GB2042670A

GB2042670A - A Method of Connecting Panels and a Kit for Making a Structure from Panelling

Info

Publication number: GB2042670A
Application number: GB8006078A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: RENSCH STUDIO SA
Current assignee: RENSCH STUDIO SA
Priority date: 1979-02-22
Filing date: 1980-02-22
Publication date: 1980-09-24
Also published as: NO800441L; ES488864A1; BR8001104A; FI800480A; AU5576680A; NL8001022A; SE8001345L; DK53180A; FR2453304A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of connecting panels and a kit for making a structure from panelling. Grooves are provided at an edge of a panel (P1, P2, P3, P4) by attaching fittings 1, which may be formed integrally with the panel. Connecting elements 9 locate adjacent panels and locking elements 14 engage with the connecting elements 9 to lock the structure. Thus providing for a structure which may be readily assembled and disassembled. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A Method of Connecting Panels and a Kit for Making a Structure from Panelling The present invention relates to a method of connecting panels and to a kit for making a structure from panelling. More particularly the present invention relates to a kit for the assembly of furniture, coffered ceilings or like interior fitments and furnishings, comprising panels which determine the form of the structure.

By means of the present invention it is possible to assemble articles of furniture or the like of various forms, the components having their relationship to one another clearly shown by means of the fittings which surround their panels.

The use of fittings which extend along the edge of the panels gives all such fitments and appointments the same external appearance aesthetically. They can be assembled and dissassembled again easily or converted to other variants.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting together the adjacent edges of two or more panels, which comprises providing each of said edges with a groove or lobe, locating said adjacent edges relative to one another by means nf one or more connecting elements adapted to engage with adjacent grooves or lobes, and locking the panels in position against movement normal to the connected edges by means of a locking element adapted to engage the or each connecting element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for making a structure from panelling, comprising panels, fittings, each fitting adapted to be affixed at an edge of a panel to form a pair of grooves running in the longitudinal direction of the edge, connecting elements, each adapted to cooperate with one groove from each of two adjacent panels, and locking elements, each adapted to engage with one or more of said connecting elements, such that in use adjacent panels may be connected to one another along an edge by means of one or more connecting elements and locked in position against movement normal to the connected edges by means of the locking elements.

The connecting elements of the kit of the present invention allow rapid and precise connection of the panels to one another. The invention has as an object to lock these connections in a simple manner such as to prevent undesired disassembly of the fitments and appointments into their component parts.

According to one embodiment of the present invention this object may be achieved by connecting elements with flanges and with a central web internally between the flanges, said web carrying a head strip constructed as tongue or groove means, by fittings with strips which are given a reduced width relatively to the width of the edges of the panels, so as to allow the passage of the central webs of the connecting angle elements of panels abutting on one another at right angles, and by locking elements for forming a tongue and groove connection with the head strips of the connecting angle elements.

In one constructional form of the invention the free end of the central web of the connecting element is constructed as a tongue and the locking element is a bar of polygonal crosssection in whose edges there are formed grooves for receiving the head strips of webs of connecting elements. For example the central web of the connecting element can comprise at its free end a head strip which comprises a groove for receiving a tongue element of a locking element. It is advantageous if when a plurality of panels are assembled the outer surfaces of the head strips abut on the outer surfaces of the head strips of neighbouring connecting elements and on the particular surface which is remote from the groove of the fittings of neighbouring panels, of the strips thereof. As a result the fittings, the connecting elements and the locking elements are securely held together.The connecting elements at the outer corner of an article of furniture may consist of a connecting element whose central web has arms which are situated in a plane and end in retaining ridges, and of a locking element of substantially S-shaped crosssection which, when two panels are assembled together, engage into the grooves of the fittings of the panels and abut externally on the strips thereof, and also engage under the retaining ridges.But a corner may also be lined with two filling elements for use together with a connecting element and a locking element and for filling the corner formed, whereof the inner filling element engages into a groove of the fitting of one panel and abuts externally on its strip and on the outer side of the head strip of the connecting angle and has a groove for a tongue of the locking element, and the outer filling element abuts on the strap of the fitting of the other panel, engages with the head strip on two tongues of the locking element and also engages into a groove of the fitting of the other panel, and abuts externally on the strip of its fitting and externally on the other side of the head strip of the connecting element.

In a further arrangement, according to the present invention, for the lining of an outer corner of an article of furniture or other fitments or appointments, the central web of a connecting element is given a fork-like shape at its head strip, with the prongs comprising inwardly directed retaining ridges, into which the thickened end of the web of an angle form locking element can interlock which extends inwards in one piece and which with the edges of its flanges abuts on the straps and on the strips of the fittings of the panels, the flanges of the connecting element engaging into the grooves of the fitting, and its head strip abutting on the outer surface of the fitting strip at both fittings.

