Abstract:
A portable partition system for dividing spaces and which can easily be changed in appearance, function and size has at least one frame that includes interior grooves suitable for receiving rigid or flaccid panels. More frames may be connected with lift-off or removable pin hinge sections, which allows a user to add to or remove rigid rectangular frames from the system simply. Dowels may suspend fabric panels, or rigid flat panels may be slid down through an opening at the top of and into each frame along with removable bars to create a structure notably different in appearance or purpose. All of the components, including dowels, fabric panels, flat panels, and horizontal bars, are insertable into the rigid rectangular frames and are removable, reversible and replaceable at will, generally without tools, to achieve many different visual effects using the same set of frames.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/314,138, filed Mar. 15, 2010 and naming the present inventors, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety, and is additionally a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/605,282, filed Oct. 23, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,082,971 and naming the present inventors, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety, which in turn claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/197,447 filed Oct. 28, 2008 and naming the present inventors, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to portable partitions, and more particularly to such partitions intended for use in decorating and design. In one manifestation, the invention pertains to lightweight, modular, partitions which are comprised of one or more smaller units with interchangeable components. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portable partitions can present enormous versatility in designing for both decorative and utilitarian function. As is well understood in the field of design, structural components such as walls, windows, doorways and the like are not easily altered. Quite simply, it is very arduous, messy and expensive to move a structure such as a wall. Furthermore, structural components are relatively limited in terms of customization options. The surface finish may be changed, and small or lightweight items may be adhered to the surface, such as stencils, photographs, posters or the like. However, even changing the surface finish is relatively disruptive, requiring the application of paint, paneling, or the like. These changes often require or may quite preferably be performed by a skilled service provider such as a carpenter or painter, and also still require significant time. As a result, most occupants rarely will undertake making any substantive decorative changes to the structural aspects of a static space. 
     Rather than alter the static components, alternatives have been developed that permit more ready changes to an occupied space. For exemplary purposes, some of these alternatives are illustrated in the following U.S. patents, the contents and teachings of each which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 381,342 by De Land, entitled “Bulletin board”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,080,317 by Beckwith, entitled “Display sign holder”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,093,119 by Donavan, entitled “Collapsible screen and rack”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,012,385 by Gearing, entitled “Interchangeable panel sign”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,573,156 by Meyer, entitled “Screen with removable panel”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,673 by Witkosky et al, entitled “Modular partition wall system”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,289 by Aysta et al, entitled “Freestanding acoustical space divider”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,854 by Godfrey, entitled “Connector for display systems”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,835 by Kelley et al, entitled “Work space management system”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,696 by Johansson, entitled “Display rack”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,539 by Kelley et al, entitled “Work space management system”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,138 by Zwart, entitled “Screen molding”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,863 by Zapf, entitled “Covered wall unit and method of making same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,151 by Payne, entitled “Cabinet door with changeable decorative panel”; Des 357,175 by Godfrey, entitled “Connector for display stands”; and Des 393,951 by Ravenscroft, entitled “Household screen”. 
     The more relevant of these foregoing alternatives are often referred to as screens, panels, or partitions, each of which for the purposes of the present disclosure will be simply referred to and understood herein to be partitions. These more relevant patents are exemplary of, illustrate and describe a wide variety of partitions that can readily be used to divide a larger space, display personal objects, and readily alter a building space. Some of these provide apparatus which can be used to accomplish this with limited use of or completely without the use of tools. As a result, partitions have become very commonplace in larger occupied spaces where it is desirable to preserve the space for alternative uses, while subdividing flexibility. For exemplary purposes only, and certainly not limited thereto, partitions are found in studio apartments or rooms where they are used to divide the living space, businesses where workers are divided into individual working areas or cubicles, for displays of personal or business information, in dining establishments forming smaller and more cozy spaces while preserving a larger structural space for much large special events and gatherings, and for many, many other applications. 
     In addition to the foregoing patents, Webster&#39;s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition copyright 1983, is incorporated herein by reference in entirety for the definitions of words and terms used herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first manifestation, the invention is a portable partition system which is readily adaptable in appearance and function. A first longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A second longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. The first and second uprights are spaced from each other and oriented with the second upright groove facing the first upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A first spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the first upright groove. A second spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the second upright groove. A support bar spans from the first upright to the second upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the first and second spacers. 
