Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for directionally controlling a movable partition are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling lateral displacement of a movable partition includes a bracket, a roller assembly, a first attachment bracket, and a second attachment bracket. The roller assembly is coupled to the bracket and includes a roller element. The first attachment bracket attaches to a first panel of the movable partition and is configured for hinged coupling to a first side of the bracket such that a first pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the first panel. The second attachment bracket attaches to a second panel of the movable partition and is configured hinged coupling to a second side of the bracket such that a second pivot line substantially coincides with a centerline of the second panel.

Abstract: Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member.

Abstract: A retractable cellular shade is illustrated in various embodiments to consist of a support structure that could assume numerous forms including cellular material, flexible sheets of material, tapes or ribbons, or flexible monofilaments or similar cords of natural or synthetic fibers with the support structure supporting a plurality of vanes or slats in various configurations and orientations. The movement of the vanes or slats is totally dependent upon movement of the support structure. The fabric so formed can be incorporated into a covering for architectural openings with the covering including a headrail with means for gathering the fabric material within the headrail.

Abstract: Partition systems comprise a track and at least one partition configured to hang from and move along the track. A control box configured to contain at least a power supply for supplying power to a drive system, a floating jamb, and a trolley configured to attach to the floating jamb and rollingly engage with the track are also included. The trolley comprises at least one frame member comprising a jamb attachment portion configured to attach to the floating jamb, a distance from the jamb attachment portion to a rearmost surface of the at least one frame member opposite an end of the at least one frame member configured to face the at least one partition being less than or equal to a thickness of the control box in a direction at least substantially parallel to a direction of movement of the trolley. At least one support roller is attached to the at least one frame member and configured to engage with the track.

Abstract: Movable partitions and systems are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having sheets of folding panels. In one embodiment, the movable partition may include at least two hinge panels indirectly connecting adjacent folding panels. The hinge panels may have laterally spaced apart the adjacent folding panels from one another such that a compartment is formed upon retraction or folding of the sheets of folding panels. One or more control devices, such as an actuation device or a display panel, may be mounted on at least one of the hinge panels, or on the panel disposed between hinge panels such that, when the movable partition is in a retracted or folded state, the actuation devices are housed within the compartment.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a curtain having multiple partitioning portions, and a curtain control unit for bringing the curtain to fold upwardly and unfold downwardly. The curtain control unit includes a winding rod, a blind piece wound around and extended from the winding rod, and a plurality of connecting members each mounted on a respective one of the partitioning portions. Each connecting member and a corresponding partitioning portion define a slot therebetween. Each connecting member includes a connecting strip, a support rod mounted at the connecting strip to stiffen the connecting strip, and a fastener for removably fastening the connecting strip to the corresponding partitioning portion.

Abstract: Wire trolleys for use with a movable partition system comprise a wire-supporting member through which wire may be inserted. At least one roller configured for insertion into a track along which a movable partition extends is connected to the wire-supporting member. Movable partition systems comprise a track. A movable partition comprising at least two sheets of panels extending at least substantially parallel to one another and distanced from one another to define an interior space between the at least two sheets of panels are suspended from and movable along the track. At least one wire trolley located in the interior space between a proximal end and a distal end of the at least two sheets of panels comprises at least one roller in rolling engagement with the track and a wire-supporting member at least partially supporting at least one wire inserted through the wire-supporting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides at least one anti-sway trolley assembly used in conjunction with either a single sided partition set or sandwiched between first and second partition side in a double sided partition set. The anti-sway trolley assembly comprises a floating rod affixed at a first end to a trolley. Affixed at a rod second end is a floor contact member which provides frictional resistance to lateral displacement of the door. Each anti-sway trolley assembly rides in a chain guide and is affixed to a partition hinge rod. In this manner, a floor channel is not required to achieve resistance to lateral displacement forces.

