WO2010029154A2

WO2010029154A2 - Interlocking modular building system

Info

Publication number: WO2010029154A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/061816
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filip Van Ceulebroeck
Original assignee: Blox Systems N.V.
Priority date: 2008-09-12
Filing date: 2009-09-11
Publication date: 2010-03-18
Also published as: WO2010029154A3; BE1018282A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a construction system comprising a basic rectangular building panel (100) that can be joined edge-wise in a tandem array to form a modular panel. The edges of the building panel are beveled or can be beveled by the addition of end- panels (200), allowing modular panels so formed to be mitered together using dismountable hinges, yielding cuboid constructions, ideally suited for shop and exhibition displays.

Description

INTERLOCKING MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of a modular construction system comprising a basic rectangular building panel that can be joined edge-wise in a tandem array to form a modular panel. The edges of the building panel are beveled or can be beveled by the addition of end-pieces, allowing modular panels so formed to be mitered together using dismountable hinges, yielding cuboid constructions, ideally suited for the construction of exhibition displays, shop displays and furniture that is amenable to rapid assembly and disassembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular construction system especially suitable for construction of displays for shops and exhibitions, and modular furniture.

Modular construction systems are well known in the art. Typically they comprise a plurality of different panels or preformed cubic structures that can be joined using separate connectors as described for example in WO 2004/067865 and WO2004/067865. These systems, although amendable to disassembly, require a large number of components, some further require tools. The number of components is a hindrance to assembly and transportation, and the complexity can lead to the formation of unstable constructions.

The present invention aims to provide a system having a minimum of components, that provides flexibility, especially for displays and modular furniture without sacrificing strength and ease of assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is a kit for modular constructions, comprising: A) one or more body panels (100), each body panel comprising: - a rectangular panel member having two opposing side edges (1 10, 1 12), opposing top (106) and bottom (108) edges, a front surface (102) and a rear surface (104), - one or more elongate front surface horizontal retaining grooves (170, 172) that extend across the front surface (102) of the panel (100), running parallel to the top edge (106) and with each other, - one or more elongate front surface vertical retaining grooves (174) that extend across the front surface (102) of the panel (100), running parallel to the side edges (1 10, 1 12) and with each other, wherein - the top (106) and bottom (108) edges of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) that extends into each of the top (106) and bottom (108) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge, and

- each side edge (1 10, 1 12) of the body panel (100) comprises an attachment assembly (150, 160) configured for interlocking the side edge (1 10, 1 12) of an adjacent identical body panel (100'), and

B) two or more end panels (200), each end panel comprising:

- a rectangular panel member having two opposing side edges (210, 212), opposing top (206) and bottom (208) edges, a front surface (202) and a rear (204) surface,

- one or more elongate front surface horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) that extend across the front surface (202) of the panel (200), running parallel to the top edge (206) and with each other, wherein - the top (206), bottom (208) and one of the side edges (210) of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) extends into each of the top (206) and bottom (208) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge,

- the other side edge (212) of the panel comprises an attachment assembly (250, 250') configured for interlocking with the side edge (110, 112) of the body panel (100) in adjacent alignment.

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the arrangement of retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) in the body panel (100) has a 180 degree rotation symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein an aperture, optionally sealed with a breakable seal, joining the front surface (102) to the rear surface (104), is provided at the intersection of a horizontal (170, 172) and vertical (174) retaining groove in the body panel. Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the vertical retaining groove (174) extends at the top (106) and/ or bottom (108) edge of the body panel (100) into an edge indent (180, 182).

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) in the end panel (200) each extend at the sloping side edge (210) of the end panel (200) into an edge indent (280, 282).

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the surface retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) of the body panel (100) and the surface retaining grooves (270, 272) of the end panel (200) have a T-shaped profile.

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein body panel (100) and/or end panel (200) is provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch.

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the body panel (100) and/or end panel (200) is provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a supporting static or wheeled foot.

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein one side-edge (1 10) of the body-panel (100) is provided with a first attachment assembly (150) and the other side-edge (112) is provided with a second attachment (160) assembly, the assemblies (150, 160) having 180 deg rotational symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, wherein the non-sloping side-edge (212) of the end-panel (200) is provided with an attachment assembly (260) adapted to engage with the first (150) or second (160) attachment assembly on the side- edge (1 10, 1 12) of a body-panel (100).

Another embodiment of the invention is a kit as defined above, configured such that

- one or more body-panels (100) is adapted for interlocking with flanking end-panels (200) to form a rectangular modular panel (300), - the horizontal retaining grooves (170, 172, 270, 272) of the body (100) and end (200) panels align to form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel (300), and

- the edge retaining grooves (450) of the body (100) and end (200) panels align to form a continuous single edge retaining groove across the modular panel (300).

Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) for modular constructions comprising:

- a rectangular panel member having two opposing side edges (1 10, 1 12), opposing top (106) and bottom (108) edges, a front surface (102) and a rear surface (104),

- one or more elongate front surface horizontal retaining grooves (170, 172) that extend across the front surface (102) of the panel (100), running parallel to the top edge (106) and with each other,

- one or more elongate front surface vertical retaining grooves (174) that extend across the front surface (102) of the panel (100), running parallel to the side edges (1 10, 1 12) and with each other, wherein

- the top (106) and bottom (108) edges of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) that extends into each of the top (106) and bottom (108) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge, and

- each side edge (1 10, 1 12) of the body panel (100) comprises an attachment assembly (150, 160) configured for interlocking the side edge (1 10, 1 12) of an adjacent identical body panel (100').

Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) as defined above, wherein the arrangement of retaining grooves has a 180 degree rotation symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) as defined above, wherein an aperture, optionally sealed with a breakable seal, joining the front surface (102) to the rear surface (104), is provided at the intersection of a horizontal (170, 172) and vertical (174) retaining groove,

Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) as defined above, wherein the surface retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) have a T-shaped profile. Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) as defined above, wherein the vertical retaining groove (174) extends at the top (106) and/ or bottom (108) edge of the body panel into an edge indent (180, 182).

Another embodiment of the invention is a body panel (100) as defined above, provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch.

Another embodiment of the invention is an end panel (200) for modular constructions comprising:

- one or more elongate front surface horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) that extend across the front surface (202) of the panel (200), running parallel to the top edge (206) and with each other, wherein

- the top (206), bottom (208) and one of the side edges (210) of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) extends into each of the top (206) and bottom (208) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge,

- the other side edge (212) of the panel comprises an attachment assembly (250, 250') configured for interlocking with the side edge (110, 112) of an adjacent body panel (100) as defined in any of claims 12 to 17.

Another embodiment of the invention is an end panel (200) as defined above, wherein the surface retaining grooves (270, 272) have a T-shaped profile.

Another embodiment of the invention is an end panel (200) as defined above, wherein the horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) each extend at the sloping side edge (210) of the end panel (200) into an edge indent (280, 282).

Another embodiment of the invention is an end panel (200) as defined above, provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a supporting static or wheeled foot.

Another embodiment of the invention is an end panel (200) as defined above, provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch. LEGENDS TO THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a body panel of the invention.

FIG. 1 A shows a cross-section through a body panel depicted in FIG. 1 through plane A. FIG. 1 B shows a cross-section through a body panel depicted in FIG. 1 through plane B.

FIG. 2 depicts two identical body panels in alignment for interlocking.

FIG. 3 depicts a modular panel formed from two body panels of FIG. 2 interlocked.

FIGs. 4 and 5 depict two identical body panels in alignment for interlocking, with an embodiment of an attachment assembly of each panel depicted. FIG. 6 illustrates the 180 degree rotational symmetry of the body panel; rotation 180 about the C-C axis results in a panel of identical appearance.

FIG. 7 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of an end panel of the invention.

FIG. 7A shows a cross-section through a body panel depicted in FIG. 7 through plane A.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-section through a body panel depicted in FIG. 7 through plane B. FIG. 8 depicts a body panel and an end panel in alignment for interlocking.

FIG. 9 depicts a modular panel formed from the body panel and end panel of FIG 9 interlocked.

FIG. 10 depicts a body panel and two identical end panels in alignment for interlocking, with an embodiment of an attachment assembly of each panel depicted. FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a body panel of the invention, disposed with retaining grooves, apertures and an attachment assembly formed from slots and tabs.

FIG. 12 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of an end panel of the invention, disposed with retaining grooves, apertures and an attachment assembly formed from slots and tabs.

FIG. 13 depicts a body panel of FIG. 11 and two identical end panels of FIG. 12 in alignment for interlocking.

FIG. 14 depicts a modular panel formed from the body panel and end panels of FIG. 13 interlocked. FIG. 15 depicts two body panels of FIG. 11 and two identical end panels of FIG. 12 in alignment for interlocking.

FIG. 16 depicts a modular panel formed from the body panels and end panels of FIG. 14 interlocked.

FIG. 17. depicts a modular panel formed from the body panels and end panels, which modular panel is provided with hinges along each of the four edges.

FIG. 18. depicts two modular panels interconnected to form a hinged modular assembly. FIG. 19A shows a top view of a hinge used to join two modular panels.

FIG. 19B shows a side view of a hinge used to join two modular panels.

FIG. 20 is a three-dimensional view of a hinge used to join two modular panels.

FIG. 21 depicts an array of three modular panels forming a linear modular assembly. FIG 22, depicts five modular panels interconnected forming a cross-shaped modular assembly.

FIG. 23, shows the modular assembly of FIG. 22 is folded into a cube, with an additional modular panel 326 functioning as a hinged lid.

FIG. 24 shows two cuboid modular assemblies in rigid connection. FIG. 25 depicts a sliding connector for connecting the front surfaces of two panels in mutual overlapping alignment by tethering together a surface retaining grooves of each panel.

FIG. 26 is a transverse cross section of a sliding connector in situ between two overlapping panels. FIG. 27 is a three dimensional view of an embodiment of a sliding connector.

FIG. 28 shows two cuboid modular assemblies joined by a plurality sliding connectors that are protruding for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art. All publications referenced herein are incorporated by reference thereto.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1 , 2, 3, 4 when referring to a number of articles, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0)

The present invention relates to a construction system comprising a basic rectangular building panel that can be joined edge-wise in a tandem array to form a modular panel. The edges of the building panel are beveled or can be beveled by the addition of end- panels, allowing modular panels so formed to be mitered together using dismountable hinges, yielding cuboid constructions, ideally suited for shop and exhibition displays. Constructions formed from the panel can be quickly assembled and disassembled for ease of storage and transport. Each basic (body) panel is provided with a crisscross arrangement of retaining grooves on the front surface adapted to slidably receive a hook, bracket, slidable connector or other supporting member. An intersection between two crossing retaining grooves may be provided with an aperture that passes through the panel, which provides a side-entry point into the retaining grooves and also acts as a port for the passage of electrical cables from the rear to the front of the panel, for example, to power a spotlight supported by a retaining groove. The basic panel preferably has a 180 deg rotational symmetry insofar certain features are concerned, such as the crisscross arrangement of retaining grooves. Where symmetry is present, the crisscross arrangement of retaining grooves has an identical appearance when the top of the front surface is rotated around to the bottom. This allows use of the basic panel in either normal or inverted orientation. Such rotational symmetry may, though not necessarily, also be applicable to the other features of the panel, for example, to the attachment mechanism at the edges of the panel as described later below.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the basic component of the present invention is a one-piece rectangular (oblong or square )-shaped plastic construction panel, known as a body panel 100, having a front surface 102, a rear surface 104, a top edge 106, a bottom edge 108, and two opposing side edges 110, 112. The body panel 100 is the principle building block for the system, and can be interlocked at one or both side-edges 110, 112 with another identical panel 100' (FIG. 2) in a side-by-side arrangement, to form a larger planar modular panel 300 (FIG. 3).

