GB2446061A

GB2446061A - Connection system for structural components

Info

Publication number: GB2446061A
Application number: GB0801298A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Andrew Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2008-01-24
Publication date: 2008-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-24
Also published as: GB0801298D0; GB0701290D0; GB2446061B

Abstract

The connection system, particularly for use with walls of containers, fence panels and the like, connects first and second components 1 which are each provided with at least one first 3 and at least one second 5,5A locking element, each of which extends from a first edge so as to define first and second recesses, respectively, the first and second recesses of the first component being designed, in use, to receive the first and second locking elements of the second component. The or each first locking element preferably comprises a concavely curved first contact surface designed to engage with a convexly curved second contact surface on a second locking element having, and the contact surfaces may additionally have a part-cylindrical surface. The locking elements may have a substantially arcuate profile. The components are preferably provided with a number of first and second locking elements in an alternating sequence along the first edge. Also claimed is a component of a structure and a kit of parts.

Description

JOINTS AND STRUCTURES

The present invention relates to a joint for connecting structural components, such as walls of a container or panels of a fence. It further relates to structural components capable of forming such a joint, and to structures assembled using such joints. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to joints for detachably connecting substantially orthogonally extending elongate components. * .*

A wide range of joints are known for connecting structural components, such as walls of a **..

container, each joint having its own advantages and disadvantages and fulfilling particular

S

*00 SOS * requirements. For example, an item might be provided as a kit of parts, in which case it would be desirable that the joints to connect the parts together should be quick and easy to * 0I assemble. It would also be desirable that the assembled joints should nevertheless be stable and robust once assembled. Frequently, such items are intended to be disassembled into their component parts after use, so the joints should be as straightforward as possible to separate (but only when separation is required). In many applications, it is advantageous for a joint to be relatively compact, providing an exterior and/or interior of the joint free from significant cracks, seams, protrusions or the like, as well as making it easier to design a product having an attractive or elegant appearance.

Examples of applications requiring such joints include stationery trays, which can be moulded with integral walls and floor, but are very wasteful of space while being stored empty. It would hence be preferable to supply the tray as a kit of separate substantially flat walls and floor, easy to store but easy to assemble for use.

Other storage containers would also be easier to store empty in a substantially flat "knock-down" configuration, only being assembled into a three-dimensional hollow box or the like when in use. Not only would such containers be applicable in an office or domestic situation, but if made sufficiently robust, industrial crates or pallets would also benefit from simple and reliable joints allowing them to be assembled and disassembled conveniently when required.

Other applications that might benefit from such joints include structures having "walls" but not floors, such as temporary fencing, allowing convenient assembly of individual fence * *.

panels, or office partitioning, e.g. walls of office cubicles. **S. * *..

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* S SS* * In each case, there is a need for joints to connect structural components, particularly * generally planar structural components, that are quick and simple to assemble and :.. disassemble, but are stable, robust and not liable to come apart in use.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a joint to connect adjoining structural elements that provides the above advantages and obviates the above disadvantages. It is also an object of the present invention to provide structural elements adapted to be assembled into such a joint, and structures made up from such elements and using such joints.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided joining means to connect a first and a second structural component, each of said structural components comprising at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element, each extending from a respective joinable first edge means thereof so as between them to define at least one first recess means adapted to receive a respective first locking element of the other of said structural components and at least one second recess means adapted to receive a respective second locking element of the other of said structural components.

Preferably, each said first locking element is adapted to contact a respective second locking element of the other structural component along correspondingly profiled contact surfaces.

Advantageously, each first locking element comprises a concavely curved first contact surface and each second locking element comprises a cooperatively convexly curved second contact surface. * *. * . * S. S... S...

Said first and second contact surfaces may each have a part-cylindrical profile.

S *.* * .

* Preferably, the locking elements of the first structural component are substantially identical to the corresponding locking elements of the second structural component.

Advantageously, each structural component comprises the same number of first and second locking elements.

Preferably, each structural component comprises a plurality of first locking elements and a corresponding plurality of second locking elements.

Advantageously, said first and second locking elements extend in alternating sequence along said first edge means of the respective structural component.

The first contact surfaces of each structural component may extend substantially in alignment, each with the others.

The second contact surfaces of each structural component may extend substantially in alignment, each with the others.

Preferably, the or each first contact surface of each structural component extends substantially aligned with the or each second contact surface of the same structural component.

