Light blocking apparatus and method of using same

An apparatus and method can be configured to adjustably block natural light and/or overhead lighting to provide a use desired amount of light within a particular work space. Embodiments can help permit a user to adjust the light affecting that user's work space so a common lighting arrangement affecting many different work spaces' within a common area (e.g. an office floor or large office room within a building, etc.) so that the illumination provided by one or more light sources to illuminate the common area can be adjusted to meet a particular user's preferences within a particular work space within that common work area.

FIELD

The present innovation is related to office furniture. In some embodiments, a device is configured for adjustable positioning near a work space within an office to allow a user to adjust the position of a shield to block natural light from a work surface (e.g. desktop or tabletop). Methods of making and using embodiments of these types of device are also provided herein.

BACKGROUND

Privacy screens and modesty screens can be utilized to provide a visible barrier in a workplace setting or other setting. Examples of privacy screens and/or modesty screens can be appreciated from U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,920,520, 8,365,798, 7,789,025, 7,310,918, 6,896,028, 6,367,213, 6,002,613, 6,000,180, 5,966,879, 5,675,946, 5,680,893, 5,287,909, 4,325,597, 4,248,325, and 2,821,450, U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D800,459, D796,216, D653,862, D458,040, D457,359, and D427,783 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2017/0226749 and 2012/0304441.

In some workplace settings, office furniture and offices are structured to facilitate the illumination of work spaces via natural light passing through external windows (e.g. light from the sun passing through exterior windows and into internal office spaces or cubicles etc.). Such natural light can cause unanticipated problems that we have recognized. For example, natural light can cause glare or other problems associated with effective use of displays, computer monitors, tablet screens, smart phone screens, or other types of display devices (e.g. liquid crystal displays, etc.). Also, some workers may prefer a darker work space than others.

SUMMARY

We have determined that a new type of visible light shield is needed to address issues that we have recognized. Embodiments of our innovation can be utilized to help a worker within a work space have a preferred amount of lighting from a natural light source and/or overhead lighting that can affect a large number of office spaces (e.g. cubicle offices) within a particular common room or office floor. Methods of making and using embodiments of our device are also provided. These methods can be utilized to help a user adjust his or her work space lighting to meet his or her preferences even when that user is unable to control whether a light source is turned on or not, the amount of luminescence provided by one or more light sources, and/or other light related factors that can affect the user's work space (e.g. desktop or tabletop within a cubicle or work area at which the user is working within an office building, floor of an office building, or large room of an office building, etc.).

Embodiments of a light blocking apparatus can include a light blocking device having a screen, a light blocking device attachment mechanism, and an intermediate portion between the light blocking device attachment mechanism and the screen. The screen can include a body configured to block sunlight. The intermediate portion can include a telescoping member that is extendable and retractable. The screen can be attached to a first end of the telescoping member via a screen attachment mechanism. The light blocking device attachment mechanism can be attached to a second end of the telescoping member such that the intermediate portion is rotatable relative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments, the screen attachment mechanism can include a first swivel mechanism and a second swivel mechanism. The screen can be rotatable in a first rotational direction about a rotational axis defined by the first swivel mechanism and the screen can be rotatable in a second rotational direction about an axis of rotation defined by the second swivel mechanism. The rotational axis of the first swivel mechanism can be parallel to a length of the telescoping member and the rotational axis of the second swivel mechanism can be transverse or perpendicular to the length of the telescoping member (e.g. perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, such as within 10° of being perpendicular or within 5° of being perpendicular, etc.).

Some embodiments of the light blocking device attachment mechanism can be configured so that the light blocking device is slideable along a structure when attached to the structure. The light blocking device attachment mechanism can include a body having a first jaw and a second jaw spaced apart from the first jaw to define a mouth for receiving at least a portion of the structure. The first jaw can be moveable relative to the second jaw to adjust a size of the mouth.

In some embodiments, the light blocking device attachment mechanism can include a ball joint or an axle about which the second end the telescoping member is rotatable such that the intermediate portion is rotatable relative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism. The intermediate portion can be rotatable about a first rotational axis that can be parallel to a length of the telescoping member and a second rotational axis that can be transverse or perpendicular to the length of the telescoping member.

