Patent Publication Number: US-10765236-B2

Title: Food shield with adjustable panel

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatus and methods for implementing a food shield, and more particularly to systems, apparatus and methods for implementing a food shield with an adjustable panel. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Food shields, also sometimes called sneeze guards, are used in a variety of settings. Typically, a food shield includes at least one transparent panel that is suspended over a buffet, smorgasbord, salad bar, retail display, or other kind of food display. The food shield serves to attractively display the food while protecting the food from falling debris or other contamination. Various health and safety codes may specify the required position of a food shield in relation to a commercial or institutional food display. Within the range of code-required food shield configurations however, it is desirable to implement a food shield in a manner that is attractive and consistent with the surrounding architecture. It can be difficult, using conventional food shield structures, to install a system which appears to be custom-made for the location. 
     Food shields are often used in restaurants, schools, cafeterias and other high-use settings. It can be necessary to regularly adjust the configuration or positioning of a food shield system as different food items are displayed over time, or even throughout the day. Adjustment and routine food shield maintenance can be difficult using known food shield structures because the assembly, disassembly, and adjustment of a food shield may require the time-consuming use of tools. The embodiments disclosed herein are directed toward overcoming one or more of the above problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein provide improved apparatus and methods for implementing a food shield. Certain disclosed embodiments provide apparatus for implementing a food shield with an adjustable panel. One representative example is a food shield having a panel defining a slot through the panel and a panel support. In this representative example, the panel support structure includes a panel clamp. A portion of the panel clamp may extend through the slot, and the slot provides for the panel to be moved relative to the panel clamp, along the length of the slot, from a first position to a second position. Thus, the panel clamp provides for the position of the panel relative to the panel clamp to be selectively adjusted, clamped into place, and released for movement along the length of the slot. 
     The panel clamp may include a cover plate having a cover plate width and a cover plate length, with the width and length sized to cover the entire slot in one or more positions. The panel clamp may also include a panel support arm in contact with a surface of the panel, opposite any cover plate. In some embodiments, the panel clamp also includes a clamping post connected to the cover plate and extending through the slot to the panel support arm, along with a tensioning apparatus connected to the clamping post opposite the cover plate. The tensioning apparatus is configured to move the cover plate toward the panel support arm to clamp the panel at a selected position, and/or move the cover plate away from the panel support arm to release the panel for movement along the length of the slot. In certain embodiments, the tensioning apparatus can be operated without the use of tools, for example, the tensioning apparatus may be implemented with a cam lever. 
     The panel support of the food shield may also include a stand clamp, a pivoting connection extending from the stand clamp, and a panel support arm connected to the stand clamp with the pivoting connection. The pivoting connection can provide for an adjustment of an angular orientation of the support arm, and therefore any attached panel, relative to a stand. A representative pivoting connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, an array of perimeter engagement slots extending at least partially through the panel support arm at the opening, and a tooth plate comprising a plurality of teeth sized to selectively engage and disengage with the perimeter engagement slots. In this embodiment, a pivot knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the pivot knob in a first direction drives the plurality of teeth on the tooth plate into engagement with the array of perimeter engagement slots, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the tooth plate away from the stand clamp. 
     The stand clamp includes apparatus to tighten the clamp around a stand, pole, or similar structure. In one embodiment, the tightening apparatus includes first and second tapered threaded extensions extending from the clamp and a clamp knob threaded onto both of the tapered threaded extensions. The tapered threads of the extensions cause the first tapered threaded extension to move toward the second tapered threaded as the clamp knob is tightened. 
     Alternative embodiments include methods of adjusting or positioning one or more panels of a food shield within various planes and around selected axes using some or all of the panel clamp, pivoting connection, and stand clamp apparatus disclosed herein. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combination of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a food shield with an adjustable panel in a first position. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the food shield with an adjustable panel of  FIG. 1A , in a second position. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a panel support. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a food shield panel having a plurality of slots. 
