The present invention relates to energy storage devices such as batteries or electrochemical cells for storing electrical energy. More specifically, the present invention relates to energy storage devices which incorporate one or more flexible buffer components for supporting and positioning one or more cells in one or more compartments configured within the energy storage devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical energy has become ubiquitous and is being employed in numerous applications, which is now synonym for clean energy and clean environment. The electrical energy is stored in energy storage devices such as batteries and/or electrochemical cells.
Numerous types of batteries are known in the art which includes lead acid battery, lithium-ion battery, nickel cadmium battery etc. The most used battery is the lead acid battery which is being used for more than a century.
A typical lead acid battery comprises a container, which includes one or more compartments or cells. Within each compartment or cell, a plurality of positive, and a plurality of negative plates are arranged, with a separator between each positive and negative plate (hereinafter collectively referred to as compartment elements). The compartment elements are assembled to define an element assembly. The compartments are connected electrically but are physically separated. The number of positive plates, negative plates, and separators, and the number of compartments or cells depend on the voltage of the battery to be achieved. Increasing the number of compartments or cells increases the voltage of the battery, whereas decreasing the number of compartments or cells decreases the voltage of the battery.
Depending upon the type of applications or the purpose of use or market requirements, the lead acid batteries are manufactured in multiple models (for example, tubular plate battery and flat plate battery) that may have different container sizes, and energy storage capacities.

For ensuring battery performance and electrical connection, the compartment elements, and the compartment assembly are securely disposed within the compartments. Partitions are formed in the container to configure the desired compartment size. The compartment size and the number of compartments varies depending upon the battery capacity desired. Thus, it is evident that the battery manufacturers may have to maintain a large inventory of battery containers.
Further, during the large-scale manufacturing, the dimensions (length, breadth, and thickness) of the compartment elements may vary from batch to batch or even element to element. Still further, the compartment dimensions may also vary from batch-to-batch. This variation of the dimensions of the compartments, and the compartment elements is in addition to the various sizes of the compartments and elements, which is essential for realizing the end customer requirements.
The above-mentioned variations in dimensions of the compartments, and compartment elements may result in void spaces, and gaps between the compartment assembly and the compartment walls or the container walls (as the case may be).
Conventionally, gap buffers or shims are employed to fill the above-mentioned void spaces, and gaps between the compartment assembly and the compartment walls or the container walls and further fixedly secure the compartment assembly within the compartments or cells thereby preventing any movement of the compartment assembly. Evidently, the gap buffers or shims of varying dimensions are required. For example, the dimensions of the gap buffers or shims may vary from model to model or even may vary from compartment to compartment.
In a typical battery manufacturing process, the gap buffers or shims may have dimensions which may vary in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm. The range being a typical range, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned range.
Evidently, the battery manufacturers mandatorily are required to maintain a huge inventory of the gap buffers or shims of multiple dimensions corresponding to the battery models and compartment dimensions depending upon the production plan for a given battery model. This increases the inventory cost as there is a burden on the battery manufacturers to maintain a huge stock/inventorv of different dimensions. This

exorbitantly increases the cost of battery manufacturing, which is a concern that needs to be addressed.
Another concern is that during the process of assembling the compartment assembly, due to availability of gap buffers or shims with multiple dimensions, gap buffers or shims of incorrect dimensions may be fitted in a wrong battery model. Such incorrect fitting of the shims or gap buffers may result in over-tight fittings of the compartment assemblies or lose fittings of the compartment assemblies. Either the over-tightening or lose fitting is not desired as this may result in damage to the battery in form of structural damage or in form of electrical disconnections and reduction in battery capacity.
In summary, the conventional gap buffers or shims are such that they do not fit all the battery models or battery compartments and there is a need to invest in procurement of a huge inventory of the gap buffers or shims having different dimensions, which is tedious, error prone, and not economic.
Thus, there exists an urgent need to provide alternative designs of gap buffers or shims, wherein the gap buffers or shims are such that one design fit all the battery models, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the need for procuring and maintaining of huge inventory of the gap buffers or shims with different dimension, and disadvantages associated therewith.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows.
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide gap buffers or shims which fit all the battery models.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide gap buffers or shims which are economic, and easy to install and manufacture.

Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed are energy storage devices which incorporate one or more flexible buffer components for supporting and positioning one or more cells in one or more compartments configured within the energy storage devices
The gap buffers of the present invention for an electrical energy storage device comprising a first component, and a second component, wherein the second component extends non-integrally from a periphery or a surface of the first component, is in form of a rib, a claw, a tab, and combinations thereof, abuts with a compartment wall of the electrical energy storage device; and the first component urges the first component towards a compartment element of the electrical energy storage device, wherein the gap buffer is positioned between the compartment wall and the compartment element surface, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for use of multiple gap buffers with multiple dimensions.
The gap buffer of the present invention obviates the need for maintaining a huge stock or inventory, reduces burden on the battery manufacturers for planning and maintaining stock of different dimensions of gap buffers depending on the battery model, reduces or eliminates the issue of over-tightening or lose fitting of compartment assemblies, is easy to implement, is simple, and is time and cost efficient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a first component of a gap buffer in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. IB illustrates a schematic diagram of a second component of the gap buffer of FIG. 1A;

FIG. IC illustrates a schematic diagram of the gap buffer, wherein the first component of FIG. 1A, and the second component of FIG. IB are assembled;
FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of a first component of a gap buffer in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of a second component of the gap buffer of FIG.
2A;
FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of the gap buffer, wherein the first component
of FIG. 2A, and the second component of FIG. 2B are assembled; and
FIG. 2D illustrates a zoomed-in schematic diagram of a locking mechanism employed in conjunction with the gap buffer of FIG. 2C
LIST OF NUMERALS

100 - Gap buffer
102 - First component
102a -Panel
102a-l - One or more longitudinal tabs
102a-2 - One or more cuts
102h - Plurality of through holes
104t - Connecting points
104 - Second component
104a - First horizontal ribs
104a-l - One or more cuts
104b - Second vertical ribs
200 - Gap buffer
202 - First component
202h - Plurality of holes
202p - Plurality of protrusions
202s - Snap fit protrusions
204 - Second component
204c - Engaging formations

204h 1 - First through holes
204h2 - Second through holes
204h3 - Third through holes
204t - Tongue
206 - Locking assembly
208 - Engaging formations
208a - First part
208b - Second part
208c - Engaging formations
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.
As used in the present specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The term "comprising" as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s), component(s), process step(s), sub-step(s), and /or constituent(s) as applicable.
Further, the terms "about" and "approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, particles, compositions of mixtures, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a gap buffer or shim is disclosed for use in combination with a battery for electrical energy storage. The gap buffer or shim of the present invention overcomes one or more drawbacks of the conventional gap buffers or shims.

