AU2011226834B2 - Cover with Clip Structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A cover (11) for an opening such as a hole (17), the cover (11) comprising a body (31) and a clip structure (153) for mounting the body (31) with respect to the hole (17) in a surface (21). The clip structure (153) comprises a mounting clip (155) 5 and a locking means (157). The mounting clip (155) is adapted to be deflected inwardly from a first position to a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure (153) through the hole (17) in the surface, and to subsequently return towards the first position such that the mounting clip (155) holds the body (31) in an installed position. The locking means (157) releasably locks the mounting clip 10 (155) in the second position and is adapted to release the mounting clip (155) as the clip structure (153) passes through the hole (17) to allow the mounting clip (155) to move towards the first position.

Description

P/00/0 1128/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Altronic Distributors Pty Ltd Actual Inventor Brian Sorensen Address for service is: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Cover with Clip Structure The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 Cover with Clip Structure Field of the invention This invention relates to a clip structure for retaining an object, such as a cover, with respect to an opening. 5 The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, to assist in the positioning of a speaker mounted on a speaker cover in a wall or ceiling, the wall or ceiling having a hole for accommodating installation of the speaker and the cover being used to obscure the hole as well as provide a mounting for the speaker. 10 Background Art It is known to install speakers in ceilings and walls by mounting the speaker onto a speaker cover which in turn is mounted onto the ceiling or wall. The speaker cover is attached to the ceiling or wall so as to cover a hole provided in the ceiling or wall to accommodate the speaker. Such a cover is disclosed in Australian 15 Patent 2001239009, the contents of which are incorporated herein. The speaker cover of Australian Patent 2001239009 utilises two or more clip structures which assist to retain the speaker upon the speaker cover in addition to holding the speaker cover in place when positioned in the wall or ceiling. The type of clip structure disclosed in Australian Patent 2001239009 is shown in 20 Figure 1, as mounted on a speaker cover. A disadvantage with this design relates to the extent upon which a portion of each clip structure protrudes beyond the periphery of the speaker cover. The extent of protrusion of the clip beyond the main body of the speaker cover provides a practical disadvantage. When fitting the speaker cover in a hole, each 25 portion of the clip structure which protrudes beyond the periphery of the speaker cover must be forced inwardly whilst manoeuvring the cover in position. This can be difficult, particularly in ceiling installations where the installer is required to 2 place the speaker cover and speaker in a position above his/her head. A mounting system is described in US patent 5,077,650 to Cestari. This patent discloses a mounting system for recessed lighting fixtures. The system incorporates a fastening member which is biased outwardly. During installation a 5 rubber band is used to retain the fastening member in an inward position. Once the lighting fixture is placed in the recess, the rubber band can be removed, allowing the fastening member to move to its outward position to loosely retain the fixture within the recess. In order to secure the fixture in place, the fastening member is caused to move downwardly by use of a thread. This system still 10 proves problematic as it still requires one hand to hold the fixture in place and another to remove the rubber band. Only then can a screwdriver be used to cause the fastening members to move downwardly to secure the fixture in place. These tasks are typically executed above the installers head, and add a degree of difficulty to the installation. 15 The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. 20 It is against this background, and the problems and disadvantages associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed. Disclosure of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a cover for an opening, such as a hole in a surface, the cover comprising: 25 a clip structure for mounting a body with respect to the opening in a surface, the clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip being adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening; 3 wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second position, the locking means being adapted to release the mounting clip during installation of the cover whereupon release the mounting clip moves toward the first position to hold the body in an installed position. 5 Preferably the locking means releases the mounting clip as the clip structure passes through the opening, allowing the mounting clip to move towards the first position. Preferably the mounting clip is resiliently deflected inwardly from the first position to the second position. 10 In one aspect of the invention the clip structure may be retained on the underside of the cover. In another aspect of the invention the clip structure is formed integral with the cover. The mounting clip may be retained on the underside of the cover. 15 The locking means may be retained on the underside of the cover. Preferably the cover further comprises a securing means to retain an object, such as a speaker, with respect to the body. Preferably the securing means is in the form of.one or more securing clips. The one or more securing clips has a retaining portion which is adapted for resilient 20 deflection away from a central region of the body to allow the object to be positioned onto the body before returning to a retaining position. The retaining portion may provide a region or end for engaging a portion of the object to retain the object in engagement on the inner side of the body. Preferably the one or more securing clips is mounted on the inner side of the body 25 such that at least the region or end of the retaining portion extends inwardly whereby during positioning of the object onto the body at least the region or end is 4 engaged by the object causing the retaining portion to deflect away from the central region. Preferably the mounting clip provides a surface inclined outwardly to extend away from the body from the inner side thereof, the inclined surface being adapted to 5 engage a surface adjacent to, or an edge of the opening when the body is mounted with respect thereto. The locking means may be in the form of at least one resiliently deflectable latch adapted to releasably lock the mounting clip in its second position when it is deflected thereto. 