GB2619298A

GB2619298A - Connector System

Info

Publication number: GB2619298A
Application number: GB2207978.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillips Roger
Original assignee: Trieste Group One Ltd
Current assignee: Trieste Group One Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-30
Filing date: 2022-05-30
Publication date: 2023-12-06
Also published as: GB202207978D0

Abstract

A connector system 2 comprises a connector member 4 and at least one pin member 6 configured to be releasably retained by the connector member, wherein the pin member 6 has axially-spaced end regions 8a, 8b, the connector member 4 comprises at least two sockets 10a, 10b, each socket is adapted to receive an end region of a pin member 6 therein, each socket has an insertion direction along the axial direction of the pin member received therein, a first socket 10a has a first insertion direction and a second socket 10b has a second insertion direction, the first insertion direction is perpendicular to or opposite to the second insertion direction, the connector member 4 further comprises a clip 12 associated with each socket, the pin member 6 has one or more recessed portions 14, the clip 12 is adapted to releasably retain a pin member 6 received in the socket by engaging at least one recessed portion 14 of the pin member 6.

Description

Connector System The present invention relates to a connector system. It also relates, in the context of the connector system, to a structural member, to a pair of structural members, to a structural member and an auxiliary component, to a structure comprising a plurality of structural members and to a method of installing a substantially self-supporting structure using the connector system.

It is envisaged that the connector system itself has multiple uses. In one example, it can be used to connect components which are structural members such as substantially-rigid panels to each other in different configurations, or to connect such structural members and auxiliary components such as shelf units, whiteboards, notice boards or decorative elements.

In particular, the connector system may be used to interconnect structural members to form structures such as booths, meeting rooms, meeting pods, room dividers and decorative arches. These structures may be placed in open-plan office spaces, exhibit halls or conference halls, for example.

While it is commonplace to divide spaces such as open-plan offices into booths and meeting rooms, for example, there remains a requirement to provide a connector system which allows such structures to be readily installed, disassembled and reassembled.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a connector system which permits this.

According to the present invention, there is provided a connector system comprising a connector member and at least one pin member configured to be releasably retained by the connector member, wherein the or each pin member has axially-spaced end regions, the connector member comprises at least two sockets, each socket is adapted to receive an end region of a pin member therein, each socket has an insertion direction along the axial direction of the pin member received therein, a first socket has a first insertion direction and a second socket has a second insertion direction, the first insertion direction is perpendicular to or opposite to the second insertion direction, the connector member further comprises a clip associated with each socket, the clip is adapted to releasably retain a pin member received in the socket by engaging the pin member.

Preferably, the or each pin member has one or more recessed portions, and the clip is adapted to releasably retain a pin member received in the socket by engaging at least one recessed portion of the pin member.

The connector member may be formed integrally with a component to be connected. For example, the connector member has a main body portion which is moulded with the component. In an alternative example, the component may be formed with a cavity or recess to accommodate the connector member, at least in part. In addition, or alternatively, the connector member may be attached to an internal surface and/or to an external surface of the component. Suitable fixings may be used.

In one example, the component is a structural member such as a panel or a post. The panel or the post may be provided with a cut-out portion in which the connector member is accommodated, at least in part, in use of the connector system.

In one embodiment, the connector member is configured to be located in a panel: it may be provided in a surface region of the panel. This surface region may include an edge of the panel.

In one embodiment, one or both end regions of the pin member has one or more recessed portions.

The end region of the pin member is the whole region or part of the region of the pin member that is adapted to be inserted into a socket.

The recessed portion may be located anywhere on the pin member so long as it is able to be engaged by the clip.

The recessed portion of the pin member is not limited as to its shape or form. For example, the recessed portion may be a coaxial ring-shaped groove or an arc-shaped groove: it may be linear, square, rectangular or circular in plan view: it may be an indented or cut-out portion: it may be a planar segment.

The pin member may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The pin member may have bilateral symmetry along a median line which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The pin member may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The pin member may have rotational symmetry. In one example, the pin member has rotational symmetry of the order of two.

Preferably the pin member has bilateral symmetry along a median line which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis so that it is reversible in use (ie either end region may be received in the socket).