Each side edge 110, 112 of the body panel 100 comprises an attachment assembly 150, 160 configured for interlocking the side edge 110, 112 of an adjacent identical body panel 100'. One side-edge 110, 112 of the body-panel 100 is provided with a first attachment assembly 150 adapted to engage with a reciprocating second attachment 160' assembly on the side-edge of another body panel 100' (FIG. 2). The first attachment 150 assembly may be present on one side-edge 110 of a body-panel 100 and the reciprocating second attachment assembly 160 provided on the other side-edge 112 of the same body-panel 160 (FIG. 1 ), so that identical body-panels can interlocked along one or both side-edges as mentioned above, without the requirement for interlinking elements. Typically the first 150, 150' and second 160, 160' attachment assemblies comprises a plurality of projecting tabs 152, 152', 162, 162' and receiving slots 154, 164' arranged along the length of the side-edge (FIG. 4). As shown in detail in FIG. 11 each tab 152 may be provided with a lug 153 that locates in a receiving slit 165 in the surface of an adjacent body or end (see below) panel; the engagement of the lug 153 with the reciprocating slit 165 provides a disengagable locking mechanism.

Preferably, the body-panel has a 180 deg rotational symmetry around its central surface axis C-C (FIG. 6) insofar certain features are concerned, such as the attachment assembly. In such case, the first attachment assembly 150 disposed on one side-edge of a body-panel has an identical appearance to the second attachment 160 assembly disposed on other side-edge of the same body-panel 100, when the panel is rotated 180 deg around its central surface axis. The rotational symmetry enables adjacent interlocked body-panels 100, 100' to be orientated in the modular panel so that their top-edges 106, 106' are adjacent (e.g. FIG. 3), or the top-edge 106 of one body-panel is adjacent to the bottom-edge 108' of another body-panel. Body-panels may be interlocked, whether in an upright (top-edge skyfacing) or inverted (bottom-edge skyfacing) orientation and without requirement for an interlinking element.

The top 106 and bottom edges 108 of each body-panel 100 have a flat sloping surface. Each is beveled, preferably at a 45 degree angle in cross-section. The sloping surfaces at the top and bottom edges allow adjacent touching panels to be configured at right angles relative to each other to form a hollow rectangle. The touching beveled surfaces of two adjoining panels form a miter joint in cross section. The slope is towards the rear surface 104 of the body-panel 100 (FIG. 1A).

The body panel 100 may be of any suitable dimension, depending on the size of the modular construction and eventual application. As a general guidance, the length (LBS, FIG. 1A) of a body panel 100, from top edge 106 to bottom edge 108 across the front surface 102, may be between 35 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 45 cm. The length (LBR, FIG. 1A) of a body panel 100, from top edge 106 to bottom edge 108 across the rear surface 104 may be between 30 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 45 cm, preferably between 35 cm and 40 cm. The width (WB, FIG. 1 B) of a body panel 100, from side edge 110 to opposing side edge 112 across the front 102 or rear 104 surface is the same, and may be between 9 cm and 14 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 12 cm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the width (WB) and length (LBS) of a body panel 100 are related to the number of vertical retaining grooves 174 as explained elsewhere herein. The thickness (TB, FIG. 1A) of a body panel, i.e. the distance between the front 102 and rear 104 surfaces may be between 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 3 cm. The body panel 100 may be provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a foot on which a construction can stand. The foot can be wheeled. The coupling is preferably provided through an opening in the front surface 102. When the body panel 100 is incorporated, for instance into a box, the foot couplings can be utilised to provide the box with wheels or gliders to facilitate ease of transport.

The body panel 100 may be provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch. The door catch can be any, for example, magnetic for vertical opening doors, or having a retractable piston operation for horizontal opening doors. The door-catch coupling is preferably provided through an opening in the top 106 or bottom 108 edge. When the body panel 100 is incorporated, for instance into a box with a hinged lid (FIG. 23), the door-catch couplings can be utilised to provide the lid with a suitable door-catch.

The body panel 100 may be provided with one or more internal passageways extending across the width of the panel 100, and terminating at one side edge 150 in a first port, and at the other side edge 160 in a second port. The passageway preferably is aligned parallel with the top edge 106 of the body panel 100. When a plurality of panels are tandemly arranged and interlocked, the passageway extends continuously across the modular panel 300 so formed. The passageway is configured to receive a stiffening rod, that can be used to further strength the construction of a modular panel. Preferably the arrangement of passageways has a 180 deg rotational symmetry around the central surface axis C-C (FIG. 6) of the body panel. The rotational symmetry enables adjacent interlocked body- panels 100, 100' to be orientated in the modular panel 300 so that their top-edges 106, 106' are adjacent (e.g. FIG. 3), or the top-edge 106 of one body-panel is adjacent to the bottom-edge 108' of another body-panel, without affecting the alignment of the passageway between adjacent panels and hence the continuity of the passageway.

