AU2012201901A1

AU2012201901A1 - A Garden Edging System

Info

Publication number: AU2012201901A1
Application number: AU2012201901A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Gobbo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-29
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2013-04-18

Abstract

- 39 Abstract Various forms of a modular construction system are described. One form is a garden edging assembly that is s made up of angled connectors for fitment with one or more panels in the form of edging strips. In another form the system is a storage system made up of one or more panels that are interconnected by connectors adapted to engage one or more the storage panels. The present invention also io relates to a modular building which is quickly and easily erectable. The building components are made up of components including connectors and building panels that can be interconnected by the connectors. The connectors and the building panels are adapted to be transported to a is site in modular form. Different forms of connectors having fasteners or fastening elements are used to interconnect the various forms of the panels which are provided with complementary fasteners or fastening elements to matingly connect to the fasteners or fastening elements of the 20 connector to form an interconnected array of panels in desired shapes or configurations which are substantially rigid and self supporting. 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/0312 /2At E1 Figure 3 Lo20 Figure 4 Figure 1 Figure 5

Description

GH 1 GRFITH AU SPECIFICATION OF PATENT APPLICATION COUNTRY AUSTRALIA TYPE Patent TITLE A Garden Edging System APPLICANT(S) Mr Daniel Gobbo AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s) Mr Daniel Gobbo Invention Title: A Garden Edging System The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 A GARDEN EDGING SYSTEM Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to modular construction systems. In one form, the invention relates to assemblies of various components to form modular construction systems for a variety of purposes. 10 In one form, the modular construction system is a garden edging system. In one form, the garden edging system has more than one edging strips and at least one connector for joining adjacent edging strips to form an interconnected modular array of strips and connectors. 15 Background of the Invention Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to garden edging strips , it is to be 20 noted that the scope of the invention is not restricted to this form but rather the scope of the invention is broader to encompass other forms and arrangements. The disclosure is focused on garden edging systems for ease of description and clarity of understanding and to illustrate 25 one form of the invention. Garden edging systems generally include a number of edging strips of different sizes that are at least partially inserted into the ground and retained in position using stakes to support the edging strips and at 30 spaced apart locations. In addition, the edging strips may be joined together to provide strength and to give an impression of a continuous edging strip using a joining mechanism such as a bracket. A bracket typically has pre drilled holes for an installer to insert screws 35 therethrough into the edging strips to join adjacent edging strips together. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU 1 30/03112 - 3 Another type of joining mechanism includes a sleeve to receive adjacent edging strips which are inserted therein. This sleeve may also have pre-drilled holes for the installer to insert screws therethrough to fix the 5 adjacent edging strips together. However, such joining mechanisms protrude from the edging strips and the use of screws is time consuming and cumbersome. Further, unless special screws such as stainless steel screws, which are expensive, are used, the screws corrode, such as by 10 rusting , and fail prematurely. Summary of the Disclosure According to an aspect there is provided a modular 15 construction system comprising: at least one member having a first part of a fastener located at or towards one end; at least one connector having a second part of the fastener; the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the 20 second part of the fastener provided on the connector to facilitate cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener to interconnect the member to the connector. In an embodiment the modular construction system may 25 further comprise at least two members wherein the connector is locateable intermediate of the two members. In an embodiment, the first part of the fastener includes a receiving part and the second part of a fastener 30 includes a projection, wherein the receiving part is configured to matingly receive the projection for cooperatively interconnecting the member and the connector. 35 In an embodiment the receiving part comprises an inwardly directed surface. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU 1 30103/12 - 4 In an embodiment the first part of a fastener defines a channel adapted to matingly receive the second part of the fastener. 5 In an embodiment, the at least one member or each of the members includes a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the fastener. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion includes at least 10 one channel extending at least partially through the member. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a first portion adapted to mate with the first part of the fastener of a is first member and a second portion adapted to mate with a first part of a fastener of a second member to inter connect the two members at their respective ends with the connector. 20 In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured so as to permit the two members to be detachably attached to the connector. 25 In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to enable attachment of adjacent members to the connectors so that the members are arranged to extend 30 from the connector at different angles to each other. In an embodiment of te connector, the first part of the connector is angularly inclined to the second part at one of the following angles (a) 30*; (b) 45* (c) 60*; (d) 900; 35 (e) 1200; (f) 1800. In an embodiment, the said first and second portions of 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30103/12 -5 the connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with hollow channels in each of the at least two members to interconnect the members through the connector. 5 In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are each tapered. In an embodiment, the said first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in 10 use to provide adhesion between the connector and the member when mating the members and the connector In an embodiment, the connector further comprises an intermediate portion located intermediate of the first 15 portion and the second portion of the connector, said intermediate portion acting as a support for the first portion and the second portion. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from 20 the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the members when interconnected by the connector. 25 In an embodiment, the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to vertically fasten one connector with respect to another connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes 30 an aperture to receive a fastening member, wherein the aperture is located on an upper surface or a lower surface of the connector. In an embodiment, the aperture is located in the 35 intermediate portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU. 1 30/03/12 -6 a projecting member. In an embodiment, the modular construction system is a 5 garden edging system. In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein 10 at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of 15 the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side 20 edges of the edging strips. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion comprises two channels extending through the edging strips. 25 In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise mating portions adapted to mate with said two hollow channels of the edging strips. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise an aluminium 30 hollow extrusion. In an embodiment, each connector is formed from moulded plastics. 35 In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion of the connector. 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU.1 30103/12 In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion of the connector. 5 In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second portions adapted to abut against the respective side edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. 10 In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from said first and second portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. 15 In an embodiment, the first and second portions are each tapered. In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise 20 at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the edging strips and the connector. In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system 25 comprising a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and a plurality of connectors comprising a first portion adapted to mate with 30 an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges; wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 35 90 degrees to said second portion and at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU-1 30/03/12 - 8 In an embodiment, a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent to the edging strips to prevent the edging strips from moving. 5 In an aspect there is provided a method of joining adjacent edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one side edge of the edging strips comprises an opening to the io channel, the method comprising mating a first portion of a connector with an opening of one of the edging strips; and mating a second portion of the connector with an opening of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. 15 In another aspect there is provided a method of assembling a modular construction system comprising the steps of fastening a first part of a fastener of a member at or towards one end thereof with a connector having a second 20 part of the fastener, the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the second part of the fastener; and facilitating cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener with one another to interconnect the member to the connector. 25 In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising:a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips 30 comprises an opening to the channel; and at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging 35 strips at the respective side edges. In another aspect there is provided a storage system 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU 1 30/03/12 -9 comprising at least two panels having opposed ends and each panel having at least a first part of a fastener located at or towards one of the panel's ends, and at least one connector locatable intermediate of the at 5 least two panels includes a second part of a fastener; wherein the first part of the fastener includes a complementary configuration with respect to the second part of the fastener and is configured to cooperatively engage at least two member with the connector, thereby at io least partially enclosing a space. In an embodiment the connector further comprises at least two portions a first portion and a second portion, wherein each portion is adapted to be cooperatively engaged with 15 at least the part of a fastener of the at least two panels. In an embodiment, each of the at least two panels include a receiving part, and the connector includes at least two 20 projections, wherein each of the receiving part is configured to matingly receive at least one projection thereby cooperatively engaging and inter-connecting the panels and the connector to form part of the storage system. 25 In an embodiment the receiving part is a channel. In an embodiment the at least two panels include a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the 30 fastener. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion includes at least one channel extending through the panel. 35 In an embodiment, the connector includes a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the panels and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU 1 30/03112 - 10 one of the panels, thereby in use joining adjacent panels at the respective ends thereof. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and 5 the second portion of the connector are configured to be detachably attachable to the ends of respective members. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to io enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to enable relative movement between adjacent panels inter-connected by the connector during use to adopt different configurations to one another. 15 In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is angularly inclined to the second portion, preferably movably angularly inclined. In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the 20 connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with hollow channels in each of the at least two panels. In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are each tapered. 25 In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the panel and the connector 30 In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from 35 the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of connected panels. 