The end of the pin member may have a tapered shape. The end of the pin member may have the shape of a frustrum. The pin member may have one or more truncated ends.

The end of the pin member may or may not have the same length along the axis of the pin member as the end region of the pin member. The recessed portion may be in the end region of the pin member but not at the end of the pin member.

The pin member may be made of a rigid plastic material, a metal material or a composite material.

In one example, the pin member is substantially cylindrical and each end region has one or more recessed portions. Each end region may have two recessed portions which oppose one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin member. The or each recessed portion may be a planar segment along a chord of the pin member when viewed in cross-section.

In another example, the pin member is substantially cylindrical and each end region has one recessed portion which is a coaxial ring-shaped groove.

The clip or a part thereof may have resiliency. The clip may be made of a plastic material, a metal material or a composite material.

In one embodiment, the connector member has two sockets. The connector system permits one-way or two-way connection.

In another embodiment, the connector member comprises a third socket adapted to receive an end region of a pin member therein, wherein the third socket has a third insertion direction, and wherein the first insertion direction is perpendicular to both the second insertion direction and the third insertion direction and wherein the third insertion direction is opposite to the second insertion direction.

In one embodiment, the connector member has three sockets. The connector system permits one-way, two-way or three-way connection.

The connector member may have more than three sockets, for example four, five or six sockets. Some of these sockets may be adjacent to another socket and have the same insertion direction: this may be useful for creating stronger connections, for example by using multiple pin members at each joint formed.

The clip of the connector member preferably has at least one contact portion. The contact portion may be configured to extend into the socket to engage the pin member received in the socket, for example by engaging one or more of the recessed portions of the pin member. The contact portion may be biased to extend into the socket. The contact portion may be a projecting rim, fin, lip, collar or flange. The contact portion may be resilient. The contact portion or contact portions of the clip may be directed inwardly from a main body of the clip.

The contact portion may comprise at least one leading edge arranged to engage recessed portion(s) of the pin member. The leading edge(s) may be distal to a base of the clip. The leading edge(s) may be directed inwardly from the main body of the clip.

In one embodiment, the clip has a main body portion and a plurality of contact portions depending therefrom. For example, the clip has a main body portion and either two, three or four contact portions depending therefrom.

In one embodiment, one or more of the sockets is provided with a hollow bush adapted to receive all or part of the end region of the pin member therein. The hollow bush has an insertion end in which the end region of the pin member is adapted to be inserted.

The pin member preferably has a diameter which is approximately equal to the diameter of the socket (including any hollow bush).

The hollow bush may be made of a rigid plastic material, a metal material or a composite material.

The hollow bush may be symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The hollow bush may have bilateral symmetry along a median line which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The hollow bush may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The hollow bush may have rotational symmetry. In one example, the hollow bush has rotational symmetry of the order of two. The hollow bush may be configured to prevent rotation thereof in a socket.

In one embodiment, the clip associated with each socket is a single clip paired with multiple sockets. The clip may have a main body portion and a plurality of contact portions depending therefrom, at least one contact portion being configured to extend into each 20 socket.

In another embodiment, the clip associated with each socket is a single clip paired with a single socket. The clip may have a main body portion and one or more contact portions depending therefrom, the or each contact portion being configured to extend into the socket.

In one embodiment, the hollow bush has a side wall extending in the insertion direction of the socket, wherein the main body of the clip is located externally of the hollow bush and wherein the side wall of the hollow bush is provided with one or more apertures to allow the contact portion or contact portions of the clip to extend into the hollow bush.

The clip may be provided with one or more anchoring or stabilising portions or arms configured to anchor the clip in the socket. The side wall of the hollow bush may be provided with one or more apertures to accommodate these portion(s) or arm(s) of the clip to anchor both the clip and the hollow bush in the socket.

The side wall of the hollow bush may be provided with at least one portion configured to prevent rotation of the hollow bush in the socket. The or each portion may be an indented portion provided on an external surface of the side wall of the hollow bush.

For example, the socket, defined by a main body portion of the connector member, is shaped to prevent rotation of the hollow bush by abutting the relevant portion of the hollow bush (eg the indented portion) when the hollow bush is aligned and inserted into the socket.

