FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to panels and attachment means for attaching one member to another and in particular to an improved style of construction for lattice, fencing, roofing, awnings and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Lattice, fencing, roofing, and awning structures are very popular and are used for many purposes. They are generally required to combine desirable characteristics of strength, light weight, and low cost. A typical fence structure for example, is formed from straight elements such as paling elements arranged in a generally vertical direction with one or more generally horizontal rail elements in a crossing pattern and fastened together, forming openings between the palings, but preventing entry or exit of anything larger than the opening dimension.

The conventional fence structure typically has two horizontal rail elements to make the overall structure stronger, and they are attached to one or more spaced apart fence posts which are embedded in the ground. They are also used for joining with other fence portions to from the fence or divider.

By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of a conventional fence structure, the style and security provided by the fence may be varied. For example, fences may be formed in a loop-top, flat-top or spike-top pattern by using different shaped palings. The attachment of the palings to the horizontal elements form regular and repeatable openings due to the spacing of the palings.

Conventional fence structures are generally formed of straight vertical elements, or slats, and perpendicular spacing elements. Although these structures have many uses, the geometry is not pleasing to everyone, and the use of such structures is thus somewhat limited. The vertical elements may be simple elongate post-like members or they may be U-shaped members in order to provide the loop-top fence. These may have a different appeal and be more aesthetically pleasing to some consumers. hi construction of conventional fences in particular, the palings of the vertical direction are generally disposed over the rails and attached thereto. Therefore they are generally wider than the thickness of a single member. These are generally fixed to one another using a fastener of some kind, usually nails, screws or staples.

For metal fencing, welding or a similar process may be used.

The areas where the palings and rails overlap are also sometimes provided with a rebated portion allowing the slats to fit together forming a structure having a single slat thickness. Rebating however generally only works well with wooden constructions, metal being difficult to apply a rebate to.

Both the method of using fasteners and the provision of rebates weaken the fencing structure. They provide points of weakness about which the palings in particular may splinter.

Fences formed in the usual ways also tend to sag when not supported or when the fence panel is larger. The weight of the palings and the entire fence panel bears on the fasteners and the rebates and may affect the strength or integrity of the fence. For this reason, these types of fences are unsuitable for use in security situations, particularly in situations such as pool fences.

Fences may also be manufactured using a preformed panel often made using a plastic sheet with the fence pattern of rails and palings stamped out of the sheet. Fencing formed in this manner is quite thin, as it must be pressed out by a machine while the plastic is still cooling after the sheet is extruded. This type of plastic lattice is usually weaker and may be used for ornamental applications. It is generally unsuitable for security situations and also tends to sag. The inventor of the present invention has been active in this area previously. The inventors previous patented panel comprised a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least some said first members defining a first part of a passageway, at least one second member disposed in a second direction and defining a second part of the passageway, the second member having a plurality of openings for at least partially receiving a said first member, and at least one elongate locking member, adapted to pass through the passageway, and substantially in alignment with the first member or the second member to lock the first member relative to the second member. Whilst this panel has been found to perform well, the alignment of the first and second members prior to the insertion of the elongate locking member may be difficult to accomplish without the use of the correct equipment. It is particularly difficult for a do-it-yourself handyman.

The most common materials used in the construction of fence panels are wood, plastic and light metals such as aluminium. Wood has many disadvantages,

such as being relatively heavy for a given strength, as well as splitting and breaking under impact. Furthermore, wood will tend to rot and decay under most conditions and must be protected either by a preservative finish using an expensive chemical treatment or else painted with appropriate decorative finishes which must be reapplied periodically. Thus the complete cost of a wood fence is not only the original cost of erecting it, but also the continuing cost of maintenance and repair.

In order to overcome the problems with wood as a fencing material, a number of substitutes have been proposed, particularly plastics, and of these polyvinyl chloride or PVC has been one of the most popular. PVC has the advantages of easy fabrication by extrusion, molding and other processes, as well as reasonable cost and durability, since it can easily be coated with the necessary protective and finishing materials. PVC is however generally weaker than metals.

