AU2013273932B2

AU2013273932B2 - Pipe clips and brackets therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2013273932B2
Application number: AU2013273932A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Geoffrey Anderson; Mathew PEART
Original assignee: Abey Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Abey Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-15
Filing date: 2013-06-14
Publication date: 2017-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-14
Also published as: AU2013273932A1; WO2013185182A1

Abstract

A clip or support means (200) includes a hollow body member (201), that body member having opposed spaced-apart ends forming a passage (204) with an arm member (202, 203) extending from each of said spaced-apart ends, each arm member (202, 203) terminating in a flange (205), and with the body member (206) having at least one region of reduced rigidity. There is also provided a bracket (10) which, in use, allows for the clip or support means (200) to be releasably affixed in place relative to a given surface.

Description

PIPE CLIPS AND BRACKETS THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general terms, to an improved method and means for receiving, releasably retaining and supporting ducting, piping, tubing or the like relative to a given surface. Throughout the ensuing specification reference will be made to especially preferred embodiments of the present invention, intended to assist in the disposition and retention of a water pipe or the like, be it constructed of metal, plastics material or otherwise, in a substantially fixed position relative to a given surface, be that a wall, ceiling, roof or other surface of a building or the like. It should be understood, however, that such represent mere preferred embodiments of or a particular and preferred usage for the method and means in accordance with the present invention. The invention is not under any circumstances to be considered to be limited to any preferred embodiment or embodiments, or particular context of usage, described in detail hereinafter. In fact the method and means in accordance with the present invention lends itself readily to usage in a variety of different contexts, indeed in any context wherein any form of piping, ducting, tubing or the like - for carrying a liquid or a fluid - is intended in use to be suspended from or in juxtaposition to a surface of, or disposed within a given area of, a building or the like structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] What shall hereinafter be referred to in general terms as pipe clips, whether constructed wholly or principally of metal or of plastics material, have been in use for a significant period of time for purposes of attaching and/or locating piping, tubing, ducting or the like to or in the vicinity of walls, ceilings or other surfaces of a bui lding or the like structure. In one known arrangement such a pipe clip includes opposed clip body halves which are adapted to be joined together to surround the piping, tubing, ducting or the like. Another known arrangement includes a pipe clip in which the clip body is formed of a single part which is. in use, adapted to be bent in order to be located around piping, tubing' ducting or the like and then bent again in order to surround such. With clips of this general type a fastening means is usually utilised for purposes of joining together either the opposed clip body halves or the free ends of the one-piece type clip, such fastening members being in the form of a threaded rod or threaded bolt with a nut or the like associated therewith.

[0003] Arrangements such as those as referred to in the preceding paragraph, despite being in common use, have been found to suffer from the drawback/disadvantage of being somewhat difficult to actually install in place, and/or remove or replace relative to a wall, roof ceiling or the like of a building or the like structure. In one particular known arrangement the practice is for a bracket or the like member to be first installed at the appropriate or desired position or positions on the wall, roof, ceiling or the like surface, such bracket in use intended to co-operate with the clip and to allow for piping, tubing or ducting to be disposed at a preferred and/or predetermined spacing from the given surface. With such an arrangement, once the bracket is in place it then becomes necessary for the installer to hold the relevant piping, tubing or ducting in place and to attempt to locate the clip therearound, and thereafter affix the clip in place relative to the bracket per medium of a screw or bolt and associated nut or the like member. When one considers that in some circumstances the installer, as for example a plumber or the like tradesman, or even the home owner, will be operating within an enclosed/confmed space, there is a degree of difficulty associated with installation of pipe clips of the aforementioned type. Sometimes a tool, as for example a screw driver or the like, will be required in order to arrange for correct installation of the nut and associated screw or bolt. When one person is working alone, the degree of difficulty increases. Again, when working in confined spaces the need to use a tool increases the degree of difficulty of installation. This is especially the case for pipes of a larger diameter, which will require a more rigid clip for affixing in place.

