AU2005204237B1 - Panel with Hidden Attachment Means - Google Patents

Description

0 PANEL WITH HIDDEN ATTACHMENT MEANS 01)FHELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to panels and attachment means for In attaching one member to another and in particular to an improved style of construction for lattice, fencing, roofing, awnings and the like.

BACKGROUND ART ci Lattice, fencing, roofing, and awning structures are very popular and oare used for many purposes. They are generally required to combine desirable in characteristics of strength, light weight, and low cost. A typical fence structure for example, is formed from straight elements such as paling elements arranged in a generally vertical direction with one or more generally horizontal rail elements in a crossing pattern and fastened together, forming openings between the palings, but preventing entry or exit of anything larger than the opening dimension.

The conventional fence structure typically has two horizontal rail elements to make the overall structure stronger, and they are attached to one or more spaced apart fence posts which are embedded in the ground. They are also used for joining with other fence portions to from the fence or divider.

By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of a conventional fence structure, the style and security provided by the fence may be varied. For example, fences may be formed in a loop-top, flat-top or spike-top pattern by using different shaped palings. The attachment of the palings to the horizontal elements form regular and repeatable openings due to the spacing of the palings.

Conventional fence structures are generally formed of straight vertical elements, or slats, and perpendicular spacing elements. Although these structures have many uses, the geometry is not pleasing to everyone, and the use of such structures is thus somewhat limited. The vertical elements may be simple elongate post-like members or they may be U-shaped members in order to provide the loop-top fence. These may have a different appeal and be more aesthetically pleasing to some consumers.

i construction of conventional fences in particular, the palings of the vertical direction are generally disposed over the rails and attached thereto. Therefore they are generally wider than the thickness of a single member. These are generally fixed to one another using a fastener of some kind, usually nails, screws or staples.

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0 For metal fencing, welding or a similar process may be used.

)The areas where the palings and rails overlap are also sometimes 1 provided with a rebated portion allowing the slats to fit together forming a structure n having a single slat thickness. Rebating however generally only works well with wooden constructions, metal being difficult to apply a rebate to.

Both the method of using fasteners and the provision of rebates weaken the fencing structure. They provide points of weakness about which the palings in oparticular may splinter.

Fences formed in the usual ways also tend to sag when not supported or when the fence panel is larger. The weight of the palings and the entire fence panel bears on the fasteners and the rebates and may affect the strength or integrity of the fence. For this reason, these types of fences are unsuitable for use in security situations, particularly in situations such as pool fences.

Fences may also be manufactured using a preformed panel often made using a plastic sheet with the fence pattern of rails and palings stamped out of the sheet. Fencing formed in this manner is quite thin, as it must be pressed out by a machine while the plastic is still cooling after the sheet is extruded. This type of plastic lattice is usually weaker and may be used for ornamental applications. It is generally unsuitable for security situations and also tends to sag.

The most common materials used in the construction of fence panels are wood, plastic and light metals such as aluminium. Wood has many disadvantages, such as being relatively heavy for a given strength, as well as splitting and breaking under impact. Furthermore, wood will tend to rot and decay under most conditions and must be protected either by a preservative finish using an expensive chemical treatment or else painted with appropriate decorative finishes which must be reapplied periodically. Thus the complete cost of a wood fence is not only the original cost of erecting it, but also the continuing cost of maintenance and repair.

In order to overcome the problems with wood as a fencing material, a number of substitutes have been proposed, particularly plastics, and of these polyvinyl chloride or PVC has been one of the most popular. PVC has the advantages of easy fabrication by extrusion, molding and other processes, as well as reasonable cost and durability, since it can easily be coated with the necessary protective and finishing materials. PVC is however generally weaker than metals.

3 0 Aluminium is also used in construction and is used in security fencing such as pool fences. These constructions are often riveted together and the rivets therefore offer points of weakness about which the fence may bend.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a panel with hidden attachment means, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a panel with hidden attachment means, the panel including a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least one second member disposed in a second direction with at least one opening therein and defining a first part of a passageway, a connector, removeably connected to each first member and defining a second part of the passageway and at least one elongate locking member, adapted to pass through the passageway, and substantially in alignment with the first member or the second member to lock the first member relative to the second member.

