WO2010013233A2

WO2010013233A2 - Double pane panel unit and method of assembling same

Info

Publication number: WO2010013233A2
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000721
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shaul Givoni
Original assignee: Dan-Pal
Priority date: 2008-07-27
Filing date: 2009-07-23
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: WO2010013233A3; IL193077A0

Abstract

A pair of mutually complementary trim profiles (10a, 10b, 100a, 100b, 110, 110a, 110b) each having opposing edges connectors (28, 30, 128, 130) for engaging a respective edge (32, 120, 122) of a pair of opposing spaced apart panel sections (18, 19) and each having alignment means (42, 44, 134, 136) for securely engaging complementary alignment means of the complementary trim profile in the pair such that in use adjacent co-planar panel sections are supported and secured by complementary trim-profiles each of which is attached to a respective edge of two opposing panel sections (18, 19). The trim profiles are further provided with fastening means (54, 56) for facilitating secure attachment of the two complementary profiles to each other.

Description

Double pane panel unit and method of assembling same

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an extruded, modular double-pane panel unit for the construction of wall or roof sections, particularly of light-transmitting wall or roof sections for private, public, trade and industrial structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Patent No. 4,573,300 assigned to the present Applicant discloses an extruded, modular panel unit for the construction of wall-surface portions, especially of light- transmitting wall-surface portions. The panel comprises two sheet-like major surfaces interconnected and spaced apart by a plurality of connectors, and at least one joining flange extending in the direction of extrusion and projecting at an angle from an edge of the panel unit. Each connector includes a pair of sockets that are formed on opposite sides of the connector and each of which is serrated on opposing internal surfaces for engaging complementary serrations of an external surface of the respective joining flanges of a pair of adjoining panels. Consequently, corresponding joining flanges of adjacent co-planar panels are commonly accommodated in the same socket, while spaced-apart panels in a parallel plane are retained within the socket on the opposite side of the connector.

Such a system is subject to the drawback that a complete panel formed of multiple panel sections must be assembled on location, i.e. most typically in a building site. This subjects the panels to the dust and grit that are an inevitable accompaniment of building sites and makes it difficult if not impossible to prevent dust and dirt from getting trapped between opposing panel sections.

For improved weather insulation of large spaces protected with such roofs or walls, double-pane opposite panels are used, spaced apart by a certain gap of air or an insulation medium, in addition to the integral air spaces of each panel in itself. The opposite panels are connected to each other by the joining flanges and extruded joining profiles enabling assembly of large surfaces. The need to assemble endless panel sections in situ also makes it much more difficult to support such insulating material between the panels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved double-pane panel system providing greater ease of assembly and allowing sealed panel modules to be preformed in the factory.

According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided pair of mutually complementary trim profiles each comprising: opposing edges connectors for engaging a respective edge of a pair of opposing spaced apart panel sections and each having alignment means for securely engaging complementary alignment means of the complementary trim profile in said pair such that in use adjacent co-planar panel sections are supported and secured by complementary trim- profiles each of which is attached to a respective edge of two opposing panel sections, and fastening means for facilitating secure attachment of the two complementary profiles to each other.

The invention further provides a method for assembling the structure with a pair of trim-profiles according to the present invention, comprising fitting opposing sides of a central first panel to respective first profiles, securing the shorter leg of each first profile to a support structure such that the central panel is secured on both sides to the support structure, fitting abutting sides of adjacent panels with respective second profiles rotated through 180° relative to the first profile, abutting the adjacent panels on either side of the first panel so that the respective abutting sides of the adjacent panels abut opposite sides of the first panel, securing the shorter leg of each second profile to the support structure such that the adjacent panels are secured to the support structure; and abutting further pairs of panels as required each fitted to a profile that abuts an adjacent panel and is rotated through 180° relative to an abutting profile of the respective adjacent panel.

