Abstract:
A portable, collapsible screen that comprises a frame and a cover, and, optionally, a storage unit is provided herein, which define a personal space that is useful as a privacy cover or protected work space in a variety of environments, and can be integrated into a storage unit for support and for ease of transportation.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a portable, collapsible screen that comprises a frame and a cover, and, optionally, a storage unit, which define a personal space that is useful as a privacy cover or protected work space in a variety of environments, and can be integrated into a storage unit for support and for ease of transportation. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Tents, blinds, and similar lightweight, portable enclosures have been known and used for a considerable period of time. Typically such conventional enclosures utilize one or more poles in combination with a series of ropes, connectors, or flexible rods to maintain the desired shape of the enclosing fabric. This is often the case with lightweight tents designed for outdoor use, which can also be adapted for wearing on or about the body. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 703,245 discloses a shelter-tent and half poncho designed for soldiers in 1901, whereby the tent can serve a more utilitarian purpose. A more modern version of the same concept is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,851. In both cases, the primary concern is protection from the environment while outdoors. 
         [0003]    Another type of modern enclosure is a blind designed for concealment, such as a hunting or photography blind. An example of such a blind is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,355, where a series of flexible rods and a fabric screen are attached to a chair. Both the rod and fabric screen and the chair are collapsible, allowing for a portable unit that can function as a blind, cover, or privacy shelter. However, the rod and fabric screen is always attached to the chair, and the combined unit always maintains a certain amount of bulk and weight, even if the unit is in a collapsed state. Furthermore, the unit is not practical for indoor use when other seating options are available. 
         [0004]    There remains a need for a small and lightweight personal screen that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Such a design should be independent of any seating item, to allow for maximum flexibility in both use and portability. The design should also have a minimum amount of bulk, especially width, for use in crowded public environments, such as airports or cafes. Finally, the design should be compact enough that it can be easily stored in small luggage, such as a briefcase or computer bag. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provide a personal screen comprising: a frame, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first and a second main element and at least a first connecting element, configured for supporting a cover and at least partially defining a space; a cover, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first screen element; and a storage unit comprising a bottom element and a top element operably connected by a hinge, configured for supporting the frame, and optionally, for storage of the frame and the cover. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the at least a first connecting element comprises at least a first and a second end, wherein the at least a first and second ends are configured for operably connecting with the first and second main elements. In some embodiments, the at least a first and second main elements are straight members. In some embodiments, the at least a first and second main elements are flexible rods. In some embodiments, the at least a first and a second main elements comprise at least a first end, and wherein the top element of the storage unit comprises at least two slots, each slot configured for holding the first end of a main element. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are operable in at least one assembled position and at least one disassembled position, whereby: in the at least one assembled position, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are in a fully extended state, and are capable of forming the assemble position of the frame; and in the at least one disassembled position, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are in a fully collapsed state, and are capable being contained in the storage unit. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the at least one assembled position of the frame, the at least a first and second main elements are operably connected to the at least a first connecting element. In some embodiments, the at least assembled position of the frame, the first end of the at least a first and second main elements are inserted into the at least two slots of the storage unit, whereby the frame in the assembled position is operably connected to and supported by the storage unit. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the at least a first screen element comprises at least a first tab, configured for operably connecting the at least first screen element to the frame. In some embodiments, the at least one assembled position of the cover, the at least a first screen element is in a fully extended state, and is capable of at least partially covering the frame; and wherein the at least one disassembled position of the cover, the at least a first screen element is in a collapsed state, and is capable of being contained in the storage unit. In some embodiments, the frame in the at least one assembled position and the cover in the at least one assembled position are operably connected and at least partially define a space. In some embodiments, the bottom element of the storage unit is capable of storing the frame in a disassembled position and the cover in a disassembled position. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the personal screen further provides a first and a second operable condition, wherein: the first operable condition comprises the frame in an assembled position, the cover an assembled position, and the storage unit, wherein the frame is operably connected to the storage unit for support, wherein the cover is operably connected to the frame, and wherein the assembled position of the frame, the assembled position of the cover, and the storage unit define a space; and the second operable condition comprises the frame in a dissembled position, the cover in a dissembled position, and the storage unit, where the frame in the dissembled position and the cover in the dissembled position are stored within the bottom element of the storage unit. 
