Locking arrangement for panels

Abstract

A locking arrangement for panels comprising a first panel with a second panel, the locking arrangement comprising: the first panel comprising a locking tab extending from the first panel, the locking tab having a main body, the locking tab terminating in an edge portion having a rigid thickness; the body of the locking tab comprising an opening; the second panel comprising a locking aperture that is sufficiently sized to receive and engage a thickness of the locking tab, the locking aperture being defined by an aperture wall wherein the aperture wall comprises a projection, located along the aperture wall, for being received into the opening of the locking tab of the first panel to lock and hold the locking tab of the first panel within the locking aperture of the second panel when the locking tab is inserted into the locking aperture in a locked configuration.

Description

LOCKING ARRANGEMENT FOR PANELSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a new and improved interlocking arrangement for locking two panels with different mechanical properties. Specifically, the invention relates to providing an improved interlocking arrangement between two types of panels with varying rigidity or stiffness.BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Interlocking arrangements for interlocking panels such as cardboard panels using tabs is well known. Wrap-around cartons use locking arrangements that include tabs and apertures to form and maintain closure of the carton about the articles. It can be appreciated that such locking arrangements must be securely and reliably engaged and must remain in such condition until the carton is opened. In some instances, such locking arrangements may also be used flat pack furniture. For example, cardboard beds bade of cardboard panels that interlock with one another are known. However, one of the problems associated with the prior art relates to the effectiveness of these locking arrangements when the panels need to withstand heavy forces acting on these panels.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] In an aspect, the invention provides a locking arrangement for panels comprising a first panel with a second panel, the locking arrangement comprising: the first panel comprising a locking tab extending from the first panel, the locking tab having a main body, the locking tab terminating in an edge portion having a rigid thickness; the body of the locking tab comprising an opening; the second panel comprising a locking aperture that is sufficiently sized to receive and engage a thickness of the locking tab, the locking aperture being defined by an aperture wall wherein the aperture wall comprises a projection, located along the aperture wall, for being received into the opening of the locking tab of the first panel to lock and hold the locking tab of the first panel within the locking aperture of the second panel when the locking tab is inserted into the locking aperture in a locked configuration.

[0005] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the projection on the aperture wall of the second panel comprises a height that is dimensioned to engage with the thickness of the main body of the locking tab in the first panel to maintain the locking top in a locked configuration with the locking aperture when the second panel is held under tenson.

[0006] In an embodiment, the thickness of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture is similar or slightly less than the thickness of the body of the locking tab such that insertion of the locking tab into the locking aperture results in slight compression in the thickness of the locking tab and / or slight expansion or extensionof the aperture wall of the locking aperture to accommodate and engage the edge portion of the locking tab.

[0007] In an embodiment, an opening into the locking aperture is defined by convergent guiding portions being provided to engage with and guide the locking tab into the locking aperture during use.

[0008] In an embodiment, in the locked configuration, the plane of the main body of the locking tab is transversely oriented relative to a plane of the second panel such that width of the locking tab is significantly greater than the height of the aperture wall.

[0009] In an embodiment, height of the aperture wall is substantially similar to a thickness of the second panel.

[0010] In an embodiment, the aperture is substantially elongate and wherein the aperture wall defining the locking aperture comprises two opposed and spaced apart aperture wall portions that are separated by an end portion of the aperture wall.

[0011] In an embodiment, the main body of the locking tab comprises a progressively decreasing width with the edge portion of the locking tab comprising opposed shoulder edge portions extending from a proximal part of the locking tab and converging towards a distal edge portion of the locking tab.

[0012] In an embodiment, the shoulder edge portions provide a guiding surface for guiding the locking tab into the locking aperture by engagement with the aperture walls defining the locking aperture.

[0013] In an embodiment, the locking aperture comprises an aperture width that is sufficiently large to accommodate the width of the locking tab when the projection of the locking aperture in the second panel is received and engaged within the opening of the locking tab.

[0014] In an embodiment, the locking aperture is substantially elongate.

[0015] In an embodiment, the locking apertures are located a peripheral region of the second panel.

[0016] In an embodiment, during use, the second panel can be stretched in a transverse direction relative to a direction in which the projection extends from the aperture wall defining the locking aperture of the second panel.

