GB2603243A

GB2603243A - Improvements in or relating to clips

Info

Publication number: GB2603243A
Application number: GB2114365.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Callum; Ian Campbell Jonathan
Original assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Current assignee: AMG Group Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-07
Filing date: 2021-10-07
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-10-07
Also published as: GB2603243B; GB2603243B8; GB2603243A8; GB202114365D0

Abstract

A clip for holding a bead or keder edge of a shelter cover comprises a first body portion and a second body portion connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip. The first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion. The clip gripping portions together forming a cylindrical void for receiving a bead or keder strip. The clip further comprises a load bearing portion located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, a force is applied to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion.

Description

Improvements in or relating to clips

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to clip, particularly, but not exclusively a clip capable of bearing a load. The present invention also relates to a system for bearing a load. The present invention also relates to a portable shelter, particularly, but not exclusively, a tent or awning.

Backaround to the invention

Clips such as load bearing clips for portable shelters are known. Such clips may be attached to rail systems, such as kador rails, or the like, that are located within the portable shelter.

While such clips are known to be able to suspend certain items from the rail, they are limited in that they are difficult and time-consuming to attach to the rail, and also have relatively weak gripping strength.

zo The inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in known clips.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that movement of the first and second body portions towards one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and movement of the first and second body portions away from one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion, and wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions of the clip operating portion are moved apart from one another.

The clip may be a load-bearing clip. The clip may be for bearing a load. The clip may be configured to bear a load.

The clip may be made of plastic. The clip may be made of one or more plastic materials. The clip may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), or other similar materials.

The clip may be formed by injection moulding. The clip may be a plastic clip formed by injection moulding. The clip may be an injection moulded plastic clip. The clip may be formed by 3-D printing.

The clip may be integrally formed. The clip may be an integrally formed piece. The clip may be integrally formed from plastic. The clip may be a single component. The clip may be a one-piece component. The clip may be formed by a single piece of material.

The clip may include three axes, each axis being orthogonally arranged. A first axis may be arranged between a top and a bottom portion of the clip. This may be a longitudinal axis. A second axis may be arranged between a front and a back portion of the clip. This may be a lateral axis. A third axis may be arranged between a left side and a right side of the clip. This may be a lateral axis.

The cross section of the clip between the left and right sides may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The cross section of the clip between the left and right sides may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

Each body portion may be a wall portion. Each wall portion may be generally planar. Each wall portion may have a generally planar outer surface. Each body portion may be a curved wall portion. Each wall 25 portion may have a curved outer surface.

The first body portion may be on the front side of the clip and the second body portion may be on the back side of the clip.

The first and second body portions may be made of plastic. The first and second body portions may be made of one or more plastic materials. The clip may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), or other similar materials.

The first and second body portions may be formed by injection moulding. The first and second body portions may be a plastic clip formed by injection moulding. The first and second body portions may be an injection moulded plastic clip. The first and second body portions may be formed by 3-D printing.

The first and second body portions may be integrally formed. The first and second body portions may be an integrally formed piece. The first and second body portions may be integrally formed from plastic. The first and second body portions may be a single component. The first and second body portions may be a one-piece component. The first and second body portions may be formed by a single piece of material.

The top of the clip may be narrower than the bottom of the clip. The bottom of the clip may be wider than the top of the clip. The clip may be generally wedge-shaped. The cross section of the clip in the direction of the lateral axis from the left side to the right side may be generally triangular.

The first and second body portions may be connected to one another at the connection point.

The first and second body portions may be integrally formed with the connection point. The first and second body portions may be integrally 30 formed at the connection point.

The connection point may be arranged in the direction of a lateral axis of the clip. The connection point may be arranged horizontally.

The connection point may extend from the left side of the clip to the right side of the clip. The connection point may extend the entire width of the clip. The connection point may extend at least part of the width of the clip. The connection point may be elongated. The connection point may be an elongated strip.

The connection point may be formed by a protruding portion of each of the first and second body portions. The connection point may be formed by a protruding portion of an inward facing surface of each of the first and second body portions. Each protruding portion may extend the entire length of the body portion. Each protruding portion may extend horizontally. Each protruding portion may connect, or be connected, with one another.

The connection point may be located between the top and bottom of the clip. The connection point may be located generally at the midpoint between the top and bottom of the clip.

The connection point may be a pivot, or pivoting, point. The connection point may be a fulcrum. The connection point may be a fulcrum point.

The connection point may be a bend, or bending, point, or a flex, or flexing, point.

The first and second body portions may be configured to flex about the connection point. The first and second body portions may be configured 30 to bend about the connection point. The first and second body portions may be resiliently deformable. The first and second body portions may be resiliently deformable about the connection point. The clip may be resiliently deformable about the connection point.

