Structure assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a structure that can be moved between storage and erected in-use forms via the use of one or more connecting members. The connecting member can be provided with at least two angularly disposed arms, at least one of the arms provided to receive an edge of a panel of the structure in the erected form. The other arms may receive an edge of another panel or may be formed integrally with a further panel. The structure can be moved between forms without the need for tools.

1 . A structure, said structure formed of a plurality of panels, said structure movable between a storage form in which at least some of the panels are disconnected, and a second erected form for use in which edges of adjacent panels can be connected together to form the structure, wherein at least some of said adjacent edges of the panels are interconnected using a connecting member, said connecting member having a first arm with a channel formed therein to receive an edge of a first panel therein and a second arm including a channel to receive an edge of a second panel and retain the same therein and thereby retain said first and second panels in an in-use position. 
   
   
       2 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein an angular orientation of said first and second arms about a longitudinal axis of said connecting member define an angular orientation of said panels when located with said connecting member. 
   
   
       3 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein said first and second channels are separated by a rib. 
   
   
       4 . A structure according to  claim 3  wherein said rib passes along a length of said connecting member. 
   
   
       5 . A structure according to  claim 4  wherein said rib defines a corner of said connecting member. 
   
   
       6 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein a plurality of connecting members are provided as part of said structure at spaced locations. 
   
   
       7 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein said connecting member is provided in permanent attachment to one of said panels. 
   
   
       8 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein said connecting member is of a length which matches the length of at least one panel edge to be connected thereby. 
   
   
       9 . A structure according to  claim 1  wherein at least one of said panels of said structure is provided with one or more fold lines to allow said panel to be folded in a storage position. 
   
   
       10 . A structure which can be moved between a storage and in-use forms, said structure formed from a plurality of panels which can be interconnected in an erected the in-use form and disconnected in the storage form, and wherein at least one of the panels includes along at least one edge thereof a connecting member, the connecting member having an arm with a channel provided to receive an edge of one or more further panels and retain the panels in position while the structure is in the erected form. 
   
   
       11 . A structure according to  claim 10  wherein said connecting member is provided as an integral formation of one of said panels. 
   
   
       12 . A structure according to  claim 10  wherein at least one of said panels formed of a sheet material to at least one side of which is applied a coating and onto which a decorative pattern is printed. 
   
   
       13 . A structure according to  claim 12  wherein said coating is a plastic material applied to at least one planer surface of the panel. 
   
   
       14 . A structure according to  claim 12  wherein the decorative pattern is printed using a 4-color printing process. 
   
   
       15 . A toy model structure, said structure comprising a top and one or more side walls depending downwardly from the top to support the top at a distance from a support surface, at least said side walls formed by panels, said panels selectively movable between a storage form at which at least some of the same are disconnected, and an erected in-use form and wherein in the in-use form the panels are retained in the required configuration by connecting members, said connecting members including at least one arm having a channel for the reception of an edge of a panel therein, to thereby retain said panel in position and locate said panel in an angular orientation with respect to the second panel with which the connecting member is connected or formed. 
   
   
       16 . A structure according to  claim 15  wherein said connecting member is formed as an integral part of a further panel. 
   
   
       17 . A connecting member, said connecting member elongate in form and having a first arm running along the length thereof with a channel provided therein for the reception of an edge of a first panel to retain the same in position therewith and said connecting member formed as part of or connected to a second panel so as to retain the respective panels in a required angular orientation. 
   
   
       18 . A connecting member according to  claim 17  wherein the channel includes therein one or more protrusions to exert an increased retention portion on one or more faces of the panel adjacent the edge thereof.