Patent Publication Number: US-8539887-B2

Title: Multi-purpose, adjustable and nestable voting booth

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. Design application 29/355,765 filed on Feb. 12, 2010, entitled “HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE PORTABLE VOTING BOOTH” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to voting booths; and in particular to a multi-purpose voting booth that is easily and quickly adjustable between standard sized voting booths and voting booths which are Americans with Disability Act compliant and which are nestable for efficient storage capability. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Voting booths provide an area of privacy for those exercising the right to vote. Whether the vote is for electing an individual to a position of leadership, or deciding whether to tax cigarettes, the right to vote is a most private matter. For this reason, voting booths of most every configuration can be found; all with a purpose of providing an area of privacy for the individual exercising their freedom to vote. For instance, stand alone units are well known wherein curtains are hung around the individual for privacy. More elaborate booths might have computer terminals built into the stands. 
     Most every voting booth is portable as they are used only temporarily. The voting process is performed on a predefined date, and depending on the type of election, might require assembly once, twice or multiple times per year. Due to the amount of people that are involved in voting, a school or church having a large area is typically employed. For instance, a school cafeteria may be employed wherein portable stands are assembled and made available for the voting public. Without such devices, the election process would fail to render the actual beliefs of the voters. 
     There are numerous types of voting booths, each having a configuration that permits various degrees of privacy. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,731 describes a portable voting booth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,652 describes a dual voting both comprising members that fit together to form a compact carrying case for other components. U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,262 describes another type of portable voting booth. U.S. Pat. No. 7,895,954 describes a nestable voting booth. One shortcoming associated with current systems relates to the need for municipalities to provide voting booths that are standard in size, as well as voting booths that are compliant with federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Voting booths sized to accommodate individuals using a wheel chair have been designed as independent voting booths which differ from standard booths. Such arrangement results in increased costs as municipalities are forced to buy not only standard sized voting booths, but also independent voting booths which accommodate wheel chair bound voters. In addition to the increased costs of having to buy and maintain a larger pool of voting booths, having two different types of voting booths makes it harder for municipalities to store such large number of booths. Moreover, having to distribute and set up a large amount of voting booths increases the time and number of city employees and/or volunteers required to set up in the voting places on election days, thereby increasing costs. 
     Therefore, what is needed in the art is an easily storable, nestable, single voting booth that is adjustable to various heights, including heights that allow wheelchair bound individuals to easily use such booths. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is a multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth which is a stand alone structure designed to provide easy storage. The stand-alone structure in accordance with the instant invention is designed to provide variable adjustments in height to allow for standard usage, ADA compliant usage, and usage in between. The structure is also designed to be multi-functional. While it will be described as providing a movable structure useful for providing an area for voting, because of its portability and ability to create a semi-private space, the structure can also be useful in other applications. For example, such structure can be used in libraries to create additional viewing/reading areas, allowing the library staff to adjust to times of high/low patron use. Creating additional “desks” for students provide schools an opportunity to easily and quickly respond to changes in enrollment. These structures may also find particular use for governmental agencies which, for example, during times of natural disasters may need to set up temporary processing areas. 
     At least one embodiment includes a privacy booth support structure for supporting a privacy booth and providing the privacy booth rotatable movement. The privacy booth support structure is rotatably attached to a main body support structure for providing angular adjustment to the privacy booth support structure. The main body support structure has a pair of vertically extending frames. Each of the vertical frames attach to the privacy booth support structure along a first end and rotatably attach to a lower base frame assembly along a second end for providing vertical height adjustment. Movement of the vertical frames change the distance between the privacy booth structure and the surface which the voting booth is resting upon. Movement of the privacy booth support structure changes the angular position of the privacy booth structure. The voting booth is also adapted to nest with a like-structured voting booth wherein the voting booth is slidably receivable underneath a like structured voting booth. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth that can be used by a plurality of differently sized individuals. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth that is adjustable. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth that is adjustable between standard usage and ADA compliant usage. 
     It is a still further objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth that quickly and easily adjusts from being usable by individuals who are bound by wheel chairs to being usable by individuals who do not use wheel chairs. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth in which the angular positioning of the privacy booth can be changed. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth in which the distance between the privacy booth and the surface which the voting booth is placed upon can be changed. 
