MXPA99011943A - Moulded fabric covers - Google Patents

Abstract

A molded fabric cover (10) with an integral undercut or inturned peripheral flange (14) for affixing the cover to the structure (22) to be treated. The covers have a conventional, decorative, woven polyester fabric (26) (of the type currently used in conventional office divider screen systems), or fabrics comprising other synthetic or natural fibers, bonded with adhesive (30) to a relatively stiff moldable non-woven polyester fiber backing (28). The covers are formed in a membrane or bladder (46) press in which a flexible membrane (46) presses the fabric and fiber composite against a form or mold (50) that includes an undercut edge (20) which, in cooperation with the press membrane, forms undercut flanges (60) about the periphery of the cover. The undercut or inturned flange may then be"snapped"over a corresponding mounting lip (24) on the structure to be treated.

Description

MOLDED FABRIC COVERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fabrics are often used to cover surfaces and structures for aesthetic and functional purposes. For example, fabric treatments can be used as loudspeaker grilles to conceal and protect the loudspeaker elements. Fabric treatments are often used in lampshades that help decorate a room and dim the brightness of the light source. Fabrics can also be used for window or window treatments (as well as window curtains and cornices) that are decorative and can also disguise installations such as loudspeakers, auditory / visual artifacts or heating and cooling ducts. Fabrics can also be used to make modular divider screens that are commonly used to divide office space into one or more cubicles, through which personal space and privacy are provided to employees as well as acoustic damping and protection against fire. Conventional office spacers allow the layout and appearance of office space to be easily changed, either by redistributing the dividers, or simply by changing the panels to new panels that have fabrics of a different color and / or texture.

In many of these applications, fabric treatments are fixed to a structural frame that shapes the fabric. For example, conventional office dividers typically use a rigid steel or aluminum frame to which the panels adhere by fasteners or moldings. The panels typically have a rigid reinforcing sheet, often pressed fiber sheets or metal fabrications, to which one or more layers of fabric adhere. Loudspeaker grilles, lamp shades and window cornices also use racks over which the fabric is stretched and held. The manufacture and installation of conventional fabric treatments can be complex, time consuming and expensive. For example, the outer layer of fabric applied to the structure, that is, the visible layer when the structure is in use, will often include a decorative or otherwise visible pattern of fabric that is by nature directional. Because several structures can be used at the same time, such as with office dividers or window treatments, it is important that the directional models are accurately and consistently oriented from structure to structure. If the structures are not coupled with care, any difference in the orientation of the model between two adjacent structures can be very noticeable and very unattractive. The treatments are typically applied by stapling or otherwise adhesive bonding the fabric to the structure. As a result, it is difficult to accurately align the fabric in the structure in a consistent manner. This problem is complicated by the fact that any wrinkle in the fabric gives it an unpleasant appearance. Thus, it is important to stretch the fabric tightly around the structure as it is fixed. The stretching process causes a greater likelihood that the fabric will not line up properly. On the other hand, the fabric should meet at the corners, thus forming folds or other flaps of visible material in the corner. In addition, because many structures are heavy and difficult to handle, such as the fiberboard reinforcements of the separator panels, installation and changing treatments can be difficult. U.S. Patent No. 5,111,579 to Anderson demonstrates a method for manufacturing a cover panel for an office partition comprising a mixed multilayer sheet. At least one layer, the reinforcement layer is a nonwoven material that can be formed or molded into a desired shape. Another layer of the sheet is a layer of decorative fabric that can be attached to the reinforcement layer prior to the molding process to form a mixed sheet. The mixed sheet is then molded to form a panel suitable for use with a spacer frame. The fasteners are placed along the sides of the panel. The top and bottom of the panel are molded to form -step flanges. Fasteners are used to fix the sides of the panels to the frame. The stepped flanges 5 are captured between the frame and the upper and lower flange covers. This process originates a sufficiently rigid panel to use it without a reinforcement of pressed fiber sheet and light enough to allow easy handling and installation. Also, because the fabric is formed with the reinforcement sheet, it is "aligned more easily and accurately, thereby reducing the likelihood of misaligned and unsightly installations." However, two Anderson panels do not overcome all the inconveniences associated with installation and maintenance of office dividers. For example, Anderson describes panels that are attached * to racks with a series of fasteners or staples attached along two of the margins of the panel. The other two edges are formed to define tiered flanges that are captured between the frame and a cover or fix moldings to the frame. Thus, the manufacture of the panel is complicated by the need to join a series of fasteners. Additional work stations and machinery should be provided to install the fasteners, thereby increasing the cost of each panel.