The gap buffers or shims, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, comprises a first component and a second component, wherein the first component comprises a board having a plurality of through holes configured thereon.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the first component or the board may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangle, a square, a circle, a polygon, and any other regular or irregular shape. The shape of the first component is dictated by the geometry or shape of the compartment assembly and/or the shape or geometry of the compartment wall. The first component is designed such that the first component primarily abuts and supports the compartment assembly. The dimensions of the first component may be in congruence with the dimensions of the compartment assembly. More specifically, the dimensions (length and breadth) of the first component may be same or nearly same as that of the compartment assembly, with which the first component abuts with.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the second component either extends non-integrally from periphery or from surface of the first components. The second component may be in a form selected from the group consisting of a rib, a claw, a tab, or any combinations thereof. The second component is designed to abut with the compartment wall. The second component is designed such that the second component is flexible (have some flex) and is also having a certain strength. More specifically, the second component may in some embodiments while abutting with the compartment wall, and being coupled with the first component urges the first component towards the compartment element.
The combination of the first and second components is chosen such that the gap buffer or shim so configured that the same gap buffer or shim design can be employed for a wide range of gaps or voids between the compartment wall and the compartment element surface, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the need for use of multiple gap buffers or shims with multiple dimensions for catering to multiple gaps or voids for different battery models.
The present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawing, particularly with reference to FIG. 1A to FIG. 2D as illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, and FIG. 1C, wherein FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of a first component of a gap buffer in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. IB illustrates a schematic diagram of a second component of the gap buffer of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of the gap buffer, wherein the first component of FIG. 1A, and the second component of FIG. IB are assembled.
In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the gap buffer (100) comprises a first component (102), and a second component (104), wherein the second component (104) extends non-integrally from the first component (102). In other words, the first and second components (102, 104) are assembled together to define the gap buffer (100).
The first component (102) comprises a panel (102a). The panel (102a) may be configured with a plurality of through holes (102h). The plurality of through holes (102h) may be configured in a patterned or non-patterned manner. In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes (102h) is configured in a patterned manner. In another embodiment, the plurality of through holes (102h) is configured in a non-patterned manner. In accordance with one embodiment, the plurality of through holes (102h) is having a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, circular, oval, elliptical, parallelogram, kite, and any other regular or irregular shapes. It is to be noted that the shape of the plurality of through holes (102h) is not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, and any other shape not mentioned herein-above are also well within the ambit of the present invention. The provision of the plurality of through holes (102h) facilitates in reducing the weight of the panel (102a), as compared to the weight of the panel (102a) without the plurality of through holes (102h).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the panel (102a) may have a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, circular, oval, elliptical, parallelogram, kite, and any other regular or irregular shape. It is to be noted that the shape of the panel (102a) is not limited to the above-mentioned shapes, and any other shape not mentioned herein-above are also well within the ambit of the present invention.

The panel (102a) further includes one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) extending integrally from an operative upper surface of the panel (102a). The one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may be disposed either parallel to the length and/or the breadth of the panel (102a). In one embodiment, the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) are disposed parallel to the length of the panel (102a). In another embodiment, the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a_,l) are disposed parallel to the breadth of the panel (102a). In still another embodiment, the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) are disposed at some angle with respect to the length of the panel (102a). In yet another embodiment, the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) are disposed at some angle with respect to the breadth of the panel (102a). In still another embodiment, some of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may be placed in one position, while some other of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may be placed in other position.
The number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may be one or more. In one embodiment the number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is two. In another embodiment the number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is three. In yet another embodiment the number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is four. In still another embodiment the number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is six. The number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is selected such that the desired strength of the panel (102a) is achieved and further that the weight of the panel (102a) is minimized.
The longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may have a length, which may be less than, equal to or greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In one embodiment, the length of the longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In another embodiment, the length of the longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is less than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In yet another embodiment, the length of the longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is equal to the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In still another embodiment, the length of some of the longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is greater, or equal to or less than the length or breadth of the panel (102a).
The width of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) can be in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm or even more. The width of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is chosen such that the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) not only provide sufficient strength to the

which the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) facilitates in securing the second component (104) thereon is described herein below.
The height of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) can be in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm or even more. The height of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is chosen such that one or more cuts may be configured on the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-1) without compromising on the strength of the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) and the panel (102a).
Further, the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) may have one or more cuts (102a-2) formed thereon. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the one or more cuts (102a-2) are formed such that each of the one or more cuts (102a-2) have a different depth. Further, each of the one or more cuts (102a-2) have a specific cut width, which may be same or different. The reason for providing the one or more cuts (102a-2) will be apparent from the discussion herewith below with reference to the second component (104). The one or more cuts (102a-2) may be configured at certain strategic locations on the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l). FIG. 1A illustrates the first component (102) having the one or more cuts (102a-2) configured on the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) at some specific locations. Illustration of FIG. 1A is just an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. As is apparent, a person with ordinary skill in the art may envisage the location, the number of cuts, the depth, and the width of the cut to vary from one design to another. All such variations or design changes are well within the ambit of the present invention.
The second component (104) comprises a set of first horizontal ribs (104a), and a set of second vertical ribs (104b), which meet at connecting points (104t) defining a mesh like structure. The height and width of the ribs may be designed to configure the desired spacer dimensions of the gap buffer (100) which aptly fits into the gaps and void spaces.
The height of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) can be independently in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm or even more. The height of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is chosen such that one or more cuts may be configured thereon without compromising on the strength of the first

horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) and hence of the second component (104).
The width of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) can be independently in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm or even more. The width of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is chosen such that the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) not only provide sufficient strength to the second component (104), but also facilitates in securing the first component (102) thereto. The manner in which the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) facilitates in securing the first component (102) thereon is described herein below.
The first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) may have a length, which may be less than, equal to or greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In one embodiment, the length of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In another embodiment, the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is less than the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In yet another embodiment, the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is equal to the length or breadth of the panel (102a). In still another embodiment, the length of some of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is greater, or equal to or less than the length or breadth of the panel (102a).
Further, the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) may have one or more cuts (104a-l) formed thereon. In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the one or more cuts (104a-l) are formed such that each of the one or more cuts (104a-l) have a different depth. Further, each of the one or more cuts (104a-l) have a specific cut width, which may be same or different. The one or more cuts (104a-l) may be configured at certain strategic locations on the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b). FIG. IB illustrates the second component (104) having the one or more cuts (104a-l) configured on the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) at some specific locations. Illustrations in FIG. IB is just an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. As is apparent, a person with ordinary skill

cut to vary from one design to another. All such variations or design changes are well within the ambit of the present invention.
The one or more cuts (104a-l) on the second component (104), and the one or more cuts (102a-2) on the first component (102) are located such that when the first and second components are assembled, the one or more cuts (104a-l) register with the one or more cuts (102a-2) and the one or more cuts (104a-l) fit interferingly with one another to define a joint thereat between the first component (102), and the second component (104), and hence realizing the gap buffer (100).
The one or more cuts (102a-2) with different depths aids in realizing different widths of the assembly comprising the first and the second components. Thus, if the depth of the cuts (102a-2) is less, in which the cuts (104a-l) are received, a gap buffer (100) with relatively larger width can be realized. Similarly, if the depth of the cuts (102a-2) is larger, in which the cuts (104a-l) are received, a gap buffer (100) with relatively smaller width can be realized. Thus, employing the gap buffer (100) of the present invention, the width of the gap buffer (100) can be changed without affording for large inventory as compared with the conventional system, wherein a large inventory of gap buffers was inevitable.
In a working configuration, the gap buffer (100) is inserted in between the two surfaces such as the compartment wall, and the compartment element surface, wherein the second component may be spaced with reference to the first component by applying suitable force on the second component while holding the first component stationary. The gap or separation between the first component and the second component may be varied (as described herein above) and further due to infringement fit, the gap buffer (100) when inserted in the gap between the two surfaces, holds the compartment element tightly in association with the compartment wall.
The present invention is now described by referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of a first component (202) of a gap buffer (200) in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of a second component (204) of the gap buffer (200) of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of the gap buffer (200), wherein the

first component (202) of FIG. 2A, and the second component of FIG. 2B are assembled, and FIG. 2D illustrates a zoomed-in schematic diagram of a locking mechanism employed in conjunction with the gap buffer of FIG. 2C.
More specifically, FIG. 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of the gap buffer (200), wherein the first component (202) of FIG. 2A, and the second component of FIG. 2B are assembled employing the locking mechanism of FIG. 2D, wherein the gap buffer (200) comprises the first component (202), the second component (204), and the locking mechanism (206).
FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of the first component (202) of the gap buffer (200), wherein the first component (202) comprises a board having a plurality of through holes (202h) configured thereon. The plurality of through holes (202h) can be configured randomly or in structured pattern or combination thereof. The board has a plurality of protrusions (202p) extending from an operative upper working surface of the board. Further, the board has a plurality of snap fit protrusions (202s) extending from the operative upper working surface of the board. The board further includes a plurality of engaging formations (208) extending from edges of the board. The plurality of engaging formations (208) comprises a first part (208a) and a second part (208b). The first part (208a) extends integrally from the edge of the board, and the second part (208b) extends integrally from the free edge of the first part (208a). The second part (208b) extends such that a portion of the second part (208b) covers a portion of the board in and around the edge thereof. The second part (208b) has a plurality of engaging formations (208c) on an operative lower surface thereof.
Further, the second component (204) herein is also in form of a board with a plurality of first through holes (204hl) configured thereon. The second component (204) includes tongues (204t) which are connected to a periphery of one of a plurality of second through holes (204h2), wherein the tongues (204t) have an operative first end which is connected to or extending integrally from the periphery and a second free end. The second free ends are so configured that the positions of the plurality of the protrusions (202p) and the second free ends register. The second component (204) further have a plurality of third holes (204h3) configured thereon, the plurality of third holes (204h3) register with the snap fit protrusions (202s) wherein the protrusions (202s) are received in snap fitting

