US3862523A

US3862523A - Panel construction for displays

Info

Publication number: US3862523A
Application number: US375493A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert F Eaton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-07-02
Filing date: 1973-07-02
Publication date: 1975-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-28

Abstract

Two similar channel members, each adapted to be assembled within an edge groove of a display panel are releasably splined together by a spline engaged within each channel member at inner and outer locations. Each channel member also provides a race for an electrical wire, and means for making electrical contact with the wire and also for supporting auxiliary equipment. Each spline provides a cross arm for closing the channel mouth of the channel member and for cooperating with the channel sides and retaining means of the channel member for positively interlocking therewith and eliminating lost motion between the interconnected parts.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Eaton [4 1 Jan. 28, 1975 1 1 PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR DISPLAYS [76] Inventor: Robert F. Eaton, 7753 S. Oconto,

Bridgeview, 111. 60455 [221 Filed: July 2, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 375,493

[52] US. Cl 52/27, /125 H, 52/220, 52/586, 52/624, 160/231 A, 174/48, 174/97, 174/101, 211/178 R, 339/97 R [51] Int. Cl. G09f 15/00, E04b l/343 [58] Field of Search 174/48, 68 R, 68 C, 70 R, 174/70 C, 72 C, 95, 97, 101; 40/125 H;

199, 229 R, 231 R, 231 A, 232, 351; 339/20,

21 R, 22 R, 23, 97 R; 211/178 R [56] References Cited 9 v UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,065,574 11/1962 Piana 52/586 X 3,232,333 2/1966 Dixon /183 3,314,551 4/1967 Plastow 160/231 A X 3,331,427 7/1967 Colombo 160/199 3,361,189 1/1968 Dixon et a1. 160/231 A 3,527,283 9/1970 Butler et 211...... 160/231 A X 3,592,289 7/1971 Aysta et al.. 160/231 R X 3,631,630 1/1972 Bufiington et a1. 49/501 X 3,697,667 10/1972 Pollak ct a1 174/68 C 3,750,333 8/1973 Vance 49/501 FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 1,178,086 12/1958 France 339/23 1,409,853 7/1965 France 174/97 1,276,153 8/1968 Germany 174/97 Primary ExaminerLaramie E. Askin Attorney, Agent, or Firm1ay C. Taylor [57] ABSTRACT Two similar channel members, each adapted to be assembled within an edge groove of a display panel are releasably splined together by a spline engaged within each channel member at inner and outer locations. Each channel member also provides a race for an electrical wire, and means for making electrical contact with the wire and also for supporting auxiliary equipment. Each spline provides a cross arm for closing the channel mouth of the channel member and for cooperating with the channel sides and retaining means of the channel member for positively interlocking therewith and eliminating lost motion between the interconnected parts.

24 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PAIENIEU M 3,862,523

' v SHEET 20F 2 PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR DISPLAYS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to apparatus for displaying visual or auditory information, for example, and in particular to improvements in display panels and means for interconnecting in various arrangements such panels or channel molding members of the general type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,235,040, 3,314,551, 3,361,189, 3,403,720, 3,460,282, and 3,592,289, which patents are incorporated herein by way of reference to facilitate complete understanding of the structure, mode of operation, and scope of the present invention.

Important objects of the present invention are to provide improvements over the numerous display panels and means for interconnecting the same known to the art to achieve simplicities and economies in the fabrication and assembly of such display panels and also to provide improved means for releasably and positively securing such panels together in edge-to-edge relationship.

Other objects are to provide improvements in a channel member useful either by itself or as an integral edge for a display panel for supporting concealed low power electrical wiring and various useful light weight accessories such as headphones, electrical switches, light fixtures and various other fixtures or brackets such as a literature rack, coat hangers, etc.

Another object is to provide improvements in a spline cooperable with channel members of the character described for releasably securing two such members together, preferably by snap-action, whereby the spline and channel members may be repeatedly used in numerous arrangements and applications.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1' is a fragmentary transverse section through the edge of a display panel, illustrating the present invention embodying a flexible spline for providing a strap hinge between two similar panels.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating a modification to provide a finished edge for the display panel of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are sectional views similar to FIG. 1, showing additional modifications and applications of the invention separate from the panel.

