AU639108B2 - Sub-panel clip - Google Patents

Description

(7 i; i 639108 S F Ref: 182920

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Duff Steel Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd 23-25 Monro Avenue Kirrawee New South Wales 2232

AUSTRALIA

John W. Weickhardt Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Sub-Panel Clip Invention Title: <t r ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION DETAILS [311 Application No(s) [33] Country [32] Application Date PK0460 AU 4 June 1990 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 515!/3 2 SUB-PANEL CLIP FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains to modular office partition panels and more particularly to a clip for supporting sub-panels, the sub-panels, and a frame for supporting the clips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Interior partitions, either full or partial height, are commonly used in office interiors. Modular partitions provide for flexible interior design. A partition may be constructed of a number of sub-panels. Sub-panels may be opaque or translucent, surfaced with timber or woven fabric, thus providing varying degrees of privacy, light transmission, visual appearance and acoustic insulation. One method of providing modular partitions is to build a rigid framework of tubular metal and clad it on each side with interchangeable sub-panels. Ideally, sub-panels should connect to the frame securely with hidden means of fastening and still be easy to remove and interchange. One sub-panel should be removable without disturbing other sub-panels, which may be obstructed by shelves, heavy office equipment or furniture. The means of connection should not be vulnerable to damage in storage or transport.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a clip for attaching a sub-panel to a frame, together with a particular frame and sub-panel which are adapted to the clip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, there is provided a clip for attaching a panel to a frame, the clip comprising at least two elongated prongs, each prong having a base portion and a distal portion and the prongs being joined together at their base portions, the base portions being adapted to pass through an aperture in the frame for attachment of the clip to the frame, at least a first or one of the prongs having a retaining means formed on its distal portion and a second one of the prongs having a retaining means formed on its distal portion, the second prong being resiliently deflectable in a first direction generally transverse of the first prong, the first prong being resiliently deflectable in a second direction, which second 1 0 BFD/1018t -3direction is also generally transverse of the first direction, the resilient deflection of the first prong enabling a portion of the panel to move past the first prong retaining means and be retained thereby, whilst resilient deflection of the second prong enables securing of the clip to the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a third prong having a base portion by which it is joined to the respective base portions of the first and second prongs and a distal portion which has formed thereon another retaining means.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a frame for supporting a panel, the frame comprising vertical members having formed therein a plurality of apertures each aperture adapted to receive a clip of the type described above.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel having an upper margin adapted to engage the retaining means of a clip of the type described above and a lower margin adapted to receive the retaining means of the clip.

In a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a paneling system comprising a clip of the type described above, a frame of the type described above and a panel of the type described above.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of said clips are arranged to pass through a corresponding plurality of apertures arranged in the vertical members of the frame so as to become attached thereto and wherein one or more panels are arranged to be engaged by the retaining means of the clips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

S"A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a clip of the present 30 invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the clip of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the clip of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of another clip according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the clip of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the clip of Figure 4.

1 8 S1g 3A Figure 7 is a perspective view of a panel frame incorporating clips of the present invention and illustrating the location and arrangement of sub-panels prior to assembly.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional end elevation of a frame upon which a plurality of sub-panels are supported.

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION As depicted in Figures 1 to 3 a clip 10 of the present invention includes two different types of prongs 11, 12. A prong 11 of the first type includes a shank 13 having a base portion 14 at one end and a hook portion 15 Ft the other. The hook portion 15 includes an upwardly extending projection 16 and an inclined front face 17. The base portion 14 preferably includes a blend radius along its lower periphery 18 to accommodate flexure of the prong 11 in a vertical plane. The base portion 14 is joined to at least one other prong of a second type 12.

The prong 12 of the second type, is somewhat shorter than the prong of the first type. The prong of the second type 12 includes a wider base portion 19 and is preferably inflexible in the vertical plane. A distal I BFD!1018t 4 portion of the prong 12 includes an upwardly projecting peg 21 having a flat backstop 20. The peg 21 may have an inclined front face 22 and a smoothed, blended or radiused rear face 23.

As best shown in Figure 3, a preferred embodiment includes two prongs of the second type 12 having located therebetween a single prong of the first type 11. In this embodiment, each prong of the second type 12 includes a base portion 19 which tapers laterally toward the peg 21.

The tapered portion 24 terminates in a small detent 25 located between the tapered portion 24 and the peg 12. A gap 26 is formed between the first and second pegs. Because of this arrangement, the pegs of the second type can flex laterally or towards one another. This allows the clip to be inserted into an aperture which is narrower than the maximum width of the clip. As such, the prongs 12 will flex toward each other as the tapered sides engage edges of the aperture. Once the tapered portion passes the wall thickness of, for example, a steel tube, the prongs 12 can unflex to the extent that they return to the original rest position.

