Abstract: A room dividing system in which a folding screen also serves to provide functional shelving is disclosed. A plurality of generally planar vertical panels are provided in two discrete widths. The panels have a plurality of vertically spaced holes in their vertical edge surfaces. Hinge plates, and shelf supports, can be attached to the panel using the holes in the vertical edge surfaces. Links interconnect respective hinge plates to join the panels together to provide a plurality of rectangular alcoves. Rectangular shelves fit in the alcoves and have underlying recesses engaged by the shelf supports. The shelves thus hold the panels together to provide structural rigidity and prevent collapse of the system.

Abstract: A concert shell for use either indoors or outdoors wherever music is performed so as to enhance the acoustical quality of the music, and which shell is readily portable, light weight, and which can be readily assembled and disassembled. It comprises a plurality of similarly constructed sections wherein each section is formed of structural members having connected thereto an acoustical shell surface which is formed with a compound convex-concave surface arranged to reverberate and mix the sounds to provide for optimum acoustics.

Abstract: A panel interconnecting and upholstery-retaining connection for a tubular frame including a tubular insert that extends into the frame. A tubular upholstery retainer extends into the tubular insert and holds the upholstery material in place, which is sandwiched between the tubular insert and the upholstery retainer. A wedging device bears against the inside of the tubular insert and urges the insert against the tubular frame. The wedging device may carry a foot for supporting the tubular frame above a floor and a strap for interconnecting one panel with another. The upholstery retainer may include a door hinge or door catch.

Abstract: A portable shell of a lightweight construction usable as a room divider, display panel, or acoustical or visual enclosure detachably connectable to the framework for mounting in either a support position or a storage position. The leg structure includes a pair of legs each having a pivotally-mounted foot movable between an operative position or a storage position. Additionally, the shell has a canopy panel hinged to one end thereof for extending the height of the shell and the legs can be attached at different positions on the framework for providing different effective shell heights.

Abstract: A partition system having partition panels each of which is provided with one or a pair of outwardly directed connector grooves extending vertically from top to bottom of the panes at each end. Each groove is provided with a narrow open mouth and an enlarged interior. The narrow open mouth portion of each groove is oriented so that it is directed at an outward angle with respect to the end of the panel so that the pair of grooves are arranged in an essentially divergent manner. A connection member consisting of a continuous plastic extrusion is provided having a central web portion, and enlarged bulbous rib members extending down either end of the web, the rib members having a shape essentially the same as the cross-section of the connector grooves, and being adapted to be received within the grooves of two adjacent partition panels, whereby the panels may be joined together edge to edge, along either corner of an end of said panels.

Abstract: An arrangement for facilitating wiring of partition structures for the supply of electrical power thereto, particularly partition structures employing a plurality of wall panels and cooperable elongated supporting columns therefor in which the vertical end edges of at least a pair of adjacent panels are supported by cooperable connecting means from a common hollow column, with the column forming a connecting conduit for electrical conductors associated with the respective wall panels, whereby the connecting wiring between wall panels is disposed within the column. The invention includes novel arrangements for effecting electrical connections between panels and power supply lines, between panels and between lamp fixtures supported by the panels, as well as novel connecting structures between panels and supporting columns. The invention also includes novel supporting means for connecting wall panels with such a column.

Abstract: Credit card operated, automated teller machines are located in the vestibule of a bank where they may be accessed during normal banking hours. During off hours, a partition system segregates the vestibule from the remainder of the bank. Off-hour access to the vestibule is advantageously controlled by a customer activated door lock operated by the credit card and reader located at the bank door. Thus, access to the vestibule and the automated teller machines are controlled by the customer own credit card.

Abstract: A plurality of generally rectangular frames hinged together and having dislay panels mounted in display areas defined by the frames. Each frame includes a horizontal top frame member having downturned end portions and U-shaped frame members having horizontal bottom frame portions and laterally spaced apart vertical tubular side frame portion; shaving longitudinal slots. Connector pins at the end portions of the top frame members are received in open upper ends of the tubular side frame portions. Display panels in the display areas are formed with outwardly projecting mounting tabs that are received in the slots of the side frame portions to hold the panels in place. Supporting legs have yokes at their upper ends that slidably engage the bottom frame portions of given ones of the frames, and clamping elements releasably lock the bottom frame portions against sliding movements in the yokes.