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view showing an application of the invention for supporting auxiliary equipment and electric wiring.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows substantially along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6, showing the elements in assembled position.

FIG. 8 is a progressive assembly view showing another modification of the invention in sectional views A, B, and C similar to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sectional views similar to FIG. 1 showing still other modifications.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an edge of a laminated panel 10 suitable for display purposes is illustrated comprising a central core 11, which may comprise a lightweight foamed plastic, by way of example, bonded between a pair of tough lateral sheets or skin layers 12, which may comprise any suitable sheet material such as a vinyl plastic or a material comparable to MASONITE, FIBERGLAS or the like. The adhesive bond between the core 11 and sheets 12 may comprise a suitable thermosetting resin, which may be comparatively inelastic. The outer edge of the core 11 is formed with a central locating abutment 13 extending the length of the edge of the panel 10 and spacing a pair of grooves 14 also extending the length of the panel edge to effect a W-shaped cross section.

The sheets 12 extend edgewise of the core 11 to provide a channel therebetween for receiving a channel member or molding 15 extending the length of the panel edge. The member 15 has a channel base 16 seated on the abutment l3 and parallel channel sides 17 bonded to the sheets 12 by a suitable adhesive which enables flexing of the bonded-together channel sides 17 and sheets 12, as described below.

In fabrication of the structure described thus far, after the core 11 is bonded between the sheets 12 as illustrated and prior to insertion of the member 15 between the sheets 12, the confronting surfaces of the latter and the lateral surfaces of the channel sides 17 if desired are coated with adhesive in a fluid condition. The channel member 15 is then inserted between the sheets 12 until it seats on the abutment 13 as shown. During this process, excess adhesive 18 will be forced into the grooves 14 provided for this purpose rather than outwardly of the panel edge. Thus seating of the channel base 16 on the locating abutment 13 is assured, a uniform panel edge is achieved, and clean-up of excess glue is minimized. The sheets 12 of the assembled panel structure'may then be clamped to the channel sides 17 until the adhesive cures or dries.

A pair of spline locating projections 19 extend into the outwardly opening channel 20 of the molding or member 15 to define a small outwardly opening locating channel 21. The latter extends lengthwise of the channel 20 and is preferably centered on the latters mid-plane of symmetry to receive and locate therein the tapered leading edge 22 of the spade 23 of an insert or spline 24. Converging outwardly from opposite channel sides 17 are a pair of retaining projections 25 which define a retaining slit 26 extending longitudinally of the channel 20 and overlying the locating channel 21. The outer edges of the projections 25 are preferably rounded and are releasably confined within transversely opening retaining channels or grooves 27 defined by a transverse projection or cross arm 28 of the spline 24 and transversely extending shoulders 29 (See FIG. 3) at the outer portion of the spade 23. The cross arm 28 and shoulders 29 are thus spaced by a transversely reduced neck portion of the spline 24 snugly as by means of web 30b in FIG. 4. Also the spline 24 may be of comparatively rigid or flexible material. In

. the latter instance, the thickness of the web 30 may be reduced at 31 adjacent each of the cross arms 28 to facilitate flexing, especially where it is desired to utilize the spline 24 as a 360 strap hinge. A right angle bend is shown in the phantom position, FIG. 1.

The channel or molding member as illustrated may also comprise one or more races for retaining an electrical conducting wire 32. Thus extending outwardly from each projection 25 adjacent the proximate channel side 17 and inclined toward the latter is an outwardly converging spur 33 which terminates adjacent an assembled cross arm 28 at a location spaced from the proximate side 17 by a slit preferably of smaller transverse dimension than the wire 32. The wire 32 may be inserted lengthwise into one end of the race 34 provided between each spur 33 and channel side 17, but preferably the sidewalls of the race 34 are sufficiently yieldable resiliently to enable insertion of the wire 32 through the restricted slit opening of the race 34, whereupon the race sidewalls return to their undeformed condition shown to snugly retain the wire 32 in place adjacent the side 17 to facilitate handling of the member 15 prior to assembly of the spline 24. When the spline 24 is finally assembled with the channel member 15 as described below, the cross arm 28 closely overlies and closes the slit opening for the race 34 to conceal and positively confine the wire 32.

