US3712005A

US3712005A - Extrusions for partitions, walls and enclosures

Info

Publication number: US3712005A
Application number: US00884812A
Authority: US
Inventors: R Eschbach; J Colligan
Original assignee: Aztec Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Aztec Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 1969-12-15
Filing date: 1969-12-15
Publication date: 1973-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-23

Abstract

An extrusion for receiving and interconnecting laminated panel sections for quick construction of partitions or enclosures is disclosed. The extrusions form frame members for the partitions or enclosures and are designed to permit quick assembly and disassembly of building structures without the use of fasteners. The extrusions include channel portions adapted to receive the edges of the panels, the panels being grooved and adapted to snap into the corresponding channels. The extrusions may be H-shaped in cross section for forming panels into a flat partition or wall, may be formed with a channel on one side and adapted to receive door or window fittings on the other side, or may be formed in a corner unit configuration to permit joining of panels at right angles. The corner unit extrusion includes two interlocking half members which define a central cavity for receiving a rigid pipe, which prevents the interlocking members from being separated. The extrusions and panel sections are particularly adapted for use in constructing light-weight truck canopies, and for this purpose J-shaped interlocking extrusions permit quick connection of side panels to a roof panel and form a pivotal hinge for an access door.

Description

United States Patent 11 1 Eschbach et a1. ['45] J 23, 1973 [54] EXTRUSIONS FOR PARTITIONS, 3,196,992' 7/1965 017/51 .f. ..52/282 WALLS AND ENCLOSURES 3,140,763 7/1964 Edelsteln ..52/502 [75] Inventors: Robert C. Eschbach, Newport FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS Beach; Glendale- 383,596 1/1965 Switzerland.... ....s2/494 bmh Cahf- 1,038,317 8/1966 Great Britain. ....s2/2s5 1,400,453 4/1965 France ....52/286 [73] Assgnee' Aztec .Manulacturing Company 719,512 11/1966 Italy ..52/586 Monrovra, Calif.

[22] Filed: Dec. 15, 1969 Primary ExaminerFrank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Leslie A. Braum [211 App]' 884312 Attorney-Jones & Lockwood 52 us. (:1. ..52/210, 52/282, 52/496, 1 1 S CT 52/581 52/585 52/731 An extrusion for receiving and interconnecting [511 lift. Cl ..E06b 1/16, E06b 1/52 laminated panel Sections for quick constrpction of [58] new of Search partitions or enclosures is disclosed. The extrusions 52/282 5 form frame members for the partitions or enclosures 49/404, 1 489 and are designed to permit quick assembly and disassembly of building structures without the use of [56] References C'ted fasteners. The extrusions include channel portions adapted to receive the edges of the panels, the panels UNITED STATES PATENTS being grooved and adapted to snap into the cor- 3,049,195 8/1962 Leat et al. ..52/122 resp nding channels. The extrusions may be H-shaped 3,420,505 1/1969 Jefferys ..52/731 in cross section for forming panels into a flat partition 2,743,980 5/1956 Hobbs.... ..52/627 or wall, may be formed with a channel on one side and 3,585,768 6/l97l Klein ..52/282 adapted to receive door or window fittings on the 3,196,495 7/1965 O 52/731 other side, or may be formed 1n a corner un1t configu- 3,436,881 4/1969 Schlecht.... .....52/282 ration to permit joining of panels at right angles. The 3,234,697 2/1966 Toti et al... .....52/588 corner unit extrusion includes two interlocking half 1,980,397 11/1934 Geiger "5 /2 members which define a central cavity for receiving a 9 5/1934 x rigid pipe, which prevents the interlocking members 8261600 4/1906 Oakmanm- Mn/206 from being separated. The extrusions and panel secl'854032 4/1932 Holt tions are particularly adapted for use in constructing grousi. "22/309 hp i ht truck canopies, and for this purpose J- .ouau t 09 shaped interlockingtextrusions permit quick connec- 3,452,50l 1/1969 Zimmer et al. .52/627 f l t f l d f i t 1 1,818,404 8/1931 Kaufman ....52/282 e panes a pane a pm a 3,173, 79 3/1965 Edwards ..52/206 access 2.934302 5/1966" 'shekter ..2;;..1...';;.;;'..9/48s' 1,637,367 8/1927 Zimmer s tii ..49/413 f 19 12 Draw F'gures l V I I 66 PATENTED JAN 2 3 I973 nvvavrons ROBERT O. ESOHBAOH JOHN B. COLL IGA/V B 222 MW A TTORNEYS PATENTEUJAH 23 I975 SHEEI 2 [IF 7 .PAIENTEDJAH23I975 3.712.005

SHEET 3 OF 7 mm 6 \k PATENTEDJAH 2 3 I975 SHEET 0F 7 PATENTEDJAH 23 I975 SHEETSUF? AZ/ M/ EXTRUSIONS FOR PARTITIONS, WALLS AND ENCLOSURES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in general, to extruded frame members and cooperating snap-in panels for forming building partitions and the like, and more particnlarly to specific extrusion forms which are adapted to cooperate with panels having grooved edges for permitting quick assembly and disassembly, without the use of fasteners, of walls, partitions and enclosures.

In the construction and building industries, the use of extruded frames adapted to receive panel boards or the like to form partitions or enclosures has become a major building technique. Such construction has been used in a variety of forms, particularly for interior walls or dividers. Such frame-supported panel boards can be used to divide or partition large offices or warehouses, or may be used as outer walls for enclosures constructed to form temporary schoolrooms, outdoor shelters, trailers, and the like. Thus, there is an increasing need for portable, light-weight building structures which may be easily assembled or disassembled, and which are simple and economical to manufacture, while at the same time being substantial, durable, and suitable for a variety of uses.

In the past, many different designs and structural features have been suggested and used for these purposes; however, the light-weight portable structures now known in the art are not entirely satisfactory for several reasons. For instance, in many building enclosures which use extruded frames and panels, there is no uniformity in the type of extruded frames so that various designs must be used in different locations within the structure, thus complicating construction. Also, the panels and extruded frame members generally can only be applied to one specific structure, and a single design generally is not suitable for varying structures such as divider partitions, temporary schoolrooms or shelters. Thus, each type of structure must be specifically designed and extrusions and panels formed for the particular purpose to which they are to be applied. This tends to increase the cost of the use of such materials, rather than providing the economy which is essential for commercially competitive structures. If such panels and frame structures are not light weight, economical to manufacture, and simple to assemble so that the amount of labor and time required for fabrication of a structure is decreased, such partitions will not be able to compete in the open market with standard wall board construction.