Abstract: A free standing thermal reflector apparatus is provided. When the apparatus is inserted into a fireplace and a fire is lit, heat from the fireplace is reflected into the room in which the fireplace is located. The apparatus includes reflector panels supported by a frame. To facilitate cleaning or replacement of the reflector panels, means are provided for their easy attachment to the frame of the apparatus. The reflector panels are made from highly polished stainless steel panels which may be glass coated to both increase the reflectivity of the reflector surface and to protect it from corrosion and oxidation.

Abstract: A collapsible panel display composed of a plurality of panels hingedly connected together along integral hinge forming bridges, the display being formed from a single length of honeycomb sheeting covered with a flexible facing material, such as a fabric adapted to be engaged by a Velcro type fastener, the hinge forming bridges being defined by sets of spaced apart score lines, the honeycomb sheeting being crushed to essentially flat condition in the areas of the score lines and only partially crushed in the areas between the sets of score lines, the hinge forming bridges being contoured to define oppositely directed arcuate surfaces, the panel display including locking elements adapted to engage adjoining panels to detachably secure them in fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: Modular elements for composing disassemblable walls, cabinets, writing tables and other pieces of furniture comprising:panels;box-like metal sections provided on three surfaces thereof with a groove defining a longitudinal slot of a width lower than that of the groove while from the remaining surface, anchoring means extend outwardly to connect each section to a panel;column devices having, at its ends, pieces to be received inside the central grooves of said sections and cooperating with means for locking said pieces in its engaged position, said column housing a hollow tubular pivot member, into which passes a threaded rod having a upper control head and which at its lower end rests on an adjustable ground engaging foot;cylindrical rods for the connection of wall panels, in coplanar relationship;expansion screws to be inserted into the front grooves of the sections for carrying hooks, and the like;hinge devices for the connection of adjacent wall panels at right angles and to allow said panels to be fold on

Abstract: A portable display apparatus is herein disclosed. The portable display apparatus is composed of a plurality of rectangular skeletal frames. Each rectangular skeletal frame of the plurality includes a horizontal hinge adapted to enable vertical members of the frame to fold vertically. Each of the vertical members has a connector portion and a pair of track portions. Each of the vertical rectangular skeletal frames is adapted to be connected to a dovetail slide connector to other rectangular skeletal frames. The dual track portions are adapted to receive a pair of display panels. The dual track portions are positioned so that connector portions of the dovetail connectors do not interfere with the track portions or display panels.

Abstract: Each panel includes a pair of fibrous glass boards mounted in a generally rectangular frame having an inner peripheral flange between the fibrous glass boards and having five outer peripheral grooves for receiving finish fabric anchoring beads, generally semi-circular hollow moldings having finish fabric anchoring grooves, spaced cam members interlockable with those of an adjacent panel, and shelf bracket standards. Each panel has a pair of supporting legs and base side panels with snap-on connections to the legs. An alignment plate connects adjacent legs of adjacent panels and receives a post with a stabilizing foot extending transversely to the panels.

Abstract: A portable display system having a plurality of hollow panel assemblies with each comprising two parallel and facing wall boards secured within a border strip device. Eight panel assemblies are hinged together to fold and unfold between a folded position in which all eight panel assemblies are in parallel stacked relation and an unfolded position in which the panels are opened in a continuous wall configuration.

Abstract: The specification discloses a panel system in which panels are joined by one (at an angle) or two (in a straight line) elongated, flexible hinge(s) which is secured to each of the panels to be joined by being clamped between the end of the panel and an end cover which is readily removable from the panel. The end cover and the end of the panel both include flanges which interengage. The flanges on the end of the panel are relatively short so that by sliding the end cover only a short distance vertically, one can either secure it in position or remove it. The end cover includes a top shoulder and the end of the panel includes a bottom shoulder between which the elongated flexible hinge member extends with its top edge generally adjacent or abutting the top shoulder and its bottom edge generally adjacent or abutting the bottom shoulder, such that two adjacent panels joined by the hinge are automatically properly aligned.

