Abstract
A flooring system with interlocking panels includes at least one panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a panel and at least one foot. A bottom side of the panel includes ribs forming cavities. Each cavity includes a rib with an opening. The foot is configured to couple to the bottom side of the panel. The foot includes clip assembles coupled to the top side of the foot. Each clip assembly includes a flexible plate and a hook. The first end of the flexible plate is coupled to the top side of the foot. The second end of the flexible plate is decoupled from top side of the foot. The hook resides at the second end of the flexible plate and is configured to reside within the opening in the rib of a corresponding cavity. The foot includes openings that allow moisture and air to traverse.
Claims
1. A flooring system, comprising: at least one panel assembly, the at least one panel assembly comprising: a panel comprising: a right side of the panel; a left side of the panel opposite the right side of the panel; a front side of the panel; a back side of the panel opposite the front side of the panel; a top side of the panel; and a bottom side of the panel opposite the top side of the panel, the bottom side of the panel comprising a plurality of ribs forming a plurality of cavities, each cavity comprising a rib with an opening; and at least one foot configured to couple to the bottom side of the panel, the foot comprising: a top side of the foot; a bottom side of the foot opposite the top side of the foot; and a plurality of clip assembles coupled to the top side of the foot, each clip assembly comprising: a flexible plate with a first end proximate to the top side of the foot and a second end distal from the top side of the foot, the first end of the flexible plate being coupled to the top side of the foot, the second end of the flexible plate being decoupled from top side of the foot; and a hook residing at the second end of the flexible plate, wherein the hook is configured to reside within the opening in the rib of a corresponding cavity of the plurality of cavities.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly further comprises one or more walls, wherein the one or more walls reside within the corresponding cavity when the clip assembly is in a locked position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second end of the flexible plate is decoupled from the one or more walls.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second opening proximate to the first end of the flexible plate and configured for a tool to be inserted into the opening of the clip assembly to flex the flexible plate, such that the hook is removed from the opening in the rib of the corresponding cavity.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the foot further comprises: one or more first openings traversing through the top side of the foot and the bottom side of the foot; and one or more second openings traversing through the top side of the foot and the bottom side of the foot, wherein the one or more second openings are smaller than the one or more first openings.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more first openings and the one or more second openings are configured to allow moisture and air to traverse.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of clip assemblies comprises one or more first clip assemblies and one or more second clip assemblies, wherein one or more hooks of the one or more first clip assemblies are configured in a first orientation, and one or more hooks of the one or more second clip assemblies are configured in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is a mirror of the second orientation.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein lengths of the right side, the left side, the front side, and the back side of the panel are same.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the lengths of the right side and the left side of the panel are shorter than the lengths of the front side and the back side.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises: a receptacle portion of a cam lock residing in the front side of the panel and a latch portion of the cam lock residing in the back side of the panel; a male portion of at least one tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the back side of the panel and a female portion of the at least one tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the front side of the panel; a male portion of at least one slide lock residing in the right side of the panel and a female portion of the at least one slide lock residing in the left side of the panel, wherein the male portion of the least one slide lock comprises a plate and a neck coupling the plate to the right side of the panel, wherein the female portion of the least one slide lock comprises an opening and a pocket.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs in the panel comprise recessed portions and non-recessed portions, wherein the top side of the foot is configured to reside within the recessed portions, wherein the bottom side of the foot is flush with the non-recessed portions of the plurality of ribs.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one panel assembly comprises: a first panel of a first panel assembly, a second panel of a second panel assembly, and a third panel of a third panel assembly, wherein a latch portion of a first cam lock residing in a front side of the first panel is configured to engage a receptacle portion of a second cam lock residing in a back side of the second panel engages, wherein a female portion of a first tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the front side of the first panel is configured to engage a male portion of a second tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the back side of the second panel, wherein a plate of a male portion of a first slide lock residing in a right side of the first panel is configured to reside within a pocket of a female portion of a second slide lock residing in a left side of the third panel.
13. A foot for a panel assembly, comprising: a top side; a bottom side opposite the top side; a plurality of clip assembles coupled to the top side, each clip assembly comprising: a flexible plate with a first end proximate to the top side and a second end distal from the top side, the first end of the flexible plate being coupled to the top side, the second end of the flexible plate being decoupled from top side; and a hook residing at the second end of the flexible plate, wherein the hook is configured to couple to a panel of the panel assembly when the clip assembly is in a locked position.
14. The foot of claim 13, wherein the clip assembly further comprises one or more walls, wherein the one or more walls couple to a panel of the panel assembly when the clip assembly is in a locked position, wherein the second end of the flexible plate is decoupled from the one or more walls.
15. The foot of claim 13, wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second opening proximate to the first end of the flexible plate, wherein the opening is configured for a tool to be inserted into the opening to flex the flexible plate and the hook to place the clip assembly in an unlocked position.
16. The foot of claim 13, wherein the plurality of clip assemblies comprises one or more first clip assemblies and one or more second clip assemblies, wherein one or more hooks of the one or more first clip assemblies are configured in a first orientation, and one or more hooks of the one or more second clip assemblies are configured in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is a mirror of the second orientation.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of a panel assembly according to a first embodiment.
[0009] FIGS. 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F illustrate top, bottom, left and right orthogonal views, respectively, of panel assembly according to the first embodiment.
[0010] FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate front and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the first embodiment.
[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top and bottom isometric exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the first embodiment.
[0012] FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate left, right, front, and back orthogonal exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the first embodiment.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of a foot.
[0014] FIGS. 3C-3H illustrate top, bottom, left, right, front, and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the foot.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a bottom isometric view, a bottom view, and a bottom isometric close up view, respectively, of the panel according to the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of area AA of the foot in FIG. 3A, which includes a clip assembly.
