Patent Abstract:
An assembly for separating multiple computers is disclosed. The assembly comprises vertical dividers suspended from horizontal supports which, in turn, are supported by free-standing side supports. The assembly is relatively inexpensive, provides privacy to students using a computer, and may be retrofitted onto existing computer tables wherein several computers may rest.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/898,606 filed Jan. 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an assembly that is capable of separating multiple computers and/or establishing individual work stations. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0003]    As a result of the advantages that technology provides in education, virtually every classroom now uses computers in multiple ways to enhance the learning process. As a result, classroom instructors often find it necessary to have many computers available in a classroom for students to use. Often times, the easiest and most cost effective way to accommodate a high number of classroom computers leads to placing multiple computers on a single table or simply using student desks. Typically, this “computer” table is long and rectangular to accommodate several computers. As one can imagine, several computers sitting side by side on a single table provides virtually no privacy to the users at each computer. This lack of privacy can be distracting to both the students who are trying to effectively use each computer as well as to the instructor who is trying to instruct the students. Further, should the students ever need to take an exam on one of these computers, the lack of privacy can result in poor concentration as well as students potentially seeing each other&#39;s work. 
         [0004]    Today, if an instructor wants to provide privacy at classroom computers, he or she can place each computer on a separate desk or table spaced apart at a sufficient distance. This alternative is not very space-effective and may still have privacy problems. Another alternative is to use cubicle-type desks (carrels) which provide privacy, but are space-prohibitive and very expensive. 
         [0005]    Thus, it would be desirable to provide privacy between multiple computers with a separate cubicle for each computer without incurring the considerable expense and loss of space. Further, it would be desirable to retrofit a standard table holding several computers to quickly and easily provide privacy between each computer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides an assembly for separating multiple computers. The assembly comprises vertical dividers suspended from horizontal supports which, in turn, are supported by free-standing side supports. The assembly is relatively inexpensive, provides privacy to students using a computer, and may be retrofitted onto existing computer furniture wherein several computers may rest. 
         [0007]    As aspect of the present invention provides an assembly for separating multiple computers comprising at least two free-standing side supports; at least one substantially horizontal divider support extending between the at least two side supports; and at least one substantially vertical divider located between the at least two side supports and suspended by the at least one horizontal divider support. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention provides an assembly for separating multiple computers comprising at least two free-standing side supports; at least one substantially horizontal divider support extending between the at least two side supports; at least one substantially vertical divider located between the at least two side supports and suspended by the at least one horizontal divider support; and at least one desk or table located between the at least two free-standing side supports upon which computers are located. 
         [0009]    This and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembly for separating multiple computers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a vertical divider of the present invention illustrating openings for each horizontal divider support to pass through in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a vertical divider mounted on two horizontal divider supports with collars to adjustably hold the vertical divider in place in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a partially schematic front view of an assembly separating four computers each resting on a separate computer table in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a partially schematic front view of the present invention separating four computers all resting on one computer table in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a partially schematic front view of an assembly of the present invention separating eight computers, four computers resting on one computer table and four computers table resting on a second computer table in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a partially schematic front view according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the vertical side supports are resting on the computer table. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an assembly  10  for separating multiple computers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly  10  separates four computers  44   a - 44   d  resting on two computer tables/desks  40   a  and  40   b . Specifically, computers  44   a  and  44   b  both rest on computer table/desk  40   a  and computers  44   c  and  44   d  both rest on computer table/desk  40   b . While a computer monitor, keyboard and computer processing unit (CPU) are shown together at each computer station within the figures, the CPU may be located separate from the computer monitor and keyboard at the computer station or at a remote location from the computer station. Although computers are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the assembly  10  may be used to separate other computerized objects including, for example, voting machines, gambling machines and the like. Further, the assembly  10  may be used to separate workspace at a desk or table, whether or not any computerized object is present. 
         [0021]    The assembly  10  comprises two free-standing side supports  12 . As used herein when referring to the side supports, the term “freestanding” means that the supports rest on the floor rather than being provided as an integral unit with a computer table or desk. Alternatively, the side supports may rest on the computer table or desk. The free-standing side supports may be made of metal, wood, plastic, composite, or any other suitable material. 