A method of adjusting illumination of a work space is also provided. Embodiments of the method can include positioning a light blocking device adjacent a first work space that is within a common work space having multiple other work spaces for different workers, adjusting a position of the light blocking device to block sunlight passing into the first work space via at least one external window of the common work space by at least one of:(a) linearly extending or retracting a telescoping member of the light blocking device between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position,(b) rotating a screen of the light blocking device about the first axis of rotation of a screen attachment mechanism in a first rotational direction, the screen attachment mechanism attaching the screen to a first end of the telescoping member,(c) rotating the screen about a second axis of rotation of the screen attachment mechanism in a second rotational direction,(d) moving the light blocking device along a structure to which the light blocking device is attached via a light blocking device attachment mechanism, the structure being adjacent a work surface, the structure defining a path of the moving of the light blocking device via attachment of the structure to a slideable connection mechanism of the light blocking attachment mechanism, and(e) rotating the telescoping member relative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism about at least one rotational axis via a rotational attachment mechanism of the light blocking device attachment mechanism connecting a second end of the telescoping member to the light blocking device attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments, all of options (a)-(e) may be performed. In other embodiments, only one of these options, only two of these options, only three of these options, or only four of these options may be performed. In some embodiments, at least two, three or four of options (a)-(e) occur simultaneously. In yet other embodiments, all of options (a)-(e) (which can also be considered steps (a)-(e) or elements (a)-(e)) can occur simultaneously.

In some embodiments of the method, the light blocking device can have a screen, the light blocking device attachment mechanism, and an intermediate portion between the light blocking device attachment mechanism and the screen. The screen can include a body configured to block sunlight and the intermediate portion can include a retractable member or be a retractable member. In some embodiments, a telescoping member can be extendable and retractable via linear motion and the screen can be attached to the first end of the telescoping member via the screen attachment mechanism. The light blocking device attachment mechanism can be attached to the second end of the telescoping member such that the intermediate portion is rotatable relative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments, the screen can have at least one handle attached to a body of the screen. A user can grasp the one or more handles to manipulate the screen and adjust the position of the screen for blocking light.

Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of certain exemplary embodiments thereof and certain exemplary methods of practicing the same proceeds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 1-14, a light blocking apparatus1can include one or more light blocking devices that are each independently adjustable by one or more users to affect how one or more work surfaces2are illuminated by natural light and/or overhead lighting affecting the different work areas3of different users within a common office building room or floor. The light blocking apparatus1can be incorporated into a common work space area that may have multiple tables or desks that each have at least one work surface2. Each work surface2may be positioned for a respective worker within the common work space that has multiple different work areas3. For instance, a common work space within a relatively large office floor or room can have at least four different work areas3that each have a respective work surface2for a respective worker assigned to that work area3(e.g. the common work space can include first, second, third and fourth work spaces for different work areas3of different workers, etc.). There may be multiple chairs5positioned in the common work space so that there is a respective chair5at each work area3. The chairs5can be task chairs, side chairs, other types of chairs or combinations of such types of chairs.

Each work surface2can be a tabletop or desktop of a table7(e.g. height adjustable table or fixed height table, height adjustable desktop or fixed height desktop, etc.). In other embodiments, each work surface2can be a portion of a common tabletop or desktop at which multiple workers may work at in different discrete segments of the work surface2.

It should be appreciated that some large rooms or floors can have a large common work space that has many different table and seating arrangements to define work areas3for many more workers (e.g. 25 workers, 50 workers, 100 workers, 200 workers, 1,000 workers, etc.) depending on the size of the floor or office room. There may therefore be longer and larger arrangements of tables7and work surfaces3to define many more work areas3than the exemplary four work areas illustrated in the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 and 13.

