US20240084588A1

US20240084588A1 - Customizable privacy apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20240084588A1
Application number: US18/449,972
Authority: US
Inventors: Dane Rae Wiliams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-14
Filing date: 2023-08-15
Publication date: 2024-03-14

Abstract

A removable privacy screen, comprising: a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of frame support members, each of the frame support members coupled to another of the frame support member via a connection member to form the frame and define a perimeter for the frame; a panel, the panel secured to and disposed within the frame, the panel being opaque to visible light; a plurality of removable fasteners, each removable fastener comprising a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion of each removable fastener secured to the frame, and the second portion of each removable fastener securable to a surface separate from the frame; wherein the frame is of a greater thickness than the panel, and wherein the number of removable fasteners is at least equal to the number of frame support members.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to patio and the like accessories, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a privacy screen that is configured to be releasably secured to outdoor areas such as but not limited to patios wherein the privacy screen provides visual interruption of the area.

BACKGROUND

Millions of people reside in multi-family structures such as but not limited to apartments, townhomes and condominiums. These multi-family dwellings are constructed in various sizes that range from small developments having as few as ten or less unit to high rise and large complexes having hundreds or more units. Regardless of the size, one of the common issues with all sizes of multi-family dwellings is privacy. Some of the aforementioned structures have unit features such as but not limited to patios or balconies. These outdoor features offer a space wherein the unit resident can enjoy being outdoors and engage in various activities such as but not limited to socializing or cooking.
One issue with the outdoor spaces of multi-family dwellings is the lack of privacy. The typical arrangement of multi-family dwellings is such that many of the patio or balcony areas can be viewed by other people either that live in the multi-family dwelling or are adjacent thereto. This is most often undesirable for the resident as many people desire to have privacy as they sit in the patio areas and balconies. While patios and balconies that are on second levels or higher have railings to comply with building codes, these railings fail to provide the desired privacy for the resident that wishes to use the areas in a private manner.
Accordingly, there is a need for a customizable privacy apparatus that is configured to be releasably secured to elements on a patio or balcony such as but not limited to railings wherein the privacy screen of the present invention provides visual disruption into the patio or balcony area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a privacy screen that provides visual disruption into an area such as but not limited to a balcony or patio.
In an embodiment, the removable privacy screen comprise: a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of frame support members, each of the frame support members coupled to another of the frame support member via a connection member to form the frame and define a perimeter for the frame; a panel, the panel secured to and disposed within the frame, the panel being opaque to visible light; a plurality of removable fasteners, each removable fastener comprising a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion of each removable fastener secured to the frame, and the second portion of each removable fastener securable to a surface separate from the frame; wherein the frame is of a greater thickness than the panel, and wherein the number of removable fasteners is at least equal to the number of frame support members.
Each of the plurality of removable fasteners may be secured to the frame at a location proximate to one of the connection members. The removable fasteners may comprise hook-and-loop fasteners, with each first portion being one of a hook and a loop and each second portion being an other of a hook and a loop
The panel may be removably secured to the frame. In an a embodiment, the panel may be comprised of a micropore material which permits air to pass through the panel. The panel may be manufactured from a washable material. In an embodiment, the panel may further comprise a visual feature imprinted on at least of side of the panel. The visual feature may comprise one or more of: a color, a graphic and an indicia.
In a further embodiment, the panel may further comprise one or more cutouts in the panel such that the cutouts are positioned with respect to the frame in alignment with corresponding first portions of the fasteners
In another embodiment, the privacy screen and panel may further comprise a third portion for each of the removable fasteners, each third portion being structurally equivalent to each second portion such that the first portion of each fasteners may alternatively be secured to the corresponding third portion on an alternate surface.
In an embodiment, the panel is rectangular in shape and the connection members are formed from two segments contiguously formed at a ninety-degree angle.
Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a privacy screen that provides visual disruption into an area such as but not limited to a balcony or patio wherein the panel is provided in alternate shapes and sizes.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a screen according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the screen of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is detached plan view of the screen of FIG. 1 being secured to a surface; and