         FIG. 4A  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a panel support. 
         FIG. 4B  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a panel support. 
         FIG. 5A  is a front elevation view of a panel support arm. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a panel support arm. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective views of portions of a panel, cover plate, panel support, and stand in a first position. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective views of portions of a panel, cover plate, panel support, and stand in a second position. 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded, perspective view of portions of a stand clamp. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of portions of a stand clamp. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments are described herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used herein to express quantities, dimensions, and so forth used should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise and use of the terms “and” and “or” means “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term “including,” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” should be considered non-exclusive. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein provide a variety of food shields, also known as sneeze guards, having various features that permit the food shields to be used in a wide variety of settings. For example, the food shields may be provided with various adjustable features to permit a single food shield to be used in a variety of circumstances. Such adjustable features may include the ability to adjust the height, orientation, and/or depth of one or more food shield panels. Another feature of the food shields is that they may be configured to be either portable or secured to a certain location. Further, the food shields are simple in design, thereby making it easy to relocate or to securely couple the food shields to a surface. The simple design also lends itself to easy assembly and disassembly and facilitates cleaning of the food shield. 
     Another feature of the food shields is that they may be constructed to be easily integrated with other components. For example, a food shield may be modified to include one or more additional food shield panels. The food shields may also be linked together to form multiple food shields. A variety of bases may be provided to facilitate positioning of the food shield panels at certain desired locations. The bases may also be employed to facilitate attachment of the food shields to various mounting surfaces, such as counters, walls, ceilings, and the like. One particular advantage of utilizing multiple food shield panels that are each adjustable is that a variety of configurations may be produced. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  (collectively,  FIG. 1 ) show perspective views of one example of a food shield system  100  having a panel  102  supported by a stand  104  over a base  106 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates the panel  102  in a first position, translated up and forward relative to the adjacent stands  104 .  FIG. 1B  shows a view of the panel  102  in a second position, after the panel  102  has been translated down and backward relative to the adjacent stands  104 . 
     The base  106  may be generally configured as a cabinet, table, bar, counter, or the like. The base  106  may include various configurations of trays, receptacles, openings, heating elements, cooling elements, or similar apparatus to permit the attractive and sanitary display of food items. The food shield system  100  may be used in a variety of settings, for example at a buffet, smorgasbord, salad bar, other kind of food display, other retail display, or the like. The food shield system  100  may be as large or complicated as required and can include multiple bases  106 , multiple panels  102 , and multiple stands  104  in any configuration. In use, the food shield system  100  protects food or other merchandise from falling debris or other contamination. The panels  102  are therefore typically clear or transparent to enable customers to view displayed food or other products. Representative panels  102  might be fabricated from glass, transparent acrylic, transparent polycarbonate, or similar materials. 
     A panel  102  is typically connected to at least one stand  104  with a panel support  108 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a pair of panel supports  108 , attached to adjacent stands  104 , can be configured to each hold opposing sides of a panel  102 . In alternative configurations, one panel support  108  can be configured to hold one side of a panel  102  extending away from a single stand  104 . Any combination of stands  104 , panel supports  108 , panels  102 , and bases  106  is within the scope of this disclosure. 
