AU2020239628A1 - Sheet Connector - Google Patents

Sheet Connector Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2020239628A1
AU2020239628A1 AU2020239628A AU2020239628A AU2020239628A1 AU 2020239628 A1 AU2020239628 A1 AU 2020239628A1 AU 2020239628 A AU2020239628 A AU 2020239628A AU 2020239628 A AU2020239628 A AU 2020239628A AU 2020239628 A1 AU2020239628 A1 AU 2020239628A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
flange
base element
base
web
sheet connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
AU2020239628A
Inventor
Kenneth Michael John KENNEDY
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2019903487A external-priority patent/AU2019903487A0/en
Application filed by Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd filed Critical Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd
Publication of AU2020239628A1 publication Critical patent/AU2020239628A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/241—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction
    • E04B9/242—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction with separate retaining elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/245—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto by means of screws, bolts or clamping strips held against the underside of the supporting construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/26—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto by means of snap action of elastically deformable elements held against the underside of the supporting construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F13/00—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings
    • E04F13/07—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor
    • E04F13/08—Coverings or linings, e.g. for walls or ceilings composed of covering or lining elements; Sub-structures therefor; Fastening means therefor composed of a plurality of similar covering or lining elements
    • E04F13/0801—Separate fastening elements
    • E04F13/0832—Separate fastening elements without load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
    • E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
    • E04F2201/0517—U- or C-shaped brackets and clamps

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)
  • Slide Fasteners, Snap Fasteners, And Hook Fasteners (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edges of the abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures. 7/7 /33/0 322 Fig. 11

Description

7/7
/33/0
322
Fig. 11
SHEETCONNECTOR TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to building products and, more particularly although not exclusively, to accessories for the installation of panels.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Flat sheets of material are commonly used in the building industry, for example for both interior and exterior wall cladding and for suspended ceilings. For non-plaster sheeting, the joint between abutting sheets of panelling is typically finished by a cover strip. Cover strips, such as shown in figure 1, are well known in the art and typically comprise an integral polymer extrusion forming a base flange from which extends a central riser of a height commensurate with the thickness of the sheets to be joined, and a cover strip proper, parallel with the base flange and extending outward from the riser, to form two opposing slots.
[0003] In use, a cover strip of the prior art is installed along the edge of an already installed panel by sliding the strip over the edge with the base flange over the rear of the panel and cover strip over the exposed side of the sheet, so that the sheet edge is then nested in one of the slots. The abutting sheet is then slid into the opposing slot with the edges of the two sheets butting against the central riser.
[0004] While these strips can provide a neat finish to the joint between abutting sheets, the installation is often frustratingly difficult. Any distortion in outer edge of the cover strip, either as a result of imperfect extrusion, or induced by local factors, can cause the slots to not easily accept insertion of a sheet edge, as shown in figure 1A for example. This is particularly so when trying to slide the abutting sheet into an already installed strip. The task can be particularly difficult if the abutting sheet is that of a ceiling and a relatively heavy panel has to be manhandled into position.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.
Notes
[0006] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of'.
[0007] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, in a broad from of the invention, there is provided a method of securing an edge portion of a first substantially planar sheet in abutting planar relationship to an edge portion of a second substantially planar sheet; said method comprising steps of:
- securing a base element to a supporting structure; and securing the base element against the edge portion of the first sheet;
- supporting the edge portion of the second sheet against the base element;
- securing a cover element to the base element so as to secure the edge portions of the first sheet with respect to the base element and secure the edge portion of the second sheet with respect to the base element; whereby at least the edge portions of the first sheet and the second sheet are maintained in abutting planar relationship and are secured to the supporting structure.
[0009] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures, and wherein the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures is of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs.
[00010] Preferably, the base element and the cover element are formed as elongate strips of extruded polymer material.
[00011] Preferably, the base element comprises a base flange and a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of the base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs.
[00012] Preferably, a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange.
[00013] Preferably, spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange is substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
[00014] Preferably, an inward facing side of the second web is formed with at least one serration.
[00015] Preferably, the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface; the first sloping surface defining an acute angle with an outer surface of the second web.
[00016] Preferably, the second surface defines an approximate right angle with the outer surface of the second web.
[00017] Preferably, the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
[00018] Preferably, a first side of the central web is provided with at least one serration.
