Panel connector assembly
OwnerBarry Peter McMahoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
There are provided panel assemblies (2) for forming building structures. A panel assembly (2) comprises a panel (3) and a first connector means for forming part of a connector assembly (1) for connecting the panel (3) to a body (5). Said connector assembly (1) comprises said first connector means, a second connector means, one or more securement members (30) and optionally a link member (200). The connector means are arranged such that in use they can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which a channel is defined. The channel having an opening on a facing side of the panel (3) for receiving securement members (30) which can be located to restrict relative movement of the panel (3) and body (5). Also provided are kits for forming building structures, building structures and methods of assembling structures.
Claims24
A panel assembly for forming a building structure, said panel assembly comprising a panel and a first connector means for forming part of a connector assembly for connecting the panel to a body, said connector assembly comprising said first connector means, a second connector means, one or more securement members and a link member, wherein the first and second connector means are, or can be, connected to the panel and body respectively and wherein the first connector means is arranged such that, in use, it can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which it engages the link member which in turn engages the second connector means, such that said link member defines a recessed wall of at least one channel of the panel assembly which channel is exposed to a facing side of the panel so as to receive an engagement part of one or more securement members therein;
- wherein the facing side is a side of the panel orientated to face inwardly, or outwardly of a building structure in use, and wherein each securement member is arranged such that, in use, it can be arranged in the at least one channel in a first orientation in which it does not restrict relative movement of the link member and the respective connector means it is engaged with, and a second orientation in which it restricts relative movement of the link member and the respective connector means it is engaged with.
An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel assembly comprises connector means of two or more connector assemblies.
A kit for forming a building structure, said kit comprising one or more bodies comprising building elements, including one or more panels, and one or more connector assemblies, wherein one or more connector assemblies of the kit comprises first and second connector means, one or more securement members and one or more link members, wherein the first and second connector means are or can be connected to bodies which are to be connected and can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which the first connector means engages the link member which in turn engages the second connector means, such that said link member defines a recessed wall of at least one channel which channel is exposed to a facing side of the one or more panels so as to receive an engagement part of one or more securement members therein;
- wherein the facing side is a side of the panel orientated to face inwardly, or outwardly of a building structure in use and wherein each securement member is arranged such that, is use, it can be arranged in the at least one channel in a first orientation in which it does not restrict relative movement of the link member and the respective connector means it is engaged with, and a second orientation in which it restricts relative movement of the link member and the respective connector means it is engaged with.
A method of assembling a building structure, wherein the method comprises locating a panel assembly comprising a panel and a first connector means adjacent a building element or structure comprising a second connector means and locating the connector means in a connecting configuration using a link member, such that said link member defines a recessed wall of at least one channel of the panel assembly which channel is exposed to a facing side of the panel so as to receive an engagement part of one or more securement members therein, wherein the facing side is a side of the panel orientated to face inwardly, or outwardly of a building structure in use, and locating one or more securement members such that they retain the panel in position relative to the building element or structure, wherein said securement member or members, or a part thereof, are located into the at least one exposed channel having an opening on a facing side of the panel;
- wherein the method further comprises locating one or more securement members into position from the inside and/or outside of a building structure, or partial structure, with the connector means located in a connecting configuration;
- and wherein following insertion of the engagement portion of a securement the method comprises rotating the securement member relative to the connector means to orientate the securement member such that it can not be withdrawn from the channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.