GB2060022A - Frame members and a screen constructed from such frame members - Google Patents

Abstract

An elongate frame member (4, 5) for holding two panels (2) in spaced apart parallel relationship comprises a support member (10) having a channel (7) along each longitudinally extending edge for receiving a respective panel (2). An L-shaped section (19) is connected to the base of each channel (7) and provides holding means for holding an elongate cover (9) on the outer side of the support member (10). The L-shaped sections (19) each define with the base of the respective channel (7) a substantially U-shaped groove (20). These grooves (20) extend in the transverse direction of the support member (10) and their openings face one another. A respective frame member (4, 5) is provided to hold the side and top edges of the panels (2) to form a screen (1). An end member (46) can be engaged in the grooves (20) at the top of each side frame member (4). If it is required to connect two adjacent screens (1) adjacent end members (46) can be replaced by a coupling member (47). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Frame members and a screen constructed from such frame members The present invention relates to a frame member for holding two panels in spaced apart parallel relationship. The invention also relates to a screen constructed from such frame members and to an arrangement of one or more screens coupled together.

Many offices now have an open plan layout and screens are used to divide the area of the office as required. In order that all layout requirements may be met it is required that screens of various sizes can be readily constructed and that several screens can be used together to enclose a particular area.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame member for holding two panels in spaced apart parallel relationship, comprising an elongate panel support member having two spaced, longitudinally extending channels defined therein, each of said channels opening on one side of said support member and each being arranged to receive an edge of a respective one of said panels, said support member carrying holding means for engagement with an elongate cover member disposed to cover the other side of said support member.

Preferably, each frame member to be used to form a screen, or at least the side and top frame members are provided with identical holding means. This enables an identical cover member to be engaged with each frame member so that the finished screen has a substantially continuous outer periphery which enhances the appearance of the screen, even though the individual frame members have differing configurations in accordance with their differing functions.

In an embodiment, each of the side and top frame members comprises an elongate cover member removably engaged on said other side of the support member. The cover member may be an elongate web or arcuate cross-section having a stepped flange along each longitudinally extending edge thereof and a longitudinally extending rib spaced from each said stepped flange. The stepped flange and the rib engage the holding means provided on the support member.

These holding means may comprise a substantially L-shaped section connected to said other side of the support member having a flange formed on the free edge thereof. The stepped flange of the cover member is arranged to engage the external vertex of the L-shaped section and the rib is arranged to engage the flange of the L-shaped section.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a frame member for holding two panels in spaced apart parallel relationship, comprising an elongate panel support member having two spaced, longitudinally extending channels defined therein, each of said channels opening on one side of said support member and each being arranged to receive an edge of a respective one of said panels, the frame member having a constant cross-section over its entire length.

As the frame member has a constant crosssection it can be cut to any length and thus readily used to form screens of any size required.

In an embodiment, each channel of the support member has a substantially U-shaped crosssection defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base, the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web.

Preferably, each L-shaped section of the holding means is connected to the external surface of the base of a respective channel to define a longitudinally extending groove of substantially Ushaped cross-section with the openings of said grooves facing each other. Coupling members for holding two or more screens together may be arranged to engage in said grooves.

The present invention also extends to a screen comprising a frame having two upright side frame members, a top frame member, and a base frame member, each side frame member being as defined above, and each of said top and base frame members comprising an elongate panel support member having two spaced longitudinally extending channels defined therein, the channels of each support member facing inwardly of the frame, and two panels, the edge of each panel being received in a respective channel in each of the top, base and side frame members whereby the panels are held in spaced parallel relationship with respect to each other.

The present invention also extends to a screen comprising a frame formed of two upright side frame members, a top frame member and a base frame member, each frame member having two spaced, longitudinally extending channels defined therein, the channels of each frame member facing inwardly of the frame, and two panels, the edge of each panel being received in a respective channel in each of the frame members whereby the panels are held in spaced apart parallel relationship.

In an embodiment, the base frame member has one of more longitudinally extending conduits defined therein. Electrical supply lines, telephone lines and the like can be mounted in these conduits to provide services to a location defined by the screen. In this way, there need be no trailing wires in the office area. Preferably, the conduits are provided with removable covers for easy access. If required, control units for office equipment and the like may also be mounted in the conduits. The control units may be provided in modular form and mounted on the removable cover. This not only gives easy access to the modules but allows equipment to be exchanged by simply removing one cover and module and engaging a replacement cover and module.