manner in the respective holes (204h3) thereby configuring a coupling or bond between the first and the second components and defining the gap buffer (200). Further when the first component (202) and the second component (204) are mated, the free ends of the tongues abut with the protrusions (202p) such that the tongue and the free end thereof are bent at an angle. The tongues are designed such that the tongues exhibit a resilience. The board further includes a plurality of engaging formations (204c) extending from an operative upper surface at and around the edges of the board. More specifically, the location of the plurality of engaging formations (204c) registers with the location of the plurality of engaging formations (208c), wherein the engaging formations (208c) are configured to engage with the engaging formations (204c) so as to secure the first component (202) with the second component (204) firmly.
In one embodiment, the engaging formations (208c) and the engaging formations (204c) are in form of teeth with engage with each other, when the second component (204) is passed onto the first component (202). The two engaging formations (208c) and the engaging formations (204c) together define the locking mechanism (206) (as illustrated in FIG. 2D). It is to be noted that the locking mechanism (206) as described herein and illustrated in FIG. 2D is just an example and many other variations of the design of the locking mechanism are within the ambit of the present invention.
When the gap buffer (200) is positioned between the compartment wall and the compartment element surface, such that the first component (202) abuts with the compartment element surface, and the second component (204) abuts with the compartment wall, the tongues abut with the compartment wall. The angle of the tongues can be varied by moving the first component up or down with respect to the second component, wherein the position of the protrusions (202p) change and hence the bent angle of the tongues is changed thereby providing a gap buffer (200) with variable thickness which can be adapted to the void spaces or gaps between the two surfaces.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the gap buffers (100, 200) may be made from a material that is resistant to degradation in the battery environment. In other words, the material should not react with the acid present within the battery, and should not degrade. The gap buffers may be made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of plastics, reinforced plastics, Teflon, etc. However, any other

material may also be employed, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned materials.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the gap buffers (100, 200) may have a width in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm, a length in the range of 150 mm to 350 mm, and a thickness in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm.
The above description includes few specific examples of the gap buffers in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The above are only illustrative examples and the present invention is not limited to these examples.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides several technical advances and advantages which
include:
- a gap buffer which
• obviates the need for maintaining a huge stock or inventory;
• reduces burden on the battery manufacturers for planning and maintaining stock of different dimensions of gap buffers depending on the battery model;
• reduces or eliminates the issue of over-tightening or lose fitting of compartment assemblies;
• is easy to implement;
• is simple, and is time and cost efficient.

A gap buffer (100, 200) for an electrical energy storage device, the gap buffer (100, 200) characterized by having:
a first component (102, 202); and
a second component (104, 204);
wherein the second component (104, 204)
• extends non-integrally from a periphery or a surface of the first component (102, 202);
• is in form of a rib, a claw, a tab, and combinations thereof;
• abuts with a compartment wall of the electrical energy storage device; and the first component urges the first component towards a compartment element of the electrical energy storage device;
wherein the gap buffer (100, 200) is positioned between the compartment wall and the compartment element surface, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for use of multiple gap buffers with multiple dimensions.
The gap buffer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
- the first component (102) comprises a panel (102a) having a plurality of through holes (102h) configured thereon in a patterned or non-patterned manner;
- the panel (102a) having a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, circular, oval, elliptical, parallelogram, kite, and any other regular or irregular shape;
- the plurality of through holes (102h) having a shape selected from the group consisting of square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, circular, oval, elliptical, parallelogram, kite, and any other regular or irregular shapes;

