Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

Abstract: A screen, typically for use as a wardrobe or closet door, is disclosed. The screen has a flexible member mountable within a frame, one or more of the corners of the frame being provided with cam arrangements for varying the length of the frame in order to vary the tension in the sheet member.

Abstract: A display board which comprises a thin panel member adapted to be supported on an office wall partition to closely overlie a cover of a partition. The display board is preferably coupled to an internal frame of the partition by a mounting bracket which extends laterally inwardly over the top of a cover into engagement with the internal frame. With an inner surface of the display board lying on an outerface of the cover coupling to the framework to merely provide for support against vertical downward movement of the display board can be sufficient. Mounting separate brackets which extend from the framework outwardly above a cover are advantageously provided for ease of connection.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: A portable room divider apparatus for providing privacy in any room, in particular, in any hotel and motel room. The portable room divider apparatus includes a base having a pair of elongate members and a cross member removably interconnecting the elongate members; and also includes a plurality of tubular support members interconnected to the base with T-shaped tubular couplers and interconnected end-to-end with one another with sleeve-like tubular couplers; and further includes a plurality of barrier support members being interconnected end-to-end and being horizontally mounted upon the tubular support members with T-shaped tubular couplers; and also includes a barrier member such as a curtain which is removably mounted to the barrier support members and which has a height of approximately 6 feet and a width of approximately 6 feet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a window shutter system are disclosed. A window shutter system (100) is disclosed that includes a plurality of shutter frames (106, 108). Each shutter frame (106, 108) includes a plurality of elongate members (126, 130). Each of these elongate members (126, 130) has two ends, and each end has a receiver (204, 208). The shutter frames (106, 108) also include a plurality of couplers (128, 120, 132, 140). Each coupler (128, 120, 132, 140) has at least two extensions (202, 206) for connecting adjacent elongate members. These extensions (202, 206) are adapted to interlock with the receiver (204, 208) of an associated elongate member (126, 130) such that the elongate members (126, 130) and the couplers (128, 120, 132, 140) cannot rotate relative to one another. In addition to the shutter frames (106, 108), the shutter system (100) also includes at least one hinge (112, 114) that may be used to couple one of the elongate members (126, 130) to a window frame (110).

Abstract: A blind having a support system and a sheet material secured to at least a portion of the support system. The support system includes a number (n) of horizontal support members and a number (n+1) of vertical support members, wherein n corresponds to an integer of 2 or greater, and a plurality of flexible joints connecting each vertical support member to at least one of the horizontal support members, with at least one of the vertical support members connected by one of the joints to at least two of the horizontal support members.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, a fabric for partially covering the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric in particular areas so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. The structure may include a third loop member having one side which is hingedly connected to one side of the first panel.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A cover assembly for the cargo area of a vehicle includes a plurality of rails which can be attached to the walls of a truck bed and a cover having an edge which is engageable by the rails. The rails are connected together by corner members. The corner members include a locking structure which is inserted into a channel in the rails. The locking mechanism of the corner members engages slots in the rails and secures the rails together. The rails include different structures which engage fasteners on the edges of the cover.

Abstract: A display/screen system which is positionable upon a floor and is cooperable with a vertical support surface, such as a wall, includes a sheet of flexible material having an edge and a collapsible frame from which the sheet of material is suspended in a spread condition for use. The frame includes a horizontally-disposable section having two opposite ends and a pair of leg sections which are connectable to the horizontally-disposable section at the opposite ends thereof so as to depend generally downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is provided that includes at least a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes a flexible loop member that is adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for substantially covering the loop member. The loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the upper edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the bottom edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. One side of the third panel is hingedly connected to either the left side or the right side of the first panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated collapsible awning frame system and method of forming the same. The awning frame system comprises a bracket assembly having a mounting plate that can be fixedly attached to a structure and a support member removably attached to the mounting plate. The frame system also includes at least one arm bar removably attached to the support member. A snap button is disposed with the support member and arm bar. The frame system may be assembled on the ground and the assembled frame system may be raised and removably attached to the mounting plate. To removably attach the support member and arm bar, the button head of the snap button is depressed and the support member or arm bar is slid onto the mounting plate or support member until the button head is aligned with the snap button opening. The support member and mounting plate may then be easily removed by depressing the button head and sliding the support member or arm bar using a reverse procedure.

Abstract: A screen frame formed from a metal sheet in a single unit folds and locks on V-cuts in a tube by a locking mechanism that is configured to engage in crossed directions by the folding.

Abstract: An improved screen door frame construction is provided in which at least one transverse door frame member is coupled to the screen door frame stiles by means of plastic coupling elements. The plastic coupling elements are inserted into the opposite ends of each detachable, transverse door frame member. Each coupling element includes a hook that passes across a free, interior wall of a channel formed at the facing, interior side of one of the door stiles. The tips of the coupling elements include barbs that engage in an interlocking fashion with bearing ledges formed on the inside surfaces of the free interior channel walls. The compression bead that is utilized to attach a screen to a door frame serves the further function of maintaining the hooks of the coupling elements in interlocking engagement with the channels of the door frame stiles.

