U.S. patent application number 09/761147 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for modular panel fastening system.
Invention is credited to Beall, Joseph T..
Application Number | 20020092626 09/761147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25061304 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020092626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beall, Joseph T. |
July 18, 2002 |
Modular panel fastening system
Abstract
A modular panel fastening system which has a reduced number of
parts, is light weight and requires no specialized training to
assemble and disassemble. The system includes a fastening module
attached to an end of a first modular panel and a fastener
receiving module attached to an end of a second modular panel.
Within the fastening module the fastener is attached to a post. The
fastener includes a hook which extends out from the edge of the
first modular panel. The fastener receiving module has a post and
an opening facing away from the second modular panel. The opening
is sized to receive the fastener. The post of the fastener
receiving module is sized to accept the hook of the fastener. The
two panels are brought together with the fastener of the first
panel facing the opening of the second panel. Then, the hook is
placed inside the opening at a point above the post inside the
fastener receiving module. Next, the first panel is moved downward
so the hook engages the post. This securely fastens the first panel
to the second panel.
Inventors: |
Beall, Joseph T.; (Draper,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MADSON & METCALF
GATEWAY TOWER WEST
SUITE 900
15 WEST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84101
|
Family ID: |
25061304 |
Appl. No.: |
09/761147 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 5/00 20130101; G09F
15/0068 20130101; E04B 2/7425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/135 |
International
Class: |
A47G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
1. A modular panel fastening system comprising: a fastening module
securely attached to a first end of a modular panel the fastening
module further comprising a fastener; a fastener receiving module
disposed in a second end of a modular panel such that the fastener
receiving module is capable of receiving the fastener; and wherein
the fastener comprises a hook configured to engage a first post
disposed within the fastener receiving module thereby securing the
first end to the second end.
2. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, wherein the
first end and the second end are opposite ends of the same
panel.
3. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, wherein the
first end comprises a first modular panel frame and the second end
comprises a second modular panel frame.
4. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of fastening modules disposed along the
first end and a corresponding plurality of fastener receiving
modules disposed along the second end.
5. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, wherein the
fastener comprises shoulders which secure the fastener within the
fastening module.
6. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, wherein the
modular panel is made of flexible material which allows the first
end to be fastened to the second end.
7. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 1, wherein the
fastening module further comprises: a housing; a second post
disposed within the housing; and a fastener which surrounds the
second post and is disposed within the housing.
8. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 7, wherein the
fastener comprises: a body; a hook configured to engage said first
post; a chamber within the body configured to surround said second
post; a pair of post engaging members formed as part of the body
and protruding into the chamber; and wherein the pair of post
engaging members are configured to cooperate in engaging the second
post.
9. A modular panel fastening system comprising: a fastening module
securely attached to a first end of a modular panel the fastening
module further comprising a fastener; a fastener receiving module
disposed in a second end of a modular panel such that the fastener
receiving module is capable of receiving the fastener; a tongue
attached the first end and configured to fit securely within a
groove formed in the second end when the first end is fastened to
the second end; and wherein the fastener comprises a hook
configured to engage a first post disposed within the fastener
receiving module thereby securing the first end to the second
end.
10. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 9, wherein the
first end comprises a first modular panel frame and the second end
comprises a second modular panel frame.
11. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 10, wherein the
tongue extends for substantially the length of the first end and
the groove extends for substantially the length of the second
end.
12. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 11, further
comprising a plurality of fastening modules disposed along the
first modular panel frame and a corresponding plurality of fastener
receiving modules disposed along the second modular panel
frame.
13. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 12, wherein the
hook is sized to snap around the post when the fastening module is
fastened to the fastener receiving module.
14. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 13, wherein the
fastener is made of plastic.
15. A modular panel fastening system comprising: a fastening module
securely attached to a first modular panel frame the fastening
module further comprising a fastener; a fastener receiving module
attached to a second modular panel frame such that the fastener
receiving module is capable of receiving the fastener; a tongue
attached along the length of the first modular panel frame and
configured to fit securely within a groove attached along the
length of the second modular panel frame; and wherein the fastener
comprises a hook configured to engage a first post disposed within
the fastener receiving module thereby cooperating with the tongue
and groove to secure a first modular panel to a second modular
panel.
16. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 15, wherein the
tongue comprises a pair of lips capable of engaging a pair of lips
of the groove.
17. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 15, wherein a pair
of fastening modules are positioned on the corners of one side of
the first modular panel frame and a corresponding pair of fastener
receiving modules are positioned on the corners of one side of the
second modular panel.
18. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 17, wherein the
tongue is positioned on the side of the first modular panel frame
between the fastening modules and the groove is positioned on the
side of the second modular panel frame between the fastener
receiving modules.
19. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 18, wherein the
tongue is made of plastic.
20. A modular panel fastening system as in claim 19, wherein the
fastener is made of plastic.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the display of product
and services at trade shows and the like, and more specifically to
a novel system for fastening modular panels used for displaying
products and services.
[0003] 2. Technical Background
[0004] Many methods of advertising and marketing are known in the
art. One method which has proven to be highly successful,
particularly when new products, services or a new company is
desired to be introduced within a certain industry, is the trade
show. Hundreds of trade shows are conducted annually throughout the
United States and the world. The industry trade show provides an
opportunity for manufacturers and sellers of goods within a
particular industry to display their goods. The trade show also
provides the opportunity for buyers of specific types of goods to
have access to multiple suppliers at one time and in one
location.
[0005] Trade shows are typically held in a convention hall or
arena. A typical trade show catering to a specific industry
comprises a large open area which is physically separated into
several booths, each booth being occupied by a vendor.
[0006] Businesses within or dealing with the subject industry are
invited to observe and/or sample the products and services offered
by the vendors. However, those displaying at a trade show must work
with the minimal equipment provided in order to set up a
display.
[0007] Businesses displaying at trade shows often base a
significant percentage of their direct orders on contacts made at
trade shows. Accordingly, vendors must be mindful not only that the
goods and/or services which they offer are of the finest quality,
but also that their booth presentation is appealing to the target
buyer. Often, the amount of time, effort and money which is spent
on the presentation of the vendor's wares rivals that spent on the
manufacturing of those same wares.
[0008] Vendors frequently use modular paneling as part of their
presentation display. Modular paneling is used to divide one
vendor's booth from another vendor's booth and as mounted or
freestanding display units. The modular paneling allows vendors to
assemble, disassemble, and transport their displays from one
location to another.
[0009] However, these systems are difficult to assemble. Many
modular systems employ small parts that may be easily lost causing
frustration to the user. The modular systems are difficult to
assemble and may require multiple users for assembly. Often the
method of assembly is complex requiring a considerable level of
skill and specialized tools. Also, the time required for assembly
or disassembly is substantial.
[0010] Furthermore, because the modular panels are used for display
in the busy, congested environment of a convention, the panels must
be fastened securely and be able to withstand significant stress.
Unfortunately, the current fastening systems can become unfastened
or break causing the panels to collapse.
[0011] Accordingly, it would be a significant advancement in the
art to provide a fastening system, with easy to assemble modular
panels. It would be a further advancement in the art to provide a
system wherein the fastening system is integrated into the modular
panels such that there are no small parts to lose. It would be an
additional advancement to provide a fastening system whereby a
single user with no specialized skills or tools could rapidly
assemble and disassemble the modular panels. It would be yet
another advancement in the art to provide a fastening system able
to withstand significant stress.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The system of the present invention has been developed in
response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in
response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet
been fully solved by currently available modular panel fastening
systems. Thus, the present invention provides a modular panel
fastening system which integrates the fastener components into the
modular panel, may be assembled and disassembled by one person, and
requires little skill to assemble.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the modular
panel fastening system includes a fastening module attached to a
first end of a modular panel and a fastener receiving module
attached to second end of a modular panel. In the preferred
embodiment, the fastening module is attached to the end of a first
modular panel and the fastener receiving module is attached to the
end of a second modular panel. The fastening module and fastener
receiving module may be located at any point along an edge of the
modular panel. Preferably, these modules are located on the corners
of the modular panels.
[0014] The fastening module and fastener receiver module cooperate
to fasten a first modular panel to a second modular panel.
Alternatively, the modular panel fastening system may be used to
fasten two ends of a single flexible modular panel to each other.
The fastening module is attached to the frame of a first modular
panel and the fastener receiving module is attached to the frame of
a second modular panel. In an alternative embodiment, there may be
a plurality of fastening modules attached to the frame of the first
modular panel and a corresponding plurality of fastener receiving
modules attached to the frame of the second modular panel.
