PANEL WITH CONNECTOR

Abstract

A panel system includes a first panel having a recess and a connector received in the recess. The connector has a front wall that includes an external face and an internal face. The external face extends in a first plane and the internal face extends in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle. A slot extends through the external face and the internal face. The slot is configured to receive a head of an anchor fastener that is attached to an adjacent panel. Moving the first panel and the adjacent panel relative to one another moves the anchor fastener within the slot to cause the head to slidingly engage with the internal face to draw the first panel and the adjacent panel toward one another.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed at partition systems. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a panel with a connector that can be used to create a partition system.

BACKGROUND

Open floor plans are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. While the general goal of an open floor plan is to minimize the use of walls, it may be desirable to erect partition systems to divide the workplace. In order to most efficiently utilize the space afforded by open floor plans, any such partition systems should be capable of easy reconfiguration, movement, or removal in order to quickly respond to changing workplace requirements.

Known partition systems rely on panels that are connected using arrangements that require the use of multiple tools or specialized tools for assembly and disassembly. Moreover, known partition system are deficient in that they cannot be easily reconfigured, moved, or removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a panel system includes a first panel having a recess and a connector received in the recess. The connector has a front wall that includes an external face and an internal face. The external face extends in a first plane and the internal face extends in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle. A slot extends through the external face and the internal face. The slot is configured to receive a head of an anchor fastener that is attached to an adjacent panel. Moving the first panel and the adjacent panel relative to one another moves the anchor fastener within the slot to cause the head to slidingly engage with the internal face to draw the first panel and the adjacent panel toward one another.

In another embodiment, a method of assembling a panel system includes the steps of providing a first panel with a first recess and providing a second panel with a second recess. The method further includes the steps of securing a first connector and a second connector in the first recess and the second recess, respectively. Each one of the first connector and the second connector has a front wall that includes an external face and an internal face. The external face extends in a first plane and the internal face extends in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle. A slot extends through the external face and the internal face. The method further includes the steps of connecting an anchor faster to the first connector and receiving the head of the anchor fastener in the second connector. The first panel and the second panel are moved relative to one another to move the anchor fastener within the slot of the second connector to cause the head to slidingly engage with the internal face of the second connector to draw the first panel and the second panel toward one another.

In yet another embodiment, a connector for joining a first panel and a second panel has a front wall that includes a keyhole portion having an external face and an internal face. The external face extends in a first plane and the internal face extends in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle. A slot extends through the external face and the internal face. The slot includes a bow portion having a first width and a shaft portion having a second width. The first width is greater than the second width. The bow portion is configured to receive a head of an anchor fastener. Moving the first and second panels relative to one moves the anchor fastener within the slot to cause the head of the anchor fastener to slidingly engage with the internal face of the keyhole portion to draw the first and second panels toward one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced with a single component. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a panel with a connector;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, sectional view of part of the panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector that makes up part of the panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the connector of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side, sectional view of the connector of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a variation of the panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is another variation of the panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is yet another variation of the panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a step of connecting two panels of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing another step of connecting two panels of the type showing in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side, sectional view of two connectors of the type shown in FIG. 3 showing a step of connecting two panels;

FIG. 12 is a side, sectional view of two connectors of the type shown in FIG. 3 showing another step of connecting two panels;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel that includes a connector of the type shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 13 with certain components omitted;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 13 focused on a portion of a frame that receives the connector;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the panel of FIG. 14 and a detail view of the connector and a portion of the panel;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary accessory hook that may be used with the panel of FIG. 1 or the panel of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the accessory hook of FIG. 17 attached to two panels;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary accessory platform that may be used with the panel of FIG. 1 or the panel of FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the accessory platform of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the accessory platform of FIG. 19 attached to two panels;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary accessory pegboard that may be used with the panel of FIG. 1 or the panel of FIG. 13;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the accessory pegboard of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the accessory pegboard of FIG. 22 attached to two panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary panel 100 that may be used to create a partition system. The panel 100 includes a first major surface 105 and an opposite facing second major surface 110. A plurality of minor side surfaces 115, 120, 125, 130 surround the first and second major surfaces, 105, 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 100 has four minor side surfaces that are arranged to form a rectangle, including first and second short minor side surfaces 115, 125 and first and second long minor side surfaces 120, 130.

