GB2548605A

GB2548605A - A clip assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2548605A
Application number: GB1604951.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hocking Steven
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-23
Filing date: 2016-03-23
Publication date: 2017-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-23
Also published as: GB2548605B; GB201604951D0

Abstract

The invention discloses a clip assembly (1 figure 1) for a glazing panel 4, comprising a retaining clip 2 with a substantially planar main body 7 having a first planar side(7a figure 2) and a second planar side (7b figure 2), a first protrusion 8 extending from the first planar side (7a figure 2) and a second angularly displaceable protrusion 10 extending from the second planar side (7b figure 2). A retention device 3 is provided which is cooperable with the retaining clip 2, the retention device 3 has at least one trough region 14 for receiving the first protrusion 8. The retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3 are configurable between a first state enabling relative movement between the retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3, and a second state prohibiting relative movement between the retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3. In the second state the first protrusion 8 is engageably received within the at least one trough region 14 and angular displacement of the second protrusion 10 maintains the engagement of the first protrusion 8 within the trough 14.

Description

A clip assembly

This invention relates to a clip assembly for glazing, in particular an adjustable clip assembly for use in window and door glazing units.

It is known for a single pane of glass or multiple panes of glass to be inserted into an outer frame and for a bead to be installed so as to retain the pane of glass within the frame. The frame is typically made from plastics, aluminimum, wood or composite material and is fixed in a wall. Typically multi paned units come as double glazing or triple glazing and the frame is rectangular. A clip can be used to secure the pane of glass in place prior to attaching the beading, wherein the clip may comprise a spacer strip which is positionable near to a corner of the frame and a retaining clip that is L shaped comprising a shoulder portion and a leg portion. The clip is configurable such that the shoulder portion is positioned to come into contact with the pane and the leg is snap fitted into the spacer strip. A pair of devices is applied to each of the frame corners.

Known devices as described above have several disadvantages associated therewith. The first is that a separate device is required for each thickness of glazing. Another disadvantage is that the spacer strips must be positioned accurately to ensure that the retention force is distributed equally across each of the devices. Further, the devices can be easily disabled from outside of a building to which it is applied by experienced intruders simply by using a flat implement, for example a blade, along the leg portion.

An adjustable clip is disclosed in GB2295844, however this requires the use of a channel to guide the retention device to the spacer strip which requires the precise alignment of the two parts of the clip on installation which can be cumbersome. Further, the spacing between teeth define discrete iterations of the positioning of the spacer clip edge which may not precisely correspond to the thickness of the glazing, meaning that a tight fit of the glazing panel may not be realised.

The present invention is derived from the realisation that there exists the need to provide a secure, tamper proof glazing unit capable of meeting industry standards wherein the clip assembly is adjustable so as to be compatable with a range of glazing thicknesses used in the glazing industry and to provide improved tolerances in this regard. It is also a requirement to improve the security of the person and their belongings in their own home by providing a retrofittable clip assembly that is straightforward and reliable to install whilst eliminating the use of screws. Removal of the window pane is facilitated by a specialised tool that disengages the retaining clip from the retention device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a clip assembly, which, among other things, is low in cost, has relatively few parts, is relatively easy and quick to install and is universal for all types of glass units available commercially.

Therefore, the present invention and its embodiments addresses the above described problems and desires.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clip assembly for a glazing panel, comprising a retaining clip comprising a substantially planar main body having a first planar side and a second planar side, a first protrusion extending from the first planar side and a second angularly displaceable protrusion extending from the second planar side; and a retention device cooperable with the retaining clip, the retention device having at least one trough region for receiving the first protrusion, the retaining clip and the retention device being configurable between a first state enabling relative movement between the retaining clip and the retention device and a second state prohibiting relative movement between the retaining clip and the retention device, whereby in the second state the first protrusion is engageably received within the at least one trough region and wherein angular displacement of the second protrusion encourages or maintains the engagement of the first protrusion within the trough.

