# US 2020/0399893 A1 · Improvements relating to connection of structural components to panels > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2020/0399893 A1 - Document ID: US20200399893A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/969,382 - Filed: 2019-02-12 - Published: 2020-12-24 - Earliest claimed: 2018-02-12 - Assignees: Megawall Pty Ltd - Applicants: Megawall Pty Ltd - Inventors: Jonathan Paul Bryant; Simon Trevor Flannery; Rudolf Willem Steinbusch - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20200399893A1 ## CPC - E04B 1/6112: {by clamping, e.g. friction, means on lateral surfaces} - E04B 1/14: the elements being composed of two or more materials (of reinforced concrete E04B1/04) - E04B 1/388: {Separate connecting elements (Connecting devices specially adapted for embedding in concrete E04B1/41; Dowels, i.e. members adapted to penetrate the surfaces of two parts and to take the shear stresses E04B1/48)} - E04B 7/22: the slabs having insulating properties, e.g. laminated with layers of insulating material - E04B 2001/389: {Brackets} - E04B 2001/6191: {by means on the corners of the slabs} - E04B 2001/6195: {the slabs being connected at an angle, e.g. forming a corner} - E04B 2103/04: of plastics, fibrous material or wood - E04B: GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of opening in walls, floors or ceilings E06B1/00; {electromagnetic shielding H05K9/0001}) ## Abstract There is disclosed a method of forming a connection between a structural component and a panel, the panel comprising a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, the method comprising securing a connector to the component and panel such that the connector engages at least one said covering and the component so as to direct, to the covering(s) engaged thereby, loading exerted by the component. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of forming a connection between a structural component and a panel, the panel comprising a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, the method comprising securing a connector to the component and panel such that the connector engages at least one said covering and the component so as to direct, to the covering(s) engaged thereby, loading exerted by the component. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A method according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises respective portions arranged to engage the panel and the component, and securing the connector to the component and panel comprises effecting load-transmissive engagement between each of the panel and the component and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A method according to claim 2, wherein the portion(s) arranged to engage the panel comprise/s at least one portion arranged so as to engage at least one said covering. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2, 3) A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the portion(s) arranged to engage the panel comprise/s at least one portion arranged to engage the substrate, whereby the loading directed to the covering(s) comprises loading exerted on the substrate by the component and transferred by the connector to the covering(s) engaged by said portion(s) arranged so as to engage the substrate. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3, 4) A method according to claim 3 or claim 4 as appended thereto, wherein effecting the engagement between at least one said covering and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it/them comprises bringing the covering into abutment with the connector, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading tending to increase pressure of the abutment. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A method according to claim 5, wherein said abutment comprises abutment effected through contact between the covering and the respective portion(s). ### Claim 7 (depends on 5, 6) A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said abutment comprises indirect abutment. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5, 6, 7) A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said abutment comprises abutment between an end face or edge of the covering and at least one said respective portion. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3, 8) A method according to claims 3 and 8, wherein the connector comprises a plate or strip section one side of which is arranged to engage an end face of the panel comprising a surface defined by the substrate and the covering end face/edge(s), thus defining the portions arranged to engage the substrate and to abut the covering end face/edge(s), and the other side of which defines the portion(s) arranged to engage the component. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A method according to claim 9, wherein the plate or strip section is defined by a web portion of the connector. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9, 10) A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between the panel and portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises bonding said one side to said end face or said surface defined by said substrate, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A method according to claim 11, wherein said bonding comprises applying adhesive between said one side and said end face or said surface defined by said substrate. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A method according to claim 12, wherein said one side is configured with a protuberance defining a said portion arranged to abut the covering end face/edge, such that defined between said one side and the substrate surface is a void, and wherein applying the adhesive is such that the adhesive occupies the void so as to be retained between that side and the substrate surface. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A method according to claim 13, wherein said protuberance extends throughout a length of the connector. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) A method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said panel is a ceiling or roof panel and said component is a wall panel. ### Claim 16 (depends on 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) A method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said panel is a wall panel and said component is a ceiling or roof panel. ### Claim 17 (depends on 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) A method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, being such that the connection defines a mitre joint between the panel and component. ### Claim 18 (depends on 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) A method according to any one of claims 5 to 17, wherein said abutment comprises abutment between a side face of the covering and at least one said respective portion. ### Claim 19 (depends on 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) A method according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between either or each of the panel and the component and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises bonding it to the respective portion(s), such that that engagement is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) A method according to claim 19 wherein the bonding of either or each of the panel and component to the respective portion(s) comprises applying adhesive between panel/component and the respective portion(s). ### Claim 21 (depends on 19, 20) A method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the bonding of either or each of the panel and component to the respective portion(s) comprises fusing the panel/component and the respective portion(s) together. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) A method according to claim 21, wherein fusing the panel/component and the respective portion(s) together is effected by heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 23 (depends on 3, 19, 20, 21, 22) A method according to claim 3 and any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein at least one said covering and the portion(s) arranged to engage it are bonded together. ### Claim 24 (depends on 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) A method according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 23 as dependent therefrom, wherein at least one said portion arranged to engage the substrate comprises a surface which is arranged to engage a corresponding surface defined by the substrate, and effecting the engagement between that portion and the substrate comprises bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) A method according to claim 24, wherein bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface comprises bringing the former into abutment with the latter, such that the engagement effected thereby transmissive to loading tending to increase pressure of that abutment. ### Claim 26 (depends on 24, 25) A method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface comprises bonding said surface of said portion to said corresponding surface, such that the engagement effected thereby is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) thus created to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) A method according to claim 26, wherein the bonding of said surface of said portion to the said corresponding surface comprises applying adhesive between the former and the latter. ### Claim 28 (depends on 26, 27) A method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the bonding of said surface of said portion to said corresponding surface comprises fusing said surface of said portion and said corresponding surface together. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) A method according to claim 28, wherein fusing said surface of said portion and said corresponding surface together is effected by heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 30 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises at least one cover portion arranged so as to overlie at least one face of the panel and/or component, whereby securing of the connector effects concealment of the face(s) by the cover portion(s). ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) A method according to claim 30, wherein the or each cover portion is arranged so as to extend throughout an entirety of a length of the face it is arranged to overlie. ### Claim 32 (depends on 30, 31) A method according to either one of claims 30 and 31, wherein the or each cover portion is arranged so as to extend throughout an entirety of a width of the face it is arranged to overlie. ### Claim 33 (depends on 30, 31, 32) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the at least one cover portion comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie an end face of the panel whereby the securing of the connector to the panel effects concealment of the end face of the panel. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) A method according to claim 33, wherein the end face comprises a face defined by the substrate. ### Claim 35 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the at least one cover portion comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie an end face of the component whereby the securing of the connector to the component effects concealment of the end face of the component. ### Claim 36 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the at least one cover portion comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie a face defined by a portion of a side surface of the panel whereby the securing of the connector to the panel effects concealment of that face. ### Claim 37 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the at least one cover portion comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie a face defined by a portion of a side surface of the component whereby the securing of the connector to the component effects concealment of that face. ### Claim 38 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the at least one cover portion is configured to define capping over the face(s) it overlies in the connection. ### Claim 39 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) A method according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the at least one cover portion is configured to define a fascia over the face(s) it overlies in the connection. ### Claim 40 (depends on 2, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39) A method according to claim 2 and any one of claims 30 to 39, wherein securing of the connector comprises securing at least one said cover portion against and/or to the face it is arranged to overlie, that cover portion thus defining a respective one of said respective portions. ### Claim 41 (depends on 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40) A method according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 40 as dependent therefrom, wherein the connector comprises at least one flange portion, the or each flange portion defining a said portion of the connector arranged to engage a respective said covering and being arranged so as to extend parallel to that covering, wherein effecting the engagement between that portion of the connector and the covering comprises securing a side face of the flange portion against a side face of the covering parallel to which it extends. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) A method according to claim 41, wherein the connector comprises a web portion from which the or each flange portion extends, the web portion being arranged so as to overlie an end face of the panel. ### Claim 43 (depends on 4, 42) A method according to claims 4 and 42, wherein the web portion defines a said portion arranged to engage the substrate, the method including effecting the load-transmissive engagement between the web portion and the substrate. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) A method according to claim 43, wherein the end face comprises a surface defined by said substrate. ### Claim 45 (depends on 24, 44) A method according to claims 24 and 44, wherein said load-transmissive engagement between the web portion and the substrate is effected by bonding a face of the web portion to said surface defined by said substrate, the web portion and said face thereof thus respectively defining a said portion arranged to engage the substrate and a said surface of that portion, and said surface defined by said substrate is a said corresponding surface, whereby said engagement between the web portion and the substrate is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) thus formed to tension and/or shear resulting from any one or more of bending, tensile, torsional and shear loading between the substrate and web portion. ### Claim 46 (depends on 45) A method according to claim 45, wherein bonding of said face of the web portion to the end face comprises applying adhesive between said face of the web portion and the end face. ### Claim 47 (depends on 45, 46) A method according to claim 45 or 46, wherein bonding of said face of the web portion to the end face comprises fusing them together. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) A method according to claim 47, wherein fusing said face of the web portion and the end face together is effected by heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 49 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48) A method according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the web portion is arranged to cover fully and/or conceal the end face. ### Claim 50 (depends on 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49) A method according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the end face is defined by an edge of the panel whereby said connection is between the structural component and said edge. ### Claim 51 (depends on 3, 8, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50) A method according to claims 3 and 8 and any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein one side of the web portion defines said portions arranged to engage the substrate and the covering end face/edge(s) and the other side of the web defines said portion(s) arranged to engage the component. ### Claim 52 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 51 wherein at least one said flange portion is arranged such that the said side face thereof is an outer side face thereof and the side face of the covering parallel to which that flange portion extends is an inner side face of that covering. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) A method according to claim 52, wherein the or each flange portion the side face of which is a said outer side face is received in a slot between a surface defined by the substrate and the inner side face of the covering against which it is secured, the slot opening through the/an end face of the panel. ### Claim 54 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53) A method according any one of claims 41 to 53, wherein at least one said flange portion is arranged such that said side face thereof is an inner side face thereof and the side face of the covering parallel to which that flange portion extends is an outer side face of that covering. ### Claim 55 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 54, wherein the panel comprises a pair of said coverings each of which is over a respective one of said sides of the substrate, and wherein the connector comprises a pair of said flange portions arranged to as to lie adjacent and/or against the respective covering parallel to which it extends. ### Claim 56 (depends on 42, 55) A method according to claims 42 and 55 wherein the flange portions extend in the same direction from the web portion. ### Claim 57 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 56, wherein the or each said flange portion is inclined to a degree to which said panel is to be inclined when said connection has been formed. ### Claim 58 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 56, wherein said panel and the or each said flange portion are arranged to extend horizontally. ### Claim 59 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 58, wherein the connector includes at least one further flange portion arranged so as to overlie an end of the component to preclude ingress, to or towards the component, of water which runs down a said covering engaged by a said flange portion. ### Claim 60 (depends on 59) A method according to claim 59, wherein the connector comprises at least one flange, the or each flange defining respective said flange and further flange portions. ### Claim 61 (depends on 59, 60) A method according to claim 59 or 60, wherein at least one said further flange portion defines a said cover portion. ### Claim 62 (depends on 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61) A method according to any one of claims 41 to 61 wherein the connector comprises at least one additional flange or web portion, defining a said portion arranged to engage the component, and wherein securing the connector to the component comprises securing a side face of a said additional flange or web portion to or against a side face of the component. ### Claim 63 (depends on 62) A method according to claim 62, wherein said panel is a wall or ceiling panel, the component is a roof panel, and said side face of the component defines an underside of the roof panel. ### Claim 64 (depends on 62, 63) A method according to claim 62 or 63, wherein at least one said additional flange portion is inclined relative to said flange portion(s), to an extent that the component is to be inclined when said connection is formed. ### Claim 65 (depends on 64) A method according to claim 64, wherein the connector comprises a bracing portion between a said flange portion and a said additional flange portion to transmit loading therebetween. ### Claim 66 (depends on 65) A method according to claim 65, wherein the bracing portion is defined by a web portion of the connector. ### Claim 67 (depends on 62) A method according to claim 62, wherein the panel comprises a roof panel and the component comprises a soffit connection bracket. ### Claim 68 (depends on 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67) A method according to any one of claims 62 to 67, wherein the connector comprises a pair of said additional flange portions arranged to receive said component therebetween and defining respective ones of said portions arranged to engage said component. ### Claim 69 (depends on 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) A method according to any one of claims 62 to 68, wherein securing of the connector to the component comprises securing a face of at least one of the additional flange portions to the component. ### Claim 70 (depends on 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69) A method according to claim 20 or any one of claims 21 to 69 as dependent therefrom, wherein at least one of said respective portions is configured with a spacer positioned to abut the panel or component which that portion is arranged