Modular framing system

A modular framing unit, adapted for use with at least one other such framing unit, said framing units supporting a panel in an upright configuration therebetween, said framing unit comprising:

• a main body having a longitudinal axis defining a main axis, a top end, a bottom end, and a periphery, and a plurality of peripherally spaced receiving chambers extending into said top end and each said receiving means having a lower end;
• at least one panel retainer associated with said main body, said panel retainer having a chamber rod adapted to be received within any one of said receiving chambers in mating configuration, and a panel cup adapted to receive and support a lower edge portion of the panel said chamber rod connected along a side of said panel cup,
• a central projection extending from said bottom end of said main body parallel to said main axis;
• a plurality of rod projections extending from said bottom end substantially parallel to said central projection at spaced positions corresponding to said longitudinal axes of said chambers;
• a central hole extending into said top end of said main body at a location to receive the central projection of an upper main body resting thereon;
• and
• a hole extending into said chamber rod at a location to receive one of said rod projections of the upper main body which rests thereon, thus restricting movement of said upper main body.

A framing unit for supporting one end of a panel, said framing unit comprising:

• a body having top and bottom ends and presenting a periphery having a plurality of generally cylindrical chambers spaced apart thereon;
• at least one panel retainer for detachable connection with said body, said retainer having a generally cylindrical rod for close receipt in any one of said chambers in a manner permitting the rod to rotate in the chamber in which it is received, each chamber presenting an opening at the periphery of said body through which said panel retainer projects when the rod is received in the chamber;
• a panel cup on said panel retainer connected with said rod and being adapted to receive and support a lower edge of said one end of the panel, said cup being located out of the chamber which receives the rod and rotating with the rod to allow variation of the angular orientation of the panel relative to said body;
• and
• means for securing said body against movement relative to the ground.