Interlock panel for modular surface

Abstract

To provide improved panels that interlock to one another and provide for increased customizability.SOLUTION: Disclosed herein is a panel including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of interlock members, each of the interlock members provided at a respective corner of the panel, each of the interlock members being identical to one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651,117, filed May 23, 2024, entitled "Modular Expandable Surface Cover With Hooked Interlocking Connection Mechanism," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any drawings.

[0002] Technical Field This specification relates generally to interlocking panels, and more particularly to panels of similar construction that can be joined to form modular surfaces. [Background technology]

[0003] background Traditionally, modular surfaces that include multiple panels can be joined together by hand or with tools and materials. These panels can be identical or can have different sizes and shapes. However, the size and shape of the overall modular surface can be limited by the details of the panels themselves. Additionally, installing and removing individual panels together with other panels can be time-consuming and difficult, thus increasing the costs involved during assembly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for improved panels that interlock with one another without the use of tools during installation and offer increased customization possibilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview In one embodiment, the panel includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of interlocking members, each of which is provided at a respective corner of the panel, and each of which is identical to one another.

[0006] In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of panels, each of the panels including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of interlocking members, each of the interlocking members being located at a respective corner of the panel, each of the interlocking members being identical to one another, and one of the plurality of interlocking members of a first panel of the plurality of panels engaging with one of the plurality of interlocking members of a second panel of the plurality of panels.

[0007] In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a plurality of panels, each panel including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a plurality of interlocking members, each of the interlocking members being located at a respective corner of the panel, each of the interlocking members being identical to one another; and engaging one of the plurality of interlocking members of a first panel of the plurality of panels with one of the plurality of interlocking members of a second panel of the plurality of panels.

[0008] These and additional features provided by the preferred embodiments described herein will be more fully understood when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the drawings.

[0009] The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are illustrative and representative in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is designated with like reference numerals and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram that schematically illustrates a front view of a panel according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a rear view of a panel according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a side view of a panel according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an enlarged front view of circle 4 in FIG. 1, showing a corner of a panel according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an assembly including a plurality of the panels of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged front view of the box of FIG. 5, illustrating the interlocking portions of multiple panels of the assembly of FIG. 5, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Detailed Description The embodiments described herein are directed to panels that include multiple interlocking members that are capable of engaging with other identical interlocking members.

[0012] The panel includes a front surface, a rear surface, side surfaces, and a plurality of interlocking members that are provided at respective corners of the panel and engage with interlocking members on other identical panels to create an assembly that covers the entire surface. Various embodiments of the method and apparatus, and the operation of the method and apparatus, are described in more detail herein. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0013] Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, or that any particular orientation of any apparatus be required. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order that steps should be followed, or where any apparatus claim does not actually recite the order or orientation of individual components, or where it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claim or description that the steps are to be limited to a particular order, or where a particular order or orientation of the components of an apparatus is not recited, it is in no way intended that a particular order or orientation be inferred in any respect. This applies to any possible, non-transparent basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic regarding the sequence of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components, or the orientation of components; apparent meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation; and the number and type of embodiments set forth in the specification.

[0014] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a / one" element includes aspects having two or more of such elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 , a panel 100 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The panel 100 generally includes a front surface 102, a rear surface 104 ( FIG. 2 ) opposite the front surface 102, and side surfaces 106 defining a plurality of corners 128. The front surface 102 includes a front surface body 108, a front trim 110, and a groove 112. As shown, in this particular example, the groove 112 has a generally octagonal shape and is recessed into the front surface 102. The groove 112 includes a groove inner edge 114 and a groove outer edge 116, and extends parallel to the side surfaces 106 of the panel 100 within the boundaries defined by the corners 128.

[0016] The side surface 106 includes a first side surface 118, a second side surface 120 opposite the first side surface 118, an upper side surface 122, and a lower side surface 124 opposite the upper side surface 122. The corners 128 include a first corner 128a, a second corner 128b, a third corner 128c, and a fourth corner 128d. As used herein, the first corner 128a, the second corner 128b, the third corner 128c, and the fourth corner 128d may be referred to as corners 128 when generally referring to any of the corners 128. Each corner 128 includes a corner body 142 and at least one hook 140 extending from the corner 142. The embodiment in FIG. 1 includes a first hook 140a and a second hook 140b. However, it should be apparent that the corners 128 may include any number of hooks 140, such as three or more. As described in more detail herein, first hook 140a extends from and cooperates with corner body 142 to include a corner peak 144 and a first recess 141a. Similarly, second hook 140b extends from and cooperates with corner body 142 to define a second recess 141b.

[0017] A first corner 128a extends between the first side surface 118 and the upper side surface 122. A second corner 128b extends between the upper side surface 122 and the second side surface 120. A third corner 128c extends between the first side surface 118 and the lower side surface 124. A fourth corner 128d extends between the lower side surface 124 and the second side surface 120.

[0018] 2, there is shown the rear surface 104 of the panel 100. The rear surface 104 is a continuous, generally flat surface that is free of indentations similar to the grooves 112 shown in FIG.

[0019] Referring to Figure 3, the panel 100 is shown from the side 106. This view shows a constant thickness throughout the side 106, hooks 140, corner bodies 142, and corner peaks 144. The only portion of the panel 100 that does not maintain this constant thickness is the thickness of the panel at the groove 112 on the front surface 102. This is where the panel 100 has a lesser thickness, and this thickness is not visible from the side view of Figure 3. In the embodiments described herein, there are no portions of the panel 100 that have a greater thickness, as can be seen in the side view of Figure 3.

[0020] The entire first side surface 118 of the side surface 106 is shown. The hook 140 of the first corner 128a is shown on the left side of the first side surface 118 of the side surface 106, while the hook 140 of the third corner 128c is shown on the right side of the first side surface 118. Within the first corner 128a, from left to right, are the second hook 140b, the corner peak 144 of the first hook 128a, and the first hook 140a of the first corner 128a. Within the third corner 128c, from left to right, are the second hook 140b, the corner peak 144, and the first hook 140a of the third corner 128c.

[0021] 4, the first corner 128a is shown in more detail. Although only the first corner 128a is described in more detail herein, it will be apparent that the second corner 128b, the third corner 128c, and the fourth corner 128d each have the same structure.

[0022] More specifically, the first corner 128a includes a corner edge 402 extending from the first side 118 to the corner body 142. The corner edge 402 extends at a first angle A1 from the first side 118 of the corner body 142. In this example, the angle A1 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The corner body 142 is defined by a first corner body edge 404 and a second corner body edge 424. The first corner body edge 404 extends at a second angle A2 from the corner edge 402. In this example, the angle A2 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The first hook 140a extends from the corner body 142 between the first corner body edge 404 and the second corner body edge 424. The first hook 140a includes a protruding edge 422 extending away from the corner body 142, a return edge 408 extending from the protruding edge 422, and a first head edge 406 extending from the return edge 408 toward the corner body 142. The protruding edge 422 extends at a third angle A3 from a second corner body edge 424. In this example, the third angle A3 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The protruding edge 422 defines a corner peak 144, which includes a first peak side 416 facing away from the second hook 140b and a second peak side 418 facing the second hook 140b. The first peak side 416 and the second peak side 418 intersect to form a corner peak apex 145. The protruding edge 422 extends at a fourth angle A4 from the second peak side 418. In one embodiment, the fourth angle A4 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The first peak side 416 extends from the second peak side 418 at a fifth angle A5. In one embodiment, the fifth angle A5 is 90 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The return edge 408 extends from the first peak side 416 to the first head edge 406. The return edge 408 extends from the first peak side 416 at a sixth angle A6. In one embodiment, the sixth angle A6 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The first head edge 406 extends from the return edge 408 at a seventh angle A7. In one embodiment, the seventh angle A7 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees.

[0023] Referring now to the second hook 140b in FIG. 4 , the second hook 140b extends from the corner body 142 between the second corner body edge 424 and the upper surface 122. The second hook 140b includes an extended edge 434 and a second head edge 426, where the extended edge 434 extends from the upper surface 122 of the corner body 142 in a direction away from the groove 122, and the second head edge 426 extends from the extended edge 434 to the second corner body edge 424 of the corner body 142. The extended edge 434 extends from the upper surface 122 at an eighth angle A8. In this specific example, the eighth angle A8 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees. The second head edge 426 extends from the extended edge 434 at a ninth angle A9. In this specific example, the ninth angle A9 is 135 degrees + / - 20 degrees.

[0024] The first head edge 406 defines a first distal end portion 410 having a first head radius 411 that, when doubled to a diameter, is greater than a second width 409b defined between the return edge 408 and the first recess 141a. The first head edge 406 has a sinusoidal shape and extends from the return edge 408 to the first corner body edge 404. The second head edge 426 defines a second circular end portion 430 having a second radius 431 that, when doubled to a diameter, is greater than a second width 429b defined between the extended edge 434 and the second recess 141b. The second head edge 426 has a sinusoidal shape and extends from the extended edge 434 to the second corner body edge 424.