The first and second body portions may be resilient members. The first and second body portions may be resiliently connected. The first and second body portions may be resiliently connected at the connection point. The first and second body portions may be resiliently connected about the connection point.

The first end of the clip may be the top of the clip. The clip gripping portion may be located at the top of the clip.

The clip gripping portion may be configured to grip an object.

The clip gripping portion may be located at the distal end of the top portion of the clip.

The clip gripping portion may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions may be gripping portions. The first and second portions may be configured to grip, or clamp an object. The first and second portions may be configured to come together to grip an object.

The first and second body portions of the clip may define the gripping portion of the clip. The first and second portions of the clip may form the gripping portion of the clip.

The first body portion of the clip may include the first portion of the gripping portion. The first body portion of the clip may define the first portion of the gripping portion. The first portion of the gripping portion of the clip may be formed by the first body portion. The second body portion of the clip may include the second portion of the gripping portion. The second body portion of the clip may define the second portion of the gripping portion. The second portion of the gripping portion of the clip may be formed by the second body portion.

The clip gripping portion may be configured to grip a substantially cylindrical-shaped object. The clip gripping portion may be configured to grip a substantially cylindrical object.

The clip gripping portion may be configured to receive a substantially cylindrical-shaped object. The clip gripping portion may be configured to receive a substantially cylindrical object.

The clip gripping portion may be configured to receive a cylinder. The clip gripping portion may be configured to receive a flexible cylinder. The clip gripping portion may be configured to receive a flexible cylinder of a portable shelter. The portable shelter may be a tent. The portable shelter may be an awning. The portable shelter may be a campervan awning. The portable shelter may be a motorhome awning. The portable shelter may be a caravan awning. The portable shelter may be a porch. The cylinder may be a kador rail, or strip. The cylinder may be made of a plastic, or rubber material. The cylinder may be resilient. The cylinder may be part of a rail, or track, system of a portable shelter.

The clip gripping portion may include a substantially cylindrical-shaped void. The void may extend between the left side and the right side of the clip. The void may be arranged substantially horizontally. The void may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis. The void may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis that runs between the left and right sides of the clip. The void may be an aperture, or bore.

The first portion of the gripping portion of the clip may include a substantially semi-cylindrical portion. The semi-cylindrical portion may extend between the left side and the right side of the clip. The semi-cylindrical portion may be arranged substantially horizontally. The semi-cylindrical portion may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis. The semi-cylindrical portion may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis that runs between the left and right sides of the clip.

The second portion of the gripping portion of the clip may include a substantially semi-cylindrical portion. The semi-cylindrical portion may extend between the left side and the right side of the clip. The semi- cylindrical portion may be arranged substantially horizontally. The semi-cylindrical portion may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis. The semi-cylindrical portion may be substantially parallel to the lateral axis that runs between the left and right sides of the clip.

The substantially semi-cylindrical portions of the first and second portions of the gripping portion are configured to grip a substantially cylindrical-shaped object, or cylindrical object. The substantially semi-cylindrical portions of the first and second portions of the gripping portion are configured in use to move together and grip a substantially cylindrical-shaped object, or cylindrical object.

The substantially semi-cylindrical portions of the first and second portions of the gripping portion are configured to receive a substantially cylindrical-shaped object, or cylindrical object.

The first and second portions of the clip gripping portion may be spaced apart from one another. The first and second portions of the clip gripping portion may be configured to be moved towards one another in use of the clip. The first and second portions of the clip gripping portion may be configured to be moved towards one another and come into contact with one another in use of the clip.

The second end of the clip may be the bottom of the clip. The clip operating portion may be located at the bottom of the clip.

The clip operating portion may be configured to operate the clip gripping portion. The clip operating portion may be hand-operated by a user.

The clip operating portion may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions may be hand gripping portions.

The first and second portions may be configured to be operated by the fingers of a user.

The first and second portions may be configured to allow the first and 20 second body portions of the clip to be moved towards one another.

The first and second portions may include one or more finger gripping portions located on an outer surface thereof. The finger gripping portions may include a plurality of protrusions, or recesses, arranged to allow the finger of a user to securely grip the body portions of the clip. The finger gripping portions may be a plurality of horizontal lines, or recesses.

The load bearing portion may be configured to bear a load. The load bearing portion may be arranged to receive a load. The load bearing portion may be arranged to engage with a load. The load bearing portion may be configured to suspend a load therefrom. The load bearing portion may be configured to hang a load therefrom. The load bearing portion may be configured to receive a strap portion of a load.

The load bearing portion may be located between the connection point and the second end of the clip. The load bearing portion may be spaced from the second end of the clip. The load bearing portion may located at least partially inward from the second end of the clip. The load bearing portion may be spaced inwards from the second end of the clip. The load bearing portion may be located adjacent to the second end of the clip.