Preferably all of the above described elements of the member 15 and spline 24 extend longitudinally as illustrated in FIG. 6, so that their cross sections as shown are uniform along their lengths. Accordingly both the spline 24 and member 15 may be manufactured from metal or plastic materials by conventional extrusion processes to provide integral structures respectively. The spline 24 may be inserted lengthwise into the end of the channel of the member 15, particularly if it is desired to fabricate these members of very rigid materials. Preferably the projections 25 and channel sides 17, with the panel sheets 12 bonded thereto, are sufficiently resilient to spring transversely to enable edgewise insertion of the tapered spade 23 through the re taining slit 26. In this regard, the converging sides of the spade 23 are smooth low friction inclined planes to facilitate opening of the slit 26 by cam action for passage of the shoulders 29, whereupon the projections 25 snap resiliently into the grooves 27 and interlock with the spline 24. Also the angle of convergence of the projections 25 cooperates with the converging wedge-like surfaces of the spade 23 to provide additional leverage for springing the projections 25 toward the channel sides 17 upon insertion of the spade 23, enabling the use of appreciably rigid resilient material for the member 15 and also reducing the amount of yielding that would otherwise be required for the sides 17.

In the assembled position, the leading edge 22 of the spade 23 is closely adjacent the channel base 16 and is confined closely within the locating channel 21, and the lateral edges of the cross arm 28 terminate closely adjacent the sides 17 to minimize play or lost motion in any direction between the interlocked parts. By virtue of engaging the spline 24 at both the inner and outer regions of the spade 23, torsional movement of the spline 24 within the channel 20 is also minimized. The spline 24 may be disassembled from channel member 15 when desired, but it is apparent from the structure shown, including the leverage to facilitate assembly afforded by the tapered spade 23, and the comparatively small leverage afforded by the shoulders 29 for disassembly, that the latter operation requires considerably more force than the former.

In the assembled position, the cross arm 28'may be located below the outer edges of the sides 17 to provide a space within the channel outwardly of the cross arm 28 for an electrical terminal block or retainer for auxiliary equipment as described in reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, or the outer surface of the cross arm 28 may be flush with the outer edges of the channel sides 17 as in FIG. 2 to provide a finished edge for the panel 10. In that instance, the web 30 is omitted.

The channel member or molding 15 may be employed with or without a panel 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the member 15 separate from the panel 10, wherein spline 24 is preferably comparatively rigid. In FIG. 4 a two-part rectangular wrap-around hanger 35 of form sustaining resilient material is illustrated, each part 35 being identical with the other but arranged in reverse relationship with respect to theother. Accordingly the parts 35 may be formed as a single element by extrusion molding, whereupon the extruded element may be cut to desired lengths in pairs to provide the two-part wrap-around. Each wrap-around part 35 comprises a long side 36 adapted to extend along and beyond the coplanar exterior surfaces of two members 15 joined edgewise with a space 37 between the proximate edges of their channel sides 17.

Each side 36 at one end diverges at asmall angle from the adjacent channel side 17 to provide a triangular space 38 extending longitudinally of the members 15, whereby the side 36 at said one end may be forced toward the adjacent channel side 17 to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the two wrap-around pieces, as described below. Each side 36 also extends at said one end beyond the adjacent channel base 16 and partially around the latter at an integral inturned flange 39, which terminates at an integral outturned hook 40. The latter is provided with a lateral cam surface 41 which undercuts the outer surface 42 of the hook 40 at a small angle to the mid-plane of symmetry of the member 15. The surface 41 intersects a cam surface 43 of the flange 39 at an acute angle. The surface 43 converges to the outer or lateral surface 36a of the side 36, which surface 36a may be parallel to the channel sides 17. The side 36 is of uniform thickness except at the region of the triangular space 38.

Each wrap-around part of the hanger 35 also comprises a short side 44 extending integrally from the side 36 and at right angles thereto along the channel base 16. The short side 44 of each hanger part 35 extends flush with the surface 42 of the other hanger part 35 and terminates in a wedge shaped hook 45 mating with and closely interfltting within the triangular groove formed by the intersecting surfaces 41 and 43 of the other hanger part 35. The

sides

36 and 44 cooperate to complete a snug rectangular enclosure for the assembled channel members and spline 24. The inter-engaging hooks 40 and 45 are readily -separable by depressing the adjacent portion of the side 36 toward the adjacent member 15, thereby to close the space 38 and cause the hook 40 to separate from the hook 45. In the same movement as the cam surface 43 moves inwardly toward the member 15, the hooks 40 and 45 will be cammed out of interengagement with each other, enabling the end of the corresponding short side 44 to be separated completely from the hook 40.

