Patent Abstract:
A portable personal seating barrier comprising of at least three poles and at least one panel, the barrier being capable of demarcating an individual seating space while also blocking out sensory stimuli from other people in close proximity and affording additional privacy to the user thereof. In certain embodiments, the panel retracts and expands telescopically, while in other embodiments the panel may be pleated or rolled around a core. This arrangement creates a portable device that can be used in a variety of settings, such as public buses, trains, airplanes, classrooms, and testing centers. The device can be free-standing and may not need to be physically attached to any structure, and thus provides a seat and a privacy/sensory barrier from others.

Full Description:
This application is related to, claims the benefit of, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/552,124, filed Jul. 18, 2012, entitled Portable Personal Seating Barrier, which claims the benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/515,368, filed Aug. 5, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The instant application is also related to, and claims the benefit of, Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/909,532, filed Nov. 27, 2013 and Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/762,888, filed Feb. 9, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The instant application is directed to an article of manufacture, and manufacturing techniques related thereto, which provides additional privacy to, and reduces sensory stimulation experienced by, the user thereof. More particularly, the instant application describes a portable personal seating barrier and methods of manufacturing, distributing, operating, and using the same, which provides the user a barrier that can help increase privacy and reduce the amount of sensory stimulation experienced by the user, especially in a highly stimulative environment, such as, without limitation, in an airplane, subway, bus, or other form of mass transportation, or in a cafeteria, government office, classroom, testing environment, or the like. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Studies have shown that most people value their personal space, find physical proximity to be psychologically and in some cases physically disturbing and uncomfortable, and feel discomfort, anger, anxiety and other effects when their personal space is encroached or they are over stimulated because of crowded conditions. In addition, studies have shown that heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance increase when people are in crowded spaces or spaces that they anticipate will become crowded where they have little or no control over maintaining their personal space and level of stimulation. Public places are often crowded and are becoming more so. In public places where seating is available, individual seating spaces are often not demarcated or are demarcated but not physically divided. Often people will encroach into what is intended to be the space of the person seated next to them. Theatres, sporting events, institutions of formal education and testing, and governmental service locations are a few of the many examples of public places with crowded seating conditions. 
     Public transportation vehicles are also examples of public spaces that are often crowded, with crowded seating conditions. Subways, cars, airplanes, trains, buses, and other modes of public transportation often allow little space for each individual. For example, in many subway cars, the seats are of a bench style. Though each individual space is often marked in some manner, often no armrests, dividers, or barriers exist between individual seating spaces, or if they do, they are often inadequate to ensure that each person remains within one space and does not encroach physically, or in some other manner, on the space of the person beside them. One seated passenger may eat, engage in personal grooming, cough, sneeze, physically rub against, stare, and otherwise provide unwanted stimuli to the person beside whom they are seated. There have even been cases of passengers urinating on bench seats with the urine running onto the seat and person seated next to them and of passengers vomiting and bleeding on passengers seated beside them. 
     People with disorders or conditions (or both) that compromise the brain&#39;s ability to process and integrate certain information received from the body&#39;s five basic sensory systems can be especially impacted by having to sit in close proximity to others, in crowded situations, or both. Such sensory processing and integrative problems, comprising but not limited to learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, stress-related disorders, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and brain injury are found in many children and adults. In some cases, people with at least one of these conditions or disorders are not capable of being in situations where the person is likely or certain to be in the conditions described above. This can mean that these people are unable to conduct certain activities, for example use public transportation. Because some of these people are also unable to drive or cannot afford to own a vehicle of their own, this lack of ability to have control over the proximity or stimulation in the crowded seating situation renders them without affordable, reliable transportation, greatly limiting their access to education, employment, and other societal necessities. Even people without these disorders and conditions may be sensitive to stimulation created by people in close physical proximity, even though some are not consciously aware of the effects. 
     SUMMARY 
     The instant disclosure is directed to various embodiments of a portable personal seating barrier. Some embodiments may comprise a personal barrier, the personal barrier comprising a rear horizontal support pole; a side horizontal support pole, the side horizontal support pole being hingedly attached to the rear horizontal support pole, the hinged attachment of the side horizontal support pole and the rear horizontal support pole allowing the rear horizontal support pole to rotate with respect to the side horizontal support pole and define a first plane, the first plane comprising a bottom of a space to be occupied by a user of the personal barrier; a vertical support pole, the vertical support pole being hingedly attached to the side horizontal support pole, the hinged attachment of the vertical support pole to the side horizontal support pole allowing the vertical support pole to rotate with respect to the side horizontal support pole to define a second plane, the second plane defining a first side of the space to be occupied by a user of the personal barrier; and a barrier comprising a fabric, the barrier being attached to the vertical support pole and the side horizontal support pole, the barrier occupying at least a portion of the first side. The hinged attachment of the vertical support pole to the side horizontal support pole may comprise an adjustable hinge (e.g., an adjustable barrel hinge) which allows the user to set the amount of friction provided by the hinge and/or the force necessary to cause the hinge to rotate. In some embodiments, the vertical support pole may comprise a plurality of sub-support poles, the sub-support poles being coupled by way of at least one of at least one hinge, magnetic coupling, telescopic connection, threaded coupling, or the like. The hinged attachment of the rear horizontal support pole to the side horizontal support pole may comprise at least one of a hinge, a pin, and a threaded coupling. By way of example, without limitation, the hinged attachment of the rear horizontal support pole to the side horizontal support pole may comprise a male component associated with one of the rear horizontal support pole and the side horizontal support pole, and a female component associated with the other of the rear horizontal support pole and the side horizontal support pole, and the male component and the female component may both be threaded. 
     In some embodiments, the fabric can be removably attached to at least one of the vertical support pole and the side horizontal support pole, such as, without limitation, by way of at least one of a tie, a snap, hook and loop fasteners, and buttons. The fabric may be pleated, folded, or otherwise easily collapsible so as to facilitate stowing of the personal barrier. 
     Although a variety of shapes and sizes are contemplated, in some embodiments, the rear horizontal support pole is between fourteen and twenty inches long, the vertical support pole is between twenty-four and thirty-six inches long, and the side horizontal support pole is between eighteen and twenty-four inches long. 
     In some embodiments, the hinged attachment of the vertical support pole to the side horizontal support pole allows the vertical support pole to be proximate to the side horizontal support pole when the personal barrier is in a stowed position, and the hinged attachment of the rear horizontal support pole to the side horizontal support pole allows the rear horizontal support pole to be proximate to the side horizontal support pole when the personal barrier is in the stowed position. 