Provided at the underside of an item of furniture is a foot strip with two securing strips adapted to abut on the facing head strips of two connecting elements and to abut on two tongues of a locking element when connecting and locking three panels.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the fittings may be integrally formed with the body of a panel along the edges of the panel. Such panels may comprise half shells which are connected with their openings facing one another and whose edges are formed with a groove the bottoms of which grooves join to form the web and the outer walls the strip, the strip being supported centrally by the web along the side walls of the panel. Half shells of this kind can be secured to one another at their webs by welding or with the use of adhesives, or joined to form panels by the use of mechanical means. But preferably the half shells are connected to one another by means of a sheet metal strip which is folded about the edges of the outer walls of the grooves. The panels are suitable for accommodating filling elements.The hollow panels can be made extremely stable by introducing load-bearing filling element along at least two parallel panel sides. It is also possible to associate with the load-bearing filling elements insulating filling pieces having sound-insulating or heat-insulating properties and in any case preventing the occurrence of moisture within the panels. It may also be advantageous to line with an anti-drumming material.

To reduce expense and weight, and for aesthetic reasons, it is advantageous if the fittings extend only along a fraction of the length of the panel edges. In this case the web of the fittings can comprise centrally a strap which abuts on the panel edge and forms the other wall of the grooves. The fittings can be provided with a fixing element engaging in a slot of the panel, the depth of'which determines the width of the grooves. The fittings may also be secured by means of screws or the like to the panel edges. According to the invention the corners of the panels are fitted with fittings of angle form. The web can be constructed as a triangular vane which fills the interior of the angle and secures the fitting with grooving in a slot in the panel.The depth of the slot in the panel and the height of the triangular vane can be adapted to one another to determine the width of the grooves. The last mentioned constructional forms are advantageous more particularly in the case of panels of relatively great length since the edges of the panels can be fitted at a spacing from the corners, with a fitting or a plurality of fittings distributed over the length.The method and kit of the present invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a shelving type of cupboard or cabinet constructed according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of grooves which are provided at an edge of a panel in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a constructional example of a connecting element of the present invention in various elevations and plan views and in an oblique view; Fig. 4 shows a constructional example for a locking element of the present invention such as may be used with the connecting elements according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a constructional example according to the invention for use at the point A shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 shows another constructional example for use at the point A shown in Fig. 1;; Fig. 7 shows a constructional example for use at the point B shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 8 shows a further constructional example for use at the point B shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 shows a third constructional example for use at the point B shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 shows a constructional example for use at the point C shown in Fig. 1; Figs. 11 a-i Id show a constructional form for a panel according to the present invention, shown in successive stages of assembly; Fig. 1 a shows a lower half shell of the present invention with filling pieces, in an oblique view;; Fig. 1 b shows the half shell of Fig. ii a shown in section, Fig. 1 c shows the half shell of Fig. 1 a with filling inserted and with the upper half shell before assembly, shown in oblique view; Fig. 1 d shows the two half shells according to Fig. ii c with filling, shown in section, Fig. 1 2a shows the joined-together half shells according to Fig. lid and a sheet metal strip for connecting them, in oblique view; Fig. 1 2b shows in section the arrangement according to Fig. I 2a; Fig. 1 2c shows the two half shells, connected by metal strips to form a complete panel, in oblique view; Fig. 1 2d shows in section the panel according to Fig. 12c;; Fig. 1 3a shows the detail A from Fig. 1 2d, illustrated using the example of another constructional form, with a metal strip before folding; Fig. 1 3b shows the constructional example according to Fig. 1 3a in the next phase of assembly; Fig. 14 shows the detail A from Fig. 1 2d on a larger scale; Fig. 1 5 shows a section through an assembled article of furniture of cubicai configuration, in a vertical plane, which has been assembled according to the present invention; Fig. 1 6 shows the furniture, according to Fig.

1 5 seen from the front; Fig. 1 7 shows a further constructional example of the present invention; Fig. 1 8a shows a panel provided with a fitting according to the present invention; Fig. 1 8b shows an example of the fitting of Fig.

18a; Fig. 1 8c shows another example of the fitting of Fig. 18a; Fig. 19 shows a further example of the fitting of Fig. 1 8a shown in section and on a larger scale; Fig. 20 shows a fitting similar to that in Fig.

1 8b in section and on a larger scale; Fig. 21 shows a constructional form of a panel with fittings according to the present invention; Fig. 22 shows a further constructional example of a panel, partly broken away; Fig. 23a shows a section along the line I-I of Fig. 22: Fig. 23b shows a section along the line Il-Il of Fig. 22; Fig. 23c shows the fitting on the right in Fig.

22, viewed obliquely from the outside; Fig. 23d shows the fitting on the right in Fig.