The interlocking hooks 40 and 45 complete a thickened corner. The adjacent corner 46 at the juncture between the long and

short sides

36 and 44 is similarly thickened to reinforce the juncture and to provide a space 47 between the channel base 16 and short side 44 for the head of a screw 48 for attaching the hanger 35 to an external support 49, which may be a ceiling, wall, railing, or the like. In this regard, a small drill locating groove 50 is provided in the exterior surfaces of the

sides

36 and 44 at their mid-regions to facilitate locating and drilling a hole 51 for the screw 48. Thus the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be secured laterally or at the bottom to an external support 49, as

' well as at the top as shown. Also either long side 36 may be drilled to provide an opening 52, phantom view, FIG. 4, for insertion of an auxiliary bracket or electrical leads for the wires 32, as described below in regard to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The wrap-around 35 illustrated in FIG. 4 is an intermittant support usually less than 1 inch long and used as a wrap-around and mounting device, a number of such hangers 35 being spaced longitudinally along the combined channels 15. The wrap-around is used also where a portion of the entire spline assembly is omitted for a short longitudinal distance to allow insertion of a terminal block, illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein hole 52 in the wrap-around allows passage of the wire cord 63 in FIG. 6. The channels 15 in FIG. 6 may pass continuously above and below the terminal block, whereas portions of the spline 24 may be eliminated intermittently. The wrap-around reinforces the void where the spline assembly is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a modified integral channel member 15a comprising a resiliently flexible and compressible plastic body suitable for extending along curved walls or for providing a sharply curved juncture between the ends of two comparatively straight assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 4. In this instance, because of the readily deformable resilient material .of the member 15a, a pocket 26a may be formed in the body of the member 15a to conform closely to the shape of the spade 23. The retaining projections 25a interfit closely within the grooves 27 and resiliently yield laterally to enable insertion of the spade 23. A hanger 35 is preferably employed at the endwise juncture between channel members 15 and 15a.

The wires 32 extend within races 34a comprising outwardly opening grooves within the body of the member 15a. Spurs comparable to the spurs 33 are not shown in FIG. 6, although they could be provided integrally with the body of member 15a if desired. In other respects the structural concept and function of the members 150 are the same as described above in regard to FIGS. 14. The double wires 32 shown in each race 34a may represent two twisted-together wire ends where the wire 32 of the next endwise adjacent channel member 15 is electrically connected by soldering or otherwise with the wire 32 of the channel .member 15a.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a terminal block 53 adapted to fit between confronting channel members 15 spaced by a web 30b of the type illustrated in FIG. 4. The vblock 53 may comprise a tough rigid integral dielectric plastic and has a central platform 54 spacing a pair of tunnels 55 integral in turn with end platforms 56, each having raised

edge flanges

57 and 58 at their inner and outer edges respectively.

A section of the spline 24 may be removed to accommodate the terminal block 53 between the confronting channel members 15. The block 53 may be secured either in the positive shown, upside-down or reversed end for end by means of screws 59 extending through holes 60 in the platforms 54 and 56 and confined snugly within the retaining slit 26, FIG. 7. The wraparound 35 may then be employed if desired around the members 15 at the region thereof where the spline 24 is removed to assure that the members 15 will be securely held in their confronting relationship, especially if the members 15 are subject to load, as for example, where an auxiliary bracket 61 is also retained by the block 53.

The bracket 61 may comprise a pair of parallel rod arms 61a adapted to fit snugly within the tunnels 55 respectively and to extend laterally through the space 37 to an intermediate bracket portion of any suitable shape, as indicated schematically by the dotted portion 61b, for holding auxiliary equipment such as a headphone, microphone, or other device. The rod arms 610 project to the ends of the tunnels 55 opposite the bracket 61b and are welded to a cross rod 61c to prevent removal of the arms 61a lengthwise from the tunnels 55. Portions 62 of the tunnels 55 are removed to provide a seat for the cross rod 610.

The terminal block 53 also provides means for connecting the wires 32 with a source of electrical power or cable 63 which typically may comprise a pair of insulated

electrical leads

64 and 65 and an anchor wire 66 insulated from the

leads

64 and 65. The leads 64 and 65 extend in opposite directions across the tunnels 55 through notches 67 therein and are secured to the upper surfaces of electrical contact plates 68 by the end screws 59 which extend through holes 60 in the platforms 56. Each contact member 68 has a plate portion that fits flush with one of the platforms 56 closely between the

flanges

57 and 58, a screw hole 69 aligned with the associated screw hole 60, and a depending knife edge 70 that extends through the slit opening into the underlying race 34 proximate a channel side 17, FIG. 7, and cuts through the insulation of the wire 32 to complete an electrical connection therewith. The anchor wire 66 is non-electrical and is secured to the central platform 54 by the central screw 59 to prevent an accidental pull on the cable 63 from interfering with the electrical connections.

In practice, prior to securing the two channel members 15 together in FIG. 6, the bracket arms 61a will be fitted into the tunnels 55 from the undersides of the latter. The assembly of terminal block 53 and bracket 61 is then secured by the screws 59 to the appropriate member 15 at any location along its length, FIG. 7, and the

leads

64 and 65 are connected to the contact plates 68 at the same time. Thereafter the second member 15 is splined to the first member as illustrated in FIG. 4 for example.

In the preceding descriptions of FIGS. 17, unless the spline 24 is inserted endwise into the end of the channel member 15, it is presumed that the channel sides 17 and projections will yield to enable the spade 23 to be snapped edgewise into the member 15. In FIG. 8, a resiliently deformable tubular spade 23b is illustrated which may be inserted into a comparatively rigid or unyieldable channel member 15b. The latter is otherwise similar in operation and structure to the channel member 15 and has the channel base 16b, sides 17b, locating projections 19b and channel 21b, and retaining projections 25b. The spade 23b extends integrally from the inner end of the neck or web which may be the same as the web of FIG. 1. From the neck 30, the tubular sides of the spade 23b diverge symmetrically at 27b to shoulders 29b, and thence converge symmetrically to a leading or inner edge. In FIG. 8, each of the inwardly converging sides of the spade 23b terminates at its leading edge in a rounded reinforcing bead 22b, the two beads 22b being separate and capable of rolling sliding engagement with each other to facilitate collapse and elongation of the spade 23b when it is forced between the comparatively unyielding projections 25b.

The diverging sides 27b are preferably thinner than the sides of the spade 23b that converge to the beads 2212, so that as the spade 23b is forced between the projections 25b, the sides 27b will yield as indicated in FIG. 88. Once the shoulders 29b pass the projections 25b, FIG. 8C, the spade 23b will return to its undeformed shape and the beads 22b will be confined within the locating channel 21b. The reduced leverage afforded by the large angle of divergence of the sides 27b, as compared to the shallow angle of convergence between the shoulders 29b and beads 22b, will then resist withdrawal. In consequence greater force will be required to separate the spade 23b from the channel member 15b than is required to snap the spade 23b into its assembled position.

A similar arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 9. The converging sides of the tubular spade 230 at the leading edge 22c are joined integrally, and a cross arm 28c comparable to the cross arm 28 is illustrated. Also in FIG. 9, the lateral edges of the channel sides 17c are serrated to provide a physical interlock with the adhesive 180 that bonds the sides 170 to the skin layers 12 of the panel 10. In other respects, the structure and operation of the spline shown in FIG. 9 are similar to the structure and operation described in reference to FIG. 8. As the leading edge 22c enters between the projections 250, the sides of the hollow spade 23c deform and elongate to allow passage of the shoulder portions 29c. Thereafter the spade 23c returns resiliently to its undeformed shape as illustrated and the leading edge 220 will be confined within the locating channel 210.

The preferred structure described above is symmetrical with respect to a mid-plane. However, it is within the scope of the invention, particularly where a narrow channel structure or panel is employed, to utilize an asymmetric channel and spline. In FIG. 10, a channel member 15d has a channel base 16d and sides 17d, but only a single retaining projection 25d and locating projection 19d. The projection 25d extends from one channel side 17d in the manner of one of the projections 25 described above and is spaced from the opposite channel side 17d to provide the retaining slit 26d. The latter overlies a locating channel 21d between the projection 19d and said opposite side 17d. The spline 24d comprises only half of the spline 24, as illustrated in FIG. 10, and thus provides a single neck groove 27d, cross arm 28d, shoulder 29d, and spur 33d. These parts function as described in regard to FIG. 1 and similar remarks apply to the FIG. 10 structure as in FIG. 1.

