FR3135100A1 - Clip system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fixing device (4) for fixing a construction panel (3) to a frame member (2), said fixing device comprising a first fixing means (41) and a second fixing means (42). ), the first fixing means being used for fixing the device to the frame member, the second fixing means being used for fixing the device to the construction panel, wherein the second fixing means comprisesa first connector member (421) being configured to engage a corresponding second connector element (422) placed on the construction panel. Figure for abstract: Fig. 9

Description

Clip system

The present disclosure relates generally to building surface products, for example, building boards and connectors adapted to form a building surface.

BACKGROUND OF DESCRIPTION

Construction boards, such as gypsum board, commonly referred to as drywall, are often used to construct building surfaces. The construction surface can be a wall or a ceiling. Building panels are attached to a supporting structure, such as the wood or metal studs of a wall or ceiling frame. Once the building boards are attached to the supporting structure, the building surface can be finished using joint compound or other material to create a smooth surface. The construction surface can then be painted or wallpapered.

Building panels are attached to the supporting structure using screws, nails or other suitable fasteners.

When building panels are also used to construct a ceiling, the support structure is usually a metal frame comprising metal frame members. Metal hangers are used and attached to the solid ceiling of the building. Metal frame elements are connected to these metal hangers so that several metal frame elements 2 are parallel to each other and thus form a series of frame elements. Additional frame members may be connected perpendicular to the frame members to form a frame grid. The construction panels are fixed on the frame grid.

A problem with these prior art systems is that removal of the building panels is not easy, as the fasteners generally cannot be removed, thus the building panel must be broken for removal. This means that neither the construction panel nor the fixings can be reused. Removing construction panels can also damage the chassis. It is increasingly important to reduce waste and create reusable products. Also, there is a need for construction surfaces that can be dismantled reducing the amount of waste.

Additionally, attaching construction panels to the frame can be time consuming and physically demanding, particularly when attaching construction panels to ceilings, where the construction panel must be supported vertically during attachment. Fixing in the chassis elements can damage and weaken the chassis. Additionally, fixing through the plasterboard leaves the end of the fixing element (e.g. the screw head) visible after installation. Thus, finishing compounds must generally be applied to cover it and produce a smooth monolithic surface. There is therefore also a need for faster and easier to install building surface systems.

The present invention relates to a device, a system and an installation method which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the present invention relates to a device for fixing a construction panel to a frame element, said fixing device comprising a first fixing means and a second fixing means, the first fixing means being used to fix the device to the frame member, the second attachment means is used to secure the device to the construction panel, wherein the second attachment means comprises a first connector member configured to engage a corresponding second connector member placed on the construction panel.

According to one example, said first connector element is a plug and the second connector element is a receptacle so that the plug and the receptacle form a male-female connector, the first fixing means comprising at least one hook.

According to one example, said first connector element is a receptacle and the second connector element is a plug so that the plug and the receptacle form a male-female connector, the first fixing means comprising at least one hook.

According to one example, said fixing device comprises a main plate element from which the first fixing means and the second fixing means extend.

According to one example, the second fixing means comprise at least one secondary plate element from which the first connector element extends.

According to one example, the first fixing means comprise at least one arm from which at least one hook extends.

According to an example of the invention, the second fixing means comprises at least one projecting part which projects from the main plate.

According to one example, said at least one secondary plate element extends from the main plate element perpendicularly or at an angle, said secondary plate element being straight or curved or at a right angle.

According to one example, said at least one arm extends from the main plate element perpendicularly, said arm being straight or curved.

According to one example, the second fixing means comprise two secondary plate elements, said secondary plate elements being symmetrical.

According to one example, the first fixing means comprises two arms, each of these arms being equipped with a hook, said arms being symmetrical. Alternatively, the first fixing means may comprise an arm equipped with two hooks on either side of the arm.

The invention also relates to a building surface system comprising a frame structure, said frame structure comprising at least one frame member, the build surface system further comprising at least one building panel attached to said frame structure , wherein said building surface system further comprises at least one fastening device according to the invention for supporting said building panel and wherein each building panel comprises at least one connector element being configured to engage the first connector element of the fixing device.

According to one example, each construction panel is supported by at least two fixing devices.

According to one example, the chassis structure comprises at least two chassis elements, said chassis elements being parallel or perpendicular to each other.

According to one example, the fixing device comprises at least two first connector elements, each of said first connector elements being inserted into a second connector element of a different construction panel.

The invention further relates to a method of mounting a construction surface system according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps:
- the formation of the frame structure comprising at least one frame element;
- the supply of at least one fixing device and its fixing on the chassis element;
- the provision of at least one construction panel, said construction panel comprising at least one second connector element
- activating the fixing device to connect the first connector element of the fixing device to the second connector element of the construction panel.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other particular characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear clearly on reading the description given below, for information only and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- there is a schematic representation of a construction surface system according to the invention;

- there is a schematic representation of a frame structure of the building surface system;

- Figures 3 to 5 represent a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 6 to 8 show a fixing device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 9 to 11 show the construction surface system in detail.

