Panel for a temporary structure and a structure comprising the same

Abstract

The panel 2 comprises a first 4 and second 6 major wall and defines a cavity therebetween and a central panel portion 4a, 6a having a first thickness from the centre of the cavity to the first major w

Description

PANEL FOR A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE AND A STRUCTURE COMPRISING THE SAME The present invention relates to a panel for use in a structure, for example a wall assembly. The structure may be temporary, such as a temporary partition or hoarding. The present invention also relates to a structure comprising the panel. There are many situations where it is required to provide a temporary structure comprising one or more panels, such as a wall. Such structures should preferably be simple to construct and install and be simple to dismantle. The structure should preferably use a minimum amount of material and produce little or no waste as a result of its use. For example, it is frequently necessary to carry out work, such as maintenance, construction or renovation work, in workplace areas, such as offices, retail premises and the like. If the work required is of a sufficient scale and time and resources allow, it is possible to close off the entire workplace area, to limit access and exposure to the work activities to those persons carrying out the work. However, in many situations, it is preferred or required to maintain operations within the workplace area while the work is being carried out. For example, it may be required to refit or renovate a portion of an office workspace, while still allow office personnel to carry out their normal duties in an adjacent or adjoining area. In such a case, it is necessary to separate the office personnel from the work being carried out. Similarly, it is very common that retail premises undergo a modernisation or refit from time to time. While it would be preferable to close the entire retail operation until such work has been fully completed, it is often necessary to allow the retail operations to continue while work is still underway. In such a case, it is essential to separate customers of the retail operation from the work area. In such cases, it is well known to construct partitions between the areas in which maintenance work, construction work and the like are being carried out and areas where other activities are to be continued, such as office work or retail operations. Such partitions are constructed and erected on a temporary basis. The partitions are typically constructed from timber and sheet materials, such as plywood, fibre board and the like. The partitions are constructed in a bespoke manner, to fit the particular space in which they are required. This leads to a number of significant problems. First, the partitions are frequently required to be moved during the work process, for example as a refit or renovation progresses through a floor or building. The manner in which the partitions are constructed and erected does not lend them to be easily dismantled, moved and re-erected. Rather, it is frequently the case that the partitions are partially or even wholly dismantled and rebuilt from new. In most cases, this involves the use of fresh timber and materials, with significant portions of the existing partition being unused and discarded. Second, when the work is completed and the partitions are no longer required, they are dismantled and the entire partition is discarded. Typically, the materials of the partition are disposed of by way of landfill. As will be appreciated, this represents a significant waste of materials that can be reused. Further, such building activities contribute significantly to the volume of waste materials being disposed of, in particular by way of landfill. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved system for constructing temporary partitions, for example in the aforementioned workspaces. It would be particularly advantageous if the components of the system could be dismantled and reused, with the minimum of waste being formed. US 4,021,973 discloses a partition system. The system comprises wall panels having brackets affixed thereto. Adjacent panels are connected together by posts having a circular array of keyways arranged around their outer surface. The edge of each panel is provided with a lug for engaging with a keyway on an adjacent post. EP 2360322 discloses a modular partition system with panels of stretched fabric. The system comprises a mast and two panels. Each panel comprises a frame covered with a canvas. The perimeter of the rear face of the canvas has hooks cooperating with the retainers on the perimeter of the frame. The mast is provided with one or more profiles for fastening the mast to the panels. A mast canvas is retained on the mast to cover at least the visible portion of the mast. More recently, AU 2012 / 203098 and AU 2022 / 15184 both disclose a temporary wall structure comprising a plurality of wall panels mounted to and supported by a plurality of vertical posts. Each post is supported by a weighted assembly comprising a vertical member engaging the post and a stack of weighted bodies. A retaining member extends from the vertical member and engages with the top surface of the uppermost weight body. AU 2015 / 100090, AU 2015 / 100091, AU 2016 / 200473, AU 2016 / 216660 and AU 2019 / 101431 relate to a temporary wall structure similar to that of AU 2012 / 203098 and AU 2022 / 15184, but in which each post is provided with a pair of opposing elongate slotted formations for receiving the edge portions of a pair of wall panels. Vertical posts having slotted formations for receiving panels are also disclosed in AU 2017 / 216504. Each post is supported by a complex weighted support assembly. AU 2015 / 101131 and AU 2015 / 101162 disclose temporary wall assemblies comprising wall panels supported by posts. Each post is held in a post holder comprising a vertical tube mounted to a weighted base assembly. AU 2018 / 203676, US 10,731,373 and US 11,255,102 each discloses a support assembly for a structure, such as a temporary wall. The assembly comprises a nested arrangement of weighted bodies, a vertical post extending upwards through openings in the weighted bodies and an angled support member for the post. Panels for forming a wall are mounted to the front edges of the vertical posts. FR 2602809 discloses a temporary partition formed from a plurality of vertical slats and posts. The slats and posts are connected by an articulated joint comprising male and female connecting members. In general, the prior art assemblies rely upon posts for supporting vertical wall panels to form a temporary partition or hoarding. A variety of designs of support assembly have been proposed for supporting the posts. GB 2480096 discloses a temporary partitioning system comprising, in use, vertically elongate interlocking components. The temporary partitioning system comprises a plurality of components, each component being a hollow, elongate member. Each component is releasably connectable to an adjacent component by a connection means. The connection means comprises a first connecting member provided on a first component and a second connecting member provided on a second component. In use the first and second components are connected such that lateral movement between the first and second components is prevented, while allowing the first component to move along its longitudinal axis with respect to the second component. The components may be formed from extruded, recycled plastic. The first and second connecting members may comprise resilient male and female formations that extend the entire length of the components. The system may include wall, corner post, cavity, and door or window frame components. The system of GB 2480096 offers the advantage of assembling a wall for use as a partition or hoarding by interconnecting wall panels, adjacent wall panels being directly connected to each other by the connection means. US 5,613,338 discloses a wall assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected panels. Each panel is formed with interlocking edge assemblies, which can be engaged to connect adjacent panels. US 2009 / 090,475 discloses a system of panels for forming a wall assembly. The panels are provided with locking assemblies mounted on one or more edge