There may be a partition4positioned adjacent to the different work surfaces2to help define different work areas3within a relatively large common room or floor of an office building in which many different work areas3can be positioned. Each partition4can include one or more vertically elongated segments4a(e.g. partition walls etc.). There may also be one or more overhead, horizontally extending segments. Each horizontally extending segment4bcan be structured as overhead beams or rails that may facilitate positioning of different fixtures (e.g. privacy screens, lighting, etc.). Each horizontally extending segment4bcan be structured as a member that has a front side4F and a back side4R. The front and back sides4F and4R can extend between opposite ends of the member of the horizontally extending segment4b. Each end of the member can be attached to an upper end of a respective vertically extending segment4a. Each vertically extending segment can be structured as a partition wall, cubicle wall, screen, or other type of body that is configured to positioning on a floor of a common room or floor of a particular common work space in which many workers may work at their respective work areas3.

In such common work spaces, there may be a ceiling that is positioned above the horizontally extending segments(s)4b. There may be lighting positioned by, on or in such a ceiling that provides illumination for the entire common work space that affects multiple different workers' work areas3and work surfaces2. There may also be externally positioned windows41that are positioned in walls of a building that permit natural sun light to pass into the common work space that can affect illumination of many of the different workers' work areas3and work surfaces2within the common work space. The natural light and its effect on the work areas3and work surfaces2can change over the course of the day as the sun's position in the sky. This condition also affects how the natural light from the sun passes through the windows41as well. Embodiments of our light blocking device10can be positioned adjacent the work surfaces2so that different users can adjust how the overhead light and natural light affect illumination of their particular work surface2and work area3to meet their illumination preference. Each light blocking device10can be independently moveable so each worker can adjust one or more light blocking devices10to affect how their particular work surface2and work area3is illuminated.

Each light blocking device10can include a proximate end10cthat is configured for attachment to a structure to allow the device to be positioned adjacent a work surface2and/or work area3. The light blocking device10can also include a distal end at which a screen10ais attached. The screen10acan be opaque or at least partially opaque for blocking the transmission of sunlight, natural light, and/or visible light. For instance, the screen10acan be configured as a body that blocks visible light (e.g. natural sunlight) from passing through the body of the screen10a. It should be appreciated that the proximal end could be considered a first end and the distal end could be considered a second end or vice versa, e.g. the distal end could be considered a first end and the proximal end could be considered a second end or vice versa.

The light blocking device10can also include an intermediate portion10bthat can extend between its first end10eand its second end10p. The intermediate portion10bcan be a telescoping member that is retractable and extendable between an extended length EL and a retracted length RL. The telescoping motion of the intermediate portion may extend linearly in an extendible direction and a retractable direction that is opposite the extendible direction. An example of this extendible direction of motion and retractable direction of motion as indicated by arrow EandR shown inFIG. 14and can also be appreciated fromFIGS. 6-8 and 11-12, for example. The extended length EL may be the longest length of the intermediate portion when the intermediate portion10bis fully extended and the retracted length RL can be its shortest length when the intermediate portion is fully retracted. It should be appreciated that there may be one or more segments of the intermediate portion that are telescopingly attached to other segments to permit the intermediate portion to be linearly extended and retracted to different positions between its extended length EL and retracted length RL.

For example, the intermediate portion10bcan be or include a telescoping member. The telescoping member of the intermediate portion10bcan include multiple interconnected telescoping segments10b1,10b2(these segments can be considered a first segment and a second segment). In some embodiments, these segments can be tubular segments (e.g. cylindrical, pipe-like, rectangular, or polygonal cross-section shaped segments having inner channels). Each segment can be attached to another segment via at least one telescoping connection10t. For instance, a first segment10b1can be telescopingly connected to a first end of a second segment10b2.

In some embodiments, each segment can also be pivotally attached to the one or more other segments to which that segment is attached (e.g. the second segment can be pivotally connected to the first segment at its first end and pivotally connected to the third segment at its second end, etc.). Such pivotal motion can allow each segment to be rotated relative to other segments. This rotatable connection between segments can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the telescoping connections10t.

In some embodiments, there may be more than two segments. For example, in some embodiments, the second end of the second segment10b2can be telescopingly connected via a second telescoping connection10tto a third segment10b3.