- Figures 12 to 14 represent another embodiment of the connector according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There represents a construction surface system 1 according to the invention. This building surface system is used vertically to cover a wall or horizontally to form a ceiling as shown in .

This construction surface system 1 comprises at least one frame element 2 on which at least one construction panel 3 is fixed. The construction panel 3 is fixed to this frame element 2 by means of a fixing device.

The construction panel 3 used is a gypsum-based construction panel, the panel comprising more gypsum by mass than any other constituent. For example, the construction board may be gypsum board (also called drywall) or gypsum fiber board. The construction panel includes a body including a front face, a back face, and a thickness between the front face and the back face.

The frame element 2 may be a profile having a C shape or other suitable shapes such as an open circle shape. A C-shaped frame member is defined as a metallic or non-metallic sheet comprising a pair of wings substantially parallel to each other and connected substantially perpendicular to their base by a core, the pair of wings having returning edges directed inwards substantially parallel to the core.

When the frame element 2 has an open circle shape, the shape of the frame element 2 can serve as wings.

This frame structure 1 comprises a plurality of frame elements 2. In this case, the frame elements 2 could extend parallel to each other. However, it is possible to have a first set of frame elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of frame elements 2 extending perpendicular to the first set of frame elements 2 so to form a network as shown in the .

The construction panel is fixed to at least one frame element 2 by means of a fixing device 4. Said fixing device 4 is made of a material chosen from the list including metal or one of its alloys, the plastic, wood or ceramic. The fixing device 4 comprises fixing means 40. More precisely, the fixing device 4 comprises first fixing means 41 and second fixing means 42. The first fixing means 41 are used to fix the device to the chassis element, the second fixing means 42 are used to fix the device to the construction panel 3 as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The first fixing means 41 comprise a clip so as to fix the fixing device 4 to the chassis element 2. The clip comprises at least one hook or a projecting part 410 intended to cooperate with the chassis element 2.

The second fixing means 42 uses complementary means so as to ensure the fixing between the fixing device 4 and the construction panel. To do this, the second fixing means 42 comprises at least one complementary connector 420 such as a male-female connector. This complementary connector 420 comprises a first connector element 421 configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element 422. In particular, the second fixing means 42 are provided so that the first connector element is located on the fixing device 4 and so that the second connector element is located on the construction panels. In case of male-female connector, the male component, called plug 421, is located on the fixing device 4 and the female component, called receptacle 422, is located on the construction panel. The plug 421 and the receptacle 422 are designed to be clipped together. Alternatively, the plug 421 could be placed on the construction panel as a second connector element and the receptacle 422 placed on the fixing device 4 as a first connector element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the plug 421 is a spherical end and the receptacle 422 is a hole equipped with a clipping system. Said hole may be a through hole which is a hole with two open ends. Alternatively, said hole may be a blind hole which is a hole with only one open end. When the spherical end is inserted into the hole, the spherical end activates the clipping system to hold said spherical end in said hole or blind hole.

The fixing device 4 further comprises a main plate member 400 on which the first fixing means 41 and the second fixing means 42 are placed.

In a first embodiment, the fixing device 4 is intended to be placed so that the frame element 2 is placed between the construction panel 3 and the fixing device 4. In this first embodiment, the device fixing device 4, via the main plate element 400, rests on the frame element 2. Thus, the frame element 2 is interposed between the fixing device 4 and the construction panel.

In said first embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the fixing device 4 comprises a main plate element 400 from which the first fixing means 41 extend. Said first fixing means 41 comprises hooks 410 used to cooperate with the frame element. In particular, the hooks 410 of the first fixing means 41 are provided to cooperate with the wings of the chassis element 2 to clip the fixing device 4 to the chassis element 2.

The second fixing means 42 includes at least one secondary plate element 402. Said secondary plate element 402 extends from the main plate element 400. The secondary plate element 402 extends towards the panel of construction. The secondary plate member 402 may be perpendicular to the main plate member 400 or inclined relative to the main plate member 400.

The secondary plate element 420 has a free end in which at least one plug 421, the first connector element, of the second fixing means 42 is arranged. Alternatively, a receptacle 422 may be attached to the free end of the secondary plate element 402.

The secondary plate member 402 could be a straight plate or a plate having an inclined or right-angled portion or a curved plate.

In the case of the straight plate, the plug is placed on the free end of this straight plate and in the case of an inclined or right-angled part, the plug is placed on this inclined or right-angled part as illustrated in there .

