AU2015205857B2 - An Attachment System - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the method comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent an edge of the panel member which lock against at least one projection in the edge channel when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate. cq 00 -0I C) a) /z

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an attachment system particularly an attachment system that can be used to form an enclosure or to attach a building component to a second building component without tools.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] The invention will be described with reference to metal panels but it should be appreciated that no limitation is meant thereby.

[0003] Metal panels such as metal corrugated panels are thin walled in construction and are widely used in steel building products such as garden sheds, carports and garages together with novelty products such as garden tidies, children's cubby houses and kennels.

[0004] These metal panels have a thin free edge which is rather sharp and it is desirable to blunt or cover the panel edges.

[0005] The panels are of thin wall construction and this requires a surround frame to be attached around the panel to provide structural rigidity. The surround frame is typically in the form of metal edge channels which accommodate an edge of the panel to provide structural rigidity and also to cover the sharp edge.

[0006] The edge channel must be fastened to the panel edges in order to provide the structural rigidity.

[0007] To date, it has been necessary to fasten the channel using screws or rivets or less commonly by spot-welding. Each of these fastening systems suffers from disadvantages.

[0008] The main disadvantage with current fastening systems is that they are laborious. For instance, for an average garden shed it is necessary to use over 250 screws or rivets to hold the shed together. Most of the screws and rivets are used to fasten the edge channel to the metal panel.

[0009] Similarly, spot-welding is laborious and difficult and is not suited to the home handyman.

[0010] Attaching the edge channels using screws and rivets requires drilling hundreds of

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 holes in the respective panels and edge channel. The holes must be carefully aligned such that a self-tapping screw or rivet can be used to attach the two components together. Again, such a system is not suited to the home handyman [0011] The edge channel is usually fairly small and the upstanding side walls of the edge channel are usually fairly narrow. Therefore, it is often difficult to correctly drill holes and insert the screw or rivet into the hole.

[0012] Because of the above disadvantages, the sheds or like structures are often poorly assembled. This creates an injury hazard should the shed collapse. More importantly, outdoor structures are required to be rated against environment extremes including wind loading, and snow loading. A poorly assembled outdoor structure can not be considered to comply with the wind loading and snow loading minimum requirements.

[0013] Other disadvantages with currently assembly systems is that a great many tools are required, including drills, rivet guns, screwdrivers, and the like, and the complicated assembly means that the person assembling the structure often uses less fasteners than are required to provide the proper amount of strength to the structure.

[0014] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0015] The present invention is directed to an attachment system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0016] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an attachment method for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the method comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent an edge of the panel member which lock against at least one projection in the edge channel when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together, the plurality of spaced apart projections being punched out lugs on the panel member, the lugs extending from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having two upstanding sidewalls between which the panel member can pass, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate.

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 [0017] In an alternative form, the invention resides in a method for attaching an edge channel to an edge of a panel member, the panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent the edge of the panel member and extending from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having a recess in which the edge of the panel member can pass, the recess having a pair of sidewalls between which the panel member can pass and the edge channel having at least one projection which locks with at least one of the projections on the panel member, to hold the edge channel to the panel member, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate.

[0018] In another alternative form, the invention resides in a panel assembly comprising a panel member and an edge channel, the panel member having an edge which fits into the edge channel, the edge of the panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections which extend from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having a pair of spaced parallel upstanding walls, between which the panel member can pass, each wall having a turned in lip which engages with the projections on the panel member to lock the panel member and the edge member together, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate.

[0019] In yet another form, the invention resides in a method for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the method comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent an edge of the panel member which lock against at least one projection in the edge channel when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate.

[0020] In still another form, the invention resides in an attachment system for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the system comprising at least one panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections provided adjacent an edge of the panel member, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially arcuate, and at least one edge channel having two upstanding sidewalls between which the panel member can pass and at least one projection in the edge channel such that when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together the spaced apart projections lock against the at least one projection in the edge channel to lock the at least one edge channel to the at least one panel member.

[0021] Any one or more or the configurations outlined above may be provided in the reverse, that is with the spaced apart projections provided on or in the edge channel and the at least one projection provided on the panel member with deviating from the scope of the present invention.

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 [0022] In one form, the panel member can be snap-locked or pressfitted into the edge channel to provide a secure fit without the use of screws or rivets.

[0023] A major advantage of the method is that not only is installation greatly simplified, but the structure can be assembled with less risk or no risk of the structure not complying with various standards or regulations with regard wind load, strength, snow load, and the like.

[0024] The method can be used to construct a variety of structures.

