Knock-down portable partition system

Abstract

A knock-down portable partition system has cover panels supported on a post and beam framework designed for quick and easy on-site manual assembly without tools. The framework includes at least two vertical posts with at least two beam connection ports on opposite side faces adjacent upper and lower portions of the posts. Each beam connection port has a window through the side face of the post, and first and second horizontally aligned fastener apertures in front and rear faces of the post adjacent opposite sides of the window. At least two structural beams rigidly, yet detachably interconnect the vertical posts at the upper and lower portions thereof. Each end of each of the structural beams is shaped for close reception in an associated post window, and includes a vertically oriented, transverse notch through a lower portion of the beam in which a lower edge of the post window is closely received to longitudinally lock each beam in its associated post. Each structural beam end also has a third fastener aperture that is spaced from the notch, and is horizontally aligned with the two post apertures. Fastener pins are closely, yet manually received in the first, second and third fastener apertures of each of the beam connection ports to positively retain the beams locked in the posts, such that the partition system can be completely assembled and disassembled manually without tools. Utility troughs shaped to retain wires, cabling, etc. therein have opposite ends shaped to be detachably mounted in horizontally aligned pairs of utility trough ports on the posts while the framework is in its assembled condition.