Abstract:
A privacy booth for isolating a user from the surrounding environment so as to provide acoustical and possibly visual privacy to the user. A single privacy booth may be utilized when a user must interact with an electronic device or terminal, for example, an ATM. When interacting with a human, for example, a bank teller, a pair of joined privacy booths provide acoustical and visual privacy to both interacting parties. The solid but possibly transparent barrier between the user and the teller helps prevent “snatch and grab” type crimes and protects the teller from armed robbery attempts. Access to the user&#39;s privacy booth may be controlled using access keypads that open semi-circular doors. A transaction pass-through tube allows for passing paper documents back and forth between the user and the teller. The privacy booth may have an elevateable floor and a ramp allowing access to wheel chair confined persons.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/765,705 for Sound Proof Privacy Booth filed Feb. 16, 2013 that is included herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention pertains to privacy booths and more particularly, to privacy booths associated with transaction terminals or customer service windows. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It is important for consumers to recognize that identity theft is not just a financial crime. This crime varies widely, and can include financial identity theft (checking and/or credit card fraud), criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and medical identity theft. The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC www.identitytheftcenter.org) is a nonprofit, nationally respected organization dedicated exclusively to the understanding of identity theft and related issues. The ITRC provides victim and consumer support as well as public education. The ITRC also advises governmental agencies, legislators, law enforcement, and businesses about the evolving and growing problem of identity theft. 
         [0004]    When personal and/or financial information is publically disclosed, for example at the teller window of a bank, credit union, medical facility, or numerous other similar places, there is generally some risk that all or part of that information may be compromised (i.e., “stolen”) by a person not authorized to have access to that information. When information is entered into a public computer terminal or apparatus, for example, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), there is still a risk of personal information such as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) being observed by an unauthorized person. Further, a financial transaction at a teller window may be compromised when a teller innocently asks a customer making cash withdrawal a question such as “how would you like the money, in one-hundreds, fifties, twenties, etc.” Such information may alert an observer to the fact that the customer will soon be carrying a possible substantial amount of cash. 
         [0005]    In medical facilities, for example doctor&#39;s offices, hospital emergency room registration desks, pharmacies, or the like, personal information divulged by a client may be overheard. Also other situations such as general conversation with a teller/customer service rep. can lead to questions and or answers about a current or previous account disclosing sensitive information that could possibly lead to fraud and or Identification theft. When “you the customer/consumer” walk into a business such as a bank or hospital “you should feel safe and trustworthy of that facility disclosing sensitive and confidential information” Knowing that your transactions are strictly between the teller and the customer and not an unwanted third party. Also that the teller and or customer service rep. should feel safe into arriving into work everyday knowing that their protected by such product and not worrying about the threat of arm robbery or being shot at because of someone who just wants money. 
         [0006]    In many facilities, a queue of waiting customers or patients are requested to stay an appropriate distance away from a window, counter, etc. where another person is conducting a transaction. Even with this precaution, it is still possible for a person in the queue to overhear some portion of the transaction. 
       DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0007]    The prior art shows several proposed solutions for limiting or eliminating the loss of sensitive information disclosed by a patient or customer at a teller window and vise versa, a medical intake desk, an ATM, or any other facility where a user is required to divulge sensitive information. 