In use, one of each pair of complementary trim-profiles is rotated by 180° to accurately mate with the other trim-profile via the complementary alignment members, which are typically in the form of mortise and tenon joints, thus forming when mated to each other a rigid closed hollow profile. In accordance with a different embodiment of the joining profile, it is possible to construct double-pane panels, which can be delivered to the work site pre-assembled, ready for fast and easy attachment to the support structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a trim-profile for use with the double-pane panels according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional detailed view of an embodiment of two adjacent double-pane panels;

Fig. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of two adjacent double-pane panels; Fig. 4 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing three adjacent panels attached to a support structure by their trim-profiles; Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing two adjacent double-pane panels attached and secured to a support structure beam;

Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an entire wall or roof constructed with double-pane panels with edge profiles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing two adjacent double-pane panels according to another embodiment of the invention, intended for roof structures;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a dedicated trim-profile according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of still a further embodiment of a trim-profile for use with double-pane panels, according to the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of two inter-connected double-pane- panels utilizing trim-profiles of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of yet a further embodiment of a trim-profile, according to a further embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of two inter-connected double-pane-panels, utilizing the trim-profiles of Fig. 1 1 ; Figs. 13a and 13b show cross-sectional views of trim-profiles similar to that shown in Fig. 1 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a partial, cross-sectional detailed view of an embodiment of two adjacent double-pane panels using the profiles shown in Figs. 13a and 13b; Figs. 15a and 15b show cross-sectional views of trim-profiles similar to that shown in Fig. 9 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a partial, cross-sectional detailed view of an embodiment of two adjacent double-pane panels using the profiles shown in Figs. 15a and 15b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In the following description of some embodiments, identical components that appear in more than one figure or that share similar functionality will be referenced by identical reference symbols.

The present invention make use of transparent wall or roof panels with right angle serrated joining flanges as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,573,300. According to the present invention there is provided a joining system facilitating the use of said panels for construction of rigid double-pane panel units which can be delivered to the work site assembled, ready for fast and easy attachment to the support structure. With reference to Fig. 1 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of an open trim-profile generally referenced 10, preferably made of extruded metal, e.g., aluminum, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The trim-profile 10 is based on an unequal leg angle 14 having a shorter leg 16, extending parallel to the plane of the panel 18 (Fig. 2), and a longer leg 20 extending perpendicular to the plane of the panel 18. Two opposing serrated detent arms 22, 24, are connected to the longer leg 20 via a rib 26 spaced apart from the longer leg 20, forming channels 28, 30, into which the serrated panel joining flanges 32 are locked. Each trim- profile 10 may accept two opposing panels 18, 19, as shown in Fig. 2, such that two opposing complementary trim-profiles 10 and two opposing panels 18, 19, being of identical or different shape and material, are readily attached to form a rigid double-pane panel unit.

As a result of such a construction, two opposing panel sections (or panes) each having a respective projecting joining flange at opposite edges as known per se may be assembled using respective complementary trim profiles so as to form a completely sealed unit. Moreover, this may be done in clean factory conditions thus avoiding the entry of grit and dust which is impossible when the panels are assembled in situ. Furthermore, the assembled units are easily transported to a building site where they may be joined to form a complete structure of desired length by interconnecting the trim profile at one edge of the sealed unit to the complementary trim profile at an edge of an adjacent sealed unit in a manner that will be explained below.

In this embodiment, the channels 28, 30 constitute edge connectors that engage edges of the panel sections via the joining flanges 32. However, as will be described below with particular reference to Fig. 11, in alternative embodiments, the trim profiles may be provided with male edge connectors that are inserted into slots within the edges of the panel sections. Likewise, the edge connectors may include both male and female parts that engage edges of the panel sections as described below with particular reference to Fig. 9.

Optional support fins 34, 36, extend from the serrated detent arms 22, 24, parallel to the plane of the panel 18, and are spaced apart to accept an additional central insulation layer 38 (Fig. 2), in cases where additional insulation layer is desired. The insulation layer 38 may use the same structure as the panel 18, or any other structure made of different, semi-rigid material, such as for example, plain or extruded polystyrene foam board. Another optional insulation technique, shown in Fig. 2, on the right double-pane panel, is achieved by filling the space between the panels 18 and 19 with a low density insulating material 39 as further explained below. In all cases, the insulating material is easily assembled during fabrication so as to form a completely sealed insulated unit.