     It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a single voting booth in which the angular positioning of the privacy booth and the distance between the voting booth and the surface which the voting device is placed upon can be manipulated. 
     It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a single voting booth which is adjustable and nestable. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an adjustable voting booth that includes a privacy booth that is slidably attached to support assemblies. 
     It is a still further objective of the instant invention to provide an adjustable voting booth that includes a motion sensor light. 
     It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an adjustable voting booth having features which enhance the user&#39;s interaction with the voting booth. 
     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial exploded view of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth of the present invention, illustrating the privacy booth of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a close up perspective view of the top end of the right vertical frame; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth of the present invention, illustrating the support frame; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the upper left vertical frame locking member illustrated in a locked position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the upper left vertical frame locking member illustrated in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the lower left locking member illustrated in a locked position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lower left locking member illustrated in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in a standard configuration; 
         FIG. 11B  is an enlarged section of  11 B shown in  FIG. 11A , illustrating the upper left bracket in a lock position; 
         FIG. 11C  is an enlarged section of  11 C shown in  FIG. 11A , illustrating the lower left bracket in a locked position; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in a standard configuration; 
         FIG. 12B  is an enlarged section of  12 B illustrated in  FIG. 12A , showing the upper right locking member in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 12C  is an enlarged section of  12 C illustrated in  FIG. 12A  showing the lower right locking member in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in a second configuration which is ADA compliant; 
         FIG. 13B  is an enlarged section of  13 B illustrated in  FIG. 13A , showing the upper right locking member in a locked position; 
         FIG. 13C  is an enlarged section of  13 C illustrated in  FIG. 13A , showing the lower right locking member in a locked position; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in a second configuration which is ADA compliant; 
         FIG. 14B  is an enlarged section of  14 B illustrated in  FIG. 14A , showing the upper left locking member in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 14C  is an enlarged section of  14 C illustrated in  FIG. 14A , showing the lower left locking member in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth of the present invention illustrating the plurality of locking members in an off-centered alignment; 
         FIG. 15B  is an enlarged section of  15 B illustrated in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15C  is an enlarged section of  15 C illustrated in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15D  is an enlarged section of  15 D illustrated in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 15E  is an enlarged section of  15 E illustrated in  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16A  is a bottom perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in the standard configuration; 
         FIG. 16B  is an enlarged section of  16 B illustrated in  FIG. 16A , showing additional swivel angle limiting devices in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 16C  is an enlarged section of  16 C illustrated in  FIG. 16A , showing additional swivel angle limiting devices in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 17A  is a bottom perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in the ADA compliant configuration; 
         FIG. 17B  is an enlarged section of  17 B illustrated in  FIG. 17A , showing additional swivel angle limiting devices in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 17C  is an enlarged section of  17 C illustrated in  FIG. 17A , showing additional swivel angle limiting devices in accordance with the instant invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in the standard configuration; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in the ADA compliant configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown in the standard configuration and having alternative brackets; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 20 , shown in the ADA complaint configuration; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention, shown in the regular configuration with alternative mechanisms for height and width adjustment; 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 22 , shown in the ADA compliant configuration; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth configuration, illustrated in ADA compliance, having width adjustment capability; 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth configuration illustrated in  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth having a slideably adjustable privacy booth; 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 28 , showing the privacy booth in the fully backward deployed position; 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 28 , shown in an ADA compliant configuration having the privacy assembly deployed fully forward; 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34A  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention, illustrating the anti-slip surface or edge; 
         FIG. 34B  is a partial side view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth illustrated in  FIG. 34A ; 
         FIG. 34C  is an enlarged view of section  34 C illustrated in  FIG. 34B  and showing the anti-slip surface/edge; 
         FIG. 35A  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention showing additional features within the privacy booth; 