         [0022]    Extending between and attaching to the side supports  12  are three horizontal divider supports: an upper front horizontal divider support  22 , an upper rear horizontal divider support  24 , and a lower rear horizontal divider support  26 .  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate three vertical dividers  30  suspended by the horizontal divider supports  22 ,  24  and  26 . However, any desired number of vertical dividers  30  may be placed between the free-standing side supports  12  depending on the number of computers one wishes to separate. Although three horizontal divider supports are shown in  FIG. 1 , each vertical divider  30  may be suspended by at least one horizontal divider support. The horizontal divider supports may be in the form of rods having circular cross sections or any other suitable shape. The horizontal divider supports may be made of tubular steel, tubular aluminum, PVC piping, or any other suitable material. The horizontal divider supports may provide a conduit for electrical wiring and outlets to provide electrical access at any location within the assembly. The upper horizontal divider supports  22  and  24  provide a convenient means of storage for computer headsets and the like. 
         [0023]    End caps are located on the side supports  12 : an upper front end cap  23 , an upper rear end cap  25 , and a lower rear end cap  27 . The end caps are designed to accept each of the corresponding horizontal divider supports  22 ,  24  and  26 , such that each of the horizontal divider supports pass through the side support  12  and extend into the end cap, but do not pass through the end cap. The end caps  23 ,  25 , and  27  may be hollowed to the same shape as the corresponding horizontal divider support so that the horizontal divider support engages with the end cap. The end caps may be grooved or ungrooved to accept the corresponding horizontal divider support. Although  FIGS. 1-3  show the end caps  23 ,  25 , and  27  on the outer portion of the side supports  12 , the end caps may alternatively be located on the inner portion of the side supports  12 . In such cases, the horizontal divider supports may pass through the end caps and into the side supports  12 , but may not extend completely through the side supports  12 . Further, a screw, pin, or similar object may be inserted into the end cap and pass through the horizontal divider support, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the length of the horizontal divider support to lock the horizontal divider support into the end cap and provide stability to the entire assembly  10 . 
         [0024]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the vertical dividers  30  are suspended by the horizontal divider supports and, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may hang at a clearance distance C above the computer tables  40   a  and  40   b . The clearance C may be any measurement that would provide privacy to the computer user. The clearance distance C may range from zero to 6 inches, typically from zero to 0.5 or 1 inch. In one embodiment, the clearance distance is zero, and the vertical dividers  30  touch the upper surface of the computer table or desk. In this case, the dividers  30  are supported by the horizontal divider supports  22 ,  24  and  26 , while resting on the computer table or desk. Further, the vertical dividers  30  may be moved along the horizontal divider supports to adjust the space necessary for each computer. 
         [0025]    A side view of the assembly for separating multiple computers  10  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The free-standing side support  12  comprises both vertical support members and horizontal support members. For example, the free-standing side support  12  comprises a front vertical support member  14  and a rear vertical support member  15 , as well as an upper horizontal member  16  and a lower horizontal member  17 . The free-standing side support  12  may be adjustable in height.  FIG. 3  illustrates adjustable pedestals  18   a  and  18   b  attached to the bottom of the free-standing side support  12 . However, any suitable means for adjusting the height may be employed including, for example, the front vertical support member  14  and the rear vertical support member  16  may be telescopic. 
         [0026]    Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a side view of a vertical divider  30  which extends beyond the front of the computer table  40   b . The extended length of the vertical divider  30  provides additional privacy to a computer user. Furthermore, if additional privacy is desired, the entire free-standing structure may be moved forward in relation to the computer table or desk. 
