MODULAR PANEL SYSTEM, KIT, AND METHOD

Abstract

A modular panel system includes a first panel and a second panel removably connected to the first panel. Each of the first and second panels includes end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel length, and lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel width with each of the lateral edge portions extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions. The panel length and panel width of the second panel are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of the first panel. The first and second panels are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having respective edge portions of each of the first and second panels arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another and removably coupled together. At least the first panel includes a magnetic connector.

Description

BACKGROUND

A variety of collapsible panel systems are known. Also a variety of collapsible furniture structures are known. Nonetheless, there remains a need for easily transportable collapsible structures, including panel systems that are collapsible and configurable into various useful structures, such as furniture. In particular, disadvantages of known collapsible furniture and panel systems includes the following: difficult to assemble and disassemble, difficult to transport, configurable in only a limited configuration or a few configurations, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a modular panel system includes a first panel and a second panel removably connected to the first panel. Each of the first and second panels includes end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel length, and lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel width with each of the lateral edge portions extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions. The panel length and panel width of the second panel are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of the first panel. The first and second panels are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having respective edge portions of each of the first and second panels arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another and removably coupled together. At least the first panel includes a magnetic connector.

According to another aspect, a modular panel system kit includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is defined by first panel edge portions including first panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel length, and including first panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel width and each extending from one of the first panel end edge portions to the other of the first panel end edge portions. The second panel is defined by second panel edge portions including second panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel length, and including second panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel width and each extending from one of the second panel end edge portions to the other of the second panel end edge portions. The second panel length is the same as the first panel length and the second panel width is the same as the first panel width. The first and second panels are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having one of the first panel edge portions disposed longitudinally adjacent one of the second panel edge portions and removably coupled thereto. The first panel includes at least one first magnetic connector, and the second panel includes at least one second magnetic connector.

According to a further aspect, a modular panel method is provided. The method includes providing a first panel defined by first panel edge portions including first panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel length, and including first panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel width and each extending from one of the first panel end edge portions to the other of the first panel end edge portions, wherein the first panel includes at least one first magnetic connector for connection of an associated auxiliary component.

The method includes providing a second panel defined by second panel edge portions including second panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel length, and including second panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel width, and each extending from one of the second panel end edge portions to the other of the second panel end edge portions, wherein the second panel length is the same as the first panel length and the second panel width is the same as the first panel width, wherein the second panel includes at least one second magnetic connector for connection of the associated auxiliary component or another associated auxiliary component.

The method includes removably coupling the first panel and the second panel together by having one of the first panel edge portions disposed longitudinally adjacent one of the second panel edge portions and removably coupling the first panel edge portion and the second panel edge portion together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a modular panel system shown in an assembled state in a shade chair configuration according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of the modular panel system of FIG. 1 also shown in the assembled state in the shade chair configuration.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of one panel of the modular panel system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of four panels of the modular panel system of FIGS. 1 and 2 shown in a disassembled state in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling device that can be used or included with the modular panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a panel that can be used with or included with the modular panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the modular panel system of FIG. 1 shown in an assembled state in a table configuration using only a single panel of the modular panel system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the modular panel system in the disassembled state in the stacked configuration wherein the stacked panels are loaded into the rear cargo area of a vehicle.

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram of a modular panel method according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure. Spatially relative terms may be used to describe an element and/or features relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. Moreover, any term of degree used herein, such as “substantially” and “approximately” means a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified word is contemplated such that the end result is not significantly changed.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a modular panel system or kit 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, the modular panel system 10 of the illustrated embodiment is shown in an assembled state and particularly in a shade chair configuration. The modular panel system 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes a first panel 12, a second panel 14, a third panel 16, and a fourth panel 18. The second panel 14 is removably connected to the first panel 12 at a lower end thereof (i.e., at end edge portion 14a) and likewise the third panel 16 is removably connected to the first panel 12 at a lower end thereof (i.e., at the end edge portion 16a) but in laterally spaced relation relative to the second panel 14. The fourth panel 18 is removably connected to the second and third panels 14, 16 at respective upper ends thereof (i.e., end edge portions 14b, 16b) in spaced relation relative to the first panel 12.