     Other embodiments of the personal barrier comprise a rear horizontal support pole, the rear horizontal support pole being between fourteen and twenty inches long, between one half of an inch and two inches wide and between one quarter and one inch thick; a side horizontal support pole, the side horizontal support pole being between eighteen and twenty-four inches long, between one half of an inch and two inches wide and between one quarter and one inch thick; a first hinge, the first hinge being positioned near a first end of the rear horizontal support pole and a first end of the side horizontal support pole, the hinge allowing the rear horizontal support pole to rotate and define a first plane; a vertical support pole, the vertical support pole being between twenty-four and thirty-six inches long, between one half of an inch and two inches wide, and between one quarter of an inch and one inch thick; a second hinge, a first end of the second hinge being attached to the side horizontal support pole between two and six inches from the first hinge, a second end of the second hinge being attached to the vertical support pole, the hinge allowing the vertical support pole to rotate and define a second plane; and a fabric, a first end of the fabric being attached to the vertical support pole, and a second end of the fabric being attached to the side horizontal support pole, the fabric being pleated. The vertical support pole may comprise a plurality of sub-support poles, the sub-support poles being connected by a plurality of hinges, telescopic connection, magnetic coupling, threaded coupling, or the like. Each of the plurality of sub-support poles may be between twelve and eighteen inches long. The planes defined by the movement of the support poles relative to the side support pole may be perpendicular to each other. 
     The fabric can be removably attached to at least one of the vertical support pole and the side horizontal support pole, and may be treated with or made from a biologically inhibiting material. 
     In some embodiments, the personal seating barrier may comprise a plurality of support poles fixedly attached at or near a common end, the support poles defining at least three sides of a personal space for the user. In some embodiments, at least one of the at least three sides may comprise a panel. By way of example, without limitation, an embodiment may comprise at least two horizontal support poles, referred to as an upper horizontal support pole and a lower horizontal support pole, and at least one vertical support pole. In some embodiments, the poles may have a round cross-section. In some embodiments, the poles may have square, rectangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, oval, ellipsoid, or other cross-sections. 
     In some embodiments, the horizontal support poles may be joined at a common end. The common end may comprise an articulable joint, oriented to facilitate defining an axis of the user&#39;s personal space. Such a joint may be formed in a variety of manners, including, without limitation, by a pin held in place by friction, a screw threaded into one or both of the horizontal support poles, a hinge mated to the horizontal support poles, or the like. In some embodiments, at least one of the horizontal support poles may comprise a plurality of detents or other locking mechanisms which facilitate temporarily locking the horizontal support poles in the open or closed position. The vertical support pole can be mated to the upper horizontal support pole by a hinge. In some embodiments, the hinge may be a friction hinge which stays in a user-specified position until additional force is provided. In some embodiments, the upper horizontal support pole and/or the hinge may comprise a plurality of detents or other locking mechanisms which facilitate temporarily locking the vertical support pole in one of a set of pre-defined angles. The hinge may be affixed to the upper horizontal support pole and the vertical support pole through a variety of means, including, without limitation, by screws, adhesives, and molding the hinge into at least one of the poles. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable personal seating barrier may be configured to provide a vertical panel, the vertical panel supported by the vertical support pole and the upper horizontal support pole. The panel can be stored inside any of the horizontal poles or attached to at least one of those poles by many means that include, but are not limited to Velcro or other hook and loop style fasteners, buttons, snaps, and ties. 
     Panels can be of different materials, including but not limited to hybrid cloth, fabric, oil cloth, Tyvek, plastic, paper, or other material for hygienic, personalization, comfort, or other purposes. 
     The poles may be telescoping, one solid piece, or several pieces connected and may be made out of any material sufficient to provide support for the device. 
     In some embodiments, the dimensions of the portable personal seating barrier are such that the device may fit into commercial or public transit vehicles with ease. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill, such dimensions may vary. 
     While multiple embodiments of the portable personal seating barrier are disclosed herein, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The portable personal seating barrier disclosed herein is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable personal seating barrier with nine support poles in a fully extended position, two vertical panels in a partially extended position, and one horizontal panel in a partially extended position, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a portable personal seating barrier in an extended position in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 a    is a detailed view of the attachment mechanism for the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3 b    is a detailed view of an end cap as used in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portable personal seating barrier with five support poles in an extended position in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a portable personal seating barrier illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a portable personal seating barrier illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portable personal seating barrier embodiment with sliding, adjustable supports in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cut-away side view of the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a portable personal seating barrier with three support poles in a fully extended position, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 11  in a closed position. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 11  in a partially closed position. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a portable personal seating barrier with three support poles in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a detailed perspective view of the hinge used in the portable personal seating barrier of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a detailed perspective view of the base of the hinge illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a detailed perspective view of the lug portion of the hinge illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a detailed perspective view of the spring mechanism of the hinge illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The instant disclosure is directed to a portable personal seating barrier. Various embodiments thereof are described herein. The descriptions may include dimensions, tolerances, chemical formulae, or other specifications. Such specifications are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to limit the claimed invention(s) unless recited as part of the relevant claim(s). Terms such as substantially, relatively, and approximately, as used herein, are intended to allow for variations, such as, without limitation, those inherent in manufacturing tolerances or the like which do not depart from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. In general, these terms are intended to allow for deviances of 15-20% of the specified values. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of barrier  10  in a partially deployed mode. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , this embodiment comprises nine (9) support poles. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the support poles  30 ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  16   a - 16   d , and  13  is a hollow tube having a circular cross-section, and each tube may be constructed of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), carbon fiber, polycarbonate, or the like. In most embodiments it is advantageous for the material to be rigid enough to be self-supporting while light enough to allow barrier  10  to be easily transported. In some embodiments, support poles  30 ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  16   a - 16   d , and  13  may be constructed of different materials. While hollow tubes made of a rigid material and having a circular cross-section are currently preferred for support poles  30 ,  20   a ,  20   b ,  16   a - 16   d , and  13 , solid tubes, such as, without limitation, tubes having a rectangular or elliptical cross-section, and tubes made of closed or open cell foam may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the instant disclosure. 
