US 2006/0130412 A1 · Frame assembly and frame component for tensioning fabric about a panel of a partition system

Abstract

A frame for a partition system and a component of the frame are disclosed. The component automatically and evenly tensions a fabric about a partition panel. The component of the frame includes a support element and a lockable element. The support element defines a cavity that receives and supports the panel. The lockable element extends from the support element and supports the fabric that is to be tensioned about the panel. Also, the lockable element is moveable relative to the support element. The component further includes an integral hinge between the support element and the lockable element. The integral hinge enables the movement of the lockable element relative to the support element. As a result, the fabric supported on the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel upon the movement of the lockable element. The component also includes a backing strip to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Claims31

Dependent claims

1-26. (canceled)

A frame assembly for a partition system wherein said frame assembly automatically and evenly tensions a fabric about a partition panel, said assembly comprising:

(A) a plurality of frame components for automatically and evenly tensioning the fabric about the partition panel, each of said frame components comprising;
(i) a support element defining at least one cavity adapted to receive and support at least a portion of the partition panel,
(ii) a lockable element adapted to support at least a portion of the fabric, said lockable element extending from said support element and being moveable relative to said support element, and
(iii) an integral hinge portion defined between said support element and said lockable element, said integral hinge portion enabling said movement of said lockable element relative to said support element such that the fabric supported on said lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the partition panel upon said movement of said lockable element;
and
(B) a plurality of corner locks engaging said frame components to interconnect said frame components and establish a rectangular-shaped frame assembly;
and
(C) a backing plate mounted to said support elements of said frame components wherein said backing plate is adapted to span across the partition panel to reinforce the partition panel and improve rigidity in said frame assembly.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

10/801,236Filed 16 Mar 2004

Priority

23 Jan 2002

Published

22 Jun 2006

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

E04B 9/303
Characterised by edge details of the ceiling; e.g. securing to an adjacent wall: for flexible tensioned membranes
E04B 2002/7479
Removable non-load-bearing partitions; Partitions with a free upper edge: details of connection of flexible sheets to frame or posts
E04B 2009/0492
Comprising slabs, panels, sheets or the like: with fabrics tensioned on frames
E04F 13/00
Coverings or linings

Frame assembly and frame component for tensioning fabric about a panel of a partition system

Life of this patent

Frame assembly and frame component for tensioning fabric about a panel of a partition system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31