The present invention relates to apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus for connecting modular furniture components, such as panels or screens, together.

Open plan office space has become particularly desirable for businesses, mainly in view of the lower associated cost compared to the cost to provide separate offices for each individual. Open plan offices typically include a number of desks and/or areas separated by partitions to provide a degree of privacy and sound proofing.

The partitions are in the form of panels which extend from the floor and towards the ceiling. The panels typically include a timber inner board or frame enclosed in a fabric outer material, and a pair of spaced apart feet for stability. The panels are typically around 300-1200mm wide and around 1200-1800mm high. Similar panel systems are used to create acoustic booths or hubs.

Conventional panels are typically connected together by nuts and bolts which is both time consuming and fiddly to assemble and disassemble, and also requires more than one person to do so safely. The joint between adjacent panels is also relatively weak if the panels are knocked in use which can result in bending or failure of the bolts, or at least damage to the panels themselves. Furthermore, each panel is configured to be used in a single orientation which limits the configuration of the assembled panel system.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component in a quick and non-complex manner which also allows for easy disassembly by a single person.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for efficiently connecting and unconnecting adjacent panels of a panel system.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a panel assembly which is quick, safe and easy to assemble and disassemble, and which allows a user to create many different configurations of panel assembly formed from connected panels having the same or different configurations.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for connecting a first component to a second component, comprising: at least one female connection member attachable to a first component and having an elongate opening and a plurality of engagement elements each extending inwardly from opposite sides of the opening to define a relatively narrow region of the opening between the engagement elements for the same to engage with an engagement portion of an elongate male connection member, attachable to a second component, when the engagement portion is inserted between the engagement elements in a first direction and to axially constrain the male connection member with respect to the female connection member in a second direction opposed to the first direction, wherein the opening further comprises at least one relatively wide region having a width greater than a width of the engagement portion of the male connection member.

Optionally, the engagement elements each define a free edge for engagement with the male connection member.

Optionally, the free edges of the engagement elements are substantially parallel.

Optionally, the free edges of the engagement elements each comprise a central recess for locating the engagement portion of the male connection member.

Optionally, the engagement elements extend from a surround portion defining the opening and are angled in the first direction with respect to the surround portion.

Optionally, the surround portion is elongate and substantially planar. Optionally, the at least one wide region of the opening of the female connection member comprises a wide region to each side of the narrow region between the engagement elements.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises: an elongate male connection member having a first end region attachable to a second component and an engagement portion proximal a second end region engageable between the engagement elements of the female connection member.

Optionally, the engagement portion comprises a ridged portion having a plurality of ridges along its length.

Optionally, the ridged portion comprises a screw thread.

Optionally, the second end region is tapered.

Optionally, the male connection member comprises a further engagement portion proximal the first end region.

Optionally, the at least one female connection member comprises a second female connection member attachable to the second component and engageable with the further engagement portion of the male connection member when the same is inserted into the second female connection member in the second direction.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a guide member configured to guide and support the first end region of the male connection member towards the engagement elements of the second female connection member.

Optionally, the guide member is configured to constrain the male connection member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

Optionally, the guide member comprises a stop surface for limiting axial movement of the male connection member in the second direction. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for connecting a first component to a second component, comprising: an elongate male connection member having a first end region attachable to a first component and an engagement portion proximal a second end region; at least one female connection member attachable to a second component and having an elongate opening and a plurality of engagement elements each extending inwardly from opposite sides of the opening to define a relatively narrow region of the opening between the engagement elements for the same to engage with the engagement portion of the male connection member when the same is inserted between the engagement elements in a first direction and to axially constrain the male connection member with respect to the female connection member in a second direction opposed to the first direction, wherein the opening further comprises at least one relatively wide region having a width greater than a width of the engagement portion of the male connection member.

Optionally, the at least one female connection member comprises a second female connection member attachable to the first component and engageable with a further engagement portion proximal the first end region of the male connection member when the same is inserted into the second female connection member in the second direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a panel assembly comprising apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first component comprises a frame support member of the panel assembly.

Optionally, the panel assembly comprises a mounting member configured to locate the female connection member in a predetermined position and orientation with respect to the frame support member.