to engage such that defined between that portion and the panel/component is a void, and wherein applying the adhesive is such that the adhesive occupies the void so as to be retained between that portion and the panel/component. ### Claim 71 (depends on 70) A method according to claim 70, wherein the or each portion configured with a spacer is configured with a further spacer positioned to abut the panel or component which that portion is arranged to engage, the spacers with which that portion is configured being laterally spaced such that the void is bounded thereby. ### Claim 72 (depends on 70, 71) A method according to claim 70 or 71, wherein the or each spacer is defined by a protuberance. ### Claim 73 (depends on 70, 71, 72) A method according to any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein the or each spacer extends throughout a length of the connector. ### Claim 74 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises a said covering over each side of the substrate, whereby the substrate defines a core of the panel. ### Claim 75 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is formed from metal. ### Claim 76 (depends on 75) A method according to claim 75, wherein the metal comprises aluminium. ### Claim 77 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is plastically formed. ### Claim 78 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is cold formed. ### Claim 79 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is rolled. ### Claim 80 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 74, wherein the connector is polymeric. ### Claim 81 (depends on 80) A method according to claim 80, wherein the connector comprises a thermoplastic. ### Claim 82 (depends on 80, 81) A method according to claim 80 or 81, wherein the connector is made of fibre-reinforced glass or fibreglass. ### Claim 83 (depends on 82) A method according to claim 82, wherein the connector is thermoformed. ### Claim 84 (depends on 80, 81, 82, 83) A method according to any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein the connector is pultruded. ### Claim 85 (depends on 75, 76, 80, 81, 82, 83) A method according to any one of claims 75, 76 and 80 to 83, wherein the connector is moulded. ### Claim 86 (depends on 75, 76) A method according to any one of claims 75, 76, and 80 to 83, wherein the connector is extruded. ### Claim 87 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is of unitary construction. ### Claim 88 (depends on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 86, wherein the connector comprises connector pieces. ### Claim 89 (depends on 88) A method according to claim 88 wherein the securing of the connector to the component and panel comprises interconnecting said pieces. ### Claim 90 (depends on 42, 89) A method according to claims 42 and 89, wherein said pieces comprise two pieces defining respective portions of said web portion and interconnecting said pieces comprises interconnecting said portions to form said web portion. ### Claim 91 (depends on 89, 90) A method according to claim 89 or 90, wherein said pieces comprise interengageable connector portions and interconnecting said pieces comprises effecting interengagement of the connector portions. ### Claim 92 (depends on 91) A method according to claim 91, wherein the connector portions extend throughout a length of the connector. ### Claim 93 (depends on 91, 92) A method according to claim 91 or 92, wherein the connector portions comprise tongue-and-groove connector portions. ### Claim 94 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is defined by a joiner. ### Claim 95 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is defined by a bracket. ### Claim 96 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is of substantially uniform cross-section along a longitudinal axis thereof. ### Claim 97 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, including applying a self-expanding compound within an empty gap between the panel and component, the compound thereafter expanding so as to occupy the gap in the connection. ### Claim 98 (depends on 97) A method according to claim 97, wherein the compound comprises a foaming compound. ### Claim 99 (depends on 97, 98) A method according to claim 97 or 98, wherein the compound comprises self-expanding polyurethane foam. ### Claim 100 (depends on 97, 98, 99) A method according to any one of claims 97 to 99, wherein the gap is between ends or edges of the panel and component which are interconnected by the connection. ### Claim 101 (depends on 2, 97, 98, 99, 100) A method according to claim 2 and any one of claims 97 to 100, wherein the empty gap is a portion of a gap between the panel and component which is occupied by at least one said portion arranged to engage the panel and the component. ### Claim 102 (depends on 97, 98, 99, 100, 101) A method according to any on of claims 97 to 101, wherein the compound is one which when expanded bonds the panel and component. ### Claim 103 (depends on 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102) A method according to any one of claims 97 to 102, wherein the compound is one which when expanded affords the connection strength. ### Claim 104 (depends on 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103) A method according to any one of claims 97 to 103, wherein the compound is one which when expanded affords the connection acoustic and/or thermal insulation. ### Claim 105 (depends on 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104) A method according to any one of claims 97 to 104, wherein the compound is one which when expanded affords the connection resistance to liquid/moisture ingress. ### Claim 106 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the panel and the component is a wall panel and the other of the panel and the component is a roof and/or ceiling panel, and wherein the connector defines a top plate securing the wall panel to the roof and/or ceiling panel. ### Claim 107 (depends on 1, 105) A method according to one of claims 1 to 105, wherein one of the panel and the component is a wall panel and the other of the panel and the component is a floor panel, and wherein the connector defines a bottom plate securing the wall panel to the floor panel. ### Claim 108 (depends on 2, 3, 107) A method according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 107 as dependent therefrom, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between either or each of the panel and the component and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises interconnecting it and the portion(s) with at least one fastener, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading which subjects the fastener(s) to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 109 (depends on 2, 3, 106) A method according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 106 as dependent therefrom, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between the component and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises interconnecting it and the portion(s) with at least one fastener, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading which subjects the fastener(s) to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 110 (depends on 1, 105) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 105, wherein the panel is a wall panel and the component is a floor, slab or foundation structure arranged to support the wall panel thereover, whereby the connection is between a lower end of the panel and the floor, slab or foundation structure. ### Claim 111 (depends on 110) A method according to claim 110, wherein the connector defines a bottom plate securing the wall panel to the floor, slab or foundation structure. ### Claim 112 (depends on 108, 109, 110, 111) A method according to claim 108 or 109, or either one of claims 110 and 111 as appended thereto, wherein the or each fastener comprises a through-fastener. ### Claim 113 (depends on 112) A method according to claim 112, wherein the or each through-fastener comprises a threaded fastener. ### Claim 114 (depends on 113) A method according to claim 113, wherein the or each threaded fastener comprises a screw or bolt. ### Claim 115 (depends on 4, 42, 108, 109) A method according to claim 4, claim 42 and either one of claims 108 and 109, or any one of claims to 111 to 114 as dependent therefrom, wherein the web portion defines a said portion arranged to engage the substrate. ### Claim 116 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the other component comprises a hinge. ### Claim 117 (depends on 1, 115) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 115, wherein the component comprises another panel. ### Claim 118 (depends on 117) A method according to claim 117, wherein the other panel comprises a window panel. ### Claim 119 (depends on 117) A method according to claim 117, wherein the other panel comprises a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, wherein securing of the connector to the other panel is such that the connector engages at least one said covering of said other panel, whereby said loading exerted by the component comprises loading exerted through the covering(s) of the other panel engaged by the connector. ### Claim 120 (depends on 2, 119) A method according to claims 2 and 119, wherein the portion(s) arranged to engage the other panel comprise/s at least one portion arranged so as to engage at least one said covering of the other panel. ### Claim 121 (depends on 2, 119, 120) A method according either to claims 2 and 119 or to claim 120, wherein the portion(s) arranged to engage the other panel comprise/s at least one portion arranged to engage the substrate of the other panel, whereby the loading exerted by the other panel comprises loading exerted by the substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 122 (depends on 120, 121) A method according to claim 120 or 121, wherein effecting the engagement between at least one said covering of the other panel and the respective portion(s) arranged to engage it/them comprises bringing that/those covering/s into abutment with the connector, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading tending to increase pressure of that abutment. ### Claim 123 (depends on 122) A method according to claim 122, wherein said abutment comprises abutment effected through contact between the covering of the other panel and the respective portion(s). ### Claim 124 (depends on 122, 123) A method according to claim 122 or 123, wherein said abutment between the covering of the other panel and the respective portion(s) comprises indirect abutment. ### Claim 125 (depends on 122, 123, 124) A method according to any one of claims 122 to 124, wherein said abutment comprises abutment between an end face or edge of the covering of the other panel and at least one said respective portion. ### Claim 126 (depends on 120, 125) A method according to claims 120 and 125, wherein the connector comprises a plate or strip section one side of which defines the portion(s) arranged to engage said panel and the other side of which is arranged to engage an end face of the other panel, comprising a surface defined by the substrate of the other panel and the covering end face/edge(s) of the other panel, thus defining the portions arranged to engage the substrate of the other panel and to abut the other panel covering end face/edge(s). ### Claim 127 (depends on 126) A method according to claim 126, wherein the plate or strip section is defined by a web portion of the connector. ### Claim 128 (depends on 126, 127) A method according to claim 126 or 127, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between the other panel and portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises bonding said other side to said end face or said surface defined by said substrate of the other panel, such that that engagement is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 129 (depends on 128) A method according to claim 128, wherein said bonding comprises applying adhesive between said other side and said end face or said surface defined by said substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 130 (depends on 126, 127, 128, 129) A method according to any one of claims 126 to 129, wherein one of said panel and said other panel is a ceiling or roof panel and the other of said panel and said other panel is a wall panel. ### Claim 131 (depends on 126, 127, 128, 129, 130) A method according to any one of claims 126 to 130, being such that the connection defines a mitre joint between the panel and component. ### Claim 132 (depends on 19, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131) A method according to claim 19 and any one of claims 119 to 131, wherein effecting the load-transmissive engagement between the other panel and the portion(s) arranged to engage it comprises the bonding of the other panel to the portion(s). ### Claim 133 (depends on 20, 132) A method according to claims 20 and 132, wherein the bonding of the other panel to the portion(s) comprises the applying of the adhesive between the other panel and the portion(s). ### Claim 134 (depends on 21, 132, 133) A method according to claim 21 and either of claims 132 and 133, wherein the bonding of the other panel to the portion(s) comprises the fusing of the other panel and the portion(s) together. ### Claim 135 (depends on 22, 134) A method according to claims 22 and 134, wherein fusing the other panel and the portion(s) together is effected by said heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 136 (depends on 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135) A method according to claim 120 or any one of claims 121 to 135 as dependent therefrom, wherein securing of the connector to the other panel comprises bonding together at least one said covering of the other panel and the portion(s) arranged to engage it. ### Claim 137 (depends on 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136) A method according to claim 121 or any one of claims 122 