CN215421465U

CN215421465U - Electromagnetic shield

Info

Publication number: CN215421465U
Application number: CN202120027913.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·W·克拉克
Original assignee: Angel Electronics Co ltd
Current assignee: Angel Electronics Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-16
Filing date: 2021-01-06
Publication date: 2022-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-06
Also published as: WO2022013580A1; CN114375148A; GB2596613B; GB202016470D0; GB2596613A

Abstract

The electromagnetic shield (10) includes an upstanding piece supported to extend upward and to be opaque to a radiation of a wireless device (12) when the wireless device is placed on one side of and adjacent to the upstanding piece (11). The upstand (11) interrupts or attenuates electromagnetic radiation emitted by the placed wireless device (12) to a side of the upstand (11) opposite the wireless device (12), while permitting the wireless device (12) to transmit and receive signals in other directions. The electromagnetic shield (10) may include one or more charging devices (16, 24) for the wireless device, the charging devices being positioned so as to be operable when the wireless device (12) is positioned as described above.

Description

Electromagnetic shield

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic shield.

Background

In recent years, many types of wireless electronic devices have become commonplace. Such devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smart watches, wearable fitness/activity tracking devices, sleep tracking devices, pagers, remote control devices (such as televisions or other audio/video remote controllers), garage door remote controllers, security system transponders, asset tracking devices, smart keys for vehicles (including automobiles, motorcycles, and watercraft), digital enhanced cordless communication (DECT) devices (such as cordless phones and infant/toddler monitors), short wave intercom devices, personal medical devices (such as blood oxygen monitors and blood pressure monitors), body analyzer scales, smart speakers, emergency buttons (worn by, for example, the elderly); remote building alarm devices (e.g., providing a transponder and an emergency button); and tracking devices such as personal positioning devices and pet tracking collars.

In addition, modern home and workplace life involves the use of wired devices, such as routers and other electronic devices, which also radiate. Devices such as routers are often positioned so that the radiation they emit is intercepted by the tissues of nearby living or working humans or animals.

Many such devices as exemplified above operate by transmitting and receiving radio frequency electromagnetic signals that are (typically) encrypted or (in some cases) unencrypted. In use, they will actively emit radio frequency electromagnetic energy, particularly microwave energy; most such devices periodically "poll" base stations, nodes, and/or other devices, even when not in use, in a manner that also involves the transmission of radio frequency electromagnetic energy.

It is increasingly recognized that microwave energy, such as that emitted by wireless and wired means, interacts with mammalian tissue at this time, at least potentially harmful to humans and animals. Nevertheless, many people are still accustomed to placing wireless and/or wired transmitting devices in the vicinity of themselves, family members, or pets for extended periods of time. Examples of such placement include placing a smartphone on a bedside table or cabinet during nighttime charging; and placing the baby monitor beside the crib or stroller. In such cases, the device emitting electromagnetic radiation may be in proximity to sensitive tissue (e.g., in a human head) for a long time at the same time. There is an increasing concern that this may lead to existing and future health problems.

Devices such as those listed are often required to operate regardless of orientation, meaning that the antennas contained within them are often omnidirectional or at least multipolar so that they can operate in multiple directions.

Many shielding devices are available for wireless devices, but almost without exception, these shielding devices attempt to shield the electromagnetic radiation output of the wireless device in a manner that eliminates omnidirectional emission of energy. Thus, there are various designs of flexible pouches or rigid boxes, comprising a conductive mesh embedded or adhered into the fabric or other material from which they are made; and a metallized sticker intended to cover the area of the box of the wireless device surrounding the transmitting antenna.

Such shielding methods rely on a variation of the faraday cage principle and can in some cases successfully reduce radiation; but in all cases it undermines the advantage of omni-directional operation of the wireless device by attempting to block signals in all directions simultaneously. This not only means that the transmission of the output signal is reduced, typically to zero; but often also makes the device unable to reliably receive the inbound signal. If the prior art shielding solutions were able to effectively reduce potentially harmful radiation, they would inevitably also result in wireless devices that are inoperable or, at best, have very limited functionality.

Furthermore, it is well known in many designs of wireless devices that power management software operates to increase power consumption when the device fails to detect an appropriate connection signal. As a result, shielding of wireless devices using pouches or boxes can lead to rapid battery drain, heat build-up, and shortened product life as the devices attempt to overcome the pouch/box shielding effect by increasing the available signaling power. The problem of heat build-up becomes particularly acute when the wireless device is enclosed in a pouch or box, since then it is not possible for air to circulate around the device to dissipate the heat energy.

It is very unusual to do nothing at all to shield wired devices, such as routers, from radiation.

In view of these serious drawbacks of the prior art devices, better shielding solutions than hitherto are needed.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

According to a broad aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electromagnetic shield comprising an upstand supported to extend upwardly and to be opaque to radiation from a transmitting device when the transmitting device is positioned on one side of and adjacent to the upstand, wherein the upstand interrupts or attenuates electromagnetic radiation emitted by the positioned transmitting device towards a side of the upstand opposite the transmitting device to permit the transmitting device to transmit and receive signals in other directions.

