Split mullion assembly

Abstract

A set of mullion tubes configured to connect to form a single longer mullion assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the mullion tubes may be connected using a connector. The connector may be configured to slide into the mullion tubes in a compacted state, and transition to an expanded state when attached to the mullion tubes. In other embodiments, the connector may include cam assemblies configured to pull the mullion tubes over the connector. In other embodiments, one mullion tube may include an insert end configured to slot into an opening in an end of the other mullion tube. The mullion assembly may include a clamping assembly to pull the insert end into the opening. In some embodiments, the clamping assembly extends through a cap on an opposite end of the mullion with the opening. In other embodiments, the clamping assembly connects with a worm screw extending through a side of the mullion with the opening.

Description

SPLIT MULLION ASSEMBLYFIELD

[0001] Disclosed embodiments are related to multi-piece mullion assemblies.BACKGROUND

[0002] Many doors include mullions to separate the door from other structures such as walls, windows, or other doors. Mullions may be placed between a set of doors and include door strikes for receiving door latches so that the doors may be locked. Mullions may sometimes be removable in order to provide a wider entry or exit when the doors are open.

[0003] Mullions must generally extend an entire height of a door. Shipping packages of this length generally carries an increased cost. Additionally, long mullions are likely to be bent or otherwise damaged during shipping, requiring replacement mullions to be shipped. This may increase costs and cause delays.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, a mullion assembly includes a first mullion tube, a second mullion tube, and a connector assembly disposed inside the mullion tubes and configured to connect the first mullion tube to the second mullion tube. The connector may be configured to transition between a compacted state and an expanded state.

[0005] In some aspects, a mullion assembly includes a first mullion having an opening in a fist end, and a second mullion having an insert end configured to slot into the opening in the first mullion. The mullion assembly may include a clamping assembly configured to pull the insert end into the opening.

[0006] In some aspects, a mullion assembly includes a first mullion tube, a second mullion tube, and a connector assembly disposed inside the mullion tubes and configured to connect the first mullion tube to the second mullion tube. The connector may include a camming assembly configured to pull at least one mullion tube over the connector.

[0007] In some aspects, a connector assembly for a mullion assembly is disclosed. The connector assembly may have two connector sections, each connector section having a rear surface. The rear surfaces of each connector may be configured to mesh together, such that the connector sections cannot move relative to each other in at least one direction.

[0008] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various nonlimiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0010] Fig. l is a perspective view of a fully assembled mullion assembly according to an embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembled mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a mullion tube according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of a connector assembly in a compacted state inserted into a mullion tube according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a connector assembly in an expanded state inserted into a mullion tube according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of a connector according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of a mullion assembly according to an embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of a mullion tube according to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper portion of the mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of a mullion assembly according to an embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a front perspective view of a clamping assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0026] Fig 17 is a rear perspective view of a clamping assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0027] Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of a clamping assembly with a housing removed according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0028] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a washer and bolt according to the embodiment of Fig. 13.

[0029] Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of a mullion assembly according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of a mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0031] Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of mullion tubes according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0032] Fig. 23 is a front perspective view of a connector according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0033] Fig. 24 is a rear view of a connector according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0034] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a mullion assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0035] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a connector with cam assemblies attached to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0036] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a cam assembly according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.

[0037] Fig. 28 is a rear view of a cam according to the embodiment of Fig. 20.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Many doors include mullions which separate the door from walls, windows, other doors, and / or other components. A mullion must generally be at least as tall as the height of a door. As briefly mentioned above, because of this height, mullions can be expensive to ship, and are more likely to be damaged in shipping as compared to items shipped in smaller packages. As such, the inventors have recognized a benefit to dividing a mullion into multiple mullion tubes for shipping, and then connecting them together once the parts reach their final destination. The inventors have also recognized that it may be desirable for the mullion tubes to connect in such a way as to have minimal connecting hardware exposed when the mullion is fully assembled. This may increase the overall aesthetic appearance of the mullion and may be more resistant to unauthorized entry than a mullion assembly with exposed connection hardware. The inventors have therefore recognized that it may also be desirable for the mullion tubes to connect from the inside of the tubes. The inventors have also recognized that it may be desirable to minimize clearance between inside faces of the mullion tubes and outer faces of the connectors, as this may increase the overall stiffness of the mullion assembly and minimize play between the mullion tubes when fully assembled.

