Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a portable wind break device which incorporates lightweight staking devices or mounting supports, poles that allow attachment of flexible panels, such as fabric panels, and reinforcing supports which reinforce each panel section, making a modular unit as a whole. The portable wind break device permits ease of portability, set up, take down, and provides wind protection and privacy for people, animals, or anything that would benefit from protection from the wind or privacy. Additionally, the portable wind break device permits easy cleaning, and assembly without tools.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/787,398, filed Mar. 6, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/607,300, filed Mar. 6, 2012, and entitled “Portable Wind Break Device,” which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention relates to a portable wind break device with improved portability, assembly and stability. 
         [0004]    Portable wind break devices are useful to block weather elements such as wind, sun and rain, and to provide privacy or concealment. Therefore, portable wind break devices have useful applications in public or private areas and in areas of varying weather patterns. Portable wind break devices are typically made of a fabric supported in a generally upright position by poles that are attached to the fabric by methods such as sewing or heating. The poles are generally of sufficient length to have a protruding end that can be pushed into the ground to stand the wind break device upright. This configuration, however, often limits use of portable wind break devices to areas with ground soft enough to receive the protruding ends of the poles, yet firm enough to form a secure connection with the protruding ends. Additionally, portable wind break devices are not properly securable in an upright position while being used on a man-made surface, such as a deck, a patio or pavement. Further, conventional portable wind break devices suffer from a limited use of practical applications, thereby limiting the benefit and user of the product to a position of having to sit on or near the ground. 
         [0005]    Further, conventional wind break devices typically include some form of folding, portable sun and/or windscreen which can be erected or stowed. Such devices usually incorporate a collapsible metal rod frame over which a canvas or plastic material cover can be attached. These devices are, however, relatively cumbersome and not particularly well adapted for single handed erection nor are they very stable to withstand the rigors of high winds. 
         [0006]    There is a need, therefore, for a portable wind break device which can be quickly and easily erected by one person without the use of tools, will be effective and stable when mounted on a surface for use in strong winds, and that is adaptable in shape and size, offering flexibility for various applications and settings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention relates to a portable wind break device for blocking wind. The portable wind break device includes a plurality of connecting poles that each include a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The portable wind break device further comprises a panel which includes a first bead and a second bead that extend along an edge portion of the panel. The first bead and the second bead are configured to be received by the first channel of a first connecting pole and the second channel of a second connecting pole, respectively. Further, the portable wind break device includes a reinforcing support which has coupling elements that engage the plurality of connecting poles and the panel, thereby providing opposing pressure to the portable wind break device. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, the portable wind break device includes a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole where each of the first and second connecting poles includes a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The wind break device further includes a panel which includes a first bead and a second bead. The first bead extends along and is coupled to a first vertical edge portion of the panel. The second bead extends along and is coupled to a second vertical edge portion. The first bead is configured to be received by the first channel of the first connecting pole, and the second bead is configured to be received by the second channel of the second connecting pole. The wind break device also includes a reinforcing support which includes a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first coupling element, and the second end includes a second coupling element, such that the first coupling element engages the first connecting pole and the second coupling element engages the second connecting pole, thereby providing an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method for assembling a portable wind break device is disclosed. The method includes inserting a first connecting pole and a second connecting pole into a first staking pole and a second staking pole, each of the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole including a first channel, a second channel and a receiving aperture. The method further includes sliding a first bead into the first channel of the first connecting pole and sliding a second bead into the second channel of the second connecting pole, respectively, the first bead extending along and is coupled to a first vertical edge portion of a panel, and the second bead extending along and is coupled to a second vertical edge portion of the panel. The first connecting pole and the second connecting pole are joined with a first end and a second end of a reinforcing support. The first end includes a first coupling element and the second end includes a second coupling element. The first connecting pole is then engaged with the first coupling element and the second connecting pole is engaged with the second coupling element, such that the reinforcing support provides an opposing pressure between the first connecting pole and the second connecting pole. 
