Abstract: A horizontally expandable, portable wall partition is incrementally expandable between a closed position and an open position. The portable wall partition consists of a number of upright panel members that are sidewardly adjacent and vertically parallel to one another. These panel members are interconnected by connectors that allow the panels to slide past one another from the closed position to the expanaded position. The partition may also have non-sliding end members that provide stability to the partition. The partition may also have nested panels.

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 structure having an area separation wall including: a first building unit; a second building unit; and an area separation wall having only outer membranes. Preferably, the area separation wall is fire resistance rated. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation without adversely affecting the fire resistance of the area separation wall. The area separation wall provides improved thermal resistance. In one embodiment, the area separation wall includes: an interior support structure and at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure. The outer membranes provide acoustic attenuation. Between the outer membranes is a substantially organic material barrier. The structure may also include a tying structure connecting the area separation wall to the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A wall structure is provided and includes a series of spaced apart studs with each stud having a web and a pair of flanges. A series of support backings are connected between the spaced apart studs. Each support backing includes an elongated main section and a first tab formed on one end of the main section and extending at an angle with respect to the main section. A corner is formed between the main section and the first tab and one or more openings are formed in the corner. One or more tabs project from the other end of the main section. To secure the support backings within the wall structure, fasteners are utilized to secure the first tab of the support backings to the webs of the studs. Furthermore, the second tabs of the respective support backings project through the openings formed in the corner.

Abstract: A shared space divider provides privacy on surfaces. The shared space divider comprises a hub that is placed on a portion of a surface, and at least one partitioning structure coupled to a portion of the hub. The at least one partitioning structure comprises a separator configured to partition the surface into two or more sections. The separator has a ribbon structure, an accordion structure, or a fan structure. The at least one partitioning structure is configured to extend from and retract into or, alternatively, fold out from and fold into the hub. In some embodiments, the shared space divider comprises at least one container for holding items commonly found on the surface. In other embodiments, the shared space divider comprises a clip for attaching to documents. Yet, in other embodiments, images such as advertisements are displayed on at least one of the separator and the hub.

Abstract: A system for mounting a partition, the system including a shoe with a slot for receiving an edge of the partition and an isolator that fits within the slot between the partition and a portion of the slot. A clamp assembly fits within the slot opposite the first isolator. The clamp assembly includes upper and lower blocks and, optionally, a center block. Surfaces of the blocks are angled with respect to each other so that drawing the upper and lower blocks toward each other will urge one of the blocks in one direction and the other block or blocks in the opposite direction. The blocks include engagement surfaces which engage a side wall of the slot and a side of the partition to selectively and releasably hold the partition within the slot.

Abstract: An arrangement for temporarily dividing a room or space, and in particular a hospital room, into two medically private spaces includes a structured divider panel that extends between the floor and the ceiling and extends/retracts between opposite walls of the hospital room. The divider panel is multilayered and includes an inner layer that is sandwiched between and intersecured to a pair of outer layers, the inner layer being of sound-deadening material and the securement being such as to inhibit sound from passing between the separated spaces. In an aspect, a pair of wipers impregnated with an antibacterial or antimicrobial substance is positioned to automatically wipe and sanitize the exterior surfaces of the outer layers during extension and retraction of the panel.

Abstract: An assembly for a framed system includes an elongated post and a mounting plate shaped for installation in a post channel of the elongated post. The elongated post includes a first rib integrated along an inner surface of the first lateral side and an elongated second rib integrated along an inner surface of the second lateral side. The mounting plate includes an aperture for receiving the fastener and includes a first slot for receiving the first rib and a second slot for receiving the second rib. When the mounting plate is installed in the post channel, the first and second ribs are deformed by the installation of the mounting plate such that the deformed first and second ribs retain the mounting plate in the post channel.

Abstract: In a system for screening off an area, a partition element substantially covers the space between two upstanding carrier elements. The partition element is catchable in the carrier elements in a temporary, unstable preparatory position. The partition element lacks the capability of remaining in the preparatory position by its own force. The partition element is further movable from the preparatory position to a fixedly locked position in the carrier elements. In a method of mounting and dismounting of a partition element on two upstanding carrier elements, the partition element is hooked in the carrier elements in the preparatory position. Thereafter, the partition element is moved to a fixedly locked position in the carrier elements.

