Wall system

A wall system for partitioning floor space includes a framework comprising top and bottom horizontal rails interconnected by a plurality of vertical struts. The wall system further includes the use of diagonal support bars for open frame structures and the use of side and septum display panels for closed frame structures. Also, structural inserts may be inserted between adjacent struts to reinforce open framed structures. Such inserts are planar members with an irregular perimeter edge which defines an aesthetic design for use in assembling attractive displays. Additionally, such inserts may be used in conjunction with translucent panels and lighting fixtures to create a silhouette affect for the assembled display.

BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION 
The present invention pertains to wall systems, and in particular, to a 
wall system specially suited for partitioning the floor space of retail 
establishments into various display areas. 
In retail establishments, the available floor space is often partitioned to 
separate differing goods and permit various displays to be attractively 
set up independently of one another. However, wall partitions heretofore 
have been unwieldy, complicated, expensive and/or lacking in versatility. 
Furthermore, partitions spanning and significant length of the floor have 
either needed to be anchored to a perimeter wall or ceiling along their 
top edges, or have required laterally projecting legs every few feet for 
stability. 
As can be readily appreciated, these options have serious drawbacks. The 
necessity of anchoring the partitions to a perimeter wall or ceiling of 
the building, substantially limits the placing of the partitions and/or 
the type of displays which may be assembled. While use of laterally 
projecting legs increases the versatility of the wall systems, the legs 
themselves create annoying obstructions which must be worked around in 
setting up the displays, detract from the appearance of the displays, and 
at times cause hazards for shoppers and employees. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The aforementioned problems and deficiencies are overcome in the present 
invention, wherein a unique wall system having a novel construction is 
provided which offers great versatility to the user. 
The wall system of the present invention includes a structural framework 
which is easy to assemble, inexpensive to fabricate and has sufficient 
rigidity to permit large spans, of up to twenty feet between anchoring 
means, to be erected without intermediate top anchoring arrangements or 
laterally projecting legs. Moreover, the structure permits a wide 
diversity of display arrangements to be utilized, and thus provides an 
enormous amount of versatility. 
As another aspect of the present invention, the wall system further 
includes structural inserts for use in reinforcing open frame structures. 
The inserts are planar members having irregular perimeter edges which 
preferably define an aesthetic design, such as a monkey, human form, etc. 
Such inserts may also be utilized in conjunction with translucent panels 
and lighting fixtures to create attractive silhouettes to be viewed by the 
public. 
These and other objections, advantages and features of the invention will 
be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed 
description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The wall system 10 of the present invention includes an open framework 12 
comprised of a bottom rail 14, a top rail 16 and a plurality of vertical 
struts 18 interconnecting the two rails 14, 16. The erected wall 20 has 
sufficient rigidity to span up to twenty feet of floor space. Further, the 
wall 20 can be assembled as an open structure (FIG. 1) or a closed 
structure utilizing display panels 22, 23 (FIGS. 20 and 29). 
Bottom rail 14 is preferably an elongated metal member composed of steel or 
aluminum (FIGS. 4-7). Of course other materials having the requisite 
strength could be used. Bottom rail 14 is typically machine formed from a 
blank sheet; although other methods of manufacture, such as extrusion, 
could be used. Bottom rail 14 is configured to have a central body portion 
24 and a pair of opposite side flanges 26. Body portion 24 has an inverted 
U-shape defined by a pair of legs 28 and an interconnecting, rounded bight 
segment 30. Side flanges 26 are L-shaped and each include a base leg 32 
adapted to lie along the floor 34, and an upstanding leg 36 oriented 
substantially parallel to legs 28. Bottom rail 14, then, defines a large 
inner channel 38 within body portion 24 and a pair of shallow outer 
channels 40 between each leg 28 and one upstanding leg 36. 
A series of spaced apart holes 42 are defined along the ridge of bight 
segment 30. Holes 42 are provided to permit access to and provide adequate 
head space for leveling devices 44 positioned within inner channel 38 
(FIG. 11). Each leveling device 44 includes a threaded rod 46 received 
through a weld nut 48 for vertical adjustment thereof. Rod 46 includes an 
upper end 50 defining a slot 52 for receiving a conventional screw driver 
(not shown), and a lower end 54 rotatably attached to a foot 56. Foot 56 
preferably defines a socket 58 for receiving and retaining rod 46, and a 
pad 60 for engaging the floor 34. Leveling devices 44 are manually 
operated in the erection of the wall 20, until bottom rail 14 assumes a 
substantially true horizontal position. 