[0039] In some embodiments, the mullion tubes may be connected using a connector. The connector may attach to the mullion tubes via screws which pass through corresponding holes in the mullion tubes and the connector. At least one outer face of the connector may be configured to sit flush against at least one corresponding inside face of each mullion tube when fully attached. This may increase the stiffness of the mullion when fully assembled and minimize play between the mullion tubes. The connector may be configured to be expandable, so that it can more easily slide into the mullion tubes when unattached, but then expand to allow the at least one outer face to sit flush with the inside face of the mullion tubewhen attached. In some embodiments, the connector is a 2-piece connector, wherein each piece includes a front face which is configured to be pulled flush with an inside face of each mullion tube. In some embodiments, the pieces are configured to mesh together to prevent one piece from falling into the tube while the other piece is being attached. In some embodiments, each of the two pieces is identical.

[0040] In some embodiments, one mullion tube may have an end with a reduced cross-section forming an insert end, which is configured to slide into an opening in an end of a corresponding mullion tube. Clearance between outside surfaces of the insert end and inside surfaces of the corresponding mullion tube may be minimized to increase the stiffness of the mullion assembly when assembled and to minimize play between the mullion tubes. Minimizing the clearance may increase a force necessary to slide the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube due to added friction between outside surfaces of the insert end and the inside surfaces of the corresponding mullion tube. The mullion assembly may therefore include a clamping assembly configured to pull the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube. The clamping assembly includes a washer disposed on a ledge at an end of the insert end. A bolt extends through the washer and through the corresponding mullion tube. The bolt extends through a cap at an end of the corresponding mullion tube. A nut is attached to the end of the bolt. As the nut is tightened, the cap and the washer are pulled towards each other, which pulls the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube.

[0041] In some embodiments, one mullion tube may have an end with a reduced cross-section forming an insert end, which is configured to slide into an opening in an end of a corresponding mullion tube. Clearance between outside surfaces of the insert end and inside surfaces of the corresponding mullion tube may be minimized to increase the stiffness of the mullion assembly when assembled and to minimize play between the mullion tubes. Minimizing the clearance may increase a force necessary to slide the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube due to added friction between outside surfaces of the insert end and the inside surfaces of the corresponding mullion tube. The mullion assembly may therefore include a clamping assembly configured to pull the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube. The clamping assembly includes a washer disposed on a ledge at an end of the insert end. A bolt extends through the washer and into a worm gear assembly disposed and held stationary in the corresponding mullion tube. The worm gear assemblyincludes a worm screw actuatable by a user. Actuating the worm screw pulls the bolt towards the worm screw, which pulls the washer towards the worm screw, and therefore pulls the insert end into the corresponding mullion tube.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mullion tubes may be connected by a connector disposed inside the mullion tubes. It may be desirable for there to be minimal clearance between outside surfaces of the connector and inside surfaces of the mullion tubes, as this may increase the overall stiffness of the mullion assembly when assembled and may reduce play between the mullion tubes. Minimizing the clearance between the mullion tubes and the connector may increase a force necessary to slide the connector into the mullion tubes due to added friction between the outside surfaces of the connector and the inside surfaces of the mullion tubes. The connector may have a reduced cross-section region, where there is more clearance between outside surfaces of the connector and inside surfaces of the mullion tubes, and an increased cross section region, where there is minimal clearance between the outside surfaces of the connector and inside surfaces of the mullion tubes. The mullion assembly may include camming assemblies configured to pull the mullion tubes over the increase crosssection regions.