     In a second manifestation, the invention is a partition system. A first longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A second longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. The first and second uprights are spaced from each other and oriented with the second upright groove facing the first upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A first spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the first upright groove. A second spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the second upright groove. A first support bar spans from the first upright to the second upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the first and second spacers, and has at least one longitudinally extensive groove that cooperates with the first upright groove and second upright groove to receive a rigid generally rectangular panel therein. A third longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A fourth longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein, the third and fourth uprights spaced from each other and oriented with the fourth upright groove facing the third upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A third spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the third upright groove. A fourth spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the fourth upright groove. A second support bar longitudinally extends from the third upright to fourth upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the third and fourth spacers, and has at least one longitudinally extensive groove that cooperates with the third upright groove and fourth upright groove to receive a rigid generally rectangular panel therein. A hinge pivotally couples the third upright to first upright. A shelf engages and is supported within the first and second support bar grooves. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve inadequacies of the prior art by providing rigid modular frames having bars and friction fit spacers that allow the frames to support and display very diverse articles at readily altered heights and positions. The articles, which may include fabric panels, flat panels, shelving, are removable, reversible and replaceable in a matter of a few seconds in a simple and intuitively obvious manner. The result is a portable divider that can easily be changed in appearance, function and size by most anyone, without the use of tools, and which can incorporate a much wider variety of displays than heretofore reasonably possible. 
     A first object of the invention is to provide a portable and modular partition which may be transported and placed or located easily and at will. A second object of the invention is to enable customization of the partitions, primarily or entirely without the use of tools, through very simple mechanical actions which are intuitive. Another object of the present invention is to accommodate many diverse articles that may be used for function, display or to otherwise alter the appearance or function of a space. A further object of the invention is to achieve the foregoing objectives in an easily manufactured, relatively low cost and durable construction. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stable and secure method for both anchoring and expanding the partitions, where required. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a preferred embodiment designed in accord with the teachings of the invention from front and top plan view, respectively. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the preferred engagement of preferred friction fit spacers with the frame without and with a flexible and thin panel, respectively from a cross-section view taken along section line  3 ′ of  FIG. 1  for  FIG. 3 , and section line  4 ′ of  FIG. 1  for  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the preferred engagement of the support bars with the frame from an exploded cross-section view taken along section line  5 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the preferred engagement of  FIG. 5  from a further cross-section view taken along section line  5 ′, illustrating a support bar, frame member, thin panel, and friction fit spacer. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred embodiment shelf from top plan view. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate the preferred embodiment shelf of  FIG. 7  in a most preferred further combination with the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  from top plan and cross-section views, respectively. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a pair of shelving brackets extending in two opposed directions, while sharing a common support, and with sufficient space therebetween to slide a panel in. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates  14  connected frames in an open position, permitting all frames to be easily disconnected and to define an indeterminate area, for use as a table base, bed platform, pet enclosure, or other structure which is preferably separable with removable pin hinges or the like, and foldable and collapsible, and which may further contain any variety of panels, spacers and bars. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partially collapsed arrangement of the 14 frames of  FIG. 11 . When fully collapsed, the assembly may be used as a bench or the like. When expanded, an enclosure, support for table or bed, or other applications are understood to be included. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates one arrangement of frames and shelves, configured to accommodate a desk and shelving, and having user-configured dividers therebetween. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a frame locker accessory clip, illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 15 , in combination with three frames, illustrating how the clip locks the frames in line. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates the frame locker accessory clip of  FIG. 14 , comprising a plastic clip that is flexible enough to slip on over the top of two frames to hold them in an open position, from a sectional view taken along line  15 ′ shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates two clips, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , coupled together through any suitable flexible or pivotal junction to form a clamp-on hinge, and clamped about a single framing member such as was illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top cap in combination with a frame member top, designed to insert therein to further secure vertical friction fit spacers into the grooves and prevent the spacers from lifting vertically out or tilting inward towards each other. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate alternative side views for the top cap of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative friction fit spacer with the frame from a sectional view from a cross-section view similar to section line  4 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Manifested in the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a portable partition system  100  comprised of interchangeable panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 , modular frames  10 , support bars  18 , and friction fit spacers  20 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular frames  10  have two removable pin hinge sections on each edge to be connected. When interconnected, these removable pin hinge sections form a removable pin hinge  9  similar to that found on nearly all interior household doors. These removable pin hinges  9  allow modular frames  10  to be added to or removed easily from portable partition system  100  without the use of tools. Such a method allows one to readily increase or decrease the width of system  100  as needed or desired. Each modular frame  10  provides the basic structure and determines the height of the completed structure. Each modular frame  10  is preferably sturdy and in the preferred embodiment non-collapsible, even when no panels or removable horizontal bars are inserted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there may be applications where modular frames  10  will instead be collapsible, and that such may readily be achieved with any of the variety of known fasteners upon a review of the present disclosure, but that a collapsible frame then includes more complexity and cost which is less preferred herein. When the various components are added, portable partition system  100  is sturdy and portable. 