A row of slots 62 are defined in each base leg 32 in general alignment with 
holes 42 (FIGS. 4-7). Slots 62 are elongated, narrow openings positioned 
directly adjacent legs 28 of body portion 24. Slots 62 are provided to 
receive projections 64 extending from struts 18, as will be discussed 
below. 
Top rail 16 is an elongated member positioned in a substantially parallel 
relation to bottom rail 14. Top rail 16 is preferably composed of steel or 
aluminum, but could be composed of other materials having the requisite 
strength and rigidity. As with bottom rail 14, top rail 16 is preferably 
machine formed from blank stock, but could be formed by other techniques, 
such as extrusion. 
Top rail 16 has a similar shape to bottom rail 14, although with an 
inverted orientation. More specifically, top rail 16 includes a U-shaped 
body portion 66 defined by a pair of legs 68 and a rounded bight segment 
70, and a pair of L-shaped side flanges 72 each having a base leg 74 and 
vertical leg 76. Defined inner and outer channels 78, 80 of top rail 16 
each have a greater depth than their counterpart on bottom rail 14. A 
series of spaced apart slots 82 are provided in base leg 74 adjacent legs 
68 of body portion 66. Each slot 82 in the rail 16 is aligned with a 
corresponding slot 62 defined in bottom rail 14. Top slots 82 cooperate 
with bottom slots 62 to receive strut projections 64, 65 and thereby 
retain each strut 18 in place. 
Struts 18 are vertically positioned between the two rails 14, 16 and have 
lengths sized to the desired height of the wall 20 (FIGS. 1, 3-4 and 
12-14). Generally, struts 18 are spaced at two foot centers, though other 
spacing arrangements could be used. Struts 18 are preferably composed of 
steel or aluminum, although other materials having the requisite strength 
could be used. Struts 18 are also preferably fabricated by machine forming 
of blank stock but other techniques, such as extrusion may be used. 
Each strut 18 is an elongated member having a generally rounded C-shaped 
cross-sectional configuration. This shape is defined by identical front 
and rear walls 84, 86, a sidewall 88 extending between walls 84, 86, and a 
pair of inturned side segments 90, 92 projecting inwardly from walls 84, 
86, respectively. Sidewall 88 generally includes openings 91 for receiving 
electrical conduit 93 or the like therethrough. Side segments 90, 92 are 
substantially aligned with one another and define therebetween a gap 94. 
Gap 94 may be covered by a removable cover 95 if desired. Cover 95 can be 
snap fit in place, or secured by any known means. 
Front and rear walls 84, 86 each define a plurality of vertically aligned 
openings 96 along a central portion 98, 99 thereof. Openings 96 have 
narrow rectangular shapes and are adapted to receive conventional bracket 
hooks in the mounting of various items, such as shelves, lighting 
fixtures, etc. In FIG. 1, a cornice 101 is shown mounted in such a manner. 
The row of openings 96 extend along substantially the entire length of 
each strut 18 to accommodate the mounting of items at a wide range of 
elevations. 
Central portions 98, 99 of walls 84, 86 are substantially planar in shape, 
as are sidewall 88 and side segments 90, 92. These planar portions are 
connected by smooth, continuous rounded corners 103-106. At the upper and 
lower ends 111, 113 of each strut 18, central portions 98, 99 extend 
longitudinally beyond corners 103-106, sidewall 88 and side segments 90, 
92, to define upper and lower projections 65, 64. 