Such an arrangement solves the drawbacks of the prior art shielding arrangements in an efficient manner. A human or pet can stay on one side of the shielding stand for several hours without danger, while the operable emitting device is on the other side. The upstands interrupt the transmission of electromagnetic energy that would otherwise take the path from the device to the human/pet without rendering the device inoperative to signals sent or received in any other direction. As a result, the device can still communicate with base stations, nodes, and other devices, while the apparatus of the present disclosure selectively blocks any electromagnetic energy transmission path that may be harmful to humans or pets.

Furthermore, the shield disclosed herein permits the wireless device to operate without triggering a power control response of the type explained above that consumes battery power and risks overheating of the product.

In most cases, it is expected that the transmitting device will be a wireless device; but as is apparent from the foregoing, the use of the utility model is not limited to such devices. Rather, the shield of the present invention is operable with wireless and/or wired devices that may transmit electromagnetic energy, encrypted or unencrypted, depending on their design and characteristics. Accordingly, references herein to such devices should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to use of the shield with wireless devices or with wired devices.

When the transmitting device is a wireless infant or toddler monitor, for example, the electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure inhibits transmission of energy to nearby people while the monitor still receives audio signals from the toddler that are critical to the operation of the monitor. This is at least in contrast to bag and box type electromagnetic shields, which, in addition to shielding electromagnetic energy, also inhibit the operation of the device microphone and loudspeaker, which is unacceptable.

The electromagnetic shield disclosed herein may be used with any of the devices mentioned or exemplified herein; and the present disclosure extends to all such uses of electromagnetic shielding.

For this purpose, the radiopaque frequency range of the stand-offs is preferably about 600MHz to 4 GHz. However, it should be emphasized that the disclosure herein is not limited to this frequency band. Rather, it is possible to provide embodiments whose operative shielding frequency is within some other range, which may or may not overlap with the preferred range of 600MHz to 4 GHz. Further, future mobile device licenses may permit the use of different frequency bands, and the electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure may be readily adapted or modified to provide shielding suitable for such future frequency licenses.

600MHz to 4GHz is considered the operating frequency envelope of various devices, such as but not limited to those listed, with which the devices of the present disclosure may successfully operate. Some devices operate within a particular frequency band within the operating range broadly described above. As required, the utility model extends to all frequency mask variations, whether or not they are effective over a specified broad frequency range; or a more specific range within the stated broader frequency range, which is specific to a particular class of devices.

It is within the ability of the person skilled in the art to select one or more materials for the upright to meet the above criteria. Many metals, including alloys; compounding; laminating; a ceramic; plastic; woven materials (among other material types) and mixtures or combinations thereof may be used to make the stand-offs.

In a preferred embodiment, the upstand is rigid and extends from the base member to which it is fixedly secured. As explained herein, the base member may take a variety of forms such that the electromagnetic shield may be freestanding or may be integrated with another device, such as, but not limited to, a piece of furniture. These aspects are explained further herein.

In many embodiments of the electromagnetic shield, the base member is radiopaque in the same manner as the stand-offs. This prevents electromagnetic energy from leaking from the wireless or wired device through the material of the base member; and may also help to improve the efficiency of any wireless charging features exemplified below.

In one preferred form of the disclosed electromagnetic shield, the size and relative position of the base members and the stand-offs provide the electromagnetic shield with portability and self-support when placed on a substantially horizontal surface.

In further detail, the base member optionally extends on at least one side of the stand and defines an upper side for receiving a device placed thereon, the device being located on one side of and adjacent to the stand. Certain embodiments described herein include a base member that extends to one side of an upright as specified. However, it is possible for the base member to extend to more than one side of the upstand.

It is therefore possible in embodiments of the disclosed electromagnetic shield to include a respective base member extending to each of two opposite sides of the upstand; or two or more base members extending at an angle to each other.

Any or all of the base members provided in embodiments having more than one such member may define an upper surface for placement of a device, such as a wireless or wired transmitting device, thereon.

The upper surface designated for receiving the device may optionally contain one or more markings, protrusions and/or recesses for assisting in placing the wireless device in a position that optimizes the shielding effect and/or charging effect as described below.

In a preferred embodiment, the base member and/or the upstand may include a wireless charging pad for the wireless device fixed on or adjacent to the upper side. In one form of electromagnetic shield, a wireless charging pad (e.g., an inductive (wireless) charging pad) is designed as known to those skilled in the art, which may be placed on the upper surface and bonded with wiring, e.g., using an adhesive, for providing power to the charging pad, via a recess or conduit in the upper surface to an exit location (terminal) to which a power cord may be connected.

When the wireless charging pad is included in or secured to the upright, the wireless charging pad is located on one side of the upright such that the shielding effect described herein is available on the opposite side of the upright. As in the case of the embodiment where the wireless charging pad is secured adjacent to the base member, the wireless charging pad may be located between the upstand and the upstand coating such that the coating holds the wireless charging pad in place. This is an effective means of attachment that provides a flat appearance in the presence of a wireless charging pad. However, other ways of securing the wireless charging pad relative to the stand are possible and within the scope of the utility model. Although this may be desirable in many embodiments, the wireless charging pad need not be hidden.