         [0008]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,151 for SELF SERVICE TERMINAL issued Jun. 5, 2001 to Stephen Swaine et al. teaches a self service terminal (SST) that has a front portion including a user interface located within a fascia. The fascia has a concave inner surface that defines a privacy area and which reduces reflection of sound. The inner surface is bounded by one or more extremities which project out from the terminal. The fascia has a canopy that extends beyond the projecting extremities. In use, the user places his head within or in proximity to the privacy area for increased privacy when using the terminal. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,338 for TRANSACTION SECURITY SYSTEM AND MODULAR TRANSACTION PROCESSING CENTER issued Sep. 27, 1988 to Hastings, discloses a transaction security device consisting of a booth of a material and construction capable of selective voluntary entry and involuntary personnel retention and incorporating a transaction interface; entrance means for said booth; a closure for said entrance means, and control means adapted to secure and unsecure at least said entrance means; and cooperating with said booth, disposed, therein, or indeed independent thereof, at least one secondary enclosure adapted to contain apparatus disposed upon at least one turntable within a housing module composed of an enclosure, portions of which are independently rotatable about said turntable and the devices disposed thereon; and means for access to the interior of said housing and with said transaction interface. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,475 for TEMPERATURE CONTROL MEANS FOR A SELF SERVICE BANKING SYSTEM issued Mar. 21, 1989 to Edward F. Couvrette provides a self service banking system including a walk-in kiosk housing an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The kiosk includes a pivotable interior access door on one end thereof which is pivotable between open and closed positions and a side wall rotatable quarter panel expansion area for allowing access to the interior of the ATM. The kiosk provides a secure enclosed environment for the automatic teller machine (ATM) and its contents. An air distribution system, a laminated wall insulation, heating and cooling systems and their controls are provided to maintain the interior temperature and humidity of the kiosk within the normal temperature and humidity operational range of the computer of the ATM during exposure of the kiosk to a wide range of ambient temperatures and humidity beyond the acceptable operating temperature and humidity range of the ATM and its computers. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,118 for VIDEO IMAGE SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION issued Apr. 11, 1989 to Roget F. Lafreniere teaches a video image system for rapidly (in a few seconds) recording a person and his identification (ID) card makes video images of the person&#39;s hand palm and face along with the ID card presented by the person that may be a badge, card, drivers license, passport, or other item issued by some authority, and combines those images and presents the combined image on a video monitor for immediate inspection by a guard, store clerk or attendant, and, in addition, stores the combined image along with time and date superimposed thereon so that it can be reviewed later. The system includes at a designated place entered by the person to be recorded, a viewing table in easy reach of the person on which there are viewing areas for the person&#39;s palm and the ID card that he presents and video cameras arranged for scanning his palm, ID card and his face producing video images that are combined electronically producing a combined video image of the palm. An ID card and face may be viewed on a video monitor and recorded on a video cassette recorder (VCR) along with the time and date. The combined image that is recorded can be reviewed later as a review of the identification event. 
         [0012]    None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel Modular Privacy Booth for Cooperative Use with a Teller Station, ATM, or the Like of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a privacy booth for isolating a user from the surrounding environment so as to provide acoustical and, visual privacy to the user. A single privacy booth may be utilized when a user must interact with an electronic device or terminal, for example, an ATM. When interaction with a human, for example, a bank teller, a pair of joined privacy booths provide acoustical and visual privacy to both interacting parties. The solid but possibly transparent barrier between the user and the teller helps prevent “snatch and grab” type crimes and protects the teller from armed robbery attempts and or gun fire. 
         [0014]    Access to the user&#39;s privacy booth is controlled using an access keypad. The access keypad may incorporate one or several devices such as a keyboard/keypad, a magnetic strip card reader, an OCR bar code reader, a Quick Response (QR) code optical reader, and a biometric scanner, for example, a fingerprint scanner to protect against the misuse of (OCR). As far as criminals/Docket thieves installing credit card readers to obtain customers transaction/personal information including funds from account. 
         [0015]    Semi-circular doors open when a user enters an acceptable entry code or presents acceptable media. 
         [0016]    A transaction pass-through box or tube allows the passing of paper documents back and forth between the user and the teller. That opens only on customer side as per customer&#39;s request to teller. Money, receipt, bank slips are placed inside and when hands and arms are removed from inside tube, door then closes and starts back scattering x ray process to detect any danger of harmful materials or weapons before teller thinks its safe to open only on teller&#39;s request. 
         [0017]    When the transaction(s) are complete, the user causes the door to reopen only on teller&#39;s command, controlled by an airlocking system for security purposes, and exits the privacy booth. 