In one example, the hollow bush is substantially cylindrical and has one or more indented portions. The hollow bush may have two indented portions which oppose one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hollow bush. The or each indented portion may be a planar segment along a chord of the hollow bush when viewed in cross-section.

The hollow bush may have two open ends or an open end (the insertion end) and a closed end. The clip may be configured to cover one end of the hollow bush, this end being opposite to the insertion end of the hollow bush. The clip is preferably dimensioned to surround the hollow bush at least partially. The clip and the hollow bush may be configured to interconnect. They may clip together.

The connector member may be shaped to permit the contact portion of the clip to be retracted at least partly out of the hollow bush to release a pin member retained in the hollow bush in use of the connector system. For example, the socket, defined by a main body portion of the connector member, is shaped to provide a void to accommodate a retracted contact portion of the clip. The main body portion of the connector member in this example excludes the hollow bush and the clip since the hollow bush and the clip are distinct elements which are provided in the socket.

The pin member may be released from the clip upon rotation of the pin member in the socket by a user. In this embodiment, the socket, the clip and the pin member are configured to release the pin member retained by the clip upon rotation of the pin member in the socket. The pin member may have a central region which is accessible externally of the connector member. The central region of an inserted pin member may remain outside of respective connector members when both end regions of the pin member are received by sockets.

In one embodiment, the pin member has at least one grip portion provided in a central region located between its axially-spaced end regions. The grip portion may be a recessed portion or a protruding portion configured to assist a user to hold the pin member for rotation in a socket. In one example, the grip portion is an indented portion. In another example, it is a ridge portion which may be annular.

In one example, the pin member is substantially cylindrical and the central region has one or more grip portions which are recessed portions. The central region of the pin member may have two recessed portions which oppose one another in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pin member. The or each recessed portion may be a planar segment along a chord of the pin member when viewed in cross-section.

In one example, to release the pin member retained in the socket by the clip, a user accesses the central region of the pin member, said central region being located substantially externally of the socket, and uses fingers or a tool (eg pliers) to rotate the pin member. Rotation of the pin member about its axis causes the clip to release the pin member from the socket. For example, rotation of the pin member about its axis causes the or each contact portion of the clip to retract away from the pin member. In one embodiment, this is achieved by rotating the pin member such that a non-recessed surface of the end region of the pin member comes into contact with the contact portion of the clip rather than the recessed portion of the end region of the pin member and this contact pushes the contact portion to cause it to retract, thereby releasing the end region of the pin member from the clip and enabling the pin member to be removed from the socket.

In one embodiment, one socket acts as an access socket for releasing a pin member received in another socket.

When the connector member has two sockets, one may act as an access socket for the other socket. When the connector member has three sockets, one may act as an access socket for one or both of the other sockets.

The pin member may be released via an access socket using a key member adapted to release a pin member which is retained in a socket by the clip, for example by pushing the clip (eg by pushing its contact portion) away from the pin member to release it from the socket.

According to the present invention, there is provided a structural member comprising one or more connector members of the connector system, the or each connector member being adapted to releasably retain at least one pin member of the connector system.

The structural member is not limited: examples thereof are panels, posts, archways, door frames, ceilings, floors and roofs.

Preferably, the first socket of the or each connector member provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a first surface of the structural member and the second socket of the or each connector member provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a second surface of the structural member.

In one embodiment, the or each connector member comprises a third socket which provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a third surface of the structural member.

The connector members may be situated in end regions of the structural members for interconnecting adjacent structural members.

The connector member may be located within the thickness of the structural member. The connector member is preferably located substantially completely within the thickness of the structural member.

The insertion hole, at its open end, may be substantially flush with the relevant surface of the structural member. When a hollow bush is present, its insertion end may be substantially flush with the relevant surface of the structural member.

The structural member may have spaced regions each comprising at least one connector member.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a structural panel having, in use, opposing faces, opposing side edges, a top edge and a base edge, the panel comprising one or more connector members of the connector system, the or each connector member being adapted to releasably retain at least one pin member of the connector system.

The first socket of the or each connector member may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in an edge of the panel and the second socket of the or each connector member may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in a face of the panel.

The first socket of the or each connector member may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in one face of the panel and the second socket of the or each connector member may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in the opposing face of the panel.