[0025] These structures can include garden sheds, carports, garages, garden tidies, children's cubby houses, animal kennels, and it should be appreciated that no limitation is placed on the type of structure.

[0026] The panel member can comprise a wall panel, roof panel, door panel, floor panel, ceiling panel, combination of the above panels, fence panels, and no limitation is to be placed on the panel member.

[0027] The panel member can be a continuous panel member such as a steel sheet. The steel sheet is usually profiled or corrugated to provide strength and rigidity. The steel sheet can be treated to prevent corrosion and can be painted, profiled, and the like.

[0028] The panel can be comprise a non-continuous panel and this could include wire grid panels, panels with openings in them, perforated panels.

[0029] The panel can comprise one or more sheets and can include double thickness panels, triple thickness panels, strengthened panels, and the like.

[0030] Panels can have varying sizes and shapes and varying .thickness and profiles depending on the use of the panel.

[0031] The edge channel is typically formed from metal. A typical channel shape is one which is substantially U-shaped having a pair of spaced apart side walls and a connecting member (this can be a bottom wall or top wall or edge wall depending on how the channel is used). In a preferred embodiment the channel is roll-formed from a strip of sheet material as is known. The channel length, cross-section size and thickness can vary to suit and the channel can also be coated or otherwise treated to prevent corrosion or provide a decorative appearance. The channel can be provided with drainage slots or apertures, if desired.

[0032] On an edge of the panel member where it is desired to attach an edge channel, there

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 is provided a plurality of spaced apart projections. Normally the panel member will be corrugated and each of spaced apart projections preferably extends from a peak of a corrugation.

[0033] In one form, these projections comprise lugs which can be punched out from the panel member. Other types of projections are also envisaged but punched out lugs at this stage are considered to be the most convenient and cost-effective way to form the projections.

[0034] The projections are spaced apart and the distance between projections, the size of the projections, the shape of the projections, can be varied to suit the type of attachment required. That is, if the attachment is meant to be very secure, more projections than usual can be used.

[0035] Alternatively, the size of the projections can be increased to provide a better locking action.

[0036] It is preferred that projections extend from each side of the panel member such that the panel member can lock to each side of the edge channel which can provide a more secure locking action.

[0037] At least some of the spaced apart projections are at least partially arcuate. Preferably, at least some of the projections are arcuate in at least two dimensions or directions. This will typically make at least some of the projections at least partially spherical although other shapes such as waveform may also be utilised. The advantage of providing at least partially arcuate projections is the straightening of the plane of the face or edge of the projection. This enhances the locking effect which can be created.

[0038] If the projection is stretched such that the plane of the face or edge of the projection is not straight, that is, a sloping face or edge is formed, this may provide a possible mechanism for the loss of the locking connection between the spaced apart projections and the edge channel or vice versa. By providing an at least partially arcuate projection, the plane of the face or edge of the projection is straightened which will reduce any tendency for the projections to disengage from one another.

[0039] One or more strengthening formations may be provided on the spaced apart projections. In a preferred form, one or more ridges will be formed on or in the projections. It is preferred that the ridges will be shaped. Typically there will be more than one ridge provided and where provided, the number of ridges will normally be spaced apart from one another.

[0040] The strengthening formations or ridges will preferably be wider or higher at the root

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 of the projection that is, adjacent the panel and normally, the strengthening formation or ridges will taper in thickness as they extend toward the face or edge of the projection.

[0041] According to the most preferred embodiment, the strengthening formations or ridges will have a substantially triangular appearance. The strengthening formations or ridges will also normally be spaced from both the panel and the face or edge of the projection.

[0042] The edge channel has at least one projection against which the projections on the panel member can lock. The at least one projection can comprise a return lip on the periphery of at least one and preferably both of the side walls of the edge channel. The return lip can be readily roll-formed or otherwise formed into the edge channel.

[0043] It is possible for the edge channel to contain a separate projection which can be attached by spot-welding, adhesives or fasteners. This separate projection can be installed at the factory, if desired.

[0044] To provide a secure locking action, the edge channel may have a projection on each side wall of the edge channel such that the panel member can be locked against both side walls of the edge channel.

[0045] To improve the locking strength between the edge channel and the panel member, it is preferred that the plurality of spaced apart projections on the panel member is spaced somewhat from the edge of the panel member. That is, the more metal there is between the projection and the edge of the panel member, the less will be the chance of the projections becoming torn away. The projection in the edge channel will need to be correspondingly positioned to allow it to engage with the projections on the panel member. For this reason, it is preferred that the projections on the edge channel are adjacent the upper most portion of the edge channel which in turn allows the projections on the panel member to be somewhat spaced from the edge of the panel member.