Another area in which light-weight building enclosures of the type disclosed herein are particularly useful is in the trailer or pickup truck canopy art. Such canopies, which are in common use today on pickup trucks, are basically constructed of thin-walled panels carried in extruded frames. However, the prior art canopies are not collapsible, and thus require extensive periods of time to assemble and disassemble. Such prior devices generally must be fabricated as a completed, assembled structure at the manufacturer's plant and shipped as such, requiring special tools and equipment which are not generally available to the truck owner. Further, once assembled they cannot easily be stored when they are to be removed from the truck, because they cannot be readily collapsed.

When it is desired to provide windows in the partition structures formed by the panels and extrusions of the prior art, it was necessary to cut out a section of'the panel and insert specially formed window frame members. Such construction added to the cost of the partition, not only because of the wasted material from the.

cut out portion, but because additional special extrusions were required to form the window frame. Further, in such an arrangement, the window frame does not form a part of the panel supporting structure, but merely fits within the cutout, and thus detracts from the strength of the panel, rather than adding to it.

Another drawback to present day construction is that a large number of fasteners is normally required to attach the panels to the frame extrusions. Such fasteners not only detract from the appearance of the partitions so formed, but when they appear on the outside surface of the wall or enclosure, they produce additional openings, or breaks, in the exterior surface which may admit air or water, and which thus reduce the effectiveness of the structure. In addition, such fasteners must be individually placed and secured, thus making the assembly of such structures extremely timeconsuming so that the labor costs in assembly override any initial savings in materials.

Although the prior art relating to building'enclosures and structures describes many different types of partitions, window units, connecting extruded frame units,

and the like, such presently known structural features do not eliminate the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an extrusion which can be used in combination with a laminated panel structure to form a partition or enclosure structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a partition or enclosure which may be assembled without the use of fasteners, or with a minimal number of internal fasteners so that none will be exposed on the exterior of the structure.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a unique comer extrusion unit for use in joining panels at right angles, which comer unit can be easily assembled and disassembled without the use of fasteners.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a unique sliding window unit which may be used with the laminated panels of the present invention to form a partition, canopy wall, or the like, wherein the window unit forms a part of the structure and does not require cutting out of portions of a panel.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in a sliding window unit an extruded frame which incorporates a vinyl track member for carrying the windows, permitting the windows to slide smoothly while providing a watertight seal.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a light-weight collapsible structure which can be easily assembled and disassembled, the disassembled parts being of a size to promote easy storage.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a building structure which has a variety of uses, wherein common parts may be used to construct a variety of structures such as trailers, truck canopies, outdoor storage rooms, temporary classrooms, room dividers, partitions, and the like.

Still'another object of this invention is to provide a building structure which requires very little time and labor to assemble and disassemble, thereby providing economy in fabrication.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention through the use of an extruded frame member which forms an extrusion joint adapted to receive and secure laminated panels to form partitions or enclosures. The extruded joint has a generally I-I- shaped cross section, with the outer end of each leg carrying an inwardly turned flange designed to cooperate with corresponding grooves on the laminatedpanels. The edges of the panels are slightly tapered, allowing the panels to fit into the channels formed on opposite sides of the extruded joint sufflciently far to allow the inwardly turned flanges to snap into the grooves. When the panels are so snapped into place, the panel and extrusion are firmly secured together without the requirement for conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, and the like. The oppositely disposed channels on this form of extrusion permit formation of flat walls or partition sections by joining laminated panels in edge to edge relationship.

In anotherform of the extrusion, two interlocking half member extrusions 'form a comer column unit so that panels may be joined at right angles. The corner unit: extrusions are so formed that, when interlocked, they provide a central cavity adapted to receive a pipe which engages ridges and projections inside the half member units to prevent the interlocking members from being separated. The non-interlocking edges of the corner extrusion half members are formed with channels having legs and inwardly turned flanges which are adapted to receive and hold grooved panel members.

Stationary and sliding window units are provided for use with the partition or enclosure formed with the above extrusions. The sliding window is carried in an extruded frame which incorporates a vinyl track with flexible flanges to provide a guide for the sliding windows as well as providing a watertight seal. The window unit extrusions are also provided with channels which are adapted to receive the grooved wall panels of the present invention. Where the panels are interconnected to form an enclosure, such. as a truck canopy, a lift up door may be located in one of the walls of the enclosure. This door may be hinged to the enclosure by means of interconnecting J-shaped extrusions on both the partition and theupper edge of the door to form a pivotal hinge. Similar .I-shaped extrusions may be provided along the top edge of the side panels which are to form the four walls of an enclosure for interconnection with similar extiusions on a roof panel. Such an interconnection between the roof and wall permits quick assembly of the walls to theroof portion, for the .l-shaped extrusions may be interconnected and the walls swung into right angle relationship to the roof section to assemble the enclosure without the use of conventional fasteners such as screws,bolts and the like. Where .the. corners of the wallpanels utilize the cornerunit of the present invention, the corners may be interlocked, and suitable pipes placed within the corner unit extrusions to complete assembly of the-enclosure. Wall units may be formed from-a plurality of panels interconnected in edge to edge relationship by the joint extrusions.

described, with window units being substituted for: the f laminated panels, where desired. The wall units may be formed into enclosures by the use of the corner unit extrusions described herein, and the walls may be assembled to a roof section to complete the enclosure through the use of suitable .I-shaped extrusions. Thus,

the present invention permits the assembly of a variety,

of building structures through the use of a minimal number of different extrusion types, together with suitable grooved panels for quick economical assembly as well as economical manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

' FIG. I is a side view of a truck carrying a canopy constructed in accordance with the present invention, and showing a sliding window unit in a side wall of the canopy;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the truck-mounted canopy showing a rear partition of the canopy enclosure which includes a lift up door according to the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a typical joint extrusion and its associated partition panel;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a typical interlocking corner unit constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are portions of a cross-sectional view of the truck canopy of FIG. 1, including a sectional view of the sliding window unit, and taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are portions of a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2, showing a section of the truck canopy with a J-shaped roof and partition connection, a single window unit, and a J -shaped lift up door connection;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are portions of a cross-sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 1 and showing a sliding window unit and a lift up door in the rear partition of a canopy;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an extrusion junction; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the relationship between the various sheets of drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings, in FIG. I, the numeral 10 indicates a canopy enclosure constructed in accordance with the present invention and utilizing the extrusion members and corresponding panels to be described. The canopy enclosure is mounted on a vehicle generally indicated at 12, and which may be a standard pickup truck. The canopy includes a roof assembly 14, a front partition or wall 16, a rear partition or wall 18, and first and second side partitions, or walls, 20 and 21, respectively, the side partition 20 being visible in FIG. 1 and partition 21 being located on the opposite side of the truck and not visible in this view. The first side partition 20 is illustrated as having a sliding window unit 22 carried therein, but it will be apparent that different or additional window units may be included in this and the other partitions,

where and as desired. The truck canopy has a lift up door 24, as illustrated in the rear view of the canopy shown in FIG. 2, which door forms a portion of the rear partition 18. The door is shown with a single window unit 26 located within the lift up door portion. The front wall 16 and the side wall 21 may also include sliding or non-sliding window units, as desired, the particular arrangement depending upon the use to which the canopy is to be placed.