When wall 20 is assembled, projections 64, 65 are received within slots 62, 
82 of rails 14, 16 to retain the strut 18 in its proper position (FIGS. 4, 
11, 15 and 23). Inner surfaces 115, 117 of projections 64, 65 then lie 
contiguously along legs 28, 68 of rails 14, 16, respectively. This 
arrangement, in turn, places sidewall 88, side segments 90, 92 and corners 
103-106 between opposed body portions 24, 66. The upper and lower edges 
119-122 of these intermediate portions are rounded to conform and engage 
convex faces 125, 127 of body portions 24, 66. Upper edges 119, 120 are 
substantially the same as lower edges 121, 122, respectively, except that 
upper edges 119, 120 have a deeper arcuate shape to correspond to the 
larger size of the upper body portion 66 as compared to lower body portion 
24. This engaged arrangement provides a sturdy and attractive appearance. 
Top and bottom mounting holes 129, 131 are provided in projections 65, 64, 
respectively, in order to couple struts 18 securely to rails 16, 14 (FIG. 
4). More specifically, screws 133 (preferably sheet metal screws) are 
passed through holes 131, 129 and threaded into legs 28, 68 of rails 14, 
16, respectively. Only one screW 133 in each end 111, 113 of strut 18 need 
be used to erect a stable wall 20. Of course, a screw 133 in each mounting 
hole 129, 131 may be used if desired. 
The bottom of the walls 20 are secured against lateral sliding movement 
along the floor 34 by anchoring devices 135 (FIGS. 15-17). Under normal 
circumstances, anchoring devices 135 are positioned at the ends of each 
particular wall 20--which will typically be at ten feet intervals. Of 
course, anchoring devices could be positioned at any shorter interval if 
desired. 
Each anchoring device 135 is comprised of a block 137 and two interlocking 
sheets of hook and loop type fasteners 139, 141 (i.e. VELCRO type 
fasteners). More specifically, block 137 is preferably composed of wood, 
but could be composed of other materials having the required 
characteristics. Block 137 includes a base surface 143, an arcuate surface 
145 and two end surfaces 147, 149. Arcuate surface 145 is sized and shaped 
to generally conform to the shape and size of inner channel 38 of bottom 
rail 14, so that block 137 is adapted to be received therein. When block 
137 is positioned at the end of a wall 20 not to be joined to an aligned 
wall, it is received wholly within the bottom rail 14. However, when it is 
placed at the interconnection of two adjacent, aligned walls 20, 20' (as 
discussed below), block 137 is positioned to extend into both bottom rails 
(FIGS. 15 and 17). 
Sheets 139, 141 are secured to base surface 143 and floor 34, respectively, 
through the use of conventional adhesives 150, 152 (as illustrated in an 
exaggerated manner in FIGS. 16 and 17). The use of hook and loop fastener 
sheets 139, 141 and adhesives 150, 152 permits the bottom rails to be 
securely anchored against sliding, without marring or destroying the floor 
surface. In the event, that walls 20 are to be rearranged, the anchoring 
devices 135 can be removed without requiring the floor 34 to be repaired, 
as is the case when bolts are used. 
A top stabilizing rail 151 is provided to rigidify wall 20 and preclude 
lateral sagging in the top rail 16 (FIGS. 4, 18-20 and 22). Stabilizing 
rail 151 is generally only used to strengthen an unanchored rail 16. If 
top rail 16 extends along a perimeter wall or ceiling, it may be securely 
anchored thereto by well-known brackets and/or bolts. Stabilizing rail 151 
is preferably composed of steel or aluminum and is fabricated by a machine 
forming process. Other materials, though, having the requisite strength 
and rigidity could be used. 
Stabilizing rail 151 includes an elongated generally U-shaped trough 153 
and a pair of seamed flanges 155 extending along each side thereof. Each 
seamed flange 155 is comprised of two thicknesses of the sheet folded back 
upon one another. This construction greatly increases the stabilizing 
rail's resistance to lateral bending. The sides 157 of trough 153 are 
diverging slightly to ensure a secure engagement is made along the upper 
ends of legs 68 of top rail 16. 
In use, stabilizing rail 151 is received within inner channel 78 of top 
rail 16. A gap 159 is defined between seamed flanges 155 and base legs 74 
(FIGS. 20, 22 and 23), to provide space for derivations in the lengths of 
the struts 18, and to provide some vertical freedom of movement for 
stabilizing rail 151 to account for derivations in the width of inner 
channels 78. 