     The purpose of barrier  10  is to define a space which can be occupied by the user and which allows the user to restrict sensory feedback (e.g., visual, touch, and/or auditory feedback) received by the user and/or to provide the user with a sense of privacy. To define that space, barrier  10  comprises horizontal support poles  13 ,  20   a ,  20   b , and  30 , and vertical support poles  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front of the space is left open to allow easy entry/exit by the user, although some embodiments allow a horizontal support pole similar to support pole  13  to be added across the front. The rear of the space defined by barrier  10  is further defined by horizontal support pole  30  and rear vertical support poles  16   a  and  16   b . The left-hand side of the space, illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 2 , is defined by horizontal support poles  13   a  and  20   a , and vertical support poles  16   b  and  16   c . Similarly, the right-hand side of the space is defined by horizontal support poles  13   b  and  20   b , and vertical support poles  16   a  and  16   d . In the illustrated embodiment, the left-hand and right-hand sides are essentially mirror images of each other. In the illustrated embodiment, when fully extended or deployed, barrier  10  defines a space approximately sixteen to twenty inches wide, sixteen to twenty-four inches deep, and 24 to 36 inches high. As will be apparent based on the instant disclosure, the dimensions of the space defined by barrier  10  may vary without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. 
     In some cases, in addition to a desire to limit sensory stimulation and/or increase privacy, some users may also have concerns about hygiene, and the embodiment of barrier  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  is designed to at least partially address those concerns. In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal support pole  30 , which, in use, would typically rest near the rear of the seat occupied by the user, may comprise a slit or other void from which a fabric  32  can be extended when the use thereof is desired by the user. Although described as a fabric, other materials, including, without limitation, papers, sheets of plastic or flexible metal, or the like may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed barrier. 
     In some embodiments, fabric  32  may be wound around a spring-loaded core, thereby allowing it to automatically retract when the user stands up or otherwise removes pressure from fabric  32 . In some embodiments, fabric  32  may comprise a retaining strip or handle  33  at the free end thereof, which allows the user to easily grasp fabric  32 , and which can also keep fabric  32  from fully retracting into horizontal support pole  30 . In some embodiments, restraining strip  33  may mate with the front end of horizontal support poles  20   a  and  20   b . By way of example, without limitation, retaining strip  33  may contain one or more rare earth magnets which mate with pins  19  or end caps  17  of horizontal support poles  20   a  and  20   b . In other embodiments, the ends of restraining strip  33  may comprise one or more detents which can be slipped over the ends of pins  19 . In still other embodiments, retaining strip  33  may comprise spring-loaded pins (not illustrated) which engage with detents (not illustrated) in end caps  17  but which can easily be disengaged therefrom so that the user can quickly stow barrier  10 . In such embodiments, the spring-loaded core may not retract fabric  32  until the user disengages retaining strip  33  from such detents. 
     Although a spring-loaded core may be advantageous for facilitating the rapid stowing of barrier  10 , in some embodiments (not illustrated) an end of fabric  32  may be mated with horizontal support pole  30 . Such mating may be accomplished by way of adhesion, tying, Velcro or other hook and loop type fasteners, or other such manners. In such embodiments, horizontal support pole  30  may be captured by end caps  21  but end caps  21  may allow horizontal support pole  30  to longitudinally rotate therein, thereby allowing fabric  32  to be easily stowed by the user by wrapping fabric  32  around horizontal support pole  30 . Other embodiments may include wheels or other such devices by which the user can cause a dowel or other rod within horizontal support pole  30  to rotate, thereby causing fabric  32  to retract into horizontal support pole  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, fabric  32  may be made from or treated with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, or other such biologically inhibiting materials, such as, without limitation, a coating of silver (including, without limitation, ionic silver, silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate, silver nanoparticles, and the like), copper (including, without limitation, brasses, bronzes, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc, and the like), quaternary ammonium (including, without limitation, quaternary ammonium compound 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Si-QAC), and the like), antimicrobial peptides, chitin (including, without limitation, chitosan), chlorhexidine incorporated hydroxyapatite coatings, chlorhexidine-containing polylactide coatings on an anodized surface, and polymer and calcium phosphate coatings with chlorhexidine, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, gallium, and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , horizontal support pole  30  can be hingedly attached to horizontal support poles  20   a  and  20   b , and vertical support poles  16   a  and  16   b , by way of hinges  26 . Hinge  26  is designed so that the support poles, when barrier  10  is fully extended or deployed, maintain approximately right angles, or are perpendicular, to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, when vertical support poles  16   c  and  16   d  are removed (discussed below), hinge  26  allows horizontal support poles  20   b  and  30  to be folded so as to be proximate to vertical support pole  16   a . Similarly, horizontal support pole  20   a  can be folded “up” to be proximate to vertical support pole  16   b , and  20   a  and  16   b  can be folded to be proximate to horizontal support pole  30 . In this manner, barrier  10  can be compactly stowed (e.g., for transportation) when vertical support poles  16   c  and  16   d  are detached therefrom. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , horizontal support pole  13   a  can be coupled to vertical support pole  16   b  by hinge  11 , thereby allowing horizontal support pole  13   a  to be folded against or proximate to vertical support pole  16   b . Similarly, horizontal support pole  13   b  can be coupled to vertical support pole  16   a , thereby allowing horizontal support pole  13   b  to be folded against or proximate to vertical support pole  16   a.    
     In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a pin  23  or other extension near the end of horizontal support pole  13   a  can be mated with an end cap  24  which is sized to receive the pin. In still other embodiments, horizontal support pole  13   a  may mate with vertical support pole  16   b  by way of magnets embedded therein. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative attachment means can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed barrier. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , horizontal support poles  13   a  and  13   b  may comprise one or more fabrics  12   a  and  12   b , respectively, which can be deployed to define the sides of the space which can be occupied by the user. In some embodiments, fabrics  12   a  and  12   b  may be made from material which is similar to or the same as fabric  32  described above, and may have retaining strip  14  which is similar to retaining strip  33  described above. Similarly, fabrics  12   a  and  12   b  may be deployed from and stowed around/within horizontal support poles  13   a  and  13   b  in manners analogous to those described above with respect to fabric  32  and horizontal support pole  30 . For the purposes of brevity, the full recitation is not repeated herein. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , horizontal support pole  13   b  further comprises an end cap  17   a . End cap  17   a  may comprise at least one hole sized to receive a first pin  19  when first pin  19  is passed through end cap  18   a  of vertical support pole  16   d . Similarly, end cap  17   b  of horizontal support pole  20   b  may comprise at least one hole sized to receive a second pin  19  when second pin  19  is passed through end cap  18   b  of vertical support pole  16   d . Pins  19  allow the vertical support pole  16   d  to be easily attached to and detached from horizontal support poles  12   b  and  20   b.    
