US20070144091A1 - Retaining Clip - Google Patents
Retaining Clip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070144091A1 US20070144091A1 US11/613,662 US61366206A US2007144091A1 US 20070144091 A1 US20070144091 A1 US 20070144091A1 US 61366206 A US61366206 A US 61366206A US 2007144091 A1 US2007144091 A1 US 2007144091A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- base portion
- clip
- sheet material
- frame member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000639 Spring steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0692—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining flexible sheets to other sheets or plates or to strips or bars
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/14—Greenhouses
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/0018—Easily movable or transportable swimming pools
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
- F16B2/245—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal external, i.e. with contracting action
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a sheet material retaining clip and in particular to a sheet retaining clip for use when insulating above ground swimming pools.
- Above ground swimming pools are popular due to their ease of installation and low set up cost compared to fully installed pools.
- Such above ground pools whether directly heated or benefiting from solar heating, are subject to heat loss and it is therefore advantageous to provide insulation over the primary area of loss.
- This primary area of loss is through evaporation from the surface of the water which is tackled by providing an insulating cover over the top of the pool.
- the next largest loss of heat is through the side walls of the pool and it has been suggested that these should also be insulated.
- no convenient or cost effective mechanisms have been provided for the attachment of insulating material to the sides of such above ground pools, and the present invention aims to address this problem. It is also advantageous in many situations to connect planar material such as decorations to panels.
- a sheet material retaining clip to hold sheet material onto a structure having a panel and a frame member adjacent the panel, the clip having an elongate base portion adapted to be located in a gap between the panel and the frame member to hold the clip in place without separate fixing means, a middle portion having an inner and an outer end, the inner end being connected to an end of the base portion and extending at approximately right angles away from the panel, and a spring arm connected to the outer end of the middle portion and extending at an acute angle therefrom on the opposite side to the base portion whereby it bears on the sheet material to hold it against the panel.
- the base portion is usually generally planar, but the spring arm may take many suitable shapes or forms.
- the spring arm may comprise an inner portion that is connected to the base portion, which inner portion generally extends away from the panel, and an outer portion that extends from the end of the inner portion back toward the panel. This helps to ensure that there is enough flex in the material to permit the spring arm to clasp sheet material of a wide range of thicknesses.
- the inner portion preferably extends at approximately 90° to the base portion to which it is attached.
- the clip of the present invention may be retained between the frame member and the panel by any suitable mechanism or means, but usually the base portion is shaped and sized to fit snugly in the gap between them.
- the gap is often small or non-existent in normal use, but a degree of flexibility in the panel and/or frame member will allow the gap to open or widen slightly on insertion of the base portion. Usually insertion is achieved by a simple lateral sliding movement and removal by the reverse sliding movement. It is preferred, especially where the frame member is a hollow three sided section (as is often the case with the frame members of above ground pools), or where some form of widening of the gap occurs directly behind the frame member that an additional retaining mechanism be provided.
- the base portion may have a tang or other suitable detent that resists removal of the base portion from between the panel and frame member. This may take the form of a tongue cut from the base portion and subsequently bent out of the plane.
- the raised frame members are often in the form of elongate bars, positioned on, or very close to the surface of the panel to be insulated.
- the panels and frame members on which the clip is used may be more closely attached as long as suitable gaps are available to locate the base portion of the clip.
- the clip of the present invention can be used to attach planar or sheet-like insulating material to a variety of structures including in particular above ground swimming pools.
- Such above ground pools comprise an open topped tank with side walls, the side walls being generally flat but usually having raised vertical bars to provide reinforcement to the structure.
- the present invention may also be used to attach rigid or flexible sheet material to other appropriate structures such as greenhouses or conservatories. With greenhouses and conservatories the glass panels are connected to a support structure which often has raised bars between the panes.
- the clips may be located behind the raised bars to connect the sheet material.
- the clips are formed from a strip of metal bent to the correct profile. Moulded plastics material can also be used to form the clips. It is preferred that the base portion and spring arm are formed from a single strip of resilient material. The free end of the spring arm may be curled away from the panel, when located there against, as this aids positioning of the sheet material.
- the present invention also provides the use of such a clip to connect sheet-like insulating material to an above ground pool.
