Abstract:
A freestanding extensible wall for partitioning an area of a room, said wall having a base, a top, oppositely directed surfaces extending between said base and said top, said base, top and surfaces defining a core, said core comprising a cellular structure having multiple voids extending from said base to said top upon movement of said oppositely directed surfaces away from each other, said base having a width of at least 10 centimeters and placed on a floor, and said core having a height of at least 1 meter, whereby opposite ends of said core may be moved apart to expand said cellular structure and extend the length of said core and to form at least a substantially straight freestanding wall configuration, whilst maintaining its vertical extent.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/698,262 filed on Apr. 28, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/638,704 filed on Mar. 4, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/042,857 filed Oct. 1, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/646,822 filed Dec. 23, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/343,042 filed on Dec. 23, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,984 filed on May 1, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/287,195 filed on Nov. 28, 2005, which claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,527,927 filed on Nov. 25, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/681,972 filed on May 18, 2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to flexible furniture components and methods of making such components. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Furniture is a staple product used in domestic, working and public environments. Furniture may be used to facilitate the use of space, such as in a seat or table, or to divide space, such as in a partition. By way of example, partitions are frequently used to subdivide spaces, or to create more intimate spaces. Typically such partitions are rigid, or have rigid frames, or are formed from rigid interconnected panels and they are relatively large, heavy, and cumbersome, and therefore difficult to set-up, take down, store, and transport. Similarly other items of furniture, such as seating structures, are typically of a rigid, or permanent nature that, at most, are moveable to alternative locations. 
         [0004]    Moreover, the inherent rigidity of such items of furniture limits the extent to which they can be dynamically resized (extended or contracted) and reshaped to suit varying spaces and requirements, or readily moved around for relocation, or storage. 
         [0005]    Additionally, such furniture items, particularly in the form of partitions are typically formed from opaque panels which inhibit the transmission of light, therefore necessitating increased use of, or rearrangement of artificial lighting to restore adequate lighting levels. 
         [0006]    In domestic, working, and public environments it is frequently desirable to be able to subdivide and reshape space on a temporary basis. For example, visitors may require a temporary sitting or sleeping area, office workers may need to convert an open plan area into subdivided working space or temporary meeting space, trade show participants may need to demarcate a temporary display area, and designers may need to create and shape a temporary area for an event, or a backdrop for a designed area, such as in a window display in a retail setting, in a showroom, or in a theatrical setting. For these types of applications, furniture components that are rigid, heavy, and/or cumbersome may be costly to transport, difficult to set up/take down, and may require significant storage space. Furniture in the form of a partition that is rigid will also place significant constraints on the ways in which a given space can be partitioned, limiting its functionality, and a partition that is fully opaque will severely disturb natural lighting. 
         [0007]    The above disadvantages are herein recognized. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According therefore to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flexible flaccid material. Each panel has a pair of oppositely-directed major faces with faces of adjacent panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of the faces away from each other. A respective one of a pair of supports is provided at opposite ends of the core and connected to respective ones of the faces. The supports are self-supporting to provide rigidity to the article of furniture and/or to provide connectivity between like articles of furniture. In this way, the supports may be moved apart to expand the cellular structure and extend the overall length of the article of furniture, and/or be used to connect any of more than one of such articles together in series. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a partition; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing three of the panels used to form the partition of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a view on the line III-III of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a series of views showing the sequential operations required to erect the panel of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the portion shown in circle A in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a view showing the sequential steps to join a pair of panels shown in  FIG. 1  end-to-end; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a detailed view of the inter-connection of the panels shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view showing the arrangement of a panel within a living area; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view showing an alternative configuration of panel; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of connection applied to a partition; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a view on the line XI-XI of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a view in the direction of arrow XII of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the connection of  FIG. 10  with different size partitions; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a seat arrangement incorporating the connection of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a view on the line XV-XV of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a front elevation of a light incorporating a connection similar to  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a section on the line XVII-XVII of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a schematic representation of a method of manufacturing a light similar to that of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a prospective view of a further embodiment of a partition; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a view on the line XX-XX of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a end view of the partition shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a view similar to  FIG. 21  of the opposite end of the partition of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the end wall of the partition shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is an alternative embodiment of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is an enlarged view of the end of the partition shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a view similar to  FIG. 25  with the end wall of the partition closed; 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a plan view of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a section on the line XXVIII-XXVIII of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is an enlarged view showing a portion of the end wall of  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of partition; 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a view similar to  FIG. 30  showing the assembly of the components of the partition of  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a view on the line A/A of  FIG. 31  when assembled; 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a building using partitions as shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a further building utilizing the partitions as shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment to the partition shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a further configuration of partition; 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a view of the partition shown in  FIG. 36  in alternative configurations; 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a view similar to  FIG. 36  with an alternative configuration of voids; 