Preferably, each locking element has a substantially arcuate profile. *S..

Each first locking element may have a convexly curved outer surface opposite its first contact surface, said outer surfaces together comprising an outer surface of the assembled joint. * ** * S * S. S. S * . I **

Said outer surfaces may then each have a substantially identical profile.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of said structural components is provided with further means to connect it to further portions of the structure.

Advantageously, said further connecting means comprises a second joinable edge means of the structural component having at least one said first locking element and at least one said second locking element extending therefrom.

Preferably, each structural component is generally linear.

Advantageously, each structural component is generally planar.

In a preferred embodiment, said joining means comprises a corner of a structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a component of a structure comprising at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element extending from a first edge means of the component, the first and second locking elements defining between them at least one first recess means configured to receive a * ** corresponding first locking element and at least one second recess means configured to * S..

receive a corresponding second locking element.

* SSI* * S Preferably, said component comprises wall means of the structure. e ** * S * eS p. * * .

In a preferred embodiment, the or each said first locking element comprises a concavely curved first contact surface and the/or each said second locking element comprises a correspondingly convexly curved second contact surface.

Said contact surfaces may each have a part-cylindrical profile.

The or each first contact surface may extend substantially parallelly aligned with the or each second contact surface.

The or each first contact surface of the component may be adapted to cooperate with a second contact surface of an identical further component of a structure.

The or each second contact surface of the component may be adapted to cooperate with a first contact surface of said further component.

The component may be adapted to comprise part of joining means as described in the first aspect above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure comprising a plurality ofjoining means as described in the first aspect above. * *s p * * * as **S*

Preferably, the structure comprises container means. a 5*5s* * *

The structure may then comprise one or more further structural components connected * 5I thereto other than by said joining means.

In an alternative embodiment, the structure may comprise fencing or partitioning means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of structural components as described in the second aspect above.

Preferably, the structure comprises container means.

The structure may then comprise one or more further structural components connected thereto by alternative joining means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts adapted to be assembled into a structure as described in either the third or fourth aspects above.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first structural component embodying the present invention, separated from a joint; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the first structural component shown in Figure 1, S...

viewed from a concave face thereof; Figure 3 is an end elevation of the first structural component shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the first structural component shown in Figure *

* S..DTD: * . I; p. * S. Figure 5 is a parallel projection view of the first structural component shown in Figure 1; Figures 6A to 6C are parallel projection views of a first joint embodying the present invention in a disassembled, partially assembled and assembled configuration respectively; Figures 7A to 7C are corresponding parallel projection views of the first joint shown in Figures 6A to 6C, viewed from a concave face of the joint; Figures 8A to SC are corresponding parallel perspective views of the first joint shown in Figures 6A to 6C, viewed from above and to one side; Figures 9A to 9C are corresponding perspective views of the first joint shown in Figures 6A to 6C, viewed from a convex face of the joint; Figures IOA to bC are parallel projection views of a pair of second structural components embodying the present invention, respectively aligned ready for assembly, partially assembled and assembled to form a second joint embodying the present invention; Figures hA to 11B are parallel projection views of a third and a fourth structural component embodying the present invention, respectively aligned ready for assembly and partially assembled to form a third joint embodying the present invention; Figure IIC is a parallel projection view of two third and one fourth structural * ** component as shown in Figures 1 IA and I IB, assembled to form an extended fence structure embodying the present invention; * * Figure 12 is a parallel projection view of three corresponding pairs of a filth and a sixth structural component embodying the present invention, respectively aligned for

I

assembly, partially assembled and assembled to form a fourth joint embodying the present invention; and Figure 13 is a parallel projection view of the three pairs of structural components shown in Figure 12, viewed from a concave face of the joint.

Referring now to the Figures and to Figures 1 to 5 in particular, a first joint component I comprises a substantially planar structural panel element 2, from a first end of which extend two first joint fingers 3, alternately with two second joint fingers 4. The first joint fingers 3 each extend continuously from the first end of the panel element 2 and extend parallelly each to the other in a quarter-circular curve (see Figures 1, 4 and 5). The second joint fingers 4 are mounted to a face of the panel element 2, but also each extend in a quarter-circular curve, concentric with that of the first joint fingers 3 (see Figures 4 and 5).