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , vertical support poles  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c , and  16   d  are designed to be height adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustment can be achieved by sliding sub-poles  15  within each of the vertical support poles  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, sub-poles  15  are sized to fit snugly within their respective vertical support poles, thereby allowing the user to adjust the total height of barrier  10  by way of friction. In other embodiments, barrier  10  may be of a fixed height, in which case sub-poles  15  can be removed. In still other embodiments, sub-poles  15  may engage with their respective vertical support poles  16  by way of spring-loaded pins contained in the sub-poles  15  which engage in detents in the respective vertical support poles  16 . In still other embodiments (not illustrated), vertical support poles  16  may comprise a cap which, when rotated, applies friction to sub-poles  15 , thereby temporarily locking sub-poles  15  at a particular height. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other means for adjusting the height of barrier  10  can be substituted for those described above without departing from the sprit or the scope of the disclosed barrier. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3   b , hinge  26  comprises three end caps  21  which are mated to the hinge base  26  by way of pins  28 . Each of end caps  21  comprises an extension  27  with a hole  27   a  sized to receive pin  28  and to allow pin  28  to mate with hinge base  26 . In some embodiments, one of hinge base  26  and hole  27   a  may be threaded, with the other of hinge base  26  and hole  27   a  comprising a hole which is slightly oversized, thereby allowing a threaded pin to be passed therethrough and to mate with the threaded component. In still other embodiments, pin  28  may comprise a head to keep pin  28  from passing through the hole(s) in hinge base  26  and extension  27 , and pin  28  may comprise threads at the end opposite the head by not proximate to the head. In such an embodiment, at least one of hole  27   a  and hinge base  26  may be threaded to receive the threads on pin  28 , while still allowing the other component to rotate freely around the non-threaded portion of pin  28 . 
     In some embodiments, hinge base  26  may be made of a variety of materials including, without limitation, plastics, acrylics, and metals based on the anticipated use of the particular barrier. By way of example, without limitation, although barrier  10  is described herein as being designed for use in a vehicle, barrier  10  could also be used in schools or offices where the user may desire privacy or to otherwise reduce sensory stimulation. In an embodiment meant for use in schools, where barrier  10  is not intended to be transported very often, it may be advantageous to manufacture at least one of hinge base  26 , end caps  21 , and/or pin  28  out of aluminum or another metal due to the impact and wear resistance inherent in such materials. While such metals may be advantageous for school use, the overall weight of barrier  10  may be significantly increased by the use of such materials, thus rendering the materials less desirable for use in a version of barrier  10  which is meant to be carried or otherwise transported regularly. In such embodiments, at least one of hinge base  26 , end caps  21 , and/or pin  28  may be made of an injection-molded or rotomolded plastic, which may decrease the overall weight of barrier  10 . Some embodiments may also include snaps, hook and loop attachments, straps, clamps, pins, or other such mechanisms for providing a more permanent attachment of barrier  10  to the seat or other object on which it is deployed. 
     The preceding paragraphs define the right-hand side of barrier  10  when viewed from the perspective of a user occupying the space defined by the barrier. The left-hand side, which comprises horizontal support poles  13   a  and  20   a , vertical support poles  16   b  and  16   c , end caps  17   c  and  17   d , pins  19 , and fabric  12 , is essentially a mirror image of the right-hand side, and for the purposes of brevity the description thereof is omitted. 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a personal barrier.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of barrier  100  in a partially deployed mode. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , this embodiment comprises five (5) support poles. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the support poles  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c ,  115   d , and  130  is a hollow tube, and each tube may be constructed of a variety of materials as discussed above with reference to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The purpose of barrier  100  is to define a space which can be occupied by the user and which allows the user to restrict sensory feedback received by the user. To define that space, barrier  100  comprises horizontal support poles  115   b ,  115   d , and  130 , and vertical support poles  115   a  and  115   c . In the illustrated embodiment, the front of the space is left open to allow easy entry/exit by the user. The rear of the space defined by barrier  100  is defined by horizontal support pole  130  and vertical support poles  115   a  and  115   c . The left-hand side of the space, illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 6 , is defined by horizontal support  115   d  and vertical support poles  115   c . Similarly, the right-hand side of the space is defined by horizontal support pole  115   b  and vertical support pole  115   a . In the illustrated embodiment, height, width and depth of the space defined by barrier  100  are similar to the height, width, and depth associated with barrier  10 . The left-hand and right-hand sides are essentially mirror images of each other. 
     In some cases, in addition to a desire to limit sensory stimulation, some users may also have concerns about hygiene, and the embodiment of barrier  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6  is designed to at least partially address those concerns. In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal support pole  130 , which, in use, would typically rest at the base of the seat occupied by the user, may comprise a slit or other void from which a fabric  132  can be extended when the use thereof is desired by the user. Although described as a fabric, other materials, including, without limitation, sheets of paper, plastic, metal, or the like may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosed barrier. In the illustrated embodiment, fabric  132  may be stored within horizontal support pole  130  in a manner similar to the way fabric  32  is stored within horizontal support pole  30  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Fabric  132  may be withdrawn from, and/or reinserted into, horizontal support pole by way of retaining strip  131 . The function of retaining strip  131  is similar to that described above with respect to retaining strip  33  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . As described above with respect to fabric  32 , fabric  132  may be made from or treated with biologically inhibiting materials. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 4-6 , horizontal support pole  130  can be hingedly attached to horizontal support poles  115   b  and  115   d , and vertical support poles  115   a  and  115   c , by way of hinges  126 . In the illustrated embodiment, horizontal support poles  115   b  and  115   d  can be folded so as to be proximate to vertical support poles  115   a  and  115   d , respectively. Similarly, horizontal support pole  130  can be folded “up” to be proximate to vertical support poles  115   a  and  115   c . In this manner, barrier  100  can be compactly stowed for transportation. Hinge  126  and the end caps  121  mated thereto which couple the support poles to hinge  126  may be similar to those described above with respect to hinge  26  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , fabrics  112  may be used to define the sides of the space to be occupied by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, fabrics  112  may be pleated, folded, or otherwise constructed so as to simplify stowing and deploying of the sides. In some embodiments, fabrics  112  may be made from material which is similar to or the same as fabric  132  described above. For the purposes of brevity, the full description of fabrics  112  is not repeated herein. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , support poles  115   a ,  115   b ,  115   c , and  115   d  further comprise an end cap  116 . In the illustrated embodiment, end caps  116  can be rounded over or otherwise blunted, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to the user or the occupant of an adjacent seat in the event the accidentally come in contact with an end cap  116 . Although illustrated herein as an end cap, in some embodiments the ends of support poles  115   a - 115   d  may be machined, cast, 3-D printed, or otherwise manufactured to be blunted, thereby obviating the need for an end cap. 