[0017] FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate a top cross-sectional isometric view and a bottom cross-sectional isometric view of the panel according to the first embodiment, with the clip assembly engaged.
[0018] FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of the foot coupled to the panel according to the first embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom isometric cross-sectional close-up view of the foot and the panel according to the first embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6C illustrates a top isometric cross-sectional close-up view of the feet and the panel according to the first embodiment.
[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of a panel assembly according to the second embodiment.
[0022] FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F illustrate top, bottom, left and right orthogonal views, respectively, of panel assembly according to the second embodiment.
[0023] FIGS. 7G and 7H illustrate front and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the second embodiment.
[0024] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate top and bottom isometric exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the second embodiment.
[0025] FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F illustrate left, right, front, and back orthogonal exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly according to the second embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a bottom isometric view and a bottom view, respectively, of the panel, without the foot, according to the second embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 10A illustrates a top isometric exploded view of a panel assembly according to the first embodiment that includes a cam lock.
[0028] FIG. 10B illustrates a top isometric exploded view of a panel assembly according to the first embodiment that includes a cam lock.
[0029] FIG. 10C illustrates an isometric view of the receptacle portion of the cam lock 1000.
[0030] FIG. 10D illustrates an isometric view of the latch portion of the cam lock 1000.
[0031] FIG. 10E illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the cam lock in situ.
[0032] FIG. 10F illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of a plurality of panels assemblies coupled by the cam lock.
[0033] FIG. 10G illustrates a top isometric cross-sectional close-up view of a plurality of panels coupled by the cam lock.
[0034] FIG. 11A illustrates an isometric close-up view of a male portion of a tongue and groove locking mechanism.
[0035] FIG. 11B illustrates an isometric close-up view of a female portion of a tongue and groove locking mechanism.
[0036] FIG. 11C illustrates an isometric close-up view of the ribs of the female portion of the tongue and groove locking mechanism.
[0037] FIG. 11D illustrates a right orthogonal close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism with the male and female portions decoupled.
[0038] FIG. 11E illustrates a right orthogonal close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism with the male and female portions coupled.
[0039] FIG. 11F illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism with the male and female portions coupled.
[0040] FIG. 11G illustrates an isometric top cross-sectional close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism.
[0041] FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric close-up view of male portions of a slide lock.
[0042] FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric close-up view of female portions of a slide lock.
[0043] FIG. 12C illustrates an orthogonal cross-sectional close-up view of the slide lock with a male portion and a female portion coupled.
[0044] FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric top cross-sectional close-up view of the slide lock with the male portion and the female portion coupled.
[0045] FIG. 13A illustrates a plurality of 44 panel assemblies in a checkerboard configuration.
[0046] FIG. 13B illustrates a plurality of 24 panel assemblies in a checkerboard configuration.
[0047] FIG. 13C illustrates a combination of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies and a plurality of 24 panel assemblies in a staggered configuration.
[0048] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the disassembly of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies configured in a checkerboard configuration.
[0049] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the disassembly of a plurality of 24 panel assemblies configured in a checkerboard configuration.
[0050] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the disassembly of a combination of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies and a plurality of 24 panel assemblies in a staggered configuration.
[0051] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a foot according to an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Discussed herein are embodiments of a flooring system with interlocking panels. The flooring system may include a plurality of panel assemblies. A panel assembly may include a panel and at least one foot. The foot distributes the weight of the panel. The foot may include a plurality of clip assemblies that enables the foot to be coupled to and decoupled from the bottom side of the panel in a time efficient manner. The foot further includes openings that prevent moisture from becoming trapped under the panel and allows air to flow through the bottom side of the panel. Other advantages may also be realized from the implementation of one or more of the embodiments.
[0053] Reference in this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an exemplary embodiment, some embodiments, or a preferred embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. In general, features described in one embodiment might be suitable for use in other embodiments as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0054] References to left, right, front, back, top, and bottom are used herein to indicate relative orientation for ease of description only and are not to be limiting as absolute positions of components.
