SCREEN AND FRAME FOR THE SAME

Abstract

A screen includes a frame and a panel coupled to the frame. The frame includes a first frame member having a first longitudinal axis, a first opening extending therethrough along the first longitudinal axis, and an aperture extending along an axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a second frame member having a second longitudinal axis and a second opening extending therethrough along the second longitudinal axis, and a connecting member coupled between the first frame member and the second frame member. The connecting member has a first portion that is received within the first opening and having a plate movable via a fastener to clamp the plate against the first frame member. The first fastener is accessible through the aperture. The connecting member also includes a second portion that is received in the second opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to screens, and more specifically to frames for screens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Screens are often supported with support surfaces, such as a desk or floor, and may be used to create private spaces. Some screens include stiffening elements, such as brackets, rods, and/or frames to help the screens retain their shape and/or connect to other structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a screen includes a frame and a panel coupled to the frame. The frame includes a first frame member having a first longitudinal axis, a first opening extending therethrough along the first longitudinal axis, and an aperture extending along an axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a second frame member having a second longitudinal axis and a second opening extending therethrough along the second longitudinal axis, and a connecting member coupled between the first frame member and the second frame member. The connecting member has a first portion that is received within the first opening and having a plate movable via a fastener to clamp the plate against the first frame member. The first fastener is accessible through the aperture. The connecting member also includes a second portion that is received in the second opening.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a screen includes a frame and a panel coupled to the frame. The frame includes a plurality of frame members, each of the plurality of frame members including a longitudinal axis, an opening extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis, and an aperture extending along an axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. The frame also includes a plurality of connecting members, each of the plurality of connecting members including a first portion that is received within the opening of one frame member of the plurality of frame members. The first portion includes a first expansion joint that has a first plate and a first fastener accessible through the aperture in the one frame member such that the first fastener is actuatable to clamp the first plate against the one frame member. The connecting member also includes a second portion that is received within the opening of an adjacent frame member of the plurality of frame members. The second portion includes a second expansion joint that has a second plate and a second fastener accessible through the aperture of the adjacent frame member such that the second fastener is actuatable to clamp the second plate against the adjacent frame member.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a method of assembling a screen including assembling a frame and coupling a panel to the frame. Assembling a frame includes positioning a first portion of a connecting member within a first opening of a first frame member. The first portion includes a first plate and a first fastener. Assembling a frame also includes positioning a second portion of the connecting member within a second opening of a second frame member. The second portion includes a second plate and a second fastener. Also, assembling a frame includes clamping the first plate of the connecting member to the first member by actuating the first fastener, where the first fastener is accessible from outside of the first frame member, and clamping the second plate of the connecting member to the second member by actuating the second fastener, where the second fastener is accessible from outside of the second frame member.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screen according to one embodiment, the screen having a frame and a panel, the frame including frame members and connecting members.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the screen of FIG. 1 with the panel removed.

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first frame member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first frame member of FIG. 1 taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of a second frame member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is another perspective view of the connecting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the connecting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the connecting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another connecting member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a screen according to another embodiment, the screen having a frame and a panel, the frame including frame members and connecting members.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a screen according to another embodiment, the screen having a frame and a panel, which is removed, the frame including frame members and connecting members.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is another exploded view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a screen according to another embodiment, the screen having a frame and a panel, the frame including frame members and connecting members.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one of the connecting members of FIG. 19.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-12 illustrates a screen 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the screen 10 includes a frame 14, a panel 18 coupled to the frame 14, and a cover 22 enclosing the frame 14 and the panel 18.

With respect to FIGS. 1-3, the frame 14 includes a plurality of frame members 30a-30d and a plurality of connecting members 34a-34d that couple the plurality of frame members 30a-30d to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of frame members 30a-30d includes a first frame member 30a, a second frame member 30b, a third frame member 30c, and a fourth frame member 30d. Similarly, the plurality of connecting members 34a-34d includes a first connecting member 34a, a second connecting member 34b, a third connecting member 34c, and a fourth connecting member 34d. The first connecting member 34a couples the first frame member 30a to the second frame member 30b. The second connecting member 34b couples the second frame member 30b to the third frame member 30c. The third connecting member 34c couples the third frame member 30c to the fourth frame member 30d. The fourth connecting member 34d couples the fourth frame member 30c to the first frame member 30d. Using these components, the illustrated frame 14 (and thereby the screen 10) has a generally rectangular or square shape. In other embodiments, the frame 14 may have other frame members to achiever other shapes (e.g., trapezoidal, triangular, rounded, etc.).