In use, the connectors will be connected to the first members. The second members will typically be hollow and be provided with a transverse opening therein to receive at least a portion of the connector which defines the second part of the passageway. The locking member may then be forced through the passage formed between them. In one form, the part of the passageway defined by the second member may be a wall of the second member and preferably a wall of a channel provided in the hollow interior of the second member. The locking member may suitably be driven through the aligned channel in the second member and through the second part of the passageway in the respective connectors to lock them relative to each other by a friction or interference fit.

In this manner, the connector may be partially inside the first member and partially inside the second member and is therefore hidden from sight. These embodiments may be suitable for security panels even though there may be some small degree of movement of the second members allowed if a significant force is 3 0 applied to the second member. This will particularly be the case when the connector is manufactured of a metal.

Panels may be formed in this manner without rivets or other fasteners.

The panel is also less likely to sag under its own weight. Depending upon the shape n4

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Sof the first and second members, the panel may also be used a roof, balustrade or b awning as well as a fence panel or similar.

There will suitably be more than one second member disposed in the second direction. The plurality of first members will preferably take the form of paling members disposed on one direction and the second members will suitably be disposed in a second direction to form a network. The first members and the at least one ,I second member will typically be oriented approximately perpendicular to each other o and the network will therefore preferably have a cross-like appearance.

t Each first member may preferably be an elongate member. The members may of course be of any cross-section required by a user or manufacturer of the panels. For example, a round member may be preferred by a consumer for aesthetic reasons or to reduce the appearance of the panel as a two-dimensional panel.

The members may be rectangular or other shape possessing sharp corners or apices even though these could weaken the overall structure of the panel. Members of these shapes may however be used in some situations. It is also anticipated that the first member may take on a foil shape, being substantially oval in cross-section but having flattened sidewalls. It is also preferred that the first members be hollow.

The material used for construction of the each of the members may preferably be a light but strong metal such as aluminium or plastic. This will suitably provide the panel with the strength required to be used in security situations but remain light and slimmer in appearance than heavier or denser materials.

The shape of the network of members may be of any shape required by a consumer. Such shapes may be rectangular in appearance, but it may also be diamond shaped (or angled to the horizontal), or rounded in appearance. The shape of the panel and the network may also be abstract or freeform. The configuration of the panel according to the present invention allows a "raked" configuration of the panel.

The arrangement of the network itself may preferably be an orderly array of members with the intersection of each first member with a second member providing a fixture point where the locking member attaches the first member to the second member. The fixture points may suitably be arranged in any two or threedimensional pattern. Such pattern may be regular or abstract.

By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of the panel network, the relative area of any openings between the first members may be

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0 varied. The spacing of the members in the present invention may preferably be such that the openings are large enough to allow an unobstructed view or passage of air but small enough to provide security when necessary.

The openings in the panel may suitably be of any shape also, and will preferably be related to the array of the network.

The size of the panel may be varied to suit the application to which the C, panel is to be put. For example, when used as a fence, the panel will preferably be obetween 0.9 and 3 meters in height and 0.5 to 3 meters in width. More than one panel may be used to form a fence. When used in other situations, the panel will be suitably 0 sized in order to achieve its purpose.

Each first member may preferably be round, rectangular or substantially oval in cross-sectional shape. It may also preferably have a crosssectional shape having two substantially linear, parallel sidewalls and two arcuate end walls or foil-shaped.

Each first member may preferably be extruded. The extrusion may be of any length required. It is anticipated that U-shaped first members may be used to form a loop-top fence.

Each first member may have any dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in width, and any length.

Each first member preferably may be tubular in construction. The tubular construction will preferably provide strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction. However, a solid construction may preferably be used in specific situations provided that the connectors can be attached to the first member. The or each first member may also have a planar configuration.

