Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02539136 2010-12-14
"A device for joining panels"
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent
Application No 2003905292, filed on 26 September 2003 and Australian
Provisional Patent Application No 2003906894 filed on 11 December 2003.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for forming a joint between two
panels and particularly relates to a one-piece device that is used to bridge a
gap
between panels.
Background Art
In the building industry, various types of joiners are used to bridge gaps
between adjacent panels of sheeting such as fibre-cement sheeting.
Conventional joiners include "H-frames" which generally comprise an
elongate strip that, in cross-section, form an "H". In use, one piece-of
sheeting
is inserted into one side of the "H' and bolted in place. It is then necessary
to
manoeuvre the second piece of sheeting such that it is inserted into the other
side of the "H". This is a cumbersome and difficult procedure, particularly
when
joining sheeting in elevated areas such as eaves.
The present invention aims to overcome the problems of the prior art and
provide a joining device that is simple to use and yet provides a smooth join
between adjacent panels of sheeting.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like
which has been included in the present specification is solely for the'purpose
of
providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an
admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or
were
common general knowledge in the
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field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date
of each claim
of this application.
Summary of the Invention
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as
"comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a
stated
element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the
exclusion of
any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
In a first aspect, the present invention consists in an elongate joining
member for
bridging a gap between a first and at least a second panel, each panel having
a first
surface and an opposed second surface, the joining member comprising a flange
member, an extension member extending from said flange member and at least one
retaining member connected to said extension member, said at least one
retaining
member being moveable relative to the extension member between a first
configuration
and a second configuration and wherein, in use, when in its second
configuration, said
at least one retaining member is insertable through said gap between the first
and at
least second panels, and wherein when inserted through said gap, said at least
one
retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface
of each
panel and said flange member is engageable with at least a portion of the
first surface
of each panel such that said flange member substantially bridges the gap
between said
at least first and second panels.
In a second aspect, the present invention consists in a panel assembly
comprising at least two panels, each having a first surface, a second opposed
surface
and side walls, said at least two panels arranged relative to one another such
that a
sidewall of one panel and a sidewall of a second panel define a gap
therebetween, said
gap bridged by an elongate joining member comprising a flange member, an
extension
member extending from said flange member and at least one retaining member
connected to said extension member, said at least one retaining member being
moveable relative to the extension member between a first configuration and a
second
configuration to allow insertion of said retaining member through said gap and
wherein
said at least one retaining member engages at least a portion of the second
surface of
each panel and said flange member engages at least a portion of the first
surface of each
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panel such that said flange member substantially bridges the gap between said
at least
first and second panels.
In a third aspect, the present invention consists in a method of bridging a
gap
between at least two panels, each panel having a :first surface and a second
opposed
surface, the method including the steps of:
(a) providing an elongate joining member comprising a flange member, an
extension member extending from said flange member and at least one retaining
member connected to said extension member;
(b) aligning said joining member with the gap between said at least two
panels; and
(c) applying pressure to the joining member to cause the at least one
retaining
member to move from a first configuration to a second configuration such that
said
retaining member is moveable through said gap and at least partly beyond said
gap
whereupon the at least one retaining member moves from said second
configuration to
said first configuration and engages at least a portion of the second surface
of each
panel and wherein further, the flange member is brought into engagement with
at least
a portion of the first surface of each panel.
In the above third aspect, pressure may be initially applied to the joining
member by a user. In this respect, once aligned with the gap, a user may
provide an
initial force to move the retaining member to its second configuration i.e. a
user may
use their hand or, alternatively a mallet or other such force to initially
force the
retaining member into the gap whereupon, the side-walls exert a force to
maintain the
retaining member in said second configuration.
The joining member is typically a one-piece unit.
Typically, the joining member of the above aspects bridges a gap between two
adjacent modular panels.