FIG. 5 is a closeup view of the fastener of the panel of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a privacy screen 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the privacy screen 100 includes a panel 10. The privacy screen 100 is designed to being installed either as a single privacy screen 100 or a plurality of privacy screens 100 depending upon the installation area in which the privacy screen 100 is installed. The exemplary embodiment illustrated herein in FIGS. 1-3 is single privacy screen 100 formed from a single panel 10. While the privacy screen 100 and panels 10 are illustrated herein as being square or rectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the panels 10 could be provided in alternate shapes and sizes in order to accommodate different patio or balcony configurations.
The panel 10 is secured within a frame 15 wherein the frame 15 is comprised of a plurality of frame support members 20. The frame support members 20 are elongated in manner being manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum or plastic. While the frame support members 20 illustrated herein are straight in form, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the frame support members 20 could be provided in alternate shapes to achieve an alternate shape for the frame 15. The frame support members 20 are operably coupled utilizing the connection members 30. The connection members 30 are hollow having openings at each end so as to facilitate the ends of the frame support members 20 being partially inserted into the connection members 30. The ends of the frame support members 20 frictionally engage the connection members 30 so as to operably couple thereto. While the connection members 30 are illustrated herein as having two segments contiguously formed at a ninety-degree angle, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the connection members 30 could be provided in alternate shapes so as to facilitate creation of a frame 15 of different shapes. It should be further understood that the connection members 30 could employ various mechanical fasteners to facilitate securing of the frame support members 20 thereto.
The privacy screen 100 employs removable fasteners 40 that are operable to secure the privacy screen 100 to a separate surface 110 when in use, as shown in FIG. 4 . Typical surfaces may include a patio or balcony rail, a post or pillar, a wall, or another privacy screen 100. The removable fasteners are formed with a first portion 42 secured to the frame support members 20 and a second portion 44 which is secured to the separate surface 110. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the fasteners 40 are mateable halves of hook and loop fasteners although alternative types of fasteners (e.g. snaps, magnets) may be used. Removable fasteners 40 are designed to facilitate an ability to easily install, move and remove the privacy screen 100 to and from the separate surface 110. In an embodiment, the removable fasteners 40 are positioned at or near the location on the frame support member 20 proximate the connection members 30.
In another embodiment, the removable fasteners 40 may further comprise a third portion, which is structurally identical to the second portion 44 (such as being the loop element of a hook-and-loop fastener), which allows the privacy screen 100 to be secured to an alternate surface. For example, the privacy screen 100 could be secured to a patio rail to provide privacy when in use, and then alternately secured to a nearby wall for storage when not in use.
The privacy screen 100 may further includes cutouts 50 between the panel 10 and the frame support members 20. Cutouts 50 are provided so as to facilitate a technique for a user to grasp the privacy screen 100 in order to place and remove the privacy screen 100 from being secured to the separate surface 110. Cutouts 50 are preferably formed in size so as to accept at least one finger of the user. In an embodiment, the cutouts 50 are positioned to align with the position of the first portion 42 of the removable fastener 40 on the frame support members 20. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the cutouts 50 could be provided in alternate shapes and sizes and further be provided in alternate quantities.
The panel 10 may be releasably secured within the frame 15 utilizing suitable durable techniques. In an embodiment, the panel 10 is manufactured from a washable plastic material and it is further constructed so as to permit airflow therethough. The latter can be accomplished through minute holes invisible to the eye but sufficient to allow air to pass through the membrane, such as through use of a micropore material. The panel 10 may further have indicia or color imprinted thereon so as to provide decorative options for various installation areas. The panel 10 may be releasably secured to the frame support members 20 utilizing spline rubber stripping or other suitable technique. It is desired within the preferred embodiment of the present invention that the panel 10 is removable so as to facilitate the cleaning thereof using an apparatus such as a washing machine. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the panel 10 could have visual features such as colors, graphics or indicia imprinted on either one side of the panel 10 or both sides of the panel 10.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A removable privacy screen, comprising:

a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of frame support members, each of the frame support members coupled to another of the frame support member to form the frame and define a perimeter for the frame;

a panel, the panel secured to and disposed within the frame, the panel being opaque to visible light;

a plurality of removable fasteners, each removable fastener comprising a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion of each removable fastener secured to the frame, and the second portion of each removable fastener securable to a surface separate from the frame;

wherein the frame is of a greater thickness than the panel, and

wherein the number of removable fasteners is at least equal to the number of frame support members.

2. The screen of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of removable fasteners is secured to the frame at a location proximate to one of the connection members.

3. The screen of claim 1, wherein the removable fasteners comprise hook-and-loop fasteners, with each first portion being one of a hook and a loop and each second portion being an other of a hook and a loop.

4. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel is comprised of a micropore material which permits air to pass through the panel.

5. The screen of claim 1, further comprising a third portion for each of the removable fasteners, each third portion being structurally equivalent to each second portion such that the first portion of each fasteners may alternatively be secured to the corresponding third portion on an alternate surface.

6. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel is removably secured to the frame.

7. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises one or more cutouts in the panel such that the cutouts are positioned with respect to the frame in alignment with corresponding first portions of the fasteners.

8. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel is manufactured from a washable material.

9. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises a visual feature imprinted on at least of side of the panel.

10. The screen of claim 9, wherein the visual feature comprises one or more of: a color, a graphic and an indicia.

11. The screen of claim 1, wherein the panel is rectangular in shape.

12. The screen of claim 1, wherein the connection members are formed from two segments contiguously formed at a ninety-degree angle.