It will be understood that the canopy of FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely illustrative of a particular utility for the partitions of the present invention, and provides a convenient method of illustrating the various extrusion members which comprise the present invention. Thus, it will be understood that the various features of the present invention illustrated with respect to the canopy of FIGS. 1 and 2 may also be used in partitions, walls and enclosures of various types where the structure and features of the present invention are particularly advantageous.

EXTRUDED PANEL JOINT The basic structure from which the various partitions and walls of the present invention are formed consists of a grooved laminated panel and a corresponding extrusion having a channel adapted to receive and grip the panel. Where panels are to be fastened together in edge to edge relationship to form a wall surface, the extruded joint 34 of FIG. 3 is typically used. This joint extrusion, which preferably is made of a material such as aluminum, generally has an H-shaped cross section to form two oppositely disposed channels separated by a web 36. The channels are formed by

parallel leg plates

37 and 38, with web 36 forming the bottom, or base of both channels. At the outermost ends of the leg plates are inwardly turned flanges 40. These flanges, which extend the full length of the extrusion, are adapted to fit into corresponding grooves carried on a panel such as that indicated generally at 42.

The panels from which the partition or wall is formed may be of any suitable construction, but preferably is laminated from various materials to form a structure having the desired insulation, weather resistant, and appearance characteristics. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the panel 42 may include a core 44 of a material such as styrofoam sandwiched between a pair of

exterior sheets

46 and 48, thus forming a panel having a resilient side and a rigid side. The sheet 46 may be of a rigid material such as Lauan plywood with a vinyl overlay, the plywood giving structural integrity, with the vinyl providing the desired appearance. Sheet 48 may be of a flexible material such as prefinished stucco embossed aluminum of approximately 0.019 inch thickness. In constructing the panel, a kerf 50 is cut into the rigid sheet 46 adjacent the edges ofthe panel. The kerf is spaced from the edge of the panel by an amount approximately equal to the depth of the channels formed in the extrusions, and is of a depth sufficient to receive the flanges 40.- .A groove 52 is pressed into the flexible sheet 48 adjacent the edges of the to facilitate its insertion into the channel of the extrusion joint.

To assemble a wall or partition, panels such as the one indicated at 42 are pressed into the channels on the joint extrusion 34 sufficiently far to allow the flanges 40 to snap into the kerf and groove along the edges of the panels. This is accomplished by tilting the panel slightly so that one of the flanges 40 snaps into the kerf 50, and then pressing the flexible sheet inwardly and slightly tilting the panel so that the other flange engages groove 52. A bead of sealing material 53 of any suitable kind can then be injected into the upper portion of groove 52 to provide a seal between the joint extrusion and the flexible sheet, thereby to waterproof the assembly. It will be apparent that any number of panels may be connected in edge to edge relationship by means of extrusions such as the joint extrusion 34, thereby permitting construction of walls or partitions of any desired size.

INTERLOCK CORNER UNIT If it is desired to form an angular partition, or a corner for an enclosure, a corner unit extrusion such as that illustrated in FIG. 4 may be used. In this unit, first and

second half members

56 and 58 are provided with channels for receiving panels and with interlocking 7 joints so that they may be interconnected to form a columnar extrusion which will connect the panels at right angles. As shown, the corner extrusions have panel engaging and securing portions which are similar to the channels in the joint extrusion of FIG. 3. Thus, the

channels

57 and 59 formed on

extrusion half members

56 and 58, respectively, include web portions 57' and 59, respectively and corresponding upstanding legs carrying inwardly turned flanges.

To form the interlocking joint between the two half members, the first corner half member 56 carries at its inner edge a generally U-shaped trough or track 60 with its open portion facing away from the center of the extrusion and toward the inner angle of the corner piece. This trough is arranged to receive a complementary obliquely projecting flange 62 carried by the second corner half member 58, flange 62 extending toward the center of the extrusion for interlocking relationship with the trough 60. The outer surface of the corner member is formedby

outer side legs

64 and 65 extending from webs 57 and 59', respectively and curving toward each other to form a rounded exterior corner and to define a central cavity within the extrusion. The outer end of side leg 64 carries an inwardly turned oblique flange 66, while side leg 65 carries at its outer end an outwardly facing generally U-shaped trough, or track, 68 adapted to receive and interlock with the corresponding flange 66.

The

troughs

60 and 68 are formed with inwardly facing ridges 70 and 71, respectively, the ridges extending along the bottom of the troughs and being opposite each other on the inner and outer corners of the corner unit. The

half members

56 and 58 are also provided with inwardly extending

projections

72 and 73, respectively, which are so positioned as to be directlyopposite each other when the 'two half members are assembled, the projections being further positioned so that a line passing through the center of these projections is approximately perpendicular to a line connecting ridges 70 and 71. These projections and ridges extend into the cavity 74 which is formed by the interconnection of half

members

56 and 58 and define'a circular central area within the cavity which is adapted to receive a cylindrical holding member 75. This holding member may be, for example, a rigid vinyl tube which slides into the cavity 74 of the extrusion after the half members are interlocked, and preferably extends the full length of the extrusion. This pipe presses against the ridges 70 and 71 and is held in a central location by

projections

72 and 73, thereby preventing the

flanges

62 and 66 from becoming disengaged from their corresponding

troughs

60 and 68. Thus, while the pipe 75 is in place within cavity 74, the corner unit is firmly held in interlocking relationship, without the use of fasteners such as screws, bolts or the like. Further, the corner unit may be quickly and easily disassembled merely by removing the vinyl tube 75, thereby permitting simple assembly and disassembly of the corner unit and partitions or enclosures formed therewith, without the use of special tools.

In order to illustrate the flexibility, economy, ease of use and convenience of the panel and extrusion system in forming walls, partitions, enclosures, and the like, a preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth in the form of a canopy for a pickup truck. This canopy includes four side partitions and a roof section, formed from joint extrusions, corner units and panels of the type disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as other elements to be described. Where the elements are the same or similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the numbering of these figures will be followed hereinafter for easy reference.