           [0048]      FIG. 39  is a view of a partition similar to  FIG. 30  deployed in a circular configuration as a light fixture; 
           [0049]      FIG. 40  is a view of a partition used as a light fixture; 
           [0050]      FIG. 41  is a view similar to  FIG. 31  showing an alternative form of support; 
           [0051]      FIG. 42  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  in an assembled configuration; 
           [0052]      FIG. 43  is a perspective view showing the attachment of supports to one another; 
           [0053]      FIG. 44  is a view on the line B/B of  FIG. 43  when assembled; 
           [0054]      FIG. 45  is a view similar to  FIG. 43  in a circular configuration; 
           [0055]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an alternative form of support for a partition; 
           [0056]      FIG. 47  is a view on the line C/C of  FIG. 46 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 48  is a schematic representation of the deployment of the supports shown in  FIG. 45 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 49  is a schematic representation of an alternative configuration of the supports shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 50  is a further alternative configuration of supports shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 51  is a side view of a assembly of partition with a portion removed for clarity to show a connector; 
           [0061]      FIG. 52  is an exploded perspective view of a connector used in  FIG. 51 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 53  is an alternative embodiment of the connector shown in  FIG. 52 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 54  is a perspective view showing the deployment of the connector shown in  FIG. 52 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 55  is a perspective view showing the assembly of partitions using the connector shown in  FIG. 52 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 56  is a front elevation of a partition with an additional support provided; 
           [0066]      FIG. 57  is a section on the line D/D of  FIG. 55 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 58  is a view showing the partitions stacked and supported by the support of  FIG. 55 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 59  is a view showing the use of a support to secure partitions to a fixed abutment; 
           [0069]      FIG. 60  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  with an alternative form of partition; 
           [0070]      FIG. 61  is a perspective view showing an alternative form of support for the partitions; 
           [0071]      FIG. 62  is a perspective view of a partition with an alternative disposition of lighting elements; 
           [0072]      FIG. 63  is a view similar to  FIG. 34  of an alternative form of temporary building; and 
           [0073]      FIG. 64  is a view similar to  FIG. 63  of an alternative embodiment of building. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0074]    Referring therefore to  FIG. 1 , a partition  10  comprises a core  12  and a pair of supports  14 ,  16  at opposite ends of the core  12 . As can best be seen from  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the core  12  is formed from a plurality of panels  18 . The panels  18  each have a pair of oppositely-directed major faces  19 ,  20 , and are formed from a flexible flaccid material. In the preferred embodiment, the material forming the panels  18  is standard white, flame retardant tissue paper, having a weight of approximately 13.5 lbs (500 sheets @ 24″×36″=13.5 lbs). Each panel has a major dimension or height h and a width w which may be adjusted to suit particular environments. Typically the height will be in the order of 1-2 metres but could range from 0.5-3 metres when used as a partition, or 0.1 metres to 0.5 metres when used as a seat. A seat height of 0.45 m has been found particularly beneficial. The width is typically in the order of 30 centimetres but could range from 10-100 centimetres. Adjacent panels  18  are inter-connected to one another at spaced intervals that alternate across the width of the face of the panel  18 . As indicated in  FIG. 2 , the connection between panels  18   a  and  18   b  is through a series of parallel, laterally-spaced strips  24  on the face  19  of panel  18   b . The strips  24  are defined by stripes of adhesive, which connects the panels  18   a ,  18   b  to one another, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0075]    Similarly, the inter-connection between a panel  18   b  and  18   c  is through spaced parallel strips  28  on the face  19  of panel  18   c  which are offset from the strips  24 . Each of the panels  18  is therefore alternately connected to the panel  18  on opposite sides so that, as shown in  FIG. 3 , upon extension of the panel in a horizontal direction, a cellular structure having voids  30  is formed within the core. The voids  30  extend vertically from top to bottom of the core  12  with the panels  18  providing a continuous transverse barrier. The lateral outer ends of each of the panels  18  are connected so as to form vertical pleats on the exterior faces of the core  12 . 
         [0076]    An end panel  18   d  of the core is connected to respective ones of the supports  14  and  16  over its entire width. The supports  14  and  16  are made from a self-supporting material, typically a non woven felt material, which has a degree of flexibility but also has sufficient rigidity to resist collapse of the core  12 . In a typical application, the felt is a 1.95 nominal pounds per square yard felt having a thickness in the order of 3 millimetres, although other weights and thicknesses may be utilized as appropriate depending upon the overall dimensions of the partition  10 . The supports  14  and  16  extend laterally beyond the core as indicated at  32  and are adhered to respective ones of the end panels  18   d.    
         [0077]    Fasteners in the form of a pair of loop and hook strips  34 , such as that sold under the trade name “Velcro” are stitched to the felt supports  14  and  16 , and extend vertically from one end to the other. 
         [0078]    The core  12  is collapsible so that the major faces of adjacent panels  18  lay parallel to one another and in abutment. In this position, as shown in  FIG. 4 a   , the partition  10  may be stored in a flat, collapsed position. When the partition  10  is required, it can be oriented vertically ( FIG. 4 b   ) and the opposite supports  14  and  16  used to manipulate the partition. The supports  14  and  16  are moved away from one another as shown in  FIG. 4 c    to expand the core so that the cellular structure is opened within the core  12 . The lateral extension of the supports  14 ,  16  beyond the core  12  provides marginal tabs that may be grasped to facilitate manipulation of the core without direct contact with the panels  18 . 
         [0079]    Once partially extended, the supports  14  and  16  may be folded along a vertical axis to provide enhanced rigidity at each end of the partition  12 . This may be seen in more detail in  FIG. 5  where it will be seen that the opposite edges of the supports  14  and  16  may be brought together so that the loop and hook strips  34  are brought into abutment. The loop and hook strips  34  engage one another and thus hold the support in a folded tubular configuration. This movement is accommodated by the flexible nature of the cellular structure which expands towards the lateral edges to accommodate the folding of the supports  14  and  16 . With the supports  14  and  16  folded into a tubular support, extension of the core  12  continues as shown in view (e) of  FIG. 4 , until the desired overall length is reached. 
         [0080]    With the partition  10  expanded, it has sufficient width to remain stable in a vertical position with the rigidity provided by the end supports  14  and  16 . The material forming the panels  18  is preferably translucent so that a pleasing transmission of light through the panel may occur, while still providing a degree of privacy. 