Abstract: A folding window covering is constructed in a manner that reflects sunlight and blocks air currents through the window opening. The covering is attached to the window frame using magnetic coupling. The folding action is supported by magnetic coupling of the individual panels that constitute the window covering, allowing the system to be opened partially. The panels may contain an insulating layer to reduce heat transfer through conduction.

Abstract: Movable partitions and partition systems include a sheet of interconnected panels configured to fold in an accordion fashion. At least two of the interconnected panels have first and second lateral ends extending between a top edge and a bottom edge of the panels. The lateral ends may comprise generally cylindrical structures having openings comprising gaps between lateral edges of the respective panel and a first major surface of the respective panel. The first lateral end of one panel may be engaged with the second lateral end of another panel of the at least two panels. The lateral edges may be enlarged. The at least two panels can extend to a fully extended state in which they are coplanar. Methods of forming movable partitions and partition systems include forming and interconnecting such panels. Methods of repairing movable partitions and partition systems include disengaging such panels by applying lateral forces therebetween.

Abstract: A vertically collapsible wall partition is comprised of a plurality of interconnected horizontal wall panels pivotally interconnected to one another and forming horizontal panel joints therebetween. The panels are operated by an overhead lifting mechanism. The wall panels each have opposed spaced-apart composite walls each having perimeter seals to provide acoustic sound damping. The composite walls are formed by a face sheet secured to a front face of a core material and a backer sheet is secured to core material with an insulation material secured to the back of the backer sheet. Top and bottom horizontal seals are secured to the wall partition top and bottom horizontal wall panels. The seals and joints of the horizontal wall panels are such as to exhibit improved acoustic performance.

Abstract: A vertically collapsible wall partition is comprised of a plurality of interconnected horizontal wall panels pivotally interconnected to one another and forming horizontal panel joints therebetween. The panels are operated by an overhead lifting mechanism. The wall panels each have opposed spaced-apart composite walls each having perimeter seals to provide acoustic sound damping. The composite walls are formed by a face sheet secured to a front face of a core material and a backer sheet is secured to core material with an insulation material secured to the back of the backer sheet. Top and bottom horizontal seals are secured to the wall partition top and bottom horizontal wall panels. The seals and joints of the horizontal wall panels are such as to exhibit improved acoustic performance.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition and an intumescent material positioned to seal a gap at a periphery of the partition. In some embodiments, masses of intumescent material may be shaped and positioned to expand toward one another, contact one another, and form a seal therebetween at a periphery of the partition when the movable partition is exposed to fire. A fire barrier may be provided by extending a partition along a track assembly, and heating an intumescent material to cause the intumescent material to expand, char, and form a seal extending along at least a portion of a periphery of the movable partition. Upon installing a movable partition, at least one mass of intumescent material may be positioned to seal at least a section of a gap at a periphery of the movable partition when the at least one mass of intumescent material is exposed to fire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, at least one bracket is substantially rigidly coupled to a hinge of the first structure and a laterally adjacent hinge of the second structure. The at least one bracket may include multiple brackets. Some described methods include a laterally restraining lower edge of a movable partition as well as the installation of lateral restraint brackets including the plumbing, spacing and squaring of the structures in conjunction with such installation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for laterally restraining a movable partition. In one embodiment, a movable partition includes two laterally spaced structures wherein each structure includes a plurality of hingedly coupled panels. A lateral restraint mechanism is located and configured to prevent lateral displacement of one or both of the two laterally spaced structures. In one embodiment, a cable is disposed between and extends from along the lower edge of the two laterally spaced structures. The cable is maintained in tension, at least while the partition is in a deployed condition, to prevent or minimize the lateral displacement of one or both of the structures such as when a draft or other external force acts on the structures. In one embodiment, the cable may be operatively associated with one or more drive components used to displace the movable partition. In another embodiment, the cable may be coupled to a take-up mechanism.

Abstract: Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. A baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.