Abstract: A leveling assembly for an interior wall system is disclosed. The wall system is composed of a number of wall panels configured for installation in a building having a ceiling and a floor. The assembly includes at least one elongate floor channel secured to the floor and a floor rail longitudinally disposed within the floor channel. The floor rail supports one or more of the wall panels. A number of levelers are positioned along the floor channel. The levelers permit the floor rail to be vertically spaced apart from the floor channel. The levelers are adjustable to level the floor rail in relation to the floor.

Abstract: In a structure for supporting components of a wall, one lower profile section is shaped to form longitudinal recesses and an operating unit is associated with the lower profile section base, and removably coupled at top to at least one structural element. The operating unit has one foot, shaped to form at least one protrusion for coupling, when the operating unit is rotated about a vertical axis, with the longitudinal recesses by engagement at least of the protrusion with a matching portion of the recesses, thus forming a bayonet joint between the operating unit and the lower profile section.

Abstract: A modular supporting structure is intended to support juxtaposed panels in order to form a modular partition wall adapted to subdivide and define a space to be used as an office into independent working zones. The modular supporting structure comprises a lower cross member, a plurality of intermediate cross members, an upper cross member and a plurality of upright spacers, with each upright spacer interconnecting a pair of adjacently arranged cross members. Only one joining element is provided for interconnection of each intermediate cross member to a pair of lower and upper upright spacers, respectively, at their point of concurrence, in order to form a supporting structure consisting of a framework of rectangular elementary cells intended to frame the juxtaposed panels.

Abstract: A demountable and remountable wall assembly for partitioning room space between an overhead and a floor, the major elements of which are reusable. The assembly provides one or two walls, at lease one of which has an outer fastener-free surface. Additionally, the fastener-free surface may be made substantially smooth and seamless. The walls are arranged in planar congruence, separated by internal spacers or studs, and vertically positioned between the overhead and floor of the room space to be partitioned. Removable tracks or spacers at the top and bottom of the wall assembly serves to interface the wall assembly with the floor and ceiling of the space. The walls are constructed of either finished or unfinished wall panels (e.g., fabric covered or sheet rock panels) which are incorporated into the assembly using a combination of removable fasteners and releasable adhesives. The finished or exposed area of a wall surface includes no fasteners.

Abstract: A support beam and a support frame for an office furniture system which can be used to mount and support a variety of furniture system components and electrical and communication equipment. The support beam has an elongate, hollow lower beam section with a top panel and vertical side panels. An elongate upper beam rail having a top extends parallel to and spaced-apart from the lower beam section. This rail has a plurality of post-receiving holes formed in its top for mounting other components such as a support wall. Spaced apart posts rigidly connect the beam rail to the lower beam section. Rail connecting devices are provided at opposite ends of the beam rail for rigidly connecting it to an adjacent end of another beam rail or to the support frame. The support frame has a horizontal metal beam and two elongate, hollow end frame sections extending downwardly from opposite ends of the beam. A raceway is rigidly mounted on a lower portion of this beam and extends downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A knockdown labyrinth framework made up of tubes interconnected to make a base unit which itself combines with three others by way of a connection hub to make up a master square. Each such master square is then connected to other master squares. Vertical tubes join the lower structure to an upper structure which has hanging rods from which is hung a partitioning canvas which traces the path to form the labyrinth. Each tube connects and locks in with the next tube by way of frictional interlock which does not require any tools so that it is easy to set up and knockdown afterward.

Abstract: A wall frame is constructed with a pair of horizontally disposed metal channel members and a series of vertical studs spaced at predetermined intervals along the channel members. The studs are accurately located within the channel members by vertically upstanding tab stops which are struck out from the channel members. Pronged retainers are also struck outwardly from the channel members to fit through alignment slots formed in the studs. Weakened areas on the channel members can be crimped against the studs to lock the studs in place on the channel members. Horizontally disposed spacer bars are adapted to interconnect with a series of studs to strengthen and further align the studs and to provide a support surface against which dry wall or the like may be fastened.

