GB2612330A

GB2612330A - Panel system component

Info

Publication number: GB2612330A
Application number: GB2115480.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michel Murray
Original assignee: Clear Amber Group Ltd
Current assignee: Clear Amber Group Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-27
Filing date: 2021-10-27
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-27
Also published as: GB2612330B; GB202115480D0

Abstract

A component for a panel system that comprises interlocking panels, such as a decking or flooring panel system comprises an alignment flange; a gutter channel portion; and a support member extending from the alignment flange to the gutter channel portion; wherein: the alignment flange defines a flat or planar outer or upper surface; the gutter channel portion comprises a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion, and a base portion that extends from the first side wall portion to the second side wall portion, such that the first side wall portion, base portion and second side wall portion define a gutter channel for conveying fluid along the gutter channel; and the support member extends from the alignment flange to the first side wall of a gutter channel portion. The component may be a gutter end stop or connector.

Description

PANEL SYSTEM COMPONENT

FIELD

The present disclosure describes a component for a panel system such as, but not limited to, a component for use with interlocking panels for decking or flooring.

BACKGROUND

Decking provides a flat, clean, stable outdoor surface and is a popular option for creating a more useable outside space. Decking is typically formed from timber and comprises timber panels that interlock together to form a deck that provides a surface for activities such as sitting, holding barbeques, relaxing and enjoying the sun, eating outdoors and the like.

Wooden decking suffers from a range of drawbacks such as being susceptible to rot, prone to becoming slippery when wet, being vulnerable to damage and wear, amongst others.

Metal decking comprising interlocking metal panels that interlock together to provide the deck is a possible alternative to traditional wooden decking. Metal decking can be very durable and hard wearing and may require less maintenance, e.g. it doesn't require treatment to prevent it rotting like wooden decking.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are defined by the independent claims appended herewith. Preferred but optional features are defined by the dependent claims appended herewith.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a component for a panel system, such as a decking or flooring system comprising interlocking panels. The component comprises: an alignment flange; a gutter channel portion; and a support member extending from the alignment flange to the gutter channel portion, wherein: the alignment flange may define a flat or planar outer or upper surface; the gutter channel portion may comprise a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion and a base portion that extends from the first side wall portion to the second side wall portion, such that the first side wall portion, base portion and second side wall portion define a gutter channel for conveying fluid along the gutter channel; the support member may extend from the alignment flange to the first side wall of a gutter channel portion.

By providing the flat or planar outer or upper surface on the alignment flange, a large sealing area may be provided. The flat or planar outer or upper surface may allow for ample sealant to be beneficially provided on the outer surface. The flat or outer surface may be beneficial in preventing fluid transmission by capillary action.

The flat or outer surface may be beneficial in blocking rain penetration from the top of the component.

By providing the alignment flange that extends to both sides of the support member, the alignment flange can be inserted into a corresponding slot in a panel so as to ensure correct alignment of the component with the panel.

The support member may extend from a surface of the alignment flange that is opposite to the outer or upper surface. The support member may extend from a location that is intermediate to or between at least two sides or edges of the alignment flange, e.g. such that the alignment flange extends laterally to both sides of the support member. The support member may extend from the centre of the surface of the alignment flange that is opposite to the outer or upper surface.

The location on the surface of the alignment flange from which the support member extends may be at least 15%, at least 25%, or at least 33% of the width of the alignment flange from each of opposite sides of the alignment flange. The location on the surface of the alignment flange from which the support member extends may be centrally located on the alignment flange, e.g. so that the alignment flange extends equally to both sides of the support member.

At least part (e.g. a first part) of the support member may extend perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the alignment flange. At least part (e.g. a second part) of the support member may curve or extend obliquely with respect to the alignment flange. The first part of the support member may be a part that extends from the alignment flange. The second part of the support member may be a part that extends from the first side wall portion of the gutter channel portion.

The support member may exert a downward pressure on the gutter channel portion to ensure a tight seal between the base portion and a base part of the gutter of the panel, in use. The above arrangement of support member may provide some resilient deformability in the support member, which may improve! assist in this action.

The base portion may extend perpendicularly or obliquely from the first side wall portion. The second side wall portion may extends perpendicularly or obliquely from the base portion The component may comprise an opening into the gutter channel, which may be provided between a distal edge of the second side wall portion and one or both of the support member and/or the alignment flange. The opening may be an elongate opening, e.g. such as a slot.

The component may be elongate. One or more or each of the opening, the alignment flange, the support member, and/or the gutter channel portion may run longitudinally along at least the majority or all of the length of the component.

The flat or planar outer or upper surface of the alignment flange may be generally flat or planar, e.g. apart from surface micro roughness or profiling, e.g. to assist in keying of sealant or the like, or may be smooth. The alignment flange as a whole may be generally planar.

The component may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminium. The component may be formed from a polymeric material, such as PVC, poly ethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene. The component may be a rigid component or formed from a rigid material.

The gutter channel may form a fluid tight channel for conveying fluid along the gutter channel.

The alignment flange may extend from the support member in a direction towards both the first and second side walls. The component may be configured so that the alignment flange forms a top part of the component, in use. The component may be arranged so that the base portion forms a bottom or lowermost part of the component in use. The component may be arranged so that the first and second side walls form sides of the component in use. The gutter channel may be open at one or both ends. The alignment flange may be located above the gutter channel, in use.

The alignment flange may partially or fully overlap with the gutter channel in a plan view looking down at the alignment flange. The alignment flange may be arranged to cover at least part or all of the top of the gutter channel, in use. The first and second side walls may be spaced apart by the base portion. The alignment flange may extend in parallel with the base portion. The planar or flat outer surface of the alignment flange may extend in parallel with the base portion. The first and second side walls may extend in parallel to each other.

The component may be integral, e.g. the alignment flange, the support member, the first and second side walls and the base member may be integral, e.g. formed from a single piece such as a single metallic or polymeric piece. The component may be continuous through the alignment flange, support member, first side wall, base portion and second side wall. As the component may be continuous in cross section through the alignment flange, support member, first side wall, base portion and second side wall, the gutter channel may be closed around a full 270 degrees, providing a deep gutter channel which reduces the chance of water breech, even in heavy rains.

The second side wall may extend at least 50%, e.g. at least 75% or at least 80% or more of the height of the component.

The component may be an end stop of a gutter. The component may comprise an end wall that seals or closes off one end of the gutter channel, e.g. so that the gutter channel is closed at one end and open at the other end. The end wall may extend at least 75% or all of the height of the component. The end stop may be configured to close and/or seal an end of a gutter of the panel system, e.g. of the decking or flooring system.

The component may be a connector component for joining panels of the panel system, e.g. for joining respective gutters provided in respective panels of the panel system. The panel system may be a decking or flooring panel system that comprises interlocking panels that are interlocked or interlockable together. Some or each of the panels may comprise a gutter portion. The gutter channel portion of the component may be configured to fit within the gutters of adjacent panels of the panel system, e.g. to connect the gutters of the adjacent panels together. Each panel may comprise a slot for receiving the alignment flange of the component so as to align the component with the panels and/or with the gutters of the panels. The slot may be an open slot, e.g. with an opening in the slot for receiving the support member therethrough while the alignment flange is held within the slot.

The component may be a L-connector for connecting two panels together, where the gutters of the panels are perpendicularly or obliquely oriented with respect to each other. The gutter channel may extend in a L-shape. The L-connector may comprise two arms or spurs, each arm or spur comprising an alignment flange and a gutter channel, wherein the gutter channels of each of the two arms or spurs may be connected together for fluid communication therewith.

The component may be a T-connector for connecting three panels together.

The gutter channel may extend in a T-shape. The T-Connector may comprise three arms or spurs, each arm or spur comprising an alignment flange and a gutter channel, wherein the gutter channels of each of the three arms or spurs may be connected together for fluid communication therewith. The gutter channel may comprise a laterally extending gutter channel part, which may extend through two of the arms or spurs, and a perpendicular gutter channel part that extends perpendicularly from the laterally extending gutter channel part.

Each of the alignment flanges of each respective arm or spur may be configured to fit in slots of respective different panels. Each of the gutter channel portions of each of the of each respective arms or spurs may be configured to fit in gutter portions of respective different panels. The T-connector or [-connector may comprise a planar top surface, which may be a flooring or decking surface, which may be arranged to match with corresponding surfaces, e.g. decking or flooring surfaces, of the panels.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a panel system comprising at least one panel and the component of the first aspect, the panel comprising a planar surface and a gutter portion extending to an opposite side of the panel to the planar surface, the panel comprising a slot or channel for receiving the alignment flange of the component and the gutter portion being configured to receive at least part of the gutter channel portion of the component therein.

The gutter portion of the at least one panel may be shaped to engagingly receive and/or fit the gutter channel portion of the component, e.g. to engagingly receive the first and second side walls and the base portion of the gutter channel portion of the component.