Abstract: A portable and foldable wall partition is provided which includes a plurality of spaced-apart, slidable and heightwise adjustable upstanding vertical supports and a plurality of horizontally-extending lateral supports, each of which is pivotably supported at its ends between a pair of adjacent vertical supports to permit a width adjustment of the wall partition. A filler material is wound on the lateral supports and is unwound therefrom to serve as wall panels for the wall partition. The wall partition has an extremely light weight and high degree of stability. It easily accommodates a wide range of room dimensions while affording a highly effective seal with the floor, ceiling, and walls of the room in which it is installed.

Abstract: The adjacent sides of adjacent screen frames have juxtaposed grooves therein. A rubber band seated in the adjacent grooves and encircling the adjacent sides serves as a hinge connecting the frames. The frames have inverted tee-shaped feet which are frictionally engaged in tapered sockets at the bottom of the frames, yet may be withdrawn and rotated ninety degrees.

Abstract: A panel assembly which comprises panels having astragals adapted to be attached to the segments of a segmented column and adapted to be rotated about the axis of the column to a position in which one panel forms an angle with another. One or more additional panels may be added to the column. The panels have load supporting means and the column does not.

Abstract: A room divider panel unit is disclosed having a load bearing rectangular frame and more flexible interlocking connections between units than present day room dividers. The load bearing rectangular frame has a horizontal top member, horizontal bottom member and two vertical side members, all members formed from a common cross section of hollow double channel press formed sheet steel rigidly joined together. Two vertical caps of semi-circular cross section are attached to the edges of the vertical side members, extending from top to bottom. Lock connecting means are located at the semi-circular center of the two vertical caps at the top and bottom, and the unit is supported by a pair of legs.

Abstract: A snubbing assembly for releasably securing a sheet of covering material to a wall panel module. The peripheral frame of the wall panel module is comprised of channels having a web wall and at least one side wall. The channels are disposed with the web wall facing inwardly of the module and with the side wall extending outwardly thereof. A longitudinal flange extends parallel with the side wall and is spaced laterally inwardly thereof to present a footed snub. Selectively movable gate means are carried by the channel to oppose the snub. An anchor means is secured to the marginal edge portion of the covering material and is releasably secured by the opposed interaction of the snub and gate means to maintain the covering material tautly upon the face of the wall panel module.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes one or more panels each supported at its end edges by means of a removably attached post having releasable retainer means at the top and bottom thereof engageable with top and bottom mounting clips carried by each panel end edge. Each clip is provided with a leg insertable and transversely secured within the free ends respectively of an edge channel attached to each panel end edge while a tongue projects outwardly from each clip and extends inwardly toward the medial portion of the post. Fastener means associated with each top and bottom retainer means is activated to securely clamp each clip tongue within the respective end of the post to rigidly connect the panel thereto. Removable force-fitting trim means is attachable to the panel top and top retainer means to provide a smooth, planar construction along the top of the wall assembly.

Abstract: A free-standing, prefabricated, knock down, readily assembled and disassembled, relocatable vertical wall or space divider. Such wall dividers are useful for partitioning buildings and/or office complexes. The wall is made up of a plurality of individualized and decorative flush panel units which are interchangeable and which are adapted to be readily inserted within quadrilateral openings delineated by a novel wall frame and locked into place by hidden spline members that are mounted in the wall frame for translatory movement. The wall frame is fabricated in a novel assemblage of unique components which can present either a metallic or wooden exterior finish surface. The configuration of the wall frame components provides for lateral walls to extend outwardly not only at modular locations but also from any other desired location by use of novel adapters. The panels may be removed, redecorated and replaced as needed. Shelving or other appurtenances are attachable to the hidden spline members.

Abstract: A modular welding screen apparatus for shielding welding work locations. The apparatus is fabricated from a series of easy-to-handle panel sections which incorporate independent welding curtains within their framework respectively. The sections which are constructed of square tubular material, pivot relative to one another through a series of rotatable connections which further permits the separate panel section to be arranged to more effectively seal off the welding work location. Interchangeable parts lend to the invention the ability of constructing an individual apparatus as desired, together with the ability of rotating the securely restrained foot supports relative to the welding shield, as necessary.

