WO2011124949A1

WO2011124949A1 - Pet barrier and privacy panels for a computer workstation

Info

Publication number: WO2011124949A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/051595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wade Stone
Original assignee: Wade Stone
Priority date: 2010-04-06
Filing date: 2010-04-13
Publication date: 2011-10-13

Abstract

A pet barrier and privacy screen for computer work stations comprising a pair of side panels comprising a frame with a window pane aperture and a slot for inserting a polymeric pane selected from the group of transparent, translucent and opaque to adjust the degree of privacy of the work area. An electronic LCD display can also be inserted therein which can be electronically connected to the workstation via either electrical wire or electronic wireless means in order to augment the primary computer monitor. Each side panel also comprises a transversal stand at the rear bottom edge of said panel that may be attachable and removable. The top edge of the frame may have a curvilinear shape to avoid providing a foothold for a pet trying to compromise the side panel and may also include a speaker therein. A length-adjustable support bar may be employed at the rear of the panels and connecting the panels for additional stability.

Description

Title of Invention: PET BARRIER AND PRIVACY PANELS FOR

A COMPUTER WORKSTATION

[1] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[2] Field of the Invention

[3] The present invention relates generally to partitions and, more specifically, to a pet barrier and privacy unit for computer keyboard and display consisting of a pair of free standing or connected panels each selectively positioned on opposing sides of a workstation having a frame encompassing a window of a polymeric or glass pane selected from the group of transparent pane, translucent pane and opaque pane depending on the grade of privacy desired.

[4] The frame has a top side, which can have a curvilinear shape to discourage pets from jumping onto said frame. The frame bottom edge is contoured having a back portion extending vertically forming frame support leaving the front portion spaced away from the work surface which may provide further frame support in the form of a front leg. The back portion has a stand that extends transversely therefrom having a bracket extending between the frame back portion and the planar stand portion.

[5] Optionally provided is a removable stand comprising a planar portion and a flange portion with the frame back portion then providing a cavity for receiving the removable stand flange portion therein. The frame unit may have an adjustable support extending between opposing panel members comprising a pair of longitudinal members each having a flange on one distal end positionable to a frame slotted aperture with the longitudinal members matingly engagable.

[6] Additionally, the present invention provides that the privacy unit and pet barrier window panes can also be additional electronic LCD displays to augment the primary, frontal, computer monitor/display.

[7] Description of the Related Art

[8] There are other protective devices designed for computer components. Some are designed to eliminate the incidence of external light upon the computer display by means of a 'hood' or covering made of metal or polymer material around the display such that the computer operator's view is unobstructed, while the incident external light is blocked from reaching the display screen. This type of device in use is both top- heavy, tending to provide significant torsion stress on the display support mechanism, and is not able to function as a physical barrier to unwanted pet or other intrusion from the side of the computer display, keyboard and mouse without surrounding the entire display, mouse and keyboard. Typical of these is U.S. Patent No. 5,233,468 issued to McNulty on August 3, 1993, but this device only partially blocks intrusion from the side of the display, keyboard and mouse and isn't suitable for the utilities provided by the invention described herein.

[9] Other devices are designed for the purpose of directly covering the keyboard of a computer such that the operator is able to freely use his or her hands to manipulate the keyboard keys and mouse, but physical intrusion by pets or other beings or objects are not allowed from the top or sides of the device. These devices, the top cover of which being made of opaque material, are also designed such that they don't allow the computer operator to freely view the keyboard and mouse. Such devices are designed specifically for typist training aids or other uses in which it is desired to disallow the ability of the operator to view the keyboard. Typical of this type of device is described in a patent issued to North on May 30, 1995 as U.S. Patent No. 5,419,704, but this device and those like it defeat the purpose of the invention described herein whereby it is desired that the operator have both full and unobstructed access to the keyboard, mouse and display both physically and visually.

[10] Still other devices directly address the protection of the keyboard (and mouse) from any physical intrusion by outside entities, including pets, other than the hands of the computer operator, by means of a transparent or translucent housing that covers the keyboard (and mouse), with an opening in the front of the housing that covers the keyboard (and mouse), and with an opening in the front of the housing that allows the insertion of the operator's hands. The operator's view of the keyboard and mouse remain unobstructed by the device.