In alternative embodiments, the panel may include a fewer or greater number of minor side surfaces that are arranged to form any desired shape. In other alternative embodiments, the panel may include a fewer or greater number of major side surfaces. Nonlimiting examples of panel configurations include an L-shaped panel 7100e (FIG. 6), a T-shaped panel 8100 (FIG. 7), or an X-shaped panel 9100 (FIG. 8).

The panel 100 includes two feet 135 that extend from the second short minor side surface 125. The feet 135 may provide stability to the panel 100 or otherwise space the panel 100 from an underlying surface. In alternative embodiments, the panel may include a fewer or greater number of feet. In other alternative embodiments, the feet may be provided at any desired location on the panel. In still other alternative embodiments, the feet may be omitted

The panel 100 includes four connectors 200. The connectors 200 may be used to join two panels 100 together to create a partition system. In the illustrated embodiment, all the connectors 200 have the same configuration. Accordingly, further discussion of the connectors 200 will be made with reference to FIGS. 3-5. The connectors 200 and other components will be made with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, and z axes). This coordinate system is only being used to facilitate the description of the connector 200 and other components and is in no way limiting. In alternative embodiments, the panel may include connectors with different configurations.

The connector 200 includes a front wall 205, a rear wall 210 spaced from the front wall 205, and intermediate portions 215, 220, 225 that extend substantially parallel to the Z-axis. The intermediate portions 215, 220, 225 extend between and interconnect the front wall 205 and the rear wall 210. The rear wall 210 is substantially stadium shaped and includes two mounting holes 230 and one retaining hole 232. The intermediate portions 215, 220, 225 collectively have a cross section that generally conforms to the shape of the rear wall 210. Accordingly, the intermediate portions include two sidewalls 215, 220 that are linear and extend parallel with one another and a bottom wall 225 that is curved and extends between and interconnects the two sidewalls 215, 220.

In alternative embodiments, the rear wall or the intermediate portion may be any desired shape. In other alternative embodiments, the rear wall may include a greater or fewer number of mounting holes or retaining holes. In still other alternative embodiments, the intermediate portion may include an additional wall that creates an enclosed space between the front and rear walls. In still yet other alternative embodiments, the intermediate portions may collectively have a cross-sectional shape that does not conform to the shape of the rear wall.

The front wall 205 includes a flange portion 235 and a keyhole portion 240. The flange portion 235 is substantially stadium shaped and includes a front face 245 and a rear face 250. The flange portion 235 surrounds the keyhole portion 240. In alternative embodiments, the flange portion may be any desired shape.

The keyhole portion 240 includes an external face 255 and an internal face 260. The external face 255 extends substantially parallel to the X-axis in a first plane 265 and the internal face 260 extends in a second plane 270. The second plane 270 is angled relative to the first plane 265 to form a draft angle θ. In the illustrated embodiment, the draft angle θ is one degree. In alternative embodiments, the draft angle θ may be in the range of one to five degrees. In other alternative embodiments, the connector may include a larger or smaller draft angle.

A slot 275 extends through the external and internal faces 245, 250 of the keyhole portion 240. The slot 275 includes a bow portion 280 and a shaft portion 285. The bow portion 280 and the shaft portion 285 have a first width and a second width, respectively, that are both measured along the X-axis. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the first width of the bow portion 280 is greater than the second width of the shaft portion 285. A recessed portion 290 is disposed about the bow portion 280 on the external face 245 of the keyhole portion 240. The recessed portion 290 is defined by a part of the keyhole portion 240 having a reduced depth measured along the Z-axis compared to the remainder of the keyhole portion 240. Two sets of clearance notches 295 are provided along the edge of the shaft portion 285. Each set of clearance notches 295 is substantially aligned along the Z-axis with one of the through holes 230 on the rear wall 210 of the connector 200. In alternative embodiments, the bow portion and the shaft portion may have any desired relative widths. In other alternative embodiments, the recessed portion or one or more of the clearance notches may be omitted, or there may be a fewer or greater number of recessed portions or clearance notches.

