US20220330669A1 - Social Distancing Apparatus - Google Patents

The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19 was six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

• Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a device to ensure proper social distancing.

Description of the Related Art

• In early 2020, COVID-19, oftentimes referred to as coronavirus, began to ravage the globe. As the virus spread, countries all over the globe struggled to contain the virus. Despite their best efforts, the virus continued to spread.

• One front for combating the virus was developing a vaccine, but a vaccine would be months away. In the meantime, governments all over the globe encouraged its citizens to wear masks to cover both the mouth and nose. The hope of using a mask was to minimize the likelihood of an individual carrying COVID-19 to spread the virus to others through breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing, etc.

• Scientists believed that the virus spread through the air when an individual with COVID-19 exhaled, coughed, sneezed, or even spoke. However, scientists believed that if people around the globe practiced social distancing, the spread of the virus could be reduced. Many governments, including the United States of America, provided guidelines to its citizens to socially distance from others. This distance, referred to as the recommended social distance, was set at a minimum of six feet distance for COVID-19. It is to be understood that the recommended social distance could change based upon guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The recommended social distance was not just between people, but also between desks, workstations, stickers on the floor indicating where to stand, etc. It was believed that the recommend social distance, coupled with the use of a mask, would help reduce the spread of the virus. Additionally, in situations where wearing a mask was not possible, it was believed that maintaining the recommended social distance of at least six feet would permit some forms of gathering such as shopping for food, waiting in an emergency room, etc.

• Naturally, people tried to ensure the recommended social distance was maintained. In some cases, people just “eyeballed” or estimated the recommended social distance. Others got a little more creative and used items such as pool noodles. Pool noodles, unfortunately, are quite flexible yet bulky. Additionally, carrying a pool noodle everywhere, even when no swimming location is anywhere nearby, is not the most desired option.

• Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device to ensure the recommended social distancing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

• The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the proper recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19, was initially set to six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

• In one embodiment, a social distancing device comprises: a handle portion, wherein the handle portion includes four indentations, a first end and a second end; a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a circular element having a first tip portion end and a second tip portion end; and a middle portion coupled between the tip portion and the handle portion, wherein the middle portion comprises a plurality of pieces coupled together such that each piece has a different diameter, wherein the plurality of pieces are movable to extend to lengthen the middle portion and retract to shorten the middle portion, wherein each piece extends from a first position where more than fifty percent of a respective piece is contained within an adjacent piece and a second position where less than fifty percent of the respective piece is contained within the adjacent piece, wherein the social distance device has a length of exactly a recommended social distance from the first end to the first tip portion end when the middle portion is fully extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

• FIGS. 1A and 1B

  are schematic side views of a fully retracted social distancing device.

• FIG. 2

  is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device of

  FIG. 1A

  viewed from the tip.

• FIG. 3

  is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device of

  FIG. 1A

  viewed from the handle.

• FIG. 4

  is a schematic illustration of the fully extended social distancing device of

  FIG. 1A

  .

• FIG. 5

  is a schematic illustration of two individuals not socially distanced.

• FIG. 6

  is a schematic illustration of the two individuals of

  FIG. 5

  socially distanced using the social distance device of

  FIG. 1A

  .

• To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

• The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19 was originally six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

• FIGS. 1A and 1B

  are a schematic side view of a fully retracted

  social distancing device

  100.

  FIG. 2

  is a schematic illustration of the

  social distancing device

  100 of

  FIG. 1A

  viewed from the tip.

  FIG. 3

  is a schematic illustration of the

  social distancing device

  100 of

  FIG. 1A

  viewed from the handle.

  FIG. 4

  is a schematic illustration of the fully extended

  social distancing device

  100 of

  FIG. 1A

  . The

  device

  100 includes a

  handle portion

  102, a

  tip portion

  104, and a

  middle portion

  106.

• It is to be understood that the recommended social distance at the time of COVID-19 was set at six feet. The recommended social distance can change based upon recommendations from the CDC. For example, the CDC could change the recommended social distance from six feet to three feet for COVID-19. Alternatively, for different scenarios, the recommended social distance can change. Hence, unless specifically claimed at six feet, the recommended social distance is understood to not be limited to six feet.

• In the embodiment shown and discussed, the recommended social distance is six feet, which was the recommended social distance at the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic. For changes in the recommended social distance by the CDC, it is to be understood that the length measurements disclosed herein will proportionally be adjusted.