As shown, in the assembled state in the shade chair configuration, the first panel 12 provides an elevated seating platform, such as for a person P as shown in FIG. 2 to sit. The other panels 14, 16, 18 can provide at least one of shade, privacy or an enclosure effect to the first panel 12. The modular panel system 10 of the illustrated embodiment is shown including four panels, i.e., panels 12, 14, 16, 18. However, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that fewer than four panels could be included or more than four panels could be included as part of the modular panel system 10 and these could provide other configurations in the assembled state than the illustrated shade chair.

More particularly, each of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 includes edge portions, particularly including end edge portions (e.g., end edge portions 12a, 12b, 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b) spaced apart from one another to define a panel length for a particular panel and lateral edge portions (e.g., lateral edge portions 12c, 12d, 14c, 14d, 16c, 16d, 18c, 18d) spaced apart from one another to define a width for the particular panel with each lateral edge portion extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions of a particular panel. With additional reference to FIG. 3, the first panel 12 is shown and will be described in further detail. It is to be appreciated that details and/or features of the first panel 12 can be the same for the other panels 14, 16, 18. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 can be identical to one another, though this is not required. Specifically, the first panel 12 can include edge portions 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d that include end edge portions 12a, 12b spaced apart from one another to define a panel length for the first panel 12 (i.e., first panel length), and lateral edge portions 12c, 12d spaced apart from one another to define a panel width for the first panel 12 (i.e., first panel width) with each of the lateral edge portions 12c, 12d extending from one of the end edge portions 12a or 12b (e.g., end edge portion 12a) to the other of the end edge portions 12a or 12b (e.g., end edge portion 12b).

In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 14 can be the same as the first panel 12. Accordingly, the second panel 14 can likewise include end edge portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, including end edge portions 14a, 14b spaced apart from one another to define a panel length of the second panel 14 (i.e., second panel length), and lateral edge portions 14c, 14d spaced apart from one another to define a panel width of the second panel 14 (i.e., second panel width) with each of the lateral edge portions 14c, 14d extending from one of the end edge portions 14a or 14b (e.g., end edge portion 14a) to the other of the end edge portions 14a or 14b (e.g., end edge portion 14b). Since the panels 12 and 14 are identical to one another in the illustrated embodiment, the second panel length and second panel width of the second panel 14 are, respectfully, the same as the first panel length and the first panel width of the first panel 12. As will be described in more detail below, the first and second panels 12, 14 are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having respective edge portions, particularly edge portions 12a and 14a of each of the first and second panels 12, 14, arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another and removably coupled together. This removable coupling can be enabled by a coupling device or member, such as coupling device 34 shown in FIG. 5, as will be described in more detail below.

As already mentioned, the third and fourth panels 16, 18 can also be identical to the first panel 12. Accordingly, each of these panels 16, 18 includes edge portions, including end edge portions (end edge portions 16a, 16b for the third panel 16 and end edge portions 18a, 18b for the fourth panel 18) spaced apart from one another to define a panel length, and lateral edge portions (lateral edge portions 16c, 16d for the third panel 16 and lateral edge portions 18c, 18d for the fourth panel 18) spaced apart from one another to define a panel width with each of the lateral edge portions extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions. The third panel 16 and the fourth panel 18 are each configured to be removably coupled to the other panels 12, 14, 16, 18. For example, in FIG. 1, end edge portion 16a of the third panel 16 is arranged longitudinally adjacent the end edge portion 12b and removably coupled thereto. End edge portion 16b of the third panel 16 is arranged longitudinally adjacent the end edge portion 18b of the fourth panel 18 and removably coupled thereto. End edge portion 14b is arranged longitudinally adjacent the end edge portion 18a of the fourth panel and removably coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the removable couplings between all panels 12, 14, 16, 18 can be via the coupling device 34 of FIG. 5, though other coupling devices can be used as noted above.

Since the third panel 16 is the same as the first and second panels 12, 14, the panel length and panel width of the third panel 16 are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of the first panel 12 and the second panel 14. Similarly, since the fourth panel is the same in size and shape as the first, second, and third panels 12, 14, 16, the panel length and panel width of the fourth panel 18 are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of each of the first panel 12, the second panel 14, and the third panel 16.

