Block member and panel structure

The invention provides a block member and a panel structure which are of a relatively simple construction, which may permit reduction in production and fabrication costs, which may be easily assembled with a sufficient strength, and which may have superior appearance when assembled. A block member comprises a block body 21 of a rectangular configuration having a center point and four sides, the block body including a flange portion 24 in the outer peripheral surface 21c of each of the four sides, the flange portions being formed integrally with the block body and protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the flange portions having a thickness less than that of the outer peripheral surface, each of the flange portions having a deformed portion 25 which restricts the amount of protrusion of the flange portion 24, the deformed portions being formed in the flange portions disposed at corner portions of the block body at which the adjoining sides of the block body meet together. The block members are clamped by the pair of support members disposed along the front and rear surface of the flange portions 24, through the use of a space defined by the deformed portions 25 and attachment holes in the support members.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to a block member and a panel structure. 
More particularly, the invention relates to block members, such as glass 
bricks, glass blocks or the like, and a panel structure comprising at 
least such block members and support members suitable for use as a 
partition or a screen in an architectural construction. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Conventionally, a panel structure of the above-mentioned type has been 
constructed by stacking glass blocks for example within an aluminum frame, 
with the aid of adhesive such as joint cement interposed between the glass 
blocks. Another panel structure has been constructed by stacking glass 
blocks directly on a portion of an architectural construction, with the 
aid of adhesive such as joint cement interposed between the glass blocks. 
It is noted, however, that, according to such conventional construction 
methods, adhesive must be used in order to secure or fix glass blocks 
together. This requires a prolonged period of time both for curing and 
fabrication. In addition, an architectural construction to which such 
panel structure is applied and its periphery may frequently and 
undesirably be contaminated, when joint cement is used as an adhesive. It 
should be specifically noted that, when the above frame is used, 
alteration or change in size of a panel structure, in relation to a given 
architectural construction, could not be easily performed. 
In order to solve the above problems, various proposals have been made 
heretofore. For example, a partition using glass panels is disclosed in 
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-3384, and a glass block panel is 
disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 52-30739. 
In the construction of a panel unit in the former publication, the panel 
unit includes a pair of grids of a resin material. The pair of grids 
define an internal recess. A glass plate is fitted into the recess so as 
to be clamped by the pair of grids. The opposite ends of the panel unit 
are engaged in their corresponding engagement grooves respectively formed 
in upstanding two support columns disposed on opposite sides of the panel 
unit. 
According to this proposal, the glass plate is supported by the pair of 
grids since it clamped between the pair of grids. Thus, adhesive such as 
joint cement may be completely obviated. This contributes to reduction in 
fabrication period. It is also possible to prevent an architectural 
construction and its periphery from contamination. 
It is noted, however, that the size of the above-mentioned panel unit is 
fixed. Thus, although alteration in size of the panel unit itself is 
possible, more fine adjustment in size is not possible. This is 
problematic since use or application field of the panel unit is 
restricted. It is also noted that, since the glass plate is simply clamped 
by the pair of grids, support strength for the plate glass at the central 
portion of the panel unit is undesirably decreased. This causes 
dislodgment of plate glass from the panel unit due to strong vibrations or 
mechanical shock. 
The pair of grids could be formed from a casting, in place of resin 
material. This might be effective in solving the above problem, but such 
grids would become extremely heavy, so that new problems such as 
restriction during fabrication may occur. 
In the construction of a glass block panel for daylighting purpose in the 
latter publication, vertical and horizontal bars having a groove are 
disposed within an aluminum frame. Glass blocks having flange portions in 
their outer peripheral surface are disposed in spaces between the frame 
and the horizontal and vertical bars, and between the horizontal bars and 
the vertical bars. A rubber packing is disposed between each groove and 
each flange portion. The frame, the horizontal bars and the vertical bars 
are fixed together at their connections by means of screws. 
According to this proposal, adhesive such as joint cement may be completely 
obviated, as in that of the former publication. Reduction in fabrication 
period may be obtained, and contamination of an architectural construction 
and its periphery may be prevented. It is also possible to prevent 
breakage of the glass blocks due to vibrations and mechanical shock. 
