CN220705001U

CN220705001U - Connector, flat panel, elongated support and flat panel arrangement

Info

Publication number: CN220705001U
Application number: CN202321440034.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 文森特·勒·布拉; 杨耀强
Original assignee: Cuifeng International Products Co ltd
Current assignee: Cuifeng International Products Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-09
Filing date: 2023-06-07
Publication date: 2024-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-07
Also published as: CN116623902A; PL131502U1; FR3136494A3; EP4290031A1

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a connector for connecting a flat panel to an elongated support in a flat panel arrangement, the panel comprising a side groove at each side, the face of the support comprising a central elongated channel with an elongated channel aperture, the channel and channel aperture being aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support, wherein the connector comprises a first portion configured to be securely clamped into the channel and a second portion comprising at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove. The present utility model provides a novel and inventive panel system that provides a panel that is strong and stable but that can be easily and conveniently installed by untrained installer.

Description

Connector, flat panel, elongated support and flat panel arrangement

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an improved panel system or paneling system, and an improved method for assembling or mounting such a panel system or paneling system. The panel system is used in a floor or decking or rail arrangement. The present disclosure relates to a panel or floor or decking surface comprising a plurality of panels or planks or boards or floor surface elements, each of which is firmly but removably attached to a support or beam or support element below or behind the panel or plank or board or floor element.

In particular, the present disclosure relates generally to an arrangement and method for the fixed but flexible and reversible attachment of a panel, plank, slat, plate, or floor surface element to a beam or support element. The panel surfaces thus assembled or mounted may be in a horizontal plane or a vertical plane or an inclined plane. The arrangements and methods disclosed herein are easy and convenient to use by a user or operator or installer. The support or support element is a generally rigid component that is itself fixedly secured, directly or indirectly, to a base or floor of a building or external terrain: the support or support element may be aligned parallel to the base or floor of the building or external terrain, wherein for example the final panel surfaces are intended to be aligned in a horizontal plane, but may also be aligned perpendicular or oblique to the base or floor of the building or external terrain, wherein for example the assembled panel surfaces are intended to be aligned in a vertical plane. In view of the attachment of the support or support therebelow or therebehind, the surface formed by the panel is displaced or raised relative to the base or floor of the building or external terrain to which the support or support element is attached. In the case of a horizontal panel surface, the floor or deck surface is raised or lifted above the actual floor and effectively forms a new floor.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved panel system wherein a panel, plank, slat, board or floor surface element is attached to a support or beam or support element via a connection element or connector, which may be placed or positioned according to the size of the panel surface element. The system will accommodate a wide variety of panel sizes and materials depending on user needs and preferences.

For brevity, reference herein below to panels or planks or panels or surface elements, etc., which are configured to form an exterior wall or floor as desired as a "panel" after installation; and mention is made of beams or supports or elements or underfloor assemblies which are generally elongated and form the structure to which the panels are attached (by means of connectors) as a "support". The reader will understand that such terms are used in a broad sense and are not limiting.

Background

In general, conventional panel systems rely on complex structures to attach panels to supports. The intermediate assembly by means of which the panel is fixed to the support is difficult and costly to manufacture and inconvenient to use. The intermediate components in such conventional systems are designed for panels of a particular predetermined size and shape and are not flexible enough to accommodate any other size and shape.

Furthermore, in conventional systems, both the support and the panel are generally elongated in shape, and with intermediate components of conventional systems, the panel must be aligned perpendicular to the support in order to attach them to the support. This is a considerable disadvantage: the alignment of the panels is determined by the alignment of the supports and if for any reason the alignment of the supports is constrained by the floor (or building itself) to which the supports are fixed, the alignment of the panels is correspondingly constrained.

In view of its complexity, conventional panel systems are difficult, time consuming and inconvenient to install.

Technical problem of the object

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a panel system and a method of installation that obviates the above-stated drawbacks.

An object of the apparatus and method disclosed herein is to provide a system and method of installation that accommodates panels of all sizes and shapes. It is a further object of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure to provide a system and process that facilitates alignment of panels in any direction.

It is an object of the systems and methods disclosed herein to provide a novel and inventive panel system that provides a panel that is strong and stable but that can be easily and conveniently installed by untrained installer.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a novel and inventive connector for connecting a flat panel to an elongated support in a flat panel arrangement. In an embodiment of the utility model, the panel comprises a side groove on each side, the face of the support comprises a central elongated channel with an elongated channel aperture, the channel and channel aperture being aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support, wherein the connector comprises a first portion configured to be securely clamped into the channel and a second portion comprising at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

In an embodiment of the connector according to the utility model, the first part of the connector comprises at least one clamping arrangement, each of the at least one clamping arrangement being positioned on a longitudinal surface of the first part and being configured to clamp the first part into the channel of the support.

In embodiments of the connector disclosed herein, the at least one clamping arrangement comprises at least one clamping protrusion.

In an exemplary aspect of the connector, the channel aperture is narrower than a width of an inner wall of the channel, wherein the at least one gripping tab is made of an elastic material capable of flexing during insertion into the longitudinal aperture of the channel.

In an embodiment of the utility model, the at least one clamping projection is aligned angularly with the first portion.

In a connector according to an embodiment of the utility model, each of the at least one clamping arrangement comprises two clamping protrusions arranged in a V-shape around the longitudinal axis of the first portion.

In another aspect of the connector according to the present utility model, the at least one clamping arrangement is sized to be wider than the width of the channel aperture and flex inwardly when inserted into the channel aperture.

In a connector according to an embodiment of the utility model, the second part of the connector comprises a base and two laterally extending flanges, said flanges and said base being arranged together in a T-shape.

In an exemplary aspect of the apparatus disclosed herein, the base and flange of the second portion of each of the plurality of connectors are configured to support each of the plurality of panels at equal distances from the support.

In embodiments of the connectors disclosed herein, the first and second portions of the connector are fixedly attached to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed attachment of the first and second portions of the connector is fixedly aligned to the first and second portions at right angles to each other.

In an aspect of the connector according to the utility model, the first and second parts of the connector are rotatably attached to each other and are configured to allow relative rotational displacement between the first and second parts.