     The preceding paragraphs define the left-hand side of barrier  100  when viewed from the perspective of a user occupying the space defined by the barrier. The right-hand side is essentially a mirror image of the left-hand side, and for the purposes of brevity the description thereof is omitted. 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a portable personal seating barrier  200 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of barrier  200  in a partially deployed mode.  FIG. 8  is a front view of barrier  200 .  FIG. 9  is a left-hand side view of barrier  200 .  FIG. 10  is a partial cut-away of barrier  200  illustrating the inside of the left-hand panel of  FIG. 9 . In the embodiment illustrated in these figures, a space is defined at the base by rear horizontal support pole  230  and left-hand and right-hand lower horizontal support poles  231 . In use, rear horizontal support pole  230  is typically placed at the back of the seat, proximate to the user&#39;s back or buttocks. Rear horizontal support pole  230  may be made of metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or the like; plastic, including polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or the like; or other materials. In embodiments intended to be frequently moved, lighter weight materials, such as aluminum or plastics, may be preferable. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, rear horizontal support pole  230  comprises a support pole with end caps  222  at the ends thereof. In addition to rabbets, mortises, or the like capable of receiving or otherwise mating with the support pole, the inner surface of each end cap  222  also includes a mating surface capable of capturing at least a portion of a spring-tensioned roller around which fabric  232  is wound. For the purposes of brevity, a description of fabric  232  is not reproduced here, however fabric  232  may be similar to fabrics  32  and  132 , described above. Fabric  232  may include a handle  234  or other such device which simplifies retrieval of fabric  232  when the user wishes to deploy the fabric. Although illustrated with a spring-tensioned roller, other means for controlling and managing fabric  232  may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. By way of example, without limitation, end cap  222  may allow the roller to rotate loosely therein, thereby allowing the user to roll and unroll the fabric without reliance on spring tension. 
     The outer surface of each end cap  222  may include a tab  223  or other such protrusion which is designed to allow the end cap to be mated to hinge body  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, hinge body  226  has a shape which is approximately a quarter of a sphere. The flat edges of the shape are positioned to face the top of the space defined by barrier  200  and the rear of said space. The top, flat edge of hinge body  226  has been cut away, leaving an approximately right-angle void therein. Tab  223  of one of the end caps of horizontal support pole  230  is placed against one edge of the void in hinge body  226 , and a pin is passed through the hole in tab  223  and into the wall of the void in hinge body  226 . This pin can serve as a hinge and forms an axis around which horizontal support pole  230  can be rotated with respect to hinge body  226 . Although described above as cut away, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the void in hinge body  226  may be formed during the manufacturing process, such as, without limitation, by being inherently cast into hinge body  226 . As with rear horizontal support pole  230 , hinge body  226 , end caps  222 , and the pins used to attach tabs  223  to hinge body  226  may be made from a variety of materials, including, without limitation, metals and plastics. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, left-hand and right-hand lower horizontal support poles  231  comprise a plurality of pieces of extruded “C” channel wherein members of the plurality are sized to fit within each other with enough clearance to allow the channels to slide freely while still remaining contained inside the outermost C channel. By way of example, without limitation, conventional curtain rods are typically manufactured as two pieces of extruded C channel which freely slide within each other. Although the illustrated embodiment uses an extruded C channel, alternative methods for manufacturing the C channel may be used to create horizontal support poles  231  without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. 
     An end cap  222  is attached to an end of the outermost C channel and allows that end to be hingedly coupled to hinge body  226 . An end cap  221  is attached to the innermost C channel. In some embodiments, a spring  250  may be housed within the innermost C channel and attached to the insides of the end caps, the spring designed to put pressure on the C channels, by way of the end caps, so as to pull the outermost C channel until the end without end cap  222  is proximate to end cap  221 . When in this position, the sides of barrier  200  are at their fullest extension. Although described above as comprising a shape similar to an extruded C channel, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that alternative materials and shapes may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. By way of example, without limitation, hollow pipe, such as pipe made from PVC, may be used. 
     When in their fullest extension, the sides of barrier  200  are defined at the bottom by lower horizontal support poles  231 , and at the top by upper horizontal support poles  215 . In the illustrated embodiment, upper horizontal support poles  215  are manufactured to be similar to lower horizontal support poles  231 , except that the end cap at the back of barrier  200  is an end cap  221 , as opposed to an end cap  221 . In some embodiments, upper horizontal support poles  215  may not include the spring described above as part of lower horizontal support poles  231 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 , upper horizontal support poles  215  are supported by struts  211 . Struts  211  are arranged to form an X, with an end of one of the struts positioned near the forward end of an upper horizontal support pole  215 , and the other end of that strut positioned near the rear end of lower horizontal support pole  231  underneath the upper horizontal support pole. Similarly, the other strut is arranged with an end thereof positioned near the forward end of a lower horizontal support pole  231  and the other end of the strut positioned near the rear end of the upper horizontal support pole  215  above the lower horizontal support pole. In the illustrated embodiment, the struts are attached by way of screws  211 , although alternative embodiments use other attachment mechanisms. At the intersection of the two struts, a pin or other hinge  214  may be inserted so as to improve the rigidity of the wall created by the struts and to couple the struts on a given wall so that they move essentially in unison. 
     Although struts  210  may create enough of a barrier on their own to reduce sensory stimulation, the illustrated embodiment also includes retractable fabric panels  212  with integrated handles  235 . As with the fabric panels of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and described above, these fabric panels can be wound around a spring-loaded core and deployed to enhance the user&#39;s privacy, further reduce the likelihood of unwanted sensory stimulation, or other such purposes. The panels being similar to those described above, for the purposes of brevity a full description of the panels is not repeated here. 