         [0081]    The extended partition as shown in  FIG. 4 e    may be adjusted to different configurations as illustrated by the open curve shown in  FIG. 1  and the wrapped curve shown in  FIG. 8 . The core  12  has a surprising degree of flexibility to accommodate different configurations and allow an appropriate shaped and sized partition to be installed in an otherwise open space. By varying the overall dimensions, additional functionality may be obtained. The extended partition shown in  FIG. 4 e    may also be made with a lower height, for example 1 metre and a wider base, for example 0.5 metres so that the top surface of the partition may be used as an area to display objects. Such an arrangement is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Where appropriate, the terminal portions of the voids  30  may be used as a pocket to support a container, such as a vase, or similar object. In this embodiment, the height would be between 0.5 and 1.5 metres. 
         [0082]    The provision of the supports  14  and  16  also permits a pair of partitions  10  to be joined end-to-end as shown in  FIG. 6 . As may be seen from  FIG. 6 a   , a pair of partitions  10  is erected and positioned with supports  14 ,  16  at opposite ends of each partition adjacent one another. The loop and hook strips  34  in adjacent supports  14 ,  16  are then brought into contact with one another as shown in  FIG. 7  so that the partitions  10  are joined in seriatim. The additional thickness provided by the double support at the intersection enhances rigidity, with the supports  14 ,  16 , at the free ends of the partition being folded upon themselves to provide stable support. 
         [0083]    After use of the partition  10 , it is simply necessary to reverse the procedure by moving the ends towards one another, unfolding the supports  14  and  16 , and collapsing the core  12  to its minimum size. It may then be stored and used when subsequently required. 
         [0084]    In the above embodiments, the core has been made from a light weight paper material, although it will be apparent that alternative materials may be used that fulfil the same functional requirements. For example, it is possible to utilize a heavier weight paper material, such as Kraft paper, or a non-woven textile material such as a plastic material known as Tyvek from DuPont which is both tear and water resistant. Alternatively, a paper laminated with a plastic film to provide a composite material may be used. With such a core material, the supports  14  may be made of a felt or may be made from a material similar to the core material but with increased thickness. The felt used in the support would be sufficiently flexible to allow folding to define the tubular support structure at each end with fasteners such as the loop and hook strips  34  incorporated on the support. In some applications, the inherent stiffness of the material used in the core is such as to provide sufficient rigidity to the core when the cellular structure is expanded for the core to be self supporting when expanded. Kraft paper or plastics material has provided sufficient rigidity for this purpose. In this case the supports may be provided to permit connectivity if multiple units are to be joined end to end. 
         [0085]    Whilst a translucent material is preferred, it will be apparent that opaque or different coloured materials may also be utilized. The dimensions of the void  30  and the number of voids in the lateral direction may be adjusted to suit particular applications. It has been found in practise that a spacing between stripes  24 ,  28  in the order of 5-10 centimetres (when unexpanded) is appropriate, although spacing as low as 1 cm. may be used, and that the width of the stripes  24 ,  28  is between 1 and 10 millimetres. This arrangement provides a flexible structure with extensive elongation to provide maximum functionality. 
         [0086]    An alternative form of connection for articles of flexible furniture is shown in  FIG. 10-12 , in which like reference numerals will be used to denote like components with a prefix  1  added for clarity. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a pair of partitions  110  are arranged to be joined end-to-end in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 6 . The end panel  118   d  of the core  112  is secured to supports  114 ,  116 . The supports  114 ,  116  are made from a self-supporting material, which in this embodiment are preferably made from a rigid material such as a millboard. The supports  114 ,  116  lay within the periphery of the end panel  118   d  so that the end panels  118   d  overlap by a margin in the order of 20 millimetres around the millboard. 
         [0087]    Each of the supports  114 ,  116  has a series of holes  140 , best seen in  FIG. 11  formed through the millboard. The holes are arranged in a regular pattern, as will be described more fully below with respect to  FIG. 13 , and are arranged to receive rare earth magnets  142 . The magnets  142  are typically in the order of 3 millimetres thick and 25 millimetres diameter. The magnets are a tight sliding fit in the holes  140  so as to be frictionally retained by the millboard. The millboard itself is chosen to be of the same thickness as the magnet  142  so that the face of the magnet  142  is flush with the surface of the millboard. 
         [0088]    The magnets  142  are oriented such that a common polarity is present for all magnets on one face. Thus the magnets in the support  114  shown in  FIG. 10  are oriented such that the north pole is exposed and those of the support  116  in the adjacent partition  110  are arranged such that a south pole is exposed. The exposed end face of the millboard is wrapped by a cover  144  of the same material as used to produce the core  112  for aesthetic purposes and to retain the magnets in situ. The cover  144  extends over the edges and each face of the millboard to provide self contained end supports  114 ,  116  to facilitate manufacture as well as enhance the aesthetics. 
         [0089]    With the magnets in situ, the partitions  110  may be connected to one another by relying upon the magnetic attraction between the opposite poles of adjacent partition. The rare earth magnets  142  have sufficient force to retain the supports  114 ,  116  in abutment with one another. However the supports may be readily separated by sliding the partitions relative to one another or pulling them apart axially to release the magnets. The margin of the end panel  118   d  provides a flexible tab to permit manipulation of the core  112 . 
         [0090]    As can be seen in  FIG. 13 , the arrangement of magnets  142  on the support  114 ,  116  provides a grid that allows different size partitions to be connected in seriatim. The magnets  142  are arranged in two columns in rows uniformly spaced such that a relatively tall partition may be attached to a relatively small partition with the magnets  142  in alignment. The grid also allows partitions to be stacked on top of one another and connected in seriatim to a taller partition to form a continuous wall. 