Abstract: Movable partitioning, e.g. for display booths at exhibitions and the like, comprises partition members having generally rectangular frames, the side members of which are fitted with cylindrical collars. The cylindrical collars form the broadest part of the exterior surface of the side frame members. The partition members are assembled by placing them, at any desired relative angle, with their cylindrical collars touching, and binding them around their cylindrical collars with releasable binding straps. Two, three, four or more panels can be secured into a single joint in this manner. The display is simply and quickly dismantled into individual partition members by removing the binding straps. The display provides great versatility as regards the formations in which it can be assembled.

Abstract: A portable, prefabricated panel adapted to be connected with a plurality of similar panels to form a wall or partition structure. The panel is electrically prewired and includes electrical power blocks disposed adjacent the opposite lower corners of the panel, which power blocks are connected by electrical cables which extend internally of the panel. When two or more panels are connected together, electrical power is transmitted between each adjacent pair of panels by a flexible electrical connector which plugs into the power blocks of the adjacent panels. The panel also has electrical sockets integrally associated therewith, which sockets are preferably associated with the power blocks. The power blocks are symmetrical so that the same electrical connections can be made on either side of the panel. A channel-like raceway extends along the bottom edge of the panel for permitting the hidden storage of communication cables.

Abstract: A framed textile fabric assembly for use in embroidery is disclosed. The assembly includes an open peripheral frame having a textile fabric fixedly secured across the frame. The user embroiders any desired pattern onto the fabric and then quickly and easily obtains a picture framed work by fitting a member across the back of the frame. A pleasing three-dimensional effect to the embroidered work is obtained by inserting a resilient pad between the embroidered textile fabric and the member.

Abstract: The portable fireplace screen unit comprises a glass panel of sufficient size to close the typical fireplace opening. Screen panels are hingedly connected to the opposite side edges of the glass panel. When the screen panels are angled toward the fireplace and the glass panel spaced away from the fireplace opening, air needed to support combustion readily flows through the two perforate screen panels as well as over the top of the imperforate glass panel. When the screen panels are angled in an opposite direction and the glass panel placed against the fireplace, the opening is closed to prevent unnecessary heat loss. The screen panels can be folded against the glass panel for compact storage of the unit.

Abstract: A sound insulating panel having improved sound absorption properties. Known sound insulating panels are of sandwich-type construction, requiring several manufacturing steps which are both time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, partitions can be formed from panels according to the present invention which require neither special skills nor additional tools when erecting or dismantling the partitions. According to the present invention, there is provided an improved sound insulating panel having a pair of opposed major surfaces extending between a pair of opposite vertical edges. One of a pair of complementary tapes are mounted on at least one of the vertical edges of the panel. The tape is adapted to releasably engage a second complementary tape located on a second structure, such that the two tapes form a sound absorbing connection between the panel and second structure.

Abstract: The present method for display of wall paneling includes the steps of securing two back-to-back panel samples within a perimeter and then in turn securing several of such perimeters within variously configured pre-formed angle channels in order to obtain a desired floor display pattern.

Abstract: A portable display apparatus is herein disclosed. The portable display apparatus is composed of a plurality of rectangular skeletal frames. Each rectangular skeletal frame of said plurality includes a horizontal hinge, adapted to enable said frame to fold vertically. Each rectangular skeletal frame of said plurality is identical to all other rectangular skeletal frames of said plurality. Each of said frames includes a plurality of opposite vertical members. Each of said vertical members is identical to all other vertical members. Each of said vertical members has a connector portion, and a track portion. Each of said rectangular skeletal frames is adapted to be bolted to other rectangular skeletal frames in either a fixed or pivotal relationship at the connector portions of the vertical members. Each of the rectangular skeletal frames is also adapted to be hingedly connected to the other rectangular skeletal frames. The track portions are adapted to receive a display panel within track portions.