10 The at least one latch may be in the form of a hook projection extending from an at least one arm. The at least one arm may extend downwardly towards the body, but away from the central region of the body. The hook projection engages an edge incorporated in the mounting clip to hold the mounting clip in the second position. 15 The at least one arm may be resiliently deflectable. In another embodiment of the invention the mounting clip may incorporate at least one hook projection wherein the hook projection latches onto an edge incorporated in an at least one resilient arm as the mounting clip moves to its second position. 20 The at least one arm may engage the surface which incorporates the opening as the speaker cover passes through the opening whereby the at least one arm is deflected inwardly allowing the hook to disengage from the mounting clip to allow the mounting clip to move towards its first position and retain the speaker cover in the opening. 25 The speaker cover has been devised particularly for mounting onto a panel such as a wall or ceiling in which a hole has been cut to facilitate installation of the speaker. 5 Each clip structure may also comprise a first clip adapted to resiliently locate against the peripheral surface, a first surface or edge of the panel. The at least one arm may provide the first clip. Preferably, the mounting clip is adapted to resiliently locate either against a 5 second surface immediately adjacent the junction between the second surface and a peripheral surface defining the opening, or the junction itself. Preferably when the clip structure is in position, the arm and mounting clip are disposed outwardly from the central region of the body. In one aspect of the invention the clip structure and securing means may be 10 integral so as to form a single mounting clip structure. In another aspect of the invention the securing means is located around the periphery of the portion of the cover which is to receive the object. Preferably each cover has at least two clip structures. The present invention further provides a speaker cover to which a speaker is 15 mounted, the speaker cover comprising: at least two clip structures on an inner side of a body to mount the body with respect to an opening in a surface and to retain the speaker on the body, each clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip is adapted to be deflected inwardly towards a second 20 position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening in the surface and subsequently released to return towards a first position such that the mounting clip holds the body in an installed position; wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second position, the locking means releasing the mounting clip as the clip structure 25 passes through the opening whereby the mounting clip moves toward the first position. 6 Each clip structure may comprise a securing means to secure the speaker to the cover. Each cover may comprise a securing means to secure the speaker to the cover. Preferably the securing means comprises one or more securing clips, the 5 securing clip having a retaining portion which is adapted for resilient deflection away from the central region of the body as the speaker is positioned onto the body, before returning to a retaining position, so that a region or end of the retaining portion retains the speaker with respect to the body; Preferably the locking means is in the form of an at least one resilient arm 10 incorporating a hook, wherein the hook is adapted to latch on to an edge incorporated in the mounting clip. The at least one arm may present an inclined surface angled towards the body in a direction outwardly from the central region. Preferably the inclined surface is adapted to engage an edge of the opening when the speaker cover and speaker are being positioned in the opening. 15 The inclined surface may be adapted to engage the opening, forcing it to move inwardly, whereupon the mounting clip is unlocked, allowing it to move towards the first position. The present invention further provides a speaker cover for mounting a speaker having a mounting flange, the speaker cover comprising: 20 a clip structure for mounting a body with respect to an opening in a surface, the clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip is adapted to be deflected inwardly from a first position to a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening in the surface and subsequently released to return towards the first position 25 such that the mounting clip holds the body in an installed position; wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second position, the locking means releases the mounting clip as the clip structure passes 7 through the opening to allow the mounting clip to move towards the first position. Preferably the cover further comprises a securing means to retain the speaker in engagement on the inner side of a body. The present invention further provides a speaker cover for mounting a speaker, 5 the speaker cover comprising: a clip structure for mounting the body with respect to an opening in a surface, the clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip is adapted to be deflected inwardly from a first position to a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening 10 in the surface and subsequently return towards the first position such that the mounting clip holds the body in an installed position; wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second position, the locking means being adapted to release the mounting clip as the clip structure passes through the opening to allow the mounting clip to move towards 15 