[0015] The fastening module includes a housing, a post fixed within
the housing, and a fastener secured to the post. The fastener sits
partially within the housing, with a portion of the fastener
extending from the housing. The fastener serves to engage a post of
the fastener receiving module such that the two modules are joined
together.
[0016] The fastener includes a body, a chamber within the body
sized to accommodate the post of the fastening module, and a pair
of post engaging members which are formed as part of the fastener
body. The pair of post engaging members extend into the chamber of
the fastener. The fastener may also include two shoulders, one on
the front surface of the fastener and the second one on the back
surface of the fastener.
[0017] Preferably, the fastener is a separate piece from the
housing or post pieces of the fastening module. The fastener is
generally rectangular in shape having the chamber on one side
within the body and a protruding member on the other side of the
body. The protruding member is shaped in the form of a hook. The
hook is sized to surround the majority of a second post located
within the fastener receiving module. The fastener and the second
post may be made of any combination of materials which enables the
hook of the fastener to snap around the second post. These
materials include hard plastic, metal alloys, or the like.
[0018] The fastener receiving module is preferably made of the same
components as the fastener module. The fastener receiving module
includes a housing and a post. Preferably, the housing and post are
in substantially the same shape and location as the housing and
post of the fastening module.
[0019] To assemble the modular panel fastening system the fastening
module is brought in close proximity to the fastener receiving
module. The fastening module is positioned to face the fastener
receiving module. The fastener of the fastening module is inserted
into a cavity within the fastener receiving module such that the
hook of the fastener is positioned atop the post of the fastener
receiving module. The user assembling the modular panel fastening
system then applies a downward force to the fastening module such
that the hook of the fastening module snaps around the post of the
fastener receiving module. The snapping around the post secures the
fastening module to the fastener receiving module. Thus, the end of
one modular panel is fastened to the end of a second modular
panel.
[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the modular panel fastening
system further includes a tongue and a groove. Tongue and groove
assemblies are well known. Preferably, the tongue is attached to an
end of a first modular panel and the groove is attached to an end
of a second modular panel. Alternatively, the tongue and groove may
be attached to opposite ends of a single modular panel. The tongue
and groove may be sized to extend the majority of the length of
their respective ends of the modular panels. In an alternative
embodiment, a plurality of corresponding tongues and grooves may be
attached to the ends of first and second modular panels.
[0021] The tongue fits within the groove to provide additional
securement support between the ends of the two modular panels. The
tongue is configured to fit securely within the groove. The more
tightly the tongue fits within the groove, the higher the
resistance of a joined tongue and groove to tear and/or shear
forces which are placed on the fastening system. The tongue and
groove are made from material common in the art, including hard
plastic, rubber, metal, and other like materials.
[0022] Alternatively, the tongue may include a pair of lips which
engage a corresponding pair of lips formed within the groove. When
the tongue is placed within the groove, the lips of the tongue
interlock with the lips of the groove to provide effective
fastening of the tongue within the groove. A pair of lips on the
tongue and a corresponding pair of lips on the inside walls of the
groove provide stronger fastening than a tongue and groove
configuration without lips.
[0023] The tongue and groove cooperate with the fastening module
and fastener receiving module to secure the two modular panels
against shearing and/or tearing forces the modular panel fastening
system may experience. The hook and post configuration between the
fastening module and the fastener receiving module together with
the joined tongue and groove complement each other in keeping the
two modular panels fastened together.
[0024] The location of the fastening module, fastener receiving
module, tongue, and groove may vary considerably. However, a
fastening module and a fastener receiving module and a tongue and
groove make up a fastening pair. The fastening features of one
member of a fastening pair may not exist without the pair's match.
Therefore, for each fastening module, fastener receiving module,
tongue or groove positioned along one side of a first modular panel
a corresponding fastening module, fastener receiving module, tongue
or groove must be positioned on the second modular panel.
[0025] Preferably, the fastening modules and tongue are positioned
on the end of the same modular panel while fastener receiving
modules and grooves are correspondingly positioned on the end of a
second modular panel. This configuration facilitates assembly of
the modular panels into a display because the members with
protruding features are on one panel while members which receive
protruding features are the other panel. This configuration makes
it easier for the user to align the fastening modules and tongue on
one modular panel with the fastener receiving module and groove of
the second modular panel.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, a fastening module is located
on each corner of one side of a first modular panel with a tongue
running the length of the end of the panel located between the
corners. A corresponding fastener receiving module is located on
each corner of a second module panel with a groove running the
length of the end of the second panel located between the corners.