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU 1 30/03/12 - 11 In an embodiment, the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to fasten one connector vertically with respect to another connector. 5 In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastening member. In an embodiment, the aperture is located in the 10 intermediate portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes a projecting member. 15 In an embodiment, the storage system comprising of any one comprises at least two connectors vertically connected to one another wherein at least one connector comprises a first connecting element and at least another connector comprises a second connecting element, wherein the 20 connecting elements are adapted to vertically connect the first connector and the second connector. In an embodiment the at least one connecting element includes a projecting member, and the at least another 25 element includes an aperture wherein the projecting member is adapted to be received in the aperture thereby vertically connecting the two connectors. Brief Description of Embodiments 30 In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges of the edging strips. For example, an edging strip may not be joined to adjacent edging strips at both edges. 35 In this example, one edge of the edging strip is closed while the other has an opening to the channel to join with an adjacent edging strip. In another example, the edging 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03112 - 12 strip has openings on both side edges to receive connectors and join adjacent edging strips thereto. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion comprises two 5 channels extending through the edging strips. In another embodiment, three or more channels extend through the edging strips, where the number of channels extending through the extrusion provides the desired rigidity for the edging strips. For example, edging strips that are io tall relative to their length may be reinforced by having more than two channels extending therethrough. In an embodiment the first and second portions of a connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with is the two hollow channels of the edging strips. In the above embodiment where the hollow extrusion comprises two channels, the mating portions include two protruding tabs adapted to be inserted and mate with the two corresponding hollow channels of the edging strip. It will be 20 appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the number of mating portions corresponds to the number of hollow channels in the edging strip. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise an 25 aluminum hollow extrusion. In another embodiment, the edging strips comprise a steel hollow extrusion or extrusion of another suitable material, such a metal alloy or a plastic or a combination of different materials. In a further embodiment, the edging strips are formed from 30 mounded plastics. In an embodiment, each connector is formed from moulded plastics. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connector may be formed from extruded 35 or pressed plastics and may be formed from thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. Alternatively, the connectors may be formed from another suitable material such as a 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 13 metal alloy. In one form, the surface treatment of the strips and edges is such that both, have the appearance of being made from the same material even if they are manufactured from different materials, such as for example 5 components made from plastics materials which are coated to look like metal components In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 1800 to the second portion of the 10 connector. In another embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 90* to the second portion of the connector. It is to be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the angle between the first and second portion of the connector may be allocated at any is desired angle for the particular application (e.g. 60* in a triangular configuration of edging strips), and that the connector may have at least one additional portion or sometimes two additional portions adapted to mate with an opening of another edging strip to join at least three or 20 four adjacent edging strips at their respective side edges. In another embodiment, a first portion of a connector is movably fastened to a second portion of the connector. The movable fastener is in the form of a hinge in this 25 emobodiment. The hinge includes a first part in the form a profiled edge with a plurality recesses situated in the first portion of the connector. The hinge includes a second part which includes a plurality of projections extending from an edge of the second portion of the 30 connector. The plurality of projections in the second portion of the connector are movably received in the plurality of recesses in the first portion of the connector to form a hinged connection between the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the 35 connector. The first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are also adapted to mate with the two hollow channels of the edging strips as 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU 1 30/03/12 - 14 described in the earlier embodiments. The movable fastening of the first portion of the connector with the second portion of the connector allows the edging strips to be disposed at any angle and further, the angle between 5 adjacent edging strips may be varied by moving the first connector portion and the second connector portion with respect to one another about the hinged connection. In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second 10 portions adapted to abut against the respective side edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second portion so that in use the is protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the first and second portions are tapered to mate with the openings of the edging strips to 20 form an interference fit. In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the edging strips and 25 the connector. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips having opposed side 30 edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and a plurality of connectors comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging 35 strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 15 edges; wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion and at least one of the connectors comprises said first 5 portion disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion. It may be envisaged that the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector may be disposed at any angle with reference to one another. Further, as described in earlier embodiments this angle may not 10 necessarily be fixed and may be varied. In an embodiment, the garden edging system further comprises a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent the edging strips to prevent the is edging strips from moving. The stakes are configured to work in cooperation with the edging strips to engage the edging strips on a supporting surface. For example, a supporting surface may be in the form of a garden bed. 20 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of joining adjacent edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one side edge of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel, the method 25 comprising: mating a first portion of a connector with an opening of one of the edging strips; and mating a second portion of the connector with an opening of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the 30 adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more clearly 35 ascertained, examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure la is a side view of one form of the modular 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 16 construction system in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing two edging strips and a connector in the unjoined position; s Figure lb is a side view of the garden edging system of Figure la in the joined position; Figure 2a is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment of the present io invention showing two edging strips and a connector having first and second portions disposed at 900 to each other in the unjoined position; Figure 2b is a perspective view of the garden edging system of Figure 2a in the joined position; 15 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of an edging strip according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another form of the 25 modular construction system deployed in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a top view of the garden edging system of Figure 6; 30 Figure 8 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a hinged connector; Figure 9 is an end view of a first part of a hinge in the first connector portion and a second part of a hinge 35 in the second portion of the hinged connector shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of the hinged connector shown 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU-1 30/03112 - 17 in Figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; 5 Figure 12 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of an angled connector; 10 Figure 14 is a top view of the angled connector shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a canopy panel; 15 Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the canopy panel shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; 20 Figure 18 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; 25 Figure 20 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 19; Figure 21 is first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of another connector; 30 Figure 22 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view of perspective view of another form of the modular construction system deployed in the form of a canopy system according to an 35 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a sand pit 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30103/12 - 18 system. 5 Detailed Description According to the embodiment, there is provided a system 10 including edging strips 12 having opposed side edges 14 and a channel 16 extending therethrough, and a 10 connector 18 as shown in Figure la. The connector 18 includes a first portion 20 adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of one of the edging strips 12 and a second portion 22 adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of another edging strip 12 so that adjacent is edging strips 12 can be joined together as shown in Figure lb. The connector 18 shown in Figure la has its first 20 and second 22 portions disposed at 1800 to each other so 20 that the adjacent edging strips 12 can be joined together to form a longer edging strip. As described, the joined adjacent edging strips 12 have a flush top edge to give the impression of a seamless edge. Also as described, the edging strips 12 include a hollow extrusion forming the 25 opening at at least one of the side edges 14. It is envisaged that some edging strips 12 in the system 10 will have opening at both side edges 14 at some will have opening at only one side edge 14 where joining is not required. 30 It also envisaged that the profile of the extrusion and the length of the edging strips 12 may vary according to the application and user requirements. An example of common dimensions of edging strips 12 and connectors 18 35 provided in the garden edging system 10 include: edging strips comprising 80mm X 4mm; 80mm X 6mm; 100mm X 4mm and 100mm x 6mm extrusion profiles, and 500mm, 1000mm, 2000mm, 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30103112 - 19 4000mm and 6000mm lengths; 900 connectors comprising: 50mm X 50mm x 6mm or 4mm profiles; and 1800 connectors comprising: 50mm X 100mm X 6mm or 4mm profiles. In an example, a garden edging system 10 is provided with a 5 number of edging strips 12 having different lengths but the same extrusion profile (e.g. 2 X 500mm, 1000mm, 2000mm and 4000mm edging strips having a 80mm X 4mm profile), and a number of corresponding profile connectors 18 (e.g. 8 x 90* connectors and 8 x 1800 connectors having a 80mm X 4mm 10 profile). In another example, the garden edging system 10 is provided for a particular application such as tree edging. In this example, four edging strips 12 of suitable length and profile and four 90* connectors 18 are provided for installers. 15 Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the edging strip 12 showing the hollow extrusion disposed as two channels 24 extending through the edging strip 12 and thus forming the opening of the edging strips 12. In this 20 case, the connectors 18 are adapted to have their first 20 and second 22 portions adapted to mate with the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. 25 Figure 4 shows a 1800 connector 18 having a first portion 20 with two mating portions 26 adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12 at the side edge 14. Also, the second portion 22 of the connector 18 has two mating portions 28 30 adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of another edging strip 12 at the side edge 14, so that, in use, the connector 18 joins adjacent edging strips 12 at 1800 to each other. 