     As detailed below, a panel support  108  can include various adjustment mechanisms or adjustment structures permitting a user to adjust and set the position or orientation of the attached panel  102 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , a panel support  108  may include integrated structure(s) permitting a user to rotate a panel  102  about an axis “r” parallel to the width of the panel, to set the angular orientation of the panel  102  as desired. In addition, a panel support  108  may include integrated structure(s), to permit a user to translate the position of the panel  102  along a line “l” within the plane of a panel  102 . The panel support  108  may further include integrated structures to permit a user to adjust the height of the panel support  108  relative to a stand  104  along a line “h”. This or another mechanism may also permit adjustment of the angular orientation of a panel  102  in either direction and to any desired extent around an axis defined by a stand  104 , as indicated by axis of rotation “a” illustrated on  FIG. 1A . Representative mechanisms providing adjustability to the position and orientation of a panel  102  are described below with respect to  FIGS. 2-7 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 4-7  show a panel support  108  and various elements and subsystems of the panel support  108 . Generally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a panel support  108  might include a panel clamp assembly  300 , a pivoting connection,  400 , and a stand clamp assembly  500 . As described in detail below, these subsystems provide for the adjustment of the position or orientation of a panel  102  relative to a stand  104  or base  106 . Various embodiments of panel support  108  can include some, all, or any combination of the foregoing or other subsystems. Generally, in this description, the elements of the panel clamp assembly  300  will be identified with “300” series reference numerals. Similarly, the pivoting connection  400  elements will be identified with “400” series reference numerals, and elements of the stand clamp assembly  500  will be identified with a “500” series reference numerals. It is important to note however, that several elements of a panel support  108  might serve multiple purposes and may function within more than one subsystem. 
     The panel clamp assembly  300  clamps the panel  102  to a panel support  108 , but also may be configured to enable the panel  102  to be selectively positioned and/or locked into a desired position along the line l as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . Thus, the panel clamp assembly  300  may provide for the position of a panel  102  to be translated along a line parallel to the plane defined by the panel itself. Some embodiments may include curved panels which are translated within a plane, but the plane is not defined by the panel itself. In some embodiments, translation along line l may be movement along a line perpendicular to the panel width. In other embodiments, translation along the line l may be movement at an angle offset by any desired degree from perpendicular, but still parallel to a plane of movement. 
     The pivoting connection  400  can, in some embodiments, provide for the rotation of a panel  102  around axis r. Therefore, if a pivoting connection  400  is provided, it facilitates adjustment of the angular orientation of a panel  102  relative to a stand  104  or base  106 . The stand clamp subsystem  500  serves to clamp or otherwise attach a panel support  108  to a stand  104 , a post, or a similar structure. In some embodiments, the stand clamp  500  permits a panel support  108  (and any associated panel  102 ) to be positioned at a selected height along a line h relative to a stand  104 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the stand clamp assembly  500  may also permit variable adjustment of the angular orientation of a panel support  108  and panel  102  around an axis a defined by a stand  104 . Although the figures illustrate a stand  104  having substantially straight and vertical side posts, is important to note that alternative embodiments of stand  104  could have curved or angled posts, arms, sides, panels, or other structures which define similar, but different adjustment lines, curves or angles. In certain embodiments some or all the various positional adjustments described herein may be accomplished without the use of tools. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a panel  102  may include one or more slots  110  cut, molded, or otherwise formed through the panel  102 . A slot  110  will typically extend entirely through the panel from a lower exterior surface  112  of the panel  102  to an upper exterior surface  114  of the panel  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , two slots  110  are illustrated as being formed perpendicular to the width of the panel. Alternative panel embodiments may include any number of slots  110 , and the slots can be formed at any desired angle, or in a curved panel. The panel support  108  can be connected to a panel  102  with certain portions of the panel clamp assembly  300  extending through a slot  110  in the panel. As described in detail below, the portions of the panel clamp assembly  300  extending through a slot  110  can collectively have an overall length less than the length of the slot  110 . Thus, when the panel clamp assembly is disengaged or loosened, the panel  102  may be translated forward or backward along line l within the range of movement defined by the length of the slot  110  relative to the length of the panel clamp elements extending through the slot. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the panel clamp assembly subsystem  300  may include a panel support arm  302  generally configured to support the lower surface  112  of a panel  102 . In some embodiments, the panel support arm  302  will include a raised lower guide surface  304  having a width less than a width defined by a corresponding slot  110  through a panel attached to the panel clamp assembly  300 . The panel clamp assembly  300  may also include a cover plate  306  which is operatively positioned to directly, or indirectly, contact the upper surface  114  of any panel attached to the panel clamp assembly  300 . The cover plate may include an extended upper guide surface  308 , which may be configured to match the dimensions of the lower guide surface  304 . The cover plate  306  can also include a socket  310 . 
