초록 ▼

A joint interlocking system includes T-shaped splines (30) each having arms (32), lips (34) and a center flange (36). The splines (30) are secured within slots (20) formed in the edges of panels (12) or similar articles/members to be interlocked together in various structural configurations. H-shape

A joint interlocking system includes T-shaped splines (30) each having arms (32), lips (34) and a center flange (36). The splines (30) are secured within slots (20) formed in the edges of panels (12) or similar articles/members to be interlocked together in various structural configurations. H-shaped connectors (40) each include a cross bracket (42), legs (44) and inwardly directed retaining lips (46). Beads (35) are formed on the ends of the spline lips (34), and project inward toward the associated spline center flange (36). Corresponding beads (48) are formed on the ends of the connector retaining lips (46) and project inwardly toward the associated cross bracket (42). The spline beads (35) can be captured in connector pockets (50) formed by the cross bracket (42), retaining lips (46) and connector beads (48) so as to interlock the splines (30) to the connectors (40).

대표청구항 ▼

In a joint interlocking system for interconnecting panels or similar articles in various structural configurations and comprising joint assemblies for interlocking adjacent panels, each of said panels having two opposing ends, the improvement wherein each of the joint assemblies comprises: spline me

In a joint interlocking system for interconnecting panels or similar articles in various structural configurations and comprising joint assemblies for interlocking adjacent panels, each of said panels having two opposing ends, the improvement wherein each of the joint assemblies comprises: spline means secured to the panels for providing a panel connecting structure, and comprising a plurality of T-shaped splines, each spline having a center flange secured to an associated panel end, at least two extending arms projecting laterally from the center flange, a lip at the end of each arm projecting toward the panel end and a spline bead at the end of each lip projecting inwardly toward the center flange; connector means for selectively interconnecting the spline means associated with different panels, and having a cross bracket, legs connected to terminating portions of the cross bracket and projecting laterally therefrom, a retaining lip at the end of each leg, a connector bead on the end of each lip and inwardly directed toward the cross bracket, and connector pockets each formed by the cross bracket, one of the legs, and the retaining lip and connector bead associated with the leg; each of the T-shaped splines is secured to an associated panel end so that the distance between the spline center flange and each spline lip is less than the distance from the center flange to the edge of the associated panel end; the distance between the end of each spline bead and the face of an associated panel end is larger than the thickness of each connector leg so as to allow interlock of a spline and a connector with positioning of connector legs between spline beads and panel ends; and the distance between the end of each spline bead and the face of an associated panel end is smaller than the diameter of each connector bead so as to prevent the connector beads from passing between the spline beads and the faces of associated end panels; whereby the spline beads can be captured within the connector pockets so as to provide sliding interlocking joints therebetween; and the relative sizes and structure of the spline means and the connector means provide a joint assembly interlocking at least two panels wherein either panel can be pivoted relative to the other panel and the connector means, while maintaining an interlocked relationship with the connector means.