[0004] When such a rigid clip is being used or is to be used, it has been found that the degree of difficulty in installing or removing such a clip increases, due to the very rigidity of the clip itself. To be more specific, it has been found to be difficult for a single person to manually apply the pressure/load needed to bring the opposed free ends of the one-piece type clip close enough together to allow for either installation of the aforementioned fastening members or, in the alternative, loosening thereof. Indeed experience has revealed that, especially for larger-sized and more rigid clips, it’s almost invariably necessary for the installer to use a suitable tool, as for example, a set of pliers or pincers, to allow for the two free ends to be brought into juxtaposition.

[0005] The present invention seeks to overcome the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing a means for assisting in location of piping, ducting, tubing or the like relative to a given surface which does not rely on a threaded means, such as a screw and associated bolt or the like. The arrangements in accordance with the present invention can be utilised by a single person, without the need for ancillary tooling.

[0006] The invention relates to a clip member which is adapted, in use, to assist in/allow for location of ducting, piping, tubing or the like relative to a given surface.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a clip or support means for piping/tubing/ducting or the like, adapted in use to allow for said piping/tubing/ducting or the like to be releasably retained relative to a wall, ceiling, roof or the like surface of a building or the like structure, at a preferred or predetermined spa.cing therefrom, said clip or support means including: a hollow member of a crosssectional shape which is substantially complementary to that of said piping/tubing/ducting or the like, said hollow member having opposed, spaced- apart ends forming an opening to allow for positioning thereof around said piping/tubing/ducting or the like, said hollow member further including an arm member extending from each of said spaced-apart ends, wherein each of said arm members includes, at the free end thereof, a flange, the arrangement being , such that said hollow member, at or in the vicinity of each arm member, includes a section of lesser rigidity.

[0008] In accordance with the invention there is also provided a bracket which is adapted, in use, to be releasably co-operable with a pipe clip of the aforementioned type, said bracket being of a unitary construction and including: a first centrally disposed elongate member having opposed apertures therein; and an extension member extending from opposed ends of said elongate member and at an angle to the plane of said elongate member, each said extension member including a longitudinal slot extending along at least part of the length dimension thereof, and wherein each extensi on member includes a plurality of lines of weakening, at spaced apart locations along the length dimension thereof and extending at least partially along the width or lateral dimension thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of an adjustable support means in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a clip member in accordance with the invention, for use with a bracket in accordance with the invention; [0011] FIG.2 is a further perspective view of the clip member of FIG. 1; [0012] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention; [0013] FIG.4 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket of FIG.3; [0014] FIG.5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention; [0015] FIG.6 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket of FIG.5; [0016] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the present invention; ' [0017] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 7; [0018] FIG.9 is a bottom perspective view showing the bracket of FIGS. 3 and 4 in co-operation with a clip member of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0019] FIG. 10 is a view, similar to FIG.9, but showing the bracket of FIGS. 5 and 6 in co-operation with a clip member of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0020] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view showing the bracket of FIGS.7 and 8 in co-operation with a clip member of FIGS. 1 and 2; [0021] FIGS. 12 and 13 are respective bottom and top perspective views of another embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention; [0022] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of bracket in accordance with the invention; [0023] FIG. 15 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 14; [0024] FIG. 16 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 14; [0025] FIG. 17 is an end view of the bracket of FIG. 14; [0026] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention; [0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 18; [0028] FIG.20 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 18; [0029] FIG.21 is an end view of the bracket of FIG.18; [0030] FIG.22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clip member in accordance with the invention; [0031] FIG.23 is a top view of the clip member of FIG.22; [0032] FIG.24 is a side view of the clip member of FIG.22; and

[0033] FIG.25 is an edge view of the clip member of FIG.22 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a clip member, generally designated 1, to be used for attaching/fixing piping, tubing or ducting to or in the vicinity of a wall, ceiling or other support surface of a building or the like structure. The clip member 1 includes a substantially annular clip body 2 which can be made of any suitable material, as for example a metal or a plastics material. The clip member 1 further includes opposed clip body ends 3 and 4 which extend substantially normal to the free ends of the annular clip body 2, the clip body ends 3 and 4 providing therebetween a passage 5. In use the clip body ends 3 and 4 may be separated to the extent needed to allow for passing of piping, tubing or ducting, via the passage 5, into the clip body 2, the ends 3 and 4 then being returned to the position shown in the drawings to engage the piping, tubing or ducting.

[0035] At the free edge or end of each clip body end 3, 4 there is provided a shaped flange 6, for a purpose to be described in more detail later in this specification. The clip member 1 is a unitary member which may be formed in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, as for example stamping or pressing.

[0036] Turning then to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracket 10 shown therein is one preferred embodiment of a bracket which, in use, co-operates with the clip member 1 in order to releasably affix a piping, tubing or ducting in place relative to a wall, ceiling or other surface (not shown). The bracket 10 is adapted, in use, to be fixedly yet removably located relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The bracket 10 includes a central elongate member 11 having a wing member 12 depending from each end thereof. The wing members 12 may include an aperture 13 for recei ving a fixing means, as for example a screw, bolt, rivet or the like, to affix the overall bracket in place relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The central elongate member 11 of the bracket 10 includes at least one, and preferably two, spaced apart apertures 14. In the preferred embodiment illustrates the apertures 14 are substantially parallelepiped in cross-section.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown therein a clip member 1 and bracket 10 in the in-use configuration. In use, the bracket 10 is firstly fixed to the wall, ceiling or the like surface, using any suitable means and in any suitable a manner. The installer, generally a plumber or the like tradesman, then need only manually apply pressure inwardly to the clip body 2, which results in movement of the clip body ends 3 and 4 in a direction towards one another, to allow the flanges 5 to pass through the apertures 14 of the bracket 10. Relaxation of pressure on the clip body 2 then allows the clip body ends 3 and 4 to return to their “normal” position, wherein the flanges 5 come into contact/engagement with the under surface of the central elongate member 11 of the bracket 10, to retain the clip member 1, and piping, tubing or ducting associated therewith, relative to the bracket 10 and as a consequence, the wall, ceiling or the like surface to which the bracket 10 is fixed.

[0038] In the instance of it being required, for whatever reason, to release the piping, tubing or ducting - as for example for replacement or repair - such can be readily achieved by the application of sideways pressure to the clip body 2 to release the flanges from engagement with the under surface of the bracket 10, to allow for separation of clip member 1 (and piping, tubing or ducting) from the bracket 10.

[0039] With regard now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bracket 20 shown therein is another variant of a bracket intended, in use, to co-operate with the clip member 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Such bracket 20 includes an elongate central section 21. At one end of section 21, and depending substantially normal thereto, is a first flange 22 which, in the preferred embodiment shown, is of a tetrahedral shape and has an aperture 23 disposed substantially centrally thereof and extending therethough. At the other end of the section 21 is a further flange 24 which, in the preferred embodiment shown, is of a substantially parallelepiped shape and has at least one and preferably two, apertures 25 therein. Preferably the or each aperture 25 is substantially parallelepiped in cross-section. .

[0040] Moving then to FIG. 10, there is shown therein a clip member 1 and bracket 20 in the in-use configuration. As with the bracket 10, with this . embodiment the same procedure is utilized to bring the clip member 1 into cooperation with the bracket 20. The application of sideways pressure to the clip body 2 allows the clip body ends 3 and 4 to be located within and through the apertures 25 of the bracket 20. Relaxation of that pressure restores the clip body ends 3 and 4 to their “normal” location, to allow the flanges of the clip member 1 to be in engagement with the under surface of the central section 21 of the bracket 20. This combination of clip member 1 and bracket 20 functions in like manner to clip member 1 and bracket 10, as previously described.

