SUN REFLECTOR BOOTH
United States Patent 3610249
A reflective booth or enclosure for sunning formed by attached, identical panels which can be conveniently assembled from detached, stacked condition to fully setup condition. The booth is locked in setup condition by means of adjustably positioned holddown members or bars which utilize the weight of a cot or chaise and its occupant to provide stability for the enclosure.
US Patent References:
Combination medical apparatus
Fink - December 1925 - 1563736
Sun and air bath cabinet
Coleman et al. - February 1927 - 1617435
Tent or shelter
Banbury - October 1927 - 1644664
Inclosure for chairs, beds, and the like for taking sun baths
Rittenhouse et al. - October 1929 - 1733756
Bathing tent and the like
Abraham et al. - January 1934 - 1945360
Combination medical apparatus
Fink - December 1925 - 1563736
Sun and air bath cabinet
Coleman et al. - February 1927 - 1617435
Tent or shelter
Banbury - October 1927 - 1644664
Inclosure for chairs, beds, and the like for taking sun baths
Rittenhouse et al. - October 1929 - 1733756
Bathing tent and the like
Abraham et al. - January 1934 - 1945360
Inventors:
Baker, Janice H. (Indianapolis, IN)
Howard, Arthur G. (Indianapolis, IN)
Howard, Arthur G. (Indianapolis, IN)
Application Number:
04/856590
Publication Date:
10/05/1971
Filing Date:
09/10/1969
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
16/265, 220/6, 160/229.100
International Classes:
E04H15/00; A61H33/06
Field of Search:
128/371-374,362,395 5/331,100 16/170,171 135/4,5 160/229
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Gaudet, Richard A.
Assistant Examiner:
Howell, Kyle L.
Claims:
We claim
1. A booth assembly for sunbathing comprising a plurality of identical rectangular panels, each of said panels being formed of a light-reflective sheet framed by intersecting tubular members at its margins, each panel further having at diagonally opposite corners a flange extending slightly beyond the panel and carrying an inwardly extending pin, the other diagonally opposite corners of each panel having similarly extending flanges apertured to accommodate the flange pins of an adjacent panel, said panels being detachably secured to each other in end-to-end relation to form a generally rectangular enclosure with the flange pins inserted into the flange apertures of adjacent panels, a plurality of transverse members extending across the open base of the booth, each of said transverse members having a generally U-shaped resilient clamp at each of its ends gripping the marginal tubular frame member of the adjacent panel, said transverse members being adjustably spaced from each other so as to underlie an occupant of the booth and thereby provide a stabilizing holddown force when the booth is occupied.
1. A booth assembly for sunbathing comprising a plurality of identical rectangular panels, each of said panels being formed of a light-reflective sheet framed by intersecting tubular members at its margins, each panel further having at diagonally opposite corners a flange extending slightly beyond the panel and carrying an inwardly extending pin, the other diagonally opposite corners of each panel having similarly extending flanges apertured to accommodate the flange pins of an adjacent panel, said panels being detachably secured to each other in end-to-end relation to form a generally rectangular enclosure with the flange pins inserted into the flange apertures of adjacent panels, a plurality of transverse members extending across the open base of the booth, each of said transverse members having a generally U-shaped resilient clamp at each of its ends gripping the marginal tubular frame member of the adjacent panel, said transverse members being adjustably spaced from each other so as to underlie an occupant of the booth and thereby provide a stabilizing holddown force when the booth is occupied.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Booths or enclosures, having reflective surfaces and used to provide privacy in sunbathing are well known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,981,256 and 3,023,753 disclose typical prior art structures.
The structure of the present invention has advantages in that it is light and easily setup or assembled. All of the panels are identical, thus simplifying manufacture and stocking of the booth assemblies. Transverse holddown bars, extending across the open base of the assembled booth, can be adjustably positioned so that a chaise or cot has its legs resting on the transverse bars so that this weight serves to anchor the booth and provide stability with respect to wind forces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a booth assembly embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single panel of the assembly.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view taken generally along the line of 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to FIG. 1, the booth or enclosure of the present invention is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape with the sides being formed by panels 10, 11, 12 and 13, and the ends being formed by panels 14 and 16. All of the panels are identical in size and configuration and are preferably formed of sheets of material having aluminized reflective surfaces. The structure is stabilized by transverse, holddown bars 17 and 18.
Referring to FIG. 2, one of the panels is shown in detail. The central sheet forming the panel is framed by intersecting tubular members 10a at the sheet margins. The tubular members are preferably formed of aluminum tubing so that the completed panel is relatively light in weight.
The means for joining the successive panels in end-to-end relation include extending flanges 21 and 22 (FIG. 2) rigidly secured to the frame members at diagonally opposite corners of each panel. The flanges extend slightly beyond the panel margin and each carries an inwardly extending pin or abutment 23 and 24 respectively. At the other two diagonally opposite corners of each panel flanges 26 and 27 extend outwardly, the flanges each having an aperture 26a and 27a, respectively, which is adapted to accommodate the pin, corresponding to pins 23 and 24, of the next adjacent panel. This connection provides a convenient means for detachably securing the panels together.
Stabilizing members 17 and 18 have generally U-shaped resilient clamp brackets 31 secured rigidly adjacent each of the ends of the transverse members. As will be evident from FIG. 3, the brackets 31 grip the adjacent frame members to hold the facing panels in rigid, spaced position. An important feature of these transverse members and of their cooperation with the panels relates to the ability to space the transverse members 17 and 18 selective distances from each other. The transverse members may thus be spaced so that these rigid elements underlie the legs of a chaise or cot which is placed in the booth, the weight of the cot and its occupant thus serving to hold the transverse members firmly against the supporting surface to stabilize the booth against wind forces.
Since each of the panels are identical, manufacturing and stocking problems are eased. Since each of the panels is quite light, the total weight is minimal and portability, a highly desirable feature in this type of structure, is assured. The means for attaching the panels is such that either or both of the end panels may be easily swung open for entry into the booth or may be left open for air circulation.
Booths or enclosures, having reflective surfaces and used to provide privacy in sunbathing are well known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,981,256 and 3,023,753 disclose typical prior art structures.
The structure of the present invention has advantages in that it is light and easily setup or assembled. All of the panels are identical, thus simplifying manufacture and stocking of the booth assemblies. Transverse holddown bars, extending across the open base of the assembled booth, can be adjustably positioned so that a chaise or cot has its legs resting on the transverse bars so that this weight serves to anchor the booth and provide stability with respect to wind forces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a booth assembly embodying the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single panel of the assembly.
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view taken generally along the line of 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 4--4 of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring initially to FIG. 1, the booth or enclosure of the present invention is illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape with the sides being formed by panels 10, 11, 12 and 13, and the ends being formed by panels 14 and 16. All of the panels are identical in size and configuration and are preferably formed of sheets of material having aluminized reflective surfaces. The structure is stabilized by transverse, holddown bars 17 and 18.
Referring to FIG. 2, one of the panels is shown in detail. The central sheet forming the panel is framed by intersecting tubular members 10a at the sheet margins. The tubular members are preferably formed of aluminum tubing so that the completed panel is relatively light in weight.
The means for joining the successive panels in end-to-end relation include extending flanges 21 and 22 (FIG. 2) rigidly secured to the frame members at diagonally opposite corners of each panel. The flanges extend slightly beyond the panel margin and each carries an inwardly extending pin or abutment 23 and 24 respectively. At the other two diagonally opposite corners of each panel flanges 26 and 27 extend outwardly, the flanges each having an aperture 26a and 27a, respectively, which is adapted to accommodate the pin, corresponding to pins 23 and 24, of the next adjacent panel. This connection provides a convenient means for detachably securing the panels together.
Stabilizing members 17 and 18 have generally U-shaped resilient clamp brackets 31 secured rigidly adjacent each of the ends of the transverse members. As will be evident from FIG. 3, the brackets 31 grip the adjacent frame members to hold the facing panels in rigid, spaced position. An important feature of these transverse members and of their cooperation with the panels relates to the ability to space the transverse members 17 and 18 selective distances from each other. The transverse members may thus be spaced so that these rigid elements underlie the legs of a chaise or cot which is placed in the booth, the weight of the cot and its occupant thus serving to hold the transverse members firmly against the supporting surface to stabilize the booth against wind forces.
Since each of the panels are identical, manufacturing and stocking problems are eased. Since each of the panels is quite light, the total weight is minimal and portability, a highly desirable feature in this type of structure, is assured. The means for attaching the panels is such that either or both of the end panels may be easily swung open for entry into the booth or may be left open for air circulation.