Aluminium is also used in construction and is used in security fencing such as pool fences. These constructions are often riveted together and the rivets therefore offer points of weakness about which the fence may bend.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a panel with hidden attachment means, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. hi a first form, the invention resides in a locking member for use in assembly of articles, the locking member including at least one arm member, and at least one locking portion, wherein the locking member is adapted for insertion into a tubular portion having at least one opening through which the at least one locking portion can extend to engage with a second portion to lock the second portion relative to the tubular portion.

In another form, the invention resides in a panel comprising a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least some said first members defining a first part of a passageway and being at least partially tubular, at least one second member disposed in a second direction and defining a second part of the passageway, the second member having a plurality of openings each for at least partially receiving a said first member, and a locking member for each said first member adapted to extend at least partially into the passageway to lock the first member relative to the second member.

In use, a locking member may be inserted into the tubular portion of the first member. The first member is then positioned into or through the second member where the locking member may then extend at least partially into the passageway to lock the first member relative to the second member. In one form, the part of the passageway defined by the first member may be a wall of at least some said first members and the part of the passageway defined by the second member may be a wall of the second member. The locking member may suitably be disposed between the walls of the first members and the second member and lock them relative to each other by a friction or interference fit. hi an alternative embodiment, the first members may be provided with a depression defining part of the passageway. The part of the passageway defined by the first member may be a depression in at least some said first members and the part of the passageway defined by the second member may be a wall of the second member. The depressions on first members may be aligned to allow the locking member. The locking member may engage with the depression on the first members and the wall of the second member to lock the members relative to each other.

In this manner, the attachment means may be inside the second members and is therefore hidden from sight. These embodiments may not be completely suitable for security panels as there may be some small degree of movement of the second members allowed if a significant force is applied to the second member. The opening on the passage portions allows the locking member to be manipulated when forcing it through the passage portions in order to adjust the alignment of the locking member.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention resides in a panel comprising a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least some said first members being at least partially tubular and defining a first part of a passageway in the form of an opening, at least one second member disposed in a second direction and defining a second part of the passageway, the at least one second member having a plurality of openings therein, each opening in the at least one second member for at least partially receiving a said first member, each second member including at least one passage portion, and a locking member for each said first member, each locking member having at least one locking portion adapted to extend through the opening in the first member and at least partially into the passageway in

the second member to lock the first member relative to the second member.

Preferably, each at least one passage portion has a periphery which extends substantially about the at least one locking portion of the locking member, when assembled. The periphery may be or include a portion of a wall of the second member. For example, the periphery may be an open topped channel located in the interior of the second member.

The locking members are suitably located inside the second members and therefore hidden from sight. Panels may be formed in this manner without rivets or other fasteners. The panel is also less likely to sag under its own weight. The removal of the overlapping slats results in a slimmer panel which may be used in security situations as doors or window panels or in a larger form as a fence or wall panel. Depending upon the shape of the first and second members, the panel may also be used a roof, balustrade or awning. The panel may also be easily assembled by unskilled workers without the use of any specialized or heavy equipment. There will suitably be more than one second member disposed in the second direction. The plurality of first members will preferably take the form of paling members disposed on one direction and the second members will suitably be disposed in a second direction to form a network. The first members and the at least one second member will typically be oriented approximately perpendicular to each other and the network will therefore preferably have a cross-like or fence-like appearance.

Each first member may preferably be an elongate member. The members may of course be of any cross-section required by a user or manufacturer of the panels. For example, a round member may be preferred by a consumer for aesthetic reasons or to reduce the appearance of the panel as a two-dimensional panel. The members may preferably not be rectangular or other shape possessing sharp corners or apices as these could weaken the overall structure of the panel. Members of these shapes may however be used in some situations. It is also anticipated that the first member may take on a foil shape, being substantially oval in cross-section but having flattened sidewalls. The material used for construction of the each of the members may preferably be a light but strong metal such as aluminium or plastic. This will suitably provide the panel with the strength required to be used in security situations but remain light and slimmer in appearance than heavier or denser materials.