For example, an awning may be formed according to the present invention by using planar first members oriented substantially horizontally and downwardly angled with a pair or more of second member oriented substantially vertically. Each of the second members may utilize a locking member to fix the awning blades (first members) in position.

Each first member has at least one opening therethrough and the openings will typically extend through the first member in a transverse direction.

There may be a plurality of openings, generally at least two allowing the attachment of a pair of second members. Each opening may preferably approximate the size and/or I6 0 shape to receive a portion of the connector.

The wall thickness of each first member will preferably be similar and cr be between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for Imembers in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each second member may preferably be substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape. Of course, each second member may be of any shape desired by a user. At least one passageway portion may preferably be disposed within the ocross-section of the second member.

IEach second member may preferably be extruded. The extrusion may be of any length required.

Each second member may have any suitable dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in a first direction, 1 mm to 10 cm in a second direction and of any suitable length.

Each second member may be solid, but preferably will be tubular in construction, with the passage portions disposed within the hollow interior. The tubular construction will preferably provide strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction. Solid construction may preferably be used in specific situations.

Each second member also has a plurality of openings disposed in it to receive a portion of the connectors. These openings are preferably in a sidewall of the second member and are suitably spaced along each second member. The wall thickness of each second member will preferably be similar and be between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each second member is preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the first members to form a two-dimensional panel.

As stated above, at least one passageway portion is provided on the interior of the second member. The passage may be a single channel, preferably with an open top, and may be divided into portions by the openings in the second member to receive the connectors.

The passage will preferably be sized to provide an interference fit with the elongate locking member. The interference fit may be a tight interference fit or a loose interference fit. The second members may be provided with one or more 7

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internal flanges, located inside the second member substantially opposite the brespective openings in the second member which the connectors extend at least partially into, the flanges to receive and locate a portion of the connectors.

The passages are suitably shaped to receive the elongate locking member in a way that the elongate locking member may be pushed through the passages in adjacent first members without the use or a hammer or like device. The Spassage may suitably be sized to firmly grip the elongate locking member but not to o deform the elongate locking member when it passes through said passage.

The panel of the invention includes a connector to connect the first 0 members relative to the second members. The connector will preferably be divided into a head portion to attach and engage the first member and an opposed tail portion to attach and engage the second member. Between the head and tail portions, a separating plate may be provided. Each of the portions will typically be designed to specifically attach either the first or second member, or the portions may be substantially similar to attach either.

There are typically two embodiments of connector. According to the first embodiment, the connector may be provided to attach to the first member using a key action and to the second member using the locking member of the invention. The head portion of the first embodiment of connector may typically include a neck portion with at least one, and generally a pair of laterally extending portions. The laterally extending portions may extend laterally from the neck portion in opposed directions in for example an x-axis, but not in a y-axis.

This connector is attached to the first member using a key and slot configuration with the slot being provided by a separate slot-locking member which extends inside the hollow first member. The head portion of the connector can then be placed through the opening in the sidewall of the first member, and through the slot provided in the slot-locking member.

The slots provided in the slot-locking member may be elongate in an xaxis direction but not in a y-axis direction. This allows the laterally extending portions to be inserted through the slot when correctly oriented, but twisting or rotating the connector may lock the connector in the slot by engaging the laterally extending portions with the slot-locking member. The laterally extending portions may be provided with a tapered portion thereon such that when the connector is rotated into the locking condition, the connector is also drawn into the opening b making a tight fit.

cr The tail portion of the first embodiment of the connector may be n provided with an opening therein which forms the second part of the passageway.

The opening preferably extends through the connector. The opening is suitably offset perpendicularly to the laterally extending portions of the head portion.

i The connector may also be provided with an elongate spacer or bracing oarm which will typically abut an inner side of the opposed sidewall to the opening in Ithe second member through which the connector extends. Engagement means may be o 10 provided to engage with the flanges provided inside the second member opposite the openings. The length of the spacer or bracing arm (or its presence or absence) will typically be governed by the internal dimension between the sidewalls of the second member.