In an embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure, the rotatable attachment of the first and second portions of the connector comprises a cylindrical post extending from the second portion and a cylindrical pocket in the second portion, the pocket comprising a first aperture and a second aperture at respective ends of the pocket, the post being configured to be inserted into the first aperture of the pocket and to freely rotate within the pocket.

In one version of the apparatus disclosed herein, the cylindrical stud includes a plurality of elongate stud projections separated by spaces, the stud projections being arcuate in cross section, the cross section of the stud projections and the spaces between the stud projections being arranged to form an annular zone.

In an embodiment of the connector according to the utility model, each of the plurality of stud protrusions is configured to flex inwardly through an inner wall of the pocket when the stud is inserted into the pocket, each stud protrusion further comprising a stud flange at a distal end of an outer surface of the stud protrusion, each stud flange being configured to clamp onto a second aperture of the pocket and rotatably attach the stud to the pocket.

In another exemplary aspect of the utility model, a flat panel for connection to an elongated support in a flat panel arrangement by a connector is foreseen, the flat panel comprising a side groove at each side thereof, the support comprising a central elongated channel with an elongated channel aperture at one face thereof, the channel and channel aperture being aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support, the connector comprising a first portion configured to be securely clamped into the channel and a second portion comprising at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

An embodiment of the utility model relates to an elongated support for connection to a flat panel in a flat panel arrangement by means of a connector, the support comprising at one face thereof a central elongated channel with an elongated channel aperture, the channel and channel aperture being aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support, the flat panel comprising at each side thereof a side groove, the connector comprising a first portion configured to be securely clamped into the channel and a second portion comprising at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

An embodiment of the utility model relates to a flat panel arrangement comprising: a plurality of elongated supports aligned parallel to each other, each support being a single integral component comprising a channel on one face of the support aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support, the channel having a longitudinal aperture narrower than the width of the inner wall of the channel; a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of panels configured to be arranged to collectively form a planar surface, a side of each panel comprising a side groove; wherein the first portion of the connector is configured to securely grip into the channel of the support and the second portion of the connector includes at least one transverse flange configured to be inserted into the side groove of the panel.

In another embodiment of the utility model, a panel arrangement comprises: at least one support end piece configured to be attached to an end of at least one support; and a support edge member configured to be attached to the at least one support end member.

In an exemplary aspect of the panel arrangement according to the utility model, the panel arrangement further comprises: at least one panel end piece configured to be attached to an end of at least one panel; and a panel edge piece configured to be attached to the at least one panel end piece.

In an embodiment of the utility model, the flat panel arrangement forms a horizontally aligned floor surface of the floor system, the support being fixed to the horizontal surface.

In an embodiment of the panel arrangement disclosed herein, the flat panel arrangement is vertically aligned and the support is a vertically aligned column.

The present disclosure also relates to a novel and inventive method for connecting a flat panel to an elongated support in a flat panel arrangement, wherein the panel comprises side grooves at each side, the method comprising: providing a support comprising a central elongate channel having an elongate channel aperture, the channel and channel aperture being aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support; and providing a connector comprising a first portion configured to securely clamp into the channel and a second portion comprising at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

The present utility model provides a novel and inventive panel system that provides a panel that is strong and stable but that can be easily and conveniently installed by untrained installer.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to certain embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the utility model, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an embodiment of the present utility model.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a support according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Perspective and side views of a connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model are provided in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C.

Fig. 4 is a cross-section of a connector according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 5A is a cross section of two adjacent panels and fig. 5B is the same cross section of the panels, but with a connector interposed between the two panels, according to an embodiment of the utility model.

Fig. 6A provides a perspective view of a connector inserted into a support according to an embodiment of the present utility model, and fig. 6B and 6C provide cross-sectional views of the connector.

Perspective and side views of a connector having a rotary joint according to an embodiment of the present utility model are provided in fig. 7A, 7B and 7C.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of a connector having a rotary joint according to an embodiment of the present utility model; fig. 8B is the same exploded view in cross section, and fig. 8C shows the same components rotatably attached.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of embodiments of the present utility model incorporating end pieces and edge pieces at the ends of the support members; fig. 9C and 9D show cross-sectional views of the same arrangement as in fig. 9A and 9B before and after attachment of the edge piece.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the utility model incorporating end pieces and edge pieces at the ends of the panels; fig. 10B and 10C show cross-sectional views of the same arrangement as in fig. 10A before and after attachment of the edge piece.

Detailed Description

The description uses numerical and alphabetical references, as needed, to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar references in the drawings and description have been used to designate the same or similar parts of the apparatus.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, any use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," "next," "last," "highest," "higher," "upper," "top," "lowest," and "lower" are used to distinguish one component from another, and are not intended to limit any positioning, physical location, alignment, structure, or actual order or importance of the specified components nor the alignment or structure of the embodiments described herein. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The figures show a panel arrangement formed in a horizontal plane (as in a floor surface), but it is not envisaged that the panel arrangement according to the utility model is limited to the formation of panels in a horizontal plane. Although not shown in the figures, the panel and panel arrangement is also envisaged to be formed in a vertical plane, or in a plane oriented between horizontal or vertical. The firm fixing of the supports may take place in a horizontal plane, aligned parallel to the base or floor of the building or external terrain, or the supports may be erected vertically in a manner similar to the posts of the fence, aligned perpendicular or oblique to the base or floor of the building or external terrain to which they are attached or into which they are inserted. All orientations of the planes of the assembled panel arrangement can be envisaged.

Reference will now be made in detail to examples and embodiments of the frame assembly, one or more of which are illustrated in the drawings. The examples and embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and do not limit the utility model in any way. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present utility model within the scope of the utility model as defined in the claims. Features illustrated or described as being present in any one embodiment can also be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. The utility model is intended to embrace any such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Various embodiments, aspects and implementations of the present utility model, as well as technical objects and advantages, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the description herein in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A and 1B provide an overall overview of a system according to an embodiment of the utility model, showing the relative positions of the support 101, the connector 102 and the panel 103. The plurality of panels 103 collectively form an exterior surface, such as an upper surface or a platform or floor. The support 101 in the floor context is below the panel 103 as shown (but may be adjacent to the panel 103 in other contexts as desired). In the illustrated embodiment, there are a plurality of elongated supports 101, each having a central longitudinal channel 104, and a plurality of panels 103 above the supports 101, the panels 103 being attached to the supports 101 by means of a plurality of connectors 102.