Optionally, the opening of the female connection member is axially aligned with a correspondingly shaped and size aperture in the frame support member when in the predetermined position. Optionally, the engagement elements of the female connection member are angled in the first direction with respect to the surround portion when in the predetermined orientation.

Optionally, the mounting member is configured to locate a guide member in a predetermined position and orientation with respect to the female connection member, said guide member being configured to guide and support the male connection member towards the engagement elements of the female connection member.

Optionally, the guide member is configured to constrain the male connection member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Optionally, the guide member is configured to limit axial movement of the male connection member in the first direction.

Optionally, the mounting member comprises two interconnecting halves configured to clamp an outer fabric covering of the panel assembly therebetween when the halves are connected together.

Optionally, the mounting member comprises a corner portion to define a corner profile of the panel assembly.

Optionally, the mounting member comprises a leg portion locatable in an open end of the frame support member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting a first component to a second component, comprising: attaching a first end region of an elongate male connection member to a first component; inserting a second end region of the male connection member axially in a first direction into an opening of a female connection member attached to a second component; urging the male connection member in the first direction to engage an engagement region proximal the second end region thereof between a plurality of engagement elements each extending inwardly from opposite sides of the opening to define a relatively narrow region of the opening with respect to at least one relatively wide region of the opening; and axially constraining the male connection member with respect to the female connection member by the engagement elements in a second direction opposed to the first direction, wherein the relatively wide region of the opening has a width greater than a width of the engagement portion of the male connection member.

Optionally, the method comprises: inserting the first end region of the male connection member axially in the second direction into an opening of a further female connection member attached to the first component; and urging the male connection member in the second direction to engage a further engagement region proximal the first end region thereof between a plurality of engagement elements each extending inwardly from opposite sides of the opening to define a relatively narrow region of the opening with respect to at least one relatively wide region of the opening; and axially constraining the male connection member with respect to the further female connection member by the engagement elements in the first direction, wherein the relatively wide region of the opening has a width greater than a width of the engagement portion of the male connection member.

Optionally, the method comprises: inserting the first end region of the male connection member in a guide member mountable on the first component; and guiding the male connection member in the second direction towards and between the engagement elements of the further female connection member. Optionally, the method comprises: constraining the male connection member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1a to 1e illustrate an apparatus and method for connecting a first component to a second component;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of adjacent panel frame assemblies including the connection apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3a to 3c illustrate assembly of a panel frame according to certain embodiments of the present invention; and

Figures 3d to 3g illustrate connecting and disconnecting adjacent panel frames according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figures 1a to 1e, a connection apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention includes an elongate male connection member in the form of a connection pin 102 and a pair of female connection members in the form of connection plates 104,105. The first connection plate 104 is mounted to a first component, such as a first panel of an office panel assembly, and the second connection plate 105 is mounted to a second component, such as a second panel of the office panel assembly.

The connection pin 102 is substantially elongate having a length of around 125mm and a diameter of around 8mm. Aptly, the pin 102 is a metal material, such as mild or stainless steel. The pin 102 has tapered end regions 106,107 and a ridged portion 108 proximal each end region. The end regions 106,107 have a substantially smooth outer surface and substantially flat end surfaces. The pin 102 includes a central shank portion 110 disposed between the ridged portions 108. Alternatively, the shank portion and/or the tapered end regions may also have a substantially ridged outer surface. The ridged portion/s are aptly provided by a screw thread but alternatively may be provided by spaced apart serrations, teeth, knurling, or the like, e.g. spaced apart and parallel annular projections or grooves.

The connection plates 104,105 are each substantially sheet-like having a surround portion 112 defining an elongate opening 114 therein. A plurality of engagement elements in the form of a pair of tabs 116 extend inwardly from opposed sides of the surround portion 112 to define a relatively narrow central region 118 substantially in the centre of the opening and a relatively wide region 120 at each end of the opening. Each tab 116 is substantially rectangular and extends inwardly at a long edge thereof from the surround portion 112 to thereby provide a free long edge 122 defining the lateral limits of the narrow central region 118 of the opening. The free long edge 122 of each tab 116 includes a recess or notch 124 therein for locating and retaining the pin 102 in use, as described further below. Each tab 116 is angled by around 25-35 degrees, preferably 30 degrees, with respect to the plane of the surround portion 112 in a direction towards the panel to which the respective connection plate 104,105 is mounted, i.e. in a direction in which the connection 102 is inserted into the respective connection plate 104,105 in use, as described further below. Whilst the tabs are substantially resilient to flex when engaged with the connection pin, and grip the same to prevent pull-out, as described further below, the angled tabs define a fold/hinge line between each tab and the surround portion.