The load bearing portion may be spaced from the second end of the clip so that it may translate downwards when a load is applied.

The load bearing portion may be a rod-shaped member. The load bearing portion may be a bar, or rod. The load bearing portion may an elongate member. The load bearing portion may be a generally cylindrical member. The load bearing portion may extend between the left side and the right side of the clip. The load bearing portion may extend at least partially between the left side and the right side of the clip.

The load bearing portion may include a load bearing surface. The load bearing surface may be a planar, or curved surface. The load bearing surface may be arranged to generally face the top of the clip.

The load bearing portion may extend in the direction of a lateral axis. The load bearing portion may be parallel to a lateral axis. The load bearing portion may be arranged horizontally.

The load bearing portion may be connected to each of the first and second body portions of the clip.

The load bearing portion may be integrally formed with the first and second body portions of the clip.

The load bearing portion may be connected to the first and second body portions of the clip by one or more strut members. The strut members may be links, braces, trusses, or the like.

The struts may connect the load bearing portion to the first and second body portions of the clip.

The struts may be located between the load bearing portion and the second end of the clip.

The struts may extend from the load bearing portion to the second end of the clip. The struts may extend from an end portion of the load bearing portion towards the second end of the clip.

The struts may extend in a direction this is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the clip. The struts may extend in a direction which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clip. The struts may extend downwards from the load bearing portion towards the bottom of the clip.

The struts may be made of plastic.

The load bearing portion and struts may be made of plastic. The load bearing portion and struts may be made of one or more plastic materials. The load bearing portion and struts may be made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyamide (PA), or other similar materials.

The clip may be configured such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the load bearing portion moves downward, and the first and second body portions of the clip at the clip operating portion move outwards. The clip may be configured such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the load bearing portion translates downwards, and the first and second body portions of the clip at the clip operating portion translate horizontally outwards.

The clip may be configured such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the load bearing portion moves downward, and the struts exert a force on the first and second body portions of the clip at the clip operating portion, which moves the first and second body portions outwards.

The translation, or movement, of the load bearing portion downwards when a load is applied causes the struts to exert a force on the first and second body portions of the clip, such that they bend, or move, around the connection point.

The clip may be configured such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the strut members exert a force on the first and second body portions of the clip at the clip operating portion, which exerts a force on the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion.

The load bearing portion may be a load attachment portion. The load bearing portion may be configured to receive a load attached thereto.

The clip may be a rail clip for a rail system of a portable shelter. The clip may be a clip for a rail system of a portable shelter. The clip may be a kador rail clip.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for bearing a load, the system comprising: a rail, the rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a portable shelter; and at least one clip according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the rail.

The rail may be a substantially cylindrical-shaped object. The rail may be flexible. The rail may be a strip rail. The rail may be a kador rail.

The rail may be attachable to a support structure of the portable shelter. The rail may be fixedly attachable to the portable shelter. The rail may be removably attachable to the portable shelter.

The system may be attachable to a support structure of the portable shelter. The system may be fixedly attachable to the portable shelter. The system may be removably attachable to the portable shelter.

The rail may extend along at least a portion of an internal, or external, wall, or support member, of the portable shelter.

The rail may have a length of between 0.5m and 10m.

The rail may be attachable to the portably shelter by an attachment member. The attachment member may be a fabric. The attachment member may be a flexible member. The attachment member may be fixedly attached to the portable shelter. The attachment member may be fastened to the portable shelter by stitching, gluing, or the like. The attachment member may receive and engage with the rail.

The attachment member may be integrally formed with the rail. The attachment member may be formed from a plastic, or rubber material. The attachment member may be fixedly attached to the portable shelter. The attachment member may be fastened to the portable shelter by stitching, gluing, or the like. The attachment member may be a generally planar member.

The system may comprise two or more rails and a plurality of clips.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or its embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first aspect of the present 20 invention may include one or more features of the second aspect of the According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a system for bearing a load, the system comprising: at least one rail, the or each rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of the portable shelter; and at least one clip, the or each clip being configured to be attachable to a rail and comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that movement of the first and second body portions towards one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and movement of the first and second body portions away from one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion, and wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions of the clip operating portion are moved apart from one another, and wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the or each rail.

The portable shelter may be a tent. The portable shelter may be an awning. The portable shelter may be a cam pervan awning. The portable shelter may be a motorhome awning. The portable shelter may be a caravan awning. The portable shelter may be a porch.

The portable shelter may be a stand-alone shelter. The portable shelter may be a free-standing shelter. The portable shelter may be a fixed shelter. The portable shelter may be attachable to an object or structure. The portable shelter may be removably attachable to an object or structure. The object or structure may be a fixed structure. The object or structure may be a vehicle. The vehicle may be a car, van, truck, campervan, motorhome, caravan, or the like. The portable shelter may be a drive-away shelter. The portable shelter may be a drive-away awning.