Moreover, when the panel is installed, the process is complicated by the need to secure the covers or moldings to the frame. In large installations, even the seemingly trivial action of securing one or two moldings per panel can dramatically increase the total time required to complete the installation. In addition, Anderson's panel manufacturing method causes folds or creases in the corners of the panels that can be unpleasant. Moreover, Anderson's method would be difficult to use with more intricate treatments, such as lamp shades and window treatments. So it is convenient to provide an easy to manufacture treatment, of moldable fabric for office dividers, loudspeaker grilles, lamp shades, window treatments and walls and other decorative and functional applications; that can be installed with few or no need for additional fasteners or the use of caps or moldings to secure the panel in place; and that can be molded with corners without the need for folds or flaps. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming treatments of fabrics having an integrated fastening means comprising undercut flanges to ensure treatment to the structure to be treated. Fabric treatments are formed in a membrane or bag press. A flexible membrane presses a cloth assembly against a tool that includes an undercut edge. The undercut helps in the pressure of the membrane to form flanges undercutting around the periphery of the treatment. Slots, raised projections or other decorative features can be placed on the tool to create, if desired, complementary features in the formed treatment that can be decorative and can also stretch the panel and resist the tendencies thereof to assume non-planar shapes in use. Alternatively, the tool may use a female shape, that is, a depression surrounded by a projecting rim. The cloth treatments are placed over the depression and the press membrane expands, pressing the fabric treatments into the depression and under the projecting rim. A female tool may also include grooves, raised projections or other decorative features for decoration and structural purposes. The assembly of fabrics is made of a layer of conventional fabric, decorated, woven of polyester (of the type that is currently used in the treatments of conventional fabrics), or fabrics that comprise other synthetic or natural fibers, and a reinforcement of fibers of relatively stretched non-woven polyester. The reinforcement comprises non-woven fibers in a binding matrix. The non-woven fibers may include some proportion of an activator or hot melt fiber that functions with the binder to allow the backing to be molded. The activating fiber is hardened by the application of heat during the molding process, thereby rigidifying the formed assembly and allowing it to retain a desired shape. The adjacent layers do not bind prior to the molding to allow sliding between the layers. Sliding allows the final product to obtain its desired shape without creasing or creasing the outer fabric at the corners. The sliding also allows the correct formation of the flanges destalonadas and the uniformity of the corners. A layer of heat-activated or pressure-activated adhesive is applied to the surface of one or two of the fabric layers so that they are joined together once the assembly is conformed to the tool. The molding process originates a relatively stiff fabric and reinforcement composite having a flange around the periphery of a central region. The edge of the flange forms an undercut lip. The process also creates uniform corners without requiring a flap or fold to collect the excess material. The structure to which said treatment will be fixed is provided with a mounting lip around the area to be covered. The treatment is joined by pushing the undercut flange of the treatment onto the mounting lip so that it "snaps" into place. In addition, the mounting lip can be formed with a spring-like structure that provides additional force to hold the treatment in place. The fabric treatments of the invention have many convenient features. For example, modular office spacers that use the treatments are lighter than conventional office wallboard systems and allow substantial assembly in place of the systems. The cover panels are placed "on pressure" in the frames. The system is economical and facilitates the removal and replacement of damaged fabric panels. In addition, it is not necessary to use T-moldings or other fixings with clamps, which can be expensive and time consuming to install, to keep the edges in place. Also, the treatments for walls and windows, speaker grilles and lamp shades are lighter, less complex and easier to install and replace. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide cloth treatments that can be easily molded into a variety of shapes. A further objective of the present invention is to provide molded fabric treatments having relatively uniform corners without flaps or notorious folds. A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for fixing molded fabric treatments to the structure undergoing the treatment without the need for fasteners. Another object of the present invention is to provide molded fabric treatment that can be applied X "under pressure" to the structure where the treatment is being placed in. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide modular office spacers that can be easily assembled. It is a further object of the present invention to provide modular office separator screens that are lightweight Another object of the present invention is to provide cover panels for modular office separator screens that are lightweight and can be easily attached to the separator frames. The object of the present invention is to provide panels for modular office separator screens that are easy to manufacture.Another objective of the present invention is to provide panels for modular office separator screens having a coating fabric that can be aligned with precision. One more objective of the pre The invention is to provide panels for modular office • separator screens that can be manufactured with a minimum of edge. Another object of the present invention is to provide a molded cloth treatment that can be easily recycled. Other objectives, characteristics and sale of the present invention will be seen with reference to the remainder of this document. Brief Description of the Illustrations FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of the fabric treatment according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective of the treatment of FIG. 1 that is being installed in a structure. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a bag press for forming the treatment of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the bag press of FIG. 3 with the bag inflated. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the bag press of FIG. 3 with the bag deflated. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the assembly of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view of a tool for use with the bag press of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a vertical view of a tool for use with the bag press of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is an end view of the tool of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a vertical view of a tool for use with the bag press of FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is an end view of the tool of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the tool of FIG. 7. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the > FIG tool. 12 with an assembly partially in place for molding. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 12 showing the cloth treatment of the invention molded therefor. FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the tool of FIG. 12 showing the corner portion with the fabric treatment molded thereto. FIG. 16 is a vertical view of a decorative mold for use with the tool of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a side view of the mold of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mold of FIG. 16 shown in use.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a set of modular office separator pieces according to the present invention. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of two sections of the assembly of parts of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the frame rail of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view of the frame of FIG. 19. FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the rail lip of FIG. 19. FIG. 24 is a partial side sectional view of the frame of FIG. 19. FIG. 25 is a partial vertical sectional view of the frame of FIG. 19. FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of parts of FIG. 19. FIG. 27 is a partial side view of the assembly of parts of FIG. 19. FIG. 28 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of parts of FIG. 19. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a set of modular office spacer pieces according to the present invention. FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of parts of FIG. 28. FIG. 31 is a partial sectional view of the assembly of parts of FIG. 28. FIG. 32 is a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a tool for forming fabric treatments according to the present invention. FIG. 33 is a partial sectional view of the tool of FIG. 32 with the bag inflated. FIG. 34 is a partial sectional view of the tool of FIG. 32 showing a ripping tool. FIG. 35 is a partial sectional view of the tool of FIG. 32 showing the tool partially disassembled. FIG. 36 is a partial sectional view of a cloth treatment according to the present invention that was formed with the tool of FIG. 32. Detailed Description of the Illustrations FIGs. 1 and 2 demonstrate the fabric treatment formed in accordance with the present invention. The treatment 10 includes a central portion 12 and a fixing portion 14. The central portion 12 may be planar or may have any shape, within the constraints of the process described below. The fastening portion 14 includes a flange 18 which is formed at the periphery of the central portion 12 and is bent inward at an angle A. The flange 18 is flexible, allowing it to be pulled out slightly for installation as shown in FIGS. phantom lines 19. The angle A is generally about nineteen degrees, but may be made larger or smaller depending on the anticipated use of the treatment 10. A lip turned inward or "undercut" 20 is turned inward from the flange 18 and it is