Each joint finger 3, 4 has substantially the same width, and each of the panel element 2 and the joint fingers 3, 4 has the same thickness. The first joint fingers 3 and second joint fingers 4 thus each extend in contact, corner to corner, as shown in Figures 1 and 5. (In practice, they might not quite touch, depending on the tolerances involved). As a result, on a convex face of the joint component I (Figures 1 and 3), a curved first recess 5 is defined by one of the two second joint fingers 4 and the first joint fingers 3 to either side of it, the first recess 5 being dimensioned and configured to receive a first joint finger 3. Another first recess 5A is defined by the other of the second joint fingers 4 and the adjacent first joint finger 3. On the concave face of the joint component I (Figure 5), a curved second recess 6 is similarly **..

defined between one of the first joint fingers 3 and the adjacent second joint fingers 4, and another second recess 6A is defined by the other of the first joint fingers 3 and the adjacent second joint finger 4. Each second recess 6, 6A is dimensioned and configured to receive a * ** second joint finger 4. (NB the second joint fingers 4 have a sharper curvature than the first 3).

Note: In these Figures, no features of the panel element 2 are shown, since these would depend on the particular application in which the joint is to be used. However, in most cases, a similar arrangement of joint fingers 3, 4 would extend from a second end of the panel element 2, remote from the first. Other, conventional joining features may also be present; for example, where the panel element 2 is to form a wall of a box or tray, a rebated slot might -10-be provided to receive an edge of a floor panel or lid panel of the box or tray. Since any such joining features would probably operate substantially independently of the joints of the present invention, they will be omitted for clarity.

The assembly of a first joint is shown in Figures 6A to 6C. This first joint 7 comprises two identical first joint components 1, one of which has been inverted such that its first joint fingers 3 are aligned with the first recesses 5, 5A on the other, and vice versa. (Figure 6A) The joint fingers 3, 4 are then offered up to each other and the respective joint components 1 are slid together in an arcuate motion such that each first joint finger 3 slides smoothly along a respective first recess 5, 5A (Figure 613), until each first recess 5, 5A is filled and the first joint 7 is complete, as shown in Figure 6C.

Viewed from a concave face of the first joint 7, Figure 7A shows the second joint fingers 4 aligned with the respective second recesses 6, 6A; Figure 7B shows the second joint fingers 4 * ** slid partially along two respective second recesses 6, 6A; and Figure 7C shows each second ***.

recess 6, 6A filled by a respective second joint finger 4 and the first joint 7 complete. * * *

Figures 8A to 8C and 9A to 9C show the assembly of the first joint 7 from alternative * .* * * * ** viewpoints. ** S * * *,

Once assembled, the first joint 7 is very stable. Each first finger 3 is in contact along almost its entire concave face with a convex face of a respective second finger 4. The first fingers 3 on the convex face of the joint 7 are each in contact with their respective neighbours, as are each of the second fingers 4 on the concave face of the joint 7. The interlaced configuration -Il-of the joint fingers 3, 4 keeps the joint 7 locked together. Thus, the joint 7 is stable against significant flexure in any direction.

The only way for the first joint 7 to be separated without damage is to reverse the assembly process described above. Since this requires a particular arcuate motion, it is unlikely to occur accidentally, particularly once a structure has been assembled, since the structure will tend to hold the panel elements 2 at right angles (as is most clearly shown in Figures 8A to 8C, when the joint 7 is ready for assembly or has just been disassembled, the panel elements 2 are generally parallel).

In practice, the joint components I may be constructed with a narrow clearance between the fingers 3, 4, so that they may more easily slide past each other. However, such clearance as may be necessary would not result in significant instability in the assembled joint 7. * S.

It will often be required to use several joints 710 assemble a closed circuit of walls (e.g. sides I.. S ** of a box or tray). However, the last joint 7 to be assembled may be more difficult, since its respective panel elements 2 would already extend at right angles, not close to parallel as is required to start interlocking the fingers (Figure 8A). It may thus be necessary to build a * S. degree of flexibility or resilience into the walls being connected, either structurally or as a * property of the material of the walls.

The first joint 7 shown has two first joint fingers 3 and two second joint fingers 4 on each joint component 1. A joint of this type may be made with only one first joint finger 3 and one second joint finger 4 on each joint component I, particularly if there are other components in the structure being assembled that would help to maintain the stability of the joint (such as a floor). Conversely, as many joint fingers 3, 4 as desired may be used where long edges are to be joined. In some cases, for example when joining fence panels, one might use two or more groups of fingers 3, 4 spaced apart along the edges to be joined.