22, viewed obliquely from the outside; Fig. 24a shows a fitting in front view; Fig. 24b shows a plan view to Fig. 24a; Fig. 24c shows an oblique view of the fitting; Fig. 24d shows a section along the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 24b; Fig. 25 shows an example of an article of furniture produced according to the present invention; Fig. 26 shows the detail A from Fig. 25; Fig. 27 shows the detail B from Fig. 25 on a larger scale; and Fig. 28 shows the detail C from Fig. 25 on a larger scale.

Fig. 1 shows a cabinet arranged as shelving, and which can be used for example as a bookcase or as a filing cabinet. It comprises eight compartments which are of identical construction but need not be, and which are securely connected and locked to one another as will be described hereinafter. The cabinet comprises panels P which are edged at at least three of its edges, but preferably at all four edges, with fittings 1, 50 as to provide grooves at the edges, which will be described in connection with Fig. 2.

The three details A, B and C characterise three different types of locking situation.

A section through the fitting 1 is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2. An external strip 3 is connected to a base 7, which may be a strap 2 but for which the outer edge of a panel may also be used, by means of a web 4 so that two grooves 5 are formed, with a common groove bottom 6.

The width of the strip 3 is substantially less than the width of the base 7. If, as shown at the details A, B and C of Fig. 1, panels P are assembled together at right angles, the abutment regions of the fittings surrounding the said panels are situated in planes shown in broken lines in Fig. 2.

With an appropriately dimensioned difference between the width of the strip 3 and the base 7 there is produced a space, indicated with broken lines, for the through passage of the central web 8 of a connecting element 9 shown in Fig. 3.

The connecting element 9 according to Fig. 3 has flanges 9a and 9b which form an angle of 900 with one another. The central web 8 extends at the inner side of an element 9 centrally between the flanges 9a and 9b of the element 9. At its outer end the central web 8 is thickened to form a head strip 10 with two tenons or ledges ii which enclose a groove 1 2.

At their end the flanges 9a and 9b comprise vanes or lugs 13 the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

Fig. 4 shows a locking element 14 of crossshaped cross-section 1 7 with four tongues 1 5 and a head 1 6. The tongues 1 5 of the locking element 14 are intended to be introduced into a groove 12 of the connecting element 9.

Fig. 5 shows the detail A of Fig. 1. What is shown is the connection and locking of four panels P 1, P2, P3 and P4 with the use of connecting elements 9 and a locking element 14.

The edges of the panels P 1, P2, P3 and P4 are bordered with fittings 1 which, as described in Fig. 2, have grooves 5 which are formed by a strap 2, a strip 3 and a web and have common groove bottoms 6. Four connecting elements 9 engage with their flanges 9a, 9b into the grooves 5 of the neighbouring panels P1, P2, P3 and P4 and penetrate with their webs 8 between the edges of the strips 3 of the fittings 1 of the panels P 1, P2, P3 and P4, to abut with the ledges 11 of their head strips 10 on the outer surfaces 18 of the strips 3, the outer sides of the ledges 11 of all the head strips 10 contacting one another. A locking element 14 is inserted with its tongues 1 5 into the grooves 12 of the head strips 10.

After the four panels P1, P2, P3 and P4 have been connected to one another by the insertion of the connecting elements 9 into their grooves 5, the locking element 14 with its tongues 1 5 in the head strips 10 secures the connecting elements 9 and ensures that all the panels are held together.

The same principle is shown in Fig. 6. Here the locking element is designated with the reference numeral 114. It has four grooves 11 5 which are intended for the engagement of webs 108 of the connecting elements 109. Here the locking element 114 abuts with its outer surfaces 11 8 on the outer surfaces 1 8 of the strips 3 of the fittings 1 of the panels P1, P2, P3 and P4.

Fig. 7 illustrates the use of a constructional form of the invention for locking two panels at a corner which is designated as B in Fig. 1. A connecting element 209 engages with its flanges in grooves 5 of the fittings 1 of the two panels P, which here abut at an angle to one another.

Extending inwardly from the root of the element 209 is its web 208 which at the free end has arms 210 with inwardly directed retaining ridges 211. Two S-shaped locking elements 214 engage in the other grooves 5 of the fittings and below the retaining ridges 211. Thus not only is the connection between the two panels by means of the connecting element 209 locked but the open corner at this region of the fitment or the like is filled or lined.

With the constructional form of the invention which is shown in Fig. 8 the corner at detail B of Fig. 1 is completely filled and at the same time the connection of the two panels is locked. In addition to a connecting element 9 two filling elements 319, 320 are used which have a similar function to the connecting element 9. The inner filling element 31 9 has a flange 31 9a with which it engages into the groove 5 of the fitting 1 of one panel P. It also has a fork with a groove 12 like the connecting element 9.

The inner connecting element 31 9 is enclosed by the outer connecting element 320 which also has a kind of head strip 310 having two ledges ii similar to the ledges of the head strip 10 of the connecting element 9.

All the head strips abut on one another with their ledges and accommodate a locking element 14 such as has already been described in connection with Fig. 5. One ledge ii of the head strip 310 abuts on the outer surface of the strip 3 of the fitting 1 of the outer panel P, and the filling element 320 also engages by means of one flange into the adjacent groove 5 of the fitting 1.

Fig. 9 describes a further constructional form of the invention regarding the connection and locking of two panels at a corner B of Fig. 1.

The connecting angle 409 is used for connecting the two panels and engages with its flanges in grooves 5 of the fittings 1 which edge the panels P. From the root of the connecting angle element 409 there extends internally a central web 8 ending in a head strip 10 whose ledges 11 comprise inwardly directed retaining ridges 412.

Two filling elements 41 4a, 41 4b are assembled to form a locking element 414 (which may also be one integrai piece in other constructional forms), completely filling the corner between the two panels, and extending with inwardly directed webs 41 6a between the ledges 411 of the head strip 410 and engaging there with thickened ends 415a, 415b below the retaining ridges 412 of the ledges 411. Thus the filling elements 41 4a, 41 4b form a locking element. The ends of the flanges 421 of the locking element 414a, 41 4b abut with their surfaces on the strap 2 of the fittings 1 of the two panels P and at the same time bear on the edges of the strip 3 of the fittings.Here also, the connecting element 409 with its flanges engages in the grooves 5 of the fittings 1 of the two panels, and its head strip 410 abuts externally at both sides on the strips 3 of the fittings 1.

The locking element 41 4a, 414b can be dimensioned for snap fitting into or for sliding longitudinally into the fork 410 of the connecting element 409.

Fig. 10 shows a construction of the detail C of Fig. 1. The fittings of three panels P are connected to one another by two connecting elements 9. A foot strip 514 engages from below into the grooves 5 of the two panels P which do not abut against one another and which form part of the base of the article of furniture. The foot strip has two securing strips 51 5 which abut on the facing ledges of the connecting angles 9. Into the head strips of the connecting elements 9 and below the ledges of the foot strip 514 there is inserted a locking element 14 which locks the connection of the panels P with the connecting elements 9 and the foot strip 514. A foot 500 comprises a screw 501, which is securely connected to the foot strip 514, an adjusting nut 502 and a base 503.The level of the article of furniture can be adjusted in known manner by vertical adjustment of the foot.

When assembling an article of furniture such as is shown in Fig. it is possible to insert an appropriate number of back panels of any desired material into the grooves on individual panels P by means of the fittings, to constitute a rear wall.

Such rear panels are locked in without having to provide any further locking means.

The present invention can be utilized for the assembly of whole coffered ceilings, even ceilings where the size and depth of component parts varies. The coffered ceiling bays can be closed above or below, or both, as desired. For which purpose conventional panel material of any desired kind, including glass, may be inserted in the grooves 5 of the fittings as has just been described for the rear walls of shelving units as shown in Fig. 1.

The constructional examples described so as assume the use of solid panels, which are usually rather heavy. It is better to use hollow panels more particularly for coffered ceilings, but also for many items of furniture. The edge fittings are advantageously formed integrally with these hollow panels, which will be described hereinafter by reference to Figs. 1 1---17. The faces of the hollow panels are made up of two half shells 21 and 22 and straps 2, strips 3, webs 4 and grooves 5 characteristic of the fittings described hereinbefore may be formed integrally therewith.

The upper and lower half shells 21 and 22, which are identical with one another, are situated with their cavities or openings 24 facing towards one another, and a filling can be arranged in these openings, the filling being given the general reference numeral 25 and comprising an insulating filling piece 26 and two load-bearing filling pieces 27. At the top side of the half shells the edges are provided with chamfers or bevels 28. A sheet metal strip 29 has a U-shaped cross section section and is placed around the strips 3 of the half shells 21 and 22, and is then folded around the strips 3 to give folds 20, as shown in Fig. 1 3b, so as to hold the half shells 21 and 22 together.

The panel P assembled in this way from the two half shells 21 and 22 is given the ability to support loads by the load-bearing filling pieces 27, which may be, for example, of wood.

Insulating filling piece 26 provides sound and thermal insulation and protects against condensation or moisture penetrating between the panels. Panels abutting on one another at right angles bear on one another at the chamfers 28 at the edges.

Another constructional form of panel is shown in Figs. 1 3a and 13b. Since in this case the panel P has no filling pieces it is advantageous to line it internally with anti-drumming compound or material.