     Modular frames  10  may be used individually, alternatively arranged at angles to create a freestanding partition or display area such as illustrated by  FIG. 2 , or, when interconnected, pulled open to be arranged co-planarly along a line. When arranged in co-planar fashion, portable partition system  100  will preferably be fastened at one end to a wall or other unmovable structure to keep portable partition system  100  from falling over. Most preferably, wall mount  1  is connected with two hinges  9  as well, allowing for portable partition system  100  to be removed from the wall and moved into storage when not in use. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, wall mount  1  is semi-permanently adhered to a wall using fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, nails or adhesives. Where hardware such as screws or nails are used, matching caps can cover and conceal the fasteners. 
     Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , removable pin hinges  9  can be on alternating sides or all on the same side. Alternating sides allows for a zig-zag pattern, whereas having the removable pin hinges  9  on one side allows for readily creating a circular area within a room, which can be desirable when creating a work space or otherwise breaking up a room. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  further illustrate that there is a continuous, straight, longitudinal groove  13  along the inside of each upright  12 , and a corresponding groove along the inside (top) of the crossbar  14  at the bottom of the modular frame  10 . At the top of the modular frame  10  are two horizontal bars  16  that are parallel to each other with an open space  15  between them to allow the insertion of generally planar webs, or panels including flaccid, semi-flexible, or rigid material into the grooves  13  of frame  10  by sliding the interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  through opening or space  15  at the top. The user may choose from a variety of interchangeable panels to insert, differing in height, decorative appearance or function, allowing the user to determine the appearance and function of the partition. Panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  may be separated by removable support bars  18 , allowing for various indeterminate height panels to be used. Preferred embodiment support bars  18  have grooves  17  running across the top and bottom of the bar, to securely hold the top or bottom edge of an inserted panel. The support bars  18  also have tenons  19  at each end which are inserted into the vertical grooves  13  in both interior sides of the modular frame  10 . For exemplary purposes only, and not limiting thereto, a user will place support bar  18  by inserting a tenon  19  at one end of support bar  18  into a groove  13 , holding the support bar  18  at an angle. The user then applies downward pressure to the end angled upward, lining the opposing tenon  19  up with the opposing groove  13 , thereby placing the support bar  18  horizontally in the modular frame  10 . The support bar  18  can be slid up or down while held in the grooves  13 . If the panels are rigid and sufficiently thick, they will hold support bar  18  at a fixed vertical position. However, modular frames  10  also can hold less rigid or much thinner interchangeable panels  28 , such as fabric, posters, pictures, paper, mesh, screen or other similar materials. In such instances, a user simply inserts friction fit spacers  20  in combination with flaccid panels  28  into vertical grooves  13  and the horizontal grooves in support bars  18  and/or crossbars  14 ,  16 . The friction fit spacers  20  will thereby hold the less rigid interchangeable panels  28  in place, providing a reasonably taut panel, while providing a spacer for support bars  18 . If desired, a user may also start by wrapping the flexible or flaccid panel material  28  about a dowel, stick or other member, which may then extend between grooves  13  similar to support bars  18 . In such instance, only vertically oriented friction fit spacers  20  are required, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Better understanding of the wrapping of a flaccid or flexible panel about a dowel, rod or other rigid member may be obtained from the Payne, Donovan, Meyer and other patents incorporated by reference herein above. Similarly, one may choose to use friction fit spacers  20  in combination with support bars  18  to create an open panel  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate in more detail the preferred connection between friction fit spacers  20  and uprights  12 . As can be seen, friction fit spacers  20  slide into the groove  13  with a small space remaining. In the case of an open panel  22 , friction fit spacers  20  may preferably be provided with a small patch of material  21  which provides the remaining amount of friction necessary to hold the spacers  20  in place. However, adding the less rigid interchangeable panels  28  would be sufficient to do so as well, which requires a sufficiently small and resilient patch of material such that it does not interfere with use in combination with less rigid interchangeable panels  28 . In the preferred embodiment, patch  21  is fabricated from the fabric or loop portion of commercial hook-and-loop material such as is sold under the well-known trademark Velcro, though a variety of other materials may be recognized as suitable as well. This loop material