WO2015145446A1

WO2015145446A1 - Modular structure

Info

Publication number: WO2015145446A1
Application number: PCT/IL2015/050326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yakov DOMB; Michael Librus; Ivan KIRSH
Original assignee: Speed Block Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-27
Filing date: 2015-03-26
Publication date: 2015-10-01

Abstract

Systems and methods are shown for producing dividers, wall, enclosures and other structures -from frames which engage support members, such as rails, by attaching thereto, as well as surface supports. This structure serves as a support for attachable panels and inserts for various applications.

Description

ODULAR STRUCTURE

CROSS-REFERENCES. TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priorit from commonly owned: 1 ) US .Provisional Patent Application. Serial No. 61/970,951, entitled Speed Blocks, Modular Storage Units, Modular Storeroom, and Smart Bricks, filed March 27, 2014, and, 2) US Provisional Patent Application Serial No, 62/026,724,. entitled.: Walls and Partitions System, filed oil July 21, 2014, both of the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein,

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to modular stmctures which are configurable and modifiable by the users for the user's individual needs,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Contemporary cubing, dividing, and partitioning systems, for desks, offices and the like, are simply wood or metal, framed, fabric covered dividers. Should a dimension for the desk or cube be changed or need to be changed, a ne divider must be purchased, or the present divider must be cut down to size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to. systems and methods for producing dividers, wall, enclosures and other structures from frames which engage support .members, such as rails, by attaching thereto, as well as^■ .surface supports. This structure serves as a support for attachable panels and inserts for various applications.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a construction system. The construction system comprises: at least one rail member (rail) for engagin with at least one frame (frame member), for example, as the f ame attaches to the at least one rail member. The at least one rail member includes including at least one shoulder. The shoulder includes: a first wall in communication with a second wall for engaging a correspondingly configured portion of a frame; and, a slot extending at least paitially along the shoulder. The at least one frame includes: at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoulder; and, a first arm membe extending from the at least one engaging portion, the first arm member including a flange .for engaging the slot of the shoulder, th first arm member movable between a first position where the flange engages the slot of the shoulder and a second position where the flange is disengaged from the slot of the shoulder.

Optionally, the slot, extends along the first wail.

Optionally, the first wail and second wall are oriented at an angle to each other.

Qptionally. the first wall is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to a- ertical plane of the at least one rail member.

Optionally,, the at least one the rail member includes a third wall extending substantially perpendicular to the first wall, the iirst wall and the third wall defining an area for receiving a correspondingly configured edge of th engaging portion of the frame.

Optionally, the at least one frame includes an edge of the at least one engagin portion correspondingly configured to the area between the first wail and the third wall and the arm extends from the end of the engaging portion .

Optionally, the first arm member is -of a resilient material to behave in a spring-like manner.

Optionally, the first arm member includes a tab for .movement, so as to mov the flange of the first arm meniber between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the flange is tapered.

Optionally, the at least one engaging portion additionally .comprises: a. second arm. member including a_. laterall protruding flange, the second arm .member movable such that the flange is moveable.

Optionally, the second ami member is of a resilient material to behave in a spring-like manner. Optionally, the second arm member includes a ta for .movement, so as to move the laterally protruding flange of the second ami member between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the laterally protruding flange is configured to engage and disengage from another laterally protruding flange of another frame.

Optionally, the at least one frame includes a central area and oppositel disposed ends, and the at least one engaging portion includes two engaging portions at each of the oppositely disposed ends.

Optionally, the at least one frame includes a plurality of frames and the at least one rail member includes a plurality of sides and a plurality of shoulders positioned at the periphery of the sides, the at least one rail member for engaging a frame on each of the oppositely disposed sides.

Optionally, the at least one rail member includes a plurality of rail members.

Optionally, the central area includes an open portion.

