GB2517065A

GB2517065A - Connection arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2517065A
Application number: GB1410767.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Laurence Evans; Simon David Carson; Andrew Thomas Lewis
Original assignee: SURE RETAIL EQUIPMENT Ltd
Current assignee: SURE RETAIL EQUIPMENT Ltd
Priority date: 2013-06-21
Filing date: 2014-06-17
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB201410767D0; GB201311075D0

Abstract

A connection arrangement 10 for connecting a planar component 10 to another component 12, the other component including an opening 16 which has an upper portion 18 and a lower portion 20 having a reduced width. A connecting stud 22 extends outwardly from the planar component, the stud including a shank 24 extending from the planar component to a head part 26, the head part being wider than the shank and wherein only the shank is of a size to be extendable through the lower portion of the opening. In use, the connecting stud 22 is initially inserted through the upper portion of the opening and is moved laterally so that the shank rests in the lower portion with the head part passing through to the opposite side of the other component from the planar component. The shank is also provided with a resilient ring (40, figure 7) held in a groove (38, figure 8), the ring being deformed as the connecting stud is moved to the lower portion of the opening. The opening is preferably keyhole shaped, at least a part of which may have a resilient lining. A method of connecting a planar component to another component is also disclosed.

Description

Connection Arranciement This invention concerns a connection arrangement for connecting a generally planar component to another component, a connecting member usable in such an arrangement, and a method of connecting a generally planar component to another component.

It is often required to connect together two planar components, either parallel or perpendicular to each other. An example of such a requirement may be in point of sale supporting structures for items such as magazines, newspapers or other articles. It is generally a requirement for such connections to be robust and preferably easy to connect and potentially disconnect, enabling for instance such structures to be supplied or transported flat packed. Such connections are generally often also required to be aesthetically pleasing.

It is also often required to connect a planar component to another component, such as a support bracket. Such an arrangement could be provided for instance in shelving. Similar requirements for the connection between such components apply as indicated above.

The term "planar component" in this specification is to be understood as encompassing a sheet of material, but also a component which has a generally planar configuration, but could for instance have other formations or profiles, for instance extending from an at least planar part.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connection arrangement for connecting a planar component to an other component, the arrangement including an opening in the other component, the opening having a portion with a reduced width, a connecting member extending outwardly from the planar component, the connecting member including a link part extending from the planar component to a head part, the link part being of a size to be extendable through the opening, whilst the head part is too large to extend through the opening, with the connecting member in use extending through the opening with the link part located in the opening, and the head part on the opposite side of the other component from the planar component, a resilient member being provided around the link part of the connecting member, wherein the connection arrangement is configured such that the resilient member around the link part requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the portion of the opening having a reduced width.

In one arrangement the connecting member is mounted to an in use underside of the planar component. In another arrangement the connecting member is mounted to an in use opposite side of the planar component relative to the side of the planar component which connects to the other component.

In one arrangement the planar component and the other component are connected perpendicular to each other. In another arrangement the planar component and the other component are connected parallel to each other.

The connecting member may include a mounting part which locates against the underside of the planar component. The mounting part may be in the form of a plate.

Fastening means may extend between the mounting part and the underside of the planar component, and the fastening means may comprise rivets.

A plurality of spaced connecting members may be provided on the planar component, with corresponding spaced openings in the other component.

In one embodiment another different connecting arrangement may be provided at one end of the planar component, with the connecting member or members and corresponding opening or openings spaced from the other connecting arrangement.

A plurality of planar components may be mounted to a single other component, with connecting members on each of the planar components, and corresponding openings in the other component.

The link part of the connecting member may be circular in cross section.

The head part of the connecting member may be circular in cross section.

The resilient member may be made of rubber, and may be a rubber washer. A formation, which may be a groove, may be provided on the link park to locate the resilient member.

A resilient lining may be provided around at least part of the opening, and the lining may be of rubber.

In one arrangement the opening does not have a continuous perimeter, and has an open mouth into which the link part of the connecting member can be introduced. The open end of the opening may provide the reduced width portion.

In another arrangement the opening does not have a continuous perimeter, and is thus fully closed. The fully closed opening may have a first part and a second part. The first part may be adjacent to the second part.

The second part may be smaller than the first part.

In one arrangement the first part of the opening is located in use above the second part of the opening.