offers several benefits that may not be apparent at first blush, including resilience, a composition and construction which tends not to damage relatively delicate fabrics that might be used as panels  28 , and since the individual loops may individually compress, a relative ease with which the patch  21  may be inserted and withdrawn from within a groove compared to contiguous materials such as foams or rubbers. In one conceived alternative illustrated herein in  FIG. 20 , friction fit spacers  120  might be hollow or be comprised of a lower density compressible core  121 , and might further be oval. Such geometry permits friction fit spacers  120  to retain the desirable, and, in some designs, necessary vertical strength, while enabling friction fit spacers  120  to accommodate and secure a wider range of thicknesses of panels than achieved with friction fit spacers  20 . Noteworthy here is the fact that spacers  20 ,  120  are captured on three sides by the walls of grooves  13 ,  15 ,  17 . Consequently, spacers  20 ,  120  do not need to have great rigidity, and may flex easily relative to their longitudinal axis. As long as they are not easily longitudinally compressed, they will likely perform the desired vertical support function. As an analogy, a straw flexes easily relative to the longitudinal axis. However, if a straw were inserted into a pipe having an inside diameter equal to the outside diameter of the straw, the straw would support very large longitudinally compressive forces. 
     In yet another alternative, magnets may be provided within the various support grooves such as groove  17 , and spacers  20  might then be fabricated from ferromagnetic materials or even magnetic materials, and so may be retained magnetically, rather than through frictional forces. In a further alternative embodiment, spacers  20  might be flocked, which is understood to indicated an almost felt or velvet surface that is commonly produced by applying or spraying fibers onto a tacky painted surface. Friction fit spacers  20 ,  120  might also be pre-scored and/or fabricated from sufficiently brittle materials to permit them to be manually severed or snapped apart to desired lengths. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrates the combination of a support bar  18  with upright  12 . As can be seen, in the preferred embodiment, tenon  19  may be designed to span the distance between top and bottom grooves  17 , and extends therefrom for engagement with groove  13 . Similar to friction fit spacers  20 , tenon  19  is sized to form a reasonably secure engagement with groove  13 . As can be further seen, friction fit spacers  20  and rigid interchangeable panels  24 ,  26  each may preferably be designed to be capable of engaging with groove  17  of support bars  18  in such a manner that they are sufficiently framed by support bars  18 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred shelf  30  that may be used in combination with portable partition system  100 . Preferred embodiment shelf  30  is designed for use with portable partition system  100  when modular frames  10  may be held at a predetermined angle to one another. The predetermined angle may vary, allowing for a variety of corners for the shelf  30 . For example, as illustrated in the figures shelf  30  spans a quarter circle, or through a ninety-degree arc. The actual extent of arc may be chosen by a designer at the time of construction of the shelf, is not limited to ninety degrees, and may arc through more or less than ninety degrees as may be desired by the designer. Most preferably, shelf  30  has a thin hook  34  defining two radially extending edges. Hooks or brackets  34  may be formed unitarily or integrally with shelf  30 , or may be removable, such as for exemplary purposes being fabricated separately from and subsequently affixed to shelves  30  with screws or other fasteners. Hooks  34  form a preferred angle for interaction with and coupling to crossbars  14 ,  16  and/or support bars  18 . The outer, circumferential edge of shelf  30  is defined by a lip  32  that is most preferably rounded, though it could take on a number of geometries as determined at the time of design to be aesthetically and functionally pleasing, and is not to be limited to one or another geometry. Additionally, shelf  30  while shown as solid may alternatively be porous, transparent, or take on any other characteristics that a designer wishes to impart therein. While shelf  30  is illustrated as defining a quarter circle in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , it will immediately be recognized that shelves may be square, rectangular or of other geometry from the top view of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and will have appropriate hooks or brackets  34 . In other words there may be two, three or four brackets extending from the edges of square or rectangular shelves  30 , while quarter-circle shelves such as illustrated will have only two hooks  34 . Furthermore, shelves of different geometries may be incorporated into a single portable partition system  100 , such as illustrate for exemplary purpose in  FIG. 13  herein. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , hooks  34  engage with crossbars  14 ,  16  and/or support bars  18  in such a manner that they engage and anchor into groove  13 ,  15 , or  17 . This allows for the preferred embodiment shelf  30  to hold items for display, or needing sunlight, such as a plant or fish tank, with a blank space  22  created using friction fit spacers  20  or with a partition panel using an interchangeable panel  24 ,  26 ,  28 , as may be desired. In the illustration of  FIG. 9 , a friction fit spacer  20  is illustrated, though it will be recognized that a panel  24 ,  26 ,  28  may also or alternatively be provided. Furthermore, and while not separately illustrated, it will be apparent that a continuously connected (through hinges  9 ) six, seven or eight frame portable partition system  100  may be used to completely form a circle, using four ninety degree shelves  30 . Alternatively, and using the same four ninety degree shelves  30  with only two portable partition systems  100 , each of only two frames, an entire circle may also be spanned. With the present design, the shelves do not need to be at the same elevation above the ground, and may instead be at different heights around the full 360 degree circle. Of course, more shelves than the four may also be provided, and at various elevations as well. The shelves  30  in combination with hooks  34  anchor into grooves  13 ,  15 ,  17  and thereby help to hold frame members  10  at particular predetermined orientations relative to each other. As already noted herein above, since shelves  30  may be rectangular or a portion of a circle through any suitable arc, the angles between frame members  10  will be determined by the shelves selected. 
     From these figures and the description, several additional features and options become more apparent. First of all, modular frames  10  may be made from any variety of sufficiently lightweight, durable, and sturdy materials, including resins and plastics, metals, wood, cementitious materials, or even combinations of the above. The specific material used may vary, though special benefits are attainable if several important factors are taken into consideration. First, modular frames  10  should be sufficiently light to enable even a relatively small or frail person to safely move or set up portable partition system  100 . Most preferably, modular frames  10  will also be sufficiently durable to withstand repeated set up and adjustment in addition to any forces that may be applied that could tend to tear, fracture, or penetrate the material. Additionally, resistance to abrasion from such contact as would be found during set up and storage would be preferable. Similarly, uprights  18  and crossbars  13 ,  15 ,  19  may also be made from any sufficiently sturdy, lightweight, and durable material. 
     Because all panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  are visible on both sides (front and back) of the partition  100 , they may have a different decorative or functional finish on either side, increasing the variety of choices for the user. Where individual panels are sufficiently thin, two or more may be inserted within the same space, permitting photographs or other precious objects to be captured between two pieces of acrylic, for exemplary purposes. The interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  can also be used as wall decor when not being used in combination with the modular frame  10 . Several designs have been contemplated for the interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 , including, but not limited to matted prints or photos, screen, wallpaper on hardboard, transparent or translucent, pegboard, dry-erase, chalkboard, magnetic or cork boards, minors, any variety of fabrics, or any variety of laminates, composites, or other designs or materials. They may be decorative, informative or perform any other suitable function. Additionally, the less rigid or flaccid interchangeable panels  28  may be captured using friction fit spacers  20  as described herein above, or through other suitable means, such as through adhesion using Velcro, snaps, sewn-in friction fit spacers  20 , or any other such means as known to one skilled in the art of coupling. 
     There are many possible uses for this system. The user may combine modular frames  10  and insert the friction fit spacers  20  and interchangeable panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  to create a folding privacy screen for shared living or working areas, a decorative backdrop, to block sunlight or drafts, to direct foot traffic through interior spaces, or to form free-standing display cases or plant supports or growing supports using shelves  30 . When desired, the entire portable partition system  100  may further be enclosed. If such an enclosure were transparent, portable partition system  100  might for exemplary purposes be used to form a small and collapsible green house or plant growth structure. As may be apparent, the flexibility created by the present apparatus is essentially without limit. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a pair of shelving brackets  34  extending in two opposed directions and support two oppositely extending shelves  32 , while sharing a common support  18 . There is sufficient space between shelving brackets  34  to slide a panel  24  therebetween. As is apparent therein, two brackets  34  can be used on a single support bar  18 , each headed opposite of the other, and a panel of any suitable material or decoration may still preferably be inserted therebetween. As illustrated in  FIG. 13  herein below, this permits much greater versatility in what types of geometries and aesthetic appearances may be achieved using the present portable partition system  100 . 
