ES2704667T3 - Double glazing panel system - Google Patents

Abstract

A pair of coupling members to form a panel unit assembly, comprising: a first and second coupling members (800, 802) having opposite panel fixing members to retain transparent or translucent opposed panel portions; the first coupling member (800) having a first wall (814) disposed between its opposite panel fixing members and a male member (808) projecting from the first wall (814); and the second coupling member (802) having a second wall disposed between its opposite panel fixing members and a pair of side walls (826A, 826B) defining an interlocking cavity (828) to receive the male member (808) , characterized in that: the male member (808) includes at least one catch lane (822A, 822B); and the catch rail (822A, 822B) is arranged in the male member (808) to couple an internal surface of a lateral wall (826A, 826B) of the interlocking cavity (828) of the second coupling member (802) for limit pivotal movement between the first and second coupling members (800, 802) when coupled.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Double glazing panel system

Field of the invention

Embodiments pertain to modular vertical seam flange glazing panels and other glazing panels for architectural structures and, more particularly, to systems for mounting such modular vertical seam flange panels and other panels into unique paired glazing panel units that they have an air gap between the panels and the ability to efficiently limit the infiltration of air, water and sound, to function well below substantial positive and negative panel loads and significant changes in ambient temperature, and to procedures for joining the panel units and install the units in inclined windows, skylights, ceilings, walls and other architectural structures in ways that were not possible until now, including curved or radiused structural configurations, and new systems to support and join the panel units to members of support.

Background

Extruded modular panels with a honeycomb internal structure and vertical seam tabs, as well as generally flat panels made of polycarbonate and other resins, including fiberglass, are widely used in the design of various architectural structures because they are a Strong and light alternative to traditional materials, such as glass, which they often replace. For example, current modular glazing panels can be joined along flat panel edges or along unitary vertical seam flanges that extend along their opposite side edges to form glazing panel units that are they can be used alone or with a support frame of, for example, belts or beams, to form raised, wall or roof structures. The ability of such panel units to transmit light has made them particularly useful when it is desired to allow sunlight to pass into a structure, such as to illuminate an interior region of a building. An additional advantage of these panel units is that they have good energy conservation and sound insulation characteristics. The glazing panel units also have greater structural strength than the single panels, which makes them useful in applications where individual panels could not be used or would require additional structural support members.

The current extruded modular panels with unitary vertical seam tabs as well as generally flat panels made of polycarbonate and other resins can be, for example, up to 45 feet (13.71 m) long, 2-6 feet (0.60 m). -1,82 m) wide and, typically, they are flexible. Therefore, it requires considerable skill and requires a lot of time to assemble and install the panels in the glazing panel units on the site. The challenge of assembling and installing the panel units faced by such skilled workers can be seen, for example, by examining FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate representative assembly systems of pairs of prior art panels.

More particularly, Figure 1A shows a strap 1 and one of a series of metal retaining clips 2 separated and placed along the belt. The retaining clips include 3 straight horizontal tabs. Once the series of separate retaining clips are in position on the belt (or other support member), the modular polycarbonate bottom panels 4A and 4B (or other resin) are manipulated in position and slide horizontally underneath them. lashes of retaining clips. Then, an elongate resilient slat joint connector 5 with an elongated bottom cavity 6A facing downwards is forced down onto the flanges 7A and 7B of adjacent unitary vertical joints to lock them in the retaining clips by means of saw teeth in the lower cavity that engages with the saw teeth in the adjacent pair of unitary flanges of the lower panels. Finally, the upper modular panels 8A and 8B are manipulated in position with their seaming tabs 9A and 9B aligned with the elongated upper cavity 6B oriented upward in the splice connector and pressed in position with the saw teeth of the tabs 9A and 9B of the modular panels 8A and 8B which are held in position by corresponding saw teeth within the cavity 6B. Figure 1B shows units 11 of juxtaposed panels (or "translucent insulated sandwich panels"), each of which comprises panels 13 and 15 of glass fiber generally upper and lower planes with a grid formed by metal grid members or resin arranged vertically and / or horizontally (only one is shown) located in the space between the panels and meeting the panels. The grid serves, among other things, to maintain the space between the panels. The "fiberglass" from which panels 13 and 15 are manufactured is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a resin matrix reinforced with glass fibers. The resin used in the glass fibers can be a polyester, an epoxy, a thermosetting plastic or a thermoplastic. Flange supports 21 located in the upper and lower part of the grid members are fixed to the panels 13 and 15 by means of an adhesive which is in the interstices between the flange members and the internal faces 23 and 25 of the upper panels and lower to form glazing panel units. Finally, the adjacent insulated sandwich panel units are laterally joined with a clamp 27 comprising a lower support 29 and a upper support 31. To lock the adjacent sandwich panel units, a screw 33 is passed through the bracket of the lower bracket and screwed into a receptacle 35 projecting down from the bracket of the upper bracket to lock the bracket. Fixing the grid to the panels, as well as the lateral spot fixing of the adjacent sandwich panels, as in the case of the modular panels of Figure 1A, is time-consuming and requires considerable skill.

Although there are many known variations in the prior art panel unit systems of Figures 1A and 1B, which are indicative of the relative complexity of assembly and installation of paired panel units at the site to provide inclined glazing structures, skylights, ceilings, walls and other architectural structures.

The system of Figure 1A also illustrates the conventional metal contact (retention clip) with the resin coating (panel flange) employed in the current modular vertical seam panel retention systems. Because those skilled in the art have been obliged to fix the panels in position through a direct coupling of a strong metal retaining clip or high tensile strength against the resin coating of low resistance to breakage by elastic traction of the modular polycarbonate panel, it has been necessary to carry out additional steps to guarantee that the load specifications are met. For example, the coating weight of the modular panel tabs is greater than it would otherwise be to prevent cracking of the polycarbonate coating or other resin from the panel tabs under load. This excess weight results in unnecessary use / cost of the material and less light transmission. In addition, a large number of closely spaced retaining clips are often required to meet the wind load and other load specifications, spreading the load through more clips also to avoid cracking the resin coating of the tabs under load , which again leads to greater weight and material, and waste of labor.

Figure 1C illustrates a prior art system that does not involve the use of pre-assembled modular panel units. Rather, the lower panels 711 are fixed in position at the desired installation location, after which spacers 712 are applied to the flanges of the adjacent unitary panels of the lower panels and the upper panels 713 attached to the spacers. Most importantly, the locking clips 714 must be located between the lower panels at regular intervals along the panels. Since the system does not include a shielding or lining feature, the support members to which the clips are attached should be placed at relatively close intervals to receive fasteners in the clips and support the panels. There is, therefore, a great need for a system that makes it easier and less time consuming to assemble and install or install glazing panel units by redesigning the devices used to join opposing panels into units of panel and to join adjacent panel units to support members. For panel units with vertical seam tabs, embodiments are also needed that improve the design of the seam flange, to improve the overall strength of the flange and to further expedite the joining process of opposing panels in panel units.

If such systems also provide a completed architectural glazing structure composed of glazing panel units composed of modular vertical seam flange panels of the current design or of an improved double seam flange design, or of flat resin panels, which is Safe, reliable, strong and able to withstand substantially higher negative and positive wind and snow loads, a particularly unexpected and useful contribution to the technique would be within reach. If the embodiments of such systems further eliminated the inherent limitations of the conventional metal-to-resin coupling, would require fewer retention clips and would make it possible to reduce the thickness of the panel, we would be in view of an extremely important and unexpected advance in the art.

The present embodiments provide systems for easily assembling pairs of such glazing panels in glazing panel units, either on-site (but typically in convenient work areas at ground level) or off-site, and then easily install the units of pre-assembled panels on the site to erect inclined glazing, skylights, roofs, walls and other architectural structures.

The realizations of these new systems are particularly elegant, as they provide unique members of the panel coupling that cover with shield or metal the vertical seams of the modular panels and the edges of the flat panel, to thus provide a new single retention that supports greater loads of wind and snow, at the same time that allows to reduce the thickness and the weight of the flat panels or the resin coating of the tabs of the modular panels and, optionally, to use thinner and lighter interior or lower panels. Embodiments also provide improved designs of double panel seam tabs and the corresponding additional single fastening members.

The realizations of these new systems are also surprisingly economical in terms of materials (for example, the number of retaining clips can be reduced and modular panels with thinner, and thus less expensive, resin coatings can be used. thinner flat resin) and in terms of construction costs, since they can be built quickly and generally without special skills, and produce architectural structures that can accommodate longer stretches, they are surprisingly effective in limiting the infiltration of air, water and sound, and have outstanding energy conservation characteristics. In fact, current systems allow the fill to be easily inserted into the air space between the off-site panels (or at the site) in the form of translucent insulation (eg, fiberglass), or add a metal mesh to the flat panel glazing units, improving the fire resistance of the panel units and helping to withstand severe localized impacts on the exterior panels of the units. This is another welcome improvement, as it is extremely difficult and expensive to add filler or metal grids to the prior art panel units that must be mounted on the site.

Finally, it is important to accommodate the horizontal expansion and contraction of the glazing panel units under the typically widely varying ambient temperatures to which the panel units are subjected after they are installed. Although prior systems for mounting and installing pairs of panels have a limited capacity to accommodate such expansion and contraction, the use of several first and second locking coupling members of the embodiments adapts to said horizontal expansion and contraction much better than the designs and in a way that experts in this technique do not contemplate.

US 8056289 B1 is considered to represent the closest prior art, and its disclosure forms the basis of the preamble of claim 1.

Summary

The present invention provides a pair of coupling members as defined in claim 1. Another aspect of the invention provides a panel unit assembly as defined in claim 2.