The flange member typically comprises a main body defined on one side by a
first surface for engaging said at least a portion of the first surface of
both the first and
second panels and a second opposing side that presents the outward appearance
of the
join. The flange member may be movable from a first configuration to a second
configuration. For example, the flange member may be made from a resiliently
flexible
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material and may move from a first configuration wherein it comprises a
slightly
domed structure during installation of the joining member to a substantially
flat
configuration when the joining member is fully installed between the gap. When
in the
second substantially flat configuration, the first surface of the flange
member may be
substantially flush with the two panels such that the flange member provides a
smooth
join between the first and at least a second panel.
In a further embodiment, the flange member may be substantially L-shaped such
that it is adapted to engage adjacent panels that are positioned substantially
at right
angles to each other to form a corner.
The extension member of aspects one to three preferably extends from a
proximal end adjacent the flange member to a distal end and may comprise an
elongate
rib. The elongate rib may be relatively straight. Alternatively, the elongate
rib may
include at least one recessed portion along its length. This embodiment may be
desirable in situations where a cross beam or other structure extends across
the space or
gap between the modular panels. An extension member having a recessed portion
can
fit around such a cross beam.
In one embodiment, the at least one retaining member comprises opposing first
and second leg members each connected to and disposed at an angle relative to
the
extension member. The first and second leg members preferably extend from a
first
end that is connected to a region of the extension member to a second end that
is free
from the extension member. Typically, the leg members extend from the first
end to
the second end in a direction towards the proximal end of the extension member
such
that, when the joining member is in use, the leg members extend towards the
second
surfaces of the panels to engage said second surfaces of the panels.
In one embodiment, the leg members may be connected to the distal end or a
region adjacent the distal end of the extension member.
Preferably, the length of the extension member between the flange member and
the region of connection with the first end of each leg member is greater than
the
thickness of a modular panel to be joined.
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Typically, the first configuration of the leg members relative to the
extension
member is an expanded configuration, that is, each leg member is angled
relative to the
extension member such that the leg members and the extension member together
form
an anchor to anchor the joining member between the panels. The angle of the
leg
5 members relative to the extension member may vary but when said leg members
are in
their expanded configuration, the angle must be such that each leg engages a
portion of
a respective second surface of the panels and prevents the leg members moving
back
through the gap. Essentially, when the leg members are in their expanded
configuration, the distance between the second end of the first leg and the
second end
of the second is greater than the width of the gap between the panels.
Preferably, the second configuration is a collapsed configuration with the leg
members disposed at an angle relative to the extension member that is less
than said
angle when the leg members are in their expanded configuration. While the
angle
between the leg members and the extension member may vary when said leg
members
are in the collapsed configuration, the angle must be such that the leg
members are
insertable through the gap between the panels when in said collapsed
configuration
Preferably, the first end of the first leg member is connected to
substantially the
same region of the extension member as the first end of the second leg member.
In this
regard, the orientation of the leg members relative to the extension member
may form a
V-shape. Alternatively, the connection between said first ends of the leg
members and
the extension member may present a more curved U-shaped structure.
In one embodiment, the second end of the first leg member is adapted to engage
the second surface of the first panel and the second end of the second leg
member is
adapted to engage the second surface of the second panel. Such engagement
between
the leg members and the panels anchors the joining member in place between the
panels.
In a further embodiment, the second end of each leg member may include a foot
member that is disposed at an angle to the leg member. The foot members may
include
a grooved or serrated face or any other means to allow the foot members to
grip the
second surfaces of the panels and to thereby further secure the joining device
between
the panels.
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6.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the leg members are not straight along
their length. Particularly, the leg members may include a notch along their
length, said
notches engageable with the second surfaces of the panels.
Typically, the notch of the leg member receives a corner of the panel formed
by
the meeting of the second surface and a sidewall that defines one side of the
gap
between the adjacent modular panels.
Typically, the entire joining member and preferably at least the leg members
are
made from a resiliently flexible material. In this regard, when the leg
members are
inserted through the space or gap between the panels, the force exerted on the
leg
members from the sidewalls of the adjacent panels defining the gap, causes
each leg
member to move from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration.
