Modular panel frame assembly system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION One object of the present invention is to obviate these and other problems in the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular panel frame assembly system which, following assembly, displays great structural strength.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular panel frame assembly system which, following assembly, is not readily subject to deformation or unexpected detachment.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a modular panel frame assembly system which can satisfy a broad variety of applications and can be assembled into numerous useful embodiments.
A still further object to the present invention is to provide a modular panel frame assembly system which can easily and quickly be assembled.
These and other objects to the present invention are achieved through the use of an expandable clamp which connects one frame member to another by engaging opposing interned end flanges with opposing jaws that are separated from one anther by a space in the shape of a half-cylinder.
The frame member engaged by the opposing jaws in one preferred embodiment contains at least one pair of longitudinal channels on one side thereof, each having an interned end flange which together define the outer edge of each channel opening and a center rail of T-shaped configuration which defines the inner edge of each channel opening.
Each clamp jaw further includes an outer and inner surface which are slightly inclined with respect to one another.
The jaws are joined at one end by a cylindrical joint, one jaw containing the inner cylinder of the joint, the other containing the outer cylinder.
In order to allow for easy insertion, the jaws are urgingly engaged against one another through the use of a stretchable material, such as a rubber band.
In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the opposing jaws of the clamp are provided in opposing, facing relationship and the clamp is so provided that the jaws come together about the center rail, of T-shaped configuration, positioned between the pair of longitudinal channels as the clamp body has expanded in the adjacent frame member