When the or each connector member comprises or consists of three sockets, the first socket may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in an edge of the panel, the second socket may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in one face of the panel and the third socket may provide an insertion hole for a pin member in the opposing face of the panel.

Preferably the panel has opposing side edge regions each comprising at least one connector member.

The connector member may be located within the thickness of the panel. The connector member is preferably located substantially completely within the thickness of the panel.

The insertion hole, at its open end, may be substantially flush with the relevant face or edge of the panel. When a hollow bush is present, its insertion end may be substantially flush with the relevant face or edge of the panel.

According to the present invention, there is provided a pair of structural members which are interconnectable by the connector system of the present invention, wherein each structural member comprises a connector member and wherein a pin member is releasably retainable by the connector member of one structural member and releasably retainable by the connector member of the other structural member.

The structural members may be interconnectable by the connector system such that, in use, respective side surfaces of the structural members abut; or a side surface of one structural member abuts a front or rear surface of the other structural member; or respective top surfaces of the structural members abut.

In terms of abutting, the structural members (eg structural panels) may or may not physically touch. In an example where they do touch, the structural members are sufficiently flexible at their surface for a user to access a grip portion of the pin member bridging the structural members: in this regard the surface of the structural members may be provided with a soft or sponge-like surface. In an example where they do not touch, the structural members are very close to touching but there is a small distance between them at the connector member for access to a grip portion of the pin member.

In one embodiment, a pair of structural panels are provided and the panels are interconnectable by the connector system such that, in use, either respective edges of the panels abut or an edge of one panel abuts a face of the other panel.

According to the present invention, there is provided a structural member and an auxiliary component which are interconnectable by the connector system of the present invention, wherein the structural member comprises a connector member and wherein a pin member is releasably retainable by the connector member of the structural member and wherein the pin member either is releasably retainable by the auxiliary component or is fixed to or integral with the auxiliary component.

When the pin member is fixed to or integral with the auxiliary component, one end region is adapted to be received in the socket of a connector member and the other end region may not be adapted to be received in the socket of a connector member. In this case, the pin member is not reversible in use. The other end region may be provided with a plate portion to attach it to the auxiliary component or the other end region may be integrally-formed with the auxiliary portion (ie the pin member is integrally-formed with the auxiliary portion).

In one example, structural members, such as substantially-rigid panels or posts, are either connected to one other and/or are connected to auxiliary components such as shelf units, whiteboards, notice boards, hanging rails, hooks or decorative elements.

According to the present invention, there is provided a structure comprising a plurality of structural members configured to form a substantially self-supporting structure, the structural members being interconnected using the connector system of the present invention.

The structure may comprise one or more of the auxiliary components described above.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a substantially self-supporting structure comprising interconnecting a plurality of structural members using the connector system of the present invention.

The method may comprise installing one or more of the auxiliary components on the self-supporting structure. An auxiliary component may be interconnected with one or more structural members.

When a pin member interconnects two components using the connector system of the present invention, whether or not the two components are structural members or auxiliary components or some other component, a central region of the pin member in its axial direction is preferably accessible for a user to be able to grip and to rotate the pin member to release both of its end regions from a socket of the respective connector member.

Structural members such as panels may be upholstered after the connector members are fitted. The hollow bush and the clip may be interconnected and inserted into the socket of the connector member after the upholstering. The bush itself or a separate ring or sleeve may be used to form an eyelet, such that an insertion hole for a pin member is readily and neatly identifiable. When two upholstered panels are interconnected, the central region of an inserted pin member may remain outside of the respective sockets but may not be visible until the upholstery fabric is pushed aside in order for a user to grip and rotate the pin member to release it from the sockets.

In one example, during upholstering, a cutting tool is used to cut fabric at an insertion hole: a piece of fabric is thereby removed, preferably leaving an edge region of the fabric for a separate ring or sleeve to push into the socket. The socket may be shaped to accommodate the edge region of fabric at the insertion hole. If present, a hollow bush may be shaped to accommodate the edge region of fabric at the insertion hole.

The connector system of the present invention provides a strong, releasable connection and allows repeated assembly and disassembly of a self-supporting structure.