The slot-locking member of this embodiment may be provided to extend into the first members from the ends. Typically a slot-locking member may be provided at each end. Preferably, the slot openings are provided in insert members which are inserted into the ends of the first member. The insert members may have an arm member which extends into the hollow interior of the first member and far enough to align with the opening in the sidewall and an end portion. The end portion may be shaped or may be adapted to form a flush finish with the first member. When shaped, the slot-locking member may be called a "display" and may for example be shaped to provide a pointed end portion to simulate an old fashioned fence post.

According to the second embodiment, the connector portion may be provided with a head and a tail portion which are similar in configuration but offset perpendicularly to one another. This may allow the attachment of the connector to the first member via a locking member and the attachment of the connector to the second member using a second locking member of similar configuration.

Each of the head and tail portion may have a body portion with an opening therein. It may be the openings of the respective head and tail portions which are offset from one another. A single elongate locking member may then be driven through the passageway part of the second member and the aligned openings of the tail portion and a locking member may be provided for the aligned openings of each head portion and first member. The length of the head and tail member of this Ic) 9 0 embodiment of the connector will normally be governed by the internal dimension of )the member in which the respective portion is to be located.

r When connectors of the second embodiment are used, the first and second members may both be provided with at least one passageway portion on the interior of the member. The passage may be a single channel, preferably with an open top, and may be divided into portions by openings in the member to receive the cconnectors.

Generally, there will be a connector at the intersection of each first member and each second member. There will typically be a pair of spaced apart 0 second members and a plurality of spaced apart first members. The connector of both embodiments may be manufactured of a strong but preferably light material such as plastic or a light metal.

The locking member may preferably be extruded in a continuous manner and cut to length. It may be of any shape but is preferably shaped to correspond to the shape of the passageway. For example, the locking member may be a rectangular, circular or oval-shaped rod. The locking member may have an at least partially conical or tapered end in order to make driving the member into the passageway easier. The locking member may suitably be of a constant cross-section over its length. It may include at least one protruding section to allow engagement with the opening in the periphery of the passageway. This may give the locking member a keying function and assist with the alignment of the locking member with the passageway. The locking member may also be provided with a crimped portion to enhance the security of the fit once driven into the passageway.

In use, the connector will be first attached to the first members using the appropriate method according to the embodiment of connector provided. The tail portion of the connector will then be located in the openings in the second members, the parts of the passageway aligned, and the locking member driven through the aligned passageway to lock the members together. By using the connectors and locking members of the present invention, a panel may be formed in which the connections are contained partially with the first members and partially within the second members, but are not visible from the outside of the finished panel.

As may be appreciated, the invention is described herein with particular reference to a fence panel. It is to be appreciated that the invention may apply equally

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to an awning or a roof structure as well. Other applications may become evident upon further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a panel according to a ]first aspect of the present invention in a picket fence configuration and connector omembers of a first configuration.

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a panel according to a 0 second aspect of the present invention with first and second members both of rectangular shape with alternative connector members.

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a panel according to a second aspect of the present invention with first and second members both of rectangular shape with alternative connecter members Figure 4 shows two cross-sectional views of a rectangular second member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows two cross-sectional views of a foil-shaped second member according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows two cross-sectional views of a circular second member 2 0 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a front view of a reduced size panel according to an embodiment of the invention with two rail members and two paling members.

Figure 8 is a front view of the panel illustrated in Figure 7 with one of the paling members removed from the rail members.

Figure 9 is a side view of the rail members illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a front view of the removed paling member showing the connectors and the rod members which in use engage with the connectors to attach the rail members.

Figure 11 is a front view of a paling member with the connectors removed.

Figure 12 is an exploded view of a paling member with the display members removed.

Figure 14 is a side view of a connector according to a preferred 0 embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 is further side view of the connector in Figure 14 rotated cr4 degrees.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the connector illustrated in Figures l4 BEST MODE ciIn one broad form, the present invention provides a panel 10 with o hidden attachment means.