The angular displacement of the second protrusion may provide a force on the main body in the direction of the first protrusion causing linear displacement of the first protrusion towards the retention device. The force therefore provides a more secure engagement between the retaining clip and the retention device and, when the relevant contact between the second protrusion and the surface of the gazing panel would normally locate the first protrusion on the slope of the ridge, the force provided by axial displacement of the second protrusion causes the first protrusion to engage with the trough such that the first protrusion abuts the vertical side edge of the ridge, thereby encouraging engagement between the first protrusion and a verticle side wall of the ridge. When the first protrusion is in engagement with the vertical side wall of the ridge, it is located within the trough.

In the second state at least part of the second protrusion may come into contact with a surface of an item to be secured, for example a glass unit, so as to angularly displace the remote end of the second protrusion. This ensures that the first protrusion is securely retained in the trough and prevents the need for ‘guide means’ to be included in the clip assembly making the clip, and ultimately the glazing, easier to install.

The second protrusion may comprise a resilient member. This means that the second protrusion is able to recoil or spring back into its original position when the force applied to the second protrusion by the unit is removed.

The second protrusion may terminate at least part of a side edge of the planar main body.

The second protrusion may comprise a lip portion extending along at least part of a side edge of the planar main body. The lip is an upturned portion connected to the main body by a curved portion. It is the curved portion that provides the flexibility or ‘sprung’ characteristic to the lip. The curved portion connects the linear part of the lip to the main body.

The lip portion, specifically the linear part of the lip portion, may form an acute angle with respect to the surface of the planar main body such that the remote end of the lip portion is bent towards the main body. Therefore, the end of the lip portion overlaps the main body. The lip portion and the main body are integrally related.

The value of the acute angle of the lip with respect to the surface of the planar main body in the first state may differ to that in the second state. This means that contact of the lip with the glazing panel to which it is applied causes bending of the lip and as such a deflection of the remote end of the lip.

In the first state the second protrusion may be remote from the object to be secured. This means that the retaining clip can still be moved in a first direction towards the glazing panel. The retaining clip is prohibited from moving in the direction away from the glazing panel by means of the surface of the retention device.

The retaining clip may be fabricated from a metal.

The first and second protrusions may be spaced apart laterally along the main body.

The first protrusion may comprise at least one flap configured to extend from and to be inclined with respect to the planar main body.

The remote end of the flap may be directed towards the edge of the main body that is terminated by the angularly displaceable second protrusion. A plurality of flaps may be provided that are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the planar main body. The plurality of flaps may be in alignment.

In the second state the flaps are positioned in close proximity to the frame preventing acces to an intruder which acts as a deterrent for an intruder to cut the first protrusion which would enable removal of the plane of glass.

The retention device may comprise a main body having at least one ridge extending along a surface thereof.

The ridge may comprise a leading edge and a trailing edge joining at the apex region. A trough is provided between adjacent ridges.

The leading edge may be sloped with respect to a planar surface of the main body and the trailing edge may be substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the main body.

The first protrusion may be moveable over an apex of the ridge when moved in a first direction and may be prohibited from moving over an apex of the ridge in a second direction which opposes the first direction. The apex is the maximal point of the elevated section of the retention device.

The ridge may extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retention device.

There may be provided a plurality of ridges on the retention device for defining a plurality of relative positions between the retaining clip and the retention device. Therefore, a plurality of trough regions are provided between the ridges.

The retention device may be fabricated from a plastic.

In the second state the first protrusion may be engageably receivable within the trough region located between two ridges.

In the first state the retaining clip may be adjustable with respect to the retention device.

In a further embodiment of the invention there may be provided a glazing unit comprising a frame, a glass pane and a clip assembly as hereinbefore described, wherein the frame and the glass plane are in a fixed relationship by means of the clip assembly.