In another arrangement the first pad of the opening is located in use below the second part of the opening.

The link part may be of a size extendable through both the first and second parts of the opening, whilst the head part is extendable through the first part of the opening but is too large to extend through the second part of the opening.

The opening may have a generally keyhole shape. In one arrangement the first part is substantially circular in cross section, with the second part in the form of a slot leading from the first pad.

The slot may be of reduced width where it connects with the first part, and the connection arrangement may be configured such that the resilient member around the link pad requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the reduced width part of the slot.

The slot may be profiled. The profiled slot may include a first section extending from the first part of the opening, and a second section extending from the first section which is narrower than the first section.

The second section may provide the reduced width portion where it connects with the first section.

The connection arrangement may be configured such that the resilient member around the link pad requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the reduced width part of the second section.

In one mode of the invention the other component is a further planar component. The opening may be provided in the further planar component spaced from the periphery thereof.

In a further mode the other component is a support member for the planar component. The support member may include a support part which locates beneath the planar component to provide support thereto.

The support member may include a first planar part which in use extends substantially vertically and which first planar part provides the opening. A second part or parts may extend perpendicularly from the first planar part to provide the support part, and the second part or parts may be planar.

The support member may be in the form of a bracket, and the bracket may be removably mountable on a support arrangement.

The planar components may be made of a plastics material and may be made of acrylic or PETG.

The connecting member or members may be made of metal, and may be made of aluminium or steel.

A grommet may be provided locatable in the or a one of the openings to close off part or all of the opening. A grommet may be provided which is profiled to close off the upper part of the or a one of the openings, and the grommet may be substantially circular in cross section. A grommet may be provided which is profiled to substantially close off the whole of the or a one of the openings.

The invention also provides a connecting member, the connecting member being according to any of the preceding twenty three paragraphs.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of connecting a planar component to an other component, the method comprising providing an opening in the other component, a portion of the opening having a reduced width, providing a connecting member extending outwardly from the planar component, the connecting member including a link part, a resilient member being provided around the link part, the link part extending from the planar component to a head part, the link part being of a size to be extendible through the opening whilst the head part is too large to extend through the opening, the method including inserting the connecting member through the opening such that the link part extends through the opening and the connecting member is retained in position as the head part is too large to pass through the opening and engages against an opposite side of the other component to the planar component, the resilient member around the link part being deformed to enable the link part to move past the portion of the opening having a reduced width.

The method may include any other features from said preceding twenty three paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figs. 1 -3 are diagrammatic perspective views showing a first connecting arrangement according to the invention sequentially being made; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the connecting arrangement of fig. 1 being made in a first product; Fig. 5 is a perspective view from above of a component of the arrangement of fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective view from beneath of the component of fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a further perspective view from above of the component of fig. 5; Fig. B is a further perspective view from below of the component of fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of part of the first product of fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic side view of part of the arrangement of fig. 1; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the part shown in fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a similar perspective view to fig. 11 but showing other components of the arrangement of fig. 1; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second product including connecting arrangements according to the invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a third product including a plurality of connecting arrangements according to the invention; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a first component of a fourth product with a connecting arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a second component of the fourth product; and Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the first and second components of figs. 15 and 16 connected together; Figs. 18 to 22 are diagrammatic perspective views showing a second connecting arrangement according to the invention sequentially being made into fifth product; Fig. 23 is a perspective view from above of a component of the arrangement of figs. 18 -22; Fig. 24 is a view from beneath of the component of fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a further perspective view from above of the component of fig. 23; Fig. 26 is a view from a side of the component of fig. 23; Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the fifth product including a plurality of first and second connecting arrangements according to the invention; Fig. 28 is a front view of the fifth product; Fig. 29 is a back view of the fifth product; Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a component of the fifth product; and Fig. 31 is a view from below and behind the component of fig. 30.

Figs. 1 to 8 show a connecting arrangement 10 between two planar components in the forms of sheets 12, 14 of acrylic material. The two planar components are connected perpendicular to each other. The first sheet 12 is arranged to extend generally vertically in use and has an opening 16 therethrough of keyhole shape with an upper circular section part 18 and a lower part 20 in the form of a slot extending downwardly from the upper part 18, which slot is of a lesser width than the diameter of the upper part 18.