portions of each panel for joining adjacent panels. An improved panel for a temporary wall assembly has now been devised, which provides a number of advantages. According to the present invention, there is provided a panel for a wall assembly, the panel comprising: a first major wall and a second major wall spaced apart from the first major wall to define a cavity therebetween: a central panel portion having a first thickness from the centre of the cavity to the first major wall; an edge of the panel defined by an edge portion of the first major wall and an edge portion of the second major wall, wherein the edge of the panel has a second thickness from the centre of the panel to the edge of the edge portion of the first major wall, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness; a connection formation for connecting the panel to an adjacent component, the connection formation disposed at the edge of the panel, the connection formation comprising a wall extending between the edge portion of the first major wall and the edge portion of the second major wall, the wall defining an opening; in use the panel being connected to the adjacent component at the edge by insertion of a connection member into the opening of the connection formation; wherein insertion of the connection member into the opening of the connection formation urges the edge portion of the first major wall outwards, whereby the second thickness increases to the first thickness. The present invention provides a panel. The panel has a connection formation at and edge thereof for connecting to a complementary connection formation of an adjacent component. The adjacent component may be a panel. In this way, two adjacent panels may be connected together without the need for an intervening structure, such as a post. Further, the edge portion of the panel comprises an edge portion of the first major surface that is resilient, together with the connection formation comprising a wall defining an opening. In use, when a connection member is inserted into the opening of the connection formation, the resilient edge portion is urged outwards, such that the thickness of the edge is increased to the thickness of the central portion of the panel. In this way, once the connection member is inserted into the opening, the first major surface has a central portion and the edge portion of the same thickness. This in turn allows the panel to be firmly connected to another component and have the first major surface flush with a surface of the other component. In particular, this allows the panel to be firmly connected to another panel and for the two adjacent panels to be connected together along their respective edges and to have adjacent major surfaces of both panels flush with one another. This is particularly advantageous when the major surfaces of the panels are those forming an outer surface of the wall assembly. In addition, the resilient nature of the edge portion and the connection formation provides for a more secure and stable connection between the panel and an adjacent component, such as a second panel. The present invention provides a panel suitable for use in a wall assembly. The panel may be used to form part of the wall of the wall assembly, which typically comprises two or more panels. The panel is particularly useful for temporary wall assemblies, which require erecting and installing for a period of time, after which they are dismantled and removed. The panel may have any suitable shape. Preferably, the panel is quadrilateral in shape, having four edges to the panel. More preferably, the panel is rectangular or square, as these are the most commonly employed shapes for forming wall assemblies. However, panels of other shapes may also be employed. The panel comprises a first major wall and a second major wall. The first and second major walls each have first and second major surfaces. The first and second major walls are spaced apart and define a cavity therebetween, in particular between the first major surface of each of the first and second major walls. The second major surface of each of the first and second major walls provides the outer major surface of the panel. The first and second major walls may have any suitable thickness. The first and second major walls may each have a thickness from 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.75 mm, more preferably from 1 mm, still more preferably from 1.25 mm, more preferably still from 1.3 mm, especially from 1.4 mm. The first and second major walls may each have a thickness up to 5 mm, preferably up to 4 mm, more preferably up to 3 mm, still more preferably up to 2.5 mm, more preferably still up to 2 mm, especially up to 1.75 mm. The first and second major walls may each have a thickness of from 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.75 to 4 mm, more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, still more preferably from 1.25 to 2.5 mm, more preferably still from 1.3 to 2 mm, especially from 1.4 to 1.7 mm. A wall thickness of from 1.4 to 1.6 mm, especially about 1.5 mm is preferred for many embodiments. The thickness of the first and second major walls may be the same or different, more preferably the same. In use, the panel is preferably oriented such that the major walls extend upright, most preferably vertically. However, the panel may be oriented at angles other than vertically, as required. The first and second major walls are most preferably parallel to one another. In one preferred embodiment, one or both, most preferably both, of the first and second major walls are planar, that is each major wall extends in a single plane. In an alternative embodiment, one or both, more preferably both, of the first and second major walls are curved in at least one direction. In one embodiment, the panel has first and second major surfaces that are curved in one direction, such that, in use, the panel extends substantially vertically and is curved in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. In this way, the panel can be used to form a curved wall. The radius of curvature of the panel may be any suitable radius to provide a curved wall of the desired form. The curved portion of the first and second major walls may extend through any suitable angle, again to provide the desired form of the curved wall. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second major walls are curved and extend through an angle of less than 90°. For example, the first and second major walls may extend through an angle of 15°, 20°, 30° or 45°. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second major walls are curved and extend through an angle of 22.5°. In this way, two or more panels may be combined to form a curved wall extending through the most desired angles, such as 45° and 90°. The panel has a cavity between the spaced apart first and second major walls. Preferably, one or more webs are provided in the cavity and extend from the first major wall to the second major wall. The one or more webs act to strengthen the panel, in particular to stiffen the panel and maintain the first and second major walls the required distance apart. The webs may be arranged in any suitable pattern. In one preferred embodiment, the or each web extends perpendicular to one, more preferably both of the first and second major walls. The or each web may have any suitable thickness. The or each web may have a thickness from 0.3 mm, preferably from 0.4 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm, still more preferably from 0.75 mm, more preferably still from 0.8 mm, especially from 0.9 mm. The or each web may have a thickness up to 3 mm, preferably up to 2.5 mm, more preferably up to 2 mm, still more preferably up to 1.75 mm, more preferably still up to 1.5 mm, especially up to 1.3 mm. The or each web may have a thickness of from 0.3 to 3 mm, preferably from 0.4 to 2.5 mm, more preferably from 0.5 to 2 mm, still more preferably from 0.75 to 1.75 mm, more preferably still from 0.8 to 1.5 mm, especially from 0.9 to 1.3 mm. A thickness of from 0.9 to 1.2 mm, especially about 1 mm is preferred for many embodiments. In embodiments comprising a plurality of webs, the thickness of the webs may be the same or different, more preferably the same. The panel has a central panel portion comprising the central portions of the first and second