The construction of the frame members and screens enables two or more screens to be coupled together as required. In this respect coupling members are engaged in the grooves provided in the side frame members. The coupling member may have two arms connected to enclose any required angle and be used to connect two screens at the required angle. Similarly, three or four arm coupling members may be provided to connect three or four screens at a common vertical axis. The construction of the frame members and of the coupling members in fact allows any number of screens to be arranged in any desired configuration.

A preferred embodiment of the present Invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a screen arrangement formed from two screens of the present invention rigidly coupled together, FIGURE 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a part of the screen arrangement of Figure 1 showing the coupling of the two screens, FIGURE 3 shows a longitudinal section of one of the screens taken on the line Ill-Ill of Figure 1, and FIGURE 4 shows a cross-section of a side frame member taken on the line lV-IV of Figure 1.

As is illustrated in the drawings, a screen 1 of the present invention is formed from two planar panels 2 spaced from and arranged parallel to each other. The panels 2 are held in position by way of a frame generally referred to by reference numeral 3 which comprises two upright side frame members 4, a top frame member 5, and a base frame member 6. Each of these frame members 4, 5, 6 is preferably formed from extruded aluminium. In the embodiment illustrated, each panel 2 comprises a board of pinnable material, for example fibre board, covered by a cloth.

Each of the frame members 4, 5 and 6 has two substantially parallel U-shaped channels 7 extending along the length thereof, the channels facing inwardly of the frame 3. The edges of each panal 2 are engaged in respective ones of the channels and then the frame members are connected together to form the screen 1. In the embodiment illustrated the upright side frame members 4 extend over the height of the finished screen and are screwed to the top and base members 5, 6 for rigidity.

Each frame member has a substantially constant cross-section over its entire length. This enables the frame members to be cut to any length so that the size of the finished screen may be chosen as required. Levelling discs 8 are affixed to the base frame members 6, as is described in more detail hereinafter, to enable adjustment to be made for any variations in the surface on which the screen 1 is stood.

As will also be described in more detail hereinbelow each of the side and top frame members comprises a removable cover 9 mounted on a panel support member, as 10. The covers 9 for the side and top frame members are identical so that the outer periphery of the screen is substantially continuous. This enhances the appearance of the screen. In the embodiment illustrated, the cover 9 is mounted on the support member 10 of the side members 4 to define a longitudinally extending groove 11. Slots 12 may be punched in the base of the groove 11 for receiving projections of a member to be supported on the screen. In the example of Figure 1, two flanged plates 13 are provided with projections which are engaged in the slots 12. These plates 13 are used to support a shelf 14.

The structure of the side frame member 4 is most clearly shown in Figure4. It comprises the support member 10 on which the cover member 9 is engaged. Each of the support member 10 and the cover member 9 is symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis.

The support member 10 has a substantially planar web 1 5 having the channels 7 formed along each longitudinally extending edge thereof.

Each channel 7 has side walls 1 6 connected by a base 17. Each of the channels 7 faces in the same direction and is arranged to receive one of the boards 2. It will be seen that the web 1 5 connects the free edges of the facing side walls 1 6 of the two channels 7. The internal surface of each of these facing side walls 1 6 has two elongate spaced barbs 1 8 formed therein which project towards the base 17 of the channels 7. These barbs 1 8 engage the cloth covering the board 2 as the board is inserted in the channel 7 and act to keep the cloth on the exterior surface of each board in the completed screen taught.

An L-shaped section 1 9 is connected to the base 1 7 of each channel 7. It will be seen, that each L-section 19 projects away from the web 10 and defines with the base 1 7 of the respective channel 7 a substantially U-shaped groove 20.

These grooves 20 extend in the transverse direction of the support member 10 and their openings face one another. The free edge of the Lsection 19 carries a flange 21. The facing surfaces of the two elongate flanges 21 are concave.

The L-section 19 provides holding means for the cover 9 which is engaged on the outer side of the support member 10. The cover 9 comprises an elongate web 22 having an arcuate cross-section and having an internally stepped flange 23 provided along each edge thereof. In addition, two ribs 24 each having a corrugated cross-section project from the concave internal surface of the web 22 and are each spaced a small distance from one of the stepped flanges 23. When the cover 9 is engaged on the support member 10 each stepped flange 23 engages with the vertex of the corresponding L-section 1 9 whilst each rib 24 engages with the concave surface of the corresponding flange 21. It will be appreciated that when the cover 9 is engaged with the support member 10 relative transverse movement is not possible but the cover may be slid axially of the support member 10.

