Locking mechanism for panels

Abstract

A locking member for locking panels having a frame, to a support structure. The locking member includes an elongated portion for fastening the locking member to the support structure, and at least one clip defined on the elongated portion for securing the frame thereto. The clip is configured for gripping the U section of the frame.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A locking member for locking a panel, having a frame with a U-shaped section facing a space below the panel, to a support structure, the locking member comprising:
 an elongated portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure; and   at least one clip defined on the elongated portion and configured for securely gripping the U-shaped section such that movement of the panel is enabled along only one axis relative to the support structure and removing the panel requires first removing the locking member.   
     
     
         22 . The locking member of  claim 21  wherein the at least one clip includes a first clip for securely gripping the U-shaped section of the frame of a first panel, and a second clip, generally opposing the first clip, for securely gripping the U-shaped section of the frame of a second panel. 
     
     
         23 . The locking member of  claim 21  wherein the fastening means are disposed between the first clip and the second clip so that when the first panel and second panel are assembled, the fastening means are positioned between the first panel and the second panel. 
     
     
         24 . The locking member of  claim 21 , further comprising a clamping member having at least one wing for clamping a top surface of the panel. 
     
     
         25 . The locking member of  claim 24  wherein the at least one wing includes a first wing for clamping top surface of a first panel, and a second wing for clamping top surface of a second panel. 
     
     
         26 . The locking member of  claim 24  wherein the clamping member further includes a top portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure, the top portion being disposed between the frame of the panel and a shielding wall. 
     
     
         27 . The locking member of  claim 25  wherein the clamping member further includes a top portion having fastening means for fastening to the support structure, the top portion being disposed between the frame of the first panel and the frame of the second panel. 
     
     
         28 . The locking member of  claim 24 , further comprising a shield member mounted between the clamping member and the locking member. 
     
     
         29 . The locking member of  claim 22  wherein the position of the first clip is adjustable with respect to the second clip. 
     
     
         30 . The locking member of  claim 29  wherein first clip includes a first elongated portion having a depression defined on an upper surface thereof and the second clip includes a second elongated portion having a corresponding depression defined on a bottom surface thereof such that the position of the first clip can be adjusted relative to the second clip. 
     
     
         31 . The locking member of  claim 21 , further comprising a holder for holding an alarm detecting cable. 
     
     
         32 . The locking member of  claim 31  wherein the holder includes a channel provided substantially in parallel to the at least one clip. 
     
     
         33 . The locking member of  claim 31  wherein the holder is a removable holder received in an opening provided on the elongated portion. 
     
     
         34 . The locking member of  claim 31  wherein first clip includes a first elongated portion having a depression defined on an upper surface thereof and the second clip includes a second elongated portion having a corresponding depression defined on a bottom surface thereof such that the position of the first clip can be adjusted relative to the second clip, and wherein the holder is a removable holder received in an opening provided on the depression and the corresponding depression. 
     
     
         35 . The locking member of  claim 31  wherein the removable holder is disposed such that the alarm detecting cable can be extended therethrough substantially perpendicular with respect to the at least one clip. 
     
     
         36 . The locking member  claim 21 , further comprising at least one mounting shoulder extending from a side of the elongated portion, for engaging the support structure. 
     
     
         37 . The locking member of  claim 21  wherein the fastening means includes a screw having an inner peripheral interface head portion. 
     
     
         38 . The locking member of  claim 37  wherein the screw further includes an outer peripheral head portion, wherein the outer peripheral head portion is tapered. 
     
     
         39 . The locking member of  claim 37  wherein the screw is provided with a cap mountable inside the inner peripheral interface head portion. 
     
     
         40 . The locking member of  claim 39  wherein the cap includes a metal ball or a metal disk.