         [0091]    Whilst it is convenient that the supports  114 ,  116  are formed from rigid millboard to carry the magnets, it will also be apparent that a similar arrangement may be achieved using the self-supporting flexible supports  114 ,  116  such as the felt shown in the embodiments of FIGS.  1  through  9 . The end panel  118   d  and the covering panel  144  secures the magnets  142  within the flexible support  114 ,  116  so as to be retained within the hole  140 . This arrangement would also allow the end panels to be folded as shown in  FIG. 5  provided that the orientation of the magnets is such that one column has a north polarity and the other column has a south polarity. A complimentary arrangement on the support of an adjacent partition will still permit the partitions to be joined to one another in seriatim as well as folded. 
         [0092]    The embodiments are described above in the context of a partition. However, the ability to dimensionally resize the core  12  provides for its use in alternative articles of flexible furniture, such as those shown in  FIGS. 14 through 17 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , a circular seat  210  is provided having a concave upper surface  211 . As seen in  FIG. 15 , the lower surface  213  of the core  212  is planar to sit against the floor and the upper and side surfaces smoothly curved. The opposite end faces  218   d  of the core are secured to supports  214 ,  216  that carry a series of magnets  242 . The magnets are wrapped by a cover  244  of the material used to form the core to provide a pleasing aesthetic as well as secure the magnets  242  within the supports  214 ,  216 . The seat  210  may be stored in a collapsed flat position and when needed expanded into a circular array with the supports  214 ,  216  in abutment. The magnets  242  secure the supports  214 ,  216  to one another and hold the core  212  in the circular configuration presenting an upper concave surface  211 . For storage, the supports are separated and the core collapsed to a flat configuration. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , the seat  210  is formed from three cores  212  joined end to end to make a torous. It will be apparent that the overall diameter of the seat  210  may be increased by expanding the inner diameter of the torous and thereby further expanding the cores  212 . Alternatively, a single core  212  may be used with the supports  214 , 216  connected to one another, provided there are sufficient laminated panels to permit extension of the core over the required circumference. In this case, the diameter will be similar to that shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0094]    A simple seat may be provided in a similar manner by having an expanded core  212  with a planar upper surface  211 , arranged either in a cylindrical form with supports  214 ,  216  in abutment, or in the form of a bench with said supports not in abutment. In each case, multiple units may be joined end to end to increase the diameter of the cylindrical seat, or the length of the bench, which can be arranged linearly, or in an undulating manner, and which can act as a form of partition, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , and may be stacked one on top of the other to increase the overall height. 
         [0095]    When used in a seating embodiment, the dimensions of the cellular structure and the stiffness of the material used is adjusted to provide an increased structural rigidity and increased weight bearing capacity. Kraft paper has been found to have the requisite properties and it has been found preferable to reduce the spacing between the glue stripes to 2.5 cm so that the maximum dimension of each void  30  in a collapsed state is 5 cm. 
         [0096]    A similar arrangement of flexible furniture is used with respect to a light as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  in which like reference numerals will be used to denote like components with a prefix  3  for clarity. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a light  310  is formed with a core  312  with end panels  318   d  secured to respective supports  314 ,  316 . In this arrangement the axis of the voids is radial although an axial orientation may be used if preferred. The supports, as shown in  FIG. 17 , carry an array of magnets  342  so that the supports may be joined to one another as described above. A bulb  350  is located within the centre chimney formed by the fanning of the core  312 . The bulb  350  illuminates the core  312  to provide a pleasing effect and the heat may escape through the central aperture provided by the core. Naturally the core is formed from a fire-resistant material, or the light source produces only a small amount of heat. The light  310  may be collapsed and stored in a flat configuration and deployed as required in different locations. 
         [0097]    It will be apparent from the various embodiments described above that the provision of the cellular structure to form the core and the releasable fastenings provided at the end panels allow for a variety of configurations to be provided. The provision of the magnets or other fasteners in a pre-defined grid permits different components to be joined to one another to increase a variety of configurations that may be utilized. As indicated above, the dimensions of the core may be adjusted to suit particular requirements, ranging from a single row of voids to provide a thin or narrow partition, to a relatively wide cellular structure with multiple rows of voids to provide seating or table like surfaces. 
         [0098]    The configuration of the core  312  as shown in  FIGS. 14 to 17  facilitates production of articles of different sizes from the same blank of core  312 . 
         [0099]    As shown in  FIG. 18 a   , the core  312  is die cut to the overall shape of the half section of the light  310  or seat  210 . 
         [0100]    The centre section of the core may then be removed, as shown in dashed line of  FIG. 18 b    to provide a pair of blanks as shown in  FIG. 18 c   . Each is used as a blank, with the centre, a smaller, but similar, blank for another light  310  or seat  210 . 
         [0101]    The supports  314 ,  316 , are secured to end panels  318  and overlap on the radially inner edge to allow manipulation of the core  312  without unduly restricting the inner void defined when the core is deployed in to a circular arrangement. This overlap provides a convenient handle to allow the core to be pulled in to a circular configuration which is particularly beneficial when used on the seat  210 . 
         [0102]    A further embodiment of partition is shown in  FIGS. 19 through 45  in which similar reference numbers will be used to identify like components for the prefix  4  for clarity. The embodiment of partition shown in  FIGS. 19 through 45  may be used in a number of ways to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the partition and to increase its functionality 
         [0103]    Referring therefore to  FIG. 19 , partition  410  has a core  412  formed from panels of translucent material as particularized above. End supports  416  and  414  are provided in opposite ends of the core  412  and are covered by material  444  for aesthetic purposes. 
         [0104]    A series of longitudinal passages  460  extend through the end panels  414 ,  416  and the core  412  so as to intersect the cells  430  transverse to their longitudinal axis. Each of the passages  460  is circular in cross section and is located on the center line of the core  412 . The number of passages  460  may vary according to different applications but in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , three passages  460  are formed through the core  412  at uniformly spaced intervals. 
         [0105]    The passages  460  may be conveniently formed with the core  412  in a collapsed condition by using a paper drill bit or similar device, or die cut. Typically a diameter of 2 inches is appropriate for the passage  460 . 