Aptly, each connection plate 104,105 is around 40mm long, around 20mm wide and around 0.7mm thick. Each tab 116 is around 20mm long and around 5mm wide. Aptly, each connection plate 104,105 is made by punching, or the like, from annealed spring steel. The inner free edges 122 of the tabs are spaced apart by around 5-6mm such that when an end region of the connection pin 102 is inserted through the narrow opening of a respective one of the connection plates 104,105, the tabs are forced to resiliently hinge further back slightly in the direction of insertion whilst allowing the ridged portion 108 of the pin to slip over the tabs and in turn allow the pin 102 to be further inserted into the connection plate 104,105. The engagement of the spring tabs 116 with the ridged portion/s 108 of the pin 102 provides a tactile and audible indication to a user that the pin has been correctly located in the connection plate. When the pin 102 is in a desired position with respect to the connection plate 104,105, the resilient tabs 116 are urged against the ridged portion 108 and securely located in the channels defined by the ridged surface of the ridged portion. Furthermore, the angle and spacing of the tabs 116 prevents the pin 102 being pulled out of the connection plate 104,105 in a direction opposed to the insertion direction. The tapered end regions 106 help to guide the pin 102 into the central opening of the respective connection plate 104,105 and the recess/notch in each tab 116 of the connection plate 104,105 also aids to locate and retain the pin in the connection plate 104,105.

In use, as illustrated in Figures 1 a and 1 b, a first end region of the pin 102 is inserted into a first connection plate 104 mounted to a first panel of a panel assembly and pushed into a desired position, e.g. until the end of the pin engage with a stop surface associated with the first panel. The second end of the pin 102 is now extending from the first panel. A second panel of the panel assembly is then offered up to the first panel and by moving the second panel towards the first panel, or vice versa, the second end region of the pin, as illustrated in Figures 1 b and 1 c, is inserted into the second connection plate 105 mounted to the second panel until the pin is in a desired position, e.g. when the panels engage each other and/or when the second end of the pin engages a stop surface associated with the second panel.

The pin cannot be axially removed from either connection plate and the panels are now securely connected together, as illustrated in Figure 1 c.

To remove an end region of the pin 102 from a respective one of the connection plates 104,105, to thereby disassemble the panel assembly, the second panel is lifted with respect to the first panel, as illustrated in Figure 1d, to thereby move the connection plate 105 mounted on the second panel upwardly with respect to the pin 102 located therein. In view of the vertically oriented inner edges 122 of the connection plate 105 and the lateral channels defined by the ridged portion 108 of the pin 102, the connection plate 105 is allowed to slide upwardly with respect to the pin 102 until the pin disengages the tabs 116 and enters the lower one of the wider regions 120 of the opening 114 which then allows the pin to be axially removed from the connection plate 105, as illustrated in Figure 1e, and in turn the second panel away from the first panel. Aptly, the opening 114 of the connection plate 104 may have a single wide region adjacent the narrow region between the tabs 116, but having a wide region 120 at each end of the narrow central region 122 of the opening 114 desirably allows either panel to be lifted with respect to the other panel when the panels are to be separated. Furthermore, having two wide regions of the opening on both sides of the tabs desirably allows the connection plate 104 to be mounted to a right or left edge region, and/or upper or lower edge region, of a panel frame, i.e. the same configuration of connection plate can be used on either or both panels to be connected.