major walls and the portion of the cavity therebetween. Typically, the central portion is surrounded by edge portions of the panel, adjacent respective edges of the panel. The central panel portion has a first thickness. In this respect, the first thickness is a reference to the distance from the centre of the cavity between the central portions of the first and second major walls and the first major wall, in particular the second surface, that is the outer surface, of the first major wall. The centre of the central portion of the cavity is a reference to the centre of the cavity defined between the central portion of the first major wall and the central portion of the second major wall. The thickness of the central panel portion from the centre of the central portion of the cavity to the second major wall, in particular the second surface, that is outer surface, of the second major wall is preferably the same as the first thickness. That is, the central portions of the first and second major walls are preferably arranged symmetrically about and equidistant from the centre of the central portion of the cavity. The panel has an edge. This edge is an edge at which the panel is connected to another component, such as another panel. The edge is defined by an edge portion of the first major wall and an edge portion of the second major wall. The edge portions are adjacent the edge and lie between the central portion of the respective first and second major walls and the edge. The edge portion of the first major wall is flexible, more preferably resilient. In this respect, a reference to the edge portion of the first major wall being ‘resilient’ is to the edge portion being able to be urged outwards, away from the centre of the edge portion of the cavity when the panel is connected to an adjacent component and being able to return to its rest position when the panel is disconnected from the adjacent component. This may be, for example, as a result of the edge portion having at least a portion that is resilient or being resiliently connected to the central portion of the first major wall. Preferably, the edge portion of the second major wall is flexible, more preferably resilient, still more preferably having substantially the same resilient properties as the edge portion of the first major wall. In this respect, a reference to the edge portion of the second major wall being ‘resilient’ is to the edge portion being able to be urged outwards, away from the centre of the edge portion of the cavity when the panel is connected to an adjacent component and to return to its rest position with the panel is disconnected from the adjacent component. This may be, for example, as a result of the edge portion having at least a portion that is resilient or being resiliently connected to the central portion of the second major wall The edge of the panel has a second thickness. In this respect, the second thickness is a reference to the distance from the centre of the cavity at the edge of the panel between the edge portions of the first and second major walls and the edge portion of the first major wall, in particular the second surface, that is the outer surface, of the first major wall. The centre of the cavity is a reference to the centre of the cavity defined between the edge of the first major wall and the edge of the second major wall. The centre of the edge of the panel is preferably in line with the centre of the central portion of the panel, such that the first and second major walls and the edge of the panel are arranged symmetrically about a single centre line. With the panel in a state in which it is not connected to another component at the edge, the second thickness is less than the first thickness. As described above, the panel has a central portion having a first thickness and the edge having a second thickness, when the panel is in the unconnected condition. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness in the unconnected condition may be any suitable value. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is greater than 1 and may be from 1.01, preferably from 1.02, more preferably from 1.03, still more preferably from 1.035. The ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness may be up to 1.1, preferably up to 1.08, more preferably up to 1.08, still more preferably up to 1.05, more preferably still up to 1.04. Ratio may be from 1.01 to 1.08, preferably from 1.02 to 1.06, more preferably from 1.03 to 1.05, more preferably still from 1.035 to 1.04. A ratio of from 1.035 to 1.038 is particularly preferred, preferably about 1.0355. As noted above, the first major wall of the panel comprises an edge portion adjacent the edge having the connection formation. Preferably, the edge portion of the first major wall extends inwards towards the centre of the panel at an angle to the central portion of the first major wall in the direction from the central portion to the edge of the panel. Preferably, the edge portion of the first major wall is planar and extends at the said angle from its junction with the central portion of the first major wall. With the panel in the connected condition, the edge portion of the first major wall is coplanar with the central portion of the first major wall and the said angle is zero. With the panel in the unconnected condition, the edge portion of the first major wall may extend inwards at an angle A1 to the central portion of the first major wall, wherein A1 is an angle greater than 0°. The angle A1 may be from 0.5°, preferably from 0.75°, more preferably from 1°. The angle A1 may be up to 5°, preferably up to 4°, more preferably up to 3°, still more preferably up to 2.5°, more preferably still up to 2°. An angle of from 1 to 2° is preferred for many embodiments. As noted above, the second major wall of the panel comprises an edge portion adjacent the edge having the connection formation. Preferably, the edge portion of the second major wall extends inwards towards the centre of the panel at an angle to the central portion of the second major wall in the direction from the central portion to the edge of the panel. Preferably, the edge portion of the second major wall is planar and extends at the said angle from its junction with the central portion of the second major wall. With the panel in the connected condition, the edge portion of the second major wall is preferably coplanar with the central portion of the second major wall and the said angle is zero. With the panel in the unconnected condition, the edge portion of the second major wall may extend inwards at an angle A2 to the central portion of the second major wall, wherein A2 is an angle greater than 0°. The angle A2 may be from 0.5°, preferably from 0.75°, more preferably from 1°. The angle A2 may be up to 5°, preferably up to 4°, more preferably up to 3°, still more preferably up to 2.5°, more preferably still up to 2°. An angle of from 1 to 2° is preferred for many embodiments. Preferably the angle A2 is the same as the angle A1, such that the edge portions of the first and second major walls are symmetrical about the centre of the panel. In embodiments in which one or more webs are provided in the cavity of the panel, it is preferred that a web is provided at the junction of the edge portion of the first major wall and the central portion of the first major wall. Preferably, the web extends along the junction of the edge portion of the first major wall and the central portion of the first major wall. In embodiments in which one or more webs are provided in the cavity of the panel, it is preferred that a web is provided at the junction of the edge portion of the second major wall and the central portion of the second major wall. Preferably, the web extends along the junction of the edge portion of the second major wall and the central portion of the second major wall. In embodiments in which one or more webs are provided in the cavity of the panel, it is preferred that a web extends between the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the first major wall and the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the second major wall. Preferably, the web extends along the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the first major panel and along the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the second major panel. The thickness of