[11] Typical of such a device is described in a patent issued on August 10, 1999 to Nyako as U.S, Patent No. 5,934,813. Devices such as these address only the intrusion of the pet or other object, but provide no privacy for, or glare protection to, the operator of the computer. Further these devices give only a small margin of movement to the operator's hands, and as such will cause a level of restriction of movement to the operator that makes the operator's efforts less efficient and more uncomfortable than they are without the device. These types of devices are unsuitable to the broad utilities offered by the invention described herein, including and comprising protection against unwanted intrusion while allowing full freedom of operator movement, against undesired external glare of ambient light emanating from oblique angles onto the display, and privacy afforded the operator in his tasks and display content from unwanted viewing by others. Further, they don't restrict a pet from blocking the view of the computer display if the pet positions itself between the unit/keyboard combination and the computer display.

[12] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[13] The Pet Barrier and Privacy Unit for Computer Keyboard and Display is made of plastic or other material that provides protection at the sides of a computer display, keyboard and mouse combination. The protection is against a pet walking or running, or another object moving - such as being thrown or otherwise moved, across the keyboard or obstructing/manipulating controls on the display thereby distracting the user or modifying the contents of documents or other work and applications on the computer.

[14] The invention frames the display, and provides 'wings' - or otherwise hereafter

referred to as panels - that extend from the sides of the display to the edge of the user's desk at a variable or fixed angle from the display. The panels have windows with easy access slots in the back to slide Plexiglas or other similarly shaped and transparent or opaque material in easily through openings in the back of the unit. The intention is that the user can select the color or relative level of transparency of the window views to suit the user's needs or tastes. The complete unit comprised of both panels can physically connected with said connection comprised, for example, of a simple mating bar combination attached to the right and left components that can be width adjustable and secured by a simple cotter pin. The unit has 'feet' that stabilize the unit and can be constructed such that they extend only in the direction of the user or extend outwards from the panels in both transversal directions from the panel and that are placed such that they are not intrusive of the keyboard, mouse or other user space. Furthermore the panels can be slotted at the bottom to allow free movement of a hand on the mouse and mouse pad, or book or other small object needing comfortable and/or efficient access by the user placed under the panel on either the right or left side. Further, the unit can have curvilinear tubes or ovoids running the length of and at the top of each of the panels intended to dissuade an animal from jumping onto the top of the panels - with the objective that it will slip off and find no comfort there.

[15] The present invention envisions additional elements comprising a leg descending from the front of the panel that together with the stand forms a further horizontal and vertical stabilizing means. Additionally, as mentioned, the top of the frame may or may not be affixed with a tubular member running the length of the panel, and the adjustable support rod connecting the two panels may also be omitted in one of the embodiments of the invention.

[16] Furthermore, the privacy unit and pet barrier window panes can be additional

electronic LCD displays to augment the primary, frontal, computer monitor/display.

[17] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy unit for computer keyboard and display consisting of a pair of free standing panels selectively positionable on opposing sides of a workstation.

[18] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel comprising a frame encompassing a window. [19] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame has a slot for inserting a pane made of a polymer or other material(s) within said window.

[20] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said pane is selected from the group of electronic LCD display pane, transparent pane, translucent pane and opaque pane depending on the grade of privacy desired.

[21] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said pane is a plurality of panes having different degrees of

transparency.

[22] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said pane includes colored panes.

[23] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame can have a top edge having a curvilinear shape to discourage pets from jumping onto said frame.

[24] A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and

privacy panel wherein said frame top edge shape is a half round shell if preferred in some embodiments of the invention.

[25] Another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame top edge curvilinear shape is a cylinder, or having the cross-sectional shape of an oval or ellipse.

[26] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame bottom edge is contoured having a back portion extending vertically forming frame support leaving the front portion spaced away from the work surface.

[27] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame back portion terminates in a transverse planar stand.

[28] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said planar stand has a bracket extending between the frame back portion and the planar stand portion.

[29] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said frame optionally provides a removable stand.

[30] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein said removable stand comprises a planar portion and a flange portion.

[31] A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a pet barrier and

privacy panel wherein said frame back portion optionally provides a cavity for receiving said removable stand flange portion therein.

[32] Another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy panel having an adjustable support extending between opposing panel members.

[33] Yet another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein the adjustable support is a pair of longitudinal members each having a flange on one distal end.

[34] Still yet another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy panel wherein the pair of transversal connecting supports are engaged in a mating manner.

[35] Another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy unit wherein said matingly engageable supports are slidably engageable.