ROOF ASSEMBLY Turning now to a detailed consideration of the canopy of FIG. 1, there is illustrated in FIG. 5 a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of I FIG. 1. The canopy of FIG. 5 includes

side walls

20 and 21 and the roof assembly 14. The roof assembly includes a roof panel 76 which is constructed of a laminated-material in the manner of the laminated panel 42 described and illustrated in FIG. 3. This roof panel is carried by four extruded roof frame members which include the side roof extrusions 78 and 79 and end roof extrusions 80 and 81 (illustrated in FIG. 6). The roof extrusions include channels having upstanding leg portions and inwardly turned flanges, while the roof panel 76 includes suitable kerfs and grooves adjacent its edges, whereby the roof panel can be snapped into the frame extrusion channels as described hereinabove. A typical roof extrusion 78 has upper and

lower legs

82 and 83 which are extensions of the channel-forming legs which receive the roof panel. The bottom of the channel is defined by two inwardly extending

projections

84 and 85, in the illustrated embodiment, although it will be apparent that a solid web may be provided, if desired. The upper leg extension 82 curves downwardly to meet the generally straight lower leg extension 83, whereby the upper portion 82 forms a smoothly rounded roof edge. At the junction 86 of the upper and

lower leg extensions

82 and 83, an integral J-shaped flange 87 is formed, with the open portion of the J depending from the roof extrusion and opening toward the interior of the canopy. An upwardly turned restraining shoulder 88 is formed at the lowermost portion of flange 87. As

illustrated, the lower leg extension 83 has an offsetat 89 to accommodate the side panel which is to be at-' tached to the roof panel. This offset may be of approximately the same dimension as the thickness of a typical extrusion so that the side and roof connection will form a 90 angle.

In forming the canopy roof, it will be apparent that the side roof frame extrusions should be cut at 45 angles or notched at each end for proper fitting of the roof extrusion frame to itself or to a corner casting; however, the abutting ends of these extrusions may be closed or joined in any suitable manner. Further, the junction preferably is covered by suitable fittings or sealants to assure a waterproof roof section.

SIDE AND END PARTITIONS As illustrated in FIG. 5, the side panels of the enclosure may be constructed by joining a plurality of panels in edge to edge relationship through the use of the joint extrusions 34 described in FIG. 3. However, in order to fasten the

side panels

20 and 21 to the roof panel 14, a suitable connector extrusion 90 is provided. This connector extrusion is adapted to provide a connection between the side panels and the roof assembly, and to this end includes a web portion 91 which defines the bottom of a U-shaped channel having depending

leg portions

92 and 93, as viewed in FIG. 5A. The channel formed by this extrusion is adapted to receive the upper edge of a side wall panel in the manner heretofore described. The

legs

92 and 93 extend upwardly beyond the web 91 to form the connection means for the extrusion. Thus, the leg 92 has at its upper end an outwardly extending J-shaped connection flange 94 which is complementary to and adapted to engage the J-shaped portion 87 of the side roof extrusion 78. The J-shaped flanges of the

extrusions

78 and 90 may be interconnected by placing the side panel 20 generally parallel to the roof panel 14, hooking the end of the J-shaped flange'94 over the restraining shoulder 88, and then swinging the side panel to a position perpendicular to the roof panel. The J-shaped

portions

87 and 94 then assume the relative position illustrated in FIG. 5A, while the opposite extension of leg 93 of extrusion 90 will come into contact with the lower extension 83 of the roof extrusion, thereby holding the two panels in the proper angular relationship.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, both the

side panels

20 and 21 are connected to corresponding edges of the roof panel 14 in the manner described through the use of cooperating roof extrusions and connector extrusions. Similarly, the

end panels

16 and 18 of the canopy are connected to roof panel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view of thecanopy of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2.

It will be noted that the connector extrusions 90, as well as many of the other extrusions illustrated herein, include a C-shaped channel, such as that indicated at 95, as an integral part of the extrusion web. Such channels are conventional on extrusions designed for interconnection of panel members, and permit the joining of longitudinal and transverse extrusions to form a frame. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an extrusion junction may be formed between a vertical channel element, such as channel 59 on corner half-member 58, and a horizontal extruded member 34. This junction may be used, for

example, where a horizontal extrusion abuts a vertical extrusion, an opening 97 being fonned in the vertical extrusion to receive the end of horizontal, thereby providing added strength. A screw 99 then may be passed through a hole 99' in the web of vertical extrusion 58 and threaded into the C-shaped channel 95. This may be used at the corners of each side and end wall panel to draw the comers of that panel up tight.

Normally, the panels which make up a partition for a wall or enclosure will be shop assembled, with the panels being snapped into their, appropriate corner and joint extrusions, and the assembly being held together by suitable screws 99. The partitions and walls so formed are then ready for use and further assembly into building structures, enclosures, and the like.

The side and end partitions of an enclosure may consist of a single large panel carrying along its edges extrusions such as the corner units of FIG. 4, the edge connectors of FIGS. and 6, or the like, whereby the panels may be interconnected into the desired enclosure configuration. To provide added flexibility of design in the construction of a variety of partitions and enclosures, smaller panels connected edge-to-edge by channel extrusions 34. may be used. In the illustrated truck. canopy, for example, the side and end partitions are divided into three general sections, permitting the easy addition of window sections and the like. Considering FIGS. 5A and 58, it will be seen that the side wall includes upper, intermediate, and

lower panels

96, 98 and 100. The adjacent panels are edge connected by horizontal joint extrusions 34 to form the partition, or wall, 20, while the periphery of the partition carries suitable extrusions such as corner halfmembers, roof edge connectors, and the like.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the central web of extrusion 34 is shown to be angled slightly with respect to the channel forming legs and to be formed,

with a C-shaped channel 95, and thus differs from the FIG. 3 illustration. This construction is provided so that when extrusion 34 is used at the bottom, or sill, of a window, as shown in FIG. 53, water will drain toward the outside of the enclosure. For this purpose, suitable drain holes may be drilled in the outside leg of the extrusion 34, as will be described. Where the angled web construction is utilized with the C-shaped channel, a pair of projecting

shoulders

101 and 102 may be provided to serve as stops for the panel which is to be inserted into the extrusion. These shoulders assure sufficient spacing for the C-shaped channel.

In order to adapt the illustrated canopy structure to use with a pickup truck, the lowermost side edge carries a bottom extrusion 103 which, as illustrated in FIG. 58, includes a panel receiving channel on its uppermost side. The lower edge of the bottom extrusion carries depending L-shaped

flanges

104 and 105, while the and 105 and the head portion 108 fitting into the chan-' nel 95. Depending from the strip are a plurality of ridges, or flaps which serve to engage the' sides of a pickup truck bed, providing a pad for the canopy and producing a waterproof seal between the canopy and the vehicle bed.

It will be noted that the general construction of the side wall 20 and the

end walls

16 and 18 is similar to that described with respect to wall partition 21, and thus a detailed description of each will not be given. However, the various partitions may differ from the wall partition 21 by the addition of fixed or sliding window units or by the addition of an entrance door, and these variations will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.