The manner in which the complementary trim profiles on opposite edges of a sealed panel section are connected so as to join adjacent panel sections will now be explained. A complementary tenon like projection 42 and a mortise like groove 44 extend, respectively, along the ends of the shorter leg 16 and the longer leg 20, both facing the direction opposite the shorter leg 16. Optional opposing internally serrated pawl wings 48, 50 are formed on an outer surface of the shorter leg 16, creating a channel 52 ready to accept an aesthetic, thermal-gap insulating profile 53 (constituting a bridging profile) as shown in Fig. 3, as explained below. Two spaced apart racks 54, 56 are formed on the internal face of the shorter leg 16 and have internally facing teeth for engaging a retaining screw 58 as shown in Fig. 3, thus securing two pairs of juxtaposed panels as explained below with reference to Fig. 2. The pitch of the racks 54, 56 preferably equals that of the screw 58, their teeth being mutually staggered by half of the pitch such that both racks fully engage the thread of the screw 58. Thus, the racks 54, 56 constitute a fastening means for securing the two complementary profiles to each other, while the screw 58 serves as a securing element thereby allowing adjacent profiles each coupled to respective pairs of panels to be juxtaposed and securely fixed to each other.

Fig. 2 shows first and second identical trim-profiles 10a, 10b each joined to a respective pair of panels and juxtaposed in a back-to-back arrangement, the second trim- profile 10b thus being rotated 180° relative to the first trim-profile 10a so as each to form two adjacent sides of a substantially rectangular bore (Fig. 3). The first and second trim- profiles 10a, 10b, are accurately aligned by the tenon-like projection 42 and mortise like groove 44 of the first trim-profile 1 Oa engaging the mortise like groove 44 and tenon like projection 42 of the second trim-profile 10b, respectively. The tenon-like projection 42 and mortise like groove 44 thus serve as complementary alignment members that are adapted for mutual engagement when a pair of trim-profiles each joined to a respective pair of panels are juxtaposed in a back-to-back arrangement so as each to form two adjacent sides of a substantially rectangular bore. It will be appreciated that the positions of the tenon-like projection 42 and mortise like groove 44 may be interchanged without derogating from the operability of this arrangement. The trim-profiles are shown attached in Fig. 3, with a standard screw 58 inserted through a pre-drilled hole in the first trim-profile 10a, so as to threadably engage the opposing racks 54, 56 of the second trim-profile 10b, thereby tightening the trim-profiles against each other.

Further shown in Fig. 3 is the thermal gap insulating profile 53, shown fitted to position on the lower side, and taken apart on the upper side. The thermal gap insulating profile 53 has a flat aesthetic external appearance for use internally and externally in walls and internally for ceilings. It is constructed with ribs 67 dividing the interior space into a plurality of sub spaces 68, providing better insulation and strength. The thermal gap insulating profile 53, preferably made of plastic material similar to that of the panels 18, is equipped with a pair of opposing flexible detent arms 69 shaped to snap fit into the channel 52 between the internally serrated opposing pawl wings 48, 50 (Fig. 1). As shown in the figure, an outer surface of the thermal gap insulating profile 53 is arranged to lie flush with the outer surface of the panels so as to block and insulate the metal joint from rain and weather without the need for any additional sealing agent. The trim-profiles 10a, 10b and the thermal gap insulating profile 53 may be adapted for coupling panels of different widths, for example in a range of 10-16 mm. In all cases the joining flanges 32 are fully inserted into the corresponding channels 28, 30 so that the inner surfaces of the panels 18, 19 are flush with corresponding extremities of the trim-profiles as shown in Fig. 3. In order to allow use of a commonly-sized thermal gap insulating profile 53 regardless of the panel width, the pawl wings 48, 50 of the trim-profiles 10a, 10b are provided with serrations at different, pre-adjusted heights to accommodate different panel widths so that in all cases, the detent arms 69 engage an appropriate one of the pawl wings 48, 50 with the end of the thermal gap insulating profile 53 flush with the outer surface of the panels. Thus, when the thinnest panel width is used, the detent arms 69 engage the innermost pawl wings 48, 50, while for the thickest panel width the detent arms 69 engage the outermost pawl wings 48, 50. This also allows the same thermal gap insulating profile 53 to be used on both sides of the double pane structure even when the panels 18 and 19 on either side are of different widths. Fig. 4 demonstrates the method of assembly to a support structure 66 of a double pane wall or roof constructed from three prefabricated double pane panels and comprising a central first panel 60 surrounded by a second panel 62 on one side and by a third panel 64 on the other side. The central first panel 60 is fitted with trim-profiles 10a, 10c directed with their shorter leg 16 towards the support structure 66, such that the first assembled panel 60 is secured on both sides to the support structure 66, with self drilling screws 65, shown with more detail in Fig 5. The second and third panels 62, 64 are fitted with trim-profiles 1Of, 1Od, 10b 1Oe, having alternating shorter leg direction, such that assembly of the second panel 62, is made by aligning the profiles 1Od with 10c, and fixing with screws 58, to the first panel as described above with reference to Fig. 3, and directly to the support structure on the opposite side. Likewise, the third panel 64 is assembled by aligning the profiles 10b with 10a and fixing with screws 58 to the first panel and directly to the support structure on the opposite side as above. The joint portion is shown enlarged in Fig. 5, showing the first self drilling screw 65 protruding into the support structure beam 66, and the second standard screw 58 (partially shown), tightening the trim-profile 10b of the third double-pane panel 64, to the trim-profile 10a of the first double-pane panel 60. The procedure is repeated with additional panels until the end of wall or ceiling is reached, wherein the end panels are cut according to the remaining space, and trimmed with edge profile system generally referenced 70 (Fig. 6).