This arrangement facilitates the joining of the first panel to the
second panel.
[0027] In the present invention, joining two modular panels is a
simple process. A first modular panel having fastening modules on
two corners of one end and tongue between the two corners is
positioned in the booth of a trade show. A second modular panel
having fastener receiving modules on two corners of one end and a
groove between the two corners is positioned such that the end of
the second modular panel faces the end of the first modular panel.
The two facing ends are then brought into close proximity. The user
lifts the first panel a few inches vertically and slides the first
panel closer to the second panel. Next, the user guides the hooks
of the two fastening modules into cavities within the fastener
receiving modules and the tongue into the groove as the user brings
the two facing ends closer together. Once the tongue is inside the
groove, the two facing ends are close enough to secure the hooks of
the fastening modules to the posts of fastener receiving modules.
This is done by applying a downward force on the first panel. The
downward force causes the hooks to engage the posts. The two
modular panels are now fastened in accordance with the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The foregoing and other features of the present invention
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical
embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of two modular panels fastened
according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the main
components of the fastening module.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a cut away view illustrating an installed
fastening module.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a fastener of the
fastening module.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a cut away elevation view illustrating two panels
positioned to be fastened according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an elevation view illustrating a fastener which is
positioned to engage a post of a fastener receiving module of the
fastening system.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an elevation view illustrating a fastener
beginning to engage a post of a fastener receiving module of the
fastening system.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an elevation view illustrating a fastener having
fully engaged a post of a fastener receiving module of the
fastening system.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the assembled fastening system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Reference is now made to the drawings in which like
components are designated with like reference numbers throughout.
Referring first to FIG. 1, an assembled modular panel system 10 is
illustrated. A freestanding system 10 is illustrated consisting of
two modular panels 12. One panel 12 is curved so that it renders
the system 10 freestanding. The panels 12 may also be fastened to a
wall or other support. Alternatively, the panels 12 may be straight
and fitted with feet to render the panels freestanding. Or, the
panels 12 may be fastened at an angle to render the system 10
freestanding. While FIG. 1 illustrates two panels 12, any number of
panels 12 may be used of a straight, curved, or angled nature and
still be consistent with the present invention. For example, a
panel 12 may be made of flexible materials such that one end is
capable of fastening with the opposite end of the same panel.
Thereby, rendering a single panel freestanding.
[0039] Preferably, a majority of the components of the present
invention are fabricated from hard plastic. Plastic is used because
of its light weight, rigid nature, and low cost. Other materials
are preferred where plastic does not meet the functional
characteristics required of the component. In other embodiments,
the present invention components may be fabricated from any rigid
material such as wood, metal, hard rubber, fiber glass or the
like.
[0040] A frame 14 defines the perimeter of the panel 12. The frame
14 is constructed from rigid plastic molded into strips and cut to
size. Frame 14 encompasses a body 16 of the panel 12. The body 16
is made from semi-flexible plastic and covered with a display
surface 17. The display surface 17 may be made of a various
materials including fabric loop, fabric, dry-erase marker material,
either half of velcro material, steel, and like materials such that
information may be affixed to the display surface 17.
[0041] In FIG. 1, fastening modules 28 are located at or near
corners 29 of the frame 14. Alternatively, the fastening modules 28
may be located at any position along the frame 14. The system 10
may comprise one or more fastening modules 28. For each fastening
module 28 there is a corresponding fastener receiving module 58
located on a second panel 12.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, a fastening module 28 comprises a
housing 21 having two sides 23, a post 32 and a fastener 30 (in
phantom). The housing 21 fixedly secures the fastener 30 by way of
the post 32 and lips 24 which run along the perimeter of each
housing side 23. The post 32 positions the fastener 30 between the
housing sides 23. Preferably, the housing 21 is made from two
separate housing sides 23. Alternatively, the housing 21 may be
formed as a single piece with the post 32 formed between the two
housing 21 sides.