[00019] Preferably, the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface; the first sloping surface defining an acute angle with an outer surface of the central web.
[00020] Preferably, the second surface defines an approximate right angle with a second side of the central web.
[00021] Preferably, the acute angles and the approximate right angles of the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are identical; the serrations formed so that the serrations of the base element mesh with the serrations of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
[00022] Preferably, dimensions of the central slot structure of the base element and the central web of the cover element are such that second side of the web of the cover element is in close sliding contact with an inner surface of the first web of the base element when the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are meshed together.
[00023] Preferably, dimensions of the serrations and the acute angles of surfaces of the serrations are such as to allow the central web of the cover element to be inserted into the slot formed by the webs of the slot structure of the base element as a snap-fit.
[00024] Preferably, an inner surface of the flange of the cover element at one side of the central web is recessed to allow nesting of the retaining flange of the base element; the flange of the cover element extending over the retaining flange.
[00025] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of joining two abutting flat sheets of material; the method including the steps of:
- fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge of a first of the two abutting flat sheets of material; - positioning an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material against an outer surface of a second web of a central slot structure of the base element, - inserting a central web of a cover element into the central slot structure of the base element.
[00026] Preferably, an inner side of the second web of the central slot structure is provided with at least one serration.
[00027] Preferably, one side of the central web of the cover element is provided with at least one serration; the serrations of the base element and of the cover element arranged for meshing together as a snap fit.
[00028] Preferably, an abutting edge of the first of the two abutting flat sheets of material is retained between a base flange and a retaining flange of the base element; the retaining flange extending from a first web of the central slot structure.
[00029] Preferably, an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material is retained between the base flange of the base elements and an inner surface of one side of the flange of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
[00030] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edges of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure; the cover element including a central web; internal retaining structures of the central slot structure engaging with complementary structures of the central web when the sheet connector is assembled.
[00031] Preferably, a retaining flange extends from one web of the central slot structure; spacing between the inner surface of a base flange of the base element and the inner surface of the retaining flange being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material; the retaining flange forming a truncated cover element.
[00032] Preferably, the cover element includes a truncated cover flange and a central web extending from one end of the truncated cover flange; a side of the central web provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
[00033] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a sheet connector between abutting edge portions of sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edge portions of the sheets in a coplanar position.
[00034] Preferably, the cover element separates from the base element.
[00035] Preferably, the base element and the cover element are formed as elongate strips.
[00036] Preferably, the base element and the cover element are formed of extruded polymer material.
[00037] Preferably, the base element and the cover element are formed of extruded metal material.
[00038] Preferably, the base element comprises a base flange and a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of the base flange..
[00039] Preferably, the central slot structure comprises spaced apart first and second webs.
[00040] Preferably, a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange.
[00041] Preferably, spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange is substantially equal to thickness of the abutting edge portions of the sheets.
[00042] Preferably, an inward facing side of the second web is formed with at least one serration.
[00043] Preferably, the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface.
[00044] Preferably, the first sloping surface defines an acute angle with an outer surface of the second web.
[00045] Preferably, the second surface defines an approximate right angle with the outer surface of the second web.
[00046] Preferably, the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
[00047] Preferably, a first side of the central web is provided with at least one serration.
[00048] Preferably, the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface.
[00049] Preferably, the first sloping surface defines an acute angle with an outer surface of the central web.
[00050] Preferably, the second surface defines an approximate right angle with a second side of the central web.
[00051] Preferably, the acute angles and the approximate right angles of the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are identical.
[00052] Preferably, the serrations formed so that the serrations of the base element mesh with the serrations of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
[00053] Preferably, dimensions of the central slot structure of the base element and the central web of the cover element are such that second side of the web of the cover element is in close sliding contact with an inner surface of the first web of the base element when the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are meshed together.
[00054] Preferably, dimensions of the serrations and the acute angles of surfaces of the serrations are such as to allow the central web of the cover element to be inserted into the slot formed by the webs of the slot structure of the base element as a snap-fit.
[00055] Preferably, an inner surface of the cover flange of the cover element at one side of the central web is recessed to allow nesting of the retaining flange of the base element.
[00056] Preferably, the flange of the cover element extending over the retaining flange of the base element.
