Apparatus and method for joining building components

Abstract

A joint apparatus and method of assembly is disclosed for connecting building components such as panels, door jamb assemblies, windows and other structures. The apparatus includes an engagement structure with retaining elements that couple building components without the need for mechanical fasteners. The retaining element may contain serrations on which an adhesive is applied before a panel or other building component is secured to the joint apparatus. Other building components such as hinge assemblies include coupling members with a flange. The slots along a retaining element allows coupling members to snap fit into the joint apparatus once a flange is secured into the slots in order to lock the components.

1 . A joining apparatus for use with a building component having an insert structure, a channel, an engagement structure disposed in said channel such that the building component is securable in the channel without the use of additional mechanical fasteners.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the engagement structure includes a first retaining element configured to engage with a building component having a planar surface.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the engagement structure includes a second retaining element that is configured to engage with a building component having a complementary configured insert structure.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of channels each having an engagement structure disposed therein.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the treated surface includes serrations.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the thickness of the building component is less than 1 inch.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive disposed on the engagement structure.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the channel is configured to receive an aircraft building component.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a rub strip.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a structural projection that allows a complementary configured rub strip retainer cavity to join with said joint apparatus.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the building component is an aircraft interior building component.  
   
   
       12 . A joining apparatus comprising: a channel with an engagement structure; and a building component including a coupling portion that is configured to engage with the channel such that the resultant joined apparatus is free from mechanical fasteners.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the building component includes a jamb element.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the building component includes a panel.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the coupling portion of the building component includes an insert.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the coupling portion of the building component includes an insert that is configured to adjoin with the engagement structure which includes a complimentary configured slots.  
   
   
       17 . The joining apparatus of  claim 12  that includes a rub strip.  
   
   
       18 . The joining apparatus of  claim 12  that includes a structural projection that allows a complementary configured retainer cavity on a rub strip to join with said joint apparatus.  
   
   
       19 . The joining apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the building component is an aircraft interior structure.  
   
   
       20 . A method of assembling an interior of an aircraft, the method comprising: providing a joint apparatus, attaching a building component to the joint apparatus without the use of mechanical fasteners.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising applying an adhesive to a surface of the building component prior to inserting said building component into a channel.  
   
   
       22 . A method of assembling an interior of an aircraft, the method comprising: engaging a joint apparatus with a building component such that the resulting joined structure is free of mechanical fasteners.