Patent attributes
Systems and methods for deployment, storage, transport of expandable room dividers. The systems may include a frame configured to lock room divider panels compactly stacked against each other for storage and transport. The frame may retain a non-releasable panel and maintain it vertically upright. That panel may be hinged along a non-retained vertical edge to a closest of a plurality of panels movable with respect to the non-releasable panel. The plurality's panels are serially hinged together, accordion-like, along vertical edges. Hinge angles between adjacent stacked panels are approximately zero degrees. Movable panels are sequentially moved from the frame by user-control opening a locking mechanism. Hinge angles between adjacent panels of the plurality of moved panels, and between the non-releasable panel and its adjacent movable panel, are increased to expand the room divider. The locking mechanism gates return of panels to, and when unopened blocks their movement from, the non-releasable panel.