In another embodiment, the wireless charging pad may be embedded within the base member or riser, for example, as a result of being received in a laterally extending recess or slot, with the power wiring extending through an aperture formed in the base member. Other options for positioning the wireless charging pad in a convenient operating position are also possible. Combinations of holes or conduits for guiding electrical wiring within the electromagnetic shield and recesses or channels are within the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments a removable, replaceable and interchangeable charging pad may be provided. Using a slot to accommodate a charging pad may help provide such versatility.

In embodiments of the present invention, a combination of a wireless charging pad located on the base member and located on the stand is possible. Furthermore, it is possible to envisage a wireless charging pad extending over part or all of both the base member and the upstand. All such variations are included within the scope of the present invention.

Regardless of the precise location of the wireless charging pad when present, the electromagnetic shield preferably contains one or more power connections for powering the wireless charging pad.

Additionally or alternatively, the electromagnetic shield may include a charging base (i.e., wired base) for the wireless device that is positioned to permit charging of the wireless device placed to one side of and adjacent to the upright. The design of charging docks is well known in the wireless device art. As in the case of embodiments that include a wireless charging pad, embodiments of an electromagnetic shield that includes a charging base may include wiring that extends internally to a terminal to which a power cord may be connected via one or more recesses, channels, conduits, and/or apertures. In this regard, the electromagnetic shield may optionally include one or more power connections for powering the charging base.

Preferably, the electromagnetic shield comprises an optional ground connection at least for the upstands. Typically, such connections will be provided by wiring, but it is well known that it is possible to provide the ground connection in other ways (e.g. by providing a rigid ground rod).

Under electrical safety regulations in the field where electromagnetic shields are to be used, it is necessary to include a ground connection.

The optional nature of the charging feature (e.g., a wireless charging pad and/or charging base connecting the wireless device to a power source through conductive pins and wiring) means that the electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure can be provided as a completely passive device (where no charging function is available); or as a multi-purpose device that permits charging of one or more rechargeable wireless devices in addition to having a shielding function.

In a preferred embodiment, the upstands are rigid plates, the upper edges of which are arcuate. The inclusion of an arcuate upper edge avoids the presence of sharp corners that may injure the user; which improves the aesthetic properties of the electromagnetic shield; the shielding effectiveness of the device is also optimized while minimizing material waste.

In many embodiments, the standoffs of the electromagnetic shield comprise a standoff coating that partially or completely encapsulates the standoffs. Similarly, when provided and visible, the base member may include a base member coating that partially or completely covers at least the upper side of the base member, and in many embodiments, the entire base member. In an embodiment, a single coating may be used as the riser coating and the base member coating, such that the entire electromagnetic shield is encased in the coating; or when these coatings are provided simultaneously, they may be different from each other. Any coating may be discontinuous as desired to achieve the selected function and effect; or (as noted above) it may be uninterrupted or substantially uninterrupted.

When both a wireless charging pad and a base member coating are provided, preferably the charging pad is located between the base member and the base member coating. In this arrangement, it may not be necessary to separately adhere the charging pad to the base member, as the coating of the base member, depending on its nature, may pinch and cause the charging pad to remain in its mounted position at or near the upper surface of the base member.

As specified herein, it is also possible to capture a wireless charging pad or similar structure between the upstands and the upstand coating in a manner similar to the described clamping of a wireless charging pad between the base member and the base member coating.

Preferably, at least the riser coating and/or when present the base member coating is or comprises one or more of: metal, composite, ceramic, woven, sintered, elastomeric or plastic materials, paint, powder coatings and/or fabrics.

The selection of the coating may be based on performance considerations (e.g., anti-slip, low electrical conductivity, low roughness, low acoustic reflection, low light reflection, high visibility, fluorescence, thermal contrast, electromagnetic shielding enhancement, or the like); and/or aesthetic considerations.

In the latter case, the coating may be selected to provide a particular color and/or surface modification effect, and may contain, for example, markings, indicia, protrusions and/or recesses that facilitate the use of the electromagnetic shield; or it may be used as a branding, advertising, or other information. In one form of the electromagnetic shield, the coating may be or may include, for example, one or more so-called "designer fabrics" or specific paint or powder coating shadows and textures intended to be visually critical to the decoration of the location, room, or article of furniture.

The electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure may be readily integrated into an article of furniture. In this case, a planar (particularly but not necessarily horizontal) surface (e.g. the top surface of a cabinet) forming part of the furniture may serve as a base member supporting the uprights and securing them projecting in an upwardly directed direction.

To this end, the disclosure extends to an item of furniture defining a planar surface including an upstand of the electromagnetic shield, the upstand being secured to the planar surface, extending upwardly relative to the planar surface. Many ways of fixing the stand to or relative to this surface are known to the person skilled in the art; and the manner includes various methods that do not result in a protruding joint.

Furthermore, the stand-offs may be integrally formed with the planar surface of the article of furniture, thereby eliminating any need for a separate fastening tool. As noted above, any coating applied to the stand-offs can extend to cover part or all of the planar surface. This arrangement may achieve a uniform aesthetic appearance of the stand and the article of furniture.

