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

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent 61/197,447 filed Oct. 28, 2008 and naming the present inventors, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to portable partitions, and more particularly to such partitions intended for use in decorating and design. In one manifestation, the invention pertains to lightweight, modular, partitions which are comprised of one or more smaller units with interchangeable components. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portable partitions can present enormous versatility in designing for both decorative and utilitarian function. As is well understood in the field of design, structural components such as walls, windows, doorways and the like are not easily altered. Quite simply, it is very arduous, messy and expensive to move a structure such as a wall. Furthermore, structural components are relatively limited in terms of customization options. The surface finish may be changed, and small or lightweight items may be adhered to the surface, such as stencils, photographs, posters or the like. However, even changing the surface finish is relatively disruptive, requiring the application of paint, paneling, or the like. These changes often require or may quite preferably be performed by a skilled service provider such as a carpenter or painter, and also still require significant time. As a result, most occupants rarely will undertake making any substantive decorative changes to the structural aspects of a static space. 
     Rather than alter the static components, alternatives have been developed that permit more ready changes to an occupied space. For exemplary purposes, some of these alternatives are illustrated in the following U.S. patents, the contents and teachings of each which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 381,342 by De Land, entitled “Bulletin board”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,080,317 by Beckwith, entitled “Display sign holder”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,093,119 by Donavan, entitled “Collapsible screen and rack”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,012,385 by Gearing, entitled “Interchangeable panel sign”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,573,156 by Meyer, entitled “Screen with removable panel”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,673 by Witkosky et al, entitled “Modular partition wall system”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,289 by Aysta et al, entitled “Freestanding acoustical space divider”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,854 by Godfrey, entitled “Connector for display systems”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,835 by Kelley et al, entitled “Work space management system”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,696 by Johansson, entitled “Display rack”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,539 by Kelley et al, entitled “Work space management system”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,138 by Zwart, entitled “Screen molding”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,863 by Zapf, entitled “Covered wall unit and method of making same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,151 by Payne, entitled “Cabinet door with changeable decorative panel”; Des 357,175 by Godfrey, entitled “Connector for display stands”; and Des 393,951 by Ravenscroft, entitled “Household screen”. 
     The more relevant of these foregoing alternatives are often referred to as screens, panels, or partitions, each of which for the purposes of the present disclosure will be simply referred to and understood herein to be partitions. These more relevant patents are exemplary of, illustrate and describe a wide variety of partitions that can readily be used to divide a larger space, display personal objects, and readily alter a building space. Some of these provide apparatus which can be used to accomplish this with limited use of or completely without the use of tools. As a result, partitions have become very commonplace in larger occupied spaces where it is desirable to preserve the space for alternative uses, while subdividing flexibility. For exemplary purposes only, and certainly not limited thereto, partitions are found in studio apartments or rooms where they are used to divide the living space, businesses where workers are divided into individual working areas or cubicles, for displays of personal or business information, in dining establishments forming smaller and more cozy spaces while preserving a larger structural space for much large special events and gatherings, and for many, many other applications. 
     In addition to the foregoing patents, Webster&#39;s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition copyright 1983, is incorporated herein by reference in entirety for the definitions of words and terms used herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first manifestation, the invention is a portable partition system which is readily adaptable in appearance and function. A first longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A second longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. The first and second uprights are spaced from each other and oriented with the second upright groove facing the first upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A first spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the first upright groove. A second spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the second upright groove. A support bar spans from the first upright to the second upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the first and second spacers. 
     In a second manifestation, the invention is a partition system. A first longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A second longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. The first and second uprights are spaced from each other and oriented with the second upright groove facing the first upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A first spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the first upright groove. A second spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the second upright groove. A first support bar spans from the first upright to the second upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the first and second spacers, and has at least one longitudinally extensive groove that cooperates with the first upright groove and second upright groove to receive a rigid generally rectangular panel therein. A third longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein. A fourth longitudinally extensive upright has a longitudinally extensive groove therein, the third and fourth uprights spaced from each other and oriented with the fourth upright groove facing the third upright groove and defining a panel space therebetween into which a decorative panel may be operatively inserted. A third spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the third upright groove. A fourth spacer is at least partially inserted within and manually removable from the fourth upright groove. A second support bar longitudinally extends from the third upright to fourth upright and is manually removable therefrom, supported vertically by the third and fourth spacers, and has at least one longitudinally extensive groove that cooperates with the third upright groove and fourth upright groove to receive a rigid generally rectangular panel therein. A hinge pivotally couples the third upright to first upright. A shelf engages and is supported within the first and second support bar grooves. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve inadequacies of the prior art by providing rigid modular frames having bars and friction fit spacers that allow the frames to support and display very diverse articles at readily altered heights and positions. The articles, which may include fabric panels, flat panels, shelving, are removable, reversible and replaceable in a matter of a few seconds in a simple and intuitively obvious manner. The result is a portable divider that can easily be changed in appearance, function and size by most anyone, without the use of tools, and which can incorporate a much wider variety of displays than heretofore reasonably possible. 
