Extruded frame member for structural connection and method of forming same

A method for connecting at least two connector members together, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a first connector member, the first connector member having a pair of generally parallel, relatively stiff, yieldable legs;
• b) providing a second connector member having a slot for receiving the first connector member, the yieldable legs of the first connector member being spaced apart a distance substantially equivalent to a width of the slot, the slot having an open end defined by confronting spaced apart sidewalls, the yieldable legs having outwardly forming cam surfaces which are sized and shaped for camming engagement with the confronting spaced apart sidewalls, the yieldable legs having oppositely facing locking abutments, the slot sidewalls having notched areas spaced inwardly from the open end of the slot for receiving the locking abutments;
• c) pushing the first connector member into the slot of the second connector member, thus causing the yieldable legs to initially yield towards one another as the first connector member is pushed into the slot in the second connector member and then causing the locking abutments to enter the notched areas, wherein the yieldable legs are formed and shaped to exert forces to hold the locking abutments in the notched areas;
• d) providing a lock key member sized to securely fit in between the pair of yieldable legs of the first connector member;
• and
• e) sliding the lock key member longitudinally between the yieldable legs, wherein the lock key member is sized to be in engagement with confronting inner faces of the yieldable legs to further secure the locking abutments of the yieldable legs in the notched areas, and thereby connecting at least two connector members together.