Apparatus and method for aligning and connecting building panels in close proximity

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method for joining and connecting two panels in substantially planar or substantially perpendicular arrangement when panels are in near-abutted proximity. The improved apparatus and method comprises a fitted recess positioned in the edge of a first panel and a corresponding fitted recess positioned in either the edge or face of a second panel such that both fitted recesses are in alignment when first and second panel are placed in aligned abutted position. The present invention further comprises a semicircular disc-shaped connector fully placed within one of the fitted recesses prior to first and second panels being placed in abutted alignment. A key provides a means for rotating said connector approximately 90 degrees after first and second panels are placed in abutted alignment causing said connector to be partially contained within each of the two aligned fitted recesses, thus providing a connection between the panels.

1 . A method for joining two composite fiber panels in abutted relation comprising: 
 forming a first semi-radially symmetrically shaped receiving means in a first panel;    forming a second semi-radially symmetrically shaped receiving means in a second panel;    inserting a semi-radially symmetrically shaped connector into said first receiving means so that said connector resides fully within said first receiving means;    positioning said first and second panel in abutted relation such that said first and second receiving means are opposed and in substantial alignment and such that a gap for receiving a turning key is provided between said panels;    inserting a turning key between said first and second panels, said turning key rotatably engaging an edge of said connector; and    rotating said turning key such that substantially angular motion forces a portion of said connector to move from within said first receiving means to within said second receiving means.    
   
   
       2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said turning key comprises a shaft with a first and second end, a pin member attached to first end of said shaft in substantially perpendicular relation thereto, and a handle member attached to second end of said shaft in substantially perpendicular relation thereto, and wherein said turning key is positioned such that said pin member is in substantial alignment with said connector such that rotating said turning key about said shaft member causes corresponding substantially angular motion of said connector causing a portion of said connector to move from within said first receiving means to within said second receiving means.  
   
   
       3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming a first receiving means comprises forming a receiving means integral with said gap for receiving a turning key.  
   
   
       4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said step of forming a first receiving means comprises forming a receiving means integral with said gap for receiving a turning key.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first and second receiving means have a generally semicircular interior shape and are sized to provide a friction fit when said connector is inserted therein.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the shape of said connector comprises a substantially flat edge with radial symmetry about a center point on said edge, having a shape selected from the group of a semicircle, a half-disc, a half-polygon, a half-ellipse, a partial-disc, a partial-polygon, and a partial-elipse.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the outer surfaces of said connector are substantially smooth.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the outer surfaces of said connector are imparted with a non-smooth texture or otherwise roughened.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said pin member and said handle member of said turning key extend from said shaft member in lateral directions offset between 0 and 180 degrees.  
   
   
       10 . A connecting system for joining two composite fiber panels in abutted relation comprising: 
 a first panel, said first panel including a first semi-radially shaped receiving means;    a second panel, said second panel including a second semi-radially shaped receiving means;    a connector having a substantially flat semi-radially symmetric shape and adapted to be fully received within either first or second receiving means; and    a turning key comprising a shaft with a first and second end, a pin member attached to said first end of said shaft, and a handle member attached to second end of said shaft.    
   
   
       11 . The connecting system of  claim 10  wherein said pin member and said shaft are in a substantially perpendicular relative configuration.  
   
   
       12 . The connecting system of  claim 11  wherein said handle member and said shaft are in a substantially perpendicular relative configuration.  
   
   
       13 . The connecting system of  claim 10 , wherein said first and second receiving means have a generally semicircular interior shape and are sized to provide a friction fit when said connector is inserted therein.  
   
   
       14 . The connecting system of  claim 10 , wherein the shape of said connector comprises a substantially flat edge with radial symmetry about a center point on said edge, having a shape selected from the group of a semicircle, a half-disc, a half-polygon, a half-ellipse, a partial-disc, a partial-polygon, and partial-elipse.  
   
   
       15 . The connecting system of  claim 14 , wherein the outer surface of said connector is substantially smooth.  
   
   
       16 . The connecting system of  claim 14 , wherein the outer surface of said connector is imparted with a non-smooth texture or otherwise roughened.  
   
   
       17 . The connecting system of  claim 7 , wherein said pin member and said handle member of said turning key extend from said shaft member in lateral directions offset between 0 and 180 degrees.