35 Figure 5 shows a 90* connector 18 also having first and second portions 20 & 22 having respective mating portions 26 & 28 which are adapted to mate with the 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU 1 30103112 - 20 openings formed by the two hollow channels 24 of adjacent edging strips 12 at the respective side edges 14 to join adjacent edging strips 12 at right angles to each other. s In addition, the connector 18, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, has mating portions 26 & 28 that are tapered for ease of assemble and to provide an interference fit between the connector 18 and the opening of the side edge 14 of the edging strip 12. Furthermore, to enhance 10 adhesion of the mating of the connector 18 with the respective openings of the edging strips 12, the mating portions 26 & 28 have flutes 29 extending along a surface of the mating portions 26 & 28. The flutes 29 are adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion. That is, 15 the flutes 29 are tapered so that when the mating portions 26 & 28 are inserting into the openings of the respective side edges 14 of the edging strips 12 a portion of the flute 29 extending beyond the height of the channel is sheared off to provide a close interference fit and 20 provide adhesion to more securely join adjacent edging strips 12. Thus, in use, an installer would join adjacent edging strips 12 at their respective side edges by mating the 25 first portion 20 of the connector 18 with an opening of one of the edging strips 12 by inserting the mating portions 26 into the opening and subsequently mating the second portion 22 of the connector 18 with an opening of an adjacent edging strip 12 by inserting the mating 30 portions 28 into the opening, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips 12 at the respective side edges to create garden edging. The connector 18, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, also 35 includes an intermediate portion 30 disposed between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 adapted to abut against the respective side edges 14 of the joined 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU. 1 30/03/12 - 21 adjacent edging strips 12. Thus, in use, the mating portions 26 & 28 are inserted into the respective openings of the edging strips 12 until the side edges 14 of the edging strips 12 abut against the intermediate portion 30. 5 As described, the intermediate portion 30 protrudes from the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the connector 18, so that in use the protrusion of the intermediate portion 30 is flush with the respective top edges of the adjacent joined edging strips 12. In this io way, the edging strips 12 are joined in a seamless fashion as the profile of the connectors 18 and the edging strips 12 is the same. The connectors 18, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, is are deployed in an embodiment of a garden edging system 10 shown in Figure 6 using the above described method of joining edging strips 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, six edging strips 12, four 900 connectors 18, and two 1800 connectors 18 are deployed to define a garden 20 bed 32. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that edging strips 12 may be partially inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define the garden bed 32. 25 In a further embodiment, four edging strips 12 and four 900 connectors 18 are deployed to define another garden bed 36, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, it can be seen that the intermediate portion 30 of the connectors 18 is flush with the side edges 12 to provide a continuous 30 top edge of the garden edging. Also shown are stakes 34 that are driven into the ground of the garden bed 36 to prevent the edging strips 12 from moving inwards (e.g. by impact). The mating of adjacent edging strips 12 prevents the edging strips 12 from moving outwards. It is 35 envisaged that the stakes are made from aluminum or other suitable material (e.g. plastics), and, in one example, the stakes 34 have a dimension of 30mm X 4mm X 300mm with 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU 1 30/03/12 - 22 a point at one end. In addition, the stakes 34 may have a pre-drilled hole so that the stakes can be retained to the inside panel of the edging strip 12 using a fastening means such as a screw. 5 According to another embodiment, there is provided a hinged connector 100 as shown in Figures 8 to 10. The connector 100 includes a first element 102 movably fastened with a second element 104 forming a hinge io connection. The first element includes a profiled edge with recesses 107 and 105 which are configured to engage projections 108 and 106 on the second element 104 forming a complementary configuration. The first portion 102 includes two mating portions 102(a) and 102(b) adapted to is mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12 at the side edge 14 of the edging strip shown in Figure 3. Also, the second portion 104 of the connector 100 has two mating portions 104(a) and 104(b) adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two 20 hollow channels 24 of another edging strip 12 at the side edge 14 of the edging strip shown in Figure 3, so that, in use, the connector 100 movably joins adjacent edging strips 12 to each other. It may be understood that a hinged connection between elements 102 and 104 allows for 25 edging strips 12 to be disposed at any angle and further, the angle between the edging strip 12 may be varied by moving the elements 102 and 104 with respect to one another about the hinged connection. 30 According to the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, there is provided a connector 50 that includes includes a four different portions 102, 112, 104 and 114 each of which are adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of one of the edging strips 12 so that adjacent four 35 different edging strips 12 can be joined together. Each of the four different portions include mating portions. For example portion 102 includes mating portions 102(a) and 32618331 (GHMetters) P83816.AU 1 30/03112 - 23 102(b). Similarly, mating portion 112 includes mating portions 112(a) and 112(b). Portions 104 and 114 are include further mating portions 104(a) and 104(b) and 114(a) and 114(b) as shown in Figure 11. Therefore, the 5 connector 50 is adapted to connect four different edging strips 12. According to another embodiment shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 there is provided a connector 60. Like 10 reference numerals denote like features described earlier in the specification. It may be noted that portions 102 and 104 are disposed at an angle of approximately 45*. Such a connector 60 can aid in connecting 2 edging panels at an angle of 45*. 