- the panel (102a) having one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) extending integrally from an operative upper surface of the panel (102a),
- the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) being disposed in one orientation selected from the group consisting of:

■ an orientation parallel to the length of the panel (102a);
■ an orientation parallel to the breadth of the panel (102a);
■ an orientation wherein the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) making an angle with respect to the length of the panel (102a);
■ an orientation wherein the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) an angle with respect to the breadth of the panel (102a);

- the number of one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) is in the range of one to twenty;
- the longitudinal tabs (102a-l) having a length less than, equal to or greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a);
- the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) having a width in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm;
- the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) having a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm; and
- the one or more longitudinal tabs (102a-l) having one or more cuts (102a-2) formed thereon.
3. The gap buffer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
- the second component (104) comprises a set of first horizontal ribs (104a),
and a set of second vertical ribs (104b), which meet at connecting points
(104t) defining a mesh structure;

- the height of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is independently in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm;
- the width of the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) is independently in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm
- the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) having a length, less than, equal to or greater than the length or breadth of the panel (102a);
- the first horizontal ribs (104a), and the second vertical ribs (104b) having one or more cuts (104a-l) formed thereon; and
- the one or more cuts (104a-l) on the second component (104), and the one or more cuts (102a-2) on the first component (102) being located such that when the first and second components being assembled, the one or more cuts (104a-l) register with the one or more cuts (102a-2) and the one or more cuts (104a-l) fit interferingly with one another to define a joint thereat between the first component (102), and the second component (104).

4. The gap buffer (200) as claimed in claim 1 having a locking mechanism (206) to lock the first component (202) and the component (204).
5. The gap buffer (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component (202) comprises a board having

- having a plurality of through holes (202h) configured thereon in structured pattern or combination thereof;
- a plurality of protrusions (202p) extending from an operative upper working surface of the board;
- a plurality of snap fit protrusions (202s) extending from the operative upper working surface of the board.
- a plurality of engaging formations (208) extending from edges of the board, wherein the plurality of engaging formations (208) comprises
o a first part (208a); and

o a second part (208b);
wherein the first part (208a) extends integrally from the edge of the board, and the second part (208b) extends integrally from the free edge of the first part (208a); and
wherein the second part (208b) extends such that a portion of the second part (208b) covers a portion of the board in and around the edge thereof; and
the second part (208b) having a plurality of engaging formations (208c) on an operative lower surface thereof.
6. The gap buffer (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second component (204)
- is in form of a board having a plurality of first through holes (204hl) configured thereon;
- including tongues (204t) connected to a periphery of one of a plurality of second through holes (204h2), wherein the tongues (204t) having an operative first end which is connected to the periphery and a second free end, wherein the second free ends being configured such that the positions of the plurality of the protrusions (202p) and the second free ends register;
- having a plurality of third holes (204h3) configured thereon, the plurality of third holes (204h3) register with the snap fit protrusions (202s) wherein the protrusions (202s) being received in snap fitting manner in the respective holes (204h3) thereby configuring a coupling between the first and the second components and defining the gap buffer (200);
wherein the board having a plurality of engaging formations (204c) extending from an operative upper surface at and around the edges of the board, wherein the location of the plurality of engaging formations (204c) registers with the location of the plurality of engaging formations (208c), wherein the engaging formations

(208c) being configured to engage with the engaging formations (204c) so as to secure the first component (202) with the second component (204) firmly.
7. The gap buffer (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the engaging formations (208c) and the engaging formations (204c) being in form of teeth which engage with each other, when the second component (204) is passed onto the first component (202), wherein the two engaging formations (208c) and the engaging formations (204c) together defining a locking mechanism (206).
8. The gap buffer (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1 is made from a material that is resistant to degradation and corrosion.
9. The gap buffer (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastics, reinforced plastics, and Teflon.