The body panel 100 may be formed from any suitable material that is preferably lightweight for ease of assembly and transport, with good compression and tensile strength for stabilising the constructions so formed. Examples of suitable materials include polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon 6, ethylene-vinyl acetate, aluminum alloys, zinc, magnesium, copper, lead, and tin. The body panel 100 may be solid or disposed with one or more voids to reduce weight. The body panel 100 may be formed using any suitable construction technique including molding and high Speed Milling , die casting, rapid prototyping techniques such as stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, laser sintering, polyjet printing etc.

With reference to FIG. 7, a second basic component of the present invention is a one- piece rectangular (oblong or square )-shaped plastic construction panel, known as an end- panel 200, having a front-surface 202, a rear-surface 204, a top-edge 206, a bottom-edge 208, and two opposing side-edges 210, 212. The top- 206 and bottom-edges 208 and one side-edge 210 of the end-panel each have a flat sloping surface. Each is preferably beveled at a 45 degree angle in cross section. The slope is towards the rear surface of the body-panel.

The other (non-sloping) side-edge 212 of the end-panel 200 is provided with an attachment assembly 260 adapted to engage with the first 150 or second 160 attachment assemblies on the side-edge 110, 112 of a body-panel 100 as shown in FIG. 8. With reference to FIG. 10, typically the attachment assembly 250, 250' comprises a plurality of projecting tabs 252, 252' and receiving slots 254, 254' arranged along the length of the side-edge (FIG. 10). As shown in detail in FIG. 12 each tab 252 may be provided with a lug 253 that locates in a receiving slit 265 in the surface of an adjacent body panel; the engagement of the lug 253 with the reciprocating slit 265 provides a disengagable locking mechanism.

As such, the attachment assembly 250, 250' of the end-panel 200 may be identical to the first attachment assembly 150 or the second attachment 160 assembly of the body-panel 100. In the case where the body-panel 100 has a 180 deg rotational symmetry around its central surface axis (C-C) insofar as the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assemblies are concerned, the attachment assembly 250, 250' of the end- panel 200 can adopt the shape of the either the second attachment assembly or the first attachment respectively, by 180 deg rotation of the end-panel around its central surface axis (D-D¹). By virtue of the symmetry of the attachment assemblies of the body-panel 100, the same end-panel 200 can be attached to either side-edge of the body-panel by inversion of the end panel. By inverting the end-panel, the attachment assembly can change configuration from the first to the second attachment assembly and vice-versa; accordingly two end panels 200, 200' are interconnectable along their non-sloping edges 212, without an intervening body panel 100. According to one aspect of the invention, the attachment assembly 250 of the end-panel 200 is identical to the first attachment assembly 150 of the body-panel 100. According to another aspect of the invention, the attachment assembly 250' of the end-panel 200' is identical to the second attachment 160 assembly of the body-panel 100. In either configuration, the same end panel 200, 200' is suitable for attachment to either side edge of the body panel 100 as depicted, for example, in FIG 10.

The end-panel 100 may be of any suitable dimension, depending on the size of the modular construction and eventual application. The length (LES) of an end panel 200, from top edge 206 to bottom edge 208 across the front surface 202, should be identical to that of the body panel 100; it will be understood to be between 35 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 45 cm. The length (LER) of an end-panel 200, from top edge 206 to bottom edge 208 across the rear surface 204 should be identical to that of the body panel 100; it will be understood to be between 35 cm and 60 cm, preferably between 30 cm and 45 cm, preferably between 35 cm and 40 cm.

The width (WES, FIG. 7A) of an end-panel 200 across the front surface 202, from side edge 210 to opposing side edge 212 may be between 4 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm. According to one embodiment of the invention, the width (WES, FIG. 7A) of an end panel 200 across the front surface 202 is 0.5, 1.5 or 3.5 times the width (LES, FIG. 1A) of a body panel 100 across the front surface 102.

The width (WER, FIG. 7B) of an end-panel 200 across the rear surface 204, from side edge 210 to opposing side edge 212 may be between 1.5 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm. The thickness (TE, FIG. 7A) of an end-panel 200, i.e. the distance between the front 202 and rear 204 surfaces should be identical to that of the body panel 100; it will be understood to be between 1.5 cm and 3.5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 3 cm.

The end panel 200 may be provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a foot on which a construction can stand. The foot can be wheeled. The coupling is preferably provided through an opening in the front surface 202. When the end panel 200 is incorporated, for instance into a box, the foot couplings can be utilised to provide the box with wheels or gliders to facilitate ease of transport.

The end panel 200 may be provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch. The door catch can be any, for example, magnetic for vertical opening doors, or having a retractable piston operation for horizontal opening doors. The door- catch coupling is preferably provided through an opening in the sloped side edge 210. When the end panel 200 is incorporated, for instance into a box with a hinged lid (FIG. 23), the door-catch couplings can be utilised to provide the lid with a suitable door-catch.

The end panel 200 may be provided with one or more internal passageways extending across the width of the panel 200, and terminating at the sloped side edge 210 in a first port, and at the other side edge 260 in a second port. The passageway preferably is aligned parallel with the top edge 206 of the end panel 200. When end panel flank a plurality of body panels tandemly arranged and interlocked, the passageway extends continuously across the modular panel 300 so formed. The passageway is configured to receive a stiffening rod, that can be used to further strength the construction of a modular panel.

The end-panel 200 may be formed from the same material as the body-panel 100; it is understood to be any suitable material that is preferably lightweight for ease of assembly and transport, with good compression and tensile strength for stabilising the constructions so formed. Examples of suitable materials include polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon 6, ethylene-vinyl acetate, aluminium alloys, zinc, magnesium, copper, lead, and tin. The end-panel 200 may be solid or disposed with one or more voids to reduce weight. It may be formed using any suitable construction technique including molding and high speed milling, die casting, rapid prototyping techniques such as stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, laser sintering, polyjet printing etc.