[0043] The entire post 32 could also be formed as part of one
housing side 23 and the other housing side 23 comprising a
receiving hole configured to fit tightly on to the free end of the
post 32. Preferably, an interlocking half post 31 is formed as part
of each housing side 23. The housing 21 is assembled by positioning
the fastener 30 around one half post 31, and then joining one half
post 31 to the other to form a complete post 32. Next, the housing
sides 23 are pressed together to lock one half post 31 to the
other. The two housing sides 23 are held together by the
inter-locking half posts 31 and the structure of the frame 14 (see
FIG. 1.) The post 32 separates the two housing sides 23 such that a
cavity 22 is formed. The cavity 22 is sized to correspond to the
width of the fastener 30.
[0044] Preferably, a fastener receiving module 58 comprises all the
components of the fastening module 28 except the fastener 30.
Therefore, a fastener receiving module 58 may be illustrated by
reference to FIG. 2. The post 32 of the fastener receiving module
28 is sized and configured within the housing 21 in the same manner
as the post 32 of the fastening module 28. The cavity 22 of the
fastener receiving module 58 is sized to receive the hook 36 of a
fastener 30. Having the fastening module 28 and fastener receiving
module 58 comprise substantially the same components facilitates
fabrication and maintenance of the modular panels. The difference
between the two modules is the absence or presence of a fastener
30. Fastening modules 28 and fastener receiving modules 58 are
interchangeable. This saves time and money for the
manufacturer.
[0045] Referring generally to FIG. 3 and specifically to FIG. 4, a
fastener 30 comprises a body 37, a hook 36, a chamber 39, and a
pair of post engaging members 42. These are described in detail
below. These parts are important to better understand FIG. 3.
[0046] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, an assembled fastening
module 28 is illustrated. This close-up, cut away view illustrates
the fastening module 28 in detail. The illustrated fastening module
28 is configured to fit on the corner 29 of a frame 14.
Alternatively, the fastening module may be configured to allow
positioning at any point along the frame 14. FIG. 3 illustrates, by
the cut away portion, how the post 32 is positioned within the
chamber 39 of the body 37 of the fastener 30. The position and
orientation of the hook 36 are also illustrated.
[0047] In assembling the fastening module 28 illustrated in FIG. 3,
the fastener 30 may be affixed to the post 32 before the two
housing sides 23 are assembled. The fastener 30 is fixed to the
post 32 by positioning the free end of a first post half 31 in a
chamber 39 of a fastener 30 between the opposing post engaging
members 42 and sliding the fastener 30 over the first post half 31
until the fastener 30 rests on the housing side 23 that is secured
to the first post half 31. Then, the free end of a second post half
31 is positioned in the chamber 39 between the opposing post
engaging members 42. Next, the two housing sides 23 are pressed
firmly together to lock the post halves 31. Alternatively, the
fastener 30 may be positioned around the post 32 by passing the two
post halves 31 through the chamber 39 and assembling the two
fastening housing sides 23. Then, the post 32 is slid between the
post engaging members 42 until the post 32 snaps into place and
rests on the faces 44 of the post engaging members 42.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 4, a fastener 30 comprises a body 37,
a hook 36, a chamber 39, and a pair of post engaging members 42.
Body 37 is configured with shoulders 46 which hold the fastener 30
tightly against the frame 14 (see FIG. 3.) Shoulders 46 prevent
rotational movement of the fastener 30 about the longitudinal axis
of the post 32. The body 37 also includes a rim 40. Rim 40 ensures
proper separation of the housing sides 23 (see FIG. 3.)
[0049] Chamber 39 is formed within the center of the body 37 and
extends towards one end. A hook 36 extends out from the end
opposite the chamber 39. Within the chamber 39 are a pair of
opposing post engaging members 42. The post engaging members 42
extend from the sides of the body 37 into the chamber 39 to face
each other. Preferably, the post engaging members are formed as
part of the body 37. The post engaging members 42 are configured
with a rounded face 44 and sized such that a circular post 32 (see
FIG. 3) fits tightly on the rounded faces 44 between the opposing
post engaging members 42.
