Patent Publication Number: US-4928465-A

Title: Modular privacy screen assemblies

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to modular assemblies of privacy screens or partitions and more particularly to assemblies involving one or more panels and consolidating or joining elements or stiles which may take the form of an end consolidating element such as a stile or an intermediate linear joining element or an angular joining element or a joining element in the form of a cross or a joining element in the form of a &#34;T&#34;. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior to the instant invention it has been proposed to use privacy panels assembled in linear form including stiles or rails and stiles and in cublicle form; however, such prior constructions and formations utilized relatively complex assembly means including nuts and bolts, screws, and battens, and prior constructions have even included soldering and welding processes. Such prior constructions have been relatively expensive, lacking in versatility, and complicated in assembly, generally requiring laborious and time-consuming effort. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the instant invention to provide a novel screen assembly useful as a protective barrier or partition which will be of simple construction, easy to assemble, and relatively economical. 
     It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a novel modular screen assembly to serve as a space divider which is made up of panels and stiles or consolidating or joining elements and which can be assembled with ease. 
     It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel modular screen assembly which can be readily disassembled and readily re-assembled with versatility of configuration and superior functional characteristics. 
     Other objects and the nature of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description and the related drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded front elevation of one panel and two end consolidating elements or stiles. 
     FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of an end consolidating element or stile. 
     FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of a consolidating or joining element useful in the assembly of panels in linear formation so that when assembled the panels of the assembly are in the same plane. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded modular screen assembly showing a central angular consolidating or joining element, adjacent panels, and two end consolidating elements. 
     FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of consolidating or joining elements useful to effect a modular screen assembly of T-formation. 
     FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of a consolidating or joining element useful to effect a modular screen assembly in the form of a cross, and 
     FIG. 7 is a view in perspective, partially exploded, illustrating three panels, two angular consolidating elements or stiles. This formation results in an office type cubicle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the panel 1 is formed with a series of diagonal openings or slots 2. These slots 2 or openings 2 extend downwardly and outwardly at each side. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each side of the panel 1 is formed with three slots 2. However, the end consolidating members 4, also shown in perspective in FIG. 2, are each provided with two corresponding angular supporting elements 3 and so it will be understood that when the upper two slots or openings are associated with the two supports 3 of each end consolidating member or stile, then the panel 1 will be in its normal or lower position. However, when the lowermost slot or opening 2 in the panel 1 is associated with the lowermost support 3 in the end consolidating member and the middle slot or opening 2 is associated with the upper support 3 of the end consolidating member of stile 4, then the panel 1 will be in its uppermost position to provide privacy at a higher level. 
     Thus it will be understood that the slots on diagonal openings 2 which extend downwardly and outwardly provide panel edge formations which fit on and align with supports 3 of the elements 4 to effect a finished structure at the sides. Taking advantage of the weight of the panel 1 the joint between the panel and the consolidating or joining member or stile is stable, strong, immovable without a lifting motion. 
     At the foot or base of the consolidating elements 4 there is arranged an element 5 adapted to contact the floor and which may include a conventional height adjusting formation. This element 5 may take the form of a hemisphere. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated the consolidating element 4&#39; useful in assembling panels 1 in linear fashion. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the consolidating or joining element 4&#34; is utilized to assemble two adjacent panels 1 at right angles. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the consolidating element 4&#39;&#34; is useful in the assembly of a screen or privacy structure or &#34;T&#34; formation. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the consolidating or joining element 4&#34;&#34; is useful in assembling a modular screen formation in the arrangement of a cross. 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the cubicle illustrated utilizes two right angle consolidating members 4&#34;, two end consolidating members 4 and three panels 1. 
     It will now be understood, and it is apparent, that the novel modular screen assemblies described have great utility, may be readily assembled and readily disassembled without the use of conventional joining expedients, such as nuts and bolts, screws, or other fixtures and processes and that the structures described eliminate critical labor. 
     What has been described are preferred embodiments. Modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.