to 136 as dependent therefrom, wherein at least one said portion arranged to engage the substrate of the other panel comprises a surface which is arranged to engage a corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel, and effecting the engagement between that portion and the substrate of the other panel comprises bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 138 (depends on 137) A method according to claim 137, wherein bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel comprises bringing the former into abutment with the latter, such that the engagement effected thereby transmissive to loading tending to increase pressure of that abutment. ### Claim 139 (depends on 137, 138) A method according to claim 137 or 138, wherein bringing said surface of said portion into engagement with said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel comprises bonding said surface of said portion to that corresponding surface, such that the engagement effected thereby is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) thus created to tension and/or shear. ### Claim 140 (depends on 139) A method according to claim 139, wherein the bonding of said surface of said portion to the said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel comprises applying adhesive between the former and the latter. ### Claim 141 (depends on 138, 139) A method according to claim 138 or 139, wherein the bonding of said surface of said portion to said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel comprises fusing the former and latter surfaces together. ### Claim 142 (depends on 141) A method according to claim 141, wherein fusing said surface of said portion and said corresponding surface defined by the substrate of the other panel together is effected by heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 143 (depends on 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142) A method according to both any one of claims 30 to 40 and any one of claims 117 to 142, wherein at least one said cover portion is arranged so as to overlie at least one said face of the other panel, whereby securing of the connector effects concealment of the face(s) of the other panel by the cover portion(s) arranged to overlie said face(s). ### Claim 144 (depends on 143) A method according to claim 143, wherein at least one said cover portion arranged so as to overlie at least one said face of the other panel comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie an end face of the other panel whereby the securing of the connector to the other panel effects concealment of the end face of the other panel. ### Claim 145 (depends on 144) A method according to claim 144, wherein the end face of the other panel comprises a face defined by the substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 146 (depends on 144, 145) A method according to claim 144 or 145, wherein at least one said cover portion arranged so as to overlie at least one said face of the other panel comprises a cover portion arranged to overlie a face defined by a portion of a side surface of the other panel whereby the securing of the connector to the other panel effects concealment of that face. ### Claim 147 (depends on 143, 144, 145, 146) A method according to any one of claims 143 to 146, wherein securing of the connector comprises securing at least one said cover portion arranged to overlie at least one said face of the other panel against and/or to that face, that cover portion thus defining a respective one of said portions of the connector. ### Claim 148 (depends on 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147) A method according to any one of claims 117 to 147, wherein the connector comprises at least one flange portion defining a portion of the connector arranged to engage a side-facing surface of the other panel (“other flange portion”) and being arranged so as to extend parallel to that side-facing surface, and wherein securing the connector to the other panel comprises securing a side face of the or each other flange portion against the side-facing surface which it is arranged to engage. ### Claim 149 (depends on 148) A method according to claim 148, wherein the connector comprises a web portion from which the or each other flange portion extends, the web portion being arranged so as to overlie an end face of the other panel. ### Claim 150 (depends on 121, 149) A method according to claims 121 and 149, wherein the web portion defines a said portion arranged to engage the substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 151 (depends on 150) A method according to claim 150, wherein the end face of the other panel comprises a surface defined by the substrate of the other panel. ### Claim 152 (depends on 137, 151) A method according to claims 137 and 151, wherein securing of the connector to the other panel comprises bonding a face of the web portion to said surface defined by said substrate of said other panel, the web portion and said face thereof thus respectively defining a said portion arranged to engage the substrate of the other panel and a said surface of that portion, and said surface defined by the substrate of the other panel is a said corresponding surface, whereby said engagement between the web portion and the substrate of the other panel is transmissive to loading which subjects the bond(s) thus formed to tension and/or shear resulting from any one or more of bending, tensile, torsional and shear loading between the substrate of the other panel and the web portion. ### Claim 153 (depends on 152) A method according to claim 152, wherein bonding of said face of the web portion to the end face of the other panel comprises applying adhesive between said face of the web portion and the end face of the other panel. ### Claim 154 (depends on 152, 153) A method according to claim 152 or 153, wherein bonding of said face of the web portion to the end face of the other panel comprises fusing together said face of the web portion and the end face of the other panel. ### Claim 155 (depends on 154) A method according to claim 154, wherein the fusing together of said face of the web portion and the end face of the other panel is effected by heat and/or chemical fusion. ### Claim 156 (depends on 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155) A method according to any one of claims 149 to 155, wherein the web portion is arranged to cover fully and/or conceal the end face of the other panel. ### Claim 157 (depends on 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156) A method according to any one of claims 149 to 156, wherein the end face of the other panel is defined by an edge of the other panel whereby said connection is between said panel and said edge of the other panel. ### Claim 158 (depends on 120, 127, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157) A method according to claim 120 or 127 and any one of claims 149 to 157, wherein a side of the web portion defines the portions arranged to engage the other panel substrate