[0043] Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and / or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein.

[0044] Figs. 1-8 illustrate views of a mullion assembly 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the mullion assembly 100 includes mullion tubes 102 and 104. Mullion tubes 102 and 104 are connected together using connector assembly 105. Connector assembly 105 is disposed inside mullion tubes 102 and 104 such that connector holes 121 align with tube holes 120. Screws 122 are then inserted through the tube holes 120 and screwed into the connector holes 121. Connector holes 121 may be tapped to allow for screws 122 to be fastened.

[0046] It may be desirable for outer faces 110 on connector assembly 105 to sit flush with inner faces 112 (see, e.g., Fig. 4) of the mullion tubes 102 and 104. This may increasethe stiffness of the mullion assembly and minimize play between the mullion tubes when fully assembled. However, sizing the connector assembly 105 to allow outer faces 110 to sit flush with inner faces 112 may make inserting connector assembly 105 into mullion tubes difficult due to added friction between faces 110 and 112 as they slide past each other. As such, connector assembly 105 may be configured to transition between a compacted state and an expanded state. As shown in Fig. 5, in the compacted state, a depth may be set to Dmin to allow connector assembly 105 to be slide into tubes 102 and 104 with sufficient clearance. Once inserted, connector assembly 105 may transition to the expanded state Dmax (as shown in Fig. 6), such that outer faces 110 sit flush against a corresponding inside face 112 of each mullion tube. This may allow connector assembly 105 to be easily slid into each mullion tube, while retaining the added stiffness benefits and play minimization achieved by having faces 110 sit flush with faces 112.

[0047] In order to allow the connector assembly 105 to transition between a compacted state (e.g., Fig. 5) and an expanded state (e.g., Fig. 6), connector assembly 105 may include two connectors 106 and 108. Each of the connectors 106 and 108 include an outer face 110. In the compacted state, connectors 106 and 108 are aligned so that rear surfaces 114 contact each other and depth is at Dmin. Connector assembly 105 may then be slid into one of mullion tubes 102 or 104. When the connector assembly 105 is being screwed into the mullion tubes 102 and 104, connectors 106 and 108 are pulled apart such that rear surfaces 114 no longer contact each other, and outer faces 110 are pulled in opposite directions towards inner faces 112. When in the fully expanded state and D is at Dmax, outer face 110 of connector 106 contacts and sits flush with one inside face 112, while outer face 110 of connector 108 contacts and sits flush with an opposite inside face 112.

[0048] Connector assembly 105 may include chamfers 130 to allow for easier insertion of the connectors into the mullion tubes. Mullion tubes 102 and 104 may also have weld lines inside of the tubes which may interfere with connector assembly 105 sliding into the mullion tubes. Connector assembly 105 may therefore include indents 132 to allow connector assembly 105 to slide into the mullion tubes without contacting weld lines inside the mullion tubes. Connector assembly 105 may also include front face radius 124. Front face radius 124 may be larger than mullion tube inner radius 126. This allows for sufficientclearance between radiuses 124 and 126 such that each outer face 110 may be pulled flush with the corresponding inner face 112 without interference from radiuses 124 and 126.

[0049] To assemble, a user may insert both connectors 106 and 108 into one of mullion tubes 102 or 104, and then screw the connectors in in place. For instance, the user may screw connector 102 into the mullion tube, then screw connector 104 into the mullion tube. However, it may be difficult for a user to grasp both connectors while screwing connector 102 into the mullion tube. If connector 104 were to slip from the user’s grasp before being secured, it could fall into the mullion tube. The connectors may therefore be arranged to limit movement and therefore prevent or reduce the possibility that one connector will fall into the mullion tube 102 or 104 while the other connector is being attached. In one embodiment, connectors 106 and 108 may be configured to mesh together, such that connectors 106 and 108 cannot slide past each other in a longitudinal direction L. For example, connectors 106 and 108 may each include a tab 116 and a groove 118 on one of ribs 128. Each tab 116 may slot into groove 118 on the other connector, such that connectors cannot move in a longitudinal direction L relative to each other, but can move in a lateral direction D relative to each other.