I claim:

1. In combination, a channel member comprising a channel base and transversely spaced channel sides defining an outwardly opening channel, retaining means comprising inner and outer locating means carried by said channel member, said inner locating means defining an outwardly opening inner locating slit extending longitudinally within said channel adjacent the base thereof, said outer locating means defining an outwardly opening outer retaining slit extending longitudinally of said channel and opening thereinto at a location spaced outwardly from said inner locating slit, an insert extending longitudinally of said channel, said insert having a neck extending through said outer retaining slit, said insert having a spade portion extending inwardly from said neck into said inner locating slit, said neck and spade portion being located within said outer and inner slits respectively by engagement respectively with said outer and inner locating means, said spade portion enlarging to a greater transverse dimension than said outer retaining slit to provide shoulder means located inwardly of the latter slit, and said outer locating means having an edge defining an edge of said outer .retaining slit and overlying said shoulder means outwardly thereof.

2. In the combination according to claim 1, the inner end of said spade being closely adjacent said channel base.

3. In the combination according to claim 1, said insert having a transverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck, and said edge of said outer retaining means being confined between said shoulder means and transverse portion.

4. In the combination according to claim 3, said outer locating means comprising a projection having said edge and converging toward said channel base in the direction transversely from said edge.

5. In the combination according to claim 4, said projection diverging outwardly from one channel side and being resiliently yieldable to enable passage of said spade portion through said retaining slit.

6. In the combination according to claim 5, means to facilitate insertion of said spade portion through said retaining slit comprising an inclined cam surface of said spade portion.

7. In the combination according to claim 1, a second insert similar to the first specified insert and arranged in mirror relationship therewith, a connecting web extending between and connecting the first and second inserts to complete a spline for joining said channel member with a similar second channel member.

8. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel member similar to the first named channel member and engaged with said second insert in confronting relationship with the first named channel member, the confronting outer edges of the channel sides of said first and second channel members being in abutment.

9. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel member engaged with said second insert in confronting relationship with the first named channel member, the confronting outer edges of the channel sides of said first and second channel members being spaced a predetermined distance.

10. In the combination according to claim 9, an accessory device confined between said first and second channel members and extending transversely therefrom through the space between said confronting edges.

11. In the combination according to claim 9, retention means secured between said first and second channel members, and bracket means extending between said channel members from the exterior thereof through the space between said confronting edges and releasably secured to said retention means.

12. In the combination according to claim 7, a second channel member similar to the first mentioned channel member and engaged with said second insert in confronting relationship with the first channel member, each insert having a transverse portion outward of the associated retaining slit and extending transversely from the neck of the associated insert to adjacent a channel side of the associated channel member, said connecting web extending from each transverse portion in opposition to the associated neck.

13. In the combination according to claim 1, said insert having a transverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck into proximity with one of said channel sides.

14. In the combination according to claim 1, said retaining slit being located between said channel sides, and said insert having transverse portions located outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck in opposite directions into proximity with said channel sides.

15. In the combination according to claim 1, said outer locating means including a retaining projection of one channel side of said member extending toward the other channel side, said projection being spaced from said channel base and defining said edge of said outer retaining slit.

16. In the combination according to claim 1, said inner locating means comprising a pair of transversely spaced locating projections extending longitudinally of said channel and into the latter from said channel base.

17. In the combination according to claim 16, said retaining slit overlying said locating slit along the longitudinal mid-plane of said channel, said outer locating means comprising a projection having said edge and converging toward said channel base in the direction transversely from said edge, said insert having a transverse portion located outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck, and said edge of said outer retaining means being confined between said shoulder means and transverse portion.

18. In the combination according to claim 1, said outer locating means comprising a pair of retaining projections extending longitudinally of said member from the opposite sides thereof respectively at locations spaced from said base and converging outwardly toward each other to said retaining slit, said channel member comprising comparatively rigid form sustaining material resiliently yieldable to enable passage of the shoulder means of said spade through said retaining slit.