[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0056] The Figures use the following reference numerals: [0057] 100 panel assembly according to a first embodiment [0058] 101 panel of panel assembly 100 [0059] 102a first foot [0060] 102b second foot [0061] 103 top side of panel 101 [0062] 104 bottom side of panel 101 [0063] 105 front side of panel 101 [0064] 106 back side of panel 101 [0065] 107 right side of panel 101 [0066] 108 left side of panel 101 [0067] 301 top side of foot 102a/102b [0068] 302 bottom side of foot 102a/102b [0069] 303 one or more first clip assemblies of foot 102a/102b [0070] 304 one or more second clip assemblies of foot 102a/102b [0071] 305 one or more first openings of foot 102a/102b [0072] 306 one or more second openings of foot 102a/102b [0073] 307 one or more screw holes of foot 102a/102b [0074] 401 plurality of ribs on bottom side 104 of panel 101 [0075] 402 cavity formed ribs 401 of panel 101 [0076] 403 opening in cavity 402 [0077] 404 rib comprising opening 403 [0078] 501 one or more walls of clip assembly 303 [0079] 502 flexible plate of clip assembly 303 [0080] 503 hook of clip assembly 303 [0081] 504 opening of clip assembly 303401 [0082] 601 recessed portions of ribs 401 of panel 101 [0083] 602 non-recessed portions of ribs 401 of panel 101 [0084] 700 panel assembly according to a second embodiment [0085] 701 panel of panel assembly 700 [0086] 703 top side of panel 701 [0087] 704 bottom side of panel 701 [0088] 705 front side of panel 701 [0089] 706 back side of panel 701 [0090] 707 right side of panel 701 [0091] 708 left side of panel 701 [0092] 901 plurality of ribs on bottom side 704 of panel 701 [0093] 1000 cam lock [0094] 1001 receptacle portion of cam lock 1000 [0095] 1002 latch portion of cam lock 1000 [0096] 1003a first panel assembly [0097] 1003b second panel assembly [0098] 1004 receiver of receptacle portion 1001 [0099] 1005 latch of latch portion 1002 [0100] 1006 opening in latch portion of cam lock 1000 [0101] 1007 hex tool [0102] 1100 tongue and groove locking mechanism [0103] 1101 male portion of tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 [0104] 1102 female portion of tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 [0105] 1103 ribs of female portion 1102 [0106] 1104 bottom of male portion 1101 [0107] 1105 bottom surface of ribs 1103 [0108] 1106 top of male portion 1101 [0109] 1107 top surface of ribs 1103 [0110] 1108 portion of front side 105 for receptable portion 1001 [0111] 1109 portion of back side 106 for latch portion 1005 [0112] 1200 slide lock [0113] 1201 male portion of slide lock 1200 [0114] 1202 female portion of slide lock 1200 [0115] 1203 plate of male portion 1201 of slide lock 1200 [0116] 1204 neck of male portion 1201 of slide lock 1200 [0117] 1205 opening in female portion 1202 of slide lock 1200 [0118] 1206 pocket in female portion 1202 of slide lock 1200 [0119] 1207 ribs in pocket 1206 [0120] 1208 bottom of plate 1203 [0121] 1209 bottom surface of ribs 1207 [0122] 1210 top of plate 1203 [0123] 1211 top surface of ribs 1207 [0124] 1300a first 44 panel assembly [0125] 1300b second 44 panel assembly [0126] 1300c third 44 panel assembly [0127] 1300d fourth 44 panel assembly [0128] 1301a first 24 panel assembly [0129] 1301b second 24 panel assembly [0130] 1301c third 24 panel assembly [0131] 1301d fourth 24 panel assembly [0132] 1301e fifth 24 panel assembly [0133] 1301f sixth 24 panel assembly [0134] 1301g seventh 24 panel assembly [0135] 1301h eighth 24 panel assembly [0136] 1701 foot according to an alternative embodiment
[0137] FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate a panel assembly 100 according to a first embodiment. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 1C, ID, 1E, and 1F illustrate top, bottom, left and right orthogonal views, respectively, of panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate front and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate exploded views of the panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top and bottom isometric exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate left, right, front, and back orthogonal exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1H and FIGS. 2A-2F, the panel assembly 100 includes a panel 101, a first foot 102a, and a second foot 102b. The panel 101 includes a top side (T) 103, bottom side (Bo) 104 opposite the top side 103, a front side (F) 105, a back side (B) 106 opposite the front side 105, a right side (R) 107, and a left side (L) 108 opposite the right side 107. In the first embodiment, the panel assembly 100 is configured with the lengths of the front 105, back 106, right 107, and left 108 sides to be substantially the same. The panel assembly 100 may be referred to herein as a 44 panel assembly.
[0138] The first foot 102a and the second foot 102b couple to the bottom side 104 of the panel 101. The first foot 102a is coupled to the panel 101 at a location proximate to the front side 105 of the panel 101 and distal from the back side 106 of the panel 101. The second foot 102b is coupled to the panel 101 at a location proximate to the back side 106 of the panel 101 and distal from the front side 105 of the panel 101. The foot 102a/102b may couple to the panel 101 in other orientations.
[0139] FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate the foot 102a/102b according to an embodiment. FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the foot 102a/102b. FIGS. 3C-3H illustrate top, bottom, left, right, front, and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the foot 102a/102b. The foot 102a/102b includes a top side 301 and a bottom side 302 opposite the top side 301. The plurality of clip assemblies includes one or more first clip assemblies 303 and one or more second clip assemblies 304. The plurality of clip assemblies 303 and 304 are coupled to the top side 301 of the foot 102a/102b and protrude outward from the top side 301 and away from the bottom side 302. The foot 102a/102b includes one or more first openings 305 and one or more second openings 306 smaller than the first openings 305. The first openings 305 and second openings 306 traverse the top side 301 and the bottom side 301. Optionally, the foot 102a/102b includes one or more screw holes 307 for receiving one or more screws to attach the foot 102a/102b to the panel 101. For example, the screw(s) may be used to attach the foot 102a/102b to the panel 101 if one or more of clip assemblies become damaged.
[0140] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a bottom isometric view, a bottom orthogonal view, and a bottom isometric close up view, respectively, of the panel 101 according to the first embodiment. The top isometric view of the panel 101 is similar to the view in FIG. 1A. The left view of the panel 101 is the same as the view in FIG. 1E. The right view of the panel 101 is the same as the view in FIG. 1F. The front view of the panel 101 is the same as the view in FIG. 1G. The back view of the panel 101 is the same as the view in FIG. 1H. The bottom side 104 of the panel 101 includes a plurality of ribs 401, which may be configured in various patterns to provide strength to the panel 101 while reducing the weight of the panel 101. The plurality of ribs 401 may form a plurality of cavities. FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom isometric close up view of area BB in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C shows some of the ribs forming a cavity 402 within which a corresponding clip assembly 303 or 304 may reside. One of the ribs 404 that forms the cavity 402 includes an opening 403 that traverses the rib for engaging the clip assembly 303, as described below. Each of the plurality of cavities corresponds to one of the plurality of clip assemblies 303 and 304.
