GB2592682A

GB2592682A - A fixing, kit and method

Info

Publication number: GB2592682A
Application number: GB2003318.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crossley Edward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-06
Filing date: 2020-03-06
Publication date: 2021-09-08
Also published as: GB202003318D0

Abstract

A fixing device for fastening to a panel edge to allow the panel to be secured between adjacent support members. The fixing includes a head member configured to engage the support member; and a body member configured to engage the panel. The head member and body member are rigidly coupled together, and a resilient part of the head member forms a wedge such that when the body member is engaged with the panel, the panel is engageable with the support member. In an embodiment the panel is an insulation panel supported between rafters and the fixing has a tapered body portion which pushes in to the edge of the insulation panel.

Description

A Fixing, Kit and Method

Description

This specification relates to a fixing for attaching a panel to a support member, a kit including the fixing, and a method for using the fixing. In particular, although not exclusively, this specification relates to a fixing, kit and associated method for attaching an insulation panel to a support member. Further, it is a non-exclusive object of this specification to provide a fixing which may be easier to use, is more adaptable to different size support members, and provides a more secure fixing.

It is often necessary to secure a panel to a support member. For example, buildings often include an insulating layer within or next to a wall, floor or ceiling. A common form of insulating layer is cavity insulation. Cavity insulation typically includes an air gap and a panel formed of foam and/or a fibrous material, such as wool or a polymer, for example, and is a simple means of inhibiting heat transfer between an inner and an outer side of a wall, floor or ceiling.

Typical building regulations include a minimum level of acceptable heat transfer for insulation layers. The minimum level varies by type of wall, floor and ceiling and a user may desire to achieve over the minimum level. For example, to achieve a heat transfer value of 0.20 W/m2, a user will need 120 mm thickness of rigid foam panel or 200 mm of mineral wool or natural insulation panel. To achieve 0.13 W/m2, a user will need 300 mm of mineral wool panel or 180mm of rigid foam panel, for example.

Various thickness of insulation panels may be desirable.

In some arrangements, the insulation is split into two layers within the cavity. For example, a 180 mm panel may be installed at a first depth, then a 100 mm panel might be introduced at a second depth. Further, there typically needs be a minimum 25 mm air gap between the insulation panel and the outer wall, ceiling or floor for ventilation and/or to reduce moisture build-up. It may also be that, in older buildings especially, each support member is a different size, thereby requiring depth adjustment of the insulation panel at each support member to maintain the required air gap. -2 -

Various insulation fixings have been developed to attach insulation panels to support members. An example is disclosed in GB2421741. The fixing of GB2421741 is engaged with an insulation board and includes a curved surface to provide an interference fit with a rafter.

Whilst this fixing may be used to attach an insulation panel to a support member, the fixing of GB2421741 includes features that limit the installation depth to being flush with each support member. Further, a curved interference surface may not be adaptable to provide interference fits for various gap sizes.

As discussed, it may be desirable to attach an insulation panel at different depths for each support member and/or expose support members on an inner wall, ceiling or floor, while providing secure attachment of the panel to a support member.

There is, therefore, a need to provide a fixing which alleviates one or more problems

associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect provides a fixing for attaching a panel to a support member, the fixing including: a head member configured to engage the support member; and a body member configured to engage the panel, wherein the head member and body member are rigidly coupled together, and a resilient part of the head member forms a wedge such that when the body member is engaged with the panel, the panel is engageable with the support member.

The head member may extend radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the body member.

The head member may define a reference surface substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body member.

The resilient part of the head member may incline from an edge of the head member at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the reference surface to form the wedge. -3 -

The resilient part of the head member may incline at an angle of 20 degrees with respect to the reference surface to form the wedge.

The resilient part of the head member may extend from an edge of the head member to another edge of the head member, substantially covering a width of the head member.

A portion of the resilient part of the head member may be suspended over the reference surface.

The head member may include one or more support ribs for supporting the suspended resilient part.

The fixing may be integrally formed.

The fixing may include a copolymer.

The copolymer may be a polypropylene copolymer.

The panel may be an insulation panel.

The support member may be a stud or joist or rafter.

The head member may include a flange.

Men the body member is engaged with the panel, the head member may abut a same surface of the panel as the body member is engaging.

The body member may be formed of a cross or round or star or triangle shaped cross-section.

The body member may be tapered for easing engagement with the panel.

A second aspect provides a kit including one or more of the fixing, and a panel. -4 -

The panel of the kit may be an insulation panel.

A third aspect provides a method, including: inserting one or more of the fixing into a panel; and inserting the panel between two or more support members such that the panel is fixed between the two or more support members.

The panel of the method may be a first panel and may be inserted between the two or more support members at a first depth.

The method may further include: inserting one or more of the fixing into a second panel; and inserting the second panel between the two or more support members at a second depth such that the second panel is fixed between the two or more support members.