Optionally, the centra! area- includes alignment pins for sna fitting with corresponding; ^'grooves of an insert.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of forming a construction. The method comprises: I ) obtaining at least one rail member (rail) including at least one shoulder, the shoulder including: a first wall in communication with a second wall for engaging a correspondingly configured portion of a frame;, and, a slot extending at least partially along the shoulder; 2) obtaining at least one First, frame (frame member) including: at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoulder; and, a first arm member e ending from the at least one engaging portion, the first arm member including a flange fo engaging the slot of the shoulder, the first arm member movabl between a first position where the flange e gages the slot of the shoulder and a second position where the flange is disengaged from the slot of the shoulder; and, 3) moving the at least one first frame into a engagement with the at least one rail member, such that the flange of the first arm member engages the slot, of the shoulder of the at least one rail member by seating a last partially in the slot.

Optionally, the method additionally comprises: I) obtaining at leas one second frame including: at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoulder; and,, a first arm member extending from the at least one engaging portion, the first ami member including a flange for engaging the slot of the shoulder, the first arm member movable between a first position where the flange engages the slot of the shoulder and a second position where the flange is disengaged from the slot of the shoulder; and, 2) moving the at least one second frame into an engagement with the at least one rail member, such that the flange of the first arm member engages the slot of the shoulder of the at least one rail member b seating at last partially in the slot.

Optionally, the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame include cooperating structures for engagement when the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame are engaged on the at least one rail member: and the moving the at least one second frame includes positioning the at least one second frame so as to align with the at least, one first frame, such that the at least one first frame and the at least one second, frame engage each other by the cooperating structures.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/o scientific terms used herein have the same_: meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinar skill in the aft to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. I case of conflict, the patent speeifi cation, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION_. OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the system in accordance with embodiments, of the present, invention;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the raii taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG, 2A;

FIG. 3 A is a front perspective view of a frame of FIG. I ;

FIG. 3B is a front view Of the frame of FIG , 3 ;

FIG:. 4A is a rear perspective view of a frame of FIG, 1 ;

FIG. 48 is a rear view of the frame of FIG. 4;

FIG., 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG, 4B;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a longitudinal side of the frame of FIG , 1

FIG, 7 is a side view of an end (transverse) side of the frame of FIG. I :

FIG, 8A is a rear view of the frame showing its engagement with a rail, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FSG, 8B is a cross-sectional, view taken along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a unit being conslmcied in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG . 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9B-9B of FIG . 9A; FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9C-.9C of FIG, 9A; FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9A;

FIG. .1 OA is a. perspective view of a unit being constructed in accordance with: embodiments of the present invention;

PIG. I OB is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. IDA FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an end rail and surface support construction in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. .12 is a perspective view of a center rail and surface support ^'.construction in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13 A is. a perspective view of a unit being constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. I 3A;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a unit being constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FiGs. 14B and 1 C are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 14A;

FIG. ISA is a perspective view of a unit bein constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG.. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 15.4;

FIG, 36 is an exploded view of an insert for frames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG . 17 A is a perspective view f a unit being constructed, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. ! 7B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17.A; and,

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of dividers in an exemplary operation in accordance with embodiments of the present; invention.

DETAILED DFSC OPT1Q OF THE DRA WINGS

Throughout this document, references are made to directions, such as upward, downward, upper, lower, up, down, top, bottom, horizontal, vertical, inward, outward, front, rear, frontward, rearward. and the like. These directional references are to typical orientations for the disclosed subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention and/or components thereof. They are exemplary only, and not limiting in any way,, as they are for description and explanation purposes.

FIG. 1 shows a system SO of the present invention. The system SO includes a rail or rail member 100 to which are attached frames or frame members 200 (200a/200b), also known as blocks or bricks. On opposite sides of the rail 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the frames 200 are brought into engagement with the rail 100, with the engagement completed when the frames 200 snap into place on the rail. 100, as the engagement portions 202a, 202b on the lateral ends of the frames 200 engage the shoulders 102 of the rail 100. While a single rail 100 is shown with tw frames 200, this is exemplary Only, and representative the operation of the system 50 in accordance with the present invention. Additionally, the frames 200 are such that they engage the rail and also another fram 200. hi this figure and for reference purposes throughout this document, frame 200a is shown as a forward or front orientation (as front perspective view), while frame 200b is shown in a rearward or rear orientatio (as a rear perspective view), the element numbers 200a and 200b only for showing th specific orientations of the frames 200 for description and illustration purposes. The rail 300 is central, rail and is, for example, symmetric.