         FIG. 35B  is an enlarged view of section  35 B illustrated in  FIG. 35A ; 
         FIG. 36A  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention showing LED control functionality; 
         FIG. 36B  is an enlarged view of section  36 B illustrated in  FIG. 36A ; 
         FIG. 37A  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention showing a mounting arrangement for attaching the LED light to the privacy booth; 
         FIG. 37B  is an enlarged view of section  37 B illustrated in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 38A  is a bottom perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention showing a rubber liner attached to the bottom of the privacy booth and to the left and right base support frames; 
         FIG. 38B  is an enlarged view of section  38 B illustrated in  FIG. 38A  showing the rubber liner attached to the upper base frame assembly; 
         FIG. 38C  is an enlarged view of section  38 C illustrated in  FIG. 38A  showing the rubber liner attached to the right/left base support frame; 
         FIG. 39  is a front perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention showing a pouch attached to the inside front wall and inside side wall of the privacy shield of the privacy booth; 
         FIG. 40  is a rear perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth showing a pouch attached to an outside wall of the privacy shield; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of a plurality of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booths of the present invention shown in nesting arrangement; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a plurality of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booths of the present invention shown in nesting arrangement being moved by an individual; 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown with an individual accessing the voting booth when arranged in the standard configuration; 
         FIG. 44  is a perspective view of the multi-purpose adjustable voting booth of the present invention shown with a wheel chair bound individual accessing the voting booth when arranged in the ADA complaint configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , front and rear perspective views of the multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth  10  are illustrated. The voting booth  10  includes a usable panel  12  surround by an up-facing privacy shield  14 . The privacy shield  14  is constructed as a single unit having three sides, a rear side  14 A, and two opposing sides  14 B, and  14 C. The usable panel  12  may be made of any material which provides a user the ability to set materials upon the surface as well as write on materials resting there upon. The material is preferably made of a metal, but can be made of plastic, wood, or other materials. While the usable panel  12  is shown having a generally trapezoidal shape, other shapes may be utilized, which may require additional or less number of sides. Preferably, the usable panel  12  is inclined, but need not be arranged in this manner. The usable panel  12  is preferably secured to a separate base frame assembly constructed of generally rectangular tubular structures  16 ,  18  and  20 , see  FIG. 16A  or  17 A, which are welded together. Each of the sides  14 A,  14 B, and  14 C extend upwardly from the top surface  22  of the usable panel  12  to provide a private area where viewing what the user is doing within the partially enclosed area formed by the privacy shield  14 , or what is placed on the usable panel  12 , is limited or prevented. The usable panel  12  is preferably welded (both inside and outside) on top of the upper base frame assembly so that the usable panel  12  extends to the outer edge of each of the generally rectangular tubular structures  16 ,  18  and  20 . While not illustrated, the privacy shield  14  may contain a fourth side which is arranged parallel to and positioned opposite the usable surface  12 . Such side, if used, would form a top panel to prevent a third party from viewing down upon the usable panel  12 . The upper base frame assembly, the privacy shield, along with the usable panel  12  forms a privacy booth  24  allowing the user to write, read, or cast a vote with relative privacy. 
     The privacy booth  24  is secured to a support structure through a rotatable privacy booth support frame  26 . The booth support frame  26  is preferably secured to the privacy booth  24  through the generally rectangular tubular structures  18  and  20  (see for example  FIG. 17A ), such as through welding, so that the booth support frame  26  provides additional support for the privacy booth  24 . Additionally, as the booth support frame  26  rotates, the privacy booth  24  rotates accordingly. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the front edge  28  of the usable surface  12  is secured to the top surface or face of the booth support frame  26  and extends to at or near the outer edge. The opposing rear edge  30  of the usable surface  12  is not in a direct securable arrangement with the booth support frame  26 . Opposing side edges  32  and  34  of the usable surface  12 , which extend outwardly away from the booth support frame  26 , may have minimal securable engagement with the booth support frame  26 . Such minimal contact may include an area at or near where the front edge  28  of the usable panel  12  and the opposing side edges  32  and  34  meet. The privacy panel  14  is secured to the base frame assembly generally rectangular tubular structures  16 ,  18  and  20  through securing devices, such as but not limited to, bolts  35  and nuts (not shown). The privacy panel  14  is preferably arranged so that it does not secure to the top surfaces of the base frame assembly generally rectangular tubular structures  16 ,  18  and  20 . The privacy panel  14  is preferably secured to the side or side surfaces of each of the base frame assembly generally rectangular tubular structures  16 ,  18  and  20 . Each of the sides  14 B and  14 C preferably contain a cut-out portion  37  which allows the privacy shield  14  to rest on the top surface of the booth support frame  26 , extending to its outer edge. Accordingly, the privacy shield  14  fully surrounds the peripheral rear edge and the side edges of the usable surface  12 . 
