GB2603198A

GB2603198A - Apparatus Providing a Portable Partition Screen

Info

Publication number: GB2603198A
Application number: GB2101397.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Korn Michael; Murrell Alan
Original assignee: Korn Wall Ltd
Current assignee: Korn Wall Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2021-02-02
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-02
Also published as: GB2603198B; GB202101397D0

Abstract

A partition screen apparatus is provided including a base 10 comprising a spine supporting point and an arrangement of orientation holes; a spine 20 configured to connect with the spine supporting point 12 of the base and to support one or more screens, the spine comprising a central guide hole and an arrangement of auxiliary holes; and at least one partition screen attached to the spine. The orientation holes 13 of the base are configured such that one of the orientation holes is aligned with one of the auxiliary holes in the spine when the central guide hole of the spine is aligned with the spine supporting point of the base and the spine is arranged in one of a plurality of fixed angular positions. The base may have a pair of legs perpendicular to each other and the optional screen positions may be in the arc between those legs.

Description

Apparatus Providing a Portable Partition Screen

Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to the field of partition screens and, in particular, to portable partition screens for a flexible subdivision of space.

Background of the Invention

In the fields of interior design and, in particular, design for public spaces and workspaces, partition screens are important to the subdivide space for a number of purposes. Partition screens can provide an infection barrier, subdividing a large space into a number of smaller spaces for the purpose of infection control. These are particularly useful in public spaces, especially those with a large number of people and/or a high infection risk, such as hospital waiting rooms.

Partition screens can also provide a privacy barrier, subdividing a large space into a number of smaller private spaces. These are useful, for example, in large open-plan office spaces.

A large number of partition screens may be required to effectively subdivide a large space, for example, to provide a barrier between every seat in a waiting room. In addition, it is often necessary to reconfigure the arrangement of the partition screens to adapt to the changing needs of the space, for example, to provide more or less stringent infection control in response to a localised infection risk level. As such, there is a need to provide a partition screen apparatus which has a simple construction, is portable and is easily reconfigurable to fit the individual needs of a given space.

The present invention aims to address this need.

Summary of the Invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a partition screen apparatus according to claim 1.

Optional features are as set out in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a section view of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 8 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 9 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 10 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 11 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 12 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 13 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 14 is a detail view showing an assembly step of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 15 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 16 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 17 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 18 is an illustration of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 19 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 20 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 21 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; Figure 22 is an illustration showing an apparatus according to an embodiment in use; Figure 23 is an illustration showing a part of an apparatus according to an embodiment; and Figure 24 is a schematic view showing an apparatus according to an embodiment in use.

Detailed Description of the Invention.

The present invention relates to a partition screen apparatus and, in particular, to a partition screen apparatus usable as an infection barrier e.g. between seats in a waiting area. Other examples of the partition screen may also be used as a privacy barrier. The partition screen may provide flexible sub-division of any space by the simple positioning of one or more screens.

Figure 1 shows a partition screen apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The partition comprises a base 10, a spine 20 and a screen 30.

The base 10 comprises two legs 11 and a spine supporting point 12. The legs 11 of the base 10 are configured to extend from the spine supporting point 12 at 90 degrees to each other. In this way, the base 10 provides stability for the apparatus 1 and allows the apparatus 1 to be used as a free standing structure. Alternatively the base 10 may be fixed to the floor. This configuration also provides stability with a form that is simple to manufacture. This configuration also provides stability while reducing the amount of space occupied by the base 10, this makes the apparatus 1 simpler to position and reduces the potential for causing a trip hazard.

The spine 20 is arranged to extend away from the base 10. When the base 10 is positioned on the floor, the spine 20 is arranged to extend upwards. The spine 20 is configured to support the screen 30 at one edge. In this way, the screen 30 is supported in a cantilever fashion. That is, the screen 30 is arranged to extend away from the spine 20. In this way, the supporting structure, i.e. the spine 20, can be removed to one side of the apparatus 1, allowing the spine 20 to be positioned where it does not cause a visual obstruction. For example, the spine 20 can be positioned against a wall, or where the apparatus 1 is positioned between two chairs the spine 20 may be positioned behind the chair and out of a seated person's field of view. Where the apparatus 1 is implemented with a transparent partition screen, there is no visual obstruction on a front side of the screen 30.