[00057] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of joining two abutting edge portions of sheets of material; the method including steps of:
- fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge portion of a first of the two sheets of material;
- positioning an abutting edge portion of the second of the two sheets of material to the base element; and wherein the base element comprises a central slot structure formed by spaced apart first and second webs; and wherein the abutting edge portion of the second sheet of material is positioned against an outer surface of the second web;
- assembling a cover element to the base element so as to securely joining the two abutting edge portions of sheets of material by inserting a central web of the cover element into the central slot structure of the base element.
[00058] Preferably, an inner side of the second web of the central slot structure is provided with at least one serration.
[00059] Preferably, one side of the central web of the cover element is provided with at least one serration.
[00060] Preferably, the serrations of the base element and of the cover element arranged for meshing together as a snap fit.
[00061] Preferably, the abutting edge portion of the first of the two sheets of material is retained between a base flange and a retaining flange of the base element; the retaining flange extending from the first web of the central slot structure.
[00062] Preferably, the abutting edge portion of the second of the two sheets of material is retained between the base flange of the base elements and an inner surface of one side of the flange of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
[00063] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a sheet connector between abutting sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edge portions of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure; the cover element including a central web; internal retaining structures of the central slot structure engaging with complementary structures of the central web when the sheet connector is assembled.
[00064] Preferably, a retaining flange extends from one web of the central slot structure of the base element for retaining one of the abutting edge portions between the retaining flange and the base element.
[00065] Preferably, the cover element includes a truncated cover flange and a central web extending from one end of the truncated cover flange.
[00066] Preferably, a side of the central web is provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
[00067] Preferably, the cover element includes a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
[00068] Preferably, the central web is provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
[00069] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprises a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edges of the abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures.
[00070] Preferably, the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange; at least one outer surface of the central web provided with complementary retaining structures for engagement with the retaining structures of the central slot structure.
[00071] Preferably, a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web of the base element to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
[00072] Preferably, the cover element comprises a truncated flange and a web extending from an inner end of the truncated flange; at least one side of the web provided with complementary retaining structures to engage with retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
[00073] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of joining two coplanar abutting flat sheets of material; the method includes the steps of:
- fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge of a first of the two abutting flat sheets of material to position the edge against a first web of a central slot structure of the base element,
- positioning an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material against an outer surface of a second web of the central slot structure of the base element,
- inserting a central web of a cover element into the central slot structure of the base element to secure the flat sheets of material between the base element and the cover element, and
- wherein the base element includes a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures adapted to engage with complementary retaining structures on at least one side of the central web of the cover element; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of a retaining flange of the cover element being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
[00074] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures, and wherein the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures is of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs.
[00075] Accordingly, in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element comprised of a plastics material; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures, and wherein the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures is of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs; thereby to directly support the full weight of one of the abutting flat sheets.
[00076] Preferably, the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange; at least one outer surface of the central web provided with complementary retaining structures for engagement with the retaining structures of the central slot structure.
[00077] Preferably, a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web of the base element to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
[00078] Preferably, the cover element comprises a truncated flange and a web extending from an inner end of the truncated flange; at least one side of the web provided with complementary retaining structures to engage with retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
[00079] Accordingly, further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of joining two coplanar abutting flat sheets of material; the method including the steps of:
fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge of a first of the two abutting flat sheets of material to position the edge against a first web of a central slot structure of the base element,
positioning an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material against an outer surface of a second web of the central slot structure of the base element,
inserting a central web of a cover element into the central slot structure of the base element to secure the flat sheets of material between the base element and the cover element, and
wherein the base element includes a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures adapted to engage with complementary retaining structures on at least one side of the central web of the cover element; the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures being of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of a retaining flange of the cover element being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00080] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[00081] Figures 1 and 1A show an abutting sheet and cover strip installation according to prior art;
[00082] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views respectively of a base element and a cover element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[00083] Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged views of the ends of the base element and cover element of figures 2 and 3;
[00084] Figures 6 and 7 show the sequence of use of the base element and cover element,
[00085] Figures 8 to 11 are sectioned views of further preferred embodiments according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Preferred Embodiment
[00086] With reference to figures 2 to 7 in a preferred embodiment according to the invention, a sheet connector 10 is comprised of a base element 12 and a cover element 14. When assembled together, as shown in figure 7, the base element 12 and the cover element 14 retain edges of abutting flat sheets of material 16 and 18 in a coplanar position, while hiding the joint between the sheets. Each of the base element 12 and the cover element 14 comprise elongate strips of extruded polymer material, and may be formed in lengths and colours to suit particular requirements.