In this configuration, the wall thickness of the tube will be retained in the detent 25 with further efforts to insert or remove the clip resisted, either by the tapered portion 24 or the peg 21. Of course, the clip can be withdrawn with the prongs 12 pressed towards each other so that the tapered portion 24 clears the edge of the aperture into which it is inserted. Particularly where the clip is moulded or fabricated from a polymeric material, smooth radii 27 may be provided between the prongs 11 and 12, which radii 27 accommodate the flexure required for insertion and removal.

It should be appreciated that the clip of the present invention can be provided with two prongs rather than three. This embodiment is depicted in Figures 4 to 6. In the advent that a two prong clip 40 is used, one prong each, of the first 41 and second types 42 are provided.

'I 30 Obviously, to accommodate the demountability and retention of a two pronged clip, the prong of the first type 41 (previously described as flat with reference to the prong of Figures 1 to 3) must be provided with a tapered portion 43 at its base which is similar to and symmetrical with respect to the tapered portion 19 of its adiacent prong of the second type 42.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a rigid frame 30 may be provided with at least two vertical support members 31. The vertical supports 31 include at least one pair of opposing apertures. The apertures are configured to receive the clips of the present invention. The apertures rhk/0135E are approximately as wide as the clip, when measured from the innermost portion of opposing detents 25. Each clip 32 is capable of preforming two functions. Each peg 12 is potentially capable of supporting a sub-panel 33 by a portion of its lower margin 35. The lower margin 35 of a panel 33 may include a recess, detent or overhanging lip to engage the peg 12. Each prong of the first type 11 is capable of supporting an upper margin 34 of a sub-panel 33. Moreover, because the prongs of the first type 11 are flexible in the vertical plane, they can flex out of the way of said upper margin as required for insertion and removal.

As shown in Figure 8, in the normal course of operation, the bottom margin 35 of a sub-panel 33 is first engaged with the peg 21 of a prong of the second type 12. As previously mentioned, the bottom margin may be provided with an aperture or other means of facilitating this engagement. The sub-panel 33 is then preferably rotated towards the frame so that its upper margin engages the hook portion 15 of a prong of the second type 11. A portion of the upper margin 34 will ride up the inclined front face 17 and will generally displace or flex the hook portion 15 downwardly. When the margin or overhanging lip of the sub-panel clears the hook 15, the prong 11 will flex back into its rest or original position, thereby removably restraining the sub-panel 33.

As shown in Figure 7, four clips are used to locate the first panel (one at each corner) but each clip also secures the adjacent panel above or below. A steel kick plate may be provided at the base of each panel which can also be connected by the clips.

The clips grip on to the top and bottom horizontal margins of the panels only, leaving the side vertical flanges unencumbered. This allows: ~Brackets for desks, shelves etc. to intrude anywhere between the panels into slots in the frame.

Cables and cords for telecom, data and electric power are also 30 accessible anywhere along the vertical edges.

The unencumbered vertical edges can be formed with a gap or with a closing flexible gasket to hide the internal frame.

The two prongs of each clip which hold the panel above, can also hold a top capping trim channel. This typically is of extruded aluminium, profiled to engage the top clips' prongs.

It will be appreciated, therefore, that the clips are of simple design, multi purpose and very inexpensive. The design is symmetrical for left or right hand fitting. They can be quickly snapped into the rhk/01 6 frame on site prior to fitting panels, or are tough enough to be transported preassembled with frame and panels from factory to site.

The clips secure the bottom portion of the panel with two non-flexing prongs which carry the weight. Removal or fitting of a panel from the prong is substantially vertical.

As previously described, the top of the panel, which may be in the form of a tile, is secured with a flexible hinged hook arm requiring the tile to be engaged with a substantially horizontal motion. When engaged, the tile is restricted from being raised by the underside of the prongs contacting the upper margin.

Hence, to engage a tile, it is lowered so that holes in Its lower flange are spiked onto the prongs of the lower two clips, while it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees open at the top.

When engaged on the prongs below, it is hinged closed onto the top clip's hooks. Removal is the reverse of this.

The rigid prongs are located in holes formed at accurately dimensioned vertical intervals in the frame posts. As the tile mass is carried by the lower prongs, (not the flexible hook arms) tiles are aligned in height even with differing materials and weights.

If the clips are plastic, they separate the tiles, which may be of metal, from the metal frames, achieving quieter operation and less rattles. The clipping action is quieter and more durable.