The strips 3 of the half shells 21, 22 are laid with their groove bottoms 6 against one another, and united to form the web 4 which separates from one another the two grooves 5 which are directed away from one another. Fig. 1 3a shows the prepared metal strip 1 9 bent to a U-shape ready for fitting on to the strips 3. In Fig. 1 3b the strip 19 is applied against the outer walls of the grooves 5 and bent about the strips 3 and forms a fold 20 which holds the two half shells 21,22 together to constitute the panel P.

Fig. 1 4 shows the previous described panel P in the production state shown in Fig. 1 3b. The openings of the half shells 21 and 22 contain at two parallel sides a load-bearing filling piece 27 and are filled in the central region by an insulating filling piece 26. The chamfers 28 at the edges of the panel P are situated in planes which intersect at the central plane of the web 4. Strips 3 are narrower than surfaces 2 so that central webs 8 of connecting elements 9 or other connecting elements 514 or connecting corner elements 320 can engage in the grooves 5 of panels P abutting on one another at right angles or adjoining one another in the same plane (Fig. 1 5) as hereinbefore described.

Fig. 1 5 also shows that panels abutting on one another at right angles and which come to bear on one another at their chamfers 28. The connecting elements 9 are held securely in position relative to one another or to the other connecting elements 514,320 by locking elements 14. The article of furniture shown in Fig.

15 stands on adjustable feet 500.

Fig. 1 6 shows the front side of the article of furniture shown in Fig.15. The drawing gives an idea of the attractive appearance of an article of furniture assembled in accordance with the present invention. The panels P may be, for example, natural, metallic or varnished in colour.

The metal strips 1 9 along their edges help to give an attractive appearance.

A panel P assembled from plastics half shells is shown in Fig. 17. Such plastics half shells can easily be permanently connected to one another by gluing, welding or the like, the groove bottoms together to form a web. Hence there is no need for an additional connecting means in the form of a metal strip folded about the edges 3.

The elements with which the panels of the kit are joined together to form fitments, articles of furniture, coffered ceilings or the like are hidden.

In panels of considerable edge length long fittings have to be joined together to form units, this can be facilitated by arranging for the fittings to extend only along a part of the length of the panel edges. Examples for such constructional forms of panels are discussed hereinafter with reference to Figs. 18 to 28.

In Fig. 1 8a there is shown a corner 32 of a panel P which is provided with a corner fitting 31.

The strip 3 and the web 4 of the corner fitting can be seen, which together with the edge 7 of the panel P enclose two grooves 5.

The same corner fitting is shown in section in Fig. 1 8b. As is shown, the web 4 of the corner fitting 31 is extended to form a fixing element 33 which secures the corner fitting in a slot in the corner 32 of the panel.

The constructional example of a corner fitting in Fig. 1 8c differs by the strap 2 which, as part of the corner fitting, forms a wall of the grooves 5 and abuts on the edge 7 of the panel P. The web 4 which forms the common bottom of the grooves 5 is extended beyond the strap 2 in the form of a fixing element 33 which engages in a slot of the panel P.

Fig. 19 shows a section through a fitting 34 which, situated between two corner fittings, engages in a groove 35 in the edge of the panel P.

In the case of this fitting also, the walls of the grooves 5 are formed by the strip 3 and the strap 2, and the web 4 serves as a common groove bottom for the two grooves 5. The web 5 is continued as a fixing element 33 beyond the strap 2. For this purpose it is provided with indentations or grooving 36 of sawtooth cross-section. The depth of the groove 35 corresponds approximately to the size of the fixing element 33.

The latter is driven into the groove 35 until abutment is effected on the bottom 37 and/or between the strap 2 and edge 7.

Another fitting 34a which may be driven into the edge 7 of a panel P anywhere between two panel corners or corner fittings is shown in Fig.

20. The fitting 34a differs from the fitting 34 shown in Fig. 19 by the absence of the strap 2.

Part of the web 4 is constructed as a fixing element 33 with grooving 36 of sawtooth form.

The web 4 with the fixing element 33 is so dimensioned that it forms grooves 5 of desired width together with the edge 7 of a panel when it is driven into a slot in the panel edge to such depth that it strikes on the bottom of the slot.

A panel P shown in Fig. 21 is provided at its corners 32 with corner fittings 31 which correspond to those shown in Fig. 1 8b. The corner fittings 41 are angled, with the web 4 continuing within a slot of the panel P into which the corner fitting has been driven, as a web or vane 38 of triangular shape. The grooves 5 are formed by the strips 3 and the webs 4 together with the edges 7 of the panels.

1 Fig. 22 shows a view on to a part of the edge 7 of a panel in the corner 32 of which a corner fitting 31 is inserted. In the right hand portion of Fig. 22 there can be seen a fitting 34a which is driven into a slot on the edge of the panel P, spaced from the corner fitting 31. Such fittings are particularly useful when the edge 7 of a panel is unusually long. The holding together of two panels of relatively considerable length which meet at right angles is improved by the connection of the appropriate fittings 34a in the mutually abutting panel edges.