[00087] Turning now particularly to figure 4, base element 12 comprises a base flange 20 and a central slot structure 22 extending from an inner surface 24 of the base flange, and coextensive with the length of the base flange. The central slot structure 22 is formed by spaced apart, first and second webs 26 and 28 respectively. A retaining flange 30 extends outwardly from an outer edge 32 of the central slot structure 22 to form a slot 34 between the inner surface 24 of the base flange 20 and the inner surface 36 of the retaining flange 30.
[00088] As best seen in figures 6 and 7, the spacing between the inner surface 24 of the base flange 20 and the inner surface 36 of the retaining flange 30 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flat sheets of material for which the sheet connector is intended.
[00089] Again with reference to figure 4 and its enlarged section, the inward facing side 38 of the second web 28 is formed with at least one, preferably three serrations 40. The, or each of these serrations has a first sloping surface 42 defining an acute angle with the outer surface 44 of the second web, with the surface sloping towards the inner surface 24 of the base flange 20. The second surface 46 of the or each serration, forms approximately a right angle with the outer surface 44.
[00090] With reference now to figure 5, the cover element 14, comprises a cover flange 50 and a central web 52 extending from an inner surface 54 of the cover flange. A first side 56 of the central web 52 is provided with a matching number of serrations 58 to those of the base element 12 described above. As for the serrations 40 of the base element 12, the serrations 58 of the central web 52 of the cover element 14 are likewise provided with identical sloping surfaces and surfaces substantially at right angles, in this instance at right angles to the second side 60 of the central web.
[00091] It can be seen from figure 7, that the dimensions of the central slot structure 22 of the base element 12 and of the central web 52 of the cover element 14, are such that the second side 60 of the central web is in close sliding contact with the inner surface 62 of the first web 26 of the central slot structure 22. Moreover, the dimensions of the respective serrations 40 and 58, and the flexibility of the central slot structure 22, allows the central web 52 to be inserted into the central slot structure as a snap-fit, locking the cover element to the base element.
[00092] When so inserted, as shown in figure 7, the cover element provides support for the edge of the second 18 of the two abutting flat sheets of material. Referring to figures 5 and 7, it can be seen that the inner surface 64 at one side of the central web 52 of the cover element 14 is provided with a recess 66 to allow nesting of the retaining flange 30 of the base element 12 when the cover element is assembled to the base element, with the cover element extending over the retaining flange.
[00093] It may be noted, that it is important that the cover element 14 is securely locked to the base element 12. This is particularly so in a typical application of the invention in which the adjoining panels are suspended, such as the sheeting under the eaves of a building where the abutting one of the panels, typically of fibre cement, is at least partly supported by the flange 54 of the cover element. For this reason, the web 28 of the second web 28 of the central slot structure 22 is considerably thicker than that of the first web 26.
Second Preferred Embodiment
[00094] In this second preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to figure 8, a sheet connector 100 again comprises a base element 112 and cover element 114. In this embodiment, the base element 112 also includes a base flange 120 and a central slot structure 122. Slot structure 122 similarly comprises opposing spaced apart first and second webs 126 and 128 but in this embodiment there is no retaining flange and, preferably, the two webs are mirror images of each other with the inner surfaces of the webs provided with retaining structures, preferably in the form of serrations 140 as described for the first preferred embodiment above.
[00095] The cover element 114 includes a cover flange 150 and a central web 152, which in this embodiment is provided with serrations 158 on each side of the web matching those of the central slot structure 122, such that when the central web 152 is inserted into the central slot structure 122, abutting sheet edges are retained between the base flange and the cover flange.
[00096] Although in a preferred form of the second embodiment, both webs of the central slot structure of the base element and both side of the central web of the cover element are provided with serrations, in an alternative arrangement, only one web and one side respectively may be so provided.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[00097] In this third preferred embodiment with reference now to figures 9 and 10, a sheet connector 200 again comprises a base element 212 and a cover element 214. In this instance the base element 212 is similar to the base element of the first preferred embodiment described above in that a retaining flange 230 extends from a lower end of a web (in figure 9 first web 226) of the central slot structure 222 to form a sheet retaining slot 234. The inner surface of the opposing web 228 of the central slot structure is provided with serrations 246, similar to those of the two preceding embodiments. In this embodiment, retaining flange 230 is shaped at its underside to form one half of a cover element.