• The

  handle portion

  102 has a

  length

  108 of between about 4 inches and about 4.25 inches, and a width or

  diameter

  110 of between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches. The

  handle portion

  102 includes a plurality of

  indentations

  112, one for each finger when held in a handle. Each

  indentation

  112 has a

  length

  114 of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. The

  handle portion

  102 includes an

  outer shell

  116 into which each

  indentation

  112 is disposed. Each

  indentation

  112 has a

  depth

  118 of between about 0.1 inch and about 0.2 inches from the

  outer edge

  120 of the

  outer shell

  116. The

  indentations

  112 are exposed portions of an inner shell of the

  handle portion

  102. The inner shell may comprise colorful foam. In one embodiment, the

  outer shell

  116 comprises black foam. In another embodiment, the

  outer shell

  116 comprises colorless foam. In another embodiment, the

  outer shell

  116 comprises plastic. The

  first end

  122 of the

  handle portion

  102 and the

  second end

  124 of the

  handle portion

  102 have rounded or

  beveled edges

  126 connecting the

  outer edge

  120 to the

  first end

  122 and

  second end

  124.

• The

  handle portion

  102 includes a

  lanyard attachment mechanism

  128 having a

  stem portion

  130 and a

  ring portion

  132. The

  stem portion

  130 extends a

  distance

  134 of between about 0.05 inches and about 0.1 inch from the

  first end

  122. The

  ring portion

  132 has an

  outer diameter

  136 of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. The

  lanyard attachment mechanism

  128 comprises a metal, such as steel and/or aluminum, but it is to be understood that the

  lanyard attachment mechanism

  128 may comprise plastic.

• The

  lanyard attachment mechanism

  128 is utilized to attach a

  lanyard

  138 thereto. The

  lanyard

  138 attaches to the ring portion 132.The

  lanyard

  138 includes a string or

  cord portion

  140 and a

  tightening mechanism

  142. In one embodiment, the string or

  cord portion

  140 comprises fabric. It is contemplated that the string or

  cord portion

  140 could comprise other materials such as plastic or cotton. The

  tightening mechanism

  142 comprises fabric and string, but it is understood that the

  tightening mechanism

  142 may comprise other materials such as leather.

• The

  tip portion

  104 includes a spherical or rounded or globe

  circular element

  144 having a

  diameter

  146 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The

  tip portion

  104 is coupled to the

  middle portion

  106 at an

  end

  148 of the

  element

  144 that is opposite the

  end

  150 at the tip of the

  tip portion

  104. Suitable materials for the

  element

  144 include metal, plastic, or foam.

• The

  middle portion

  106 includes a plurality of

  pieces

  402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414. The

  pieces

  402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 comprise metal or plastic. The