SINGLE WINDOW UNIT Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 68, there is shown for purposes of illustration a fixed window unit 26 located in the lift up door portion 24 of the rear panel 18; similarly, a fixed window 26 is shown in the front partition 16. Both windows are similarly mounted, but for purposes of this description, reference will be made to the window unit 26'. As shown, a transparent window light, or'pane, which may be a laminated glass plate, is illustrated at 108. The window light is mounted in a rectangular frame formed by sections of the joint extrusion 34, the upper and lower edges of the window being secured in horizontal extrusions and the side edges of the plate being supported in vertically disposed extrusions (shown in FIG. 78 at 34'). As shown, the outer channels of the H-shaped extrusions 34 support the wall panels forming the partition, as in the previously described partition. However, the innermost channels which receive the window light 108 also receive U-shaped aluminum extrusions 110 which serve as clips to hold the glass plate in position within the extrusions 34. These clipsl 10 are each formed with a notch 112 at the end of an inward leg and a retaining ridge-114 located near the web of the clip on the same leg. The outer leg of the clip 110 is formed with a crease 116 near the web so that the end of the leg is angled over the edge of the glass plate 108 when the clip is installed. The clip is inserted in the innermost channe] of the extrusion 34 and is held in place by the flange which contacts ridge 114. A waterproof sealant of any suitable compound, such as putty or the like, is used around the edge of the channel where it contacts the plate 108 to help hold the plate in position and prevent the glass from directly contacting the flange 40 of the joint extrusion 34. The sealant compound is indicated generally at 118, and may be placed in the channel before the glass is inserted. A slight bulge or shoulder may be formed in the sealant compound at the edge of the window to assist in placement of the window light and to prevent it from shifting. It will be apparent that although both legs of the clip 110 are not shown in contact with the web of extrusion 34, the clips could be so designed. Further, if a more solid base is desired for retaining the windows, a suitable track or filler may be placed in the extrusion channels.

SLIDING WINDOW UNIT The sliding window unit indicated in FIGS. 1, 5B and 7A-7B can be located in any of the partitions of the canopy, but in the illustrated embodiment is located in only the side partition 20. The window unit is supported at its upper and lower edges, as viewed in FIG.

58, by typical joint extrusions 34, these extrusions forming the horizontal members of the window frame. The inwardly facing channels of extrusions 34 receive the

laminated window lights

126 and 127. These window lights are positioned and laterally stabilized within the downwardly facing channel of the top extrusion by means of a vinyl track 128. The track is E-shaped in cross section, having depending legs extending downwardly outside the two window lights and having a central leg extending between the two lights. The track 128 is of a relatively rigid vinyl material, but carries at the lower ends of its depending legs

flexible vinyl seals

129, 130 and 131 which serve to contact the window lights, or panes, 126 and 127, preventing them from rattling and providing a watertight and airtight seal.

In similar manner, the lower extrusion 34 carries in its upwardly facing channel a rigid vinyl track 128' which issimilar to track 128 and which includes

flexible vinyl tips

129, 130' and 131 to provide lateral stability to the

window panes

126 and 127. In order to properly position the windows in the vertical direction, a pair of elongated support blocks 132 and 133 are positioned in the two tracks formed by the vinyl member 128'. The upper surfaces of the support blocks 132 and 133 are grooved so as to receive and guide the

panes

126 and 127.

The E-shaped track members 128 and 128' are formed with elongated grooves or shoulders on each of the outermost legs which are adapted to engage the inwardly turned flanges of the joint extrusion 34, whereby the members 128 and 128' will be held firmly in their respective channels. All of the track members are notched and punched as at 135, 135' and 135" to provide for any water which might collect therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 78, it will be seen that the ends of the window frame are formed by vertical extrusions 142 and 142'. Since these extrusions are identical, a single design may be used on either side of the window frame simply by reversing the extrusion. As illustrated, the extrusions are formed with a u-shaped channel facing away from the window and adapted to receive wall panels in the manner heretofore described. The portion of the extrusion facing toward the window panes consists of three

parallel projections

146, 147 and 148 extending in a direction perpendicular to the web 149 of the vertical extrusion 142. The

extensions

147 and 148 are each formed with a longitudinal slot which is designed to receive a corresponding one of the

suitable sealing members

150 and 151. The seals extend toward each other and are adapted to grip the edge of the corresponding window pane 127. In similar manner, the seals 150 and 151' of extension 142' are adapted to, grip the edge of window pane 126. Sealing

members

150 and 151 are made of a suitable material, such as woven pile Weatherstripping, which will firmly support the window, and will provide an airtight and watertight seal. v v

The third extension 146 (and 146') on the vertical extrusion is adapted to receive a window screen 152, as indicated in FIG. 7A. Such a screen will normally be provided adjacent the pane in the sliding window unit which is movable; in this case, it is shown adjacent the window pane 126 which is located inwardly of pane 127 for easy access and movement.

means may be provided, an outer center post extrusion.

153 is vertically mounted in the center of the window frame unit by any suitable means. The center post ex-- trusion includes a U-shaped channel 154 which is adapted to receive adhesive padding material 155 and a vertical edge of stationary window pane 127. The channel 154 and the support pad 155 cooperate with the upper and

lower tracks

128 and 128 and the

Weatherstripping

150 and 151 to hold window 127 firmly in place. Center post 153 also includes a flange or shoulder portion 156 which cooperates with extension 146' of the vertical extrusion 142 to hold screen 152 in place. Finally, the outer center post extrusion 153 carries a slotted extension 157 which is adapted to receive woven pile Weatherstripping 158 which extends toward the movable window pane 126 and serves to provide a seal between the center post and the movable window.

As has been set forth, one end of the sliding window pane 126 fits into the space between Weatherstripping 150' and 151' in the vertical extrusion 142'; the other end of window pane 126 is gripped by an inner center post extrusion 162. This extrusion includes a U-shaped channel 163 which carries a suitable adhesive padding material 164 and which firmly grips the sliding window pane 126. This extrusion also includes a handle 165 by means of which the sliding window may be moved. The

handle portion 165 includes a slot 166 adapted to carry suitable Weatherstripping 167 for sealing engagement with the central post 153. A latch 170 may be secured to post 153 for engagement with handle 165 to prevent the sliding window from being opened. Thus, the sliding window 126 is supported by the upper and lower tracks 128 and 128' when open, and when closed additionally by the Weatherstrip pads 150' and 151 LIFT UP DOOR As was mentioned in the discussion of FIG. 2, a typical canopy will be provided with a suitable opening for access to its interior. The particular access door illustrated in the present disclosure may be generally described as a lift up door, preferably located in the rear partition 18. This rear door is illustrated in side elevation in FIGS. 6A and 6B and in a top view in FIG. 78, to which Figures reference is now made. In this example, the rear partition includes an upper panel 172 which is secured to the roof assembly by means of a connector extrusion 90, as previously described. The lower edge of the panel 172 carries an upper door hinge extrusion 173 having an upwardly facing U- shaped channel adapted to receive the lower edge of panel 172 in a snap fit. This upper door extrusion 173 includes an outwardly extending J-shaped hinge flange 174 extending from the web of the extrusion and including a retaining shoulder 175. Located on the inner edge of extrusion 173 is a stop platform 176 which is adapted to prevent the lift up door from swinging too far inwardly when it is closed.