     The socket  310  of the  FIG. 4  embodiment is configured to receive a clamping post  312  extending from the underside of the panel support arm  302 , through the slot  110 , to the socket  310 . The socket  310  may be threaded, may have structure for receiving a pin, or may otherwise be configured to securely receive the clamping post  312 . The clamping post  312  in the  FIGS. 4A and 4B  embodiments, is connected to a cam lever  314  away from the cover plate  306 . The cam lever  314  includes an offset cam axel  316  and is supported by a formed washer  318  and/or a surface formed in the panel support arm  302 , such that articulating the cam lever  314  from an open to a closed position draws the cover plate  306  and associated structures toward the panel support arm  302  to clamp a panel between the panel support arm and the cover plate. 
     Top and bottom spacers,  320  and  322  respectively, may optionally be included to provide a suitably snug fit between the lower guide surface  304 , the upper guide surface  308  and the width of a slot  110  when a food shield system  100  is assembled. The length of the lower and upper guide surfaces,  304  and  306 , and the length of the top and bottom spacers,  320  and  322 , can be somewhat or significantly less than the length of the slot  110 . Thus, when the cam lever  314  is disengaged or loosened, the cover plate  306  moves away from the panel support arm  302  loosening the clamping force is exerted on a panel  102 . Then, the panel  102  may be translated forward or backward along line l within the range defined by the length of the slot  110 . Smooth translation is facilitated by sizing the width of the top and bottom spacers  320 ,  322  to correspond to the width of the slot  110 . Smooth translation may be further facilitated by fabricating the top and bottom spacers  320 ,  342  from a plastic, PTFE, or elastomeric material which slides smoothly through the slot. 
     After the panel  102  is translated to a desired location along line l, the cam lever  314  may be reengaged or tightened to securely lock the panel  102  in the desired location. The panel clamp assembly  300  therefore provides for infinite and micro-adjustable movement of the panel along the line l, within the defined range. If the panel clamp assembly  300  includes a cam lever  314  or a structure similar to the cam lever  314 , the position of the panel  102  may be adjusted without the use of tools. In alternative embodiments, the cam lever  314 , clamping post  312 , formed washer  318 , and/or socket  310  elements may be replaced with conventional nuts and bolts, a threaded knob, other clamping structures, screws or the like which can provide for the panel  102  to be clamped against the panel support arm  302  at selected positions. 
     In certain embodiments, the cover plate  306  may be fabricated to have a length and width greater than the length and width of a corresponding slot  110 . Having a cover plate  306  with an overall width greater than the width of the slot  110  causes the cover plate  306  to effectively clamp the upper surface  114  of a panel  102  when the cam lever  314  or other clamping mechanism is articulated. Providing a cover plate  306  with a length greater than the length of the slot  110  give certain functional and aesthetic advantages as well. As best illustrated by comparing  FIG. 5A  to  FIG. 5B , a relatively long cover plate can cover the entirety of the slot  110  if the panel  102  is translated fully forward ( FIG. 5A ) or fully rearward ( FIG. 5B ) within the translational range defined by the length of the slot  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the panel support  108  might further include a pivoting connection  400   a ,  400   b , that connects a stand clamp assembly  500  to the panel clamp assembly  300 . Two exemplary pivoting connections  400   a  and  400   b , are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  respectively. A pivoting connection  400   a ,  400   b , can permit the angular orientation of a panel  102  to be adjusted or positioned around axis r, as shown in  FIG. 1A . The  400   a  and  400   b  pivoting connection embodiments includes a shaft  402  extending from a portion the stand clamp  500  through an opening  404  in the panel support arm  302 . The shaft  402  defines a pivot axis, corresponding to axis r, around which the panel support arm  302  and any attached structures may rotate or pivot. Smooth panel support arm rotation can be facilitated by providing an optional bushing  403 , bearings, a bearing surface or other structure between the shaft  402  and opening  404 . In the  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  embodiments, the opening  404  includes an array of perimeter engagement slots  406  extending at least partially through the panel support arm  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , the pivoting connection  400   a  might additionally include a tooth plate  408   a  having one or more teeth  410   a  sized or otherwise formed to selectively engage and disengage with the array of perimeter engagement slots  406 . The shaft  402  may include a threaded extension  412   a  having a flattened surface  414  that extends through a corresponding flattened opening  416  in the tooth plate  408   a . A pivot locking knob  418  may be threaded onto or otherwise connected to the threaded shaft  412   a.    