Fig. 23a shows a section along the line I-I of Fig. 22. Fig. 23b shows a section along the line Il-Il of Fig. 22. The fitting 34a comprises a strip 3 with a web 4. Holes are made through strip and web into which screws 39 are inserted to afix the fitting 34a with the web 4 against the edge 7 of a panel P. Figs. 23c and 23d show the fitting 34a with the screws 39 as seen obliquely from one side and obliquely from another side respectively.

In this constructional form of fitting the grooves 5 have the strip 3 of a fitting and the edge 7 of the panel as groove walls and the web 4 of the fitting 34a in common as groove bottoms. The width of the grooves 5 is here defined by the height of the web 4.

The corner fitting 31 according to Fig. 22 is shown in detail in Figs. 24a-24d. Fig. 24a is a section along the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 24b. The corner fitting 31 is in the form of an angle element 40, the web 4 being extended in a triangular vane 38 which fills almost the whole angle. Part of the vane 38 is provided with grooving 36 of sawtooth cross-section and forms the fixing element 33 for the fitting 31 at a corner of the panel P. The correct dimensioning of the grooves 5 with the web 4 as common groove bottom is determined by the depth of a slot which is made into the corner of the panel, and on the bottom of which the base of the triangular vane 38 comes to abut.

Fig. 24c shows an oblique view of the fitting 31 in the form of the angle 40. Fig. 24d shows the formation of the triangular vane 38 with sawtooth grooving 36.

Fig. 25 shows a box-shaped writing desk with a plurality of sections, made from panels P with corner fittings which are marked by circles with the Roman letters A,B,C.

The desk is very versatile as regards its uses, and is assembled substantially from panels and connecting elements as hereinbefore described. It has a table top panel P. At the left hand side below the desk table top a small cupboard with a drawer and a door is built on. On the right of the desk, two small cupboards and shelving, also providing many useful surfaces on which things can be placed. The piece of furniture shown in Fig.

25 can easily be disassembled into its component parts, for example, if an office is being organised.

The locking elements are drawn out of the connecting elements and then the connecting elements are pulled out of the grooves of the fittings, to release the panels connecting element and the locking elements are substantially hidden when the article of furniture is in the assembled state. To disassemble, they are easy to reach and remove with a suitable tool. Assembly proceeds in the reverse order.

The detail A of Fig. 25 is shown in Fig. 26. Here four panels P meet with the edges of their end faces 7, at right angles. The corners of the panels are constructed with corner fittings 31 in the form of angle elements 40, as shown more particularly in Figs. 24a-24d. Connecting elements 9 are inserted into the grooves of each two panels P which meet at right angles, and are secured in their positions relatively to one another by a locking element 14. The flanges of the angle elements disappear in the grooves 5 of the corner fittings 31. From the root of the connecting elements 9 central webs extend which end in head strips whose ledges abut on one another.

The locking element 14 is pin-shaped and provided with four tongues which are held in the forks of the angles 9 (see Figs. 3-5).

The detail B from Fig. 25 which is shown in Fig.

27 shows a corner of a box-shaped article of furniture. The two panels P which here abut on one another with the edges of their side surfaces - carry corner fittings 31 which are held together by connecting elements 9. The corner of the article is also lined by mouldings 320 which are held by the locking element 14 on the connecting angle elements 9 and the corner fittings 31. The connection of three panels P to one another as indicated at C in Fig. 25 is shown in Fig. 28. Two connecting elements 9 engage in neighbouring grooves 5 in the corner fittings 31 of the panels.

Filling elements 514 complete the connection of the three panels and are connected and locked by a locking element 14 and the connecting elements 9 with the cornerfittings 31 of the panels.

It can be seen that the fittings, connecting elements and locking elements may advantageously be made of extruded Çinium or plastics or other suitable material.

Claims

1. A method of connecting together the adjacent edges of two or more panels,-which comprises providing each of said edges with a groove or lobe, locating said adjacent edges relative to one another by means of one or more connecting elements adapted to engage with adjacent grooves or lobes, and locking the panels in position against movement normal to the connected edges by means ofa locking element adapted to engage the or each connecting element.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove or lobe is formed integrally with the panel edge.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the groove or lobe is provided by attaching a fitting to the panel edge.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fitting is attached by means of an integrally formed extension which engages in a slot or hole in the panel edge.

5. A panel for use in a method as claimed in claim 2, having a pair of half shells provided with grooves at edges thereof, the half shells being joined together at the bottoms of the grooves.

6. A panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the half shells are of plastics material and are glued or welded together at the bottoms of the grooves.