The screen 30 is generally rectangular in shape. As shown, the screen 30 has a wider portion and a narrower portion. The wider portion is positioned at the top of the apparatus 1. Alternatively, the screen 30 may be provided with a wider portion near to the base 10. The screen 30 is shorter than the spine 20. Alternatively, the screen 30 may extend for the full length of the spine 20, or may be longer. In some embodiments, the screen 30 has rounded corners at an edge furthest from the spine 20.

The screen 30 may be formed of transparent polycarbonate. In this way the apparatus 1 can provide an effective barrier for infection, while allowing light and clear vision through the apparatus 1. Alternative embodiments may include an opaque screen e.g. for use as a privacy partition. Alternative embodiments may further include a translucent screen to provide light and some privacy. In some embodiments, one or more designs or illustrations may be provided on the partition screen 30.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the partition screen apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 is viewed from above, along the length of the spine 20.

As shown, the spine 20 is formed with a roughly triangular cross-section, providing improved structural rigidity. The spine 20 comprises one or more flat faces 21 for supporting the screen 30. In this way, the spine 20 provides a flat surface for attaching the screen 30. The partition screen 30 may be fixed to the spine 20 using adhesive or other means.

The screen 30 is arranged to extend along one of the legs 11 of the base 10. In this configuration, it can be seen that the weight of the screen 30 is supported by the leg 11 beneath the screen 30, so the apparatus 1 is stable. A width of the screen 30, measured from the spine 20, may be longer than the legs 11 of the base 10 or may be shorter. As shown, the widest portion of the screen 30 extends beyond the leg 11 and the narrowest portion does not extend beyond the leg 11.

Figure 3 shows another view of the partition screen apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 is viewed from below, to show an underside of the base 10.

The base 10 comprises the spine supporting point 12 and an arrangement of orientation holes 13. The orientation holes 13 are arranged around the spine supporting point 12. The spine 20 is configured to connect with the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10. The spine 20 comprises a central guide hole (not shown) and an arrangement of auxiliary holes (not shown).

The central guide hole of the spine 20 is configured to align with the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10. Then, as explained in more detail below, the orientation holes 13 of the base 10 are configured such that one of the orientation holes 13 is aligned with one of the auxiliary holes in the spine 20 when the spine 20 is arranged in one of a plurality of fixed angular positions. In this way, a simple construction for the apparatus 1 can be provided, allowing easy assembly in one of a number of usable configurations. According to different use cases, the apparatus 1 may be provided with the spine 20 and screen 30 at a number of different angles. It can be ensured that the apparatus 1 is stable in each possible configuration.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the partition screen apparatus 1. As shown, the spine 20 may be arranged to connect with the base 10 in one of three fixed angular positions. The screen 30 is therefore arranged in one of three corresponding positions.

In this way, the user may configure the screen 30 in one of three ways, according to three expected use cases for the partition screen apparatus 1. For example, a first angular position may be provided to ensure maximum stability for a single screen 30 in a freestanding arrangement. A second position may provide the screen 30 at an offset angle to the first angular position, so as to provide an asymmetric structure. This can allow the base to extend further from one side of the screen 30 than the other, which can allow a more optimum positioning to avoid causing a trip hazard e.g. when positioning at the end of a row of seats which may be close to a walkway. A third position may be provided for optimum stability when a second screen 30 is supported by the spine 20.