[00098] The cover element 214 in this embodiment comprises of a truncated cover element 250, matching that of the retaining flange 230. A web 252 extends from the inner end of cover element 250 and is provided with serrations 258 matching those of the central slot structure, allowing the cover element 214 to form a second retaining slot 234A when assembled to base element 212 as shown in figure 10.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[00099] In yet a fourth preferred embodiment according to the invention and with reference now to figure 11, a sheet connector 300 is again comprised of a base element 312 and a cover element 314. Similar to the previous embodiments above, the base element 312 is provided with a central slot structure 322, while the cover element 314 includes a central web 352.
[000100] In this embodiment however, the internal surfaces of the central slot structure are not provide with derations but with at least two arcuate opposing recesses 340. The opposing sides of the central web 352 of the cover element, are shaped with complementary projections 346 so as to securely retain the central web of the cover element when it is inserted into the central slot of the base element.
[000101] Preferably, in each of the above embodiments, both the base element and the cover element comprise elongate extrusions of a suitable polymer material. Suitable polymer material include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, nylon (polyamides), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate.
In Use
[000102] In use, in the case of the first preferred embodiment, the base element 12 of the sheet connector 10 is assembled to a first sheet 16 of the two abutting flat sheets of material by sliding the slot 34 formed between the inside surface 24 of the base flange 20 and the inner surface 36 of the retaining flange 30 over the edge 68 of the first sheet 16. This may be done before or after this first sheet is fixed to supporting battens, or other supporting substructure 70. Once this first sheet is in its final position and the base element 12 has been assembled to the abutting edge 68, the next sheet 18 is simply brought into the abutting position shown in figure 6 and secured to the supporting substructure 70. The central web 52 of the cover element 14 is then pushed into the central slot structure of the base element 12 to retain the abutting edges of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position and neatly hiding the joint between the two sheets.
[000103] In the case of the second embodiment, the base element 112 is positioned relative a first sheet already fixed in position by sliding one side flange of the base element over the rear of the sheet with the central slot structure against the edge of the sheet. The second abutting sheet is then fixed into position to butt against the central slot structure and the central web 152 of the cover element 114 pushed into the central slot to assemble the two components together, thus covering the joint between the sheets.
[000104] For the fourth embodiment, the process is identical to that of the second, while for the third embodiment the process is similar to that of the first embodiment. That is the base element may be preassembled to a first sheet prior to fixing the sheet into position by fitting the retaining slot 234 over the edge of the sheet. Once in position, the second sheet is placed in position abutting the central slot structure 222 and the cover element assembled to complete a cover strip over the joint.

Claims (67)

1. A sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edges of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position.
2. The sheet connector of claim 1 wherein the base element and the cover element are formed as elongate strips of extruded polymer material.
3. The sheet connector of claim 1 or 2 wherein the base element comprises a base flange and a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of the base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs.
4. The sheet connector of claim 3 wherein a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange.
5. The sheet connector of claim 4 wherein spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange is substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
6. The sheet connector of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein an inward facing side of the second web is formed with at least one serration.
7. The sheet connector of claim 6 wherein the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface; the first sloping surface defining an acute angle with an outer surface of the second web.
8. The sheet connector of any one of claims 6 or 7 wherein the second surface defines an approximate right angle with the outer surface of the second web.
9. The sheet connector of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
10. The sheet connector of claim 9 wherein a first side of the central web is provided with at least one serration.
11. The sheet connector of claim 9 wherein the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface; the first sloping surface defining an acute angle with an outer surface of the central web.
12. The sheet connector of claim 10 or 11 wherein the second surface defines an approximate right angle with a second side of the central web.
13. The sheet connector of any previous claim wherein the acute angles and the approximate right angles of the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are identical; the serrations formed so that the serrations of the base element mesh with the serrations of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
14. The sheet connector of claim 13 wherein dimensions of the central slot structure of the base element and the central web of the cover element are such that second side of the web of the cover element is in close sliding contact with an inner surface of the first web of the base element when the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are meshed together.
15. The sheet connector of claim 13 wherein dimensions of the serrations and the acute angles of surfaces of the serrations are such as to allow the central web of the cover element to be inserted into the slot formed by the webs of the slot structure of the base element as a snap-fit.