Abstract: An improved wall panel system is disclosed. The system includes wall panel assemblies, each assembly having a pair of side frame members having slotted channels, top and bottom steel tubes and fork connectors for attachment to the side frame members, a top cap, lower metal supports and a plastic base rail channel and cover. The system also includes a universal connector post, a universal I-beam shaped connector, a universal bracket, a variable height bracket and adjustable corner and end caps. The corner and end caps are scored to allow removal of cap walls resulting in an inventory of fewer parts and system versatility. A removal tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wall panel tile connector is disclosed. The connector includes an elongated bracket with groups of openings and a number of clips which are attached to the bracket by use of the openings. The bracket has a first portion with an U-shaped cross section, a middle portion with an offset and a second portion. The offset has a slot-like opening and the second portion includes two smaller openings, the three openings being grouped to allow attachment of a clip. Each clip is generally U-shaped with a base and two legs, and a bent tab and offset fingers. The slot-like opening receives one of the legs of the clip. The offset fingers engage in the smaller openings and create an interference fit with the bracket. The tab is resilient and enables the tile to be engaged with a wall panel frame.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel arrangement having a plurality of upright wall panels serially connected one with the other by an upright support post. The wall panel arrangement additionally includes an open-frame structure which allows routing of cabling therethrough to provide power and communication capabilities to a workstation defined by the wall panels, and a removable and rigid top cap which is capable of supporting various furniture-type accessories at selected locations along the longitudinal extent of the panel arrangement, and which also permits mounting of return wall panels to permit greater flexibility in configuring a workstation.

Abstract: A fabric wall panel system includes fabric wall panels mounted on a wall of a room by means of a ceiling track with a downwardly open channel mounted adjacent the ceiling and extending the length of the wall and a base track with an upwardly depending support surface mounted adjacent the floor and extending the length of the wall. Each fabric wall panel comprises a fabric cover overlaying a panel insert. Each fabric wall panel is mounted by inserting the top of the fabric wall panel into the downwardly open channel of the ceiling track and supporting the bottom of the fabric wall panel on the upwardly depending support surface of the base track. In one embodiment, the fabric wall panel is fabricated on-site and sized to have a length approximately equal to the length of the wall so that no vertical seams are created. In another embodiment, standard size panels are used with abutting vertical mid-wall seams between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly includes a generally rectangular preassembled frame having a generally horizontal lower channel member and a base rail secured to the lower channel member in parallel spaced relation thereto. Two opposed floor glide assemblies are secured to the base rail and each includes an upwardly directed threaded stem configured at their upper ends to be rotated by a suitable rotary tool. An aperture is provided in the lower channel member in registry with each stem. The frame can thus be leveled on a floor by inserting a rotary tool vertically through the apertures and rotating the threaded stems as desired. Thereafter, decorative or other panels may be conveniently installed on the frame to substantially conceal the floor glides.

Abstract: A floor-to-ceiling wall panel system, in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling. The panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system as well its easier modification of the panel system once installed. For example, a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track. Also, a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the frame, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, is well as to attach trim pieces to the floor and ceiling tracks, which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frame thereto.

Abstract: A modular system for assembling a storage unit is provided which includes a plurality of panels and different connectors. The system allows for subdividing spaces which may feature walls, floors, ceilings, etc. at varying angles or in areas having irregular contours. Additionally, the connectors are simple recesses and protrusions which allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the storage unit.

Abstract: A metal stud and clip assembly is designed for use in a non-load-bearing wall to allow a horizontal ceiling to vertically float thereon. This is accomplished by an elongated receiving channel on the stud spaced inwardly from its edges. A clip member has an elongated stabilizing bar slidably inserted into the channel, and the stabilizing bar itself then is secured to a horizontal ceiling or a track system mounted to the ceiling. Thus, relative movement of the ceiling with respect to the wall allows the stabilizing bar to move up and down in the receiving channel on the stud member.

Abstract: A structural profiled section, in particular for partitions, has cross-with two parallel U-shaped parts designed to receive the partition panels. The inner branches of the U-shaped parts are assembled by a transverse junction element arranged at a short distance from their respective bases.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is decreased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially decreased configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustment device for adjusting the vertical height of, for example, studs, furniture and large appliances. The device has a base (12), a pine (14) upstanding from and supported by the base and a rotatable cam element (20). The pin has a number of grooves (16) and the cam is capable of engaging one or more of the grooves to alter the distance between the base and cam. Also disclosed is a stud or mullion (30) having two sets of channels, each of which is adapted to receive a cooperating means for mounting a panel or bracket. The sets of channels are parallel to each other and spaced apart by parallel spaced webs (32, 34). The adjustment device may be inserted in the stud or mullion. Further disclosed is a joining clip (not illustrated) for mounting a panel or bracket to the stud or mullion. The clip is in two parts, one part has means to connect the clip to the panel and the other has a pair of resilient arms and is able to mate with the first part.

Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.

Abstract: A reconfigurable office partition system that includes movable rigid panels each comprised of a core panel mounted within a perimeter frame. Said core panel comprised of a matrix of compressed straw or other cellulose-based natural fiber lined by paper or paperboard suitable for accepting a variety of surface treatments, and also suitable for accepting nails, screws or other means for hanging or otherwise attaching articles thereon. Frames comprised of vertical and horizontal rails specially adapted to engage said core panels and further adapted to releasably and slidably attach to a series of specialty connectors.

Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.

Abstract: The present invention is a partition system having improved vibration dampening characteristics. The partition system includes a frame having elongated support posts and a plurality of tiles being mounted to the posts via a plurality of mounting elements. Each tile has opposite first and second sides, opposite top and bottom edges, and opposite side edges. The mounting elements each have a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted and configured to releasbly mount to the post and the finger portion is configured to extend away from the post when the body portion is mounted to the post. The tiles have a pair of hook members mounted to the first side of the tile. The hook members are adapted and configured to hook onto the finger portion of the mounting elements. The tiles also have a pair of resilient clip members which are adapted and configured to releasably attach to the finger portion of the mounting elements.

Abstract: A slotted M-shaped support track structure and method in which a M-shaped support track having a planar web and U-shaped flange members and a plurality of slotted openings spaced lengthwise is mounted on the underside of a beam or other overhead building support structure. The plurality of elongated slotted openings are spaced lengthwise and defined by the planar web and adjacent inner legs of the rectangular flange members, and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members, and thereby allow relative vertical movement between the M-support track and the vertical studs, while holding the studs in place horizontally.

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a plurality of columns of preformed, lightweight, stacked blocks, with the columns of blocks connected to each other by a plurality of elongated, vertically oriented, support beams. Preferably, the wall structure is operatively connected to a structure by one or more brackets. Each bracket includes a wall engaging portion and a structure engaging portion, and is configured and arranged to allow constrained movement of the wall structure in a predetermined direction. Preferably, the bracket is positioned such that the wall engaging portion is collaterally aligned with the longitudinal axis of a support beam so that one surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation therewith and an opposing surface of the wall engaging portion is in a confronting relation with a block.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system including a plurality of panels each having opposite top and bottom distance channels, opposite left and right vertical posts, a panel covering, a ceiling rail, and an articulating floor channel. The distance channels and vertical posts are affixed to one another by connecting studs in order to form a rectangular support frame of the panel. The articulating floor channel is operatively connected to a bottom portion of the rectangular support frame by left and right glide assemblies mounted into receiving channels of the left and right vertical posts respectively. The articulating floor channel is used for operatively securing the rectangular support frame of the panel to a ground surface. Each vertical post has at least one receiving lip extending along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis of the panel.

Abstract: A lift screen has an upright post, a lift mechanism, and a partition board. The upright post is a hollow body, the lift mechanism is disposed in the upright post; and the partition board provides at least an elongated slide plate at a facial side and a lower side connects with the lift mechanism. The lift screen is possible to be set up into multiple forms with multiple functions so as to offer a high mobility and more flexibility while in use and to be set up into a form with a worktable, so as to satisfy various needs and desired arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an amusement maze. The maze of the present invention 10 can be located indoors and consists of a plurality of pivotal wall panels 16 whereby each panel may pivot to open a passage way or close a passage way creating a new maze pattern. Each wall panel unit consists of two pivotal panels 16 mounted to a pillar 18. Each unit is computer controlled and can flip the panels 16 back and forth by means of a servomotor 40 mounted to each pillar 18. When a plurality of units are joined together, they create cells 22. The cells 22 create the maze. Located within each cell 22 is a motion sensor 51, a voice-activated panic alarm 52, a hand-activated panic button 48 and direction lights 20 that may lead a player 12 to the nearest exit 24. All are safety features linked to the main monitor 62 and computer 60. The main computer 60 is located in a building out side of the maze in the attendant's room 58.