In the assembled configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first, second, third, and fourth panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are specifically orthogonally arranged to form a rectangular structure or configuration, which can be referred to as a shade chair configuration as mentioned above. In particular, the end edge portions of the first, second, third, and fourth panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are secured to one another such that the second and third panels, 14, 16 are spaced apart from one another and are secured to both the first and fourth panels 12, 18 with the first and fourth panels 12, 18 spaced apart from one another. In particular, the second and third panels 14, 16 extend in a first direction illustrated by arrow 20 away from the first panel 12.

In addition, as shown, the modular panel system 10 can include at least one leg attachment member, such as the illustrated leg attachment members 22, 24. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the at least one leg attachment member includes two leg attachment members 22, 24. Each of these leg attachment members 22, 24 is removably secured to the first panel 12 at the end edge portions 12a, 12b and extends substantially in a second direction illustrated by arrow 26 away from the first panel 12 that is opposite the first direction represented by arrow 20. As shown, the first leg attachment member 22 can be removably secured to a first one of the end edge portions of the first panel 12, namely the end edge portion 12a, and the second leg attachment member 24 can be secured to a second one of the end edge portions of the first panel 12, namely the end edge portion 12b that is opposite the first end edge portion 12a.

The leg attachment members 22, 24 in the illustrated embodiment are each formed as a U-shaped structure. Accordingly, the first leg attachment member 22 includes leg portions 22a, 22b connected together by an attachment portion 22c. The attachment portion 22c is removably coupled to the end edge portion 12a. Likewise, the second leg attachment member 24 can include leg portions 24a, 24b and an attachment portion 24c removably coupled to the end edge portion 12b. The attachment portions 22c, 24c can be removably coupled to the respective end edge portions 12a, 12b of the first panel 12 through any known removable connection as will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the leg attachment portions 22c, 24c can include a snap-fit removable coupling, a screw-type coupling, a cam-lock type coupling, etc. (none of which are shown). Additionally, the leg attachment members 22, 24, and particularly the leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b thereof can be or include telescoping legs so as to be height adjustable. In the assembled state and configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2 (i.e., the shade chair configuration), adjusting the telescoping height of the leg portions 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b can selectively raise and lower a desired height of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 as might be advantageous when choosing a height for the first panel 12 on which to sit.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the first panel 12 will be described in more detail. It is to be appreciated that details concerning the first panel 12 are also applicable to the second, third, and fourth panels 14, 16, 18. As shown, the first panel 12 includes a frame 30 that defines the end edge portions 12a, 12b and the lateral edge portions 12c, 12d. The first panel 12 additionally includes a flexible material member 32 tautly secured to the frame 30 at each of the end edge portions 12a, 12b and each of the lateral edge portions 12c, 12d. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 30 is a tubular frame defining a panel perimeter of the first panel 12. For example, the frame 30 can be a continuous tubular frame extending around an entirety of a parameter of the first panel 12. Optionally, as shown, the frame 30 can include reduced diameter portions 30a, at central locations of each of the end edge portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. These reduced diameter portions 30a can be provided for coupling the first panel 12 to other panels 14, 16, 18. In particular, the reduced diameter portions 30a can allow the removable coupler (e.g., coupling device or coupler 34 depicted in FIG. 5) to be smaller in size and/or better integrate with the exterior dimensions of the first panel 12 when coupling to other panels. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the flexible material member 32 can include sleeve portions 32a for receiving the tubular frame 30. In the illustrated embodiment, sleeve portions 32a are provided in pairs at each of the edge portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d flanking the reduced diameter portions 30a. Of course, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other configurations are contemplated.