The embodiment comprises modular units of glazing panel with vertical flange. These include panel units with opposite panels of upper and lower vertical seam flanges transparent or translucent opposite with their corresponding unitary tabs directed up and down and an air gap between the panels. The seam seams are disposed at or near the opposite side edges of the modular panels. A first and second designs of locking coupling members are provided, including embodiments having cavities disposed up and down to receive and retain corresponding tabs directed up and down the panels. The panel tabs may each have saw teeth and the cavities of the first and second locking engagement members and may have corresponding saw teeth which engage and lock in the flanges of the panel.

In other embodiments, new extruded modular panels are provided with double seam tabs at or near the edges of the side panel and the first and second corresponding locking coupling members. Coupling members include locking members with sawtooth structures that are received in a cavity between the double seam flanges to lock the double flanges of the panels opposite each other to form panel units.

In still other embodiments, glazing panel units are provided that comprise generally transparent translucent or translucent planar resin panels. The first and second corresponding locking coupling members are applied along the lateral edges of each of the resin panels, either with adhesive or in a snap-fit structure that captures and shields or coats the lateral edges of the panels. the resin panels. As a result, the panel units can be aligned laterally, so that the first and second corresponding locking coupling members can be locked in place conveniently and securely.

When two glazing panel units are generally aligned with each other and interlocked, embodiments of the first and second locking coupling members of the two adjacent interlocked panel units can form an air cavity and an internal channel for collecting and draining water that The opposite lateral edges of the panel units are infiltrated past to improve the moisture management of the system. In embodiments, a guide member projects from a first locking engagement member and is received in a wall cavity in a second locking engagement member. In addition, preferably in embodiments, the second locking coupling member, the first locking coupling member, or both may include one or more resilient members sized and positioned to hermetically couple the guide member, other selected portions of the coupling members. blocking, or selected areas along the seam tabs when the first and second coupling members of the adjacent panel units are interlocked.

In other embodiments, a first locking coupling member may include a guide member having a generally directed downward protrusion and a second locking engagement member includes a cavity with walls for receiving the guide member with a corresponding, generally directed, protrusion. up on a wall of the cavity. The protrusion directed upwards in the wall of the cavity is positioned to engage the protrusion in the guide member when the first and second locking coupling members move to the locking position.

Other embodiments include architectural structures for the passage of sunlight in the interior regions of a building, while limiting the infiltration of water, air and sound. At least two transparent or translucent glazing panel units are provided comprising upper and lower opposed modular panels with corresponding corresponding unitary or double tabs directed upwards and downwards or flat panels of polycarbonate and other resins and an air space between them. panels The first and second interlocking locking coupling members are disposed respectively on the opposite flanges of the modular panel or on the side edges of the flat panels and are attached to the support structure.

In embodiments, the modular panel and flat panel coatings have substantially less tensile strength than the interlocking tensile strength of the first and second locking coupling members of the embodiments. This can be achieved by forming the first and second locking coupling members interlocked from metal. However, alternatively, the first and second locking coupling members may be made of other materials of higher tensile strength, such as an engineered plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or extruded glass fiber. or metallic plastic. The clips used with the first and second interlocked locking coupling members may be made of metal or such materials of higher tensile strength.

Erecting a panel unit structure, a first panel unit having a first locking coupling member is disposed opposite the corresponding second locking coupling member of a second panel unit and the coupling members are interlocked. Preferably, at least one of the corresponding locking coupling members is first fixed to a support structure by retaining clips. Embodiments also include a retaining clip and designs of locking coupling members in which the clips are not present in the gap between the adjacent panel units. For example, clips may not be present in facilities that do not require internal support and retention of the panel unit is provided by the perimeter frame.

In other embodiments, the modular panels include elastic areas along their side edges. When such modular panels are installed, the elastic areas accommodate the lateral expansion and contraction of the panels together with the interlocked locking coupling members and also help control the infiltration of air, water and sound. In addition, as the elastic areas along the edges of the panel flex or compress laterally, this helps to reduce or prevent buckling of the panels as a result of lateral expansion of the panel beyond the point of contact between the resilient edges of the panel. the adjacent panels. Finally, it should be noted that modular panels with such elastic areas, along their side edges, can be paired with panels with rigid side edges.

Other embodiments comprise methods for erecting architectural structures for the passage of sunlight into an interior region of a building while limiting the infiltration of water, air and sound. The procedures include the assembly of transparent or translucent modular panels that have opposite upper and lower oblique vertical seam tabs with corresponding upward and downward flanges or flat panel edges and an air gap disposed between the panels in panel units. . When using modular panels with unitary or double seam tabs disposed on or near opposite side edges of the panels, the first and second interlocked locking coupling members, each having cavities disposed up and down or members of closure directed upwards and downwards, respectively, are joined to the corresponding flanges directed upwards and downwards unitary or double of the modular panels. Finally, for both modular and flat panel units, the first and second corresponding locking coupling members are interlocked or interconnected to complete the architectural structure. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second corresponding locking coupling members is fixed to the support structure.

Finally, embodiments of the locking coupling member are provided in which the locking coupling members can be interconnected at different angles to each other to allow the erection of rounded or curved panel unit structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to help understand the invention, exemplary embodiments will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the numerical designations will be given similar characteristics with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views in partial exploded view of the assembly and installation system of pairs of flat and modular panels of the prior art.

Figure 1C is a prior art system that does not include the shielding or metal coating feature of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a portion of a modular vertical seam flange panel;

Figures 3A and 3B are elevational views taken respectively on the ends of the first and second locking coupling members before and after they are locked;

Figures 4A and 4B correspond respectively to Figures 3A and 3B, but the modular panels are shown installed in the first and second locking coupling members of the panel units. contiguous;

Figures 5A and 5B generally correspond to Figures 4A and 4B, except that the first and second alternative locking coupling members are represented in panel units with an expanded air gap between the upper and lower panels;

Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 5B, except that another design of the first and second interlocked locking coupling members is used in which the locking coupling members are provided with reinforcing side bars;

Figure 7 is an exploded partial perspective view of an alternative modular panel design;

Figures 8A and 8B are, respectively, partial elevational views of panel units using other designs of locking coupling members with the modular panels of Figures 7 in position in the coupling members, before and after the interconnection of coupling members;

Figure 9 is a partial elevation view of the upper part of the adjacent panel units in which a joint is disposed in the space between the adjacent upper panels and held in place by a pin attached to one of the coupling members Blocking the units;

Figure 10 is a partial elevational view of modular glazing panels in which the first and second locking coupling members have joints to improve sealing at the interface between the ends of the adjacent panel of the modular panel unit;

Figures 11A and 11B are elevational views taken respectively at the ends of another example of the first and second locking coupling members;

Figure 12A is a perspective view of a clip member intended to be used with the locking coupling members of Figures 11A and 11B;

Figures 12B and 12C are partial elevational views showing the clip of Figure 12A attached to the coupling members of Figures 11A and 11B;

Figure 13 is a partial elevation view of a vertical opening with a support frame in which glazing panel units are installed;

Figure 14 is an elevational view of a support frame that can be used in the support frame of Figure 13;

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view illustrating the attachment of the support frame of Fig. 14 to a structural support member of the frame of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a partial elevational view of the adjacent modular panel units fixed in a curved or radio-shaped configuration;

Figure 17 is another partial elevational view of the adjacent modular panel units fixed in a curved or rounded configuration;

Figure 18 is a partial elevational view of the adjacent modular panel units, wherein a radio configuration is achieved by inserting a spacer member between the upper panels of the adjacent panel units;

Figure 19 is a partial elevational view of the modular panel units mounted on interlocking hermaphroditic locking coupling members;

Figures 20A and 20B are partial elevational views of interlocked modular panel units where the locking coupling members holding the panel units include rigid elongated members or extensions that improve the rigidity and moment of inertia of the panel units;

Figure 21 is a side elevational side view of single modular panels mounted on interlocking members having interlocking reinforcement extensions;

Figures 22A to 22C are partial side elevation views of modular panel units in which a first locking coupling member includes a male member with capture rails designed to engage one of the opposite walls of the female member of the coupling member corresponding locking as necessary to prevent uncoupling (Figure 22B) between the locking coupling members when excessive loads of wind or snow are applied to the panel units;

Figures 23A and 23B are, respectively, partial perspective and partial side elevation views showing an alternative retention clip design that maintains a predetermined space between the bottom panels of the interlocking panel units and a support member;

Figure 24 shows fiberglass sandwich panels in a partial side elevation view fitted to a pair of lock coupling members prior to engagement of the lock coupling members;

Figure 25 is a partial side elevational view of a pair of sandwich panels arranged laterally with an alternative design of coupling members including, but not limited to, a gasket;

Figure 26 shows the sandwich panels and locking coupling members of Figure 25 after the adjacent panels are locked and locked in position;

Figures 27A and 27B are partial side elevation views of other embodiments of modular panel units using modular panels with a double flange design;

FIG. 27C is a side elevational side view of an alternative modular panel double flange design in which both the distal ends of the panels of the panel units and the distal portions of the external flanges are structured to have greater flexure and elasticity;

Fig. 28 is a partial side elevational view of another additional embodiment of modular panel units using panels with an additional modular panel double-flange design; Y

Fig. 29 is a partial side elevational view of another embodiment of modular panel unit using panels with another double-flange design.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the invention are specifically illustrated in Figures 22A, 22B, 22C, 23, 23B, 27A, 27B, 28 and 29. The remaining figures show examples that do not exclusively represent the invention, but are described to help understand the present invention. invention.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a single modular vertical seam flange panel 10 is shown in cross section, with a seam flange 12 at its distal end 14. The seam tab preferably extends along or adjacent the entire length or side edge of the panel, which may be, for example, up to 45 feet (13.71 m) long and 2 to 4 feet (0, 60 to 1.21 m) wide. A second flange will be located along the opposite edge of the modular panel parallel to the flange 12. Of course, the panels can be provided in other sizes if desired.

The modular panel 10 may be extruded from polycarbonate (or other resin) and may have a plurality of internal cells in a honeycomb configuration 17 (or other configuration) disposed within the panel between its outer surface or at the wall 16 and its interior surface 18. Modular panels 10 with this vertical seam flange design are known in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,164,024. Modular panels with vertical seam tabs of the design shown in figure 2 and their modified versions that generally work in the same way, made of polycarbonate or other resins, will be referred to here as "modular panels", "seam flange panels" Modular verticals ", etc.

The preferred honeycomb cell configuration 17 of modular glazing panels 10 helps to control the thermal expansion of the panel in all directions and gives resistance to impact and wind and snow loading, while maintaining superior light diffusion capacity . Particularly desirable Modular Panels 10 are available from CPI Daylighting, Inc., 28662 Ballard Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045 as PENTAGLAS® NANO-CELL® architectural panels.

The vertical seaming tabs 12 have a series of saw teeth 20 along their interior surface 22 and will generally be flat along their outer surface 24 optionally with an open corner area of elastic bubble protruding to improve the sealing between adjacent panels, as will be described below. The surface 26 of the tabs (at the top or bottom of the tabs, depending on how the tab is oriented on the panel unit) can also be flat. In addition, preferably, the flanges also include internal cells to give them improved properties of strength, elasticity and expansion / contraction, as described above. Other designs of modular panels will be discussed below. In all cases, the modular panels have a thin coating of low tensile strength that extends along the entire surface of the panel.

According to an example for use with modular panels, Figure 3A shows a second locking coupling member 30 and its corresponding first locking coupling member 32 and a metal retaining clip 34 juxtaposed between the two locking coupling members. blocking. Members 30 and 32 are designed to interlock as illustrated in Figure 3B. The two locking coupling members can be made, for example, as aluminum extrusions and each is configured to be attached to the vertical seaming tabs 12 of the corresponding pairs of modular panels to build a panel unit of glazing while shielding or lining the seam tabs with metal of high tensile strength to thereby reinforce and stiffen the edges of the panel and prevent damage to the fixing points of the retaining clips 34. When metal retaining clips are used, a particularly desirable metal-to-metal coupling is achieved. However, the locking coupling members may alternatively be made of engineering plastics, pultruded glass fiber, metallic plastic or other suitable materials of high tensile strength to shield or coat the seam flanges (or the edges of the seam). panel in the examples of Figures 25-26) with this material of high tensile strength.

The shielding or lining of the modular panel flange lining of the lock coupling members protects the flanges (and panels) from damage at the contact points by the retaining clips and at other locations that might otherwise be occur due to the load and tensions from wind or snow loads and the expansion and contraction of the panels. It also increases the strength of the entire glazing panel unit, which allows to reduce the weight of the coating of the two flanges of the panels and to use the unit of glazing panels through sections and in other applications in which the units of Conventional panels could not be used without additional retaining clips and structural support. In fact, unlike conventional systems in which the support load is mainly supported by the lower or internal panel, in the current examples, the load is mainly supported by the first and second coupling members and the upper or outer panel , so that an interior or lower modular panel with lighter coating can be used in general.

In Figure 3A, the second locking coupling member 30 is arranged vertically (as would be, for example, at rest in a horizontal roof or skylight installation) and the first blocking coupling member 32 is angled with respect to the second blocking coupling member to correspond to the orientation of the locking coupling members during the course of an on-site or assembly process which concludes with the panel units installed in the juxtaposed arrangement of, for example, Figure 4B. Alternatively, the glazing panel units can be installed by directly aligning, rather than tilting one of the panels and sliding the two panel units sideways to each other until the locking coupling members are fully engaged or interlocked.

The second locking coupling member 30 includes a base 36 that is vertically oriented in the figure and generally U-shaped arms 38 and 40 directed up and down depending on the rear surface 42 of the base. The arm 38 includes a generally flat horizontal portion 44 and a generally flat vertical portion 46. The horizontal portion 44 includes an optional angled outer corner portion 45 for improving the elasticity and breaking strength of the arm 38 at this corner. The rear surface of the base and the U-shaped arm define a cavity 48 directed upwards to receive and block the flange of the upper modular panel of the glass panel unit 142 illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. Finally, at least one saw tooth and preferably at least two saw teeth 50 (as shown) project from the rear surface 42 into the cavity 48 to engage the saw teeth 20 in the vertical flange 12 of the panel 10 in the assembly of the modular panels in the locking coupling member 30. The saw teeth 50 include horizontal portions 52 and angled portions 54 that are inclined and dimensioned to engage with the saw teeth 20 of the flange of the modular panel.

In a similar manner, the U-shaped downwardly directed arm 40 includes a generally horizontal portion 56 and a vertical portion 58. The horizontal and vertical portions define a downwardly directed cavity 60 which will engage the vertical flange of a second panel of the modular panel unit mounted on the locking coupling member 38. The horizontal portion 56 can be staggered downward, as shown, to produce a groove 62 having a lip 64 directed upwardly to receive a hook 74 for engaging the retaining clip 34 and achieving a metal-to-metal retention of the panels and of the panel unit. Other alternative structural arrangements can be used for the coupling between the retaining clip and the locking coupling member and the coupling members can alternatively be made of designed plastics, pultruded glass fiber, metallic plastic or other suitable high strength materials. breakage by traction.

The retainer clip 34 includes a base 66 with a hole 68 for receiving a fastener 70 that will be driven or screwed onto a belt, beam or other support (not shown) to hold adjoining juxtaposed glazing panel units (e.g. 142 and 144 of Figure 4B) in position. The base 66 supports a vertical wall 72 and a coupling hook 74. The hook includes a flange 75 and a downwardly directed lip 76 sized to fit within the groove 62 (or 126) and engages the inner surface of the lip 64 of the locking engagement member to retain the second engagement member 30 lock and the first interlocking interlocking lock coupling member and its modular panels / glazing panel units in position during the in situ mounting of the inclined glazings, skylights, ceilings, walls and other desired architectural structures of the series of panel units juxtaposed. However, in short span applications, the panel units can be interconnected and erected in position without the use of retaining clips.

The horizontal portions 44 and 56 of the arms 38 and 40 directed upwards and downwards are separated from each other to define a wall in a horizontally directed internal cavity 80. The internal cavity 80 receives a guide member 82 of the first locking coupling member 32 and, in so doing, assist in forming an internal channel 81 (Figure 3B) in the last pair of interconnected locking coupling members 83, which will be explained in more detail below. The guide member aids in resisting the loads in the interconnected locking coupling members and, therefore, must be strong and long enough to accommodate the maximum expected load on the interconnected coupling members.

Preferably, an elastic sealing strip 84 will be placed in the cavity 80 along the rear surface 42 of the base 36 in the horizontally directed interior cavity 80 to engage the guide member 82. This establishes a channel seal 90 as illustrated in FIG. 3B to assist in achieving and maintaining an airtight and water tight condition in the inner channel 81, while improving the soundproofing properties of the pair 83 of interlocked locking members. endings The inner channel 81 in turn carries the water to an open end of the interlocking interlock coupling members where a suitable support and flashing will be provided to collect the leaking water and to move it away from the inclined glazing, the skylight, the roof , the wall or other architectural structure.

In addition, the upper corner 85 of the step portion 62 can have a protuberance 86 with inclined front and rear surfaces 87 and 88 that facilitate the interlocking process, as will be described below. Finally, an optional water rail 91 projects down and away from the outer surface 92 of the vertical portion 46. As will be explained below, this rail directs the water that infiltrates or draws between the adjacent upper panels of the juxtaposed panel units and travels downward on the surface 92 due to the effects of surface tension or through the space 96 between vertical portions 46 and 108 outside channel joint 90 to minimize the likelihood that such infiltrated water will find its way to the channel joint. Turning now to the first locking coupling member 32 in Figure 3A, it is seen that this locking coupling member has a base 100 and U-shaped arms 102 and 104 directed up and down depending on the rear surface 106 from the base. The arm 102 includes a generally planar vertical portion 108, and a bottom 110 formed by a first planar portion 112 generally perpendicular to the base 100 and a second planar portion 114 inclined upwardly. This lower configuration is chosen to improve the elasticity and breaking strength as the corner on the arm 38 described above and, of course, is optional. The back surface 106 of the base 100 and the U-shaped arm 102 together define a cavity 116 generally directed upwardly to receive the downwardly directed flange of an upper modular glazing panel of a glazing panel unit. Finally, the saw teeth 50 project from the back surface 106 into the cavity 116 to engage the saw teeth 20 in the vertical flange 12 of a modular panel 10. The saw teeth 50 include horizontal and angled portions that are dimensioned to engage the saw teeth 20 of the flange of the modular panel.

The U-shaped arm 104 facing downwardly of the first locking member includes a generally horizontal portion 120 and a vertical portion 122. The arm 104 and the rear surface 106 of the base define a cavity 124 directed downwards which will engage the vertical flange of the second unit 142 of the modular glazing panel (Figure 4A).

As in the case of the first locking coupling member 30, the horizontal portion 120 may be stepped downwardly, as shown, to produce a slot 126 having a lip 128 directed upwardly for receiving clip engaging hook 74. 34 retention to achieve a metal-to-metal coupling. Of course, other alternative structural arrangements for metal-to-metal coupling can be used between the retaining clip and the locking coupling member. Further, as can be easily understood from Figure 3A, the retaining clip 34 can be rotated 180 degrees to engage the slot 126 and the lip 128 of the first locking coupling member in place of the step 62 and the directed lip 64 upwards of the second locking coupling member, depending on the construction requirements and the desire of the installer to install the modular glazing panel units in position. Of course, as indicated above, in other less preferred examples other locking configurations could be used and, in fact, only one of the first and second locking coupling members can be provided with the slot and the lip for accommodating the retaining clip . In all cases, the resulting metal-to-metal interconnection or interlock represents a significant advance over previous systems, providing much greater resistance to wind loading and other advantages as mentioned above.

The guide member 82 of the first locking coupling member 32 includes a column 83 that projects generally perpendicularly with respect to the surface 106 of the base 90 and, in this example, extends from the portion 120 of the arm 104 in the form of U directed down. The member 82 has a protrusion 130 adjacent its distal end 132 projecting down from its lower surface 134 to cooperate with the protrusion 85 in the portion 56 of the second locking engagement member when the first and second locking coupling members. they are interlocked as will be explained below. The protrusion 130 has inclined front and rear surfaces 136 and 138 that facilitate the interlocking process and help maintain the corresponding locking coupling members together as the installation of the glazing panel units progresses.

An end flange 140 is located at the distal end of the column 83 of the guide member 82. The eyelash 140 has a generally flat outer surface 142 and an optional hook portion 145 that is dimensioned to be supported below the horizontal portion 44 of the second locking member when the first and second locking coupling members are interconnected as in FIG. 3B to assist to limit the entrance of water to the interior channel and to reach the channel joint 90 and limit the upward movement due to the load on the guide member. Finally, the column 82 and the end flange 140 are dimensioned to ensure that when the first and second locking coupling members are interlocked as in FIG. 3B, the flat outer surface 141 abuts (and preferably compresses) with the insulating strip 84. elastic in the cavity 80 of the second locking member to produce a reliable seal of air, water and sound.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lock coupling members 30 and 32 are shown with modular glazing panels 10 locked in respective cavities 48, 60, 116, and 124 directed upwardly and downwardly of the coupling members of FIG. blocking by the coupling between the saw teeth 20 of the panel units and the saw teeth 50 of the locking coupling members. This forms the glazing panel units 142 and 144. These units can be mounted on-site in a convenient area at ground level or off-site and transported to the job site. Once at the work site, the panel units will be erected in inclined glazing structures, skylights, ceilings, walls or other architectural structures. The modular panels in the glazing panel units 142 and 144 may include optional elastic zones in the shape of, for example, open bubble areas 146 that preferably protrude at the side edges of the panels. These areas of open bubbles substantially increase the strength of the edges of the panel, so that they can deform when the corresponding side edges of the panels are moved in and out due to the expansion and contraction of the panel. The adjacent resilient panel areas cooperate with the first and second coupling members, which also accommodate lateral movement. Therefore, unlike the prior art systems, where the expansion of the side panel can cause the modular panels to bend, the panels of the units 142 and 144 of the glazing panel remain flat. At the same time, these resilient edges close the gap between adjacent panels in the panel units to help limit or prevent the infiltration of air, water and sound. Of course, other hole sealing approaches can be used.

With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the installation procedure of the invention can proceed as follows:

A. First, the 40-foot (12.19 m) glazing panel units 142 and 144 of Figure 4A are assembled, transported to the work site if necessary, and then preferably oriented and positioned in a convenient manner. in the place where they will be installed. It should be noted that the panel unit 142 has a first locking coupling member at its opposite (hidden) side edge, while the panel unit 144 has a second locking coupling member at its opposite (hidden) side edge.

B. Thereafter, the unit 142 can be placed on the appropriate belt or beam (not shown) and can be locked into position by a series of separate retaining clips 34, for example, at a distance of about 4 to 10 feet ( 1.21 to 3.04 m), with its coupling hooks engaged in slots 62 and lips 64 of the second locking coupling member, which in turn engages and shields or covers the tabs of the 40-foot modular panel ( 12.19 m). As noted above, the connection to the first locking coupling members can be made from the other side by rotating the retaining clip 180 degrees and the first unit 144 of the installation panel by means of the fixing slots 126 and the lips 128 of The first blocking coupling members. In addition, for shorter sections, the assembly may not require an intermediate support that allows the use of retaining clips to be dispensed with.

C. Assuming that the unit 142 is already in place, the modular glazing panel unit assembly 144 is juxtaposed against the unit 142 with its side edge 160 opposite the side edge 162 of the panel unit 142 already in place. In this orientation, the guide member 82 will be located opposite the internal cavity 80 of the second locking coupling member 30.

D. Then, the panel unit 144 will be rotated about the adjacent side edges 160 and 162, since the inclined surface 136 of the protrusion 130 in the first guide member engages the surface 87 inclined in the protrusion 85 of the second. member and the protrusion 130 travels to the protrusion 85, providing the installer with a tactile indication that the first and second locking engagement members are suitably interconnected with the flat outer surface 141 of the flange 140 which abuts and preferably compresses the strip 84. elastic insulator as shown in Figure 3B and edges 164 and 166 of the lower side panel also in contact. When the locking coupling members are interconnected in this manner, the inclined surfaces 88 and 138 will be held together keeping the glazing units 142 and 144 together so that the installer can move to the next adjacent lateral position to begin installing the next unit of panel.

E. In an alternative installation approach, the panel unit 144 can be vertically aligned and slid horizontally in position until the locking coupling members are interconnected.

F. This process continues until the outer panel units are reached. The exterior panels are fixed by conventional perimeter frames. Therefore, a series of units are held in place by retaining clips, as illustrated in Figure 4B and are limited to external panels or separate conventional structural members to ensure that the entire facility resists substantial loads even up to hurricane levels, while providing exceptional resistance to infiltration of air, water and sound, as well as excellent energy conservation characteristics and the ability to accommodate the expansion and lateral contraction of modular panels and glazing panel units in a degree that until now was not believed possible.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative example in which the first and second locking coupling members 200 and 202 are used to mount panel units 204 and 206. As evident in these figures, the locking coupling members 200 and 202 are higher than the locking coupling members 30 and 32, thus establishing a higher and larger air gap between the pairs of modular panels of the units. of glazing panel. For example, the air gap of the units of Figures 4A and 4B can have, for example, approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in height, while the air space of the units of Figures 5A and 5B can be, for example, approximately 4.0 inches (10.16 cm) in height. This difference in height is achieved by incorporating a second internal cavity 80A and the corresponding second guiding member 82A spaced apart at a distance "x" from the first internal cavity. Smaller and larger internal cavities and guide members can be used, as well as more than two pairs of these characteristics. These additional features further improve the installation process, for example, by improving the signaling and interlocking operation of the first and second blocking coupling members. The larger airspace panel units are also stiffer, which further enhances their ability to withstand loads and the added lower internal channel (which can optionally be equipped with a joint strip 81A) further limits the infiltration of water, air and sound.

Figure 6 illustrates another alternative example in which the first and second locking coupling members 250 and 252 are used. These locking coupling members generally correspond to the locking coupling members 200 and 202 of FIGS. 5A and 5B, except that the locking coupling members are provided with pairs of outer supports 254 and 256 for holding the side bars 258 of FIG. reinforcement. The reinforcing side bars extend along the blocking coupling member, improving the moment of inertia of the locking coupling members section, thereby improving the load-carrying characteristics of the overall panel unit and its capacity to handle longer stretches. The side reinforcing bars are preferably made of solid aluminum or steel, although they may be hollow if desired.

Figure 7 depicts a modular panel 300 having a double-flange design comprising an outer flange 302 and an inner vertical seam flange 304. Such panels are shown installed in the first and second locking coupling members 306 and 308 in Figures 8A and 8B, forming the panel units 310 and 312. The lock coupling members are interlocked using the rotary or slidable locking movement of the locking coupling members described above and form an internal channel 324 in the same manner as they use similar structural characteristics. A straight lip 314 on which a hook 74 of a retaining clip 34 is reset again achieves the metal-to-metal coupling described above. In addition, the second lock coupling member includes a flange 316 (on which the flange 302 of the outer panel rests to provide an improved load carrying capacity) and a projection 318 directed downward. The first locking coupling member 306 has a corresponding first flange 320 for supporting the outer flange 302 of the adjacent panel 300 of the panel unit 310. The flange 320 moves downward to provide a second lower flange 322 that engages downwardly of the flange 318 directed downwardly of the second locking coupling member when the panel units are interconnected as shown in FIG. 8B. The engagement of the boss 318 and the flange 322, therefore, constitutes the first line of defense against the infiltration of water into the internal channel 324 in the interconnected units and also provides improved load bearing capabilities (Figure 8B).

Figure 9 is a partial view of the upper modular panels of two panel units interconnected using the first and second locking coupling members 301 and 303. This figure is included to illustrate an alternative example in which the side edges 305 and 307 of the panels are separated from each other. In this arrangement, an elastic joint 309 fits into the space between the edges of the panel and is held in place by a pin 311 fixed to the lock coupling member 300.

Figure 10 illustrates another example in which the pairs 10A and 10B of modular glazing panels are locked in respective cavities 406/408 and 410/412 directed up and down (Figures 11A and 11B) of the first and second members 402 and 404 metal lock coupling. Modular panel units 414 and 416 are formed in this manner and then assembled by interlocking the first and second members as illustrated in Figure 10.

Turning now to FIG. 11A, the first locking coupling member 402 of FIG. 10 has a rear wall 418 interrupted at its mid-point by a slot 420 extending along the first locking coupling member and positioned for open in the area between the paired modular panels of a glazing panel unit, as can be seen in Figure 10. Flame retardant, aluminum, soundproofing or isolation members fitted with tabs, as appropriate, can be fixed in the area between the Pairs of panels joining the tabs to this slot as desired. The rear wall 418 extends between the upper edge 422 and the lower edge 424 of the first locking coupling member.

A cantilevered arm 426 extends from the interior surface 421 of the rear wall 418. The cantilevered arm 426 includes a base portion 430 that is generally perpendicular to the interior surface of the rear wall and has a predetermined width "W". An angled member 432 extends from the base 430 and the lower member 434 of the cavity extends laterally from the member 432 at an upward angle. Finally, a member 436 of the side wall of the cavity extends generally parallel to the inner surface of the rear wall 421 to form one side of the cavities 406/408. The opposite side of the cavities comprises a portion of the interior surface 421 and a pair of saw teeth 439 at the top and bottom of the locking engagement member protruding into the cavities 406 and 408.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the saw teeth 20 of the seaming tabs 12 of the glazing panel 10A or 10B fit within the cavity 406 or 408 with the sawtooth panel engaging the saw teeth 439. When the sewing tabs are pressed into the cavities, the cantilevered arms 426 will flex outwardly from the interior surface 421 of the rear wall to allow the tabs to enter the cavities, after which the cantilevered arms will return to their position. original position and will lock the tabs in position. In addition, to facilitate the mounting of the panel saw teeth in the cavity, a bevel 440 can be formed on the inner surface of the side wall member 436 (FIG. 11A) to assist in guiding the panel saw teeth into position in The cavity.