     Modular frames  10  illustrated herein may be of any suitable height, width, and thickness, as will be determined for a particular application. Furthermore, different dimensions of frames  10  may be used together, if so desired. The height of shelves, desktops or the like may readily be set by using a suitable length spacer  20  to set that height. 
     As should also now be apparent, a portable or collapsible structure may readily be expanded in most any direction, and with varying heights if desired. The resulting apparatus will be sturdy and stable when each of the components are used correctly and frames  10  are held at predetermined angles by shelf brackets  34  and shelves  32 . 
     With the present vertical friction fit spacers  20  and grooved uprights  12 , the sizes of slide-in panels such as  24 ,  26  and where they are located within portable partition system  100  may be varied to suit the desires of the assembler. The friction fit spacers  20 , as already noted herein above, permit portable partition system  100  to be configured to have some areas open, to resemble a window or doorway if so desired, while other areas may have a panel that is opaque, translucent or transparent, therein. Likewise, grooves  17  may be fabricated in different depths and widths, depending upon the geometry of specific panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  and brackets or hooks  34  used. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates  14  connected frames  10  in an open position, from top view similar to  FIG. 2 , permitting all frames  10  to be easily connected and to define an indeterminate area, for use as a table base, bed platform, pet enclosure, or other structure which is preferably separable with removable pin hinges or alternative hinges  40 , and which may further contain any variety of panels, spacers and bars. Section  60  may be a simple top bar to define a doorway. Noteworthy here is that the height of frames  10  may be selected based upon an intended application, or may even vary from one frame  10  to an adjacent frame  10  as desired by the designer or assembler. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a partially collapsed arrangement of the 14 frames of  FIG. 11 . When fully collapsed, the assembly may be stored or alternatively used as a bench or the like. When expanded, an enclosure, support for table or bed, or other applications are understood to be included. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates one arrangement of frames and shelves, configured to accommodate a desk and shelving, and having user-configured dividers therebetween. As shown therein, shelves may be included or omitted at different levels, creating different applications. As illustrated, a shelf is omitted from the bottom crossbar  14  and an intermediate level of spacers  18 , and the first shelf  132  is therefore elevated from the ground. If selected appropriately, shelf  132  may then be used as a desk for work, study or other purpose, and any variety of screens, pictures or the like may be provided adjacent to a person seated next to shelf  132 . Furthermore, shelves may be omitted from the opposite side as well, allowing two facing desks to be defined, similar to opposed study carrels. Further, and where desired, it is contemplated herein to provide elongated sheets of transparent, translucent or opaque plastic that can span parallel with the minor edge of a shelf, and may be positioned immediately adjacent therewith. This plastic sheet can act as an elevated ledge at the edge of the shelf  30 , tending to hold items on the shelf  30 . The plastic sheet may also or alternatively extend downward below the level of the bottom of the shelf, as desired. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a frame locking accessory clip  40 , in combination with three frames  10 . Clip  40  will preferably be fabricated from plastic or other suitably strong material that is flexible enough to slip on over the top of two frames to hold them in an open position. This is accomplished by deforming clip  40  to expand to enlarge slit  41  sufficiently to pass entirely around horizontal bar  16 . Once slit  41  is sufficiently expanded and clip  40  then pushed about horizontal bar  15 , then clip  40  and slit  41  are permitted to return to shape, allowing clip  40  to completely and securely encompass horizontal bar  16 . This is illustrated in the sectional view of  FIG. 15 . Cut-out  42  accommodates or provides space for uprights  12 , and ensures that clip  40  stays fixed relative thereto and holds uprights  12  from adjacent frames  10  tightly together. Owing to the nearly complete square tubular geometry of clip  40 , clip  40  will urge frames  10  into linear alignment such as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Using the clip of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , frames  10  can be connected and disconnected at any time. The method of connecting them is not limited solely to the use of only conventional “removable pin” hinges. Illustrated in  FIG. 16  is a simple “clamp-on” connecting hinge  50  using the features and concepts taught by clip  40 . Hinge  50  would ideally be fabricated from plastic or similar materials to allow flexibility when attaching and removing from frames  10 . The geometry of hinge  50  comprises two clips such as shown in  FIG. 15 , but, for exemplary purposes, each clip is connected by a flexible piece such as flexible plastic member  55  attached to and between both pieces. Flexible member  55  may be a simple link, or may be accordion-folded, or even a so-called “living hinge”. Clamp-on hinge  50  may then be clamped first about a single framing member  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , and easily connected to a like second framing member to form a hinge therebetween. Where desired, clips  40  and hinges  50  may additionally be optically transparent or translucent, reducing their visibility for aesthetic benefit. 