Each panel 103 is attached to at least one of the supports 101, and each support 101 is attached to at least one panel 103. In an embodiment of the utility model, it is envisaged that the panel 103 is attached to the support 101 by the connector 102 at each location where the side 105 of the panel 103 passes through the central longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101. In other words, at each such location, there is an attachment between the panel 103 and the support channel 104.

In the overview of fig. 1A and 1B, there are a plurality of such panel/support attachments. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, it is contemplated that for each panel 103, a pair of connectors 102 attach the panel 103 to a particular support 101. In the perspective view of fig. 1A, only the first connector 102 (on the leftmost panel) of each pair of connectors 102 is visible, the other connector 102 being blocked behind the panel 103. In fig. 1B, the second connector 102 of each pair of connectors 102 is also visible (between the leftmost panel 103 and the adjacent panel 103) on the other side of the panel 103 relative to the first connector 102 of that pair.

As explained in the later paragraphs, according to an embodiment of the utility model, the connectors 102 are configured to be inserted into side grooves 106 in the sides 105 of the panel 103 such that two connectors 102 are configured to clamp the panel 103 together on either side of the panel 103, each of the two connectors 102 being attached to a single support 101. In other words, each support 101 is attached to the panel 103 at two points on the support 101 using two connectors 102.

The two connectors 102 are located at two points on the support 101, the separation between the two connectors 102 on the support 101 being arranged by the installer to substantially match the width of the panel 103 such that the two connectors 102 together engage with side grooves 106 on opposite sides 105 of the panel 103 so as to effectively clamp the panel 103, as mentioned above.

In another embodiment of the utility model, the panel 103, not shown here, may be attached to a particular support 101 only by connectors 102 located on only one side 105 of the panel 103, not on both sides 105.

Fig. 2 provides a perspective view of a support 101 according to the present utility model prior to attachment of any connectors 102 or panels 103. Each support 101 is elongate and linear in shape and is a single integral unit composed of a suitable rigid material. As previously stated, the support 101 includes a central longitudinal channel 104. The central longitudinal channel 104 of each support 101 is open on one side, with a longitudinal opening-central longitudinal aperture 107. The channel 104 and aperture 107 are configured to receive a portion of the connector 102, both the channel 104 and its aperture 107 extending longitudinally along the entire length of the support 101. The cross-section of the channel 104 may have the shape of a rectangular pocket with its inner wall 108 and base 109 being flat, the wall 108 being perpendicular to the base 109, but any suitable geometry is contemplated as long as the connector 102 can be attached to the channel 104 by clamping into the channel, as described later. The cross section of the support 101 (including its channel 104 and channel aperture 107) is constant such that a portion of the connector 102 may be inserted into the aperture 107 and received in the channel 104 at any point along the length of the support 101. Once inserted and locked (see below) within the channel 104, the connector 102 is securely held by the channel 104 but is still displaceable in the longitudinal direction along the length of the channel 104 for the convenience of the installer. To save material and cost, the support 101 is generally hollow, with at least one support cavity 108 extending along the entire length of the support 101 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support 101.

The width of the aperture 107 is defined by a longitudinal abutment 110 that is perpendicular to and projects inwardly from each of the inner walls 108 of the central longitudinal channel 104 at the level of the aperture 107 and serves to reduce the width of the aperture 107, as shown in fig. 2. The longitudinal abutments 110 each extend parallel to the central longitudinal channel 104 along the aperture 107 and correspondingly along the full length of the support 101, the width of the upper aperture 107 being narrower than the width of the central longitudinal channel 104 (between the inner walls 108). Each longitudinal abutment 110 has a leading flat surface 111, a flat inner surface 112 and a flat rear surface 113, the inner surfaces 112 of the two longitudinal abutments 110 facing each other, acting as a gripping protrusion (see below) of the first portion 114 of the connector 102 abutting against a surface to be abutted, as described below. The planes of the inner surfaces 112 are parallel to each other and to the inner wall 108 of the channel 104. The depth of the abutment (i.e., how far the inner surface 112 extends into the aperture 107) is sufficient to cause the gripping tab (described later) to flex during insertion of the connector 102 into the channel 104 and allow the flexing to reverse (such that the gripping tab springs back to its original pre-flexing shape) once the first portion 114 of the connector 102 has been fully inserted into the channel 104.

Each leading surface 111 and each trailing surface 113 of each longitudinal abutment 110 are planar and extend longitudinally along the length of the support 101. The leading surfaces 111 are beveled, i.e., inclined relative to the inner surface 112, such that the planes of the two leading surfaces 111 of each support together form a V-shape, as shown in fig. 2. The plane of the rear surface 113 of each longitudinal abutment is perpendicular to the inner surface 112 and perpendicular to the channel inner wall 108, as shown.

Before considering the attachment of the connector 102 to the support 101, the structure of the connector 102 will be discussed. Fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C show various views of a connector 102 configured to attach to a support 101 and a panel 103, according to an embodiment of the utility model. Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the connector 102, fig. 3B is an end view of the connector 102, and fig. 3C is a side view of the connector 102. The connector 102 has a first portion 114 and a second portion 115. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the longitudinal axes of the first portion 114 and the second portion 115 are aligned generally perpendicular to each other (although other relative orientations are also contemplated (see below)).

The first portion 114 of the connector 102 is configured to engage with the central longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101. The first portion 114 includes: a body 116, which may be generally cube-shaped, although any suitable shape is contemplated; and a clamping arrangement 117, the clamping arrangement 117 comprising at least one clamping protrusion 118. In embodiments in which the body 116 is a cube, the body includes (in the perspective view of fig. 3) a lower surface 116a, an upper surface 116b, two major side surfaces 116c, and two end surfaces 116e. Each clamping tab 118 is made of an elastic material and is shaped and dimensioned to allow elastic deformation, i.e. flexing, of the clamping tab 118 during insertion into the central longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101: as the connector 102 is lowered onto the support 101, the first portion 114 of the connector 102 enters the aperture 107 of the longitudinal central passage 104.