     Thus, in the  FIG. 4A  embodiment, when the pivot locking knob  418  is threaded toward the stand clamp  500  along the threaded extension  412   a , one or more teeth  410   a  on the tooth plate  408   a  is moved into engagement with the array of perimeter engagement slots  406 . Conversely, when the pivot locking knob  418  is threaded away from the stand clamp  500  the teeth  410   a  and tooth plate  408   a  can be moved out of engagement with the perimeter engagement slots  406  by action of the compression spring  420   a , a wave washer, a compressible elastomeric bushing, or similar apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the pivot locking knob  418  could be replaced with a bolt, cam, wingnut or similar structure. 
     In the  FIG. 4A  embodiment, when the teeth  410   a  are moved into engagement with the perimeter engagement slots  406 , the panel support arm  302  is prevented from pivoting around the shaft  402 , and therefore locked into place, because the engagement of the flattened opening  416  of the tooth plate  408   a  with the flat surface  414  of the threaded extension  412   a  prohibits the tooth plate  408   a  from rotating around the pivot axis. Furthermore, the foregoing structures permit the panel support arm  302  to rotate around the pivot axis defined by the shaft  402  when the tooth plate  408   a  is disengaged from the panel support arm  302 . These, or similar structures, facilitate angular pivot arm/panel adjustment and then locking of the angular orientation of the pivot arm  302  and panel  102  with respect to an associated stand  104  or base  106 . 
     A representative alternative pivoting structure  400   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 4B . The  FIG. 4B  embodiment also includes a shaft  402  extending from a portion the stand clamp  500  through an opening  404  in the panel support arm  302  as described above. In the  FIG. 4B  embodiment, the opening  404  also includes an array of perimeter engagement slots  406  extending at least partially through the panel support arm  302 . The  FIG. 4B  embodiment includes an alternative tooth plate  408   b  having one or more teeth  410   b  sized or otherwise formed to selectively engage and disengage with the array of perimeter engagement slots  406 . The shaft  402  may include an extension  422  having one or more raised ridges  424  that mate with a corresponding opening  416   b  in the tooth plate  408   b  when the pivoting connection  400   b  is assembled. The extension  422  may have any number of raised ridges, slots, non-circular portions, flattened regions, extensions, depressions, or other structure configured to mate with a corresponding opening  416   b  of the tooth plate  408   b , such that the tooth plate  408   b  is prevented from rotating around the extension  422  when the pivoting structure  400   b  is assembled. 
     The tooth plate  408   b  may include a bearing surface  426  facing the stand clamp  500 . The bearing surface  426  can cooperate with optional bushing  403 , bearings, another surface or other structure between the shaft  402  and opening  404  to facilitate smooth rotation of the support arm  302  around the shaft  402 . Thus, the bearing surface  426  may be sized to match the exterior supporting surface of the bushing  403 , sized to fit within the bushing  403  or otherwise sized and formed to smoothly support the support arm  302 . 