At least a portion of the first members may be hollow or tubular. Typically, the members will be entirely hollow, but it is envisaged that partially hollow, partially solid first members may be used. Suitably, at least one end portion of the first members may be hollow or tubular and preferably both end portions will be. In this manner, the locking member may be positioned in the hollow or tubular portion prior to the end portion of the first member being inserted into the second member during construction or assembly of the panel.

The shape of the network of members may be of any shape required by a consumer. Such shapes may be rectangular in appearance, but it may also be diamond shaped (or angled to the horizontal), or rounded in appearance. The shape of the panel and the network may also be abstract or freeform.

The arrangement of the network itself may preferably be an orderly array of members with the intersection of each first member with a second member providing a fixture point where the locking member attaches the first member to the second member. The fixture points may suitably be arranged in any two or three- dimensional pattern. Such pattern may be regular or abstract.

By varying structural dimensions and relationships in the assembly of the panel network, the relative area of any openings between the first members may be varied. The spacing of the members in the present invention may preferably be such that the openings are large enough to allow an unobstructed view or passage of air but small enough to provide security when necessary.

The openings in the panel may suitably be of any shape also, and will preferably be related to the array of the network.

The size of the panel may be varied to suit the application to which the panel is to be put. For example, when used as a fence, the panel will preferably be between 0.9 and 3 meters in height and 0.5 to 3 meters in width. More than one panel may be used to form a fence. When used in other situations, the panel will be suitably sized in order to achieve its purpose.

Each first member may preferably be round, rectangular or substantially oval in cross-sectional shape. It may also preferably have a cross- sectional shape having two substantially linear, parallel sidewalls and two arcuate end walls or foil-shaped. Each first member may have at least one sidewall.

Each first member will preferably be extruded. The extrusion may be

of any length required. It is anticipated that U-shaped first members may be used to form a loop-top fence.

Each first member may have any dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in width, and any length. Each first member preferably may be tubular in construction. The tubular construction will preferably provide strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction. However, a solid construction may preferably be used in specific situations. The or each first member may also have a planar configuration. For example, an awning may be formed according to the present invention by using planar first members oriented substantially horizontally and downwardly angled with a pair or more of second members oriented substantially vertically. Each of the first members may be provided with a locking member to fix the awning blades (first members) in position.

Each first member suitably has at least one opening therethrough and the opening may be in the form of a passage disposed through it. The opening will typically be a transverse opening in opposed sidewalls in the first member. There may be a plurality of passages. The passages in adjacent first members may suitably be coaxial. Each passage may preferably approximate the size and/or shape of the exterior of the at least one locking portion of the locking member. The passage will preferably be sized to provide an interference fit with the at least one locking portion of the locking member. The interference fit may be a tight interference fit or a loose interference fit. The second members may be provided with one or more internal flanges, located inside the second member substantially opposite the respective openings in the second member which the first members extend at least partially into, the flanges to receive and locate the end of the first members therein or through.

The passages are suitably shaped to receive the at least one locking portion of the locking member in a way that the locking member may extend from inside the hollow first member and into the passage in the second member without the use or a hammer or like device. The passage may suitably be sized to firmly grip the at least one locking portion of the locking member but not to deform the portion when it passes through said passage.

The wall thickness of each first member will preferably be similar and be between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for

members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each second member may preferably be substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape, round, or substantially oval in cross-sectional shape. It may also preferably have a cross-sectional shape having two substantially linear, parallel sidewalls and two arcuate end walls or foil-shaped. Each first member may have at least one sidewall. The passage portions may preferably be disposed within the rectangular cross-section of the second member.

Each second member may preferably be extruded. The extrusion may be of any length required. Each second member may have any suitable dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in a first direction, 1 mm to 10 cm in a second direction and of any suitable length.

Each second member may be solid, but preferably will be tubular in construction, with the passage portions dispose within the hollow interior. The tubular construction will preferably provide strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction. Solid construction may preferably be used in specific situations.