16. The sheet connector of any previous claim wherein an inner surface of the flange of the cover element at one side of the central web is recessed to allow nesting of the retaining flange of the base element; the flange of the cover element extending over the retaining flange.
17. A method of joining two abutting flat sheets of material; the method including the steps of:
- fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge of a first of the two abutting flat sheets
of material; - positioning an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material against an outer surface of a second web of a central slot structure of the base element, - inserting a central web of a cover element into the central slot structure of the base element.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein an inner side of the second web of the central slot structure is provided with at least one serration.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18 wherein one side of the central web of the cover element is provided with at least one serration; the serrations of the base element and of the cover element arranged for meshing together as a snap fit.
20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein an abutting edge of the first of the two abutting flat sheets of material is retained between a base flange and a retaining flange of the base element; the retaining flange extending from a first web of the central slot structure.
21. The method of anyone of claims 17 to 20 wherein an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material is retained between the base flange of the base elements and an inner surface of one side of the flange of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
22. A sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edges of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure; the cover element including a central web; internal retaining structures of the central slot structure engaging with complementary structures of the central web when the sheet connector is assembled.
23. The sheet connector of claim 22 wherein a retaining flange extends from one web of the central slot structure; spacing between the inner surface of a base flange of the base element and the inner surface of the retaining flange being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material; the retaining flange forming a truncated cover element.
24. The sheet connector of claim 23 wherein the cover element includes a truncated cover flange and a central web extending from one end of the truncated cover flange; a side of the central web provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
25. A sheet connector between abutting edge portions of sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edge portions of the sheets in a coplanar position.
26. The sheet connector of claim 25 wherein the cover element separates from the base element.
27. The sheet connector of claim 25 or 26 wherein the base element and the cover element are formed as elongate strips.
28. The sheet connector of any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the base element and the cover element are formed of extruded polymer material.
29. The sheet connector of any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the base element and the cover element are formed of extruded metal material.
30. The sheet connector of any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein the base element comprises a base flange and a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of the base flange..
31. The sheet connector of claim 30 wherein the central slot structure comprises spaced apart first and second webs.
32. The sheet connector of claim 30 or 31 wherein a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange.
33. The sheet connector of claim 32 wherein spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange is substantially equal to thickness of the abutting edge portions of the sheets.
34. The sheet connector of any one of claims 30 to 33 wherein an inward facing side of the second web is formed with at least one serration.
35. The sheet connector of claim 34 wherein the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface.
36. The sheet connector of claim 35 wherein the first sloping surface defines an acute angle with an outer surface of the second web.
37. The sheet connector of any one of claims 35 or 36 wherein the second surface defines an approximate right angle with the outer surface of the second web.
38. The sheet connector of any one of claims 25 to 37 wherein the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
39. The sheet connector of claim 38 wherein a first side of the central web is provided with at least one serration.
40. The sheet connector of claim 39 wherein the or each of the serrations has a first sloping surface and a second surface.
41. The sheet connector of claim 40 wherein the first sloping surface defines an acute angle with an outer surface of the central web.
42. The sheet connector of claim 40 or 41 wherein the second surface defines an approximate right angle with a second side of the central web.
43. The sheet connector of any one of claims 36 to 42 wherein the acute angles and the approximate right angles of the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are identical.
44. The sheet connector of claim 43 wherein the serrations formed so that the serrations of the base element mesh with the serrations of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
45. The sheet connector of claim 44 wherein dimensions of the central slot structure of the base element and the central web of the cover element are such that second side of the web of the cover element is in close sliding contact with an inner surface of the first web of the base element when the serrations of the base element and of the cover element are meshed together.
46. The sheet connector of claim 44 or 45 wherein dimensions of the serrations and the acute angles of surfaces of the serrations are such as to allow the central web of the cover element to be inserted into the slot formed by the webs of the slot structure of the base element as a snap-fit.
47. The sheet connector of any one of claims 38 to 46 wherein an inner surface of the cover flange of the cover element at one side of the central web is recessed to allow nesting of the retaining flange of the base element.
48. The sheet connector of claim 47 wherein the flange of the cover element extending over the retaining flange of the base element.