3A, 3B and 3C, each clamping tab 118 is elongated and generally rectangular, with the axis of each clamping tab 118 aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 116. However, other geometries than rectangular are also contemplated. Each grip tab 118 has a proximal end 118a (or proximal edge if the grip tab is elongate and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body) where the grip tab 118 engages the body 116, and a distal end 118b (or distal edge if desired). For brevity, where the grip tab 118 is elongate, references herein to "proximal" and "distal" of the grip tab 118 should also include "proximal edge" and "distal edge" as desired.

With respect to the first portion 114 of the connector 102 in some embodiments of the utility model, as shown herein, the surface of the body 116 including the at least one clamping arrangement 117 and the surface of the body 116 that faces or is attached or secured to the second portion 115 are at opposite surfaces of the body 116 such that the first portion 114 is configured to clamp into the longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101, but the second portion 115 is higher (above) than the support 101 and freely engages with the panel 103, as described herein.

In an embodiment of the present utility model, the connector shown in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C includes two clamping arrangements 117, each having two such clamping protrusions 118, but it is contemplated that the body 116 may have any suitable number of clamping arrangements 117. The clamping arrangements 117 are spaced apart from each other on a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 116: they may be located at opposite ends of the main side surface 116C of the body 116, as shown in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C, to ensure stability and good clamping functionality, but it is contemplated that they may be located at any suitable location on the body 116. It is contemplated that the body 116 may have any suitable length that provides stability once inserted in the longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101, as discussed later.

In an embodiment of the present utility model, as depicted in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C, the gripping protrusions 118 are symmetrically arranged in pairs on either side of the longitudinal axis of the first portion 114 of the connector 102. Thus, in this embodiment, each clamping arrangement 117 includes a pair of clamping tabs 118, with two clamping tabs 118 extending from the bottom of the body 116 of the connector 102. In the example shown, the body 116 is a cube and the grip tab 118 is rectangular and generally flat in shape, extending from a proximal edge 118a joined to the body 116 to a distal edge 118b.

Fig. 4 provides a cross-section of the connector 102 in the embodiment of fig. 3A, 3B and 3C. As shown in fig. 4, the clamping arrangement 117 according to this embodiment includes two clamping tabs 118, each of which extends obliquely from the bottom of the main body 116 (generally at the interface of the major side surface 116c and the lower surface 116 e). In other words, the two gripping protrusions 118 are each oriented at an angle θ in one of the planes XX relative to the main side surface 116c of the main body 116, thereby forming a V-shape that is symmetrical about a plane YY that is parallel to the main side surface 116c of the main body 116 and that is located at a midpoint between the main side surfaces. As previously shown with respect to this embodiment (in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C), this clamping arrangement 117 is repeated at each end of the body 116 such that there are a total of four clamping tabs 118.

In other embodiments (not shown), instead of a pair of clamping tabs 118, the clamping arrangement 117 may comprise only a single clamping tab 118 on one side of the body 116. The reader will appreciate that, although for such embodiments, the operation of the clamping arrangement 117 as discussed below is similar to the operation of a clamping arrangement variant having two clamping tabs 118: in a variant of the clamping arrangement 117 having only a single clamping projection, the clamping projection 118 is correspondingly sized to ensure that the clamping projection 118 flexes during insertion of the connector 102 into the channel 104, and that flexes back as the clamping projection 118 passes the longitudinal abutment 110.

The second portion 115 and the first portion 114 may together form a single, integral unit manufactured in a single manufacturing process, such as by injection molding, with no relative movement between the first portion 114 and the second portion 115 of the connector. In such embodiments, the entire connector 102 is a single integral unit.

Alternatively, the entire first portion 114 (body 116 and clamping arrangement 117) of the connector 102 may be a single integral unit manufactured by a single manufacturing process, such as injection molding, and the entire second portion 115 may be a single integral unit manufactured in a single manufacturing process, such as injection molding.

In some embodiments, the second portion 115 may be permanently secured to the first portion 114 by a securing means such as an adhesive, welding, heat treatment, or other suitable means: in such variations, the upper surface 116b of the body 116 may extend to provide a larger common surface by which the lower and second portions 115 may engage one another, thereby providing greater mechanical strength and stability. In some embodiments, the second portion 115 may be permanently or reversibly attached to the first portion, and in some embodiments (see below), the attachment may be configured to allow movement between the upper portion and the first portion 114 (e.g., by means of a joint that attaches the first portion 114 and the second portion 115, as described later herein).

As previously stated herein, the first 114 and second 115 portions of the connector 102, including the various clamping arrangements described herein (whether manufactured individually or as a single integral component with the connector 102), are made of a resiliently flexible material by means of which the clamping arrangements are capable of resiliently deforming or flexing or bending under external forces, but spring back when the forces are removed. This material composition may be a standard plastic material, such as any of the following: polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene, acetylene Butanol Styrene (ABS) or another thermoplastic material, or a hard polymer, or a composite material (e.g. polyamide with glass fibers). In brief, any material exhibiting the described elastic deformation characteristics may be suitable for manufacturing the connector.

For brevity, the second portion 115 is shown herein, for example in fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4, as oriented perpendicular to the orientation of the first portion 114, but the relative orientation of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 is not limited to right angles. Although in some embodiments the relative orientation of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 is fixed, any suitable angular difference between their orientations is contemplated, and in other embodiments as described later, the relative orientation of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 may be changeable by means of a rotary joint.

As shown in fig. 3A, 3B and 3C, the second portion 115 of each connector 102 includes one or two laterally extending flanges 120 mounted on a base 121, each flange 120 configured to be inserted into a side groove 106 of a panel 103, the side grooves 106 extending longitudinally along each side 105 of the panel 103 (as shown at fig. 5A, a cross-section of two adjacent panels 103). There is a small gap 122 between adjacent panels, so they do not directly interface with each other: this gap 122 in the next figure (fig. 5B) is occupied by the second portion 115 of the connector 102. To save material and cost, the panel 103 is generally hollow, with at least one panel cavity 123 extending along the entire length of the panel 103 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the panel 103. The side grooves 106 on the side 105 of each panel represent an open or exposed version of the panel cavity 123, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B, having the same height as the panel cavity 123 as if the panel cavity 123 had been bisected in the longitudinal direction. Each flange 120 of the second portion 115 of the connector 102 is sized and shaped to fit into and be securely received by a side groove 106 of the panel, as seen in fig. 5B: the flange 120 fits tightly but reversibly into the side groove 106 once inserted therein. Fig. 5B shows flange 120 and side groove 106 of panel 103 into which flange 120 may be inserted, both being cube-shaped, but any suitable geometry is contemplated, so long as flange 120 may fit snugly in side groove 106.