[0025] The first recess 141a defines a spherical portion corresponding to the shape of the second distal end portion 430 of the second head edge 426. Accordingly, a first recess radius 407 of the spherical portion of the first recess 141a is just slightly larger than the radius of the second distal end portion 430 defined by the second head edge 426. The second recess 141b defines a spherical portion corresponding to the shape of the first distal end portion 410 of the first head edge 406. Accordingly, a second recess radius 427 of the second recess 141b is just slightly larger than the first head radius 411 of the first distal end portion 410 defined by the first head edge 406.

[0026] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, first corner 128a, like all other corners (128b, 128c, and 128d), includes a hook 140 that defines a recess 141. The first hook 140a of first corner 128a defines a first recess 141a. The first recess 141a is defined by a corner edge 402, a first corner body edge 404, and a first head edge 406. The second hook 140b of first corner 128a defines a second recess 141b. The second recess 141b is defined by a protruding edge 422, a second corner body edge 424, and a second head edge 426.

[0027] In the illustrative example, the first hook 140a has a first width 409a, the first width 409a being defined between the first head edge 406 and a different portion of the first head edge 406, measured perpendicular to the first corner body edge 404 and coincident with the center of the first recess radius 407. The first recess 141a has a recess first width 401a, the recess first width 401a being defined between the first head edge 406 and the first corner body edge 404, measured perpendicular to the first corner body edge 404 and coincident with the center of the first head radius 411. The first recess 141a has a recess second width 401b, the recess second width 401b being defined between the first head edge 406 and the corner edge 402, measured perpendicular to the corner edge 402 and coincident with the center of the first head radius 411.

[0028] In this example, the second hook 140b has a first width 429a, defined between a first portion of the second head edge 426 located a first distance from the corner 142 and a second portion of the second head edge 426 located a second distance from the corner 142 that is less than the first distance. The first width 429a is measured perpendicular to the second corner body edge 424 and coincident with the center of the second recess radius 427. The second recess 141b has a recess first width 421a, defined between the second head edge 426 and the second corner body edge 424 and measured perpendicular to the second corner body edge 424 and coincident with the second head radius 431. The second recess 141b has a recess second width 421b, which is defined between the second head edge 426 and the protrusion edge 422 and is measured perpendicular to the protrusion edge 422 and coincident with the center of the second head radius 431.

[0029] In a specific example, recess first width 401a is equal to recess first width 421a, and recess second width 401b is equal to recess second width 421b. In a specific example, first width 409a is equal to first width 429a, and second width 409b is equal to second width 429b. In a specific example, first head radius 411 is equal to second head radius 431, and first recess radius 407 is equal to second recess radius 427.

[0030] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4 , corners 128 of one panel 100 are designed to engage with other corners 128 of another panel 100. A first hook 140a of one corner 128 fits into a second recess 141b of a different corner 128. Therefore, the first width 409a is slightly smaller than the recess first width 421a, and the second width 409b is slightly smaller than the recess second width 421b. A second hook 140b of one corner 128 fits into a first recess 141a of a different corner 128. Therefore, the first width 429a is slightly smaller than the recess first width 401a, and the second width 429b is slightly smaller than the recess second width 401b. A first distal end portion 410 of one corner 128 can be received by the second recess 141b of the different corner 128. Therefore, the first head radius 411 is slightly smaller than the second recess radius 427. The second distal end portion 430 of one corner 128 can be received by the first recess 141a of a different corner 128. Thus, the second head radius 431 is just slightly smaller than the first recess radius 407.

[0031] In a specific example, when the first hook 140a of one corner 128 engages with the second recess 141b of a different corner 128, or when the second hook 140b of one corner 128 engages with the first recess 141a of a different corner 128, certain edges of different corners 128 are adjacent to each other. For example, the first side surface 118 is adjacent to the second side surface 120, the corner edge 402 is adjacent to the extension edge 434, the first corner body edge 404 is adjacent to the second head edge 426, the first head edge 406 is adjacent to the second head edge 426 and the second corner body edge 424, the return edge 408 is adjacent to the protrusion edge 422, the first peak side surface 416 is adjacent to the second peak side surface 418, and the corner peak apexes 145 of each corner 128 are adjacent to each other. Also, in this engagement, the first angle A1 is equal to the eighth angle A8, the second angle A2 is equal to the ninth angle A9, the seventh angle A7 is equal to the third angle A3, the sixth angle A6 is equal to the fourth angle A4, and the fifth angles of each corner 128 are equal to each other.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 5, an assembly 500 is illustrated formed by attaching multiple panels 100 together. The panels 100 include a first panel 502, a second panel 504, a third panel 506, and a fourth panel 508. In FIG. 5, the assembly 500 shows multiple panels 100 engaged with one another. It is clear that the panels 100 are identical in structure. Additionally, while only four panels 100 are shown forming the assembly 500, it is clear that any number of panels 100 can be used to form the assembly 500, having any suitable width and / or length. Additionally, while identical panels 100 are shown, it is clear that the panels 100 need not be identical and can each have a different width, length, height, etc. Similarly, the panels 100 can each be formed from the same material or different materials.

