Floor screen apparatus and method

Abstract

A decorative floor screen, or partition, according to which one or more panels are inserted into a frame.

1 . A method comprising:
 inserting a first panel into a frame comprising parallel-spaced first and second members so that the first panel extends between the first and second members; and   toollessly coupling a divider to the frame so that the divider extends between the first and second members.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the divider comprises a bar member; and
 wherein toollessly coupling the divider to the frame comprises:
 disposing the divider between the first and second members so that the bar member extends at an angle between the first and second members; and 
 rotating the divider. 
   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels;
 wherein the divider comprises opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member; and   wherein, in response to the rotation of the divider,
 the first and second protrusions extend into the first and second channels, respectively, and 
 the bar member extends between, and is generally perpendicular to, the first and second members. 
   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively, in response to the rotation of the divider; and
 wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising:
 adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, after toollessly coupling the divider to the frame.   
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, comprises translating the divider in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during translating the divider. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the bar member comprises a third channel; and
 wherein the first panel extends within the third channel in response to translating the divider.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively, in response to the rotation of the divider;
 wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit; and   wherein translating the divider comprises applying a force to the bar member so that frictional forces associated with the interference fit are overcome.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel; and
 wherein the method further comprises:
 inserting a second panel into the frame so that the second panel extends within the first, second and fourth channels. 
   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting the first panel into the frame comprises inserting the first panel through a slot formed in a third member extending between the first and second members of the frame. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 hingedly coupling one or more other frames to the first-mentioned frame to form a floor screen.   
   
   
       13 . An apparatus comprising:
 a frame into which a panel is adapted to be removably inserted, the frame comprising first and second members spaced in a parallel relation and across which the panel is adapted to extend; and   a divider coupled to the frame, the divider extending between the first and second members and movable, relative to the frame, in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members.   
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels within which the panel is adapted to extend; and
 wherein the divider comprises:
 a bar member extending between, and generally perpendicular to, the first and second members; and 
 opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member and into the first and second channels, respectively. 
   
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the bar member comprises a third channel within which the panel is adapted to extend. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel; and
 wherein another panel is adapted to extend within the first, second and fourth channels.   
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during any relative movement between the divider and the frame. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, by an interference fit between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising one or more frames hingedly coupled to the first-mentioned frame;
 wherein the frames form a floor screen.   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the frame comprises parallel-spaced third and fourth members extending between the first and second members so that the divider is positioned between the third and fourth members. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the frame further comprises a slot formed in the third member and through which the panel is adapted to be removably inserted into the frame. 
   
   
       22 . A method of assembling a decorative floor screen, the method comprising:
 removably inserting a first panel into a frame comprising parallel-spaced first and second members so that the first panel extends between the first and second members;   toollessly coupling a divider comprising a bar member to the frame so that the divider extends between the first and second members, comprising:
 disposing the divider between the first and second members so that the bar member extends at an angle between the first and second members; and 
 rotating the divider; and 
   adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, after toollessly coupling the divider to the frame, comprising translating the divider in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members;   wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels;   wherein the divider comprises opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member;   wherein, in response to the rotation of the divider,
 the first and second protrusions extend into the first and second channels, respectively, 
 the bar member extends between, and is generally perpendicular to, the first and second members, and 
 an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively; 
   wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit;   wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during translating the divider;   wherein the bar member comprises a third channel;   wherein the first panel extends within the third channel in response to translating the divider;   wherein translating the divider comprises applying a force to the bar member so that frictional forces associated with the interference fit are overcome;   wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel;   wherein inserting the first panel into the frame comprises inserting the first panel through a slot formed in a third member extending between the first and second members of the frame; and   wherein the method further comprises:
 inserting a second panel through the slot and into the frame so that the second panel extends within the first, second and fourth channels; and 
 hingedly coupling one or more other frames to the first-mentioned frame. 
   
   
   
       23 . A decorative floor screen comprising:
 a first frame into which a panel is adapted to be removably inserted, the first frame comprising first and second members spaced in a parallel relation and across which the panel is adapted to extend, the first and second members comprising respective first and second channels within which the panel is adapted to extend;   one or more other frames hingedly coupled to the first frame; and   a divider coupled to the first frame, the divider extending between the first and second members and movable, relative to the first frame, in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members, the divider comprising:
 a bar member extending between, and generally perpendicular to, the first and second members, the bar member comprising:
 a third channel within which the panel is adapted to extend; and 
 a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel, 
 
 wherein another panel is adapted to extend within the first, second and fourth channels; and 
 opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member and into the first and second channels, respectively; 
   wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during any relative movement between the divider and the first frame;   wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the first frame, by an interference fit between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively; and   wherein the first frame further comprises:
 parallel-spaced third and fourth members extending between the first and second members so that the divider is positioned between the third and fourth members; and 
 a slot formed in the third member and through which the panel is adapted to be removably inserted into the first frame. 
   
   
   
       24 . A system comprising:
 means for inserting a first panel into a frame comprising parallel-spaced first and second members so that the first panel extends between the first and second members; and   means for toollessly coupling a divider to the frame so that the divider extends between the first and second members.   
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein the divider comprises a bar member; and
 wherein means for toollessly coupling the divider to the frame comprises:
 means for disposing the divider between the first and second members so that the bar member extends at an angle between the first and second members; and 
 means for rotating the divider. 
   
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25  wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels;
 wherein the divider comprises opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member; and   wherein, in response to the rotation of the divider,
 the first and second protrusions extend into the first and second channels, respectively, and 
 the bar member extends between, and is generally perpendicular to, the first and second members. 
   
