JP2007506883A - Panel connector - Google Patents

Abstract

  An elongated connecting member (10) for bridging a gap between the first panel (50a) and at least the second panel (50b), the connecting member (10) comprising a flange member (11), One or more projecting members (12) projecting from the flange member (11), and at least one holding member (21, 22) connected to the projecting member (12) are included. The holding member (21, 22) can move between the first form and the second form with respect to the protruding member (12), and in use, the holding member (12) of the second form is the first panel. And at least the second panel can be inserted through the gap. When inserted through the gap, the holding members (21, 22) can be engaged with the rear surface of the flange member of each panel, and the flange member is a gap between the first and second panels. Are substantially cross-linked.

Description

  The present invention relates to an instrument for forming a joint between two panels, and more particularly to a one-piece instrument used to bridge a gap between panels.

In the construction industry, various connecting tools are used to bridge gaps between adjacent panels of sheet material such as fiber-cement sheet material.
An example of a conventional connector is an “H-shaped frame” that is roughly composed of elongated strips having a “H” cross section. In use, the first sheet material is inserted into one side of “H” and bolted in place. Then, it is necessary to operate so that the 2nd sheet | seat material may be inserted in the other side of "H". This is a cumbersome and difficult operation, especially when connecting sheet materials at high places such as eaves.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art and to provide a connecting device that smoothly connects adjacent panels of a sheet material despite being easy to use.
The descriptions of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, etc. described herein are for the purpose of providing an illustration of the invention only. It is said that these things or things constitute a part of the prior art, or are common technical knowledge in the technical field related to the present invention as if they already existed before the priority date of each claim of the present application. It must not be understood.

  Throughout this specification, “comprising”, “containing”, “comprising” means that the recited element also encompasses an integer or step or group of elements, integers or steps, but other elements, It does not exclude integers or steps or groups of elements, integers or steps.

  In a first aspect, the present invention comprises an elongate connecting member for bridging a gap between a first panel and at least a second panel, each panel being a second opposite the first surface. And the connecting member includes a flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and at least one holding member connected to the protruding member, wherein the at least one holding member is connected to the protruding member. Relative to the first configuration and the second configuration, and in use, the at least one retaining member is between the first panel and at least the second panel when in the second configuration. Through which the at least one retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface of each panel, and the flange member is The gap between the first and second panels to substantially crosslink even without, the flange member is engageable with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel.

  In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a panel assembly comprising at least two panels each having a first surface, an opposite second surface and side surfaces, the at least two panels being relative to each other. One side surface of one panel and one side surface of the second panel are arranged so as to define a gap therebetween, and the gap includes a flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and the protruding portion Bridged by an elongated connecting member including at least one retaining member connected to the member, the at least one retaining member having a first configuration relative to the protruding member to allow insertion of the retaining member through the gap The at least one retaining member engages at least a portion of the second surface of each panel and the flange member is less The flange member so as to substantially bridge the gap between the Kutomo first and second panel is engaged with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel.

In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a method of bridging a gap between at least two panels, each panel having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the method comprising: Including steps:
(a) providing an elongated connecting member including a flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and at least one holding member connected to the protruding member;
(b) aligning the connecting member with a gap between the at least two panels;
(c) pressing the connecting member to move the at least one holding member from the first configuration to the second configuration so that the holding member passes at least partially through the clearance; And then at least one retaining member moves from the second configuration to the first configuration to engage at least a portion of the second surface of each panel, and The flange member is engaged with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel.

  In the third aspect, the user can first press the connecting member. In this regard, once the connecting member is aligned with the gap, the user applies an initial force to move the holding member to its second form, i.e., the user uses his hand or a force such as a mallet. First, when the holding member is pushed into the gap, the side wall exerts a force to hold the holding member in the second form.

The connecting member is typically a one-piece unit.
Typically, the side connecting member bridges the gap between two adjacent modular panels.