However, the item of furniture need not serve as the base member of the stand-off, and in alternative embodiments the base member may be fixed to or integrally formed with the item of furniture, without the latter defining an identifiable base member. As an example, the shield may be secured by means of a slot or recess formed in the article of furniture; or the stand or bracket may interconnect the upright and the item of furniture without defining the base member itself.

Furthermore, although in many embodiments the planar surface of the item of furniture will likely be a horizontal surface, this is not essential. Thus, in embodiments, the upstands may be arranged to extend upwardly relative to, for example, a vertical or inclined surface. Also, the planar surface need not be rectilinear, although this will be the case in many embodiments. Non-linear (e.g. curved) surfaces are possible.

In its simplest form, the electromagnetic shield disclosed herein is an electromagnetically opaque riser that can be secured in an upwardly extending orientation to serve as a barrier to electromagnetic energy between the wireless device and the human, animal and/or electronic device, as explained further below, intended to be shielded.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the utility model will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic perspective view of a first portable embodiment of the electromagnetic shield disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view, partly in section, of the embodiment of FIG. 1, seen from above;

fig. 4, 5 and 6 are views similar to fig. 1, 2 and 3 of a second embodiment of an electromagnetic shield as a variation of the first embodiment as disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one form of an article of furniture in which the electromagnetic shield disclosed herein is incorporated; and

fig. 8 to 11 show four further variants of the shield of the present disclosure in perspective view.

Detailed Description

Referring first to fig. 1 to 3, there is shown an electromagnetic shield 10 comprising upstands 11 which are supported to extend upwardly when the shield 10 is in use.

The upstands 11 are plate-like members which, in the embodiment shown, comprise a rectilinear lowermost edge 11a and a convexly arcuate upper edge 11b interconnecting the lowermost edge extremities. However, as explained herein, this shape of the stand 11 is not mandatory, and many alternative shapes of stand are possible.

In the embodiment of fig. 1 to 3, the upstands 11 extend vertically upwardly, but this need not necessarily be the case. In a variant of the utility model, the upstands 11 may extend, for example, obliquely upwards. However, the vertically extended version shown is likely to be the most practical version in most potential use cases.

The upstands 11 are radiopaque in a frequency range corresponding to the frequency of electromagnetic energy emitted by at least one type of wired or wireless device (e.g. a smartphone or router). Indeed, due to the choice of materials, the radiopacity of the upstands may be arranged to cover a wide range of frequencies; and ideally this would encompass a range of frequencies that permit masking of all device types listed herein. To this end, the upstands 11 are preferably radiopaque in the frequency range of 600MHz to 4GHz, which is the permitted frequency range for wireless devices in most areas.

However, it is possible to design versions of the shield 10 in which the upstands are radiopaque in a narrow frequency range. This may be useful when shielding is required to operate with respect to only a limited selection of wireless devices or with respect to actually one particular device type, or when it is desired to reduce the mass of the device 10. It is within the ability of the person skilled in the art to select the material used for the manufacture of the upstands 11 which produces all the shielding effects described herein.

The upstand 11 interrupts the transmission path of electromagnetic energy from a device, such as a wireless device, schematically indicated by the numeral 12 in figure 3, placed near the lower edge of the upstand 11 and towards one side of the upstand. A human or pet may rest on the side of the stand opposite to the side on which the wireless device is placed and the stand 11 will shield the human/animal from the radiation emitted by the wireless device.

As shown in FIG. 3, because the wireless device is located adjacent to the lowermost edge of the upright, its omnidirectional (outwardly spreading) energy radiation characteristic means that the emission shadow on the opposite side of the upright 11 is much larger than the area of the upright 11 itself.

The upstands 11 are rigid for self-support and are securely fixed along their lowermost edges 11b to extend from the base member 13.

In the embodiment shown, the base member 13 is a rigid rectangular plate extending perpendicular to and fixed to the uprights 11. In many embodiments of the utility model, the base member 13 may be integrally formed with the upstand 11, and this is particularly convenient if the upstand 11 and the base member 13 are formed from metal using manufacturing techniques. However, it is also possible for the base member 13 to be formed separately from the upstands 11, with these components being secured together, for example by welding or by the use of fasteners and/or adhesives.

The base member stabilizes the shield 10 and provides other functions as described below. As mentioned, the base member 13 shown is a rectangular plate, but other shapes for this portion are possible, primarily requiring the base member 13 to stabilize the shield 10 and permit it to self-support on a horizontal surface such as a desktop or top of a cabinet in the portable embodiment shown in fig. 1, while providing a platform for supporting wired or wireless devices from below. To this end, the mass of the base member 13 and the material distribution therein may be selected to optimize the stabilizing function, for example by increasing the material density or thickness in the portion of the base member spaced from the upstands to counteract any tendency of the latter to tip over.

The base member 13 is shown extending only to one side of the upstand 11. However, it is possible for the base member 13 to extend to more than one side of the upstand 11. As an example in this respect, the base member 13 may additionally extend on the side of the upstand 11 opposite to that shown; or one or more base members defining a multi-footed pattern may be provided with an upstand secured to one or more of the plurality of base members so as to extend upwardly. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical base member arrangements are possible within the scope of the present disclosure and are encompassed by the scope of the claims hereof.