Each telescoping connection10tof the telescoping member can permit a segment of the telescoping member to move relative to another segment. For instance, the second segment10b2can linearly move away from or toward the first segment10b1via the first telescoping connection10t. Such motion can result in the second segment10b2extending out of or further within an inner channel of the first segment10b1or slide along an outer perimeter of the first segment10b1. As another example, a third segment10b3can linearly move away from or toward the second segment10b2via the second telescoping connection10t. Such motion can result in the third segment10b3extending out of or further within an inner channel of the second segment10b2or sliding along an outer perimeter of the second segment10b2. The telescoping connections10tcan permit the telescoping member of the intermediate portion10bto have the length to which the member extends adjusted for positioning the screen10aat multiple different positions between the telescoping member's extended length EL and its retracted length RL.

In other embodiments such as the embodiment of the light blocking device10shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, there may be multiple telescoping members of multiple intermediate portions10bthat are spaced apart from each other. At least one cross-beam43can extend between segments of the spaced apart telescoping members (e.g. spaced apart second segments10b2) to provide improved rigidity or support for the device. Each intermediate portion10bcan include or be such a telescoping member that can have a second end (e.g. a proximal end) attached to a light blocking device attachment mechanism13and a first end (e.g. distal end) attached to a body of a screen10avia a screen attachment mechanism21. The screen attachment mechanism21can provide an affixed connection or a pivotal connection to the screen10asuch that the screen is rotatable about at least one axis of rotation (e.g. a horizontally extending axis of rotation) via the screen attachment mechanisms21connecting the spaced apart intermediate portions10bto the screen10aat opposite sides of the screen10a. The light blocking device attachment mechanism13can affix the light blocking device10to a structure adjacent a work surface2of a work area3or can be slideably attached to the structure via a slideable attachment mechanism that can be sized and configured to permit the light blocking device to be moved along a path of motion defined by the structure to which the light blocking device attachment mechanism13is attached. Each of the second ends of the telescoping members can be connected to a respective light blocking device attachment mechanism13so that the telescoping members are pivotable or rotatable relative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism13to which it is attached via a horizontally extending axis of rotation and/or a vertically extending axis of rotation.

In yet other embodiments, the intermediate portion10bcan be configured as an arm having a plurality of rotationally connected segments to permit motion of the intermediate portion to occur between an extended position and a retracted position as may be appreciated from the light blocking device embodiments shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. Such intermediate portions10bcan include multiple arm segments that are each rotatable relative to at least one other arm segment via a horizontally extending axle attached to the immediately adjacent arm segment of the intermediate portion10b. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate portion10bincludes three arm segments, a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an intermediate segments between the proximal and distal segments. Other embodiments could utilize only two arm segments or more than three arm segments.

The proximal end10cof the light blocking device10can have a light blocking device attachment mechanism13. The light blocking device attachment mechanism13can be configured to permit movement of the intermediate portion10brelative to the structure to which the light blocking device attachment mechanism13is attachable so that the intermediate portion is moveable about at least one axis of rotation relative to that structure (e.g. partition, or horizontally extending partition segment4bor vertically extending partition segment4aor other structure, such as a work surface2or table7, etc.). For instance, the light blocking device attachment mechanism13can include at least one pivotal or rotational attachment of the proximal end of the intermediate portion (e.g. via a ball joint type connection or other type of rotational and tilting connection) to permit the intermediate portion10bto be tilted and/or rotated about a vertical axis as well as a horizontal axis. As another example, the light blocking device attachment mechanism13can include a rotational attachment via at least one axle (e.g. a horizontally extending axle, a vertically extending axle), or a connection utilizing both types of axles, etc.) to permit rotation of the intermediate portion10babout the at least one axle. The light blocking device attachment mechanism13can also be configured so that the light blocking device10is moveable (e.g. slideable) along at least a portion of the structure to which it is attached (e.g. has a slideable connection to that structure). For instance, the light blocking device10can be linearly slideable leftwardly or rightwardly along a front side4F or rear side4R of the horizontally extending member4bvia the slideable connection the light blocking device attachment mechanism13can have with a member of the horizontally extending segment4b(e.g. a rail member of that segment positioned to define at least a portion of the front side4F or rear side4R, etc.).

