Abstract:
Disclosed is an identity shielding device to be used when notable persons do not wish to have their photograph taken. In one embodiment, an identity shielding device has a shaft with first and second ends; a sliding splint slideably attached to the shaft; and a foldable framework attached to the sliding splint and the first end of the shaft, the framework being open at both ends, and having a collapsible shield affixed to the framework. The foldable framework includes both ribs and fasteners.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/784,244, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Notable subjects, such as celebrities, politicians, accident victims, victims of crimes, criminal suspects, and the like, may find his or her picture is frequently taken without consent. Unfortunately, these notable subjects may have little recourse available after the picture is taken. Further, while the notable subject may be able to stop one photographer from taking his picture, he may be unable to stop many photographers from taking his photograph. And, he may be unable to stop one or many photographers from taking his picture at long range while using devices such as telephoto lenses, or while shooting from an elevated vantage point. Therefore, a device which inhibits one or many photographers&#39; ability to take a picture of the notable subject is desirable. 
     Some devices, for example, the inventions of U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/807,530, 12/308,525, and 11/798,446 interfere with a photographer&#39;s camera and subsequent ability to take a photograph. However, it is not always desirable to use the systems typified by these inventions because they may interfere with the user&#39;s own electronic devices or his ability to move freely without distraction. Thus, a device with inhibits a photographer&#39;s ability to take an unwanted picture of a notable subject while allowing the user to continue to use his electronic devices and move freely without distraction is desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an identity shielding device is described, the device comprising a shaft having first and second ends, a framework not parallel to the shaft and attached nearer to one end of the shaft, the framework defining an interior space and comprising an open top and an open bottom, and a shield capable of being affixed to the framework. 
     In a second embodiment, an identity shielding device is described, the device comprising a shaft having first and second ends wherein a cap is affixed to the first end and a handle affixed to the second end, a sliding splint slideably attached to the shaft, a framework not parallel to the shaft attached to the sliding splint and the cap, the framework defining an interior space and comprising an open top and an open bottom, and a shield capable of being affixed to the framework. 
     In a third embodiment, an identity shielding device is described, the device comprising a shaft having first and second ends wherein a cap is affixed to the first end and a handle is affixed to the second end, a sliding splint slideably attached to the shaft, and a plurality of ribs, the ribs attached to each other by a plurality of fasteners, the plurality of ribs and fasteners thereby forming a framework, the framework being not parallel to the shaft and being attached to the sliding splint and the cap, the framework defining an interior space and comprising an open top and an open bottom, and having a shield capable of being affixed to the framework. 
     In a fourth embodiment, an identity shielding device is described, the device comprising a shaft having an upper region and a lower region, a framework having a retracted position and an extended position, said framework creating a substantially closed periphery defining an interior space comprising an open top and an open bottom when in its extended position, a means for attaching said framework to said shaft in a non-parallel arrangement, a means for moving said framework between its retracted and extended position, and a shield capable of covering said framework in its extended position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the identity shielding device with the framework. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the identity shielding device with the framework. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the identity shielding device with the foldable framework collapsed. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the identity shielding device with the shield affixed to the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the identity shielding device with the canopy affixed to the end of the framework adjacent the first end of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the identity shielding device with the canopy affixed to the end of the framework adjacent the first end of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the identity shielding device with the foldable framework collapsed. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of an alternate embodiment of an upper handle of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 9  is a view of an alternate embodiment of an extended position of a lower handle of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 10  is a view of an alternate embodiment of a collapsed position of a lower handle of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 11  is a closed isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the identity shielding device. 