Non-limiting embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front and side perspective view of a connector system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the connector system of figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the connector system of figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system taken along line A-A of figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system taken along line B-B of figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pin member; Figure 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clip; Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hollow bush; Figure 9 is a front perspective view of part of a structural member comprising a connector system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of part of a structural member comprising the connector system; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a panel comprising a plurality of spaced connector members in accordance with the present invention; Figure 12 is a front perspective view of a panel comprising a plurality of connector members and pin members in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a plurality of panels configured to form a substantially self-supporting structure comprising a connector system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 14 is a front view of the part of the structure of Figure 13 shown in circle A of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a front and side perspective and exploded view of a connector system comprising a connector member and pin members in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a front view of the connector member of figure 15; Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connector member of figure 15; Figure 18 a perspective view of a key member for releasing a pin member from a socket; Figure 19 is a perspective view of an auxiliary component comprising a connector system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 20 is a perspective view of a pin member having one end region provided with a plate portion.

Referring to figures 1 to 5, connector system 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention comprises connector member 4 and at least one pin member 6. The connector member is provided with socket 10a, socket 10b and socket 10c. Each socket is adapted to receive an end region of pin member 6 therein. The connector member provides for 3-way connection although the present invention is not limited to this.

In figure 1, one end region of pin member 6 has been inserted into socket 10a. Socket 10a has an insertion direction along the axial direction of pin member 6 received in the socket. The other end region of pin member 6 is exposed: it is adapted to be inserted into a socket of another connector member 4.

Referring to figure 4, the insertion direction of socket 10a is perpendicular to the insertion directions of socket 10b and socket 10c. The insertion direction of socket 10b is opposite to the insertion direction of socket 10c.

The shape of the connector member is non-limiting. Referring to figures 2 and 5, the connector member in this example has a general H-shape (when viewed from the front) to fit to an edge of a component such as a panel which is provided with a cut-out portion to accommodate the connector member, at least in part.

Referring to figure 1, apertures 9 allow connector member 4 to be attached to a component such as a panel using screws, for example.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, each socket has an internal hollow bush and an internal clip and these are described in more detail below.

An embodiment of pin member 6 is shown in figure 6. It has axially-spaced end regions 8a and 8b. The end of each end region of the pin member has a tapered shape although this is not essential. By way of example only, the pin member is made of metal or metal alloy such as stainless steel.

The pin member is configured to be releasably retained by the connector member. In this example, each end region of pin member 6 has two (opposed) recessed portions 14. In this embodiment, the pin member is substantially cylindrical in shape and each recessed portion is a planar segment along a chord of the pin member when viewed in cross-section. The present invention is not limited to this shape of pin member 6 or to this shape or number of recessed portions 14.

As shown in figure 4, when end region 8b of pin member 6 is received in socket 10a, clip 12 releasably retains the pin member in the socket by engaging both recessed portions 14 of the end region of the pin member. In this example, pin member 6 has bilateral symmetry so either end region may be received in a socket of connecting member 4.

An embodiment of clip 12 shown in figure 7. In this example, clip 12 has main body portion 20 and two opposing contact portions 16 depending therefrom. Each contact portion 16 is adapted to extend into a hollow bush. Contact portion 16 has leading edge 13 arranged to engage recessed portion 14 of the end region of pin member 6 received in the socket. The leading edge is distal to main body portion 20. By way of example only, the clip is made of metal or metal alloy such as sprung steel.

An embodiment of hollow bush 18 is shown in figure 8. In this example, each socket of connector member 4 is provided with hollow bush 18 which has insertion end 21 to receive an end region of pin member 6 therein. By way of example only, the hollow bush is made of metal or metal alloy such as aluminium.

In this example, hollow bush 18 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has side wall 22 extending in the insertion direction of the socket. Side wall 22 is continuous at insertion end 21 of hollow bush 18 and is formed with indented portion 23 on an external surface thereof. Indented portion 23 prevents rotation of the hollow bush in the socket by suitable engagement with the internal surface of the socket, this internal surface being defined by the main body portion of the connector member. Two opposing indented portions 23 may be present. Indented portion 23 is a planar segment along a chord of the hollow bush when viewed in cross-section, in this example.