[0017] In an embodiment, the projection comprises opposed convergent guiding portions for guiding the projection into the opening of the locking tab as the locking tab is inserted into the locking aperture.

[0018] In an embodiment, one of the first or second panels is a substantially rigid and non-bendable panel and the other of the first or second panels is a substantially flexible and bendable panel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the locking tab comprises an overall width or an average width that is greater than the thickness of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture.

[0020] In an embodiment, in the locked configuration, the edge of the locking tab for the first panel does not extend beyond the thickness of the locking aperture of the second panel.

[0021] In an embodiment, the projection is flexibly mounted along the aperture wall and undergoes flexing or bending to be retained in the opening of the locking tab.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the locking arrangement 100. The locking arrangement 100 is provided to allow locking between a first panel 110 which comprises a flexible and bendable material and a second panel 120 which is a rigid and non-bendable material. In one exemplary and nonlimiting embodiment, the first panel 110 may be made from EchoPanel® which is a lightweight and flexible material with a generally woven profile and a textured finish. The second panel 120 may be formed from a generally rigid and non-bendable material having a laminated configuration such as marine grade plywood that does not undergo bending to the same extent as the first panel 110. In alternative embodiments, panel 120 may be somewhat flexible, though preferably somewhat less flexible than the panel 110 and it is envisioned that the locking arrangement 100 would still function in a manner as described in the foregoing sections.

[0023] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the first flexible panel 110 comprises a locking tab 112 that extends from the flexible panel 110. The locking tab 112 may assume several shapes and consists of a tab body which terminates in a tab edge 116 having a thickness. The flexible material of the flexible panel 110 makes the tab edge 112 slightly compressible and allows the tab 110 to be pushed into a lockingaperture 122 provided in the second panel 120. As evident from Figures 1 to 4, the plane of the locking tab 112 from the first panel 112 must be transversely oriented relative to the plane of the second panel 120 when the tab body 112 is inserted into the locking aperture 122. Importantly, the opening of the locking aperture is defined by opposed guiding portions 121 that define a slightly wider opening region to guide a section of the locking tab 112 into the locking aperture 122.

[0024] The locking tab 112 comprises an elongate opening 114 that is located in a generally central region of the locking tab 112. As shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 4, the locking aperture 122 is defined by an aperture wall that also comprises a thickness of the second panel 120. The locking aperture 122 is substantially elongate with two opposed aperture wall portions being separated by end portion of the aperture wall. The spacing between the aperture wall portions in the locking aperture 122 of the second panel 120 receives the thickness of the locking tab 112. One of the two aperture wall portions is provided with a projection 124 that is configured to be received into the opening 114 of the locking tab 112. The height of the projection 124 is slightly less than thickness of the locking tab 112 which allows the projection 124 to be fully received into the opening 114 of the locking tab 112 with a portion of the projection 124 extending out of the opening 114 in the locked configuration. This configuration allows the projection 124 to positively prevent the locking tab 112 from getting detached from the locking aperture 122 unless a force is applied by the user to pull out the tab 112 by twisting the tab 112 out of the locking aperture 122.

[0025] In the presently described embodiment of the locking system 100, the height of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture is determined by the thickness ofthe second panel 120. However, the height of the aperture wall may vary from the overall average thickness of the second panel 120. Furthermore, while the opening 114 in the locking tab 112 is shown to be elongate, the shape of the opening 114 is not limiting. Figures 1 to 9 generally illustrate the locking tab 112 to be received into a locking aperture 122 such that the locking aperture has a slanted or angular orientation within the plane of the second panel 120. However, the orientation of the locking aperture 122 is not limiting and as shown in Figure 10 the orientation of the locking aperture 122 may vary.

[0026] In further embodiments, the first panel 110 may have a corrugated or ridged configuration which would also impart some level of directional flexibility and the second panel 120 may have some flexibility. In other alternative embodiments, the first panel 110 may have some flexibility and the second panel 120 may be ridged or corrugated. In further embodiments, both the first and second panels 110 and 120 may be flexible (with similar or slightly different levels of flexibility).