[0050] While connectors 106 and 108 are only shown with one set of corresponding tabs 116 and grooves 118, it is contemplated that any number or configuration of tabs and grooves may be used. For instance, connector 106 may only have a tab, and connector 108 may only have a groove which corresponds to that tab, or vice versa. Alternatively, connectors 106 and 108 may include an additional set of tab 116 and groove 118 on each of ribs 128. Also, it should be appreciated that any suitable shape and / or configuration of the tabs and grooves may be employed.

[0051] Figs. 9-12 illustrate various views of a mullion assembly 200 according to a second embodiment.

[0052] According to this embodiment, while the mullion is a split mullion to allow for one or more of the benefits discussed above or other benefits, the mullions may then be attached or assembled on site. In this embodiment, the mullion assembly 200 includes mullion tubes 202 and 204, with mullion tube 204 inserted into mullion tube 202. Mullion tube 204 includes a reduced cross-sectional area at one end forming an insert end 220. Insert end 220 is configured to slot inside of mullion tube 202.

[0053] In some embodiments, it may be desirable for insert end 220 to fit into mullion tube 202 with minimal clearance. This may increase the stiffness of the mullion assembly 200 when fully assembled and may also minimize play between the mullion tubes 202 and 204. However, minimizing clearance between insert end 220 and mullion tube 202 may increase the force necessary to slide insert end 220 into mullion tube 202 due to added friction between them.

[0054] As such, mullion assembly 200 may also include a clamping assembly configured to pull mullion tubes 202 and 204 together. The clamping assembly includes a washer 208 disposed on ledge 210 in mullion tube 204. Bolt 206 passes through washer 208 and extends into mullion tube 202 and into hole 218 in cap 212. Cap 212 is disposed on a top surface of mullion tube 202. Nut 214 may then be tightened onto bolt 206 using threads 216. As nut 214 is tightened, cap 212 is pulled against the top surface of mullion tube 202, and washer 208 is pulled against ledge 210. This causes insert end 220 on mullion tube 204 to be pulled into mullion 202. Washer 208 may be configured to grasp bolt 206 and prevent bolt 206 from rotating. Alternatively, the bolt and washer may be integrally formed or otherwise permanently attached together. Washer 208 may be integrally formed with mullion tube 202 or may be welded in place in mullion tube 202. Alternatively, washer 208 may be dropped into mullion tube 202 and slid down the mullion tube until it is disposed on ledge 210.

[0055] In some embodiments, washer 208 may include a threaded hole, and bolt 306 may be a rod with a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The first threaded end may screw into the threaded hole in washer 208, and the second threaded end may pass through cap 212 as described above.

[0056] Figs 13-19 illustrate various views of a mullion assembly 300 according to a third embodiment.

[0057] The mullion assembly 300 includes mullion tubes 302 and 304. Mullion tube 304 includes a reduced cross-sectional area at an end forming insert end 320, which is configured to slot into the end of mullion tube 302. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for insert end 320 to fit tightly into mullion tube 302. This may increase the stiffness of the mullion assembly 300 when fully assembled and may also minimize play between the mullion tubes 302 and 304. However, minimizing clearance between insert end 320 and mullion tube 302 may increase the force necessary to slid insert end 320 into tube 302 due toadded friction between them. As such, mullion assembly 300 may also include a clamping assembly 305 configured to pull insert end 320 into mullion tube 302.