[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a further preferred embodiment or variant of a bracket, generally designated 30. Bracket 30 includes a shank or arm member 31 which, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, includes a plurality of apertures 32 at spaced-apart positions along the length thereof. It should be understood that the length of the arm member 31, and the number of apertures 32 appearing therein, are not of the essence of the invention and the length of the arm member 31 can vary, from bracket to bracket, dependent upon the desired spacing for the piping, tubing or ducting from the wall, ceiling, roof or the like surface. In use the shank 31 is adapted to be disposed, to a given depth, within for example courses of mortar or the like of, for example, a brick wall or the like, with the free end 33 of shank 31 disposed inwardly of the wall. Extending or depending at an angle downwardly from the shank 31 is an intermediate section 34 shown depending from the section 34 at an angle thereto, and substantially normally to the plane of the shank 31, is an end section 35 which, in like manner to brackets 10 and 20, includes at least one, and preferably two, spaced-apart apertures 36.

[0042] The bracket 30 functions in like manner to brackets 10 and 20.

In use the flanges 5 of a clip member 1 are in engagement with the under surface of the end section 35, to prevent unwanted separation of clip member 1, with associated pipes, tubing or ducting, from bracket 30.

[0043] Turning then to FIGS. 12 and 13, the bracket 40 shown therein . is another preferred embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention which, in use, co-operates with the clip member 1 in order to releasably affix piping, tubing or ducting in place relative to a wall, ceiling or other surface (not shown) of a building or the like structure. The bracket 40 is adapted, in use, to be fixedly yet removably located relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The bracket 40 includes a generally elongate member 41 having an extension member 42 depending from each end thereof and at an angle to the plane of the elongate member 41. The extension members 42 may include a longitudinally extending slot 43 for receiving and releasably retaining a fixing means, as for example a screw, bolt, rivet or the like, to allow the overall bracket 40 to be releasably affixed in place relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The central elongate member 41 of the bracket 40 includes at least one, and preferably two, spaced-apart apertures 44. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the apertures 44 are substantially parallelepiped in cross-section.

[0044] Each extension member 42 preferably includes opposed pairs of laterally extending grooves 45 formed therein and extending across at least a minor part of the lateral dimension thereof. The pairs of grooves 45 are preferably disposed at spaced-apart intervals along at least part of the longitudinal dimension of each extension member 42. Preferably the grooves 45 will be of a substantially triangular or wedge-shape as shown in the drawings.

[0045] In use, a bracket 40 in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention will be firstly fixed to a wall, ceiling or the like surface, using any suitable means and in any suitable a manner. The installer then need only manually apply pressure inwardly to the clip body 2, which results in movement of the clip body ends 3 and 4 in a direction towards one another, to allow the flanges 5 to pass through the apertures 44 of the bracket 40. Relaxation of pressure on the clip body 2 then allows the clip body ends 3 and 4 to return to their “normal” position, wherein the flanges 6 come into contact/engagement with the under surface of the central elongate member 41 of the bracket 40, to retain the clip member 1, and any piping, tubing or ducting associated therewith, relative to the bracket 40 and as a consequence, the wall, ceiling or the like surface to which the bracket 40 is fixed.

[0046] In the instance of it being required, for whatever reason, to release the piping, tubing or ducting - as for example for replacement or repair - such can be readily achieved by the application of sideways pressure to the clip body 2 to, release the flanges from engagement with the under surface of the bracket, to allow for separation of clip member 1 (and associated piping, tubing or ducting) from the bracket 40.

[0047] Turning then to FIGS. 14 to 17, the bracket 50 shown therein is a further preferred embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention which, in use, co-operates with a clip member 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to releasably affix piping, tubing or ducting (not shown) in place relative to a wall, ceiling or other surface (not shown) of a building or the like structure.

The bracket 50 is adapted, in use, to be fixedly yet removably located relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The bracket 50 includes a substantially U-shaped member 51 having an extension member 52 depending from each end thereof and at an angle to the plane of the U-shaped member 51. The extension members 52, in the preferred embodiment shown, are each made up of a first section 53, extending substantially normally to the U-shaped member 51 and having an aperture 54 formed therein (in any known manner and using any known means), an intermediate section 55 depending downwardly at an angle to the first section 53, and an end section 56 including at least one aperture or slot 57 therein.