         [0106]    The passages  460  may be used in a number of different ways. As shown in  FIGS. 19 to 29 , an LED light ribbon  462  is inserted into one or more of the passages  460  so as to extend through the core  412  to the end support  416 . The LED ribbon  462  is a commercially available system such as that available from Alder under the tradename FlexLight Bars. The LED lights are distributed in uniform fashion along the length of the ribbon  462  and are supplied with power from a transformer unit incorporated into an electrical power supply in a conventional manner. A dimmer control may also be included to vary the intensity of the lights 
         [0107]    As can best be seen in  FIGS. 20 and 23 , one end of the ribbon  462  is secured relative to the end panel  416  by a foam ball,  464 . The ball  464  is secured to the ribbon  462  after it has been inserted through the passage  460  and prevents the ribbon from being withdrawn. The ball  464  is deformable so as to be a snug fit in the passage  460  and so bears against the walls of the passage  460  to secure the ribbon  462 . 
         [0108]    As shown in  FIG. 24 , the ribbon  462  may also be secured by a bar  466  that passes through the ribbon but inhibits its removal through the passage  462 . 
         [0109]    As shown in  FIGS. 25 through 28 , the ribbon  462  may conveniently be concealed by the end panel  414  with the partition installed. The end panel  414  may be folded upon itself, as described above with respect to  FIG. 5  to define a vertical panel in which the ribbon  46  can be concealed. 
         [0110]    The end panels  414  and  416  carry magnets  442  in a manner similar to that described with respect to  FIG. 10 . The magnets  442  are mounted on plastic strips  470  secured to the end panels  414 ,  416  and covered by the covering  444 . The magnets  442  are arranged in uniform spacing down each strip and the polarity of the magnets alternated both vertically along the strip and transversely between the two strips. In this manner, folding of the panels  414 ,  416  brings magnets of opposite polarity in to contact to secure the end panels in a folded condition and at the same time provides for inversion of successive partitions so that a magnetic connection between adjacent end panels will be obtained, regardless of the orientation of the panel. 
         [0111]    In use, the ribbons  462  are inserted into the passages  460  and the ribbons secured by the end fastening in the form of a ball  464  or bar  466 . This is most conveniently accomplished with the core  412  in the collapsed condition. As the partition  410  is expanded to the required length, the ribbon  462  slides within the passage way  460  so that the LED ribbon is uniformly distributed along the extended length of the core  412 . The end panels  414 ,  416  are then folded on themselves with the ribbon  462  enclosed within the cavity. The relative sizing between the ribbons and the passage  460  ensures the ribbon can slide easily along the passage as the partition is expanded without binding or tearing the core  412 . 
         [0112]    When energized, the light from the LED is diffused through the core  412  giving a glowing appearance to the core  412 . The intensity of the light may be adjusted by using more than one ribbon in the core  412  or increasing the number of lights for a given length of core. Controls including a dimmer switch may also be used to vary the intensity and may incorporate additional features such as motion sensors that allow the LED&#39;s to be switched successively as a person walks past the partition. Different coloured ribbons  462  may also be utilized to vary the visual effect. 
         [0113]    The construction of the core  412  and the nature of the material making up the core effectively provides a relatively uniform diffusion of the light through the core, giving a soft glowing effect without high intensity point sources. The LED lights are relatively low heat output and so may be safely incorporated within the core  412  without risk of fire. 
         [0114]    In order to store the partition  410 , the end walls  414 ,  416  are brought together to collapse the core  412 . As the core  412  is collapsed, the ribbon  462  slides out of the passage  460  so as not to hinder the collapse of the core  412 . The ribbon  462  may either remain fixed within the passage  460  or, if preferred, may be detached and removed from the passage  460  for storage. The placement of the ribbon  462  within the passage  460  allows adjustment of the overall length of the partition  410  with the ribbon  462  conveniently sliding within the passage  460  during extension or collapse of the partition. As such the ribbon  462  does not inhibit the flexibility or placement of the partition in use. 
         [0115]    The ribbon  462  may alternatively be formed with a resilient spiral portion, as indicated at  462   a  in  FIG. 30 , so as to be extendible and retractable with the partition  410 . The spiral ribbon  462   a  has LED lights at spaced intervals along its length and is inserted into the passage  460  with the partition  410  in a collapsed state. The ribbon  462   a  is secured at one end to one of the end panels  414 ,  416  and the other end panel is secured to the opposite end of the spiral portion  462   a . As the end panels  414 ,  416  are moved apart, the spiral portion  462   a  extends whilst retaining a substantively uniform distribution of the LED lights. The spiral portion is designed so as to be extendable to the maximum length of the partition  410  so that the LED lights accommodate the variations in the partition  410  whilst being retained within the partition. 
         [0116]    The passages  460  may also be used to provide internal stabilization to the partitions  410  without adversely impacting upon the aesthetic appeal of the partition. In  FIG. 31 , a flexible plastics sheet  470  such as mylar is rolled into a tubular insert  472  having an initial diameter slightly less than that of the passage  460 . The tubular insert is inserted into the passage  460  to extend over the required length of the partition. As shown, the insert  472  extends over the whole length of the partition  410 , but it can extend only along selected portions of the partition to provide reinforcement. The plastics material is selected to provide a degree of rigidity in bending so that the insertion of the tube  472  into the passage  460  increases the bending resistance of the partition. This permits the partition  410  to be utilized as a lintel as illustrated in  FIG. 32 . The plastics material is selected to be a length corresponding to the length of the partition when in use and may be inserted as the partition is expanded to that length. Once inserted the partition  410  is self supporting and may bridge gaps provided in a wall of partitions  410  as shown in  FIG. 33 . Materials other than mylar may of course be used and in general any flexible material that provides a sufficient degree of rigidity in bending when rolled in to a tube to increase the bending stiffness of the partition. 