     If the user wishes to close one or both sides, the user simply applies pressure to the appropriate upper horizontal support pole  215 . When the desired upper horizontal support pole  215  is lowered so as to be proximate to the corresponding horizontal support pole  231 , the lateral forces applied by struts  210  may be sufficient to lock the side in the closed position. In some embodiments, additional or alternative closure mechanisms may be used to keep the side in the closed position. By way of example, without limitation, such closure mechanisms may include snaps, ties, hook and loop closures, magnets, and the like. 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate an alternative barrier  300 .  FIG. 11  is a side view of barrier  300  when fully deployed.  FIG. 12  is a side view of barrier  300  when collapsed.  FIG. 13  is a top view of barrier  300  when partially collapsed. In the illustrated embodiment, fan  300  comprises a rear horizontal support pole  330 , a side horizontal support pole  320 , and a vertical support pole which comprises upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310 . In the illustrated embodiment, lower support pole is mated to upper support pole  370  by way of hinge  360 . Although illustrated as comprising a plurality of sub-poles, some embodiments employ a solid vertical support pole in lieu thereof. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of rear horizontal support pole  330 , side horizontal support pole  320 , upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310  (also referred to herein collectively as the support poles), and spacer block  347  each comprises impact resistant polyethylene which is between one half and two inches wide and between one quarter of an inch and one inch thick. Upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310  are typically between twelve (12) and eighteen (18) inches long. Although specific materials having specific widths and thicknesses are given, the use of alternative materials, such as, without limitation, PVC, titanium, ultra-high molecular weight (“UHMW”) plastic, aluminum, or the like, and components having different dimensions, are contemplated and intended to be part of the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, although the support poles are illustrated as solid bars, hollow bars, solid rods, hollow tubes, or the like may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a hole or other recess is drilled, machined, 3-D printed, cast, molded into, or otherwise made proximate to an end of side horizontal support pole  320 , and a corresponding hole or other recess is made proximate to the end of rear horizontal support pole  330 . These recesses are sized to receive a pin  350 , which is friction fit into at least one of the recesses. Pin  350  may comprise a dowel made of wood (e.g., oak, ironwood, lignum vitae, etc.), metal (e.g., titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), plastic (PVC, UHMW plastic, polyethylene, etc.). Pin  350  forms a hinge around which rear horizontal support pole  330  may be moved with respect to side horizontal support pole  320 . In some embodiments, at least one end of pin  350  may be swaged, hammered, machined, or otherwise flared so as to reduce the likelihood that pin  350  will work free during use. Pin  350  allows rear horizontal support pole  330  to be moved to either side of barrier  300 , thus allowing the user to deploy fabric  312  on either the user&#39;s left-hand or right-hand side. In some embodiments, multiple barriers  300  may be employed to provide the user with privacy and isolation on both sides. 
     In some embodiments, the hole in at least one of rear horizontal support pole  330  and side horizontal support pole  320  may be threaded. For the purposes of clarity, the term threaded is intended to include not only materials into which threads are cut, tapped, machined, cast, 3-D printed, or otherwise embedded, but also materials into or onto which a threaded nut, threaded insert, or the like has been glued, molded, or otherwise affixed thereto or therein. Where only one of the support poles is threaded, a screw, threaded rod, bolt, or other threaded component may be passed through; affixed to; molded, 3-D printed onto, or machined into; or otherwise mechanically associated with the non-threaded support pole. The support pole to which the threaded component is mechanically associated can then be mated to the threaded support pole, with the threaded component forming a hinge around which rear horizontal support pole  330  may be moved. Where both support poles are threaded, a screw, threaded rod, bolt, or other threaded component may be passed through both support poles. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to glue or otherwise permanently affix the threaded component into one of the support poles so the threaded component is less likely to work free during use. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, rear horizontal support pole  330  is designed to be less than the width of a typical coach-class airline seat or other mass-transit seat. The longer rear horizontal support pole  330 , the more barrier  300  will resist lateral movement (e.g., tipping) while in use. In addition, making rear horizontal support pole  330  longer has the added advantage of allowing it to be tucked between the user&#39;s seat and the seatback, thereby providing additional stability to barrier  300 . In the illustrated embodiment, rear horizontal support pole  330  is typically between fourteen (14) and twenty (20) inches long. However, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the length of rear horizontal support pole  330  may be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure, and may be advantageous where barrier  300  is intended for use primarily in other environments, such as schools or testing facilities. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, side horizontal support pole  320  is designed to be approximately the depth of a typical coach-class airline seat or other mass-transit seat. The longer side horizontal support pole  320 , the more privacy and isolation barrier  300  is capable of providing for its user when material  312  is employed. However, in some embodiments, it may be advantageous to limit the length of side horizontal support pole  320  so as to not obstruct fellow passengers or others as they pass in front of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, side horizontal support pole  320  is typically between twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) inches long, but one skilled in the art should appreciate that the length may be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. 
     Barrier  300  can allow a user to obtain a desired level of privacy and isolation by deploying fabric  312 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 11 , fabric  312  is supported by upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310 , with the help of hinge  360 , when deployed. Upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310  may also be referred to herein as sub-support poles. Fabric  312  may be removably or permanently affixed to one or both of the vertical support poles. In some embodiments, at least one of side horizontal support pole  320 , lower vertical support pole  310 , and upper support pole  370  may be significantly shorter than as described above. In such embodiments, if fabric  312  has boning or other structural reinforcements attached thereto or integrated therein, then the support provided by side support pole  320 , lower vertical support pole  310 , and upper support pole  370  may not be as necessary. 
     In embodiments where barrier  300  is intended for “one time use”, such as where barrier  300  is distributed at a testing center during a test or provided by a mass transportation carrier free of charge (e.g., to improve passenger comfort or to relieve passenger angst), permanent mounting of the fabric may be advantageous for manufacturing and distribution purposes. Similarly, where the barrier is intended for one time use, a single vertical support pole may be substituted for the plurality of poles in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Where barrier  300  is intended for use by a single user, or where it may be desirable to permit a user or the barrier owner to remove and replace fabric  312 , fabric  312  may be temporarily affixed to the support poles by way of hook and loop fasteners, ties, snaps, or the like. By allowing such removal and replacement, the user may, for example, coordinate fabric  312  with their clothing, match the fabric to the user&#39;s desired style, celebrate a holiday, include a photograph of a loved one, or the like. As discussed above, the material from which fabric  312  is manufactured can be varied based on attributes desired by the user and the particular use case. By way of example, without limitation, a user may desire that fabric  312  comprise a silk print onto which an antibacterial or antimicrobial coating has been placed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, fabric  312  is pleated or otherwise textured so that it folds into a compact shape when stowed while still allowing the fabric to expand to an intended size and shape when in use. In embodiments in which at least one of side horizontal support pole  320 , upper vertical support pole  370 , and lower vertical support pole  310  comprise a rectangular cross-section, it may be advantageous for the width of the pleats to be equal to or less than the width of at least one of the support poles. Such an arrangement can allow the support pole to provide some protection to fabric  312  when barrier  300  is stowed. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in some embodiments fabric  312  may detach from at least one of upper vertical support pole  370  and lower vertical support pole  310  to facilitate stowing of barrier  300 . When stowed, fabric  312  may be tucked or folded under side horizontal support pole  320 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , may be folded over upper vertical support pole  370  (not illustrated), or may be removed from the support poles and stowed separately therefrom. In embodiments where fabric  312  has the ability to stretch or flex, or where a flexible coupling is used to attach fabric  312  to one or more of the vertical support poles, detaching of fabric  312  from one or more of the vertical support poles may not be necessary. A band, strap, or other device (not illustrated) may also be included to keep fabric  312  and the support poles tightly closed. 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13  includes a plurality of poles hingedly coupled because such an arrangement allows the barrier to be more easily transported and stowed (e.g. in a carrying bag) in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of the user on an airplane when barrier  300  is not in use. Although hinge  360  is illustrated as a flush-type hinge which is glued, screwed, or otherwise affixed to each of the vertical sub-support poles, other embodiments employ alternative hinge types, including, without limitation, living hinges, barrel hinges, butt hinges, T-hinges, strap hinges, Soss hinges, or the like. In some embodiments, hinge  360  may be adjustable, so that the user can set the amount of friction associated therewith. This can allow the user to be comfortable that the hinge will not allow the vertical sub-support poles to collapse while in use. In addition, magnets may be embedded in the ends of the vertical sub-support poles, snaps or hook and loop straps may connect the vertical support poles, or other such mechanisms may be employed to essentially lock the vertical support poles in alignment with each other. Although illustrated as a plurality of sub-support poles which are hingedly coupled, other embodiments include alternative sub-support pole arrangements, including, without limitation, telescoping poles, poles which have a male/female type connection (e.g., elastic-cored poles used for tents), and the like. 