In the
second collapsed configuration, the leg members together with a substantial
length of
the extension member may be fed through the gap to a hollow at the rear of the
panels.
Once beyond the panels and with the release of the compressive force exerted
by the
sidewalls of said panels, the leg members are free to take on their expanded
configuration. In this regard, the joining members are preferably manufactured
such
that the leg members are biased relative to the extension member i.e. the leg
members
are biased in a resting state. Accordingly, upon release of the compressive
force
exerted by the sidewalls of the panels, the leg members take on their biased
resting
state.
In a further embodiment, the retaining member may include a single leg member
connected to the extension member. As above, it is preferred that the leg
member is
made from a suitably resiliently flexible material such that when the leg
member is
inserted through the space or gap between the panels, the force exerted on the
leg
members from a sidewall of an adjacent panel deforms the leg member such that
at
least a substantial length of the leg member extends beyond the gap between
the panels.
However, in this embodiment, it is envisaged that a portion of the leg member
adjacent
the second end of said leg member may be positioned within the gap between the
panels when the joining member is fully installed. In this embodiment, it is
preferred
that the leg member includes an engagement member along the length of said leg
member, said engagement member engaging a second surface of one of the panels.
To
provide a secure fit within the gap, it is also preferred that the extension
member of this
embodiment also includes an engagement member to engage a second surface of an
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adjacent panel. The engagement member of the leg member and the extension
member
may comprise a ridge or flange or other such structure.
The at least one retaining member may include two retaining members. The two
retaining members may each comprise a pair of leg members. In this embodiment,
one
of the retaining members may be positioned relative to the other retaining
member such
that it is positioned within the gap between the modular panels when the
device is in
use. The other retaining member typically extends through the gap and engages
at least
a portion of the second surface of each panel.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention consists in an elongate joining
member
for bridging a gap between a first and at least a second panel, each panel
having a first
surface and an opposed second surface, the joining member comprising a flange
member and at least two extension members extending from said flange member
each
extension member being moveable relative to each other between a first
configuration
and a second configuration and wherein, in use, when in their second
configuration,
said at least two extension members are insertable through said gap between
the first
and at least second panels, at least one of said extension members further
including at
least one retaining member such that when the at least two extension members
are
inserted through said gap, said at least one retaining member is engageable
with at least
a portion of the second surface of a panel and said flange member is
engageable with at
least a portion of the first surface of each panel such that said flange
member
substantially bridges the gap between said at least first and second panels.
Preferably, the elongate joining member has two extension members and each
extension member preferably includes at least one retaining member.
The two extension members preferably comprise two resiliently flexible legs.
The retaining members of this aspect typically comprise a foot connected to a
distal end
of the legs and at an angle to said legs, each foot having a face to engage a
portion of
the second surface of adjacent panels and to thereby hold the joining device
in place
within the gap. Each foot may or may not be resiliently flexible.
During installation, the joining member of this aspect is pushed into the gap
such that the two resiliently flexible legs are forced by adjacent sidewalls
of the panels
to move from the first configuration wherein the said legs are relatively
spaced to said
second configuration wherein said legs are relatively closer together.
Movement to the
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second configuration allows the resiliently flexible legs and each foot of
this aspect to
be moved through the gap, that is, both legs and associated feet are of a
suitable
dimension when the legs are in the second configuration to pass through the
gap.
In this aspect, each leg may be straight or alternatively may be angled. Each
foot is preferably disposed at an angle of approximately 90 relative to the
legs and
typically extend a substantial length away from each leg.
In a fifth aspect, the present invention consists in a panel assembly
comprising
at least two panels, each having a first surface, a second opposed surface and
sidewalls,
said at least two panels arranged relative to one another such that a sidewall
of one
panel and a sidewall of a second panel define a gap therebetween, said gap
bridged by
an elongate joining member, the joining member comprising a flange member and
at
least two extension members extending from said flange rnernber each extension
member being moveable relative to each other between a first configuration and
a
second configuration and wherein, in use, when in their second configuration,
said at
least two extension members are insertable through said gap between the first
and at
least second panels, at least one of said extension members further including
at least
one retaining member such that when the at least two extension members are
inserted
through said gap, said at least one retaining member is engageable with at
least a
portion of the second surface of a panel and said flange member is engageable
with at
least a portion of the first surface of each panel such that said flange
member
substantially bridges the gap between said at least first and second panels.
In a sixth aspect, the present invention consists in a method of bridging a
gap
between at least two panels, each panel having a first surface and a second
opposed
surface, the method including the steps of:
(a) providing an elongate joining member comprising a flange member and at
least two extension members extending from said flange member, at least one
extension
member including at least one retaining member;
(b) aligning said joining member with the gap between said at least two
panels; and
(c) applying pressure to the joining member to cause the at least two
extension members to move relative to each other from a first configuration to
a second
configuration such that said at least two extension members are caused to move
into
and through said gap and wherein at least a portion of the at least one
retaining member
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is brought into engagement with at least a portion of the second surface of a
panel and
wherein further, the flange member is brought into engagement with at least a
portion
of the first surface of each panel.
The panels of each of the above aspects may include fibre cement sheeting or
lining including eaves sheeting or lining, patio soffit linings, wall
sheeting,
weatherboards or decorative fibre cement linings.
The joining member of the present invention typically comprises an elongate
strip that maybe cut to a desired length by a user. The user may then simply
"snap-fit"
the joining member into the gaps between adjacent modular panels such that the
first
leg member engages the rear facing second surface of both modular panels.
The joining member may be sized to be used with varying widths of modular
panels.
An advantage of the joining device and method of bridging a gap between at
least two modular panels as described above is that the joining device may be
applied
after the modular panels have been assembled rather than as part of the
assembly
process of the modular panels as is required by conventional joiners i.e. the
present
invention allows for retro-fitting of the joining member.
To achieve a desired gap between two adjacent modular panels, a spacer device
may be used. In this embodiment, the spacer device may comprise a handle
connected
to a receiving member.
The receiving member typically includes a first panel receiving portion and a
second panel receiving portion. The receiving member may include two
substantially
parallel members that each extend from a first end to a second end, said
substantially
parallel members connected therebetween by a connecting bar. Typically, the
connecting bar connects the two substantially parallel members at
approximately half
way along their length. The portions of the parallel members on one side of
the
connecting bar define a channel to receive a first modular panel and the
portions of the
parallel members on the opposite side of the connecting bar define a channel
to receive
an adjacently positioned modular panel.
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The panels are secured in place and the spacer device removed by turning the
handle such that the receiving member is rotated approximately 90 . In this
orientation,
the spacer device may be pulled out of the gap.
5 In this embodiment, the thickness of the connecting bar determines the space
between the two modular panels. A suitable joining member of the present
invention
may then be inserted through the gap to join said two panels.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure la depicts a joining member of one embodiment of the present invention.
during installation;
Figure lb depicts the joining member of Figure 1 a after installation;
Figure 2a depicts a joining member of another embodiment of the present
invention during installation;
Figure 2b depicts the joining member of Figure 2a after installation;
Figure 3a depicts a joining member of a further embodiment of the present
invention during installation;
Figure 3b depicts the joining member of Figure 3a after installation;
Figure 4a depicts a joining member of a further aspect of the invention during
installation;
Figure 4b depicts the joining member of Figure 4a after installation;
Figure 5 depicts a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6a depicts a schematic view of another embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6b depicts a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6a;
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Figure 7 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 8a 8b depict the joining member shown in Figure 7 as it is inserted
into
a gap between two adjacent panels; and
Figure 9 depicts a spacer device according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
The joining member of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the
accompanying drawings. The joining member 10 comprises a flange 11, an
extension
member 12 extending from the flange 11 and at least one retaining member 13
connected to the extension member 12.
The joining member bridges a gap between a first modular panel 50a and a
second modular panel 50b.
The retaining member 13 is moveable relative to the extension member 12
between a first configuration and a second configuration.
When inserted through the gap between modular panels 50a and 50b, the
retaining member 13 engages a portion of a second surface 51 of each modular
panel
50a and 50b. At the same time, the flange 11 engages a portion of a first
surface 52 of
each modular panel such that the flange 11 bridges the gap between modular
panels 50a
and 50b.
The flange 11 is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration.
Particularly, the flange 11 is made from a resiliently flexible material that
enables it to
move from a slightly domed structure prior to and during insertion of the
extension
member 12 and the retaining member 13, through the gap (see Figures 1 a, 2a,
and 3a) to
a substantially flat configuration following installation of the joining
member as shown
in Figures lb, 2b and 3b. In the second substantially flat configuration,
flange member
11 has a flat inner surface 15 that engages the first surfaces 52 of the
modular panels
50a and 50b. An outer surface 16 of the flange 11 presents a substantially
smooth join
between the modular panels 50a and 50b.
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The extension member 12 extends from a proximal, end 17 adjacent the flange
11 to a distal end 18 and is shown in the drawings as an elongate rib 19. The
elongate
rib 19 is shown in Figures la and lb as a substantially straight structure .
Alternatively,
the elongate rib 19 includes a notch 20 as depicted in Figures 2a and 2b.
Figures la, lb, 2a and 2b depict the retaining member 13 comprising opposing
first 21 and second 22 leg members each connected to and disposed at an angle
relative
to the extension member 12. The first leg member 21 and the second leg member
22
extend from a first end 23 that is connected to a region of the extension
member 12 to a
second end 24 that is free from the extension member 12.
Once the joining member 10 is completely installed, the second end 24 of both
leg members 21, 22 engage respective second surfaces 51 of the modular panels
50a
and 50b.
In Figures 1a and 1b, the first ends 23 of both the first leg member 21 and
the
second leg member 22 are connected to the distal end 18 of the extension
member. In
Figures 2a and 2b, it can be seen that the point of connection between the
extension
member 12 and the leg members is at a region of the extension member proximal
the
distal end 18. Alternatively, but not shown, the leg members 21, 22 may be
connected
at the distal end 18 but the hinging point i.e. the pivot around which each
leg member
moves may be at a region proximal the distal end 18.
The first configuration of the leg members 21, 22 relative to the extension
member 12 is an expanded configuration, that is, the first leg member 21 and
the
second leg member 22 are angled relative to the extension member 12 such that
the leg
members 21,22 and the extension member 12 together form an anchor to anchor
the
joining member 10 between the modular panels. The angle of the leg members 21,
22
relative to the extension member 12 may vary but when said leg members are in
their
expanded configuration, the angle must be such that each leg member engages a
portion of a respective second surface 51 of the modular panels 50a and 50b
and
prevent the leg members moving back through the gap.
The second configuration is a collapsed configuration with the leg members
21,22 disposed at an angle relative to the extension member 12 that is less
than the
angle when the leg members are in their expanded configuration. While the
angle
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between the leg members 21,22 and the extension member 12 may vary when said
leg
members 21,22 are in the collapsed configuration, the angle must be such that
the leg
members 21,22 are insertable through the gap between modular panels 50a and
50b
when in said collapsed configuration
When the leg members 21,22 are inserted through the space or gap between the
modular panels 50a and 50b, the force exerted on the leg members 21,22 from
sidewalls 53a and 53b of the adjacent modular panels 50a and 50b defining the
gap,
causes each leg member 21,22 to move from its expanded configuration to its
collapsed
configuration. In the second collapsed configuration, the leg members 21,22
together
with a substantial length of the extension member 12 may be fed through the
gap to a
hollow at the rear of the modular panels. Once beyond the modular panels and
with the
release of the compressive force exerted by the sidewalls 53a and 53b of the
modular
panels, the leg members 21,22 are free to take on their expanded
configuration. In this
regard, the joining members 10 are manufactured such that the leg members
21,22 are
biased relative to the extension member 12 i.e. the leg members are biased in
a resting
state. Accordingly, upon release of the compressive force exerted by sidewalls
53 a and
53b of the modular panels, the leg members take on their biased resting state.