One or more interlocking body-panel 100 flanked by two end-panels 200 form a rectangular modular panel 300. The four edges of the rectangular modular panel 300 so formed have sloping surfaces allowing adjacent touching panels to be arranged at right angles relative to each other to form a hollow cube or cuboid, as exemplified in FIGs. 21 and 22. The touching beveled surfaces of two adjoining panels form a miter joint in cross section.

The horizontal retaining grooves of the body 100 and end 200 panels form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 300, interrupted by the apertures 176, 178 where present. Similarly, the edge retaining grooves of the body 100 and end 200 panels form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 300. The front surface of the modular panel 300 is flat and may be overlaid with a coloured and/or printed substrate such as for display purposes. The substrate may be attached preferably using a dismountable system such as a magnetic strip, magnetic substrate, Velcro fastener, press-stud, etc that allow the substrate to be removed for easy transport and storage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front surface of the modular panel is provided with a plurality of thin metallic plates to which a magnetized substrate can dismountable adhere.

The front surface 102 of the body panel 100 is provided with a cross-cross arrangement of retaining grooves (surface retaining grooves) as shown for instance in FIG. 11. The profile of a surface retaining groove is adapted to slidably receive and retain a hook, bracket, connector or other supporting member, such as for supporting a shelf, light fitting, or other display paraphernalia. Examples of suitable transverse groove profiles include T- and L- shaped; FIG. 26 depicts a T-shaped profile of a groove 171. The base stem of the T is perpendicular to the surface 102 of the panel. The depth of the surface retaining groove will depend on the thickness of the body-panel, however, as a general guidance; it will be equal to or more than 40 %, 50 %, 60%, 70 % or 80 %, preferably between 40% and 50% of the thickness of the body-panel 100. A retaining groove may be provided with one or more (e.g. 2) longitudinal ridges 173, 175 (FIG. 26) that flank the entrance to the groove 171. Such longitudinal ridges 173, 175 are normally formed as part of the molding process in construction of the panel.

The ridge retains the supporting member, preventing its withdrawal by the application of transverse force (e.g. parallel to the C-C axis of FIG. 6). The thickness of a ridge will depend on a number of factors including the intended mechanical forces applied, however, as a general guidance, it will be equal to or more than 10 %, 15 %, 20%, 25 % or 30 %, preferably between 10 % and 20% of the thickness of the body- 100 panel. The rear surface 104 is devoid of grooves, or trace of the groove formed in the front surface 102.

The criss-cross arrangement comprises at least one horizontal retaining groove 170, 172 that extends across the front surface of the body panel, running parallel to the top edge 106 and to each other when there is more than one such horizontal groove. It further comprises at least one elongate vertical retaining groove 174 that extends across the front surface of the panel 100, running parallel to the side edges 110, 112 and to each other when there is more than one such vertical groove. The number and spacing of the surface retaining grooves 170, 172, 174 will depend on a number of factors including the eventual use of the construction, e.g. for shop display purposes might require a plurality surface retaining grooves for maximum flexibility of placement of shelving brackets. As a general guidance, there is an even or odd number of horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172, preferably an odd number, distributed evenly across the front surface 102.

The distance between adjacent horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172 is equal, and is equal to the distance between the top most 106 horizontal retaining groove 170, 172 and the bottom-most horizontal retaining groove 170, 172. The number of horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172 may be 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, preferably between 3, 4 or 5.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the length (LBS) and width (WB) of a body panel 100 may be related to the number of horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172 as mentioned elsewhere herein. For example, when there are three horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172, the width (WB) of the body panel 100 may be 0.25 times the length (LBS) of the body panel 100 measured across the front surface i.e. WB = 0.25LBS. When there are four horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172, the width (WB) of the body panel 100 may be 0.2 times the length (LB) of the body panel 100 measured across the front surface i.e. WB = 0.2LBS. When there are five horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172, the width (WB) of the body panel 100 may be 0.1667 times the length (LB) of the body panel 100 measured across the front surface i.e. WB = 0.1667LBS. It is noted that, in the formation of a modular panel 300, formed from body panels 100 having one vertical groove 174, whose dimensions are governed by one of the above formulas, the number horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172 present in each body panels 100 will determine the number of body panels 100 required to form a square modular panel 300.

As a general guidance, there is an even or odd number of vertical retaining grooves 174 distributed evenly across the front surface 102. The number of vertical retaining grooves 174 may be 1 , 2, or 3, preferably 1.

The distance between adjacent vertical retaining grooves 174 is equal, and is equal to the distance between from each side-edge 110, 112 of the side-edge-most grooves. Where there is one vertical retaining grooves 174 distributed evenly across the front surface 102 it is centrally located. An intersection between the horizontal and vertical surface retaining grooves may be provided with an aperture 176, 178 that passes through the panel 100, which provides a side-entry point into the surface retaining grooves 170, 172, 174 and also acts as a port for the passage of electrical cables from the rear to the front of the panel, for example, to power a spotlight supported by a surface retaining groove. The aperture 176, 178 may optionally be sealed over with a breakable seal, preferably over the rear surface 104. The aperture is preferably circular. The size of the aperture 176, 178 will depend upon the dimension of supporting members slidably introduced into the surface retaining grooves 170, 172, 174, and on the requirements for access to the rear of the panel, however, as a general guidance, it will be circular, and have a diameter of between 2 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm, most preferably between 4 cm and 5cm.