The or each rail may be a substantially cylindrical-shaped object. The or each rail may be flexible. The or each rail may be a strip rail. The or each rail may be a kador rail.

The or each rail may be attachable to a support structure of the portable shelter. The or each rail may be fixedly attachable to the portable shelter.

The or each rail may be removably attachable to the portable shelter.

The system may be attachable to a support structure of the portable shelter. The system may be fixedly attachable to the portable shelter. 20 The system may be removably attachable to the portable shelter.

The system may comprise two or more rails and a plurality of clips.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, or second aspects of the present invention or its embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, or second aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the third aspect of the According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion, and wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions of the clip operating portion are moved apart from one another.

The force applied to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion may be a compressive force. The force applied to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion may be an expansive force.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fourth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion results in a compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion, wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, a force is applied to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion.

The compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion results in a closing operation of the clip at the clip gripping portion.

The compressive force may be an increase in a gripping force of the clip. The compressive force may be an additional force applied in addition to any gripping, or compressive, force already being applied to the clip at the gripping portion by any resilience, or bias, caused by deformation of the first and second body portions about the connection point.

The compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion may resist the moving apart of the first and second body portions. The compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion may increase the gripping force of the clip at the clip gripping portion. The compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion may increase the gripping force of the clip when it is engaged with an object in use.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fifth aspect of the present invention or its zo embodiments.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion results in a compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion, wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, a compressive force acts on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion.

Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the sixth aspect of the present invention or zo its embodiments.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to be biased apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion to be biased together, wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion are biased together.

Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the seventh aspect of the present zo invention or its embodiments.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to be biased apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion to be biased together, wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion are biased apart.

Embodiments of the eighth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the eighth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for bearing a load, the system comprising: a rail, the rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a portable shelter; and at least one clip according to the first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the rail.

Embodiments of the ninth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the ninth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a system for bearing a load, the system comprising: at least one rail, the or each rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of the portable shelter; and at least one clip according to the first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, and wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the or each rail.

Embodiments of the tenth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments.

Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the tenth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to the present invention; Fig 2 is a perspective bottom view of the clip of Fig 1; Fig 3 is a right side view of the clip of Fig. 1; Fig 4 is a top view of the clip of Fig. 1; Fig 5 is a bottom view of the clip of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a front view of the clip of Fig. 1; Figs. 7a to 7d are side views of the clip of Fig. 1 being connected to a rail of a rail system; Fig. 8 is a perspective partial view of a rail of a rail system; Fig. 9a is a schematic side view of a portable shelter according to the present invention and a system for bearing a load according to the present invention; Fig. 9b is a schematic top view of the portable shelter and system of Fig. 9a; and Fig. 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the clip of Fig.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, a clip 10 according to the present invention is illustrated.

As described further below, the clip 10 is capable of bearing a load. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the clip 10 is attachable to a rail system 100 (an example of a system for bearing a load) of a portable shelter 200, and is used to hang an object, such as a lantern, or the like, thereon.

The clip 10 includes a first body portion 12 and a second body portion 14.

The first and second body portions 12, 14 are connected together at a connection point 16. The connection point 16 is located between a clip gripping portion 18 and a clip operating portion 20. The clip gripping portion 18 is located at a first end 22 of the clip 10. The first end 22 of the clip 10 is the top of the clip 10. The clip gripping operating portion 20 is located at a second end 24 of the clip 10. The second end 24 of the clip 10 is the bottom of the clip 10.

As described further below, the first and second body portions 12, 14 are configured such that movement of the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another at the clip operating portion 20 causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18, and movement of the first and second body portions 12, 14 away from one another at the clip operating portion 20 zo causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion 18. That is, the first and second body portions 12, 14 are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20 causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions 12, 14 causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion 18.

As described further below, it should be noted that the clip 10 of Figs. 1 to 6 is illustrated as including a gap 1 between the first and second body 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 18. In this arrangement, the first and second body portions 12, 14 are configured such that movement of the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another at the clip operating portion 18 causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18, and movement of the first and second body portions 12, 14 away from one another at the clip operating portion 20 causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion 18 to close the gap 1. However, it should also be appreciated that the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10 may be arranged such that there is no gap therebetween, and the first and second body portions 12, 14 may be in contact with one another before use. This arrangement is shown in Fig. 10, which illustrates a second embodiment of the clip 10', where the first and second body portions 12', 14' are in contact with one another. All other components of the clip 10' are the same as the clip 10 of Fig. 1. In the arrangement of Fig. 10, the first and second body portions 12', 14' are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions 12', 14' at the clip operating portion 20' causes the first and second body portions 12', 14' to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18', and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions 12', 14' at the clip operating portion 20' results in a compressive force acting on the first and second body portions 12', 14' at the clip gripping portion 18'. The compressive force increases the grip of the clip 10' on an object in use.