generally parallel to the central portion 12 (if the central portion 12 is planar). The flange 18 and the lip 20 cooperate with the central portion 12 to fix the treatment 10 to the structure where the treatment is being placed. As it appears in FIG. 2, the structure 22, which can be an office partition, a loudspeaker cabinet, a lamp shade, a window or wall treatment, or any other structure to which it is convenient to fix a cloth treatment, includes a mounting lip 24 which is complementary in shape and size to the combination of flange 18 and lip 20. The flange 18 and the lip 20 are placed "under pressure" on the mounting lip 24, thereby fixing the treatment 10 to the structure 22. Mentioning again FIG. 1, the treatment 10 is formed of at least three layers. The coating layer 26 is a woven polyester fabric, conventional decoration, or other synthetic or natural fiber fabric. The reinforcement layer 28 is a non-woven polyester fabric Other non-woven fabrics such as those using olefin, polypropylene or other moldable fibers can be used It has been found that non-hygroscopic fibers are preferred for most applications, to that the panels formed with these fibers have less deformability postdbilidades in the presence of humidity; however, the hydroscopic fibers may be appropriate or even convenient for particular applications. In an illustrative embodiment, about 20% of the non-woven fabric is an "activating" polyester, i.e. fused terb fiber, which can be molded into the desired shape by the application of heat and pressure. Other proportions and different materials such as olefin, polypropylene or other materials, can be used as activating fibers as convenient to tailor the characteristics of the final product for the intended use. A heat-activated binder, such as a polyester, an olefin, a polypropylene or other resin, can be used to further assist in the molding of the reinforcement layer 28. Because the reinforcement layer 28 can be molded, using heat and / or pressure, so as to remain in the desired shape, additional materials are not required to form the peripheral flange 18 and the lip 20. An adhesive layer 30 is placed between the layers 26 and 28. The adhesive layer 30 is an activated glue by heat or pressure in web, powder or other conventional form The glue may be a polyester, olefin, polypropylene or other suitable resin The adhesive layer 30 may be pre-applied to layer 26 or 28 or both prior to molding. in detail below, the layers 26 and 28 must be capable of moving between them at the beginning of the molding process.Thus, if a pressure-activated glue is used, it allows the layers 26 and 28 to move as desired. to convenient before activating. The outer layers of material may be interposed between the layers 36 and 38 or be attached to the interior of the treatment 10 so as to provide other features that may be desirable, such as acoustic attenuation or combustion delay. For example, a slow burning or acoustic attenuation sheet 32 may be attached to the layer 28 by the adhesive layer 34. The sheet 32 may be attached to the treatment 10 after it was formed or can be added to the reinforcement (as described below) before of the molding. Similarly, the reinforcing board 36 may be an ordinary cardboard sheet for stiffening the treatment 10, and may, through the use of resilient orifices, be used to further attenuate the sound or otherwise control the sonic characteristics of the treatment. 10. Adhesive layers 34 and 38 can be conventional glues. Heat or pressure sensitive adhesives may be used if the layers 32 and / or 36 are to be applied during molding, otherwise any glue, such as polyester-based glue or other suitable glues, may be used. The layer 32 can also be interposed between the layers 26 and 28, if convenient. It may be convenient to select the materials for the treatment layers 10 so that they are substantially similar in configuration. For example, all the layers, including the adhesive layers, can be made of polyester-based material. The selection of similar materials will allow any surplus, that is, cuts of the manufacturing process, as well as the eliminated treatments, are easily recycled. This is because the use of similar materials eliminates the need to separate bonded layers-which is often a difficult task. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing layer 28 extends over all of the treatment 10. This is convenient if the treatment 10 is to have decorative or structural features in the central portion 12, or if it is desired that all of the whole treatment 10 is rigid and / or relatively rigid. In some applications, such as loudspeaker grilles, these structural or decorative aspects may not be desirable. In such cases, the reinforcing layer 28 only needs to be present around the periphery of the treatment 10 to allow the formation of the flange 18 and the lip 20, and to extend towards the central portion 12 only enough to allow the fixation of portion 14 to work properly. As shown in FIG. 6, the assembly 40 includes the coating layer 26 and the reinforcement layer 28. The adhesive layer 30 is interposed between the layers 26 and 28. Other layers may also be provided as described above, although those other layers may also be applied to the treatment 10. after the molding