     The booth support frame  26  provides engagement of the privacy booth  24  with a main body support structure  36  having a mid-frame assembly (generally structures  38  and  40 ) and a lower base frame assembly (generally structures  42 ,  44 , and  46 ). The support structure  36  comprises two opposing frames, a left vertical frame  38  and a right vertical frame  40 , each being securable to the booth support frame  26 . A support structure horizontal frame  42 , which is arranged in a generally parallel manner to booth support frame  26  is secured to the left vertical frame  38  and the right vertical frame  40 , as well as to two base frame support structure frames, left bottom base support frame  44  and right bottom base support frame  46 . The left vertical frame  38  and the right vertical frame  40  may be secured to the booth support frame  26  and the two base frame support structure  44 ,  46  frames in a perpendicular manner. However, it is preferable that the vertical frames are inclined, so that the angle formed by engagement of the vertical frames and base support frames form acute angles. Securing of the booth support frame  26  with the privacy booth  24  to the support structure  36  provides the voting booth  10  with a Z-shaped configuration, see for example  FIG. 2 ,  19 , or  20 . The positioning or placement of each of the parts of the voting booth  10  is designed to allow like-shaped voting booths  10  to fit within, or nest with other like-shaped voting booths, see  FIGS. 41 and 42 , to minimize the amount of space needed to store such structures. 
     The voting booth  10  is structured to allow pivotable rotation of the booth support frame  26 , thereby providing the privacy booth  24  with adjustable positioning or alignment. In addition, the voting booth  10  is constructed to allow the left vertical frame  38  and the right vertical frame  40  pivotable rotation, thereby providing adjustable vertical positioning of the privacy booth  24 . Moving the left vertical frame  38  and/or the right vertical frame  40  in a forward or backwards direction changes the distance between the privacy booth  24  and the surface in which the voting booth  10  rests upon. By providing adjustable positioning of the privacy booth  24  and the vertical frames  38 / 40 , the voting booth  10  has the capability of quickly, easily and safely adjusting to users of different heights as well as wheelchair bound users which require voting booths that rest closer to the ground. Such functionality provides ADA compliant voting booths. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3-5 , the booth support frame  26  is shown having a generally rectangular shape. The booth support frame  26  contains cylindrical members  48  and  50  which are sized and shaped to fit within the openings positioned within the left vertical frame  38  and the right vertical frame  40 . The left vertical frame  38  contains a booth support frame receiving member, illustrated herein as a left vertical frame member  52  coupled to the top end  54  of the frame  38 . The left vertical frame member  52  also forms the upper left locking member. Opening  55  is sized and shaped to receive cylindrical member  48 . The right vertical frame  40  also contains a booth support frame receiving member, illustrated herein as a right vertical frame member  56  coupled to the top end  58  of the right vertical frame  40 . The right vertical frame member  58  also forms the upper right locking member. Opening  60  is sized and shaped to rotatably receive cylindrical member  50 . Insertion of the cylindrical members  48  and  50  within openings  55  and  60  rotatably secure the booth support frame  26  to the left vertical frame  38  and the right vertical frame  40 , and provides a pivot point. Rotation of the booth support frame  26  allows the privacy booth  24  to rotate at various degrees, α, see  FIGS. 18 and 19 . 