The second sheet 14 has a connecting member 22 mounted to the underside thereof so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The connecting member 22 includes a link part 24 of circular cross section which is of a size to slidingly fit in the lower part 20 and the opening 16. Beyond the link part 24 a head part 26 is provided. The head part 26 is also of circular cross section and is of greater diameter than the link part 24, and of a size to slidingly fit through the upper part 18 of the opening 16, but be too large to pass through the lower part 20.

Figs. 5 to 8 show the connecting member 22 in more detail. The connecting member 22 also includes a mounting part 28 from which the link part 24 extends. The mounting part 28 includes a mounting plate 30 with two openings 32 therein. An upwardly extending lip is provided at the left hand end of the plate 30 as shown in figs. 5 and 7. A first part of the link part 24 extends from the lip 34 and comprises an abutment part 36 of a similar diameter to the head part 26. The remainder of the link part 24 extends from the abutment 36 and is cylindrical with a central circumferential slot 38 which can locate a rubber washer 40 as shown in figs. 5-7 but is omitted from fig. 8.

The head part 26 extends coaxially from the link part 24.

In use the first and second sheets 12, 14 can be connected together perpendicularly to each other by passing the head part 26 through the upper part 18 of the opening 16 and beyond, and lowering or allowing the connecting member 22 to fall such that the link part 24 slides along the lower pads 20 to the closed lower end thereof.

This therefore readily permits the first and second sheets 12, 14 to readily be joined together, whilst providing a firm and aesthetically pleasing mounting therebetween. The rubber washer 40 provides a relatively tight fit between the first and second sheets 12, 14 and substantially eliminates the possibility of any rattling therebetween.

Figs. 10 to 12 show the opening 16 in more detail. As can be seen particularly in fig. 10 a constriction 21 is provided in the upper pad of the lower part slot 20 as it connects with the upper circular section part 18. The constriction 21 is of a size such that to move past the constriction 21 the rubber washer 40 must be deformed. This therefore provides significant added security to the connection arrangement 10 meaning that a positive force is required to engage or disengage the connecting member 22 from the lower part 20 of the opening 16.

Fig. 4 shows the connecting arrangement 10 provided on a wheeled product 42 where the connecting member 22 is mounted to the underside of a shelf 44 by rivets (not shown) extending through the openings 32. In Fig 4 the connecting member 22 is about to be connected as described above to the first sheet 12 in the form of a side wall 46 of the product. The connecting member 22 and opening 16 are provided towards the front of the product 42, and towards the rear thereof there is a further conventional mounting 48 of the rear of the shelf 44 which retains the rear of the shelf 44 in position, and permits movement of the front of the shelf 44 to mount the shelf 44 to the wall 46.

Fig. 9 shows the outside of the wall 46 with the head part 26 in the lower part 20 of the opening 16, and thus with the shelf 44 mounted in position.

Fig. 13 shows a second object 50 in the form of a two shelf unit where only a top shelf 52 is mounted in a similar manner as described above.

Fig. 14 shows a further third object 54 in the form of a unit with seven shelves 56 mounted in a similar manner as outlined above. Such shelves could be used for example to hold newspapers in a retail situation.

Figs. 15 to 17 show a fourth object 60 in the form of a shelf 62 and a mounting bracket 64. The shelf 62 may be made for example of acrylic material and includes a planar base 66, a planar upstanding front 68, and a planar upstanding rear 70. Other shelves could be provided without the upstanding front and perhaps also without the rear.

The mounting bracket 64 has a generally vertically extending part 72 only part of which is shown in figs. 16 and 17. The part 72 is of conventional configuration and will not therefore be described in detail. The part 72 can be mounted to for instance a support arrangement which may be an upstanding elongate member, or one which is mountable to a wall. The part 72 includes a main planar portion 74 which extends vertically, with a support portion 76 extending perpendicularly therefrom to provide support for instance to the shelf rear 70.

The mounting bracket 64 also includes a support part 78 with a vertical planar portion 80, from which horizontally extend two support portions 82, with a space 84 therebetween. In the space 84 an upwardly open opening 86 is provided by two profiled lugs 88. The lugs 88 are configured such that the opening 86 has a constriction 90 at its upper open end.