Whilst the connection pin 102 and connection plate 104,105 are aptly made of steel, the pin and/or plates may be made from a different suitable material, such as aluminium or a plastics material, e.g. for relatively lightweight applications. Furthermore, whilst a pair of connection plates 104,105 has been described and illustrated, a single connection plate may be used with a connection pin. For example, one end of the pin may be attached to a frame of a first panel, such as by welding or a screw thread, or the like, and the other end of the pin may be configured to cooperate as described with a connection plate mounted to a second panel. The connection pin, and in particular the ridged portion thereof, for engagement with the tabs of the connection plate according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be provided by a conventional threaded bolt or the like. Furthermore, whilst the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the connection plate 104,105 is substantially rectangular, the surround portion may be substantially square, oval, circular or the like. Whilst an office panel assembly has been used to describe this connection apparatus, the connection pin and plate system according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to connect other components together, such as components of flat-pack furniture, automotive components, and the like.

The or each connection plate 104,105 is mounted to the respective panel by suitable means. For example, each connection plate may be mounted to an internal frame structure of the panel which provides stability and strength to the panel and supports an outer fabric material to provide a visually appealing upholstered panel having sound attenuation properties. Each connection plate 104,105 may be welded, screwed, bolted, riveted, adhered or the like to the frame, or the frame itself may comprise the opening 114 and the inwardly extending tabs 116 to define at least one integral connection element into which a connection pin is inserted. Likewise, the connection pin may be welded or coupled, such as by corresponding screw threads, to the frame of the other panel. A plurality of pins may be spaced apart along a vertical side support member of the frame of a first panel for connection with respective ones of spaced apart connection elements, such as connection plates, disposed on a corresponding vertical side support member of the frame of the other panel. Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of pins may be spaced apart along a horizontal upper/lower support member of the frame of a first panel for connection with respective ones of spaced apart connection elements, such as connection plates, disposed on a corresponding horizontal upper/lower support member of the frame of the other panel to allow for panels to be stacked on top of one another.

As illustrated in Figure 2, a corner assembly 200 of a panel includes a panel frame 202 having a vertical support member 204 fixed by welding or the like to a horizontal support member 206. The support members 204,206 are hollow steel box section and, as illustrated, the upper end region 208 of the vertical support member 204 is angled and open. The vertical support member 204 includes a plurality of spaced apart holes 210,212 proximal its upper end region in the outer and inner walls thereof. The smaller holes 212 allow a bolt, such as a hex bolt, to extend through the vertical support member 204 and engage with and attach a vertically oriented panel profile rail member 214 to the outer surface of the vertical support member 204. The horizontal support member 206 also includes a plurality of spaced apart holes 213 in its upper and lower walls for allowing a bolt, such as a hex bolt, to extend through the horizontal support member 206 and engage with and attach a horizontally oriented panel profile rail member 216 to the upper surface of the horizontal support member 206. Alternatively, each support member may include one hole in its outer/upper surface to allow a bolt or the like to engage with a thread of the hole itself or a nut, such as a weld nut, located in the support member to attach the respective panel profile member to the support member. Aptly, each panel profile rail member 214,216 is an aluminium extrusion or the like, such as a plastic or wooden moulding, and provides the edge of the panel with shape, whilst also providing additional strength and being configured to allow the outer fabric material of the panel to be securely mounted over and attached thereto.

The other holes of the plurality of spaced apart holes 210,212 are aligned elongate slots 210 proximal the upper end region of the vertical support member 204 in the outer and inner walls thereof. The inner and outer slots 210 are located above the smaller bolt holes 212 and are sized and shaped to correspondingly receive a guide member 220 for receiving and supporting a respective end region of the connection pin 102 when engaged with the respective connection plate 104

The guide member 220 is substantially elongate to suitably support the connection pin at least partially along its length when located therein and engaged with the connection plate 104. The guide member 220 comprises a locating portion 222 having a central through hole 223 for receiving one of the tapered end regions of the connection pin 102. The locating portion 222 has an elongate profile which, in the illustrated embodiment, is substantially rectangular with curved end regions, however it may have any suitable profile such as a square-ended rectangular, square, circular, or the like. A rectangular profile with curved end regions aptly provides sufficient support when located in the slot/s 210 of the vertical support member 204 of the panel frame and also ensures sufficient material is provided around the correspondingly shaped slot/s 210 whilst also ensuring any stress concentrations at the curved end regions of the slot/s 210 are minimised. The guide member 220 also includes an elongate support portion 224 extending from the locating portion 222 and defining a slotted aperture 226 extending from the central through hole 223 for accommodating and supporting the pin 102 when located in the guide member 220. The inner surfaces of the slotted aperture 226 also help to guide the pin towards the centre of the connection plate 105 for aligned engagement with the angled tabs 116 thereof. An end region of the slotted aperture 226 is tapered to accommodate the tapered end of the pin and provides a stop surface for the end of the pin to abut to ensure the same is in the desired position with respect to the corresponding connection plate and also to ensure the other end of the pin is in the correct position and orientation for aligned engagement with the other connection plate mounted on the other panel. Aptly, the guide member 220 is an injected moulded plastics material but could be formed from a metal material, such as aluminium or the like.