  The flange member typically has a first surface on one side for engaging at least a portion of the first surface of both the first and second panels, and an opposite second surface that provides the outer surface of the connection. It is comprised from the main body defined. The flange member may also be movable from the first configuration to the second configuration. For example, the flange member can be made of a material that can be bent by elasticity (resilience), and the connection member is formed from a first form including a structure that is slightly rounded in a dome shape during installation (insertion) of the connection member. It may move in a substantially flat form when fully installed between the gaps. When in the second substantially flat configuration, the first surface of the flange member is substantially flat with the two panels, and the flange member provides a smooth connection between the first panel and at least the second panel. Can be.

In another aspect, the flange member may be substantially L-shaped, which is shaped to engage adjacent panels that are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other to form a corner.
The protruding members on the first to third side surfaces preferably extend from the proximal end adjacent to the flange member to the opposite distal end and may be constituted by elongated ribs. The elongated ribs may be relatively straight. Alternatively, the elongated rib may comprise at least one recess along its length. This aspect may be desirable when there are transverse beams or other structures in the direction across the space or gap between the modular panels. A protruding member having a recess can be fitted around such a transverse beam.

  In one aspect, the at least one retaining member includes opposing first and second leg members, each connected to the protruding member and at an angle thereto. The first and second leg members preferably extend from a first end connected to an area of the protruding member to a second end free from the protruding member. Typically, the leg member reaches the second end in a direction from the first end toward the proximal end of the protruding member, and during use of the connecting member, the leg member is in the direction of the second surface of the panel. To engage the second surface of the panel.

In one aspect, the leg member may be connected to the distal end of the protruding member or an adjacent region of the distal end.
Preferably, the length from the flange member of the protruding member to the connection region with the first end of each leg member is greater than the thickness of the modular panel to be coupled.

  Typically, the first form of the leg member with respect to the protruding member is an expanded form, that is, the angle of each leg member with respect to the protruding member is such that the leg member and the protruding member together form an anchor. It is the form which is the angle which fixes a member between panels. The angle of the leg member relative to the protruding member can vary, but if the leg member is in its expanded configuration, the angle is such that each leg engages a portion of the respective second surface of the panel and the leg member It must be at an angle that prevents it from turning back through the gap. Essentially, when the leg member is in its expanded configuration, the distance between the second end of the first leg and the second end of the second leg is greater than the gap between the panels.

  Preferably, the second configuration is a collapsed configuration in which the angle of the leg member with respect to the protruding member is set to be smaller than the angle when the leg member is in its expanded configuration. The angle between the leg member and the protruding member when the leg member is in the collapsed configuration can vary, but the angle can be inserted through the gap between the panels when the leg member is in the collapsed configuration. Must be a thing.

  Preferably, the first end of the first leg member is connected to substantially the same region of the protruding member as the first end of the second leg member. In this regard, the direction of the leg member relative to the protruding member may be V-shaped. Alternatively, the connection between the first end of each leg member and the protruding member may have a more curved U-shaped structure.

  In one aspect, the second end of the first leg member is adapted to engage the second surface of the first panel, and the second end of the second leg member is engaged with the second surface of the second panel. It comes to match. Such engagement between the leg member and the panel secures the connecting member in place between the panels.

  In another aspect, the second end of each leg member may include an ankle member disposed at an angle with the leg member. The ankle member may include a grooved or serrated surface or any other means to allow it to grip the second surface of the panel and further secure the connecting member between the panels. .

  In particularly preferred embodiments, each leg member is not straight (straight) along its length. In particular, the leg member may include a notch along its length, the notch being engageable with the second surface of the panel.

Typically, the leg member notches receive the corners of the panel formed by the meeting of the second surface with the side wall defining one side of the gap between adjacent modular panels.
Typically, the entire coupling member, preferably at least each leg member, is made of a material that can be flexed elastically. In this regard, when the leg members are inserted into the spaces or gaps between the panels, the force applied to the leg members from the side walls of the adjacent panels that define the gaps causes each leg member to move from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration. It is moved to. In the second collapsed configuration, the leg member can be fed into the gap along with the substantial length of the protruding member to the cavity behind the panel. Once released from the compressive force applied by the side wall of the panel beyond the panel, the leg member is free to assume its widened configuration. In this regard, it is preferable to manufacture the connecting member so that the leg member is inclined with respect to the protruding member, that is, the leg member is skewed even in a stationary state. Therefore, when the compressive force applied by the side wall of the panel is released, the leg member assumes its diagonally stationary state.