A connecting member 22 of the type described above, is provided on the underside of the shelf 62 at one end of the base 64 substantially centrally thereof, with the link part 24 extending outwardly as shown in the drawings.

The shelf 62 can be mounted on the bracket 64 by engagement of the connecting member 22 in the opening 86 in a similar manner to that described above for other arrangements. Once the connecting member 22 is engaging in the opening 86, the shelf 62 will also be supported by the support portions 76 and 82 of the bracket 64.

This therefore provides an arrangement where a shelf can readily and securely be fixed to a mounting bracket whilst providing an aesthetically pleasing connection.

Figures 18 to 22 show a second connecting arrangement 100 according to the invention being made into a fifth product. Many features of the second connecting arrangement 100 are similar to those previously described, and where features are the same or similar the same reference numerals have been used and these features will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

The second connecting arrangement 100 is shown in use between two planar components 102, 104 of the fifth product. The two planar components 102, 104 are connected parallel to each other. In fact two such second connecting arrangements 100 are shown adjacent to one another to provide a more secure connection, and a one of the second connecting arrangements will now be described. The first planar component 102 is arranged to extend generally vertically in use and has an opening 106 therethrough of a keyhole shape with a lower circular section part 108 and an upper part 110 in the form of a profiled slot extending downwardly from the lower part 108. The profiled slot includes a first section part 112 which is of a lesser width than the diameter of the lower circular section part 108, and a second section part 114 which is of a lesser width than the width of the first section part 112.

The second planar component 104 has a connecting member 116 mounted to the reverse side thereof, i.e. to a side opposite to that which is connected to the first planar component 102. The connecting member 116 includes a link part 118 which extends through a circular hole 120 in the second planar component 104. The link part 118 is of a circular cross section which is of a size to slidingly fit in the upper part 110 of the opening 106 of the first planar component 102. Beyond the link part 118 a head part 122 is provided. The head part 122 is also of circular cross section and is of greater diameter than the link part 118, and of a size to slidingly fit through the lower part 108 of the opening 106 of the first planar component 102, but be too large to pass through the upper part 110 of the first planar component 102.

Figs. 23 to 26 show the connecting member 116 in more detail. The connecting member 116 also includes a mounting part 124 from which the link part 118 extends. The mounting part 124 includes a mounting plate 126 with two openings 128 therein. The link part 118 extends from a position on the mounting plate 126 between the two openings 128. The link part 118 is cylindrical with a central circumferential slot (not shown) which can locate a rubber washer 130. The head pad 122 extends coaxially from the link pad 118.

In use the first 102 and second 104 planar components can be connected together in a parallel alignment by passing the head pad 122 through the lower pad 108 of the opening 106 of the first planar component 102 and beyond, and lowering or allowing the first planar component 102 to fall such that the link pad 118 slides along the upper pad 110 to the closed lower end thereof.

This therefore readily permits the first 102 and second 104 planar components to readily be joined together in a parallel alignment, whilst providing a firm and aesthetically pleasing mounting therebetween. The rubber washer 130 provides a relatively tight fit between the first 102 and second 104 planar components and substantially eliminates the possibility of any rattling therebetween.

A constriction 132 is provided in the second section pad 114 of the profiled slot 110 as it connects with the first section part 112 of the profiled slot 110. The constriction 132 is of a size such that to move past the constriction 132 the rubber washer 130 must be deformed. This therefore provides significant added security to the connection arrangement meaning that a positive force is required to engage or disengage the connecting member from the lower part of the opening.

Figs. 27 to 31 show a plurality of first 10 and second 100 connecting arrangements provided on the fifth product 134. The product includes three shelves 136 mounted between side 138 and back 140 walls. As shown in fig. 28, the first connecting arrangement 10 is provided at six positions towards the front of the product 134. As shown in fig, 29, the second connecting arrangement 100 is provided at twelve positions towards the rear of the product 134.

As shown in Figs. 30 and 31, each shelf 136 includes a base 142 from which extend on opposite sides an upstanding front section 144 and a downwardly extending rear section 147. Connecting members 22 of the first connecting arrangement 10 are mounted to a front face 146 of the upstanding front section 144 and on opposite sides of the upstanding front section 144.

As shown in fig. 27 openings 16 of the first connecting arrangement 10 are provided in the side walls 138 of the product 134. The connecting members 22 engage with the openings 16 as previously described.