Although only the first frame member 30a is shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, the following description applies to each of the plurality of frame members 30a-30d. The first frame member 30a includes a first end 40a, a second end 44a opposite the first end 40a, a longitudinal axis 48a extending from the first end 40a to the second end 44a, a first side 52a (e.g., an outer side), and a second side 56a (e.g., an inner side). As shown, an opening 60a extends from the first end 40a to the second end 44a along the first longitudinal axis 48a. Also, with respect to FIG. 5, an aperture 64a extends along an axis 68a that intersects the longitudinal axis 48a, which is into the page in FIG. 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first frame member 30a is substantially hollow and therefore the opening 60a extends along the entire length of the first frame member 30a. Moreover, the first frame member 30a includes a groove 72a that extends into the opening parallel to the longitudinal axis 48a. The groove 72a is positioned on the first side 52a of the first frame member 30a, and the aperture 64a extends through a surface of the groove 72a such that the aperture 64a is recessed relative to the first side 52a of the first frame member 30a. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 64a is one of a plurality of apertures 64a. Two of the plurality of apertures 64a are positioned adjacent to the first end 40a of the first frame member 30a, and two of the plurality of apertures 64a are positioned adjacent to the second end 44a of the first frame member 30a. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 68a of each of the apertures 64a is parallel to the other axes 68a and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48a in the illustrated embodiment.

The first frame member 30a also includes a first flange 80a coupled to and extending from the second side 56a and a second flange 84a coupled to and extending from the second side 56a. The first flange 80a and the second flange 84a extend along the length of the first frame member 30a. The first flange 80a and the second flange 84a are spaced apart from one another, and a define a channel 88a therebetween. The channel 88a is configured to receive and secure one side of the panel 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 52a has a substantially arcuate surface. Also, the first end 40a has a first surface 92a and the second end 44a has a second surface 96a. Each of the first surface 92a and the second surface 96a are substantially flat or planar.

In other embodiments, the first frame member 30a may have other configurations. For example, one opening 60a may extend from the first end 40a partially through the first frame member 30a and one opening 60a may extend from the second end 44a partially through the first frame member 30a. In such case, the first frame member 30a may include a groove 72a that extends into each of the openings 60a and that extends parallel the longitudinal axis 48a.

Regardless of the configuration, the first frame member 30a is formed as a single unitary piece from a first material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first material is a metal, such as aluminum. In other embodiments, the first frame member 30a may be made of other materials.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-12, one or more of the plurality of frame members 30a-30d may include one or more support members 100, which are configured to support the screen 10 relative to a support surface, such as a desktop or the floor. The support members 100 will be discussed in greater detail below.

The first connecting member 34a is shown in FIGS. 7A-11. The following discussion of the first connecting member 34a applies equally to the second, third, and fourth connecting members 34b-34d. The first connecting member 34a includes a body that has a first portion 120a and a second portion 120a′. The first portion 120a extends along a first axis 128a, and the second portion 120a′ extends along a second axis 128a′ that intersects the first axis 128a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 128a and the second axis 128a′ intersect at a non-parallel angle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first axis 128a and the second axis 128a′ are oriented at a substantially ninety-degree angle (e.g., the axes 128a, 128a′ are perpendicular to one another), but in other embodiments, the angle may be greater or less than ninety degrees. Additionally, in some embodiments, the angle may be parallel such that the axes 128a, 128a′ are coincident with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second portions 120a, 120a′ includes a first recess 136a, 136a′ and a second recess 140a, 140a′. Although only the recesses 136a, 140a of the first portion 120a are shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the recesses 136a′, 140a′ of the second portion 120a′ have the same structure and orientation. Each of the first and second recesses 136a, 136a′, 140a, 140a′ define an aperture 144a, 148a, 144a′, 148a′ extending therethrough.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting member 34a, like each of the plurality of connecting members 34a-34d, are corner members and therefore a corner portion 160a extends between the first portion 120a and the second portion 120a′. As shown, the first portion 120a extends from the corner portion 160a and the second portion 120a′ extends from the corner portion 160a. The corner portion 160a has an arcuate outer surface 164a and a first surface 168a and a second surface 172a. Each of the first surface 168a and the second surface 172a are substantially flat or planar. In some embodiments, not shown in FIGS. 7A-11, the arcuate outer surface may define a groove (see the second connecting member 34b and groove 166b).