Each horizontal retaining groove 170, 172 extends to the edge 110, 112 of the body panel 100. When two or more body panels 100 are interlocked, as shown, for example, in FIGs. 15 and 16, the horizontal retaining grooves form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 300, 304 so formed, interrupted by the apertures 176, 178 where present.

Each vertical retaining groove 174 extends to the beveled top 106 and bottom 108 edges of the body panel 100 as shown in FIG 11. Preferably, the vertical retaining groove 174 extends at the top 106 and/ or bottom 108 edge of the body panel into an edge indent 180, 182. The edge indent is preferably semi-circular. It aligns with an edge indent present in an adjacent panel connected by a hinge as depicted, for instance, in FIG. 21. Said figure depicts a circular aperture formed by adjacent semi-circular edge indent 282, 284 present in modular panels 213, 314 connected by hinges 400.

As mentioned elsewhere, the body-panel may have a 180 deg rotational symmetry around its central surface axis C-C (FIG. 6) insofar as the arrangement of horizontal 170, 172 and vertical 174 retaining grooves is concerned. The horizontal and vertical grooves may be arranged to have an identical appearance when the panel is rotated 180 deg around its central surface axis. The rotational symmetry enables adjacent interlocked body-panels 100, 100' to be orientated in the modular panel so that their top-edges 106, 106' are adjacent (e.g. FIG. 3), or the top-edge 106 of one body-panel is adjacent to the bottom- edge 108' of another body-panel, without affecting continuity of horizontal grooves 170, 172 across the modular panel so-formed. Symmetrical grooves are provided, for instance, by spacing pairs of grooves equidistant from the top 106 or bottom edge 108, or equidistant from either side edge 110, 112, or employing a single groove equidistant from two opposing edges.

The arrangement of criss-crossing retaining grooves divides the surface into matrix of sub- regions 190, 192. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each sub-region 190, 192 is provided with a thin metallic plates to which a magnetized substrate can dismountably adhere. The entire surface of a modular panel 300 may be temporarily covered with a magnetic sheet printed with information, useful, for example, for a shop or exhibition display. After display, the sheet can be removed and stored as separate segments or as a roll.

The front surface 202 of the end panel 200 is also provided with an arrangement of retaining grooves (surface retaining grooves) as shown for instance in FIG. 12. The profile of a surface retaining groove is identical to that of the interlocking body panel 100. It will be understood that the surface retaining groove of an end panel 200 is adapted to slidably receive and retain a hook, bracket or other supporting member, such for supporting a shelf, light fitting, or other display paraphernalia. Examples of suitable groove profiles include T- and L-shaped.

The depth of the surface retaining groove of the end-panel is the same as that of the interconnecting body panel 100. It will be understood to be equal to or more than 40 %, 50 %, 60%, 70 % or 80 %, preferably between 40% and 50% of the thickness of the end- panel 200. The thickness of the ridge in the retaining groove will also be the same as that of the interconnecting body panel 100. It will be understood to be equal to or more than 10 %, 15 %, 20%, 25 % or 30 %, preferably between 10 % and 20% of the thickness of the end-panel 200. The rear surface 104 is devoid of grooves, or trace of the groove formed in the front surface 102.

The end-panel 200 comprises at least one horizontal retaining groove 270, 272 that extends across the front surface of the end panel, running parallel to the top edge 206 and to each other when there is more than one such groove. There may be no vertical retaining grooves in the end panels 200, though this is not excluded.

The number and spacing of the horizontal surface retaining grooves 270, 272 in the end panel 200 is identical to that of the interlocking body panel 100. It will be understood that there is an even or odd number of horizontal retaining grooves 270, 272, preferably odd, distributed evenly across the front surface 202 of the end panel 200. The distance between adjacent horizontal retaining grooves 270, 272 is equal, and is equal to the distance between the top most 206 horizontal retaining groove 270, 272 and the bottom- most horizontal retaining groove 270, 272. The number of horizontal retaining grooves 270, 272 may be 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, preferably 3, 4 or 5.

Each horizontal retaining groove 270, 272 extends to the edge 210, 212 of the end panel 200. When an end panel 200 is interlocked with a body panel, as shown, for example, in FIG. 15 and 16, the horizontal retaining grooves align to form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 304 so formed, interrupted by the apertures of the body panel 100 where present.

Each horizontal retaining groove 270, 272 extends to the sloping side edge 210 of the end panel 200. Preferably, the horizontal retaining groove 270, 272 extends at the sloping side edge 210 of the end panel 200 into an edge indent 280, 282. The edge indent is preferably semi-circular. It is positioned to align with an edge indent present an adjacent panel connected by a hinge as depicted, for instance, in FIG. 21. The size of the edge indent 270, 272 will depend upon the dimension of supporting members slidably introduced into the surface retaining grooves and on the requirements for access to the rear of the panel, however, as a general guidance, it will be semi-circular, and have a diameter the same as that of the body panel aperture 176, 278 e.g. between 2 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 6 cm, most preferably between 4 cm and 5cm.

The sloping top 106 and bottom 108 edges of the body panel 100 are each provided with a retaining groove (edge retaining groove). The sloping side-edges 206, 208, 210 of an end panel 200 is also provided with an edge retaining groove 450. Examples of edge retaining grooves 450 are depicted in FIG. 18. The profile of an edge retaining groove 450 is adapted to slidably receive and retain one half (wing) of a hinge or other connecting member. The edge retaining groove 450 extends across each of the sloping edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the edge.