15 It is to be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the edging strips 12 may be made from a material having suitable hardness, rigidity and corrosion 20 properties such as aluminum or suitable plastics. For example, the edging strips 12 may be manufactured from 6063 extruded aluminium alloy of T-6 hardness. Also, the edging strips 12 may be finished in a mill finish (e.g. a natural aluminium finish) or may be powder coated to 25 provide a desired colour. According to yet another embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 18, there is provided a system including canopy panels 220 having opposed side edges 222 and channels 224 30 extending therethrough as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16, and a connector 200 as shown in Figure 17 and in Figure 18. The connector 200 includes a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first portion 202 includes mating portions 202(a)and 202(b). The second portion 204 35 includes mating portions 204(a)and 204(b). The mating portions 202(a) and 202(b) are adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 224 of the 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU 1 30/03/12 - 24 canopy panel 220. Similarly mating portions 204(a) and 204(b) are also adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 224 of the canopy panel 220 at the side edge 222 of the canopy panel 220 shown in Figure 11 5 and Figure 12. The connector also includes a connecting member 206 that connects the first portion 202 with second portion 204. The connector 200 shown in Figures 17 and Figure 18 io has its first 20 and second 22 portions disposed at 90* to each other so that the adjacent canopy walls 220 can be joined together to form an angled canopy panel. As described, the joined adjacent canopy panels 220 have a flush top edge to give the impression of a seamless edge. is Also as described, the canopy walls 220 include a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges 14. It is envisaged that some canopy panels 220 in may have openings at both side edges 222 and some will have opening at only one side edge 222 when joining is not 20 required. According to yet another embodiment another connector 300 is hereby presented in Figure 19 and Figure 20 in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. As shown in 25 Figures 15 and 16, mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) are tapered for ease of assemble and to provide an interference fit between the connector 300 and the opening of the side edge 222 of the canopy panel 220 shown in Figure 11 and in Figure 12. Furthermore, to enhance 30 adhesion of the mating of the connector 300 with the respective openings 224 of the canopy panel 220 the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) have flutes 310 extending along a surface of the mating portions. The flutes 310 are adapted to be sheared off in use to provide 35 adhesion. That is, the flutes 310 are tapered so that when the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) are inserting into the openings of the respective side 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU.1 30/03/12 - 25 edges 222 of the canopy panels 220 a portion of the flute 310 extending beyond the height of the channel is sheared off to provide a close interference fit and provide adhesion to more securely join adjacent canopy panels 220. s Each of the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) include features in the form of intersecting grid walls 315. These grid walls 315 provide additional structural support and act as an aid to structural integrity for the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) 10 and 204(b) when the mating portions are received into the openings of the canopy panels 220. According to yet another embodiment another connector 400 is hereby presented in Figure 21 and Figure 22 in which once again like reference numerals refer to like 15 parts. As shown connecting member 206 includes a passageway 207 for securing the connectors on a surface during use. The connectors 200, connectors 300 or connectors 400, as 20 shown in Figures 17 to 22, may be deployed in an embodiment of a canopy system 1000 shown in Figure 23 using the above described method of joining canopy panels 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, 8 canopy panels 220, eight 90* connectors 400, are deployed to 25 define a system 1000. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 4 canopy panels 220 connected by 4 connectors 400 may be partially inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define the base 500 of the canopy system 1000. The passageway 207 in each of the 30 connectors 400 are adapted to receive a post 550. A upper section 600 of the system 1000 is defined by another 4 canopy panels 220 connected by connectors 400. The 4 connectors 400 include passageways which act a socket to receive posts 550 and connect canopy panels 220. It is to 35 be appreciated that the connectors 400 may be disposed at angles other than 90* and similar systems with complex shapes requiring connectors that dispose canopy panels at 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30103/12 - 26 angles such as for example 450, 600, 135* may also be used to deploy further improvements of the embodiment described herein. 5 Another embodiment shown in Figure 24 relates to a sandpit system 2000. The connectors 200, connectors 300 or connectors 400, as shown in Figures 13 to 18, may be deployed in an embodiment of the sandpit system 2000 shown in Figure 20 using the previously described method of 10 joining canopy panels 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, 4 canopy panels 220, four 900 connectors 400, are deployed to define the sandpit system 2000. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 4 canopy panels 220 connected by 4 connectors 400 may be partially 15 inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define a base 500 for the sand pit system 2000. It is to be appreciated that the connectors 400 may be disposed at angles other than 90* and similar systems with complex shapes requiring connectors that dispose canopy panels at 20 angles such as for example 450, 60*, 1350 may also be used to deploy further improvements of the embodiment described herein. In further embodiments the connectors 400 may not 25 only connect panels 220, but may further be connected vertically. For example a connector 400 may be fastened to another connector vertically by way of a fastening means that may be received in passageway 207 of two vertically attached connectors 400. The advantage presented by such a 30 system is that it defines a multiple stack storage assembly that allows modular construction. Such systems present flexibility in relation to the units height in addition to units shape. 35 It will also be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU-1 30/03112 - 27 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary s implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia 15 or any other country. 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12