The first panel 12 further includes a magnetic connector 36 disposed at a corner portion 38 of the first panel 12 where one of the end edge portions 12a, 12b connects to one of the lateral edge portions 12c, 12d. The magnet connector 36 in the depicted aspect includes a molded plastic corner member or cover 40 with at least one magnetic metal insert (not visible). As shown, the flexible material member 32 can be fitted at least partially around the magnetic connector which provides a substantially uniform appearance for the first panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic connector 36 is a first magnetic connector 36a and the corner portion 38 is a first corner portion 38a, and the modular panel system includes a second magnetic connector 36b disposed at a second corner portion 38b of the first panel 12. The first and second magnetic connectors 36a, 36b are disposed at the first and second corner portions 38a, 38b, and the first and second corner portions 38a, 38b are disposed at opposite ends of one of the end edge portions 12a, 12b or at one of the lateral edge portions 12c, 12d. As shown, the first and second corner portions 38a, 38b are disposed at opposite ends of the end edge portion 12b.

The exemplary modular panel system further includes a third magnetic connector 36c disposed at a third corner portion 38c of the first panel 12 and a fourth magnetic connector 36d disposed at a fourth corner portion 38d of the first panel 12. With the location of the first and second corner portions 38a, 38b, the third and fourth corner portions 38c, 38d are disposed at opposite ends of the end edge portion 12a.

It should be appreciated the panels 14, 16, 18 can be similarly constructed. By way of example, in FIG. 1 the second panel 14 includes second panel magnetic connectors 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d disposed at corner portions of the second panel where the end edge portions 14a, 14b of the second panel connect to the lateral edge portions 14c, 14d of the second panel. The third panel 16 includes third panel magnetic connectors 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d disposed at corner portions of the third panel where the end edge portions 16a, 16b of the third panel connect to the lateral edge portions 16c, 16d of the third panel. The fourth panel 18 includes fourth panel magnetic connectors 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d disposed at corner portions of the fourth panel where the end edge portions 18a, 18b of the fourth panel connect to the lateral edge portions 18c, 18d of the fourth panel.

The magnetic connectors of each of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 allow for the connection of at least one auxiliary component to the exemplary modular panel system 10. By way of example, FIG. 6 depicts an auxiliary panel member 50 having a magnetic corner connectors 52 disposed, respectively, at corner portions 54 of the auxiliary panel member to enable the auxiliary panel member to be coupled in a stacked configuration with one of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18. The depicted auxiliary panel member 50 is sized to approximately cover the flexible material member 32, thereby defining a planar outer side of the selective panel to which the auxiliary panel member 50 is connected. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the auxiliary panel member 50 is connected to the second panel 14, thereby defining an outer planar side of the shade chair configuration. The auxiliary panel member 50 can have a thickness that is less than that of the panel, which allows for ease of handling, and also prevent the undue weight to the panel. It should be appreciated that the auxiliary panel member 50 can be in many different forms, for example, the auxiliary panel member 50 can be one of a whiteboard, chalkboard, pinboard, fabric panel or decorative panel. The auxiliary panel member 50 can also be connected in such a manner that it serves as a shade inhibiting member.

The modular panel system 10 can further include an auxiliary member 58 having a magnetic connector for removably coupling to one of the panels. In FIG. 1, the auxiliary member 58 is an illuminated device connected to the fourth panel 18 and spans along the lateral edge portion 18c. However, it should be appreciated that depending on the configuration of the modular panel system 10, the auxiliary member 58 can be a cup holder, a side table, netting, cushions, solar panels, reflective members, arm rests, wheels or handles.

The modular panel system 10 can further include a removable connector 60 disposed on a planar side of one of the panels 12, 14, 16, 20. The removable connector 60 can be a non-magnetic (e.g., adhered) removable connector disposed at or near a central area of the panel, and its outer surface can have one of a hook and loop fastener for connecting user items to the removable connector. In FIG. 1, the removable connector 60 is disposed on a planar side of the third panel 16 that faces to the inside of the shade chair configuration.

Now, with reference to FIG. 4, the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are shown in a disassembled state in a stacked configuration. The coupling devices 34 (FIG. 5) can be used to secure the individual panels. In this stacked configuration, and in part due to the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 being all of the same size, the modular panel system 10 is easily transportable. For example, with reference to FIG. 8, the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 in the stacked configuration can be easily transported in the rear cargo area of a vehicle V. To aid in the transportation of the panels in the stacked configuration, an auxiliary member, in the form of a handle 62, can be magnetically connected to the first magnetic connector 36a and the second connector 36b of the first panel 12, and auxiliary members, in the form of wheels or casters 64a, 64b, can be magnetically connected to the fourth panel magnetic connectors 46c, 46d of the fourth panel 18.