The joints produced will have smooth, radiused convex corners, which are likely to have an attractive appearance and may well produce benefits over sharp right-angled corners. For example, crates with such corners would be less likely to catch on each other or on obstacles while being shifted. Rounded corners on domestic or office containers or trays would be safer than sharp edges, and less liable to being knocked and damaged. Similar considerations apply to the corners of fences or partitions. The joints will also have smooth, radiused concave corners, particularly if the second joint fingers 4 are faired into the panel elements 2 more smoothly than shown.

Indeed, while the joint fingers 3, 4 and panel elements 2 are each shown as having the same thickness, it would also be possible for the panel elements 2 to be thicker -for example, *::::* twice the thickness of the joint fingers 3,4, such that the first joint fingers 3 would have a convex surface flush with an outer surface of the panel element 2 and the second joint fingers 4 would have a concave surface flush with an inner surface of the panel element 2. * S. * S * * *.

The radii of curvature of the joint fingers 3,4 may be varied considerably, depending on the particular application, materials of construction and joint strength required. It is only important that the first and second joint lingers 3, 4 should curve substantially concentrically (strictly, that the curvatures of their respective contacting surfaces should be the same).

-13 -If desired, joints with alternative external and internal appearances may be produced, by adding cosmetic elements to the convex faces of the first fingers 3 or the concave faces of the second fingers 4, though these might well sacrifice some of the elegance, simplicity and convenience of the joints illustrated.

Although the first joint 7 shown forms a substantially right-angled corner, joints may be made which form corners defining a wide range of angles. For example, if the fingers 3, 4 are made to extend through only a sixth of a circle, the resulting joint would have an angle of 120'.

Figures IOA to IOC illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which not only do the fingers making up the joint extend through a greater angle than those shown in Figures 1 to 9C, but they extend from the respective joint components in a different direction.

Figure IOA shows a pair of identical second joint components 11, each comprising an *::::* elongate substantially planar second panel element 12 with two first joint fingers 13 and two second joint fingers 14 extending from each remote end. These first 13 and second joint a..... * *

fingers 14 differ from the corresponding first 3 and second joint fingers 4 described above, in *.*.. that they each extend in a semi-circle, rather than a quarter-circle. Whereas the joint fingers * Si *:*. 3, 4 of the first joint component I extend continuously from their respective first panel element 2, the joint fingers 13, 14 of the second joint component 11 extend transversely from the second panel element 12 -indeed they initially extend at approximately a right angle therefrom, before curving round to end roughly in line therewith.

-14 -Otherwise, the joint fingers 13, 14 of the second joint component I I correspond substantially to those 3,4 of the first joint component 1. In particular, they extend so as to define two first recesses 15, 1 5A on each convex face of the second joint component 11, and two second recesses 16, 1 6A on each concave face. The first recesses 15, ISA are each dimensioned and configured to receive a first joint finger 13, and the second recesses 16, 16A are each configured to receive a second joint finger 14.

To assemble two second joint components 11 together to form a second joint 17, the joint components 1 1 are offered up to each other as shown in Figure 1 OA, with their second panel elements 12 extending substantially parallelly, a tip of each first joint finger 13 thus being aligned with an open end of a respective first recess 15, 1 5A on the other component, and a tip of each second joint finger 14 being aligned with an open end of a respective second recess 15, ISA. As shown in Figure lOB, the joint fingers 13, 14 are then inserted into the respective recesses 15, 1 5A, 16, 1 6A and one second joint component 11 is rotated relative to the other so that the joint fingers 13, 14 slide smoothly along the respective recesses 15, ISA, * *s 16, 16A, until each recess 15, 15A, 16, 16A is filled. **S*

* S S*.. * S

Once the joint fingers 13, 14 are thus fully slotted home, as shown in Figure IOC, the second s.. joint 17 is complete. With fingers 13, 14 extending through a half-circle, while meeting the * *.

*s, second panel elements 12 at a right angle, the second panel elements 12 are substantially coplanar once the second joint 1 7 is complete. Thus, the second joint 1 7 may be used to assemble joint components I I end-to-end to extend in a straight line. Clearly, further joint components II may be attached using the unoccupied fingers 13, 14 shown in Figure bC, so as to form as long a series as required. This may be of particular use to form runs of fencing or barriers, or as modular panels for internal building partitioning.

As for the first joint 7, the second joint 17 can only be taken apart by reversing the above sequence, thus requiring pronounced arcuate motions that are unlikely to occur accidentally.

