公开(公告)号：EP0990078A1

公开(公告)日：2000-04-05

申请号：EP98921048.9

申请日：1998-05-08

Applicant: Steelcase Inc.

Inventor： WAALKES, Michael, L. ,  PRESSNELL, Marcus, K. ,  SLAGER, Mark, T. ,  SHIELDS, Michael, R. ,  KANE, Brian, J. ,  CHRISTOPHER, Robin ,  BOYLE, Dennis, J. ,  SKILLMAN, Peter, N. ,  SEIBER, Charles, A. ,  CHANG, Joseph

IPC: E04B2/74

CPC classification number: E04B2/7433 ,  E04B2002/7462 ,  E04B2002/7464 ,  E04B2002/7466 ,  E04B2002/7483 ,  E04B2002/7487 ,  E04B2002/7488 ,  E04B2002/749

Abstract: A knock-down portable partition (1) includes a panel frame (2) and a cover panel (4) covering a central portion thereof. Vertical posts (6) have beam connection ports (10) adjacent upper and lower ends. Upper and lower beams (11) extend horizontally between the vertical posts (6) ajdacent the connection ports (10). Quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges (12) adjacent the connection ports (10) are movably mounted for shifting between locked and unlocked positions. Wedge-engaging surfaces (15) adjacent the connection ports (10) engage the wedges (12) in a tight interference fit that inelastically deforms the wedge-engaging surfaces (15) when the wedges (12) are shifted to the locked position to rigidly yet detachably interconnect the posts (6) and the beam (11) for assembly and disassembly of the knock-down portable partition (1).