     A first object of the invention is to provide a portable and modular partition which may be transported and placed or located easily and at will. A second object of the invention is to enable customization of the partitions without the use of tools, through very simple mechanical actions which are intuitive. Another object of the present invention is to accommodate many diverse articles that may be used for function, display or to otherwise alter the appearance or function of a space. A further object of the invention is to achieve the foregoing objectives in an easily manufactured, relatively low cost and durable construction. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stable and secure method for both anchoring and expanding the partitions, where required. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a preferred embodiment designed in accord with the teachings of the invention from front and top plan view, respectively. 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the preferred engagement of preferred friction fit spacers with the frame without and with a flexible and thin panel, respectively from a cross-section view taken along section line  3 ′ of  FIG. 1  for  FIG. 3 , and section line  4 ′ of  FIG. 1  for  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the preferred engagement of the support bars with the frame from an exploded cross-section view taken along section line  5 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the preferred engagement of  FIG. 5  from a further cross-section view taken along section line  5 ′, illustrating a support bar, frame member, thin panel, and friction fit spacer. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred embodiment shelf from top plan view. 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate the preferred embodiment shelf of  FIG. 7  in a most preferred further combination with the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  from top plan and cross-section views, respectively. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Manifested in the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a portable partition system  100  comprised of interchangeable panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 , modular frames  10 , support bars  18 , and friction fit spacers  20 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular frames  10  have two removable pin hinge sections on each edge to be connected. When interconnected, these removable pin hinge sections form a removable pin hinge  9  similar to that found on nearly all interior household doors. These removable pin hinges  9  allow modular frames  10  to be added to or removed easily from portable partition system  100  without the use of tools. Such a method allows one to readily increase or decrease the width of system  100  as needed or desired. Each modular frame  10  provides the basic structure and determines the height of the completed structure. Each modular frame  10  is preferably sturdy and in the preferred embodiment non-collapsible, even when no panels or removable horizontal bars are inserted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there may be applications where modular frames  10  will instead be collapsible, and that such may readily be achieved with any of the variety of known fasteners upon a review of the present disclosure, but that a collapsible frame then includes more complexity and cost which is less preferred herein. When the various components are added, portable partition system  100  is sturdy and portable. 
     Modular frames  10  may be used individually, alternatively arranged at angles to create a freestanding partition or display area, or, when interconnected, pulled open to be arranged co-planarly along a line. When arranged in co-planar fashion, portable partition system  100  will preferably be fastened at one end to a wall or other unmovable structure to keep portable partition system  100  from falling over. Most preferably, wall mount  1  is connected with two hinges  9  as well, allowing for portable partition system  100  to be removed from the wall and moved into storage when not in use. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, wall mount  1  is semi-permanently adhered to a wall using fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, nails or adhesives. Where hardware such as screws or nails are used, matching caps can cover and conceal the fasteners. 
     Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , removable pin hinges  9  can be on alternating sides or all on the same side. Alternating sides allows for a zig-zag pattern, whereas having the removable pin hinges  9  on one side allows for readily creating a circular area within a room, which can be desirable when creating a work space or otherwise breaking up a room. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  further illustrate that there is a continuous, straight, longitudinal groove  13  along the inside of each upright  12 , and a corresponding groove along the inside (top) of the crossbar  14  at the bottom of the modular frame  10 . At the top of the modular frame  10  are two horizontal bars  16  that are parallel to each other with a space  15  between them to allow the insertion of generally planar webs, or panels including flaccid, semi-flexible, or rigid material into the grooves  13  of frame  10  by sliding the interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  through opening or space  15  at the top. The user may choose from a variety of interchangeable panels to insert, differing in height, decorative appearance or function, allowing the user to determine the appearance and function of the partition. Panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  may be separated by removable support bars  18 , allowing for various indeterminate height panels to be used. Preferred embodiment support bars  18  have grooves  17  running across the top and bottom of the bar, to securely hold the top or bottom edge of an inserted panel. The support bars  18  also have tenons  19  at each end which are inserted into the vertical grooves  13  in both interior sides of the modular frame  10 . For exemplary purposes only, and not limiting thereto, a user will place support bar  18  by inserting a tenon  19  at one end of support bar  18  into a groove  13 , holding the support bar  18  at an angle. The user then applies downward pressure to the end angled upward, lining the opposing tenon  19  up with the opposing groove  13 , thereby placing the support bar  18  horizontally in the modular frame  10 . The support bar  18  can be slid up or down while held in the grooves  13 . If the panels are rigid, they will hold support bar  18  at a fixed vertical position. However, modular frames  10  also can hold less rigid interchangeable panels  28 , such as fabric, posters, pictures, mesh, or screen. In such instances, a user simply inserts friction fit spacers  20  in combination with flaccid panels  28  into vertical grooves  13  and the horizontal grooves in support bars  18  and/or crossbars  14 ,  16 . The friction fit spacers will thereby hold the less rigid interchangeable panels  28  in place, providing a reasonably taut panel, while providing a spacer for support bars  18 . If desired, a user may also start by wrapping the flexible or flaccid panel material  28  about a dowel, stick or other member, which may then extend between grooves  13  similar to support bars  18 . In such instance, only vertically oriented friction fit spacers  20  are required, such as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Better understanding of the wrapping of a flaccid or flexible panel about a dowel, rod or other rigid member may be obtained from the Payne, Donovan, Meyer and other patents incorporated by reference herein above. Similarly, one may choose to use friction fit spacers  20  in combination with support bars  18  to create an open panel  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate in more detail the preferred connection between friction fit spacers  20  and uprights  12 . As can be seen, friction fit spacers  20  slide into the groove  13  with a small space remaining. In the case of an open panel  22 , friction fit spacers  20  may preferably be provided with a small patch of material  21  which provides the remaining amount of friction necessary to hold the spacers  20  in place. However, adding the less rigid interchangeable panels  28  would be sufficient to do so as well, which requires a sufficiently small and resilient patch of material such that it does not interfere with use in combination with less rigid interchangeable panels  28 . In the preferred embodiment, patch  21  is fabricated from the fabric or loop portion of commercial hook-and-loop material such as is sold under the well-known trademark Velcro, though a variety of other materials may be recognized as suitable as well. This loop material offers several benefits that may not be apparent at first blush, including resilience, a composition and construction which tends not to damage relatively delicate fabrics that might be used as panels  28 , and since the individual loops may individually compress, a relative ease with which the patch  21  may be inserted and withdrawn from within a groove compared to contiguous materials such as foams or rubbers. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrates the combination of a support bar  18  with upright  12 . As can be seen, in the preferred embodiment, tenon  19  may be designed to span the distance between top and bottom grooves  17 , and extends therefrom for engagement with groove  13 . Similar to friction fit spacers  20 , tenon  19  is sized to form a reasonably secure engagement with groove  13 . As can be further seen, friction fit spacers  20  and rigid interchangeable panels  24 ,  26  each may preferably be designed to be capable of engaging with groove  17  of support bars  18  in such a manner that they are sufficiently framed by support bars  18 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a preferred shelf  30  that may be used in combination with portable partition system  100 . Preferred embodiment shelf  30  is designed for use with portable partition system  100  when modular frames  10  may be held at a predetermined angle to one another. The predetermined angle may vary, allowing for a variety of corners for the shelf  30 . For example, as illustrated in the figures shelf  30  spans a quarter circle, or through a ninety-degree arc. The actual extent of arc may be chosen by a designer at the time of construction of the shelf, is not limited to ninety degrees, and may arc through more or less than ninety degrees as may be desired by the designer. Most preferably, shelf  30  has a thin hook  34  defining two radially extending edges. Hooks  34  form a preferred angle for interaction with and coupling to crossbars  14 ,  16  and/or support bars  18 . The outer, circumferential edge of shelf  30  is defined by a lip  32  that is most preferably rounded, though it could take on a number of geometries as determined at the time of design to be aesthetically and functionally pleasing, and is not to be limited to one or another geometry. Additionally, shelf  30  while shown as solid may alternatively be porous, transparent, or take on any other characteristics that a designer wishes to impart therein. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , hooks  34  engage with crossbars  14 ,  16  and/or support bars  18  in such a manner that they engage and anchor into groove  13 ,  15 , or  17 . This allows for the preferred embodiment shelf  30  to hold items for display, or needing sunlight, such as a plant or fish tank, with a blank space  22  created using friction fit spacers  20  or with a partition panel using an interchangeable panel  24 ,  26 ,  28 , as may be desired. In the illustration of  FIG. 9 , a friction fit spacer  20  is illustrated, though it will be recognized that a panel  24 ,  26 ,  28  may also or alternatively be provided. Furthermore, and while not separately illustrated, it will be apparent that a continuously connected (through hinges  9 ) six, seven or eight frame portable partition system  100  may be used to completely form a circle, using four ninety degree shelves  30 . Alternatively, and using the same four ninety degree shelves  30  with only two portable partition systems  100 , each of only two frames, an entire circle may also be spanned. With the present design, the shelves do not need to be at the same elevation above the ground, and may instead be at different heights around the full 360 degree circle. Of course, more shelves than the four may also be provided, and at various elevations as well. 