     A pivot locking knob  418  may be threaded onto or otherwise connected to the threaded shaft  412   b . Thus, in the  FIG. 4B  embodiment, when the pivot locking knob  418  is threaded toward the stand clamp  500  along the threaded shaft  412   b , one or more teeth  410   b  on the tooth plate  408   b  is moved into engagement with the array of perimeter engagement slots  406 . Conversely, when the pivot locking knob  418  is threaded away from the stand clamp  500  the teeth  410   b  can be moved out of engagement with the perimeter engagement slots  406  by action of the compression spring  420   b  or similar biasing apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the pivot locking knob  418  could be replaced with a bolt, cam, wingnut or similar structure. 
     In the  FIG. 4B  embodiment, when the teeth  410   b  are moved into engagement with the perimeter engagement slots  406 , the panel support arm  302  cannot pivot around the shaft  402  because the engagement of the opening  416   b  of the tooth plate  408   b  with the profile of the extension  422  prohibits the tooth plate  408   b  from rotating around the pivot axis. Thus, the foregoing structures permit the panel support arm  302  to rotate around the pivot axis defined by the shaft  402  when the teeth  410   b  of the tooth plate  408   b  are disengaged from the panel support arm  302  and prohibit rotation when a tooth or teeth  410   b  are engaged with the panel support arm  302 . These, or similar structures, facilitate the angular positioning of the pivot arm  302  with respect to an associated stand  104  or base  106 . 
     Alternative pivoting connection embodiments may include simple nuts and bolts, threaded shafts, bearings, friction plates, brakes or other structures facilitating the angular adjustment and locking of a panel support arm in the desired orientation. The illustrated embodiments may be locked or unlocked to permit the angular adjustment of a panel  102  around axis r of  FIG. 1A , without the use of tools. 
     The panel support  108  might additionally include a stand clamp  500   a ,  500   b . The stand clamp  500   a ,  500   b  serves to attach a panel support  108  to a stand  104  or another structure. In some embodiments, the stand clamp  500   a ,  500   b , can be attached to a stand without the use of tools. An exemplary stand clamp  500   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The  500   a  stand clamp embodiment might include a first clamp portion  502  and a second clamp portion  504  that can be connected together with a hinge  506 . The hinge  506  provides for the interior clamping surfaces of the first and second clamp portions  502  and  504  to be opened for removal from a stand  104  or closed to engage a stand  104 , post or other structure. A representative hinge  506  is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . the illustrated hinge  506  includes an integral center hinge portion  508  formed in the first clamp portion  502  and corresponding integral outer hinge portions  510  formed in the second clamp portion  504 . The hinge portions  508 ,  510  are joined together with one or more hinge pins  512 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 4A , the representative stand clamp  500   a  also includes a third clamp portion  514  that can be substantially rigidly connected to the first clamp portion  502  with suitable structures, for example extension  516  and keyway  518 . Providing a first clamp portion  502  and a third clamp portion  514  that can be separated facilitates clamp removal for cleaning, replacement, or other tasks. In alternative embodiments the first and third clamp portions  502 ,  514  can be replaced with a single structure or with multiple structures permanently bonded together. 
     Various clamp portions must be drawn together to effectively clamp a stand  104 , post, or other structure. To accomplish clamp tightening, the second clamp portion  504  may include a first threaded semicircular extension  520 . The third clamp portion  514  may include a corresponding second threaded semicircular extension  522 . When assembled around a stand  104 , the first and second threaded semicircular extensions  520 ,  522  are adjacent to each other but separated by a gap or space. Both of the threaded extensions may together define a tapered thread surface that can be received in the threaded female socket of a threaded clamping knob  524 . In this embodiment, the thread surfaces on each semicircular extension are tapered, for example with a conventional pipe thread taper. Thus, when the clamping knob  524  is threaded toward the second and third clamp portions  504 ,  514  engagement of the tapered thread profile on the semicircular extensions  520 ,  522  with a corresponding female thread taper in the clamping knob  524  draws the semicircular extensions  520 ,  522  toward each other, narrowing the gap between them. This action securely clamps each of the clamp portions around a portion of a stand  104 , a post, or similar structure. 