[0141] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the clip assembly 303 of the foot 102a/102b in more detail. FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of area AA of the foot 102a/102 in FIG. 3A, which includes a clip assembly 303/304. The clip assembly 303/304 includes one or more walls 501 that project from the top side 301 of the foot 102a/102b. The clip assembly 303 further includes a flexible plate 502 with a first end proximate to the top side 301 and a second end distal from the top side 301. The first end of the flexible plate 502 proximate to the top side 301 and couples to the top side 301, while the second end of the flexible plate 502 is distal from the top side 301 and decoupled from the one or more walls 501, allowing the second end to move. At the second end is a hook 503 for engaging the opening 403 in the panel (see FIG. 4C). Referring to FIGS. 3A-3H, the hooks of the first clip assemblies 303 are configured in a first orientation, and the hooks of the second clip assemblies are configured in a second orientation. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first orientation is a mirror of the second orientation along the axis A-A. Proximate to the first end of the flexible plate 502 is an opening 504 that traverses the top side 301 and the bottom side 302 of the foot 102a/102b.
[0142] FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate a top cross-sectional isometric view and a bottom cross-sectional isometric view of the cavity 402 with the clip assembly 303 engaged. The bottom side 104 of the panel 101 includes a cavity 402 that corresponds to a clip assembly 303 or 304. To install the foot 102a/102b onto the panel 101, the foot 102a/102b is positioned such that the clip assemblies 303 and 304 face the bottom side 104 of the panel 101. Each clip assembly 303 and 304 is then inserted into its corresponding cavity 402. Referring to FIGS. 5B and 5C, while the clip assemblies 303 and 304 are being inserted into their corresponding cavities 402, the hooks 503 of the clip assemblies 303 and 304 abut the ribs 404 that include the openings 403, causing the flexible plates 502 to flex away from the ribs 404. When the hook 503 travels to the opening 403, the flexible plate 502 flexes back toward the rib 404 until the hook 503 resides within the opening 403. When the clip assemblies 303 and 304 are fully engaged with the panel 101 and in a locked position, the walls 501 of the clip assemblies 303 and 304 reside within the cavities 402 of the panel 101, and the hooks 503 of the flexible plates 502 resides within the openings 403.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 5C, the clip assembly 303 and 304 may be disengaged from the panel 101 by inserting a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) through the opening 504 in the foot 102a/102b and using the tool to flex the plate 502 until the hook 503 is removed from the opening 403, placing the clip assembly 303/304 in an unlocked position. The clip assembly 303/304 may then be removed from the cavity 402 in the panel 101. By using the clip assemblies 303/304, the foot 102a/102b may be more easily and quickly installed onto and removed from the panel 101 than if the foot 102a/102b was attached using other fasteners, such as only using screws or bolts. The feet 102a and 102b further assist in distributing the weight of the panel 101. For example, if the panel 101 resides directly on a soft surface, such as grass or dirt, the ribs 401 of the panel 101 may sink into the surface, causing a cookie-cutter effect which may damage the surface. However, when the feet 102a and 102b are installed onto the panel 101, the feet 102a and 102b distributes the weight of the panel 101 and prevents the ribs 401 from sinking into the surface.
[0144] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the interface between the foot 102a/102b and the panel 101. FIG. 6A illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of the foot 102b coupled to the panel 101. FIG. 6B illustrates a bottom isometric cross-sectional close-up view of the panel 101 and the foot 102b. FIG. 6C illustrates a top isometric cross-sectional close-up view of the panel 101 and the fect 102a and 102b. Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, the ribs 401 of the panel 101 includes recessed portions 601 and non-recessed portions 602. The recessed portions 601 are located such that, when the clip assemblies 303 and 304 of the foot 102a/102b are in the locked position and engaged with the panel 101 in this manner, the foot 102a/102b resides within the recessed portions 601 and the bottom side 302 of the foot 102a/102b is flush with the non-recessed portions 602. This allows the panel assembly 100 to rest flat on a surface (see FIG. 6C), increasing the stability of the panel assembly 100.
[0145] FIGS. 7A-7H illustrate a panel assembly 700 according to a second embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of the panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 7C, 7D, 7E, and 7F illustrate top, bottom, left and right orthogonal views, respectively, of panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 7G and 7H illustrate front and back orthogonal views, respectively, of the panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate exploded views of the panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate top and bottom isometric exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 8C, 8D, 8E, and 8F illustrate left, right, front, and back orthogonal exploded views, respectively, of the panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment.
[0146] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7H and FIGS. 8A-8F, the panel assembly 700 includes a panel 701 and the foot 102a. The panel 701 includes a top side 703, bottom side 704 opposite the top side 703, a front side 705, a back side 706 opposite the front side 705, a right side 707, a left side 708 opposite the right side 707. In the second embodiment, the panel assembly 700 is configured rectangularly, with the lengths of the front 705 and back 706 sides being longer than the lengths of the right 707 and left 708 sides. For example, the lengths of the front 705 and back 706 sides of the panel assembly 700 are the same as the lengths of the front 105 and back 106 sides of the panel assembly 100. The lengths of the right 707 and left 708 sides of the panel assembly 700 is approximately half of the length of the right 107 and left 108 sides of the panel assembly 100. The panel assembly 700 may be referred to herein as a 24 panel assembly. The foot 102a is coupled to the bottom side 704 of the panel 701 in the same manner as described above with the panel 101.
[0147] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a bottom isometric view and a bottom view, respectively, of the panel 701, without the foot 102a, according to the second embodiment. The top isometric view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7A. The top view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7C. The left view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7E. The right view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7F. The front view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7G. The back view of the panel 701 is the same as the view in FIG. 7H. The bottom side 704 of the panel 701 includes a plurality of ribs 901, which may be configured in various patterns. The ribs 901 include a plurality of cavities for engaging the plurality of clip assemblies 303 and 304 of the foot 102a, and the plurality of cavities engage the plurality of clip assemblies 303 and 304 in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 4C, 5A, 5B, and 5C.