With reference now to FIG. 5, the modular panel system 10 can further include a coupling device, such as the coupling device or coupler 34 shown in FIG. 5, for removably coupling the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 to one another. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second panels 12a, 12b are coupled together at the respective end edges 12a, 14a via the coupling device 34 to one another at its desired relative angle. Likewise, additional coupling devices 34 can be used to coupled the panels 16 and 18 to one another and to the first and second panels 12, 14. Accordingly, a plurality of coupling devices 34 can be employed to removably couple the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 together. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, coupling devices 34 are used to couple adjacent panels 12, 14, 16, 18 together in the assembled state and shade chair configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the coupling device 34 can be an integrally formed coupling clip having clip recesses 34a, 34b for removably receiving the frame 30 of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and particularly the reduced diameter portions 30a of the frame 30.

In particular, the clip recesses 34a, 34b of the coupling device 34 can be respectively provided by clip recess structures 34c, 34d, which are integrally connected and formed. As shown, the clip recess structures 34c, 34d can be oriented perpendicular to one another so that panels 12, 14, 16, 18 can be oriented orthogonally or perpendicular relative to one another when removably connected together (e.g., for the shade chair configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2) by the coupling devices 34. Specifically, the coupling device 34 of FIG. 5 has a fixed angle between the clip recess structures 34c, 34d so that when coupling panels 12, 14, 16, 18 together, the panels are coupled relative to one another at a predefined and nonadjustable relative angle, such as perpendicular to one another. Of course, as will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art, other coupling devices can be used in lieu of the illustrated coupling device 34. For example, such other coupling devices could include the provision of a hinged connection between the panels so as to be angularly adjustable. In an alternate embodiment, the coupling devices 34 can be replaced with one of the coupling devices described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/181,136, entitled “REMOVABLE COUPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COUPLING PANELS” that was filed on Mar. 9, 2023, or commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/181,153, entitled “COUPLING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COUPLING PANELS” that was filed on Mar. 9, 2023, both expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

When the modular panel system 10 is deployed in the assembled state in the shade seat configuration shown in FIG. 1, and edge portions of the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, such as end edge portions 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d for the first panel 12 and end edge portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d for the second panel 14, are removably secured to one another at perpendicular angles relative to one another. Accordingly, the second panel 14 is removably coupled to the first panel 12 by coupling device 34, which removably couples the end edge portion 12a to the end edge portion 14a of the second panel. In a like manner, another coupling device 34 connects the third panel to the first panel 12 via adjacent longitudinal positioning of end edge portions 12b, 16 of the panels 12 and 16. Additional coupling devices 34 are used to removably couple the fourth panel 18 to the second and third panels 14, 16 in a like manner as shown.

In the shade chair configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular panel system 10 can further include a flexible coupling material member 70. As shown the flexible coupling material member 70 can be coupled to a front one of the lateral edge portions 12c or 12d of the first panel 12, particularly lateral edge portion 12c in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is coupled to a rear one of the lateral edge portions 18c or 18d of the fourth panel 18, particularly lateral edge portion 18d in FIGS. 1 and 2. By this arrangement, the flexible coupling material member 70 can provide a seat back for the modular panel system 10 as well as a cushioning effect above the first panel 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when a person is seated, the flexible coupling material member 70 can provide a seat back for this person and can additionally be partially spaced apart from the first panel 12, particularly adjacent the lateral edge portion 12d of the first panel 12. For removably coupling the flexible coupling material member 70 to the panels 12 and 18, any known removable connecting device can be used, such as a carabiner clip, bungee tie down, etc. For example, the flexible coupling material member 70 can include securing apertures 70a located at respective corners of the flexible coupling material member 70 and clips or other removable connecting devices 72 can be used to connect the flexible coupling material member 70 to the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 via the clips 72 and the securing apertures 70a.