Regardless of the precise arrangement of the base member shown, the base member 13 defines an upper side 14 intended for placement of a wired or wireless device 12 (such as one of those listed herein) thereon. When the device 12 is so positioned it is located on one side of the upstand 11 and adjacent to the upstand with the result that the region on the opposite side of the upstand is shielded from electromagnetic radiation as described above.

However, as explained, the device 12 is still able to receive and transmit signals in a direction different from the direction interrupted by the uprights 11. As a result, the device 12 is able to receive messages and notifications, communicate with other devices, poll the base station and operate normally according to its type, without increasing its power consumption, despite the shielding advantages provided by the upright 11. This is a significant benefit of the shield of the present invention compared to prior art shielding solutions such as pouches, boxes and stickers.

The upper surface 14 of the base member 13 may optionally include one or more protrusions, recesses, and/or markings intended to aid in the placement of wired or wireless devices on the surface 14. As a non-limiting example in this regard, a message such as "place smartphone here" may be printed or embossed on the surface 14. Additionally or alternatively, one or more protruding bumpers or recesses substantially the same shape as the smartphone may form part of the surface and may help accurately place the wire or wireless device as described.

The electromagnetic shield 10 may include a wireless charging pad 16 as seen in fig. 3 adjacent the upper surface 14 of the base member 13.

Such pads may take any of a variety of forms and are typically flat flexible circuit substrates 17 formed, for example, by printing an inductive conductor pattern 18 shown schematically in fig. 3. A supply line 19, which in the embodiment shown extends on the underside of the substrate 17, can be connected to one end of the conductor pattern 18, and a further supply line, which is not visible in fig. 3, can be connected to the other end of the conductor pattern 18.

The power cord may terminate in a circuit portion of the wireless charger. Circuit portions are also obscured in fig. 3, but those skilled in the art can readily envision the form of providing control as needed for the charging current and waveform. The circuit portion may be electrically connected to an electrical outlet 21 which in the embodiment shown is located in a lower portion of the upstand 11, but may be located in any convenient location. The power cord 22 may be connected to the socket 21 for powering the wireless charging pad 16 in a manner known per se.

Non-limiting examples of alternative locations for one or more power lines forming part of the device 10 can be seen in fig. 9-11.

The inclusion of the wireless charging pad 16 greatly enhances the utility of the electromagnetic shield 10. Thus, in particular, the shield 10 additionally serves as a charging device. Because, as explained, it is often the option to charge a smartphone or similar device overnight close to where a person sleeps, the electromagnetic shield 10 containing the charging mat 16 replicates the familiar charging function while greatly improving user safety.

Many wireless charging pads can operate successfully even if the positioning of the wireless device 12 relative to the inductive conductor pattern is inaccurate; however, if the wireless device 12 is accurately located, the charging efficiency may increase. As mentioned, the inclusion of the indicia, protrusions or recesses helps to provide this benefit.

If the wireless charging pad 16 is not formed flush with the substrate 17, the cables associated with the wireless charging pad may be housed in one or more recesses or conduits formed in the base member 13 without significantly increasing the thickness of the base member.

As schematically shown in fig. 1, it is possible to provide a ground connection 23 for the electromagnetic shield 10. Such a connection will typically be provided as a wiring, but as mentioned, other forms of ground connection are possible. As explained, grounding of the shield 10 may be a regulatory requirement.

The stand-offs 11 and, if desired, the base member 13 may comprise an optional respective stand-off coating and/or base member coating. In fig. 3, the base member coating is shown partially cut away to illustrate the charging pad 16. In a practical embodiment, the coating covering the uprights 11 and base member 13 will be continuous and will be selected so as to enhance any visual and/or performance effect that may be desired. Examples of such effects are given above.

The embodiments of fig. 4, 5 and 6 are similar to the embodiments of fig. 1 to 3, except that the former omits the charging pad 16 and provides a wired charging base 24.

In fig. 4-6, the charging dock 24 is positioned and oriented such that a wireless device connected thereto extends in the direction of arrow 26. However, this is not mandatory, and the charging dock may be oriented such that the wireless device extends as indicated by arrow 27 or in another direction. Also, the charging dock 24 may be located in a position other than the junction of the upright 11 and the base member 13, with considerable flexibility in the positioning of this component.

Further, the charging dock may take any of a range of forms, and the illustrated universal dock 24 is not intended to limit this aspect of the utility model.

The wiring relating to the operation and the power supply of the charging base 24 may be internally passed through the electromagnetic shield 10 in the same way as the wiring for the charging mat 16, for example by means of one or more recesses and/or channels, and connected to the socket 21 in a manner known per se. A power cord 22 may be connected via a socket 21 to power a charging dock 24. A ground connection 23 similar to that of figures 1 to 3 may also be provided. A circuit portion may be provided, for example, within the base 24 to control the circuit portion of the base output to the charging pad 16 in the same manner.

When providing a charging dock 24, it is unlikely that it would be necessary to provide markings, protrusions and/or recesses that guide the positioning of the wireless device, as it is self-evident that the connection to the charging dock properly positions the device for charging. However, such features may be provided in embodiments such as the embodiments of fig. 4-6.