The first portion 120a includes a first expansion joint 200a and the second portion 120a′ includes a second expansion joint 200a′. The first and second expansion joints 200a, 200a′ have the same structure. Although the following discussion of the expansion joints 200a, 200a′ refers to the first expansion joints 200a, it applies equally to the second expansion joint 200a′.

The first expansion joint 200a includes a plate 204a, a first fastener 208a (e.g., a set screw), and a second fastener 212a (e.g., a set screw). In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener 208a is threadably coupled to a first nut 216a, which is positioned in the first recess 136a of the first portion 120a. Similarly, the second fastener 212a is threadably coupled to a second nut 220a, which positioned in the second recess 140a of the first portion 120a. In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion joints 200a includes two fasteners but in other embodiments, the expansion joints 200a may include a single fastener or more than two fasteners.

The first fastener 208a and the second fastener 212a are movable (e.g., rotatable) to move the plate 204a relative to the first portion 120a of the connecting member 34a. That is, as shown, the first fastener 208a and the second fastener 212a move the plate 204a from a retracted position (FIG. 11) to an extended position (FIG. 11).

In the illustrated embodiment, a retainer 230a is positioned between the first portion 120a and the plate 204a. The retainer 230a includes a body that has first projections 234a extending from opposite sides of a first surface 238a, second projections 242a that extend from the first surface 238a, and third projections 246a extending from opposite sides of a second surface 250a. Each of the first projections 234a defines a recess 254a. An aperture 258a extends through each of the recesses 254a from the first surface 238a to the second surface 250a. One of the first projections 234a is received in the first recess 136a in the first portion 124a such that the aperture 258a of the retainer 230a is aligned with the corresponding aperture 144a of the first portion 120a. The first nut 216a is positioned within the recess 254a of the projection 234a and the first fastener 208a is movable to extend through the corresponding aperture 258a in the retainer 230a. The other of the first projections 234a is received in the second recess 140a in the first portion 120a such that the aperture 258a of the retainer 230a is aligned with the corresponding aperture 148a of the first portion 120a. The second nut 220a is positioned within the recess 254a of the projection 234a and the second fastener 212a is movable to extend through the corresponding aperture 258a in the retainer 230a. The second projections 242a each have a hook that retains the retainer 230a relative to the first portion 120a. As shown, the hook is received in and retained in a snap-fit engagement with a corresponding opening 262a in the first portion 120. The third projections 246a each have a hook that temporarily retains the plate 204a relative to the retainer 230a, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The second connecting member 34b is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, and as noted above, the second connecting member 34b has a slightly different structure, but still includes a first portion 120b, a second portion 120b′, a corner portion 160b, a first expansion joint 200b, and a second expansion joint 200b′. The first portion 120b and the second portion 120b′ of the second connecting member 34b are substantially the same as the first portion 120a′ and the second portion 120a′ of the first connecting member. Similarly, the first expansion joint 200b and the second expansion joint 200b′ of the second connecting member 34b are substantially the same as and operate in a similar manner as the first expansion joint 200a and the second expansion joint 200a′ of the first connecting member 34a. The corner portion 160b has a different shape and size but still includes an arcuate surface 164b, a first flat surface 168b, and a second flat surface 172b.