7. A panel as claimed in claim 5, wherein the half shells are joined together by means of a strip which is located around outer walls of the grooves.

8. A kit for making a structure from pannelling, comprising panels, fittings, each fitting adapted to be affixed at an edge of a panel to form a pair of grooves running in the longitudinal direction of the edge, connecting elements, each adapted to cooperate with one groove from each of two adjacent panels, and locking elements, each adapted to engage with one or more of said connecting elements, such that in use adjacent panels may be connected to one another along an edge by means of one or more connecting elements and locked in position against movement normal to the connected edges by means of the locking elements.

9. A kit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fittings are integrally formed with the panels.

10. A kit as claimed in claim 8, wherein a fitting comprises a web and a strip, such that in use the web extends outwardly from a panel edge and the strip runs parallel to and is narrower than the panel edge so as to form a pair of grooves having a common bottom formed by the web and each groove having an outer wall formed by the strip.

11. A kit as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fitting has a strap which is adapted to abut against a panel edge and which forms an inner wall of each groove.

12. A kit as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the fitting has an integrally formed extension which is adapted to engage in a hole or slot provided in a panel edge.

13. A kit as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, wherein a connecting element comprises flanges connected to a central web, the flanges being adapted to cooperate with the grooves, and a tongue or groove connected to the central web for co-operation with a locking element.

14. A fitting for use in a method as claimed in claim 1, or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, having a cross-section substantially as shown in any one of or any combination of Figs. 2, 5, 20 and 23a and b of the accompanying drawings.

1 5. A fitting for use in a method as claimed in claim 1, or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of or any combination of Figs. 2, 18a, band c, 19, 20, 22, 23a, b, c, and d, and 24 a, b and c of the accompanying drawings.

1 6. A connecting element for use in a method as claimed in claim 1 or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, having a cross-section substantially as shown in any of one or any combination of Figs. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

1 7. A connecting element for use in a method as claimed in claim 1 or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of or any combination of Figs. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

18. A locking element for use in a method as claimed in claim 1 or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, having a cross-section substantially as shown in any one of or any combination of Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A locking element for use in a method as claimed in claim 1 or for use in a kit as claimed in claim 8, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of or any combination of Figs. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A kit as claimed in claim 8, including a filling element for filling a corner when two panels are connected together so as to form an angle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 8 or Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings.

21. A panel for use in a method as claimed in claim 1, or a kit as claimed in claim 9, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of or any combination of Figs. 1 lab, c and d, 12a, b, c and d, 13a and b, 14, 1 5, 1 6, and 1 7 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A kit for making a structure from panelling, comprising panels having fittings which along the edges form two grooves with a web as a common bottom of the two grooves, the web comprising a strip which forms the outer wall of the groove and is narrower than the edges of the panels, likewise connecting elements whose flanges are dimensioned to engage into the grooves of the fittings of adjacent panels, characterised by connecting elements (9) with flanges (9a, 9b) and with a central web (8) internally between the flanges, said web comprising a head strip (10) constructed as tongue or groove means, by fittings (1) with strips (3) which are given a reduced width relatively to the height of the side surfaces (7) of the panels so as to allow the passage of the central webs (8, 108) of the connecting elements (9, 109) of panels abutting on one another at right angles, and by locking elements (14, 114) for forming a tongue and groove connection with the head strips (10) of the connecting elements (9).

23. A kit according to claim 22, characterised in that the free end of the central web (8) of the connecting element (9) is constructed as a tongue and the locking element (114) is a bar of polygonal cross-section in the edges of which there are formed grooves (115) for receiving the head strips of web (8) of a connecting element (9).

24. A kit according to claim 22, characterised in that the central web (8, 108) of the connecting elements (9, 109) comprises at its free end a head strip (10) which comprises a groove (12) for receiving a tongue element (15) of a locking element (14).

25. A kit according to claim 24, characterised in that when a plurality of panels (P1, P2, P3, P4) are assembled the outer surfaces of the head strips (10) abut on the outer surfaces of the head strips of neighbouring connecting elements (9) and on the surface, remote from the groove 5 of the fittings 1 of neighbouring panels (P1, P2, P3, P4) of the strips (3) thereof.

26. A kit according to claim 22, characterised by a connecting element (209) whose central web (208) has arms (210) which are situated in a plane and end in retaining ridges (211), and by locking elements (214) of substantially S-shaped cross-section which, when two panels (P) are assembled together, engage in the grooves (5) of the fittings (1) of the panels (P) and abut externally on thestrips (3) thereof, and also engage below the retaining ridges.