Abstract: A novel structure for an easily assembled and disassembled toy backdrop display for simulating a room or rooms of a house includes at least two wall panels hingedly coupled together along one edge and a plastic beam of U-shaped cross-section having at least first and second pairs of notches spaced from one another for receiving within and holding said first and second wall panels to hold said wall panels at a predetermined corner angle.

Abstract: A screen construction applicable to exhibition and display purposes but also applicable to booths for attendants or projection equipment, room dividers or toy building kits comprises a plurality of support members of elongate form and uniform circular cross-section, a plurality of rectangular panels, and a plurality of clips secured at least two on each of two opposite edges of each panel and snapping on to the support members, thus enabling adjacent columns of panels to be set at any inclination to each other, the clips on one edge of any panel preferably having spacings from one end of that edge differing from their spacings from the other end of that same edge by at least the thickness of the clips measured in the direction of that edge, whereby two adjacent panels can be attached to one support member with the corresponding edges of the panels perpendicular to the support member in register with each other thus enabling a solid screen to be constructed.

Abstract: A modular screen partition system includes a mounting post containing inserts which permit the joining of any desired number of partitions to the post while permitting complete angular orientation capability in a light- and sound-proof assembly. The inserts, located within the top and bottom interior of the mounting post are retained by means of a plug preventing lateral movement and a post to which a cover cap is secured. A bolt associated with each insert is engaged by a mounting track provided at each side edge of the screen partition.

Abstract: A partition system for use in defining selected areas within a larger space includes a plurality of upstanding support posts arranged in spaced relation and each having mounting structure thereon adapted to receive and retain thereon spaced locking portions of respective end edge members mounted on respective wall panels. The mounting structure has a plurality of longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced ribs each adapted for cooperative locking engagement with a respective one of the locking portions of a respective one of the end edge members.

Abstract: A portable display device is disclosed for use at trade shows and exhibitions which comprises a light-weight collapsible frame and a plurality of visual display panels which may be attached to the frame. The display stand provides a visually-appealing graphic display, which may be broken down, folded, and stored in easily transportable containers.

Abstract: A portable wall assembly includes a plurality of panel members having vertical lateral edges releasably attachable to either square or round supporting posts by means of hook-type mounting clips projecting from the upper and lower portions of each panel vertical edge and insertable within the interior of the supporting posts prior to the actuation of a connector plug in the top thereof which is manipulated to produce expansion of the plug in a manner causing a rigid locking of the panels to the adjacent supporting posts.

Abstract: A panel connector for use in connecting a plurality of panels such as to form a display. The connector is defined by a spring clip, of suitable length, forming an arcuate bead on the edge of the panel to be connected and adapted to be received in a complementary socket element. The clip includes inturned legs providing an improved support of the panel edge, maintaining the panel edge centered in the clip and against undesirable outward movement of the panel from the clip. The socket element may be arranged to permit selective angular disposition of the panel through a preselected wide angular range for facilitated arrangement of the panels as desired. The socket element may define a plurality of sockets for receiving a corresponding plurality of panel edges and opposite edges of the panels may be connected to different socket elements to permit a series arrangement of the panels and socket elements.

Abstract: A carrel-like module which, in one configuration, accommodates a single user, and in an expanded configuration, accommodates two or more users. The carrel module includes an arcuate shaped writing panel, preferably having a concavely shaped rear edge opposite from a seated user and a convexly shaped near edge presented adjacent the seated user, with two end edges, respectively, connecting the rear and near edges. The end edges and the rear edge are bounded by upright panels, the panels extending generally above the writing panel to the head level of the seated user. The two panels presented adjacent the respective end edges are rotatably connected to leg-like support members located at corners of the writing panel formed by the intersection of the rear edge and the end edges, respectively, of the writing panel. The end panels are removably secured to the writing panel, such that they may be conveniently disengaged therefrom, and rotated about their associated leg members by the user.

Abstract: A portable display system having a plurality of hollow panel assemblies with each comprising two parallel and facing wall boards secured within a border strip device. Eight panel assemblies are hinged together to fold and unfold between a folded position in which all eight panel assemblies are in parallel stacked relation and an unfolded position in which the panels are opened in a continuous wall configuration.