[36] Yet another object of the present invention is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy unit wherein said slidably engageable supports has a fastener for fixing said mated supports at a desired length.

[37] Still yet another object is to optionally provide a pet barrier and privacy unit wherein said fastener is a cotter pin.

[38] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

[39] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the related art by providing a pet barrier and privacy unit for a computer workstation consisting of a pair of free standing panels positionable on each side of a workstation.

[40] Each panel is comprised of a frame having a window of a transparent, translucent or opaque pane - made of polymer or other material(s) - depending on the grade of privacy desired.

[41] The frame top edge can have a curvilinear shape to discourage pets from jumping onto the frame. The frame bottom edge is contoured with a back portion extending vertically forming frame support leaving the front portion spaced away from the work surface. A leg may be positioned on the front portion.

[42] The back portion has a stabilizing stand that extends transversely therefrom and optionally having a bracket extending between the frame back portion and the planar stand portion.

[43] Optionally provided is a removable stand comprising a planar portion and a flange portion with the frame back portion then providing a cavity for receiving the removable stand flange portion therein.

[44] The panel unit may have an adjustable connector for added stability and/or dual- panel unification extending between opposing panel members comprised of a pair of lateral members each having a flange on one distal end positionable to a respective frame slotted aperture with the longitudinal members matingly engagable. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

[45] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[46] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[47] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[48] FIGURE 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit for computer workstation.

[49] FIGURE 2 is an illustrative view of one of the embodiments of the pet barrier and privacy panels in use.

[50] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an assembled version of one of the panels of the first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit.

[51] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the elements of construction of the first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit.

[52] FIGURE 5 is another perspective view of the elements of construction of the first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit.

[53] FIGURE 6 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention using both of the panels surrounding the computer workstation.

[54] FIGURE 7 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention employing only one of the panels situated in a user-desired position next to the computer workstation - the other barrier and privacy means being provided by a wall adjacent to the user's workspace.

[55] FIGURE 8 is a front view of a second embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit for computer workstation.

[56] FIGURE 9 is an exploded back view of one of the panels of the second embodiment of the barrier/privacy panels of the present invention.

[57] FIGURE 10 is an exploded back view of the other barrier/ privacy panel of the

second embodiment of the present invention.

[58] FIGURE 11 is a front and rear view of a barrier/privacy panel of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[59] FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of various panes relative to the second embodiment panel frame. [60] FIGURE 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[61] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

[62] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate thePet Barrier and Privacy Shield for Computer Workstationsof the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.

[63] 10 second embodiment of Pet Barrier and Privacy Shield for Computer Workstations of the present invention

[64] 12 side panel

[65] 14 computer workstation

[66] 15 user desk or other user work surface

[67] 16 frame

[68] 18 planar stand

[69] 20 insertable pane of polymeric or other mate

[70] 22 speaker

[71] 24 insertable electronic LCD display

[72] 26 user

[73] 28 curvilinear top edge

[74] 30 pet

[75] 32 lateral support bar

[76] 34 rear base of 12

[77] 36 slotted aperture of 32

[78] 38 support flange of 32

[79] 40 stand flange

[80] 41 stand flange aperture

[81] 42 pane slot

[82] 44 grooved pane track and restraining means

[83] 46 window aperture

[84] 48 front leg

[85] 50 transparent pane

[86] 52 translucent pane

[87] 54 opaque pane

[88] 56 first side panel

[89] 58 second side panel

[90] 60 male support bar of 32

[91] 62 female support tube of 32

[92] 64 support bar apertures [93] 66 cotter pin

[94] 68 monitor

[95] 70 keyboard

[96] 72 mouse

[97] 74 mouse pad

[98] 76 first embodiment pet barrier and privacy unit assembly

[99] 78 first half of 76

[100] 80 second half of 76

[101] 82 stand gusset

[102] 84 smooth assembly boss and/or pin

[103] 86 threaded assembly boss and/pr pin

[104] 88 throughbore or receptacle of 84

[105] 90 threaded aperture receptacle of 86

[106] 92 user workspace adjacent wall

[107] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[108] The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments; practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims.

[109] FIGURE 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit for computer workstation 76. Shown are two side panels 12 positioned on opposing sides of a computer workstation display and keyboard 14 providing privacy and forming a barrier from pet intrusion into the work space. Each panel 12comprises a frame 16 to prevent pets from jumping onto the top and a frame rear slot for inserting a transparent, translucent or opaque pane of any of a variety of materials 20 or an appropriately sized electronic LCD display 24. Forming the stand 18 is a planar portion connected to the panel base either by unified construction or having a flange that is in- sertable into the panel base. It also comprises an integral set of apertures allowing insertion of and clarity from a speaker 22.