[0048] The substantially U-shaped member 51 of the bracket 50 includes, on each leg thereof, at least two spaced-apart L-shaped protrusions 58, formed therein in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, as for example in a punching operation.

[0049] Turning then to FIGS. 18 to 20, the bracket 100 shown therein is a further preferred embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention which, in use, co-operates with the clip member 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to releasably affix piping, tubing or ducting in place relative to a wall, ceiling or other surface (not shown) of a building or the like structure. The bracket 100 is adapted, in use, to be fixedly yet removably located relative to a wall, ceiling or the like surface.

[0050] The bracket 100 includes a substantially U-shaped member 101 having an extension member 102 depending from each end thereof and at an angle to the plane of the substantially U-shaped member 101. The extension members 102, in the preferred embodiment shown, are each made up of a first section 103, extending substantially normally to the U-shaped member 101 and having an aperture or slot 104 formed therein (in any known manner and using any known means), an intermediate section 105 depending downwardly at an angle to the first section 103, and an end section 106 including at least one longitudinally extending aperture or shot 107 therein for receiving and releasably retaining a fixing means, as for example a screw, bolt, rivet or the like, to allow the overall bracket 100 to be releasably affixed in place relative to the wall, ceiling or the like surface. The U-shaped member 101 of the bracket 100 includes, on each leg thereof, at least two, spaced-apart L-shaped protrusions 108, formed therein in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, as for example in a punching operation.

[0051] Each extension member 102 preferably includes opposed pairs of laterally extending grooves 109 formed therein and extending across at least a minor part of the lateral dimension thereof. The pairs of grooves 109 are disposed at spaced-apart intervals along at least part of the longitudinal dimension of each extension member 102. Preferably the grooves 109 will be of a substantially triangular or wedge-shape as shown in the drawings.

[0052] In use, a bracket 10, 100 in accordance with the present invention will be firstly fixed to a wall, ceiling or the like surface, using any suitable means and in any suitable manner. The installer then need only manually apply pressure inwardly to the clip body 2, which results in movement of the clip body ends 3 and 4 in a direction towards one another, to allow the clip body ends 3,4, with flange 6, to pass into and through the protrusions 18, 108 of the bracket 10, 100, with movement of clip body ends continuing until such time as they pass through the apertures/slots 14, 104. Relaxation of pressure on the cli p body 2 then allows the clip body ends 3 and 4 to return to their “normal” position, wherein the flanges 6 come into contact/engagement with the under-surface of bracket 10, 100 to retain the clip member 1, and any piping, tubing or ducting associated therewith, relative to the bracket 10, 100 and as a consequence, the wall, ceiling or the like surface to which the bracket 10,100 is fixed.

[0053] FIGS. 22 to 25 inclusive show a clip member, generally designated 200, to be used for attaching/fixing piping, tubing or ducting or the like to or in the vicinity of a wall, ceiling or other support surface of a building or the like structure. The clip member 200 includes a substantially annular clip body 201 which can be made of any suitable material, as for example a metal or a plastics material. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the clip member 200 is intended to be used with, and to support, piping, tubing, ducting or the like which is substantially round/circular. As such, the clip body 201 is of a substantially circular shape as shown in FIGS.22 and 25.

[0054] The clip member 200 further includes opposed clip body ends 202 and 203 which extend substantially normally to the free ends of the annular clip body 20.1, the clip body ends 202 and 203 providing therebetween a passage 204. In use the clip body ends 202 and 203 may be separated to the extent needed to allow for passing of piping, tubing, or the like via the passage 204, into the clip body 201, the ends 202 and 203 then being returned to the position shown in the drawings to engage the piping, tubing, ducting or the like.