As illustrated in Figures 3a to 3c, a panel profile corner member 230 is configured to mount to the vertical support member 204 and receive the guide member 220 to thereby mount the same on the respective panel.

The panel profile corner member 230 comprises two halves 231 ,233 configured to connect together and securely locate the connection plate 104 and the outer panel fabric therebetween. The panel profile corner member 230 comprises an elongate stem portion 232 for mounting the panel profile corner member 230 to the panel frame 202, and a curved profile portion 234 having a curved outer surface to provide the corners of the panel with shape.

The ends of the curved profile portion 234 engage with the corresponding ends of the panel profile rail members 214,216 respectively mounted to the vertical and horizontal support members 204,206 of the panel frame to provide a continuous outer profile surface for mounting the outer panel fabric over. Each half of the curved profile portion 234 includes a plurality of teeth 235 to securely grip the panel fabric when the same is located between the two halves.

Each half of the curved profile portion 234 also includes an elongate recessed portion 236 to provide the assembled panel profile corner member 230 with an elongate through slot 237 (see Figure 3b) for receiving the correspondingly shaped and sized locating portion 222 of the guide member 220. A stop surface 238 is also provided for engagement with a corresponding surface of the locating portion 222 of the guide member 220 to ensure the same is correctly located in the panel profile corner member 230.

The stem portion 232 is configured to slidably engage into the open upper end of the vertical support member 204 to thereby mount the panel profile moulding 230 to the panel frame. Each half of the stem portion 232 includes a slot or channel 240 for locating the pin connection plate 104 in a correct orientation, i.e. with the tabs angled inwardly (in a direction of the pin entering the connection plate). Aptly, the slots are configured to not allow the connection plate to properly locate therein if the plate, and in turn the tabs, is not in the correct orientation. The connection plate 104 is oriented substantially vertically and centrally in the stem portion. Each half of the stem portion 232 also includes an elongate recessed portion 242 to provide the stem portion of the assembled panel profile corner member 230 with an elongate through slot for receiving and supporting the correspondingly shaped and sized support portion 224 of the guide member 220. The connection plate 104 is axially located in the through slot of the assembled stem portion 232 such that the support portion 224 of the guide member 220 is received through the opening 114 of the connection plate 104 and between the tabs 116 thereof, and also such that the ridged end portion of the connection pin 102 is located substantially centrally between the tabs of the connection plate 104.

Aptly, the two halves of the panel profile corner member 230 connect together by spaced apart tab and slot arrangements 244,246, or the like, and are each a one- piece plastics component formed by injection moulding or the like. Alternatively, the panel profile corner member 230 may be a one-piece component moulded around a steel connection plate 104 to be fixed therein. However, assembling the panel profile corner member 230 from two interconnecting halves allows the same to provide the additional functionality of securely trapping the outer panel fabric between the two halves of the panel profile corner member 230 without requiring additional fixings such as staples or the like and/or adhesive. The connection plate 104 can also be easily and quickly replaced if required. Each half of the panel profile corner member 230 comprises a plurality of webs, some of which provide the teeth 235 for gripping the panel fabric, to provide optimised load paths and in turn strength, whilst reducing material and weight.

As illustrated in Figure 3a, the connection plate 105 is located in the correct position and orientation (angled tabs facing inwardly) in the slot/channel 240 of a first half 231 of the panel profile corner member 230. The respective corner region of the outer fabric (not shown) to cover the assembled panel is located between the two halves 231/233 and the second half 233 of the panel profile corner member 230 is then connected by the tab/slot arrangement to the first half 231 to thereby clamp the connection plate 105 and the fabric therebetween. As illustrated in Figure 3b, the vertical and horizontal profile rail members 214,216 panel are attached to the vertical and horizontal support members 204,206 of the frame 350 of a first panel by respective hex bolts 302. The stem portion 232 of the assembled panel profile corner member 230 is located in the open upper end region of the vertical support member 204 to mount the panel profile corner member 230 to the frame 350 and provide a continuous outer edge surface to the first panel.