A "T" shaped member 442 projects from the outer surface 444 of the side wall member 436. The T-shaped member has an outer stop surface 446 to help ensure adequate parallel alignment of the modular panel units when interconnected by the first and second locking coupling members.

The first locking coupling member 402 also includes slots 449 that extend behind the stop surface 446 of the T-shaped member 442. These slots can receive a locking portion 445 of an elongated seal 443 (Figure 10). When these joints are placed as illustrated in Figure 10, they achieve an improved seal at the interface between the ends of the adjacent panel of each modular panel unit.

The respective interior surfaces 421, 431 and 433 of the rear wall 418, the base 430 of the cantilevered arm and the cantilevered side wall member 436 define a cavity 452 for receiving the upper retaining portion 464 of a single clip member 454. which is described immediately below and which is illustrated in Figures 12A-12C and 14. The inner surface 433 of the cantilevered side wall member also includes a protrusion 447 which helps ensure that the upper retaining portion of the clip member 454 is firmly retained in cavity 452 and kept in contact against inner surface 428.

The first locking coupling member 402 also includes a guide member 470 that is disposed generally perpendicular to the rear wall 418 and projects from the interior surface 474 of the wall 472 of the slot. The guide member includes a column 476 and a generally rectangular flange 478 at its distal end. The flange 478 includes a stop surface 482 that is generally parallel to the rear wall 418 and has a height "H" corresponding to the height of a cavity 490 for receiving the second lock coupling member 404 (FIG. 11B) to ensure that the tab correctly fits the receiving cavity of the second blocking coupling member 404, as will be explained later. Finally, it is noted that flange 478 includes exterior corners 484.

Figure 11B illustrates the second blocking member 404. As described above with respect to the first locking coupling member, this locking coupling member includes a rear wall 418 'interrupted at its mid-point by a slot 420' extending along the first member and positioned to open in the area between the paired panels of a modular panel unit. The fire protection or insulation can be fixed in the area between the pairs of panels by means of a tongue attached to this slot, as desired, as explained above with respect to the blocking coupling member 402. The rear wall 418 'extends between the upper part 422' and the lower part 424 'of the first locking coupling member.

The cantilevered arms 426 'extend from the interior surface 421' of the rear wall 418 '. The cantilevered arms 426 'include a base portion 430 that is generally perpendicular to the interior surface of the rear wall and have a predetermined width "W". An angled member 432 'extends from the base 430' and the lower member 434 'of the cavity extends laterally from the member 432' angled upwardly. Finally, a member 436 of the sidewall of the cavity extends generally parallel to the interior surface of the rear wall 421 to form one side of the cavities 410 and 412. The opposite side of the cavities comprises a portion of the surface 421 and a pair of serrated teeth 438 on the upper and lower part of the locking coupling member protruding into the cavities 410 and 412.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the saw teeth 20 of the glazing panel 10A or 10B fit within the cavity 410 or 412 with the sawtooth panel engaging the saw teeth 439. Also, for facilitating the mounting of the panel saw teeth in the cavity, a bevel 440 'can be formed on the inner surface of the side wall member 436' to assist in guiding the panel saw teeth in position in the cavity.

A "T" shaped member 442 'projects from the outer surface 444 of the side wall member 436. The T-shaped member has an outer bearing surface 446 'to help ensure a correct parallel alignment of the panel units when interconnected by the first and second members.

The first locking coupling member 404 also includes slots 449 'extending behind the stop surface 446' of the T-shaped member 442 '. These slots can receive a locking portion 445 of an elongate seal 443 (FIG. 10). ). When these joints are placed as illustrated in Figure 10, they achieve an improved seal at the interface between the ends of the adjacent panel of each modular panel unit.

The respective interior surfaces 421 ', 431' and 433 'of the rear wall 418', the base 430 'of the cantilevered arm and the cantilevered side wall member 436' define a cavity 452 'for receiving the upper retaining portion 464. of a single clip member 454 which is described immediately below and which is illustrated in Figures 12A-12C and 14. The inner surface 433 'of the cantilevered side wall member also includes a protrusion 447' which helps ensure that the The upper retaining portion of the clip member 454 is firmly retained in the cavity 542 and kept in contact against the inner surface 428 '.

The second locking coupling member 404 has a flange receiving cavity 490 positioned along the midline of the locking coupling member that opens away from the rear wall 418 '. The receiving cavity 490 of the flange is defined by side members 492 which are oriented generally perpendicular to the rear wall 418 '. The outwardly inclined lips 494 are formed at the distal edges of the lateral members. These lips will engage the outer corners 484 of the flange 478 of the first locking coupling member to assist in guiding the flange into the receiving pocket of the flange when the panel units are moved to the locking position.

In some examples, an elastic seal strip 496 will be applied to the bottom surface 498 of the flange receiving pocket. Alternatively, such an elastic strip can be applied to the stop surface 482 of the flange 478 of the first coupling member 402, or elastic strips can be applied both to the abutting surface of the flange and to the interior surface of the bottom of the cavity. When one or more such elastic strips are used and the locking coupling members are interconnected with the abutting surface 482 of the flange adjacent the lower surface 498 of the flange receiving pocket, the elastic insulating bands will be compressed to achieve better soundproofing and air / water sealing.

The clip member 454 is shown in Figures 12A-12C. As can be seen in these figures, the clip member includes a base 456 having an opening 458 for receiving a fastener. A side wall 460 extends generally perpendicularly from the base 456. The side wall 460 is cut along 462, so that the top retention portion 464 of the side wall can be bent substantially perpendicularly so as to project in the opposite direction to the side wall. base 456. Upper retaining portion 464, which can be rounded at the corners 465 to facilitate insertion into cavity 452, is sized to fit into cavity 452 to lock the locking edge glazing panel units in position from its opposite ends, as will be described later. This is possible thanks to the greater force / moment of inertia achieved by the shielding or lining of the flanges of the glazing panels by the blocking coupling members receiving the clip.

Figure 13 illustrates a vertical opening 500 in which glazing panel units can be installed. In an installation approach, support frames 502 may be used, as illustrated in Figure 14, 538A-538B. Support frames 502 may have a general "L" shape, as shown, and include a base portion 504 and a vertical portion 506 that includes means 508 for retaining the seal at its distal end (Figure 15). The joint securing means includes a cavity 510, FIG. 510, for receiving the base 514 of an elastic joint 512. As can be seen in Figure 15, the joint 512 has a generally planar surface 516 generally parallel to the vertical portion 506. The base portion 504 of the sealing frame includes a series of spacing legs 518A, 518B and 518C that are designed to be supported against a structural support member to which the support frame is attached.

The attachment of the support frame to support the frame at 520 (FIG. 13) can be achieved by passing a screw fastener 522 through pairs of holes 524A and 524B, spaced apart respectively along the base 504 of the support frame and the foot. 526 of the spacer leg 518B and inserted into the support frame 519. When the series of screws along the support frame member move back, the feet 526, 528 and 530 of the spacer legs 518A, 518B and 518C will rest firmly against the upper surface 532 of the support structure.

Returning to figure 13 and opening 500, it is noted that this opening is framed with a head 540 on its upper part, a support 542 on its lower part and side frame members 544 and 546.

The installation of a series of glazing panel units 538A-538E can be carried out in the following manner.

1. First, the support frames 502 are fixed to the head and support using a series of screw fasteners 522, as described above.

2. Then, the glazing panel unit 538A slides in position against the side member 546 with the rear surface of the panel unit in contact with the joints 512 in the vertical portion 506. This first panel unit is locked in place by placing the upper retaining clip portion 464 in the clip receiving cavity 452 of one of the first and second locking coupling members of the panel unit. Once the panel unit 538A is correctly positioned with the clips in position, a fastener can be passed through the hole 458 in the base 456 of the clip to hold the panel 538A in place.

3. An L-shaped cover member 554 can be used as shown in FIG. 15 to cover the support frame and the interface between the modular panel unit, the support frame and the support member for aesthetic purposes. The L-shaped cover 554 includes a base 556 that snaps into a receiving cavity 558 in the support frame. Preferably, a seal receiving member 560 is provided at the distal end of the base 554 of the L-shaped cover and a seal 555 disposed therein to provide a seal against the front panel surface of the modular panel unit.

4. Once the glazing panel unit 538A is fixed in position, the successive panel units 538B, 538C, 538E and 538F are installed by aligning and moving the flange of one of the first and second locking coupling members of each unit. of panel in the corresponding receiving cavity of the flange of the other of the first and second locking coupling members, so that the panels are in position with the abutting surfaces of the T-shaped members 442 against each other. In the course of assembling the glazing panel units in position in this manner, the clip members 454 will be provided at opposite ends of each modular panel unit and then screwed into a support member to lock the panel units in place. position.

If necessary, subsequently, to remove any particular panel unit, it will only be necessary to disconnect its clip members and withdraw it from an opening 500.

Since the first and second locking coupling members greatly improve the structural characteristics of the panels and, therefore, the modular panel units, substantially improved sections can be covered in this manner in vertical, horizontal and angled applications. . However, when the section exceeds the structural specifications of these units with metal cladding, the intermediate structural supports may be provided with clips fixed to the first and second locking coupling members and the intermediate structural members.

The following figures illustrate examples and additional embodiments.