With reference now to FIG. 6, an alternative configuration for the modular panel system 10 is shown when in the assembled state, namely a table configuration. In FIG. 6, only the first panel 12 is deployed together with the leg attachment members 22, 24. In this embodiment, the leg portions 22a, 22b and 24a, 24b of the leg attachment members 22, 24 do have telescoping legs 22a, 22b and 24a, 24b that are telescoped into extended positions so as to dispose or provide the first panel 12 at a table height that is relatively higher than a height at which the first panel 12 is provided in the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2 or the configuration of FIG. 6. The auxiliary panel member 50 is provided atop the first panel 12. It should be appreciated that the auxiliary panel member can have solar panels for providing solar power to the modular panel system 10, and can have reflective panels for, for example, drying clothes.

While only a few configurations for the modular panel system 10 are shown in the present disclosure, it is to be appreciated that other configurations could be provided and/or used. For example, the modular panel system 10 could be deployed in a wall configuration wherein the panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are connected together to form a wall structure. Other alternate configurations that could be formed could include a bed configuration, a shelter configuration, etc. For these or other configurations, additional panels (like panels 12, 14, 16, 18) and/or modular panel systems or kits (like system 10) could be added and coupled together and thereby larger configurations could be provided.

With reference to FIG. 9, a modular panel method will now be described. In particular, the modular panel method will be described with reference to the modular panel system 10, though that is not required and other modular panel systems could be used in place of the modular panel system 10. In the method, at 100, the first panel 12 is provided. The first panel 12, as describe described above, is defined by the first panel edge portions, including first panel end edge portions 12a, 12b spaced apart from one another to define a first panel length, and including first panel lateral edge portions 12c, 12d spaced apart from one another to define the first panel width and each extending from one of the first panel end edge portions 12a to the other to the first panel end edge portion 12b is provided. The first panel includes at least one first magnetic connector for connection of an associated auxiliary component (e.g., auxiliary panel member 50 or auxiliary member 58)

At 102, a second panel 14 is provided. The second panel 14, as described above, is defined by a second panel edge portions including second panel end edge portions 14a, 14b spaced apart from one another to define the second panel length, and second panel lateral edge portions 14c, 14d spaced apart from one another to define the second panel width and each extending from one of the second panel end edge portions 14a to the other of the second panel end edge portions 14b. As already described herein, the second panel length is the same as the first panel length and the second panel width is the same as the first panel width. Thus, the first and second panels 12, 14 can be the same size as can be any additional panels included together with the first and second panels 12, 14. The second panel includes at least one second magnetic connector for connection of an associated auxiliary component (e.g., auxiliary panel member 50 or auxiliary member 58).

At 104, the first panel 12 is removably coupled to the second panel 14 by having one of the first panel edge portions 12a disposed longitudinally adjacent one of the second panel edge portions 14a and removably coupling the first panel end edge portion 12a and the second panel end edge portion 14a together to thereby removably couple the first panel 12 to the second panel 14. Optionally, this step 104 can include having the third and four panel 16, 18 provided and removably coupled to the first and second panels 12, 14 in the various configurations discussed hereinabove. Additionally, as shown at 106, the method can include decoupling the first panel 12 from the second panel 14 relative to one another. Optionally, this step 106 can include having the third and fourth panels 16, 18 decoupled from the first and second panels 12, 14 and/or one another. Still further, at 108, the method can include stacking the first panel 12 and the second panel 14 in the lie-flat or stacking configuration relative to one another (for example as shown in FIG. 8). Optionally, this step 108 can include stacking the third and fourth panels 16, 18 in addition to the first and second panels 12, 14.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular panel system, comprising: a first panel;a second panel removably connected to the first panel;wherein each of the first and second panels includes end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel length, and lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a panel width with each of the lateral edge portions extending from one of the end edge portions to the other of the end edge portions,wherein the panel length and panel width of the second panel are, respectively, the same as the panel length and panel width of the first panel,wherein the first and second panels are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having respective edge portions of each of the first and second panels arranged longitudinally adjacent to one another and removably coupled together, andwherein at least the first panel includes a magnetic connector.

2. The modular panel system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic connector disposed at a corner portion of the first panel where one of the end edge portions connects to one of the lateral edge portions.