In a preferred embodiment, the second fixing means 42 comprises two secondary plate elements 402 extending on either side of the main plate element. In this case, the secondary plate element envelops the frame element 2 supporting the fixing device 4.

These two secondary plate elements 402 could be symmetrical, but it is also possible that the two secondary plate elements 402 extend non-symmetrically. Indeed, it is possible to have a secondary plate element being a straight element extending perpendicular to the main plate element and the other secondary plate element extending from the main plate element according to an angle.

It is also possible to have a single secondary plate element 402 designed to present two cards, these cards being spaced from one another.

In a second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the fixing device 4 is intended to be placed between the construction panel 3 and the frame element 2. In this second embodiment, the fixing device 4 , through the main plate element 400', is retained, supported by the frame element. Thus, the fixing device 4 is interposed between the frame element and the construction panel 3.

In a second embodiment, the fixing device 4 comprises a main plate element 400' from which the first fixing means extend. Said first fixing means 41 comprises two arms 412, extending parallel. Preferably, the end of each arm 412 comprises hooks 410, said hooks 410 being configured to cooperate with the chassis element 2. Preferably, the hooks 410 of the first fixing means 41 are provided to cooperate with the wings of the chassis element 2 to clip the fixing device 4 to the chassis element 2. The arms 412 could have a shape adapted to the chassis element 2, such as a curved shape as shown in the . The arms 412 may be configured to deform so as to be positioned on the frame member 2 and so as to engage the wings of the frame member 2 and to secure the fastener to the frame member. chassis 2. In examples of the invention comprising hooks 410, the hooks 410 can be configured to deform so as to engage the wings of the chassis member 2 and to secure the fastener to the chassis element 2.

The main plate element 400' further comprises at least one plug 421 of the second fixing means 42. This at least one plug extends from the main plate element from the face opposite to that from from which the arms of the first fixing means 41 extend. Indeed, the position of the fixing device 4 between the construction panel 3 and the chassis element requires that the first fixing means 41 and the second fixing means 42 are not on the same edge of the main plate 400' .

If the second fixing means 42 comprise two plugs, these plugs are spaced apart.

In this second embodiment, the main plate could have a length equal to the width of the chassis element or greater. A length of the main plate member greater than the width of the frame member is useful to increase the stability of the fixing of the construction panel as shown in the .

In a third embodiment, it is possible to combine the previous embodiments. In this case, the fixing device 4 comprises arms extending from one side of the main plate element, the hook or hooks being placed on said arms. The fixing device 4 further comprises at least one secondary plate element on which the first connector element such as the plug is placed.

To install a building panel, the frame structure must first be installed. Said chassis structure comprises several chassis elements 2. The chassis elements 2 could extend parallel to each other. However, it is possible to have a first set of frame elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of frame elements 2 extending perpendicular to the first set of frame elements 2 so to form a grid.

A method of installing the system according to the invention comprises a first step of fixing the fixing devices 4 on the frame elements 2. To do this, the first fixing means 41 is engaged with the frame element 2 The first fixing means 41 are preferably configured so that the fixing device 4 can slide along the frame element 2 after engagement. The engagement of the first fixing means 41 with the chassis element 2 preferably comprises the deformation of the first fixing means 41.

A second method step of installing the system according to the invention comprises fixing the fixing device 4 to the construction panel 3. This is achieved by activating the second fixing means 42, the second fixing means 42 is activated by engaging the first connector and the second connector of the second fixing means 42. The engagement of the first connector with the second connector preferably comprises the deformation of at least one of the first connector and the second connector. The number of fasteners 4 placed on the frame elements 2 and the number of corresponding second connectors on the building panels 3 depend on the size, type and weight of the building panels 3 and the requirements of the system being built. construction. These construction panels 3, used as a wall or ceiling, could have various dimensions. If the construction panel 3 is small and light, it is possible to use a single fixing device 4. If the construction panel 3 is large or heavy, it is possible to use at least two fixing devices 4 as shown on the .

Several configurations are possible. These configurations depend on the size and weight of the building panel 3 or the frame structure 2.

Regarding the size of the construction panels 3, if the construction panel is long and narrow, the fixing devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors can be positioned so as to be in the middle of the width and distributed along the length of the construction panel 3. If the construction panel 3 is wide, it is possible to have at least two fixing devices 4 and corresponding second connectors distributed over the width of the construction panel 3. Depending on the length of the construction panels 3, devices fixing 4 and corresponding second connectors could also be distributed along the length.

Configurations could also take into account the chassis structure. Indeed, if the frame structure only comprises frame elements 2 extending parallel to each other, the fixing devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors are aligned in the length direction of the construction panel 3 and/or in the direction of the width of the construction panel 3.

However, if the frame structure comprises a first set of frame members 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of frame members 2 extending perpendicular to the first set of frame members 2 so to form a grid, the positioning of the fixing devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors is more complex. In this case, the fixing device 4 and the corresponding second connectors are positioned according to the chassis elements 2 of the first set and according to the frame element 2 of the second set as shown in the .