According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the second portion 115 of the connector 102 is shown herein, for example in fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4 and 5B, as having two laterally extending flanges 120 mounted on a base 121. In this embodiment, the second portion 115 (with its two laterally extending flanges 120 on the base 121) is generally T-shaped in cross-section, with the two flanges 120 extending laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second portion 115. The second portion 115 may be generally hollow, as shown in fig. 3A, 3B, and 5B, to save material and cost. The reader will appreciate that in this T-shape, two flanges 120 of the same connector 102 (the second portion 115 thereof) may fit into side grooves 106 of two adjacent panels 103: the tee is configured to bridge the small gap 122 between adjacent panels 103 and connect to each of them, thereby effectively connecting adjacent panels 103 to one another. This attachment of the connector 102 to two adjacent panels 103 is repeated along the sides 105 of the panels (at each intersection with the support 101), as shown in fig. 1A and 1B.

As shown in fig. 5B, the base 121 is sized and shaped to facilitate full insertion of the flange 120 into the side recess 106 of the panel 103 and to facilitate not only the panel 103 being supported by the inserted flange 120, but also the panel 103 being additionally supported by the body of the connector 102-by having the underside of the panel 103 directly load on the upper surface 116B of the body 116.

For brevity, the second portion 115 of the connector 102 is shown herein, for example in fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4 and 5B, as having two laterally extending flanges 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present utility model. However, the second portion 115 may comprise only one laterally extending flange 120, whereby the second portion 115 reaches only the recess 106 of one panel 103.

Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 5B, 7A, 7B, and 7C also illustrate a number of flexible ridges 124 on the outer surface of each laterally extending flange 120 that are configured to enhance friction and engagement of the flange 120 with the interior of the side groove 106 of the panel 103 when inserted, thereby improving the securement of the fit therein. Any suitable number of such ridges 124 is contemplated. The size and shape of the ridge is not limited to only the upper and lower surfaces of the laterally extending flange 120, but may also "wrap" around the edge and also cover the sides of the flange 120 as desired (as shown in fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C). Although certain embodiments of the present utility model are illustrated herein as having a greater or lesser number of such ridges and differently shaped ridges 124, the number, shape, and location on any outer surface of flange 120 of all of the variations disclosed herein are not limited.

The operation of the clamping arrangement 117 on the first portion 114 of the connector 102 will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 6A, 6B and 6C each provide a view of the connector 102 attached to the support 101: fig. 6A provides an overall perspective view, while fig. 6B and 6C provide cross-sectional views of the connector 102 and the support 101 (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support 101). The clamping arrangement 117 on the first portion 114 of the connector 102 is configured to clamp the first portion 114 to the support 101. Specifically, the clamping arrangement 117 is configured to enter the central longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101 and, once fully inserted into the channel 104, clamp onto the inside of the channel 104 such that the first portion 114 is securely held within the channel 104.

For embodiments in which each clamping arrangement 117 includes two clamping protrusions 118 (e.g., in the V-shape described above), the clamping protrusions 118 are sized such that the width of the V-shaped clamping arrangement, i.e., the distance between the two distal ends 118b of the two clamping protrusions 118 (effectively the "span" of the V-shaped clamping arrangement 117, in the absence of any deflection) is slightly greater than the width of the channel aperture 107 (the longitudinal abutment 110 at the channel aperture 107). To mount the connector 102 on the support 101, the first portion 114 of the connector 102 (specifically, the lower surface 116a of the body 116) is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the channel 104. As the body 116 and the clamping arrangement 117 are displaced into the channel aperture 107, the outer surfaces of the two clamping protrusions 118 first impinge on the beveled leading edges 111 of the two longitudinal abutments 110 at the channel aperture. Each of the V-shaped gripping protrusions 118 is inclined relative to the body 116 and relative to the respective longitudinal abutment 110. Due to the displacement, the beveled leading edge 111 and the two longitudinal abutments 110 generally exert an inward pressure on the clamping projection 118: further displacement of the first portion 114 into the channel 104 causes the clamping tab 118 to elastically deform, the V-shaped clamping tab 118 flexing (bending) inwardly, away from plane XX (of fig. 4), at an angle θ°, and toward plane YY.

As stated above, the overall width of the pre-deflection clamping arrangement 117 (the distance between the distal ends 118b of its two clamping tabs 118) is greater than the separation of the inner surfaces 112 of the longitudinal abutments 110, and further displacement of the V-shape into the channel 104 increases the inward deflection of the clamping tabs 118. The inward deflection of the clamping tab 118 causes a decrease in the separation of the two distal ends 118b of the clamping tab 118, i.e., the two distal ends 118b approach each other (i.e., the "span" of the V-shaped clamping arrangement 117 actually narrows) until the distal ends 118b are able to enter the channel aperture 107, thereby allowing further displacement of the body 116 into the channel 104.

With continued displacement of the connector 102 into the channel 104, the inward flexing of the clamping projection 118 facilitates further insertion of the clamping arrangement 117 through the channel aperture 107, the distal end 118b of the clamping projection 118 passing along the inner surface 112 of the longitudinal abutment 111 during flexing. As the distal ends 118B move beyond the bottom of the inner surface 112 of the longitudinal abutment 110 (in the perspective views of fig. 6A, 6B and 6C), the grip tabs 118 are no longer constrained by the inner surface 112, and the elasticity of the grip tabs 118 permits them to spring back to their original pre-deflection shape, the separation of the two distal ends/edges 118B of the grip tabs 118 returning (increasing back) to their pre-deflection size.