The preferred embodiment of panel 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 O) 10 particularly includes a plurality of first members or palings. 11 disposed in a first direction, and a pair of second members or rails 12 disposed in a second direction, each with a plurality of openings 20 therein and defining a first part of a passageway.

The panel 10 also includes a connector 21 removeably connected to each first member 11 and defining a second part of the passageway. An elongate locking member 14, is provided and is adapted to pass through the passageway, and substantially in alignment with the first member 11I or the second member 12 to lock the first member I11 relative to the second member 12.

In use of the preferred embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, the connectors 21, are connected to the palings 11. The rails 12 are hollow and are provided with a transverse opening 20 therein to receive a portion of the connector 20 which defines the second part of the passageway. The locking member 14 is then forced through the aligned parts of the passage formed between them. The locking member 14 is driven through the aligned channel in the rail 12 and through the second part of the passageway in the respective connectors 21 to lock them relative to each other by a friction or interference fit.

In this manner, the connector 21 is partially inside the paling I11 and partially inside the rail 12 and is hidden from sight.

There are a pair of rails, a top rail 12a and a bottom rail 12b, disposed in the second direction. The palings 11I and the rails 12 illustrated are oriented perpendicularly to each other, but they may be angled.

Each paling 11I is an elongate hollow member. The palings 11I can have any cross-sectional shape and examples of some of the preferred shape are a round member, rectangular or foil shaped, being substantially oval in cross-section but In 12 0 having flattened sidewalls.

Oil) The arrangement of palings 11 and rails 12 is an orderly array of members with the intersection of each paling 11I with a rail 12 providing a fixture In point where the locking member 14 attaches the paling 11I to the rail.

By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of the panel network, the relative area of any openings 18 between the palings 11I can be varied. The spacing of the members in the preferred embodiment of a fence panel is o such that the openings are large enough to allow an unobstructed view or passage of In air but small enough to provide security when necessary.

The size of the panel 10 can be varied to suit the application to which the panel 10 is to be put. For example, when used as a fence, the panel will generally be between 0.9 and 3 meters in height and 0.5 to 3 meters in width.

Each paling 11 will typically be extruded. The extrusion may be of any length required.

Each paling 11 may have any dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in width, and any length, Each paling 11I is tubular in construction to provide strength and rigidity to the panel 10 but not add excessive weight to the construction.

Each paling has a pair of openings 22 therein, extending through one of the sidewalls of the paling 11I in a transverse direction to allow the attachment of a pair of connectors 21 to attach a pair of rails 12.

The sidewall thickness of each paling 11 is similar and be between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each rail 12 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape and a passageway portion 13 is disposed within the cross-section of the rail 12.

Each rail 12 is extruded and the extrusion may be of any length required.

3 0 The dimension of each rail 12 is typically between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in a first direction, 1 mm to 10 cm in a second direction and of any suitable length.

Each rail is tubular in construction, with the passage portion 13 13 0 disposed within the hollow interior. The tubular construction will preferably provide strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction.

Solid construction may preferably be used in specific situations.

'4Th Each paling 12 also has a plurality of openings 20 disposed through a sidewall thereof to receive a portion of the connectors 21. These openings 20 are suitably spaced along each rail 12. The wall thickness of each rail 12 is similar and is ci between approximately 0.5 mm. and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for o members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each rail 12 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the palings 12 to o 10 form a two-dimensional panel As stated above, a passageway portion 13 is provided on the interior of the rail 12. The passageway 13 may be is single channel, with an open top, and is divided into portions by the openings 20 in the rail 12 to receive the connectors 2 1.

The passageway 13 is sized to provide an interference fit with the elongate locking member 14. The interference fit is a tight interference fit and the locking member is provided with crimped portions (not shown) to enhance the locking action. The rails 12 are provided with internal flanges 23, located inside the rail 12 substantially opposite the respective openings 20 in the rail which the connectors 21 extend into, the flanges 23 to receive and locate a portion of the connectors 2 1, Each connector 21 has a head portion 24 to attach and engage the paling 11I and an opposed tail portion 25 to attach and engage the rail 12. Between the head 24 and tail 25 portions, a separating plate 26 is provided.