The fixed angular positions may be at 0 degrees, 30 degrees and 45 degrees. In this a first angular position at 45 degrees may provide maximum stability for a single screen 30 in a freestanding arrangement. A second position at 30 degrees may provide an intermediate position for an asymmetric structure, to reduce a trip hazard as described above. A third position may be provided at 0 degrees for optimum stability when a second screen 30 is supported by the spine 20. As shown, each of the fixed angular positions of the spine 20 is such that the at least one screen 30 is arranged to extend from the spine 20 within an arc defined by the legs 11 of the base 10.

In this way, the base 10 provides stability for the apparatus 1 and allows the apparatus 1 to be used as a free standing structure in any of the angular positions. For example, if a first leg 11 defines an angle of 0 degrees as shown, a single screen 30 arranged to extend at 0 degrees, at 30 degrees or at 45 degrees will remain between the legs 11, for maximum stability. Two screens 30 arranged to extend at 0 degrees and 90 degrees will both extend within the arc of the legs 11, and so the apparatus 1 will remain stable.

In some embodiments, only two such angles may be required, e.g. only the 45 degrees and 30 degrees positions for an implementation with only one screen 30, or only the 0 degrees and 45 degrees positions if the intermediate 30 degree position is not needed. Other angular positions may be considered instead of, or in addition to, the three positions discussed above, in particular, the intermediate position described at 30 degrees may be located at any suitable angle between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. It is noted that the angles described herein may equally be measured in the other direction (anticlockwise rather than clockwise) or measured in the arc from 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the partition screen apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 is viewed from below, to show the underside of the base 10.

The spine supporting point 12 may comprise a large central hole corresponding to the central guide hole of the spine 20, for a fixing element 2 to pass through and connect with the central guide hole, to allow a simple construction of the base 10. In some examples, the fixing element 2 may be a bolt or a screw. The fixing element 2 may be a threaded bolt configured to engage with a corresponding thread in the central guide hole of the spine 20.

The base 10 comprises three orientation holes 13. In this way, it can be made clear to the user that there are three fixed angular positions. The screen 30 may be configured such that that each of the three orientation holes 13 corresponds to a different angular position. Rotation of the spine 20 to each fixed angular position may cause the respective orientation hole 13 to be aligned to an auxiliary hole 23 in the spine 20. In some examples, it may be indicated which angular position or use case corresponds to each orientation hole 13.

In some examples, the base 10 may include a greater or lesser number of orientation holes 13, for example, when a different number of angular positions is needed. In some examples, one orientation hole 13 may be used for two positions based on alignment with two different auxiliary holes 23 in the spine 20.

Figure 6 shows a section view of the spine 20. The spine 20 comprises two flat faces 21 and a rounded portion 24. An interior of the spine 20 comprises a central guide hole 22, a plurality of auxiliary holes 23, a channel 25 in each of the flat faces 21 and a gasket 26 in each of the channels 25.

The spine 20 comprises two flat faces 21 for supporting one or more screens 30. The spine 20 may be configured to support one screen 30 or two screens 30. In this way, a single apparatus 1 can provide an infection barrier in two directions. The screens 30 may be arranged to extend at 90 degrees to each other. By providing a right-angled portion formed from two flat faces 21 that meet at 90 degrees, the spine 20 can be configured to support two screens 30 at a right angle. For example, a barrier may be established between a first seat and the adjacent seat as well as a row behind the seat. The row behind may face in the same or the opposite direction to the first seat, according to a configuration of the room.

As described above, the 0 degree configuration of the spine 20 can align screens 30 with the legs 11 beneath. In this way, the configuration can provide stability even with the extra weight of a second screen 30. The screens 30 may be the same or different. In some examples, a different size or shape profile or different transparency may be used. For example, a transparent screen may be provided between adjacent seats and a larger, rectangular and translucent screen provided between each row.

Between the flat faces 21 the spine 20 may be formed to have a rounded portion 24. In this way, the spine 20 is formed with a roughly triangular cross-section, providing improved structural rigidity. In some embodiments, the spine 20 may be formed as a triangle with three flat faces 21. By providing a rounded portion 24, the spine 20 is easier to clean, and the internal space of the spine 20 can be enlarged to give a larger central guide hole 22 and auxiliary holes 23, improving the connection with the base 10.