         [0018]    Optionally, the privacy booth may be equipped with a electronic floor raising mechanism and a ramp that allows a disabled user in a wheel chair or similar conveyance to remain seated while being elevated to an equivalent height of a standing user for a comfortable and professional like transaction, catered to the handicapped/disabled and even undersized persons. 
         [0019]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user to provide acoustical and visual privacy to the user when he or she is divulging sensitive private information. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user that is substantially circular and has semi-circular doors that selectively open and close. 
         [0021]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user that incorporates an entry keypad to allow only authorized users to open the door and enter the privacy booth, with non banking members able to obtain a temporary access by visiting customer service side to still be able to access booth on a one day visitors pass by providing customer service with proper I.D and personal information for security purposes. 
         [0022]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a privacy booth connected to a second privacy booth, the first privacy booth enclosing a user thereby allowing the user to divulge sensitive personal information to a teller in the second privacy booth. 
         [0023]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user having a transaction pass-through box for bidirectionally transferring paper documents, cash, or other physical items between the user and the teller. 
         [0024]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a privacy booth to enclose a user wherein a teller in the second privacy booth may activate an alarm when the need arises. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1A  is a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a view of a first embodiment of a privacy booth in accordance with the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1B  is a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 1  but having a raiseable floor; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a simplified front elevational, schematic view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a top plan schematic view of the privacy booth of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a top plan, schematic view of a single privacy booth with a user interacting with an ATM or the like; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a top plan, schematic view of a pair of privacy booths connected one to another in accordance with the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is an architectural rendering, front perspective view of four privacy booths in a typical operating environment; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a typical teller station utilizing a privacy booth. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0034]    The present invention provides modular privacy booths for cooperative use with a teller station, ATM, or the like. The novel privacy booth may be used in applications where a customer, client or other person may securely reveal sensitive personal data or information while minimizing the risk of inadvertently sharing such data or information with a person unauthorized to receive such information. As used hereinafter, the term user is intended to represent any client, patient, or other such person in need of privacy to conduct a transaction. 
         [0035]    The novel privacy booth may be used individually, for example, to protect the privacy of an ATM or other similar electronic work station. When two of the privacy booths are interconnected back-to-back for applications such as teller stations, etc., the privacy of both the user and the teller are protected. 
         [0036]    Referring first to  FIG. 1A , there is shown a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a first embodiment of a privacy booth in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  100 . 
         [0037]    Privacy booth  100  is structure having arcuate upstanding walls, typically forming a substantially a cylindrical structure. It will be recognized that privacy booths in accordance with the invention may be constructed with arcuate upstanding walls to form structures other than circular structures. In still other embodiment, privacy booths may be constructed with a mix or arcuate and non-arcuate upstanding walls. In additional embodiments, privacy structure may be constructed with nothing but non-arcuate upstanding walls. Consequently, privacy booths having a wide variety of cross sectional shapes may be constructed. Therefore, the invention is not considered limited to a particular cross sectional shape. Rather the invention includes privacy booths having any cross-sectional shape. 
         [0038]    An opening “O”  102  extends across a front facing region of privacy booth  100 . Opening  102  is sized to accommodate a wheelchair, power chair, or other conveyance suitable for use by a handicapped person  152   c , best seen in  FIG. 6 , to enter privacy booth  100  to transact private business. 
         [0039]    Opening  102  may selectively be closed by a sliding door, typically implemented as a pair of sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  that selectively open and close in directions shown by respective arrows  106   a ,  106   b . In a closed position, outer edges  108   a ,  108   b  of respective sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  meet at a central point  110 , their outer edges abutting one to the other. When necessary, seals  112   a ,  112   b  may be applied to respective door outer edges  108   a ,  108   b  to improve acoustical privacy by limiting the amount of sound emanating from within privacy booth  100  to an external space, not specifically identified. 