Claims

1. A modular construction system comprising: at least one member having a first part of a s fastener located at or towards one end; at least one connector having a second part of the fastener; the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the second part of the 10 fastener provided on the connector to facilitate cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener to interconnect the member to the connector.

2. A modular construction system of claim 1 further 15 comprising; at least two members; wherein the connector is locateable intermediate of the two members. 20

3. A modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part of the fastener includes a receiving part and the second part of a fastener includes a projection, wherein the receiving part is configured to matingly receive the projection for 25 cooperatively interconnecting the member and the connector.

4. A modular construction system of claim 3 wherein, the receiving part comprises an inwardly directed surface. 30

5. A modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part of a fastener defines a channel adapted to matingly receive the second part of the fastener. 35

6. A modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one member or each 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 29 of the members includes a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the fastener.

7. A modular construction system of claim 6 wherein 5 the hollow extrusion includes at least one channel extending at least partially through the member.

8. A modular construction system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the connector comprises a first 10 portion adapted to mate with the first part of the fastener of a first member and a second portion adapted to mate with a first part of a fastener of a second member inter-connect the two members at their respective ends with the connector. 15

9. A modular system of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured so as to permit the two members to be detachably attached to the connector. 20

10. A modular system of any one of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion 25 to enable attachment of adjacent members to the connectors so that the members are arranged to extend from the connector at different angles to each other.

11. A modular construction system as claimed in any 30 one of claim 8 to claim 11 wherein the first part is angularly inclined to the second part at one of the following angles (a) 300; (b) 60*; (c) 900; (d) 120*; (e)

1800. 35

12. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11 wherein said first and second portions of the connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU 1 30/03/12 - 30 with hollow channels in each of the at least two members to interconnect the members through the connector.

13. A modular construction system wherein the first 5 and second connector portions are each tapered.

14. A modular construction system as claimed in claims 8 to 13, wherein said first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in 1o use to provide adhesion between the connector and the member when mating the members and the connector

15. A modular construction system as claimed in claims 8 to 14, wherein the connector further comprises an 15 intermediate portion located intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the connector, said intermediate portion acting as a support for the first portion and the second portion. 20

16. A modular constructions system as claimed in claims 15, wherein the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the members when interconnected by 25 the connector.

17. A modular construction system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to vertically fasten 30 one connector with respect to another connector.

18. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the auxiliary fastening element includes an aperture to receive a fastening member, wherein the 35 aperture is located on an upper surface or a lower surface of the connector. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 31

19. A modular construction system of claim 18 wherein the aperture is located in the intermediate portion of the connector. s 20. A modular construction system of claim 17, wherein the auxiliary fastening element includes a projecting member. 21. A modular construction system, wherein the io connector of claim 18 is adapted to be vertically fastened to the connector of claim 20 wherein the projecting member of the auxiliary fastening element claimed in claim 20 is adapted to be matingly received in the aperture of the auxilliary fastening element claimed in claim 18, so that 15 the two connectors can be located one upon another in a vertically stacked array. 22. A modular construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is a 20 garden edging system. 23. A garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at 25 least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an 30 opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. 24. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 23, 35 wherein the edging strips comprise a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges of the edging strips. 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU. 1 30/03/12 - 32 25. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the hollow extrusion comprises two channels extending through the edging strips. 5 26. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said first and second portions comprise mating portions adapted to mate with said two hollow channels of the edging strips. 10 27. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the edging strips comprise an aluminium hollow extrusion. is 28. A garden edging system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein each connector is formed from moulded plastics. 29 A garden edging system as claimed in any one of 20 claims 23 to 28, wherein said first portion of the connector is disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion of the connector. 30. A garden edging system as claimed in any one of 25 claims 23 to 28, wherein said first portion of the connector is disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion of the connector. 31. A garden edging system as claimed in any one of 30 claims 23 to 30, wherein said connector comprises an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second portions adapted to abut against the respective side edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. 35 32. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said intermediate portion protrudes from said first and second portions so that in use said protrusion 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816 AU. 1 30/03/12 - 33 of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. 33. A garden edging system as claimed in any one of 5 claims 23 to 32, wherein said first and second portions are tapered. 34. A garden edging system as claimed in claim 33, wherein said first and second portions comprise at least 10 one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the edging strips and the connector. 35. A garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips having opposed side is edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and a plurality of connectors comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the 20 edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges; wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said 25 first portion disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion and at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion. 30 36. A garden edging system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35, further comprising a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent to the edging strips to prevent the edging strips from moving. 35 37. A method of joining adjacent edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one side edge of the edging strips 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 34 comprises an opening to the channel, the method comprising: mating a first portion of a connector with an opening of one of the edging strips; and 5 mating a second portion of the connector with an opening of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. 38. A method of assembling a modular construction 10 system comprising the steps of fastening a first part of a fastener of a member at or towards one end thereof with a connector having a second part of the fastener, the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the is second part of the fastener; and facilitating cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener with one another to interconnect the member to the connector.