[0148] Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3H, the one or more first openings 305 and one or more second openings 306 in each foot 102a/102b are configured to allow moisture to traverse the bottom side 104/704 of the panel 101/701. For example, rain or other moisture may travel in and out of the openings 305 and 306, preventing the moisture from becoming trapped within the ribs 401/901. The openings 305 and 306 are further configured for air to travers, thus providing ventilation where air may flow through the bottom side 104/704 of the panel 101/701. For example, when the panel assembly 100 resides on a grass surface, moisture and the air flow through the openings 305 and 306 of the foot 102a/102b reduces or prevents the panel assembly 100/700 from damaging the grass.
[0149] The panel assemblies 100/700 may be coupled using three locking systems: cam locks; tongue and groove locking mechanisms; and slide locks. Descriptions of the locking systems herein apply to both the panel assembly 100 and the panel assembly 700. In one embodiment, the cam locks and the tongue and groove locking mechanisms are located on the same sides of the panel assemblies 100/700. The slide locks are located on sides of the panel assemblies 100/700 different from the cam locks and tongue and groove locking mechanisms.
[0150] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a cam lock 1000 for coupling a plurality of panels assemblies 100/700. FIG. 10A illustrates a top isometric exploded view of a panel assembly 100 according to the first embodiment that includes a cam lock 1000. FIG. 10B illustrates a top isometric exploded view of a panel assembly 700 according to the second embodiment that includes a cam lock 1000. FIG. 10C illustrates an isometric view of the receptacle portion 1001 of the cam lock 1000. FIG. 10D illustrates an isometric view of the latch portion 1002 of the cam lock 1000. FIG. 10E illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the cam lock 1000 in situ. FIG. 10F illustrates a bottom isometric close-up view of a plurality of panel assemblies coupled by the cam lock 1000. FIG. 10G illustrates a top isometric cross-sectional close-up view of a plurality of panel assemblies coupled by the cam lock 1000. The panel assemblies in FIGS. 10F and 10G are illustrated without the foot 102a/102b for the sake of clarity in depicting the cam lock 1000. The cam lock 1000 includes a receptacle portion 1001 and a latch portion 1002. The receptacle portion 1001 and the latch portion 1002 are positioned on opposite sides of the panel 101/701. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the receptacle portion 1001 may reside in the front side 105 of the panel 101, and the latch portion 1005 may reside in the back side 106 of the panel 101. For another example, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the receptacle portion 1001 may reside in the front side 705 of the panel 701, and the latch portion 1002 may reside in the back side 706 of the panel 701. The receptacle portion 1001 includes a receiver 1004. The latch portion 1002 of the cam lock 1000 includes a latch 1005 that may be rotated by inserting a tool (e.g., hex wrench 1007, see FIG. 10E) into an opening 1006 in the latch portion 1002. The latch 1005 may be rotated to protrude beyond the housing of the latch portion 1002 and engage the receiver 1004 of the receptacle portion 1001, thus placing the cam lock 1000 in a locked position.
[0151] FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate a tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 for coupling a plurality of panel assemblies 100/700. FIG. 11A illustrates an isometric close-up view of a male portion 1101 of a tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100. FIG. 11B illustrates an isometric close-up view of a female portion 1102 of a tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100. FIG. 11C illustrates an isometric close-up view of the ribs of the female portion of the tongue and groove locking mechanism. FIG. 11D illustrates a right orthogonal close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 with the male and female portions 1101-1102 are decoupled in an unlocked position. FIG. 11E illustrates a right orthogonal close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 with the male and female portions 1101-1102 coupled in a locked position. FIG. 11F illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 with the male and female portions 1101-1102 coupled. FIG. 11G illustrates an isometric top cross-sectional close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism. The male portion 1101 of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 resides in and protrudes from the back side 106/706 of the panel 101/701. The female portion 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 resides in the front side 105/705 of the panel 101/701. The female portion 1102 includes a plurality of recesses in the front side 105/705 of the panel 101/701. The female portion 1102 includes a plurality of ribs 1103, shaped to form the plurality of recesses.
