Patent ID: 7832180

Claim:
A joining structure, comprising: a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and at least a first side; at least a first spacer; at least a second spacer; wherein the sleeve connects a first mullion from the first end of the sleeve and connects a second mullion from the second end of the sleeve; wherein the sleeve connects the first mullion from the first end of the sleeve without directly contacting the first mullion; wherein the sleeve connects the second mullion from the second end of the sleeve without directly contacting the second mullion; wherein the sleeve extends longitudinally within the first mullion and the second mullion; wherein the first spacer extends longitudinally along the length of the at least first side of the sleeve and is situated between an external surface of the at least first side of the sleeve and an internal surface of at least first wall of the first mullion and an internal surface of at least first wall of the second mullion; wherein the first spacer prevents direct mating between the at least first side of the sleeve and the at least first wall of the first mullion and the at least first wall of the second mullion; wherein the second spacer is positioned between an external surface of a second side of the sleeve and an internal surface of a second wall of the first mullion and an internal surface of a second wall of the second mullion; and wherein the second spacer prevents direct mating between the second side of the sleeve and the second wall of the first mullion and the second wall of the second mullion.