The second connecting member 34b includes first and second mounting bores 300b in the arcuate outer surface 164b that are configured to receive fasteners that couple a support member 100 (shown in FIGS. 13-18, for example), which may support the screen 10 relative to a support surface, such as a desk or floor. The mounting bores 300b of the corner portion 160b of the second connecting member 34b are positioned adjacent to the second portion 120b′ and therefore are each oriented along axes 302b that are oriented perpendicular to the second axis 128b′. The mounting bores 300c of the corner portion 160c of the third connecting member 34c are positioned adjacent to the first portion 120c and therefore are each oriented along axes 302c that are oriented perpendicular to the first axis 128c. Accordingly, the axes 302b, 302c of the each of the mounting bores 302b, 302c of the corner portions 160b, 160c of the respective second connecting member 34b and the third connecting member 34c are configured to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48c of the third frame member 30c. These mounting bores 300b are configured to receive and couple to fasteners that couple support members 100 to the screen 10. The support members 100 may then couple to or otherwise support the screen 10 relative to the support surface, as discussed below. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the corner portions 160b include a pair of mounting bores 300b, although any suitable number of mounting bores 300b may be included depending on the type of support member 100 intended to be coupled thereto.

With renewed reference to FIGS. 1-3, the third connecting member 34c is substantially the same as the second connecting member 34b, except where noted above, while the fourth connecting member 34d is substantially the same as the first connecting member 34a.

One or more of the plurality of connecting members 34a-34d are at least partially formed from a second material that is different than the first material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 120a-120d, second portion 120a′-120d′, and corner portion 160a-160d are a single unitary piece formed from the second material, which in this case is a plastic polymer. The plates 204a-204d, 204a′-204d′ of the expansion joints 200a-200d, 200a′-200d′ are formed from a third material, which in this case is steel. The third material may be another suitable material.

The screen 10 is assembled as follows. The first frame member 30a and the second frame member 30b are coupled to one another by the first connecting member 34a. That is, the first portion 120a of the first connecting member 34a is positioned within the opening 60a of the first frame member 30a such that the fastener 208a of the first expansion joint 200a is aligned along the axis 68a of one of the apertures 64a in the first frame member 30a and the second fastener 212a of the first expansion joint 200a is aligned along the axis 68a of the other of the apertures 64a in the first frame member 30a. Also, positioning the first portion 120a within the first frame member 30a positions the corner portion 160a adjacent the second end 44a of the first frame member 30a. Accordingly, the first surface 168a of the corner portion 160a of the first connecting member 34a abuts against the second surface 92a of the second end 44a of the first frame member 30a. As shown, the surfaces 92a, 168a are flush with one another such that the arcuate surfaces of the first frame member 30a and the first connecting member 34a are continuous.

The first portion 120a of the first connecting member 34a is clamped to the first frame member 30a. That is, the first fastener 208a and the second fastener 212a of the first expansion joint 200a are accessible via the respective apertures 64a in the first frame member 30a and therefore can be actuated (e.g., rotated by a tool such as an Allen wrench) to move the plate 204a of the first expansion joint 200a from the retracted position to the extended position to clamp the first portion 120a against the first frame member 30a. Specifically, the first fastener 208a and the second fastener 212a are each actuated to move the plate 204a from the retracted position to the extended position to clamp the plate 204a against the first frame member 30a. In the embodiment in which a groove is included in the arcuate surface 164a, the grooves align with the groove 72a.

The second portion 120a′ of the first connecting member 34a is positioned within the opening 60b of the second frame member 30b such that the first fastener 208a′ of the second expansion joint 200a′ is aligned along the axis 68b of one of the apertures 64b in the second frame member 30b and the second fastener 212a′ of the second expansion joint 200′ is aligned along the axis 68b of the other of the apertures 64b in the second frame member 30b. Also, positioning the second portion 120a′ within the second frame member 30b positions the corner portion 160a adjacent the first end 40b of the second frame member 30b. Accordingly, the second surface 172a of the corner portion 160a of the first connecting member 34a abuts against the first surface 92b of the first end 40b of the second frame member 30b. As shown, the surfaces 92b, 172a are flush with one another such that the arcuate surfaces of the second frame member 30b and the first connecting member 34a are continuous. In the embodiment in which a groove is included in the arcuate surface 164a, the grooves align with the groove 72b. Accordingly, the aligned grooves may extend about all or a portion of the perimeter of the frame 14.