the edge of the panel from the centre of the cavity at the edge of the panel to the second major wall, in particular the second surface, that is outer surface, of the second major wall is preferably the same as the second thickness. That is, the edge portions of the first and second major walls are arranged symmetrically about and equidistant from the centre of the cavity at the edge. The edge of the panel comprises a connection formation. The connection formation is disposed at the edge of the panel. In use, the connection formation connects the panel to an adjacent component, such as an edge of an adjacent panel. The connection formation comprises a wall extending between the edge portion of the first major wall and the edge portion of the second major wall. Preferably, the wall extends between the edge of the first major wall and the edge of the second major wall. The wall defines an opening for receiving a complementary connection member, described in more detail hereinbelow. The wall may have any suitable thickness. The wall may have a thickness from 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.75 mm, more preferably from 1 mm, still more preferably from 1.25 mm, more preferably still from 1.3 mm, especially from 1.4 mm. The wall may have a thickness up to 5 mm, preferably up to 4 mm, more preferably up to 3 mm, still more preferably up to 2.5 mm, more preferably still up to 2 mm, especially up to 1.75 mm. The wall may have a thickness of from 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.75 to 4 mm, more preferably from 1 to 3 mm, still more preferably from 1.25 to 2.5 mm, more preferably still from 1.3 to 2 mm, especially from 1.4 to 1.7 mm. A wall thickness of from 1.4 to 1.6 mm, especially about 1.5 mm is preferred for many embodiments. The thickness of the wall is preferably the same as the thickness of the first and / or second major walls. The wall of the connection formation is flexible, more preferably resilient. In this respect, a reference to the wall being ‘resilient’ is a reference to the wall being able to be urged out of its rest position by insertion of a connection member into the recess and to return to its rest position when the connection member is removed from the recess. The wall may have a portion that is resilient or may be resilient along its entire length. The wall is sufficiently flexible to allow the edge portion of the first major wall, and optionally the edge portion of the second major wall, to move outwards from its position having the second thickness to the first thickness. The wall of the connection formation defines an opening. In use, the opening receives a connection member for connecting the panel to an adjacent component, such as another panel. The opening may have any suitable form. In one preferred embodiment, the opening is elongate. More preferably, the opening extends along the edge of the panel, still more preferably along and parallel to the edge of the panel. The panel may comprise one or more openings at the edge. In one embodiment, the panel comprises a plurality of openings at the edge, preferably spaced apart evenly along the edge. In one preferred embodiment, the panel comprises a single opening extending along a major portion, more preferably extending along the entire length of the edge of the panel. In one preferred embodiment, the connection formation comprises a connection recess defined by the wall of the connection formation. The connection recess has an opening having a width and an inner portion having a diameter that is greater than the width. In use, a connection member is inserted into the recess through the opening, the connection member having a distal portion having a diameter greater than the width of the opening and held within the inner portion of the recess. Insertion of the connection member into the recess causes the opening of the recess to be urged and held open by the connection member, more preferably a proximal portion of the connection member. This in turn urges the edge portion of the first major wall, and optionally the edge portion of the second major wall, outwards, increasing the thickness of the edge portion of the panel. The inner portion of the recess may have any suitable form that can accommodate the portion of the connection member having a diameter greater than the width of the opening of the recess. In one preferred embodiment, the inner portion of the recess is rounded in cross-section, preferably substantially circular. The opening of the recess may have any suitable width that is less than a diameter of the inner recess portion. The opening of the recess may have a width of from 3 mm, preferably from 3.5 mm, more preferably from 4 mm, still more preferably from 5 mm, more preferably still from 6 mm, especially from 6.5 mm. The opening of the recess may have a width of up to 18 mm, preferably up to 16 mm, more preferably up to 14 mm, still more preferably up to 12 mm, more preferably still up to 10 mm, especially up to 8 mm. The opening in the recess may have a width of from 3 to 18 mm, preferably from 3.5 to 16 mm, more preferably from 4 to 14 mm, still more preferably from 5 to 12 mm, more preferably still from 6 to 10 mm, especially from 6.5 to 8 mm. A width of from 6.5 to 7.5 mm, especially about 7.3 mm is preferred for many embodiments. The inner recess may have any suitable diameter. The diameter of the inner recess may be from 6 mm, preferably from 7 mm, more preferably from 8 mm, still more preferably from 9 mm, more preferably still from 10 mm, especially from 11 mm. The diameter of the inner recess may be up to 20 mm, preferably up to 18 mm, more preferably up to 17 mm, still more preferably up to 15 mm, more preferably still up to 14 mm, especially up to 13 mm. The diameter of the inner recess may be from 6 to 20 mm, preferably from 7 to 18 mm, more preferably from 8 to 17 mm, still more preferably from 9 to 15 mm, more preferably still from 10 to 14 mm, especially from 11 to 13 mm. A diameter of from 11.5 to 13 mm, especially about 12.5 mm is preferred for many embodiments. In one preferred embodiment, the wall of the connection formation has a first wall portion extending from the opening to the edge portion of the first major wall and a second wall portion extending from the opening to the edge portion of the second major wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall portions extend inwards into the cavity at an angle to the respective edge portions of the first and second major walls, wherein the angle is less than 90°. The angle may be from 70°, preferably from 75°, more preferably from 77°, still more preferably from 80°. The angle is less than 90° and may be up to 89°, preferably up to 87°, more preferably up to 85°, still more preferably up to 83°, especially up to 82°. An angle of from 80 to 82° is preferred for many embodiments. Preferably the first wall portion extends at an angle to the edge portion of the first major wall that is the same as the angle between the second wall portion and the edge portion of the second major wall. As noted above, the connection recess receives a connection member to form a connection between the panel and an adjacent component, such as another panel. The connection member is comprised in a connection formation. The connection member preferably comprises a distal portion having a greater diameter than the width of the opening in the connection formation. Preferably the connection member is inserted through the opening in the recess into the inner portion of the recess and held therein. A proximal portion of the connection member lies within the opening in the connected condition, the proximal portion having a width less than the diameter of the distal portion, but greater than the width of the opening in the connection formation. In this way, the proximal portion of the connection member lying within the opening urges the opening wider, in turning urging the edge portion of the first major wall, and optionally the edge portion of the second major wall, outwards, such that the edge of the panel has a thickness that increases from the second thickness to the first thickness. As noted above, the proximal portion of the connection member has a width greater than the width of the opening in the connection formation, thereby urging the opening of the recess open wider. The ratio of the width