  In yet another aspect, the retaining member comprises a single leg member that leads to the protruding member. As described above, when the leg member is inserted through the space or gap between the panels, the leg member is deformed by the force applied to the leg member from the side wall of the adjacent panel, so that at least a substantial part of the leg member is the gap between the panels. The leg member is preferably made of a material that can be suitably elastically deformed so that it can protrude beyond. However, in this aspect, it is envisaged that the portion of the leg member adjacent to the second end of the leg member can be positioned within the gap between the panels even when the connecting member is fully attached. In this aspect, the leg member preferably comprises an engagement member along the length of the leg member. The engaging member of the leg member is engaged with one second surface of the panel. In order to ensure a reliable fit in the gap, it is preferable that the protruding member of this aspect also includes an engaging member that engages with the second surface of the adjacent panel. The engaging members of the leg member and the protruding member can be constructed from ridges or flanges or other such structures.

  The at least one holding member may include two holding members. Each of the two holding members may include a pair of leg members. In this aspect, one of the retaining members can be positioned relative to the other retaining member such that when the instrument is in use, it is located within the gap between the modular panels. The other holding member typically protrudes from the gap and engages at least a portion of the second surface of each panel.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention comprises an elongate connecting member for bridging a gap between the first panel and at least the second panel, each panel being a second opposite the first surface. And the connecting member includes a flange member and at least two protruding members protruding from the flange member, each protruding member moving between the first configuration and the second configuration relative to each other. In use, the at least two protruding members are insertable through the gap between the first panel and at least the second panel when in the second configuration, and at least one of the protruding members Further comprises at least one holding member, and when at least two protruding members are inserted through the gap, the at least one holding member is at least on the second surface of the panel. The flange member engages at least a portion of the first surface of each panel such that the flange member substantially bridges the gap between at least the first and second panels. It has become possible.

Preferably, the elongated connecting member has two protruding members, each protruding member preferably comprising at least one holding member.
The two protruding members preferably comprise two elastically deflectable legs. The holding member in this aspect of the invention typically includes an ankle portion that is connected to the distal end of the leg at an angle with the leg, and each ankle portion is associated with a portion of the second surface of the adjacent panel. Thereby having a surface for holding the connecting member in place in the gap. Each ankle may be bent by elasticity or not.

  During mounting, the side connecting member has two legs that are elastically spaced apart from each other by the two side walls of the panel being pushed by the adjacent side walls of the panel so that the legs are relatively spaced apart. The second form is relatively closer to each other. Due to the transition to the second form, the elastic flexible legs on the side surfaces and the ankles can be moved through the gap. That is, both the leg portion and the associated ankle portion are of a size suitable for passing through the gap when the leg portion is in the second configuration.

  In this aspect, each leg may be straight or angled. Each ankle is preferably disposed at an approximately 90 ° angle with respect to the leg, and typically projects a substantial length from each leg.

  In a fifth aspect, the present invention comprises a panel assembly comprising at least two panels each having a first surface, an opposing second surface and side surfaces, the at least two panels being relative to each other. One side surface of one panel and one side surface of the second panel are arranged so as to define a gap between them, and the gap is bridged by an elongated connecting member, and the connecting member includes the flange member and the flange. At least two projecting members projecting from the member, each projecting member being movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to each other, and in use, the at least two projecting members are When in its second configuration, it can be inserted through the gap between the first panel and at least the second panel, and at least one of the protruding members is at least one retaining member And wherein the at least one retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface of the panel when the at least two protruding members are inserted through the gap, and the flange member is at least first and The flange member is engageable with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel so as to substantially bridge the gap between the second panels.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention comprises a method of bridging a gap between at least two panels, each panel having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the method comprising: Including steps:
(a) providing an elongated connecting member including a flange member and at least two projecting members projecting from the flange member, wherein at least one projecting member includes at least one holding member;
(b) aligning the connecting member with a gap between the at least two panels;
(c) pressing the connecting member to move the at least two protruding members relative to each other from the first configuration to the second configuration, thereby passing the at least two protruding members through the gap Moved so that at least a portion of the at least one retaining member is engaged with at least a portion of the second surface of the panel and the flange member is engaged with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel. To do.