Turning back to the panel 100, the panel 100 includes four recesses 140 that receive a respective one of the four connectors 200. Two connectors 200 are provided on the first long minor side surface 120 and two connectors 200 are provided on the second long minor side surface 130. The connectors 200 on the first long minor side surface 120 are substantially aligned with the connectors 200 on the second long minor side surface 130 along the Z-axis. As shown in FIG. 2, each recess 140 has a main portion 145 and a counterbore portion 150. Three nuts 155 are provided at a rear wall 160 of each recess 140.

In alternative embodiments, the panel may include a fewer or greater number of connectors or a fewer or greater number of recesses. In other alternative embodiments, the connectors may have any desired orientation relative to one another. In still yet other alternative embodiments, the connectors may be provided on the first or second short minor side surfaces or on the first or second major surfaces. In still yet even other alternative embodiments, the recess may include a fewer or greater number nuts, or the nuts may be omitted.

The connectors 200 and recesses 140 are dimensioned and configured so that, when the recess 140 receives a connector 200, the rear face 250 of the flange portion 235 engages with the counterbore portion 150 and the front face 245 of the flange portion 235 is substantially flush with the long minor side surface 120, 130 on which the respective recess 140 is provided. When the connector 200 is so positioned, the intermediate portion 215, 220, 225 and the rear wall 210 are located inside the main portion 145 of the recess 140. The rear wall 210 of the connector is adjacent to the rear wall 160 of the recess 140 and each of the through holes 230 is aligned with a respective one of the nuts 155.

An exemplary process of assembling two panels 100a, 100b will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9-12. The process will describe attaching a left panel 100a and a right panel 100b to one another. The terms “left” and “right” as used herein are only meant to facilitate description of the process and are in no way limiting.

First, the connectors 200 are attached to the panels 100a, 100b. Each connector 200 is attached to the panels 100a, 100b by, first, inserting the intermediate portion 215, 220, 225 and the rear wall 210 of the connector 200 into a respective one of the recesses 140. The connector 200 is then pushed into the recess 140 along the Z-axis until the rear face 250 of the flange portion 235 engages with the counterbore portion 150 of the recess 140. Then, securing fasteners, such as bolts, (not shown in this embodiment) are advanced through each of the mounting holes 230 and into engagement with a respective one of the nuts 155 provided on the rear wall 160 of the recess 140. The securing fasteners are tightened, thus retaining the connector 200 in the recess 140 and attaching the connector 200 to the panel 100a, 100b. The clearance notches 295 are configured to provide room for a tool to pass through the slot 275 and access the securing fasteners for tightening or loosening or to provide room for the insertion or removal of the securing fasteners themselves.

In alternative embodiments, the connector may be retained in the recess using any desired arrangement. For example, the connector may be secured in the recess using an adhesive or an interference fit. In other alternative embodiments, the panels may be delivered preassembled with the connectors already in place.

With the connectors 200 attached to the panels 100a, 100b, an anchor fastener 400 is secured to one of the connectors 200 located on the second long minor side surface 130 of the left panel 100a. As can be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the anchor fastener 400 is a shoulder bolt that includes a shaft 405 that extends from a head 410. The head 410 includes a front face 415 and a rear face 420. The shaft 405 extends from the rear face 420. The shaft 405 includes a threaded portion 425 at an end of the shaft 405 and a shank portion 430 that is located between the threaded portion 425 and the head 410. In alternative embodiments, the anchor fastener may be any desired type of faster with a head.

The anchor fastener 400 is attached to the connector 200 by inserting the shaft 405 through the slot 275 and advancing the threaded portion 425 through the retaining hole 232 on the rear wall 210 of the connector 200 and into engagement with the remaining nut 155 provided on the rear wall 160 of the recess 140. An anchor fastener 400 is also connected to the other connector 200 located on the second long minor side surface 130 of the left panel 100a in a similar fashion. The anchor fasteners 400 are dimensioned and configured so that, when the anchor fastener 400 is connected to a connector 200, the shank portion 430 extends through the slot 275 to locate the head 410 outside of the connector 200.

Once the anchor fasteners 400 are attached to the connectors 200, the left panel 100a is moved adjacent to the right panel 100b in the direction of arrow(S) to align the head 410 of the anchor fasteners 400 with the bow portion 280 of a respective one of the connector 200 on the right panel 100b. Maintaining this alignment, the left panel 100a is advanced toward the right panel 100b until the bow portion 280 of the connectors 200 receives the head 410 of a respective one of the anchor fasteners 400, respectively, thereby locating the head 410 in the interior space of the connectors 200 of the right panel 100b, as shown in FIG. 11.