It is possible for both the charging pad 16 and the charging base 24 to be disposed in the same electromagnetic shield 10. Design modifications to accommodate such an arrangement are within the ability of those skilled in the art.

Another variation is to size and equip the electromagnetic shield to permit charging of multiple wireless devices. In this form of electromagnetic shield, multiple charging pad areas or regions and/or multiple charging pedestals may be included, with the standoffs 11 and any base members 13 being made large enough to accommodate multiple wireless devices and shield them from radiation. Such versions of the electromagnetic shield 10 may be useful, for example, in schools and colleges where it is desirable for students to avoid their wireless devices during class or lecture; or the electromagnetic shield may be used simultaneously by a home user to charge, for example, a smartphone and a smartwatch. The electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure may be arranged to permit a large charge of such devices while shielding users such as students and their teachers, or home users in the home or at the workplace, during teaching.

Another mode of use of the shield 10 within the scope of the present invention is, for example, in a locker of a gym or other leisure facility.

Fig. 7 shows a further variant of the utility model, in which the electromagnetic shield 10 forms part of or is fixed to a piece of furniture.

In fig. 7, the stand 11 is shown protruding upward from the upper surface 28a of the bedside table 28.

In fig. 7, the upper surface 28a takes on the function of the base member 13 of fig. 1 to 3 and 4 to 6, i.e. to support and reinforce the uprights 11 so that they protrude as shown. The upper surface 28a and stand-offs 11 may be covered in a coating of one of the types described herein as desired to provide a flat appearance as well as any desired performance and aesthetic effect.

The wireless charging pad 16 may be built into the upper surface 28a in a similar manner as the charging pad 16 of fig. 3. Additionally or alternatively, a charging dock may be provided in a manner similar to fig. 4 to 6. As described with respect to fig. 1-3 and 4-6, the wiring for these portions may be hidden in recesses and/or conduits formed in the upper surface 28 a. Although not excluded, it is not necessary to provide the power socket 21 and the power cord 22 on the outside of the electromagnetic shield 10, as these parts may be hidden inside the bedside table 28.

The advantage of the embodiment of fig. 7 lies in the fact that: it is common today to construct bedroom furniture such as headboard 29, shelves or other storage devices 31 and bedside cabinets in an integrated manner. The inclusion of the electromagnetic shield 10 of the present invention in the illustrated construction provides for accurate positioning of the upstands 11 in a position to shield the head of a person using the bed; and allows furniture manufacturers to advertise security benefits to potential purchasers.

Although in fig. 7, the upper surface 28a of the bedside table 28 serves as a base member, this is not necessarily so. Instead, it is possible to provide the uprights 11 and the charging device (if the latter is provided) in an integrated manner with the bedroom furniture, without the surface of the bedside table 28 (or similar item of furniture) having to be used in this way. As a result, a bracket or stand (which can be positionally adjusted in the manner of a television or computer monitor bracket) can connect the upright 11 to the rest of the furniture; or the latter may be formed to include one or more recesses or slots for receiving the upstands 11 without being directly connected to the upper surface 28 a.

Such an attachment option provides the user with the ability to move the stand to one side so that it no longer provides a shielding function without the risk of completely removing the stand. Therefore, these features have potential benefits when the electromagnetic shield 10 is provided to be attached to furniture to be used in a hotel or hospital.

Another variation within the scope of the claims of the present invention is that the stand extends vertically or otherwise upwardly relative to a non-horizontal surface. Thus, the upstands may be arranged to extend relative to the upstanding panel of the headboard assembly seen in fig. 7 or relative to other equipment or features located at or adjacent the end of the headboard. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the stand may be secured to or integrally formed with a contoured bed, patient chair or wheelchair of the type commonly used in hospitals; an instrument panel of the vehicle; inside a cabinet or cupboard; or may be attached to any of a variety of other structures.

As can be seen in fig. 7, the upper surface 28a may include markings, indicia, protrusions, and/or recesses 32 intended to aid in the use of the shield 10 and/or to provide other information. Such features may be similar to, or may be different from, the corresponding features in the embodiments of fig. 1-3 and 4-6.

Another variation of the utility model is to provide an upstand 10 that extends from a dashboard, parcel shelf, arm rest console or upholstery pallet within the cab of a vehicle such as a truck, bus/coach, automobile, railroad train, agricultural vehicle, military vehicle, snow mobile or water craft. As explained herein, "furniture" includes such features of a vehicle. It is possible to subsequently protect the vehicle operator from harmful radiation by placing his/her wireless device on one side of and adjacent to the upright in a manner that provides shielding as explained herein.

In such embodiments, charging features such as those described may be provided in an upwardly facing surface of such vehicle cab furniture; and furthermore, the cradle/stand option explained above is particularly useful in vehicles, especially where use by different operators is required from time to time in their use. These users can easily adjust the position of the stand to suit individual needs.

The present invention is particularly beneficial in providing electromagnetic shielding in a vehicle cab, perhaps in remote areas where wireless devices may increase their radiated power when searching for signal connections, in situations where the driver must typically wait in the cab for several hours at a time.