Abstract: An accordion partition has a pair of panels having adjacent vertical inner and outer side edges interconnected by a hinge. Horizontal and generally parallel upper ceiling and lower floor tracks extend above and below the pair of panels, and upper and lower trolley hardware on each of the panels rides in the respective tracks so that the panels can move horizontally relative to one another. Respective latches on each of the outer edges can move between locked positions engaged in one of the tracks and an unlocked position clear of the one track. Coupling elements on both of the latches interengage only in the extended use position for shifting both of the latches synchronously between the respective locked and unlocked positions. An actuator on only one of the latches manually shifts the one latch between the locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: Movable partitions and various components for use with movable partitions are disclosed along with related systems and methods. In one embodiment, a track and trolley system for use with a movable partition is described. In one embodiment, the track and trolley system may include a track having three channels wherein a first partition is suspended from the first channel, a second partition is suspended from the second channel, and a trolley is partially disposed in the third channel and between the first and second channels. Seal components may be used to substantially provide a fluid seal between the partitions and a surface from which the partitions are suspended. The trolley is configured to be longitudinally displaceable along the third channel while maintaining its components within an envelope defined by the seal components. In other words, such seal components are not penetrated or otherwise breached by the displaced trolley.

Abstract: Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. The baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent the at least one insulative channel disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, the baffling device may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window shade or a window covering having a control mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering. The control mechanism is provided with a separator system. In particular, the present invention relates to a control mechanism with a separator system that provides a disengagement function to prevent or minimize damage to the control mechanism as a result of unintended force on the window shade or window covering. The separator system utilizes a body movable between a mated position where a clutch axle and a winding axle move synchronously, and an unmated position where the winding axle is allowed to rotate independent of the clutch axle.

Abstract: Single and double folding panel assemblies are provided having two vertically-oriented frames that define an opening on spaced apart partitions. The single assembly having a plurality of folding panels mounted to one of the frames. When the panels are compressed, access to the opening is allowed, and when expanded and connected to the opposite frame, access is blocked. The double assembly having two pluralities of folding panels, each plurality of panels being mounted to separate frames. Each plurality can be pivotally mounted to the frame with spring-loaded hinges. When the panels are compressed, access to the opening is allowed. When the panels are expanded and locked together, access is blocked. A locking bar can be provided to keep the panels unfolded, removable decorative or descriptive panels can be used to change the appearance of the panels, the panels can comprise a computer controlled display, be opaque, translucent, or transparent.

Abstract: A collapsible security system includes a door having a plurality of collapsible panels. The security system can be mounted from a cubicle partition or a wall frame of a door. In the compressed position, the door of the security system allows access to the office space within the cubicle or room. When the panels are expanded and connected to the opposite frame of the cubicle partition or an opposing door, the security system no longer allows access to the office space. In another embodiment, the security system includes a locking bar that allows the panels to stay in the expanded position. In addition, two opposing panel doors can be mounted to a wall frame using spring-loaded hinges to allow the panel doors to swing open and closed. The door panels can be rectangular or decorative shape with permanent or removable decorative or descriptive panels.

Abstract: A collapsible security system includes a door having a plurality of collapsible panels. The security system can be mounted from a cubicle partition or a wall frame of a door. In the compressed position, the door of the security system allows access to the office space within the cubicle or room. When the panels are expanded and connected to the opposite frame of the cubicle partition or an opposing door, the security system no longer allows access to the office space. In one embodiment, the collapsible security system includes a rope fed through openings in the panels and a pulley hidden within the door frame and a weight on one end of the rope. A lock mechanism that frictionally engages the rope can be actuated to keep the collapsible panels in place. Alternatively, the lock mechanism can be released to allow the weight to compress the panels to automatically allow access to the office space.

Abstract: A vertically foldable wall partition comprises a plurality of panels mounted to a number of horizontally spaced-apart vertically foldable skeleton framework. Each skeleton framework includes a number of pivotally interconnected arms which are adapted to be successively folded in a predetermined sequence. The sequential folding is controlled by a lifting mechanism. The vertically foldable wall partition further includes a universal sealing member which can be either used as an end seal or as a hinge seal.