In this way, the connectors 200 of the left panel 100a with the anchor fasteners 400 extending therefrom effectively act as a male half, while the connectors 200 of the right panel 100b that receive the anchor fasteners 400 effectively act as a female half. The front face 415 of the head 410 of each anchor fastener 400 may engage with the recessed portion 290 disposed about the bow portion 280 of the respective connectors 200, which may facilitate the process of aligning the head 410 of the anchor fastener 400 with the bow portion 280.

With the head 410 of each anchor fastener 400 of the left panel 100a being located in the interior space of the connectors 200 of the right panel 100b, the left panel 100a is moved relative to the right panel 100b in the direction of arrow (D) as shown in FIG. 10. As the left panel 100a moves relative to the right panel 100b, the heads 410 of the anchor fasteners 400 of the left panel 100a slidingly engage with the internal face 260 of the keyhole portion 240 of the respective connector 200 of the right panel 100a as each anchor fastener 400 moves down the shaft portion 285 away from the bow portion 280.

Because the first and second planes 265, 270 are angled with respect to each other at the draft angle θ described above, this sliding engagement causes the left panel 100a and the right panel 100b to be drawn toward one another along the Z-axis. By the time the anchor fasteners 400 are located at the end of the shaft portion 285 of the slot 275 (as shown in FIG. 12), the left and right panels 100a, 100b are not only connected to one another, but also drawn tightly against one another so that essentially no space exists between the panels 100a, 100b. This provides a finished look and may also provide stability and rigidity to the two-panel assembly. Additionally, when the anchor fasteners 400 are located at the end of the shaft portion 285 of the slot 275, the panels 100a, 100b cannot be pulled away from one another in a direction perpendicular to arrow (D) (i.e., along the Z-axis) because a width of the head 410 of the anchor fastener 400 is less than the width of the shaft portion 285. Thus, the head 410 of the anchor fastener 400 is trapped in the respective connector 200. Additional panels may be added as desired to create a partition system.

Any unused connectors 200 may be provided with a cover panel (not shown). The cover panel may be dimensioned and configured to engage with the external face 255 of the keyhole portion 240 and cover the slot 275. The connector 200 is provided with a cover panel access recess 305 on the front face 245 of the flange portion 235. The cover panel access recess 305 is configured to allow for the insertion of a tool behind the cover panel to facilitate removal. In alternative embodiments, the cover panel access recess may be provided at any desired location on the connector. In other alternative embodiments, the cover panel access recess may be omitted.

Disassembling two panels 100a, 100b is substantially the reverse of the above-described process. The left panel 100a is moved relative to the right panel 100b in the direction of arrow (U). As the left panel 100a moves relative to the right panel 100b, the head 410 of the anchor fasteners 400 of the left panel 100a slidingly engage with the internal face 260 of the keyhole portion 240 of the respective connector 200 of the right panel 100b as the anchor fasteners 400 move up the shaft portion 285 toward the bow portion 280. Because the first and second plane 265, 270 are angled with respect to each other at the draft angle θ described above, this sliding engagement allows the left panel 100a to move away from the right panel 100b along the Z-axis, which may facilitate the disassembly process.

Once the head 410 of each anchor fastener 400 is aligned with the bow portion 280 of the slot 275 of the respective connector 200, the left panel 100a may be moved away from the right panel 100b until the head 410 exits the slot 275, thereby completing the disassembly process. The anchor fasteners 400 may remain in the connectors 200 of the left panel 100a to expedite any subsequent assembly.

Thus, initial assembly of the panels 100 only require basic tools in order to drive the securing fasteners that attach the connectors 200 to the panels 100 and to drive the anchor fasteners 400 that are secured to the connectors 200. After the initial assembly, panels 100 can quickly and easily be assembled and disassembled without the use of any tools. Additionally, assembly and manufacture is simplified and costs may reduced when all of the connectors 200 have the same configuration. Furthermore, the connectors 200 provide flexibility because all of the connectors 200 can either have the anchor fastener 400 connected to them or receive the head 410 of the anchor fastener 400 extending from a connector 200 of an adjacent panel 100. In other words, the connectors 200 do not have designated male or female halves and a connector 200 can act as a male half or a female half depending on the provision of the anchor fastener 400. The foregoing system allows panels 100 to easily be assembled to allow for the quick reconfiguration, movement, or removal of a partition system without the use of multiple tools or specialized tools.