Turning also to FIG. 2A, there is shown the rail 1 0 in cross section. The rail 1.00 includes a bod .104 defined by a horizontal plane HP and a vertical plane VP, oriented perpendicular to each other. Shoulders 102 are positioned on the rail 100 at the peripheral edges or comers 104c of the body 104 The shoulders 102 are formed of a first wall 110 and a second wall 1 12, both extending along the body 104. The first wall 1 10 protrudes from the body 104. at an angle Θ, with respect to the vertical plane VP. Thi angle Θ may be from zero t less than, ninety degrees with respect to the vertical plane VP and, for example, is approximately 7 degrees (with respect to the vertical plane VP), as shown in FIG. 2B.

The first wall .1 .10 typically includes a slot 1 14, and a^■wall edge 1 15, from which the slot 1.14 extends inward. The slot 1 14 and its wail edge .1 15 extend along the first wall 1 .0. The slot 1 14 is dimensioned for receiving a flange 248 from the from the first arm member 240 of the engagement portion 202a, 202b of the frame 200, when the frame 200^' engages the rail 100, as shown, for example, in F!Gs. 8 A and 8B. The slot 1 14 is, for example, . C-shaped, but other shapes are also permissible, provided the flange 248 is suitable to engage the slot 114 for at least contributing to maintain the engagement of the frame 200 on the rail 100.

The second wall 1 12. for example, connects to the first wall 110, proximate to the slot 1 14. The second vai 1.12, is, for example, typically parallel or substantially parallel to the Horizontal Plane I IP. but may also be angled, with the angling both inward and outward with respect to the horizontal plane HP.. The second wall 1 12 as shown terminates in an inward lip 116 and a ledge 1 18, which extends over the slot 1 14,

The slot 1 14 may be positioned anywhere along the first wall 110, and depending on the angling of the second wall 1 12, may also be placed along the second wall 1 12.

A third wall 120 extends, along the rail body 104 in an orientation, for example, typically parallel to the first wall 1 10, as it extends along the body 104, and typically parallel to the vertical plane VP. This third wall 120 includes inwardly bent lips 121. A fourth wall 122 extends along the body 104 and joins the first wall 1 10 and the third wall 120. This fourth wall is. for example, typically oriented parallel to the horizontal plane HP. This fourth wail 122, when combined with the first wall 1 10 and the third wall 120 forms a trough 124.

The rail 100 also includes a central cavity 130, and vertically dispose lateral cavities 132, disposed alon the vertical plane VP, between the third walls 120. These lateral cavities 132 are, for example, open and terminate in inwardly Curved ends 133. There: are horizontally disposed lateral cavities 134, disposed along the horizontal plane HP, between the fourth walls 122, These lateral cavities 134 are, for example,, typically closed. These cavities 130, 132. 134 typically extend along the body 1 4, like that of the wails 1 10, 1 12, 120, 122. The cavities 130, 132. 1 4 are, for example, square or rectangular in_. cross sectional shape,_, but may be any other desired shape, and are shaped for attachment of various components, typically, at leastpartially by friction fits, to the rail 100,

The rail 100, is, for example, a unitary member. The rail 100 is typically made of metal, such as aluminum, but may also be made of plastic.