[0055] At the free edge or end of each clip body end 202, 203 there is provided a shaped flange 205. The clip member 200 is a unitary member which may be formed in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, as for example by stamping or pressing. Preferably the clip member 200 is constructed from a metallic material, using any suitable method and means. It should be understood, however, that the material of construction does not constitute part of the invention. Indeed in an alternative the clip body 201 may be constructed of a plastics material.

[0056] Whilst known clip members of this general type exhibit constant rigidity around the circumference or periphery thereof, in accordance with the present invention the clip member 200 includes, at or in the vicinity of each end 202, 203 thereof, a section of a different rigidity when compared with the remainder of the clip member 200 itself. In the preferred embodiment illustrated this is achieved by forming the clip member 200, in any known manner, with a discontinuity - as for example a shoulder or the like 206 in the vicinity of each end 202,203 but spaced therefrom. In use the existence of such discontinuity 206 has been found to give rise to a reduction in the pressure/load needed to be applied to the ends 202, 203 of the clip member 200 to bring them together to a sufficient extent as to allow for ready installation or removal of the ducting, piping, tubing or the like, without needing any ancillary tooling. Indeed the average person will be able to apply sufficient finger-pressure to achieve the desired result.

[0057] Brackets of the type shown in the drawings, when compared with the known art, afford to the installer a degree of flexibility not possible with the prior art. In that regard, and dependent on the smoothness or evenness — of the surface with which the piping,' tubing,'ducting or the'likeTs to be associated, a bracket in accordance with the present invention can be readily adapted to suit differing requirements. Dependent upon how far (in distance) the piping, tubing, ducting or the like is to be displaced from the surface, then the effective length of each extension member of a bracket 100 can be varied by bending the or each extension member 102 about the line of weakening provided by the grooves 109 formed therein.

[0058] The combination of clip member and bracket member in accordance with the invention and as described earlier, is simple to install, even by a non-skilled worker. This is especially advantageous when piping, tubing, ducting or the like is required to be located/affixed within confined, hard-to-access locations.

[0059] Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims ,

Claims

1. A clip or support means for piping/tubing/ducting or the like, adapted in use to allow for said piping/tubing/ducting to be releasably retained relative to a wall, ceiling, roof or the like surface, said clip or support means including: a substantially annular hollow body member of a cross-sectional shape which is substantially complementary to that of said piping/tubing/ducting or the like, said hollow body member having opposed, spaced-apart ends forming an opening to allow for positioning of said hollow body member around said piping/tubing/ducting or the like, said hollow body member further including an arm member extending from each of said spaced-apart ends, wherein each of said arm members includes, at the free end thereof, a flange, said hollow body member further including a region or section of lesser rigidity in the form of a shoulder or the like discontinuity formed in said hollow body member in the vicinity of at least one of said spaced-apart ends, but spaced therefrom.

2. The clip or support means as claimed in claim 1, including a region of lesser rigidity in the form of a shoulder or the like discontinuity formed in said hollow body member in the vicinity of each of said spaced-apart ends of said hollow body member, but spaced therefrom.

3. The clip or support means as claimed in claim 1 or 2, constructed from metal or plastics material.

4. A bracket adapted, in use, to be releasably co-operable with the clip or support means as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, said bracket being of a unitary construction and including: a first substantially U-shaped member; and an extension member extending from opposed ends of said U-shaped member and at an angle to the plane of said U-shaped member, each said extension member including a longitudinal slot extending along at least part of the length dimension thereof, and wherein each extension member includes a plurality of lines of weakening, at spaced-apart locations along the length dimension thereof and extending at least partially along the width or lateral dimension thereof and wherein each leg of said U-shaped member includes an opposed pair of protrusions which are adapted, in use, to co-operate with said clip or support means so as to releasably locate said clip or support means relative to said bracket.

5. The bracket as claimed in claim 4, wherein the line of weakening is in the form of opposed pairs of notches or grooves formed in each extension member.

6. The bracket as claimed in claim 4 or 5, constructed from metal.