In a further embodiment of the invention there may be provided a building comprising the glazing unit as hereinbefore described.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of installing a glass panel into a window frame mounting a retention device within the frame, the retention device having at least one trough region on its surface; positioning a glass panel within the frame so as to form a space between the surface of the retention device and the edge of the glass panel, inserting a first part of a retaining clip according to claim 1 within the space; passing the first protrusion of the clip within the trough region on the surface; moving the retaining clip in the direction of the glass panel until contact is made between a second protrusion of the clip with a surface of the glass panel so as to angularly displace the second protrusion of the clip, engageably receiving the first protrusion within a trough located on the surface of the retention device.

Whilst the invention has been disclosed above it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above, or in the following description, drawings or claims.The invention will now be decribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the clip assembly configured in the first state;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the retaining clip; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the retention device; and Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the clip assembly configured in the second state.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a clip assembly 1 comprising a retaining clip 2 that is cooperable with a retention device 3 and is used for holding a portion of one edge of a glazing panel 4 in position adjacent to a supporting surface of one frame member 5’ of a rectangular PVC frame 5. The retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3 are separate and distinct parts of the clip assembly 1.

The retention device 3 is positioned within the frame 5 and a window pane 4 is then positioned within the frame 5 such that a gap 6 is maintained between the surface of the retention device 3 and the edge of the glass panel 4, the gap is usually between 3 to 6mm in length.

The retaining clip 2 comprises a substantially planar main body 7 having a first planar side 7a and a second planar side 7b. A first protrusion 8 extends from the first planar side 7a. When installed, the first protrusion 8 extends into the gap 6 formed between the edge of the glass pane 4 and the retention device 3 such that the end 8a of the first protrusion 8 makes contact with a surface 3a of the retention device 3. This first protrusion 8 is a flap, one end of which 8b is attached to the planar main body 7 at a connecting edge. The flap 8 and the planar main body 7 are integrally connected and the flap 8 may be formed by cutting along three adjacent side edges and bending the flap 8 at the connecting edge. The edge of the flap which opposes the connecting edge 8a is engageable with a cooperating part located on the surface of the retention device 3. The flap 8 is configured to extend from the first side edge 7a of the planar main body 7 so as to form an incline with respect to the planar surface of the main body 7. The adjacent edges of the flap and the main body form an acute angle . The flap 8 extends from a central region of the surface 7a of the planar main body 7.

To improve the strength of the assembly, a plurality of flaps 8, 8’ are provided that are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the planar main body 7, as shown in Figure 2. The plurality of flaps 8, 8’ are arranged so that the end of one flap 8 is spaced apart from the end of an adjacent flap 8’and are therefore in alignment with eachother. A second protrusion 10 extends from the second planar side 7b of the main body 7. Therefore, the first protrusion 8 and the second protrusion 10 extend from opposite sides of the planar main body 7 and the remote ends of each of the protrusions are directed towards eachother. The combination of the planar main body 7 and the second protrusion 10 forms a substantially ‘L’ shaped cross section, with the first protrusion extending as a foot from the first side 7a of the main body 7. At the turning point there is provided a curved corner 11 that has an arc shaped cross section. The second protrusion 10 is angularly displaceable such that the remote end of the protrusion 10a can be moved from a first position to a second position whilst still being connected to the main body. To enable this angular displacement the second protrusion 10 comprises a resilient member. The angularly displaceable second protrusion 10 is configured in its natural state to tilt towards the surface 7b of the main body 7 but is flexible enough to change the incline of the protrusion 10 when it comes into contact with an object, for example the window pane 4 and as a force is applied to it. The retaining clip 2 therefore has a sprung portion 12 whose remote end 2a can be moved outwardly in contact with an object to which the clip is to be applied, for example a window pane 4. The second protrusion 10 terminates a side edge 7c of the planar main body 7. The second protrusion 10 comprises a lip portion 13 extending along the side edge of the planar main body 7 and as such the second protrusion terminates an edge of the main body 7. The lip portion 13 forms an acute angle with respect to the surface 7b of the planar main body such that the remote end 13a of the lip portion 13 is bent towards the main body 7 (the lip is bent inwardly towards the central region 7d of the main body 7).