The spine 20 may be formed from extruded aluminium. This allows for a quick and cheap construction using existing processes. The spine 20 comprises a channel 25 along each flat face 21. In this way, the rigidity of the extruded construction can be improved, by minimising long walls in the cross-section profile. Alternatively, the flat faces 21 of the spine 20 may be formed without the channel 25.

The spine 20 may comprise a gasket 26 configured to fill each channel 25. In this way, a flat outer surface of the spine 20 can be provided for an improved connection with the screen 30 e.g. to improve adhesion with the screen 30. The gasket 26 can also prevent the ingress of dirt and dust into the channel 25, to aid cleaning of the apparatus 1 and improve hygiene. The gasket 26 may allow the use of pre-existing aluminium extrusions which include a channel 25, such extrusions may be readily available, reducing costs, but the channel 25 may reduce the surface area for adhesion between the spine 20 and screen 30. In some examples, the partition screen 30 may be bonded primarily or exclusively to the gasket 26, allowing a simple removal of the screen 30 and reconfiguration of the partition screen apparatus 1.

The central guide hole 22 is configured to align with the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10. The central guide hole 22 is configured to receive a fixing element 2 to connect the spine 20 to the base 10. The central guide hole 22 may be threaded to improve the connection with the base 10.

The spine 20 may comprise three auxiliary holes 23. In this way, the arrangement of the orientation holes 13 in the base 10 can be improved. VVhere one auxiliary hole 23 may cause the three orientation holes 13 to be too close together, providing three auxiliary holes 23 allows the orientation holes 13 to be spaced apart. The respective holes may be configured that each orientation hole 13 aligns with one corresponding auxiliary hole 23 in the respective fixed angular position.

The three auxiliary holes 23 may be arranged at 0 degrees, 90 degrees and 180 degrees. This arrangement can allow for three holes in a simple to construct form. The holes are spaced far apart allowing the walls of the spine 20 to be strengthened. The holes may be provided in a triangular arrangement which corresponds with the shape of the spine 20. In addition, this arrangement allows a corresponding arrangement of three orientation holes 13 which has a clear spacing between the three holes. By allowing the location of each orientation hole 13 to be offset by 90 degrees or 180 degrees, the spacing of the orientation holes 13 can be improved. This can allow fixed angular positions of the spine 20 to be more finely spaced, which would otherwise be limited by the size of the orientation holes 13. In addition, the arrangement of auxiliary holes 23 can provide spacing for more than three orientation holes 13, and allow implementations with a greater number of orientation holes 13.

Returning to Figure 5, the three orientation holes 13 may be arranged at 0 degrees, 135 degrees and 210 degrees. In this way the orientation holes 13 can be spaced apart, improving the strength of the apparatus structure. The risk of overlapping the orientation holes 13 or weakening the structure by proximity can be reduced, and so in some examples a size of the holes can be increased to provide improved support for the spine 20. The arrangement also provides that only one orientation hole 13 can be aligned with an auxiliary hole 23 in the spine 20 in each of the fixed angular positions.

In the first position of 45 degrees, the second orientation hole at 135 degrees aligns with the second auxiliary hole at 90 degrees. In the second position of 30 degrees, the third orientation hole at 210 degrees aligns with the third auxiliary hole at 180 degrees. In the third position of 0 degrees, the first orientation hole at 0 degrees aligns with the first auxiliary hole at 0 degrees. As shown, 0 degrees is aligned with a line that bisects the base 10, and the other angular positions are relative to this position, but the relative angles may be defined in any suitable fashion.