     From these figures and the description, several additional features and options become more apparent. First of all, modular frames  10  may be made from any variety of sufficiently lightweight, durable, and sturdy materials, including resins and plastics, metals, wood, cementitious materials, or even combinations of the above. The specific material used may vary, though special benefits are attainable if several important factors are taken into consideration. First, modular frames  10  should be sufficiently light to enable even a relatively small or frail person to safely move or set up portable partition system  100 . Most preferably, modular frames  10  will also be sufficiently durable to withstand repeated set up and adjustment in addition to any forces that may be applied that could tend to tear, fracture, or penetrate the material. Additionally, resistance to abrasion from such contact as would be found during set up and storage would be preferable. Similarly, uprights  118  and crossbars  113 ,  115 ,  119  may also be made from any sufficiently sturdy, lightweight, and durable material. 
     Because all panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  are visible on both sides (front and back) of the partition  100 , they may have a different decorative or functional finish on either side, increasing the variety of choices for the user. Where individual panels are sufficiently thin, two or more may be inserted within the same space, permitting photographs or other precious objects to be captured between two pieces of acrylic, for exemplary purposes. The interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  can also be used as wall decor when not being used in combination with the modular frame  10 . Several designs have been contemplated for the interchangeable panels  24 ,  26 ,  28 , including, but not limited to matted prints or photos, screen, wallpaper on hardboard, acrylic, pegboard, dry-erase, chalkboard, magnetic or cork boards, minors, any variety of fabrics, or any variety of laminates, composites, or other designs or materials. Additionally, the less rigid or flaccid interchangeable panels  28  may be captured using friction fit spacers  20  as described herein above, or through other suitable means, such as through adhesion using Velcro, snaps, sewn-in friction fit spacers  20 , or any other such means as known to one skilled in the art of coupling. 
     There are many possible uses for this system. The user may combine modular frames  10  and insert the friction fit spacers  20  and interchangeable panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  to create a folding privacy screen for shared living or working areas, a decorative backdrop, to block sunlight or drafts, to direct foot traffic through interior spaces, or to form free-standing display cases or plant supports or growing supports using shelves  30 . When desired, the entire portable partition system  100  may further be enclosed. If such an enclosure were transparent, portable partition system  100  might for exemplary purposes be used to form a small and collapsible green house or plant growth structure. As may be apparent, the flexibility created by the present apparatus is essentially without limit. 
     Decorative interchangeable panels  28  are easily changed by removing fabric panels and replacing them with different less rigid panels  28 , or by removing friction fit spacers  20  and less rigid panels  28  and sliding rigid interchangeable panels  24 ,  26  into the grooves. The slide-in rigid panels  24 ,  26  and frames can be used to create a work space for a home, office, classroom or dorm room. Panels may be decorative (matted prints or photos, screen, wallpaper on hardboard, acrylic, etc) or functional (pegboard, dry-erase, chalkboard, magnetic or cork). They may be used to display artwork, photos, files, menus, sheet music, schedules, art or craft projects, etc. Pegboard panels may be painted or another decorative finish applied, and used to hang utensils, wall pockets, keys, jewelry, small items of clothing or accessories. When not in use, the frames may be easily folded and stored. The frame and panel partition is decorative, useful, portable and versatile. 
     While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims hereinbelow.