20 39. A garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and 25 at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side 30 edges. 40. A storage system comprising: at least two panels having opposed ends and each panel having at least a first part of a fastener located 35 at or towards one of the panel's ends, and at least one connector locatable intermediate of the at least two panels includes a second part of a 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12 - 35 fastener; wherein the first part of the fastener includes a complementary configuration with respect to the second part of the fastener and is configured to cooperatively 5 engage at least two member with the connector, thereby at least partially enclosing a space. 41. A storage system of claim 40 wherein the connector further comprises at least two portions a first 10 portion and a second portion, wherein each portion is adapted to be cooperatively engaged with at least the part of a fastener of the at least two panels. 42. A storage system of any one of claim 41 wherein 15 each of the at least two panels include a receiving part, and the connector includes at least two projections, wherein each of the receiving part is configured to matingly receive at least one projection thereby cooperatively engaging and inter-connecting the panels and 20 the connector to form part of the storage system. 43. A storage system of claim 42 wherein the receiving part is a channel. 25 44. A storage system of any one claims 40 to 43 wherein, the at least two panels include a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the fastener. 30 45. A storage system of claim 44 wherein the hollow extrusion includes at least one channel extending through the panel. 46. A storage system of any one of claims 40 to 45 35 wherein the connector includes a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the panels and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of 32618331 (GHMatters) P83816AU.1 30/03/12 - 36 the panels, thereby in use joining adjacent panels at the respective ends thereof. 47. A storage system of claim 46 wherein the first 5 portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to be detachably attachable to the ends of respective members. 48. A storage system of claim 46 or claim 47 wherein 10 the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to enable relative movement between adjacent panels inter-connected by the connector during use to adopt is different configurations to one another. 49. A storage system as claimed in any one of claim 46 to claim 48, wherein the first portion of the connector is angularly inclined to the second portion, preferably 20 movably angularly inclined. 50. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 46 to 49 wherein said first and second portions of the connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with 25 hollow channels in each of the at least two panels. 51. A storage system of any one of claim 40 to claim 50 wherein the first and second connector portions are each tapered. 30 52. A storage system claimed in claims 46 to 51, wherein said first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the panel and the connector 35 53. A storage system as claimed in claims 46 to 52, comprising an intermediate portion between the first 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/0312 - 37 portion and the second portion of the connector. 54. A storage system as claimed in claims 53, wherein the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and 5 second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of connected panels. 55. A storage system as claimed in any of claims 40 10 to 54, wherein the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to fasten one connector vertically with respect to another connector. 56. A storage system as claimed in claim 55 wherein 15 the auxiliary fastening element includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastening member. 57. A storage system of claim 56 wherein the aperture is located in the intermediate portion of the connector. 20 58. A storage system of claim 55, wherein the auxiliary fastening element includes a projecting member. 59. A storage system comprising of any one of claims 25 40 to 59 comprising: at least two connectors vertically connected to one another wherein at least one connector comprises a first connecting element and at least another connector comprises a second connecting element, wherein the 30 connecting elements are adapted to vertically connect the first connector and the second connector. 60. A storage system of claim 59 wherein the at least one connecting element includes a projecting member, and 35 the at least another element includes an aperture wherein the the projecting member is adapted to be received in the aperture thereby vertically connecting the two connectors. 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816 AU. 1 30/0312 - 38 61. A modular construction system, a storage system or a garden edging system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 5 3261833_1 (GHMatters) P83816.AU.1 30/03/12