Device for joining panels

Abstract

A joining member for bridging a gap between a first and at least one second panel wherein the joining member comprises a flange member, one or more extension members extending from the flange member, and at least one retaining member connected to the extension member. The retaining member is moveable relative to the extension member between a first configuration and a second configuration, the retaining member in the second configuration being insertable in use through the gap between the first and at the least one second panel. When inserted through the gap, the retaining member is engageable with a rear surface, relative to the flange member, of each panel and the flange member substantially bridges the gap between the first and second panels.

1 . 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 the 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.  
   
   
       2 . The joining member of  claim 1  wherein the flange member 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.  
   
   
       3 . The joining member of  claim 2  wherein, the flange member is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration.  
   
   
       4 . The joining member of  claim 3  wherein, the flange member is movable between a substantially domed configuration to a substantially flat configuration and wherein, in the second substantially flat configuration, the first surface of the flange member is substantially flush with the two panels.  
   
   
       5 . The joining member of  claim 1  wherein the extension member is relatively straight and extends from a proximal end adjacent the flange member to a distal end.  
   
   
       6 . The joining member of  claim 1  wherein 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.  
   
   
       7 . The joining member of  claim 6  wherein the first and second leg members extend from a first end that is connected to the extension member to a second end that is free from the extension member.  
   
   
       8 . The joining member of  claim 7  wherein the second end of the first leg member is engageable with the second surface of the first panel and the second end of the second leg member is engageable with the second surface of the second panel.  
   
   
       9 . The joining member of  claim 8  wherein the second end of the first and second leg members include a grooved or serrated face to engage the second surfaces of the panels.  
   
   
       10 . The joining member of  claim 1  when made from a resiliently flexible material.  
   
   
       11 . The joining member of  claim 1  wherein the retaining member includes a single leg member connected to the extension member.  
   
   
       12 . 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 panel such that said flange member substantially bridges the gap between said at least first and second panels.  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . 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.  
   
   
       15 . The joining device of  claim 14  wherein the two extension members comprise two resiliently flexible legs.  
   
   
       16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)