     To prevent unintended or too much rotation, each of the vertical frames  38  and  40  contain one or more mechanisms to prevent such movement. For example, the left vertical frame  38  (or right vertical frame  40 ) each contain a slide bracket  62  which couples to the booth support frame receiving member  52  (or  56  booth support frame receiving member). The slide bracket  62  contains a pin member  64  which engages a U-shaped slot  66  located within two opposing sides of the left vertical booth support frame receiving member  52  (or member  56 ). The pin  64  is secured to the slide bracket  62  via clips  68  which rest within a channel (not illustrated) formed within the pin  64 . Moving the slide bracket  62  up so that pin member  64  traverses between each end  70  and  72  of the U-shaped slot  66  allows the bracket to extend over or retract from a portion of the booth support frame  26 . When the pin  64  is placed in either end portion  70  or  72 , it is prevented from moving, thereby placing the slide bracket in a fixed position.  FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bracket  62  which does not slide but rather pivots upon pin  63 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the slide bracket  62  is shown in a locked position with the pin  64  being secured to the end portion  72  of the U-shaped slot  66 . In this arrangement, the slide bracket  62  is secured over opposing sides  74  and  76  of the booth support frame  26 , thereby preventing any rotational movement. To place the slide bracket in an unlocked position, the slide bracket  62  is lifted upwardly and moved so that the pin  64  rests within the end portion  70  of the U-shaped slot  66 , see  FIG. 8 . In the unlocked position, the slide bracket  62  is no longer in contact with the opposing sides  74  and  76  of the booth support frame  26 . This positioning allows the booth support frame  26  to rotate using the vertical frame receiving member as a pivoting point. To prevent the booth support frame  26  from rotating too far from a pre-determined distance, each of the booth support frame receiving members  52  and  56  have one or more rotation stop members  80  and  82  positioned on the bottom surfaces, see  FIG. 5 . The rotation stop members  80  and  82  are shown as finger-like extensions attached to the bottom surface  78  of the booth support frame receiving members  52 , see also  FIGS. 16A-C  and  17 A-C. The rotation stop members  80  and  82  are sized so that they are engageable with the bottom face  84  of the booth support frame  26 , thereby maintaining the booth support frame  26  in a generally parallel and flush arrangement with the booth support frame receiving member  52  when in a non-rotated position and preventing rotation past a pre-determined position. Preferably, the rotation stop members  80  and  82  are in a misaligned or staggered alignment. As shown in  FIG. 17B , rotation stop member  80  has a reverse Z-shape configuration which allows it to be positioned lower than that of rotation stop member  82 . Once the booth support frame  26  is rotated a predetermined angle, it contacts the rotation stop members  82 , thereby preventing any further rotation. Rotation in the opposite direction past a pre-determined angle allows contact with the other rotation stop member  80 , thereby preventing unwanted rotation in the opposite direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the left vertical frame  38  contains a support structure horizontal frame receiving member  86  at the bottom end  88  of the frame  38 . The support structure horizontal frame receiving member  86  contains a passageway  90  defined by the space in between a first opening  92  and a second opening  94 . Passageway  90  is sized and shaped to receive the support structure horizontal frame  42 , shown in the illustrative embodiment as a cylindrical bar. A portion of the support structure horizontal frame  42  is placed into opening  94 , extending through the passageway  90 , and out past opening  92 . The portion that extends through the opening  92  is inserted into an opening (not shown) positioned on the left bottom base support frame  44 . Once in place, the left bottom base support frame  44  can be coupled to the support structure horizontal frame  42  through any known coupling mechanism, such as through welding. The right vertical frame  40  contains a right support structure horizontal frame receiving member  96  at the bottom end  98  of the frame  40 . The right support structure horizontal frame receiving member  96  contains a passageway  100  defined by the space in between a first opening  102  and a second opening  104 . Passageway  100  is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the opposite end of the support structure horizontal frame  42 . The opposing portion of the support structure horizontal frame  42  extends through opening  102 , into the passageway  100  and extends out past opening  104 . The portion that extends through the opening  104  is inserted into an opening  106  positioned on the right bottom base support frame  46 . Once in place, the right bottom base support frame  46  can be coupled to the support structure horizontal frame  42  through any known coupling mechanism, such as welding. Attached to the left bottom support frame  44  and the right bottom support frame  46  are one or more castors  108 , such as a ball bearing enclosed dual front operable brake castor, which allows the voting booth  10  to be easily moved. Each of the castors is strategically placed to provide structure stability. 
     Positioned along the support structure horizontal frame  42  is locking members  110  and  112  (see  FIG. 6 ). The left lower locking member  110  contains a base member  114 , shaped in a generally rectangular configuration having a plurality of sides forming surface faces. A slide bracket  116  having the same features and functionality as slide bracket  62  couples to U-shaped channels  118  formed in two opposing sides. Attached to the bottom side of the base member  114  are rotation stop members  120  and  122  ( 122  not illustrated) designed and functioning as described for rotation stop members  80  and  82 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , the locking member  110  is shown in the locked configuration in which the slide bracket  116  is engaged with the opposing surfaces  124  and  126  of the support structure horizontal frame receiving member  86 . Lifting the slide bracket  116  and sliding to the right so that the pin  64  rests within the opposing end of the U-shaped channel  118 , allows the slide bracket  116  to be placed in the unlocked position in which the bracket no longer engages or contacts the opposing sides  124  and  126 , see  FIG. 10 . The locking member  112  contains the same features and functions in the same manner as that of locking member  110 . The locking member  112  contains a base member  128 , shaped in a generally rectangular configuration having a central opening to allow engagement with structure  42  and a plurality of sides forming surface faces. A slide bracket  116 , having the same features and functionality as slide bracket  62  couples to the U-shaped channels  130  formed in two opposing sides. Attached to the bottom side of the base  124  are rotation stop members, not shown.  FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the bracket  116 . The bracket  116  is not slidable, but is hingedly connected through pin  129 . 