     Vertical support pole  310  (or the single vertical support pole in embodiments which employ such support poles) is hingedly coupled to side horizontal support pole  320  by way of hinge  340 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , in the illustrated embodiment, hinge  340  is attached to the support poles by way of screws  345 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a spacer block  347  is used to offset hinge  340  above side horizontal support pole  320 , thereby allowing barrier  300  to close more compactly while still allowing fabric  312  to extend proximate to hinge  340 . 
     Although illustrated with spacer block  347  and screws  345  as an attachment means, alternative attachment or fastening means and arrangements may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. By way of example, without limitation, rather than hinge  340 , one of side horizontal support pole  320  and lower vertical support pole  310  may include a recess, hole, rabbet, dado, mortise, or other such notch which is capable of receiving a corresponding component in the other piece. As a further illustration of this concept, an embodiment may comprise a plurality of PVC pipes having a nominal outer diameter of three quarters of an inch, with lower vertical support pole  310  being joined to upper vertical support pole  370  by way of a PVC coupler having a nominal inner diameter of three quarters of an inch. The lower end of lower vertical support pole  310  may mate with side horizontal support pole  320  by way of a tee joint. In such an embodiment, side horizontal support pole  320  may comprise a plurality of sub-poles which are joined by at least one tee and/or at least one coupler. In such an embodiment, pin  350  may be replaced with a ninety degree joint. In some embodiments, the couplers, joints, and tees may be permanently affixed to at least one of the components to which they mate to streamline the assembly and disassembly/stowing process. As a further example, carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, or other rods with ferules on at least one end thereof and a shock cord core running therethrough, such as those used for making easily collapsible tents, and their correspondingly sized joins, may be substituted for the PVC pipes described above. 
     In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for hinge  340  to have limited travel (e.g., to travel only through approximately ninety or one hundred twenty degrees) and/or to be adjustable so that the amount of friction, and thus the force required to cause hinge  340  to move, can be set by the user. The use of an adjustable hinge can allow barrier  300  to remain essentially locked or fixed in the deployed position even when bumped or otherwise jostled while in use. In addition, straps or other mechanisms may be connected between side horizontal support pole  320  and at least one of the vertical support poles  370 ,  310  to further “lock” the vertical support poles into the deployed position. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , hinge  340  and spacer block  347  are positioned approximately three to six inches away from the rear end of side horizontal support pole  320 . This allows a seatbelt or other restraint to be employed without interference by barrier  300 . Where hinge  340  is offset in this manner, gap  380  may not be necessary or advantageous. Alternatively, gap  380  may be extended, or positioned higher or lower, to allow the user to utilize an arm rest, stretch, access dropped items, or the like. In embodiments which are intended for use in vehicles which do not regularly employ seatbelts (e.g., buses, subways, ferries, etc.) or where seatbelt use isn&#39;t an option (e.g. schools, testing environments, etc.), it may be advantageous to position hinge  340  closer to the rear of side horizontal support pole  320  and/or to avoid the use of gap  380 . 
     The embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13  is intended for frequent transportation, and thus temporary or permanent attachment means are not illustrated because their use would slow the deploying and stowing of barrier  300 . However, in some embodiments it may be advantageous to utilize straps, snaps, clamps, velcro or other hook and loop attachment, or other temporary or permanent attachment techniques to affix barrier  300  to the chair, seat, or other space to be occupied by the user. 
       FIGS. 14-18  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a barrier  400 .  FIG. 14  illustrates barrier  400  in a closed position and, for the purposes of clarity, the fabric that creates the physical barrier proximate to the user has been omitted. When in use barrier  400  is similar to barrier  300  described above, and the fabric that would be used in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 14-18  is similar to fabric  312 . Barrier  400  comprises four main components, rear horizontal support pole  430 , side horizontal support pole  420 , vertical support pole  410 , and hub  450 . As will be described in more detail below, in the illustrated embodiment hub  450  is designed to receive and mate with an end of each of rear horizontal support pole  430 , side horizontal support pole  420 , and vertical support pole  410 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the support poles are made from polyethylene which as a rectangular cross-section and is approximately ¾″ wide and between ¼″ and ¾″ thick. Rear horizontal support pole  430  is between approximately twelve (12) and twenty (20) inches long. Side horizontal support pole  420  is between approximately sixteen (16) and thirty (30) inches long. Vertical support pole  410  is between eighteen (18) and forty (40) inches long. Although not illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , in some embodiments, at least one of the support poles may be collapsible (e.g., by telescoping, folding by way of a hinge, male and female connectors, threaded joints, or the like) so as to facilitate stowing of barrier  400 . 
     The end of rear horizontal support pole  430  which is opposite hub  450 , and the end of vertical support pole  410  which is opposite hub  450 , may have a protective cover  435  stretched thereover, sprayed onto, or otherwise applied thereto. Such a cover  435  may be textured with or manufactured of a material that has a slightly adhesive feel associated therewith, such as, without limitation, silicone. Such materials can help keep rear horizontal support pole  430  from moving when deployed. Cover  435  can also comprise neoprene, foam, or other such soft materials to lessen the likelihood of barrier  400  causing discomfort for the user or someone seated proximate thereto. In some embodiments, the ends of one or both of rear horizontal support pole  430  and vertical support pole  410  may be machined, cast, 3-D printed, or otherwise manufactured so as to have a circular cross-section and/or rounded ends, thereby further blunting the ends. 