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 26  wherein an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively, in response to the rotation of the divider; and
 wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit.   
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 26  further comprising:
 means for adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, after toollessly coupling the divider to the frame.   
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 28  wherein means for adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, comprises means for translating the divider in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members. 
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during translating the divider. 
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 30  wherein the bar member comprises a third channel; and
 wherein the first panel extends within the third channel in response to translating the divider.   
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 31  wherein an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively, in response to the rotation of the divider;
 wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit; and   wherein means for translating the divider comprises means for applying a force to the bar member so that frictional forces associated with the interference fit are overcome.   
   
   
       33 . The system of  claim 31  wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel; and
 wherein the system further comprises:
 means for inserting a second panel into the frame so that the second panel extends within the first, second and fourth channels. 
   
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 24  wherein means for inserting the first panel into the frame comprises means for inserting the first panel through a slot formed in a third member extending between the first and second members of the frame. 
   
   
       35 . The system of  claim 24  further comprising:
 means for hingedly coupling one or more other frames to the first-mentioned frame to form a floor screen.   
   
   
       36 . A kit comprising:
 a frame into which a panel is adapted to be removably inserted, the frame comprising first and second members spaced in a parallel relation and across which the panel is adapted to extend; and   a divider adapted to be coupled to the frame, the divider adapted to extend between the first and second members and be movable, relative to the frame, in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members when the divider is coupled to the frame.   
   
   
       37 . The kit of  claim 36  wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels within which the panel is adapted to extend; and
 wherein the divider comprises:
 a bar member adapted to extend between, and be generally perpendicular to, the first and second members; and 
 opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member, the first and second protrusions being adapted to extend into the first and second channels, respectively. 
   
   
   
       38 . The kit of  claim 37  wherein the bar member comprises a third channel within which the panel is adapted to extend. 
   
   
       39 . The kit of  claim 38  wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel; and
 wherein another panel is adapted to extend within the first, second and fourth channels.   
   
   
       40 . The kit of  claim 37  wherein, when the divider is coupled to the frame, the bar member is adapted to remain generally perpendicular to the first and second members during any relative movement between the divider and the frame. 
   
   
       41 . The kit of  claim 37  wherein the divider is adapted to be held in place, relative to the frame, by an interference fit between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively. 
   
   
       42 . The kit of  claim 36  further comprising one or more frames adapted to be hingedly coupled to the first-mentioned frame;
 wherein the frames are adapted to form a floor screen.   
   
   
       43 . The kit of  claim 36  wherein the frame comprises parallel-spaced third and fourth members extending between the first and second members so that the divider is adapted to be positioned between the third and fourth members. 
   
   
       44 . The kit of  claim 43  wherein the frame further comprises a slot formed in the third member and through which the panel is adapted to be removably inserted into the frame. 
   
   
       45 . A system for assembling a decorative floor screen, the system comprising:
 means for removably inserting a first panel into a frame comprising parallel-spaced first and second members so that the first panel extends between the first and second members;   means for toollessly coupling a divider comprising a bar member to the frame so that the divider extends between the first and second members, comprising:
 means for disposing the divider between the first and second members so that the bar member extends at an angle between the first and second members; and 
 means for rotating the divider; and 
   means for adjusting the position of the divider, relative to the frame, after toollessly coupling the divider to the frame, comprising means for translating the divider in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members;   wherein the first and second members comprise respective first and second channels;   wherein the divider comprises opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member;   wherein, in response to the rotation of the divider,
 the first and second protrusions extend into the first and second channels, respectively, 
 the bar member extends between, and is generally perpendicular to, the first and second members, and 
 an interference fit is formed between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively; 
   wherein the divider is held in place, relative to the frame, in response to the formation of the interference fit;   wherein the bar member remains generally perpendicular to the first and second members during translating the divider;   wherein the bar member comprises a third channel;   wherein the first panel extends within the third channel in response to translating the divider;   wherein translating the divider comprises applying a force to the bar member so that frictional forces associated with the interference fit are overcome;   wherein the bar member comprises a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel;   wherein means for inserting the first panel into the frame comprises means for inserting the first panel through a slot formed in a third member extending between the first and second members of the frame; and   wherein the system further comprises:
 means for inserting a second panel into the frame so that the second panel extends within the first, second and fourth channels; and 
 means for hingedly coupling one or more other frames to the first-mentioned frame. 
   
   
   
       46 . A kit for assembling a decorative floor screen, the kit comprising:
 a first frame into which a panel is adapted to be removably inserted, the first frame comprising first and second members spaced in a parallel relation and across which the panel is adapted to extend, the first and second members comprising respective first and second channels within which the panel is adapted to extend;   one or more other frames adapted to be hingedly coupled to the first frame; and   a divider adapted to be coupled to the first frame, the divider adapted to extend between the first and second members and be movable, relative to the first frame, in a direction generally corresponding to a direction of extension of the first and second members when the divider is coupled to the first frame, the divider comprising:
 a bar member extending between, and generally perpendicular to, the first and second members, the bar member comprising:
 a third channel within which the panel is adapted to extend; and 
 a fourth channel spaced in a parallel relation to the third channel, 
 
 wherein another panel is adapted to extend within the first, second and fourth channels; and 
 opposing first and second protrusions extending from the bar member and adapted to extend into the first and second channels, respectively; 
   wherein, when the divider is coupled to the frame, the bar member is adapted to remain generally perpendicular to the first and second members during any relative movement between the divider and the first frame;   wherein the divider is adapted to be held in place, relative to the first frame, by an interference fit between opposing ends of the bar member and the first and second members, respectively; and   wherein the first frame further comprises:
 parallel-spaced third and fourth members extending between the first and second members so that the divider is adapted to be positioned between the third and fourth members; and 
 a slot formed in the third member and through which the panel is adapted to be removably inserted into the first frame.