         [0011]    Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a personal screen comprising: a frame, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first and a second main element and at least a first connecting element, configured for supporting a cover and at least partially defining a space; and a cover, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first screen element. In some embodiments, the at least a first connecting element comprises at least a first and a second end, wherein the at least a first and second ends are configured for operably connecting with the first and second main elements. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are operable in at least one assembled position and at least one disassembled position, whereby: in the at least one assembled position, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are in a fully extended state, and are capable of forming the assemble position of the frame; and in the at least one disassembled position, the at least a first and second main elements and the at least a first connecting element are in a fully collapsed state, and are capable being contained in a storage unit. In some embodiments, the at least one assembled position of the frame, the at least a first and second main elements are operably connected to the at least a first connecting element. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the at least a first screen element comprises at least a first tab, configured for operably connecting the at least first screen element to the frame. In some embodiments, the at least one assembled position of the cover, the at least a first screen element is in a fully extended state, and is capable of at least partially covering the frame; and wherein the at least one disassembled position of the cover, the at least a first screen element is in a collapsed state, and is capable of being contained in a storage unit. In some embodiments, the frame in the at least one assembled position and the cover in the at least one assembled position are operably connected and at least partially define a space. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the personal screen further comprises a first and a second operable condition, wherein: the first operable condition comprises the frame in an assembled position, and the cover an assembled position, wherein the cover is operably connected to the frame, and wherein the assembled position of the frame, and the assembled position of the cover define a space; and the second operable condition comprises the frame in a dissembled position, and the cover in a dissembled position, where the frame in the dissembled position and the cover in the dissembled position are stored within a storage unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame with storage unit support. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame with storage unit support and cover. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a disassembled personal screen with the frame and cover placed within the storage unit. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame without the support of a storage unit. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame and cover without the support of a storage unit. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict embodiments of a disassembled personal screen with the frame and cover rolled into a storage case. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of a assembled personal screen frame with frame extenders and shoulder cushions. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Various terms relating to the methods and other aspects of the present disclosure are used throughout the specification and claims. Such terms are to be given their ordinary meaning in the art unless otherwise indicated. Other specifically defined terms are to be construed in a manner consistent with the definition provided herein. 
         [0023]    As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0024]    The term “more than 2” as used herein is defined as any whole integer greater than the number two, e.g. 3, 4, or 5. 
         [0025]    The term “plurality” as used herein is defined as any amount or number greater or more than 1. 
         [0026]    The term “frame” as used herein is defined as structural system that is capable of supporting a cover for use as a personal screen. In some embodiments, the frame is operable in an assembled and a disassembled position. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a series of elements that assemble to form the complete frame. In some embodiments, the frame comprises elements that are separable and collapsible. In some embodiments, the frame is a disassembled position is capable of being stowed in a storage unit. In some embodiments, the frame consists of rod or pole-like elements. In some embodiments, the frame consists of bent or curved rod or pole-like elements. In some embodiments, the frame consist of flexible elements. In some embodiments, the frame consists of rigid elements. In some embodiments, the frame is supported by a storage unit. In some embodiments, the frame is supported by a desk or other suitable object. In some embodiments, the frame is supported by the shoulder of the person using the frame. 
         [0027]    The term “cover” as used herein is defined as fabric enclosure that is supported by a frame that at least partially conceals an interior space from an exterior space. In some embodiments, the cover consists of cotton, wool, polyester, plastic, vinyl, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the cover is operable in an assembled and a dissembled position. In some embodiments, the cover consists of a series of panels. In some embodiments, the cover is foldable for storage in a storage unit. In some embodiments, the cover is waterproof In some embodiments, the cover is a blanket or other make-shift fabric that can be supported by the frame. 
         [0028]    The term “storage unit” as used herein is defined as a unit that is capable of containing a disassembled frame and cover for storage and, optionally, transportation. In some embodiments, the storage unit is a portable desk, consisting of a hard, flat top for writing or for support of a laptop computer. In some embodiments, the storage unit is capable of supporting a frame. In some embodiments, the storage unit has slots designed to support ends of frame elements. In some embodiments, the storage unit contains storage space beyond that required for storage of a disassemble frame and cover. In some embodiments, the storage unit is a cloth or plastic fabric bag, designed to hold a disassembled frame and a rolled-up cover. 
         [0029]    The present disclosure provides a personal screen unit comprising or consisting mainly of a frame and a cover, and optionally a storage unit. When assembled, the cover is supported by the frame, and partially defines a space which is concealed from the interior environment. Such a concealed space is useful for a variety of tasks, including reading, writing, relaxing, using a computer and the like. The frame can be supported in a variety of ways, including being supported by a laptop-desk type storage unit, being supported by an existing table-top, or being supported by the shoulders and frame of the user. The present unit is capable of storage and is designed for portability. The cover and the frame are capable of being disassembled for ease of storage and transportation. Storage units can be a simple bag that can hold the frame and cover, or a more complex unit that is also involved in the support and use of the frame and personal screen. 
         [0030]    The present disclosure also provides a personal screen comprising: a frame, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first and a second main element and at least a first connecting element, configured for supporting a cover and at least partially defining a space; a cover, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first screen element; and a storage unit comprising a bottom element and a top element operably connected by a hinge, configured for supporting the frame, and optionally, for storage of the frame and the cover. 