The edge profile system 70 comprises a spacer profile 71 having support fins 72 for an optional central insulation layer 38 (Fig. 2), an L-shaped profile 74 forming an external frame, and tightening arm profile 76 secured with screws to the L-shaped profile 74. Rubber seals 78 are optionally used for suppressing wind noises at the roof edge.

While Figs. 2 to 6 illustrate an embodiment in which the constructional panels and associated trim-profiles are engaged to form a contiguous wall or roof structure, it should be realized that the individual assembled panels such as panels 60, 62, 64 of Fig. 4, could just as well be engaged utilizing trim-profile inter-engaging by sliding one assembled panel, e.g., panel 62, at an angle with respect to panel 60 and not vertically therewith, as shown in the Figure. In such a case, the complementary projection 42 and groove 44 (Fig. 2) will be designed or configured accordingly.

It will be recognized by the person skilled in the art, that large spans between support structure beams may be achieved owing to the strength added to the construction by the resulting closed aluminum trim-profile built into the double pane panels. The support beams may be directed along the trim-profiles, as shown for example in Fig. 5, or directed on both longitudinal and transverse directions as shown in Fig. 6, or preferably, transversely directed only, as shown in Fig. 7, eliminating the need of longitudinal structure beams. It will be further recognized that on-site assembly time is significantly reduced since the double-pane panels may be delivered to the work site ready for assembly and the assembly itself is faster using the proposed trim-profile alignment and securing method.

Fig. 7 further illustrates another embodiment of a double-pane roof structure similar to the construction shown in Fig. 5. However, unlike the standard panels 18 shown in Fig. 5 which have only a single joining flange at each end, projecting joining flanges 80 are provided on both sides of the upper panel 82. When the corresponding profiles 10a, 10b attached two such panels 82 are juxtaposed, the resulting gap between the upper panels may be sealed via a U-shaped sealing element 84 that is snap-fitted on to serrations of the upwardly projecting flanges. The U-shaped sealing element 84 is constructed with ribs 85 dividing the interior space into a plurality of sub spaces 86, providing better insulation and stiffness. The sealing element 84, preferably made of plastic material similar to that of the panels 82, is equipped with detent arms 88, shaped to snap fit over the upper pair of joining flanges 80 of adjacent panels 82. The sealing element 84 blocks and insulates the metal joint from rain and weather without requiring any additional sealing agent.

Mention has already been made with reference to Figs. 2 and 4 of substantially filling the space between the panel panes with a low density insulating material 39, such as glass- wool, as shown in Fig. 2 on the right double-pane panel and in Fig. 3 on both double-pane panels. The glass-wool alternative is attractive as insulating material, being an economic and efficient solution for roofs. However, when such a low density thermal insulating material is implemented in double-pane wall panels, there is a risk that the glass-wool will sink owing to its low stiffness and the slippery surface of the panels. In order to prevent such sinking of low density insulating material in double-pane panel walls, a dedicated trim-profile 92 as shown in Fig. 8 may be used. The dedicated trim- profile 92 is equipped with support fins constructed as a fixed longer arm 94, replacing the support fin 36 on the first side, and advantageously, a separate locking arm profile 96, replacing the support fin 34 on the second side. Assembly of the low density insulated double-pane panel is preferably carried out over a horizontal surface. Trim-profiles 92 are attached to the first panel 18 on both sides. An insulating material 39 is then inserted and the locking arm profile 96 is forcibly secured by its detent teeth 104 to the detent teeth 106 of the dedicated trim-profile 92. The fixed arm and an integral or separate locking arm profile 96 may extend over the entire width of the panel or, alternatively, may be constituted by short sections spaced apart to form teeth-like arms providing an effective grip to the low density insulating material. Finally, the second panel 19 is secured to position. Optionally the dedicated trim-profile 92 may use the locking arm profile 96 on both sides replacing also the longer arm 94.