Figure 16 illustrates an example in which the modular panel units 602 and 604 having lower panels 606 and 608 with their flanges 610 and 612 are spaced a distance "Y" from the edges of the panels and their upper panels 618 and 620 A greater distance "X" is separated from the edge of the panels to achieve a rounded configuration or a set of circularly arranged glazing panel units. The locking coupling members in this example generally correspond to the lock coupling members 402 and 404 of Figures 11A and 11B, except that the guide member 626 of the lock coupling member 622 has a circular front edge 628 that accommodates the configuration of the radius, since it is capable of being supported within the cavity 629 of the blocking coupling member 624.

Figure 17 is another example in which a rounded configuration is achieved. In this example, the vertical flanges 630 and 632 of the lower panels are located at the lateral edges 638 and 640 of these panels and the flanges 642 and 644 of the upper panels are separated from the side edges 646 and 648 of the upper panels. Further, in this example, the first locking coupling member 650 includes a flange 652 with a round distal end 654 that facilitates the angled (non-perpendicular) arrangement of the first and second interlocking engagement members. A gasket 656 can optionally be placed on the outer edge of the curved flange of the guide member to seal against the lower surface 658 of the receiving cavity 660 of the flange of the second locking coupling member 662, as shown. In addition, in this example, the column 664 of the guide member is designed to be of a length that ensures that the outer surface of the guide member sits correctly in the receiving pocket of the flange.

In Figure 18, the sawtooth flanges 680 and 682 of the upper and lower panels 684 and 686 of the modular panel units are again separated from the side edges 688 and 690 of the panels. However, in this example a rounded configuration is achieved by inserting a spacer member 692 between the upper panels of the adjacent panel units. The gaskets 694 of the first and second locking coupling members rest on a central strip 696 of the spacer member to achieve a sound and water / air seal.

Figure 19 illustrates hermaphroditic locking coupling members 700 that can be used interchangeably because each includes similar guide members 702 and eye receiving cavities 704/706. As can be seen in this figure, the receiving cavity 706 includes a seal 708 which engages the distal end of one of the guide members to produce a seal when the locking coupling members are locked. This figure also includes seals 708 that fit into the hermaphroditic locking coupling members such as, for example, seals 443 in FIG. 10 to produce a seal as described above.

Figures 20A-20B illustrate examples in which the first and second lock coupling members 730/732 and 760/762 include rigid elongate members or extensions 734/736 and 764/766 that are designed to extend below the panels 738 and 768 lower of the modular panel units (or when using individual panels, below the individual panels) to improve the stiffness / moment of inertia of the panel units (or panels), so that they can extend over larger sections without intermediate supports.

Figure 21 illustrates an example in which the individual panels 780 are interconnected by the first and second locking coupling members 782 and 784 according to an example in which extensions 786/788 and 790/792 of interlocking reinforcement are provided. . In this example, the reinforcement extension 790 is attached to a strap or other support member by passing a fastener through a hole in the reinforcement extension, as shown in this figure. The most important thing is that the downward movement of the panels due to, for example, the positive pressure of a snow load is resisted by reinforcing the extension 786 which supports and prevents the downward movement of the reinforcement extension 788. On the other hand, the upward movement of the panels due to, for example, the wind load is resisted by reinforcing the extension 790 which rests on the reinforcement extension 792 and prevents it from moving upwards.

Turning now to Figures 22A and 22B, the first and second locking coupling members 800 and 802 are shown with modular upper and lower modular panels 804A / 804B and 806A / 806B in position in the locking coupling members.

The lock coupling members 800 and 802 are generally constructed as a first and second locking coupling members 402 and 404 of Figures 11A-11B. However, as will be described later, the locking coupling members 800 and 802 differ in the structure of their respective male and female members 808 and 810, which are employed in the coupling members 800 and 802 in place of the body member 470. guide and the cavity 490 for receiving the coupling members 402 and 404.

The male member 808 includes a column 812 that projects generally perpendicularly from the front surface 816 of the rear wall 814. The column 812 (as well as the column 476 of the lock coupling member 402 and the column of the lock coupling member 32) can optionally be moved from 90 ° to a sufficient angle to accommodate the angle between the adjacent panel units of the installations of curved panel units.

The column 812 extends from the rear wall 816 to a pair of removable guide rails 818A and 818B and "T" shaped pivot support that are generally disposed perpendicular to the rail with the outer faces 820A and 820B of the upper part. of the "T" generally parallel to the corresponding surfaces of the column 812 to help guide the first member into the locking cavity and to abut the internal surfaces of the side walls of the cavity. The leading edges 822A and 822B optionally have a radius, as shown to facilitate entry into the second member 810.

Continuing along the column 812, at a distance "A" from the guide rails 818A and 818B, from the extraction, and from the pivoting T-support, a pair of generally flat capture rails 822A and 822B are located and oriented perpendicular to the column 812. The distal edges of the capture rails have bevels 824A and 824B. Finally, column 812 projects beyond the capture lanes along a distal lip 826. The distal end of the lip may be bevelled to present a front edge similar to a blade.

The female member 810 includes side walls 826a and 826b defining a locking cavity 828 for receiving the male member 808. A series of flutes 830A and 830B are formed along the inner surface of the side walls 826A and 826B. Although three grooves are shown, any desired number can be used. The side walls 826A and 826B extend to its distal edge 832A / 832B where angled walls 834A and 834B are present to facilitate entry of the member 808 into the cavity 828. The distal edges 832A and 832B are separated from the first of the ridges. 830A / 830B at a distance "B". Finally, a gasket 836 is located at the closed distal end of the cavity 828.

A pair of panels 804A / 806A are mounted on the first locking coupling member 800 and a pair of panels 804B / 806B are mounted on the second locking coupling member 802, respectively, forming panel units 840 and 842.

In Figure 22A, the panel units 840 and 842 are shown with their locking engagement members interlocked and a retaining clip 844 that holds the panel units against a strap or other support member (not shown). As in this and the various other designs of locking coupling members described above, the expansion and contraction of the panel due to changes in ambient temperature is it generally accommodates by lateral movement of the first member of a first locking coupling member in the receiving cavity of the second locking coupling member.

In the configuration of this figure, an internal channel 846 is formed to receive the water that infiltrates through the space between the panels 804A and 804B and moves past the joints 848a and 848b. In addition, pressure rupture chambers 850 and 852 are formed between the 818A and 818B T-rails and the capture rails 822A and 822B and the seal formed along the lip 826 where the gasket 836 fits. In addition, it is noted that a particularly efficient sealing is achieved due to the concentrated pressure along the distal edge of the lip, which can partially penetrate the joint. As illustrated in Figure 23, if the lip penetrates far enough into the joint, a seal will also be achieved along the gap between the face of the capture rail and the exposed surface of the joint. In a less preferred alternative, a lip will not be provided, but a greater force will be required to establish a seal.

Figure 22A shows what happens in this structure when a negative force (wind) is applied along the surface of the panels 804A and 804B which tend to rotate the first locking coupling member away from the second locking coupling member . Part of the force of the wind can be absorbed by the flexing of the panels that are made of flexible resin. In this case, the edge 832a acts as a lever point where it engages the outer face of the T-rail 818A, so that the part of the column 812 extending between the T-rail and the wall 816 acts as a lever arm that produces a large downward force along the bevel 824B of the capture rail, which engages one of the grooves 830B to concentrate the force along the outer beveled edges and resist further movement of the first member locking coupling from its engagement with the second locking coupling member. The distances "A" and "B" are generally made equal to ensure that the T-rail engages the edge 832A while the bevel of the capture rail is located adjacent the slots.

When a positive charge is applied due, for example, to the snow accumulation in the panels 804A and 804B, the orientation of the first coupling member is reversed, so that the bevel rests on the grooves 830A. Furthermore, it is noted that, although less preferred, the grooves may be dispensed with, since the substantial force of the bevelled edges against one of the inner surfaces of the side walls 826A or 826B will also resist such separation between the coupling members of the walls. lock under load. In yet another alternative, the inner surface may be rough or coated with a non-slip material to resist sliding of the bevels.

Figure 22C generally corresponds to Figure 22A, except that in this embodiment retaining clips are not used and panels 804A / 806A rest on the edges of panels 804B / 806B.

In embodiments it is sometimes necessary to maintain a predetermined spacing between the lower panels of interlocked panel units and the strap or other support member to which the panel units are attached. For example, this separation may be required to align the upper surface of the upper panels of the panel units with the side frame members such as those of the support frame 520 of Figure 13. Figures 23A and 23B illustrate a further important contribution to the design of retaining clips, which makes it possible to easily and efficiently maintain said predetermined separation.

As can be seen in Figures 23A and 23B, the separation maintained between the lower surface of the panels of the lower panel unit and the belt is determined by the distance of the upper lip surface 870 and the seating surface 876 from the upper part. 862 lower of the base and the lower surface 882 of the 880 standing portion. Therefore, these distances can be adjusted by forming retaining clips of this design to accommodate different desired separations.

In FIG. 22B, the panel units 840 and 842 are shown with their locking members locked and a retaining clip 844 holding the panel units against a strap or other support member (not shown). As in this and the various other lock member designs described above, the expansion and contraction of the panel due to changes in ambient temperature is generally accommodated by the lateral movement of the first member of a first locking member in the cavity of the first member. reception of the second blocking member.

Therefore, the retaining clip 850 is shown in these figures by coupling with the second coupling member 802 of the panel unit 842 in Figure 23B. The retaining clip 850 includes a base 854 having a hole 856 through which an appropriate fastener 858 is passed for attaching the base of the clip to a support belt 860. The base 862 of the clip rests directly on the upper surface 864 of the belt.

The clip 850 includes an arm 866 projecting upwards from the base 854. A lip 868 projects generally perpendicularly from the arm and has an upper surface 870 which is generally parallel to the surface 864 of the belt.