The edge retaining groove 450, particularly of the body panel, may be disposed with a plurality of gaps that allow the slidable introduction of the hinge, midpanel, without the requirement to introduce it from the end of a body panel 100. The edge retaining groove 450 of a body panel 100 extends to the side-edge 110, 112 of the body panel 100. When a body panel 100 is interlocked with an end panel 200, as shown, for example, in FIG. 18, the edge retaining groove 452, 454, 456 forms a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 306, 308 so formed. The edge retaining groove 450 of an end panel 200 may terminate at the sloping side edge 210, or at the top 206 and bottom 208 edges 112 of the end panel 200 with a stop block 460, 462, 464 that prevents the movement of the slidable hinge past the end of the modular panel 306, 308.

The body-panel may have a 180 deg rotational symmetry around its central surface axis C-C (FIG. 6) insofar as the arrangement of certain features is concerned. The horizontal and vertical grooves may be arranged to have an identical appearance when the panel is rotated 180 deg around its central surface axis. The rotational symmetry enables adjacent interlocked body-panels 100, 100' to be orientated in the modular panel so that their top- edges 106, 106' are adjacent (e.g. FIG. 3), or the top-edge 106 of one body-panel is adjacent to the bottom-edge 108' of another body-panel, without affecting continuity of horizontal grooves 170, 172 across the modular panel so-formed. Symmetrical grooves are provided, for instance, by spacing pairs of grooves equidistant from the top 106 or bottom edge 108, or equidistant from either side edge 110, 112, or employing a single groove equidistant from two opposing edges.

As mentioned earlier, the sloping surfaces at the top 106 and bottom 108 edges of the body panel 100, and at the top 206, bottom 208 and side 210 edges of an end panel 200 allow adjacent touching panels to be arranged at right angles relative to each other. The sloping surfaces are joined by way of one or more hinges engaged in the edge retaining groove 450 between adjacent panels.

FIGs. 17 and 18 depict a particular embodiment 306 of a modular panel 300 comprising an array of body panels 100, 100' 100", flanked either side by an end panel 200, 200'. The modular panel so formed 306 is rectangular, having four sloping side edges, each provided with an edge retaining groove 450. It is noted that the body panels 100, 100' 100" each have 1 vertical retaining groove 174, and the end panels 200, 200' each have no vertical retaining grooves.

In FIG . 17 the edge retaining groove 450 of each sloping side edge slidably engages one half (wing) of a hinge 400, 400', 400", the other half (wing) of the hinge available for engaging with the edge retaining groove of another modular panel. In FIG. 18 the edge of the modular panel 306 is joined to the edge of another modular panel 308 using the hinge wings; the hinge joint allows the modular panels 306, 308 to fold inwards up to 90 degs.

The hinge 400, 400', 400" (FIG. 19, 20) of the invention comprises two wing portions 400, 402 connected to a central revolute joint 406 that limits rotation of the wings. An elongate engaging protrusion 408, 410 on the front surface 412, 414 of each wing 400, 402 is configured for slidable engagement with the edge retaining groove 450. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging protrusion 408, 410 has a polygonal profile that widens centrally so holding the hinge within the edge retaining groove 450. The elongate engaging protrusion 408, 410 is preferably parallel with the axis of rotation of the joint 406. The rear surface 416, 418 of each wing 400, 402 is flat which enable the wings to fold flat against each other in situ, for example, when supporting two adjacent modular panels 300 at 45 deg. Optionally, the rear flat surface 416 of one wing 400 is provided with a projecting fin 420 and the rear flat surface 418 of the other wing 402 provided with a reciprocating slot 422 configured such that the fin 420 engages with the slot 422 when the wings 400, 402 are folded flat against each other. The fin 420 and slot 422 are preferably aligned parallel with the axis of rotation of the joint 406. When engaged in situ, fin 420 and slot 422 absorb the shear-forces applied to the hinge, thereby reducing strain on the joint 406. Preferably the rear flat surface 416 of one wing 400 is provided with a projecting fin 420 and a slot 422 co-axial alignment, and the rear flat surface 418 of the other wing 402 is similarly disposed.

As explained elsewhere, modular panels 350 of the invention may be interconnected along one or more of their sloping edges 106, 108, 210 by way of hinges to form a modular assembly 350 that can be a two- or three-dimensional structure. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, two modular panels 306 and 308 are interconnected in modular assembly 352 that is an oblong. FIG. 21 depicts an array of three modular panels 312, 314 and 316, the central modular panel 314 being joined to a pair of flanking modular panels 312, 316 by a line of hinges 400 to form a linear modular assembly 354. In the embodiment depicted in FIG 22, five modular panels 318, 320, 322 and 324 are interconnected in the modular assembly 356 to construct a cross formation. In FIG. 23, the modular assembly 356 of FIG. 22 is folded into a cube, in which one modular panel 326 has been added and configured as a hinged lid to form a box-like modular assembly 358. The embodiment shown in FIG. 24 comprises three cuboid modular assemblies 362, 364, 366 each formed from modular panels (e.g. 332, 334, 336, 338, 340) wherein the two modular assemblies 360, 362 are in rigid connection with eachother. The modular assemblies 360, 362 may be dismountably joined using a sliding connector 500 configured to connect the front surfaces 102 of two panels in mutual overlapping alignment by tethering a surface retaining groove of each panel together. FIG. 28 depicts two modular assemblies 358 and 360 connected at the interface of the assemblies with a plurality of sliding connectors 500. The sliding connector 500 as depicted in FIG. 25 has an elongate body having an insertion end 502 and a withdrawal end 504. The elongate body of the connector has a serif-font T-shaped transverse profile. The insertion end 502 is preferably rounded as shown in FIG. 27 for ease of insertion. The connector may be provided with a ring pull 506 at the withdrawal end 504 to assist removal. A stop notch 508 may be provided towards the withdrawal end 504 configured to prevent full insertion of the connector 500 that might otherwise prevent withdrawal using the ring pull 506. A surface retaining groove 170, 172, 174, 270, 272 slidably engages with upper or lower end of the T-shaped transverse profile. When two T-shaped profile surface retaining grooves 171 , 177 are in mutually opposing alignment they adopt a reciprocating T-shaped profile into which the sliding connector 500 can retainably slide (FIG. 26).