         FIG. 12  is a closed side view of an alternate embodiment of the identity shielding device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-7  generally show a model of the identity shielding device  10 . The model is used for illustration purposes and may not be to scale.  FIGS. 8-12  generally show an alternate embodiment of the identity shielding device  10 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of the identity shielding device  10 . The identity shielding device  10  has a shaft  12  with a first end  14  and a second end  16 . A sliding splint  18  is slideably attached to the shaft  12 . The sliding splint  18  is generally attached to allow free motion of the sliding splint  18  along a length of the shaft  12 . In some embodiments, a depressible flange (not shown) may be located midway about the shaft  12  to aid the user in temporarily positioning the sliding splint  18  on the shaft  12 . In other embodiments, the flange may have releasable compression means to aid the user in temporarily positioning the sliding splint  18  on the shaft  12 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments first end  14  has a cap  20  affixed to the shaft  12 . In some embodiments, second end  16  has a handle  22  affixed to the shaft  12 . Some embodiments of the current invention may feature either the cap  20  or the handle  22 , some embodiments of the current may feature both the cap  20  and the handle  22 , and yet other embodiments may feature neither the cap  20 , nor the handle  22 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a framework  24  of the identity shielding device  10 . In this exemplary embodiment, the framework  24  is foldable and shown in an open, or extended position. Foldable framework  24  is attached to the first end  14  of the shaft  12  or may alternatively be attached to the cap  20  or to the sliding splint  18  of the identity shielding device  10 . Further, a first end of the foldable framework  24  may be attached in a first position to the sliding splint  18  and in a fixed second position to the shaft  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , foldable framework  24  has a shield  30  attached to the framework  24 . In exemplary embodiments, the shield  30  may either be rigid or collapsible. As shown in  FIGS. 5-6 , in alternate embodiments a canopy  32  may be affixed to the end of the foldable framework  24  adjacent the first end  14  or cap  20 . Collapsible shield  30  and canopy  32  may be used together or separately, as the user desires. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , foldable framework  24  is generally arranged in an annular configuration. As shown in  FIG. 2 , foldable framework  24  defines a collapsible tube open at the first and second ends. While foldable framework  24  is generally arranged in an annular configuration, it is envisioned that foldable framework  24  may be arranged in any number of other configurations, for example, in configurations similar to a box, triangle, half round, or even irregular polygon shapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the foldable framework  24  is designed to close, collapse, or retract upon itself. It is envisioned that when foldable framework  24  is collapsed, or retracted, the user of the identity shielding device  10  may more easily transport the device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , in alternate embodiments foldable framework  24  may be angular instead of annular. In these instances, foldable framework  24  may collapse upon itself, and rotate to align with shaft  12  and sliding splint  18  for easy storage. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1 , the foldable framework  24  is comprised of a plurality of ribs  26 . Each rib  26  terminates in a grommet or eyelet (not shown). To create the foldable framework  24  the ribs  26  are positioned with the grommet of one rib  26  on top of the grommet of another rib  26 . A fastener  28  is then threaded through the two grommets to fix the ribs  26  together. A fastener  28  is also used to affix the ribs  26  to the sliding splint  18  and the first end  14 . As shown, the ribs  26  are generally arranged in an overlapping fashion. Additional fasteners  28  may be used to affix the two ribs  26  to each other where they overlap for stability. As previously disclosed, in this embodiment, the ribs  26  are arranged annularly. 
     Fasteners  28  are used to rotatably affix the ribs  26  together. In one embodiment, the fastener  28  used may be a pin. In an alternate embodiment, the fastener  28  used may be a press stud. In still other embodiments, the fastener  28  used may be a nut and bolt. Still other fasteners  28  known to practitioners in the art may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     Regardless of the type of fastener  28  used to affix ribs  26  to each other, to the first end  14  of the shaft  12  and to the sliding splint  18 , the ribs  26  are affixed for pivotal movement. The movement of the foldable framework  24  is proportional to the movement of the sliding splint  18 . When a user of the identity shielding device  10  moves the sliding splint  18  towards the first end  14  of the shaft  12 , there is a corresponding opening, or expanding movement in the identity shielding device  10 . Conversely, when the user of the identity shielding device  10  moves the sliding splint  18  towards the second end  16  of the shaft  12 , there is a corresponding closing, or collapsing movement in the identity shielding device  10 . As previously disclosed, the sliding splint  18  may include means for temporarily affixing the sliding splint  18  to the desired location on the shaft  12 , allowing the framework  24  to remain in an extended or a retracted position, as desired by the user. 
     It is envisioned that shaft  12  and sliding splint  18  are located at the periphery of the foldable framework  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . In this embodiment, the foldable framework  24  will surround the user, and he will hold the shaft  12  or handle  22  located on the periphery of the foldable framework  24 . However, in alternate embodiments, shaft  12  and sliding splint  18  may be arranged in the center of foldable framework  24 . In this embodiment, the foldable framework  24  will still surround the user. 