  The panel according to each aspect of the present invention comprises various fiber cement sheet materials or linings including eave sheet materials or linings, patio sofit linings, wall sheet materials, rain gutters, or decorative fiber cement linings. It may be.

  The connecting member of the present invention typically comprises an elongated strip that can be cut to a desired length by the user. The user can then simply “snap fit” the coupling member into the gap between adjacent modular panels so that the first leg member engages the opposing second surface on the back side of both modular panels. Match.

The connecting member of the present invention may be sized so that it can be used in combination with a modular panel of varying width.
The advantage of the connecting device and the connecting method for bridging the gap between the at least two modular panels described above is that the fitting of the connecting device is not part of the modular panel assembly operation as required by conventional connecting materials. This can be done after assembling the modular panel, i.e., the present invention allows for later attachment of the connecting member.

  A spacer device may be used to ensure the desired gap between two adjacent modular panels. In this aspect, the spacer device may comprise a handle connected to the receiving member.

  The receiving member typically comprises a first panel receiving portion and a second panel receiving portion. The receiving member may include two substantially parallel members each extending from the first end to the second end. The substantially parallel members are connected to each other by a connecting rod. Typically, a connecting rod connects two substantially parallel members at approximately the midpoint of their length. The portion of the parallel member located on one side of the connecting rod defines a channel for receiving the first modular panel, and the portion of the parallel member located on the opposite side of the connecting rod receives another modular panel located next to it. Defines a channel for

  The panel is fixed in place and the spacer device is removed by turning the handle so that its receiving member rotates approximately 90 °. In this orientation, the spacer device can be pulled out of the gap.

  In this aspect, the space between the two modular panels is determined by the thickness of the connecting rod. Thereafter, the two panels can be connected by inserting a suitable connecting member of the present invention into this gap.

  The connecting member of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in the accompanying drawings. The connecting member 10 includes a flange 11, a protruding member 12 protruding from the flange 11, and at least one holding member 13 connected to the protruding member 12.

This connecting member bridges the gap between the first modular panel 50a and the second modular panel 50b.
The holding member 13 is movable with respect to the protruding member 12 between the first form and the second form.

  When inserted into the gap between the modular panels 50a and 50b, the retaining member 13 engages a portion of the second surface 51 of each modular panel 50a and 50b. At the same time, the flange 11 engages a portion of the first surface 52 of each modular panel such that the flange 11 bridges the gap between the modular panels 50ato50b.

  The flange 11 can be shifted from the first form to the second form. Specifically, the flange 11 has a structure that is slightly rounded into a dome shape before and during insertion of the protruding member 12 and the holding member 13 (see FIGS. 1a, 2a, and 3a). It is made from a material that can be flexed elastically, allowing a transition to a substantially flat form after mounting the connecting member as shown in 3b. In the second substantially flat configuration, the flange member 11 has a flat inner surface 15 that engages the first surfaces 52 of the modular panels 50a and 50b. The outer surface 16 of the flange 11 provides a substantially smooth connection between the modular panels 50a and 50b.

  The protruding member 12 extends from the proximal end 17 adjacent to the flange 11 to the distal end 18 and is shown as an elongated rib 19 in the drawing. The elongated rib 19 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 1b as a substantially straight extension structure. In another example, the elongated rib 19 includes a notch 20 as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

  The holding member 13 shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b is composed of opposing first and second leg members 21 and 22 which are connected to the protruding member 12 at an angle, respectively. The The first leg member 21 and the second leg member 22 extend from the first end 23 connected to the region of the protruding member 12 to the second end 24 that is free from the protruding member 12.