Abstract: A privacy door assembly providing a sliding privacy door and supporting panel for selectively closing an entryway in an existing workspace panel system. The support panel includes a front face, top edge, side edge, and bezel opposite the side edge. The support panel attached facewise to a system panel of the workspace panel system form an enclosure for slideably supporting and concealingly receiving the privacy door. The support panel further includes adjustable floor glides for leveling and supporting the weight of the support panel and the attached privacy door. The privacy door may include a recessed pull handle for pulling the door from its concealed position and extending it across the opening to be closed or a spring loaded plunger for propelling the door slightly from the concealed position. A receiving post may be located adjacent to an additional component of the workspace panel system across the opening from the support panel.

Abstract: A system for defining a plurality of work zones within an otherwise open area. The system includes a framework formed from a plurality of spaced apart poles extending upward from a base surface. The poles are interconnected by a plurality of crossbeams at a height substantially above a standing user. At least some of the poles are adapted to provide a raceway for the delivery of utilities. The system also includes a height-adjustable light fixture connected to the crossbeams. The light fixture extends outward from the crossbeams and is capable of projecting a light beam directly downward on the work zone of a user.

Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.

Abstract: An improved wall panel system is disclosed. The system includes wall panel assemblies, each assembly having a pair of side frame members having slotted channels, top and bottom steel tubes and fork connectors for attachment to the side frame members, a top cap, lower metal supports and a plastic base rail channel and cover. The system also includes a universal connector post, a universal I-beam shaped connector, a universal bracket, a variable height bracket and adjustable corner and end caps. The corner and end caps are scored to allow removal of cap walls resulting in an inventory of fewer parts and system versatility. A removal tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable office partition system that includes movable rigid panels each comprised of a core panel mounted within a perimeter frame. Said core panel comprised of a matrix of compressed straw or other cellulose-based natural fiber lined by paper or paperboard suitable for accepting a variety of surface treatments, and also suitable for accepting nails, screws or other means for hanging or otherwise attaching articles thereon. Frames comprised of vertical and horizontal rails specially adapted to engage said core panels and further adapted to releasably and slidably attach to a series of specialty connectors.

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 straddle bin for an office furniture system with walls comprised of modular partitions. The straddle bin provides two adjacent compartments extending through an office partition with one compartment open to a first side of the partition only and the other compartment open to a second side of the partition only, and with sliding doors on each side of the partition to close the compartment opening on that side and when open, to lie over a blind, closed rear end of the adjacent compartment. The straddle bin provides private compartments for users on both sides of the partition.

Abstract: The modular supporting structure is intended to support juxtaposed panels in order to form a modular partition wall adapted to subdivide and define a space to be used as office into independent working zones. The modular supporting structure comprises a lower cross member, a plurality of intermediate cross members, an upper cross member and a plurality of upright spacers, each upright spacer connecting a pair of adjacently arranged cross members. Only one joining element is provided for the interconnection of each intermediate cross members to a pair of lower and upper upright spacers, respectively, at their point of concurrence, in order to form a supporting structure consisting of a framework of rectangular elementary cells intended to frame the juxtaposed panels.

Abstract: A partition panel is constructed of a movable partition wall for use in partitioning a residence space as necessary, the movable partition wall including a pair of latticework structures arranged to face each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween, the latticework structures being coupled to each other. This construction can provide a panel capable of accommodating to changes in layout and the like flexibly.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electrical junction box within a wall frame. The bracket has a junction box support portion adapted to be connectable to the electrical junction box and a cable support portion extending from the junction box support portion. The cable support portion has a cable securing portion that receives and automatically secures the electrical cables in the cable support portion, thereby fixing the electrical cables a desired distance from the junction box.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is increased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially expanded configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.

Abstract: A hybrid building system using metal studs and brick ties in a timber framed building. The metal stud comprises an elongated metal section including two flanges joined by a web. The elongated metal section may be a C-section or a Z-section. The metal stud comprises foldable tabs at the top and bottom of the stud, a plurality of fastener holes along its length, service apertures along its length, brick tie fixing holes, a plurality of foldable lining spikes along its length and a wall lining sheet support tab at the lower end of said stud. The primary advantage of the invention is that there is an opportunity to utilize the desirable qualities of a steel stud with timber frames, which are more widely used, to create an improved building frame system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a track concealment system for use with a movable wall system having movable walls, a track and a trolley. The invention includes a pair of panels, each sized to conceal a portion of the track, and a pair of brackets each having a first portion attachable to the track and a second portion configured to support an edge of a corresponding panel. When supported by the second portion, the panels are arranged such that the edge of said panel is adjacent the connecting member thereby concealing the track.