[0058] Clamping assembly 305 includes a washer 308 disposed on ledge 321 in mullion tube 304 and held stationary relative to mullion tube 304 by contact between washer 308 and ledge 321. Clamping assembly 305 also includes housing 310 disposed around divots 328 and held stationary in mullion tube 302. A bolt 306 extends through washer 308 and into housing 310. Housing 310 includes components which interact with threads 324 on bolt 306 and move bolt 306 towards and away from the housing 310. These components are explained in further detail below. Mullion tube 302 includes divots 328 which extend into the tube. Housing 310 includes grooves 330 configured to slot around divots 328 when housing 310 is inserted into mullion tube 302. Contact between grooves 330 and divots 328 hold housing 310 stationary inside mullion tube 302 as bolt 306 moves toward housing 310. As bolt 306 is pulled towards housing 310, washer 308 is also pulled towards housing 310. Contact between washer 308 and ledge 321 causes insert end 320 to be pulled into mullion tube 302. Washer 308 includes a slot 309 which corresponds to the shape of bolt head 307 and prevents bolt 306 from rotating. Alternatively, as discussed above, the bolt and washer may be integrally formed or otherwise permanently attached together. Washer 308 may be integrally formed with mullion tube 304 or may be welded in place in mullion tube 304. Alternatively, washer 308 may be dropped into mullion tube 304 and slid down the mullion tube until it is disposed on ledge 321. Inside housing 310, threads 324 on bolt 306 screw into corresponding threads on spur gear 316. Spur gear 316 is disposed inside housing 310 and held stationary relative to housing 310 by annular surface 326 and pin 322. Pin 322 extends into housing 310 through hole 314. Worm gear 312 extends through mullion tube 302 and housing 310, and connects with spur gear 316. Worm gear 312 may be actuated by a user. Turning worm gear 312 causes spur gear 316 to rotate. This causes threads 318 on the spur gear to interact with threads 324 on the bolt 306 which itself causes the bolt 306 to move towards and away from the housing 310 as described above. Turing worm gear 312 therefore allows insert end 320 to be pulled into mullion tube 302. Because worm gear 312 extends though mullion tube 302 and through housing 310, worm screw 312 also prevents housing 310 from falling into mullion tube 302 when bolt 306 is not attached.

[0059] In some embodiments, washer 308 may include a threaded hole, and bolt 306 may be a rod with a first threaded end and a second threaded end. The first threaded end may screw into the threaded hole in washer 308, and the second threaded end may extend into housing 310 and interact with spur gear 312 as described above.

[0060] Figs. 20-28 illustrate various views of a mullion assembly 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0061] The mullion assembly 400 includes mullion tubes 402 and 404. Connector 406 includes upper portion 405a and lower portion 405b. The upper and lower portions are mirrored structures, each portion 405a / 405b is configured to be disposed inside of one of mullion tubes 402 and 404 and configured to connect these mullion tubes together. It may be desirable for there to be minimal clearance between outside surfaces 408 of the portions 405a / 405b and inside surfaces 409 of the mullion tubes 402 and 404. This may increase a stiffness of the mullion assembly 400 when assembled and may reduce play between the mullion tubes 402 and 404. However, minimizing clearance between the connector 406 and tubes 402 and 404 may increase the force necessary to slide the tubes over the portions due to added friction between the outside surfaces 408 and the inside surfaces 409.

[0062] Portions 405a / 405b may therefore each include a first regions 410 having a reduced cross-sectional area which the tubes 402 and 404 may slide over with increased clearance, and a second regions 412 having an increased cross-sectional area which the tubes 402 and 404 may slide over with minimal clearance. Transition regions 414 are sloped to allow for a gradual transition in cross-sectional area between the first regions 410 and the second regions 412. Connector 406 may also include cam assemblies which pull mullion tubes 402 and 404 over the second regions 412.

