Mosaic panel having dummy and active modules - which interlock via slots, grooves, holes and hooks obviating support frame

摘要

The modules are rectangular with square fronts. There are two types of module. The first type has dove-tailed slots in its four sides and the second type has dove-tailed ridges that slide into the slots. The first type has holes (4E) into which snap-action hooks on the second type locate. The slots and ridges prevent the modules moving laterally w.r.t. one another and the holes and hooks prevent them moving backwards and forwards w.r.t. one another perpendicular to the front face of the resulting mosaic panel. Each module is hollow and is open at one of its six faces. The open face may be made to face forwards or backwards depending on the way the module is fitted into the mosaic. Closure pieces (3A) with hooked legs (3B) close the open faces at the front or rear and their legs locate in further holes (4D) in the sides of the modules. No conventional support frame is required. The modules may or may not contain active components. An outer frame is formed by border pieces that mate with the outer sides of the outermost modules of the panel to form a flange or lip.