         [0117]    It is preferred that the material  470  is translucent so as not to be visible within the interior of the partition when in use. The formation of the material  470  into the tube  472  also permits the light ribbon  462  to be inserted down the tube and still provide the illuminating effect referred to above with respect to  FIGS. 19 to 29 . Of course tubes  472  may be inserted in to each of the passages  460  if desired, but in practice it is found that a single tube provides sufficient strength. The stabilization of the partition  410  by the tube  472  permits the use of the partition in different environments. 
         [0118]    As indicated in  FIG. 34 , the partitions  410  may be used to form a cubicle or room, generally indicated at  474 , such as may be required as a temporary structure at a trade show or to provide a degree of privacy within an open area. The cubicle  474  has walls  476  formed from stacked partitions  410 . An aperture  478  is provided on one of the walls  476  by spacing apart the ends of the partitions  410 . The aperture  478  is bridged by a partition  410  containing a tube  472  so that the partition  410  does not sag over the aperture  478 . 
         [0119]    A roof structure  480  is formed by individual partitions  410  reinforced with a tube  472  that spans opposite walls  476 . As can be seen in  FIG. 34 , the end panels of the partitions  410  used to form the roof structure  480  are folded together to provide a curved end and to hide the passage  460  from view. 
         [0120]    As described above with respect to  FIGS. 31 to 34 , the tubes  472  extend the full length of the partition  410 . This of course inhibits flexure of the partition  410  along its length. The tubes  472  may extend over only part of the length to provide local reinforcement. Where such flexure is required, for example at a corner or to provide an abrupt change in the direction of the wall, the tubes  472  may be truncated and extend only partially along the length of the passage  460 . This permits, as shown in  FIG. 35 , a spacing between the tubes  472  allowing the partition  410  to be bent in that zone. Obviously more than one gap may be provided between the tubes  472  where more complex shapes are required. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the extendibility of the partition allows the individual lengths of tube  470  to be inserted progressively at selected locations along the partition as it is assembled. 
         [0121]    The passages  460  described above are relatively small diameter and circular in cross section. The cross section may of course be any convenient size or shape, such as square, rectangular or hexagonal. The size varied to suit the particular application. A similar technique may be utilized to provide larger voids within the partition  410 . In  FIG. 36 , an enlarged void of rectangular cross section is formed in the center of a partition  410 . The partition  410  is formed in three portions, end portions  410   a  and  410   b  and the center portion  410   c . One of the end portions  410   a  is provided with a passage  460  that extends through the end portion  410   a  to the void  480 . The opposite end portion  410   b  does not provide such a passage. The portions  410   a, b  and  c  are joined together permanently as with an adhesive or temporarily as through the use of end panels containing magnets as described above, to provide a substantially continuous partition  410  with a large center void. The void  480  may then be used to accommodate a large lighting system, sound system or other equipment that is hidden from the exterior. For example, the void  480  may include a battery powered audio system whose output is transmitted through the material of the partition  410  but is hidden from view as not to effect the aesthetics. The sound system may be operated remotely through wireless control and may be removed from the void  480  by separating the end panel  410   a . Alternatively, power may be provided to the void through the passage  460  for prolonged use of the equipment. 
         [0122]    The void  480  may extend fully through the core of partition  410  if required. The end panels  418  may then seal the void  480  or extend around the margin, as shown in  FIG. 38  below, to connect to other partitions  410 . 
         [0123]    The portion of the core removed for the void  480  may be used in smaller but similar partitions  410  as described above with respect to  FIG. 18 . 
         [0124]    As shown in  FIG. 37 , the LED ribbon  462   a  maybe be secured within the void  480  and upon expansion of the partition  410  will provide uniform illumination along the length of the void. 
         [0125]    It may also be noted from  FIGS. 36 and 37  that a channel  482  is formed in the lower most service in the partition  410 . The channel  482  may be used in a manner similar to the passage  460  to accommodate cables along the length of the partition  410  whilst hiding them from view. In the example provided in  FIG. 36  it will also be apparent that the cells of the partition intersect the void  480  and the channel  482  and thereby provide further means of supplying auxiliary services to equipment located in the void  480 . Of course the channel  482  may be provided in partitions even where void  480  is not present. 
         [0126]    The void  480  may be located adjacent an end of the partition  410  (see  FIG. 38 ) and more than one void  480  may be provided. The location of a void  480  adjacent to an end panel facilitates insertion of equipment which allows the panels to be joined end to end to provide a fully contained environment. 
         [0127]    The use of the passages  460  is not restricted to linear partitions  410  but may also be utilized in a circular array to provide a light as shown in  FIG. 39 . In  FIG. 39 , an annular body is formed from one or more partitions in a manner described above with respect to  FIG. 15 . A passage  460  is formed in the partition  410  so that when the partition  410  is deployed into a circular format, the passage  460  defines a toroidal passage. A light ribbon or similar visual effect  462  is located within the toroidal passage  460  with power supplied through a cable that extends radially from the central hub to the passage  460 . 
         [0128]    Suspension wires  490  are secured to the partition  410  by clips or similar mechanical fasteners. 
         [0129]    It will be appreciated that with the toroidal configuration of the passage  460  a uniform distribution of light through the partition  410  is provided to produce a dispersed lighting effect. 