Hollow bush 18 has two open ends. In use, hollow bush 18 is fitted inside clip 12 such that main body portion 20 of clip 12 covers one end of the hollow bush, this end being opposite to insertion end 21 of the hollow bush.

The clip and the hollow bush interconnect via arms 19 of clip 12 being respectively anchored in apertures 24 provided in side wall 22 of hollow bush 18. In this example, apertures 24 are provided in side wall 22 remote from insertion end 21. Clip 12 has a pair of arms 19 located between main body portion 20 and each contact portion 16. Each arm 19 extends in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the socket in which clip 12 is housed in use. Opposing apertures 24 are correspondingly shaped such that the relevant arm is supported by the corresponding aperture and extends beyond side wall 22 to frictionally engage the inside of the socket (which is defined by the main body of the connector member).

Contact portions 16 and leading edges 13 of clip 12 extend inwardly through opposing apertures 25 provided in side wall 22 of hollow bush 18. Apertures 25 allow contact portions 16 to extend into the hollow bush and this enables leading edges 13 to engage corresponding recessed portions 14 of pin member 6 inserted in the socket.

To permit each contact portion 16 of clip 12 to retract at least partly out of hollow bush 18 to release pin member 6 retained in the socket in use, connector member 4 is provided with void 17 adjacent hollow bush 18 to accommodate contact portion 16 when retracted. One void 17 of socket 10c is labelled in figure 4 (other voids are shown).

In this embodiment, pin member 6 is able to be released from its retention by clip 12 upon rotation of the pin member in the socket by a user. Referring to figure 6, pin member 6 has a central region located between end regions 8a and 8b. The central region has two (opposed) recessed portions 26 which act as grip portions. The shape and number of recessed portion 26 is not limited. In this embodiment, each recessed portion is a planar segment along a chord of the pin member when viewed in cross-section. In use, when end region 8a and end region 8b of pin member 6 are each inserted in a socket of a respective connector member, recessed portions 26 are accessible externally of the two connector members by a user. By gripping recessed portions 26, a user is able to rotate pin member 6. The respective shapes of recessed portions 14 and contact portions 16 release the end region of the pin member from the socket when the pin member is rotated about its axis of rotation in the socket: rotation of pin member 6 causes contact portions 16 to retract from their engagement position with recessed portions 14.

In one embodiment, connector member 4 is located in a structural member. Figures 9 and 10 show part of a structural member including first surface 32 (for example, a side edge), second surface 34 (for example, a front face) and third surface 36 (for example, a rear face). The three sockets of the connector member provide insertion holes 30 in each of these surfaces. A pin member may be inserted in each insertion hole. It can be seen that the connector member is located in an end region of the structural member for ready interconnection with adjacent structural members, for example. In one example, the structural member is a panel and the end region thereof includes an edge surface of the panel.

Referring to figures 11 and 12, a vertically extending panel with a curved rear face and an angular (square) front face is provided with a plurality of connector members 4 evidenced by insertion holes 30. The connector members are located in regions 38 of the panel that are spaced from one another. Front face 42 of the panel has ten insertion holes in this example (see figure 12). Rear face 44 will have a corresponding number of insertion holes if the connector member used is a three-way connector. If the connector member used is instead a two-way connector, rear face 44 will have no corresponding insertion holes.

Perpendicular to the insertion holes in the front face are adjacent insertion holes in the respective edges of the panel. Insertion holes, corresponding to sockets of connector members, are provided in opposing side edges 40, top edge 46 and base edge 48 of the panel, as shown in figure 12 where partially inserted pin members 6 are provided in each insertion hole for illustrative purposes.

Referring to figure 13, a plurality of structural members 28 (28a to 28e) are interconnected using the connector system of the present invention. Interconnected connector members 4 are shown in figure 14 which is an enlarged view of the part of the structural members shown in circle A of figure 13.

Structural members 28 are panels in this example. The panels have a variety of shapes in order to form structures having different configurations. Panel 28a is the panel of figures 11 and 12: when connected to another panel 28a, it may be used to form a square archway. Panels 28b is curved and panel 28c has an inverse curve: these panels may be used with other panels to form wall structures (for example, for forming rooms). Panel 28d provides a rounded corner shape which is also useful for forming rooms, for example. Panel 28e is curved and may be connected to another panel 28e to form an archway, for example. The structure of figure 13 is not upholstered, meaning that the components of the connector system are visible, as are other fixings forming the square arches of panels

28a, for example.

By using the connector system of the present invention, the panels are interconnectable at their side edges, top edges, base edges, front faces and rear faces, as appropriate. In figure 13, the panels are interconnected at their side edges, except for left-hand panel 28a which has its front face interconnected with a side edge of adjacent panel 28b.

These panel shapes and the structures they form are non-limiting: they are described by way of example only. The connector system of the present invention has many uses and is not limited to use for interconnecting structural members.

Referring to figures 15 to 18, a connector system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention comprises connector member 104 and at least one pin member 106. The connector member is provided with socket 110a, socket 110b and socket 110c (not shown). Each socket is adapted to receive an end region of pin member 106 therein. The connector member provides for 2-way connection. The shape of the connector member is non-limiting.

Each socket has an insertion direction along the axial direction of pin member 106 received in the socket. Referring to figure 15, the insertion direction of socket 110a is perpendicular to the insertion directions of socket 110b and socket 110c. The insertion direction of socket 110b is opposite to the insertion direction of socket 110c.

The connector system of the second embodiment has features in common with that of the first embodiment. Both connector systems operate generally in the same way. However, clip 112 of the second embodiment is a single clip paired with multiple sockets. Clip 112 has a main body portion 120 and at least three contact portions 116 depending therefrom. In this example, one contact portion 116 extends into each socket, as shown in figures 16 and 17. The clip is housed in the main body portion of connector member 104 and is resiliently-mounted using screw 121 and torsion spring 122: screw 121 passes through spring 122 which is located between the main body portion of the clip and the screw. In use, the clip is located adjacent one side of the sockets, providing a contact portion 116 which extends into each socket opening for engaging with pin member 106. Each socket is optionally provided with an internal hollow bush.

An embodiment of pin member 106 is shown in figure 15. It has axially-spaced end regions 108a and 108b. The end of each end region of the pin member has a tapered shape although this is not essential.

The pin member is configured to be releasably retained by the connector member. In this example, the pin member is substantially cylindrical and each end region of pin member 106 has one recessed portion 114 which is a coaxial ring-shaped groove. The present invention is not limited to this shape of pin member 106 or to this shape or number of recessed portion 114. In this example, pin member 106 has bilateral symmetry so either end region may be received in a socket of connecting member 104.

Contact portion 116 of clip 112 has a leading edge arranged to engage recessed portion 114 of the end region of pin member 106 received in the socket. The leading edge is distal to main body portion 120.

When end region 108b of pin member 106 is received in a socket, clip 112 releasably retains the pin member in the socket by engaging recessed portion 114 under the bias of spring 122.

In contrast to the first embodiment, pin member 106 of the second embodiment is released from a socket of connecting member 104 via an access socket rather than via rotation of the pin member. If the connector member has two sockets, only one may retain a pin member so that the other socket remains empty in order to act as an access socket. If the connector member has three sockets, only one or two of the sockets retains a pin member as the remaining socket remains empty in order to act as an access socket for the other two sockets. The same logic applies to a connector member with more than three sockets.

Referring to figure 18, pin member 106 is able to be released from clip 112 via an access socket using key member 123 which is shaped to retract clip 112 against its spring bias. In this example, key member 123 has a circular hand portion and a key portion 125 with a D-shaped end profile. The key portion is inserted into the socket acting as an access socket and the D-shaped end profile allows the key portion to pass under contact portion 116 of clip 112 in the access socket. The key member is rotated by hand, causing movement of clip 112 against the bias of torsion spring 122 and releasing the pin member(s) in the adjacent socket(s).

Referring to figures 19 and 20, an auxiliary component 250 is provided with pin member 206. In this example, pin member 206 is fixed to auxiliary component 50 by screws fixed through the apertures shown in the pin member. Pin member 206 is not reversible in use.

It has an end region 208 which is adapted to be received in the socket of a connector member. End region 208 is provided with recessed portion 214 which is a coaxial ring-shaped groove. The other end region of pin member 206 is plate portion 209 which is provided with the apertures for screws or other fixings for connecting pin member 206 to auxiliary component 250. The present invention is not limited to this shape of pin member 206 or to this shape of recessed portion 214.