The lift up door 24may include a window unit 26, as has been described, or may be formed of suitable panel members. In either case, the upper edge of the door portion carries a lower door hinge extrusion 177 which is adapted to cooperate with the upper, hinge extrusion 173 to form a horizontal continuous hinge across the width of the door. Extrusion 177 is similar to the connector extrusion 90, and includes a J-shaped hinge portion 178 which cooperates with the J-shaped flange 174 of extrusion 173. The door hinge extrusion 177 includes a web portion 179 which carries along its outer edge the J hingeand along its inner edge an upstanding leg 180 which abuts the platform 176 when the door is closed, serving to properly position the door. The lower portion of door extrusion 177 consists of a downwardly opening U-shaped channel which is adapted to receive either the panel elements of the present invention or, as

illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 68, a window unit 26. The lower portion of window unit 26 is carried in a joint extrusion 34, the lower portion of which carries a lower door panel 182 to complete the lift up door.

As indicated, the lower edge of panel 182 carries a bottom extrusion 103 for sealing engagement with the rear gate of the truck bed. A suitable handle may be provided on the lower panel 182 or on its bottom extrusion 103 to permit the door to be opened pivotally upwardly on the J hinge 174, 178. As has been noted, the leg 180 on the upper door extrusion 177 contacts platform 176 so that when the door is closed it will be in vertical alignment with the rear of the canopy. It will be apparent that suitable latch and lock means may also be provided.

As viewed in FIG. 7B, the lift door 24 includes a vertical side edge extrusion 186 which extends the height of the door and which engages the rear corner units of the canopy. As illustrated, the vertical edge extrusion 186 includes a channel 187 which is adapted to engage the panels of the lift door partition, for example, the panel 188 which is adapted to fill the space between the window unit 26 and the side of the lift up door (see FIG. 2). The web 189 of the edge extrusion carries an L-shaped outwardly extending slotted flange 190 which extends in a direction to overlap the corner unit 192. The opening in the slot 193 carried by flange 190 faces the corner unit 192 and carries a resilient strip 194. This strip extends out of the slot opening and is adapted to engage the outer surface of the comer unit when the door is closed, thereby providing a watertight and airtight seal. Although FIG. 7B.shows only one-half of the rear partition 18, it will be understood that the other half is a mirror image of the portion shown.

The corner unit 192 which is similar to the corner unit described in FIG. 4, is adapted for the door frame construction by the use of an insert 196 which is adapted to fit within the panel receiving channel of the corner unit. Insert 196 is formed with a pair of

shoulders

197 and 198 which snap into engagement with the inwardly turned flanges in the corner unit channel, thereby retaining the insert 196 in the channel to form a relatively flat door facing.

Also illustrated in FIG. 7B is a modified form of the extrusion 34 which is adapted for use as a vertical support for the window pane of the window unit 26. As illustrated at 34', the modified joint extrusion includes only three channel-forming legs, the fourth leg being replaced by a grooved shoulder 199. This shoulder is adapted to cooperate with the extruded aluminum glazing bead, or retaining clip 110 described above,

whereby the groove in shoulder 199 receives the offset 112 of the clip. Such a modified joint extrusion may be used to facilitate insertion of the window pane in the frame formed by the horizontal and vertical joint extrusions. A similar extrusion structure is shown for the vertical frame members of the window unit 26', as illustrated in FIG. 7A.

CANOPY ASSEMBLY As has been described, the various extrusions, window units, door constructions, and panels illustrated herein may be combined in various manners to provide building structures of any desired size or form. As an example of the ease with which the features of the present invention may be utilized to form a desired structure, a canopy enclosure has been specifically illustrated. The light weight, easily assembled and easily disassembled canopy which has been disclosed includes roof, side and end partitions which can individually be assembled by snapping the desired panels and window assembly combinations into corresponding joint extrusions, comer extrusions, partition top extrusions, partition bottom extrusions, and the like. As has been described, the window frames are formed from conventional joint extrusions, the panel top and door top extrusions provide .l-shaped hinge extensions, and all the various elements are adapted to receive the grooved panels of the invention whereby a great deal of flexibility is provided with a minimum number of different parts.

In constructing a canopy, after all of the partitions are assembled into the desired sizes and configurations, the canopy may be assembled by placing the roof assembly upsidedown on a flat surface so that the interior surface of the roof panel faces upwardly. The four side and end partitions may then be connected to the roof assembly by hooking the J-shaped flanges 94 (see FIG. 5A) into the corresponding J-shaped flanges 87 of the roof section and swinging the partitions upwardly into a vertical position. When in this vertical position, the first and second half members of adjacent side and end panel comer unit extrusions may be interlocked, as shown in FIG. 4, and a rigid pipe inserted into the cavity of each corner unit. When this has been done at all four comers of the structure, the rigid canopy structure is completed, and the canopy may then be placed on the bed of a vehicle such as a standard pickup truck and secured thereto by any suitable means. Assembly of the canopy is accomplished, therefore, without the use of any fasteners, and thus may be accomplished quickly and easily. Furthermore, disassembly is a simple matter, which may be accomplished merely by removing the vinyl pipe 75 from the corner units, thus permitting convenient handling and storage of the canopy.

It will be recognized from the foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention that the present invention provides a unique extrusion joint for use in construction of partitions for such structures as dividing or enclosure walls. The joint extrusion permits the construction of such walls with no exposed fasteners. A unique interlocking corner unit is provided for use in constructing enclosures which can be easily assembled or disassembled without the use of tools or other special implements. Single and sliding window units and separate laminated panels provide an easy way to assemble partitions without the requirement of making special cuts for a window and thus wasting both time and material. The joint extrusion in combination with the laminated panels forms a light-weight, easily modified partition which is adaptable to easily assembled enclosures which may be disassembled to facilitate storage. The enclosure can be adapted for many purposes, although limited in this illustration to a truck canopy, but other uses will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

It will be apparent that the design varieties made possible by the present system are limited only by the imagination of the user, and that innumerable combinations and variations are possible; however, such variations are a part of the true spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a building enclosure having walls formed from a plurality of panels carried by a frame:

a. a plurality of laminated panels each having a resilent side and a rigid side, said panels each having a kerf formed in the surface of the rigid side and a crimped groove in the surface of the resilent side adjacent each of at least two of the edges of said panel;

b. frame means including at least one comer unit having first and second half members defining a central cavity and forming a structural corner when assembled, each half member including projection means extending into said central cavity;

0. interlocking means on each of said half members for interlocking said first half member with said second half member,

d. a removable holding member adapted to be located within said central cavity in contact with said projection means of said first and second half members to retain said half members in assembled relationship while said holding member is in position within said central cavity; and

e. first and second panel securing means on said first and second interlocking half members, respectively, each securing means receiving an edge of a corresponding one of said laminated panels and en gaging the kerf and groove adjacent that edge to secure said panels to said frame means.