         [0031]    The present disclosure also provides a personal screen comprising: a frame, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first and a second main element and at least a first connecting element, configured for supporting a cover and at least partially defining a space; and a cover, operable in at least one assembled position and at least one or a plurality of disassembled positions, comprising at least a first screen element. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a representative embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame is shown with storage unit support. A personal screen, generally designated  200  comprises a frame ( 210 ) and storage unit ( 220 ). The frame ( 210 ) is shown here assembled with a first main element ( 212 ) and a second main element ( 214 ) operably linked by a connecting element ( 216 ). The storage unit ( 220 ) is in the shape of a small desk or harden case, and comprises a top element ( 222 ) and a bottom element ( 224 ). Within the top element ( 222 ) are two slots ( 226 ) and ( 228 ) designed for supporting the first and second main elements ( 212 ) and ( 214 ) of the frame ( 210 ). In some embodiments, the frame elements may disassemble further for storage. In some embodiments, the frame elements may be shortened or extended. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  depicts a representative embodiment of the personal screen ( 200 ), including the assembled frame ( 210 ) and support unit ( 220 ) with a cover ( 230 ). The cover ( 230 ) can comprise a variety of materials, and may comprise shaped panels or be amorphous in shape. In general, the cover ( 230 ) is positioned over and supported by the frame ( 210 ), such that the interior space thus created is a more controlled and suitable environment for a user. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  depicts a representative embodiment of a personal screen ( 200 ) where a disassembled frame, generally designated ( 410 ) and a disassembled or folded cover, generally designated ( 420 ), have been placed within the storage unit ( 220 ). The storage unit ( 220 ) shown here is open, with the top element ( 222 ) hinged away from the bottom ( 224 ), exposing an interior space ( 430 ). Still present are the two slots ( 226 ) and ( 228 ) designed for supporting an assembled frame. The disassembled frame ( 410 ) and cover ( 420 ) are easily stored in the storage unit for ease of access and transportation. In some embodiments, the storage unit ( 220 ) has excess interior space such that additional items beyond the disassembled frame ( 410 ) and cover ( 420 ) may be stored within. 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  depicts a representative embodiment of an assembled personal screen frame without the support of a storage unit or other device. A personal screen, generally designated ( 500 ), comprises a frame ( 510 ), shown here in an assembled position. The frame comprises a first main element ( 512 ) and a second main element ( 514 ) operably linked by a connecting element ( 516 ). Two support feet ( 518 ) and ( 520 ) are positioned at one end of each main element, and act to cushion the frame as it rests on a surface, such as a table, the lap of an user, or the ground. In some embodiments, the frame elements may disassemble further for storage. In some embodiments, the frame elements may be shortened or extended. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  depicts a representative embodiment of the personal screen ( 500 ), including the assembled frame ( 510 ), with a cover ( 530 ). The cover ( 530 ) can comprise a variety of materials, and may comprise shaped panels or be amorphous in shape. In general, the cover ( 530 ) is positioned over and supported by the frame ( 510 ), such that the interior space thus created is a more controlled and suitable environment for a user. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict representative embodiments of a personal screen where a disassembled frame, generally designated ( 710 ) and a disassembled or folded cover ( 730 ), are prepared and placed within a storage unit ( 720 ). In  FIG. 6A , the disassembled frame ( 710 ) and cover ( 730 ) are shown separately. In  FIG. 6B , the disassembled frame ( 710 ) is shown wrapped in the cover ( 730 ), and placed in the storage unit ( 720 ), which in this case is a cloth or plastic bag. In some embodiments, the storage unit ( 720 ) has excess interior space such that additional items beyond the disassembled frame ( 710 ) and cover ( 730 ) may be stored within. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  depicts a representative embodiment of a assembled personal screen frame with frame extenders and shoulder cushions. A personal screen, designated ( 800 ), comprises a frame ( 810 ), shown here in an assembled position. The frame comprises a first main element ( 812 ) and a second main element ( 814 ) operably linked by a connecting element ( 816 ). In the depicted embodiment, the first and second main elements ( 812 ) and ( 814 ) have been extended in length and further consist of padded shoulder cushions ( 818   a ) and ( 818   b ) that allow the frame ( 810 ) to be supported on the shoulders of a user. Not shown is a cover, which, as in previous embodiments, would be positioned over and supported by the frame ( 810 ). In some embodiments, the first and second main elements  812  and  814  of the frame  810  may be variable in length such that the frame ( 810 ) may support a variety of users. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure may involve a composite frame and cover unit, such that the cover is pre-attached to the frame in both an assembled and disassembled positions. Similar to how a cover of an umbrella is pre-attached to its frame, such pre-attachment of the personal screen cover to its frame would allow the embodiments to be transposed quickly and easily from the assembled to the disassembled position and vice versa. In some embodiments, the cover may be operably connected to the frame by a series of fasteners or tabs. In some embodiments, the fasteners or tabs may be removable. In some embodiments, the fasteners or tabs may be plastic, metal, or cloth. 
         [0040]    Having described a series of embodiments, it will become apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the accompanying claims. Various publications, including patents, published applications, technical articles and scholarly articles are cited throughout the specification. Each of these cited publications is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.