The stepped flange 23 is dimensioned so that it does not cover all of the external surface of the Lsection 1 9. Furthermore, this external surface of the L-section 1 9 is inwardly spaced from the external side wall 1 6 of the corresponding channel 7. Thus, the groove 11 is provided between the support member 10 and the cover 9 on each external surface of the frame member 4.

The structure of the top frame member 5 can be seen most clearly in Figure 3 which shows a cross-section thereof. The top frame member 5 comprises a cover 9 engaged on a support member 10'. The cover 9 of the top frame member 5 is identical to that of the side frame member 4 whilst the support member 10' is similar to the support member 10. Thus, it will be seen that the support member 10' has two channels 7 connected by a web 15, barbs 18 being provided within each channel 7. In addition, two grooves 20 are defined by L-shaped sections 19 on which the cover 9 is engaged. The top frame member 5 is orientated such that the top horizontally extending edges of the panels 2 are received in the channels 7.

The web 1 5 of the top support member 10' forms the top wall of a hollow box-section 25 which extends the full length of the support member 10'. The two opposed side walls of the box-section 25 are formed by extensions of the facing side walls 1 6 of the two channels 7. The box-section 25 gives strength and rigidity to the top support member 10'. Two elongate split cylinders 26 are formed on the internal surface of each of the top and bottom walls of the boxsection 25. These split cylinders 26 form receiving slots for screws which extend through the web 1 5 of each side frame member 4 to fix the side frame members 4 to the top frame member 5. In the embodiment illustrated each split cylinder 26 on the bottom wall of the box-section 25 faces a split cylinder onthe top wall thereof.Of course, any arrangement of these split cylinders 26 can be chosen as required. Each split cylinder 26 extends over the entire length of the box-section 25 and hence of the support member 10'. This ensures that the support member 10' can be cut to any length and stiil present receiving slots for the screws.

The base frame member 6 of the screen could be substantially identical to the top frame member 5. However, in the embodiment illustrated, the base frame member 6 is shaped to provide conduits for housing electrical supply cables, telephone wires, control boxes for office equipment, and the like.

A cross-section of the base frame member 6 can be seen in Figure 3. The base frame member 6 comprises a first elongate substantially planar web 1 5 connecting two longitudinally extending channels 7 of substantially U-shaped crosssection. Barbs 1 8 for engaging the cloth covering the panels 2 are provided within each channel 7.

The facing side walls of the two channels 7 each extend downwardly beyond the base of the respective channel to provide a longitudinally extending rib 27. In addition, the external edge of the base of each channel 7 is chamfered, as at 28.

A longitudinally extending groove 29 is defined between the chamfered edge 28 and the rib 27.

The lower surface of the first web 1 5 is connected by way of a longitudinally extending partition 30 to a second elongate substantially planar web 31. The partition 30 transversely divides the space between the two webs 1 5 and 31. In addition, the partition 30 supports a second horizontal partition 32 which horizontally divides the space between the two webs 15 and 31.

Split cylinders 26 are provided on the lower surface of first web 1 5 and on the upper surface of second web 31 and provide receiving slots for screws 33 (Figure 4) which are used to secure the side frame members 4 to the base frame member 6.

The longitudinally extending edges of the second web 31 are each connected by way of a downwardly extending rib 34 to a flange 35. The upper surface of each flange 35 is fluted.

A cover 36 is provided to close each side of the base frame member 6. In the embodiment illustrated, each cover 36 comprises an elongate plate 37 having a stepped flange 38 along its top edge. The free edge of this flange 38 is shaped to engage in one of the grooves 29 defined along the base of a respective channel 7. In addition, a rib 39 having a corrugated cross-section projects from the plate 37 near its bottom edge. The rib 39 is arranged to engage with the fluted top surface of the respective flange 35. Each cover 36 may be slid longitudinally into and out of position. In addition, the chamfered edge 28 makes it possible to move the rib 39 outwardly out of engagement with the flange 35, the cover 36 pivoting about its top edge. The flange 38 can then be moved out of the groove 29.The cover 36 can be replaced by engaging the flange 38 in the groove 29 and then pivoting the cover 36 such that the rib 39 engages the fluted surface of the flange 35.