[0063] When mullion tubes 402 and 404 are slid over portions 405a and 405b, they slide with minimal force over the first regions 410 until the tubes reach the transition regions 414. At this point, holes 416 in the mullion tubes align with slots 418 in the connector 406, and holes 420 in the mullion tubes align with slots 422 in the connector 406. Cams 424 are inserted into holes 416 and slots 418, and bolts 426 are inserted into holes 420 and slots 422 and screwed into cams 424, holding cams 424 into holes 416. Holes 416 and 420 include divots 438 for receiving cam heads 430 and bolt heads 432. Divots 438 may be configured to allow cam heads 430 and bolt heads 432 to sit flush with an outside surface of the mulliontubes. Divots 438 may also be configured to hold the cams 424 and bolts 426 stationary relative to the mullion tubes.

[0064] Each cam 424 has a cam profile with a minimum radius section Rmin and a maximum radius section Rmax. The radius of the cam increased gradually between the minimum radius section and the maximum radius section. Each cam 424 also includes a divot 434 in the cam profile adjacent to the maximum radius section. When each cam 424 is first inserted into one of slots 418, Rmin is aligned with a bump 428 in the slot 418. Cam 424 may then be turned in the direction of gradually increasing radius. Turning cam 424 in the direction of gradually increasing radius causes cam 424 to contact bump 428. This contact pushes the portion 405a / 405b relative to the cam 424 in the direction of the bump 428. Pushing portion 405a / 405b in the direction of the bump then causes second region 412 on portion 405a / 405b to be pushed into the corresponding mullion tube. Second region 412 continues to be pushed into the mullion tube as cam 424 rotates in the direction of increasing radius until divot 434 aligns with bump 428. At this point, bump 428 slots into divot 434 and portion 405a / 405b is fully inserted into one of mullion tubes 402 or 404, and cam 424 is held in place by the contact between bump 428 and divot 442.

[0065] While the above embodiments illustrate 2 mullion tubes connected together, it is contemplated that any number of mullion tubes may be connected together using any combination of the embodiments disclosed above. For instance, it may be desirable for a single mullion assembly to include three mullion tubes connected according to any of the above embodiments in two places.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, mullions tubes may be of an equal length or an unequal length. For instance, it may be desirable for lower mullion tubes to be at least 48 inches, as door strikes are typically mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches. The upper mullion tube(s) may then extend the remaining height of the door.

[0067] Any of the mullion tubes from any of the above embodiments may be formed using any conventional process. For instance, the mullion tubes may be folded from a single sheet of metal into the shape of the mullion tubes and welded. Alternatively, mullions may be formed by extrusion.

[0068] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to suchembodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mullion assembly comprising: a first mullion tube; a second mullion tube; a connector assembly disposed inside the first mullion tube and the second mullion tube and configured to connect the first mullion tube to the second mullion tube; wherein the connector assembly is configured to transition between a compacted and an expanded state.

2. The mullion assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the compacted state, a clearance exists between at least one outside surface of the connector assembly and at least one inside surface of each of the first mullion tube and the second mullion tube, and wherein, in the expanded state, no clearance exists between the at least one outside surface of the connector assembly and the at least one inside surface of each of the first mullion tube and the second mullion tube.

3. The mullion assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprises at least two connector sections.

4. The mullion assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the at least two connector sections comprises a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and wherein the rear surfaces of the at least two connectors are configured to contact each other in the compacted state, and to not contact each other in the expanded state.

5. The mullion assembly of claim 4, wherein the front surfaces are configured to contact inside surfaces of the first and second mullion tubes when the connector assembly is in the expanded state.

6. The mullion assembly of claim 5, wherein the rear surfaces are configured to mesh together, such that the connector sections cannot move relative to each other in at least one direction.

7. The mullion assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one direction is a direction parallel to the front surface.

8. The mullion assembly of claim 7, wherein the connector sections mesh together via at least one set of corresponding tabs and grooves disposed on the rear surfaces.

9. The mullion assembly of claim 8, wherein each connector section comprises a tab and a groove disposed on the rear surface, and wherein the tab on each connector section is configured to slot into the groove on the other connector section.