process. The adhesive layer 30 can be pre-applied to one or both layers 26 and 28, but the layer 30 does not join the layers 26 and 28 until the "molding process" has begun.The layers of the assembly 40 must have freedom of sliding with respect to both as the bag 46 is inflated so that the layers can be placed to create the desired structure. FIG. 3 to 5 demonstrate the molding process to form cloth treatments. A conventional bag mold 42 of the type usually used for attaching vinyl covers to cabinet doors, month covers and moldings is provided. The assembly 40 is placed in the bag mold 42. The bag mold 42 has a bed 44 and a bag 46. The tool 48 is placed on the bed 44. The tool 48 can have any shape to produce the desired product. The tool 48 has a lip 50 and undercut 52 provided substantially continuously around the perimeter of a central portion 12. The bag 46 is inflated by applying "pressure forming the arm 40 to the tool 48 so that the arm 40 is bent around the lip 50 and forced into the undercut 52. To fill the bag 46 heat can be applied using hot air, thereby heating the assembly 40. Other heat sources such as thermal lamps, coils or other conventional means can be used to heat the assembly 40 during the molding. The tool 48 is preheated preferably as well as in order to accelerate the molding process. The heat activates any adhesive layer in the reinforcement 40, which joins the layers of the reinforcement 40. The heat also activates the binders and the activating fibers in the reinforcement layer 28 to further mold the treatment 10 in the desired shape. Once enough heat and pressure was applied to the assembly 40 for sufficient time to ensure that it obtained the desired shape and that all the layers were joined together, the bag 46 deflates and the bed 44 is taken out of the mold 42 and it is allowed to cool. The typical application of pressure and temperature to the process is about 5.5 bars at 180 degrees Celsius respectively for one hundred twenty to one hundred sixty seconds. Of course, these parameters may vary depending on the materials selected and the desired results. The excess material or "leftover" can then be edged to produce the final treatment of formed fabric 10. The excess can be recycled for use in the formation of new sheets or other products. As it appears in FIG. 7, the tool 48 has a base 54 and an upper part 56. The upper part "56" is surrounded by and is joined to an inwardly bevelled edge 50 along a radius Q. An undercut 52, which can be formed by machining or otherwise forming a depression having radius R defines the lower extent of the edge 50. The edge 50 and the undercut 52 form the peripheral flange 18 of the fabric treatment 10. The edge 50 can be inclined inward at an angle B. The magnitude of the angle B may be selected to originate a convenient cutting angle of the flange 18 (shown in FIG.2) For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle B is approximately 22 degrees Because the flange 18 bounces a little when removed from the tool 48, the angle A resulting from the flange 18 in the illustrated embodiment is about 90 degrees The variation of the angle B and the materials used in the assembly 40 will produce variations in the angle A as desired. The base 54 of the tool 48 has undercut 52 around its periphery. The radius R may vary in size to produce the desired treatment. The radius R must be large enough to allow the assembly 40 to fully enter the undercut 52 at least to the point 58, as it appears in FIG. 12. In the illustrated example that appears in FIG. 7, the tool 48 has a height H of approximately 2.37 inches, the height of the lip L is approximately 0.62 inches, and the radius R is approximately 0.75 inches as the bag 46 is inflated, forcing the assembly 40 around the edge 50 and in the undercut 52, the layers 26 and 28 of the assembly 40 have the ability to slide relative to one another, thus preventing wrinkles that would otherwise appear if differential movement between layers 26 and 28 are allowed. Then the heat, which activates the glue between the layers 26 and 28 and the activating fibers and binders in the layer 28, thereby joining the layers and fixing the reinforcement 40 in the desired shape. mold 42 and allowed to cool, the excess portion 60 is rimmed at point 58, thus forming lip 20. FIGS. 8 to 11 show alternative embodiments of tools 48 that can be used to form a process. narrower coughs 10 and treatments with central portions 12 that have different characteristics. For example, FIG. 11 shows the tool 48 with a central portion 12 crowned to form a treatment 10 with a curved upper part. Also, "FIG 8 shows tool 48 with a rounded lip 50 to provide treatments 10 with a curved periphery Other tool features such as grooves 62 (FIG 7) or raised projections 64 (FIG 16 to 18) ) can be provided in the central portion 12 of the tool 48 to create aesthetic or structural features in the central portion 12 of the treatment 10. Those features of the tool can be provided temporarily, for example, fillable groove templates or removable raised projections, so that that tool can be used to produce a multitude of treatment products 10. Note that the radius R can vary substantially in size, provided sufficient height H is allowed so that the