It is noted, however, that, during fabrication stage, a rubber packing 
should be placed between the grooves of the frame, the vertical bars and 
the horizontal bars and the flange portions of the glass blocks. This 
causes assembling operation cumbersome, so that fabrication efficiency may 
be undesirably decreased. It is specifically noted that, since the 
portions of the frame, the horizontal bars and the vertical bars disposed 
oppositely to the glass blocks are formed into a grooved configuration 
which corresponds to the profile of the glass blocks (the shape of the 
flange portions), another glass blocks of the same outer dimension but 
having different profiles cannot be used. This is problematic in terms of 
interchangeability. 
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the applicant previously 
proposed a panel structure shown in FIGS. 9 to 15. In these Figures, 
reference numeral 1 designates a first or vertical support member formed 
from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel member, into an elongated 
form. The vertical support member 1 includes a top plate 2, for example, 
of a planer configuration, a pair of side plates 3, 3 extending from the 
opposite side edges of the top plate in the same direction, and a pair of 
flange portions 4, 4 extending from the side edge of the respective side 
plate in a direction perpendicular thereto. The side plates 3, 3, together 
with the top plate 2, form a substantially U-shaped configuration. It is 
noted that the top plate 2 is formed with a plurality of holes 2a spaced 
apart from one another at a predetermined distance. Each of the side 
plates 3, 3 adjacent to the top plate 2 is formed with a plurality of 
slits 3a for receiving therein a second or horizontal support member which 
will be explained later. The slits 3a are spaced apart from one another at 
a distance the same as that of the holes 2a. Each of the flange portions 
4, 4 is formed with a plurality of holes 4a for attachment thereof to a 
third support member which will be explained later. Although the slit 3a, 
which is disposed at one end of the side plate, is formed so as to have an 
open end, it may be formed into a configuration substantially the same as 
that of the slits 3a disposed in the central portion of the side plate. 
The vertical support members 1 are so disposed that the top plates 2 of 
each pair of the support members 1 are oppositely disposed, and so that 
the pairs of the support members 1 are spaced apart from one another at a 
predetermined distance. A horizontal support member 5 is inserted in each 
slit 3a of the vertical support member 1, so as to form a grid-like 
configuration. The horizontal support member 5 is formed, for example, 
from a metal material, such as aluminum or steel, into an elongated 
web-like configuration. Holes 6 are also provided which correspond to the 
holes 2a of the vertical support member 1 spaced at a predetermined 
distance. The vertical support member 1 is formed first by forming the 
holes 2a, 4a, and slits 3a, for example, in a sheet metal by stamping 
operation, and then, bending the sheet metal in a predetermined direction, 
for example, by rolling or press operation, so as to obtain the 
configuration shown in FIG. 14. 
Reference numeral 7 designates block members. The block member may include 
a glass block, a glass brick, a glass panel and so on. The material for 
the block member may include, other than glass, resin material, for 
example. The block member 7 is supported by the vertical support members 1 
and the horizontal support members 5 which are arranged in a grid-like 
configuration, as mentioned above. More specifically, the front and rear 
surfaces of the block member 7 are supported, at the opposite ends 
thereof, by the flange portions 4, 4 of the vertical support members 1, 
and the opposite side surfaces of the block member 7 are supported by the 
side plates 3, 3 of the vertical support members 1. The top surface and 
bottom surface of the block member 7 are supported by the upper edges 5a 
and lower edges 5b of the horizontal support members 5. 
The vertical support members 1 and the horizontal support members 5, having 
been assembled into a grid-like configuration as mentioned above, are 
tightly clamped by means of an attachment means 8, 9. More specifically, 
the attachment means 8 such as a bolt is inserted sequentially into the 
hole 6 of the horizontal support member 5, the hole 2a of the vertical 
support member 1, the hole 2a of the opposed vertical support member 1, 
and the hole 6 of the horizontal support member 5. Then, the attachment 
means 9, such as a nut, is threadingly engaged with the attachment means 8 
(bolt). Thus, the pair of support members 1, 1 are brought into closer 
with each other, whereby the front and rear surfaces of the block member 7 
are tightly clamped at their end portions by the flange portions 4, 4. 
Thus, the vertical and horizontal support members 1, 5 are unified. 
Next, the way how the above-mentioned panel structure is assembled will be 
explained below. A plurality of vertical support members 1, being oriented 
in their substantially upright position, are arranged in forward and 
rearward rows and disposed spaced apart from one anther in each row at a 
distance substantially corresponding to the width of a block member 7. 
Horizontal support members 5, 5 are inserted in the respective lowermost 
slits 3a of the vertical support members 1. Then, a bolt 8 is inserted 
through a hole 6 of the horizontal support member 5 in the forward row, 
the hole 2a of the vertical support member 1, the hole 2a of the vertical 
support member 1 in the rearward row, and the hole 6 of the horizontal 
support member 5. The bolt is then threadingly engaged with a nut 9 for 
temporary securement thereof. The block member 7 in this state is inserted 
between the vertical support members 1, 1 from the above until the lower 
surface of the block member 7 is rested on the upper edge 5a of the 
horizontal support members 5, 5. An additional block member 7 is disposed 
adjacent to the first block member 7 in the above manner. A further 
additional block member 7 is disposed adjacent to the above additional 
block member 7, whereby the block member in a first stage (a first 
horizontal row) are all disposed in a proper manner. Then, a horizontal 
support member 5 is inserted into a slit 3a next to the lowermost slit 3a 
in the vertical support member 1. A bolt 8 is inserted in each hole 2a in 
the vertical support member 1. Each bolt 8 is temporarily and lightly 
tightened by means of a nut 9. An appropriate arrangement and adjustment 
operation is performed so that the opposite end portions of the front and 
rear surfaces of the block member 7 are engaged with the flange portions 
4, 4 of the vertical support member 1, while the opposite side surfaces of 
the block member 7 are engaged with the side plates 3, 3 of the vertical 
support member 1. Then, the vertical support members 1 and the horizontal 
support members 5 in the forward and rearward row are tightened together 
by means of pairs of bolt 8 and nut 9 in the lowermost stage. 
Subsequently, block members 7 in a second horizontal row are inserted 
between the pair of vertical support members 1, 1 from the above, so that 
their lower surfaces are mounted on the upper edges 5a of the pair of 
horizontal support members 5, 5. The above-mentioned operation is repeated 
in a similar manner. By this, a new block member 7 is disposed adjacent to 
the first block member 7 in the second horizontal row. Similarly, a 
further additional block member 7 is disposed adjacent to the new block 
member 7. In this manner, all block members 7 in the horizontal second row 
are properly arranged. Then, a horizontal support member 5 is inserted 
into the third slit 3a from the lowermost one. A bolt 8 is inserted into a 
respective holes 2a and 6 of the vertical support members 1. Each bolt 8 
is temporarily and lightly tightened by means of a corresponding nut 9. As 
in the case of the first horizontal row of block member, an appropriate 
arrangement and adjustment operation is performed so that the opposite end 
portions of the front and rear surfaces of the block member 7 are engaged 
with the flange portions 4, 4 of the vertical support member 1, while the 
opposite side surfaces of the block member 7 are engaged with the side 
plates 3, 3 of the vertical support member 1. Then, the vertical support 
members 1 and the horizontal support members 5 in the forward and rearward 
row are tightened together by means of pairs of bolt 8 and nut 9 next to 
the lowermost stage. Similar operation will be repeated, so as to obtain a 
panel shown in FIG. 10. 
According to the above-mentioned proposal, the vertical support members 1 
having slits 3a in their side plates 3, 3, and the horizontal support 
members 5 are formed into a grid-like configuration, by inserting the 
horizontal support members 5 into the slits 3a in the vertical support 
members 1. The block members 7 of a rectangular configuration are disposed 
in their respective grid-like portions. The opposite end portions of the 
front and rear surfaces and the opposite end surfaces of the block members 
7 are supported by the flange portions 4, 4 of the pair of vertical 
support members 1 and the side plates 3, 3. The lower and upper surfaces 
of the block members 7 are supported by the horizontal support members 5. 
Thus, the panel may be easily assembled, regardless of a given profile of 
the block member 7. It is also noted that adhesion such as joint cement is 
unnecessary, and contamination of an architectural construction and its 
periphery may be prevented. 
The vertical support members 1 and horizontal support members 5 are 
integrally tightened, at their overlapped portions, by means of the 
attachment means 8, 9. Thus, supporting ability for the block members 7 
and mechanical strength of the panel are improved and increased, 
respectively. Accordingly, dislodgment of the block members 7 from the 
vertical support members 1 or the horizontal support members 5 due to 
vibrations or mechanical shock may be prevented. 
The block members 7 are supported by the vertical support members 1 and the 
horizontal support members 5 which are arranged in a grid-like 
configuration. Thus, panel size may be desirably changed by the size of 
the block member, when an appropriate length is selected for the vertical 
support members 1 and/or the horizontal support members 5. Accordingly, 
applicable field may be expanded, flexibility during fabrication may be 
enhanced, and reduction in fabrication period may be achieved. 
Recently, it has been noticed that the panel structure advantageously 
provides design effects. Thus, the panel structures have various 
applications, other than partitions or screens for an architectural 
construction. Demand for the panel structure is increased, and, thus, easy 
applicability and cost reduction are highly required. 
According to the above-mentioned proposal, the block members 7 are 
supported by the vertical support members 1 and the horizontal support 
members 5 of a web-like configuration which are combined into a grid-like 
configuration. It is noted, however, that the block members 7 are actually 
clamped and supported, at their front and rear surface on right-hand side 
and left-hand side, by the flange portions 4 of the vertical support 
members 1. Thus, the flange portions 4 are exposed only at the right-hand 
side and the left-hand side on the front and rear surface of the block 
members 7. This is disadvantageous in terms of providing good appearance. 
The vertical support member 1 includes slits 3a and formed into a 
substantially C-shaped configuration. Thus, its shape or configuration is 
different from that of the horizontal support member 5 which is of a 
web-like configuration. This inevitably increases the type of the support 
members and requires cumbersome production process. Reduction in 
manufacturing cost is also difficult. It is specifically noted that, as 
the panel structure increases in size, more complicated process for 
fabricating the vertical support members is required, thus increasing 
manufacturing cost. 
It is also noted that the block members 7 are supported in a following 
manner. First, the vertical support members 1 and the horizontal support 
members 5 of a web-like configuration are combined into a grid-like 
configuration by inserting each horizontal support member 5 into a slit 3a 
of a corresponding vertical support member 1. Then, block members 7 are 
mounted on the horizontal support members 5. Consequently, each block 
member 7 is clamped, at its left-hand and right-hand sides on front and 
rear surfaces, by the flange portions 4 of the vertical support members 1. 
Thus, such panel structure may be efficiently fabricated or constructed at 
site as compared to conventional one. It is noted, however, that further 
improvement is required for such panel structure, since more efficient and 
readily applicable panel structure is desired. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is therefore a main object of the invention to provide a block member 
and a panel structure which are of a relatively simple construction, which 
may permit reduction in production and fabrication costs, which may be 
easily assembled with a sufficient strength, and which may have superior 
appearance when assembled. 
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems experiences with prior art, 
a first invention provides a block member comprising a block body of a 
rectangular configuration having a center point and four sides, the block 
body including a flange portion in the outer peripheral surface of each of 
the four sides, the flange portions being formed integrally with the block 
body and protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, each of 
the flange portions having a deformed portion which restricts the amount 
of protrusion of the flange portion, the deformed portions being formed in 
the flange portions in a symmetric relationship with respect to the center 
point of the block body. 
A second invention provides a block member comprising a block body of a 
rectangular configuration having a center point and four sides, the block 
body including a flange portion in the outer peripheral surface of each of 
the four sides, the flange portions being formed integrally with the block 
body and protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the 
flange portions having a thickness less than that of the outer peripheral 
surface, each of the flange portions having a deformed portion which 
restricts the amount of protrusion of the flange portion, the deformed 
portions being formed in the flange portions disposed at corner portions 
of the block body at which the adjoining sides of the block body meet 
together. 
A third invention provides a block body wherein the deformed portions are 
substantially of an arcuate configuration. 
A fourth invention provides a block member comprising a block body of a 
rectangular configuration having a center point and four sides, the block 
body including a flange portion in the outer peripheral surface of each of 
the four sides, the flange portions being formed integrally with the block 
body and protruding outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the 
flange portions having a thickness less than that of the outer peripheral 
surface, each of the flange portions having a deformed portion which 
restricts the amount of protrusion of the flange portion, the deformed 
portion being formed in the central portion of each of the flange 
portions. 
A fifth invention provides a block member wherein the deformed portions are 
notches substantially of a semi-circular configuration or a C-shaped 
configuration. 
A sixth invention provides a panel structure comprising: block members each 
including a block body of a rectangular configuration having a center 
point and four sides, the block body including a flange portion in the 
outer peripheral surface of each of the four sides, the flange portions 
being formed integrally with the block body and protruding outwardly from 
the outer peripheral surface, each of the flange portions having a 
deformed portion which restricts the amount of protrusion of the flange 
portion, the deformed portions being formed in the flange portions in a 
symmetric relationship with respect to the center point of the block body; 
a pair of support members disposed along the front and rear surface, 
respectively, of the flange portion on each sides of the block member, 
each of the support members having at least one hole, the position of 
which corresponding to a position of a space defined by the deformed 
portions of the adjoining block members; and an attachment means including 
pairs of bolt and nut, wherein the pair of support members are disposed 
along the front and rear surfaces of the flange portion on each side of 
the block member, wherein the pair of support members are tightened 
together by means of the attachment means, through the use of the holes of 
the support members and the space defined by the deformed portions of the 
block members, whereby the flange portions of the block members are 
clamped by the support members. 
A seventh invention provides a panel structure comprising block members 
each comprising a block body of a rectangular configuration having a 
center point and four sides, the block body including a flange portion in 
the outer peripheral surface of each of the four sides, the flange 
portions being formed integrally with the block body and protruding 
outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the flange portions having a 
thickness less than that of the outer peripheral surface, each of the 
flange portions having a deformed portion which restricts the amount of 
protrusion of the flange portion, the deformed portions being formed in 
the flange portions disposed at corner portions of the block body at which 
the adjoining sides of the block body meet together; a pair of support 
members disposed along the front and rear surface, respectively, of the 
flange portion on each sides of the block member, each of the support 
members having at least one hole, the position of which corresponding to a 
position of a space defined by the deformed portions of the adjoining 
block members; and an attachment means including pairs of bolt and nut, 
wherein the pair of support members are disposed along the front and rear 
surfaces of the flange portion on each side of the block member, wherein 
the pair of support members are tightened together by means of the 
attachment means, through the use of the holes of the support members and 
the space defined by the deformed portions of the block members, whereby 
the flange portions of the block members are clamped by the support 
members. 
A eighth invention provides a panel structure wherein the confronting 
flange portions of the adjoining block members are clamped by a common 
pair of support members. 
A ninth invention provides a panel structure wherein the support members 
are of a web-like configuration, and wherein each support member is formed 
with at least one attachment hole, the position of which corresponding to 
a space defined by the deformed portions of the block members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
One embodiment of a block member according to the invention will be 
explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In these figures, 
reference numeral 20 designates a block member of a rectangular 
configuration. The block member may include, for example, a glass block, a 
glass brick, a glass panel or the like. A brick, a ceramic, a resin 
material, or a wooden material, in addition to the glass material, may be 
used as a raw material for the block member. The block member 20 shown in 
the drawings is formed into a square configuration when viewed in plan 
view (front view). It is noted, however, that the block member may be 
formed into an appropriate configuration such as a rectangular, rhombic, 
triangular, or regular polygonal configuration. The block member 20 
includes a block body 21 for example of a rectangular configuration, a 
first shallow recess 22 formed in one surface (front surface) 21a of the 
block body 21, a second deep recess 23 formed in the opposite surface 
(rear surface) 21b of the block body 21, and a flange portion 24 
integrally protruding from the outer peripheral surface 21c of each of the 
four sides of the block body 21, the width of the flange portion 24 being 
less than that of the outer peripheral surface 21c. 
The flange 24 has a deformed portion 25 of an arcuate configuration 
(removed portion) at each corner portion in which the adjoining sides of 
the block body 21 intersect with each other. Thus, the amount of 
protrusion (protruded length) of the flange portion from the outer 
peripheral surface 21c is restricted. More specifically, the protruded 
length of the flange portion is reduced as the flange portion approaches 
the corner portion. As will be explained later, the adjoining deformed 
portions 25 form a space 26, when a plurality of block members 20 are 
arranged in a matrix form so as to be panelized. It is noted that, 
although the opposite surface 24a of the flange portion 24 is shown to be 
in flush with the bottom surface 23a of the recess 23, it may be formed to 
be offset from the bottom surface 23a. 
The thus constructed block member 20 is applied, for example, to a panel 
structure shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. In these figures, reference numeral 30 
designates a support frame body. The support frame body 30 includes, for 
example, support columns 31, 31 spaced apart a predetermined distance from 
one another, a base member 32 disposed below and fixed to the support 
columns 31, 31, and end support members 33, 33 disposed upper and fixed to 
the confronting support columns 31, 31. The end support members 33, 33 
have, at their confronting central portion, a support lug 33a integral 
therewith. Each of the support lug 33a extends along the entire length of 
the central portion and has a thickness substantially the same as that of 
the flange portion of the block member 20, and a protruded length 
approximately twice that of the flange portion 24. Attachment holes are 
arranged at a pitch substantially the same as the outer dimension of the 
block member 20. 
In the support frame body 30, a plurality of block members 20 are arranged 
in a matrix form, with the flange portions 24 being in abutment relative 
to one another. A caulking compound, such as silicone rubber, may be 
interposed between the opposed surfaces of the flange portions 24, so as 
to prevent direct contact between the flange portions. At the adjoining 
corner portions of the plurality of block members 20, a space is formed 
which is bounded by the arcuate deformed portions 25. The flange portion 
24 on each side of the block member 20 is clamped by support members 40, 
40A and vertical support members 50, 50A of a web-like configuration, 
which are respectively arranged forwardly and rearwardly of the block 
members and extend horizontally and vertically. The flange portions are 
tightly clamped by means of an attachment means such as a bolt 60 and a 
nut (for example, a box nut) 61. 
The horizontal support members 40, 40A, and the vertical support members 
50, 50A are formed with a plurality of attachment holes 41, 51, 
respectively. The attachment holes 41, 51 are arranged at a pitch 
substantially the same as that of the outer dimension of the block member 
20 (outer dimension including the flange portion 24). Specifically, the 
vertical support members 50, 50A disposed adjacent to the support frame 
body 30 have a width slightly larger than that of the remaining vertical 
support members 50, 50A. The horizontal support members 40, 40A and the 
vertical support members 50, 50A, which are not disposed adjacent to the 
support frame body 30, have a width substantially equal to or slightly 
larger than twice the protruded length of each side of the block member 20 
in which the deformed portion is not formed. Each block member 20 is 
securely supported by inserting a bolt 60 into each hole 41, 51 in the 
horizontal support members 40, 40A and the vertical support members 50, 
50A, respectively, and through each space 26 and by tightly threading the 
bolts 60 with corresponding box nuts 61. 
A method for assembling the above-mentioned panel structure will be 
explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. First, the horizontal 
support members 40, 40A and the vertical support members 50, 50A are 
temporarily and lightly secured to the base member 32 and the end support 
members 33, 33 along their front and rear surfaces by means of bolts 60 
and box nuts 61 through the use of the holes 41, 51. A plurality of 
vertical support members 50, 50A for the front and rear surfaces of the 
panel structure are disposed between the vertical support members 50, 50A 
extending along the end support members 33, 33, respectively. The vertical 
support members are arranged substantially in parallel relative to one 
another. The vertical support members 50, 50A are temporarily and lightly 
secured to the horizontal support members 40, 40A extending along the base 
member 33 by means of the bolts 60 and the box nuts 61. If desired, an 
appropriate amount of caulking compound is applied to the end surface of 
the flange portion 24 at each side of the block members 20. Then, such 
block members 20 are sequentially disposed between the horizontal support 
members 40, 40A on the base member 32, in a manner that the lower flange 
portion 24 of each of the block members 20 are clamped between the 
horizontal support members 40, 40A. In this manner, arrangement for the 
first row is completed. At this stage, the front and rear surfaces of the 
flange portions 24, excluding the upper one, of each of the block members 
20 are engaged by or disposed adjacent to the horizontal support members 
40, 40A and the vertical support members 50, 50A. In this connection, it 
should be noted that application of the caulking compound to the base 
member 32, the opposite end surfaces of the support lugs 33a, 33a, and the 
block members 20 may be performed when the arrangement of the block 
members 20 in the first row has been completed. Then, a bolt 60 is 
inserted in each hole in the horizontal support members 40, 40A, as well 
as in each lowermost hole (a first hole) in the vertical support members 
50, 50A. Each bolt 60 is tightly threaded with a corresponding box nut 61. 