2. The building enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of said panel securing means includes a channel integrally formed on the corresponding half member, said channel being defined by legs having inwardly turned flanges which are adapted to engage the kerf and groove in a panel when said panel is inserted into said channel.

3. The building enclosure of claim 1, wherein said holding member is a rigid vinyl pipe the outer surface of which contacts the ends of said projection means.

4. The building member of claim 1, wherein a. said first interlocking half member has an inner side formed by a first outwardly turned trough flange with a first ridge formed on the inner bottom surface thereof, an outer side formed by a first curved wall having a first inwardly turned obliqik flange, and a first projection extending from the inner surface of said first half member;

b. said second interlocking half member has an inner side formed by a second inwardly turned oblique flange adapted to interlock with said first trough flange, an outer side formed by a second curved wall having a secondly outwardly turned trough flange with a second ridge formed on the inner bottom surface thereof, said outer trough being adapted to interlock with said first inwardly turned oblique flange, and a second projection extending from the inner surface of said second half member; and wherein p the inner ends of said ridges and projections extend into said center cavity, said holding member contacting said ridges and projections to retain said first and second half members in assembled relationship.

5. The building enclosure of claim 4, wherein said holding member is a tube, said ridges and projections defining a circle approximately the same size as the outside diameter of said tube, whereby said tube con tacts said ridges and projections to prevent said first and second half members from separating.

6. The building enclosure of claim 5, wherein each of said panel securing means includes a channel having two legs with inwardly turned flanges, said panel securing means being integrally formed on said first and second half members, said inwardly turnedflanges being adapted to engage said kerfs and grooves in said panels.

7. The building enclosure of claim 1, further including at least one sliding window unit in one of the walls of the enclosure.

8. The building enclosure of claim 7, wherein said sliding window unit comprises,

a. a window frame having an upper and a lower horizontal extrusion, each having an H-shaped cross section, both sides of each of said H-shaped extrusions having inwardly turned flanges, one side serving as a panel securing means and the other side serving as window securing means, first and second vertical window side extrusions cooperating with said horizontal extrusions to form the window frame, said vertical extrusions having on one side panel securing means and on the other side first and second parallel spaced slot flanges carrying oppositely disposed first and second sets of sealing members;

. a pair of transparent plates, one plate covering approximately half the opening defined by the window frame and being movably mounted within said frame and the other plate covering the other half of the opening in the window frame and being fixedly mounted;

. an upper and lower track carried within said upper and lower horizontal extrusions for receiving said transparent plates; and

. inner and outer center posts, said outer center post being fixedly mounted within said frame and said inner post being mounted on one edge of said movably mounted plate, said outer post receiving one edge of said fixed plate while the other side of said fixed plate is engaged by the sealing members in the said slot flanges of the first vertical extrusion, and wherein said inner post is secured to one side of said movably mounted plate while the other end of said plate engages said sealing members in the slot flanges of said second vertical extrusion.

9. The building enclosure of claim 8, wherein said outer center post has a channel-shaped side having a web and legs which carry a first adhesive pad for securing said fixed plate, and a third slot flange protruding from the other side of said outer center post, said third slot flange carrying a third sealing member adapted to contact said inner post, and wherein said inner post has a channel-shaped side having a web and legs which carry said movable plate, a fourth slot flange protruding from the other side of said inner post, said fourth slot flange carrying a fourth sealing member adapted to contact said outer post, and a handle extending from the end of said fourth slot flange.

10. The building enclosure of claim 9, wherein said outer center post carries a pivotally mounted latch to engage the handle on said inner post to secure the movable plate in the closed position.

11. The building enclosure of claim 8, wherein each of said upper and lower tracks carries a track web having a center and two outside finger flanges of a rigid material, said finger flanges being spaced to form two trackways, said outside flanges having an elongated groove for engaging the inwardly turned flanges of said horizontal extrusions, and a flexible sealing portion extending horizontally from the ends of each of said finger flanges for engaging said transparent plates to provide a guide and watertight seal; and said lower track web carries first and second rigid elongated block extrusions having a longitudinal recess to receive said transparent plates.

12. The building enclosure of claim 1, further including at least one single window unit in one of the walls of said enclosure.

13. The building enclosure of claim 12, wherein said single window unit includes:

a. a rectangular extruded frame having a first web, a first leg with an inwardly turned flange at the outer end of said web, a nub flange near the inner end of said first web, and a panel securing means;

. a transparent sheet of predetermined size which is slightly larger than the frame opening;

. a U-shaped retainer clip for engaging said rectangular frame extrusion and said transparent sheet, said clip having a second web and a second and third leg, said second leg having a notch at its free end for engaging said nub flange on said frame err-- trusion, and said third leg having a longitudinal crease forming upper and lower portions of said third leg, said lower portion being adapted to extend over the edge of said sheet to prevent the sheet from sliding within the frame extrusion; and

d. a sealant between said frame extrusion and said transparent sheet for preventing contact between the inwardly turned frame flange of said single leg and the transparent sheet.

14. The building enclosure of claim 12, wherein said single window unit includes:

a. a rectangular frame formed from H-shaped window extrusions having inwardly turned flanges and aiso having panel securing means;

slightly larger than the opening defined by said frame; a U-shaped retainer clip having a web and first and second legs, a retaining ridge on said first leg near the web, and said second leg having a longitudinal crease forming upper and lower portions of said second leg, said clip being inserted in said H- shaped window extrusions so that one of the inwardly turned flanges on said H-shaped window extrusion engages said retaining ridge, and said lower portion of said second leg extends over the edge of said transparent sheet, thereby preventing said sheet from sliding within the window frame extrusion; and

d. a sealant applied between the other inwardly 5 turned flange of said H-shaped window extrusion and said transparent plate for preventing contact between said transparent plate and said inwardly turned flange.

15. The building enclosure of claim 1, further including a'lift up door unit in one of the walls of said enclosure.

16. The building enclosure of claim 15, wherein said lift up door comprises:

a. an upper panel door extrusion having a first web, a

first J-shaped hinge flange extending outwardly from one end of said first web, and a panel securing means;

. a lower door extrusion secured to said lift up door and having a channel-shaped portion with a second web and first and second legs, a second J- shaped hinge flange extending outwardly from the end of said first leg and adapted to cooperate with said first J-shaped hinge flange to permit the door to be pivoted, the second leg of said lower door extrusion cooperating with the upper panel door extrusion to align the door when the lift up door is closed.