[0033] The multiple panels 100 are each oriented in the same direction, with the front faces 102 facing the same direction as shown. As shown in Figure 5, when the panels 100 are engaged with each other, the side faces 106 of each panel 100 are adjacent to the side faces 106 of a different panel. When a corner 128 of a panel 100 engages with a different corner 128 of a different panel 100, at least one hook 140 of one corner 128 engages with a different hook 140 of the different corner 128. When two corners of a panel 100 engage with two corners of different panels 100, two hooks 140 on the different corners 128 engage with two different hooks on the different corners 128. At least two of the corners 128 of each panel engage with at least two corners 128 of the other panel 100. 5, the second side 120 of the first panel 502 is adjacent to the first side 118 of the second panel 504, and the lower side 124 of the first panel 502 is adjacent to the upper side 122 of the third panel 506. In addition, the lower side 124 of the second panel 504 is adjacent to the upper side 122 of the fourth panel 508, and the second side 120 of the third panel 506 is adjacent to the first side 118 of the fourth panel.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , the first corner 128a of the first panel 502 is not engaged with any of the other panels 100. Therefore, the first hook 140a and the second hook 140b of the first corner 128a of the first panel 502 are not engaged in the recess 141. The second corner 128b of the first panel 502 is engaged with the first corner 128a of the second panel 504. Specifically, the second hook 140b of the second corner 128b of the first panel 502 is received in the first recess 141a of the first corner 128a of the second panel 504, and the first hook 140a of the first corner 128a of the second panel 504 is received in the second recess 141b of the second corner 128b of the first panel 502. The first hook 140a of the second corner 128b of the first panel 502 and the second hook 140b of the first corner 128a of the second panel 504 are not engaged in the recess 141.

[0035] Similarly, the third corner 128c of the first panel 502 engages with the first corner 128a of the third panel 506. Specifically, the first hook 140a of the third corner 128c of the first panel 502 is received in the second recess 141b of the first corner 128a of the third panel 506, and the second hook 140b of the first corner 128a of the third panel 506 is received in the first recess 141a of the third corner 128c of the first panel 502. The second hook 140b of the third corner 128c of the first panel 502 and the first hook 140a of the first corner 128a of the third panel 506 do not engage in the recesses 141b.

[0036] The fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 simultaneously engages with both the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 and the second corner 128b of the third panel 506. Specifically, the first hook 140a of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 is received in the second recess 141b of the third corner 128c of the second panel 504, and the second hook 140b of the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 is received in the first recess 141a of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502. Furthermore, the second hook 140b of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 is received in the first recess 141a of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506, and the first hook 140a of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506 is received in the second recess 141b of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502.

[0037] 5, the engagement of the first corner 128a of the second panel 504 was described above. The second corner 128b of the second panel 504 does not engage with any other panel 100. Therefore, the first hook 140a and the second hook 140b of the second corner 128b of the second panel 504 do not engage within the recess 141. The engagement of the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 with the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 was described above. However, the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 simultaneously engages with the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508. Specifically, the first hook 140a at the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 is received in the second recess 141b at the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508, and the second hook 140b at the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508 is received in the first recess 141a at the third corner 128c of the second panel 504. The second hook 140b at the fourth corner 128d of the second panel 504 is received in the first recess 141a at the second corner 128b of the fourth panel 508, and the first hook 140a at the second corner 128b of the fourth panel 508 is received in the second recess 141b at the fourth corner 128d of the second panel 504. The first hook 140a at the fourth corner 128d of the second panel 504 and the second hook 140b at the second corner 128b of the fourth panel 508 do not engage in the recesses 141.