The panel system may comprise a plurality of panels. The panels may be interlocking panels that are interlocked or configured to interlock with each other.

The slot or channel in the panels may be defined by an opposing pair of flanges, which may be located below the planar surface of the panel and may be located above the gutter portion of the panel. The flanges may have a curved or curled over free end portion.

The gutter channel portion of the component may be configured to form a continuous fluid channel with the gutter of one or more or each panel.

According to a third aspect is a method of assembling the panel system of the second aspect, the method comprising inserting the alignment flange of the component into a slot or channel of one of the panels and inserting at least part or all of the gutter channel portion of the component into the gutter portion of the panel. The method may comprise inserting another end of the alignment flange, which may be different to and/or opposite to an end of the alignment flange that is inserted into the one of the panels, into the slot or channel of another panel. The method may comprise inserting another end of the gutter channel portion, which may be different or opposite to an end of the gutter channel portion that is inserted into the one of the panels, into the gutter portion of another panel. The method may comprise inserting the alignment flange of at least one or each respective arm or spur of the component into the respective slot or channel of respective panels. The method may comprise inserting the gutter channel portion of at least one or each respective arm or spur of the component into the respective gutter portion of respective panels.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of fabricating the component of the first aspect, the method comprising forming, extruding the component in an integral single piece. The method may comprise forming the component as an integral single piece by additive manufacturing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is computer readable instructions configured such that, when processed by a controller of a computer controlled manufacturing apparatus, cause the apparatus to form the component of the first aspect. The computer controller manufacturing apparatus may be, comprise or be comprised in apparatus for moulding, casting, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, fusion forming, machining such as CNC machining, and/or the like.

It will be appreciated that features analogous to those described in relation to any of the above aspects may be individually and separably or in combination applicable to any of the other aspects.

Apparatus features analogous to, or configured to implement, those described above in relation to a method and method features analogous to the use and fabrication of those described above in relation to an apparatus are also intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: Figure 1 a perspective view of an assembly in a disassembled state, the assembly including a component in the form of an end stop and a panel; Figure 2 a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 in a partly assembled state; Figure 3 a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 in an assembled state; Figure 4 a perspective view of an alternative assembly in a partly assembled state, the assembly including a component in the form of a connector and a panel; Figure 5 a perspective view of a further assembly in a partly assembled state, the assembly including a component in the form of an alternative connector and a panel; Figure 6 a perspective view of a different assembly in an assembled state, the assembly including a component in the form of a connector and a panel; Figure 7 a planar view of another assembly in an assembled state, the assembly including a component in the form of a connector and a panel; Figure 8 a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 7 in an assembled state; Figure 9 an alternative perspective view of the assembly of Figure 7 in an assembled state; Figure 10 a side cross sectional view of an assembled interlocking panel system; and Figure 11 a cross sectional view of the panel system of Figure 10 through the plane A-A in Figure 10.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows components of a panel system 5, in this example in the form of an interlocking decking panel system. The panel system 5 comprises a plurality of interlocking panels 10 that interlock together to form a support surface, in this example forming decking, but could be used to form other support surfaces such as flooring.

The panels comprise an upper surface 15, which in the decking system is an upper surface of the panel 10 that is exposed in use and forms the deck that is walked on. The upper surface 15 is substantially planar and comprises tread patterns for grip, as is conventional in the art. Beneficially, below the upper surface 15 is a gutter 20. The gutter 20 is defined by a first gutter side wall 25 (which could, but not necessarily, be an outer wall of the panel and deck, in use), a second gutter side wall 35 (which could, but not necessarily, be an inner wall of the panel and deck, in use) and a gutter base 30 that extends between, and spaces apart, the first and second gutter side walls 25, 35. A top member 40 extends from one of the first or second gutter side walls 25, 35 On this case the second gutter side wall 35) to partly close the top of the gutter 20. The top member only extends part way from one of the first or second gutter side walls 25, 35 to the other thereby leaving a gap 45. Above the top member 40 is a top chamber 50 that comprises an open slot or channel 55. The gap 45 extends between the gutter 20 and the top chamber 50.

The open slot or channel 55 is defined by the first gutter side wall 25, a wall 60 that forms the upper surface 15 of the panel 10, an internal wall 65 and a pair of opposing slot flanges 70, 75 that respectively extend from the first gutter side wall 25 and the internal wall 65. The slot flanges 70, 75 extend towards each other but with a gap 80 therebetween. Free or distal ends of the slot flanges 70, 75 can be rounded, e.g. formed by curling over the ends of the slot flanges 70, 75, but the rounded ends could be formed in other ways or the slot flanges could simply be flat or straight.