27. A kit according to claims 22, 24 or 25, characterised by two filling elements (31 9, 320) for use together with a connecting element (9) and a locking element (14) when two panels (P) are assembled together, and for filling the corner (B) thus formed, whereof the inner filling element (31 9) engages in a groove (5) of the fitting (1) of one panel (P) and abuts externally on its strip (3) and on the outer side of the head strip (10) of the connecting element (9) and has a groove (12) for a tongue (1 5) of the locking element (14) and the outer filling element (320) abuts on the strap (7) of the fitting (1) of the other panel (P), engages with the head strip on two tongues (15) of the locking element (14) and engages in a groove (5) of the fitting of the other panel (P), and abuts externally on the strip (3) of its fitting (3) and externally on the other side of the head strip (10) of the connectinq element (9).

28. A kit according to claim 22, characterised in that the central web (8) of a connecting element (409) is formed at its head strip (410) as a fork the prongs of which (411) have inwardly directed retaining ridges (412) into which when two panels (P) are assembled, the thickened end (415a,415b) of the web (416a,416b) of an angle form locking element (414; 41 4a, 41 4b) can interlock. The angle-form locking element having integrally formed flanges which bear on the straps (2) and on the strips (3) of the fittings (1) of the panels (P), the flanges of the connecting element (409) engaging in the grooves (5) of the fittings (1) and its head strip (410) abutting on the outer surface of the fitting strip (3) at both fittings (1).

29. A kit according to claim 22, characterised in that the angle-form locking element (414) comprises two identical halves (414a, 414b) the plane of division between which is situated in the plane of symmetry of the web (416).

30. A kit according to claim 22, characterised by a foot strip (514) with two securing strips (515) adapted to abut on the facing head strips (10) of two connecting elements (9) and to abut on two tongues of a locking element (14) when three panels (P) are connected and locked.

31. A kit according to claim 30, characterised by a vertically adjustable foot which is secured to the foot strip.

32. A kit according to claim 22, characterised by panels (P) comprising half shells (21, 22) which are connected with their cavities or openings (24) facing one another and whose edges are formed with a groove (5) the bottoms (6) of which grooves join to form the web (4) and the outer walls the strip (3), the strip being supported centrally by the web (4) along the side walls (2) of the panel (P).

33. A kit according to claim 32, characterised in that the half shells (21, 22) of the panels (P) are welded or glued to one another at their webs (4).

34. A kit according to claim 32, characterised in that the half shells (21, 22) are connected to one another by mechanical means to form panels (P).

35. A kit according to claim 34, more particularly with half shells of sheet metal, characterised in that the half shells (21,22) are connected to one another by means of a metal strip (19) which is folded about the edges of the outer walls of the grooves (5) at (20).

36. A kit according to any of claims 32 to 35 characterised by filling pieces (16, 17) inserted in the panels.

37. A kit according to claim 36, characterised by load-bearing filling pieces (17) inserted along at least two parallel panel sides.

38. A kit according to claims 36 or 37, characterised by the association of insulating filling pieces with the load-bearing filling piece (17).

39. A kit according to claim 36, characterised in that filling pieces (16) of sound-deadening material are put into the panels (P).

40. A kit according to any of claims 32 to 35 characterised in that the half shells (21, 22) are lined internally with anti-drumming material.

41. A kit according to claim 22, characterised in that the fittings (31, 34) extend along a fraction of the length of the panel edges (7).

42. A kit according to claim 41, characterised in that the web (4) of the fittings (31, 34) supports centrally a strap (2) which abuts on the panel edge (7) and forms the outer wall of the grooves (5).

43. A kit according to claim 41 or 42, characterised in that the fittings (31, 34) are provided with a fixing element (33, 38) which engages in a slot (35) in the panel (P), the depth of which slot determines the width of the grooves (5).

44. A kit according to claim 41 or 42, characterised in that the fittings (34a) are secured by means of screws (39) or the like to the panel edges (7).

45. A kit according to claim 41, 42 or 43 characterised in that the corners (32) of the panels P are fitted with fittings (31) of angle form (40).

46. A kit according to claim 45 characterised in that the web (4) is constructed as a triangular vane (38 which fills the interior of the angle (40) and which secures the fittings (31) with corrugations or grooving 136) in a slot (35) in the panel (P).

47. A kit according to claim 45 or 46, characterised in that the depth of the slot (35) in the panel (P) and the height of the triangular vane (38) are adapted to one another to determine the width of the grooves (5).

48. A kit according to claim 41, characterised in that the edges (7) of the panel (P) are fitted with a fitting or a plurality of fittings (34, 34a) distributed over their length, at a spacing from the corners (32).

49. A structure made in whole or in part by a method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7.

50. A structure made in whole or in part by a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.

51. A structure made in whole or in part from a kit as claimed in any of claims 8 to 48.

52. A structure made in whole or in part from a kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.

53. The features hereinbefore disclosed, or their equivalents, in any novel selection.