of the proximal portion of the connection member to the width of the opening of the connection formation may be from 1.02, preferably from 1.04, more preferably from 1.05, still more preferably from 1.07, more preferably still from 1.08, especially from 1.09. The ratio of the width of the proximal portion of the connection member to the width of the opening may be up to 1.5, preferably up to 1.4, more preferably up to 1.3, still more preferably up to 1.25, more preferably still up to 1.2, especially up to 1.15. The ratio of the width of the proximal portion of the connection member to the width of the opening may be from 1.02 to 1.5, preferably from 1.04 to 1.4, more preferably from 1.05 to 1.3, still more preferably from 1.07 to 1.25, more preferably still from 1.08 to 1.2, especially from 1.09 to 1.15. A ratio of from 1.095 to 1.1 is particularly preferred for many embodiments. The connection formation comprising the connection member may be provided on a component to which the panel is to be connected. For example, the connection member may be provided at the edge of a panel. In this way, the connection member of the component may engage with the opening of the connection formation of the panel and connect the panel directly to the component. Alternatively, a separate connector comprising a connection formation having the connection member may be used to connect a panel to another component, for example another panel. In particular, a connector may comprise two or more connection formations, each of which formations has a connection member and may be used to connect with a panel or another component. In one preferred embodiment, the connection member is formed in a wall of the connection formation. The wall preferably has a first wall portion extending from one side of connection member and a second wall portion extending from the opposite side of the connection member. In one embodiment, the connection member is formed in a wall defining an edge of a panel, in an analogous manner to the opening described hereinbefore. In this embodiment, the first wall portion extends from the connection member to the edge portion of the first major wall and the second wall portion extends from the connection member to the edge portion of the second major wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall portions extend inwards into the cavity at an angle to the respective edge portions of the first and second major walls, wherein the angle is less than 90°. The angle may be from 70°, preferably from 75°, more preferably from 77°, still more preferably from 80°. The angle is less than 90° and may be up to 89°, preferably up to 87°, more preferably up to 85°, still more preferably up to 83°, especially up to 82°. An angle of from 80 to 82° is preferred for many embodiments. Preferably the first wall portion extends at an angle to the edge portion of the first major wall that is the same as the angle between the second wall portion and the edge portion of the second major wall. In embodiments in which the connection member is provided on another component, the component, such as another panel, may comprise one or more connection members. In one embodiment, the component is provided with a plurality of connection members. Preferably, the component is provided with a connection member corresponding to each opening of the connection formation of the panel. The or each connection member may be disposed at an edge of the component, such as another panel. In one preferred embodiment, the other component is a panel, the panel comprising one or more connection members at an edge thereof, each connection member being complementary in shape, size and orientation to the connection formation at the edge of the panel of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment, the panel forming the other component comprises a connection formation having a connection member extending along a major portion, more preferably extending along the entire length of an edge of the panel. As described hereinbefore, the panel of the present invention has a connection formation having an opening at one edge thereof. This allows the panel to be connected at that edge to another component, such as another panel. The panel of the present invention may comprise a connection formation as hereinbefore described at a plurality of edges. In one embodiment, the panel comprises a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at a first edge and a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at a second edge opposite to the first edge. Alternatively or in addition to having an edge provided with a connection formation having and opening as hereinbefore described, the panel may be provided with a connection formation having a connection member as hereinbefore described at one or more edges. In one preferred embodiment, the panel of the present invention comprises a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at a first edge of the panel and a complementary connection formation comprising a connection member as hereinbefore described at a second edge of the panel, the second edge being opposite to the first edge. In this way, a plurality of panels having the same configuration may be provided and each panel connected directly to one or more adjacent panels to form a wall without the need for additional components, such as separate connectors. The dimensions of the panel may be selected to provide an assembly having the desired configuration. The panel may have a first thickness of from 10 mm, preferably from 15 mm, more preferably from 20 mm, still more preferably from 25 mm, more preferably still from 30 mm. The portion of the panel may have a first thickness of up to 70 mm, preferably up to 60 mm, more preferably up to 50 mm, still more preferably up to 45 mm, more preferably still up to 40 mm. The first thickness may be from 10 to 70 mm, preferably from 15 to 60 mm, more preferably from 20 to 50 mm, still more preferably from 25 to 45 mm, more preferably still from 30 to 40 mm. A first thickness of from 33 to 36 mm is particularly suitable for many embodiments. Thicknesses outside of these ranges may be used, as the end use of the panel requires. The panel may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include metals, such as aluminium and its alloys. It is particularly preferred to form the panel from a polymer, in particular a thermoplastic. Suitable polymers include polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. uPVC is a particularly preferred polymer for forming the panel of the present invention. The panel of the present invention is particularly suitable for forming from recycled polymers. The panel may be formed using any suitable technique. One preferred technique is moulding. A further preferred technique is extrusion. Suitable techniques are known in the art. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a structure comprising a first panel as hereinbefore described and a second panel as hereinbefore described, the first panel being connected at an edge to an edge of the second panel. The first panel may be indirectly connected to the second panel by a connection formation having connection member as hereinbefore described, wherein the connection member is separate from the first and second panels. More preferably, the first and second panels are connected directly together, the first panel having a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at an edge thereof and the second panel having a connection formation having a connection member as hereinbefore described at an edge thereof. Preferably, the second panel is a panel according to the first aspect of the present invention. More preferably, the first panel comprises a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at a first edge and a connection formation having a connection member as hereinbefore described at a second edge, the connection member of the first panel being engaged with the opening of the connection formation of the second panel. The structure may be any structure that may be formed by connecting two or more panels with each other and / or another component. In one preferred embodiment, the structure is a wall assembly, more preferably a temporary wall assembly. In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for forming a structure, the kit comprising one or more panels as hereinbefore described. The kit may comprise one or more connectors, each connector having one or more connection members, separate from the plurality of panels. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a wall assembly comprising a first panel and a second panel; wherein the first panel is a panel according to the first aspect of the present invention as hereinbefore described and the second panel is connected to the first panel. Preferably, the second panel is a panel according to the first aspect of the present invention. More preferably, the first panel comprises a connection formation having an opening as hereinbefore described at a first edge and a connection formation having a connection member as hereinbefore described at a second edge, the connection member of the first panel being engaged with the opening of the connection formation of the second panel. The panels of the present invention may be employed with a support system to provide a wall assembly, such that the wall assembly comprising the panels and the support system is free-standing. Suitable support systems are known in the art and include ballast members for providing stability to the wall assembly. Alternatively or in addition, the panels may be connected to an existing structure, such as scaffolding. In one preferred embodiment, a clamping member is used to connect to scaffolding, the clamping member engaging with one or more panels and having a clamping portion for engagement by a clamp, the clamp securing the clamping member to a scaffold pole. Embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a panel according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view of a wall assembly of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of panels according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the panel of Figure 1 along the line Ill — 1: Figure 3a is an enlarged view of a first edge of the panel of Figure 3; Figure 3b is an enlarged view of a second edge of the panel of Figure3; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an edge portion of the panel of Figure 1 when connected to an adjacent panel; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a clamping member for use with a panel of the present invention. Turning to Figure 1, there is shown a panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. The panel, generally indicated as 2, comprises a generally planar first major wall 4 having a central portion 4a and an edge portion 4b. The panel 2 further comprises a generally planar second major wall 6, having a central portion 6a and an edge portion 6b, and extending parallel to the first major wall 4. The edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 and the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6 extend to an edge 10 of the panel 2. The edge 10 is provided with a connection formation 12 comprising a connection recess 14. As shown in Figure 1, the connection recess 14 is elongate and extends along the entire length of the edge 10 of the panel 2. The panel 2 has a second edge 16 opposite the edge 10. The second edge 16 is provided with a connection formation 18. The connection formation 18 comprises a connection member 20 having a distal portion 20a and a proximal portion 20b, described in more detail hereinbelow. The connection member 20 extends along the entire length of the second edge 16. The panel 2 shown in Figure 1 is able to be connected directly to a second panel having the same configuration as the panel 2. In particular, the connection member 18 of the second panel can be engaged with the connection formation 12 at the edge 10 of the panel 2. In an alternative embodiment, the panel 2 may be provided with a connection formation 12 comprising a connection recess 14 at both the edge 10 and the second edge 16. A corresponding second panel may be provided comprising a connection member 18 at one or more edges, which allows the two panels to be connected together. Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an assembly 102 comprising a panel 2, as shown in Figure 1 and described above connected at its edge 10 to a second panel 104. The assembly 102 may be oriented at any required angle. As shown in Figure 2, the panels 2 and 102 are arranged substantially vertically, to form a wall assembly. The assembly 102 shown in Figure 2 further comprises a third panel 106. The third panel 106 has the same general configuration as the panel 2 shown in Figure 1, with the exception that the first and second major walls are curved. The third panel 106 may be formed as a single panel extending through the desired curve. Alternatively and more preferably, the third panel 106 is formed from a plurality of panel portions, each extending through a minor curve. In one preferred embodiment, each panel portion extends through a curve of 22.5°. Details of the panel 2 of Figure 1 will now be described in more detail. Turning to Figure 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the panel 2 of Figure 1. As can be seen in Figure 3, the first and second major walls 4 and 6 are spaced apart and have a cavity 30 therebetween. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first and second major walls 4 and 6 extend parallel to each other. A plurality of webs 32 extend from the first major wall 4 across the cavity 30 to the second major wall. Each web 32 is perpendicular to both the first major wall 4 and the second major wall 6. The first major wall 4 has its edge portion 4b extending from the central portion 4a and has a junction 4c of the edge portion 4b and the central portion 4a, as shown in more detail in Figure 3a. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second major wall 6 has its edge portion 6b extending from the central portion 6a and has a junction 6¢ of the edge portion 6b and the central portion 6a. A web 32a extends between the junction 4c of the first major wall 4 and the junction 6c of the second major wall 6. As noted above, the panel 2 has an edge 10 provided with a connection formation 12. The edge 10 and the connection formation 12 are shown in more detail in the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 3a. As shown in Figure 3a, the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 extends inwards from the junction 4c at an angle A1 to the central portion 4a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3a, the angle A1 is about 2°. Similarly, the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6 extends inwards from the junction 6c at an angle A2 to the central portion 6a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3a, the angle A2 is also about 2°. The connection formation 12 comprises an elongate connection recess 14 defined by a connection wall 40 extending from the edge of the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 and the edge of the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6. The connection recess 14 has an opening 14a and an inner portion 14b. The inner portion 14b is generally circular in cross-section as shown in Figures 3 and 3a. The opening 14s has a width W, as indicated in Figure 3a. The connection recess 14b has a diameter D, also as indicated in Figure 3a. The diameter D is greater than the width W. The connection wall 40 has a first wall portion 40a extending from one side of the opening 14a of the recess 14 to the edge of the edge portion 4a of the first major wall 4. The connection wall 40 has a second wall portion 40b extending from the opposite side of the opening 14a of the recess 14 to the edge of the edge portion 6a of the second major wall 6. The first wall portion 40a extends at an angle B1 to the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4. Similarly, the second wall portion 40b extends at an angle B2 to the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6. The angles B1 and B2 are both less than 90°, causing the first and second wall portions 40a, 40b to extend inwards from their respective edges to the opening 14a of the recess 14. In the embodiment shown, the angles B1 and B2 are the same, being about 80°. The panel 2 has a first thickness T1 being the distance between the centre line C of the panel 2 and the outer surface of the central portion 4a of the first major wall 4. The panel 2 has a second thickness T2 being the distance between the centre line C and the outer