Top and bottom rails 16, 14 preferably are formed with ten foot lengths to 
define walls 20 with spans of ten feet. At times in the assembly of 
display areas, walls having greater lengths than ten feet are desired. In 
such situations, two aligned walls 20 are placed in end-to-end abutment 
with each other. Two generally L-shaped joining brackets 161 are provided 
to join the walls together (FIGS. 3, 15, 21 and 22). Furthermore, if 
provided, stabilizing rail 151 is sized and positioned so that it does not 
end at the seam 167 between two joined walls 20, to provide additional 
reinforcement. 
Joining brackets 161 are preferably formed of steel, although other 
materials having sufficient strength could be used. Each joining bracket 
161 includes a strut plate 163 and a rail plate 165. Strut plates 163 have 
substantially planar configurations and abuttingly engage the outer faces 
147 of strut sidewalls 88. Rail plates 165 have arcuate shapes which 
conform and engage along the ridges of convex faces 125, 127 of rails 14, 
16, respectively. 
In use, joining brackets 161 are placed over the seams 167 formed by the 
abutting walls 20 (FIGS. 3, 15, 21 and 22). More specifically, one joining 
bracket 161 is placed against the lower end 113 of strut 18 and bottom 
rail 14. Another joining bracket 161 is placed against the upper end 111 
of strut 18 and top rail 16. Both plates 163, 165 of each joining bracket 
define apertures through which joining screws 169 (preferably sheet metal 
screws) are passed. In the most preferred embodiment, one joining screw is 
passed through strut plate 163 and two through rail plate 165. Of course 
this screw arrangement could be modified. In any event, joining brackets 
161 in cooperation with joining screws 169 securely, but releasably, join 
the walls together. 
Also, at times, walls 20 are joined together at angles to one another. In 
these situations, a coupling post 171 is used (FIGS. 2, 3, 26 and 26A). 
Coupling post 171 is preferably composed of steel or aluminum (although 
other materials with the required strength could be used); and has a 
tubular construction. The cross-sectional shape of the post 171 will vary 
depending upon the angle at which the non-aligned walls 20 are to be 
joined. For example, as seen in FIG. 26, coupling post 171 is 
substantially square (or rectangular) so that coupling faces 173 are 
placed at right angles to one another. Alternatively, as illustrated in 
FIG. 26A, the coupling post 171A could have a triangular shape to form the 
hub for three intersecting walls. Coupling posts 171, then, can have many 
diverse shapes to meet the needs of the display to be erected. 
In certain situations, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, connectors 172 
may be used to connect struts 18 to post 171. For example, in the 
embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, coupling post 171 is positioned along side of 
wall 20 and adjacent the end of wall 20'. In this arrangement, post 171 is 
directly attached to the end strut 18' of wall 20' (in a manner as shown 
in FIG. 26). However, a connector 172, having for example an L-shape, is 
used to connect sidewall 88 of strut 18 in wall 20 to coupling face 173 of 
post 171. In any event, irrespective of whether connectors 172 are used, 
coupling posts 171 are merely used as connectors and do not generally 
engage the floor or other supporting structures. 
To join non-aligned adjacent walls 20 together at a hub, a coupling post 
171 is placed flush against a strut 18 of each wall span to be joined 
(FIGS. 26 and 26A); such that the appropriate coupling faces 173 engage 
the strut sidewalls 88 along their lengths. These abutting surfaces are 
then securely attached by a series of vertically spaced coupling screws 
175 (preferably sheet metal screws). Struts 18 and coupling posts 171 will 
typically be drilled at the site during erection of the walls for the 
passage of screws 175. Nevertheless, holes may be preformed for 
prefabrication units. 
When wall 20 is to be assembled as an open frame structure, diagonal 
support bars 177 are provided between adjacent struts 18 (FIGS. 1, 21 and 
24). Bars 177 are arranged into upper and lower sets of supports 179, 181 
which span the entire length of wall 20. Each set of supports 179, 181 
collectively define an serpentine or serrated path. In the most preferred 
embodiment, the two bars 177 between each pair of struts 18 are parallel 
with each other to provide a more rigid framework 12. 
Each support bar 177 is preferably formed as a tubular member composed of 
steel or aluminum, although other materials having the requisite strength 
and rigidity could be used. Each end 183 thereof is flattened and bent to 
define a tab 185. Tabs 185 are preferably bent at a 45.degree. angle to 
the longitudinal axis of bar 177, to mount bar 177 at a 45.degree. slope. 
Of course these angeles could be modified. 