Each second member also has at a plurality of openings disposed into or through it to receive the first members. These openings may be passages and are suitably spaced along each second member. The wall thickness of each second member will preferably be similar and be between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm.

Thicker walls may be provided for members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight. Typically, there will be an opening in one sidewall of the second member but not in the opposed sidewall of the second member so that an end portion of the first member may be received in the second member.

Each second member is preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the first members to form a two-dimensional panel.

The second member may be formed of more than one part which when secured together, form the second member. For example, each second member may be formed of a first part which mounts a part of the passageway and a second cover portion. The cover portion or the first portion may be shaped and preferably in concert with the other of the two portions will define a hollow member with the passageway part located inside the hollow member. Utilising a two part second

member may allow a user greater access to the locking members particularly during the engagement action after which the cover member can be utilized to cover and protect the locking members against removal.

As stated above, a locking member will be provided for each first member of the panel and generally, there will be a locking member provided for each end of each first member. Each locking member is suitably removable and replaceable in the first member. Each locking member has at least one locking portion and preferably a pair of locking portions. The locking portions will typically be opposed to one another but may be offset from one another. The at least one locking portion and preferably both locking portions will extend through the transverse openings in the first member when the locking member is in position within the first member.

The locking member may be manufactured of any material but typical materials may include, nylon, plastic, metal or spring steel. The locking member may suitably have a pair of arm members with the locking portions mounted or extending therefrom. Each of the arm members will typically be planar but may be of any shape and configuration. For example, the locking member may be a U-shaped main arm member with locking portions mounted or extending from either end thereof. The locking portions will usually be protrusions or extensions extending laterally from the arm members. The locking portions may be of any shape.

The length of the locking portions may be determined according to the internal dimension of the first member. Generally the length of the locking portions will be approximately half the internal dimension of the first member less any thickness of the arm member from which the locking portion extends. In this manner, the locking member may be sized to only just be insertable into the first member when deformed to its maximum, but it also results in a locking member that expands to the maximum possible size when inserted into the first member. Typically, the locking member will have one of two main configurations. According to a first embodiment, the locking member will have a pair of spaced apart arm members with a cross-arm linking the pair of arm members. Generally, each arm member will have a free end opposite an end attached to the cross-arm. Positioned at or adjacent the free end of at least one of the arm members

will be a locking portion and generally each arm member will be provided with a locking portion. The locking portions extend laterally from the arm members from an outer side of the arm members. The arm members of the locking member or the cross-arm will typically be deformable or resilient to enable the locking member to be inserted into the first members but sufficiently rigid to maintain position in the first member once inserted. The arm members can be squeezed together during insertion.

According to a second embodiment, the locking member will have a pair of arm members which are hinged or attached together in a V-shape. Generally, each arm member will have a free end. Positioned at or adjacent the free end of at least one of the arm members will be a locking portion and generally each arm member will be provided with a locking portion. The locking portions extend laterally from the arm members from an outer side of the arm members. The arm members of the locking member will typically be deformable or resilient about the hinge or attachment point to enable the locking member to be inserted into the first members but sufficiently rigid to maintain position in the first member once inserted. The arm members can be squeezed together during insertion.

The locking members are also preferably spaced along the arm member(s) so that when the locking member is inserted into the second member, the locking member locks the first and second member together tightly to reduce any amount of relative movement of the members which causes rattling. As a further attempt to reduce relative movement, a guide or other member may be used between the first and second members. For example, a preferred embodiment of the guide may be tubular and received about the end of the first member. The guide will also preferably have openings which align with the openings in the first member for the locking members to protrude through when the locking member is in place. When the first member with guide is pushed into the opening in the second member, the guide is closely received within the opening between the members and thus reduces relative movement. The guide may be made of plastic or similar to prevent any noise.

Generally, the locking portions of the locking member will be sized to be closely received through the opening(s) in the first member and also closely received within the passage portion of the second portion. Once inserted within the first member, the locking member may be firmly retained in place by the force generated by the expansion of the arm members due to their resilience. This may

assist with the strength of the panel and also with reducing the rattling of the panel as well.