Since the second protrusion 10 is located at a side edge 7c of the main body 7, and the first protrusion 8 is located at a central or internal region 7d of the main body 7, the first and second protrusions 8, 10 are spaced apart laterally along the main body 7. The remote end of the flap 8a is directed towards the edge 7c of the main body 7 that is terminated by the angularly displaceable second protrusion 10.

The main body 7 and the first and second protrusions 8, 10 of the retaining clip 2 are fabricated from a metal, for example sprung steel.

The retention device 3 as shown in Figure 3 is cooperable with the retaining clip 2 and has at least one trough region 14 for receiving an end of the first protrusion 8. The retention device 3 is a plastic packer that has a main body 15 having at least one ridge 16 extending longitudinally along its surface 3a. The ridge 16 comprises a leading edge 16a and a trailing edge 16b joining at an apex region 16c. The leading edge 16a is sloped with respect to a planar surface of the main body 15 of the retention device 3 and the trailing edge 16b is configured substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the main body 15 of the retention device 3. The ridge 16 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retention device 3 and a plurality of ridges 16, 16’, 16” are provided for defining a plurality of relative positions between the retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3. The size and spacing of the ridges 16, 16’, 16” can be chosen to suit the requirements of the user or window installer, i.e. in alternative embodiments more or fewer ridges, giving the desired number of possible clip engagement positions, as well as larger or smaller sized ridges, can be provided.

The retaining clip leg or first protrusion 8 (and thus the retaining clip 2) can thus be located at two axial positions relative to the retention device 3, suited for instance for two different thicknesses of glazing, or adapted to compensate for incorrect mounting a glazing assembly part.

The retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3 are configurable between a first state enabling relative movement between the retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3 and a second state prohibiting relative movement between the retaining clip 2 and the retention device 3.

Figure 1 shows the clip assembly 1 in first state whereby the second protrusion 10 is remote from the object to be secured, for example the glazing panel 4. In this first state the first protrusion 8 is moveable over an apex 16c of the ridge 16 when moved in a first direction and is prohibited from moving over an apex 16c’of the ridge 16’ in a second direction which opposes the first direction.

In the second state as shown in Figure 4 the first protrusion 8 is engageably received within the desired trough region 14 and the second protrusion 10, for example the lip is in contact with the side edge of the glazing panel 4 being retained thereby causing the remote end of the lip 10a to be angularly displaced. The angular displacement of the remote end 10a of the second protrusion 10 provides a force on the main body 7 in the direction of the first protrusion 8 causing linear displacement of the first protrusion 8 towards the retention device 3. In the case that the first protrusion 8 is already located within the trough 14 of the retention device 3 angular displacement of the second protrusion 10 maintains the engagement of the first protrusion 8 within the trough 14. In other words, a downwards pressure on the first protrusion 8 caused by contact of the second protrusion 10 and the glass panel 4 keeps the retaining clip 2 in place in a ‘ratchet like’ arrangement (wherein the first protrusion 8 is engaged with the ridgel 6 on the retention device 3).

The value of the acute angle of the lip 13 with respect to the surface 7b of the planar main body 7 in the first state differs to that in the second state.

The clip assembly can be retrofitted in existing units, but more desirably is to be applied to new UPVC installations.

In use the retention device 3 is inserted into a frame 5 and the glazing panel 4 is positioned within the frame 5 such that a gap 6 is maintained between the edge of the glazing panel 4 and the retention device 3 (or packer). The retaining clip 2 is then slid into the gap 6 created between the edge of the glazing panel 4 and the retention device 3. To achieve this, the user applies pressure to the lip 13 of the retaining clip 2 at an external edge 13b, causing the end of the first protrusion 8 (i.e. leg) of the retaining clip 2 to ride over the apices 16c, 16c’ of the ridges. The first protrusion 8 engages a trough region 14 until axial pressure is applied to the second protrusion 10 pushing the retainer clip 2 causing it to advance over the next ridge 16 to engage with the next trough 14’.