The panels 10 of the panel system 5 are preferably (but not essentially) formed from metal, such as aluminium. In some cases, it can be beneficial to have separate components for closing ends of the gutter 20 or for joining the gutter of one panel 10 to another gutter of an adjoining or interlocking panel 10 so as to maintain a fluid tight passage for conveying fluid within the gutters 20 of different panels 10. The components can also be useful in configuring the drainage route that fluid, such as rainwater or other surface water, will take when flowing along the gutter 20.

An example of one such component in the form of an end stop 100 is shown in Figure 1. The end stop 100 seals and closes off an end of the gutter 20 to prevent fluid (i.e. rainwater) from exiting the gutter 20 at that end.

The end stop 100 comprises an alignment flange 105 defining a flat or planar outer surface 110 that faces upwardly in use. The outer surface 110 is smooth in this example for better sealing, but could be micro-textured to key sealant.

The end stop 100 comprises a support member 115 that extends from an intermediate location on a surface 120 of the alignment flange 105 that is opposite to the flat or planar outer surface 110 such that the alignment flange extends laterally to both sides of the support member 115. That is, the support member extends from a part of the surface 120 that is not at the edges thereof, e.g. centrally on the surface 120.

The support member 115 comprises at least a first part 125 that extends away from the alignment flange 105 (perpendicularly to the alignment flange 105 in this particular example). The support member 115 also comprises a second part 130 that extends obliquely, perpendicularly or curves from the first part 125 to a first side wall 135 of a gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100. In this particular example, the second portion 130 of the support member 115 curves from the first portion 125 to the first slide wall 135. The support member 115 is arranged such that it can resiliently apply pressure between the outer surface 110 of the alignment flange and the gutter channel portion 140 to ensure better sealing at both.

The gutter channel portion 140 further comprises a base portion 145 that extends perpendicularly (although in other example could be generally obliquely) from the first side wall portion 135 to a second side wall portion 150 of the gutter channel portion 140. The second side wall portion 150 extends perpendicularly (or in examples obliquely) from the base portion 145, such that the first side wall portion 135, base portion 145 and second side wall portion 150 together define a gutter channel 155 for conveying fluid (e.g. rain water or ground water) along the gutter channel 155.

The second side wall portion 150 is free at a distal end thereof and does not extend all the way to the alignment flange 105 so as to define an opening 157 into the gutter channel 155 between the free distal edge of the second side wall portion 150 and the alignment flange 105. The distal end of the second side wall portion 150 being the end that is distal to the base portion 145.

An end wall 160 is provided on one end of the end stop 100 so as to seal and close the end of the gutter channel 155 and shaped to match the cross sectional profile of the gutter 20 of the panel 10, so as to be able to close the end of the gutter 20 and optionally also to close an end of the top chamber 50 of the panel 20.

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate the insertion of the end stop 100 into the gutter 20 of the panel 10 of the panel system 5. Although only a single panel 10 is shown, it will be appreciated that the panel system 5 could comprise a plurality of panels 10 that are interlocked together, and particularly that the gutter 20 of the panel may be linked to one or more other gutters 20 of one or more other panels 10 to allow water control, such as control of rainwater, groundwater, cleaning water and the like.

As can be seen from Figure 2, the end stop 100 is inserted into the panel 10, with the alignment flange 105 being received in the slot of channel 55, the support member 115 extending through the gap 80 between the slot flanges 70, 75 and the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100 being received within the gutter 20. When inserted in the gutter 20, the first side wall portion 135 of the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100 is adjacent or flush against the second gutter side wall 35 of the panel 10 (optionally with only some sealant therebetween), the base portion 145 of the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100 is adjacent or flush against the gutter base 30 of the panel 10 (optionally with only some sealant therebetween), and the second side wall portion 150 of the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100 is adjacent or flush against the first gutter side wall of the panel 100 (optionally with only some sealant therebetween). In this way, the gutter 20 is sealed closed at the end by the end wall 160 and the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100.

Importantly, the alignment flange 105 of the end stop 100 engages with the slot or channel 55 of the panel 10 to locate the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop at the correct lateral positon with respect to the gutter 20 of the panel. The outer surface 110 of the alignment flange 105 is pushed by the underside of the upper surface 15 of the panel 10 to transmit the force through the support member 115 to push the base portion 145 of the gutter channel portion 140 of the end stop 100 against the gutter base 30 of the gutter 20 of the panel 10, to form a better seal both between the flat outer surface 110 of the alignment flange 105 and the underside of the upper surface 15 of the panel and also between the base portion of the end stop 100 and the gutter base 30 of the panel, and also to mitigate against capillary action water transmission.