As may be appreciated, the invention is described herein with particular reference to a fence panel. It is to be appreciated that the invention may apply equally to an awning, balustrade or a roof structure as well. Other applications may become evident upon further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a round first member, rectangular second member and a locking member according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a round first member, oval second member and a locking member according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rectangular first member, rectangular second member and a locking member according to still a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a panel formed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with detail of a locking member according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first shape of second member.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second shape of second member.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a third shape of second member.

Figure 8 is a perspective view with detail of a fence panel according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fence panel according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 10 is a perspective view with detail of a fence panel according to a preferred embodiment.

Figures HA to 111 are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of second members which may be used according to the invention.

Figures 12A to 12F are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of second members which maybe used according to the invention.

Figures 13A to 13E are cross-sectional views of various embodiments

of two-part second members which maybe used according to the invention.

Figures 14A to 14E are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of second members which may be used according to the invention.

Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a louvre-like panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a slat panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a slat panel with a frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a fence panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a fence panel with end frames according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of a fence panel with alternative end frames according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is an exploded view of a one-sided clip being used to secure two members according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 22 to 24 are exploded views of a clip being used to secure two members of various cross-sectional shapes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a panel 10 with hidden locking members 11 is provided.

The panel 10 of the preferred embodiment is best illustrated in Figure 4 and has a plurality of hollow first members 12 disposed in a first direction, and a pair of second members 13 disposed in a second direction. The second members 13 each have a plurality of openings (not shown) for at least partially receiving a first member

12.

The first members 12 define a first part of a passageway and the second members 13 define a second part of the passageway.

A locking member 11 is provided for each first member 12 and the locking member 11 is adapted to extend at least partially into the passageway to lock the first member 12 relative to the second member 13.

.

13

In use, a locking member 11 is inserted into the hollow interior of each first member 12. The first member 12 is then pushed into an opening in the second members 13 where a portion of the locking member 11 extends into the passageway to lock the first member 12 relative to the second member 13. Each part of the passageway, regardless of whether in the first member

12 or the second member 13, has a periphery which extends substantially about a locking portion 14 of the locking member 11, when assembled. The first members 12 each have a passageway in the form of an opening 15 in a side wall of the first member 12. The part of the passageway of the second member 11 is an open topped channel 16 located in the interior of the second member 13.

The locking members 11 are located inside the second members 13 and therefore hidden from sight. Panels 10 may be formed in this manner without rivets or other fasteners. The panel 10 is also less likely to sag under its own weight. The removal of the overlapping slats results in a slimmer panel which may be used in security situations as doors or window panels or in a larger form as a fence or wall panel. Depending upon the shape of the first and second members, the panel may also be used a roof, balustrade or awning. The panel is also be easily assembled by unskilled workers without the use of any specialized or heavy equipment.

As seen in Figure 4, the first members 12 and the second members 13 are oriented approximately perpendicular to each other.

Each first member 12 is an elongate member. The first members 12 may be of any cross-section required by a user or manufacturer of the panels. For example, a round first member is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a rectangular first member is illustrated in Figure 3 and a first member being substantially oval in cross- section but having flattened sidewalls, is illustrated in Figure 4.

The material used for construction of the each of the members is generally aluminium or plastic. This provides the panel 10 with the strength required to be used in security situations but remain light and slimmer in appearance than heavier or denser materials. The size of the panel may be varied to suit the application to which the panel is to be put. For example, when used as a fence, the panel will preferably be between 0.9 and 3 meters in height and 0.5 to 3 meters in width. More than one panel may be used to form a fence. When used in other situations, the panel will be suitably

sized in order to achieve its purpose.

Each first member 12 will generally be extruded. Each first member 12 can have any dimension, but will generally be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in width, and cut to any length. Each first member has pair of transverse openings 15 in opposed sidewalls in the first member 12. There will generally be a pair of openings 15 located towards one end of the first member 12 and also a pair of openings 15 located towards the other end. The openings 15 in adjacent first members 12 will be coaxial.