This continues until a side of the second protrusion 10 makes contact with the glazing panel 4. The user continues to push the retaining clip 2 towards the glass panel 4 until the second protrusion 10 is axially displaced. In this arrangement a force is then applied by the glazing panel 4 to the internal edge 10c of the second protrusion 10. Axial displacement of the second protrusion 10 causes a force to be applied to the retaining clip 2 in the direction of the retention device 3, therefore if the lower first protrusion 8 is located along part of the sloped surface 16a of a ridge 16 , the force will displace the first protrusion 8 into the trough 14 so as to cause abutment of the first protrusion with the vertical wall 16b of the ridge 16. This ensures that the first protrusion 8 is fully engaged with the retention device 3.

Further, in the case that the first protrusion 8 is already located in the trough 14 and in abutment with the vertical wall 16b of the ridge 16, the force provided as a result of the axial displacement of the second protrusion 10 maintains the position of the first protrusion 8 within the trough 14. This better secures the retainer clip 2 to the retention device 3 and prevents the need for complicated parts, for example a guide means, thereby making the clip easier to install. As a result the clip assembly 1 can be used for rapid and secure fixing of a glazing panel 4 simply by a push fit.

The first protrusion 8 and the ridged retention device 3 engage each other with a ratchet action so that the glazing panel 4 can be positioned and the retaining clip pushed home into the gap 6 between the panel 4 and the retention device 3 and retained there by the ratchet type arrangement. A release mechanism is provided whereby the ratchet can be released from one side by means of a suitable tool (not shown). To complete the window assembly a bead is fixed to the frame once the clip is in position.

As mentioned previously, the flap 8 is inserted within the gap 6 that is provided between the edge of the glazing panel 4and the retention device 3. The flap 8 effectively acts as a leg portion and on installation of the clip 2, the flap 8 is positionable from a first position close to the entrance of the gap 6 to a second position located deep within the gap 6. This means that the connecting edge 8b of the flap 8 is located in close proximity to the frame 5, making the access to the connecting edge 8b more restrictive for an intruder with a knife or other cutting implement. The width of the flap 8 is also a deterrent to an intruder since the time to cut through the flap 8 ,may enable the homeowner to be alerted to the situation. Finally the corner portion 11 located between the planar main body 7 and the lip 13 acts as an obstruction at the entry point of the gap 6, again making it more difficult for an intruder to access the flap 8.

The length of the angularly deformable lip 13 is chosen such that on maximum deflection of the lip 13, the pane of glass 4 is still retained, therefore the window pane 4 cannot be removed form the frame 5 simply by bending the second protrusion 10 outwardly. Further, to minimise tampering of the window pane 4 the linear part of the lip 12 is sloped such that its tip 13a will come into contact with the pane of glass 4 first.

Various modifications to the principles described above would suggest themselves to the skilled person. For example, the flaps 8 of the retaining clip 3 need not be aligned and may instead be configured to engage with differing ridges 16, 16’ of the retention device 3.

The clip 2 need not be made from metal, but may instead be made from an alternative flexible material.

Similarly, the retention device 3 need not be made from plastics and may be made from another suitable material, for example a composite material.The first protrusion 8 may instead be located towards an end of the planar main body 7.

The first protrusion 8 may be retractable between a locked and stored state whereby the first protrusion is retracted when relative movement between the retaining clip and the retention device is desired, for example retraction may be provided by pivoting the first protrusion 8 to a second state that is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the main body 7.

The second protrusion 10 may have an alternative shape, for example it may be castellated at its remote end 10a.