In this example, auxiliary component 250 is a white board or a notice board or a mirror.

The invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that many different arrangements of the connector system are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Also, various combinations of structural members and/or auxiliary components to be interconnected using the connector system of the present invention will be readily conceived by those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims 1. A connector system comprising a connector member and at least one pin member configured to be releasably retained by the connector member, wherein the or each pin member has axially-spaced end regions, the connector member comprises at least two sockets, each socket is adapted to receive an end region of a pin member therein, each socket has an insertion direction along the axial direction of the pin member received therein, a first socket has a first insertion direction and a second socket has a second insertion direction, the first insertion direction is perpendicular to or opposite to the second insertion direction, the connector member further comprises a clip associated with each socket, the clip is adapted to releasably retain a pin member received in the socket by engaging the pin member.
2. A connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector member comprises a third socket adapted to receive an end region of a pin member therein, the third socket having a third insertion direction, wherein the first insertion direction is perpendicular to both the second insertion direction and the third insertion direction and wherein the third insertion direction is opposite to the second insertion direction.
3. A connector system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each pin member has one or more recessed portions, and the clip is adapted to releasably retain a pin member received in the socket by engaging at least one recessed portion of the pin member.
4. A connector system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clip has at least one contact portion which extends into the socket to engage the pin member received in the socket.
5. A connector system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the sockets is provided with a hollow bush adapted to receive the end region of the pin member therein.
6. A connector system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the clip associated with each socket is a single clip paired with multiple sockets.
7. A connector system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clip associated with each socket is a single clip paired with a single socket.
8. A connector system as claimed in claim 7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the contact portion or contact portions of the clip are directed inwardly from a main body of the clip.
9. A connector system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hollow bush has a side wall extending in the insertion direction of the socket, wherein the main body of the clip is located externally of the hollow bush and wherein the side wall of the hollow bush is provided with one or more apertures to allow the contact portion or contact portions of the clip to extend into the hollow bush.
10. A connector system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pin member and the connector member are configured to release the pin member retained by the clip upon rotation of the pin member in the socket.
11. A connector system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one socket acts as an access socket for releasing a pin member received in another socket.
12. A structural member comprising one or more connector members of the connector system of any preceding claim, the or each connector member being adapted to releasably retain at least one pin member of the connector system of any preceding claim.
13. A structural member as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first socket of the or each connector member provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a first surface of the structural member and the second socket of the or each connector member provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a second surface of the structural member.
14. A structural member as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each connector member comprises a third socket which provides an insertion hole for a pin member in a third surface of the structural member.
15. A structural member as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the structural member has spaced regions each comprising at least one connector member.
16. A pair of structural members which are interconnectable by the connector system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each structural member comprises a connector member and wherein a pin member is releasably retainable by the connector member of one structural member and releasably retainable by the connector member of the other structural member.
17. A pair of structural members as claimed in claim 16, wherein the structural members are interconnectable by the connector system such that, in use. respective side surfaces of the structural members abut or a side surface of one structural member abuts a front or rear surface of the other structural member or respective top surfaces of the structural members abut.
18. A structural member and an auxiliary component which are interconnectable by the connector system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the structural member comprises a connector member and wherein a pin member is releasably retainable by the connector member of the structural member and wherein the pin member either is releasably retainable by the auxiliary component or is fixed to or integral with the auxiliary component.
19. A pair of structural members as claimed in claim 16 or 17 or a structural member and an auxiliary component as claimed in claim 18, the or each structural member being the structural member of any one of claims 12 to 15.
20. A structure comprising a plurality of structural members configured to form a substantially self-supporting structure, the structural members being interconnected using the connector system of any one of claims 1 to 11 and each structural member optionally being the structural member of any one of claims 12 to 15.
21. A structure as claimed in claim 20, further comprising the structural member and the auxiliary component of claim 18.
22. A method of installing a substantially self-supporting structure comprising interconnecting a plurality of structural members using the connector system of any one of claims 1 to 11, each structural member optionally being the structural member of any one of claims 12 to 15.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, further comprising interconnecting the structural member and the auxiliary component of claim 18.