the first position. Preferably the cover further comprises a securing means to retain the speaker in engagement on the inner side of a body. According to a further aspect of the invention, the invention provides a cover for an opening, the cover comprising: 20 a clip structure for mounting a body with respect to an opening in a surface, the clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip being adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening; 25 a securing means comprising one or more securing clips, the one or more securing clips having a retaining portion which is adapted for resilient 8 deflection away from a central region of the body as an object is positioned onto the body, before returning to a retaining position, so that a region or end of the retaining portion retains the object with respect to the body, wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second 5 position, the locking means being adapted to release the mounting clip during installation of the cover whereupon release the mounting clip moves toward the first position to hold the body in an installed position. Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be further explained with reference.to the attached 10 drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention. The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of 15 two embodiments thereof which is directed to a cover for installing a speaker in a ceiling and which are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a side view of a speaker cover showing a clip structure of the prior art; Figure 2 is a side view of a speaker cover showing a clip structure in a 20 second position according to a first embodiment; Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2 with the speaker cover in position in a ceiling and clip structure having moved towards a first position; Figure 4 is a view similar to figure 2 showing the showing the clip structure in the first position; 25 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the clip structure; Figure 6 is a side view of the clip structure; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a speaker cover showing a clip structure according to a second embodiment, the cover retaining a speaker; Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 8 but without the speaker; 5 Figure 10 is a top view of figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of figure 10; and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the speaker cover showing the clip structure in a second position according to the second embodiment. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention 10 The first embodiment shown in drawings 2 to 4 is directed to a cover 11 for mounting a speaker 13 in a recessed condition in a ceiling 15. Referring to figure 3, an opening in the form of a hole 17 is cut into the ceiling 15 for installation of the cover 11 with the speaker 13 mounted thereon. The ceiling 15 has an exposed surface 21, a second surface 23 spaced inwardly of the 15 exposed surface 21 and a peripheral surface 25 which defines the hole 17. The cover 11 comprises a body 31 having an outer side 33 and an inner side 35. A plurality of apertures 37 are provided in the central region of the body and extend between the outer and inner sides 33, 35 to facilitate transmission of sound through the body. 20 The inner side 35 of the body 31 presents a locating face 36 which is adapted to locate adjacent the region of the exposed surface 21 of the ceiling 15 about the hole 17. A locating flange 38 extends outwardly of the inner side 35 of the body 31 adjacent the locating face 36. The locating flange 38 may be of a size and shape to correspond to the hole 17 so as to be receivable in the hole when the 25 cover 11 is installed in position with the locating face 36 adjacent the exposed surface 21 of the ceiling 15. 10 The body 31 is provided with two mounting clip structures 50 for mounting the cover 11 in position in the ceiling 15, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings. In this embodiment each mounting clip structure 50 is adapted to be mounted onto a mounting post 55 projecting from the inner side 35 of the body. It 5 is, however, understood that alternative means of securing the mounting clip 50 with respect to the body 31, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, would fall within the scope of this invention. Each mounting clip structure 50 comprises a securing means in the form of a securing clip 151 and a clip structure 153, as shown in figures 5, 6 and 7. 10 The clip structure 153 comprises a mounting clip 155 and a locking means 157. The mounting clip 155 has an inclined surface 71 for engaging the exposed surface 21 of the ceiling 15 in the region adjacent the hole 17 when the cover is positioned in the hole 17 The locking means 157 comprises a latch, in the form of a hook 159 incorporated 15 in a resilient arm 161. The hook 159 is adapted to engage an edge 163 incorporated in the mounting clip 155 to retain the mounting clip 155 in a second position, as best shown in figure 2. When the cover 11 is fitted, the arm 161 is adapted to resiliently locate against the peripheral surface 25 of the hole 17, whilst the mounting clip 155 is adapted to 20 resiliently locate against the junction of the second surface 23 of the ceiling and peripheral surface 25 thereby to cause the ceiling to be clamped between the locating face 36 on the body 31, and the mounting clip 155. It is to be understood that whilst the interaction of the arm 161 with peripheral surface 25 assists in mounting the cover 11, the cover 11 will still remain in place if the arm 161 did not 25 engage the peripheral surface 25. Also when the cover 11 is fitted the mounting clip 155 occupies a first condition in which an outer section 259 is located beyond the outer periphery of the hole 17, as best shown in figure 4. When positioning. the cover 11 in the hole 17 the mounting clip 155 is deflected inwardly out of the first position until the hook 159 11 of the locking means 157 engages the edge so as to retain the mounting clip 155 in the second position. When in this position the outer section 259 is retained- in a position which allows the cover 11 to be received in the hole 17 without the installer