surface of the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4. The second thickness T2 is less than the first thickness T1, as shown in Figure 3a. The panel 2 of the embodiment shown in Figure 3a is symmetrical about the centre line C. Therefore, the distance from the centre line C to the outer surface of the central portion 6a of the second major wall 6 is also T1 and the distance from the centre line C to the outer surface of the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6 is also T2. The edge portion 4a of the first major wall 4 is resilient, in that it can be urged outwards when a connection between the panel 2 and another component is made and return to the position shown in Figure 3a when the connection is released, as described in more detail below. The edge portion 6a of the second major wall 6 is resilient in the same manner. The panel 2 is also provided with a connection formation 18 comprising a connection member 20 and disposed at the edge 16 of the panel opposite the edge 10, as shown in Figure 3. The connection formation 18 is able to be engaged with the connection formation 12. In this way, two panels 2 having the configuration of the panel shown in Figure 3 may be connected together. It is to be understood that the connection formation 18 comprising the connection member 20 may be provided on a component other than a panel. Alternatively, a first panel 2 may be provided with a connection formation 12 comprising a connection recess 14 at each of the opposite edges 10 and 16. A second panel 2 may be provided having a connection member 18 at one or both of its edges 10 and 16, again allowing such first and second panels to be connected together. The connection formation 18 comprising the connection member 20 is shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 3b. The connection member 20 is provided at the edge 16 of the panel 2. The connection member 20 is elongate, extending the length of the side 16 of the panel, and extends from the edge 16. A first connection member wall portion 20a extends from one side of the proximal portion 20b of the connection member 20 to the edge of the first major wall 4. A second connection member wall portion 20b extends from the other side of the proximal portion 20b of the connection member 20 to the edge of the second major wall 6. The connection wall portions 20a, 20b extend inwards from the respective edges of the major walls 4, 6, in the same manner as the wall portions 40a, 40b described above. As shown in Figure 3b, the thickness of the edge 16 of the panel 2, that is the distance between the centre line C and the edge of the first major wall 4 of the panel is T1, the same as the thickness T1 of the central portion 4a of the panel 2. Similarly, the thickness of the panel between the centre line C and the edge of the second major wall 6 is also T1. The connection member 20 comprises a generally rounded distal portion 20a, having a generally circular cross-section, as shown in Figure 3b. In use, the distal portion 20a is received within the inner portion 14b of the recess 14 of the connection formation 12. The connection member 20 further comprises a proximal portion 20b. The proximal portion 20b has a width W2. The width W2 is greater than the width W of the opening 14a of the recess 14. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection formation 18 of a component connected to the connection formation 12 of the panel 2 of Figure 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the component provided with the connection formation 12 is a second panel 2 having the configuration shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the connection member 20 of the connection formation 18 at the edge 16 of the panel 2 is engaged with the connection recess 14 of the adjacent panel 2. In particular, the distal portion 20a of the connection member 20 is within the inner portion 14b of the recess 14, while the proximal portion 20b of the connection member 20 lies within the opening 14a of the recess 14. With the width W2 of the proximal portion 20b of the connection member 20 being greater than the width W of the opening 14a of the recess 14, the opening 14a is urged wider, in turn urging the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 outwards. As shown in Figure 4, in the connected condition, the thickness T2 of the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 is the same as the thickness T1 of the central portion, in turn causing the edge portion 4b to lie flush with the surface of the first major wall 4 of the adjacent panel 2. In this position, the angle A1 of the edge portion 4b to the central portion 4a of the first major wall 4 is 0°. In this way, the connected panels form a single, continuous outer surface. Similarly, the edge portion 6b of the second major wall 6 is urged outwards and is flush with the surface of the second major wall 6 of the adjacent panel. In this position, the angle A2 of the edge portion 6b to the central portion 6a of the second major wall 6 is 0° and the surface of the second major wall 6 is flush with the surface of the second major wall of the adjacent panel. Removal of the connection member 20 from the recess 14 allows the edge portion 4b of the first major wall 4 to move inwards to its position shown in Figure 3a. Similarly, the edge portion 6b of the second major wall moves inwards to its position shown in Figure 3a. Finally, turning to Figure 5 there is shown a clamping member, generally indicated as 102. The clamping member 102 is shown in perspective, as viewed from one end. The clamping member 102 is an elongate member having a wall engaging portion 104 and a clamping portion 110. The wall engaging portion 104 extends along the length of the clamping member 102 and comprises a first connection formation 106 for engaging with a first panel and a second connection formation 108 for engaging with a second panel. The first and second connection formations 106, 108 may have any form that is suitable for engaging with and holding a panel. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first connection formation 106 comprises an elongate recess 106a for receiving an elongate connecting member extending from the edge of a panel. In the embodiment shown, the second connection formation 108 comprises an elongate connecting member 108a for engaging with an elongate recess or slot in the edge of a panel. The clamping portion 110 extends longitudinally along the clamping member 102 and comprises a first elongate clamping channel 110a on one side and a second elongate clamping channel 110b on the opposite side. In use, a clamp (not shown for clarity) is engaged with both the first and second clamping channels 110a, 100b to grip and hold the clamping member 102. The clamp is attached to a structure, such as a scaffolding, to hold and support the clamping member 102 and the panels to form a wall assembly. The clamping member 102 may be formed by extrusion.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A panel for a wall assembly, the panel comprising: a first major wall and a second major wall spaced apart from the first major wall to define a cavity therebetween: a central panel portion having a first thickness from the centre of the cavity to the first major wall; an edge of the panel defined by an edge portion of the first major wall and an edge portion of the second major wall, wherein the edge of the panel has a second thickness from the centre of the panel to the edge of the edge portion of the first major wall, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness; a connection formation for connecting the panel to an adjacent component, the connection formation disposed at the edge of the panel, the connection formation comprising a wall extending between the edge portion of the first major wall and the edge portion of the second major wall, the wall defining an opening; in use the panel being connected to the adjacent component at the edge by insertion of a connection member into the opening of the connection formation; wherein insertion of the connection member into the opening of the connection formation urges the edge portion of the first major wall outwards, whereby the second thickness increases to the first thickness.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion of the first major wall is resilient.