Abstract: A sign includes a frame having plural battens therein. A web is disposed over the frame. The web has opposed, co-extensive sides which form a pocket therebetween. The frame is located inside the pocket of the web. A support for the sign is provided which is attached to at least one of the frame battens and is contiguous therewith. At least one of the frame battens is fixed to the web and at least one of the frame battens is removable from the web.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A security device for obstructing movement of children or animals through an entryway includes a barrier mounted on a frame. The frame is made of substantially linear and rigid bars which are pivoted together to form one collapsible parallelogram which extends substantially entirely across the entryway. A movable pressure member is mounted on a vertical bar of the frame for laterally outward movement when the vertical bar moves down relative to the pressure member. To facilitate collapse of the frame to a position where all of the bars are parallel, each of two diametrically opposed pivots has its axis inwardly offset from the longitudinal axis of one of the bars it interconnects, and the barrier member is a net in which rectangular openings are formed by members which are substantially parallel to the bars. A frame-supporting hinge has a generally vertical hinge axis to permit horizontal swinging movement of the device.

Abstract: A foldable cargo cover comprising a pliable sheet having a plurality of elongate stiffener members attached thereto at selected locations thereon. The stiffener members are of sufficient rigidity to maintain the sheet in a substantially planar configuration when fully unfolded, and bendable for allowing the sheet to be folded into a compact configuration.

Abstract: A portable wall component is disclosed. The wall component comprises a pair of vertical posts. Each post has an upper component and a lower component with a hollow aperture extending therethrough. Each post also has a downwardly extending smaller cylindrical section at the bottom of the upper component and a complimentary cylindrical recess at the top of the lower post for receiving the smaller cylindrical section. An elastic band is located within each aperture extending along the length thereon and slightly beyond. A ring at the upper end of each upper component is coupled to the upper end of its associated band. A base component at the lower end of each lower component is coupled to the lower end of its associated band. A flexible sheet is provided with parallel upper and lower horizontal edges and parallel vertical end edges therebetween coupled to the posts. The flexible sheet has half-moon wind flaps cut therein and openings at the regions where the upper and lower components join.

Abstract: A tonneau cover for covering an opening in a structure, the opening having a periphery, the structure having a front shelf, side rails, and an end gate, and the cover including a fastening system for securing a frame to a flexible fabric web, the improvement wherein the frame employs a plurality of h-shaped rail members and L-shaped rail members connected by fastening members, for assembling an unlimited sized flexible fabric web to the frame.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A universal window shutter system includes vertical frame member components and horizontal frame member components to be assembled to form shutter panel frames which are covered with shutter panel covers and which are hingeably interconnected to form shutter units to be installed in a window opening as a functional and attractive window covering. Vertical frame member components include a hinged single vertical component for hinged connection of a shutter panel to a window frame, a hinged double vertical component for hinged connection between two panels, and latching vertical components for selective latching of two shutter units together at their mating edges. Frame member components are available in various lengths and are easily adjustable in length for precise user dimensional control.

Abstract: An art work stretcher assembly is disclosed having any desired arcuate, e.g., elliptical, shape. The stretcher assembly includes a plurality of plastic tubes that are flexed and arranged with their ends in abutment so as to provide a closed loop. A separate wooden dowel is inserted into each pair of abutting tube ends, to hold the tube ends together and to provide increased rigidity, and thus reduced curvature, in those regions of the closed loop. An elongated wooden strip is secured to the inwardly facing side of the closed loop of tubes, to provide a surface onto which can be fastened a planar art work substrate such as canvas.

Abstract: A modular system of structural framing in which a multiplicity of pre-stressed compression frame modules are combined into frameworks of any required size by use of common connecting means such as plates and brackets. Each compression frame module comprises a plurality of framing members forming a polygonal frame, and a loop means longitudinally encircling the frame. Tension is applied to the loop. The ends of the framing members are shaped to provide a non-invasive means of engaging and joining abutting framing members. The tensioned loop serves as the single fastener holding the module together while simultaneously pre-stressing the module by putting it into compression, thereby achieving a synergistic strength. Additionally, separate non-invasive joints and a removable double-cam clamping device are provided to improve the functionality of the system and to facilitate use of interchangeable parts.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the device is provided for constructing a temporary screen for openings of a boat, comprising a central section of conventional screening material, an edging of a color-dyeable strong support material having an inner edge sewn about the perimeter of said central section of screening material and an outer edge, said edging being formed of a strong lightweight material, said outer edge of said edging having a sewn hem therealong into which a weighted chain is attached whereby said weighted chain resides in full pressure contact about an opening to be screened of said boat in an operating mode of said device, and said edging is positioned in abutting broad contact with framing means of said opening to better withstand any frictional abuse generated by frequency of contact therebetween. Method steps related to use and manufacture are also recited.