Attention is now also directed to FIGs. 3A, 3B, 4 A, 4B, 5, 6 and 7, which show a frame 200, exemplary of the frames of the embodiments of the present invention. The frame 200 includes a central area 210, which may be open or closed. If closed, the closure may be permanent or may be configured for receiving various temporarily attaching members, such as cover panels, inserts, surface supports, and the like, as detailed iurther below. Lateral to the central area 210 are lateral ends 212, oppositely disposed from each other. These lateral ends 212 define the end or transverse sides of the frame 200, as they are lateral to the central member 210. The lateral ends 212 include engagement: portions 202a, 202b_» for example, two per lateral end 212. These engagement portions 202a, 202b are forward raost in the frame 2-00 and define the forward or front surface of the frame 200. For example, the engagement portions 202a on one lateral end. of the frame 200 are identical, and the engagement portions 202b on. the opposite iaterai end of the frame 200, are identical The engagement potions 202a, 202b, at the lateral ends of the frame 200 are separated by a gate 214 or cut-out area for various connections such as those for .electricity:, data, water, and the like. The central member 210 extends rearward and defines the -rearward or rear surface of the frame 200.

The. engagement -portions- 202^'a, 202b, at their edges 220, include an inwardly (rearwardiy) extending channel 222, formed of a wall 223, the channel 222 extending along the entire engagement portion 202. The channels 222 are shaped to correspond to the shape of the shoulder 102 of the rail 100, and typically, at least the first wail 1 1.0. of the shoulder 102. The edges 220 also extend -so as to seat in the troughs 124 of the rail 100, for example, such that the engagement of the frame 200 with the rail 100, in an attachment is such that the frame 200 is slideable along the rait 100 as shown, for example in. FIG s. 8A, SB and 9A).

A first arm membe or arm 240 attaches to the edge 220 of the engagement portion at an edge wall 241 by bridges 242. This is shown in detail in FIG.. 5. The first- arm member 240 sits in a cut-out area 243, which is part of the channel 222. The first arm member 240 includes a tab 244 at the end opposite to the bridges 242, The tab 244 is tapered outward, from the edge 240a of the arm member 240 and ends in a ledge 246, A flange 248 protrudes from the tab 244, with its lower surface: 248a, fo example, flush, wit the ledge 246 of the tab 244. The flange 248, for example, is tapered outward. When the flange 248 seats in the slot 1 14, so that the frame 200 is engaged with (i.e., attached, to) the rail 100, the ledge 246 sits oyer the wall edge 1 15, for example, in a frictional abutment, providing farther securement for the engagement.

The connection of the first arm member 240 to the edge wall 241 by the bridges 242, coupled with, the bridges 242 and the first arm member 240 being of a resilient material, such as AerylonitrHe Butadiene Styrene (ASS) plastic, provides first arm member 240 with spring-like behavior. The first ami member 240 is movable, for example, by a use pressing the tab 244, between a first position, where the flange 248 engages the slot 1 14 of th shoulder 102, and a second position, where the flange 248 is disengaged from the slot 1 14 of the shoulder 102. The first arm ..member 240 is, for example, biased in the first or engagement position (where the flange 248 engages the slot 114, as shown, for example,, in FK3, 8B).

Each of the engagement portions 202a, 202b includes a second ann member or ar 260, designed to engage a corresponding second arm member 260 of another frame 200, securing the frames 200 together, and providing ftirther seeurement, as shown, tor example, in F G. C. The arm members 260 are attached to the frame 200, for example, in opposite orientations, depending on the lateral ends 212 of the. frame 200 where the engagement portion 202a, 202b is located. This is best seen in FIGs. 4 A, .48 and 5, to which attention is also directed.

This seeurement b the second arm. members 260 is in addition to the frame 200 and rail 100 engagement and attachment. For engagement portions 202a, one end of the second ami member 260 includes an inwardly extending head 264 (the head 264 extends inward, away from the edge 220 of the engagement portion 202a). For engagement portions 202b, one end of the: second arm member 260 includes an outwardly extending head 264 (the head 264 extends outward, toward the edge 220 of the engagement portion 202b). The head 264 is tapered along Its surface 264a, allowing the correspondingly tapered head 264 of the other second arm membe 260 of the other frame 200 to slide over each other, when frames 200 are moved into contact with each other, until locking, as the protruding portions of the heads 264 catch each other. Once the locking is complete, as for example, felt iaefJiely and typically heard, the movement: of the frames 200 toward each other can be stopped, if not already stopped by the abutment of the periphery of the central areas 210 of the frames 2.00.