     The right bottom base support frame  46  is welded to the support structure horizontal frame  42 . Since the left bottom base support frame  44  is welded to the support structure horizontal frame  42 , a single unit is formed. The left bottom base support frame  44  and the right bottom base support frame  46  are arranged in a non-parallel manner, preferably arranged to extend in a direction opposite, or away from the privacy booth stand  24 . Preferably, the single unit is arranged so that the left bottom base support frame  44  and the right bottom base support frame  46  form acute angles with the support structure horizontal frame  42 . While formed as a single unit, the left and right vertical frames  36  and  38  are rotatable about the pivot points formed by connection of the vertical frames, bottom support frames, and the horizontal frame. By moving one or both of the vertical frames, and changing the angle β, see  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the distance between the privacy booth  24  and the surface in which the voting booth  10  rests decreases, thereby providing vertical adjustment. Moving the frames in the opposite direction allows the distance between the two points to return back to the starting point, or anywhere in between. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-12C , the voting booth  10  is shown in a standard configuration. In this configuration, the positioning of the privacy booth  24  is at a height off the ground to allow the average sized person to comfortably use the voting booth  10  (see  FIG. 43 ). For those individuals that are taller than the standard sized person, bending or leaning forward allows them to use the device as well. In this manner, a wide range of differently sized individuals can use the voting booth  10  in this position. The upper base frame assembly and the left bottom base support frame  44  and right bottom base support frame  46  can be arranged at a distance that maintains the voting booth  10  center of gravity. The voting booth  10  provides for a control mechanism in which the standard position is achieved by allowing the left side pivoting points to remain in the locked position while the right side pivoting points remain in the unlocked position. Referring specifically to  FIG. 11B , the top left slide bracket  62  is shown in the locked position. A portion of the slide bracket  62  is engaged with opposing sides  74  and  76  of the booth support frame  26 . In this configuration, the booth support frame  26  can not be rotated. Referring to  FIG. 11C , the left bottom side slide bracket is shown in the locked position. The front surface  132  of the base member  114  aligns with and is substantially flush with the front surface  134  of the support structure horizontal frame receiving member  86 . The slide bracket  116  engages opposing sides  136  and  138  of the base member  114  to prevent movement. 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  12 C illustrate the right upper and lower slide brackets in the unlocked position. Referring specifically to  FIG. 12B , the upper right slide bracket  62  is shown in the unlocked position. In this position, the slide bracket  62  is not engaged with opposing sides  136  and  138  (not illustrated) of the booth support frame  26 . Referring to  FIG. 12C , the lower right side slide bracket is shown in the unlocked position. As shown in the Figure, the slide bracket  116  is not in contact with opposing sides  140  and  142  of the support structure horizontal frame receiving member  96 . 
       FIGS. 13A-14C  illustrate the voting booth  10  adjusted to a configuration in which the privacy booth  24  is positioned at a distance which is closer to the ground than that illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 12C . In this configuration, the voting booth  10  complies with ADA regulations and allows voters who are wheelchair bound the ability to comfortably use the voting booth in a similar manner as individuals who are not bound by a wheel chair would use the standard sized voting booth. To provide for such functionality, the user simply locks/unlocks the locking mechanism and moves the left and right vertical frames  38  and/or  40  downward, in the direction of arrows  144  and  146  causing rotation along the pivot points, and moving the privacy booth  24  closer to a handicapped user, see  FIG. 13A . In addition to moving the privacy booth  24  closer to the ground, the voting booth may further need adjustment so that the privacy booth  24  rests at a usable angle. To provide a proper angle, the booth support frame  26  is moved in the direction of arrows  148  and  150 , thereby changing the angle α. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 13B and 14B , the upper right side slide bracket  62  is now shown in the locked position (see  13 B, bracket  62  in contact with the opposing surfaces  74  and  76  of the booth support frame  26 ) and the top left side bracket  62  is shown in the unlocked position (see  14 B, no contact with opposing sides opposing surfaces  74  and  76  of the booth support frame  26 ). Referring to  FIGS. 13C and 14C , the bottom right side bracket  116  is shown in the locked position (bracket  116  in contact with opposing sides  140  and  142  (not shown) of right support structure horizontal frame receiving member  96 ) and the bottom left side bracket is shown in the unlocked position (bracket  116  is not in contact with the opposing sides  124  and  126  of the left support structure horizontal frame receiving member  86 ). 