assembly 40 can be fully pulled to the undercut 52. The tools 48 can be removable to allow the removal of treatment 48 once it is cooled after molding. Removable molding tools are well known in the molding art and thermoforming and conventional designs can be selected and applied as appropriate. FIG. 13 to 15 show the various steps of placing the assembly 40 on the tool 48 and its molding. In FIG. 13, the frame 40 is being placed over the tool 48. Note that the edges of the frame 40 extend well beyond the peripheral lip 50 of the tool 48. This "cantilever" allows the bag 46 (not shown, see FIGS. 3 to 5) pull the assembly 40 under the undercut 52 to the desired degree. The amount of cantilever should be limited, however, so that the assembly 40 is not caught between the bag 46 and the bed 44. Said catch would puncture the edge of the assembly 40 and keep it out of the tool 48, thus avoiding that the assembly 40 be introduced to the undercut 52. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the assembly 40 is completely formed around the tool 48, the edge 66 of the assembly 40 is not in contact with the bed 44. As can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the molding process tends to form a bow-shaped feature 68 (the "bow") at the corners (before rimming the excess). The bow 68 is formed when the pouch 46 _ (see FIGS 3 to 5) pulls the assembly 40 to the undercut 52. At the corners of the tool 48 the pouch 46 punctures the reinforcement 40 and, instead of carrying the reinforcement 40 to the undercut 52, the bag 46 pulls the assembly 40 slightly outward so that it forms the bow 68. As noted above, a consistent problem in forming or otherwise joining the fabrics around the corner is the need to gather or fold the fabric around the eaquina. This creates an unpleasant effect. Because the prow 68, in combination with the allowed slip between the layers "of the assembly 40, the fabrics formed according to the present invention are formed with very uniform corners with little or no purse or folds. the treatment 10 does not need corner caps or other "accessories" to avoid the unpleasant effect caused by puckering or creasing In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIGs 32 to 36, the treatments 10 can be formed using the female mold 201. The female mold 201 includes the base 202, the peripheral wall 204 and cover 206. To manufacture the treatment 10 using the female mold 201, the assembly 40 is placed on this mold.The assembly 40 can be the one described above, or may include a woven surface 208 and a raised non-woven reinforcement layer 210. The pouch 46 is inflated, the reinforcement 40 driving in the groove and undercut formed by the walls 204 the cap 206. The reinforcement layer 210. Non-woven raised compressed by the bag 46, but jumps back to its shape to form the desired structure when the bag 46 is deflated and removed. The layers of the assembly 40 slide together to allow the assembly 40 to conform to the female mold 201 without puckering. The heat and pressure are then applied, as described above, to form the elements of the assembly 40 and to activate the adhesives between the layers. Unlike the "male" tools described above, the bag 46 does not form a bow with the assembly 40 at the corners. Rather, the fabric layers are gathered above the point X in the female mold 201. However, the fabric layers remain un-gathered below the point X. Once the treatment 10 is formed, the knife 212 is inserted into the fabric. female mold 201, edging the treatment 10 along the inside edge of the cap 206, thereby removing the gathered portions of the fabric. The cap 206 is then removed, allowing the treatment 10 to be lifted out of the female mold 201. FIGS. 19 to 31 show various embodiments of treatments 10 as used in modular office spacers and wall treatments. FIG. 19 shows a system of office dividers 100 that "has sections 102. Sections 102 may vary in size and be joined by means of their edges to other sections 102 to adapt office space in virtually any convenient configuration, for example, sections may be provided. shorter 102A to allow visibility in the cubicle areas Window sections 102B, which include a window panel, can also be provided for the same purpose Within the sections 102 can be provided to energy currents 104 to be able to use the equipment in each cubicle formed by the spacer assembly 100. With reference to FIG 20, each section 102 comprises frame 106 and two treatments 10 in accordance with the present invention Section 102 can use only treatment 10 if, for example the uncovered side is not visible The frame 106 comprises two side rails 108, the upper rail 110 and the lower rail 112. L Rails 108 to 112 can be made of wood, aluminum, steel, plastic or any other suitable material. Rails 108 to 112 are joined with fasteners, glue, welding or any other means. The clamps 114 can be provided to stabilize and square the frame 106. The adjacent sections 102 can be connected together with conventional fasteners 116, such as nuts and bolts. Although other permanent fasteners may be used, it is preferable to use removable fasteners since the installations of the spacer part assemblies 102 are not permanent structures in general. As it appears in FIG. 21, rails 108 to 112 have a