The opposit end of the second arm member 260 is a tab 266, A bridge 268 attaches the second arm member 260 to the channel wall 223 of the engagement portion 202 (with a cut out area 270 surrounding the second ami member 260), as shown in detail i FIG. 5. The tab 266, coupled with the bridge 268 and the resilience of the ABS plastic, provides the second arm member 260 with spring-like behavior. This spring-like behavior ailows th tab 268 and second arm member 260, to be moved between a. first position, where the head 264 can engage a corresponding head 264 and second arm member 260 of another frame 200, and a second, position, where the heads 264 of the frames 200 have cleared each other and can be disengaged. The second arm member 260, for example, is biased to the aforementioned first (engagement) position. For engagement portions 202b, the second arm member 260 is joined to the frame wall 271 (FIG, 5) with a bridge 268 and a cut out 270, in the same manner as for the engagement portions 202a,

The frames 200 also include alignment members 276a, 276b,- formed of protrusions- 276a and indentations 276b, in which the protrusions sit.,, when the frames 200 are brought together for engagement and attachment. There are also alignment arms 278 for receipt in correspondingly positioned areas 279 OH the frames 200, to support alignment for engagement.

The frames 200 mchsde openings 290 into which are snap fit cover panels_* such as full, half quarter panels (via correspondingly positioned flanges on the panels). There are also openings 292 at the sides 29 (e.g.,. longitudinal sides) of the frame 200, for accommodating other cover panels in snap fits y correspondingly positioned, flanges on. the panels. This is shown, for example, in FIGs. 9A, 9D, iOA, 10B, 13 A, 136, 14A, Ί4Β, I SA. 15B, and described in association with these drawing figures below.

As shown in FIGs, 3A and 3B, the central area 210, at. its periphery, includes pin protrusions 296, which receive grooves: 404 of insert members 402, in a friction fit, such as a snap fit. The insert members 402 are, for example, for placement in the central, are 210. With the central area 210 being open, other inserts are supported in this central area 210 and may be placed in the central area 2.10^'by Motion, fits. and other fastenings (as shown in FIG 16).

The frames 200 are for example, unitary members of ABS plastic, formed by conventional techniques such as injection molding and the like. Other plastics, polymers and the like are also suitable as material, for the frames 200. The frames 200 may also be made of metal or other materials.

Attention is now directed to FIGs, 8A and 8B, which show frame 200 engaged and attached to a rail 100. The engagement is such that the flange 248 extends into the slot 114 of the rail 100, between the wail edge 1 15 and the ledge 1 18 of the rail 100. The flange 248 remains in the slot 1 1 , as. the. first arm: member 240 is biased inward (away from the edge 220 and the rail .100). The flange 248 remains, in- the slot 1 14, until the tab 244 is moved outward, toward the edge 220 and the rail. .100. The edge 220 sits in- a trough 124, formed by the first 1 10, third 1.20 and fourth 122 walls of the rail. Also, the channel 222 of the engagement portion 202a is correspondingly configured to the shape of the first 110 and second 1 12. These positions of the edge 220 and channel 222, with respect to. the walls 1 1 , 1 12, 120, 122 of the rail 100, provide stabilit for the engagement and attachment of the frame 200 to the rail .1 0.

FIGs. 9A-9D show irames 200, 200x, 200y and rails 100 (a center rail), 100' (an- end rail) being formed into -a unit 300. FIG. 9A shows the unit 300 being constructed of rails 100, 100% and frames 200, 200x, 200y (frames 200 and 200y are frames 200, but provided with different element numbers for illustration and explanation purposes), and a surface support 302.

FIG. 93 shows the end rail J 00', where is similar to center rail .1 0, with corresponding elements numbered accordingly, except that thi end rail 100' includes a border 140, This end rail any be made of ntelal or plastic.