requiring to manually hold the mounting clip 155 in the second position 5 during installation. The arm 161 has an outer portion 165 which during installation engages the region of the exposed surface 21 of the ceiling surrounding the hole 17. As the cover 11 passes through the hole 17, the outer section 165 engages the junction of the exposed surface 21 and peripheral surface 25. As the cover 11 is pushed 10 further into the hole 17 the arm 161 is forced inwardly in a direction towards the centre of the body 31. As this occurs the hook 159 is caused to disengage the edge 163 incorporated in the mounting clip 155, releasing the mounting clip 155 and allowing it to move towards the first position. The securing clip 151 releasably retains the speaker 13 onto the inner side 35 of 15 the body 31. The securing clip 151 comprises a retaining portion 40, angled downwardly towards the central area of the inner side 35 when the mounting clip structure 50 is located on the post 55. The retaining portion 40 releasably retains the speaker to the body, The retaining portion 40 is resiliently flexible so that it can be flexed outwardly to facilitate insertion of the speaker and to return to an 20 engaging position under the influence of its resilient nature to releasably retain the speaker in position and thereby secure the speaker 13 to the body 31. Each retaining portion 40 locates against the speaker so as to retain the latter in position. However, other means known to the person skilled in the art may also be used to retain the speaker in position, such as screwing the speaker to the 25. cover. A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figures 8 to 12. For convenience features of the second embodiment that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the clip 30 structure 253 is configured different to that of the first embodiment. As noted in figures 8 to 12, the cover 211 of the second embodiment has three 12 clip structures 253 which are formed integrally with the cover 211. Each clip structure 253 comprises a mounting clip 255 and a locking means 257. The locking means 257 comprises two latches, in the form of hooks 259, each incorporated in a resilient arm 261. Each hook 259 is adapted to engage an edge 5 263 incorporated in the mounting clip 255 to retain the mounting clip 255 in a second position. The cover 211 of the second embodiment has securing means to releasably retain a speaker 13 with respect to the cover. The securing means is in the form of a plurality of securing clips 251. The securing clips 251 are positioned. around 10 the periphery of the area adapted to receive the speaker. Each securing clip 251 comprises a retaining portion 240, protruding towards the central area of the inner side 235. The retaining portion 240 releasably retains the speaker to the body. The retaining portion 240 is resiliently flexible so that it can be flexed outwardly to facilitate insertion and removal of the speaker, and to return 15 to an engaging position under the influence of its resilient nature to releasably retain the speaker in position and thereby secure the speaker 213. The cover 211 of the second embodiment works in substantially the same manner as that of the first embodiment. From the foregoing, it is evident that the mounting clip structures 50 allow the 20 cover 11 to be easily and conveniently installed in the ceiling 15 by the simple action of: * deflecting the mounting clip 155 inwardly to lock it in the second position; * inserting the cover 11 within the hole 17 formed in the ceiling until the outer portion 165 of each arm 161 engages the hole junction; 25 a further inserting the cover 11 into the hole 17 until each arm 161 is caused to deflect inwardly to release the mounting clip 155 and allow the mounting clip 155 to move towards its first position; 13 * further inserting the cover 11 into the hole 17 until the inner side 35 of the cover 11 engages the exposed surface 21 of the ceiling 15 and so clamp the ceiling 15 between the mounting clip 155 and the body 31. Simultaneously the mounting clip 155 will continue to move towards its first 5 position. See figure 3. By comparing figures 3 and 4 it is apparent that the mounting clip 155 does not completely return to its first position. This ensures that the cover 11 will always be held firmly in the hole 17. As the cover 11 is inserted further into the hole 17 the arm 161 continues to be 10 deflected inwardly and subsequent engagement of the outer section 259 thereof with the peripheral surface 25 defining the hole 17 further assists in locating the cover 11 in position in the ceiling 15. Furthermore, the securing clip 151, 251 enables the speaker 13 to be easily and conveniently mounted onto the cover without the need to use fastening elements 15 such as screws. All that is necessary is to present the speaker 13 to the cover 11 with the speaker mounting flange 14 oriented to be receivable on the inner side 35. As the speaker mounting flange 14 is inserted onto the inner side 35 the peripheral edge 16 of the speaker mounting flange 14 engages the securing clips 1511 251 so as to cause the retaining portion 40 to deflect outwardly to facilitate 20 complete insertion of the speaker mounting flange 14. The retaining portion 40 then returns under the influence of its resilient nature to an engaging condition in which the speaker 13 is retained in position on the cover 11. Typically, the speaker 13 is mounted on the cover 11 prior to installation of the cover in the ceiling 15. 25 Whilst the above embodiment provides a securing means integral with a clip structure 153 it is to be understood that these components may be separate components, or the clip structure 153 may be used without the securing means.. The speaker cover will typically have two or more clip structures 153, 253. The number being dependent on the size of the speaker and cover. 14 From the foregoing, it is evident that the invention provides a simple yet highly effective arrangement for mounting a speaker onto a speaker cover and installing the speaker cover in position. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope 5 of the embodiments described. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprises" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 15

