Abstract: A curtain assembly (10) to cover and protect an opening in a structure, such as a window (11), includes side rails (14) which extend between a header (12) and a sill (13). A roller (19) is positioned in the header (12) and carries a fabric curtain (15). Tabs (20) extend outwardly from the lateral edges (18) of the curtain (15), and at least some of the tabs (20) carry at least one retention member (21, 22 or 23). Tabs (15) and the retention members (21, 22 or 23) are received in a compartment (39) in the side rails (14). Flap walls (40, 52) form a portion of the compartments (39) and are spaced from each other. The curtain (15) can extend through the space (56) but the retention members (21, 22 or 23) cannot. As a result, upon impact against the curtain, the retention members (21, 22 or 23) engage the flap walls (40, 52) which engage the curtain (15) and the curtain (15) is maintained in the side rails (14).

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A system is provided to adjust the orientation of the axis of a roll which carries a fabric storm curtain used to protect an opening in a structure. The system includes a bracket positioned at each end of the roll and a plate which is received in a recess in each bracket. The plate includes a hub which carries the roll and which has an axis aligned with the axis of rotation of the roll. The hub is positioned off center of the plate so that dependent on the orientation of plate relative to the recess, different orientations of the axis of the roll are provided.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching an accessory, such as a light, to a partition frame is disclosed. In one form, the adapter includes two opposed brackets. Each bracket has a base, a side wall extending downwardly from the base, a flange extending inwardly from the side wall, and a wall extending upwardly from the base. The brackets may be installed to the partition frame by inserting the flange of each bracket in a slot in the side of the partition frame. When the brackets are installed to the partition frame, a post structure including the upright walls is formed. The post structure is used for attaching the accessory. In another form, the adapter includes a post and a support member. The support member may mounted to the partition frame or to a mounting bracket attached to the partition frame. The post may be used for attaching the accessory.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A frame assembly may be secured within an opening in a structure and is adapted to carry a window assembly therein. The frame assembly may include a pair of spaced vertical rails and a top rail secured to a top end of the vertical rails. A bottom rail may be secured to a bottom end of the vertical rails and the window assembly is removable without damaging the underlying structure.

Abstract: A storm curtain assembly (10) includes a header (11) and side rails (13) extending downwardly from each end of the header (11). A roll (15) is positioned in the header (11) and carries a fabric curtain (14) which has one end attached to the roll (15). A bar (16) is attached to the other end of the fabric curtain (14). A track (20) is formed on each side rail (13), and the edges of the fabric curtain (14) are normally received in the tracks (20). One of the walls (18) which forms the track (20) terminates at an upper edge (21) which is spaced from the header (11) so that if an edge of the fabric curtain (14) is displaced from the track (20), the displaced edge will be allowed to be received in the track (20) as the fabric curtain (14) is being received on the roll (15).

Abstract: An assembly for covering a building opening that provides a shaft positioned at one end of the building opening, a curtain carried by the shaft, and a locking mechanism at the opposed end of the building opening from the shaft that selectively holds the curtain in a locked position to cover the building opening. The assembly also includes an input for selectively rotating the shaft, and a linking assembly adapted to transfer the input to the shaft to selectively rotate the shaft, wherein the linking assembly includes a failsafe portion designed to fail upon a predetermined impact force on the curtain. An operator is also provided to allow controllable movement of the curtain between the various positions.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly. The framework includes at least two vertical posts and at least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnecting the vertical posts. Connectors secure the beams to the posts, such that the partition system can be assembled and disassembled manually. The partition system may include utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein to provide power and/or communication to the system. The utility troughs have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted to the posts.

Abstract: A knock-down partition panel frame includes a pair of spaced apart generally upright posts, each having at least one receptacle defining a tapered surface. The partition panel frame further includes at least one generally horizontal member extending between and interconnecting the posts. The horizontal member includes fastenerless connectors at opposite ends thereof, each having at least one connecting element engaging with the tapered surface to thereby securely interconnect the posts and the horizontal member to define a rigid partition frame having an interior space. A cover panel is secured to the partition frame, and closes off at least a portion of the interior space.

Abstract: A window assembly for installation across at least a portion of an opening through a partition frame. The window assembly includes a sheet of light-transmitting material defining opposite edges. Side members are disposed on the opposite side edges, and telescope relative to one another. At least one of the side members includes a connector for securing the window assembly to the partition frame. The connector engages the partition frame upon telescoping of the side members to secure the window to the partition frame.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a storage unit defining a front opening, and a closure member configured to cover the front opening. The closure member is attached to the storage unit for movement between open, intermediate and closed positions. The storage apparatus further includes a dampening element operably coupled to the closure member and the storage unit. The dampening element provides enhanced resistance to the movement of the closure member during a final phase of the opening and closing movements of the closure member while not providing enhanced resistance during an initial phase of the opening and closing movements.

Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.

Abstract: A partition includes at least two vertical posts with upper and lower beams having opposite ends thereof interconnecting the vertical posts to define when in an assembled condition, a rigid panel frame having a substantially open interior. The panel frame defines a vertical dimension. At least one cover panel is configured to enclose at least a portion of the open interior of the panel frame, and is removably mounted on the panel frame to readily access the open interior thereof. The cover panel defines an interior surface and a center portion spaced-apart from the posts. A cover panel brace is connected with the upper beam, and has an outer surface abutting the interior surface of the cover panel to support the cover panel adjacent the center portion to prevent flexing of the cover panel. The cover panel brace is longitudinally extensible to accommodate variations of the vertical dimension between the upper and lower beams.

Abstract: A wall start panel for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of panels, each having standard width posts interconnected by structural members in a spaced-apart relationship to define a standard panel width. The wall start panel includes at least one structural member and a standard width post having a unitary construction and including a connection port. The standard width post also has opposite side faces defining a standard post width therebetween. The wall start panel further includes a wall start post having a connection port and having opposite side faces defining a width therebetween substantially less than the standard post width. The structural member spans between and releasably interconnects the standard width and wall start posts in a spaced-apart relationship. The wall start panel has a substantially standard panel width, such that the wall start post can be secured to an existing wall without use of a trim piece to close off the wall start panel.

Abstract: A panel frame member defines an inner surface and has a sidewall with a row of slots therethrough for receiving support hooks of hang-on accessory units. The panel frame member includes a flexible light seal having a base portion fixed to the inner surface adjacent at least one of the slots. The light seal includes a flap connected to the base portion and extending over the slot to block light passage through the slot. The flap flexes inwardly upon insertion of a support hook to permit installation of a hang-on accessory unit.

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition including a panel frame having a central portion. At least one cover panel covers at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removable of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts each having an upper end, a lower end and opposite faces with at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the same adjacent the connection ports. Movable lock members having a flexible extension are positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports, and are movably mounted thereon for shifting between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A knock-down transparent module includes a module frame with a pair of vertical side frame members, each having an upper end and a lower end. Upper and lower horizontal frame members have opposite ends and extend generally horizontally between the vertical side frame members adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof and interconnect the same adjacent the upper and lower ends to define a central opening through the module frame. A transparent sheet is secured to the module frame and extends across the central opening. The module frame defines outer faces having at least one hook shaped to engage an opening in a partition frame member, thereby permitting the module frame to be removably supported within a partition.