[110] FIGURE 2 is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy panels for computer workstation 10 in use. The figure shows the pet barrier and privacy panels 10 positioned on opposing sides of a workstation 14 and on top of a work surface 15 without impeding the user 26. As illustrated, the curvilinear top edge 28 in this embodiment prevents pets 30 from obtaining a desirable footing and provides for the placement within the frame of a transparent, translucent or opaque pane for the desired privacy. Each side panel 12 can have a stand with a flange that fits into a provided slot at the base of the frame. A front leg 48 may be included on each panel 12 to provide additional stability. Also comprised on each frame 16 is a slotted aperture for receiving a flanged rod on one panel and a flanged tube for receiving said flanged rod on the other thereby allowing for additional support with a width adjustment to fit a desired workspace.

[I l l] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit for computer workstation 76. Shown is the pet barrier and privacy unit assembly 76 having a first half 78 and a second half 80 with each having a front leg 48 and a stand 18 forming an integral part therewith extending transversely from the frame 16 with a stand gusset 82, providing structural strength, extending between the stand 18 and the back portion of the frame 16. Also shown is the longitudinal pane slot 42 with a pane 20 installed.

[112] FIGURE 4is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit assembly 76. Shown is the exterior of the first half 78 and the interior of the second half 80 having a front leg 48 and a stand 18 projecting perpendicularly outward forming an integral part therewith and having a stand gusset 82 extending between the stand 18 and the back portion of the frame 16. The interior portion of the second half 80 has a plurality of smooth assembly boss and/or pin 84 projecting therefrom with throughbores or receptacles 88 extending either partially or fully therethrough depending on the actual detailed construction.

[113] FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit assembly 76. Shown is the exterior of the second half 80 and the interior of the first half 78 having a front leg 48 and a stand 18 projecting perpendicularly outward forming an integral part therewith and having a stand gusset 82 extending between the stand 18 and the back portion of the frame 16. The interior portion of the first half 78 has a plurality of threaded assembly boss and/or pin 86 projecting therefrom with threaded apertures/receptacle 90 extending partially or fully therethrough.

[114] FIGURE 6 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the two side panels 12 of the present invention spaced from one another at opposing oblique angles fixed in a desired location relative to the work station 14.

[115] FIGURE 7 is a top view of the first embodiment of the present invention. Shown is the two side panel assemblies 76 of the present invention joined into one and utilized to pose as a barrier on only one side of said workstation 14 because of a user workspace adjacent wall 92 providing coverage on the other side.

[116] FIGURE 8 is a front view of the second embodiment of the pet barrier and privacy unit for computer workstation 10. Shown are two side panels 12 positioned on opposing sides of a computer workstation display, keyboard and mouse 14 providing privacy and forming a barrier from pet intrusion into the work space. Each pane 12 comprises a frame 16 having a curvilinear top edge 28 to prevent pets from jumping onto the top, a rear slot for inserting a transparent, translucent or opaque pane 20 or electronic LCD display 24. Forming the stand 18 is a planar portion having a flange that is insertable into the panel base. Also located toward the back side of each panel is a slotted aperture for receiving support flange 38 of lateral support bar 32 that is intended to be inserted into or onto - as the mating case may be - the opposing panel's tubular support bar thereby providing for an additional unit stabilizing means and a width adjustment to accommodate a desired workspace. Also shown are speaker apertures 22 at the top of each panel.

[117] FIGURE 9 is an exploded back view of one of the barrier/ privacy panels 12 of the second embodiment of the present invention. Shown is one of the side panels 12 comprising a frame 16 having a curvilinear top edge 28 to discourage pets from sitting thereon. An optional speaker 22 is shown integrated into the curvilinear top edge 28. A stand flange aperture 41 is disposed on the underside of the frame rear base 34 for receiving the flange portion 40 of the stand 18. Included is a slotted aperture 36 for receiving the support flange 38 of one of a mating pair of lateral supports bars 32 and a longitudinal frame slot 42 for insertion therein of a transparent, translucent or opaque pane 20, the degree of transparency of which depends on the user's desired privacy, or an electronic LCD display sized appropriately to fit the slot and frame aperture. The frame 16 has a large central aperture 46 defining a window and has a grooved pane track and restraining means 44 extending peripherally therein for accepting and retaining the pane 20.