Fig. 8-11 herein illustrate four of many possible designs in perspective view, illustrating the aesthetic variations that may be incorporated within the shield 10. In fig. 8 to 11, various features corresponding to those shown in fig. 1 to 6 are identified using the same reference numerals as those in those figures. Accordingly, those features need not be described in detail herein.

Fig. 8 to 11 show a few possible variants of the shield of the utility model.

In fig. 8, two of the uprights 11 are provided on opposite sides of the base 13. Fig. 9 shows an embodiment similar to that of fig. 8, except that the uprights 11 are attached by hinges visible in the figure, so that the position is adjustable as shown.

In fig. 10, a retainer strap may be provided to limit the chance that the wireless device 12 will fall out of the bowl shape formed by the base 13 and the upright side 11. In this embodiment, the upstand side 11 surrounds the base 13 and has different heights depending on the different positions around the circumference of the base 13. In fig. 11, the end bar helps hold the wireless device 12 from sliding out of the area of the base 13.

Various modes of use of the electromagnetic shield 10 disclosed herein are possible.

In its simplest case, the use of the electromagnetic shield 10 involves treating an embodiment such as that of fig. 1 to 3 or 4 to 6 as a portable personal device and placing it near a location to be shielded such as the end of a bed head; the uprights 11 are further oriented as required to create the required screening area; and the wireless device 12 is placed on the side of the upright 11 remote from the user.

The method of operation is additionally and somewhat automated for the user if the electromagnetic shield 10 contains a charging pad 16, which involves placing a wireless device to couple inductive charging energy once the charging pad 16 is connected to a power source. If electromagnetic shield 10 includes charging dock 24, the operational steps may additionally include the simple act of connecting wireless device 12 so that the wireless device receives charging power via dock 24.

Various forms of electromagnetic shielding 10 may be employed in hotels where arrangements such as the embodiment of fig. 7 are intended for such use. The upstands 11 in such embodiments may also or alternatively contain other information in addition to indicia intended to assist in the use of the shield 10. One of many examples in this regard is a television channel menu that is visible to the user occupying a bed 33 adjacent the shield 10.

The use of the electromagnetic shield 10 in a hospital, clinic or surgery provides particular benefits.

It is well known that radiation from wired and wireless devices (e.g., smartphones and routers) can interfere (sometimes in a dangerous manner) with sensitive medical equipment. Thus, many hospitals and other medical facilities prohibit or restrict the use of wireless devices at their sites. Nevertheless, many patients wish to remain in contact with their family during their stay; and it is also well known that some hospital personnel ignore instructions to reduce mobile device usage.

In addition, many medical professionals are required to carry pagers that summon them in case of emergency. These designs have limited bandwidth signals that penetrate into some parts of the hospital as "blind spots" for smartphones and other more complex communication devices. However, the signals received and transmitted by pagers also cause interference problems when they are close to sensitive equipment.

The electromagnetic shield 10 of the present invention, in addition to its function of shielding humans or animals from electromagnetic radiation, may also be used to provide shielding for sensitive electronic equipment in, for example, a hospital, clinic, or surgery.

When the shield 10 is configured as a portable device as shown in fig. 1-3, 4-6, one manner of use thereof may be in the form of a rent to generate a revenue stream for an operator of the medical facility for use of the device. Due to the terms of the rental agreement of the shield 10, the hospital may become able to promote better adherence to the anti-jamming rules and may provide guidance for the positioning of the uprights 11 of the shield 10, thereby maximally protecting both the patient and the electronic equipment from radiation.

Another benefit of the electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure arises when a patient is wearing or has been fitted or implanted with an electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a pacemaker, an infusion pump, a defibrillator, a drug-release capsule, a sampling capsule, a hearing aid, a portable ECG recorder, a pH tester, or any of a range of other electronic devices that are used today in vivo for the alleviation, diagnosis, or treatment of various medical conditions. Many such devices are sensitive to radiation from wireless devices. By using the electromagnetic shield disclosed herein, patients and physicians can obtain considerable assurance of the function of the device that is often critical.

In addition, the use of wireless devices (e.g., mobile phones and smart phones) by passengers in various transportation vehicles can cause potentially dangerous interference. The electromagnetic shield of the present invention provides an effective solution to such problems.

Many modern vehicles today, such as boats, airplanes, buses/coaches, passenger cars, motorcycles, and trains, contain a large number of electronic devices. The use of electromagnetic shield 10 in such vehicles may improve the safety of such vehicles by inhibiting the spread of radiation in the direction of sensitive equipment while permitting the wireless device to continue functioning properly in many instances. At least in the case of ships, trains and buses, the electromagnetic shield 10 may be built into the furniture installed therein in a manner different from the integrated manner shown in fig. 7.

A lightweight version of the electromagnetic shield 10 may be provided for use in an aircraft. Brightness may be imparted, for example, by selecting the material of the upstands 11 to shield less than the entire frequency range specified herein from electromagnetic radiation.