The distal end of the light blocking device10can have a screen attachment mechanism21that connects the screen10ato the intermediate portion10bso that the screen10ais moveable about at least one axis of rotation relative to the intermediate portion10b. In some embodiments, the screen attachment mechanism21can be configured to include a ball joint or can be configured to include multiple different rotational axes to facilitate rotational motion of the screen10aalong different axes (e.g. tilting about a horizontal axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the length of the intermediate portion10bwhile also permitting rotational motion about a linearly extending axis defined by the intermediate portion10b, etc.).

Some embodiments of the screen attachment mechanism21and light blocking device attachment mechanism13can be further appreciated fromFIGS. 5-14. For example, the second end10p(e.g. a distal end) of the intermediate portion10bof the light blocking device10can include an embodiment of a screen attachment mechanism21that utilizes a first swivel mechanism12to permit rotational motion of the screen10aabout an axis that extends along the length of the intermediate portion so that the screen is rotatable about a first rotational direction R1. The screen attachment mechanism21can also have a second swivel mechanism10sthat is configured to permit swiveling, or tilting, of the screen10aabout a linearly extending axle for rotational motion about a screen swivel rotational direction R2(which can also be referred to as a second rotational direction). The axle of the second swivel mechanism10scan extend in a direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the length of the intermediate portion10b. The axle of the first swivel mechanism12can be defined so that the axis of rotation for the first swivel mechanism12extends in a direction that is aligned with and/or parallel to the length of the intermediate portion10b.

The first swivel mechanism12and the second swivel mechanism10scan each include a swivel lock or swiveling force adjustment mechanism. For instance, the first swivel mechanism12can include a set screw103extending between inner and outer tubular elements103iand103opositioned at the second end10pof the intermediate portion10b. The set screw103can be a bolt or screw that can be manipulated into tighter engagement or looser engagement with the inner tubular element to adjust an amount of force needed for rotation in a first rotational direction R1. The outer tubular element can be positioned to rotate relative to the inner tubular element so that the screen attached to the outer tubular element is rotatable when the outer tubular element rotates.

The set screw103can extend from the outer tubular element103oto the inner tubular element103iand be moveable to adjust its position and contact with the inner tubular element to adjust a force needed to rotate the screen10ain the first rotational direction R1. For instance, the set screw can be rotated to further engage an inner tubular element103ito more affixedly attach the outer tubular element103oto the inner tubular element103ito make rotation of the screen (via rotation of the outer tubular element103orelative to the inner tubular element103i) in the first rotational direction R1require more force and can also be rotated in a second direction to lessen engagement with the inner tubular element so that less force is needed to rotate the screen (via rotation of the outer tubular element103orelative to the inner tubular element103i) in the first rotational direction R1. The increase in force provided by the set screw can be due, at least in part, to an increase in friction caused by the tighter engagement of the set screw and the decrease in force provided by the set screw can be due, at least in part, to an decrease in friction caused by the loosening of the engagement of the set screw.

The second swivel mechanism10scan also include a lock101or other type of mechanism that is actuatable to adjust the amount of force needed to permit rotation of the screen10ain the second rotational direction R2about a second rotational axis. In some embodiments, the lock101can include a rotatable thumb screw or other rotatable element that is positioned to adjust the lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The locked position can prevent rotational motion of the screen10aabout the axle of the second swivel mechanism10sor can prevent rotational motion of the screen10ain the second rotational direction R2about the axle of the second swivel mechanism10s, which can extend along its length in a direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the length of the inner and outer tubular elements of the first swivel mechanism12. The one or more unlocked positions can include multiple unlocked positions that permit rotational motion of the screen10aabout the axle of the second swivel mechanism10sor just a single unlocked position that permits such rotational motion.