As illustrated in Figure 3c, the guide member 220 is inserted into the slotted hole 237 of the panel profile corner member 230 of the first panel such that the support portion 224 of the guide member 220 extends through the connection plate 104 until the locating portion 222 of the guide member 220 abuts the stop surface of the panel profile corner member 230 to be correctly located therein. In this position, the free end of the supporting portion 224 optionally extends through the slot in the inner face of the vertical support member 204. The connection pin 102 is then inserted into the guide member 220 and the ridged portion of the pin is axially urged between the spring tabs 116 until the end of the pin engages with the stop surface provided by the end region of the support portion 224 of the guide member 220. The first end region of the connection pin 102 is now securely mounted to the frame 350 of the first panel by the guide member 220 and the second end region of the pin extends perpendicularly from the frame 350 of the first panel for aligned engagement with the connection plate 104 mounted to the frame of a second panel.

As illustrated in Figure 3d, a preassembled second frame 360 of a second panel is offered up to the first panel frame 350 and the edges of the panels are brought together such that the second end region of the connection pin 102 extending from the first panel enters the second panel profile corner member 330 of the second panel and then engages with the connection plate 104 securely mounted therein.

The tapered second end of the connection pin 102 helps to locate and guide the same into the centre of the connection plate 104 of the second panel.

As illustrated in Figure 3e, the panels 350,360 are further urged together so that the ridged portion of the second end region of the connection pin 102 engages with and moves between the spring tabs of the second connection plate located in the second panel profile corner member 330 of the second panel. The panels are brought together until their edge surfaces engage.

As illustrated in Figure 3f, to disconnect the panels from each other, the second panel 360 is lifted with respect to the first panel 350. This vertical movement causes the second connection plate 104 coupled to the frame of the second panel to slidably move upwardly with respect to the connection pin 102 located therein until the pin enters the relatively wide lower opening 114 of the second connection plate 104.

The guide member 220 located in the first panel 350 prevents the first end region of the connection pin moving upwardly when the second panel is being lifted with respect to the first panel.

As illustrated in Figure 3g, the second end of the connection pin 102 can now be removed from the second connection plate allowing the panels 350,360 to be separated.

For ease of reference, the outer fabric covering the panel frames has been omitted from the illustrations. Furthermore, one connection apparatus/system disposed in an upper corner portion of the panels has been illustrated and described, however the same or similar connection apparatus/system according to certain embodiments of the present invention may be used to connect the lower corner portions of adjacent panels together. Furthermore, the panel profile corner member and the horizontal support member of the panel frame may be configured to use the same or similar form of connection pin and plate system according to certain embodiments of the present invention to securely connect a second panel on top of a first panel. For example, the panel profile corner member may be configured to locate a connection plate in a horizontal orientation for a vertically oriented connection pin attached to an adjacent panel frame to engage with to connect the panels together. Furthermore, the stem portion of the panel profile corner member may be configured to engage in an open end region of the horizontal support member of the panel frame. Aptly, the panel profile corner member may be configured to be selectively mounted to the vertical or horizontal frame support members. Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a connection apparatus for efficiently connecting and disconnecting a plurality of components, such as wall panels of an office panel or booth assembly. Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a panel assembly which is quick, safe and easy to assemble and disassemble, and which allows a user to create many different configurations of panel assembly formed from connected panels having the same or different configurations. The panel profile corner member of the panel assembly according to certain embodiments of the present invention desirably locates a connection plate of the connection apparatus in a desired position and orientation with respect to a connection pin of the connection apparatus to correctly engage therewith. The panel profile corner member is also configured to securely mount an end region of the connection pin to a first panel allowing a second panel to be efficiently coupled to and subsequently decoupled from the first panel. The panel profile corner member is also configured to clamp the outer fabric of the panel and desirably provide a curved form at the corner region thereof.