and other panel covering end face/edge(s). ### Claim 159 (depends on 119, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158) A method according to claim 119 and any one of claims 148 to 158 wherein the or each side-facing surface is a side face of a said covering of the other panel. ### Claim 160 (depends on 159) A method according to claim 159, wherein at least one said other flange portion is arranged such that the said side face thereof is an outer side face thereof and the side face of the covering is an inner side face of that covering. ### Claim 161 (depends on 160) A method according to claim 160, wherein the or each other flange portion the side face of which is a said outer side face is received in a slot between a surface defined by the substrate of the other panel and the inner side face of the covering of the other panel against which covering it is secured, the slot opening through the/an end face of the other panel. ### Claim 162 (depends on 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161) A method according any one of claims 148 to 161, wherein at least one said other flange portion is arranged such that said side face thereof is an inner side face thereof and the side-facing surface of the other panel which it is arranged to engage is an outer side face of the other panel. ### Claim 163 (depends on 159, 160, 161, 162) A method according to claim 162 as appended to any one of claims 159 to 161, wherein said outer side face of said other panel is an outer side face of a said covering of said other panel. ### Claim 164 (depends on 159, 160, 161, 162, 163) A method according to any one of claims 159 to 161, claim 162 as appended thereto, or claim 163, wherein the other panel comprises a pair of said coverings each of which is over a respective one of said sides of the substrate of the other panel, and wherein the connector comprises a pair of said other flange portions arranged to as to lie adjacent and/or against the respective covering side face parallel to which it extends. ### Claim 165 (depends on 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163) A method according to any one of claims 148 to 163, wherein the connector comprises a pair of said other flange portions arranged to as to lie adjacent and/or against the respective side-facing surface parallel to which it extends. ### Claim 166 (depends on 149, 164, 165) A method according to claim 149 and either one of claims 164 and 165 wherein the other flange portions extend in the same direction from the web portion. ### Claim 167 (depends on 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166) A method according to any one of claims 119 to 142 or any one of claims 143 to 149 as dependent therefrom, or according to any one of claims 150 to 155 or any one of claims 156 to 166 as dependent therefrom, wherein the other panel comprises a said covering over each side of the substrate thereof, whereby that substrate defines a core of the other panel. ### Claim 168 (depends on 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167) A method according to any one of claims 119 to 142 or any one of claims 143 to 149 as dependent therefrom, or according to any one of claims 150 to 155 or any one of claims 156 to 166 as dependent therefrom, or according to claim 167, wherein the or each covering defines a skin of the other panel. ### Claim 169 (depends on 56, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168) A method according to claim 56 and any one of claims 149 to 157, or any one of claims 158 to 168 as appended thereto, wherein the web portion from which the or each flange portion extends is the web portion from which the or each other flange portion extends. ### Claim 170 (depends on 56, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169) A method according to claim 56 and any one of claims 149 to 157, to any one of claims 158 to 168 as appended thereto, or to claim 169, wherein the panels are arranged such that the end faces thereof are in opposed relation and the flange and other flange portions project bilaterally from the web portion(s) so as to engage the covering(s) of said panel and side-facing surface(s) of the other panel respectively. ### Claim 171 (depends on 170) A method according to claim 170, wherein the flange and other flange portions consist of the flange portion and the other flange portion. ### Claim 172 (depends on 42, 43, 164, 170) A method according to claim 42 or 43, claim 164 and claim 170, wherein the flange and other flange portions comprise one of said flange portions and one of said other flange portions extending bilaterally—each from one end or edge of the web portion/respective web portion, and the other of said flange portions and the other of said other flange portions extending bilaterally—each from the other end or edge of the web portion/respective web portion. ### Claim 173 (depends on 171, 172) A method according to claim 171 or 172, wherein the flange and other flange portions project in opposite directions whereby sides of the panel and other panel between which the connection is formed are parallel. ### Claim 174 (depends on 171, 172) A method according to claim 171 or 172, wherein the or each said flange portion and the respective said other flange portion project such that there is an included angle therebetween. ### Claim 175 (depends on 174) A method according to claim 174, wherein the flange and other flange portions comprise a said flange portion and a said other flange portion projecting from an upper end of the web portion/respective web portion. ### Claim 176 (depends on 175) A method according to claim 175, wherein the flange portion and other flange portion projecting from said upper end are downwardly divergent, and wherein the panels are roof panels defining a ridge, whereby the downwardly divergent flange portions define a ridge cap of the roof. ### Claim 177 (depends on 175) A method according to claim 175, wherein the flange portion and other flange portion projecting from said upper end are upwardly divergent, and wherein the panels are roof panels defining a valley, whereby the downwardly divergent flange portions define a valley gutter of the roof. ### Claim 178 (depends on 173, 174, 175) A method according to claim 173, 174 or 175, wherein the panels define side-by-side ceiling, roof or floor panels. ### Claim 179 (depends on 173, 174, 175) A method according to claim 173, 174 or 175, wherein the panels define a lower panel and upper panel. ### Claim 180 (depends on 179) A method according to claim 179, wherein the lower panel defines a wall panel. ### Claim 181 (depends on 179, 180) A method according to claim 179 or 180, wherein the upper panel defines a gable panel. ### Claim 182 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel defines a skin. ### Claim 183 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel is porous and/or includes interstices distributed therethroughout. ### Claim 184 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel is of aerated form. ### Claim 