         [0010]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable wind break device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a connecting pole and reinforcing supports of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to reinforcing supports in the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top cross-sectional view of the connecting pole coupled to a staking pole and panels. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an exploded side perspective view of a portion of the portable wind break device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a mounting support for the portable wind break device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an alternative mounting support for the portable wind break device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a side perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to the panels. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  is a detail perspective view of a side edge portion of a panel. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the portable wind break device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  a side perspective view of a portion of the portable wind break device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of the connecting pole coupled to the reinforcing support. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
         [0024]    The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1 and 8  illustrates an example portable wind break device  10  in a fully assembled state. The wind break device is shown in an arching pattern, although other arrangements are possible, including generally straight, curved, and zig-zag, for example. The portable wind break device  10  includes a first staking pole  12  and a second staking pole  13  which axially accept a plurality of connecting poles  14  along an axis  16 . The plurality of connecting poles  14  include a first channel  18  and a second channel  20  which axially accept a first bead  22  and a second bead  24 , respectively, of a panel  26 . The panels  26  can be reinforced by reinforcing supports  28  which include a coupling element  30  attached to end portions  32  of the reinforcing supports  28 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In some embodiments, the coupling element  30  is a coupling ring. The coupling elements  30  are axially accepted by the plurality of connecting poles  14  which creates an opposing pressure between two connecting poles to additionally support and reinforce the plurality of connecting poles  14 . 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  are shown. The first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  are generally rigid and include a first end  34 , a second end  36  and a base plate  38 . The base plate  38  can include a slot  35 , which allows a plurality of stakes to slide together for smaller packaging without reducing the strength or use of the staking poles. It is to be appreciated that the base plate  38  can take any convenient shape and does not have to be round and does not have to include the slot  35 . The first end  34  of the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  can be cylindrical in shape and have an outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not shown) of a receiving aperture  40  of the plurality of connecting poles  14  such that the plurality of connecting poles  14  can slide over the first ends  34  of the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The second end  26  of the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  can have a conical shape with a pointed end  42 , allowing the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  to be inserted into a relatively soft surface (not shown). The base plate  38  is coupled (e.g., welded) perpendicularly between the first end  34  and second end  36  of the staking pole  12  and centered along the axis  16 , shown in  FIG. 5 . The staking poles  12  are generally constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable rigid material to limit the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  from bending, as well as withstand being inserted into the surface (e.g., the ground). Further, the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  can be painted to prevent rusting. 
         [0027]    Alternatively, a mounting support  44 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A, and 6B  can be used for securing the portable wind break device  10  to a hard surface, such as a deck, pavement, blacktop, ice, stone or any surface where the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13  may not be effective. Similar to the first and second staking poles  12 ,  13 , the mounting supports  44  accept the plurality of connecting poles  14 , thereby holding them firmly in place, as well as vertically stiff. The mounting support  44  includes a bottom plate  46  which can have a generally round or square shape and securing holes  48  positioned on corner sections  50  of the bottom plate  46 . Bolts, screws, pins, nails or any suitable fastener can be inserted into the securing holes  48  to secure the mounting support  44  to the hard surface. The mounting support  44  of  FIG. 6A  further includes a mounting post  51  that can be cylindrical in shape and can have an outside diameter (not shown) smaller than an inside diameter (not shown) of the receiving aperture  40  of the plurality of connecting poles  14  such that the plurality of connecting poles  14  can slide over the mounting post  51  of the mounting support  44 . The alternative mounting support  44  of  FIG. 6B  further includes a hollow mounting post  52  perpendicularly coupled (e.g., welded) to the bottom plate  46  along the axis  16 . The hollow mounting post  52  can have a cylindrical shape with a receiving aperture  54 . The receiving aperture  54  is designed to axially receive the plurality of connecting poles  14 , such that the mounting support  44  provides rigidity and support for the plurality of connecting poles  14 . The mounting supports  44  are generally constructed of aluminum, steel or any other suitable rigid material to limit the mounting support  44  from bending. Further, the mounting supports  44  can be painted to prevent rusting. 
         [0028]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the connecting poles  14  include a first channel  18  and a second channel  20  which extend parallel to one another the entire length of the plurality of connecting poles  14 . The first channel  18  and the second channel  20  are designed to mate with the first bead  22  and the second bead  24  of the panel  26 , which will be described in further detail below, such that the first bead  22  and the second bead  24  axially slide into the first channel  18  of a first connecting pole  14  and the second channel  20  of a second connecting pole  14 , thereby coupling the panel  26  between the plurality of connecting poles  14  and restricting the first bead  22  from being removed laterally from the first channel  18 , as well as restricting the second bead  24  from being removed laterally from the second channel  20 . The plurality of connecting poles  14  further include an end portion  56 , best shown in  FIG. 6A , with a receiving aperture  40  that is designed to be inserted into the mounting support  44  or over the first or second staking pole  12 ,  13 . The plurality of connecting poles  14  also include an outer surface  58  in which the coupling elements  30  of the reinforcing support  28  can slide over, shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The plurality of connecting poles  14  can be constructed of a high-quality, lightweight aluminum or any other suitable material to easily allow for additional panel  26  add-ons. 