There are two preferred embodiments of connector 2 1.

According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 14 to 16 particularly and in the fence of Figure 1, the connector 21 is provided to attach to the paling I1I using a key action and to the rail using the locking member 14 of the invention. The head portion 24 of the first embodiment of connector 21 includes a neck portion 27 with a pair of laterally extending portions 28. The laterally extending portions 28 extend laterally from the neck portion 27 in opposed directions in for example an x-axis, but not in a y-axis.

This connector 21 is attached to the paling I11 using a key and slot configuration with the slot 29 being provided by a separate slot-locking member which extends inside the hollow paling 11. The head portion 24 of the connector 21 14

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0 can then be placed through the opening 22 in the sidewall of the paling 11, and )through the slot 29 provided in the slot-locking member cr The slots 29 provided in the slot-locking member 30 are elongate in an x-axis direction but not in a y-axis direction. This allows the laterally extending portions 28 to be inserted through the slot 29 when correctly oriented, but twisting or rotating the connector 21 locks the connector 21 in the slot 29 by engaging the C, laterally extending portions 28 with the slot-locking member 30. The laterally o extending portions 28 are provided with a tapered portion 31 thereon, such that when the connector 21 is rotated into the locking condition, the connector 21 is also drawn 0 into the opening 22 making a tight fit.

The tail portion 25 of the first embodiment of the connector 21 is provided with an opening 32 therein which forms the second part of the passageway.

The opening 32 extends through the tail portion 25 of the connector 21. The opening 32 is offset perpendicularly from the laterally extending portions 28 of the head portion 24.

The connector 21 is also provided with an elongate bracing arm 33 which abuts an inner side of the opposed sidewall to the opening 22 in the paling 11 through which the connector 21 extends. Engagement means 34 is provided to engage with the internal flanges 23 provided inside the rail 12 opposite the openings 20. The length of the bracing arm 33 is governed by the internal dimension between the sidewalls of the rail 12.

The slot-locking member 30 of this embodiment is provided to extend into the palings 11 from the ends and typically at each end. The slots 29 are provided in arm member 35 which extends into the hollow interior of the palings 11 and far enough to align with the opening 22 in the sidewall. A shaped end portion may be provided for the top of the paling and a flush end portion may be provided for the bottom of the paling 11. When shaped, the slot-locking member is called a "display" and may for example be shaped to provide a pointed end portion to simulate an old fashioned fence post.

According to the second embodiment which is illustrated only in Figures 2 and 3, the connector 21 has a head 24 and a tail 25 portion which are similar in configuration but offset perpendicularly to one another. This allows the attachment of the connector 21 to the paling 11 via a locking member 14 and the attachment of

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o the connector 21 to the rail 12 using a second locking member 14 of similar bconfiguration.

Each of the head 24 and tail 25 portions have a body portion with an 'opening therein and the openings of the respective head and tail portions are offset from one another. A single elongate locking member 14 can then be driven through the passageway part of the rail 12 and the aligned openings of the tail 25 portion and a locking member 14 is provided for the aligned openings of each head 24 portion and opaling 11. The length of the head 24 and tail 25 portion of this embodiment of the Iconnector 21 will normally be governed by the internal dimension of the member in which the respective portion is to be located.

When connectors 21 of the second embodiment are used, the paling 11 and rail are each provided with a passageway portion 13 on the interior of the member. The passage 13 may be is a single channel, preferably with an open top, and is divided into portions by openings in the member to receive the connectors 21.

There is a connector 21 at the intersection of each paling 11 and each rail 12. The connector 21 of both embodiments is manufactured of a strong but preferably light material such as plastic or a light metal.

The locking member 14 is extruded in a continuous manner and cut to length. It may be of any shape but is preferably shaped to correspond to the shape of the passageway 13. For example, the locking member 14 will generally be a circular rod having a partially conical or tapered end in order to make driving the locking member 14 into the passageway 13 more efficient. The locking member 14 has constant cross-section over its length except for crimped portion(s) to enhance the security of the fit once driven into the passageway 13.