lip 118 that is formed along each outer edge to join treatments 10. Treatments 10A can also be provided at the ends of sections 102 where no more sections are "joined", so that treatments 10A are called extremes. Treatments may also be provided along the upper portions of sections 102 (not shown). The treatments 10 can define slots 121 in order to stretch and rigid the treatments 10. Alternatively (it does not appear), corrugations or other characteristics of the surface can be formed to stretch, rigidify and / or create aesthetic characteristics in the treatment 10. In as to FIG. 22, the treatment 10 is fixed to the rail 108 by "pressing" by fixing the element 14 around the lip 118. Because the rails 110 to 112 are constructed in a manner similar to the rails 108, the following information will refer to the rails 108 However, it is understood that the information of the structure and function of the rails 108 also applies to the rails 110 and 112. The flange 18 and the lip 20 are formed to cooperate with the lip 118 to secure the treatment 10 to the rail 108. The adjoining rails 118 are secured together by fasteners 116 with sufficient spacing to allow installation of the treatments 10 while they are close enough to provide a relatively narrow gap between the installed treatments 10, thus providing an aesthetically pleasing bond between the section 102 This separation can vary to produce any desired effect. Because (as shown in FIG 20) the fastening element 14 and the lip 118 are relatively close around the periphery of the treatment 10 and the frame 106, respectively, the treatment 10 is firmly secured to the frame 106 without the need for fasteners or additional staples. The treatment 10 is installed by pressing the corner 120 of the treatment 10 on the corner 122 of the frame 106. The installer thus runs his hand along the edge of the treatment 10, pressing the fixing element 14 on the lip 118 of the rail 106. With respect to FIG. 23, the rails 108 may be provided with lip spring 124 in place of the lip 118. The lip spring 124 comprises a spring structure, made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material, which causes the flange 18 to come out in the direction C. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip spring 124 is a steel clip with an "S" shaped spring, although other configurations may be provided. The spring lip 124 serves to provide additional tension to securely hold the treatment 10. FIGS. 24 and 25 show an alternative embodiment of the frames 106. The frames 106 can be provided with an end rail 125 or an upper rail 126 that allow the application of a treatment 10 along the top or side of the section 102. A conventional foot pad 130 can be fastened to the rail 112. The rails 108 to 112 can be formed from a single plastic block with lips 118. The lips 118 can be slightly cut out at the angle D so that the flange 18 of the treatment 10 (it does not appear) look less. "As noted above, the angle A of the treatment 10 may vary as convenient to conform the angle D of the structure where the treatment is to be placed, or corner frame 128 may also be provided. (not shown) can be applied to the corner frames 128 in the same manner as described above "with respect to the treatments 10, ie, the element of f Plate 14 is pressed against lips 118 to secure the corner cover (not shown) in place. As seen in FIGS. 26 through 28, the treatments 10 can be produced in a variety of different shapes and sizes in order to accommodate different designs of frames and structures For example, a small panel can be formed to provide a decorative end cap 10A for the terminal edge In addition, where the division has glass parts (as shown in FIG., in portion 12B), the treatment 10B may include an interior opening 132, defined by the inner flange 134. In the joints between the sections 12 smaller intermediate panels may be necessary. As shown in FIG. 28, the interior space between the two treatments 10 can be filled with paste 136 to provide certain characteristics that may be desirable, such as acoustic attenuation or slow combustion. In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 29 to 31, decorative modular wall treatments 200 can be provided comprising frames 106 and treatments 10. The frames 106 are directly attached to an existing wall and have lips 118 already described. The treatments 10, with fixing elements ~ 14, are fastened thereto in the same manner as described above, that is, the flanges 18 and the lips 20 are "pressed" on the lips 118. The paste 136 can be inserted into the space between the treatment 10 and the wall to provide acoustic attenuation or slow combustion. In fact, treatments 10 can be provided to disguise acoustic panels, loudspeakers and other apparatus that may be necessary in private rooms, such as studios, galleries or theaters. Although the foregoing is provided with "in order to illustrate, explain and describe certain embodiments of the office separation screen in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate the modifications and adaptations to the screens described and other embodiments, without departing from the scope or the spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

Claims