         [0029]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4, 7A and 7B , the panels  26  are generally square or rectangular in shape and include a first bead  22  and a second bead  24  tightly sewn along a first edge portion  60  and a second edge portion  61  of the panel  26  (see  FIG. 7A ). The first bead  22  and the second bead  24  can be cylindrical in shape and can be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material. In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 7B , the first bead  22  and the second bead  24  can comprise a plastic bead welt  23  that includes an end portion  25  that the panel can be sewn  27  or otherwise securely coupled to. The plastic bead welt  23  can help to keep the panel material out of the first channel  18  and second channel  20 . The first bead  22  and the second bead  24  give the first edge portions  60  and the second edge portions  61  rigidity and are dimensioned such that they can be easily slid into and out of the first channel  18  and the second channel  20  of the connecting pole  14 , thus making additions or subtractions of panel sections convenient and without the need for tools. As a result of the cylindrical shape of both the beads  22 ,  24  and the channels  18 ,  20 , there are limitless angles  62 , shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , at which each panel  26  can be attached to the plurality of connecting poles  14 . Additionally, the portable wind break device  10  can be easily made larger by adding panel  26  sections, since the plurality of connecting poles  14  at the end, shown in  FIG. 9 , may have a first channel  18  or a second channel  20  that is vacant and able to accept a new panel  26  section. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the panels  26  may be constructed of a vinyl fabric, or similar fabric material that is substantially impervious to wind. Toward a top portion  64  of the panel  26 , there may be a viewing window  66  integrated into the panel  26 , which allows a small amount of air through, thus allowing the side loads of variable wind speeds to be higher, being a small “relief” toward the top portion  64  of the panel  26 . The primary purpose of the viewing window  66  is for sustaining a high wind generated side load on the panel  26 , and the portable wind break device  10  overall. Additionally, since the embodiment can be taller than the average user&#39;s line of site, while standing, the viewing window  66  can be advantageous to the end user 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2, 3 and 10 , the reinforcing support  28  includes coupling elements  30  attached (e.g., welded) to the end portions  32  of the reinforcing support  28 . The reinforcing support  28  can be constructed of aluminum extrusion or any other suitable material. The coupling elements  30  can be slid over the outer surfaces  58  of the plurality of connecting poles  14 , such that the reinforcing support is aligned generally parallel to the top portion  64  of the panel  26 . Therefore, the reinforcing support  28  creates tension on the panels  26 , through opposing forces between two connecting poles  14 , and reinforces each panel  26  as taught, and unites each panel  26  section together as part of the whole portable wind break device  10 . In some embodiments, the panel  26  has a top edge portion  65  which has a first length  68  and the reinforcing support  28  has second length  70 , such that the second length is larger than the first length, as shown in  FIG. 5 , thereby providing an opposing pressure between a first connecting pole  72  and a second connecting pole  74 . The coupling elements  30  on the end portions  32  of the reinforcing supports  28  slide over the plurality of connecting poles  14 , thus completing the attachment of the reinforcing supports  28  to the plurality of connecting poles  14 . The circular shape of the coupling elements  30 , fitting over the plurality of connecting poles  14 , allows for any angle  62 , shown in  FIG. 8 , to be achieved, thus allowing the portable wind break device  10  to be adaptable to a multitude of shapes and applications. 
         [0032]    As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the portable wind break device  10  is first assembled by placing a first staking pole  12  or the mounting support  44  on the desired surface. The first connecting pole  72  is then coupled to either the first staking pole  12  or the mounting support  44 . The first bead  22  of the panel  26  is slid into the first channel  18  of the first connecting pole  72  and extends along the first edge portion  61  of the panel  26 . The second bead  24  of a separate panel  26  is slid into the second channel  20  of the first connecting pole  72  along the second edge portion  61  of the panel  26 , shown in  FIG. 7A . An additional staking pole  12  or mounting support  44  and a second connecting pole  74  are then placed on the desired surface and the second bead  24  of the panel  26  is slid into the second channel  20  of the second connecting pole  74 . The coupling elements  30  of the reinforcing support  28  are then placed over the outer surfaces  58  of the first and second connecting poles  72 ,  74 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Depending on the quantity of connecting poles  14  set up, additional panels  26  can be added to the portable wind break device  10 . 
         [0033]    As described above, the portable wind break device  10  provides several advantages over conventional wind break devices. The present portable wind break device  10  permits easy installation and is adaptable to many applications from sporting events to fishing. For any reason in which wind and/or privacy protection may be desired, the portable wind break device  10  allows people to benefit from it even while standing. Additionally, the disclosed invention permits ease in lightweight portability and adaptability for a multitude of surfaces, as well as ease in assembly and disassembly since no tools are required. 
         [0034]    Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.