The screen attachment mechanism21can also include one or more fasteners11(e.g. bolts, nails, rivets, or screws) that are configured to be passed through a portion of the screen10afor attaching the screen10ato a distal attachment body11aattached to the second end10pof the intermediate portion10bof the light blocking device10. The distal attachment body11acan be attached to the first and second swivel mechanisms12and10sfor the rotational adjustability of the screen10avia axes defined by axles or rotational axes of the swivel mechanisms12and10s.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the distal attachment body11acan be configured to matingly interlock with and/or resiliently retain a portion of the screen10aso that a fastenerless attachment of the screen10ato the intermediate portion10bcan be provided so that use of a mechanical tool (e.g. a screw driver, ratchet, or wrench) is not necessary. For instance, a side of the screen10acan be sufficiently thick to be inserted within a mouth of a jaw of the distal attachment body11aso that the jaw of the distal attachment body11acontacts the screen10aon its top and bottom faces to grip and retain the screen10atherein via the resiliency of the jaws and the difference in thickness between the mouth of the jaws and the thickness of the screen10a.

As may best be appreciated fromFIG. 1-4 or 9, the light blocking device attachment mechanism13can be attached to the first end10e(e.g. a proximal end) of the intermediate portion10bat a proximal end10cof the light blocking device10. The light blocking device attachment mechanism13can include a rotational attachment mechanism13athat permits the intermediate portion to be rotated via a ball-joint or via a linearly extending axle (e.g. a horizontally extending axle to permit rotational motion about that axle). The light blocking device attachment mechanism13can also include a structure attachment mechanism for attachment to a structure for positioning the light blocking device10adjacent a work surface2and/or work area3. The structural attachment mechanism can include a bracket. One or more fasteners (e.g. bolts, screws, etc.) can be used in conjunction with the bracket for attaching the light blocking device attachment mechanism13to a structure (e.g. horizontally extending segment4bor vertically extending segment4bor work surface2or table7etc.).

The structural attachment mechanism of the light blocking device attachment mechanism13could alternatively (or also) include a slideable attachment mechanism13sm. For instance, the light blocking device attachment mechanism13can include an upper jaw15and a lower jaw14that are spaced apart to define a mouth16for receiving a rail or other structure for attachment to that rail or other structure so that the light blocking device attachment mechanism13is slideable along a path defined by the rail or other structure (e.g. a linearly extending path, a curved path, etc.).

The jaws14and15can extend from a lower portion10dof the body of the light blocking device attachment mechanism13. The lower portion10dcan be positioned below the rotational attachment mechanism13aor include a body that extends below the rotational attachment mechanism13a. In some embodiments, the jaws14and15can be moveably attached to the body of the lower portion10dso that the spacing of the mouth16can be adjustable to facilitate attachment and disconnection from a structure and/or to adjust the amount of force that needs to be exerted to slide the light blocking device attachment mechanism13along a rail or other structure to which it is attached (e.g. making the mouth16smaller by moving the jaws14and15into a tighter engagement with the structure to increase the friction induced via sliding so that a greater amount of force is needed to actuate sliding, making the mouth16larger via moving the jaws14and15into a looser engagement with the structure to decrease the friction induced via sliding so that a lesser amount of force is needed to actuate sliding, moving the jaws to make the mouth larger so the light blocking device10can be decoupled from the structure, etc.).

The screen10acan be configured to have one or more handles31that help permit a user to grab hold of a portion of the screen10afor adjusting a position of the screen10aand/or light blocking device10. There may be a handle31at multiple different sides of the screen10a. For instance, there may be front handle31f, a left side handle311and a right side handle31rat different sides of the screen10a. The handles can be positioned on one face of the screen10aor on two opposed faces of the screen10a(e.g. top and bottom faces of the screen). The handles31can be structured as a more rigid element attached to the body of the screen10aand include a profile to make it easier for a user to grab and manipulate the screen10a. In other embodiments, the screen10amay not have any handles31and a user may just directly contact the screen10awith his or her hand to manipulate the screen10afor adjustment of the position of the screen10aand/or intermediate portion10b(e.g. rotate screen10awhile also retract or extend intermediate section10bor actuating one or both of these actions while also sliding the intermediate portion10band screen10aalong the front side4F or rear side4R of a horizontally extending segment4bvia the light blocking device attachment mechanism13, etc.).