When the connecting member 10 is fully installed, the second ends 24 of both leg members 21, 22 engage the respective second surfaces 51 of the modular panels 50a and 50b.
In FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the first ends 23 of both the first leg member 21 and the second leg member 22 are connected to the distal end 18 of the protruding member 12. In FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, it can be seen that the connection point between the protruding member 12 and both leg members is a region in front of the distal end 18 of the protruding member. Although not shown, in another example, the leg members 21 and 22 are connected to the distal end 18, but a hinge point, that is, a pivot point around which the leg member moves around the point, is more than the distal end 18. You may provide in the area | region of this side.

  The first form of the leg members 21, 22 relative to the protruding member 12 is a widened form, ie, the first leg member 21 and the second leg member 22 are at an angle with respect to the protruding member 12, thereby causing the leg member 21. 22 and the protruding member 12 together form an anchor that secures the connecting member 10 between the modular panels. The angle of the leg members 21, 22 relative to the protruding member 12 can vary, but the angle when these leg members are in their expanded configuration is such that each leg member is on the second surface 51 of each of the modular panels 50a and 50b. It must come into engagement with the part and prevent the leg member from moving back through the gap.

  The second form of the leg member is a collapsed form, and in this form, the arrangement angle of the leg members 21 and 22 with respect to the protruding member 12 is smaller than when the leg members are in their expanded form. The angle between the leg members 21 and 22 and the protruding member 12 can change even when the leg members 21 and 22 are in a collapsed configuration, but when the leg members 21 and 22 are in a collapsed configuration, they are modular panels. The angle must be such that it can be inserted through the gap between 50a and 50b.

  When the leg members 21 and 22 are inserted through the space or gap between the modular panels 50a and 50b, the leg members 21 and 22 are added from the side walls 53a and 53b of the adjacent modular panels 50a and 50b that can define the gap. Due to the force, each leg member 21, 22 is shifted from its expanded form to its collapsed form. In the second collapsed configuration, the leg members 21 and 22 are passed through the gap together with the substantial length of the protruding member 12 and fed to the cavity portion on the rear side of the modular panel.

  Beyond the modular panel and released from the compressive force applied by the modular panel side walls 53a and 53b, the leg members 21 and 22 become free and assume their widened configuration. In this regard, the connecting member 10 is manufactured such that the leg members 21 and 22 are inclined with respect to the protruding member 12, that is, the leg members are skewed in a stationary state. Therefore, when the compressive force applied by the side walls 53a and 53b of the modular panel is released, the leg member assumes its diagonally stationary state.

  In yet another aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the retaining member 13 comprises a single leg member 31 that leads to the protruding member 12. As described above, when the leg member 31 is inserted through the space or gap between the modular panels 50a and 50b, the leg member 31 is deformed by the force applied to the leg member from the side wall 53a of the modular panel 50a. The leg member 1 is made of a material that can be appropriately elastically bent so that the leg member 31 and the protruding member 12 can be inserted into the gap to a point where a substantial portion of 31 protrudes beyond the gap between the modular panels. It is preferable to produce it. However, in this aspect, the distal portion 32 of the leg member 31 adjacent to the second end 24 of the leg member remains within the gap between the modular panels. In order to secure the connector in place, the leg member 31 preferably comprises an engagement member 33 along the length of the leg member, which engages the second surface 51 of the modular panel 50a. . In order to ensure a reliable fit in the gap, the protruding member 12 of this aspect also includes an engaging member 33 that engages with the second surface 51 of the modular panel 50b.

  The connecting member 10 of the present invention is composed of an elongated strip that can be cut to a desired length by the user. The user can then simply “snap fit” the coupling member into the gap between adjacent modular panels.

  A connecting member according to another aspect of the present invention is indicated generally at 100 in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The connecting member 100 includes a flange member 101 and two protruding members 102a and 102b. Each protruding member includes a holding member 103.

  The two protruding members 102a and 102b can be elastically bent and are pushed into the configuration shown in FIG. 4a so that the protruding members 102a and 102b can pass through the gap between adjacent panels.