Yet another mode of use of the electromagnetic shield of the present invention is in a laboratory containing sensitive equipment. The shield 10 may be positioned to protect such equipment from radiation from wireless devices brought to the laboratory by workers, while allowing the devices to remain operational as described and, in many cases, to be charged when they are positioned adjacent the uprights 11 of the shield 10.

As mentioned, another mode of use of the utility model is to protect the operator located in the cab or on a ride-on vehicle such as a motorcycle and snowmobile. Such users may be effectively protected from radiation from the wireless devices while these devices remain operational and may be charged using the optional charging features of the electromagnetic shield.

Students and office workers working at desks with wireless devices in the vicinity for extended periods of time may also benefit from using the electromagnetic shield of the present disclosure to protect them from electromagnetic radiation.

Another benefit of the electromagnetic shield is its ability to shield the transmission path of visible light at night, simultaneously with the ability to shield radiation in the frequency range exemplified herein. Many wireless devices include lighted displays, charge indicator lights, signal quality indicator lights, etc. that illuminate the bedroom at night. For many people, this illumination, although seemingly low, is sufficient to at least partially cause poor sleep. The upstand 11, in which the electromagnetic shield is present, is interposed between the light source of the wireless device and the human user, keeping the user away from the light source, thus helping to promote a better sleep state.

In general, the electromagnetic shield of the present invention has many benefits as explained herein, while being a low cost device with little maintenance overhead. In addition, the electromagnetic shield is multifunctional and may be manufactured as a robust item that can be easily secured against theft when used in, for example, hospitals and hotels.

Within the scope of this disclosure, the options and variations described herein may be provided in combination with each other, where possible, and as needed after appropriate modification. This is true, although optional and varying features may be disclosed in connection with certain embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combination of optional features presented in the context of the various embodiments of the present invention; also, all reasonably understandable combinations of such options and variations are included within the scope herein, even if such combinations are not presented in the same embodiment.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic shield comprising an upstand supported to extend upwardly and to be opaque to radiation from a transmitting device when placed adjacent to and to one side of the upstand, wherein the upstand interrupts or attenuates electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitting device when placed to the side of the upstand opposite the transmitting device to permit the transmitting device to transmit and receive signals in other directions.

2. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, wherein the radiopaque frequency range of the standoffs is approximately 600MHz to 4 GHz.

3. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, wherein the upstand is rigid and extends from a base member to which it is fixedly secured.

4. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 3, wherein the base member and upstands are sized and relatively positioned so that the electromagnetic shield is portable and self-supporting when placed on a substantially horizontal surface.

5. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 3, wherein the base member extends on at least one side of the upstand and defines an upper side for receiving a launch device placed thereon, the launch device being located on one side of the upstand and adjacent the upstand.

6. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 5, wherein the upper surface includes one or more markings, protrusions and/or recesses for assisting in placing the emitting device in a position that optimizes the shielding effect.

7. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 5, wherein the base means includes a wireless charging pad for a wireless device fixed on or adjacent to the upper side.

8. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, wherein the upstands include a wireless charging pad for a wireless device secured on and adjacent to one side thereof.

9. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 7 or claim 8, including one or more power supply connections for powering the or each wireless charging pad.

10. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, including a charging base for a wireless device, the charging base being positioned to permit charging of a wireless device placed adjacent thereto on one side of the riser.

11. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 10, including one or more power connections for powering the charging base.

12. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, including a ground connection at least for the upstands.

13. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, the upstanding piece of the electromagnetic shield being a plate including an arcuate upper edge.

14. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, the upstands of the electromagnetic shield including upstand coatings that partially or fully encapsulate the upstands.

15. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 14, wherein the upstand includes a wireless charging pad for a wireless device secured on and adjacent one side thereof, and the wireless charging pad is located between the upstand and the upstand coating.

16. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 3, wherein the base member includes a base member coating that partially or completely covers at least an upper side of the base member.

17. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 16, wherein the base member includes a wireless charging pad for a wireless device fixed on or adjacent to the upper side, and the wireless charging pad is located between the base member and the base member coating.

18. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 1, wherein the upstands are or include one or more of: metal, composite, laminate, ceramic, woven or plastic materials.

19. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 14, wherein the riser coating is or includes one or more of: metal, composite, ceramic, woven or plastic materials, paint, powder coatings, textiles or elastomers.

20. An electromagnetic shield according to claim 16, wherein the base member coating is or includes one or more of: metal, composite, ceramic, woven or plastic materials, paint, powder coatings, textiles or elastomers.

21. An article of furniture defining a planar surface comprising an electromagnetic shield according to any preceding claim, wherein the upstands of the electromagnetic shield are fixed to the planar surface, extending upwardly relative to the planar surface.

22. The article of furniture of claim 21, wherein the electromagnetic shield is an electromagnetic shield according to claim 3, and wherein the planar surface is, contains, or supports the base member.

23. A vehicle comprising an electromagnetic shield according to any one of claims 1 to 20, the upstands of the electromagnetic shield extending in an area between a location for location of a wireless device and an area of the vehicle intended to shield electromagnetic radiation.

24. The vehicle of claim 23, configured as an airplane, train, truck, farm vehicle, snowmobile, passenger car, motorcycle, or water vehicle.

25. The vehicle of claim 23, configured as a bus or a coach.