[0050] Referring still to FIG. 4, the end of the body 37 opposite
the chamber 39 is configured to form hook 36. At the distal end of
hook 36, interference portion 38 projects downward and
substantially toward the center of the body 37. The hook 36 and
interference portion 38 form a slot 34 between them. Hook 36 and
interference portion 38 are configured such that slot 34 may
snappingly engage a post 32. Hook 36 serves as a main support
structure to secured the two panels 12 together.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5, panels 12 are secured together by
fastening module 28 and fastener receiving module 58. In order to
secure the panels 12, a user inserts hook 36 of fastening module 28
of a first panel 12 into cavity 22 of fastener receiving module 58
of a second panel 12. FIG. 5 illustrates the positions of the
panels 12, the fastening modules 28, the fastener receiving modules
58, and the tongue 18 and groove 20 just before the hooks 36 engage
the posts 32 of the fastener receiving modules 58.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates in detail how hook 36 engages post 32 of
a fastener receiving module 58. The positioning of the panels, as
illustrated in FIG. 5, brings hook 36 into the position illustrated
in FIG. 6. The dashed lines illustrate where the housing sides 23
may be located in relation to the hook 36 and post 32. Hook 36
rests on top of post 32. When interference portion 38 of hook 36
encounters post 32 an interference angle 48 is formed. Interference
portion 38 prevents the post 32 from entering slot 34.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6 generally and specifically to
FIG. 7, completing assembly requires a user to apply a downward
force F.sub.d to the hook 36. This force is best applied by pushing
the panel that has the fastening module attached downward (see FIG.
3.) As a user applies downward force F.sub.d on the hook 36, the
interference angle 48 (in FIG. 6) causes the downward force F.sub.d
to be translated such that the post 32 is acted upon by force
F.sub.1 and hook 36 is acted upon by force F.sub.2 in the opposite
direction. The forces F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 cause the interference
portion 38 of the hook 36 to be deflected in the amount of the
interference deflection 50 and interference angle 48 (see FIG. 6)
to become interference angle 49. As the user continues to apply a
downward force, the interference deflection 50 allows the post 32
to slide past the interference portion 38 into slot 34.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-7 generally and
specifically to FIG. 8. Once the post 32 has slid past the
interference portion 38, the post 32 and hook 36 rebound
elastically to their previous positions. The post 32 is held
securely in the slot 34 until a user applies upward pressure
reversing the process.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 9, a plan view of the fastening module 28
and fastener receiving module 58 is illustrated. The posts 32 of
the first and second panels 12 are illustrated in phantom. Post
securing members 42 are secured around post 32 of the first panel
12 thus placing the fastener 30 in contact with the frame 14 of the
first panel 12. Hook 36 of the fastener 30 holds the post 32 of the
second panel 12 in slot 34. Interface 60 is formed by the tight
meeting of the frames 14 of the first and second panels 12. When
the system 10 is in use, the panels 12 are exposed to a side to
side sheer force F.sub.5. The tight interface 60, the tongue 18,
the groove 20, and the fastener 30 all combine to withstand sheer
force F.sub.5 and strengthen the system 10.
[0056] Referring more specifically to FIG. 5, additional support
for the assembled system 10 is provided by the tongue 18 and groove
20 of the frame 14. A tongue 18 is positioned along the frame 14 of
one panel 12. A corresponding groove 20 is positioned in the second
panel 12 along the side 26 which faces the tongue 18 of the first
panel 12. The tongue 18 and groove 20 are sized and configured such
that when the system 10 is assembled the tongue 18 fits securely in
groove 20 to stabilize the system 10. Alternatively, the tongue 18
and groove 20 may have lips sized and configured such that joining
the tongue 18 within the groove 20 causes the lips of the tongue 18
to interlock with the lips of the groove 20. The interlocking lips
improve the stabilizing ability of the tongue 18 and groove 20. The
tongue 18 and its corresponding groove 20 run the length of the
side 26 between the two corners 29. There may be a plurality of
tongues 18 located at any point along a side 26 and a corresponding
plurality of grooves 20 located at any point along a second side
26.
[0057] The tongue 18 and groove 20 aide in alignment of hook 36
during assembly. As the user brings the first panel 12 toward the
second panel 12, positioning the tongue 18 within the groove 20
aides in the alignment of the hook 36 inside the cavity 22 of the
fastener receiving module 58. The tongue 18 within the groove 20
and the hook 36 within the cavity 22 help to guide the protruding
members of the first panel into the corresponding receiving members
of the second panel 12. The tongue 18 and groove 20 give additional
support and strength to the assembled system that allows the system
10 to withstand considerable stress.
[0058] From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the
present invention provides a system for fastening modular panels.
The fastening system is integrated into the panels thereby
eliminating the need for additional hardware and tools for
assembling the panels. The fastening system allows the panels to be
rapidly assembled and disassembled by an unskilled user.
[0059] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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