Figure 7 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1, wherein the spine 20 is aligned with the base 10. The central guide hole 22 of the spine 20 is aligned with the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10. The spine 20 may be aligned in the desired angular position, or may be later rotated into position. As shown, the spine 20 is positioned in the third angular position described above Figure 8 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1, wherein the spine 20 is placed into abutment with the base 10. The central guide hole 22 of the spine 20 is aligned with the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10. Alternatively, a protruding element of the spine supporting point 12 is passed through the central guide hole 22 of the spine 20.

Figure 9 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1, wherein a fixing element 2 is passed through the spine supporting point 12 of the base 10 into the central guide hole 22 of the spine 20. The fixing element 2 may be a bolt, e.g. a threaded bolt comprising a thread configured to engage with a corresponding thread in the central guide hole 22 of the spine 20. Alternatively, the fixing element 2 may be a screw or any other suitable fixing means. In this way, the spine 20 is securely attached to the base 10.

Figure 10 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1; wherein a second fixing element 3 is passed through one of the orientation holes 13 in the base 10 into one of the auxiliary holes 23 in the spine 20. The spine 20 may be rotated around the spine supporting base 10 until the desired fixed angular position is reached. In the desired fixed angular position, one of the auxiliary holes 23 in the spine 20 is aligned with one of the orientation holes 13 in the base 10. As shown, the spine 20 is in the third angular position described above and the first orientation hole at 0 degrees aligns with the first auxiliary hole at 0 degrees.

A second fixing element 3 can be passed through to fix the angular position of the spine 20. The second fixing element 3 may be a bolt e.g. a threaded bolt, or may be a screw e.g. a self-tapping screw.

Figure 11 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1; wherein the second fixing element 3 is tightened and the spine 20 is fixed at the desired third angular position. In this position, a screen 30 extending from either of the flat faces 21 of the spine 20 can be aligned with the leg 11 of the base 10 beneath. That is, an angle between the screen 30 and the leg 11 beneath can be set at 0 degrees.

Figure 12 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1; wherein the spine 20 is initially aligned in a different angular position. As shown, the first and second fixing element 2,3 are in position to fix the spine 20 at the first angular position. The spine 20 can be rotated to the first angular position of 45 degrees, such that the second auxiliary hole at 90 degrees aligns with the second orientation hole at 135 degrees.

Figure 13 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1; wherein the first fixing element 2 has been positioned. The spine 20 has been rotated as above and the second fixing element 3 is passed through the second orientation hole at 135 degrees to the second auxiliary hole at 90 degrees. In this way, the spine 20 is fixed in the first angular position. In this position, a screen 30 extending from a flat face 21 of the spine 20 can be aligned with a line bisecting the base 10 beneath. That is, an angle between the screen 30 and either of the legs 11 of the base 10 can be set at 45 degrees.

Figure 14 shows an assembly step of the partition screen apparatus 1 wherein the first fixing element 2 has been positioned, and the second fixing element 3 is passed through the third orientation hole at 210 degrees to the third auxiliary hole at 180 degrees. In this way, the spine 20 is fixed in the second angular position of 30 degrees. In this position, a screen 30 extending from a flat face 21 of the spine 20 can be arranged such that an angle between the screen 30 and the nearest leg 11 of the base 10 can be set at 30 degrees.

Figure 15 shows a partition screen apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the spine 20 is arranged to support the screen 30 at a point which is a short distance from the edge of the screen 30. That is, the screen 30 is arranged to extend a short distance behind the spine 20. In this way, the screen 30 may provide a greater coverage and a greater barrier effect to the rear side of the apparatus 1.

Figure 16 shows a screen 30 for the apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The screen 30 is generally rectangular in shape. As shown, the screen 30 may be provided with a wider portion near to the base 10. This form can provide additional stability for a larger screen 30 by providing a lower centre of mass. The screen 30 has rounded corners at an edge furthest from the spine 20.

Figure 17 shows a screen 30 and spine 20 according to an embodiment. As shown, the screen 30 may be substantially the same length or longer than the spine 20.