FIGS. 13-16 show an alternative embodiment of a panel 1100 that may be used with the connector 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 3-5. The panel 1100 of FIGS. 13-16 is similar to the panel 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Like features will be identified by like numerals increased by a factor of “1000.”

The panel 1100 includes a first major surface 1105 and an opposite facing second major surface 1110. Two short minor side surfaces 1115, 1125 and two long minor side surfaces 1120, 1130 surround the first and second major surfaces, 1105, 1110. The panel 1100 includes two connectors 1200 (not visible) on the first long minor side surface 1120 and two connectors 1200 on the second long minor side surface 1130.

A frame 1131 defines the major side surfaces 1105, 1110 and the minor side surfaces 1115, 1120, 1125, 1130. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 1131 includes an outer perimeter portion 1132, a transverse cross bar 1133, and a plurality of longitudinal cross bars 1134. The outer perimeter portion 1132 has two vertical members 1136, 1137 and two horizontal members 1138, 1139. The terms “vertical” and “horizontal” as used herein are only meant to facilitate description of the panel 1100 and are in no way meant to restrict the respective members 1136, 1137, 1138, 1139 to a particular orientation. The transverse cross bar 1133 extends between and interconnects the vertical members 1136, 1137. Each one of the longitudinal cross bars 1134 extends between and interconnects the horizontal members 1138, 1139 and intersects the transverse cross bar 1133.

In alternative embodiments, the outer perimeter portion may include a fewer or greater number of horizontal or vertical members arranged to define the frame with any desired number of major or minor side surfaces. In other alternative embodiments, the frame may include a fewer or greater number of transverse cross bars or longitudinal cross bars, or the transverse or longitudinal cross bars may be omitted.

The first vertical member 1136 includes two recesses 1140 that receive a respective one of the connectors 1200, and the second vertical member 1137 includes two additional recesses 1140 that receive a respective one of the connectors 1200. A connector locating member 1141 and a backing plate 1142 are associated with each one of the recesses 1140. The connector locating member 1141 is located in a respective one of the recesses 1140 on an internal wall of the frame 1131, and the backing plate 1142 is located opposite the connector locating member 1141 on an external wall of the frame 1131.

The connector locating member 1141 has a raised portion 1143 with a plurality of through holes 1144. The backing plate 1142 includes a plurality of through holes 1146 that each receive a nut 1147. Two securing fasteners 1399 extend through two of the through-holes 1144 of the connector locating member 1141 and engage with two of the nuts 1147 to secure the connectors 1200 in a respective one of the recesses 1140. An anchor fastener 1400 extends through the remaining through-hole 1144 of the connector locating member 1141 and engages with the remaining nut 1147. As explained above in the discussion of the embodiment of the panel 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the anchor fastener 1400 cooperates with the connectors 1200 to secure multiple panels 1100 to one another.

The raised portion 1143 of the connector locating member 1141 nests within intermediate portions 1215, 1220, 1225 of a connector 1200 as the connector 1200 is inserted into a respective recess 1140 to position the connector 1200 in the recess 1140 and provide for a more robust mounting arrangement. The backing plate 1142 serves as a retaining member for the nuts 1147 and also further improves the robustness of the mounting arrangement for the connectors 1200. In alternative embodiments, the connector locating member or the backing plate may be omitted.

The panel 1100 includes a cover 1165. The panel 1100 has bumpers 1166 that space the cover 1165 from the frame 1131. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 1100 includes four bumpers 1166 that are mounted to the horizontal members 1138, 1139 proximate one of the recesses 1140. In alternative embodiments, the frame may include a fewer or greater number of bumpers, or the bumpers may be located at any desired location on the frame. In other alternative embodiments, the bumpers may be omitted.