This separation of the two distal ends/edges 118b is wider than the separation of the inner surfaces 112 of the longitudinal abutments such that the clamping tabs 118 now prevent any reversal of the displacement of the connector 102 as described above, i.e. the clamping tabs 118 thus serve to lock the first portion 114 within the longitudinal channel 104. As shown in fig. 6A, 6B and 6C, the first portion 114 of the connector 102 is securely held in the longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101 due to the clamping arrangement 117 of the first portion 114.

Although the first portion 114 of the connector 102 has been so securely attached to the support 101, the connector 102 may still be slidably displaceable within the channel 104 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support 101. As the reader will appreciate from the cross-sectional views in fig. 6A and fig. 6B and 6C, there is no impediment to any such longitudinal displacement of the connector 102, which can therefore be displaced to any position on the support 101 selected by the user. The connector 102 includes a plurality of clamping arrangements 117 in the first portion 114: it is contemplated that the length of the body 116 and the length and number of bodies 116 and/or the coverage of the body 116 may be dependent upon the plurality of clamping arrangements 117 to provide additional stability and mechanical robustness during movement of the first portion 114 of the connector within the longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101. It is also contemplated that the connector may be removed from the channel 104 at its open end by sliding the connector 102 to the end of the support 101. As discussed in the later paragraphs, the open ends of the support 101 and the longitudinal channel 104 may be reversibly closed/covered by means of end pieces to protect the support end and/or to provide a more aesthetically pleasing support end.

Any suitable number of gripping arrangements 117 and/or body lengths of any suitable coverage area are contemplated. The flexibility regarding the positioning of the connector 102 along the length of the support 101 provides the following advantages: once inserted into the channel 104 (as described), the connectors 102 may be displaced up or down the length of the longitudinal channel 104 of the support 101 for the convenience of an installer, thereby controlling the position of each connector 102 on the support 101, and the relative separation of adjacent connectors 102, thereby facilitating the use of panels 103 of different widths without any adjustment of the position of the support 101, i.e., the panels may be easily replaced without any change to the support 101.

As previously stated, in an embodiment of the present utility model, instead of the clamping arrangement 117 comprising two clamping protrusions 118 of V-shape as described above, the clamping arrangement 117 may have only a single clamping protrusion 118 (not shown). The single gripping tab 118 in this embodiment extends from the bottom of the body 116 to one of the major side surfaces of the body at an angle θ (as previously described with respect to the V-shaped variation) and has the same elasticity and flexing tendency. The operation of this embodiment is similar to that of the V-shaped embodiment as previously described. The main difference between this embodiment and other embodiments is that the clamping arrangement with only a single clamping protrusion 118 is properly sized while still providing the same clamping function as the other variants: the width of the clamping arrangement, i.e. the distance of the distal end 118b of the clamping projection 118 from the opposite major side surface of the body 116, is dimensioned to be slightly larger than the channel aperture 107. Insertion of the first portion 114 into the channel 104 causes the clamping tab 118 to flex in a manner similar to that previously described for other embodiments, and full insertion in the channel 104 allows the Xu Gachi tab 118 to spring back and clamp onto the rear surface 113 of the longitudinal abutment 110, as previously described, thereby locking the first portion 114 in the longitudinal channel 104.

In the embodiment of the utility model shown in fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B and 8C, the connector 102 further comprises a rotational joint 125 between the second portion 115 and the first portion 114. The rotatable joint 125 is configured to rotatably attach the second portion 115 to the first portion 114 such that the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 are rotatable relative to one another. The second portion 115 and the first portion 114 of the connector 102 do not form a single, integral unit and are manufactured separately. This embodiment differs from the other embodiments disclosed herein in that the orientation of the second portion 115 is not fixed relative to the orientation of the first portion 114, but otherwise is identical to the previously described embodiments.

Because the orientation of the second portion 115 of the connector 102 is not limited to being perpendicular to the first portion 114, the orientation of the second portion 115 relative to the first portion 114 may vary from connector to connector: for each connector 102 deployed in a particular panel or floor, the installer may choose a different relative orientation of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 accordingly. Because the relative orientation of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 may be chosen for each individual connector 102, this relative orientation may be chosen according to the orientation of the side groove 106 of the associated panel. Thus, the sides of the panel 103 need not necessarily be oriented perpendicular to the underlying support 101. The ability to determine relative orientation on a connector-by-connector basis has two valuable inferences.

First, for an elongated rectangular panel, this allows alignment of the panel at nearly any angle relative to the alignment of the support 101. The panels 103 may still be mounted in parallel and side-by-side, but the alignment of the panels 103 may be at any angle depending on the choice of the installer. This may be particularly useful, for example, where a particular orientation of the panel 103 is desired, but where mounting the support 101 perpendicular to this particular orientation is inconvenient or impossible for any reason. The unmanageable or relatively inaccessible corners of the floor or terrain may render vertical relative alignment of the panel 103 and the support 101 difficult to achieve, and the rotatable variant will save time and effort.

Second, this also means that the shape of the panel 103 need not be rectangular or elongated: because the second portion 115 of each connector 102 is rotatable, it is contemplated that the sides of the panel 103 have non-parallel or even non-linear sides 105. Regardless of the shape of the panel 103, the second portion 115 of the connector 102 may be rotated so that the lateral flange 120 of the second portion 115 faces directly toward the lateral groove 106 on the side 105 of the panel 103, regardless of any irregularities. The ability to realign the second portion 115 according to the orientation of the side 105 of the panel facilitates installation of panels 103 of any size or shape, as the second portion 115 may be aligned accordingly at all times to facilitate insertion of the flange 120 into the lateral groove 106 in the side 105 of the panel 103.

The following paragraphs describe the rotary joint 125 in more detail. Fig. 7A, 7B, and 7C provide perspective views of an embodiment of an assembled and ready-to-operate connector: the embodiment includes a rotary joint 125, which is not easily visible in these figures, since it is arranged between the second and first parts of the connector: from an external perspective, the rotated version looks largely similar to the non-rotated version previously described. However, in the exploded perspective view in fig. 8A and 8B and the cross-section of fig. 8C, the rotary joint 125 is apparent: these figures illustrate a variation of the connector 102 that includes a rotary joint 125, wherein the second portion 115 is shown separate from the first portion 114, the rotary joint 125 including a central elongated post 126 at a base 121 of the second portion 115 that is configured to be inserted into a pocket 127 contained in the first portion at an upper surface 116b of the body 116. The post 126 is perpendicular to both longitudinal axes of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 of the connector 102. The pocket 127 is cylindrical in shape and open at both ends, and includes a first aperture 128 and a second aperture 129 at respective ends of the pocket 127.