Figure 18 shows a partition screen apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 1 is shown with the spine 20 in the third fixed angular position as described above. The apparatus 1 may comprise two screens 30, which may be supported by the spine 20 at 90 degrees to one another. The height of each screen 30 may extend beyond the length of the spine 20, and each screen 30 may be provided with a wider portion near to the base 10. The width of each screen 30 at the wider portion may extend beyond the legs 11 of the base 10.

Figure 19 shows a partition screen apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The screen 30 may comprise a supporting foot attachment 31 at an end distal from the spine 20. In this way, a larger sized screen 30 can be accommodated. In particular, a screen 30 larger than the base 10 can be accommodated. By providing a foot attachment 31, the stability of a larger screen 30 can be improved and damage to the screen 30 from the floor can be avoided.

Figure 20 shows a screen 40 for the apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The screen 40 may be formed of a transparent film 41 fixed between two outer frames 42. In this way the apparatus 1 can provide an effective barrier for infection, while allowing light and clear vision through the apparatus 1. Alternative embodiments may include an opaque film e.g. for use as a privacy partition. Alternative embodiments may further include a translucent film to provide light and some privacy. In some embodiments, one or more designs or illustrations may be provided on the film 41.

The outer frame 42 can provide a lightweight construction. For example, the screen 40 may be constructed from a polyethylene tetrafluoride (PET) film with a lightweight aluminium frame. The frame 42 can provide structural integrity and prevent loose movement, as well as providing protection from any sharp edges on the PET film 41.

Figure 21 shows a spine 20 according to an embodiment. The rounded portion 24 of the spine 20 may comprise a lighting element 27. The additional space provided by the rounded portion 24 may further provide space for mounting one or more lighting elements 27. For example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be arranged, or a plurality of optical fibres leading to a light source housed elsewhere e.g. in the base 10. In some embodiments, the rounded portion 24 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, such that the lighting elements 27 may be arranged inside the spine 20, and seen from outside.

In this way, the lighting elements 27 can be used for a variety of purposes e.g. to provide mood lighting or to identify which seats are occupied or reserved their seat. In some examples, the lighting elements 27 can also show which seats have been cleaned and made safe for the next person.

Figure 22 shows a plurality of partition screen apparatuses 1 in use. As shown, the partition screen apparatus 1 is usable as an infection barrier e.g. between seats in a waiting area. The partition screen apparatus 1 can provide flexible sub-division of any space by the simple positioning of one or more apparatuses 1. As shown, the apparatuses 1 at the end of each row are configured in the second fixed angular position with the spine 20 and screen 30 in the 30 degree position, to prevent a trip hazard. The other apparatuses 1 are configured in the first fixed angular position with the spine 20 and screen 30 in the 45 degree position, for maximum stability.

Figure 23 shows a partition screen apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. A base 50 may comprise a plurality of leg attachment points 54 and two or more detachable legs 51 configured to connect with the leg attachment points 54. In this way, the apparatus 1 can be reconfigured flexibly as required. The apparatus 1 may be provided with, for example, different lengths of the detachable leg 51. The leg attachment points 54 may be formed as openings for a detachable leg 51 to be inserted into. The leg attachment points 54 may comprise a catch mechanism to prevent accidental removal of a detachable leg 51. The leg attachment points 54 may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the two fixed legs 11. The leg attachment points 54 may be spaced apart by an angle of 90 degrees. In some examples, four leg attachment points 54 may be provided at 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees.

Each detachable leg 51 may be configured to connect with a further base 50 at an end of the leg 51 distal from the base 50. In this way a plurality of bases 50 can be interconnected. In this way, an arrangement of interconnected screen apparatuses 1 can be configured and reconfigured according to the needs of the user. An arrangement of interconnected partition screen apparatuses 1 can provide additional stability, and reduce the total number of parts needed in a given space.