17. The building enclosure of claim 1, wherein said frame means further includes a bottom member adapted to be secured to the bottom edge of each of said enclosure walls, said bottom member having a web, two spaced L-shaped flanges and a center running channel extending downwardly from said web, and a resilent strip having grooves for receiving said L- shaped flanges and a center bead adapted to be inserted into said running channel.

18. The building enclosure of claim 1, further including at least one joint extrusion for joining a pair of said laminated panels together in an edge-to-edge relationship.

19. The building enclosure of claim 18, wherein said joint extrusion includes an H-shaped cross-section member having two panel-receiving channels formed by a center web and two leg plates on opposite sides of said center web, said leg plates having inwardly turned flanges for engaging the kerfs and grooves in said panels when said panels are inserted into the channels of said joint extrusion.

. a transparent sheet of predetermined size which is

Claims

1. In a building enclosure having walls formed from a plurality of panels carried by a frame: a. a plurality of laminated panels each having a resilent side and a rigid side, said panels each having a kerf formed in the surface of the rigid side and a crimped groove in the surface of the resilent side adjacent each of at least two of the edges of said panel; b. frame means including at least one corner unit having first and second half members defining a central cavity and forming a structural corner when assembled, each half member including projection means extending into said central cavity; c. interlocking means on each of said half members for interlocking said first half member with said second half member, d. a removable holding member adapted to be located within said central cavity in contact with said projection means of said first and second half members to retain said half members in assembled relationship while said holding member is in position within said central cavity; and e. first and second panel securing means on said first and second interlocking half members, respectively, each securing means receiving an edge of a corresponding one of said laminated panels and engaging the kerf and groove adjacent that edge to secure said panels to said frame means.

4. The building member of claim 1, wherein a. said first interlocking half member has an inner side formed by a first outwardly turned trough flange with a first ridge formed on the inner bottom surface thereof, an outer side formed by a first curved wall having a first inwardly turned oblique flange, and a first projection extending from the inner surface of said first half member; b. said second interlocking half member has an inner side formed by a second inwardly turned oblique flange adapted to interlock with said first trough flange, an outer side formed by a second curved wall having a secondly outwardly turned trough flange with a second ridge formed on the inner bottom surface thereof, said outer trough being adapted to interlock with said first inwardly turned oblique flange, and a second projection extending from the inner surface of said second half member; and wherein c. the inner ends of said ridges and projections extend into said center cavity, said holding member contacting said ridges and projections to retain said first and second half members in assembled relationship.

5. The building enclosure of claim 4, wherein said holding member is a tube, said ridges and projections defining a circle approximately the same size as the outside diameter of said tube, whereby said tube contacts said ridges and projections to prevent said first and second half members from separating.

6. The building enclosure of claim 5, wherein each of said panel securing means includes a channel having two legs with inwardly turned flanges, said panel securing means being integrally formed on said first and second half members, said inwardly turned flanges being adapted to engage said kerfs and grooves in said panels.

8. The building enclosure of claim 7, wherein said sliding window unit comprises, a. a window frame having an upper and a lower horizontal extrusion, each having an H-shaped cross section, both sides of each of said H-shaped extrusions having inwardly turned flanges, one side serving as a panel securing means and the other side serving as window securing means, first and second vertical window side extrusions cooperating with said horizontal extrusions to form the window frame, said vertical extrusions having on one side panel securing means and on the other side first and second parallel spaced slot flanges carrying oppositely disposed first and second sets of sealing members; b. a pair of transparent plates, one plate covering approximately half the opening defined by the window frame and being movably mounted within said frame and the other plate covering the other half of the opening in the window frame and being fixedly mounted; c. an upper and lower track carried within said upper and lower horizontal extrusions for receiving said transparent plates; and d. inner and outer center posts, said outer center post being fixedly mounted within said frame and said inner post being mounted on one edge of said movably mounted plate, said outer post receiving one edge of said fixed plate while the other side of said fixed plate is engaged by the sealing members in the said slot flanges of the first vertical extrusion, and wherein said inner post is secured to one side of said movably mounted plate while the other end of said plate engages said sealing members in the slot flanges of said second vertical extrusion.

13. The building enclosure of claim 12, wherein said single window unit includes: a. a rectangular extruded frame having a first web, a first leg with an inwardly turned flange at the outer end of said web, a nub flange near the inner end of said first web, and a panel securing means; b. a transparent sheet of predetermined size which is slightly larger than the frame opening; c. a U-shaped retainer clip for engaging said rectangular frame extrusion and said transparent sheet, said clip having a second web and a second and third leg, said second leg having a notch at its free end for engaging said nub flange on said frame extrusion, and said third leg having a longitudinal crease forming upper and lower portions of said third leg, said lower portion being adapted to extend over the edge of said sheet to prevent the sheet from sliding within the frame extrusion; and d. a sealant between said frame extrusion and said transparent sheet for preventing contact between the inwardly turned frame flange of said single leg and the transparent sheet.

14. The building enclosure of claim 12, wherein said single window unit includes: a. a rectangular frame formed from H-shaped window extrusions having inwardly turned flanges and also having panel securing means; b. a transparent sheet of predetermined size which is slightly larger than the opening defined by said frame; c. a U-shaped retainer clip having a web and first and second legs, a retaining ridge on said first leg near the web, and said second leg having a longitudinal crease forming upper and lower portions of said second leg, said clip being inserted in said H-shaped window extrusions so that one of the inwardly turned flanges on said H-shaped window extrusion engages said retaining ridge, and said lower portion of said second leg extends over the edge of said transparent sheet, thereby preventing said sheet from sliding within the window frame extrusion; and d. a sealant applied between the other inwardly turned flange of said H-shaped window extrusion and said transparent plate for preventing contact between said transparent plate and said inwardly turned flange.

15. The building enclosure of claim 1, further including a lift up door unit in one of the walls of said enclosure.

16. The building enclosure of claim 15, wherein said lift up door comprises: a. an upper panel door extrusion having a first web, a first J-shaped hinge flange extending outwardly from one end of said first web, and a panel securing means; b. a lower door extrusion secured to said lift up door and having a channel-shaped portion with a second web and first and second legs, a second J-shaped hinge flange extending outwardly from the end of said first leg and adapted to cooperate with said first J-shaped hinge flange to permit the door to be pivoted, the second leg of said lower door extrusion cooperating with the upper panel door extrusion to align the door when the lift up door is closed.

17. The building enclosure of claim 1, wherein said frame means further includes a bottom member adapted to be secured to the bottom edge of each of said enclosure walls, said bottom member having a web, two spaced L-shaped flanges and a center running channel extending downwardly from said web, and a resilent strip having grooves for receiving said L-shaped flanges and a center bead adapted to be inserted into said running channel.