In use, the connector 21 will be first attached to the palings using the appropriate method according to the embodiment of connector 21 provided. The tail portion 25 of the connector 21 will then be located in the openings 20 in the rail 12, the parts of the passageway 13 aligned, and the locking member 14 driven through the aligned passageway 13 to lock the members together. By using the connectors 21 and locking members 14 of the present invention, a panel 10 is formed in which the connections are contained partially with the palings 11 and partially within the rail 12, but are not visible from the outside of the finished panel.

In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its t¢3 16 0 0 derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers bJ but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

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Claims (20)

1. A panel including a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least one second member disposed in a second direction defining a first part of a o passageway with at least one transverse opening therein, a plurality of connectors, each connector defining a second part of the passageway and removeably connected to each first member, and at least one elongate locking member, adapted to pass through N the passageway formed by alignment of the first and second parts of the passageway, o and substantially in alignment with the first member or the second member to lock the t first member relative to the second member.

2. A panel according to claim I wherein the connector is located partially inside the first member and partially inside the second member and is therefore hidden from sight.

3. A panel according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the material used for construction of the each of the members is metal or plastic.

4. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each first member is tubular in construction. A panel according to claim 4 wherein the first part of the passageway includes a partially open channel inside the tubular first member into which the transverse openings extend.

6. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each second member is hollow and tubular in construction, with the first part of the passageway defined by a passage portion disposed within the hollow interior,

7. A panel according to claim wherein each second member has a plurality of openings disposed therein to receive a portion of the connector.

8. A panel according to claim 6 of claim 7 wherein the passageway is a single channel divided into portions by a plurality of transverse openings in the second member, each opening adapted to receive a portion of a connector.

9. A panel according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the passageway is sized to provide an interference fit with the elongate locking member.

10. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector has a head portion to attach and engage the first member and an opposed tail portion to attach and engage the second member.

11. A panel according to claim 10 wherein a separating plate is provided between D18 O N the head and tail portions.

12. A panel according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the connector may be provided to attach to the first member using a key action and to the second member using the o locking member.

13. A panel according to claim 12 wherein the head portion of the connector includes a neck portion with at least one laterally extending portion, the laterally Nextending portions extending laterally from the neck portion in opposed directions. S14. A panel according to claim 13 further including a slot-locking member located inside the first member, the at least one laterally extending portion or the head portion 0 10 of the connector extending into the first member, and through a slot provided in the slot-locking member. A panel according to claim 14 wherein twisting or rotating the connector locks the connector in the slot by engaging the laterally extending portions with the slot- locking member.

16. A panel according to claim 15 wherein the laterally extending portions are provided with a tapered portion thereon such that when the connector is rotated into a locking condition, the connector is tightened in the slot.

17. A panel according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the tail portion of the connector is provided with an opening therein forming the second part of the passageway. The opening preferably extends through the connector.

18. A panel according to claim 17 wherein the opening is offset perpendicularly to the laterally extending portions of the head portion.

19. A panel according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the connector is provided with an elongate spacer or bracing arm adapted to abut a portion of the second member into which the connector extends. A panel according to claim 15 or 16 wherein a slot-locking member is provided at each end of each first member, and having an arm member which extends into the first member.

21. A panel according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the connector is provided with a head and a tail portion each have a body portion with an opening therein, the openings of the respective head and tail portions offset from one another.

22. A panel according to claim 21 wherein a first elongate locking member is driven through the passageway part of the second member and the aligned openings of IO 19 0 0 the tail portion of each connector and a second locking member is provided for the Saligned openings of each head portion and each first member.

23. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking t member is a rod having one or more crimped portion to enhance the security of the fit once driven into the passageway.

24. A panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking C member has at least partially conical or tapered end in order to make driving the omember into the passageway. C, th Dated this 5 th day of May 2006 Alan Brownbill By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO