US3834092A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Panel assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-04-26
•
Granted: 1974-09-10
•
Expires: 1993-04-26
Abstract
Abstract A panel assembly comprising a plurality of posts, a plurality of panels, and interconnecting means releasably securing the panels to the posts, the posts each having a cross-sectional shape wherein each of the outer surfaces includes outstanding flanges with inturned lips which form narrow mouth channels, and the interconnecting means comprise retention clips contained within respective narrow mouth channels and having tongues which engage against the inner surfaces of the inturned lips so that loading applied to the clips is transferred to the lips. The panels are provided with complementary buttons having grooves which engage the tongues, and the edges of the panels abut the outer surfaces of the flanges. The invention avoids the need for special machining of the edges for attachment to the posts, and avoids the need for the use of attachment screws, the posts and panels being arranged in a simple snap together configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 H Whisson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:47
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B2/00; E04B2/74; E04B2/76; E04B2/766
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
A panel assembly comprising a plurality of posts, a plurality of panels, and interconnecting means releasably securing the panels to the posts, each post having a cross-sectional shape which is generally rectangular, each outer surface of the post being flanked along its side edges by a pair of outstanding flanges with inturned lips forming a narrow mouth channel, each panel having a vertical edge surface in abutment with a said pair of outstanding flanges, said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of retention clips engaged by a corresponding plurality of buttons; each retention clip having a securing portion and a pair of tongues defining a bifurcate portion, an aperture in the securing portion, a screw fastener extending through the aperture and retaining the securing portion in firm abutment against a said outer surface and between the flanges flanking that outer surface, the tongues standing away from said outer surface and abutting the inner surfaces of the inturned lips; each button having an aperture therethrough, a fastener extending through the aperture and retaining the button to a said edge of a panel, and a groove in the button engaging the tongues.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
A panel assembly comprising a plurality of posts, a plurality of panels, and interconnecting means releasably securing the panels to the posts, each post having a cross-sectional shape which is generally rectangular, each outer surface of the post being flanked along its side edges by a pair of outstanding flanges with inturned lips forming a narrow mouth channel, each panel having a vertical edge surface in abutment with a said pair of outstanding flanges, said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of retention clips engaged by a corresponding plurality of buttons; each retention clip having a securing portion and a pair of tongues defining a bifurcate portion, an aperture in the securing portion, a screw fastener extending through the aperture and retaining the securing portion in firm abutment against a said outer surface and between the flanges flanking that outer surface, the tongues standing away from said outer surface and abutting the inner surfaces of the inturned lips; each button having an aperture therethrough, a fastener extending through the aperture and retaining the button to a said edge of a panel, and a groove in the button engaging the tongues.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising spacer rails extending between adjacent posts, and said interconnecting means between the spacer rails and the posts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein each button of said interconnecting means is a circular shape and has an annular recess, and a screw threaded faster extends through each button.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein said tongues of each retention clip are of curved shape such that upon engagement with a recess in a said button the tongues are deflected by said button to a flatter shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a closure member on the upper end of each post, each closure member having a depending hollow spigot containing a spreader block into the hollow of the spigot spreading the spigot and urging it into firm engagement with inner walls within the post.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
87 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising screw threaded foot members supporting each post, each foot member comprising a circular floor engaging button, a diametrically extending slot engageable over a pin member when upstanding from a floor so that rotation of the circular button provides position adjustment means for the post, each screw threaded foot member threadably engaging a retainer in the lower end of the post, said retainer comprising a circular flange which extends radially downwardly beyond the outer walls on the post. Pg,16
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a constant section member engaging both the outer surfaces and the facing surfaces of said inturned lips of a said post and retaining an edge of a glass panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A panel assembly according to claim 7 further comprising a channel shaped member of polymeric material interposed between said glass panel edge and said constant section member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a shelf, a slot in the end side of the shelf near an edge thereof, a threaded retaining screw supported by said panel assembly, and a nut threadably engaging said screw and also engaging a side edge of said slot.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
57 words
A panel assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a shelf supported by a support block, an aperture in the support block a headed threaded member and nut arranged to clamp between them said inturned lips on a said post, the head of said member being engaged in said support block aperture to thereby support said block.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-03-11 | 1978-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-09 | 1982-03-11 | 1982-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-09 | 1986-03-11 | 1986-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |