Patent ID: 7950192

Claim:
A framed panel unit comprising: a panel; and a plurality of thermoplastic frame members disposed along the edge of said panel; each frame member having first and second opposed side walls defining a channel therebetween, the edge of said panel being received within the channel of each frame member; the channel of each frame member having spacer means therein including a first spacer between said panel and said first side wall for spacing said panel from said first side wall and a second spacer between said panel and said second side wall for spacing said panel from said second side wall and where prior to welding together the ends of said frame members, said spacer means positions said panel within said channel and further retains said frame members on said panel, wherein said channel of each frame member includes a base between the first and second opposed sidewalls, wherein each spacer means further comprises a third spacer arranged between the edge of said panel and the base of said channel and wherein said first and second spacers are coupled to said third spacer, wherein said third spacer includes means for permitting fluid to flow therethrough between adjacent portions of said channel separated by said third spacer.