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.

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.