185 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel comprises a foam. ### Claim 186 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel comprises a rigid foam. ### Claim 187 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel comprises polystyrene. ### Claim 188 (depends on 187, 188) A method according to claim 187 or 188, wherein the polystyrene comprises extruded polystyrene. ### Claim 189 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate of the, either or each panel is defined by a honeycomb structure. ### Claim 190 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel is polymeric. ### Claim 191 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel comprises polymeric material. ### Claim 192 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel comprises thermoset polymer material. ### Claim 193 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel comprises resin. ### Claim 194 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel is reinforced. ### Claim 195 (depends on 194) A method according to claim 194, wherein at least one said covering of the, either or each panel is fibre-reinforced. ### Claim 196 (depends on 195) A method according to claim 195, wherein at least one said covering of the, either or each panel includes woven fibre reinforcement. ### Claim 197 (depends on 194, 195, 196) A method according to any one of claims 194 to 196, wherein at least one said covering of the, either or each panel includes reinforcing fabric. ### Claim 198 (depends on 194, 195, 196, 197) A method according to any one of claims 194 to 197, wherein the or each covering of the, either or each panel is fibre-reinforced glass or fibreglass. ### Claim 199 A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the, either or each panel is a fibre-composite panel. ### Claim 200 A connector for use in forming a connection between a structural component and a panel, the panel comprising a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, the connector being securable to the component and panel such that it engages at least one said covering and the component so as to direct, to the covering(s) engaged thereby, loading exerted by the component. ### Claim 201 (depends on 1, 199, 200) A connector according to claim 200, being the connector for use in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 199. ### Claim 202 (depends on 1, 199) The connection formed by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 199. ### Claim 203 (depends on 1, 199) A panel comprising a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, being for use as the panel in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 199. ### Claim 204 (depends on 200, 201) An assembly comprising the connector of claim 200 or 201 and said panel, wherein the connector is secured to the panel and securable to said component such that said connection can be formed. ### Claim 205 (depends on 200, 201) An assembly comprising the connector of claim 200 or 201 and said component, wherein the connector is securable to said panel such that said connection can be formed. ### Claim 206 (depends on 200, 201) An assembly comprising the connector of claim 200 or 201, said panel and said component, wherein the connector is secured to the panel and component. ### Claim 207 A method of manufacturing a panel, the method comprising securing each of opposite sides of a substrate to a respective sheet section, whereby the panel comprises opposed skins, each comprising a respective one of the sheet sections, and a core, comprising the substrate. ### Claim 208 (depends on 74, 75, 199, 207) A method according to claim 207, being such that the panel defines said panel in the method of claim 74 or any one of claims 75 to 199 as appended thereto, each skin defining a respective one of said load-resistant coverings and the core defining said substrate. ### Claim 209 (depends on 207, 208) A method according to claim 207 or 208, wherein securing of the opposite sides of the substrate to the respective sheet section comprises bonding/and or fusing the opposite sides to that sheet section. ### Claim 210 (depends on 207, 208, 209) A method according to any one of claims 207 to 209, wherein the substrate is laid over one sheet section and the other sheet section is thereafter laid over the laid substrate, and wherein the substrate is secured to said one sheet and to the other sheet section laid thereover. ### Claim 211 (depends on 210) A method according to claim 210, including applying bonding agent to said one sheet section, such that one side of the substrate contacts the bonding agent upon the substrate being laid over said one sheet section, and applying bonding agent to the other side of the substrate such that said other sheet section contacts that bonding agent upon being laid over the laid substrate, securing of the sheet sections to the substrate comprising bonding via the bonding agent applied to said one sheet and the bonding agent applied to said other side of the substrate. ### Claim 212 (depends on 211) A method according to claim 211, wherein the bonding agent comprises adhesive. ### Claim 213 (depends on 211, 212) A method according to claim 211 or 212, wherein the bonding agent comprises resin. ### Claim 214 (depends on 210, 211, 212, 213) A method according to any one of claims 210 to 213, wherein said one sheet section lies substantially flat while the substrate is laid thereover. ### Claim 215 (depends on 210, 211, 212, 213, 214) A method according to any one of claims 210 to 214, wherein said laid substrate lies substantially flat while said other sheet section is laid thereover. ### Claim 216 (depends on 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215) A method according to any one of claims 207 to 215, wherein said one sheet is supported on a press while the substrate is laid thereover and while said other sheet section is laid over the laid substrate, wherein securing of the opposite sides of the substrate to the sheet sections comprises operating the press to clamp each sheet section against the substrate. ### Claim 217 (depends on 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216) A method according to any one of claims 207 to 216, wherein either or each side of the substrate and/or a side of the respective sheet section which is received against that side is configured with grooves such that excess bonding agent flows into and along at least one of the grooves. ### Claim 218 (depends on 217) A method according to claim 217, wherein each groove extends to an edge of the substrate the side of which is configured therewith, such that excess bonding agent escapes from between the sheet sections. ### Claim 219 (depends on 216, 217, 218) A method according to claim 217 as appended to claim 216, or to claim 218 as appended thereto, wherein said press is a vacuum press and operation of the press includes applying a vacuum to the clamped sheet sections to draw excess bonding agent along each of ones of the grooves to the edge to which it extends.