10. The mullion assembly of claim 4, wherein the connector sections are identical.

11. A mullion assembly comprising: a first mullion tube having an opening at a first end; a second mullion tube having an insert end configured to slot into the opening in the first end; and a clamping assembly configured to pull the insert end into the opening.

12. The mullion assembly of claim 11, wherein the opening and the insert end are sized such that at least one outside surface of the insert end contacts at least one inside surface of the first mullion tube when the insert end is slid into the opening.

13. The mullion assembly of claim 11, wherein the clamping assembly comprises a first clamp end disposed in the first mullion tube, a second clamp end disposed in the second mullion tube, and a member connecting the first clamp end to the second clamp end.

14. The mullion assembly of claim 13, wherein the second clamp end is disposed on a ledge adjacent to the insert end.

15. The mullion assembly of claim 14, wherein the first clamp end is disposed over a distal end of the first mullion tube.

16. The mullion assembly of claim 15, wherein the member comprises threads extending though an opening in the first clamp end.

17. The mullion assembly of claim 16, further comprising a nut configured to interact with the threads, wherein the nut is configured to be tightened to pull the first clamp end towards the second clamp end, and pull the insert end into the opening.

18. The mullion assembly of claim 14, wherein the first clamp end comprises a worm screw assembly.

19. The mullion assembly of claim 18, wherein the member comprises threads extending into the worm screw assembly and operatively connected with a worm screw, wherein the worm screw is configured to be tuned to pull the member and second clamp end towards the first clamp end, and pull the insert end into the opening.

20. A mullion assembly comprising: a first mullion tube; a second mullion tube; a connector disposed inside the first mullion tube and the second mullion tube and configured to connect the first mullion tube to the second mullion tube; and a first cam assembly configured to pull the first mullion tube over the connector.

21. The mullion assembly of claim 20, wherein the connector further comprises a first portion configured to be disposed in the first mullion tube, and a second portion configured to be disposed in the second mullion tube.

22. The mullion assembly of claim 21, wherein the first portion and second portion each comprise a first region having a first cross-sectional area, and a second region having a second cross sectional area.

23. The mullion assembly of claim 22, wherein the second cross sectional area is large than the first cross sectional area.

24. The mullion assembly of claim 23, wherein the second region of the first portion is configured to contact an inside surface of the first mullion tube when the first portion is disposed inside the first mullion tube, and wherein the second region of the second portion is configured to contact an inside surface of the second mullion tube when the second portion is disposed inside the second mullion tube.

25. The mullion assembly of claim 24, further comprising a second cam assembly configured to pull the second mullion tube over the second region of the second portion.

26. The mullion assembly of claim 20, further comprising a second cam assembly configured to pull the second mullion tube over the connector.

27. A connector assembly for a mullion assembly, the connector assembly comprising: at least two connector sections, each connector section having a rear surface; wherein the rear surfaces are configured to mesh together, such that the connector sections cannot move relative to each other in at least one direction.

28. The connector assembly of claim 27, wherein each of the at least two connector sections comprises a front surface opposite the rear surface.

29. The connector assembly of claim 28, wherein the rear surfaces of the at least two connectors are configured to contact each other in the compacted state, and to not contact each other in the expanded state.

30. The connector assembly of claim 29, wherein the front surfaces are configured to contact inside surfaces of a first and second mullion tubes when the connector is in the expanded state.

31. The connector assembly of claim 30, wherein the at least one direction is a direction parallel to the front surface.

32. The connector assembly of claim 31, wherein the connector sections mesh together via at least one set of corresponding tabs and grooves disposed on the rear surfaces.

33. The connector assembly of claim 32, wherein each connector section comprises a tab and a groove disposed on the rear surface, and wherein the tab on each connector section is configured to slot into the groove on the other connector section.

34. The connector assembly of claim 33, wherein the connector sections are identical.

35. The connector assembly of claim 27, in combination with the first mullion tube and second mullion tube of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly of claim 27 is configured to connect the first mullion tube to the second mullion tube.

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