3. The panel according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the edge portion of the second major wall is resilient.

4. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is from 1.01 to 1.

1. S. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the edge portion of the first major wall extends inwards towards the centre of the panel at an angle A1 to the central portion of the first major wall in the direction from the central portion to the edge of the panel.

6. The panel according to claim 5, wherein the edge portion extends at an angle to the central portion of the first major wall of from 1 to 2°. / . The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the edge portion of the second major wall extends inwards towards the centre of the panel at an angle A2 to the central portion of the second major wall in the direction from the central portion to the edge of the panel.

8. The panel according to claim 7, wherein the edge portion extends at an angle to the central portion of the second major wall of from 1 to 2°.

9. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the edge portions of both the first and second major walls extend inwards towards the centre of the panel at angles of A1 and A2 respectively, wherein the angles A1 and A2 are the same.

10. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein a web is provided at the junction of the edge portion of the first major wall and the central portion of the first major wall.

11. The panel according to claim 10, wherein the web extends between the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the first major wall and the junction of the edge portion and the central portion of the second major wall.

12. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the edge portions of the first and second major walls are arranged symmetrically about and equidistant from the centre of the cavity at the edge.

13. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall of the connection formation is resilient.

14. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the connection formation is elongate and extends along the edge of the panel.

15. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall of the connection formation defines a recess, in use a connection member being inserted into the recess through the opening.

16. The panel according to claim 15, wherein the recess has a substantially circular inner portion within the opening.

17. The panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall of the connection formation has a first wall portion extending from the opening to the edge portion of the first major wall and a second wall portion extending from the opening to the edge portion of the second major wall.

18. The panel according to claim 17, wherein each of the first and second wall portions extend inwards at an angle to the respective edge portions of the first and second major walls, wherein the angle is less than 90°.

19. The panel according to claim 18, wherein the angle is from 80 to 82°.

20. The panel according to any preceding claim, further comprising a further connection formation comprising a connection member, in use the connection member being inserted through the opening of the connection formation of another panel.

21. The panel according to claim 20, wherein the connection member comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, in use the proximal portion lying within the opening in the connection formation, the ratio of the width of the proximal portion of the connection member to the width of the opening is from 1.02 to 1.

5.

22. A wall assembly comprising one or more panels according to any preceding claim.

23. The wall assembly according to claim 22, comprising a first panel according to any of claims 1 to 21 and a second panel according to any of claims 1 to 21, the second panel comprising a connection formation having a connection member extending through the opening of the connection formation of the first panel.

24. The wall assembly according to either of claims 22 or 23, further comprising a clamping member, the clamping member engaging with the one or more panels.

Images