[0046] In order to allow the edge channel and the panel member to push-lock together, it is preferred that the edge channel has a degree of resiliency to allow it to expand somewhat to accommodate the projections.

[0047] Alternatively, the projections can have a degree of resiliency and it is envisaged that in a further alternative both the edge channel and the panel member can be resilient to some extent.

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 [0048] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0049] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0050] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a method of attachment of a wall panel to a 120° post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a preferred post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 3 is an end view of a wall panel used to form an enclosure according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 A is a detail view of one end of the panel illustrated in Figure 3.

[0055] Figure 4 is a detail view of a portion of overlap between two wall panels as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a lower portion of the edge panel above an edge channel.

[0057] Figure 6 shows a panel member press-locked into an edge channel.

[0058] Figure 7 is a front view of a typical panel member showing a plurality of spaced apart projections at a lower edge of the panel member.

[0059] Figure 8 is a close-up view of a spaced apart projection on a panel of the preferred embodiment.

[0060] Figure 9 is a side view of a punch used to form the projection illustrated in Figure 8.

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 [0061] Figure 10 is a plan view of the punch illustrated in Figure 9.

[0062] Figure 11 is a close-up view of the punch illustrated in Figure 13.

[0063] Figure 12 is a close-up view of the punch illustrated in Figure 14.

[0064] Figure 13 is an isometric view from one side of the punch illustrated in Figure 9.

[0065] Figure 14 is an isometric view from the opposite side of the punch illustrated in

Figure 13.

[0066] Figure 15 is a close-up view of an alternative configuration of spaced apart projection on a panel of the preferred embodiment.

[0067] Figure 16 is a plan view of a punch used to form the projection illustrated in Figure

15.

[0068] Figure 17 is a side view of the punch illustrated in Figure 15.

[0069] Figure 18 is a close-up view of the punch illustrated in Figure 20.

[0070] Figure 19 is a close-up view of the punch illustrated in Figure 21.

[0071] Figure 20 is an isometric view from one side of the punch illustrated in Figure 17.

[0072] Figure 21 is an isometric view from the opposite side of the punch illustrated in

Figure 17.

[0073] Figure 22 is an isometric view of a die that could find use in association with the punches illustrated in Figures 9 and 17.

[0074] Figure 23 is an end view of the die illustrated in Figure 22.

[0075] Figure 24 is a view from the underside of the die illustrated in Figure 22.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0076] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the attachment system may be utilised to form an enclosure.

[0077] The enclosure of the preferred embodiment is formed from a number of elongate, substantially planar wall members 11 and a number of post members 12, each having at least two

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 edge channels 13 into which an edge of a wall member 11 can be inserted and retained by a snap fit engagement, a particularly preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in Figure 1.

[0078] Each of the wall members 11 has a pair of end edges (only one edge illustrated in Figure 1) which fits into an edge channel 13, with the end edges of the wall member 11 having a plurality of projections 14 spaced over the height of the wall 11 and which extend from each side of the wall member 11.

[0079] The edge channel 13 is defined by a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel flanges 15 between which the edge of a wall member 11 is received. An abutment shoulder 17 is provided on each of the substantially parallel flanges 15 in order to engage the projections 14 on the wall member 11 to allow passage thereof in a first direction but prevent passage in a second, opposite direction.

[0080] The first direction will typically be orthogonal to the height of the post as will the second direction. The wall member and post can also be moved relative to one another in both directions parallel to the height of the post, by sliding.

[0081] The enclosure 10 of the present invention can be easily and economically mass produced, packaged and distributed. Generally, the wall members will run between spaced apart posts.

[0082] The enclosure of the present invention includes at least one elongate, substantially planar wall member 11. Each wall member 11 preferably has an end edge which is received into an edge channel 13 on a post member 12.

[0083] As illustrated particularly in Figure 3, the wall member 11 is a continuous panel member such as a steel sheet. The steel sheet is usually profiled or corrugated to provide strength and rigidity. The steel sheet can be treated to prevent corrosion and can be painted, profiled, and the like. Any profile may be used. Typically, the wall members will be either roll formed or extruded.

[0084] On an edge of the panel member where it is desired to attach an edge channel, there is provided a plurality of spaced apart projections, particularly preferred embodiments of which with surprising advantages, are discussed below. As mentioned above, this will typically be adjacent the end edges of the wall panel.

[0085] In the preferred form, these projections comprise lugs which can be punched out

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 from the panel member.