         [0040]    A door opening apparatus, not shown, is operatively connected to sliding doors  104   a ,  104   b  to perform door opening and door closing function upon command. Such door opening and closing mechanisms are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further described or discussed herein. 
         [0041]    An optional transaction pass-through box  130  connects the interior of privacy booth  100  to a space directly behind the booth, typically a contiguous connected second privacy booth  150 , best seen in  FIG. 5 . When implemented, the distal end of transaction pass-through box  130  terminates in second privacy booth  150 . 
         [0042]    In privacy booth  100 , a floor  114  is typically raised as small distance “H”  116  above the level of a surface, not specifically identified, upon which privacy booth  100  is supported. 
         [0043]    A handrail  122  encircles the entire interior surface of privacy booth  100 . 
         [0044]    A top of dome  124  completely seals the interior of privacy booth  100 . A signal assembly  126 , discussed in more detail hereinbelow is affixed atop dome  124 , typically proximate an apex, not specifically identified, of dome  124 . It will be recognized that structures, not shown, other than domes  124  may be used to seal the upper portion of privacy booth  100 . 
         [0045]    Referring now also to  FIG. 1B , there is shown a simplified front perspective, schematic view of a second embodiment of a privacy booth  100 , generally at reference number  100 ′. 
         [0046]    Privacy booth  100 ′ has all the previously described features and structures but in addition has an elevateable floor  114 ′ that raises a person seated in a wheel chair, scooter, or other such conveyance to a height whereat they may utilize privacy booth  100 ′ in an equivalent manner to a standing person of average height. Floor  114 ′ is raised by a floor elevating mechanism, not shown in  FIG. 1B , that may include motor driven scissor jacks, not shown, one or more hydraulic cylinders, not shown, or any other suitable similar lift system components. It will be recognized that a control system, not shown, incorporating at least necessary controls and limit switches, none shown, would form a part of any floor elevating system. If hydraulic cylinders are used to raise floor  114 ′, support pumps, tanks, valves, etc., none shown, all known to those of skill in the hydraulic arts, are required for cooperative uses with one or more hydraulic cylinders. 
         [0047]    A ramp  118 , typically having a non-slip surface treatment  120  applied to an upper major surface thereof allows safe ingress and egress to privacy booth  100 ′ by both non-handicapped persons  152   a ,  152   b  and handicapped persons  152   c , respectively, all best seen in  FIG. 6 . In alternate embodiments, ramp  118  may be retracted into a lower portion of privacy booth  100 ′. Ramp  118  is sized and configured so that an upper edge meets and mates with floor  114 ′ when floor  114 ′ is in a raised disposition. 
         [0048]    Note that privacy booth  100  and  100 ′ are typically sized to accommodate two adult persons inside, including one adult person in a wheel chair or similar conveyance. 
         [0049]    Referring now also to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , there are shown simplified front elevational, and top plan schematic views, respectively of the privacy booth similar to privacy booth  100  of  FIG. 1A  and of the privacy booth  100 ′ of  FIG. 1B , generally at reference number  100 ″. 
         [0050]    Additional features not shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  include an access “keypad”  132  and an external speaker  134 . The term “access keypad” is used to refer to devices that may include keypads, biometric scanners, magnetic card readers, RFID devices, OCR card readers, and any other access control devices. 
         [0051]    External speaker  134  may be utilized in a number of ways but generally is connected as part of an intercom system, not shown. External speaker may, in some installations, be designated for emergency use but not limited to soft music being played while customer utilizes booth, for both entertainment and or to help reduce listening in on transactions inside booth. 
         [0052]    Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of a single privacy booth  100   x  selected from privacy booths  100 ,  100 ′, or  100 ″. A single privacy booth  100   x  is useful in applications wherein a user interacts with an ATM or other electronic device or system and wherein the user needs to maintain privacy while disclosing sensitive personal information. 
         [0053]    A user  152  is shown interacting with an ATM or the like  140 . A work surface or shelf  136   a  is provided for the convenience of user  152 . All of the other features previously discussed may readily be incorporated into privacy booth  100   x.    