[118] FIGURE 10 is an exploded back view of the other barrier/ privacy panel 12 of the present invention 10. Shown is one of the side panels 12 comprising a frame 16 having a curvilinear top edge 28 to discourage pets from sitting thereon. An optional speaker 22 is integrated into the curvilinear top edge 28. A stand flange aperture 41 is disposed on the underside of the frame rear base 34 for receiving the flange portion 40 of the stand 18. Included is a slotted aperture 36 for receiving the support flange 38 of one of a mating pair of lateral supports bars 32 and a longitudinal frame slot 42 for placement therein of a transparent, translucent or opaque pane 20 or electronic LCD display 24 depending on the desired privacy or utility. The frame 16 has a large central aperture 46 defining a window and has a grooved pane track and restraining means 44

extending peripherally therein for accepting and retaining the pane 20. The width adjustment lateral support bar 32 illustrated as a mating tube and rod could just as well be any shape where one fits into or over the other.

[119] FIGURE 11 is a front and rear view of a barrier/privacy panel 12 of the second embodiment of the present invention 10. The front view illustrates that the panel 12 has a clearance so as not to restrict the user's movements while still providing a barrier to pets and the desired privacy. The panels 12 have curvilinear top edges 28 to discourage pets from mounting them. The back view shows the longitudinal pane slot 42 incorporated into the frame 16 receiving the pane 20 of the desired privacy quality or an electronic LCD display 24, the slotted aperture 36 for the support flange 38 for the adjustable lateral support bar 32 and the stand 18 supporting the frame 16.

[120] FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of various panes 20 in proximity to a panel of the second embodiment of the present invention 10. The present invention 10 provides for various panes 12 enabling various types of privacy from none using a transparent pane 50 to full privacy using an opaque pane 54 or for anything in-between using a desired translucent pane 52. One or both of the panes could also be an electronic LCD display 24. Shown is a transparent pane 50 being inserted into the longitudinal pane slot 42 of the frame 16.

[121] FIGURE 13 is a top view of the second embodiment of the present invention 10.

Shown are the two side panels 12 spaced from one another at opposing oblique angles fixed in a desired location via an adjustable lateral support bar 32 comprising a male support bar 60 that telescopes into a female support bar 62 both having a plurality of corresponding support bar apertures 64 The user extends or retracts the male support bar 62 accordingly to the desired panel separation width and aligns their respective support bar apertures 64 and inserts a cotter pin 66 therethrough to prevent the casual displacement thereof. Additionally shown is the stand 18 positioned relative to the monitor 68, keyboard 70, mouse 72 and mouse pad 74 to be situated out of the user's way.

[122] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more

together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.

[123] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[124] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims.

l.A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station comprising:

a) at least one freestanding side panel with a substantially rectangular frame having a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge, a bottom edge and a window pane aperture centrally disposed therein with the edges thereof proximal to said edges of said frame;

b) a base projecting downward from the rear portion of said bottom edge of said frame;

c) a transverse planar stand disposed on the bottom of said base;

d) at least one pane for insertion into said frame;

e) a longitudinal pane slot disposed in said rear edge of said frame for insertion of said pane therein; and

f) ) a grooved track circumscribing the interior edges of said frame defining said window pane aperture for guiding and retaining said pane therein when inserted into said pane slot.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said at least one pane is manufactured of a polymeric material.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 2, wherein said polymeric pane is selected from the group of transparent, translucent and opaque.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 2, wherein said polymeric panes are manufactured in a plurality of colors.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said pane is an electronic LCD display to augment the primary frontal monitor.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 5, wherein said electronic LCD display pane is electronically connected to the computer workstation.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 6, wherein said electronic connection between said electronic LCD display pane and said computer workstation is a radio frequency wireless communication channel. A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 6, wherein said electronic connection between said electronic LCD display pane and said computer workstation is an electronic cable. A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said frame of said side panel is bisected along the edges thereof forming a first half and a second half.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 9, wherein each said half includes an integral stand oriented in the opposing direction of the mating half.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 10, wherein each said half comprises an exterior surface and an interior portion.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 11, wherein said interior portion of said first frame half includes a plurality of bosses and pins.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 12, wherein said interior portion of said second frame half has a plurality of bosses and pins corresponding with said bosses and pins of said first frame half.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 13, wherein said bosses and pins on the interior of each half are constructed in a male pin/female boss configuration to conjoin the two frame halves into a single side panel unit.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 14, wherein the bosses and pins are sized such that the female boss has a throughbore aperture into which the male pin may be inserted in a mating configuration in order to allow a secure conjoining of the two frame halves into a single side panel unit.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 11, wherein the rear edges of said first frame half and said second frame half have matching longitudinal notches to form said pane slot when the two halves are conjoined.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 11, wherein the interiors of said first frame half and said second frame half have matching rails on which the said pane may slide when the two halves are conjoined.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said frame and said planar stand are integral and form a single unified entity.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said top edge of said frame is curvilinear.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 19, wherein said curvilinear top edge of said frame has a cylindrical configuration.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 20, wherein said curvilinear top edge of said frame has a cylindrical configuration of an ovoid cross-sectional shape.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, whereby a pair of opposing side panels are disposed on each side of the computer work station.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 22, wherein said opposing side panels are positioned obliquely so as to flare outward as said front edges approach the user according to the size of the work area.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 22, further comprising an adjustable support bar communicating between said bases of each said opposing side panel.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 24, wherein said adjustable support bar comprises a female support tube and a male support bar that telescope therein.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 25, wherein said adjustable support bar further comprises a securing means to restrain the casual displacement thereof once set at the desired length.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 26, wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of linear support bar apertures in said female tube, corresponding apertures in said male support bar and a fastening element for placement through one set of aligned apertures.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 27, wherein said fastening element is a cotter pin.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 24, wherein said support bar has a support flange disposed on each distal end thereof.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 29, wherein said base of each said side panel includes a slotted support aperture for receiving said support flange thereby securing said support bar thereto for stability and preventing the casual displacement of said pair of side panels.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein a leg member projects downward from the front portion of said bottom edge of said frame.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 31, wherein said leg member and said downward projecting base form an arch sized to allow freedom of movement of a hand and a computer mouse on a mouse pad.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein the panel contains a speaker with apertures through which sound may emanate on one side of said panel.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 1, wherein said planar stand can be removed and replaced. A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 34, wherein said planar stand includes a stand flange extending therefrom.

A pet barrier and privacy panel for a computer work station according to claim 35, wherein said base comprises a stand flange aperture for accepting said stand flange and securing it in place.

A method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station to deter pets and other objects from entering the workspace while allowing the user to adjust the degree of privacy of said work area comprising the steps:

a) providing a pair of side panels having a frame, a central window pane aperture, a grooved track circumscribing the peripheral edge of said window pane aperture, a slot in the rear edge of said frame for introducing a pane member to said grooved track to cover said window pane aperture, a curvilinear top edge of said frame and a base member extending downward from a rear portion of the bottom edge of said frame;

b) providing at least one polymeric pane selected from the group of transparent, translucent and opaque;

c) selecting a polymeric pane;

d) inserting said polymeric pane into said pane slot to close off the entire window pane aperture;

e) placing said side panels onto opposing sides of the work area in oblique arrangement wherein the front edges flare out as they approach the user area; and

f) swapping out said panes from said side panels accordingly when a change of the degree of privacy is desired.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 37, including the step of providing an adjustable support bar communicating between said bases of said side panels and removably attached thereto with flanges on the distal ends of said support bar that are inserted into mating support recesses disposed in said bases, said bar having a length adjustment means;

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 38, providing an adjustment means for said support bar wherein said support bar comprises a male insert bar affiliated with one said side panel tele- scopically inserted into a female support tube associated with the other said side panel with each having a plurality of corresponding linear apertures on opposing sides of each.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 39, telescoping said male insert bar within said female support tube until said support bar is at the desired length, aligning the nearest aperture and securing them in place with a cotter pin.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 37, further comprising the step of providing an electronic LCD display that can be utilized in lieu of said polymeric panels.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 41, further comprising the step of connecting said electronic LCD display electrically to said computer workstation via electrical cable.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 41, further comprising the step of connecting said electronic LCD display electrically to said computer workstation via electronic radio frequency wireless means.

The method of application for a free standing pet barrier and privacy screen for a computer work station according to claim 37, comprising the steps:

a) providing a removable transverse planar stand member attachable to said side panel via a flange on said stand that is insertable into a slotted stand flange aperture disposed on the bottom of said base; and b) attaching said stand member to said base.