     Hub  450  is designed such that side horizontal support pole  420  stays relatively fixed therein. Hub  450  allows rear horizontal support pole  430  to rotate through approximately one hundred eighty (180) degrees, and allows horizontal support pole  430  to be locked in position when rear horizontal support pole  430  is essentially parallel with side horizontal support pole  420  (i.e., in the position it would occupy when barrier  400  is ready to be stowed), and when rear horizontal support pole  430  is approximately perpendicular to side horizontal support pole  420  (i.e., in the deployed position). Hub  450  also allows vertical support pole  410  to be locked in the closed position (i.e., approximately parallel to side horizontal support pole  420 ), and in a plurality of open positions. Such open positions may include, but are not limited to, perpendicular to side horizontal support pole  420  (i.e., approximately 90 degrees from side horizontal support pole  420 ), approximately 113 degrees from side horizontal support pole  420 , and approximately 135 degrees from side horizontal support pole  420 . 
       FIG. 15  is a detailed upper perspective view of an embodiment of hub  450 . As illustrated, hub  450  comprises base  452 , lug  454 , and spring  456 .  FIG. 16  is a detailed lower perspective view of base  452  from which lug  454  and spring  456  have been removed. When employed in use, an end of side horizontal support pole  420  is inserted into cavity  530  and a pin, dowel, screw, or other such device is passed through hole  535 , into a corresponding hole in side horizontal support pole  420 , and into hole  550  thereby locking horizontal support pole  420  therein. In some embodiments, side horizontal support pole  420  may be integral to hub  450  (e.g., manufactured as part of hub  450 ) or side horizontal support pole  420  may be affixed within cavity  530  by way of one or more adhesives. In the illustrated embodiment, cavity  530  is designed so as to keep side support pole  420  relatively fixed with respect to hub  530 . 
     An end of rear horizontal support pole  430  is inserted into horizontal cavity  540 , and a pin, dowel, screw, bolt, or other such device is passed through hole  565 , through a corresponding hole in rear horizontal support pole  430 , and into hole  560 . This device serves as a hinge around which rear horizontal support pole  430  can be rotated. Horizontal cavity  540  is designed so as to limit rear horizontal support pole to moving in approximately a single plane, the plane being roughly parallel to the seat occupied by the user when barrier  400  is in use. Body  452  further comprises fingers  545  into which extensions are molded, machined, 3-D printed, or otherwise attached. Fingers  454  are separated by approximately ¾″, and the extensions engage rear horizontal support pole  430  so that it is trapped therebetween when barrier  400  is ready for stowing. Fingers  454  are designed so as to be flexible, and the sides of the extensions are machined so as to have rounded or angled profiles. When the user grasps side horizontal support pole  420 , hub  450 , or a combination thereof and applies lateral pressure to rear horizontal support pole  430 , this causes pressure to be applied to one of the extensions, which in turn causes the corresponding finger to deform. The deformation causes the extension to lift sufficiently clear of cavity  540  so as to allow rear horizontal support pole  430  to move within cavity  540  in the direction of the extension onto which pressure was applied. The extensions are also positioned approximately ¾″ from the rear wall of cavity  540 . This allows rear horizontal support pole  430  to be trapped between the rear wall and an extension, thereby essentially locking rear horizontal support pole  430  in the deployed position. As described above, when sufficient pressure is applied to rear horizontal support pole  430 , the extension lifts sufficiently clear of cavity  540  so as to allow rear horizontal support pole  430  to move therein. 
       FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of lug  454 . Lug  454  can be mated with base  452  of  FIG. 16  by inserting a pin, dowel, screw, bolt, or other such device into hole  507  of  FIG. 16 , though lug  454  by way of hole  640 , and into a hole on the opposite side of base  452 . This device forms a hinge around which lug  454  can rotate within base  452 . Corners  660  and the bottom rear edge of lug  454  are rounded or otherwise angled so as to facilitate this rotation. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , an end of vertical support pole  410  is inserted into cavity  650 . A first pin, dowel, screw, bolt, or other device can be inserted into hole  635 , passed through a corresponding hole in vertical support pole  410 , and then into hole  620 . A second pin, dowel, screw, bolt, or other device can be inserted into hole  630 , passed through a corresponding hole in vertical support pole  410 , and then into hole  625 . These first and second devices allow vertical support pole  410  to be positively mated with lug  454 . Although illustrated as using a plurality of devices to facilitate the locking, some embodiments employ alternative locking techniques, including, without limitation, using only a single device; using an adhesive; chemical, thermal, or ultrasonic welding, or the like. Similarly, although lug  454  is illustrated as being separate from vertical support pole  410 , in some embodiments the equivalent portions of lug  454  may be machined into, cast as part of, 3-D printed along with, or otherwise manufactured into vertical support pole  420 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of spring  456 . In use, pins  710  of spring  456  engage with holes  505  and  510  of base  452  (illustrated in  FIG. 16 ), thereby locking vertical support pole  410  in a deployed position. By applying pressure to wings  705  so as to move wings  705  closer to each other, pins  710  can be pulled from within holes  505  and  510 , thereby allowing vertical support pole  410  to be deployed or stowed as desired. The illustrated embodiment of spring  456  also includes extensions  720 , which keep the user from applying unnecessary pressure to spring  456  and help lengthen the lifespan of spring  456 . 
     The end of spring  456  comprising hole  725  is inserted into cavity  660  of lug  454  (illustrated in  FIG. 17 ). A pin, dowel, screw, bolt, or other such device is passed through hole  605  of lug  454 , through hole  725  of spring  456 , and into hole  615 , thereby locking spring  456  within lug  454 . Pins  710  extend through holes  610  so that the pins can engage the corresponding holes in body  452 . Although illustrated as locked into lug  454  by way of the device passed through holes  605 ,  615 , and  725 , in some embodiments adhesives, chemical, thermal, or ultrasonic welding, or other such techniques may be used to bond or otherwise lock spring  456  into lug  454 . 
     As described above with respect to the other embodiments, although the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 14-18  is primarily designed for use in mass transportation or other such environments where rapid deployment and stowing of barrier  400  is advantageous, barrier  400  may also be equipped with or facilitate the use of clamps, hook and loop closures, pins, bolts, or other such attachment means, thereby allowing barrier  400  to remain temporarily or permanently affixed to or otherwise associated with a particular seat. 
     While various embodiments of a personal barrier have been described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the instant disclosure cover such modifications and variations, and that such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0