The second portion 120a′ of the first connecting member 34a is clamped to the second frame member 30b. That is, the first fastener 208a′ and the second fastener 212a′ of the second expansion joint 200a′ are accessible via the respective apertures 64b in the second frame member 30b and therefore can be actuated (e.g., rotated by a tool such as an Allen wrench) to move the plate 204a′ of the second expansion joint from the retracted position to the extended position to clamp the second portion 120a′ against the second frame member 30b. Specifically, the first fastener 208a′ and the second fastener 208b′ are each actuated to move the plate 204a′ from the retracted position to the extended position to clamp the plate 204a′ against the second frame member 30b.

In the same way that the first frame member 30a is coupled to the second frame member 30b by the first connecting member 34a, the second frame member 30b is coupled to the third frame member 30c by the second connecting member 34b, the third frame member 30c is coupled to the fourth frame member 30d by the third connecting member 34c, and the fourth frame member 30d is coupled to the first frame member 30a by the fourth connecting member 34d. The process is the same for each, so for the sake of brevity it is not repeated.

The panel 18, or infill, is coupled to the frame 14. More particularly, the panel 18 is supported by the frame 14 between the frame members 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. In some embodiments, the frame 14 can be assembled around the panel 18. In some embodiments, the panel 18 can be positioned relative to the frame 14 after the frame 14 is assembled. Regardless, the panel 18 is positioned in the channels 88a-88d of the respective frame members 30a-30d. The frame 14 and the panel 18 are then enclosed by the cover 22. In some embodiments, a portion of the cover 22 (e.g., an interior seam of the cover 22 that extends at least partially along an interior perimeter of the cover 22) is received in one or more of the grooves 72a-72d of the frame members 30a-30d.

In some embodiments, the panel 18 may be made of a sound-absorbing material. For example, the panel 18 may be made of a PET material, felt material, or laminate material. In other embodiments, the panel 18 may be made of other materials. The cover 22 may be, for example, a fabric cover that encloses the frame 14 and the panel 18 to give a desired visual appearance (e.g., color, texture, etc.). In some embodiments, the cover 22 may be omitted.

As discussed above, the screens 10 are configured to be supported on a support surface, such as a desk or the floor. Accordingly, in some embodiments, such as that of FIGS. 1-3, 6, and 15, one or more support members 100 are coupled to one or more of the plurality of frame members 30a-30d, and in some embodiments, such as that of FIGS. 1-3 and 12-20, one or more support members 100 are coupled to one or more of the corner portions 160a-160d of the connecting members 34a-34d.

With respect to FIGS. 1-12 generally, the screen 10 is configured to be used as a privacy screen, a modesty screen, and/or a room divider. Accordingly, with specific reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 one support member 100 is coupled to and extends from the second frame member 30b and one support member 100 is coupled to an extends from the fourth frame member 30d. As shown, the panel 18 has cut-outs that surround the support members 100. Although only one support member 100 is shown in detail in FIG. 6, both support members 100 include the same features. That is, the support member 100 includes a body that is coupled to the second side 56b of the second frame member 30b via fasteners 304 or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the body is positioned within the channel 88b between the two flanges 80b, 84b. The body also defines one or more mounting apertures 308 extending therethrough that are configured to receive fasteners. The mounting apertures 308 of the support members 100 of FIG. 6 are each oriented along an axis 312 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48b of the third frame member 30b to which it is attached. The fasteners are configured to mount the support member 100, and therefore the screen 10, to the support surface, which in this case is a surface of a desktop. In other embodiments, such as that of FIGS. 15-18, a single support member 100 may extend between the second frame member 30b and the fourth frame member 30d.