19. In the combination according to claim 18, said insert having transverse portions located outwardly of said retaining slit and extending transversely from said neck in opposite directions toward said channel sides, the outer ends of said retaining projections being confined between said shoulder means and transverse portions at opposite sides of said retaining slit.

20. In combination, a channel member having a channel base transversely spacing a pair of channel sides to define an outwardly opening channel, a pair of retaining projections of said channel member converging outwardly from said channel sides respectively and terminating in edges extending longitudinally of said channel member to define therebetween a retaining slit opening into said channel, a spline extending longitudinally of said channel member comprising a transverse portion within said channel and closing the same, a neck of said spline of reduced transverse dimension with respect to said transverse portion and extending inward therefrom snugly through said retaining slit, and a spade portion extending inward from the inner end of said neck, said spade portion having transversely thickened shoulder portions providing a pair of grooves between said transverse and shoulder portions and opening transversely in opposite directions, the edges of said retaining projections defining said retaining slit being engaged within said grooves respectively in interlocking relationship between said transverse and shoulder portions. I

21. In the combination according to claim 20, said channel member being resiliently yieldable for passage of said shoulder portions through said retaining slit for releasably engaging said edges of said retaining projections within said grooves.

22. In the combination according to claim 20, said channel member having a pair of locating projections extending into the channel thereof from the channel base and defining a locating slit adjacent the channel base, and said spade portion having an inner edge extending snugly into said locating slit.

23. In the combination according to claim 22, said spline having a second set of elements comprising a transverse portion, neck and spade portion in mirror arrangement with respect to the first named set of these elements, a web. of said spline connecting the transverse portions of said first and second sets of elements, and a second channel member similar to the first named channel member releasably engaged with said I second set of spline elements.

24. In the combination according to claim 22, a panel having an edgewise opening groove within an edge thereof, the cross sectional interior shape of the sides of the latter groove mating with the cross sectional exterior shape of the sides of said channel member, said channel member being confined within said edgewise opening groove, an adhesive securing said channel member within the latter groove, the base of the latter groove having a central portion underlying the channel base of said member, and a pair of recesses at opposite sides of said central portion, said recesses being dimensioned to receive excess adhesive extruded thereinto in a fluid condition during assembly of said channel member within said edgewise opening groove.

Claims

1. In combination, a channel member comprising a channel base and transversely spaced channel sides defining an outwardly opening channel, retaining means comprising inner and outer locating means carried by said channel member, said inner locating means defining an outwardly opening inner locating slit extending longitudinally within said channel adjacent the base thereof, said outer locating means defining an outwardly opening outer retaining slit extending longitudinally of said channel and opening thereinto at a location spaced outwardly from said inner locating slit, an insert extending longitudinally of said channel, said insert having a neck extending through said outer retaining slit, said insert having a spade portion extending inwardly from said neck into said inner locating slit, said neck and spade portion being located within said outer and inner slits respectively by engagement respectively with said outer and inner locating means, said spade portion enlarging to a greater transverse dimension than said outer retaining slit to provide shoulder means located inwardly of the latter slit, and said outer locating means having an edge defining an edge of said outer retaining slit and overlying said sHoulder means outwardly thereof.

20. In combination, a channel member having a channel base transversely spacing a pair of channel sides to define an outwardly opening channel, a pair of retaining projections of said channel member converging outwardly from said channel sides respectively and terminating in edges extending longitudinally of said channel member to define therebetween a retaining slit opening into said channel, a spline extending longitudinally of said channel member comprising a transverse portion within said channel and closing the same, a neck of said spline of reduced transverse dimension with respect to said transverse portion and extending inward therefrom snugly through said retaining slit, and a spade portion extending inward from the inner end of said neck, said spade portion having transversely thickened shoulder portions providing a pair of grooves between said transverse and shoulder portions and opening transversely in opposite directions, the edges of said retaining projections defining said retaining slit being engaged within said grooves respectively in interlocking relationship between said transverse and shoulder portions.

23. In the combination according to claim 22, said spline having a second set of elements comprising a transverse portion, neck and spade portion in mirror arrangement with respect to the first named set of these elements, a web of said spline connecting the transverse portions of said first and second sets of elements, and a second channel member similar to the first named channel member releasably engaged with said second set of spline elements.