One embodiment of the invention is a kit comprising one or more body panels 100 and two or more end panels 200.

One side-edge 110 of the body-panel 100 is preferably provided with a first attachment assembly 150 and the other side-edge 112 is preferably provided with a second attachment 160 assembly, the assemblies 150, 160 having 180 deg rotational symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

The non-sloping side-edge 212 of the end-panel 200 is preferably provided with an attachment assembly 260 adapted to engage with the first 150 or second 160 attachment assembly on the side-edge 110, 112 of a body-panel 100.

The kit is configured such that one or more interlocking body-panels 100 can interconnect with flanking end-panels 200 to form a rectangular modular panel 300, - the horizontal retaining grooves 170, 172, 270, 272 of the body 100 and end 200 panels aligning to form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel 300, and - the edge retaining grooves 450 of the body 100 and end 200 panels aligning to form a continuous single edge retaining groove across the modular panel 300.

The kit may also include one or more the following items:

- at least one slidable connector 500,

- at least one hinge 400,

- at least one wheeled or static foot for coupling with the foot coupling,

- at least one door catch for coupling with the door-catch coupling.

Claims

1. Kit for modular constructions, comprising:

A) one or more body panels (100), each body panel comprising:

- the top (106) and bottom (108) edges of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) that extends into each of the top (106) and bottom (108) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge, and - each side edge (1 10, 1 12) of the body panel (100) comprises an attachment assembly (150, 160) configured for interlocking the side edge (1 10, 1 12) of an adjacent identical body panel (100'),

and

B) two or more end panels (200), each end panel comprising:

- the top (206), bottom (208) and one of the side edges (210) of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) extends into each of the top (206) and bottom (208) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge, - the other side edge (212) of the panel comprises an attachment assembly (250, 250') configured for interlocking with the side edge (110, 112) of the body panel (100) in adjacent alignment.

2. Kit according to claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) in the body panel (100) has a 180 degree rotation symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

3. Kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an aperture, optionally sealed with a breakable seal, joining the front surface (102) to the rear surface (104), is provided at the intersection of a horizontal (170, 172) and vertical (174) retaining groove in the body panel.

4. Kit according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vertical retaining groove (174) extends at the top (106) and/ or bottom (108) edge of the body panel (100) into an edge indent (180, 182).

5. Kit according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) in the end panel (200) each extend at the sloping side edge (210) of the end panel (200) into an edge indent (280, 282).

6. Kit according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the surface retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) of the body panel (100) and the surface retaining grooves (270, 272) of the end panel (200) have a T-shaped profile.

7. Kit according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein body panel (100) and/or end panel (200) is provided with one or more door-catch couplings for attachment to a door catch.

8. Kit according to claim to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the body panel (100) and/or end panel (200) is provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a supporting static or wheeled foot.

9. Kit according to claim to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein one side-edge (1 10) of the body- panel (100) is provided with a first attachment assembly (150) and the other side-edge

(1 12) is provided with a second attachment (160) assembly, the assemblies (150, 160) having 180 deg rotational symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

10. Kit according to claim 9, wherein the non-sloping side-edge (212) of the end-panel (200) is provided with an attachment assembly (260) adapted to engage with the first

(150) or second (160) attachment assembly on the side-edge (1 10, 112) of a body-panel (100).

1 1. Kit according to claims 1 to 10 configured such that

- one or more body-panels (100) is adapted for interlocking with flanking end-panels (200) to form a rectangular modular panel (300),

- the horizontal retaining grooves (170, 172, 270, 272) of the body (100) and end (200) panels align to form a continuous single retaining groove across the modular panel (300), and

12. A body panel (100) for modular constructions comprising:

- one or more elongate front surface vertical retaining grooves (174) that extend across the front surface (102) of the panel (100), running parallel to the side edges (1 10, 1 12) and with each other, wherein - the top (106) and bottom (108) edges of the panel each have a sloping surface, and an elongate edge retaining groove (450) that extends into each of the top (106) and bottom (108) edge surfaces, running parallel with the longitudinal length of the respective edge, and

13. Body panel (100) according to claim 12, wherein the arrangement of retaining grooves has a 180 degree rotation symmetry around the central surface axis (C-C).

14. Body panel (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein an aperture, optionally sealed with a breakable seal, joining the front surface (102) to the rear surface (104), is provided at the intersection of a horizontal (170, 172) and vertical (174) retaining groove,

15. Body panel (100) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the surface retaining grooves (170, 172, 174) have a T-shaped profile.

16. Body panel (100) according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the vertical retaining groove (174) extends at the top (106) and/ or bottom (108) edge of the body panel into an edge indent (180, 182).

17. Body panel (100) according to any of claims 12 to 16, provided with one or more door- catch couplings for attachment to a door catch.

18. An end panel (200) for modular constructions comprising:

19. End panel (200) according to claim 18, wherein the surface retaining grooves (270, 272) have a T-shaped profile.

20. End panel (200) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the horizontal retaining grooves (270, 272) each extend at the sloping side edge (210) of the end panel (200) into an edge indent (280, 282).

21. End panel (200) according to any of claim 18 to 20, provided with one or more foot couplings for attachment to a supporting static or wheeled foot.

22. End panel (200) according to any of claim 18 to 21 , provided with one or more door- catch couplings for attachment to a door catch.