The full three side (270°) extent of the gutter channel portion 140 helps prevent water loss from the gutter 20 and gutter channel portion 140, further assisted by the top member 40 of the panel largely closing the top of the gutter channel portion 140.

As can be seen from Figure 3, once the end stop 100 is fully inserted, the gutter 20 of the panel 10 is closed at the end. This allows water to be diverted to another part of the gutter 20, e.g. where it can be drained in a controlled way.

A component that is similar to the end stop 100 but configured as a linear panel connector 200 is shown in Figure 4. The linear panel connector 200 is substantially the same as the end stop 100 other than it doesn't have the end wall 160. The components of the linear panel connector 200 that are the same as those of the end stop 100 are provided with the same reference numerals but incremented by 100 (i.e. beginning with a 2 rather than a 1). As the end wall 160 is not present, the gutter channel portion 240 defines a through channel that can convey fluid from one end of the gutter channel portion 240 that is connected to one panel to another end of the gutter channel portion 240 that is connected to another panel. Fig. 4 shows one end of the alignment flange 205 of the linear panel connector 200 inserted into a slot or channel 55 of a panel 10 and a corresponding end of the gutter channel portion 140 inserted into the gutter 20 of the panel 10 as described above in relation to the end stop 100. To connect two gutters 20 of two different panels 10, the other end of the alignment flange 205 of the linear panel connector 200 is slid into a slot or channel 55 of a further panel 20 (not shown) and the other end of the gutter channel portion 240 is inserted into the gutter 20 of the further panel 20 in order to join and seal the gutter 20 of the panel with the gutter 20 of the further panel.

Figure 5 shows an internal bend connector 300 that is substantively the same as the linear panel connector 200 other than it defines a substantially [-shape, i.e. with perpendicular or obliquely angled arms. Features of the internal bend connector 300 that are equivalent to the features described in relation to the end stop 100 are provided with the same reference numeral but incremented by 200. It will be appreciated that the gutter channel portion 340, alignment flange 305 and the support member 315 all extend in an [-shape with perpendicular or obliquely angled arms so as to be able to connect the gutters 20 of two different panels 20 that are perpendicularly or obliquely oriented with respect to each other.

Figure 6 shows a variation of the connector 300 of Figure 5, but arranged as an external bend connector 500, with the bend in the connector to form the L-shape being at 180° to that of the internal bend connector 300.

Figures 7 to 9 show a cut-off view of a T-piece connector 500 that is configured to connect three different gutters 20 of three different panels 10A, 10B, 100, with gutters 20 of two of the panels 10A, 10B extending linearly and the gutter 20 of the third panel 100 being perpendicular to the gutters 20 of the other two panels 10A, 10B. The T-piece connector 500 is similar to the connectors 300, 400 of Figures 5 and 6 but arranged in a T-shape. Features of the T-piece connector 500 that are equivalent to the features described in relation to the end stop 100 are provided with the same reference numeral but incremented by 400. In this case, the T-piece connector 500, particularly the alignment flange 505, the support member 515 and gutter channel portion 540, extend in a 'T' configuration with three arms, each arm configured to connect to a different respective panel 10A, 10B, 100 so that the T-piece connector connects to three different panels 10 and the gutter channel portion 540 can be in fluid communication with the gutters 20 of all three panels 10A, 10B, 100. The T-piece connector 500 is provided with an outer surface part (not shown) to correspond with the outer surfaces 15 of the panels 10 but this is omitted in the Figures to allow the inside of the T-piece connector 500 to be seen.