[0086] It is preferred that projections 14 extend from each side of the wall member 11 as illustrated in Figure 1 such that the wall member 11 can lock to each side of the edge channel 14 which can provide a more secure locking action.

[0087] To improve the locking strength between the edge channel 13 and the wall member 11, it is preferred that the plurality of spaced apart projections 14 on the wall member are spaced somewhat from the edge of the panel member as illustrated in Figure 1. That is, the more metal there is between the projection and the edge of the panel member, the less will be the chance of the projections becoming torn away.

[0088] On the top and bottom edges of the wall member, a safety edge 50 may be provided, one preferred form of which is illustrated in Figure 3 A. This safety edge 50 is formed by bending the edge of the wall member 11 over on itself to form a teardrop shaped edge which will preferably minimise injury.

[0089] The wall members 11 may be overlapped as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0090] It can clearly be seen that the wall member 11 can be slidingly engaged with the edge channel 13 and/or a snapfit engagement may be used.

[0091] The post member can be formed from any material, but a plastic, particularly an impact modified, UV stabilised plastic is preferred. A particularly preferred plastic is unplasticised polyvinylchloride (uPVC) also known as rigid PVC.

[0092] The channel length, cross-section size and thickness can vary to suit and the channel can also be coloured, coated or otherwise treated to prevent corrosion (if metal) or provide a decorative appearance. The channel can be provided with drainage slots or apertures, if desired.

[0093] The free ends 16 of the side flanges 15 may be tapered in order to guide the wall member 11 thereinto. The edge channel 13 has an abutment shoulder 17 against which the projections 14 on the panel member can lock.

[0094] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, each edge channel 13 has a receiving opening 18 on each flange 15 forming the edge channel 13 such that the projections 14 of the wall panel 11 can be at least partially received therein.

[0095] In the particular form illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the receiving opening 18 is

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 substantially U-shaped and extends perpendicularly to the plane of the wall member 11. In this configuration, one wall of the U-shaped receiving opening 18 forms the abutment shoulder 17. Movement of the wall panel 11 laterally into the channel 13 between the flanges 15 is possible with some small temporary deformation of either the protrusions 14 on the wall member 11 or the flanges 15 of the edge channel 13 required to allow the protrusions 14 to pass. Once the protrusions 14 are aligned with the receiving openings 18, the deformation ceases allowing the natural bias of the materials used to prevent removal of the protrusions 14 from the receiving openings 18 in a lateral direction.

[0096] The wall panel 11 can be removed from the post member 12 by sliding the wall panel or the post 12 upwardly or downwardly relative to one another.

[0097] A stop member 19 is also provided within the edge channel 13 in order to prevent insertion of the wall member 11 into the edge channel 13 too far.

[0098] In order to allow the edge channel and the panel member to push-lock together, it is preferred that the edge channel has a degree of resiliency to allow it to expand somewhat to accommodate the projections.

[0099] During assembly, the wall member 11 can be inserted into the edge channel 13 in any direction, for example horizontally, vertically or at an angle thereto with one end of the post engaging the wall member 11 initially and working towards the other end.

[0100] The attachment system of a preferred embodiment may also be implemented in the attachment of an edge strip or safety strip to a corrugated member as illustrated in Figures 5 to 7.

[0101] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, a panel member 20 is formed from thin sheet steel coated with a corrosion-resistant coating. This type of steel product is commercially available. The panel member is roll-formed to provide a profile or corrugation as illustrated in Figure 5. This gives the panel member 20 a thickness 21 between the first side of the panel member 20 and the other side of the panel member 20 and this is illustrated in Figure 6.

[0102] Adjacent an edge of panel member 20 are a plurality of spaced apart projections which in the embodiment comprise punched lugs 24, 25 as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 7 shows a series of punched lugs 13, 14, and these can be punched out using an appropriately profiled roller.

[0103] One of lugs 24 is punched out of the first side of the panel member 20 while the

2015205857 21 Jul 2015 other of the lugs 25 is punched out of the other side of the panel member 20. This alternating arrangement means that the lugs extend outwardly from both sides of panel member 20.

[0104] Edge channel 26 is formed from rolled sheet steel which can be formed continuously and cut to size. Edge channel 26 has a front side wall 27, a rear side wall 28 and a bottom wall 29, better illustrated in Figure 6.

[0105] Front side wall 27 is shorter than rear side wall 28, the reason being to allow any water accumulating in edge channel 26 to flow over front side wall 27 and away from the inside of the shed or structure being assembled.