  The holding member 103 has an ankle portion 104 connected to the protruding members 102a and 102b. As shown in FIG. 4b, when each ankle portion 104 passes through the gap, the protruding members 102a and 102b engage the ankle portion with the rear surface of each panel, and the connecting member 100 is inside the gap. To return to its initial spacing configuration so that it is held in place.

  In the aspect shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member 10 includes two sets of holding members 13 a and 13 b. In this aspect, during use of the instrument, the holding member 13b may be positioned inside the gap between adjacent panels so that each leg member remains on the wall of the panel that defines the gap.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the retaining member 13 has a notch 150. As shown in FIG. 8d, when the retaining member is in its final position, the notch receives the panel corner 160 and secures the connecting member 10 in place. The first notch portion 151 of the retaining member that defines one side of the notch 150 engages the second surface 51 of the panel, and the second notch portion 152 that defines the opposite side of the notch 150 engages the side wall 53a or 53b. Match.

  A spacer 200 may be used to ensure a desired gap between two adjacent modular panels. The spacer includes a handle 201 connected to a receiving member 202. The receiving member includes a first panel receiving portion 203 and a second panel receiving portion 204.

  The receiving member 202 includes two substantially parallel members 205 that each reach the second end 207 from the first end 206. The substantially parallel members are connected to each other by a connecting rod 208. A portion 209 of the parallel member 205 located on one side of the connecting rod 208 defines a channel 210 for receiving the first modular panel 50a, and a portion 211 of the parallel member 205 located on the opposite side of the connecting rod 208 is adjacent. A channel 212 is defined for receiving another modular panel 50b located at the same position.

  The panels 50a and 50b are fixed in place and the spacer device 200 is removed by turning the handle 201 so that the receiving member rotates approximately 90 °. In this orientation, the spacer device can be pulled out of the gap.

  The thickness of the connecting rod 208 determines the size of the gap between the two modular panels 50a and 50b. Thereafter, the two panels can be connected by inserting the connecting member 10 of the present invention into the gap.

  While the invention has been shown with respect to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and / or modifications can be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the aspects of the present invention described above are illustrative in all respects and are not to be construed as limiting.

The connection member of 1 aspect of this invention in mounting | wearing is shown. 1b shows the connecting member of FIG. 1a after installation. Fig. 5 shows a connecting member according to another aspect of the invention during mounting. Fig. 2b shows the connecting member of Fig. 2a after installation. Fig. 5 shows a connecting member according to yet another aspect of the invention during installation. Fig. 3b shows the connecting member of Fig. 3a after installation. Fig. 5 shows a connecting member according to yet another aspect of the invention during installation. Fig. 4b shows the connecting member of Fig. 4a after installation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6a. Yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 shows the connecting member shown in FIG. 7 in a state of being inserted into a gap between two adjacent panels. FIG. 8 shows the connecting member shown in FIG. 7 in a state of being inserted into a gap between two adjacent panels. 1 shows a spacer device according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  10, 100: connecting member, 11: flange, 12, 102a, 102b: protruding member, 13, 13a, 13b, 103: holding member, 19: rib, 21, 22, 31: leg member, 33: engaging member, 50a, 50b: modular panel, 104: ankle, 150: notch, 160: corner, 200: spacer, 201: handle, 202: receiving member, 208: connecting rod, 210, 212: channel

Claims (17)