The end stop 100 and connectors 200, 2300, 400, 500 are arranged to connect gutters 20 of panels 10 that form a water dispersion channel 600 at the end of further gutters 605 formed under the interlocking panels 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, such as those described in GB Patent publication GB 2584918 in the name of the present applicant, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference as if set out in full herein. The water dispersion channel 600 is optionally found at an outer perimeter part of the decking or flooring, once assembled, and configured to conduct fluid (e.g. rainwater, ground water and cleaning water, etc.) to a drain or other controlled dispersion means.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A component for a panel system that comprises interlocking panels, the component comprising: an alignment flange; a gutter channel portion; and a support member extending from the alignment flange to the gutter channel portion; wherein: the alignment flange defines a flat or planar outer or upper surface; the gutter channel portion comprises a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion, and a base portion that extends from the first side wall portion to the second side wall portion, such that the first side wall portion, base portion and second side wall portion define a gutter channel for conveying fluid along the gutter channel; and the support member extends from the alignment flange to the first side wall of a gutter channel portion.
2 The component of claim 1, wherein the support member extends from a surface of the alignment flange that is opposite to the outer or upper surface from a location that is intermediate to or between at least two sides or edges of the alignment flange such that the alignment flange extends laterally to both sides of the support member.
3 The component of claim 2, wherein the location on the surface of the alignment flange from which the support member extends is centrally located on the alignment flange so that the alignment flange extends equally to both sides of the support member.
4 The component of any preceding claim, wherein: at least part of the support member may extends perpendicularly or obliquely with respect to the alignment flange; and/or at least part of the support member curves or extend obliquely with respect to the alignment flange.
5 The component of claim 4, wherein a first part of the support member extends perpendicularly or obliquely from the alignment flange, and at least a portion of a second part of the support member curves or extend obliquely with respect to the alignment flange, the second part of the support member extending from the first part to the first side wall portion of the gutter channel portion.
6 The component of any preceding claim, comprising an opening into the gutter channel provided between a distal edge of the second side wall portion and one or both of the support member and/or the alignment flange.
7. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is formed from a metallic material or a polymeric material.
8 The component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is configured so that, in use: the alignment flange forms a top part of the component; the base portion forms a bottom or lowermost part of the component; and the first and second side walls form sides of the component.
9 The component of claim 8, wherein the alignment flange is located above the gutter channel, in use; and/or the alignment flange overlaps with the gutter channel in a plan view looking down at the alignment flange, so that the alignment flange covers at least part or all of the top of the gutter channel, in use.
10. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second side walls are spaced apart by the base portion, the alignment flange extend in parallel with the base portion, and the first and second side walls extend in parallel to each other.
11. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is integral such that the alignment flange, the support member, the first and second side walls and the base member are formed from a single piece.
12. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is continuous through the alignment flange, support member, first side wall, base portion and second side wall.
13. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the second side wall extends at least 50% or more of the height of the component.
14. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the component is an end stop of a gutter and comprises an end wall configured to seal or close off one end of the gutter channel so that the gutter channel is closed at one end and open at the other end.
The component of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the component is a connector component for joining respective gutters provided in respective panels of the panel system, wherein the gutter channel portion of the component is configured to fit within the gutters of adjacent panels of the panel system to connect the gutters of the adjacent panels together.
16. The component of claim 15, wherein the component is an a L-connector for connecting two panels together, where the gutters of the panels are perpendicularly or obliquely oriented with respect to each other, where the gutter channel of the component extends in a L-shape.
17. The component of claim 16, wherein the L-connector comprises two arms or spurs, each arm or spur comprising an alignment flange and a gutter channel, wherein the gutter channels of each of the two arms or spurs are connected together for fluid communication therewith 18 The component of claim 15, wherein the component is a T-connector for connecting three panels together, the T-Connector comprising three arms or spurs, each arm or spur comprising an alignment flange and a gutter channel, wherein the gutter channels of each of the three arms or spurs is connected together for fluid communication therewith.19. A panel system comprising: at least one panel; and at least one component according to any of claims 1 to 18; wherein the panel comprises: a planar surface; a gutter portion extending to an opposite side of the panel to the planar surface; a slot or channel for receiving the alignment flange of the component; and the gutter portion of the panel is configured to receive at least part of the gutter channel portion of the component therein.20. The panel system of claim 19, wherein the gutter portion of the at least one panel is shaped to engagingly receive and fit the gutter channel portion of the at least one component.21. The panel system of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the panel system comprises a plurality of panels that are interlocking panels interlocked or configured to interlock with each other.22. The panel system of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the slot or channel in the at least one panel is defined by an opposing pair of flanges located below the planar surface of the at least one panel and above the gutter portion of the panel 23. A method of assembling the panel system of any of claims 19 to 22, the method comprising: inserting the alignment flange of the component into a slot or channel of one of the panels; and inserting at least part or all of the gutter channel portion of the component into the gutter portion of the panel.24. A method of fabricating the component of any of claims 1 to 18, the method comprising forming or extruding the component in an integral single piece, or forming the component as an integral single piece by additive manufacturing.25. Computer readable instructions configured such that, when processed by a controller of a computer controlled manufacturing apparatus, cause the apparatus to form the component of any of claims 1 to
18.CLAIMS