Figures 1 IA to I IC illustrate another embodiment of the invention comprising a third joint 27, which is made up from dissimilar joint components 21, 31. Figure llA shows a third joint element 21 comprising an elongate third panel element 22 having four first joint fingers 23 and four second joint fingers 24 extending from each remote end. As in the case of the joint fingers 3, 4 of the first joint 7, these extend continuously from the respective end of the panel element 22 and curve through a quarter circle. A fourth joint element 31 comprises an elongate fourth panel element 32 having four first joint fingers 33 and four second joint fingers 34 extending from each remote end. In this case, the joint fingers 33, 34 extend through a quarter circle, but (as in the case of the joint fingers 13, 14 of the second joint 17) they extend from the panel element 32 initially at right angles. * ** * * S * *.

. The joint fingers 23, 24 of the third joint component 21 are curved and sized to fit in the *S..

recesses (not marked, for clarity) formed between the joint fingers 33, 34 of the fourth joint component 31, and vice versa. The fingers 23, 24, 33, 34 can thus be offered up and *.. interlaced in an arcuate movement, as shown in Figure JIB, to form the third joint 27. As * 55 *:*. shown in Figure lIC, once the third joint 27 has been assembled, the third 22 and fourth panel elements 32 extend parallelly each to the other, but slightly displaced.

A generally straight run of alternating third 21 and fourth 31 joint components can thus be assembled, as shown in Figure 11 C. In this particular embodiment, the third and fourth panel elements 22, 32 are each shown as having a plurality of longitudinal ribs 28 aligned with the first joint fingers 23 of the third joint component 21 and the second joint fingers 34 of the fourth joint component 31. The respective ribs 28 thus align in the assembled run of joint components 21, 31 to provide a further aesthetic feature. The ribs 28 will also increase the strength and rigidity of the joint components 21, 31, and the wall built therefrom.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which a fourth joint 37 is assembled from corresponding fifth 41 and sixth 41A structural components. These structural components 41, 41 A are broadly similar to the first joint components I of the first joint 7. However, where the joint fingers 3, 4 of the first joint 7 have a rectangular cross-section, the joint fingers 43, 44 of the fourth joint 37 have a triangular cross-section, and in particular a right-angled triangular cross-section.

Thus, the fifth joint component 41 comprises a panel element 42, from a first end of which *.

extend three first joint fingers 43, alternately with two second joint fingers 44. The sixth *. joint component 41A comprises a panel element 42 from which extend three second joint fingers 44, alternating with two first joint fingers 43. The fifth 41 and sixth 41A components are otherwise identical. (The fourth joint 37 would work equally well with two identical components, each having equal numbers of first and second joint fingers 43, 44. This example demonstrates that the present invention also works for slightly asymmetric joints, although the number of first joint fingers in one component of an asymmetric joint should match the number of second joint fingers in the other component, and vice versa. NB: The embodiments with rectangular-section joint fingers naay also be produced in such asymmetric versions).

Each first joint finger 43 has one horizontal surface (in the joint orientation shown), one convex vertical surface that forms an outer surface of the completed joint 47, and a diagonally sloping contact surface generally facing an inner face of the joint 47. Each second joint 44 has one horizontal surface, one concave vertical surface that forms an inner surface of the completed joint 47, and a diagonally sloping contact surface generally facing an outer face of the joint 47. The diagonal surface of a first finger 43 and the horizontal surface of an adjacent second finger 44 define between them a triangular-section first recess 45 into which a first finger 43 on the cooperating joint component may fit precisely; similarly, the diagonal surface of a second finger 44 and the horizontal surface of an adjacent first finger 43 define a triangular-section second recess 46 into which a second finger 44 on the cooperating joint component fits precisely. Each finger 43, 44 may thus be inserted into a corresponding recess 45, 46 and the joint components 41, 41 A may be slid arcuately together to assemble the fourth joint 37. (Optionally, the fingers 43, 44 may be provided with a slight terminal bevel to ease insertion; otherwise tolerances should be tight, to produce as secure a joint as * ** *. possible). * ***

I

*ISI** * I The fourth joint 37 has certain advantages over the joints 7, 17, 27 having rectangular-section *:*::* joint fingers. Each triangular-section finger 43, 44 has a maximum thickness equal to the thickness of the panel element 42, optiniising its strength. However, none of the fingers 43, 44 protrudes beyond the profile of the respective panel element 42, and the assembled fourth joint 37 has a smooth inner and outerprofile (compare Figures 12 and 13 with Figures 6C and 7C, for example). The fourth joint 37 is also likely to provide a reliable and positive fit, and be resistant to warping, even after repeated assembly and disassembly. -18-

If desired, detent means (such as cooperating protrusions and recesses on respective fingers) may be added, further to lock the joints 7, 17, 27, 37 together once assembled. However, in most applications, these are unlikely to be required.

