Construction system and method for connecting rigid sheet-like panels together into doll houses, play houses, utility sheds and other structures

A panel connector system for connecting a plurality of panels together in positive, snap fit, locking engagement in desired angular relationship relative to each other for the construction of various structurally rigid structures in which the connected panels themselves provide the weight-bearing structural integrity and strength of the resulting structure, the panel connector system comprising:

• a) a first connector component associated with each of at least two peripheral edges of each of a plurality of panels to be connected together, each said first connector component defined by a longitudinally extending confronting panel edge and an associated locking groove in at least one face of the panel spaced inwardly of and extending parallel to said confronting panel edge and defining therebetween a connector tongue having a specific, predetermined surface configuration, and
• b) a second connector component configured to receive and engage at least two of said first connector components in locking, snap-fit engagement, said second connector component comprising a plurality of elongated panel connector members each having a longitudinally elongated base configured with a common, uniform cross section, at least two pairs of locking members coextensive with and extending from said base at different angles, each locking member comprising a pair of arms spaced apart and defining a space therebetween configured to correspondingly receive a connector tongue of a panel, a locking detent on at least one of said pair of arms projecting toward the other arm of said pair, the locking detent being configured to engage the corresponding locking groove in an associated panel in a snap fit connection, the pair of arms and the space defined therebetween configured to matingly correspond to the specific surface configuration of a connector tongue to be received therebetween in a rigid, full contact, locked engagement in which relative movement between the first and second connector components is prevented,
• c) whereby panels thus connected together are retained against movement relative to each other and thus form a rigid, essentially unitary member in which the joined panels provide the weight bearing structural strength and integrity of an assembled structure.