Fig. 9 illustrates a trim-profile 110 according to the present invention, suitable to inter-connect flange-less construction panels 112, 114, 116, 118 shown in Fig. 10. With such panels, it is advantageous to provide at their edge portions mechanical joining elements 120, 122, 124, 126, e.g., joining slots. The trim-profile 110 includes a first edge portion 128, a second edge portion 130, each advantageously comprising two spaced-apart members, and a third portion 132 interconnecting the portions 128, 130. The portions 128, 130 extend at an angle from the portion 132, typically extending normal to the portion 132, and are configured to mechanically engage edges of the panels as seen in Fig. 10, so that the trim- profile does not project from at least one side of the panel's external surfaces. This facilitates the assembling of juxtaposed individual panels providing the appearance of a contiguous surface. The trim-profile 110 also includes alignment members 134, 136 projecting from the third portion 130 in a direction opposite to the direction of the first and second portions 128, 130. The member 136 is provided with an attachment member 138 for fixedly attaching to a corresponding attachment member of another trim-profile, as illustrated in Fig. 10. Projecting from the third portionl32 are one or more support fins 140, 142, configured to directly or indirectly support or retain at least a semi-rigid insulating panel such as a panel 38 (Fig. 2) or a low density insulating material 39 (Fig. 2) disposed in between the panels.

It should be realized that while the trim-profiles according to the present invention may be made as an integral unit formed of a unitary molding as shown in Fig. 1, it is also possible to form and utilize trim-profiles each made of, e.g., two or more inter-engageable portions such as those illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. As seen, each of the trim-profiles 146, 148 comprises three components, namely a respective pair of panel connectors 146a, 146c and 148a, 148c, and a respective body potion 146b and 148a. The panel connectors 146a, 146c have respective male engaging elements 150, 152, and 154, 156, while the body potions 146b, 148b are respectively configured with complementary female engaging elements 158, 160 and 162, 164.

The manner in which the double-pane-panels utilize the trim-profile of Fig. 11 is clearly illustrated in Fig. 12. Thus, considering only a single trim-profile in each pair, it is seen that the male engaging elements 150, 152 of the respective panel connectors are first secured to respective edges of opposing panel sections. The male engaging elements 150, 152 are now pushed into the female engaging elements of the body portion 146, whereby the opposing panel sections are securely held by the trim profile. At the other edge of the panel section the same is done using the complementary trim profile of each pair. By such mean, a sealed unit is formed comprising a pair of opposing panel sections secured at opposite edges by complementary trim profiles so that multiple adjacent panel sections can be secured by securing the trim profile at each end of a sealed unit to the complementary profile of an adjacent sealed unit.

Although the panels 18 and 19 shown in Fig. 2 are assembled using opposing pairs of identical trim profiles 10a and 10b as shown in Figs. 1, it will readily be appreciated that the trim profiles used to support interconnected panels need not be identical so long as they are provided with complementary connectors. Thus, Figs. 13a and 13b show cross-sectional views of non-identical trim-profiles 100a and 100b, respectively, which are similar to the trim profile 10 shown in Fig. 1. However, it will be seen that instead of each trim profile having both a tenon 42 and a mortise 44 as shown in Fig. 1, the trim-profile 100a is provided with a pair of tenons 42 that engage complementary mortises 44 in the trim-profile 100b. In use, a pair of complementary trim profiles is required to assemble two adjacent pairs of pane panels such that each trim panel supports opposing spaced apart pane panels and such that adjacent panels in each plane are supported by complementary trim-profiles 100a, 100b in each pair as shown in Fig. 14.