Claims

1. A clip assembly for a glazing panel, comprising: a retaining clip comprising a substantially planar main body having a first planar side and a second planar side, a first protrusion extending from the first planar side and a second angularly displaceable protrusion extending from the second planar side; and a retention device cooperable with the retaining clip, the retention device having at least one trough region for receiving the first protrusion, the retaining clip and the retention device being configurable between a first state enabling relative movement between the retaining clip and the retention device and a second state prohibiting relative movement between the retaining clip and the retention device, whereby in the second state the first protrusion is engageably received within the at least one trough region and wherein angular displacement of the second protrusion maintains the engagement of the first protrusion within the trough.

2. A clip assembly according to claim 1, wherein angular displacement of the second protrusion provides a force on the main body in the direction of the first protrusion causing linear displacement of the first protrusion towards the retention device.

3. A clip assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the second state at least part of the second protrusion comes into contact with a surface of an item to be secured, for example a window pane, so as to angularly displace the remote end of the second protrusion.

4. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion comprises a resilient member.

5. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the second protrusion terminates at least part of a side edge of the planar main body.

6. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion comprises a lip portion extending along at least part of a side edge of the planar main body.

7. A clip assembly according to claim 6, wherein the lip portion forms an acute angle with respect to the surface of the planar main body such that the remote end of the lip portion is bent towards the main body.

8. A clip assembly according to claim 7, wherein the value of the acute angle of the lip with respect to the surface of the planar main body in the first state differs to that in the second state.

9. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first state the second protrusion is remote from the object to be secured.

10. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining clip is fabricated from a metal.

11. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second protrusions are spaced apart laterally along the main body.

12. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first protrusion comprises at least one flap configured to extend from and to be inclined with respect to the planar main body.

13. A clip assembly according to claim 12, wherein the remote end of the flap is directed towards the edge of the main body that is terminated by the angularly displaceable second protrusion.

14. A clip assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a plurality of flaps are provided that are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the planar main body.

15. A clip assembly according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of flaps are in alignment.

16. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention device comprises a main body having at least one ridge extending along a surface thereof.

17. A clip assembly according to claim 16, wherein the ridge comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge joining at an apex region.

18. A clip assembly according to claim 17, wherein the leading edge is sloped with respect to a planar surface of the main body and the trailing edge is substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the main body.

19. A clip assembly according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the first protrusion is moveable over an apex of the ridge when moved in a first direction and is prohibited from moving over an apex of the ridge in a second direction which opposes the first direction.

20. A clip according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the ridge extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the retention device.

21. A clip assembly according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein there are provided a plurality of ridges on a surface of the retention device for defining a plurality of relative positions between the retaining clip and the retention device.

22. A clip assembly according to claim 21, wherein a trough region is provide between a first and second ridge.

23. A clip assembly according to claim 22, wherein a plurality of trough regions are provided on a surface of the retention device.

24. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention device is fabricated from a plastic.

25. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein in the second state the first protrusion is engageably receivable within the trough region.

26. A clip assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein in the first state the retaining clip is adjustable with respect to the retention device.

27. A glazing unit comprising a frame, a glass pane and the clip assembly any of claims 1 to 26, wherein the frame and the glass plane are in a fixed relationship by means of the clip assembly.

28. A building comprising the glazing unit of claim 27.

29. A method of installing a glass panel into a window frame comprising: mounting a retention device within the frame, the retention device having at least one trough region on its surface; positioning a glass panel within the frame so as to form a space between the surface of the retention device and the edge of the glass panel, inserting a first part of the retaining clip of claim 1 within the space; passing the first protrusion of the clip within the trough region on the surface; moving the retaining clip in the direction of the glass panel until contact is made between a second protrusion of the clip with a surface of the glass panel so as to angularly displace the second protrusion of the retaining clip, engageably receiving the first protrusion within a trough located on the surface of the retention device.

30. An adjustable clip assembly with reference to the accompanying text and drawings.

31. A glazing unit including an adjustable clip assembly according to the accompanying text and drawings.