It will be appreciated that the partitions 30 and 32 and the covers 36 define four conduits, as 40, within the base frame member 6. These conduits 40 may be used to house a wide variety of means as appropriate. For example, where the screen is to be used in an office to delimit working areas, the telephone wires and telephone wire outlet grommets for the two working areas on either side of the screen can be housed in the lower conduits as is indicated by dotted lines at 41. It will be seen that an appropriate exit hole is provided in each cover 36. Further, the electrical supply cable for each working area can be mounted in each upper conduit where it is screened from the telephone wires. A power point (not shown) can then be provided on the external surface of the cover 36.

In addition, control means for audio visual aids and the like may also be housed in the upper conduits. Preferably, any additional means are provided in modular form and are mounted on the covers 36 so that they are readily accessible and interchangeable.

The lower surface of the second web 31 and the ribs 34 together define a channel in which an elongate steel bar 42 is received. This bar 42 gives strength and rigidity to the base frame member 6 and is also arranged to carry levelling discs 8 for the completed screen. A screw 44, which projects from and is keyed to the disc 8, is engaged in a threaded bore in the bar 42. The end of the screw 44 extends into a steel tube 43 which acts as a thread guard and which is carried by the steel bar 42, suitable cutouts for the tube 43 being provided in the partitions 30 and 32. It will be appreciated that the height of the screen 1 can be adjusted by rotation of the disc 8 and hence of the screw 44. This enables the screen 1 to be adjusted to take into account any variations in the surface on which it is stood. In the embodiment illustrated, each screen 1 has two levelling discs 8.However, more discs 8 can be provided if these appear necessary for stability.

The screen 1 can be assembled quickly and easily from the frame members described above.

The frame members 3, 4 and 5 are all cut to the required length and the support members of the frame members are then assembled with two panels 2 such that the edges of the panels engage in the channels 7 of the support members. The two side support members 10 are arranged to extend over the entire height of the panels and of the base frame member and the ends of the top support member and the base frame member abut these side support members. The side support members are secured to the top and base members by screws 33 which are screwed through the web 15 of each side support member to engage in a respective receiving slot 26 in the top or base member. The covers 9 are then clipped.

into position on the side and top members and the covers 36 are positioned on either side of the base member.

As the top frame member 5 abuts the side frame member 4 the frame 3 when formed is incomplete at the two top corners as indicated in Figure 2. The frame 3 is completed by engaging an end member 46 (Figure 1) in the gap at each top corner of the frame. The end member 46 comprises a suitably shaped cap having two projections extending from the lower surface thereof. Each projection has an L-shaped crosssection, one limb of which engages in a respective one of the grooves 20 defined within the side frame member 4 with the other limb extending towards the web 15 of the side frame member 4.

Each projection thus encloses the vertex of the base 17 and inner side wall 16 of one of the channels 7.

The cap of each end member has an arcuate top surface corresponding in shape to the external shape of the cover 9 of the top frame member 5.

At one end, the cap has a flat end surface arranged to abut the end of the top frame member, and at its other end, the surface of the cap is curved to correspond in shape to that of the cover 9 of the side frame member 4. Furthermore, a rebate is formed around the base of the curved end surface to define a groove between the cap and the side frame member 4. Similarly, a rebate is formed at the edge of the top surface of the cap at said one end thereof to define a groove between the cap and the top frame members The grooves between the cap and the ends of the respective frame members enable allowance to be made for variations in the dimensions of the end member and of the adjacent frame members The end member 46, which is preferably made of aluminium, thus gives a continuous profile to the external surface of the completed frame 3.

It will be appreciated that the side frame members 4 are open at their lower ends. However, the side frame members are sufficiently long that their free ends are aligned with the flanges 35 of the base frame member 6. Accordingly, there is no gap in the frame 3 at its two lower corners.