FIG, 9C shows a engagemen with an attachment of frames 200x, 200y to the center rail 1 0, in accordance with FIG. 8B and its description. Also shown is the engagement of the frames 200x, 200y to- each other by the engagement of the respective second arm members 260 to. each other (by engagement of the respective heads 264). The second arm members 260 are brought into engagement by being brought together in an aligned manner, where the tapered surfaces 264a of each of the heads 264 allows for the heads 264 to slide over each other, as the second, arm members 260 move outward,, then snap inward, once the heads 264- clear (move past) each .other. This second arm member 260 engagement provides additional securement for the frames 200 and stability to the unit 300. The second arm members 260 -are biased so that the heads 264 remain in engagement (oriented towards each other), with the disengagement when the tabs 266 of the second arm members 260 are moved, so that the heads 264 are clear of each: other (oriented away from each other),

FIG. 9D shows a detail area 350. where cover panels 352, 354 are fitted into the frames 200 of the unit 300. For example, a quarter panel 352 with its flanges 352a being sna fit .i to openings 290 in the frames 200, an auxiliary cover panel 354 snap fitting with a flange 302a of the surface support 302 and received b the frame 200,

FIGs. I OA and 10B show the unit 300 where a quarter panel 352 is being connected to a frame 200, as its flanges 352a sna into openings 290 of the frame 200, as shown in the detail area 360,

FIG, 1 1 shows art exploded view of the end rail f 00" engagin the surface support 302 and a surface support ca 302x. With reference also to FIG. 9B, the surface support 302 is joined to the surface support cap 3G2x as the cavity 134 of the raii 100' engages a cap stub 302x1 and cavity 134 engages a surface support stub 302z.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of the center rail TOO engaging surface supports 302 and central surface support 302^"', With reference also to FIG. 2B, the surface supports 302, 302^' are joined as the cavities 34 of the rail 100 engage stubs 302z and the cavity 130 engages a stub 302^{' *} of the centra! surface support 302\

FIGs. I3A and 13B show a cover panel 370 with flanges 370a being snap fit into th openings 292 of the frames 200 of a unit 300. FIG. 13B is the detail area 374 of FIG. 13 A.

FIGs. 14A - 14C show cover panels, e.g.. half panels 380 with flanges 380a being snap fitted Into: openings 290 in. the frames 200 of a unit 300. F1G.1 B is the detail area 382 of FIG. 14A, and FIG 14C is the detail area 384 of FIG. 14A.

FIGs. I SA and TSB show a cover panel, for example, a full panel 390 with flanges 390a being sna fit into correspondingly positioned openings 290 of the: frames 200 of a unit 300, FIG. 15B is the detail area 392 of FIG. 1 5A,

FIG. 16 shows an: insert 401 for placement into the central area_; 210 of two engaged, otherwise attached or joined frames 200. ^'The insert 401 is formed of insert members 402 with flanges 402a that snap fit into corresponding openings 402b. The now formed insert 401 is frictionally fitted, by a sna fit or the like, as pin protrusions 296 engage grooves 404 of the. insert 401 (on the insert members 402),

FIGs. 17A and 17B show a support leg 420 with a spine 422 that slides or press fits into engages the cavity 132 of the center rail 100, FIG. 17B is the detail area 426 of FIG. I ?A. FIG. 18 shows dividers 500 constructed from the components of the invention including, for example rails 100, ί ΟΟ', frames 200, surface supports 302, cover panels and inserts. The inserts are for various applications, such as, supporting USB (Universal Serial Bus), cables and other computer/electrical ports 510, speakers 532, a hook(s) for holding headphones 514, instrument holders 516. Also shown are snap fit cover panels, such as quarter panels 352, half panels 380 and full panels 3_.90, which add. to the aesthetic appearance of the dividers 500.