[0027] Figures 11 to 17 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the locking arrangement 200. Once again, the locking arrangement is provided to allow locking between a first type of panel 210 and a second type of panel 220. The first panel 210 comprises a generally rigid and non-bendable material (such as but not limited to laminated marine grade plywood) whilst the second panel 220 is less rigid and comprises a more bendable and flexible configuration. In one exemplary and nonlimiting embodiment, the second panel 220 may be made from EchoPanel® which is a lightweight and flexible material with a generally woven profile and a textured finish.

[0028] Referring to Figures 11 to 15, the first rigid panel 210 comprises a locking tab 212 that extends from the main body of the first rigid panel 210. The locking tab 212 may assume several shapes and consists of a tab body which terminates in a tab edge 216 having a thickness. A locking aperture 222 is provided in the flexible panel 220 for receiving the locking tab 212. The flexible material of the second panel 220 defines an aperture wall of the locking aperture 222 and as the rigid locking tab 212 is pushed through the locking aperture 222, the aperture wall undergoes slight stretching to accommodate the locking tab 212. As evident from Figures 11 to 15, the plane of the locking tab 212 from the first panel 210 must be transversely oriented relative to the plane of the second panel 220 when the tab 212 is inserted into the locking aperture 222. The main body of the locking tab 212 comprises a progressively decreasing width with the edge portion of the locking tab 212 comprising opposed shoulder edge portions extending from a proximal part of the locking tab and converging towards a distal edge portion of the locking tab 212 which results in a generally trapezoidal shape of the locking tab 212. The convergent shoulder portions of the locking tab 212 providing a guiding surface for guiding the locking tab 212 into the locking aperture 222 as the relatively rigid locking tab 212 is pushed into the locking aperture 222.

[0029] The locking tab 212 comprises an elongate opening 214 that is located in a generally central region of the locking tab 212. As shown most clearly in Figures 12 and 13, the locking aperture 222 is defined by an aperture wall that also comprises a thickness of the second panel 220. The locking aperture 222 is substantially elongate with two opposed aperture wall portions extending along a length of the locking aperture 22 and being separated by respective end portions of the aperture wall located at either end of the elongate locking aperture 222. The spacing betweenthe aperture wall portions in the locking aperture 222 of the second panel 220 receives the thickness of the locking tab 212. One of the two aperture wall portions is provided with a projection 224 that is configured to be received into the opening 214 of the locking tab 212. The height of the projection 224 is substantially equal to the thickness of the locking tab 212 which allows the projection 224 to be fully received into the opening 214 of the locking tab 212. The projection 224 comprises opposed convergent guiding portions for guiding the projection 224 into the opening 214 of the locking tab 212 as the locking tab 212 is inserted into the locking aperture 222.

[0030] In such a fully engaged configuration, a portion of the locking tab 212 extends out of the locking aperture 222 as shown in Figures 11 and 14. This configuration allows the end portion of the tab 212 to be fully visible during the engagement. Detachment of the second panel 220 from the first panel 210 requires the projection 224 to be pulled out of the opening 214 by twisting the second panel portion 220 to dislodge the projection 224 out of the opening 214 before pulling the tab 212 away from the locking aperture 222.

[0031] The height of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture 222 is once again determined by the thickness of the second panel 220. However, the height of the aperture wall may vary from the overall average thickness of the second panel 220. Furthermore, while the opening 214 in the locking tab 212 is shown to be elongate, the shape of the opening 214 is not limiting. Figures 11 to 17 generally illustrate the locking tab 212 to be received into a locking aperture 222 such that the respective planes of the first and second panels 210 and 220 are mutually orthogonal or perpendicular to each other. However, the mutually perpendicular orientation is notlimiting in any manner and the first and second panels 210 and 220 may be oriented in other orientations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In further embodiments of the locking arrangement 200, the first panel 210 may comprise a ridged or corrugated configuration. The second panel 220 may have some flexibility.

[0033] Figure 18 illustrates one of the many possible uses of the locking arrangement 200 that allows the flexible panel 220 to be stretched in one or more directions and be maintained in the stretched position by using the locking arrangement 200.