By this, the lower flange 24 of each of the block members 20 in the first 
row is securely clamped between the lowermost pair (the first pair) of 
horizontal support members 40, 40A. 
Subsequently, a second pair of horizontal support members 40, 40A are 
disposed along the front and rear surfaces of the upper flange 24 of each 
of the block members 20 in the first row. A bolt 60 is inserted into a 
hole 51 next to the lowermost hole (a second hole) of each of the vertical 
support members 50, 50A, a hole 41 in each of the second pair of 
horizontal support 40, 40A, which corresponds to the second hole 51, and 
each space 26 defined by the deformed portions 25, 25 on each upper side 
of the adjoining block members 20. Each bolt 60 is temporarily and lightly 
tightened by a corresponding box nut 61. Then, a second row of block 
members 20 are disposed on the first row of block members 20, with their 
flange portions 24 being engaged or disposed adjacent to one another. By 
this, arrangement for the second row of block members is completed. Each 
second pairs of bolt 60 and box nut 61 are tightened together. Thus, the 
upper flange portions of the first row of block members 20 and the lower 
flange portions 24 of the second row of block members 20 are tightly 
clamped between the common second pair of horizontal support members 40, 
40A. Likewise, the adjoining side or lateral flange portions 24 of the 
first row of block members 20 are tightly clamped between the common 
vertical support members 50, 50A. The above-mentioned operation will be 
similarly repeated, so as to obtain an assembled panel structure shown in 
FIG. 3. 
As mentioned above, the block member 20 applied to the panel structure has, 
in its peripheral surface 21 on each side thereof, the integral flange 
portion 24 provided with the deformed portion 25. Thus, the adjoining 
flange portions 24 of the block members may be simultaneously clamped by 
means of the horizontal support members 40, 40A and the vertical support 
members 50, 50A. 
It is also noted that the block member 20 is formed, at each corner portion 
thereof, with the arcuately deformed portion 25. The deformed portions 25 
contribute to restrict the amount of protrusion of the flange portions 24. 
Such deformed portions 25 cooperate to define a space 26 when block 
members 20 are adjacently disposed. Thus, the adjoining flange portions 24 
of the block members 20 are securely and commonly clamped by inserting a 
bolt 60 in each space 26 and by tightening the bolt 60 with a 
corresponding box nut 60. In addition to the fact that the adjoining 
flange portions 24 of the block members 20 may be advantageously and 
commonly clamped in a secure manner, moldability of the block members 20 
may be advantageously improved due to the provision of the deformed 
portions 25. 
It is also noted that the spaces 26 obviate provision of any attachment 
means in the flange portions. Thus, the block members 20 may be 
sufficiently securely clamped, even when the protruded length of the 
flange portions 24 from their outer peripheral surfaces 21c is reduced, 
for example, to about 5 mm. 
It is specifically noted that the horizontal support members 40, 40A and 
the vertical support members 50, 50A are formed into a web-like 
configuration. Thus, they may be produced simply by cutting a flat 
material into a predetermined length and by forming holes at a 
predetermined pitch. This allows easy manufacturing operation, greatly 
increased production rate, and reduction in production cost of the support 
members, as well as reduction in production cost of the panel structure. 
Since the horizontal and vertical support members are of a web-like 
configuration as mentioned above, it is unnecessary for the second support 
of a web-like configuration to be inserted into a slit in the first 
support of a C-shaped configuration as needed upon assembly of the 
above-mentioned earlier proposal of the applicant. That is to say, the 
horizontal and vertical support members according to the invention may be 
assembled by simply overlapping them relative to one another. Accordingly, 
the panel structure may be efficiently fabricated or assembled in a short 
time. 
When the panel structure of the invention is applied for example to an 
exterior wall of a construction, a quantity of caulking compound such as 
silicone rubber may be applied to the portions, to be engaged or 
adjacently disposed, of the flange portions 24 of adjoining block members 
20. By this, any leakage of water or penetration of wind into the interior 
(room) of the construction may be reliably prevented. When the panel 
structure is applied as a partition in a room, it is expected that the 
caulking compound may serve as a cushioning material between the block 
members 20, so as to prevent the block members 20 from damage due to 
strong vibrations or shock. 