Abstract: A play panel for use by children in building construction such as playhouses or mazes within which the child can play comprises a surrounding frame structure defined by four frame elements each of which includes one side portion and one corner portion of the total frame structure. A fabric cover for spanning the frame has sleeves defined along four sides each for receiving one side portion of a frame element. The frame elements are connected together by coupling members which are in the form of sleeves surrounding the frame elements as a press fit. Each coupling member has on its outer cylindrical surface a plurality of fins with each fin having a wider rib along the outermost edge. The coupling members of one panel can be connected to the coupling members of the next panel by forcing the fins of one into the spaces of the fins of the other.

Abstract: A barrier shield against exposure to environmental contaminants comprises a frame assembly for tensionally retaining a thin resilient film for protection of dental, medical and laboratory workers from sprayed or spattered debris and fluid from the work area, such as a patient's mouth or surgical site. The frame assembly is constructed and mounted so that it may be positionally adjusted by means of a flexible support.

Abstract: A collapsible hatch screen is provided to cover a hatch frame with a hatch cover on a boat and consists of a square shaped screen frame being rigid at all four sides and bendable at all four corners thereof, a square shaped piece of screening sized to fit within the screen frame and a square shaped border member which covers the screen frame and is attached to all four edges of said piece of screening so that the screen frame can be folded and rolled up into a compact configuration for storage.

Abstract: A window for a segmented edifice utilizing three frames, each having a plurality of openings through the same. The first two frames sandwiched the segmented edifice and are held in such configuration by a multiplicity of fasteners. A third frame having a cross member such as a screen is then fastened to the second frame to create a secure window.

Abstract: Ventilation safety apparatus for extending toward a mine face from a supported area includes a collapsible frame supported on the mine floor, the supports for the frame being connected by a beam, and arms extending upwardly when in released position to support a brattice curtain extending from floor to roof of the mine passage. The arms are foldable to lie substantially parallel to the connecting beam for transporting the apparatus. The device is pushed outward beyond the fixed brattice curtain to extend the workable area ahead of the supported mine roof.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable, collapsible sign comprised of a flexible, durable panel secured to a frame of four arms pivotally attached to a rigid central web so as to fold down one direction only and form a compact bundle for storage. The arms in the extended position are in the form of a cross and hold the sign panel firmly extended. The portable sign can be quickly assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reducible volume sun-blind with which, thanks to its simple yet functional means of adjustment, it is possible to constantly regulate the extent to which direct luminous radiation can pass therethrough. The support frame of the sun-blind is in the form of an articulated parallelogram, with a mechanism being provided to stabilize it in any one of the configurations thereof. The frame is provided with a plurality of parallel strips, elastic rods for retaining the latter under tension, a mechanism for synchronously rotating the strips, and a mechanism for stabilizing them in a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A stretcher frame for decorative materials used as wall hangings, for artists' canvasses and the like which includes four limbs defining a rectangle, two of which can be folded inwardly at their centers so that the frame can be folded up concertina-fashion. Hinge connections are provided at each corner of the frame and at the mid-points of the folding limbs. The four limbs remain permanently connected by the hinge connections and the folded frame can be easily transported and stored. If the covering material can be folded it can remain in place on the frame when the frame is folded. The hinge connections include flat link members which are normally concealed within slots in the limbs.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle screen utilizes a telescoping frame having a slot disposed in the innermost surface thereof so as to permit an elastic-like screen member to have the marginal edges thereof pass therein. The free edges of the screen are captured within the tubular telescoping frame. The frame may be dimentional so as to accommodate various window openings in motor vehicles by allowing the screen to expand or contract in size in conformity therewith. One embodiment of the invention utilizes a pair of hinges joining together a pair of U-shaped frame members so as to permit the screen element to be folded up when not used. Such U-shaped frame members each have telescoping components thereby permitting the apparatus to adjust in size for various window openings. A portion of the frame is provided having a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom so as to be installed within the groove located in the frame of the vehicle in which the uppermost edge and the side edges of the window may reside.

Abstract: Storm window frame apparatus adjustable to fit various sizes of windows. The frame apparatus includes mitered right angle frame components that are hinged for easy assembly without tools. Frame members fit telescopiedly within each other for adjustability.

Abstract: An artists' canvas is preformed on its rear face with an integral perimetrical and an articulated frame is composed of sectionally hinged rigid pivotally interconnected bars and is disposed flat at the rear face and is movable from a collapsed pointed star shape into a rigid rectangular expanded condition wherein the hinged sections of each bar are in axial alignment and are held in such state by positive locking latches provided at each hinge point. In such expanded condition, the bars fit in the pocket and the expanded frame exerts a constant even stretching force in all directions on the canvas which is held in a taut condition, ready for artistic usage, and which can be removed undamaged from the frame.

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.