Embodiments of the fixing, kit and method are described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side, perspective view, of a fixing; Figure 2 shows (a) a side view, (b) a front view, and (c) a back view of a fixing; Figure 3 shows (a) a top view, and (b) a bottom view of a fixing; and Figure 4 shows (a) a top view of a step of a fixing in use, and (b) another top view of a step of the fixing in use.

Referring firstly to figure 1, there is shown a fixing (1) for attaching a panel (2) to a support member (3) -also see figure 4 for the panel and support member. The panel (2) and support member (3) are shown for schematic purposes only and could take a number of forms. The panel (2) may be, for example, an insulation panel and the support member (3) may be a stud or joist or rafter.

Examples of the fixing are described with reference to figures 1 to 4. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the fixing are for schematic purposes only, and the fixing may be different sizes, and the figures are to be interpreted accordingly. -5 -

Preferably, the fixing may be compact which may be advantageous to fit one or more of the fixing into a pocket of a user.

The fixing (1) includes a head member (110). The head member (110) is configured to engage the support member (3). An example of engagement may be an interference fit, for example, a press fit or friction fit. This may be advantageous to provide secure attachment of the panel to the support member, in particular without the need for any further securing means, for example, a screw or nail.

The fixing (1) further includes a body member (120). The body member (120) is configured to engage the panel (2). An example of engagement may be insertion of the body member (120) into the panel (2). The body member (120) may be inserted into an end portion via an end surface of the panel (120). It may be easier to insert the body member into an end surface of the panel. The head member (110) may be outside the panel (2) and the body member (120) inside the panel, in particular, during use. This may be advantageous to provide secure engagement and anchoring of the fixing to the panel and support member, thereby providing secure attachment of the panel to the support member.

The head member (110) and body member (120) are rigidly coupled together. This may be advantageous to provide secure attachment of the panel to the support member. The fixing (1) may be integrally formed. Further, the fixing (1) may be formed by injection moulding. The fixing (1) may consist of or include a copolymer. In particular, the copolymer may be a polypropylene copolymer. Examples of copolymers include Mafill(RTM) CR C 5044. This may be advantageous to provide the strength and rigidity required at a first thickness of material, while providing strength, deformability and elasticity at a second thickness of material, as well as being recyclable and sustainable The head member (110) and body member (120) may include chamfers, bevels or fillets to reduce sharp edges and provide a safer fixing. Further, an outer surface of the head member (110) may include one or more decorations and/or logos that are, for example, embossed, moulded, engraved or adhered to the outer surface. The outer surface may be paintable and may include a coating or covering to promote the adhesion of paint to the outer surface. -6 -

The head member (110) includes a resilient part (111). The resilient part (111) forms a wedge. The resilient part (111) forms a wedge such that when the body member (120) is engaged with the panel (2), the panel (2) is engageable with the support member (3). A wedge may provide adaptability such that secure interference fits may be provided for various gap sizes. The term 'wedge' may assume its normal definition including, for example, providing an inclined plane to hold an object in place with normal and friction forces. This may be advantageous to use the fixing with a range of different sized support members. Further, the panel may be attached at a desired depth to meet building regulations and/or expose a portion of the support member for structural and/or decorative purposes. In addition, it may be further advantageous to attach more than one panel to a support member at a different depth than the first panel.

As will be appreciated, other shapes that provide the above advantages may be substituted for the wedge, for example, a convex bulge or pyramid.

The resilient part (111) may elastically deform to provide the engagement or interference fit. This may be advantageous to further provide a normal force between the wedge and support member, and provide secure attachment of the panel to the support member for various gap sizes. Elastic deformation may also be advantageous to provide easier attachment of the panel to the support member. Further, secure attachment provides a fewer number of fixings required to attach a panel to a support member.

Referring to figures 2a, 2b and 2c, the head member (110) may extend radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis (121) of the body member (120). The longitudinal axis (121) is shown in figure 2 as a dashed line, for example. This may be advantageous to provide a surface on which a force can be applied to ease insertion of the fixing into the panel.

The head member (110) may define a reference surface (112) The reference surface (112) may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (121) of the body member (120). The reference surface (112) may be a surface of the head -7 -member (110) on a distal side of the head member (110) with respect to the body member (120).

The resilient part (111) of the head member (110) may incline from an edge of the head member (110) at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the reference surface (112) to form the wedge. This may be advantageous to provide a secure, easily installable, fixing that is adaptable for various gap sizes while capable of attaching panels at different depths between support members. In particular, the resilient part (111) of the head member (110) may incline at an angle of 20 degrees with respect to the reference surface (112) to form the wedge. This may be further advantageous to provide a flush finish between the panel and support member in addition to a more secure, easily installable, fixing that is adaptable for various gap sizes while capable of attaching panels at different depths between support members.

The resilient part (111) of the head member (110) may extend from an edge of the head member (110) to another edge of the head member (110). This may be an opposite edge of the head member (110). The resilient part (111) may substantially cover a width of the head member (110). This may be advantageous to provide a large surface area for the wedge, thereby maximising adaptability for various gap sizes and attachment security.