FIG. 7 shows a block member according to another embodiment of the 
invention. The block member 20A includes, in the outer peripheral surface 
21c on each side of the block body 21 of a rectangular configuration, 
flange portions 24 integral therewith. Each flange portion 24 has a 
thickness less than that of the outer peripheral surface 21c. It is 
specifically noted that the flange portion 24 on each side of the block 
body 21 is formed, at the central portion thereof, with a deformed portion 
25A of a semi-circular configuration which restricts the amount of 
protrusion of the flange 24 from the outer peripheral surface 21c. The 
deformed portion 25A may be formed, in stead of the semi-circular 
configuration, into a C-shaped configuration, a triangular configuration 
or the like. 
The block member 20A may be applied for example to a panel structure shown 
in FIG. 8. This panel structure is basically the same as that shown in 
FIGS. 3 to 5 but different in that (1) the position of each hole 41, 51 of 
the horizontal and vertical support members 40, 40A and 50, 50A is shifted 
to the central portion of the block member 20A and (2) the deformed 
portions 25 of the adjoining block members 20A define a space in the 
central portion of the flange portions 24. 
According to this embodiment, the flange portions 24 of the block members 
20A are separately clamped by the horizontal support members 40, 40A and 
the vertical support members 50, 50A, respectively. Thus, the panel 
structure employing the support members according to this embodiment is 
slightly less in strength than that of the panel structure employing the 
support members according to the first embodiment in which the overlapped 
portions between the horizontal support members 40, 40A and the vertical 
support members 50, 50A are simultaneously fastened together by means of 
the fastening means 60, 61. Apart from this point, the panel structure 
employing the support members according to the second embodiment is 
expected to have substantially the same effects as those of the panel 
structure employing the support members according to the first embodiment. 
It is noted that the invention is not restricted to the above-mentioned 
embodiments. For example, the block member may take a form of rectangular, 
triangular or polygonal configuration, other than the above-mentioned 
square configuration. More than one deformed portions may be formed in a 
single side of the flange portion, provided that symmetrical relationship 
may be obtained with respect to the adjacently disposed block members. The 
location(s) of the deformed portion may also be appropriately selected. It 
is also possible to use an L-shaped auxiliary fixture. In this case, one 
piece of the fixture is fastened to the attachment means located at 
lowermost stage of the panel structure, while the other piece of the 
fixture is fixed to the base member by means of a screw. One support 
member (horizontal or vertical support member) overlying the other support 
member (vertical or horizontal support member), except the portion at 
which it is disposed on the underlying support member, may be bent by an 
amount substantially corresponding to the thickness of the underlying 
support member. Thus, the overlying support member may be intimately 
contacted with the flange portion of the block member. 
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
As will be appreciated from foregoing, and in accordance with the present 
invention, each block member is integrally formed, in the outer peripheral 
surface of each side thereof, with a flange portion. Thus, adjoining 
flange portions may be clamped together by means of a pair of support 
members. This increases support strength for the block members. 
Deformed portions, which restrict amount of protrusion of the flange 
portion, are formed in the outer peripheral portions of the block members 
in a symmetrical relationship. When a plurality of block members are 
adjacently disposed, a space is formed by the deformed portions. This 
space may be used when tightening operation is performed using an 
attachment means. It is also possible to reduce the protruded length of 
the flange from the peripheral surface. This permits reduction in width of 
the support members. Accordingly, and contrariwise to prior art, the 
support member is prevented from overlapping the block member. The area by 
which the support members occupy in the panel structure may be decreased. 
This provides superior appearance of the panel structure. 
It is specifically noted that horizontal and vertical support members are 
both of a web-like configuration. Thus, they may be easily produced simply 
by cutting a flat material into a predetermined width. The length of the 
support members may be appropriately adjusted. Thus, the support members 
may be produced easily. Mass productivity is also significantly increased. 
Accordingly, it is possible to reduce production cost for support members 
and panel structure. 
The horizontal and vertical support members of a web-like configuration 
obviate the cumbersome operation in prior art in which a second or 
horizontal support member is inserted into a slit of a first or vertical 
support member of a C-shaped configuration. The support members according 
to the invention may be simply overlapped with each during assembling or 
fabricating process. This permits efficient fabrication work in a short 
period of time. 
It will further be obvious to those skilled in the art that many variations 
may be made in the above embodiments, here chosen for the purpose of 
illustrating the present invention, and full result may be had to the 
doctrine of equivalents without departing from the scope of the present 
invention, as defined by the appended claims.