Claims (18)

1. A cover for an opening, the cover comprising: a clip structure for mounting a body with respect to an opening in a surface, the clip structure comprising a mounting clip and a locking means; the mounting clip being adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position to facilitate passage of the clip structure through the opening; a securing means comprising one or more securing clips, the one or more securing clips having a retaining portion which is adapted for resilient deflection away from a central region of the body as an object is positioned onto the body, before returning to a retaining position, so that a region or end of the retaining portion retains the object with respect to the body; wherein the locking means releasably locks the mounting clip in the second position, the locking means being adapted to release the mounting clip during installation of the cover whereupon release the mounting clip moves toward the first position to hold the body in an installed position.

2. The cover according to claim I wherein the locking means releases the mounting clip as the clip structure passes through the opening, allowing the mounting clip to move towards the first position.

3. The cover according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the mounting clip is resiliently deflected inwardly from the first position to the second position.

4. The cover according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the clip structure is retained on the underside of the cover,

5. The cover according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the clip structure is formed integral with the cover.

6. The cover according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4.or 5 wherein the cover further comprises a securing means to retain an object, such as a speaker, with respect to the body.

7. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more securing clips is mounted on the inner side of the body such that at least the 16 region or end of the retaining portion extends inwardly whereby during positioning of the object onto the body at least the region or end is engaged by the object causing the retaining portion to deflect away from the central region.

8. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the object is retained to be in engagement on the inner side of the body.

9. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting clip provides a surface inclined outwardly to extend away from the body from the inner side thereof, the inclined surface being adapted to engage a surface adjacent to, or an edge of the opening when the body is mounted with respect thereto. 1O.The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking means is in the form of at least one latch adapted to releasably lock the mounting clip in its second position when it is deflected thereto.

11.The cover according to claim 10 wherein the at least one latch is in the form of a hook projection extending from an at least one arm, the at least one arm extends downwardly towards the body, but away from the central region of the body.

12. The cover according to claim 11 wherein the hook projection engages an edge incorporated in the mounting clip to hold the mounting clip in the second position. 13,The cover according to claim 10 wherein the at least one latch is in the form of an at least one hook projection incorporated in the mounting clip wherein the hook projection latches onto an edge incorporated in at least one resilient arm as the mounting clip moves to its second position.

14.The cover according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the at least one arm engages the surface which incorporates the opening as the speaker cover passes through the opening whereby the at least one arm is deflected inwardly allowing the hook to disengage to allow the mounting clip to move towards its first position and retain the speaker cover in the opening.

15. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the clip structure also comprises a first clip adapted to resiliently locate against the peripheral surface, a first surface or edge of the panel. 17

16.The cover according to claim 15 wherein the at least one arm provides the first clip.

17.The cover according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting clip is adapted to resiliently locate either against a second surface immediately adjacent the junction between the second surface and a peripheral surface defining the opening, or the junction itself.

18.The cover according to any one of claims 6 to 17 wherein the clip structure and securing means are integral to form a single mounting clip structure.

19. The cover according to any one of claims 6 to 17 wherein the securing means is incorporated in the cover. 20, The cover according to claim 17 wherein the securing means is located around the periphery of the portion of the cover which is to receive the object.

21.The cover according to any one of claims 6 to 20 wherein the object is a speaker having a mounting flange. 18