     In a further alternative, metal hinges such as removable pin hinge  9  may be used, but rather than affixing such hinges with screws, nails or other fasteners, hinges  9  may be held in place by a magnet affixed to or embedded in frame  10 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a top cap  70  in combination with a frame member top horizontal bar  16 . Top cap  70  is preferably designed with a large cover  71  and a narrower insert blade  72 . Insert blade  72  may operatively be inserted into space  15 , which simultaneously helps to secure vertical spacers  20  into vertical grooves  13  and also prevents spacers  20  or any shelving hooks or brackets  34  from lifting vertically out or tilting inward towards each other. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate alternative sectional or side geometries for top cap  70 . In  FIG. 18 , top cap  70  has a domed top  71 , which is particularly useful when portable partition system  100  is used in a wet environment, where it will facilitate water shedding. In such an environment, horizontal supporting members  14 ,  16 ,  18  may further be provided with vertically extending drainage holes of suitable size and location formed there through to further facilitate better drainage. In the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , flat top  73  is of a lower profile, and so will protrude vertically less than domed top  71 . 
     Preferably, top cap  70  will be provided with distally located fastener sites, such as screw holes  74 , which will permit top cap  70  to be secured directly to uprights  12 . While screw holes  74  are illustrated, it is contemplate herein to use any suitable fasteners, and such fasteners may be provided separately from top cap  70  or may be formed integrally therewith, such as the familiar “Christmas tree” plastic plugs that are used to fasten together many parts such as automobile panels and the like. When top cap  70  is secured in place, shelves will be prevented from being accidentally lifted out of openings such as  15  or grooves such as  17 . 
     Decorative interchangeable panels  28  are easily changed by removing fabric panels and replacing them with different less rigid panels  28 , or by removing friction fit spacers  20  and less rigid panels  28  and sliding rigid interchangeable panels  24 ,  26  into the grooves. The slide-in rigid panels  24 ,  26  and frames can be used to create a work space for a home, office, classroom or dorm room. Panels may be decorative (matted prints or photos, screen, wallpaper on hardboard, acrylic, etc) or functional (pegboard, dry-erase, chalkboard, magnetic or cork). They may be used to display artwork, photos, files, menus, sheet music, schedules, art or craft projects, etc. Pegboard panels may be painted or another decorative finish applied, and used to hang utensils, wall pockets, keys, jewelry, small items of clothing or accessories. The same type of assembly and parts can be configured in different ways, for many uses. Some additional applications are presented herein for exemplary purposes, though it should be clear that these are not limiting in any way. These applications include: connectable desks, compatible with a connectable shelving/storage system such as illustrated in  FIG. 13 ; a low seating platform; workbenches, preferably using pegboard panels; potting tables; displays for retail, school or other venues; retail signage; dorm room desks/shelving/dividers; craft tables with display panels—an embodiment herein illustrates using two thin clear acrylic panels with photos, prints or any other flat item to be displayed sandwiched between the panels so that items are visible from both sides; on a smaller scale, a child&#39;s building set with the same but child-proof components, ideally with safe, smaller acrylic panels with item (photos or other pictures or letters, etc) sandwiched between as described above; a “room” with a floating floor above the ground supporting portable partition system  100 , the room which may be rectangular or of other shape and which can be made by connecting divider frames, and the “room” can be closed or opened by pushing or pulling the frames together or apart; using the same type of configuration, but with shorter frames, a bench when folded up can pull out to make a bed frame, using rectangular shelves and brackets as stabilizing cross-pieces, or a table, or leave the rectangular shelves and brackets off the top of the structure to make a fold-up/fold-out pet enclosure. Panels can be slid in or out from the opening at the top of each frame to allow the frames to be open or closed (for a “door” or access to the interior when used as a bed frame, table or pet enclosure). When not in use, the frames may be easily folded and stored. The frame and panel partition is decorative, useful, portable and versatile. 
     Friction-fit spacers are preferably placed in all open grooves to provide maximum stability. Also, while no drawings specifically show a much smaller version, but with the same components, such will be understood to be incorporated herein and might in such instance be used as a type of building set for children. 
     While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. The variants that would be possible from a reading of the present disclosure are too many in number for individual listings herein, though they are understood to be included in the present invention. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.