[0152] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10C and FIGS. 11A-11G, the first and second panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b may be the panel assembly 100, the panel assembly 700, or a combination thereof. To couple a front side 105/705 of a first panel assembly 1003a to a back side 106/706 of a second panel assembly 1003b, the male portion 1101 in the first panel assembly 1003a is pressed into the female portion 1102 in the second panel assembly 1003b, such that the male portion 1101 in the first panel assembly 1003a resides within the female portion 1102 in the second panel assembly 1003b. The cam lock 1000 is then placed into the locked position. To place the cam lock 1000 in a locked position, the latch 1005 of the cam lock 1000 in the first panel assembly 1003a is rotated to engage the receiver 1004 of the receptacle portion 1001 in the second panel assembly 1003b. The cam lock 1000 in the locked position prevents the front/back movements of the panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b from decoupling the panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b. The engagement of the male portion 1101 and the female portion 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 prevents the left/right and top/bottom movements of the panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b from decoupling the panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b. Referring to FIG. 11F, when a load is applied to the panel assembly 1003a, the panel assembly 1003a moves downward. The downward movement of the panel assembly 1003a is limited by the engagement of the bottom 1104 of the male portion 1101 with the bottom surface 1105 of the ribs 1103. When the load is then removed from the panel assembly 1003a, the panel assembly 1003a moves upward. The upward movement of the panel assembly 1003a is limited by the engagement of the top 1106 of the male portion with the top surface 1107 of the ribs 1103. Similarly, when a load is applied to the panel assembly 1003b, the panel assembly 1003b moves downward. The downward movement of the panel assembly 1003b is limited by the engagement of the top surface 1107 of the ribs 1103 with the top 1106 of the male portion 1101. When the load is then removed from the panel 1003b, the panel assembly 1003b moves upward. The upward movement of the panel assembly 1003b is limited by the engagement of the bottom surface 1105 of the ribs 1003 with the bottom 1104 of the male portion 1101. Referring to FIG. 11G, which illustrates an isometric top cross-sectional close-up view of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100, the front side 105 of the panel assembly 1003b includes a portion 1108 for the receptable portion 1001 of the cam lock 1000 (not shown). The back side 106 of the panel assembly 1003a includes a portion 1109 for the latch portion 1005 of the cam lock 1000 (not shown). The left/right movement of the panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b are limited by the engagement of the portion 1108 of the panel assembly 1003b with the male portion 1101. When the cam lock 1000 is placed in the locked position, the left/right and front/back movements of the panel assemblies 1003a-1003b are further limited. To decouple the front side 105/705 of the first panel assembly 1003a and the back side 106/706 of the second panel assembly 1003b, the cam lock 1000 is placed into an unlocked position, where the latch 1005 of the latch portion 1002 in the first panel assembly 1003a is rotated to disengage from the receiver 1004 of the receptacle portion 1001 in the second panel assembly 1003b. The first and second panel assemblies 1003a-1003b are then separated to decouple the male portion 1101 of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 in the first panel assembly 1003a from the female portion 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanism 1100 in the second panel assembly 1003b.
[0153] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate a slide lock 1200 for coupling a plurality of panel assemblies 100/700. FIG. 12A illustrates an isometric close-up view of male portions 1201 of a slide lock 1200. FIG. 12B illustrates an isometric close-up view of female portions 1202 of a slide lock 1200. FIG. 12C illustrates an orthogonal side cross-sectional view of the slide lock 1200 with a male portion 1201 and a female portion 1202 coupled. FIG. 12D illustrates an isometric top cross-sectional close-up view of the slide lock with the male portion and the female portion coupled. The male portions 1201 of the slide lock 1200 reside in the right side 107/707 of the panel 101/700. Each male portion 1201 of the slide lock 1200 includes a plate 1203 and a neck 1204 protruding from the right side 107/707 of the panel 101/700. The neck 1204 couples the plate 1203 to the right side 107/707 of the panel 101/700. The female portions 1202 of the slide lock 1200 reside in the left side 108/708 of the panel 101/701. Each female portion 1202 includes an opening 1205 and a pocket 1206. The spacing of female portions 1202 along the left side 108/708 correspond to the spacing of the male portions 1201 along the right side 107/707, such that any female portion 1202 on a first panel assembly 1003a may couple with any male portion 1201 on a second panel assembly 1003b. The opening 1205 of the female portion 1202 is configured such that the plate 1203 of the male portion 1201 may fully reside within the opening 1205. The female portions 1202 includes a plurality of ribs 1207, shaped to form the opening 1205 and the pocket 1206.
[0154] To place the slide lock 1200 in the locked position, the female portions 1202 of a first panel assembly 1003a are caused to engage with the male portions 1201 of a second panel assembly 1003b. The plates 1203 of the male portions 1202 of the second panel assembly 1003b are pressed into the openings 1205 of the female portions 1202 of the first panel assembly 1003a. The second panel assembly 1003b is then moved laterally (back to front) to insert the plates 1203 of the male portions 1202 of the second panel assembly 1003b into the pockets 1206 of the female portions 1202 of the first panel assembly 1003a (see FIG. 12C). When a load is applied to the panel assembly 1003a, the panel assembly 1003a moves downward. The upward movement of the panel assembly 1003a is limited by the engagement of the bottom 1208 of the plate 1203 with the bottom surface 1209 of the ribs 1207. When the load is then removed from the panel assembly 1003a, the panel assembly 1003a moves upward. The upward movement of the panel assembly 1003a is limited by the engagement of the top 1210 of the plate 1203 with the top surface 1211 of the ribs 1207. Similarly, when a load is applied to the panel assembly 1003b, the panel assembly 1003b moves downward. The downward movement of the panel assembly 1003b is limited by the engagement of the top surface 1211 of the ribs 1207 with the top 1210 of the plate 1203. When the load is then removed from the panel assembly 1003b, the panel assembly 1003b moves upward. The upward movement of the panel assembly 1003b is limited by the engagement of the bottom surface 1209 of the ribs 1207 with the bottom 1208 of the plate 1203. The slide lock 1200 in the locked position prevents the first and second panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b from decoupling due to the left/right movements of the first and second panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b. To place the slide lock 1200 back into the unlocked position, the second panel assembly 1003b is moved laterally in the opposite direction (front to back) to remove the plates 1203 of the male portions 1202 of the second panel assembly 1003b from the pockets 1206 of the female portions 1202 of the first panel assembly 1003a. The first or second panel assembly 1003a or 1003b are then moved to separate the first and second panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b.
[0155] The 44 panel assemblies 100 and the 24 panel assemblies 700 may be coupled in various configurations to accommodate the desired size and shape of the flooring system. For example, a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 100, a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 700, or a combination of 44 panel assemblies 100 and 24 panel assemblies 700 may be coupled in a checkerboard or staggered configuration. FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate configurations of the 44 panel assemblies 100 and 24 panel assemblies 700 according to various embodiments. FIG. 13A illustrates a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300d in a checkerboard configuration. FIG. 13B illustrates a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 1301a-1301h in a checkerboard configuration. FIG. 13C illustrates a combination of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300c and a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 1301a-1301b in a staggered configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, in the checkerboard configuration, the back sides 106 of the 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300c are coupled to the front sides 105 of the 44 panel assemblies 1300b and 1300d, respectively, using cam locks 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The right sides 107 of the 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300b are coupled to the left sides 108 of the 44 panel assemblies 1003c and 1003d, respectively, using slide locks 1200.
