Systems and assemblies for connecting panel structures

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system for construction using multi-purpose panel member, which may be utilized as any surface or support beam in a structure, along with auxiliary components including track members and corner members. In a preferred embodiment, the track member includes one or more channels for receiving panel members, and may also accommodate fasteners for securing the panel member to the track member. The corner member may be used to adjoin two or more panels at a desired angle, and may also serve as a decorative cap for the interconnection of two or more panel members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for constructing structures using multi-purpose, monolithic, and identical panel members, the system comprising:
 a monolithic, extruded aluminum panel member utilized for all surfaces and support beams within the structure; and   a track member including a channel for receiving one end of the panel member, the track member further including at least one exterior flange.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel member comprises a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, and wherein the track member is configured to retain the first longitudinal end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the channel of the track member comprises opposing walls that engage both sides of the panel member. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one wall of the channel includes an inwardly projecting rib configured to engage a recessed portion of the panel member. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior flange of the track member is adapted to receive fasteners for anchoring the track member to a substructure. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second track member configured to receive an opposite end of the panel member. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel member is vertically aligned and the track member is horizontally mounted to a floor or ceiling. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel member includes an integral foot portion extending into the track channel to limit lateral movement. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track member includes a drainage pathway configured to direct moisture away from the panel member. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a compressible sealing element disposed within the channel of the track member and positioned to abut a surface of the panel member. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the panel member comprises a plurality of internal webs and the lower-most web is seated within the track channel. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment rib in the track channel configured to engage a groove on the bottom edge of the panel member for rotational constraint. 
     
     
         13 . A system for constructing structures using multi-purpose, monolithic, and identical panel members, the system comprising:
 a monolithic, extruded aluminum panel member having first and second opposed faces and a plurality of internal structural webs;   a track assembly comprising a channel with first and second opposing vertical walls and a horizontal base; wherein   a lower portion of the panel member is received within the channel; and wherein   at least one of the vertical walls includes a retention flange that limits vertical movement of the panel member within the channel.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a compressible gasket interposed between the panel member and an interior surface of the track channel. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the retention flange is formed as a continuous lip along the upper edge of the vertical wall. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the channel includes a central drain aperture in the horizontal base. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the panel member comprises a recessed notch at its lower edge configured to interlock with a protrusion in the channel. 
     
     
         18 . A system for constructing structures using multi-purpose, monolithic, and identical panel members, the system comprising:
 a monolithic, extruded aluminum panel member having first and second ends;   a track member configured to receive the first end of the panel member; and   a corner extrusion configured to receive the second end of the panel member and at least one additional panel member at an angular orientation; wherein   the corner extrusion includes a plurality of panel-receiving grooves, each groove defined by parallel walls and configured to engage a corresponding edge of the panel member.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the corner extrusion is formed as an L-shaped or T-shaped member with panel-receiving grooves on each leg. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein at least one panel-receiving groove of the corner extrusion includes a longitudinal seal configured to form a weather-resistant connection with the panel member.