         [0130]    The voids  480  may also be used to accommodate structural elements for support of the partition  410  when it is used in an elevated located.  FIG. 40  shows a linear partition  410  of an irregular pear-shaped cross section, with a void  480  extending along its longitudinal axis. Support brackets  492  are positioned at spaced locations within the void  480  with support wires  494  extending through the cells of the partition from the supports  492 . These supports  492  may be secured to the partition  410  through mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, engaging the individual panels of the partition  410 . The rods  493  extend between the supports  492  to add stability and inhibit retraction of the partition. If required, because of the span between supports, a support tube  472  may extend through the void  480 , between the support and partition, to increase the beam stiffness of the partition  410 . Lights may be secured to the supports  492  to illuminate the void  480 . The partition  410  may also be circular to provide an annular lighting fixture. 
         [0131]    It is sometimes desirable to increase the stability of a partition  410  but also have it follow a non linear path. The passages  460  may be utilized together with an articulated rod or tube  500  to provide such a structure.  FIG. 41  shows a partition  410  with passages  460 . An articulated rod  500  has a generally tubular cross section and is provided with flexible joints  502  at spaced intervals. The joints  502  may be of known construction and may be as simple as a pirated tongue and groove joints or maybe a ball joint or other friction joint that allows adjustment of the disposition between adjacent sections and yet provides a stable self supporting configuration after adjustment. 
         [0132]    The articulated tube  500  is inserted into the passage  460  and the disposition between adjacent sections adjusted to provide the overall configuration of the partition that is required. As shown in  FIG. 42  for example, a jogged partition  410  may be provided simply by adjusting two spaced joints  502  through equal and opposite angles. The articulated rod  500  may be inserted linearly if the partition is already expanded and then adjusted once insitu or may be pre-adjusted to the desired configuration and the partition fed along the rod  500 . 
         [0133]    The rod  500  may also extend between partitions  410 . It may also connect to similar rods in adjacent partitions to provide a continuous supporting structure.  FIG. 43  shows a pair of partitions  410  each with a respective rod  500 . The rod may be articulated as shown in  FIG. 41  or may in fact be a single non articulated rod if a linear array is required. The ends of the rods  500  have connectors that allow one rod to be connected to the adjacent rod. These connectors may be of any convenient mechanical or magnetic form but, as shown, are simply a threaded pin  504  and a threaded sleeve  506 . To connect one of the rods  500  to the adjacent rod, the ends of the rods  500  may be exposed by compressing the partition  410  and the pin  504  threaded in to the sleeve  506 . The sleeve  506  may be freely rotatable relative to its rod  500  but axially fixed to facilitate the connection. Once the rods  500  are connected, the partitions may again be extended to cover the connection between the rods and a continuous stabilization of the partitions  410  is provided. 
         [0134]    The increased bending stiffness provided by the rod  500  allows the partitions  410  to be suspended from a ceiling or elevated structure by wires connected to the rod  500  if required. 
         [0135]    A rod  500  may also be utilized to reinforce configurations other than generally linear arrangements of partition. In  FIG. 45 , the rod  500  is formed in to a circular configuration with a coupling  508  to allow a partition  410  to be placed on the circular rod  500 . Once placed on the rod, the coupling  508  may be reconnected and the partition  410  arranged to cover the coupling  508 . The circular rod  500  of  FIG. 45  may be preformed as a continuous circle of a given diameter, may be formed from individual sections of a fixed curvature or from an articulated rod having joints  502  spaced along its length as shown in  FIG. 41 . The rod  500  does however provide a hoop around which the partition may be arranged to provide a stabilized circular cross section. 
         [0136]    The overall configuration of the partition  410  lends itself to being supported in a direction orthogonal to that provided by the passages  460 . Such support may be beneficial where the partition  410  is used as a wall of significant height, for example over three meters where it is formed from stacked partitions, or in an environment where it may be subject to extraneous forces such as the wind or likely to be inadvertently displaced by a person. As indicated in  FIG. 46 , the flexible end panel described above with respect to  FIG. 6  maybe be utilized to accommodate a supporting dowel  600 . Dowel  600  is mounted to a base  602  which may be secured to a floor or other mounting point if required. The base  602  is located at the position of the end of the partition  410  and the dowel  600  secured to the base  602  to extend generally vertically. The partition  410  is then expanded and the end panels  14  folded about the dowel and secured to one another by the releasable fastenings, either Velcro or magnetic. The end panels  14  provide a cavity in which the dowel  600  is received and provide stability in a transverse direction for the partition  410 . 
         [0137]    Further support may be provided along the length of the partition by utilizing the cells  30  that extend generally vertically when the partition is deployed. Dowels  600  are inserted in to the cells  30  and connected to bases  602  at spaced locations along the desired configuration of the partition  410 . Such an arrangement is shown in  FIG. 48  where it can be seen that the dowel  602  and bases  600  are utilized to constrain the partition  410  in to a serpentine path and at the same time provide lateral stability for the partition. No modification to the partition  410  is required to utilize the additional support provided by the dowel  600  and the number of dowels and their location may be adjusted to suit the particular requirements. 
         [0138]    As further modification, the bases  602  may be interconnected by links  604  illustrated in  FIG. 49  to provide a more unitary constrained structure to the partition  410 . The dowels  600  are accommodated again either in vertical cells or by being wrapped by the end panels  30  with the spacing between the dowels  600  determined by the links  604 . 
         [0139]    In some circumstances, the dowels may be inserted from the upper surface of the wall to provide enhanced lateral stability for the wall without the necessity or securing the dowels and bases to the floor. Such an arrangement in shown in  FIG. 50  where the bases  602  locate the dowels vertically from above with the dowels providing stabilization for the partition  410 . 
         [0140]    This permits the bases  602  to be secured to a ceiling rather than the floor, where the partition extends the full height. 
         [0141]    The insertion of the dowels from above also allows a wall, formed from stacked blocks, to be stabilized after it has been arranged and also LED&#39;s to be fixed to the dowel and inserted in to the partitions. 