The cover 1165 includes a base compressible layer 1170 and an outer layer 1175 overlaid onto the compressible layer 1170. The compressible layer 1170 may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) felt, foam, or any other desired material with resilient properties. The outer layer 1175 may be made of fabric, vinyl, or any other desired material that allows for the compression of the compressible layer 1170. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 1165 extends over all of the surfaces 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120, 1125, 1130. In alternative embodiments, the cover may be omitted from one of the surfaces. In other alternative embodiments, the cover may includer a fewer or greater number of layers.

As can be seen in FIG. 16, the panel 1100, the connectors 1200, the recesses 1140, and the cover 1165 are configured such that a front face 1245 of the connector 1200 is recessed from an outer periphery 1180 of the cover 1165. In other words, the front face 1245 of the connector 1200 is set back from the outer periphery 1180 of the cover 1167 along the Z-axis. This arrangement, in combination with the resiliency of the compressible layer 1170 may provide advantages during assembly.

As explained above with reference to FIGS. 5-8, the connectors 200 cooperate with the anchor fasteners 400 to draw the left and right panels 100a, 100b toward one another and ultimately connect the panels 100a, 100b together. By design, this action is meant to eliminate any space between the panels 100a, 100b. Manufacturing tolerances, however, may result in the appearance of gaps between the panels 100a, 100b after assembly. Any gaps may result in an untidy appearance or allow light to pass through the panels, which may be undesirable.

The cover 1165 of the panel 1100 of FIGS. 13-16 can effectively fill any potential gaps. In particular, the compressible layer 1170, and to a certain extent the outer layer 1175, will compress as two adjacent panels 1100 are drawn toward one another due to the fact that the front face 1245 of the connector 1200 is recessed from the outer periphery 1180 of the cover 1165. Thus, providing the panel 1100 with the cover 1165 can provide for a tidy appearance and prevent the transmission of light between adjacent panels 1100.

Any one or more of the connectors 1200 may, in cooperation with the anchor fasteners 1400, act as an anchor point for an accessory, such as an accessory hook 5000 (FIGS. 17 and 18), an accessory platform 6000 (FIGS. 19-21), or an accessory pegboard 7000 (FIGS. 22-24). Examples of such accessories are described below, but it should be understood that any accessory may be employed on anchor fasteners between adjacent panels.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the accessory hook 5000 includes an attachment portion 5005, a first hook 5010, and a second hook 5015. The first and second hooks 5010, 5015 are provided on opposite sides of the attachment portion 5005. A distance between the first and second hooks 5010, 5015 along the X-axis is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second major surfaces, 1105, 1110 of the panel 1100 along the same axis. The attachment portion 5005 includes a cut out 5020.

In use, prior to two adjacent panels 1100 being fully connected to one another, the accessory hook 5000 may be attached to the panels 1100 by, first, locating the accessory hook 5000 such that the cut out 5020 receives the shank portion 1430 of an anchor fastener 1400. As the panels 1100 are drawn toward one another in the manner explained above, the attachment portion 5005 is effectively clamped between the panels 1000, thereby securing the accessory hook 5000 to the panels 1000. When so clamped, the first hook 5010 extends away from the first major surface 1105 of the panels 1100 and the second hook 5015 extends away from the second major surface 1110 of the panels 1100. Moreover, when the accessory hook is clamped between two panels 1100, the hooks 5010, 5015 engage with a respective one of the first and second major surfaces, 1105, 1110 due to the fact that the distance between the first and second hooks 5010, 5015 is substantially equal to the distance between the and second major surfaces, 1105, 1110 of the panel 1100. This engagement provides further stability to the accessory hook 5000.

In alternative embodiments, the accessory hook may include a fewer or greater number of hooks. In other alternative embodiments, the hooks may all be arranged to extend from only one of the major surfaces. In still yet other alternative embodiments, the accessory hook may connect to two or more anchor fasteners of respective connectors.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21, the accessory platform 6000 includes an attachment portion 6005 and three arms 6010, 6015, 6020 that extend from the same side of the attachment portion 6005. Two spaced apart cut outs 6025, 6030 are provided on the attachment portion 6005 opposite the side that the arms 6010, 6015, 6020 extend from. Each arm 6010, 6015, 6020 supports a respective platform 6035, 6040, 6045.