[0038] The engagement of the first corner 128a of the third panel 506 has been described above. The engagement of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506 with the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 has been described above. However, the second corner 128b of the third panel 506 simultaneously engages with the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508. Specifically, the second hook 140b of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506 is received within the first recess 141a of the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508, and the first hook 140a of the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508 is received within the second recess 141b of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506. The third corner 128c of the third panel 506 does not engage with any of the other panels 100. Therefore, the first hook 140a and the second hook 140b at the third corner 128c of the third panel 506 do not engage in the recess 141. The first hook 140a at the fourth corner 128d of the third panel 506 is received in the second recess 141b at the third corner 128c of the fourth panel 508, and the second hook 140b at the third corner 128c of the fourth panel 508 is received in the first recess 141a at the fourth corner 128d of the third panel 506. The second hook 140b at the fourth corner 128d of the third panel 506 and the first hook 140a at the third corner 128c of the fourth panel 508 do not engage in the recess 141.

[0039] Finally, the engagement of the first corner 128a, second corner 128b, and third corner 128c of the fourth panel 508 is as described above. The fourth corner 128d of the fourth panel 508 does not engage with any of the other panels 100. Therefore, the first hook 140a and second hook 140b of the fourth corner 128d of the fourth panel 508 do not engage within the recess 141.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 6, the center of the assembly 500 of Figure 5 is shown, illustrating the corner peaks 144 of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502, the third corner 128c of the second panel 504, the second corner 128b of the third panel 506, and the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508. These corner peaks 144 are all adjacent. The first peak side 416 and the second peak side 418 of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502 are adjacent to the second peak side 418 of the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 and the first peak side 416 of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506, respectively. The first peak side 416 of the third corner 128c of the second panel 504 is adjacent to the second peak side 418 of the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508. Finally, the second peak side 418 of the second corner 128b of the third panel 506 is adjacent to the first peak side 416 of the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508. The corner peak apexes 145 of the fourth corner 128d of the first panel 502, the third corner 128c of the second panel 504, the second corner 128b of the third panel 506, and the first corner 128a of the fourth panel 508 meet at a central focal point.

[0041] From the above, it will be apparent that what is defined herein is a panel, the panel including a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces, and a plurality of interlocking members, each of which is located at a respective corner of the panel and which are identical to and interlock with one another. A plurality of interlocking panels may also be cut and placed on another surface.

[0042] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the specification cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. The front and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface; a panel comprising a plurality of interlocking members, A panel wherein each of the interlocking members is provided at a respective corner of the panel, and each of the interlocking members is identical to one another.

2. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the front and rear surfaces have a generally rectangular shape.

3. 2. The panel of claim 1, wherein said plurality of interlocking members comprises four interlocking members, one at each of said four corners of said panel.

4. The panel of claim 1 , wherein each of the interlocking members comprises one or more hooks.

5. The panel of claim 4 , wherein the one or more hooks comprise a first hook and a second hook.

6. The panel of claim 5 , wherein the first hook includes a first recess and the second hook includes a second recess.

7. 7. The panel of claim 6, wherein the first recess engages with the second hook of another panel identical to the panel, and the second recess engages with the first hook of another panel identical to the panel.

8. 6. The panel of claim 5, wherein the first hook projects from the center of each of the corners and the second hook projects from the right side of each of the corners.

9. The panel of claim 5 wherein the first hook comprises a 90 degree protrusion.

10. The panel of claim 1 , wherein a groove is formed in the front surface within a boundary of the panel defined by a plurality of the corners.

11. The panel of claim 10, wherein the groove has an octagonal shape.

12. An assembly comprising a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels comprising: The front and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface; a plurality of interlocking members; each of the interlocking members is provided at a respective corner of the panel, and each of the interlocking members is identical to one another; An assembly wherein one of the plurality of interlocking members of a first panel of the plurality of panels engages one of the plurality of interlocking members of a second panel of the plurality of panels.

13. the plurality of panels comprises the first panel, the second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel; 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein one interlocking member for each of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel is positioned adjacent to one another and engages with a pair of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel.

14. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the front and rear faces have a generally rectangular shape.

15. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said plurality of interlocking members comprises four interlocking members, one at each of said four corners of said panel.

16. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein each of the interlocking members comprises one or more hooks.

17. 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the one or more hooks comprise a first hook and a second hook.

18. Providing a plurality of panels, each of the panels comprising: The front and a rear surface opposite to the front surface; a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface; a plurality of interlocking members; each of the interlocking members being provided at a respective corner of the panel, each of the interlocking members being identical to one another; engaging one of the plurality of interlocking members of a first panel of the plurality of panels with one of the plurality of interlocking members of a second panel of the plurality of panels; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels consists of the first panel, the second panel, a third panel, and a fourth panel.

20. disposing one interlocking member on each of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel adjacent to one another; engaging the one interlocking member of each of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel with a pair of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel; 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

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