     Returning to  FIG. 4 , a collapsible shield  30  is affixed to the foldable framework  24 . In one embodiment the size of the collapsible shield  30  is matched to the dimensions of the foldable framework  24  when it is in the extended, or expanded position. Also, the collapsible shield  30  collapses with the foldable framework  24  as the user maneuvers the sliding splint  18  towards the second end  16  of the shaft  12 . 
     Collapsible shield  30  is may be affixed to the foldable framework  24  by any means known in the art, for example, by adhesives or mechanical means. In some embodiments, collapsible shield  30  may be comprised of a stiff material or a material with stays. In these embodiments, while collapsible shield  30  is affixed to the foldable framework  24 , the collapsible shield  30  may extend beyond the framework  24 . As previously disclosed, in other embodiments, collapsible shield  30  extends generally to the end of the framework  24 . 
     The collapsible shield  30  is comprised of a semi-opaque material. In a first embodiment, the semi-opaque material may be a variety of thin plastic. In some embodiments, the plastic may be tinted. In still other embodiments, the plastic may be frosted. In yet other embodiments, the plastic may have a pattern contained in or applied to the plastic comprising the collapsible shield  30 . In another embodiment, the semi-opaque material may be a fabric material. In some embodiments the fabric may be a chiffon or nylon material. In yet other embodiments the fabric may be a loosely woven material. In yet other embodiments the fabric may be a chiffon, nylon, or loosely woven material with a pattern contained in or applied to the material. In some embodiments the semi-opaque material may be partly comprised of elastic so that the collapsible shield  30  more easily expands and contracts with the foldable framework  24 . Finally, in yet other embodiments, the collapsible shield  30  may be comprised of an opaque material, and have a small viewing window inserted in the material so the user may readily see outside of the identity shielding device  10 . 
     The identity shielding device  10  is designed to be easily operated by a user. Therefore, the identity shielding device  10  is comprised of strong, light weight materials. In some embodiments, the shaft  12 , sliding splint  18 , cap  20 , handle  22 , ribs  26  and fasteners  28  may be comprised of a light weight metal such as aluminum. In other embodiments the shaft  12 , sliding splint  18 , cap  20 , handle  22 , ribs  26  and fasteners  28  may be comprised of a plastic material. In yet other embodiments the shaft  12 , sliding splint  18 , cap  20 , handle  22 , ribs  26  and fasteners  28  may be comprised of a variety of metal, composite, carbon fiber, aluminum and plastics. Other materials known to practitioners in the art may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     The identity shielding device  10  may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, and both the circumference of the device  10  and the width of the frame may be manufactured in a size sufficient the mask the features of the notable subject which he desires to be hidden from view. In some embodiments the collapsible shield  30  may be sized to cover the head of the notable subject, while in other embodiments the collapsible shield  30  may cover the torso, or even the majority of the body of the notable subject. It is contemplated that the device  10  will be sized to cover an individual user, but in other embodiments the diameter of the identity shielding device  10  may be sufficiently large to cover two or more users. 
     In use, the user of the identity shielding device  10  will carry and store the device  10  in the retracted, or collapsed position. When the user determines that coverage from photographers is necessary he will extend, or expand, the identity shielding device  10 . In a personal sized embodiment, the user will extend and carry the identity shielding device  10  himself so that the identity shielding device  10  may be handheld using the handle  22  while it is carried and being used. In a larger embodiment, a handler will extend and carry the handheld identity shielding device  10  while the notable subject remains within the protective ring of the collapsible shield  30 . In still larger embodiments, a handler will extend and carry the identity shielding device  10  while two or more notable subjects remain within the protective ring of the collapsible shield  30 . If the user determines that additional coverage is needed, he may affix an optional canopy  32  to the open end of collapsible shield adjacent the first end  14  (shown in  FIGS. 5-6 ). 
       FIGS. 8-12  depict a further alternate embodiment of the present invention. Here, the sliding splint  18  is shown to include a button  34  that aids a user in positioning the sliding splint  18  on a desired location of the shaft  12  with the assistance of a depressible flange (not shown). Further, the handle  22  may also include a button  34  for the same purposes. Further, the device  10  is shown in a closed isometric view as well as a closed side view. 
     The foregoing provides a description of an identity shielding device  10 , a description of how the identity shielding device  10  is arranged, and how the identity shielding device  10  is used. However, this description illustrates only the principles of the invention. Since modification and change will readily occur, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are within the scope of this invention. 
     Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.