The joints 7, 17, 27, 37 may be produced in a plastics material or in metal, depending on the application in which they are to be used. (Indeed, one could produce them from almost any substantially rigid material, should the need arise). They may be produced by attaching separately-formed fingers 3, 4, 13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, 44 to a respective panel element 2, 12, 22, 32, 42 but it is envisaged that joint components 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 41 A may be die-cast or injection-moulded as single integral units, which is likely to be both more convenient and stronger. * ** * S S * S. *S*S * I

**S. -

S

* **II. * I * I. * * I * I* S. * * S S * S.

Claims

I. Joining means to connect a first and a second structural component, each of said structural components comprising at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element, each said locking element so extending from a joinable first edge means of a respective structural component as between them to define at least one first recess means adapted to receive a respective first locking element of the other of said structural components and at least one second recess means adapted to receive a respective second locking element of the other of said structural components.
2. Joining means as claimed in claim I, wherein the or each said first locking element is adapted to contact a respective second locking element of the other structural component along correspondingly profiled contact surfaces.
3. Joining means as claimed in claim 2, wherein the or each first locking element comprises a concavely curved first contact surface and the or each second locking * * element comprises a cooperatively convexly curved second contact surface, said first and second contact surfaces optionally each having a part-cylindrical profile. * *. * * * * **

*.,
4. Joining means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second locking elements of the first structural component are each substantially identical to the corresponding locking elements of the second structural component. -20-
5. Joining means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each structural component comprises a plurality of first locking elements and a plurality of second locking elements, optionally a corresponding plurality thereof.
6. Joining means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second locking elements extend in alternating sequence along said first edge means of each respective structural component.
7. Joining means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each locking element has a substantially arcuate profile.
8. Joining means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said structural components is provided with additional means to connect it to further elements of a structure. * S. * . . * 0S

*...*
9. Joining means as claimed in claim 8, wherein said additional connecting means * SI* *: comprises a second joinable edge means of the structural component having at least one said first locking element and at least one said second locking element extending * S. therefrom. * S * * .0 S. S * S5 * 0S
10. Joining means substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
11. A component of a structure comprising at least one first locking element and at least one second locking element, each extending from a first edge means thereof, said first and second locking elements defining between them at least one first recess means configured to receive a corresponding first locking element and at least one second recess means configured to receive a corresponding second locking element.
12. A component of a structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein each said recess means is so configured as to receive a respective locking element conformably.
13. A component of a structure as claimed in either claim 11 or cf aim 12, wherein the or each said first locking element comprises a concavely curved first contact surface and the or each said second locking element comprises a correspondingly convexly curved second contact surface.
14. A component of a structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each first contact surface extends in substantially parallel alignment with the or each second contact * ** surface. * * * * ** * * ****
15. A component of a structure as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the or *I**S. * *

each first contact surface of the component is adapted to cooperate with a respective ::f; second contact surface of a substantially identical further component of a structure.
16. A component of a structure as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the or each second contact surface of the component is adapted to cooperate with a respective first contact surface of said further component.

-22 -
17. A component of a structure as claimed in any one of claims II to 16, adapted to comprise part ofjoining means as claimed in any one of claims ito 10.
18. A structural component substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
19. A structure comprising a plurality of joining means as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 10.
20. A structure as claimed in claim 19, comprising container means, optionally having one or more additional structural components connected thereto by means other than said joining means.
21. A structure as claimed in claim 19, comprising fencing or partitioning means. * ** I. S * **
22. A structure comprising a plurality of structural components as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18. * *
23. A structure as claimed in claim 22, comprising container means, optionally having * *e one or more additional structural components connected thereto by alternative joining means.
24. A structure as claimed in claim 22, comprising fencing or partitioning means.

-23 -
25. A structure substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
26. A kit of parts adapted to be assembled into a structure as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25. * ** * S S * ** *S*. * *

S... .* * S * S. * S * *S S. 5 * S S **