A portion of the resilient part (111) of the head member (110) may be suspended over the reference surface (112). This may be advantageous to provide space for the resilient part to elastically deform.

The head member (110) may include one or more support ribs for supporting the suspended resilient part (111). This may be advantageous to further provide strength and resilience to the resilient part.

Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the head member (110) may include a flange (114). The flange (114) may converge to a point on the head member (110). The flange (114) may extend radially outwardly further than the resilient part (111). The flange may be provided on the head member (110) at the peak of the incline of the resilient part (111). This may be advantageous to provide a visual indication as to the position -8 -of the fixing and/or direction of attachment of the panel. Further, the flange may be advantageous to provide means to remove the fixing from the panel.

The body member (120) may be formed of a cross shaped cross-section (121). The body member may alternatively be formed of a round or star or triangle shaped cross-section. Further, the body member (120) may be tapered for easing engagement with the panel (2). This may be advantageous to provide easy insertion and secure engagement of the body member (120) in the panel (2).

Wien the body member (120) is engaged with the panel (2), the head member (110) may abut a same surface of the panel (2) as the body member (120) is engaging. This may be advantageous to provide a compact fixing that may allow the panel to be attached at different depths between support members. This may further be advantageous to provide a discreet fixing.

Referring to figures 4a and 4b, a second aspect provides a kit including one or more of the fixing (1), and a panel (2). The fixing (1) may be packaged with a panel (2) or pre-packed with a number of fixings (1) with a panel (2). The fixings (1) may also be pre-engaged with the panel (2). The panel (2) of the kit may be an insulation panel.

A third aspect provides a method of inserting the fixing (1) and panel (2) between support members (3). The method includes inserting one or more of the fixing (1) into a panel (2), and then inserting the panel (2) between two or more support members (3). The panel (2) and fixings (1) are inserted such that the panel (2) is fixed between the two or more support members (2). It may be advantageous to insert the fixings into the panel first to ease attachment of the panel to the support member.

The panel (2) of the method may be a first panel (2) and may be inserted between the two or more support members (2) at a first depth. The first depth may be at least 25 mm away from a wall, ceiling or floor. The method may further include inserting one or more of the fixing (1) into a second panel (2) and inserting the second panel (2) between the two or more support members (2) at a second depth. This may be a shallower depth than the first depth. Further, this may be such that the second panel (2) is fixed between the two or more support members (3). This may be -9 -advantageous to provide a required total panel thickness around obstacles in the cavity.

It will be appreciated that further panels and fixings may be inserted as desired in the 5 same way.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and preceding description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Each feature of the disclosed embodiments may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless stated otherwise. Therefore, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

In the claims, the word "including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

-10 -Claims 1. A fixing for attaching a panel to a support member, the fixing including: a head member configured to engage the support member; and a body member configured to engage the panel, wherein the head member and body member are rigidly coupled together, and a resilient part of the head member forms a wedge such that when the body member is engaged with the panel, the panel is engageable with the support member.
2. The fixing of claim 1, wherein the head member extends radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the body member.
3. The fixing of claim 2, wherein the head member defines a reference surface substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the body member.
4. The fixing of claim 3, wherein the resilient part of the head member inclines from an edge of the head member at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees with respect to the reference surface to form the wedge.
5. The fixing of claim 4, wherein the resilient part of the head member inclines at an angle of 20 degrees with respect to the reference surface to form the wedge.
6. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient part of the head member extends from an edge of the head member to another edge of the head member, substantially covering a width of the head member.
7. The fixing of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein a portion of the resilient part of the head member is suspended over the reference surface.
8. The fixing of claim 7, wherein the head member includes one or more support ribs for supporting the suspended resilient part.
9. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing is integrally formed.
10. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the fixing includes a copolymer.
11. The fixing of claim 10, wherein the copolymer is a polypropylene copolymer.
12. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the panel is an insulation panel.
13. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the support member is a stud or joist or rafter.
14. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the head member includes a flange.
15. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein when the body member is engaged with the panel, the head member abuts a same surface of the panel as the body member is engaging.
16. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the body member is formed of a cross or round or star or triangle shaped cross-section.
17. The fixing of any preceding claim, wherein the body member is tapered for easing engagement with the panel.
18. A kit including one or more of the fixing according to any preceding claim, and a panel.
19. A kit according to claim 18, wherein the panel is an insulation panel.
20. A method, including: inserting one or more of the fixing of any preceding claim into a panel; and inserting the panel between two or more support members such that the panel is fixed between the two or more support members.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the panel is a first panel and is inserted between the two or more support members at a first depth.
22. The method of claim 21, further including: inserting one or more of the fixing of any preceding claim into a second panel; and inserting the second panel between -12 -the two or more support members at a second depth such that the second panel is fixed between the two or more support members.