The panel 18 has a first portion that is positioned above the support member and a second portion that is supported below the support member. In such a way, the screens of FIGS. 1-12 and 15-18 may act as a privacy screen and a modesty screen. In other words, because of the placement of the support members 100 relative to the frame 14 in FIGS. 1-3 and 15-18, a portion of the screen 10 (e.g., the portion generally above the support members 100) extends above a working surface of the desktop and acts as a privacy screen, and a portion of the screen (e.g., the portion generally below the support members 100) extends below the working surface of the desktop and acts as a modesty screen. The portion of the screen 10 of FIGS. 1-3 below the first working surface of the desktop only extends part of the distance between the desktop and the floor, whereas the portion of the screen 10 of FIGS. 15-18 below the working surface of the desktop may extend substantially the whole distance between the desktop and the floor.

Further with respect to FIGS. 1-3, 12, and 15-18, the corner portions 160a-160d of the connecting member 34a-34d may be configured to support the screen 10, as well. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the corner portions 160b, 160c of each of the second connecting member 34b and the third connecting member 34c include mounting bores 300b, which are discussed in greater detail above, and configured to receive and couple to support members 100.

An exemplary support member 100 that may be coupled to the corner portions 160b, 160c of FIGS. 1-3, 12, and 15-18 is shown in FIGS. 15-18. The support members 100 shown in FIGS. 15-18 at least partially support the screen 10 on the floor. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the support member 100 includes a first portion 320 and a second portion 324 that is threadably coupled to the first portion 320. The first portion 320 includes a coupling portion 328 and a threaded portion 332 extending from the coupling portion 328. The coupling portion 328 includes one or more apertures 330 that are configured to be aligned with the mounting bores 300b of the corner portion 160b. The fasteners extend through the apertures 330 and into the mounting bores 300b to couple the first portion 320 to the frame 14. The threaded portion 332 includes threads on an outer surface thereof. The second portion 324 includes a threaded portion 336 including mating threads on an inner surface thereof. The second portion 324 is coupled to the first portion 320 by threadably coupling the second portion 324 onto the first portion 320. The height of the screen 10 can be changed by rotating the second portion 324 relative to the first portion 320.

With respect to FIG. 13-14, the corner portions 160b, 160c may have other configurations, which may be configured to support the screen 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-14, the corner portion 160b of each of the second connecting member 34b and the third connecting member 34c are configured to couple to and receive support members 100, which couple or otherwise support the screen 10 relative to a desk. That is, although not shown in FIGS. 13-14, the corner portion 160b include a plurality of mounting bores 300b (e.g., four mounting bores 300b) extending through the outer surface 164b thereof. Like the mounting bores 300b of the corner portion 160b of FIGS. 1-3 and 12, the mounting bores 300b of the corner portions 160b are each oriented similarly to those shown in FIGS. 15-18. These mounting bores 300b are configured to receive and couple to fasteners 340 that couple support member 100 to the screen 10.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-14, the support members 100 each include a body that has a first side 350 that is coupled to the respective corner portion 160b via the fasteners 340 received in the mounting bores 300b and a second side 354 opposite the first side 350. The body includes a first flange 358 extending from one end of the second side 354 of the body and a second flange 362 extending from an opposite end of the second side 354 of the body. The body further includes a projection 366 extending from the second side 354 of the body between the first flange 358 and the second flange 362. The projection 366 defines a bore 370 extending therethrough. The bore 370 is configured to receive a fastener on the support surface, which in this case is a desk. Accordingly, the screen 10 can act as a privacy screen that extends generally above a working surface of the desktop.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the corner portion 160 may also include additional mounting apertures 380. These mounting apertures 380 extend generally perpendicular to the mounting bores 300b and may be used to couple the screen 10 via fasteners and the like to a support surface, such as a desktop, in other ways. As shown, panel 18 has cut-outs that surround the sides of the corner portions 160b, 160c.

