Panel connection system

Abstract

A panel connection system comprising a fixing plate and a locking member, the fixing plate having a surface with a raised central portion which is flanked by first and second protrusions, wherein the locking member is configured to receive the central portion of the fixing plate. A plurality of panels with shoulder portions have recesses which are cooperatively received by the protrusions such that the shoulder portions of the panels are adjacent the central portion. The locking member has a recess which cooperatively secures with the central portion to secure the panels to the fixing plate.

1 . A panel connection system comprising a fixing plate, a locking member and first and second panels, the fixing plate having a surface on which a raised central portion and first and second protrusions are located, the first and second protrusions extending away from the fixing plate in a perpendicular direction, the first and second panels each having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, at least one side face and a shoulder portion extending outwards from the side face of the panel in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the panel, each panel further comprising a recess to be received by one of the first and second protrusions, wherein the locking member engages the central portion of the fixing plate and secures the shoulder portions of the panels. 
     
     
         2 . A panel connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the fixing plate comprises additional means for fixing the plate to an external surface. 
     
     
         3 . A panel connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the central portion extends away from the fixing plate in a perpendicular direction. 
     
     
         4 . A panel connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking member has a first surface and a second opposing surface and a recess located between the first and second opposing surfaces which is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the central portion of the fixing plate. 
     
     
         5 . A panel connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the locking member is a strip of elongate material. 
     
     
         6 . A panel connection system according to  claim 5 , wherein the strip comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         7 . A panel connection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the fixing plate is a strip of elongate material. 
     
     
         8 . A panel connection system according to  claim 7 , wherein the fixing plate comprises a rigid material. 
     
     
         9 . A panel connection system according to  claim 4 , wherein the recess of the locking member is configured to receive the central portion of the fixing plate such that the first surface of the locking member is adjacent the first panel and the second surface of the locking member is adjacent the second panel. 
     
     
         10 . A panel connection system according to  claim 9 , wherein the locking member is located entirely in a gap formed between the first and second panels. 
     
     
         11 . A method of constructing a panel system comprising:
 inserting first and second panels into a panel connection system, the panel connection system comprising a fixing plate and a locking member, the fixing plate having a surface with a raised central portion located between first and second protrusions, the first and second protrusions extending away from the fixing plate in a perpendicular direction, each panel having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, at least one side face and a shoulder portion extending outwards from the side face of the panel in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the panel, and each panel further comprising a recess to be received by a corresponding one of the first and second protrusions;   and engaging the locking member with the central portion of the fixing plate to secure the shoulder portions.   
     
     
         12 . A method of constructing a panel system according to  claim 11 , wherein a first surface of the locking member is adjacent to the first panel and a second surface of the locking member is adjacent to the second panel. 
     
     
         13 . A method of disassembly of a panel system comprising:
 removing at least one panel from a panel connection system, the panel connection system comprising a fixing plate and a locking member, the fixing plate having a surface with a raised central portion located between first and second protrusions, the first and second protrusions extending away from the fixing plate in a perpendicular direction, each panel having an upper surface, an opposing lower surface, at least one side face and a shoulder portion extending outwards from the side face of the panel in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the panel, and each panel further comprising a recess to be received by a corresponding one of the first and second protrusions, the method comprising the steps of:   disengaging the locking member from the central portion of the fixing plate to free the shoulder portions;   and detaching at least one panel from the corresponding protrusion of the fixing plate in a perpendicular direction away from the fixing plate.   
     
     
         14 . A method of disassembly of a panel system according to  claim 13 , wherein the locking member is a flexible elongate strip and the step of disengaging the locking member comprises removing the flexible elongate strip from the central portion first at one end of the strip and then successively along the length of the strip.