         [0027]    As shown most clearly in  FIG. 4 , each vertical divider  30  has three openings to allow each corresponding horizontal divider support to pass through the vertical divider  30 . For example, each vertical divider  30  has an upper front opening  32 , an upper rear opening  34 , and a lower rear opening  36  which allows each corresponding horizontal support  22 ,  24  and  26  to pass through and suspend the vertical divider  30 . Although the openings in  FIG. 3  are round, the openings may be any shape provided the corresponding horizontal divider supports may attach to the side supports. Each vertical divider  30  is positioned along the horizontal divider supports to separate the computers  44   a - 44   d  from each other. Further, each of the vertical dividers  30  may be adjustably suspended along the horizontal divider supports to provide the adequate desired space for each computer. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of a vertical divider  30 . Although a modified rectangle-type shape is shown, the vertical divider  30  may be any suitable shape to separate the computers.  FIG. 4  illustrates that one edge of the vertical divider  30  may be angled. This feature allows a computer user to enter and exit each computer area with ease. The vertical dividers  30  may be made of a solid material including wood, metal, plastic, composite, or any other suitable material. Alternatively, the vertical dividers  30  may be hollow. The vertical dividers  30  may be upholstered by any suitable material to provide noise reduction. There are three openings in the vertical divider  30 : an upper front opening  32 ; an upper rear opening  34 ; and a lower rear opening  36 . These openings allow each of the corresponding horizontal divider supports to pass through the vertical divider  30  such that the vertical divider  30  is suspended by the horizontal divider supports. While  FIG. 4  illustrates the openings as round holes, these openings may be any shape so long as they allow the horizontal divider supports to pass through and suspend them. Further, the vertical divider  30  may be attached to the horizontal divider supports in any other known manner. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a vertical divider  30  and portions of the upper front horizontal divider support  22  and upper rear horizontal divider support  24 . In this figure, the upper front horizontal divider support  22  and the upper rear horizontal divider support  24  each pass through the vertical divider  30 . There are four collars  38  shown in this figure; two collars are located on the upper front horizontal divider support  22  on each side of the vertical divider  30 , and two collars are located on the upper rear horizontal divider support  24  on each side of the vertical divider  30 . These collars  38  may be used to adjustably secure the vertical divider  30  along the horizontal divider supports. Collars  38  may utilize a set screw, compression fitting or other means of fixing the collar  38  in place. Other means for securing the vertical dividers may be employed. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8  illustrate alternative embodiments of the assembly for separating multiple computers  10  illustrating variations in the number and set-up of the computers separated. For example, in  FIG. 6 , the assembly for separating multiple computers  10  is shown separating four computers  44   a - 44   d , each computer setting on a separate computer desk/table  40   a - 40   d . In  FIG. 7 , the assembly for separating multiple computers  10  again separates four computers,  44   a - 44   d , however, in this figure all of the computers are resting on one computer table  40   a . In  FIG. 8 , the assembly  10  serves to separate eight computers,  44   a - 44   h , however,  44   a - 44   d  rest on one computer table  40   a  and  44   e - 44   h  rest on another computer table  40   b . In this embodiment of the present invention, there are three side supports  12 . 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrates side supports  112  resting on the computer table  40   a . The side supports  112  are attached to the computer table  40   a  by a fastener  118 . A screw, bolt, pin, clamp, latch or any other suitable device may be used to attach the side supports  112  to the computer table  40   a . In  FIG. 9 , the front vertical support member  114  of each side support  112  is shown. Further, the upper front horizontal divider support  22  and the lower rear horizontal divider support  24  are shown extending between and attaching to the side supports  112 . The horizontal divider supports suspend the three vertical dividers  30 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 9  wherein the side support  112  is a desk-mounted side support and further comprises a front vertical support member  114  and rear vertical support member  115  as well as a front upper horizontal support member  116  and a lower horizontal support member  117 . The desk mounted side support  112  rests on the computer table  40   a  and is attached by a fastener  118 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 10  is a side view of a vertical divider  30 . The vertical divider  30  extends beyond the computer table  40   a  to provide additional privacy to the computer user. There is a space between the vertical divider  30  and the computer table  40   a.    
         [0033]    Another alternative of the present invention exists wherein the horizontal divider supports may be telescopic so as to adjust the distance between the side supports. This telescopic adjustability may in turn adjust the width of the assembly so that computer tables/desks of varying lengths may be easily retrofitted with the assembly. Further, this telescopic adjustability may allow the assembly to completely collapse so that it may be easily stored and transported. 
         [0034]    Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4