Each opening will approximate the size and/or shape of the exterior of the locking portion 14 of the locking member 11.

The second members 13 is provided with internal flanges 17, located inside the second member 13 substantially opposite the respective openings in the second member 13 which the first members 12 extend at least partially into the flanges 17 to receive and locate the end of the first members 12 therebetween. The wall thickness of each first member 12 is between approximately

0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls can be provided for members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight.

Each second member 13 may be of any cross-section required by a user or manufacturer of the panels. For example, a round second member is illustrated in Figure 5, a foil shaped second member is illustrated in Figure 6 and a rectangular second member is illustrated in Figure 7. Each second member 13 is extruded.

Each second member 13 has any suitable dimensions, but preferably may be between approximately 1 cm and 10 cm in a first direction, 1 mm to 10 cm in a second direction and of any suitable length. Each second member 13 is tubular in construction, with the passage portions disposed within the hollow interior. The tubular construction provides strength and rigidity to the panel but not add excessive weight to the construction.

The wall thickness of each second member 13 is between approximately 0.5 mm and 10 mm. Thicker walls may be provided for members in larger panels, as those members will have to support a greater weight. According to the embodiment illustrated, the second members have an opening in one sidewall of but not in the opposed sidewall of the second member 13 so that an end portion of the first member 12 is received in the second member 13.

As stated above, a locking member 11 is provided for each first member 12 of the panel 10 and generally, there will be a locking member 11 provided for each end of each first member 12. Each locking member 11 is removeable and replaceable in the first member 12. The locking member 11 have a pair of arm members 18 with locking portions 14 from at least one of the arm members 18. Each arm member 18 is generally planar.

The locking portions 14 are protrusions or extensions extending laterally from the arm members 18. The length of the locking portions 14 will be determined according to the internal dimension of the first member 12. The length of the locking portions 14 will be approximately half the internal dimension of the first member 11 less any thickness of the arm member 18 from which the locking portion 14 extends, hi this manner, the locking member 11 will be sized to be only just insertable into the first member 12 when deformed to its maximum, but it also results in a locking member 11 that expands to the maximum possible size when inserted into the first member 12.

According to a first embodiment as illustrated in Figure 4, the locking member 11 has a pair of spaced apart arm members 18 with a cross-arm 19 linking the pair of arm members 18. Each arm member 18 has a free end opposite an end attached to the cross-arm 19. Each arm member 18 has a locking portion 14 positioned at or adjacent the free end of the arm members 18 as illustrated in Figure 4. The locking portions 14 extend laterally from the arm members 18 from an outer side of the arm members 18. The arm members 18 of the locking member 11 or the cross- arm 19 is deformable or resilient to enable the locking member 11 to be inserted into the first member 12 but sufficiently rigid to maintain position in the first member 12 once inserted. The arm members 18 are squeezed together during insertion.

According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the locking member 11 has a pair of arm members 18 which are hinged or attached together in a V-shape. Each arm member 18 has a free end. A locking portion 14 is positioned at or adjacent the free end of at least one of the arm members 18, as illustrated in Figure 3 and generally each arm member 18 will be provided with a locking portion 14 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The locking portions 14 extend laterally from the arm members 18 from an outer side of the arm members 18. The

arm members 18 of the locking member 11 are deformable or resilient about the hinge point to enable the locking member 11 to be inserted into the first members 12 but sufficiently rigid to maintain position in the first member 12 once inserted. The arm members 18 are squeezed together during insertion. Generally, the locking portions 14 of the locking member 11 will be sized to be closely received through the openings 15 in the first member 12 and also closely received within the channel 16 of the second member 13. Once inserted within the first member 12, the locking member 11 is firmly retained in place by the force generated by the expansion of the arm members 18 due to their resilience. This assists with the strength of the panel 10 and also with reducing the rattling of the panel 10 as well.

In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.