The clip also includes a vertical wall 872 along its front edge with a hook 874 in engagement with the T-shaped member 442, as shown. A portion 875 of the clip seat is generally projected perpendicularly from the wall 872. The upper surface 876 of the seat and the upper surface 870 of the lip 868 are coplanar, so that they respectively support adjacent panels of the panel units interlocked at the same distance from the surface of the belt. The seat 876 includes a leg 878 projecting downward and generally perpendicular from the seat. Finally, a standing portion 880 projects generally perpendicularly forward from the leg. The lower surface 882 of the foot portion is coplanar with the bottom surface 862 of the base 854.

The modular panels 884 of Figures 27A and 27B are of a new design in which pairs of tabs or "double tabs" 886A and 886B project from the inner surface 888 of the panels. This double flange design offers advantages over capturing a single panel flange (e.g., flange 12 in FIG. 2) in a cavity (e.g., cavity 408 in FIG. 11A) of a lock coupling member defined by a rear wall (e.g., the rear wall 418 in Figure 11A) and a cantilevered arm (e.g., member 426 of Figure 11 ^a ), since flexing of a member cantilever arm will not be required coupling. The design of the double flange panel thus replaces the required bending of the cantilevered arm with flexure in the double flanges that are bent during coupling to the locking coupling members and are repositioned in their initial position to block the panels at the blocking coupling members. By eliminating the requirement for a flexible cantilever arm of sufficient length to provide a moment arm that ensures sufficient bending during attachment to a single panel flange, the arm of the coupling member can be reduced in length and provided with greater rigidity and resistance to tensile breakage. As a result, the space between the panels of a panel unit can be reduced. And, what is more important, since the coupling members can be constructed with a greater resistance to tensile breakage, the space between the supports of the panel unit can be increased, reducing the number of support members and the clips needed in a panel unit installation.

In addition, the edges of the distal or outer flange of each pair of double flanges may be spaced a distance "C" from the distal ends of the panels 892 or may be generally coplanar with the ends of the panel (eg, as in the FIG. 2B). The distance "C" should be approximately 0.5 to approximately 8 mm. The spacing of the flange pairs from the distal ends in this manner exposes portions 894A and 894B of the panels, which will have improved flexure and elasticity as a result of this geometry to help accommodate the expansion and lateral contraction of the modular panels. along with its interlocking coupling members. The degree of bending can be improved by removing the honeycomb structure in this elastic portion as in the elastic portion 894A or by reducing the thickness of the outer wall of the panel 893A or 893B along the elastic portions 894A or 894B. The degree of bending can also be improved by providing an internal structural wall 897 having a thickness generally equal to the thickness of the outer wall of the panel 16 to further insulate the elastic part, thus improving its elasticity. As a result of the improved flexure provided in these ways, when the elastic portions are supported during an expansion phase, control of air, water and sound infiltration will be improved. And, these portions will be compressed laterally to prevent the panel from bending under very high lateral expansion conditions.

Figure 27C shows a double flange design of an alternative modular panel in which both the distal ends of the panels of the panel units and the distal portions of the external flanges are structured to have greater flexion and elasticity. In this alternative structural design, panel 999 includes double seam tabs in the form of a proximal or inner flange 1000 and a distal or outer flange 1002. The outer surface 1004 of the flange 1002 includes a notch 1006, so that the lower portion 1008 of the outer surface of the flange 1002 is spaced from the distal end 1010 of the panel 999 at a distance of approximately 0.5 to 8 mm. This geometry produces bending and strength, both at the distal end of the panel and on the outer surface of the flange 1002.

Finally, opposing inner edges 895A and 895B of the double flanges each have corresponding saw ridges 896A and 896B that define a locking cavity 898 to be addressed later.

The lock coupling members 900 and 902 are generally constructed as the first and second lock coupling members 402 and 404 of Figures 11A and 11B and the lock coupling members 800 and 802 of Figures 22A-22C. However, as will be explained below, the locking coupling members 900 and 902 differ in structure for attachment to the double flanges of the panel and include optional additional seals.

Therefore, the first locking coupling member 900 includes a male member or column 912 that projects generally perpendicularly from the front surface 916 of the rear wall 914. The column 912 (as well as the columns of the coupling members 32, 402 and 800) can optionally be moved from 90 ° to a sufficient angle to accommodate the angle between the adjacent panel units of the curved panel unit installations.

The column 912 extends from the rear wall 916 to a pair of removable guide rails 918A and 918B and "T" shaped pivot support which are generally disposed perpendicular to the rail with the outer faces 920A and 920B of the upper part of the "T" generally parallel to the corresponding surfaces of the column 912 to help guide the first locking coupling member into the cavity 913 of enervation of the second coupling member locking and to abut the inner surfaces of the ^{side walls of the cavity Jan} r ^vamiento.

Continuing along the column 912, at a distance "D" from the T-rails 918A and 918B, a pair of generally flat capture rails 922A and 922B are located and oriented perpendicular to the column 912. The interlock cavity 910 includes side walls 926A and 926B (Figure 27A) to receive the first member 908. The grooves 930 are formed along the interior surface of the side walls 926A and 926B. Although two slots are shown in the side walls 926A and 926B in Figure 27A, any desired number can be used. And, as shown in Figure 27B, the grooves may be present on the interior surface of only one of the walls.

The side walls 926A and 926B extend to their distal edges 932A / 932B where angled walls 934A and 934B are present to facilitate entry of the member 908 into the cavity 928.

Finally, an elastomeric seal 936 may optionally be located along a portion of the column 912 distally to the T-rails 918A and 918B to seal along the inner surface of one of the sidewalls when the coupling members of blockage are interlocked. Since the joint (s) 936 extend upwardly and / or downwardly from the column, when the column enters the interlocking cavity 913 of the second locking coupling member 902, it will engage the opposite inner surface from the wall of the cavity to produce an additional seal. Alternatively, the elastomeric seals can be located on both sides of the column 912.

The panels 884 are mounted on the first locking coupling member 900 and a pair of panels 884 are mounted on the second locking coupling member 902 to respectively form the panel units 941A and 941B.

The elongated elastic seals 940a and 940B with the locking coupling members 942a to 942B having distal flexible shaft shapes can be mounted in cavities 944A and 944B in the coupling members. The members of the gasket are dimensioned so that when the locking coupling members are locked, the gaskets will fill the space between the outer surfaces 890A and 890B of the outer flanges of the lower (or interior) panels of the 941A and 941B units. of adjacent panels, while the internal surfaces 947A and 947B of the joints press against each other (behind the vertical wall 961 of the clip 960) and encapsulate the wall of the clip to help limit the infiltration of air, water and sound to through the interlocking members. Although the elongated elastic joints are shown adjacent to the lower panels of the panel units, they may also be included adjacent to the upper panels of the panel units. The lock coupling members 900 and 902 may include additional joint systems to further limit air, water and sound filtration through the interlocking lock coupling members. Therefore, the second locking coupling member 802 may include a first flange member 915 carrying a resilient top sealing member 917 having a series of flexible fingers 919 along its upper surface and / or a series of 921 flexible fingers along its bottom surface. The sealing member and the fingers are positioned so that when the locking coupling members are interlocked, the fingers 919 abut the lower surfaces of the flanges of the adjacent panel joints and the fingers 921 abut the opposite surface of the flanges. a second flange member 923 of the first locking coupling member 900, producing even more sealing against the infiltration of air, water and sound through the interlocked members.

Figure 27B illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first and second locking coupling members are respectively designated 908 and 910 and the panels of the adjacent panel units are supported against each other, so that, for example, there is no space for receive the boards 940A and 940B of the embodiment of figure 27A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the seals 945A and 945B are used and both are supported along their internal surfaces and also rest on the upper surface of the outer flanges of the double flanges of the lower panels of the units of Adjacent panels.

An internal channel 946 is formed in the embodiments of both Figures 27A and 27B to receive any water that seeps through the space 943 between the adjacent upper panels of the interlocked panel units (Figure 27A) or through the interstice 949 (Figure 27B). ) where the edges of the top panels of the panel units are supported. In addition, pressure rupture chambers 950 and 952 are formed between lanes 918A and 918B in T and capture lanes 922A and 922B.

Finally, the blocking coupling members 900/902 and 908/910 include opposing surfaces 951 and 953 from which the sawing-shaped coupling members 954 project. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 27A and 27B, the closure members have two pairs of saw teeth 956A and 956B directed opposite each other along their opposite edges to form a pine tree shape. Only one pair of saw teeth directed in the opposite direction can be used, as shown in FIG. 29, or more than two pairs of saw teeth directed in the opposite direction can be used.

Assembly of the panel units can proceed by placing the panels 884 on a support surface with double flanges 890A and 890B projecting upwards and inserting the closure members 954 into the locking cavities of the double flanges. As pressure is applied, the flanges of the pairs of flanges deform outward and then snap back into position once the closure members are fully seated in the cavities with the corresponding saw teeth of the coupling member of the flange. lock and tabs attached. Once this is completed on both side edges of the panel, a second top panel is applied by locating its flange cavities opposite the upper closing members and pressing down, which again causes the tabs to be repositioned and fit again in position, as described above.

The locking clip 960 is shown in the embodiment of Figure 27A with the spacing legs 962 and 964, the sleeper members 963 and 965, and the feet 966 and 967 resting against the bottom panel surface (foot 967 and flange 963). ) and a strap or other support frames (foot 966 and flange 965). This clip structure maintains a space between the panel units and the support frame, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 14.

Turning now to FIG. 28, modular panels 948 with matching vertical flanges 970A and 970B are shown. In this embodiment, the inner surfaces 972 of the distal flanges are coplanar with the lateral ends 974 of the panels. However, the outer flange of the double flanges can be separated from the ends of the panel as shown in Figures 27A, if desired.