As shown in FIGS. 19-20, the screen 10 may be entirely supported on and movable relative to a support surface, which in this case is the floor. As shown, the corner portions 160b, 160c of FIGS. 19-20 of each of the second connecting member 34b and the third connecting member 34c are configured to couple to support members 100, which support the screen 10 relative to the floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 100 each have a leg 390 and a caster wheel 394 coupled to the leg 390. As shown, additional mounting apertures 398 of the corner portions may be used to couple (via fasteners or the like) to two legs 390, one on each side of the screen 10, such that the screen 10 is supported by and movable relative the floor via the castor wheels 394.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A screen comprising: a frame including a first frame member having a first longitudinal axis, a first opening extending therethrough along the first longitudinal axis, and an aperture extending along an axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis,a second frame member having a second longitudinal axis and a second opening extending therethrough along the second longitudinal axis, anda connecting member coupled between the first frame member and the second frame member, the connecting member including a first portion that is received within the first opening and having a plate movable via a fastener to clamp the plate against the first frame member, the first fastener being accessible through the aperture, anda second portion that is received in the second opening; anda panel coupled the frame.

2. The screen of claim 1, wherein the aperture is a first aperture, the plate is a first plate, the axis is a first axis, and the fastener is a first fastener,wherein the second frame member includes a second aperture extending along a second axis that intersects the second longitudinal axis, andwherein the second portion of the connecting member has a second plate that is movable via a second fastener to clamp the second plate against the second frame member, the second fastener being accessible through the second aperture.

3. The screen of claim 1, wherein the connecting member includes a corner portion that is coupled to the first portion and the second portion, the corner portion positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member.

4. The screen of claim 3, wherein the corner portion includes a first surface that is flush with a surface of the first frame member and a second surface that is flush with the second frame member.

5. The screen of claim 1, wherein the connecting member is couplable to a support member that is configured to support the screen relative to a support surface.

6. The screen of claim 1, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are formed from a first material, and wherein the connecting member is at least partially formed from a second material that is different from the first material.

7. The screen of claim 6, wherein the first material is aluminum and the second material is a plastic polymer.

8. The screen of claim 1, further comprising a cover that encloses the frame and the panel.

9. A screen comprising: a frame including a plurality of frame members, each of the plurality of frame members including a longitudinal axis, an opening extending therethrough along the longitudinal axis, and an aperture extending along an axis that intersects the longitudinal axis, anda plurality of connecting members, each of the plurality of connecting members including a first portion that is received within the opening of one frame member of the plurality of frame members, the first portion including a first expansion joint that has a first plate and a first fastener accessible through the aperture in the one frame member such that the first fastener is actuatable to clamp the first plate against the one frame member, anda second portion that is received within the opening of an adjacent frame member of the plurality of frame members, the second portion including a second expansion joint that has a second plate and a second fastener accessible through the aperture of the adjacent frame member such that the second fastener is actuatable to clamp the second plate against the adjacent frame member; anda panel coupled to the frame.

10. The screen of claim 9, further comprising a cover that encloses the frame and the panel.

11. The screen of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of connecting members includes a corner portion that is coupled to the first portion and the second portion and positioned between the one frame member and the adjacent frame member.

12. The screen of claim 11, wherein each of the corner portions includes a first surface that is flush with the one frame member and a second surface that is flush with the adjacent frame member.

13. The screen of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of frame members includes a groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the aperture of each of the plurality of frame members extends through a surface of the groove.

14. The screen of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of frame members is formed from a first material, and wherein at least one of the connecting members is at least partially formed from a second material that is different from the first material.

15. The screen of claim 14, wherein the first material is aluminum and the second material is a plastic polymer.

16. A method of assembling a screen, the method comprising: assembling a frame including positioning a first portion of a connecting member within a first opening of a first frame member, the first portion including a first plate and a first fastener, andpositioning a second portion of the connecting member within a second opening of a second frame member, the second portion including a second plate and a second fastener, andclamping the first plate of the connecting member to the first member by actuating the first fastener, the first fastener being accessible from outside of the first frame member, andclamping the second plate of the connecting member to the second member by actuating the second fastener, the second fastener being accessible from outside of the second frame member, andcoupling a panel to the frame.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising enclosing the frame and the panel material with a cover.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling a third frame member to the second frame member and coupling a fourth frame member to the third frame member and the first frame member.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a corner portion if the connecting member between the first frame member and the second frame member.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling a support member to the frame, the support member configured to support the frame relative to a support surface.