Figure 24 shows a schematic of the partition screen apparatus 1 in use. An embodiment of the apparatus 1 is shown with an arrangement of individual apparatuses 1. Each apparatus 1 is configured with the spine 20 in the third fixed angular position and with two screens 30 supported by the spine 20. A further embodiment is shown with a comparable arrangement of interconnected screen apparatuses 1. As can be seen, the arrangement of interconnected partition screen apparatuses 1 can provide additional stability, and reduce the total number of parts needed in a given space.

In some examples, the base is described as having two legs. In other examples, the base may have more than two legs. Alternatively, the base may be provided with a broad platform extending over an angular range, e.g. covering a 90 degree arc. In some examples, the angle between the legs may be greater than or less than 90 degrees and the screen may be supported outside the span of the legs, e.g. by weighting the base.

In some examples, the spine supporting point may comprise a protruding element configured to pass through the central guide hole, to allow a simple assembly with only two parts. Such a protruding element may be threaded for additional security Although a cantilever support mode is described, the spine may include an upper or lower extension to support or hang the screen. Alternatively, a full frame may be provided as part of the spine. In some examples, a screen may be supported by two spines, e.g. in the modular configuration.

The spine profile may be configured with any suitable shape. For example, the spine may be rectangular or semi-circle in cross section. The cross-section may change along the length of the spine from a first profile shape adapted for connection with the base to a second profile shape adapted for supporting the screen or screens. In some examples the spine may require only two auxiliary holes to provide appropriate spacing for the orientation holes. In some examples, a different spine profile may allow a larger number of auxiliary holes to be provided. In some examples, the spine may be formed from any suitable metal and may be forged, milled, rolled and folded, printed etc. The spine may also be formed from any other suitable structural material e.g. plastic or wood.

In some examples, the screen has been described as being formed from polycarbonate. In some other examples, the screen may be formed from another suitable plastic, or glass or sheet metal or any other suitable rigid material. Where the screen has been described as a PET film, the screen may also be formed from any other lightweight plastic or fabric material.

Although aspects of the invention herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A partition screen apparatus comprising: a base comprising a spine supporting point and an arrangement of orientation holes; a spine configured to connect with the spine supporting point of the base and to support one or more screens, the spine comprising a central guide hole and an arrangement of auxiliary holes; and at least one partition screen attached to the spine; wherein the orientation holes of the base are configured such that one of the orientation holes is aligned with one of the auxiliary holes in the spine when the central guide hole of the spine is aligned with the spine supporting point of the base and the spine is arranged in one of a plurality of fixed angular positions.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spine is arranged to connect with the base in one of three fixed angular positions.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fixed angular positions are at 0 degrees, 30 degrees and 45 degrees.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises three orientation holes and the spine comprises three auxiliary holes.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the three auxiliary holes are arranged at 0 degrees, 90 degrees and 180 degrees, and wherein the three orientation holes are arranged at 0 degrees, 135 degrees and 210 degrees.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the spine supporting point comprises a protruding element configured to pass through the central guide hole, or a corresponding hole for a fixing element to pass through and connect with the central guide hole.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the spine is configured to support the partition screen at one edge, and the partition screen is arranged to extend away from the spine.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the partition screen comprises a supporting foot attachment at an end distal from the spine.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the partition screen is formed of transparent polycarbonate.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the partition screen is formed of a transparent film fixed between two outer frames.
11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the spine is configured to support two screens and the screens are arranged to extend at 90 degrees to each other.
12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the spine comprises two flat faces for supporting one or more screens and a rounded portion.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the rounded portion of the spine comprises a lighting element.
14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the spine is formed from extruded aluminium.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the spine comprises a channel along each flat face, and comprises a gasket configured to fill each channel.
16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises two legs extending from the spine supporting point at 90 degrees to each other.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the fixed angular positions of the spine is such that the at least one partition screen is arranged to extend from the spine within an arc defined by the legs of the base.
18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a plurality of leg attachment points and two or more detachable legs configured to connect with the leg attachment points.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein each detachable leg is configured to connect with a further base at an end of the leg distal from the base.