While various configurations of cover panels, inserts and surface supports are shown, these are exemplary only and many other vari ations well known to those of skill in the art are possible. it is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided i combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may als be -provided -separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is. intended to embrace all such- alternatives, modifications and variations that fail within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1.A construction system comprising: at least one rail member including at least one shoulder, the shoulder including: a first wall in communicati n with a second wall for engaging a correspondingly -configured portion of a frame; and, a slot extending at least partially along the shoulder; and, at least one frame including; at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoukier; and, a first arm member extending from the at least one engaging portion, the first arm member including a flange for engaging the slot of the shoulder, the firs arm member movable between a first, position where the flange engages the slot of the shoukier and a second position where the flange is disengaged from the slot of the shoulder,

2. The system- of claim 1 , wherein the slot extends along the first wall,

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first wall and second wall are oriented at an angle to each other.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first wall is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane of the at least one rail member.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one rail member includes a third wall extending substantially perpendicular to the first wall, the first wall and the third wail defining an area for receiving a correspondingly configured edge of the engaging portion of the frame.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one frame includes an edge of the at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the area between the first wall and the third wail, and the arm extends from the end of the engaging portion.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first arm member is of a resilient materia! to behaves in a spring-like manner.

8. The systeni of claim 7, wherein the first arm member includes a tab for movement, so as to move the flange of the first arm member between the first and second positions,

9. The system of claim J , wherein the flange is tapered.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one engaging portion ^'additionally comprises: a second arm member including a laterally protrudin flange, the second arm member movable such that the flange is moveable.

1 1. The system of claim 10, wherein the second arm member is of a resili ent material to behave in a spring-like manner.

12. The system of claim i 1 , wherein the second arm member includes a tab for movements so as to move the laterally^' protruding' flange of the second arm^' member between the first and second positions.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the laterally ^'protruding_, flange is configured to engage and disengage from another laterally protruding flange of another frame.

14. The system of claim L wherein the at least one frame- includes, a central area and oppositely disposed ends, and the at least one engaging portion includes two engaging portions at each of the oppositely disposed ends.

15. The system, of claim 14, wherein the at least one frame includes a plurality of frames and the at least one rail member includes a plurality of sides and a plurality of shoulders positioned at the periphery of the sides, the at. least one rail member for engaging a frame on each of the oppositely disposed sides,

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one rail membe includes a plurality of rail members. ί 7. The system of claim 14, wherein the central area includes an open portion.

1 8. The system of claim 17, wherein the central, area includes alignment, pins for snap fitting with corresponding grooves of an insert.

19. A method of forming a construction comprising: obtaining at least one rail member including at least one shoulder, the shoulder including: a first wall in communication with a second wail for engaging a. correspondingly configured portion of a frame; and, a. slot extending at least partially along the shoulder: and, obtaining at least one first frame including: at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoulder; and, a first arm member extending from the a least one engaging portion, the first arm member including a flange for engaging the slot of the shoulder, the first arm .membe movable between a; first position where the flange engages the slot of the shoulder and a second position, where^' the ^{· '}flange is disengaged from the slot of the shoulder; and,

moving the at ieast one first frame into an engagement with the at least one rail member, such mat the flange of the first, arm member engages the slot of the shoulder of the at feast one rail raember by seating at last partially in the slot,

20. The method of claim 19 additionally comprising: obtaining at least one second frame including: at least one engaging portion correspondingly configured to the shoulder for engaging the shoulder; and, a first -arm- member extending from the at least one engaging portion, the first arm member including a flange for engaging the slot of the shoulder, the first arm member movable between a first position where the flange engages the slot of the shoulder and a second position where the flange is disengaged from, the slot of the .shoulder; and, moving -the at least one second frame into an engagement with the: at least one rail member, such that the flange of the first arm nyemb r engages the slot of the shoulder of the at least one rail member by seating at last partially in the slot,

21 . The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame include cooperating structures for engagement when the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame are engaged on the at least one rail member; and, the moving the at least one second frame includes positioning the at least o e second frame so as to align with the at least one first frame, such that the at least one first frame and the at least one second frame engage eac othe by the cooperating structures.