Sliding profiles for coupling and supporting rigid plastic sheets - to accommodate various shapes, sizes and materials without stress

摘要

Profiles for coupling the edges of panels of rigid plastic sheet comprise channels which enclose the borders of the panels and which have a integral 'T' or 'C' shaped flange to engage a hollow rail or box profile clamp or girder in a sliding fit. Profiles are suitable for linking flat or curved panels in single or parallel layers of similar or different spacing and/or thickness for e.g. skylights, partitions, to accommodate differences of thermal expansion. The channel profiles may be bonded to the surface of sheet by adhesives or ultrasonic welding as appropriate. The box profile clamp may act as a gutter for water draining between the sheets, may contain inserts to enhance thermal and acoustic insulation made opt. of glass wool or expanded polyurethane. The profiles are quicker to install than bolted couplings, avoids local constraint and stress.