However, if required, a suitably shaped end member may be engaged in the lower-ends of the side frame members 4. Such an end member could comprise a plate having a substantially D-shaped profile carrying two spaced, L-section projections for engagement in the grooves 20 in the side frame members.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1 two screens 1 are shown rigidly connected together to enclose a predetermined angle. To connect two screens, the end members 46 in the two adjacent top corners of the two screens are replaced by a coupling member 47 as can be seen in Figure 2. The coupling member 47 has a cap 48 having a top surface curved to correspond to the shape of the covers 9 of the two top frame members 5. At each end, a rebate 49 is formed in the top surface of the cap to define a groove between the cap and the respective top frame member 5. As can be seen in Figure 2, the cap 48 has two arms enclosed a predetermined angle therebetween. Near the free edge of each arm, the lower surface of the cap 48 carries two spaced projections 50. Each projection 50 has an L-shaped cross-section.One limb of each projection 50 engages in a respective one of the grooves 20 defined within the side frame members whilst the other limb of each projection 50 extends towards the web 1 5 thereby enclosing the inner vertex 51 of the respective channel 7.

A lower coupling member (not shown) is also engaged in the lower ends of the two adjacent side frame members 4. This lower coupling member comprises a plate having two arms enclosing the predetermined angle therebetween.

Two projections, as 50, are provided near the free edge of each arm for engagement in the grooves 20 of the side frame members 4.

When the upper coupling member 47 and the lower coupling member (not shown) are respectively engaged in the top and bottom open ends of adjacent side frame members 4 of two screens 1, the two screens 1 will be rigidly connected together and enclose the predetermined angle enclosed by the arms of the two coupling members as is illustrated in Figure 1.

As the top surface of the upper coupling member 47 has the same shape as that of the two top covers 9 it is flush therewith and provides a continuous profile to the top surface of the two screens 1.

It will be appreciated that the angle enclosed by the upper and lower coupling members may be chosen as required between 0 and 1 800 so that the two screens may be connected to enclose any chosen angle between 0 and 1800. It will also be appreciated that more than two screens may be connected. Thus, any number of screens may be connected in end to end relationship either in alignment or with a predetermined angle enclosed between any two adjacent screens.

In addition, or alternatively, more than two screens may be connected about a single vertical axis. Three screens may be connected using upper and lower coupling members having three arms.

Thus, the coupling members may have a substantially Y-shaped configuration so that the screens are connected in a Y-shaped configuration. Two projections, as 50, are provided near the free end of each arm of the coupling member for engagement in the side frame member of a respective screen. The angles enclosed between the three arms of the coupling members may be chosen as required. For example, the arms may be equally spaced so that an angle of 1200 is enclosed between each pair of arms. In another embodiment, the coupling members may have a substantially T-shaped configuration with two arms aligned and the third arm at right angles to said two arms.

Four screens may be connected about a single vertical axis to form a cross-shaped configuration.

In this case, each coupling member would have four arms, the angles between the arms being chosen as required.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of screens of the invention can be connected in a limitless number of configurations utilizing both end to end connections and connections of more than two screens about a single vertical axis. The screen of the invention is thus extremely versatile.

In the embodiment described above the screens are stood on levelling discs 8. However, if a single screen is used or a plurality of screens are arranged to be substantially colinear such levelling discs 8 may not provide sufficient stability. In this case, the discs 8 can be replaced by elongate feet arranged to extend transversely of the base frame member 6 to thereby provide stability for the screen or screens.

In the description of the screen given above, the panels 2 are described as panels of a board of pinnable material covered by cloth. However, the panels can be of any sufficiently rigid material in accordance with the use to which the screen is to be put. For example, the panels could be acoustic panels, and the screen would thus form an extremely effective sound barrier. If required, the panels could be of acrylic sheeting or glass such that the screen is transparent. A transparent screen is useful as a partition in dark areas as it transmits light. In addition, transparent screens could be used for display purposes. Where the panels are made of glass, rubber or plastics material seals would be placed in the channels 7 to cover the barbs 12 and to hold the glass.

In addition, it is not necessary that both panels in one screen be made of the same material. For example, if a screen is to be used for display purposes, one panel could be made of hardboard with the display material on the inner surface thereof and the other panel could be transparent so that the display material is visible.

Use could be made of the interior space between the two panels if required. For example, where one or both panels is transparent a light source could be mounted in the interior of the screen. The power supply to the light source could then be fed through one of the conduits in the base frame member.

It will be appreciated from the above description that a screen of the present invention is extremely versatile. It can be made to any size and arranged with other screens in a variety of configurations. Although it is particularly appropriate for use in open plan offices it can, of course, be used in any place where a free standing partition is required.