  An elongate connecting member for bridging a gap between the first panel and at least the second panel, each panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the connecting member, , A flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and at least one holding member connected to the protruding member, the at least one holding member having a first configuration and a second shape with respect to the protruding member In use, the at least one retaining member is insertable through the gap between the first panel and at least the second panel when in its second configuration; When inserted through the gap, the at least one retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface of each panel, and the flange member is at least of the first and second panels. The gaps so as to substantially cross-linked, the flange member is at least partially engageable with a coupling member of the first surface of each panel.   A flange member is defined by a first surface on one side for engaging at least a portion of the first surface of both the first and second panels and a second surface on the opposite side that provides the outer surface of the connection. The connecting member according to claim 1, comprising a main body.   3. A coupling member according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flange member is movable from the first configuration to the second configuration.   The flange member can move between a substantially dome-like configuration and a substantially flat configuration, wherein the first surface of the flange member is substantially the same as the two panels in the second substantially flat configuration. The connecting member according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member is flat.   5. A coupling member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding member is relatively straight and has a length from the proximal end adjacent the flange member to the opposite distal end.   The at least one holding member includes opposing first and second leg members, each connected to and projecting at an angle relative to the protruding member. Connecting member.   The connecting member according to claim 6, wherein the first and second leg members have a length from the first end connected to the protruding member to a free second end from the protruding member.   The second end of the first leg member is engageable with the second surface of the first panel, and the second end of the second leg member is engageable with the second surface of the second panel. 8. The connecting member according to 7.   9. A coupling member according to claim 8, wherein the second ends of the first and second leg members comprise a slotted or serrated surface for engaging the second surface of the panel.   The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is made of a material that can be bent by elasticity.   The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the holding member comprises a single leg member connected to the protruding member.   A panel assembly comprising at least two panels each having a first surface, an opposite second surface and side surfaces, the at least two panels relative to each other, one side of the one panel and the second side. And one side of the panel defining a gap therebetween, the gap being a flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and at least one holding connected to the protruding member Bridged by an elongated connecting member including a member, the at least one retaining member moving between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the protruding member to allow insertion of the retaining member through the gap The at least one retaining member engages at least a portion of the second surface of each panel, and the flange member is at least between the first and second panels. To substantially crosslink the gap, the flange member is at least partially engaged with and panel assembly of the first surface of each panel. A method of bridging a gap between at least two panels, each panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, comprising the following steps:
(a) providing an elongated connecting member including a flange member, a protruding member protruding from the flange member, and at least one holding member connected to the protruding member;
(b) aligning the connecting member with a gap between the at least two panels;
(c) pressing the connecting member to move the at least one holding member from the first configuration to the second so that the holding member can move through the gap and at least partially beyond the gap; And then the at least one retaining member moves from the second configuration to the first configuration to engage at least a portion of the second surface of each panel, and the flange member is Engage with at least a portion of one surface.   An elongate connecting member for bridging a gap between the first panel and at least the second panel, each panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the connecting member, A flange member and at least two projecting members projecting from the flange member, each projecting member being movable between a first configuration and a second configuration with respect to each other, in use, the at least When the two protruding members are in their second configuration, they can be inserted through the gap between the first panel and at least the second panel, and at least one of the protruding members further comprises at least one holding member. And when at least two protruding members are inserted through the gap, the at least one retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface of the panel; and Flange member to substantially crosslink the gap between the at least first and second panels, the flange member is at least partially engageable with a coupling member of the first surface of each panel.   15. A coupling device according to claim 14, wherein the two protruding members comprise two elastically deflectable legs.   A panel assembly comprising at least two panels each having a first surface, an opposite second surface and side surfaces, the at least two panels relative to each other, one side of the one panel and the second side. And one side of the panel of the panel is defined to define a gap therebetween, the gap being bridged by an elongated connecting member that includes a flange member and at least two protrusions protruding from the flange member. Each projecting member is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to each other, and in use, when the at least two projecting members are in their second configuration, Insertable through the gap between one panel and at least a second panel, at least one of the protruding members further comprising at least one holding member, When at least two protruding members are inserted through the gap, the at least one retaining member is engageable with at least a portion of the second surface of the panel, and the flange member is at least of the first and second panels. A panel assembly wherein the flange member is engageable with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel so as to substantially bridge the gap therebetween. A method of bridging a gap between at least two panels, each panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, comprising the following steps:
(a) providing an elongated connecting member including a flange member and at least two projecting members projecting from the flange member, wherein at least one projecting member includes at least one holding member;
(b) aligning the connecting member with a gap between the at least two panels;
(c) pressing the connecting member to move the at least two protruding members relative to each other from the first configuration to the second configuration so that the at least two protruding members move through the gap into the gap; Moving so that at least a portion of the at least one retaining member is engaged with at least a portion of the second surface of the panel and the flange member is engaged with at least a portion of the first surface of each panel. To.

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