To mount bars 177 to struts 18, tabs 185 are provided with bores (not 
shown) which are adapted to receive therethrough coupling bolts 187. More 
particularly, each rod 177 is positioned such that one tab 185 engages the 
outer face 189 of sidewall 88 of one strut 18 and the opposite tab 185 
engages the inner face 191 of sidewall 88 of an adjacent strut 18. Gaps 94 
are therefore shaped slightly larger than the diameters of bars 177, so 
that the bars 177 can be easily received therethrough for mounting. Once 
two tabs 185 are engaged opposite to each other on a sidewall 88, a 
coupling bolt 187 may be inserted and secured with a corresponding nut 
193. 
Alternatively, an opened framed wall 20 can be reinforced by structural 
inserts 195, in place of diagonal support bars 177. More particularly, 
inserts 195 are generally solid planar members composed of steel or other 
rigid or semi-rigid material. Although, various non-solid structures, such 
as perforated or grid members, providing the members have sufficient 
rigidity to effectively reinforce wall 20, could also be used. Moreover, 
inserts 195 are preferably provided with an irregular perimeter edge 196 
shaped with an aesthetic design enabling more attractive and creative 
displays to be assembled. For instance, as seen in FIG. 30, an insert 
shaped as a monkey 195A for use in a children's department or an abstract 
human FIG. 195B for use in a clothing department could be provided. Of 
course an infinite variety of shapes could be used. 
Inserts 195 are secured to the adjacent struts 18 by securing flanges 197 
and cooperating screws 199 (FIG. 31). As seen in FIG. 30, various portions 
202-204 and 207-210 for the monkey design 195A and the human design 195B, 
respectively, engage opposite struts 18. At these engaged portions 202-204 
and 207-210, inserts 195A and 195B, respectively, are provided with 
securing flanges 197 (FIG. 31). Securing flanges 197 are bent at right 
angles to the shaped body portions of the inserts so that they lie flush 
against the inner and outer faces 189, 191 of strut sidewalls 88. Screws 
199 (preferably sheet metal screws) are used to fasten inserts 195 in 
place and rigidify the wall 20. Again, as with the mounting of coupling 
post 171, holes (not shown) for screws 199 are typically drilled at the 
site, but could be formed at the plant in a prefabricated display. 
Additionally in an open frame structure, removable decorative covers 212 
may be provided over vertical struts 18, 18' (FIGS. 25A-D). Preferably, 
covers 212 are utilized in conjunction with alternative vertical struts 
18' but could in some cases be attached to struts 18. Alternative struts 
18' are identical in function, and similar in shape, to vertical struts 18 
discussed above. More particularly, each strut 18' includes front and rear 
walls 84', 86', a sidewall 88', and a pair of side segments 90', 92' which 
are planar in shape and interconnected by squared corners 103'-106'. 
Furthermore, sidewall 88' includes an offset portion 214 defining 
shoulders 215 which are provided to mount several types of covers 212. The 
ends (not shown) of struts 18' are fashioned and interconnected to rails 
14, 16 in the same manner as discussed above for struts 18. 
Covers 212 are preferably fabricated as elongated resilient plastic 
extrusions of various shapes, sizes and colors (FIGS. 25A-D). Covers 212 
may also be fabricated as a single unitary piece or as a pair of cover 
pieces 216. The unitary covers 212A are primarily intended for use on 
walls 20 that may be anchored along their upper edge to a perimeter wall 
or ceiling, and thereby do not require diagonal support bars 177. However, 
these may be accommodated if the covers 212A are cut to appropriate 
lengths and positioned to provide access for the mounting of the bars 177 
to struts 18, 18'. Moreover, unitary covers 212A, if mounted in the manner 
as shown in FIG. 25A, may be installed on primary vertical struts 18. The 
separable covers 212B comprised of cover pieces 216 may easily be used 
with support bars 177, since the sidewall 88 is not entirely covered with 
the cover pieces 216. Furthermore, covers of different shapes, sizes 
and/or colors may be mixed and matched on different sides of struts 18' 
(or used on only one side) to meet the specific needs of the different 
displays in the retail establishments. 
