US$007217061B2
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 7,217,061 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`Stratton
`May 15, 2007
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`BARRIER SYSTEM
`
`Inventor:
`
`Vincent E. Stratton, Marlton, NJ (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`VES Industries, L.L.C., Marlton, NJ
`(US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the termofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`11/255,654
`
`4,070,006 A *
`1/1978 Storie ....
`ww 2456/1
`
`4,124,196 A *
`11/1978 Hipskind
`ww 2856/1
`4,993,719 A *
`2/1991 Hernandez .......0.. 473/492
`5,875,597 A *
`3/1999 Gingrich et al... $2/239
`5,993,104 A *
`11/1999 Marcotullio et al... 4046
`6,142,701 A *
`11/2000 Falcon oo... eee ere 404/46
`6,575,435 B1*
`6/2003 Kotzen ..
`256/24
`
`6,733,204 B1*
`. 4046
`5/2004 Paniccia
`
`6,807,999 B1* 10/2004 Bowen etal.
`+. 160/24
`
`6,969,185 BI* 11/2005 Adair ou. 362/542
`6/2006 Shannon, Jr... 473/494
`7,059,980 BL*
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`(1)
`
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 21, 2005
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`US 2007/0020044 Al
`
`Jan. 25, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Provisional application No. 60/595,608, filed on Jul.
`19, 2005.
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A47G 5/02
`UWS. Ch. eccccccccececteeneceeeees
`404/6, 160/250; 256/1
`Field of Classification Search .........00.000.. 404/6;
`160/243, 250; 256/1
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`U.S, PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`193,573 A *
`
`7/1877 Tripp cceeccccescesseeeeeees 160/25
`
`
`
`Primary Examiner—Gary S. Hartmann
`(74) Allorney, Agent, or Firm—Rudoler & DeRosa LLC
`
`(37)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A barrier system comprises a first and second upright
`support legs and a laterally extending vision barrier. The
`support legs may include a pair of telescoping leg support
`portions. The laterally extending vision barrier comprises a
`vision barrier screen having slits spaced therein and has at
`least one fastener for facilitating attachment to one of the
`supportlegs. In one form,the first support leg may comprise
`an outer housing and an internal reel. The vision barrier is
`deployed onthe reel.
`
`8 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
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`PRIORART_00000213
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 1
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May15, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 2
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 2
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`May 15, 2007
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`Sheet 2 of 8
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`FIG.2
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000215
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 3
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 3
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`May15, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000216
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 4
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 4
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`

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`May 15, 2007
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`Sheet 4 of 8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 5
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 5
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May 15, 2007
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`Sheet 5 of 8
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`FIG.6
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000218
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 6
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 6
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May15, 2007
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`Sheet 6 of 8
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000219
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 7
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 7
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May15, 2007
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`Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000220
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 8
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 8
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`May15, 2007
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 7,217,061 B2
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`PRIORART_00000221
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 9
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 9
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`2
`In another form of the invention, the vision barrier may
`comprise a first connector and the housing may comprise a
`second connector which cooperates with the first connector
`whereby the vision barrier is kept in a deployed position.
`The vision barrier may comprise a vision barrier screen
`having spacedslits located therein and a reflective material.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF‘THE DRAWINGS
`
`there is
`For the purpose of illustrating the invention,
`shown in the drawings a form of the invention that
`is
`presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this
`invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
`instrumentalities shown.
`FIG.1 is a front view ofa first embodiment ofa barrier
`system in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a rear view of the barrier system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a side view ofthe barrier system of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the barrier system
`taken along lines 4—4 of FIG.3;
`FIG.5 is a front view of second preferred embodiment of
`the barrier system in accordance with the present invention;
`VIG. 6 is a diagramatic view of the barrier system of the
`present invention deployed in a use as a traffic screen;
`FIG.7 is front view of a third preferred embodiment of a
`barrier system in accordance with the present invention;
`FIG.8 is a partial front viewof the barrier system of FIG.
`7 in a deployed position; and
`FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the barrier system
`taken along lines 9—9 of IG. 7.
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`
`
`
`
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`US 7,217,061 B2
`
`1
`BARRIER SYSTEM
`
`
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`
`APPLICATION
`
`This application is based on, and claims priority to
`provisional application having Ser. No. 60/595,608, having
`a filing date of Jul. 19, 2005, and entitled ARN Fence—
`Anti-Rubber Necking Fence.
`
`
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates to barrier systems, and more par-
`ticular to deployable vision barrier systems.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Thereis a long standing, need for the provisionof a vision
`barrier that can separate vehicular or pedestriantraflic from
`an event or condition, especially a distracting event or
`condition, such as a vehicular accident on a highlytrafficked
`
`
`roadway, a distressed vehicle on the roadway, or the sepa-
`
`
`ration of pedestrian traffic. There is a need for such a system
`to shield viewers on onesideof the vision barrier from being
`distracted by the event or condition occurring on the other 5
`side such that vehicular and/or pedestrian speed is main-
`tained andtraflic jams or accidents (caused bythe distrac-
`tion) do not occur.
`There is also a need for such a system to be readily
`deployable at the site and readily returnable to a storage
`position. There is also a need for the barrier to be easily
`storable in an emergency vehicle and easily deployed and
`returnable at the site in an expeditious manner. The barrier
`is intended for repeated use of a temporary or more perma-
`nent nature.
`
`ie)SD
`
`30
`
`35
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`
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A barrier system comprises a first and second upright
`support legs and a laterally extending vision barrier. The
`support legs may include a pair of telescoping leg support
`portions. The laterally extending vision barrier comprises a
`vision barrier screen having slits spaced therein and has at
`least one fastener for facilitiating attachment to one of the
`support legs.
`The vision barrier may further comprise indicia and a
`reflective material. And, a reflector or light may be located
`on a top of at least one of the support legs.
`The support legs may comprise a support base for sup-
`porting the support legs in an upright position. The support
`base may also include at least one caster for increasing the
`mobility of the barrier device.
`‘The device may also include any numberof intermediate
`support leg for providing further support for the laterally
`extending vision barrier.
`In another preferred embodiment, the first support leg
`may comprise an outer housing and an internal reel. The
`vision barrier is deployed on the reel. In one form of this
`embodiment the second support leg has a first connector the
`vision barrier fastener cooperales with the second support
`leg connector to attach the vision barrier to the second
`support leg. ‘lhe first support leg may include a crank for
`rotating the reel for deploying the vision barrier. The crank
`can be a hand crank or motorized. In one form of this
`embodiment the support legs are telescoping comprising
`upper and lower leg portions that telescope with respect to
`an intermediate leg portion.
`
`40
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`45
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`50
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`wnan
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`60
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`65
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`In FIGS. 1-9, there is shown a formofthe invention that
`is presently preferred. In FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated a first
`preferred embodiment of a barrier system 10. The barrier
`system 10 can be used as an accident shicld a distressed
`vehicle shield, a pedestrian traffic shield, an egress/entrance
`shield, or any other type of suitable barrier system.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, the barrier system 10 includes a
`first upright end support leg 12, a second upright end support
`leg 16, and an intermediate upright support leg 14. Spanning
`the upright support legs 12, 14, 16 is a lateral vision barrier
`18, which is attached to the support legs in either a fixed or
`non-fixed manner.
`The first support leg 12 in the preferred embodimenttakes
`the shape of an clongated tabular pole; however, it should be
`understood that many shapes and sizes of supports are
`suitable for supporting the lateral vision barrier 18 in a
`manner that serves the intended purpose of the barrier
`system 10. In the preferred embodiment, the upright support
`legs are telescoping as shownin FIG. 1. ‘This permits each
`leg to be extended by some predefined distance in order to
`adjust the height of the vision barricr 18. Tn one form of the
`invention the support legs extend between 5 to 6 feet and the
`visionbarrier has a height of 4 feet and a length of 20 to 40
`feet.
`Thefirst end support leg 12 includes a lower leg portion
`20, and an upper leg portion 22. The lowerleg portion 20 fits
`into a suitable stand 24, which is designed to provide a
`suitable ballast for the leg and is adaptable to a wide range
`of surfaces that the barrier system is intended to be used on.
`In FIG.1, the telescoping support logs are shown with the
`upper leg 22 telescoping inside the lower support leg 20;
`however, it should be understood that these parts may be
`reversed depending on the application such that the upper
`
`PRIORART_00000222
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 10
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 10
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`leg 22 is the outer tube portion and the lower section 20 is
`the inner tube portion. A reflector or other warning light 26
`may be provided on the top ofthe support leg to aid in the
`visual noticeability of the device. Similarly, support leg can
`be wrappedin a reflective tape 36 or other suitable visual
`warning deviccto also aid in the attractiveness of the device.
`Othertypes of warning devices, such as available andtactile
`devices, are also contemplated.
`Similar to support leg 12 are support legs 14 and 16.
`Support leg 14 has a lower support 30 and an upper support
`32, while support leg 16 has a lower support 40 and an upper
`support 42. In addition, the support leg 16 includes a base 28
`while the support leg 16 includes a base 44. It should be
`understood that base 24, base 28, and base 44 are also
`functionally similar. As indicated above, the weight of the
`support legs are determined such that they can maintain the
`barrier systemin an upright condition when deployed in the
`field, such as a highway.
`Thelateral vision barrier 18 is constructed from a plastic
`n>SD
`or fabric material 48. The preferred material for the vision 2
`barrier screen 48 is nylon. However,it should be understood
`that many strong, weather resistant material are suitable for
`use. A series of slits or openings 50 may be provided in a
`repeated pattern in the vision barrier screen 48 to defuse the
`
`air pressure acting on the screen due to the forces of wind
`
`
`
`andtraffic. In addition, suitable indicia or reflective material
`52 may be provided on the vision barrier screen 48 to serve
`as a warning indicator. The indicia can be a warning or
`message sign or someother type of logo or trademark used
`in connection with the barrier system. Similarly, the reflec-
`tive material can also aid in the visual characteristics of the
`device. The primary purpose ofthe lateral vision barrier 18
`is to prevent people from seeing on the other side of the
`barrier screen. So, any material that can perform this func-
`tion would be suitable for use in this device. In one form, the
`vision barrier 18 when deployed should serve as a vision
`barrier to a vehicular roadway problem frompassing vehicu-
`lar traflic.
`The support legs 12, 14, 16 can be manufactured out of
`any suitably strong yet light weight yet durable material
`such as PVC or the like. Other suitable materials may
`include polyethylene, aluminum, carbonfiber or the like. As
`indicated above in this specification, the support stands 24,
`28, 44 are preferably constructed from a material that is
`sufficiently heavy to support the support legs in an upright
`position while holding the lateral vision barrier 18 in use in
`a field condition while still maintaining an upright position
`when exposed to environmental conditions such as wind,
`rain, snow, or heavy vehicular traflic. In one form of the
`invention the support legs may have a ballast added, such as
`in the base.
`The vision barrier screen 48 is attached to the upright
`support legs 12, 14, 16 by any suitable fastening device. In
`the preferred embodiment, the vision barrier screen 48 is
`attached to the support legs by use of hook and loop fastener
`straps 54 and 56.
`Turning nowto FIG.2, the rear view ofthe barrier system
`10, the attachment of the lateral vision barrier 18 to the
`support legs is more clearly shown. In the embodiment
`shown,the lateral vision barrier 18 is fixedly attached to the
`first support leg 12. However, non-fixed means ofattach-
`ment are also within the scope of the invention. An upper
`hook and loop fastener 54 and a lower hook and loop
`fastener 56 are provided on the opposite end of the vision
`barrier 18 for connecting to the second support leg 16.
`Intermediate support leg 14 can be attached to one of the
`intermediate hook and loop fusteners 54/56 spaced along the
`
`45
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`wnan
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`4
`vision barrier 18. Cooperating hook and loop fasterners are
`also provided on the support poles to interact with fasteners
`54, 56. Depending uponthe length and material ofthe vision
`barrier 18, any number of intermediate support leg 14 can be
`provided to provide suitable support to the lateral vision
`barricr 18 in usc in the field. The number of intermediate
`support legs required depends on manyvariable such as
`length of the visions, weather conditions, field conditions,
`and the like.
`In the embodiment shownin FIG.2, a single intermediate
`support leg 14 is depicted, however, any number of inter-
`mediate supports could be used. An additional hook and loop
`fastencr 54 and 56 may be provided along the length of the
`vision barrier 18. For example, a pair of hook and loop
`fasteners 54, 56 are provided in between the support leg 14
`and the support leg 16 on the vision barrier to accommodate
`an additional support leg. It is contemplated that any number
`of these intermediate hook and loop fasteners can be pro-
`vided along the length of the vision barrier depending on the
`various needs of the device. Although the preferred form of
`the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, anysuitable fastener
`maybe used with the device such as, tie wraps, releasable
`adhesive connections, and the like.
`Turning nowto FIGS. 3 and 4, the telescoping mechanism
`ofthe current invention is depicted. As best seen in FIG.4,
`the barrier system 10 includes a detent stop mechanism 60
`attached to one of the tubular supports of the support legs.
`In the embodiment shown, the detent 60 includes a pair of
`springs or biasing means, suchas the leaf springs shown, 68
`with one end ofthe leaf spring allached to the inner wall of
`the tubular support and the other end of the leaf spring
`attached to a roundedprotrusion 66. The round protrusion 66
`is sized and shaped suchthat it can extend through a pair of
`holes, 61 and 62 formed in the lower and upper tubular
`supports 40, 42 respectively. The leaf springs 68 bias the
`rounded protrusions 66 outwardly through the opening 61,
`62 such that the telescoping tubular supports 40, 42 are
`locked into position. In use, a user presses inwardly upon the
`rounded protrusion 66 against the force of the biasing spring
`68. Whenthe protrusions are pressed inwardly suchthatits
`outer most end of the protrusion is within the inner wall of
`the outer support leg 40, the support legs 40 and 42 can be
`moved relative to each other until the additional hole 64
`formed in the outer support leg 40 is aligned with the hole
`61 in the support leg 42. At this point, the rounded protru-
`sions are forced outwardly bythe force of the biasing spring
`68 thereby locking the telescoping support legs into a second
`extended position. Of course, any suitable stop mechanism
`can be used to lock the support legs into various extended
`positions as it well known to those skilled in the art. The
`spacing of the holes 61 and 61 correspond to a compact
`storage portion and an extended use position of the support
`leg. It should also be understood that the support leg can be
`used in the field in the compact position depending upon
`filed conditions and user needs. The invention also contem-
`plates the inclusion of additional position openings or less
`position openings if desired.
`the barrier system 10 of the
`Turing now to FIG. 6,
`present invention is shown in use in a highwayroad con-
`dition. FIG. 6 depicts an accident 70 having occurred on the
`side of the road between a car 72 and a second car 74. The
`support barrier system 10 can be extended so as to cover the
`entire portion of the accident 70 such as shown in FIG. 6.
`This would visually block the accident from vehicles 82, 84,
`
`
`and 86 traveling along the roadway 80 and would serve to
`
`
`prevent unnecessary delays andtraffic jams caused by the
`traffic accident 70. In use, the support legs could be stored
`
`PRIORART_00000223
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 11
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 11
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`in the trunk of an emergency vehicle such as a police
`vehicle, fire truck, or other emergency vehicle. The vision
`barrier 18 can then be woundaround one ofthe supports or
`otherwise placed inside the trunk of the vehicle. Whenit is
`time to use the barrier system 10, the support legs are spaced
`along the ground in such a mannerto adequately support the
`lateral vision barrier 18, depending upon field conditions,
`whenthe barrier is unfurled or deployed alongthe side of the
`road to visually block whatever needs to be blocked. Once
`the support legs are placed in approximately their desired
`position, the lateral vision barrier 18 can then be attached to
`each of the support legs in turn to form the assembledbarrier
`system 10. Optionally, the telescoping support legs can be
`extended to increase the height of the barrier systemin its
`operative condition to adjust the visual screen function as
`needed.
`InFIG,5 there is depicted a second preferred embodiment
`of the present invention wherein like reference numerical
`indicate like elements. The barrier system 110 is similar to
`n>SD
`the barricr system 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 with the 2
`exception that the barrier system 110 includes a mobile base
`124that facilitates positioning of the support legs 12, 14, 16.
`The mobile base 124 includesa collar 126 for connecting to
`the lower portion of the support leg. A plurality of extension
`arms 128 extend in a spaced condition from the collar
`connection 126. Attached to the end of each extension arm
`128 are lockable casters or wheels 130 to facilitate move-
`ment of the support leg. It should be understood that many
`variations of the mobile base are contemplated and fall
`within the scope of the invention.
`Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, there is showna third pre-
`ferred embodiment ofthe barrier system 210 in which like
`reference numerals indicate like structural components. The
`barrier system 210 is similar to barrier systems 10 and 110
`with the exceptions noted below. As best seen in FIG. 7, the
`barrier system 210 includesa first end support leg 212 and
`a second end support leg 214. The first end support leg 212
`houses a lateral vision barrier 218 which can be retracted
`from the support
`leg 212 through an opening 270 and
`connected to the second end support leg 214 as will be
`described in greater detail below.
`Thefirst end support leg 212 includes a base 224 which
`can be either stationary or mobile as depictedin the previous
`two embodiments. The base 224 is attached to a lower
`supportleg portion 220 whichis telescopingly attached to an
`intermediate support leg portion 222 whichis telescopingly
`attached to an upper support leg portion 229 (shownin FIG.
`8). An upper end plate 226 is attached to the upper support
`leg portion 229. A handle of 228 may be provided on the
`barrier systemto facilitate carrying of the support leg by a
`user. A crank handle 296 mayalso be provided in connection
`with a hub rod 294 for retracting and deploying the lateral
`vision barrier to 218 as will be described in detail below. It
`should be understood that the support leg and have more or
`less telescoping portion depending upon the user’s needs. In
`addition the invention also contemplates a support leg that is
`not
`telescoping and having no telescoping sections for
`simplified deployment.
`leg 214 includes a base 224
`The second end support
`connected to an upright support leg 236. The second support
`leg 214 canbetelescoping like the first support leg 212. A
`channel 238 is provided to the length of the support leg 236
`for attachment to a cooperating connection 240 at the end of
`the lateral vision barrier of 218. It should be understood, the
`support base may be stationary or mobile as described
`previously and it is contemplated that the support leg 214
`can have a suitable weight and dimension to maintain itself
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`in an upright position whenin use in the field. The invention
`also contemplates that the support legs 212 and 214 can have
`anysuitable shape, not just cylindrical.
`‘The lateral vision barrier 218 is construction from a
`barrier screen 248 is similar to the vision barriers 48
`described in connection with the first embodiment. Open-
`ings or slits 250 maybe provided along the barrier screen
`248 to diffuse wind andthe light as described in connection
`with the first embodiment. Also various reflective material
`236 may also be provided along the barrier screen 248 to
`facilitate the visual attractiveness of the device. Indicia may
`also be provided on the screen 248 as described inthe first
`embodiment.
`Thefirst support leg 212 can be provided with a elongated
`connection 290 having a connection channel 292 similar to
`thal provided in the second support leg 214. This optional
`channel 290 allows multiple support legs 212 to be used
`together to create a barrier system of whatever thickness,
`whatever length is desired. or example these legs 212 can
`be connected together using the connection 290 and one Icg
`214 at the end of the run.
`Turning now to FIG.8, the barrier system 210 is shown
`withthefirst end support leg in an extended position. In FIG.
`7, the first end support leg 212 is shown in the more compact
`or storage position. The extension mechanism for extending
`the support leg 212 is similar to the extension mechanism
`described in connection with the first embodiment. The
`lower support leg portion 220 and the upper support leg
`portion 229 telescope within the outer intermediate support
`leg portion 222. It should be understood that the support leg
`212 can be formed such that the intermediate support leg,
`portion 222 telescopes within the upper and lower support
`leg portions 220, 229. Naturally, in such a configuration the
`diameters of the upper and lower support leg portions would
`haveto be larger than the intermediate support leg portion.
`The intermediate support leg portion 222 is provided with
`a pair of lower openings 230 and 231 and a pair of upper
`openings 233 and 232. The location of these openings
`represent an extended and a compact position respectively
`for the upper and lower support leg portions.
`It should. be understood that the upper and lower leg
`portions can be extended independently depending upon the
`user’s needs. As described in greater detail below, extending
`the upper leg portion increases the height of the screen,
`while extending the lowerleg portion extends the screen off
`the ground thereby raising the screen. As best seen in FIG.
`9, a bias detent mechanism 260 is provided similar to that
`described. in connection with the first embodiment. Since
`there are two telescoping leg portions, a pair of these biased
`detent mechanismsare provided for each leg portion. Coop-
`erating openings 235 are provided in the upper 229 and
`lower 220 support leg portionsfor the detent to pass through.
`Whenthe barrier system 210 is deployed in the field, the
`crank handle 296 may be replaced with a reflector or light
`227 to provide a more noticeable appearance for the farrier
`system 10. An opening 270 is provided along the length of
`the first end support leg 212 and is formed in the upper,
`lower and intermediate support legs. This channel opening
`270 permits the lateral vision barrier 218 to be dispensed
`from the housing form by the first support
`leg 212 for
`deploymentorretracting.
`A reel 271 is provided inside the first end support leg
`housing 212. The reel 270 comprises an elongated rod 294
`that extends through the top of the end cap 226 and provides
`an attachment means for cooperating with the crank handle
`296 and also a meansfor attaching the reflector 226. A collar
`268 is formed aroundthe central portion of the rod 294. The
`
`PRIORART_00000224
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 12
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 12
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`

`US 7,217,061 B2
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`7
`collar 268 attaches the rod 294to a tubular reel support 264
`that extends the length of the first end support leg 212. An
`annular bearing 266 extends from the end cap 226 and
`another annular bearing 262 extends trom the bottom end
`cap 224. The bearings 262 and 266 permit the support reel
`264 to rotate on the bearings to form the reel mechanism.
`Thelateral vision barrier 218 is wrapped around the support
`reel 264 such that when the reel 271 is rotated by means of
`the crank handle 296 through the rod 294, the vision barrier
`screen can be retracted and deployed through the opening
`270.
`In FIG. 9, the vision barrier screen 248 is shown in a
`compressed condition since the first ond support leg 212 is
`shown in the compacted or storage position. However, it
`should be understood that when the support leg is extended,
`the vision barrier screen material 248 will also be extended
`to a more taut condition and increasing the height of the
`screen 248. It should also be understood that either of the
`telescoping extension support
`legs 229 and 220 can be
`n>SD
`extended and retracted independently, depending upon the 2
`field use conditions of the vision barrier system 210.
`The present invention may be embodied in other specific
`forms without departing from thespirit or essential attributes
`thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the
`appendedclaims, rather than to the foregoing specification,
`as indicating the scope of the invention.
`Whatis claimed:
`1. A barrier system comprising:
`an upright telescoping support leg, the support leg com-
`prising a support base, an outer housing extending from
`the support base, the outer housing comprising a lower
`leg portion extending from the support base, an inter-
`mediate leg portion telescopingly extending from the
`lowerleg portion, and an upperleg portion in telescop-
`ing extending from the intermediate leg portion,
`whereby the support leg is extendible between a first
`compact position and a second extended position;
`
`Nva
`
`30
`
`8
`an internaltelescoping reel located inside the housing and
`extending upwardly from and rotatably mounted to the
`support base;
`an opening located in a wall of the housing formed by the
`lower, intermediate, and upper leg portions, the reel
`being extendible between a first compact position and
`a second extended position; and
`a laterally extending vision barrier disposed on the reel
`suchthat whenthereel is rotated the barrier is deployed
`through the opening.
`2. ‘the barrier system of claim1, further comprising a lock
`for locking the support leg into the first and second posi-
`tions.
`3. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the vision
`barrier comprises a first connector and the housing com-
`prises a second connector which cooperates with the first
`connector whereby the vision barrier is kept in a deployed
`position.
`4. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the vision
`barrier comprises a vision barrier screen having spacedslits
`located therein.
`5. The barrier system of claim 4, wherein the vision
`barriers comprises a reflective material.
`6. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the outer
`housing further comprises a handle for facilitating move-
`ment of the barrier system.
`7. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the ree! further
`comprises a crank connected to an endofthe reel.
`8. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the reel further
`comprises a lower reel portion extending from the support
`base, an intermediate portion telescopingly extending from
`the lower reel portion, and an upper reel portion telescop-
`ingly extending from the intermediate reel portion, whereby
`the reel is extendible between a first compact position and a
`second extended position.
`R
`*
`
`x
`
`*
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`*
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`PRIORART_00000225
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 13
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1038
`Page 13
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