As best shown in fig. 31, openings 106 of the second connecting arrangement 100 are provided in the downwardly extending rear section 146 of the shelf 136. As shown in fig. 29, connecting members 116 are mounted to the reverse side 148 of the rear wall 140 of the product 133. The connecting members 116 engage with the openings 106 of the second connecting arrangement 100 as previously described.

There are thus described connecting arrangements for mounting together a planar component and another component, which arrangements provide a firm connection which can readily be made, and disconnected if required. The arrangements also provide a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. A resilient material such as rubber may be provided lining the part of the opening. A resilient material could be provided just at the top of the opening, or the top of the lower part of the opening to act as a constriction, and this may prevent the need for part of the opening to have a reduced width. The opening may take a different form.

Different materials could be used, and the sheets may be of another material such as PETG. The link part and/or head part may take a different form and/or have a different shape. Whilst described above in relation to particular uses, arrangements according to the invention could be used in a wide number and range of situations.

Grommets may be provided to close off the openings. The grommets may be circular in cross section to close off the upper pad of the openings, and can be used in empty openings and/or openings which have a connecting member extending through the lower part. Alternatively or in addition, keyhole shaped grommets may be provided to close off unused openings.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims 1. A connection arrangement for connecting a planar component to an other component, the arrangement including an opening in the other component, the opening having a portion with a reduced width, a connecting member extending outwardly from the planar component, the connecting member including a link part extending from the planar component to a head part, the link part being of a size to be extendable through the opening, whilst the head part is too large to extend through the opening, with the connecting member in use extending through the opening with the link part located in the opening, and the head part on the opposite side of the other component from the planar component, a resilient member being provided around the link part of the connecting member, wherein the connection arrangement is configured such that the resilient member around the link part requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the portion of the opening having a reduced width.
2. A connection arrangement according to claim 1, in which the connecting member is mounted to an in use underside of the planar component.
3. A connection arrangement according to claims 1 or 2, in which the planar component and the other component are connected perpendicular to each other.
4. A connection arrangement according to claim 1, in which the connecting member is mounted to an in use opposite side of the planar component relative to the side of the planar component which connects to the other component.
5. A connection arrangement according to claim 4, in which the planar component and the other component are connected parallel to each other.
6. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 2 to 5, in which the connecting member includes a mounting part which locates against the planar component.
7. A connection arrangement according to claim 6, in which the mounting part is in the form of a plate.
8. A connection arrangement according to claims 6 or 7, in which fastening means extend between the mounting part and the planar component.
9. A connection arrangement according to claim 8, in which the fastening means comprises rivets.
10. A connection arrangement according any of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of spaced connecting members are provided on the planar component, with corresponding spaced openings in the other component.
11. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which another different connecting arrangement is provided at one end of the planar component, with the connecting member or members and corresponding opening or openings spaced from the other connecting arrangement.
12. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of planar components are mounted to a single other component, with connecting members on each of the planar components, and corresponding openings in the other component.
13. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the link part of the connecting member is circular in cross section.
14. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the head part of the connecting member is circular in cross section.
15. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the resilient member is made of rubber.
16. A connection arrangement according to claim 14, in which the resilient member is a rubber.
17. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which a formation is provided on the link park to locate the resilient member.
18. A connection arrangement according to claim 17, in which the formation is a groove.
19. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which a resilient lining is provided around at least part of the opening.
20. A connection arrangement according to claim 19, in which the lining is of rubber.
21. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims in which the opening does not have a continuous perimeter, and has an open mouth into which the link part of the connecting member can be introduced.
22. A connection arrangement according to claim 21 in which the open end of the opening provides the reduced width portion.
23. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 20 in which the opening does not have a continuous perimeter, and is thus fully closed.
24. A connection arrangement according to claim 23 in which the fully closed opening has a first part and a second part.
25. A connection arrangement according to claim 24 in which the first part is adjacent to the second part.
26. A connection arrangement according to claims 24 or 25 in which the second part is smaller than the first part.
27. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 26, in which the first part of the opening is located in use above the second part of the opening.
28. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 26, in which the first part of the opening is located in use below the second part of the opening.
29. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 28, in which the link part is of a size extendable through both the first and second parts of the opening, whilst the head part is extendable through the first part of the opening but is too large to extend through the second part of the opening.
30. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 23 to 29, in which the opening has a generally keyhole shape.
31. A connection according to claim 30, in which the first part of the opening is substantially circular in cross section, with the second part in the form of a slot leading from the first part.
32. A connection according to claim 31, in which the slot is of reduced width where it connects with the first part.
33. A connection arrangement according to claim 32, in which the connection arrangement is configured such that the resilient member around the link part requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the reduced width part of the slot.
34. A connection arrangement according to claim 31, in which the slot is profiled.
35. A connection arrangement according to claim 34, in which the profiled slot includes a first section extending from the first part of the opening, and a second section extending from the first section which is narrower than the first section.
36. A connection arrangement according to claim 35, in which the second section provides the reduced width portion where it connects with the first section.
37. A connection arrangement according to claim 36, in which the connection arrangement may be configured such that the resilient member around the link part requires to be deformed to enable the link part to move past the reduced width part of the second section.
38. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the other component is a further planar component.
39. A connection arrangement according to claim 37, in which the opening is provided in the further planar component spaced from the periphery thereof.
40. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 37, in which the other component is a support member for the planar component.
41. A connection arrangement according to claim 40, in which the support member includes a support part which locates beneath the planar component to provide support thereto.
42. A connection arrangement according to claims 40 or 41, in which the support member includes a first planar part which in use extends substantially vertically and which first planar part provides the opening.
43. A connection arrangement according to claim 41, or claim 42 when dependent on claim 41, in which a second part or parts extends perpendicularly from the first planar part to provide the support part.
44. A connection arrangement according to claim 43, in which the second part or parts is planar.
45. A connection arrangement according to any of claims 40 to 43, in which the support member is in the form of a bracket.
46. A connection arrangement according to claim 45, in which the bracket is removably mountable on a support arrangement.
47. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the planar components are made of a plastics material.
48. A connection arrangement according to claim 47, in which the planar components are made of acrylic or PETG.
49. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which the connecting member or members are made of metal.
50. A connection arrangement according to claim 49, in which the connecting member or members are made of aluminium or steel.
51. A connection arrangement according to any of the preceding claims, in which a grommet is provided locatable in the or a one of the openings to close off part or all of the opening.
52. A connection arrangement according to claim 51, in which the grommet is substantially circular in cross section.
53. A connection arrangement according to claims 51 or 52, in which a grommet is provided which is profiled to close off the upper part of the or a one of the openings.
54. A connection arrangement according to claims 51 or 52, in which a grommet is provided which is profiled to substantially close off the whole of the or a one of the openings.
55. A connecting member, the connecting member being according to any of the preceding claims.
56. A method of connecting a planar component to an other component, the method comprising providing an opening in the other component, a portion of the opening having a reduced width, providing a connecting member extending outwardly from the planar component, the connecting member including a link part, a resilient member being provided around the link part, the link part extending from the planar component to a head part, the link part being of a size to be extendible through the opening whilst the head part is too large to extend through the opening, the method including inserting the connecting member through the opening such that the link part extends through the opening and the connecting member is retained in position as the head part is too large to pass through the opening and engages against an opposite side of the other component to the planar component, the resilient member around the link part being deformed to enable the link part to move past the portion of the opening having a reduced width.
57. A method according to claim 56, in which the planar component, other component and/or connecting member are according to any of the preceding claims.
58. A connection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 -12 of the accompanying drawings.
59. A connection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings.
60. A connection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 14 of the accompanying drawings.
61. A connection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 15-17 of the accompanying drawings.
62. A connection arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 18-31 of the accompanying drawings
63. A connecting member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 -12 of the accompanying drawings.
64. A connecting member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings.
65. A connecting member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 14 of the accompanying drawings.
66. A connecting member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 15-17 of the accompanying drawings.
67. A connecting member substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 18-31 of the accompanying drawings.
68. A method of connecting a planar component to another component, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 -12 of the accompanying drawings.
69. A method of connecting a planar component to another component, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 13 of the accompanying drawings.
70. A method of connecting a planar component to another component, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Fig. 14 of the accompanying drawings.
71. A method of connecting a planar component to another component, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs, 15 -17 of the accompanying drawings.
72. A method of connecting a planar component to another component, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs, 18 -31 of the accompanying drawings.
73. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.