[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 13B, in the checkerboard configuration, the back sides 706 of the 24 panel assemblies 1301a, 1301b, and 1301c are coupled to the front sides 705 of the 24 panel assembles 1301b, 1301c, and 1301d, respectively, using cam locks 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The back sides 706 of the 24 panel assemblies 1301e, 1301f, and 1301g are coupled to the front sides 705 of the 24 panel assembles 1301f, 1301g and 1301h, respectively, using cam locks 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The right sides 707 of the 24 panel assemblies 1301a, 1301b, 1301c, and 1301d are coupled to the left sides 708 of the 24 panel assemblies 1301e, 1301f, 1301g, and 1301h, respectively, using slide locks 1200.
[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 13C, a combination of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300c and a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 1301a-1301b may be coupled in a staggered configuration. The 44 panel assembly 1300c may be coupled to the other 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300b in a staggered manner, with the 24 panel assemblies 1301a and 1301b coupled to complete a rectangular shape of the overall system. In the staggered configuration, the back side 106 of the 44 panel assembly 1300a is coupled to the front side 105 of the 44 panel assembly 1300b using a cam lock 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The back side 706 of the 24 panel assembly 1301a is coupled to the front side 105 of the 44 panel assembly 1300c using a cam lock 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The back side 106 of the 44 panel assembly 1300c is coupled to the front side 705 of the 24 panel assembly 1301b using a cam lock 1000 and tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100. The right side 107 of the 44 panel assembly 1300a is coupled to the left side 708 of the 24 panel assembly 1301a and a first half of the left side 108 of the 44 panel assembly 1300c using slide locks 1200. The right side 107 of the 44 panel assembly 1300b is coupled to the second half of the left side 108 of the 44 panel assembly 1300c and the left side 708 of the 24 panel assembly 1301b.
[0158] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the disassembly of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300d configured in a checkerboard configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, in step 1, the cam lock 1000 between the 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300b is unlocked by rotating the latch 1005. The slide locks 1200 between the 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300c are unlocked by moving the 44 panel assembly 1300a toward the front until the 44 panel assembly 1300a clears the 44 panel assembly 1300c, which also decouples the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300b. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, in step 2, the slide locks 1200 between the 44 panel assemblies 1300b and 1300d are unlocked by moving the 44 panel assembly 1300b toward the front until the 44 panel assembly 1300b clears the panel assemblies 1300d and 1300c. As illustrated in FIG. 14C, in step 3, the cam lock 1000 between the 44 panel assemblies 1003c and 1003d is unlocked, and the 44 panel assemblies 1003c and 1003d are separated to decouple the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the 44 panel assemblies 1003c and 1003d.
[0159] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate the disassembly of a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 1301a-1301h configured in a checkerboard configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, in step 1, the cam lock 1000 between the 24 panel assemblies 1301a and 1301b is unlocked by rotating the latch 1005. The slide lock 1200 between the 24 panel assemblies 1301a and 1301e is unlocked by moving the 24 panel assembly 1301a toward the front until the 24 panel assembly 1301a clears the 24 panel assembly 1301e, which also decouples the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the 24 panel assemblies 1301a and 1301b. Step 1 is repeated for each 24 panel assembly 1301b, 1301c, and 1301d. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, in step 2, the cam locks 1000 between the 24 panel assemblies 1301e, 1301f, 1301g, and 1301h are unlocked, and the 24 panel assemblies 1301e, 1301f, 1301g, and 1301h are separated to decouple the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the 24 panel assemblies 1301e, 1301f, 1301g, and 1301h.
[0160] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the disassembly of a combination of a plurality of 44 panel assemblies 1300a-1300c and a plurality of 24 panel assemblies 1301a-1301b in a staggered configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, in step 1, the cam lock 1000 between the 44 panel assemblies 1300a and 1300b is unlocked by rotating the latch 1005. The slide locks 1200 between the 44 panel assembly 1300a and the 24 panel assembly 1301a, and between the 44 panel assembly 1300a and the 44 panel assembly 1003c, are unlocked by moving the 44 panel assembly 1300a toward the front until the 44 panel assembly 1300a clears the 24 panel assembly 1301a, which also decouples the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the 44 panel assemblies 1003a and 1003b. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, in step 2, the slide locks 1200 between the 44 panel assembly 1300b are unlocked by moving the 44 panel assembly 1300b toward the front until the 44 panel assembly 1300b clears the 24 panel assembly 1301a. As illustrated in FIG. 16C, the cam locks 1000 between the 24 panel assembly 1301a and the 44 panel assembly 1300c, and between the 44 panel assembly 1300c and the 24 panel assembly 1301b, are unlocked, and the panel assemblies 1301a, 1300c, and 1301b are separated to decouple the male and female portions 1101 and 1102 of the tongue and groove locking mechanisms 1100 between the panel assemblies 1301a, 1300c, and 1301b.
[0161] To couple the panel assemblies 1300a-1300d and 1301a-1301h into the various configurations, the steps described above may be performed in reverse order.
[0162] Other configurations of the panel assemblies 100 and/or panel assemblies 700, not depicted herein, may be possible. For example, a combination of panel assemblies 100 and panel assemblies 700 may be configured in a checkerboard configuration or in a combination of a checkerboard and staggered configuration. The assembly and disassembly of the panel assemblies 100/700 would occur in a same or similar manner as described above.