To insert the post 126 into the pocket 127, the orientation of the post 126 and the orientation of the pocket 127 are coaxially aligned. When post 126 is inserted into pocket 127, post 126 and pocket 127 are constrained to remain coaxial. The posts 126 and pockets 127 are each circular in cross-section, the posts 126 being slightly smaller in diameter than the pockets 127, the posts 126 and pockets 127 being sized to facilitate insertion of the posts 126 into the pockets 127, and to achieve a good fit of the posts 126 in the pockets 127 and to facilitate rotation of the posts 126 within the pockets 127 once inserted.

The post 126 includes a plurality of post clamping arrangements, each to clamp the post 126 to the pocket 127 when the post 126 is fully inserted into the pocket 127, such that in its clamped state, the post 126 is free to rotate within the pocket 127. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8A, 8B and 8C, each post clamp arrangement is a post tab 130 that is elongate in shape and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post 126. The column protrusion 130 includes: a proximal end 130a by means of which the grip tab 118 is attached to the base 121 of the second portion 115 of the connector 102; and a distal end 130b. Each post tab 130 includes an inner surface 130c, (not visible in the figures) and an outer surface 130d, both the inner surface 130c and the outer surface 130d having an arcuate cross-section concentric with the longitudinal axis of the post 126 such that the cross-sections of the post tabs 130 collectively form an annular region about the longitudinal axis of the post 126, the annular region being interrupted by a space 131 between each pair of adjacent post tabs 130, the space 131 extending the full length of the post tab 130 and extending parallel to the post tab.

Each post tab 130 also includes a post flange 132 on its outer surface 130d at its distal end 130 b. Each post flange 132 is arcuate in shape with a length extending in a circumferential direction along an outer surface 130d of each post tab 130, the curvature of each post flange 132 being concentric with the longitudinal axis of the post 126. In its transverse dimension, each post flange 132 extends radially from outer surface 130 d. The post flange 132 has two surfaces: a leading surface 132a that interfaces with the distal end 130b of the stud tab 130; and a rear surface 132b that is flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post tab 130. The leading surface 132a of each stud flange 132 is beveled or sloped with respect to the outer surface 130d of the stud tab 130.

As stated above, upon assembly of the rotary joint 125, the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 of the connector 102 may be positioned such that the post 126 faces and is coaxial with the pocket 127. Due to the further relative displacement of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114, the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 are brought into proximity with each other such that the distal end 130b of the stud tab enters the first aperture 128 of the pocket 127. The leading surface 132a of the post flange 132 impinges on the circumference of the first aperture 128, and further displacement in the coaxial direction forces the post tab 130 to undergo elastic deformation and flex inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the post 126. The spaces 131 between the stud tabs 130 allow this inward deflection of the stud tabs 130: the stud tabs 130 approach each other such that the diameter of the circular shape formed by the distal ends 130b of the stud tabs 130 decreases due to the inward deflection.

Further displacement causes this diameter to drop below the diameter of the circumference of the first aperture 128, thereby allowing the post tab 130 to penetrate further into the pocket 127. As the relative displacement of the second portion 115 and the first portion 114 continues and the post 126 is further inserted into the pocket 127, the post tab 130 flexes inward during this time until the post flange 132 reaches the second aperture 129 of the pocket 127 and pierces therefrom to the lower surface of the base 121 of the second portion 115. When the aft surface 132b of the post flange 132 passes through the second aperture 129, the post protrusion 130 is no longer constrained in the flexed position and, under its own elasticity, resumes its pre-flexed shape, as shown in fig. 8C. After the post tab 130 resumes its original shape parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post 126, the circular shape formed by the distal end 130b of the post tab 130 extends slightly beyond the circumference of the second aperture 129, and the trailing edge 132b interfaces with the lower surface of the body 116 of the first portion 114. In this position, post tab 130 effectively locks post 126 in pocket 127: the post 126 is securely but rotatably retained within the pocket 127.

In addition to the rotation function, the relative angular movement between the first portion 114 and the second portion 115 of the connector 102 is facilitated, as the variant with rotation function described above operates in the same manner as the non-rotation variant. All variations of connector 102 include: a first portion 114 having a body 116 with at least one clamping arrangement 117 configured to attach the connector 102 to the support 101; and a second portion 115 having at least one laterally extending flange 120 configured to attach the connector 102 to the panel 103 in a floor or other surface.

To protect the exposed end of the support 101, it is contemplated that a support end piece 133 may be mounted on the support end, as shown in fig. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D. The support end piece 133 has a support-facing side and an outward-facing side. On the support-facing side, the support end piece 133 comprises at least one protrusion 133a configured to fit into an end opening of the at least one longitudinal support cavity 108 at an end of the support 101. The support facing side of the support end piece 133 also includes a laterally extending flange 133b configured to fit into the side recess 106 on the side of the panel 103 (in a manner that has been explained with respect to the flange 120 on the second portion 115 of the connector 102). The ends of the support 101 are arranged in line with the sides 105 of a suitable panel 103, i.e. the support ends coincide with the sides 105, e.g. by cutting the support length accordingly, as depicted in fig. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D. The flange 133b of the support end piece 133 may be inserted into the side groove 106 of the panel 103 when attached to the end of the support 101, thereby providing additional stability and firmness to the panel 103 and the floor/panel surface. A support end piece 133 may be attached to each or any of the support ends. The outward facing side of the end piece includes a plurality of end piece clamping arrangements 134. The system may further include an elongated support edge member 135 that acts as an aesthetic cover over the plurality of support ends (support end members 133) and is configured to engage with the end member clamping arrangement 134: edge member 135 has an outer surface 135a and an inner surface 135b configured to engage support member end member clamping arrangement 134. The inner surface 135b comprises at least one longitudinal groove 135c configured to clamp onto a respective clamping arrangement 134 in at least one of the plurality of support end pieces 133, whereby the support edge piece 135 is securely attached to the support end piece 133 and provides an aesthetic cover and mechanical protection for the end of the support 101 and the respective panel 103. Fig. 9C shows the support edge member 135 before being attached to the support end member 133, while fig. 9D shows the support edge member 135 after being attached to the support end member 133.