The clip 10 also includes a load bearing portion 26. The load bearing portion 26 is located between the first body portion 12 and the second body portion 14 and is connected to each body portion 12, 14. As described further below, the load bearing portion 26 is connected to the first and second body portions 12, 14 by struts 28, such that when a load is applied to the load bearing portion 26, the struts 28 exert a force on the first and second body portions 12, 14 such that they are moved apart from one another.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the clip 10 is a single component made from plastic. That is, the components of the clip 10 are integrally formed from plastic, and the first and second body portions 12, 14 may bend, or move, about the connection point 16 due to the arrangement of the components and the resilience and flexibility of the material of construction. The clip 10 is typically made by injection moulding, 3-D printing, or the like.

The clip 10 includes three axes 10a, 10b and 10c, each axis being orthogonally arranged. The first axis 10a may be arranged between a top portion of the clip 10d and a bottom portion of the clip 10e. This may be a longitudinal axis 10a. A second axis 10b may be arranged between a front portion of the clip 10f and a back portion of the clip 10g. This may be a lateral axis 10b. A third axis may be arranged between a left side of the clip 10h and a right side of the clip 10i. This may be a lateral axis 10c.

The cross section of the clip 10 between the left and right sides 10h, 10i may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 10a, as best illustrated in Fig. 3.

Each body portion 12, 14 may be a wall portion of the clip 10, with the first body portion 12 being on the front side 10f of the clip 10, and the second body portion 14 being on the back side lOg of the clip 10. As illustrated, 30 the first and second body portions 12, 14 have generally planar outer surfaces 12a, 14a. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the first and second body portions 12, 14 taper from the bottom portion 10e to the top portion 10d of the clip 10, as best illustrated in Fig. 3. The outer surfaces 12a, 14a may curve as they extend upwards to the top portion 10d of the clip 10. In this arrangement, the top of the clip 10d may be narrower than the bottom of the clip 10e. The clip 10 may be generally wedge-shaped.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the connection point 16 is formed by an inwardly protruding portion 12c, 14c of each of the first and second body portions 12, 14. The protruding portions 12c, 14c are joined together and integrally formed to form the connection point 16. The connection point 16 extends horizontally from the right side 10i to the left side 10h of the clip 10. The connection point 16 extends horizontally in the direction of the lateral axis 10c.

As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the connection point 16 may be located between the top portion of the clip 10d and the bottom portion of the clip 10e. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the connection point 16 is located approximately at the midpoint between the top portion of the clip 10d and the bottom portion of the clip 10e.

As outlined above, and discussed further below, the connection point 16 acts as a fulcrum, or a flexing point, which allows the first and second body portions 12, 14 to be moved together or moved apart at the respective ends thereof. The clip 10 may be deformed about the connection point 16.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the material of manufacture and configuration of the first and second body portions 12, 14 allows the first and second body portions 12, 14 to be moved between three positions. The first position (i) may be a neutral position, as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 and 7a. In this position no external or internal forces are applied to the clip 10 and the material of manufacture and configuration of the first and second body portions 12, 14 provide the arrangement of the clip 10. The first position (i) may be an undeformed state of the clip 10. In this position there is no stress applied to the clip 10. The second position (ii) may be an engaging position, as illustrated in Fig. 7b. In this position the first and second body portions 12, 14 are moved towards one another at the clip operating portion 20 by an application of force (F1) to the outer surfaces 12a, 14a thereof, which causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18. In this arrangement the clip 10, is undergoing stress and is deformed about the connection point 16. In this arrangement, the clip 10 may be engaged with an object, as described further below. The third position (Hi) may be a gripping position, as illustrated in Fig. 7c. In this position the force applied to the outer surfaces 12a, 14a of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 18 is removed and the resilience provided by the connection point 16 biases the first and second body portions 12, 14 back towards the first position (i) to grip the object. As described further below, application of a load 32 to the load bearing portion 26 when the clip 10 is in the gripping position (iii), as illustrated in Fig. 7d, causes the struts 28 to exert a force (F3) on the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20 and increase the gripping force (F4) of the clip at the clip gripping portion 18.

The clip gripping portion 18 includes a first portion 18a and a second portion 18b. The first portion 18a is part of the first body portion 12 and 30 the second portion 18b is part of the second body portion 14. As described further below, the first and second portions 18a, 18b of the clip gripping portion 18 are configured to grip, or clamp onto, an object by coming together. As illustrated and described here, the clip 10 may be used to grip a generally cylindrical object, which may be a rail of a system for bearing a load. However, it should be appreciated that the clip 10 may be used to grip other objects.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the first and second gripping portions 18a, 18b define the shape of the clip gripping portion 18. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the clip 10 is configured to grip a substantially cylindrical-shaped object. The shape of the clip gripping portion 18 is therefore a cylindrical void 18'. The void 18' of the clip gripping portion 18 extends from the left side of the clip 10h to the right side of the clip 10i. The void 18' of the clip gripping portion 18 is arranged horizontally and extends parallel to the lateral axis 10c of the clip 10.

Each of the first and second gripping portions 18a, 18b include a substantially semi-cylindrical portion 18a', 18b', as best illustrated in Fig. 3. Each semi-cylindrical portion 18a', 18b' extends from the left side of the clip 10h to the right side of the clip 10i. Each semi-cylindrical portion 18a', 18b' is arranged horizontally and extends parallel to the lateral axis 10c of the clip 10. Each semi-cylindrical portion 18a', 18b' is arranged to face the other to define the cylindrical void 18'.

As described further below, the clip 10 may be configured to receive and engage with a rail 30, such as a kador rail, of a rail system 100 of a portable shelter 200, such as a tent, or an awning, or the like.

As described above, the clip operating portion 20 is configured to operate the clip gripping portion 18. The clip operating portion 20 may be operated by the fingers of a user. That is, the clip 10 may be hand-operated.

As described further below, in use, a user may operate the clip 10 to open the clip 10 and attach it to an object by using their fingers (or finger and thumb) to apply a force (F1) to the outer surfaces 12a, 14a of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20 to move the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another. The outer surfaces 12a, 14a of the first and second body portions 12, 14 include finger gripping portions 12d, 14d, which in the embodiment illustrated here are a series of protrusions/recesses arranged in the direction of the lateral axis 10c. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements of finger gripping portions are possible to ensure that a user can adequately grip the clip 10.

The load bearing portion 26 is configured to receive a load. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load bearing portion 26 is configured to have a load suspended from it by a strap. However, other possibilities for attaching a load to the load bearing portion 26 are possible.

The load bearing portion 26 is located between the connection point 16 and the bottom portion of the clip 10e. More specifically, the load bearing portion 26 is located towards the bottom portion of the clip 10e, but spaced therefrom. That is, the load bearing portion 26 is spaced inwards, or partially spaced inwards, from the second end of the clip 24, as illustrated best in Fig. 3.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load bearing portion 26 is a generally rod-shaped member that extends horizontally in the direction of the lateral axis 10c. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load bearing portion 26 does not extend fully between the left side of the clip 10h and the right side of the clip 10i. However, it should be appreciated that it may extend fully therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load bearing portion 26 includes two cut-away portions 26a, or notches, located at either end. The notches 26a facilitate flexing, or bending, of the struts 28 of the clip 10 in 3.0 use.

The load bearing portion 26 includes a load bearing surface 26b, which in the embodiment illustrated and described here faces towards the top portion of the clip 10d and has a curved outer surface. However, it should be appreciated that other arrangements of the load bearing portion 26 are possible.

As described above, and best illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the struts 28 connect the load bearing portion 26 to the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the struts 28 are generally planar strip members that extend from the load bearing portion 26 downwards and outwards to connect to the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the bottom portion of the clip 10e. In this arrangement the struts 28 are located between the load bearing portion 26 and the bottom portion of the clip 10e. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the struts 28 are arranged to be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 10a of the clip 10. That is, the direction of the struts 28 is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis 10a of the clip 10.

The struts 28 are integrally formed with the load bearing portion 26 and the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10.

The clip 10 is configured such that, in use, when a load 32 is applied to the load bearing portion 26, the load bearing portion 26 moves, or translates, downward, and the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10 at the clip operating portion 18 move, or translate horizontally, outwards. The translation, or movement, of the load bearing portion 26 downwards when a load 32 is applied causes the struts 28 to exert a force (F3) on the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10, such that they bend, or move, around the connection point 16. However, it should be appreciated that the clip 10 may be configured such that, in use, when a load 32 is applied to the load bearing portion 26, the load bearing portion 26 is urged downwards, which exerts a force (F3) on the first and second body portions 12, 14 of the clip 10 at the clip operating portion 18. It is not necessary for either the load bearing portion 26, or the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move. The force (F3) applied to the first and second body portions 12, 14 results in a translated force (F3) being applied to the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 18 via the connection point 16.