         [0142]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , and referred to above, the partition  410  may be stacked one above the other to increase the height and the structure by the partitions. Advantages taken of the cellular structure of the partition  410  to provide a connection between the abutting partitions without inhibiting the flexibility of the partitions  410  themselves. Referring therefore to  FIG. 51 , a pair of partitions  410  are stacked one above the other to provide a wall. The cell  30  extends vertically through the wall and a connector  700  utilizes the cells to provide a connection that inhibits lateral and longitudinal movement between the partitions. The connector  700  comprises a pin  702  that is received snugly in a hole  704  formed in an angular disc  706 . The diameter of the disc  706  is greater than the nominal size of the cell  30 , so that the pins  702  may be inserted in to a cell on the top of one of the partitions and the disc  706  overlies the walls of the cells to limit the movement of the pin  702 . The partition  410  may then be inserted from above, as indicated in  FIG. 55 , with the upper portion of the pin  702  received in a cell  30  exposed at the lower surface of the upper partition  410 . The pin  702  thus bridges the two partitions  410  and is received a cell of each so as to limit the relative longitudinal and lateral movements between the partitions. At the same time, the point connection still allows adjustment between the partitions and other locations so that sculpted forms can be provided by the stacked partitions. 
         [0143]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 53 , the connector  700  can be formed from a pair of pins  702  with magnetic inserts  708  in one end. The magnets are attracted to the discs  706  and to each other to form the connector  700 . 
         [0144]    The provision of the end panel  412  with magnets or with other releasable fasteners also lends itself to the use of additional stabilizers in the vertical direction.  FIG. 56  shows an end panel  414  having magnets  442  embedded in the panel. A thin plate  800  of magnetic material, such as a carbon steel, is secured by the magnets  442  to the end panel  414 . The plate  800  has significant stiffness in bending and its thin form allows it to be accommodated between the abutting faces of panel  414  when folded as shown in  FIG. 58 . The strip  800  enhances the rigidity of the end panels. The panel  800  may extend vertically from one partition  410  to another so as to bridge the two panels. Again this enhances the lateral connection between the partition allowing the partition to be stacked one above the other whilst retaining a unitary nature. Whilst the strip  800  may be utilized in free standing units  57 , it may also be used to allow the partitions  410  to be connected to an existing wall or similar structure. 
         [0145]    As shown in  FIG. 59 , a strip  800  is secured to a wall to which partitions  410  are to be connected. The end faces  414  of the partitions  410  are brought in to engagement with the strip  800  and the magnets or other fasteners secure the end panels of the partitions  410  to the strip and therefore to the wall. The strip  800  may provide a continuous connection for a plurality of partitions as shown in  FIG. 59  or for a single tall partition as shown in  FIG. 60 . The fastenings are, of course, releasable allowing the partitions to be removed from the wall and the strip  800  may be left permanently attached without being unduly obtrusive. 
         [0146]    An alternative form of vertical support for a wall formed from multiple partitions  410  is shown is  FIG. 61 . Support wires  900  extend from a fixed location, such as a ceiling, to bases  902  or fixture points on a floor. The support wires  900  extend through the cells  30  of the partitions  410  and thereby provide lateral stability for the overall assembly while still allowing individual adjustment of the partitions to provide a sculptured effect. The cellular structure allows the wires  900  to be secured at a variety of locations along the length of the partitions  410  to accommodate different configurations. The wires could terminate prior to the floor to provide a suspended wall. 
         [0147]    The vertical cells  30  on the partition  410  may also be used in place of the passages  460  to accommodate a light ribbon  462  as illustrated in  FIG. 62 . The light ribbon is fed vertically through the cells  30  in a serpentine manner and at each end of the vertical run is displaced axially to an adjacent cell. Preferably, the longitudinal run of the ribbon  462  is accommodated in a channel running on the upper and lower surfaces so that a flush surface is provided for the partition  410 . 
         [0148]    As shown in  FIG. 63 , advantage may be taken of the expandability of the partitions  410  to provide a building of variable dimensions. As shown in  FIG. 63 , the partitions  410  are stacked one above the other to form walls and similar partitions  410  are laid between the walls to provide a roof. Strengthening ribbons indicated at  950  are inserted between the partitions in the roof to provide support for the partitions when spanning the walls. The cells  30  are orientated within the partitions so that each of the partitions collapses along the same axis. Thus the partitions  410  forming the walls, are oriented to collapse in the direction of arrow X and the partitions in the roof are dimensioned to collapse in the direction of arrow Y parallel to arrow X. In this way, the building may be stored in a collapsed configuration with minimum foot print and may be deployed by extending in the direction the arrows X and Y to provide an enlarged building. 
         [0149]    The localised reinforcements of ribs may also be used to form a unitary structure with roof and walls as shown in  FIG. 64 . Integral U shape arches  770  are interspersed in between a core  410  that may expand or retract along the axis indicated by arrow X. The walls and roof are cut out of a single core  410  and connected to the arches by adhesive or magnets. The arches  770  may be made to be readily disassembled for ease of transportation by, for example, latches, bolts or other fasteners. 
         [0150]    It will be apparent from the various embodiments described above that the provision of the cellular structure to form the core and the releasable fastenings provided at the end panels allow for a variety of configurations to be provided. The provision of the magnets or other fasteners in a pre-defined grid permits different components to be joined to one another to increase a variety of configurations that may be utilized. As indicated above, the dimensions of the core may be adjusted to suit particular requirements, ranging from a single row of voids to provide a thin or narrow partition, to a relatively wide cellular structure with multiple rows of voids to provide seating or table like surfaces. The provision of internal passages allows the localised reinforcement and the provisioning of lighting and visual effects to enhance the versatility. 
         [0151]    Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosures of all references recited above are incorporated herein by reference.