[0163] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrates a foot 1701 according to an alternative embodiment. According to the alternative embodiment, instead of two separate feet coupled to the bottom side 104 of the panel 101, a foot 1701 composed of a single component may be used. The foot 1701 includes a plurality of clip assemblies (not shown) and is coupled to the panel 101 in the same manner as described above with reference to the fect 102a and 102b.
[0164] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from their spirit and scope.
Implementation Examples
[0165] Without limitation, potential subject matter that may be claimed (prefaced with the letter P so as to avoid confusion with the actual claims presented below) includes:
[0166] P1. A flooring system, comprising: at least one panel assembly, the at least one panel assembly comprising: a panel comprising: a right side of the panel; a left side of the panel opposite the right side of the panel; a front side of the panel; a back side of the panel opposite the front side of the panel; a top side of the panel; and a bottom side of the panel opposite the top side of the panel, the bottom side of the panel comprising a plurality of ribs forming a plurality of cavities, each cavity comprising a rib with an opening; and at least one foot configured to couple to the bottom side of the panel, the foot comprising: a top side of the foot; a bottom side of the foot opposite the top side of the foot; and a plurality of clip assembles coupled to the top side of the foot, each clip assembly comprising: a flexible plate with a first end proximate to the top side of the foot and a second end distal from the top side of the foot, the first end of the flexible plate being coupled to the top side of the foot, the second end of the flexible plate being decoupled from top side of the foot; and a hook residing at the second end of the flexible plate, wherein the hook is configured to reside within the opening in the rib of a corresponding cavity of the plurality of cavities.
[0167] P2. The system of P1, wherein the clip assembly further comprises one or more walls, wherein the one or more walls reside within the corresponding cavity when the clip assembly is in a locked position.
[0168] P3. The system of P2, wherein the second end of the flexible plate is decoupled from the one or more walls.
[0169] P4. The system of P1, wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second opening proximate to the first end of the flexible plate and configured for a tool to be inserted into the opening of the clip assembly to flex the flexible plate, such that the hook is removed from the opening in the rib of the corresponding cavity.
[0170] P5. The system of P1, wherein the foot further comprises: one or more first openings traversing through the top side of the foot and the bottom side of the foot; and one or more second openings traversing through the top side of the foot and the bottom side of the foot, wherein the one or more second openings are smaller than the one or more first openings.
[0171] P6. The system of P5, wherein the one or more first openings and the one or more second openings are configured to allow moisture and air to traverse.
[0172] P7. The system of P1, wherein the plurality of clip assemblies comprises one or more first clip assemblies and one or more second clip assemblies, wherein one or more hooks of the one or more first clip assemblies are configured in a first orientation, and one or more hooks of the one or more second clip assemblies are configured in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is a mirror of the second orientation.
[0173] P8. The system of P1, wherein lengths of the right side, the left side, the front side, and the back side of the panel are same.
[0174] P9. The system of P1, wherein the lengths of the right side and the left side of the panel are shorter than the lengths of the front side and the back side.
[0175] P10. The system of P1, wherein the panel further comprises: a receptacle portion of a cam lock residing in the front side of the panel and a latch portion of the cam lock residing in the back side of the panel; a male portion of at least one tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the back side of the panel and a female portion of the at least one tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the front side of the panel; a male portion of at least one slide lock residing in the right side of the panel and a female portion of the at least one slide lock residing in the left side of the panel, wherein the male portion of the least one slide lock comprises a plate and a neck coupling the plate to the right side of the panel, wherein the female portion of the least one slide lock comprises an opening and a pocket.
[0176] P11. The system of P1, wherein the plurality of ribs in the panel comprise recessed portions and non-recessed portions, wherein the top side of the foot is configured to reside within the recessed portions, wherein the bottom side of the foot is flush with the non-recessed portions of the plurality of ribs.
[0177] P12. The system of P1, wherein the at least one panel assembly comprises: a first panel of a first panel assembly, a second panel of a second panel assembly, and a third panel of a third panel assembly, wherein a latch portion of a first cam lock residing in a front side of the first panel is configured to engage a receptacle portion of a second cam lock residing in a back side of the second panel engages, wherein a female portion of a first tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the front side of the first panel is configured to engage a male portion of a second tongue and groove locking mechanism residing in the back side of the second panel, wherein a plate of a male portion of a first slide lock residing in a right side of the first panel is configured to reside within a pocket of a female portion of a second slide lock residing in a left side of the third panel.
[0178] P13. A foot for a panel assembly, comprising: a top side; a bottom side opposite the top side; a plurality of clip assembles coupled to the top side, each clip assembly comprising: a flexible plate with a first end proximate to the top side and a second end distal from the top side, the first end of the flexible plate being coupled to the top side, the second end of the flexible plate being decoupled from top side; and a hook residing at the second end of the flexible plate, wherein the hook is configured to couple to a panel of the panel assembly when the clip assembly is in a locked position.
[0179] P14. The foot of P13, wherein the clip assembly further comprises one or more walls, wherein the one or more walls couple to a panel of the panel assembly when the clip assembly is in a locked position, wherein the second end of the flexible plate is decoupled from the one or more walls.
[0180] P15. The foot of P13, wherein the clip assembly further comprises a second opening proximate to the first end of the flexible plate, wherein the opening is configured for a tool to be inserted into the opening to flex the flexible plate and the hook to place the clip assembly in an unlocked position.
[0181] P16. The foot of claim P13, wherein the plurality of clip assemblies comprises one or more first clip assemblies and one or more second clip assemblies, wherein one or more hooks of the one or more first clip assemblies are configured in a first orientation, and one or more hooks of the one or more second clip assemblies are configured in a second orientation, wherein the first orientation is a mirror of the second orientation.
[0182] The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in any appended claims.