In use, prior to two adjacent panels 1100 being fully connected to one another, the accessory platform 6000 may be attached to the panels 1100 by, first, locating the accessory platform 6000 such that each cut out 6025, 6030 receives a shank portion 1430 of a respective one of the anchor fasteners 1400. As the panels 1100 are drawn toward one another in the manner explained above, the attachment portion 6005 is effectively clamped between the panels 1000, thereby securing the accessory platform 6000 to the panels 1000. When so clamped, all of the platforms 6035, 6040, 6045 extend away from the first major surface 1105 of the panels 1100. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the orientation of the accessory platform 6000 may be rotated so that all of the platforms 6035, 6040, 6045 extend away from the second major surface 1110 of the panels 1100.

In alternative embodiments, the accessory platform may include a fewer or greater number of platforms. In other alternative embodiments, the accessory platform may include additional platforms that are arranged to extend from both of the major surfaces. In still yet other alternative embodiments, the accessory platform may connect to only a single anchor fastener of a respective connector.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, the accessory pegboard 7000 includes a first attachment portion 7005, a second attachment portion 7010, and a board portion 7015 with apertures 7020. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the apertures 7020 may serve as a mounting point for additional accessories.

The board portion 7015 extends between and interconnects the first and second attachment portions 7005, 7010. A distance between the first and second attachment portions 7005, 7010 along the Z-axis is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second long minor side surfaces 1120, 1130 along the same axis. The first and second attachment portions 7005, 7010 each include spaced apart cut outs 7025, 7030.

In use, prior to two adjacent panels 1100 being fully connected to one another, the accessory pegboard 7000 may be attached to the panels 1100 by, first, locating the accessory pegboard 7000 such that the cut outs 7025, 7030 of both the attachment portions 7005, 7010 receive a shank portion 1430 of a respective one of the anchor fasteners 1400. As two panels 1100 are drawn toward one another in the manner explained above, one of the attachment portions 7005 becomes effectively clamped between the panels 1000, thereby securing the accessory pegboard 7000 to the panels 1000. The other attachment portion 7010 may be clamped by the addition of another panel 1000.

When the accessory pegboard 7000 is attached to the panel 1000, the first and second attachment portions 7005, 7010 engage with a respective one of the first and second long minor side surfaces 1120, 1130 due to the fact the distance between the first and second attachment portions 7005, 7010 is substantially equal to the distance between the first and second long minor side surfaces. This engagement provides stability to accessory pegboard 7000. Moreover, this engagement makes it unnecessary to clamp both the first attachment portion 7005 and also the second attachment portion 7010. In this way, the accessory pegboard 7000 may be attached to an end panel 1000 where there is no additional panel to clamp both of the attachment portions 7005, 7010.

In the illustrated embodiment, the board portion covers substantially the entire major side surface on which the board portion is located. In alternative embodiments, the board portion may cover only part of the major side surface on which the board portion is located. In other alternative embodiments, there may be two board portions that cover both of the major side surfaces of the panel on which the accessory pegboard is installed. In still yet other alternative embodiments, the accessory pegboard may connect to a fewer number of anchor fasteners.

Although the accessory hook 5000, the accessory platform 6000, and the accessory pegboard 7000 have different configurations, they share the same attachment mechanism, whereby an attachment portion hangs on an anchor fastener and is clamped between adjacent panels 1110. Although the attachment portion is relative thin, its presence naturally tends to create a gap between adjacent panels 1100. However, due to the compressibility of the cover 1165 discussed above, any gaps between adjacent panels 1100 may be filled, thereby providing for a tidy appearance and preventing the transmission of light between adjacent panels 1100 even when the accessory hook 5000, the accessory platform 6000, or the accessory pegboard 7000 is installed.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the features of the accessory hook 5000, the accessory platform 6000, or the accessory pegboard 7000 may be modified or combined. As will further be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the accessory hook 5000, the accessory platform 6000, or the accessory pegboard 7000 may be used with the panel 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components. Similarly, to the extent the term “attach” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly attached to,” but also “indirectly attached to” such as attached through another component or components.