1. A method for applying a molded fabric treatment (10) that is characterized: (a) by providing a sheet of fabric reinforcement (28); (b) providing a fabric covering sheet (26); (c) placing together the fabric covering sheet (26) and the fabric reinforcement sheet (28) to form a reinforcement (40) having a periphery; (d) molding the assembly (40) against a tool (48) to form the treatment (10) so that the periphery of the assembly (40) is forced to enter a peripheral undercut (52) in the tool (48) for forming the assembly (40) in the treatment- (10) with a central portion (12) having a "" substantially continuous fixing portion (14) around the periphery of the treatment (10); and (e) removing the treatment "(10) from the tool (48)

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the molding of the reinforcement (40) is further characterized by the bag molding of the reinforcement (40). The method of claim 1 wherein the supply of the fabric reinforcement sheet (28) is further characterized by the supply, at least in part, of thermofibrable fibers and a heat-activated binder. 1 wherein the molding of the reinforcement (40) is further characterized by the formation of the fastening portion (14) to include a flexible flange (18) 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the molding of the reinforcement (40) it is further characterized by the formation of the fixing portion (14) to include an inwardly turned edge (20) 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the joining of the facing sheet (26) and the reinforcing sheet. (28) is further characterized by the provision of displacement between the leaf a coating (26) and the reinforcing sheet (28) so that the sheets are free to slide between each other before forming the assembly (40) to the tool (48). The method of claim 1 further characterized in that the tool (48) has a plurality of corners, and wherein the molding of the reinforcement (40) is further characterized by the formation of the reinforcement (40) in a similar structure. to a bow (68) in all the corners of the tool (48) so that the corresponding corners of the treatment (10) are relatively uniform. The method of claim 1 wherein the molding of the treatment (10) is further characterized in that the tool (48) has notches (62) _ which form corresponding notches in the central portion (12). The method of claim 1 wherein supplying the reinforcing sheet (28) is further characterized by supplying it within the central portion (12) of the treatment (10). The method of claim 1 wherein molding the treatment (10) is further characterized by joining together the reinforcing sheet (28) and the covering sheet (26). 11. A treatment of fabrics (10) for joining a structure, characterized in: (a) a central portion (12) having a periphery, wherein the central portion (12) is characterized in a layer of fabric covering ( 26); and (b) a fastening portion (14) attached to the periphery, wherein the fastening portion (14) is characterized in a fabric reinforcement layer (28), and wherein the fastening portion (14) forms a flange (18) capable of joining the structure 12. The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11 further characterized in the fastening portion (14) that includes a flexible flange (18). fabric treatment (10) of claim 11 further characterized in the fastening portion (14) which includes an inwardly turned edge (20) 14. The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, which is characterized in addition to the central portion (12) and the fixing portion (14) that are integrally formed 15. The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing layer (28) is further characterized in a fabric. nonwoven having at least some hot melt fibers and a heat-activated binder. fabric package (10) of claim 11, wherein the periphery is further characterized in that it has corners and wherein the fabric treatment (10) is also characterized in a structure similar to a bow (68) formed in each of the corners by the coating layer (26) and the reinforcing layer (28). The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, further characterized in an additional layer (30 or 32 or 34 or 36 or 38) adjacent to the reinforcement layer (28). The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, wherein the central portion (12) is further characterized in the fabric reinforcement layer (28). 19. The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, further characterized in edges that are formed in the central portion (12). The fabric treatment (10) of claim 11, further characterized in at least one additional layer (30 or 32 or 34 or 36 or 38) adjacent to the reinforcement layer (28), wherein the layer reinforcement (28) is further characterized in a non-woven fabric having at least some heat-fusible fibers and a heat-activated binder, wherein the central portion (12) is further characterized in a fabric reinforcement layer (28), wherein the fixing portion (12) is further characterized in a flexible flange (18) having an inwardly turned edge (20), and the treatment (10) is further characterized in the fabric covering layer (26), so less an additional layer (30 or 32 or 34 or 36 or 38) and the fabric reinforcement layer (28) that allows the sliding between the layers during the manufacture of the treatment (10).