     The voting booth  10  is preferably arranged so that one side remains in the locked position while the other side is in the unlocked position. When a second configuration is desired, the user simply unlocks the locked side, moves the rotatable parts of the structure, and locks the opposing locking members. Referring to  FIG. 15A , the voting booth contains all the same features as described previously and includes an optional second support structure horizontal frame  127  attached to the vertical frames  38  and  40 , preferably through welding. The right side upper and lower sliding brackets  62  and  116  are utilized for locking the device when in the ADA compliant configuration. Such arrangement allows the user to switch configurations quickly and easily. The arrangement in which one side can be placed in the locked configuration while the other side remains in the unlocked configuration is the result of the locking members being arranged either in a non-parallel, off-center alignment or opposing locking members having one or more off-centered, non-parallel aligned faces, sides, or surfaces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15B , the left vertical booth support frame receiving member  52  which forms the upper left locking member is illustrated having one or more off-centered, non-parallel aligned surfaces with respect to the alignment of one or more surfaces of the right vertical frame receiving member  58  (shown in  FIG. 15C ) which forms the upper right locking member. In this non-parallel arrangement, vertical booth support frame receiving members  52  and  58  are arranged so that one or more surfaces or faces of one of vertical booth support frame receiving members is oriented at different angles relative to the opposing member so that as the booth support frame  26  is placed in one position, the vertical booth support frame receiving member  52  can be locked in place. The opposing sides  74  and  76  are flush or in the same plane as opposing sides  143  and  145  of the vertical booth support frame receiving member  52 .  FIG. 15C  shows the right vertical frame receiving member  58  being out of plane with the booth support frame  26  so that surfaces  74  (not shown) and  76  are not flush or are out of plane with surfaces  147  and  149  of the right vertical frame receiving member  58 . Rotating the booth support frame  26  allows the right vertical frame receiving member  58  to be in a flush, planer relationship with the booth support frame  26  in order to be locked while the left vertical frame receiving member  52  forms a non-flush, non-plane relationship with the booth support frame  26 . The left lower locking member  110  and the right lower locking member  112  are configured in the same orientation. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15D , the left lower locking member  110  is shown in the locked position, in which the opposing surfaces  124  (not shown) and  126  of structure  86  are flush, or in a planar relationship with opposing sides  136  and  138  of structure  110 . In this orientation, the right lower locking member  112  is arranged on structure  42  at a different angle than the left lower locking member  110 . As shown in  FIG. 15E , the right lower locking member  112  is orientated so that opposing sides  140  and  142  of structure  96  is in a non-flush, non-planar relationship. Rotation of structures  38  or  40  allows the right lower locking member  112  to assume a planar relationship with structure  96  and the left lower locking member  110  to assume a non-planar relationship with structure  86 . The voting booth  10  can also be constructed so that all the locking members are orientated in the same direction. An additional locking mechanism, such as a pin, may need to be employed so that, in the rotated position, the movable structures cannot be unintentionally rotated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22-33 , alternative embodiments of the voting booth  10  are shown. The voting booth  10  illustrated in these figures contain all or some of the same features as described above. Referring specifically to  FIGS. 22-27 , the voting booth  10  is illustrated having vertical adjustment. To achieve such adjustment, the vertical frames  38  and  40  contain telescoping arms  152  and  154  which move relative to vertical frames  38  and  40 . Once at a desired position, the telescoping arms  152  and  154  are locked into position through pin  156  (vertical frame  38 ) and an optional second pin  158  (vertical frame  40 , not illustrated). The voting booth  10  may be designed to contain horizontal, or width adjustability, either separately or in combination with the vertical height adjustment. To provide width based adjustment so that the distance between vertical frames  38  and  40  can be adjusted to accommodate wheelchair bound users, the support structure horizontal frame  42  may be made of two independent structures in which one of the structures slides within the other structure. Once a desired width is achieved, the two members are locked in place through use of pins  158  and  160 . In this embodiment, the booth support frame  26  is constructed in the same manner as the support structure horizontal frame  42 , i.e. having two members slidably engaged with each other and locked in place by one or more pins. 