As with the support end piece 133 and support edge piece 135 for the exposed end of the support 101, corresponding end pieces for the exposed end of the panel 103 are also contemplated, as shown in fig. 10A, 10B, and 10C. The panel end piece 136 also includes a panel facing side and an outboard facing side. On the panel facing side, the panel end piece 136 comprises at least one protrusion 136a for engaging with an end of the cavity 123 at an end of the panel 103, the at least one protrusion 136a being configured to be inserted into the cavity 123 and firmly attached thereto. The panel end piece 136 also has at least one clamping arrangement 137 on the outside, corresponding to the support end piece, which are intended to engage with an elongated panel edge piece 138. The panel edge member 138 has an outer surface 138a and an inner surface 138b configured to engage the floor end member 136. The inner surface 138b comprises at least one longitudinal groove (138 c) configured to clamp onto the at least one clamping arrangement 137 of the plurality of panel end pieces 136, whereby the panel edge piece 138 is securely attached to the panel end piece 136 and provides an aesthetic cover and mechanical protection for the end of the panel 103. Fig. 10B shows the panel edge piece 138 before being attached to the panel end piece 136, while fig. 10C shows the panel edge piece 138 after being attached to the panel end piece 136.

While the present disclosure references several examples of aspects and embodiments, it will be readily understood that the embodiments are not limited to those explicitly referenced: all aspects and embodiments can be modified to include any number of modifications, alterations, variations, or substitutions, including those not specifically mentioned herein. Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that certain features of the embodiments may be related to only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments of the utility model should not be construed as limited by the foregoing written description, but rather should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Where some features of various examples or embodiments are present in some examples, embodiments, or figures, but not in others, this is for brevity and understanding only. Accordingly, any component or feature of any example, embodiment, or drawing may be referenced or claimed in combination with any component or feature of any other example, embodiment, or drawing. The components, features, and structures of the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein may be combined as desired. Even though such combinations are not illustrated or explicitly mentioned herein with respect to particular aspects of the embodiments, this is for the sake of brevity of description only and should not be understood to mean that such combinations are excluded or cannot occur: the different features of the various aspects and embodiments may be mixed and combined as desired, and this disclosure should be understood to cover all combinations and permutations of features mentioned herein.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting a flat panel to an elongated support in a flat panel arrangement,

the panel includes side grooves at each side,

the face of the support includes a central elongate channel having an elongate channel aperture, the channel and the channel aperture being aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support,

characterized in that the connector comprises a first part and a second part,

the first portion is configured to securely clamp into the channel,

the second portion includes at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the connector comprises at least one clamping arrangement, each of the at least one clamping arrangement being positioned on a longitudinal surface of the first portion and configured to clamp the first portion into the channel of the support.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein the at least one clamping arrangement comprises at least one clamping protrusion.

4. A connector according to claim 3, wherein the channel aperture is narrower than the width of the inner wall of the channel, the at least one gripping tab being made of an elastic material capable of flexing during insertion into the longitudinal aperture of the channel.

5. The connector of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the at least one clamping arrangement comprises two clamping protrusions arranged in a V-shape about a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the connector comprises a base and two laterally extending flanges, the flanges and the base being commonly arranged in a T-shape.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the base and the flange of the second portion of each of a plurality of the connectors are configured to support each of a plurality of the panels at equal distances from the support.

8. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second portions of the connector are fixedly attached to each other.

9. The connector of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first and second portions of the connector are rotatably attached to each other and are configured to allow relative rotational displacement between the first and second portions.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the rotatable attachment of the first and second portions of the connector includes a cylindrical post extending from the second portion and a cylindrical pocket in the second portion, the pocket including first and second apertures at respective ends of the pocket, the post being configured to be inserted into the first aperture of the pocket and to freely rotate within the pocket.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical post comprises a plurality of elongated post projections separated by spaces, the post projections being arcuate in cross-section, the cross-section of the post projections and the spaces between the post projections being arranged to form an annular region.

12. The connector of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of post projections is configured to flex inwardly by an inner wall of the pocket when the post is inserted into the pocket, each post projection further comprising a post flange at a distal end of an outer surface of the post projection, each post flange configured to clamp onto the second aperture of the pocket and rotatably attach the post to the pocket.

13. A flat panel for connection to an elongated support by connectors in a flat panel arrangement, characterized in that the flat panel comprises side grooves at each side thereof,

the support including a central elongate channel having an elongate channel aperture at one face thereof, the channel and the channel aperture being aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support,

the connector includes a first portion configured to securely clamp into the channel and a second portion including at least one transverse flange configured to be removably inserted into the side groove.

14. An elongate support for connection to a flat panel in a flat panel arrangement by means of a connector, characterised in that the elongate support comprises a central elongate channel at one face thereof having an elongate channel aperture, the channel and the channel aperture being aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate support,

the planar panel includes side grooves at each side thereof,

15. A flat panel arrangement comprising:

a plurality of elongated supports aligned parallel to one another, each support being a single integral component comprising a channel on one face of the support aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support, the channel having a longitudinal aperture narrower than a width of an inner wall of the channel;

a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a first portion and a second portion;

a plurality of panels configured to be arranged to collectively form a planar surface, a side of each panel comprising a side groove;

wherein the first portion of the connector is configured to securely grip into the channel of the support and the second portion of the connector includes at least one transverse flange configured to be inserted into the side groove of a panel.

16. The flat panel arrangement according to claim 15, further comprising: at least one support end piece configured to be attached to an end of at least one support; and a support edge member configured to be attached to the at least one support end member.

17. The flat panel arrangement according to claim 15, further comprising: at least one panel end piece configured to be attached to an end of at least one panel; and a panel edge piece configured to be attached to the at least one panel end piece.

18. The flat panel arrangement according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the flat panel arrangement forms a horizontally aligned floor surface of a floor system, the support being fixed to the horizontal surface.

19. The flat panel arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the flat panel arrangement is vertically aligned and the support is a vertically aligned post.