Sneeze guard

Abstract

There are disclosed various embodiments of sneeze guards. In an embodiment, there is provided a guard assembly including a pane, a frame surrounding the pane, and a pair of support legs in adjustable connection with the guard assembly. The upper portion of each one of the support legs is adjustably attached to the guard assembly. In one embodiment, each support leg includes a height adjustment mechanism. In another embodiment, there is provided a method of using a sneeze guard. The method includes adjusting a pair of support legs in adjustable connection with a guard assembly from closed position with each of the legs disposed substantially parallel with the guard assembly to an opened position with each of the legs disposed substantially perpendicular with the guard assembly. In an embodiment, the method also includes adjusting a height adjustment mechanism to selectively adjust a length of the support leg.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This patent application claims the benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 850,940, filed Oct. 11, 2006, by Sydney W. Baumgartner for SNEEZE GUARD, which patent application is hereby incorporated herein.BACKGROUND [0002] Sneeze guards are typically used in conjunction with food buffets and the like found in banquet halls, convention centers, country clubs, night clubs, restaurants and other institutions. [0003] Compliance with food service health and safety codes requires a barrier or shield between a customer and the food served by a restaurant or other food service institution. In order to comply with such codes, a variety of sneeze guards currently exist. However, these sneeze guards generally have several problems. [0004] First, efficient utilization of floor space often requires set up and tear down of food buffets and similar other food serving areas on a frequent basis. Conventional barriers pose several problems in this ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, these sneeze guards generally have several problems.

First, efficient utilization of floor space often requires set up and tear down of food buffets and similar other food serving areas on a frequent basis.

Conventional barriers pose several problems in this regard.

Foremost, it is difficult for a single person to efficiently set up or tear down a conventional serving line comprising several sneeze guards.

Most prior sneeze guards have been rigid, cumbersome devices, sometimes with lights and / or a counter attached.

Also, as a result of being cumbersome, prior art sneeze guards have been prone to being scratched and broken as they are carried from a storage area to a serving line.

The typical guards for a large establishment can also require extensive and valuable storage space, as they are not foldable or stackable.

Furthermore, many guards are, constructed such that the barrier shield may not readily be removed for cleaning or replacement thereof.

Sneeze guards are typically deficient in terms of portability, durability, efficiency, and attractiveness.

Another disadvantage of prior sneeze guards is the requirement for frontal support elements that can interfere with access to food by patrons or by personnel who continually restock the food items of a buffet.

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