Unitary covers 212A each include a side member 218, front and rear members 
220, 222, and a pair of locking segments 224. Side members 218 are 
generally planar in shape and are adapted to engage and cover either the 
sidewalls 88' (FIG. 25A) or side segments 90', 92'(FIG. 25D) of struts 
18'. Front and rear members 220, 222 are the portions to be primarily 
visible to the public. Accordingly, front and rear members 220, 222 may 
have a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Locking segments 224 each have 
an L-shaped free end 226 adapted to interlock with either shoulders 215 of 
sidewall 88' (FIG. 25D) or side segments 90', 92' (FIG. 25A). In attaching 
a unitary cover 212A, one locking segment 224 is generally hooked on one 
shoulder 215 or side segment 90' or 92' and resiliently deformed and 
stretch to snap-fit lock on the strut 18'. 
Separable cover pieces 212B include front members 228 of any shape, size or 
color which are bordered on each end by a locking segment 232. Locking 
segments 232 are L-shaped at their free ends 234 and are adapted to engage 
the offset section 214 of sidewall 88' and side segments 90', 92'. In a 
manner similar to unitary covers 212A, covers 212B are attached to struts 
18' by hooking one locking segment 232 on either one shoulder 215 or side 
segment 90' or 92' and resiliently deforming and stretching the cover to 
snap-fit lock it on the front or rear of the strut 18'. 
When wall 20 is to be assembled as a closed frame structure, a plurality of 
display panels 22 may be installed between rails 14, 16. Display panels 22 
are preferably solid rectangular members composed of plastic (or other 
suitable material) and having any color or surface texture. Furthermore, 
display panels 22 may be transparent, translucent or mirrored; or even 
irregular non-solid structures, such as perforated sheets or a rigid grid 
of vertical and horizontal members. Panels fabricated of a rigid framework 
covered by a fabric may also be used. In any event, display panels 22 are 
to be installed between each strut 18 and extend the entire height between 
rails 14, 16. 
Display panels 22 are held along their lower and upper edges 238, 240 by 
outer channels 40, 80, respectively. Display panels 236 are installed by 
inserting upper edge 240 into top outer channel 80 until the edge 240 
engages top base leg 74. In this position, lower edge 238 will clear the 
free end 242 of upstanding leg 36 so that the panel 22 may be swung toward 
rail 14 and be aligned with lower outer channel 40. At this point, display 
panel 22 is lowered and set upon lower base leg 32. As seen in FIG. 20, 
vertical leg 36 is sufficiently long to still retain the upper edge 240 of 
display panel 22 when set down in channel 40. These panels 22 may be 
installed in either or both sets of outer channels 40, 80, depending upon 
the specific needs of the displays to be assembled. 
The side edges 244 of display panels 22, when installed, overlie a portion 
of front or rear wall 84, 86 of strut 18. More specifically, side edges 
244 lie adjacent to the row of openings 96 such that a gap 246, aligned 
with openings 96, is defined when two display panels 22, 22' are mounted 
adjacent one another. Clips 248 having a planar body 250 and a pair of 
hooks 252 are used to retain side edges 244 of panels 22 against struts 
18. Hooks 252 are adapted to be received through and retained in a pair of 
openings 96 in a conventional manner, and are sized such that the rear 
face 254 of body 250 snugly engages the outer surface 256 of each display 
panel 22. Gap 246 additionally permits the installation of shelves, 
lighting fixtures, etc. 
Walls 20 may also be fitted with septum panels 23 to form a closed frame 
structure. Septum panels 23 are secured in place by septum frames 260 
which are secured along the convex surfaces 125, 127 of rails 14, 16. 
Septum panels 23 are identical to display panels 22 in variety and form. 
However, septum panels 23 are shorter in height since they are mounted 
between the ridges of the body portions 24, 66 and not in outer channels 
40, 80. 
Each septum frame 260 is comprised of a main member 262 and an attachment 
264. Preferably, the septum frame components 262, 264 are composed of a 
plastic material, put could of course be composed of a variety of 
materials having the requisite characteristics. Furthermore, septum frame 
components 262, 264 are preferably fabricated by extrusion techniques, 
although other manufacturing processes could be used. 