The screen of the invention can be manufactured and assembled relatively easily and cheaply. The frame is made from just five different aluminium extrusions which can be cut to any required size. The finished screen is sturdy and hardwearing.

Claims (39)

1. A frame member for holding two panels in spaced apart parallel relationship, comprising an elongate panel support member having two spaced, longitudinally extending channels defined therein, each of said channels opening on one side of said support member and each being arranged to receive an edge of a respective one of said panels, said support member carrying holding means for engagement with an elongate cover member disposed to cover the other side of said support member.

2. A frame member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding means comprise two spaced, elongate sections extending longitudinally of the support member and projecting from said other side of said support member, each said section defining at least one engagement surface.

3. A frame member as claimed in claim 2, wherein each channel has a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web, and wherein each of said sections of the holding means is connected to the external surface of the base of a respective channel.

4. A frame member as claimed in claim 3, wherein each of said sections of the holding means has a substantially L-shaped cross-section and defines with the base of the respective channel a longitudinally extending groove of substantially U-shaped cross-section with the openings of said grooves facing each other, and wherein at least the external surface of the L-section at the base of each groove defines an engagement surface.

5. A frame member as claimed in claim 4, wherein an elongate flange is formed on the free edge of each L-shaped section, the facing surfaces of said flanges each defining an engagement surface.

6. A frame member as claimed in claim 5, wherein the facing surfaces of said flanges are concave.

7. A frame member as claimed in claim 6, further comprising an elongate cover member removably engaged on said other side of the support member, the cover member having a stepped flange along each longitudinally extending edge thereof and a longitudinally extending rib spaced from each said stepped flange, each stepped flange engaging with the vertex of a respective L-shaped section and each rib engaging with the concave surface of the respective flange.

8. A frame member as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said rib has a corrugated crosssection.

9. A frame member as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein said cover member is a transversely arcuate web.

10. A frame member as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, wherein at least one barb is provided on the internal surface of each of the facing side walls of the two channels, each barb projecting towards the base of the respective channel.

11. A frame member as claimed in any of claims 3 to 10, wherein said web forms one wall of a hollow, elongate box-section arranged on said one side of the web, the facing side walls of the two channels being extended to form the opposed side walls of the box-section, and wherein at least one split cylinder is carried on an internal surface of the box-section and forms an elongate receiving slot for a screw.

12. A frame member as claimed in any preceding claim having a constant cross-section over its entire length and formed of extruded aluminium.

13. A screen comprising a frame having two upright side frame members, each side frame member being as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, a top frame member and a base frame member, each of said top and base frame members comprising an elongate panel support member having two spaced longitudinally extending channels defined therein, the channels of each support member facing inwardly of the frame, and two panels, the edge of each panel being received in a respective channel in each of the top, base and side frame members whereby the panels are held in spaced parallel relationship with respect to each other.

14. A screen as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the channels of the support member of the top frame member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web, and wherein said web forms one wall of a hollow, elongate box-section arranged on the inner side of the web, the facing side walls of the two channels being extended to form the opposed side walls of the box-section, and wherein at least one split cylinder is carried on an internal surface of the box-section and forms an elongate receiving slot for a screw, said side frame members being connected to said top frame member by screws extending through said side frame members and engaged in a respective elongate receiving slot.

1 5. A screen as claimed in claim 14, wherein the support member of the top frame member further comprises a substantially L-shaped section connected to the external surface of the base of each channel, each L-shaped section defining with the base of the respective channel a longitudinally extending groove of substantially U-shaped crosssection with the openings of the grooves facing each other, and wherein an elongate flange is formed on the free edge of each L-shaped section, the facing surfaces of said flanges being concave.

1 6. A screen as claimed in claim 15, wherein the top frame member further comprises an elongate cover member removably engaged on the outer side of the support member, the cover member having a stepped flange along each longitudinally extending edge thereof and a longitudinally extending rib spaced from each said stepped flange, each rib having a corrugated cross-section, and each stepped flange engaging with the vertex of a respective L-shaped section and each rib engaging with the concave surface of the respective flange.

17. A screen as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein each of the channels of the support member of the base frame member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web, the outer side of the web carrying at least one split cylinder forming an elongate receiving slot for a screw, said side frame members being connected to said base frame member by screws extending through said side frame members and engaged in a respective elongate receiving slot.