While the present disclosure has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. For example, the connector 200 disclosed herein may be used to connect any desired items to one another. For example, the connectors 200 may be used in furniture. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A panel system comprising: a first panel having a recess; anda connector received in the recess, the connector comprising: a front wall that includes an external face and an internal face, the external face extending in a first plane and the internal face extending in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle, anda slot extending through the external face and the internal face, the slot being configured to receive a head of an anchor fastener that is attached to an adjacent panel;wherein moving the first panel and the adjacent panel relative to one another moves the anchor fastener within the slot to cause the head to slidingly engage with the internal face to draw the first panel and the adjacent panel toward one another.

2. The panel of system of claim 1 further comprising a cover, the cover including a compressible layer and an outer layer.

3. The panel system of claim 1, wherein a front face of the connecter is set back from an outer periphery of the cover.

4. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel includes at least one minor side surface and at least one major side surface, the recess being provided on the at least one minor side surface, a front face of the connector being flush with the at least one minor side surface.

5. The panel system of claim 1 further comprising an accessory that includes an attachment portion and a cut out, the accessory being configured for attachment to the first panel and the adjacent panel by receiving the anchor fastener in the cut out and clamping the attachment portion between the first panel and the adjacent panel.

6. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the slot includes a bow portion having a first width and a shaft portion having a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, the bow portion being configured to receive the head of the anchor fastener.

7. The panel system of claim 6, wherein the connected further comprises a recessed portion disposed about the bow portion, the recessed portion being configured for engagement with the head of the anchor fastener to facilitate alignment between the head and the bow portion.

8. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the draft angle is in the range of one to five degrees.

9. The panel system of claim 1 further comprising a locating member in the recess, the locating member having a raised portion that nests within part of the connector to position the connector in the recess.

10. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the connecter includes a rear wall having at least one mounting hole and at least one retaining hole, the at least one mounting hole being configured to receive a securing fastener that secures the connector in the recess, the at least one retaining hole being configured to receive the anchor fastener.

11. A method of assembling a panel system comprising the steps of: providing a first panel with a first recess;providing a second panel with a second recess;securing a first connector and a second connector in the first recess and the second recess, respectively, each one of the first connector and the second connector comprising: a front wall that includes an external face and an internal face, the external face extending in a first plane and the internal face extending in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle, anda slot extending through the external face and the internal face;connecting an anchor faster to the first connector;receiving the head of the anchor fastener in the second connector; andmoving the first panel and the second panel relative to one another to move the anchor fastener within the slot of the second connector to cause the head to slidingly engage with the internal face of the second connector to draw the first panel and the second panel toward one another.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: providing an accessory having an attachment portion and a cut out;locating the anchor fastener in the cut out; andclamping the attachment portion between the first panel and the second panel.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the slot of at least the second connector includes a bow portion having a first width and a shaft portion having a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, the bow portion being configured to receive the head of the anchor fastener.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least the second connector further comprises a recessed portion disposed about the bow portion, the recessed portion being configured for engagement with the head of the anchor fastener to facilitate alignment between the head and the bow portion during the step of receiving the head of the anchor fastener in the second connector.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the draft angle is in the range of one to five degrees.

16. A connector for joining a first panel and a second panel, the connector comprising: a front wall that includes a keyhole portion having an external face and an internal face, the external face extending in a first plane and the internal face extending in a second plane that is angled relative to the first plane to form a draft angle;a slot extending through the external face and the internal face, the slot including a bow portion having a first width and a shaft portion having a second width, the first width being greater than the second width, the bow portion being configured to receive a head of an anchor fastener; andwherein moving the first and second panels relative to one moves the anchor fastener within the slot to cause the head of the anchor fastener to slidingly engage with the internal face of the keyhole portion to draw the first and second panels toward one another.

17. The connector of claim 1, wherein the draft angle is in the range of one to five degrees.

18. The connector of claim 16 further comprising a rear wall having at least one mounting hole and at least one retaining hole, the at least one mounting hole being configured to receive a securing fastener that attaches the connector to the panel, the at least one retaining hole being configured to receive the anchor fastener.

19. The connector of claim 18 further comprising a plurality of clearance notches along an edge of the shaft portion, one of the plurality of clearance notches being aligned with the at least one mounting hole, one other of the plurality of clearance notches being aligned with the at least one retaining hole.

20. The connector of claim 16 further comprising a recessed portion disposed about the bow portion, the recessed portion being configured for engagement with the head of the anchor fastener to facilitate alignment between the head and the bow portion.