[0106] Edge channel 26 has a pair of projections in the edge channel which in the embodiments are turned in top lips 30 and in the embodiment, edge channel 26 is approximately 17mm wide, the front side wall is approximately 15mm high and the rear side wall approximately is 20mm high. The edge channel is formed from 0.4mm thick

Zincalume/Colorbond steel, the product being commercially available. Of course, no limitation is meant to the invention by virtue of the embodiment.

[0107] An advantage of having the projection in the edge channel being formed from a continuous lip 30 over the length of the channel 26 is that no alignment is required between lugs 24 and 25 and lips 30. If lips 30 were discontinuous, it may be necessary to align the edge channel with the panel member to ensure that the projections lock together.

[0108] To provide a good locking action, lugs 24, 25 are as far away from the bottom edge 31 of panel member 20 as possible. Thus, in Figure 6 rear lug 24 is formed higher up panel member 20 than front lug 25 to take advantage of the taller rear side wall 28.

[0109] The length of return lips 24, 25 which may vary the strength of the locking action between the panel member and the edge channel. In the embodiment, the distance between the edge of the lip 24, 25 and its respective side wall, is about 2mm.

[0110] At least some of the spaced apart lugs in the illustrated embodiments are at least partially arcuate, according to one of the two embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 to 21.

[0111] As illustrated in Figure 8, the preferred lug 32 is at least partially spherical. The advantage of providing at a lug of this shape is the straightening of the plane of the edge 33 of the lug 32. This enhances the locking effect which can be created. In order to create a lug 32 of the shape illustrated in Figure 8, a punch 34 of the form illustrated in Figures 9 to 14 is used.

2015205857 21 Jul 2015

The punch can be used with the die 35 illustrated in Figures 22 to 24 or not.

[0112] The punch 34 has a solid partially spherical head 36 with an arcuate forward edge 37.

[0113] Strengthening formations may be provided on the lug 32 as illustrated in Figure 15.

In a preferred form, a pair of strengthening ridges 49 are formed on or in the lug 32. The ridges 49 are shaped.

[0114] As illustrated, the strengthening ridges 49 are wider or higher at the root of the lug 32 that is, adjacent the panel 20 and normally, taper in thickness as they extend toward the edge 33 of the lug 32.

[0115] According to the illustrated embodiment, the strengthening ridges 49 are substantially triangular in appearance. In order to create a lug 32 of the shape illustrated in Figure 15, a punch 38 of the form illustrated in Figures 16 to 21 is used. The punch can be used with the die 35 illustrated in Figures 22 to 24 or not.

[0116] The punch 38 has a solid partially spherical head 36 with an arcuate forward edge 37. The strengthening ridge forming portions 39 are provided on the head 36.

[0117] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0118] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0119] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An attachment method for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the method comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent an edge of the panel member which lock against at least one projection in the edge channel when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together, the plurality of spaced apart projections being punched out lugs on the panel member, the lugs extending from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having two upstanding sidewalls between which the panel member can pass, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially spherical and provided with one or more strengthening ridges formed on or in the projections.

2. A method for attaching an edge channel to an edge of a panel member, the panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent the edge of the panel member and extending from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having a recess in which the edge of the panel member can pass, the recess having a pair of sidewalls between which the panel member can pass and the edge channel having at least one projection which locks with at least one of the projections on the panel member, to hold the edge channel to the panel member, each of the spaced apart projections being at least partially spherical and provided with one or more strengthening ridges formed on or in the projections.

3. A panel assembly comprising a panel member and an edge channel, the panel member having an edge which fits into the edge channel, the edge of the panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections which extend from each side of the panel member, the edge channel having a pair of spaced parallel upstanding walls, between which the panel member can pass, each wall having a turned in lip which engages with the projections on the panel member to lock the panel member and the edge member together, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially spherical and provided with one or more strengthening ridges formed on or in the projections.

4. A method for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the method comprising providing a plurality of spaced apart projections adjacent an edge of the panel member which lock against at least one projection in the edge channel when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially spherical and provided with one or more strengthening ridges formed on or in the projections.

5. An attachment system for attaching an edge channel to a panel member, the system comprising at least one panel member having a plurality of spaced apart projections

2015205857 04 Mar 2019 provided adjacent an edge of the panel member, at least some of the spaced apart projections being at least partially spherical and provided with one or more strengthening ridges formed on or in the projections, and at least one edge channel having two upstanding sidewalls between which the panel member can pass and at least one projection in the edge channel such that when the edge of the panel member and the edge channel are pushed together the spaced apart projections lock against the at least one projection in the edge channel to lock the at least one edge channel to the at least one panel member.