         [0054]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a top plan, schematic view of a first privacy booth  100   x  selected from privacy booths  100 ,  100 ′, or  100 ″ connected to a second privacy booth  150 . Privacy booth  100   x  is configured for occupancy and use by a user. Privacy booth  150  is adapted for occupancy and use by a teller or the like. The internal details of privacy booth  150  are discussed in more detail hereinbelow. 
         [0055]    A barrier  138  separates the internal regions of privacy booths  100   x  and  150 . Barrier  138  may optionally be completely or partially transparent to facilitate visual communication between privacy booth  100   x  and  150 . It is assumed that barrier  138  may be made from a bullet proof material to provide security primarily to teller  154 . 
         [0056]    Privacy booths  100   x  and  150  are typically joined by transaction pass-through tube  130  sized and configure to allow two-way movement of paper documents, bills, and coins. 
         [0057]    A schematic representation of a user  152  is shown within privacy booth  100   x . A schematic representation of a teller or other similar person  154  is shown within privacy booth  150 . It will be recognized that neither user  152  nor teller  154  form any part of the invention but are shown to illustrate the intended function of the privacy booths of the invention. 
         [0058]    Referring now also to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an architectural rendering of four privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d  in a typical operating environment. Privacy booths  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d  are disposed adjacent one another in a customer lobby, not specifically identified, of a bank or similar institution that forms no part of the invention. A single handicap access booth  100   a  is a booth  100 ′ as seen in  FIG. 1B . Three “conventional” privacy booths  100  as seen in  FIG. 1A  and designated  100   b ,  100   c ,  100   d  are disposed adjacent thereto. 
         [0059]    Customers (i.e., users)  152 ,  152   a ,  152   b  and  152   c  are shown in various stages of use of privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d . Customers  152  are waiting in a queue for a chance to conduct business in one of privacy booths  100   a  . . .  100   d.    
         [0060]    Customer  152   a  is exiting privacy booth  100   d , presumably having completed his or her business therewithin. 
         [0061]    Customer  152   b  is utilizing access keypad  132   c  to allow entry into privacy booth  100   c.    
         [0062]    Customer  152   c , seated in a wheelchair or similar conveyance, not specifically identified, within privacy booth  100   a , presumably in the process of conducting his or her business therein. 
         [0063]    Attached to each of privacy booth  100   a  . . .  100   d  is an attached corresponding teller booth  150   a  . . .  150   d . As best seen in teller booth  150   a , a teller  154  is transacting business. 
         [0064]    Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a rear perspective, schematic view of a teller station  160  disposed in a teller booth  150 . 
         [0065]    A wall  210  of teller station  150  may be constructed to conform and seal to an existing teller station  160 . Sliding doors  212   a ,  212   b  and shown in a closed position. A teller  156 , not seen in  FIG. 7  for sake of clarity, working within privacy booth  150  would be acoustically isolated from the space surrounding privacy booth  150 . 
         [0066]    The teller end of transaction pass-through box  130  is shown. 
         [0067]    Teller station “components”, none of which form any part of the present invention are shown. A work surface  190  typically supports a computer monitor  192  and computer pointing device (mouse)  194 . Personal objects  196 , typified by a coffee cup and a pen) are also disposed on work surface  190 . As series of “pigeon hole” compartments  198  are provided for storing paper forms, none shown, used for transacting business, 
         [0068]    A computer keyboard  200  is suspended beneath work surface  190 . A file cabinet  202 , a chair  204 , and computer  206  are disposed on the floor, not specifically identified, beneath work surface  190  within teller workstation  160 . 
         [0069]    A “silent alarm” foot switch  208  may be provided. Foot switch  208  may be utilized in a number of ways believed to be well known to those of skill in the security arts. Consequently, the use of foot switch  208  forms no part of the present invention. 
         [0070]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0071]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.