In the case where the fixing device 4 according to the first embodiment has a single secondary plate element 402 or where the secondary plate elements 402 are not symmetrical, two adjacent fixing devices 4 could be placed on the fixing element. chassis 2 to compensate for each other. To do this, the two adjacent fixing devices 4 are positioned inversely.

In another variation, the fixing device 4 is also used to fix two neighboring/adjacent building panels 3 together. Indeed, in this variant, the fixing device 4 comprises two first connector elements and each of the two neighboring panels comprises a second connector element. These second connector elements are provided so that, when these construction panels 3 are installed, a first connector element is inserted into the second connector element of a construction panel 3 and the other first connector element is inserted into the second element connector of another construction panel 3 as shown in the .

The advantage of this invention is that it is possible to remove the construction panel from the frame structure.

In another variation, the main plate member 400 could also be used to facilitate manipulation of the connector. Indeed, the main plate element 400 could include gripping means or could be designed so that the user can manipulate the connector so as to connect said connector to the chassis element and to slide it along the chassis element.

In a first solution, the design of the main plate element 400 is made to include a curved part and a rectangular part. This part is used to grip the connector. This part could also be used to deform the connector to make it easier to attach the connector to the rail member.

In a second solution, the connector is designed so that the first fixing means 41 extend from the secondary plate element 402. In this case, the main plate 400 could be a U-shaped part from from which the secondary plates 402 extend, each secondary plate 402 being L-shaped as illustrated in the .

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated, but may be subject to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Indeed, it is possible that the connector is different. For example, the second fixing means 42 could comprise more than two first connector elements. To do this, several options are possible.

A first option is to have a connector having more than two arms extending from the main plate member 400 as illustrated in . These arms can be grouped in pairs, the arms of the same pair being parallel or not.

In a second option, at least one arm of the connector could be provided to comprise several first connector elements. In this case, the end of the arm could comprise at least two branches, each branch supporting a first connector element as illustrated in the .

Claims (17)

1 Fixing device (4) for fixing a construction panel (3) to a frame element (2), said fixing device comprising a first fixing means (41) and a second fixing means (42), the first fixing means being used for fixing the device to the frame member, the second fixing means is used for fixing the device to the construction panel, wherein the second fixing means comprises a first connector member (421) being configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element (422) placed on the construction panel. 2 Fastening device according to claim 1, wherein said first connector element and said second corresponding connector element belong to a male-female connector, said male-female connector comprising a plug and a receptacle. 3 Fixing device according to claim 2, wherein said first connector element is a plug. 4 Fixing device according to claim 2, wherein said first connector element is a receptacle. 5 Fixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first fixing means comprises at least one hook (410). 6 Fixing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing device comprises a main plate element (400) from which first fixing means and second fixing means extend. 7 Fixing device according to the preceding claims, wherein the second fixing means comprise at least one secondary plate element (402) from which the first connector element extends. 8 Fixing device according to the preceding claims, wherein the first fixing means comprises at least one arm (412) from which at least one hook extends. 9 A fastening device according to claim 7, wherein said secondary plate member extends from the main plate member perpendicularly or at an angle, said secondary plate member being straight or curved or at a right angle. 10 Fixing device according to claim 8, wherein said at least one arm extends from the main plate member perpendicularly, said arm being straight or curved. 11 Fixing device according to claims 7 or 9, wherein the second fixing means comprise two secondary plate elements, said secondary plate elements being symmetrical. 12 Fixing device according to claims 8 or 10, wherein the first fixing means comprises two arms, each of these arms being equipped with a hook, said arms being symmetrical. 13 Building surface system comprising a frame structure, said frame structure comprising at least one frame element, the building surface system further comprises at least one building panel attached to said frame structure, wherein said system construction surface further comprises at least one fixing device according to one of the preceding claims for supporting said construction panel, in which the at least one fixing device comprises at least a first connector element and in which the at least one at least one construction panel includes at least a second connector element configured to engage the first connector element of the fastener. 14 Construction surface system according to the preceding claim, wherein each construction panel is supported by at least two fixing devices. 15 Building surface system according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the frame structure comprises at least two frame elements, said frame elements being parallel or perpendicular to each other. 16 Construction surface system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fixing device comprises at least two first connector elements, each of said first connector elements being inserted into a second connector element of a different panel. 17 Method of mounting a construction surface system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, said method comprising the following steps:
- the formation of the frame structure comprising at least one frame element;
- the supply of at least one fixing device and its fixing on the chassis element;
- the provision of at least one construction panel, said construction panel comprising at least one second connector element
- activating the fixing device to connect the first connector element of the fixing device to the second connector element of the construction panel.