[0034] Figures 19 to 25 illustrate a third embodiment of the locking arrangement 200'. The locking arrangement 200' is substantially similar to the locking arrangement 200 and like reference numerals denote like features that have been previously described. The first panel 210' is materially similar to panel 210 as previously described and generally comprises a rigid and non-bendable configuration. The only difference relates the configuration of the locking tab 212' which comprises a lower in-use height when compared with the locking tab 212 that has been described in the previous sections. As a result of the lower height of the locking tab 212' is substantially similar to the width of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture 222. As a result, in the locked configuration, the outer edge of the locking tab 212' sits flush with the surface of the second panel 220 and does not protrude or extend beyond the plane of the second panel 220.

[0035] Another important difference between the locking arrangement 200' and the previously described locking arrangement 200 is that the projection 224 undergoesslight bending (best shown in Figures 23 and 24) to be received into the opening 214 provided in the locking tab 212' of the first panel 210'. Once again, Figures 19 to 24 generally illustrate the locking tab 212' to be received into a locking aperture 222 such that the respective planes of the first and second panels 210' and 220 are mutually orthogonal or perpendicular to each other. However, the mutually perpendicular orientation is not limiting in any manner and the first and second panels 210' and 220 may be oriented in other orientations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In further embodiments of the locking arrangement 200', the first panel 210 may comprise a ridged or corrugated configuration. The second panel 220 may have some flexibility.

[0037] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of” is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[0038] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0039] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A locking arrangement for panels comprising a first panel with a second panel, the locking arrangement comprising: the first panel comprising a locking tab extending from the first panel, the locking tab having a main body, the locking tab terminating in an edge portion having a thickness; the body of the locking tab comprising an opening; the second panel comprising a locking aperture that is sufficiently sized to receive and engage a thickness of the locking tab, the locking aperture being defined by an aperture wall wherein the aperture wall comprises a projection, located along the aperture wall, for being received into the opening of the locking tab of the first panel to lock and hold the locking tab of the first panel within the locking aperture of the second panel when the locking tab is inserted into the locking aperture in a locked configuration.

2. A locking arrangement in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least a portion of the projection on the aperture wall of the second panel comprises a height that is configured to engage with the thickness of the main body of the locking tab in the first panel to maintain the locking tab in a locked configuration with the locking aperture when the second panel is held under tenson.

3. A locking arrangement in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the height of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture is similar or slightly less than the thickness of the body of the locking tab such that insertion of thelocking tab into the locking aperture results in slight compression in the thickness of the locking tab and / or slight expansion or extension of the aperture wall of the locking aperture to accommodate and engage the edge portion of the locking tab.

4. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein an opening into the locking aperture is defined by convergent guiding portions being provided to engage with and guide the locking tab into the locking aperture during use.

5. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein in the locked configuration, the plane of the main body of the locking tab is transversely oriented relative to a plane of the second panel such that width of the locking tab is significantly greater than the height of the aperture wall.

6. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein height of the aperture wall is substantially similar to a thickness of the second panel.

7. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is substantially elongate and wherein the aperture wall defining the locking aperture comprises two opposed and spaced apart aperture wall portions that are separated by an end portion of the aperture wall.

8. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the main body of the locking tab comprises a progressively decreasing width with the edge portion of the locking tab comprising opposed shoulder edge portions extending from a proximal part of the locking tab and converging towards a distal edge portion of the locking tab.

9. A locking arrangement in accordance with claim 8 wherein the shoulder edge portions provide a guiding surface for guiding the locking tab into the locking aperture by engagement with the aperture walls defining the locking aperture.

10. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking aperture comprises an aperture width that is sufficiently large to accommodate the width of the locking tab when the projection of the locking aperture in the second panel is received and engaged within the opening of the locking tab.

11. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking aperture is substantially elongate.

12. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking aperture is located along a peripheral region of the second panel.

13. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the projection comprises opposed convergent guiding portions for guiding the projection into the opening of the locking tab as the locking tab is inserted into the locking aperture.

14. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the first or second panels is a substantially rigid and non- bendable panel and the other of the first or second panels is a substantially flexible and bendable panel.

15. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking tab comprises an overall width or an average width that is greater than the thickness of the aperture wall defining the locking aperture.

16. A locking arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein in the locked configuration, the edge of the locking tab for the first panel does not extend beyond the thickness of the locking aperture of the second panel.

17. A locking arrangement in accordance with claim 13 wherein the projection is flexibly mounted along the aperture wall and undergoes flexing or bending to be retained in the opening of the locking tab.

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