Main member 262 of each septum frame 260 includes an arcuate base 266 which 
is curved to correspond and engage the convex surface 125, 127 of one of 
the rails 14, 16. Arcuate bases 266, are attached to rails 14, 16 through 
the use of screws (not shown) or other known means. Projecting upwardly 
from the mid-section of each arcuate base 266 is a generally T-shaped 
portion having a vertical retaining wall 268 and a horizontally extending 
segment 270. Horizontal segment 270 is spaced slightly from and overlies 
the ridge portion 272 of base 266. The opposing faces 274, 276 of 
horizontal segment 270 and ridge portion 272 are preferably serrated 281 
to securely mount attachment 264, as described below. 
Attachment 264 of each septum frame 260 is fabricated as a T-shape member 
having a vertical retaining wall 278 and a horizontal prong 280. Prong 280 
is provided with a plurality of elongated, tapered barbs 282 along its 
length. Prong 280 is sized and adapted to be matingly received between 
opposing faces 274, 276 of main member 262. When prong 280 is so inserted 
barbs 282 interlock with serrations 281 to securely hold attachment 264 in 
place. Nevertheless, barbs 282 are flexible so that attachment 264 may be 
manually pried from main member 262. This permits the septum panels 23 to 
be easily removed and replaced. Vertical retaining wall 278 is 
substantially parallel to vertical retaining wall 268, and cooperatively 
forms a septum channel 284 with wall 268 and segment 270. Septum channels 
284 are adapted to receive and hold septum panels 23 in place. 
Moreover, since struts 18 are not directly involved with the securing of 
septum panels 23, covers 212 may be used in conjunction with such septum 
panels. Additionally, channel inserts 286 may be installed in outer 
channels 40, 80 to thereby reduce their visual impact to the public. 
Channel inserts 286 are preferably extruded plastic members of various 
shapes, sizes and colors. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, 
inserts 286 may be provided with two downwardly extending holding legs 288 
and a top cover member 290. Further, as with covers 212B, inserts 286 may 
be mixed and matched in any desired manner. 
A wall structure including display panels 22 or septum panels 23 may be 
provided with lighting fixtures (FIG. 32) and opaque figurines 292 or 
opaque inserts 195, to create an attractive silhouette appearance for the 
assembled display. In general, the opaque inserts or figurines 195, 292 
are placed between a translucent panel 22 or 23 and a lighting fixture. 
The radiating light, then, creates a silhouette which may be seen through 
the translucent panel 22 or 23. The lighting fixtures may be positioned 
between the rails, outside the rails or eliminated if sufficient lighting 
exists behind the wall. 
Opaque figurines 292 are preferably very thin planar members composed of 
plastic or other material. Figurines 292 are mounted flush against the 
translucent panel 22 or 23. More specifically, figurines 292 are received 
within one or both of the side channels 40, 80 when used in conjunction 
with side display panels 22. This places the figurines snugly between the 
rear surface 294 of translucent panel 22 and leg 28 or 68 of body portions 
24 or 66, respectively. When a figurine 292 is used in conjunction with a 
translucent septum panel 23, the figurine 292 is received within the 
septum channel 284 between the rear surface 296 of the translucent septum 
panel 23 and the first or second retaining wall 268 or 278 of septum frame 
260. 
When utilizing structural inserts 195 as the opaque component, panels 22 or 
23 and inserts 195 are mounted in the same manners as discussed 
previously. More specifically, side panels 22 are received inside channels 
40, 80 and structural inserts 195 are mounted to side walls 88 of adjacent 
struts 18. Alternatively, septum panels 23 are mounted in septum frames 
260 along rails 14, 16 and structural inserts are mounted on sidewalls 88 
of adjacent struts 18. In this latter configuration, structural inserts 
195 must be attached before inserting septum panels 23 in system frames 
260, since panels 23 will overlie securing flanges 197. In this 
arrangement, as can be readily appreciated, insert 195 will be positioned 
in close proximity to system panel 23, if not engaged therewith. 
In any event, the lighting fixtures may be secured with conventional 
bracket hooks in the same manner as cornice 101 (FIG. 1), or in any other 
known manner. Additionally, if desired, lighting fixtures may be 
separately positioned on floor 34 in a spaced apart relation from wall 20. 
The above description is that of preferred embodiments of the invention. 
Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the 
spirit and broader aspects of the invention as set forth in the appended 
claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principle of 
patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.