disassembling stools for the athletes, coaches, and support staff to sit on. While the team is gathering on the playing surface, sweat can accumulate on the playing surface. Support staff must clean the playing surface before play can resume. Because the device is deployed behind the team bench, the time needed to clean the playing surface is avoided.

[0036] By using the device, users can avoid being distracted by opposing players, fans, on-court activities, television and other recording devices or media personnel. The structure can provide a partition between the team's bench area and the opposing team and crowd. Deployed and retracted in seconds, the device provides its users with privacy to effectively communicate.

[0037] When the stoppage in play is over, users can quickly collapse the device. First, the user can push the left and right-side walls toward primary support pole (FIG. 4). Then, the user can compress the quick-release latches located on both sides of the device, which connect the main poles to the base of the structure, and release the rods. The structure can collapse into halves that overlap in the storage container. The device can remain in this quick-deploy state. Once the user wishes to transform the device from its quick-deploy state to its long-term storage state, the user can fold the collapsible lid over the collapsed structure and secure the latches on the storage container.

[0038] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

[0039] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the structure used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game. The illustration shows the device in a collapsed form (101). The illustration shows the device in a partially expanded form with only the rear wall expanded (102). The illustration shows the device in its fully expanded form with the left and right-side walls expanded (103).

[0040] FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a top view of the structure used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game. The illustration shows a top view of the rear wall of the device (201). The illustration shows a top view of the left and right-side walls of the device (202, 203). The illustration shows a top view of an exemplary team bench inside of the structure (204).

[0041] FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a front view of the structure used to enclose the team bench during timeouts or other pauses in the game. The illustration shows a front view of the rear wall of the device (301). The illustration shows a front view of an exemplary team bench inside the device (302).

[0042] FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of the poles (401-409) and pin bracket (410) inside of the walls used to support the enclosure. The primary support pole (401) is the first pole that should be erected on both the left and right sides of the device. The poles (402-409) provide the structural support for the left and right-side walls. The poles (401-409) can be held in place by the pin bracket (410). The pin bracket (410) can be made out of aluminum. The pin bracket features pin bracket spacers (411-412).

[0043] FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of the device in its expanded form. FIG. 5 depicts the front of the device from a diagonal view. The auditory and/or visual privacy can be provided by opaque, sound-reducing fabric (501).

[0044] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of the device in its expanded form. In FIG. 6, the left-side wall (601) is depicted. The left-side wall can be a quarter-circle. The left-side wall can be comprised of opaque, sound-reducing fabric.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of the device in its expanded form. In FIG. 8, the rear wall (701) is depicted. The rear wall can be rectangular in shape. The rear wall can be comprised of opaque, sound-reducing fabric.

[0046] FIG. 8 is an example of the base (801) of the device. The base can expand to various widths.

[0047] FIG. 9 is an example of the base (901) of the device. The base can expand to various widths.

[0048] FIG. 10 is an example of the storage container that houses the device.

[0049] FIG. 11 is an exemplary illustration of the rear wall of the device (1101). The illustration depicts the rear wall in its expanded form.

[0050] FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of the side wall of the device (1201). The illustration depicts the side wall in expanded form.