49. A method of joining two abutting edge portions of sheets of material; the method including steps of:
- fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge portion of a first of the two sheets of material; - positioning an abutting edge portion of the second of the two sheets of material to the base element; and wherein the base element comprises a central slot structure formed by spaced apart first and second webs; and wherein the abutting edge portion of the second sheet of material is positioned against an outer surface of the second web; - assembling a cover element to the base element so as to securely joining the two abutting edge portions of sheets of material by inserting a central web of the cover element into the central slot structure of the base element.
50. The method of claim 49 wherein an inner side of the second web of the central slot structure is provided with at least one serration.
51. The method of claim 49 or 50 wherein one side of the central web of the cover element is provided with at least one serration.
52. The method of claim 51 wherein the serrations of the base element and of the cover element arranged for meshing together as a snap fit.
53. The method of any one of claims 49 to 52 wherein the abutting edge portion of the first of the two sheets of material is retained between a base flange and a retaining flange of the base element; the retaining flange extending from the first web of the central slot structure.
54. The method of any one of claims 49 to 53 wherein the abutting edge portion of the second of the two sheets of material is retained between the base flange of the base elements and an inner surface of one side of the flange of the cover element when the cover element is assembled to the base element.
55. A sheet connector between abutting sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting edge portions of the abutting sheets in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure; the cover element including a central web; internal retaining structures of the central slot structure engaging with complementary structures of the central web when the sheet connector is assembled.
56. The sheet connector of claim 55 wherein a retaining flange extends from one web of the central slot structure of the base element for retaining one of the abutting edge portions between the retaining flange and the base element.
57. The sheet connector of claim 56 wherein the cover element includes a truncated cover flange and a central web extending from one end of the truncated cover flange.
58. The sheet connector of claim 57 wherein a side of the central web is provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
59. The sheet connector of claim 55 wherein the cover element includes a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange.
60. The sheet connector of claim 59 wherein the central web is provided with retaining structures complementary to retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
61. A method of securing an edge portion of a first substantially planar sheet in abutting planar relationship to an edge portion of a second substantially planar sheet; said method comprising steps of:
- securing a base element to a supporting structure; and securing the base element against the edge portion of the first sheet; - supporting the edge portion of the second sheet against the base element; - securing a cover element to the base element so as to secure the edge portions of the first sheet with respect to the base element and secure the edge portion of the second sheet with respect to the base element; whereby at least the edge portions of the first sheet and the second sheet are maintained in abutting planar relationship and are secured to the supporting structure.
62. A sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures, and wherein the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures is of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs.
63. A sheet connector between abutting flat sheets of material; the sheet connector comprising a base element and a separate cover element; the base element and the cover element comprised of a plastics material; the base element and the cover element combining when assembled to retain abutting flat sheets of material in a coplanar position; the base element including a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures, and wherein the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures is of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs; thereby to directly support the full weight of one of the abutting flat sheets.
64. The sheet connector of claim 62 or 63, wherein the cover element comprises a cover flange and a central web extending from an inner surface of the cover flange; at least one outer surface of the central web provided with complementary retaining structures for engagement with the retaining structures of the central slot structure.
65. The sheet connector of claim 62 or 63, wherein a retaining flange extends outwardly from an outer edge of the first web of the base element to form a slot between the inner surface of the base flange and an inner surface of the retaining flange; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of the retaining flange being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
66. The sheet connector of claim 65, wherein the cover element comprises a truncated flange and a web extending from an inner end of the truncated flange; at least one side of the web provided with complementary retaining structures to engage with retaining structures of the central slot structure of the base element.
67. A method of joining two coplanar abutting flat sheets of material; the method including the steps of: fitting a base element of a sheet connector to an edge of a first of the two abutting flat sheets of material to position the edge against a first web of a central slot structure of the base element, positioning an abutting edge of the second of the two abutting flat sheets of material against an outer surface of a second web of the central slot structure of the base element, inserting a central web of a cover element into the central slot structure of the base element to secure the flat sheets of material between the base element and the cover element, and wherein the base element includes a central slot structure extending from an inner surface of a base flange; the central slot structure comprising spaced apart first and second webs; at least one of the spaced apart first and second webs provided on an inner surface with retaining structures adapted to engage with complementary retaining structures on at least one side of the central web of the cover element; the one of the spaced apart first and second webs with the retaining structures being of greater thickness that the other of the spaced apart first and second webs; spacing between the inner surface of the base flange and the inner surface of a retaining flange of the cover element being substantially equal to thickness of the abutting flat sheets of material.
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