3. The modular panel system of claim 2 wherein the magnetic connector is a first magnetic connector and the corner portion is a first corner portion, and wherein the modular panel system includes a second magnetic connector disposed at a second corner portion of the first panel.

4. The modular panel system of claim 3 wherein the first and second magnetic connectors are disposed at the first and second corner portions disposed at opposite ends of one of the lateral edge portions.

5. The modular panel system of claim 2 wherein the first and second magnetic connectors are disposed at the first and second corner portions disposed at opposite ends of one of the end edge portions.

6. The modular panel system of claim 3 further including a third magnetic connector disposed at a third corner portion of the first panel and a fourth magnetic connector disposed at a fourth corner portion of the first panel.

7. The modular panel system of claim 1 further including a removable connector disposed on a first planar side of the first panel.

8. The modular panel system of claim 7 wherein the removable connector is one of a hook and loop fastener.

9. The modular panel system of claim 7 wherein the removable connector is a non-magnetic removable connector disposed at or near a central area of the first panel.

10. The modular panel system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic connector includes a molded plastic corner member with magnetic metal inserts.

11. The modular panel system of claim 1 wherein the second panel includes a second panel magnetic connector disposed at a corner portion of the second panel wherein of the end edge portions of the second panel connects to one of the lateral edge portions of the second panel.

12. The modular panel system of claim 1 further including an auxiliary panel member having magnetic corner connectors disposed, respectively, at corner portions of the auxiliary panel member to enable the auxiliary panel member to be coupled in a stacked configuration with the first panel.

13. The modular panel system of claim 12 wherein the auxiliary panel member has a thickness that is less than that of the first panel member, and the auxiliary panel member is one of a whiteboard, chalkboard, pinboard, fabric panel or decorative panel.

14. The modular panel system of claim 1 further including an auxiliary member having a magnetic connector for removably coupling to the first panel and the second panel.

15. A modular panel system kit, comprising: a first panel defined by first panel edge portions including first panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel length, and including first panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel width and each extending from one of the first panel end edge portions to the other of the first panel end edge portions; anda second panel defined by second panel edge portions including second panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel length, and including second panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel width and each extending from one of the second panel end edge portions to the other of the second panel end edge portions;wherein the second panel length is the same as the first panel length and the second panel width is the same as the first panel width,wherein the first and second panels are configured to be removably coupled to one another by having one of the first panel edge portions disposed longitudinally adjacent one of the second panel edge portions and removably coupled thereto,wherein the first panel includes at least one first magnetic connector, andwherein the second panel includes at least one second magnetic connector.

16. The modular panel system kit of claim 15 wherein the first magnetic connector is disposed at a corner portion of the first panel where one of the end edge portions connects to one of the lateral edge portions, and the second magnetic connector is disposed at a corner portion of the second panel where one of the end edge portions connects to one of the lateral edge portions.

17. The modular panel system kit of claim 15 further including: at least one coupling device for coupling the first and second panels to one another; andat least one leg attachment member including a pair of telescoping legs.

18. The modular panel system kit of claim 15 further including an auxiliary panel member having at least one magnetic corner connector to enable the auxiliary panel member to be coupled in a stacked configuration with one of the first panel and the second panel.

19. The modular panel system kit of claim 15 further including an auxiliary member having a magnetic connector for removably coupling to one of the first panel and the second panel.

20. A modular panel method, comprising: providing a first panel defined by first panel edge portions including first panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel length, and including first panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a first panel width and each extending from one of the first panel end edge portions to the other of the first panel end edge portions, wherein the first panel includes at least one first magnetic connector for connection of an associated auxiliary component;providing a second panel defined by second panel edge portions including second panel end edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel length, and including second panel lateral edge portions spaced apart from one another to define a second panel width, and each extending from one of the second panel end edge portions to the other of the second panel end edge portions, wherein the second panel length is the same as the first panel length and the second panel width is the same as the first panel width, wherein the second panel includes at least one second magnetic connector for connection of the associated auxiliary component or another associated auxiliary component, andremovably coupling the first panel and the second panel together by having one of the first panel edge portions disposed longitudinally adjacent one of the second panel edge portions and removably coupling the first panel edge portion and the second panel edge portion together.