  first piece

  402 has a

  diameter

  152 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches and a

  length

  416 of between about 5.75 inches and about 6 inches. The

  first piece

  402 is fixedly attached to the

  second end

  124 of the

  handle portion

  102. A

  second piece

  404 has a

  diameter

  154 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The

  second piece

  404 is movably attached to the

  first piece

  402 such that the

  second piece

  404 is extendable from the

  first piece

  402. More specifically, the

  second piece

  404 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  second piece

  404 is contained within or surrounded by the

  first piece

  402 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  second piece

  404 is surrounded by or contained within the

  first piece

  402. Once extended, the

  second piece

  404 has a

  length

  418 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes a

  third piece

  406 having a

  diameter

  156 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The

  third piece

  406 is movably attached to the

  second piece

  404 such that the

  third piece

  406 is extendable from the

  second piece

  404. More specifically, the

  third piece

  406 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  third piece

  406 is contained within or surrounded by the

  second piece

  404 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  third piece

  406 is surrounded by or contained within the

  second piece

  404. Once extended, the

  third piece

  406 has a

  length

  420 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes a

  fourth piece

  408 having a

  diameter

  158 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The

  fourth piece

  408 is movably attached to the

  third piece

  406 such that the

  fourth piece

  408 is extendable from the

  third piece

  406. More specifically, the

  fourth piece

  408 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  fourth piece

  408 is contained within or surrounded by the

  third piece

  406 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  fourth piece

  408 is surrounded by or contained within the

  third piece

  406. Once extended, the

  fourth piece

  408 has a

  length

  422 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes a

  fifth piece

  410 having a

  diameter

  160 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The

  fifth piece

  410 is movably attached to the

  fourth piece

  408 such that the

  fifth piece

  410 is extendable from the

  fourth piece

  408. More specifically, the

  fifth piece

  410 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  fifth piece

  410 is contained within or surrounded by the

  fourth piece

  408 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  fifth piece

  410 is surrounded by or contained within the

  fourth piece

  408. Once extended, the

  fifth piece

  410 has a

  length

  424 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes a

  sixth piece

  412 having a

  diameter

  162 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The

  sixth piece

  412 is movably attached to the

  fifth piece

  410 such that the

  sixth piece

  412 is extendable from the

  fifth piece

  410. More specifically, the

  sixth piece

  412 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  sixth piece

  412 is contained within or surrounded by the

  fifth piece

  410 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  sixth piece

  412 is surrounded by or contained within the

  fifth piece

  410. Once extended, the

  sixth piece

  412 has a

  length

  426 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes a

  seventh piece

  414 having a

  diameter

  164 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The

  seventh piece

  414 is movably attached to the

  sixth piece

  412 such that the

  seventh piece

  414 is extendable from the

  sixth piece

  412. More specifically, the

  seventh piece

  414 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the

  seventh piece

  414 is contained within or surrounded by the

  sixth piece

  412 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the

  seventh piece

  414 is surrounded by or contained within the

  sixth piece

  412. Once extended, the

  seventh piece

  414 has a

  length

  428 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

• The

  middle portion

  106 also includes an

  end stem

  166 having a

  diameter

  168 of between about 0.2 inches and about 0.4 inches and a

  length

  170 of between about 8 inches and about 8.5 inches. The end stem 166 couples the

  seventh piece

  414 of the

  middle portion

  106 to the

  end

  148 of the

  element

  144 of the

  tip portion

  104.

• Once the

  middle pieces

  402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 have been extended, the

  device

  100 has a length of exactly the recommended social distance as measured from the

  first end

  122 of the

  handle portion

  102 to the

  end

  150 of the tip portion. When retracted, the

  device

  100 has a length of less than the recommended social distance.

  FIG. 5

  is a schematic illustration of two

  individuals

  502, 504 not socially distanced. As shown in

  FIG. 5

  , the

  device

  100 is in the hand of one

  individual

  502, and not extended. The

  individuals

  502, 504 are separated by a

  distance

  506 that is less than the recommended social distance.

  FIG. 6

  is a schematic illustration of the two

  individuals

  502, 504 of

  FIG. 5

  socially distanced using the

  social distancing device

  100 of

  FIG. 1A

  . As shown in

  FIG. 6

  , the

  device

  100 is fully extended and thus, the two

  individuals

  502, 504 are properly socially distanced by a

  distance

  508 of at least the recommended social distance.

• In one embodiment, a social distancing device comprises: a handle portion, wherein the handle portion includes four indentations, a first end and a second end; a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a circular element having a first tip portion end and a second tip portion end; and a middle portion coupled between the tip portion and the handle portion, wherein the middle portion comprises a plurality of pieces coupled together such that each piece has a different diameter, wherein the plurality of pieces are movable to extend to lengthen the middle portion and retract to shorten the middle portion, wherein each piece extends from a first position where more than fifty percent of a respective piece is contained within an adjacent piece and a second position where less than fifty percent of the respective piece is contained within the adjacent piece, wherein the social distance device has a length of exactly a recommended social distance from the first end to the first tip portion end when the middle portion is fully extended. Each indentation extends a distance of between about 0.1 inch and about 0.2 inches into the handle portion from an outer shell and wherein each indentation has a length of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. The device further comprises: a lanyard attachment mechanism coupled to the first end, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises a stem portion and a ring portion; and a lanyard coupled to the lanyard attachment mechanism. The outer shell comprises black foam, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises steel and/or aluminum, and wherein the lanyard comprises fabric. The handle portion has a length of between about 4 inches and about 4.25 inches, wherein the handle portion has a width of between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches. The circular element has a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The circular element comprises metal, plastic, or foam. The middle portion comprises a first piece fixedly attached to the second end of the handle portion, and wherein the first piece has a length of between about 5.75 inches and about 6 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The plurality of pieces comprises a second piece coupled to the first piece, and wherein the second piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a third piece coupled to the second piece, and wherein the third piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a fourth piece coupled to the third piece, and wherein the fourth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a fifth piece coupled to the fourth piece, and wherein the fifth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a sixth piece coupled to the fifth piece, and wherein the sixth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a seventh piece coupled to the sixth piece, wherein the seventh piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended, and wherein the seventh piece is coupled to the tip portion. The plurality of pieces comprise metal or plastic.

• By using the social distancing device disclosed herein, a user is able to accurately measure the distance between themselves and another person. By having an accurate measurement of the recommended social distance, the user can move to a proper social distance and/or encourage an adjacent person to move to a proper social distance thereby reducing the likelihood of spreading a virus.

• While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.