In a further embodiment of the invention as depicted in Figures 3a and 3b, the
retaining member 13 includes a single leg member 31 connected to the extension
member 12. As above, it is preferred that the leg member 31 is made from a
suitably
resiliently flexible material such that when the leg member 31 is inserted
through the
space or gap between the modular panels 50a and 50b, the force exerted on the
leg
members from sidewall 53a of modular panel 50a deforms the leg member 31 to
enable
insertion of the leg member 31 and the extension member 12 through the gap at
least to
a point where a substantial length of the leg member 31 extends beyond the gap
between the modular panels. However, in this embodiment, a distal portion 32
of the
leg member 31 adjacent the second end 24 of the leg member sits within the gap
between the modular panels. To secure the joining device in place, the leg
member 31
includes an engagement member 33 along the length of said leg member, said
engagement member engaging the second surface 51 of modular panel 50a. To
provide
a secure fit within the gap, the extension member 12 of this embodiment also
includes
an engagement member 33 to engage the second surface 51 of modular panel 50b.
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The joining member 10 of the present invention comprises an elongate strip
that
may be cut to a desired length by a user. The user may then simply "snap-fit"
the
joining member into the gaps between adjacent modular panels.
The joining member of a further aspect of the invention is generally shown in
Figures 4a and 4b as 100. Joining member 100 comprising a flange member 101
and
two extension members 102a and 102b. The extension members each include a
retaining member 103.
The two extension members 102a and 102b are resiliently flexible and may be
forced into a configuration shown in Figure 4a that enables said extension
members
102a and 102b to pass through the gap between adjacent panels.
The retaining member 103 comprises a foot 104 connected to each extension
members 102a and 102b. As shown in Figure 4b, once each foot 104 passes
through
the gap, the extension members 102a and 102b may move back to their first
spaced
configuration such that the feet engage the rear surface of respective panels
and the
joining member 100 is held in place within the gap.
In the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 5, the joining member 10
includes two sets of retaining members 13a and 13b. In this embodiment, when
the
device is in use, the retaining members 13b may be positioned within a gap
between
adjacent panels such each leg member bears against the walls of the panels
that define
the gap.
Figure 7 depicts a further embodiment of the invention wherein the retaining
members 13 have a notch 150. As shown in Figure 8d, when the retaining members
are
in their final position, the notch receives a corner 160 of the panels to
secure the joining
member 10 in place. One portion 151 of the retaining member that defines a
side of the
notch 150 abuts with the second surface 51 of the panel and a second portion
152
defining the opposing side of the notch 150 abuts with sidewall 53a or 53b.
To achieve a desired gap between two adjacent modular panels, a spacer 200
may be used. The spacer comprises a handle 201 connected to a receiving member
202. The receiving member includes a first panel receiving portion 203 and a
second
panel receiving portion 204.
CA 02539136 2011-08-24
The receiving member 202 comprises two substantially parallel members 205
that each extend from a first end 206 to a second end 207, said substantially
parallel member connected therebetween by a connecting bar 208. The portions
209 of the parallel members 205 on one side of the connecting bar 208 define a
5 channel 210 to receive a first modular panel 50a and the portions 211 of the
parallel members 205 on the opposite side of the connecting bar 208 define a
channel 212 to receive an adjacently positioned modular panel 50b.
The panels 50a and 50b are secured in place and the spacer device 200
removed by turning the handle 201 such that the receiving member is rotated
10 approximately 90 . In this orientation, the spacer device may be pulled out
of the
gap.
The thickness of the connecting bar 208 determines the space between the
two modular panels 50a and 50b. A joining member 10 of the present invention
may then be inserted through the gap to join said two panels.
15 It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous
variations
and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly
described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects
as illustrative and not restrictive.