As can be seen in this figure 28, the distal flanges 970B include saw teeth 976, while the proximal or interior flanges 970A have a generally flat surface 978 that forms a serpentine locking cavity 980 along a single side . This design can be reversed as needed so that the external tabs include the saw teeth. The closing members 982 in this figure differ from the closing members 954 in Figures 27A-27B in that the closure members have a generally flat rear surface 984 and saw teeth 986 along their opposite surface. Therefore, when it is desired to interconnect panel units, the procedure described above can be used again to insert and lock the closure members into the locking cavities of the double flanges.

Fig. 29 shows another embodiment of modular panel 988 with vertical tabs 990A and 990B matched. In this embodiment, the closing member 992 of the first and second locking coupling members 989 and 991 has only one saw tooth 994 protruding into the locking cavity 994 between the pair of flanges 996A and 996B to engage a single tooth 998 saw located on the inner surface of the distal tabs.

Finally, Figure 24 shows a pair of panels 1400 and 1402 in fiberglass sandwich. The sandwich panels each include upper panels 1404 and lower panels 1406. Although in this figure it is shown that the upper and lower panels have the same thickness, a thinner lower panel may be sufficient in many applications due to the structural integrity provided by the metal locking coupling members. In addition, although the panels are considered fiberglass, panels of other transparent or translucent resins may be used.

The sandwich panels 1400 and 1402 are provided with corresponding first and second metal locking rails 1408 and 1410 adjacent the side edges 1413 and 1415 of the panels. The locking rails are generally "I-beam" shaped and include upper and lower tie supports 1412 and 1414 that are adhered to the inner surfaces 1416 and 1418 of the upper and lower panels by a suitable adhesive located in the interstices 420 and 422 between the internal surfaces 416/418 and the supports 1412/1414 upper and lower sleepers.

The first and second corresponding locking coupling members 1424 and 1426 are generally located midway along the rails 1408 and 1410. The rails are oriented so that the first and second locking coupling members project away from the legs. panels As shown in Figure 24, the second locking coupling member is generally U-shaped and includes an internal cavity 1427 and outwardly projecting lips 1428 that assist in guiding the first locking coupling member in the second locking member. lock coupling. The first locking coupling member, in turn, includes a vertical rail 1430, an end flange 1432, with a lip 1434 directed inwardly. As can be seen from this figure, when the adjacent sandwich panels are to be assembled, they move together, so that the second locking coupling member receives the first locking coupling member in locking engagement. And, by assembling a series of sandwich panels in this manner on a suitable support, a transparent or translucent architectural structure can be constructed quickly and efficiently. Although Figure 24 illustrates a first and second pair of locking coupling members, any of the guide members and the coupling cavity designs of the lock coupling members as illustrated in the above figures and described above can be use instead of lock coupling members 424 and 426.

Figure 25 shows a pair of sandwich panels 1436 and 1438 arranged laterally, in which the edges 1413 and 1415 sides of the upper and lower glass fiber panels 1404 and 1406 are captured in the first and second metal locking rails 1444 and 1446, where each of these locking rails includes an inner panel support member 1448. with supports 1450 and 1452 upper and lower sleepers. Although the sleeper supports can adhere to the inner surfaces 1416 and 1418 of the upper and lower resin panels, they are preferably not adhered. Rather, the side edges of the panels are captured between the outer surfaces 1454 and 1456 of the upper and lower sleeper supports and flanges 1458 and 1460 of the first and second outer support members 1462 and 1464. Each of the tabs includes an interior cavity 1466 that allows the outer rails to be pressed against the internal rails that trap the side edges of the panels in the space 1468 between the outer surfaces of the inner rails and the inner surfaces 1470 and 1472 of the flanges. 1458 and 1460.

The first and second corresponding locking coupling members 1480 and 1482 are generally located midway along the outer support members 1462 and 1464. As can be seen in Figure 25, these first and second locking coupling members generally correspond to the lock coupling members 1424 and 1426 of Figure 24, except that the lock coupling member 1482 is provided with a member 1486. resilient in the lower part of the cavity 1484 of this locking coupling member.

Optional compressible gaskets 1488 may be located at opposite ends of the outer rails 1462 and 1464, above the flanges 1458 and 1460. These gaskets are made of a resilient material, such as a synthetic rubber and are held in place by the members 1490 locking coupling that engage in cavities 1492.

The outer support members 1462 and 1464 are provided with flanges 1496 and 1498 that open upwards. Similar upwardly opening tabs can be provided to receive retaining clips along the inner edge of the rails 1408 and 1410 of Figure 24. The tabs 1496 and 1498 should be used in conjunction with the metal retention clips 1500, which are designed and operate in a manner very similar to the retaining clips 34 described above.

The retaining clips 1500 include a base 1506 with a hole for receiving a fixing member 1508, which will be driven or screwed into a belt, beam or other support to hold adjacent sandwich panels in position. The clips also include a vertical wall 1502 and a coupling hook 1504 that is sized to engage the flange 1596. Therefore, this retaining clip can be used to secure the sandwich panel 1438 in position during in situ mounting of the panel. glazings, skylights, ceilings, walls, etc., whereby the sandwich panel 1436 can be aligned laterally as shown and can be placed in position so that the first and second locking coupling members engage and the flange 1494 at the end of the locking coupling member 1480 will compress the resilient member 1486 into the lower portion of the cavity 1484, forming a seal resistant to air and water at that point and the 1488 gaskets will come up against air and water resistant seals. along the joints between the adjacent sandwich panels. This final construction is illustrated in Figure 24.

The installation of the adjacent panels of Figures 24 and 25 may proceed in general as described above.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of the described embodiments should be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated in this document or contradicted clearly by the context. The recitation of ranges of values in this document is merely intended to serve as an abbreviated procedure of referring individually to each separate value that falls within the range, unless otherwise indicated in this document, and each separate value is incorporated into the descriptive memory as if it were recited individually in this document. All procedures described in this document may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated in this document or clearly contradicted otherwise in the context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (eg, "such as") provided in this document, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not raise a limitation to the scope of the invention, unless claimed otherwise.

Finally, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. A pair of coupling members to form a panel unit assembly, comprising: first and second coupling members (800, 802) having opposing panel fixing members for retaining portions of opposed transparent or translucent panels; the first coupling member (800) having a first wall (814) disposed between its opposing panel fastening members and a male member (808) projecting from the first wall (814); and the second coupling member (802) having a second wall disposed between its opposing panel fastening members and a pair of side walls (826A, 826B) defining a locking cavity (828) for receiving the male member (808) , characterized because : the male member (808) includes at least one capture rail (822A, 822B); Y the capture rail (822A, 822B) is disposed in the male member (808) for coupling an inner surface of a side wall (826A, 826B) of the locking cavity (828) of the second coupling member (802) to limit the pivoting movement between the first and second coupling members (800, 802) when coupled. 2. A panel unit assembly, comprising: first and second coupling members (800, 802) comprising a pair of coupling members according to claim 1, which are interlocked; Y two pairs of opposed transparent or translucent panels (804A, 804B, 806B, 806B) with retaining portions fixed to the panel fastening members of the first and second coupling members forming adjacent interlocking panel units (840, 842). 3. The panel unit assembly of claim 2, including capture lanes (822A, 822B) on opposite sides of the male member (808). The panel unit assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the pairs of transparent or translucent panels (804A, 804B, 806A, 806B) have corresponding upward and downwardly directed elongated seaming tabs arranged in Opposite side edges of the panels and tabs are retained in the panel fastening members. The panel unit assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the pairs of transparent or translucent panels (804A, 804B, 806A, 806B) have elongated double seam tabs directed upwards and downwards correspondingly, with a locking cavity between the double seaming tabs and the panel fixing members are retained in the locking cavity. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the panels have coatings with a tensile strength substantially less than the tensile strength of the male coupling members and female interlocked The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the interlocked coupling members (800, 802) form an internal channel (846) for collecting water that infiltrates beyond the opposite edges. of the upper panels (804A, 804B) of contiguous panel units. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the interlocked coupling members (800, 802) form a pressure rupture chamber (850, 852). 9. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the transparent or translucent panels are planar panels and the edges of the planar panels are retained in the panel receiving cavities of the first and second members. (800, 802) coupling. The panel unit assembly of claim 3 or any preceding claim when dependent on claim 3, wherein the male member (808) projects generally perpendicularly from the first wall (814) and the rails (822A , 822B) of capture are generally projected perpendicularly to and away from the male member (808), and wherein a resilient member (836) is disposed at the bottom of the locking cavity (828) of the second member (802) of coupling and the male member (808) includes a distal lip (826) projecting beyond the capture rails to engage the resilient member (836). The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein ribs (830A, 830B) are present along at least one interior surface of the side walls (826A, 826B) of the cavity. (828) interlocking the second coupling member (802) and positioned to engage with the distal edges of a capture rail (822A, 822B) when the coupling members (800, 802) pivot with each other. 12. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein they are present anti-skid coatings or rough surfaces along at least one interior surface of the side walls (826A, 826B) of the enervation cavity (828) of the second coupling member (802) and positioned to engage with the distal edge of the rails (822A, 822B) of capture when the coupling members (800, 802) pivot with each other. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the guide and pivot support rails (818A, 818B) project from opposite sides of the male member (808) proximal to the capture rail. and are dimensioned to abut the interior surfaces of the side walls (826A, 826B) of the cavity. The panel unit assembly of claim 13, wherein the side walls (826A, 826B) of the locking cavity (828) include distal edges (832A, 832B) in the opening of the cavity which engage the tops of at least one pivot support rail to define a point for prying the capture rails against the inner surfaces of the side walls of the locking cavity. The panel unit assembly of any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein one of the coupling members includes a first dormant member (915) carrying an upper resilient member (917) with flexible fingers throughout of at least one of its upper and lower surfaces and the other coupling member includes a second dormant member (923), and the flexible fingers rest on at least one of the second dormant member (923) and the transparent or translucent upper panel of the pairs of opposed panels mounted in the panel receiving cavities of the interlocked coupling members.