     When the clamping knob  524  is loosened, the tapered threads of the clamping knob  524  and each semicircular extension permit the semicircular extensions to separate from each other while still remaining loosely engaged with a portion of a stand  104 . In a loosened configuration, the entire panel support  108  may be moved relative to the stand  104 , for example moved up or down along line h of  FIG. 1A . Furthermore, the entire panel support may be rotated around axis a when the clamping knob  524  is loosened. If the clamping knob  524  is completely unthreaded and removed, the semicircular extensions  520 ,  522  may be widely separated through action of the hinge  506  and the stand clamp  500   a  removed for replacement, cleaning or maintenance. In the  FIG. 4A  embodiment, each of the above actions may be accomplished without the use of tools. 
     The stand clamp  500   a  of  FIG. 4A  also includes a sleeve  526  which provides for smooth, non-binding positional adjustment without marring any portion of a post or stand  104 . The sleeve  526  may be fabricated from nylon, plastic, PTFE or a similar material. This embodiment also includes a top collar  528  which protects portions of the stand clamp  500   a  and pivoting connection  400   a  from contamination and provides aesthetic advantages. 
     An alternative stand clamp  500   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 4B . In the alternative embodiment, the first, second, and third clamp portions and hinge operate generally as described above. The second clamp portion  504  includes a socket  530  that receives a portion of washer  532 . The third clamp portion  514  may include a capture structure  534  also configured to receive a portion of the washer  532 . When the stand clamp  500   b  is assembled, the capture structure  534  and socket  530  are adjacent to each other but separated by a gap permitting the clamp  500   b  to be tightened around a post. 
     In the  500   b  embodiment, the clamping knob  524  includes a threaded shaft  536  extending toward the washer  532 . The threaded shaft  536  may engage with mating threads formed in the washer  532 , engage with a nut behind the washer  532  or otherwise be in threaded engagement with the washer. Therefore, turning the clamping knob in the appropriate direction draws the clamping knob  524  toward the washer  532 . The clamping knob may then engage with a structure on the second and third clamp portions,  504 ,  514  to draw these portions toward each other as the knob is tightened. For example, an inner surface of the clamping knob  524  may engage with sloped side walls  538  and  540  on the second clamp portion  504  and third clamp portion  514  respectively. In alternative embodiments, other tightening and loosening means including but not limited to nuts, bolts, straps, screws, cam levers and the like may be used to attach a panel support  108  to a stand  104 . 
     When the clamping knob  524  is partially loosened in this embodiment, the second and third clamp portions  504  and  514  separate from each other while still remaining loosely engaged with a portion of a stand  104 . In a loosened configuration, the entire panel support  108  may be moved relative to the stand  104 , for example moved up or down along line h of  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the entire panel support may be rotated around axis a when the clamping knob  524  is loosened. If the clamping knob  524  is completely unthreaded and removed, second and third clamp portions,  504 ,  514  may be widely separated through action of the hinge  506  and the stand clamp  500   a  removed for replacement, cleaning or maintenance. In the  FIG. 4B  embodiment, each of the above actions may be accomplished without the use of tools. 
     The stand clamp  500   b  of  FIG. 4B  also includes a sleeve  526  which provides for smooth, non-binding positional adjustment without marring any portion of a post or stand  104 . The sleeve  526  may be fabricated from nylon, plastic, PTFE or a similar material. This embodiment also includes a top collar  528  which protects portions of the stand clamp  500   a  and pivoting connection  400   a  from contamination and provides aesthetic advantages. 
     Having described certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Hence, while various embodiments are described with—or without—certain features for ease of description and to illustrate exemplary aspects of those embodiments, the various components and/or features described herein with respect to a particular embodiment can be substituted, added and/or subtracted from among other described embodiments, unless the context dictates otherwise. Consequently, although several exemplary embodiments are described above, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.