     In addition to the adjustability described previously, or as an independent embodiment, the voting booth  10  may be constructed to provide for the privacy booth  24  to be slideably adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, or configurations in between, see arrows  159  in  FIGS. 28-33 . The privacy booths  24  in these configurations are designed to have the capability of forward/backward horizontal movement which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the booth support frame  26 . Preferably, the rotatable movement of the booth and the vertical frames are eliminated. The voting booth  10  contains mechanisms that allow horizontal movement positioned at the bottom surface  160  of the usable panel  12 , such as slideable channels, ball bearing drawer slides, or other mechanism known to one of skill in the art. For example, two female tracks  162  and  164  which are constructed to slidably interact with male tracks  166  and  168  positioned on and/or extending outwardly from the booth support frame  26 , see  FIGS. 28-33 . The privacy booth  24  can be moved from a first position in which the first edge  28  of the useable panel  12  is aligned with the booth support frame  26  ( FIG. 28 ) to an opposing position in which the rear edge  30  of the usable panel  12  is aligned with the booth support frame  26  ( FIG. 31 ) to any position in between. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 34-40 , several features which enhance the user&#39;s interaction with the voting booth  10  are shown.  FIGS. 34A-C  illustrate the attachment of an anti-slip structure  169  attached to the booth support frame  26 . The anti-slip structure  169  prevents materials, such as ballot papers, that are placed onto the usable panel  12  from falling to the ground. The anti-slip structure  169  may be attached to the top edge of the usable panel  12  and contains a vertical portion  171  which extends below booth support frame  26  for added strength. Preferably, the anti-slip structure  169  may be formed as an integral piece extending from the usable panel  12  so that the vertical portion  171  is made of a first vertical surface  173  bent to form a second parallel vertical surface  175 . The second vertical surface  175  extends to a height above the surface  20  of the usable panel  12 . The top end of the second vertical surface  175  is bent to form is a generally u-shape structure having arms  177  and  179  separated by a curved surface  181 . The anti-slip structure  169  provides the voting booth  10  with dual front edges, one edge formed from the booth support frame  26  and the second formed by the anti-slip structure, both of which preferably form effective acute angles with opposing sides of upper base frame assembly. Additionally, the anti-slip structure may also provide a grip when moving one or more nested voting booths  10  from one location to a second location. 
       FIGS. 35A-37B  illustrate the privacy booth  24  having one or more writing accessories including, for example but not limited to, a magnifier  170  and a writing pen  172  attached to one of the sides  14 A,  14 B, and/or  14 C of the privacy shield  14  through fastening members such as a hook  174  and tether  176 . The tether  176  may be attached to the privacy shield  14  through use of screws and nuts, or other fastening means known to one of skill. To provide the user with enhanced viewing capability, the privacy booth  24  may contain a light (see  FIG. 37B ), such as an LED light  178  secured by bracket mount  180  and screw  182 . The LED light  178  may contain an on/off switch  184  (see  FIG. 36B ) or a motion sensor  186  so that as a person approaches the voting booth  10 , the light  178  is activated. A time adjuster button  188  may be used so that after a certain time period of activation, the light turns off. Other control type buttons, such as those that can be used to adjust for brightness may be included as well. Referring to  FIGS. 38A-38C , the voting booth  10  may contain one or more rubber liners or plates  190  attached to the one or more structures  16 ,  18 , or  20  (shown in  FIG. 17A ) of the upper base frame assembly of the privacy booth  24  and/or along one or more portions of the left bottom base support frame  44  and/or the right bottom base support frame  46 . The rubber liners or plates  190  prevent scratching or damage to any part of the voting booth  10  that is in contact with like-structured voting booths when in the nested configuration, see  FIG. 41 . Finally, the privacy booth  24  may contain one or more pouches  192 , see  FIGS. 39 and 40 , attached to the inner and/or outer surfaces of the privacy shield  14  and used to hold materials, such as voting instructions. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.