It will be apparent, therefore, that a single clip can be used to secure two adjacent panels by sharing the single clip at an adjacent corner thereof, thus forming a partition without gaps in the horizontal abutments. Clearly, the form of the panel and the clips allows the vertical edges of the panels to be either closed with a gasket or sealing strip or left with a gap. In both cases, external cables and brackets can protrude between the vertical edges of the panels into the interior S 30 space or structure. Having the vertical edges unencumbered allows a gap for internal cables and duct channels to pass horizontally anywhere outside the frame posts and inside the panels. This enables cables to be laid into the duct channels on either side of the posts, rather than fed through holes in the posts.

The system can therefore easily be mounted onto or removed from the frame, which facilitates variability of use with open hatches, window panels, etc., as well as improving transport and allowing compact storage.

rhk/0135E 6- -7- It will be appreciated that the clips, frame and sub-panels of the present invention have been disclosed with reference to particular details of construction. These will be understood has having been provided by way of example and not as limitations to the scope of the invention.

j S- rhk/0135E

Claims (19)

1. A clip for attaching a panel to a frame, the clip comprising at least two elongated prongs, each prong having a base portion and a distal portion and the prongs being joined together at their base portions, the base portions being adapted to pass through an aperture in the frame for attachment of the clip to the frame, at.least a first one of the prongs having a retaining means formed on its distal portion and a second one of the prongs having a retaining means formed on its distal portion, the second prong being resiliently deflectable in a first direction generally transverse of the first prong, the first prong being resiliently deflectable in a second direction, which second direction is also generally transverse of the first direction, the resilient deflection of the first prong enabling a portion of the panel to move past the first prong retaining means and be retained thereby, whilst resilient deflection of the second prong enables securing of the clip to the frame.

2. A clip according to claim 1, further comprising a third prong having a base portion by which it is joined to the respective base portions of the first anrid second prongs and a distal portion which has formed thereon another retaining means.

3. A clip according to claim 2, wherein the first prong is longer than the third prong.

4. A clip according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said third prong is provided with a detent adjacent the retaining means for receiving a frame member.

A clip according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third prong is resiliently deflectable towards the second prong.

6. A clip according to any preceding claim, wherein said second prong is provided with a detent adjacent the retaining means for receiving a frame member.

7. A clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the first prong is longer than the second prong.

8. A clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the second prong is resiliently deflectable.

9. A clip for attaching a panel to a frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

BED/1018t -9- In combination with P. clip of any one of the preceding claims, a fr- 'e for supporting a panel, the frame comprising vertical members having formed therein a plurality of apertures each aperture adapted to receive said clip.

11. A frame according to claim 10 further comprising horizontal members extending between the vertical members.

12. A combination of a clip and frame, the combination being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

13. In combination with a clip of any one of claims 1 to 9, a panel having an upper margin adapted to engage the retaining means of the clip and a lower margin adapted to receive the retaining means of the clip.

14. A combination of a clip and a panel, the combination being substantially as Hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

A paneling system comprising in combination the clip of any one of claims 1 to 9, a frame comprising vertical members having formed therein a plurality of apertures, each aperture adapted to receive said clip, and a panel having an upper margin adapted to engage the retaining means of the cl, .d a lower margin adapted to receive the retaining means of the clip.

16. A paneling system according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of said clips are arranged to pass through a corresponding plurality of apertures arranged in the vertical members of the frame so as to become attached thereto and wherein one or more panels are arranged to be engaged by the retaining means of the clips.

17. A paneling system according to claim 16, wherein four clips are used to attach a first one of the panels to the frame and thereafter only two further clips are required to attach each further adjacent panel to the S frame.

18. A paneling system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, A .wherein the horizontal edges of adjacent panels are arranged to abut without gaps to form a complete partition.

19. A paneling system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein te vertical edges of adjacent panels are arranged to have a gap therebetween which can be sealed by a sealing strip or which can allow cables, brackets or other equipment to pass therethrough. BFD/1018t A paneling system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. DATED this TWENTY-SECOND day of APRIL 1993 Duff Steel Industries (NSW) Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON BFD/1018t !r l'll l ^1illliT^Vlllnl"H*^*llHl*iT*^i*i*T^l-*r*-^fn*~i-"lj1;-'**-"*^ t i ABSTRACT Sub-Panel Clip A clip (10) for attaching a panel to a frame comprises at least two elongated prongs (11, 12), each prong having a base portion (14, 19) and a distal portion and the prongs being joined together at the base portion, at least a first one (11) of the prongs having a hook formed on the distal portion and a second one (12) of the prongs having a peg (21) formed on its distal portion, the first prong (11) being resilient for enabling a portion of the panel to move past the hook and be retained thereby. A third prong, similar to the second prong (12) can be provided, with the second and third prongs being resiliently movable towards each otherto allow the clip to pass through an aperture in a frame member. Figure 1 3 rhk/0135E