In an apparatus1, the light blocking devices10can be attached to at least one structure adjacent work surfaces2and/or work areas3for movement of the screens10ato user desired positions to block natural light or a portion of natural light at a desired location on the work surface. Such positioning can be adjusted throughout the day as the level of natural light and the focal point of the natural light affecting the worker changes due to the positioning of the sun in the sky relative to different external windows41through which the sunlight passes into the work areas3and/or work surfaces2. The light blocking devices10can also be moved to block overhead lighting that may be present as desired by a user in a similar fashion. Such adjustment can occur by a user manipulating the intermediate portion10bor the screen10ato rotate and otherwise move the screen10a. Example of this adjustability include performance of one or more of:(a) linearly extending or retracting the intermediate portion10bto one of many different positions between the fully retracted and fully extended positions (e.g. via directions EandR shown inFIG. 14, between extended and retracted lengths shown inFIGS. 11-12orFIGS. 6-8, etc.);(b) rotating the screen10aabout the first axis of rotation of the screen attachment mechanism21(e.g. first swivel mechanism12, via a ball joint, etc.) in a first rotational direction (e.g. first rotational direction R1);(c) rotating the screen10aabout the second axis of rotation (e.g. via second swivel mechanism10s, via a ball joint, via outer tube element103orotating relative to inner tube element103iat second end of intermediate portion10b, etc.) in a second rotational direction (e.g. second rotational direction R2);(d) moving (e.g. sliding, linearly sliding, etc.) the light blocking device10along the structure to which it is attached via the light blocking device attachment mechanism13about a path defined by that structure (e.g. a curved path or linearly extending path defined by a rail of the structure to which the light blocking device10is attached, etc.); and(e) rotating the intermediate portion10brelative to the light blocking device attachment mechanism13about at least one rotational axis (e.g. linearly extending axle or ball joint, etc.) via the rotational attachment mechanism13a.
These adjustment motions may all occur simultaneously or only some of these may occur simultaneously. In some embodiments, a user may make such adjustments discretely so that each motion occurs separately and independently of the other motions. In other embodiments, a user may be able to cause at least two of such motions to occur at the same time. In yet other embodiments, the light blocking devices10can be configured to permit all of such motions to occur at the same time if the user desires to provide the force needed to make such multiple adjustments simultaneously.

A user may also periodically readjust the position of at least one of the light blocking devices10at different times of the day to meet that user's preferences and needs. For instance, the light blocking device10can be repositioned to account for the focal point of light and the position of one or more displays the user is utilizing.

It should be understood that other modifications to the light blocking apparatuses, light blocking apparatus attachment mechanisms, and methods of making and using the same can be made to meet a particular set of design criteria. For example, it is contemplated that a particular feature described, either individually or as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined to provide further embodiments. As another example, the size, shape and weight of a screen body can be any size or shape to meet a particular set of design criteria. As yet another example, use of a covering and/or the extent to which a covering may cover an exterior surface of a screen can be adjusted as needed to meet particular design criteria and/or to provide a desired aesthetic effect (e.g. colored film to cover a body of the screen, no use of a covering, etc.). As yet another example, the type of mounting connector that is utilized in an embodiment of the light blocking apparatus may be any type of connector structure geometry that may facilitate use of a pre-selected fastening mechanism (e.g. bolts, screws, etc.) to meet a particular set of design criteria. As yet another example, the size and shape of the body of the screen for blocking light can be any of a number of shapes and sizes to meet a particular set of design criteria (e.g. the screen can be polygonally shaped, oval shaped, circular in shape, half-oval in shape, half-circular in shape, star shaped, hexagonally shaped, triangularly shaped, rectangular shaped, irregular shaped, shaped as a plate or disk, or have some other type of shape). The screen10acan be composed of any of a number of suitable materials (e.g. felt, cork, wood, polymeric material, etc.). The intermediate portion10band other components of the light blocking device can also be made of any type of suitable material (e.g. metal, wood, plastic, polymeric material, combinations thereof, etc.).

Therefore, while certain exemplary embodiments of the light blocking apparatuses, light blocking devices, connection mechanisms for light blocking apparatuses and methods of making and using the same have been discussed and illustrated herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.