Operation of the clip 10 will now be described with reference to Figs. 7a to 7d. Figs. 7a to 7d illustrates the clip 10 being attached to a rail 30 of a rail system 100. Part of a rail 30 and rail system 100 attached to a portion of a portable shelter 200 is illustrated in Fig. 8, and a portable shelter 200 including a number of rail systems 100 and clips 10 is illustrated in Figs. 9a and 9b. The rail 30 is typically stitched, or glued, to the portable shelter 200. Although other attachment methods may be used. The rail 30 may be approximately 2 to 4m long. Although it should be appreciated that the rail may be any suitable length.

The rail 30 includes a substantially cylindrical body portion 30a and a substantially planar attachment portion 30b. The cylindrical body portion 30a and the planar attachment portion 30b are typically integrally formed.

The rail 30 is a generally flexible plastic, or rubber, member. The planar attachment portion 30b is typically stitched, or otherwise fastened, to the portable shelter 200. As described further below, the rail 30 is typically arranged to extend between one side of the shelter 200 and the other, typically across the walls and roof portion thereof.

With reference to Fig. 7a, the clip 10 is initially in the neutral position (i), where no external or internal forces are applied to the clip 10. In order to attach the clip 10 to the rail 30, the clip 10 is moved to the engaging position (ii) (Fig. 7b), where the first and second body portions 12, 14 are moved apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18. As described above, this is achieved by moving the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another at the clip operating portion 20 by an application of force (F1) to the outer surfaces 12a, 14a thereof. The application of the force (F1) to the outer surfaces 12a, 14a causes the causes the first and second body portions 12, 14 to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion 18, as illustrated in Fig. 7b. In this position the clip 10 may be engaged with the body portion 30a of the rail 30. It is important to note that the clip 10 may be attached to the rail 30 at any point thereof. That is, because the clip 10 opens up to receive the rail 30, it can be attached to the rail 30 at any point along its length.

In order for the clip 10 to grip the body portion 30a of the rail 30, the clip 10 is moved towards the rail 30 such that the body portion 30a of the rail 30 is received in the cylindrical void 18', which is defined by the two semi-cylindrical portion 18a', 18b', and then the force (F1) pushing the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another at the clip operating portion 20 is removed. Removal of the force (F1) biases the clip 10 back towards the neutral position (i) which moves the first and second body portions 12, 14 towards one another at the clip gripping portion 18 to grip the body portion 30a and/or the attachment portion 30b of the rail 30. This is illustrated in Fig. 7c. It should be appreciated that the amount of force, or pressure, exerted on the rail 30 by the clip 10 in this position is mainly determined by (i) the resilience of the clip 10 to its deformation about the connection point 16, and (ii) the diameter of the body portion 30a of the rail 30. It should also be appreciated that, in certain arrangements, the clip 10 may not exert any force, or pressure, on the body portion 30a of the rail 30, and may simply surround the body portion 30a. In this arrangement the clip 10 is still engaged with the rail 30 and removal of the clip 10 from the rail 30 requires the reverse of the attachment operation described above.

As illustrated in Fig. 7d, a load 32 may be applied to the clip 10 when it is attached to the rail 30. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load 32 is attached to the clip 10 by an attachment strap 32a which is wrapped around the load bearing portion 26. The load 32 is therefore suspended from the clip 10 by the strap 32a. In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the load 32 may be an object such as a lantern, a cinematic projection screen, coat hook, towel rail, hanging storage device, or the like.

When the load 32 is applied to the clip 10, the weight (W) of the load 32 tries to pull the load bearing portion 26 downwards. This longitudinal force (F2) causes the struts 28 to exert a lateral force (F3) on the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20. Application of this additional force (F3) to the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20 results in an increase in the gripping force (F4) of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18. In this arrangement, increasing the weight (W) of the load 32 increases the gripping force (F4) at the clip gripping portion 18. The amount of force, or pressure, exerted on the rail 30 by the clip 10 in this position is mainly determined by (i) the resilience of the clip 10 to its deformation about the connection point 16, (ii) the diameter of the body portion 30a of the rail 30 and (iii) the weight (W) of the load 32.

The clip 10 may be removed from the rail 30 by reversing the process described above.

Fig. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the clip 10 of Figs. 1 to 6.

Clip 10' is almost identical to clip 10 except that the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18 are in contact with one another at the first neutral position (i). This means that when a force is applied to the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20, there is no movement of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18.

The application of force to the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20 is simply translated to the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18. The operation of the clip 10' is otherwise identical to the operation of the clip 10 described above.

The clip 10, 10' of the present invention is easy to attach to the rail 30, as it may be attached directly onto the rail 30 at any point along its length.

This is because the clip 10 is mounted onto the rail 30 from the front thereof. With certain know clips, they must be attached to the rail by sliding the clip onto the rail at its end portion, which is difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, the clip 10, 10' provides an increased gripping force over other know clips, as the gripping force of the clip 10, 10' is increased when a load 32 is attached to it.

Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the clip has been illustrated and described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 (clip 10), as having a gap 1 between the first and second body portion 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18, which means that they move towards one another when a force is applied to the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20, it should be appreciated that the clip may not have a gap between the first and second body portion 12, 14 at the clip gripping portion 18, as illustrated in Fig. 10 (clip 10'), which means that they do not move towards one another when a force is applied to the inner surfaces 12b, 14b of the first and second body portions 12, 14 at the clip operating portion 20. In both embodiments each clip 10, 10' is capable of producing an increased gripping force when a load 32 is applied to the load bearing portion 26.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, in use, the body portion 30a of the rail 30 may fit loosely in the void 18' when the clip 10, 10' is attached thereto. That is, the body portion 30a of the rail 30 may not be in contact with the semi-cylindrical portions 18a', 18b' of the clip gripping portion 18.

Although the first and second portions 18a, 18b of the clip gripping portion 18 may be in contact with the attachment portion 30b of the rail 30. In other arrangements, the first and second portions 18a, 18b of the clip gripping portion 18 may contact a portion of the body portion 30a of the rail 30 in use, but do not compress it. That is, in use, the first and second portions 18a, 18b of the clip gripping portion 18 may be suspended from the body portion 30a of the rail 30. In this arrangement, the first and second portions 18a, 18b of the clip gripping portion 18 may or may not be in contact with the attachment portion 30b of the rail 30.

Claims

Claims 1. A clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that application of a force to the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and application of a force to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion results in a compressive force acting on the first and second body portions at the clip gripping portion, wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, a force is applied to the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions at the clip operating portion.
2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip is an integrally formed single 25 component
3. The clip of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second body portions are oppositely facing wall portions.
4. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the connection point is formed by a protruding portion of an inward facing surface of each of the first and second body portions, the protruding portions joining each other to form the connection point.
5. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the connection point is an elongate member that extends in a lateral direction between a right side and a left side of the clip.
6. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the connection point is located between the top and bottom of the clip.
7. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip is resiliently deformable about the connection point.
8. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip gripping portion comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being configured to come together to grip an object during use.
9. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second body portions of the clip define, or form, the gripping portion of the clip.
10. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the first body portion of the clip defines the first portion of the gripping portion and the second body portion of the clip defines the second portion of the gripping portion.
11. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip gripping portion is configured to receive and grip a substantially cylindrical-shaped object.
12. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip gripping portion includes a substantially cylindrical-shaped void extending laterally between the left side of the clip and the right side of the clip.
13. The clip of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the gripping portion of the clip includes a substantially semi-cylindrical portion and the second portion of the gripping portion of the clip includes an oppositely-facing substantially semi-cylindrical portion, the two semi-cylindrical portions defining the cylindrical-shaped void.
14. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip operating portion includes first and second hand gripping portions located on the outer surfaces of the first and second body portions.
15. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the load bearing portion is located between the connection point and the second end of the clip.
16. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the load bearing portion is spaced inwardly from the second end of the clip.
17. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the load bearing portion is an elongate member that extends laterally between the right side of the clip and the left side of the clip.
18. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the load bearing portion is connected to the first and second body portions of the clip by one or more strut members.
19. The clip of claim 18, wherein the strut members are located between the load bearing portion and the second end of the clip.
20. The clip of claim 19, wherein the strut members extend from an end portion of the load bearing portion towards the second end of the clip.
21. The clip of claim 20, wherein the strut members extend in a direction that is at an angle that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the clip.
22. The clip of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the strut members extend downwards from the load bearing portion towards the bottom of the clip.
23. A clip comprising: a first body portion; and a second body portion, wherein the first and second body portions are connected together at a connection point, the connection point being located between a clip gripping portion located at a first end of the clip, and a clip operating portion located at a second end of the clip, and wherein the first and second body portions are configured such that movement of the first and second body portions towards one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move apart from one another at the clip gripping portion, and movement of the first and second body portions away from one another at the clip operating portion causes the first and second body portions to move towards one another at the clip gripping portion, and wherein the clip further comprises a load bearing portion, the load bearing portion being located between the first body portion and the second body portion at the clip operating portion and connected to the first and second body portions, such that, in use, when a load is applied to the load bearing portion, the first and second body portions of the clip operating portion are moved apart from one another.
24. A system for bearing a load, the system comprising: a rail, the rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of a portable shelter; and at least one clip according to claim 1 or claim 23, wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the rail.
25. A portable shelter comprising: a system for bearing a load, the system comprising: at least one rail, the or each rail being configured to be attachable to at least a portion of the portable shelter; and at least one clip according to claim 1 or claim 23, and wherein the clip gripping portion of the or each clip is engageable with the or each rail.