1 8. A screen as claimed in claim 17, wherein said base frame member further comprises a second web spaced beneath and parallel to said first mentioned web by means of a longitudinally extending partition transversely dividing the space between said two webs, the upper surface of said second web carrying at least one split cylinder forming an elongate receiving slot for a screw.

19. A screen as claimed in claim 18, wherein said base frame member further comprises a second longitudinally extending partition carried by said first partition and arranged perpendicularly to said first partition, said second partition vertically dividing the space between the two webs.

20. A screen as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said base frame member further comprises two elongate cover members each removably engaged on opposite longitudinally extending edges of said support member to define with the partition or partitions longitudinally extending conduits within said base member.

21. A screen as claimed in claim 20, wherein electrical supply lines are mounted in one or more of said conduits.

22. A screen as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein electrical control modules are mounted in one or more of each conduits.

23. A screen as claimed in any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cover member of each base frame member comprises a plate having a stepped flange along its top edge and a rib of corrugated cross-section at or near its bottom edge, the stepped flange of each cover member being engaged in a longitudinally extending groove formed on the lower surface of the base of a respective channel of the first web of the base frame member, and the rib engaging with a respective flange carried by the second web of the base frame member.

24. A screen as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the second web of the base frame member carries at least two feet for the screen.

25. A screen as claimed in any of claims 13 to 24, wherein each frame member has a constant cross-section along its entire length and is formed of extruded aluminium.

26. A screen as claimed in any of claims 13 to 25, wherein each panel is made of a board of pinnable material.

27. A screen as claimed in claim 26, wherein each panel is made of fibre board.

28. A screen as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein each board is covered with cloth.

29. A screen as claimed in any of claims 13 to 25, wherein each panel is made of acrylic sheeting.

30. A screen as claimed in any of claims 13 to 29, wherein an end member is removably engaged in the top of one or each side frame member.

31. A screen as claimed in claim 30, wherein each of the channels of the support member of each side frame member has a substantially U-shaped cross-section defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web, and a substantially L-shaped section is connected to the external surface of the base of each channel to define with the respective base a longitudinally extending groove of substantially U-shaped crosssection with the openings of the grooves facing each other, and wherein the or each end member comprises a cap and two spaced projections extending from the bottom surface of the cap, each projection having a substantially L-shaped cross-section one limb of which is engaged in a respective one of the grooves such that the other limb engages the external surface of the facing side wall of the respective channel.

32. An arrangement of two or more screens, each screen being as claimed in any of claims 13-31, wherein the adjacent side frame members of adjacent screens are detachably connected by two coupling members, one coupling member being engaged in the top of each of the adjacent side frame members, and the other coupling member being engaged in the base of each of the adjacent side frame members.

33. An arrangement as claimed in claim 32, wherein each of the channels of the support member of each of the adjacent side frame members has a substantially U-shaped crosssection defined by two spaced substantially parallel side walls and a base the free edges of the facing side walls of the two channels being connected by a substantially planar web and a substantially L-shaped section is connected to the external surface of the base of each channel to define with the respective base a longitudinally extending groove of substantially U-shaped crosssection with the openings of the grooves facing each other, and wherein each coupling member comprises a cap and at least two spaced engaging means extending from the bottom surface of the cap, each engaging means being engaged in a respective one of the adjacent side frame members, wherein each engaging means comprises two spaced projections each having a substantially L-shaped cross-section, one limb of each projection engaging in a respective one of the grooves of the associated side frame member.

34. An arrangement as claimed in claim 33, wherein two screens are detachably connected to define an angle therebetween of between 0 and 1800 and wherein the cap of each coupling member has two arms connected to define a corresponding angle between 0 and 1 800, each engaging means being connected at or near the free end of each arm.

35. An arrangement as claimed in claim 33 wherein three screens are detachably connected about a single vertical axis, and wherein the cap of each coupling member has three arms, each engaging means being connected at or near the free end of each arm.

36. An arrangement as claimed in claim 33, wherein four screens are detachably connected at a single vertical axis to form a cross-shaped configuration, and wherein the cap of each coupling member has four arms connected to define a corresponding cross-shaped configuration, each engaging means being connected at or near the free end of each arm.

37. A frame member for holding two panels in spaced apart parallel relationship substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

38. A screen substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

39. An arrangement of two or more screens coupled together substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.