Likewise, Figs. 15a and 15b show cross-sectional views of trim-profiles HOa and 110b, respectively, which are similar to that shown in Fig. 9. However, unlike the configuration shown in Fig. 9 where each trim profile has a pair of complementary alignment members 134, 136 so that panels are interconnected via mutually rotated pairs of identical trim profiles, the trim-profile HOa is provided with a pair of protrusions 134 that engage complementary sockets 136 in the trim-profile 110b. In use, a pair of complementary trim profiles is required to assemble two adjacent pairs of pane panels such that each trim panel supports opposing spaced apart pane panels and such that adjacent panels in each plane are supported by complementary trim-profiles 110a, 110b in each pair as shown in Fig. 16.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the trim profiles shown in Figs. 13a, 13b, 15a and 15b are by way of example only so as to show how panels may be securely intercon- nected by means of trim profiles that do need to be identical. More generally, any pair of complementary trim profiles may be employed so that each trim profile in a pair supports at opposite ends respective spaced apart mutually parallel pane panels and such that adjacent panels in each plane are supported by complementary trim profiles in each pair. Moreover, in all embodiments each trim profile may be formed of a unitary molding as shown in Figs. 2 and 9 or it may be formed of multiple interlocking components, such as shown in Fig. 11. Therefore, within the context of the description and the appended claims, whenever reference is made to "trim profile" or a "pair of trim profiles" it is to be understood that the trim profile or each trim profile in the pair may comprise one or more components.

Likewise, while typically the trim profiles will be formed of extruded aluminum, they may be formed of plastics such as injection molded or extruded plastics. Furthermore, in the case where a trim profile is formed of multiple interlocking components such as shown in Fig. 1 1, the body portion may be formed of molded plastics while the panel connectors may be plastic or metal or any other suitable material.

It should also be noted that the trim profiles at opposite sides of a sealed unit may be identical or non-identical. In the case where non-identical but complementary trim profiles are provided at opposite sides of a sealed unit, the sealed units may themselves be of complementary construction. Thus, while typically complementary non-identical trim profiles will be secured to opposite sides of the panel sections it is also possible to form two types of sealed unit, one having at both its ends a trim profile of one type and the other having at both its ends a trim profile of the complementary type. It will also be noted that, in the embodiments so far described, the trim profiles introduce a gap between adjacent panels, which may be bridged by the insulating profile 53 such as shown in Fig. 3. However, the gap will be avoided if the serrated joining flanges 32 at opposite edges of each panel are indented slightly away from the corresponding edges of the panel so as to form a slight overhang on opposite edges of the panel so that the respective overhangs of adjacent panels abut one another. This also obviates the need for opposing internally serrated pawl wings 48, 50 in each trim profile and simplifies the construction of the trim profile. However, it also means that any securing element for securing the two complementary profiles to each other, such as the screw 58 as shown in Fig. 3, is no longer externally accessible. So in this case, the fastening means must be self-locking without the need for external adjustment. This requirement is easily met using complementary self- locking fasteners such as ratchet and pawl type fasteners as are well-known in the art.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrated embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A pair of mutually complementary trim profiles (10a, 10b, 100a, 100b, 110, HOa, 110b) each comprising: opposing edges connectors (28, 30, 128, 130) for engaging a respective edge (32, 120, 122) of a pair of opposing spaced apart panel sections (18, 19) and each having alignment means (42, 44, 134, 136) for securely engaging complementary alignment means of the complementary trim profile in said pair such that in use adjacent co-planar panel sections are supported and secured by complementary trim-profiles each of which is attached to a respective edge of two opposing panel sections (18, 19), and fastening means (54, 56) for facilitating secure attachment of the two complementary profiles to each other.

2. The trim profiles according to claim 1 , being identical.

3. The trim profiles according to claim 1 , being non-identical.

4. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening means (54, 56) further facilitate secure attachment of the two complementary profiles to a support structure (66).

5. The trim profiles according to claim 4, wherein the fastening means (54, 56) of complementary trim profiles are secured to each other using a securing element (58).

6. The trim profiles according to claim 4, wherein the fastening means (54, 56) of complementary trim profiles are self-locking.

7. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the complementary trim profiles is formed of a unitary construction.

8. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the complementary trim profiles is formed of interlocking components.

9. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the trim profiles includes space apart support fins (34, 36) configured to be parallel to a panel section (18, 19) for supporting an insulation layer (38).

10. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the edges connectors (28, 30, 128, 130) include a female connector for accommodating a joining flange of the respective panel section.

11. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the edges connectors (28, 30, 128, 130) include a male connector for insertion into a slot in the respective panel section.

12. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 11, being formed of an extruded metal.

13. The trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said panel sections have at opposite edges thereof a projecting flange each having a serrated inner surface and the trim-profiles comprise: a pair of opposed detent arms (22, 24) form respective channels (28, 30) having a serrated inner surface for engaging complementary serrations of the projecting flanges (32) of a respective panel section.

14. The trim profiles according to claim 13, further comprising alignment members (42, 44) adapted for engagement with complementary alignment members of a second trim- profile when a pair of trim-profiles each joined to a respective pair of panels are juxtaposed in a back-to-back arrangement so as each to form two adjacent sides of a substantially rectangular bore.

15. The trim profiles according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the fastening means includes two spaced apart racks fastening means (54, 56) having internally facing teeth for engaging a retaining screw (58).

16. The trim profiles according to claim 15, wherein a pitch of the racks equals that of the screw and the teeth of the opposing racks are mutually staggered by half of said pitch such that both racks fully engage a thread of the screw.

17. A trim profile pair comprising a pair of interconnected complementary trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising at opposite ends of the trim profile pair a pair of opposing internally serrated pawl wings (48, 50) forming a channel (52) for accommodating a bridging profile (53).

18. The trim profile pair according to claim 17, wherein the pawl wings have serrations at different, pre-adjusted heights to accommodate panels of different widths.

19. A bridging profile (53) for bridging between adjacent co-planar panel sections in a multi-panel arrangement comprising at least two pairs of spaced-apart panel sections each joined to a respective trim profile pair according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the bridging profile (53) comprises: a plurality of ribs (68) dividing an interior space into a plurality of sub spaces, and

20. A pair of opposing flexible detent arms (69) shaped to snap fit into said channel between the opposing pawl wings of the trim-profile. A prefabricated panel unit comprising a pair of spaced-apart panel sections each joined at opposite sides to a respective trim profile of a pair of interconnected complementary trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

21. The panel unit according to claim 20, wherein the respective trim profiles at opposite ends of the opposing pair of panel units are identical.

22. The panel unit according to claim 20 or 21, including an insulation layer (38) supported between respective support fins (34, 36) attached to each trim profile.

23. A structure comprising: a multi-panel arrangement comprising at least two pairs of spaced-apart panel sections each joined to a respective pair of complementary trim profiles according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and a securing element for securing the respective fastening means of the two trim- profiles.

24. The structure according to claim 23, wherein said opposing panels in each pair are of different shape and material.

25. The structure according to claim 23, being a roof structure wherein each profile is attached to an upper panel via downwardly projecting joining flanges and to a lower panel via upwardly projecting joining flanges, said upper panel being further provided with upwardly projecting joining flanges having serrations for engaging complementary serrations of a sealing element so as to seal a gap between adjacent pairs of panels.

26. The structure according to claim 25, wherein the sealing element comprises a generally U-shaped profile having detent arms shaped to snap fit over the respective upwardly projecting joining flanges of adjacent panels.

27. The structure according to claim 25, wherein the sealing element is formed of a similar plastic material to the panels and is provided with ribs dividing the interior space into a plurality of sub spaces.

28. The structure according to claim 23, wherein at least one of said support fins comprise a fixed arm extending along a width of the panel and a locking arm profile for retaining low density insulation material.

29. The structure according to claim 28, wherein the locking arm profile extends along the width of the panel.

30. The structure according to claim 28, wherein the locking arm profile comprises a plurality of spaced apart sections.

31. The structure according to claim 28, wherein both support fins are of the separate locking arm profile type.

32. A method for assembling the structure according to any one of claims 23 to 31 , said method comprising: fitting opposing sides of a central first panel to respective first profiles; securing the shorter leg of each first profile to a support structure such that the central panel is secured on both sides to the support structure; fitting abutting sides of adjacent panels with respective second profiles rotated through 180° relative to the first profile; abutting the adjacent panels on either side of the first panel so that the respective abutting sides of the adjacent panels abut opposite sides of the first panel; securing the shorter leg of each second profile to the support structure such that the adjacent panels are secured to the support structure; and abutting further pairs of panels as required each fitted to a profile that abuts an adjacent panel and is rotated through 180° relative to an abutting profile of the respective adjacent panel.

33. The method according to claim 32, further including dimensioning an end panel according to a remaining space and trimming with an edge profile.