- the clip may also be used for connecting sheet material to structures such as greenhouses and conservatories, but it has been found to be particularly advantageous for connecting insulating material to the sides of above ground pools.
- the clip may be used to attach a variety of flexible sheet material to structures.
- insulation material as used herein encompasses both material intended to keep heat in but also material to keep heat out. Such heat excluding materials could include shading material that (in particular on greenhouses and conservatories) is used to reduce internal heat build up caused by solar radiation.
- the sheet material may also panels or sheets whose function is purely decorative.
- the clip of the present invention does not damage the structure to which it is attached, and by suitable pressure and manipulation it or the sheet material may be removed from the structure.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the clip against a panel
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the clip with the base portion located between the panel and a frame member;
- FIG. 4 is a similar side view with the clip holding a thin sheet of an insulating material against the panel;
- FIG. 5 is a similar view to FIG. 4 but showing a piece of thicker insulating material
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the side part of an above ground pool with insulating material held thereon by several clips of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but of a second embodiment of clip.
- the first embodiment of clip generally indicated 10 is shown in perspective in FIG. 1 .
- the clip comprises a base portion 12 , a middle portion 14 extending at approximately right angles to the base portion 12 , and a spring arm 15 .
- the spring arm 15 has a curved lip 16 formed at its outer end.
- the clip 10 is formed from a single elongate strip of metal such as spring steel, as this exhibits the necessary resilient deformability. The strip has been bent to achieve the desired configuration and define the base portion, middle portion, spring arm and lip.
- FIG. 2 shows a side view of the clip 10 resting against the surface of a panel 20 .
- the lower most part of the spring arm 15 extends below the plane of the base portion 12 . This ensures that when the base portion 12 is slid into the gap between the panel 20 and a frame member 21 (as seen in FIGS. 3-5 ) the arm is deformed upwards by the panel, even when no insulating material is inserted. This ensures that even a thin layer of insulating material is gripped firmly, and that the clip is held in place between the frame member and panel with or without the presence of the insulating material.
- FIG. 3 a cross-section through a frame member 21 located adjacent the panel 20 can be seen.
- a gap 22 between the frame member 21 and the panel 20 is present. This gap may be formed by slight relative movement of those two parts on insertion of the base portion 12 , or it may be formed at the desired width beforehand in construction of the structure.
- the base portion 12 may be slid laterally between the frame member 21 and the panel 20 , moving generally parallel and across the surface of the panel 20 .
- the base member 12 is a resilient fit therein and consequently resists removal of the device except by a reverse lateral force of sufficient strength.
- the deformation of the spring arm by the panel causes a downward force on the furthermost end of the base portion and an upward force on the inner end tending to enhance the strength of the engagement of the base portion in the gap 22 .
- the spring arm 15 is sufficiently deformed to bear down on the surface 20 and force the upper end of the middle region 14 back against the frame member 21 .
- insulating material 25 can then be slid between the panel 20 and the lowermost point of the spring arm 15 .
- the clamping force exhibited by the spring down towards the panel 20 holds the sheet of insulated material 25 in place.
- FIG. 5 shows a similar view but one in which a thicker sheet of insulating material 26 is shown.
- the clip is adapted such that the spring arm may accommodate insulating material of a significant range of thicknesses.
- FIG. 6 shows the side view of an above ground pool to which a sheet of insulating material 30 is being attached using several clips 10 .
- the frame member 21 extends vertically with respect to the panel 20 , the panel being the side of the pool itself.
- a plurality of clips 10 are provided down one edge of the frame member 21 to connect one end of a sheet of insulating material 30 thereto.
- the other end of the insulating material could be similarly connected by further clips to another frame member or the reverse side of the same frame member once the insulating material has passed round the pool. Indeed, as long as a clip could fit between the upper rail 31 and the panel, the upper edge of the insulating material could also be fixed down in a similar way.
- FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of clip which is very similar to the first embodiment, and is generally indicated 40 .
- the only difference between this clip and the first embodiment 10 is that the base portion 20 is provided with an upstanding tang 41 .
- This tang 41 extends upwardly on the face of the base portion opposite to that which lies against the panel.
- the purpose of this tang 41 is to enhance the security of the location—in particular lateral removal—of the base portion 20 behind a frame member 21 of suitable shape.
- Many frame members particularly on above ground swimming pools, comprise three-sided U-shaped elongate metal or plastic sections. These sections outwardly appear solid as the open side is directed against the panel.
- the angled leading face of the tang will pass easily under one edge wall of the frame member.
- the trailing edge of the tang 41 will then abut the inside face of that edge wall to resist removal.
- the tang 41 may be spring-loaded to deform as it passes under the edge wall.
- the present invention may be used in combination with the U-shaped clips forming the subject of our co-pending application No. 05 15274.9, to attach insulating material to an above ground pool or other structure.
- the present invention can be used in combination with the clips of that application in situations where the U-shaped clips thereof are not effective—for example when the frame members are not of an appropriate shape to accommodate a clip therearound.
Abstract
The invention provides a sheet material retaining clip 10 to hold sheet material 25 onto a structure having a panel 20 and a frame member 21 adjacent the panel. The clip has an elongate base portion 12 adapted to be located in a gap 22 between the panel and the frame member to hold the clip in place. A middle portion 14 connects to an end of the base portion and extends at approximately right angles away from the panel, and a spring arm 15 is connected to the outer end of the middle portion and extends at an acute angle therefrom on the opposite side to the base portion. This allows it to bear on the sheet material to hold it against the panel. The invention also provided for the use of such a clip to connect insulating material to the sides of an aboveground pool.
Description
- The present invention relates to a sheet material retaining clip and in particular to a sheet retaining clip for use when insulating above ground swimming pools.
- Above ground swimming pools are popular due to their ease of installation and low set up cost compared to fully installed pools. Such above ground pools, whether directly heated or benefiting from solar heating, are subject to heat loss and it is therefore advantageous to provide insulation over the primary area of loss. This primary area of loss is through evaporation from the surface of the water which is tackled by providing an insulating cover over the top of the pool. The next largest loss of heat is through the side walls of the pool and it has been suggested that these should also be insulated. To this time however, with the exception of our co-pending application No GB05 15274.9, no convenient or cost effective mechanisms have been provided for the attachment of insulating material to the sides of such above ground pools, and the present invention aims to address this problem. It is also advantageous in many situations to connect planar material such as decorations to panels.
- Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a sheet material retaining clip to hold sheet material onto a structure having a panel and a frame member adjacent the panel, the clip having an elongate base portion adapted to be located in a gap between the panel and the frame member to hold the clip in place without separate fixing means, a middle portion having an inner and an outer end, the inner end being connected to an end of the base portion and extending at approximately right angles away from the panel, and a spring arm connected to the outer end of the middle portion and extending at an acute angle therefrom on the opposite side to the base portion whereby it bears on the sheet material to hold it against the panel.
- The base portion is usually generally planar, but the spring arm may take many suitable shapes or forms. For example the spring arm may comprise an inner portion that is connected to the base portion, which inner portion generally extends away from the panel, and an outer portion that extends from the end of the inner portion back toward the panel. This helps to ensure that there is enough flex in the material to permit the spring arm to clasp sheet material of a wide range of thicknesses. The inner portion preferably extends at approximately 90° to the base portion to which it is attached.
- The clip of the present invention may be retained between the frame member and the panel by any suitable mechanism or means, but usually the base portion is shaped and sized to fit snugly in the gap between them. The gap is often small or non-existent in normal use, but a degree of flexibility in the panel and/or frame member will allow the gap to open or widen slightly on insertion of the base portion. Usually insertion is achieved by a simple lateral sliding movement and removal by the reverse sliding movement. It is preferred, especially where the frame member is a hollow three sided section (as is often the case with the frame members of above ground pools), or where some form of widening of the gap occurs directly behind the frame member that an additional retaining mechanism be provided. To achieve this, the base portion may have a tang or other suitable detent that resists removal of the base portion from between the panel and frame member. This may take the form of a tongue cut from the base portion and subsequently bent out of the plane.
- The raised frame members are often in the form of elongate bars, positioned on, or very close to the surface of the panel to be insulated. The panels and frame members on which the clip is used may be more closely attached as long as suitable gaps are available to locate the base portion of the clip.
- The clip of the present invention can be used to attach planar or sheet-like insulating material to a variety of structures including in particular above ground swimming pools. Such above ground pools comprise an open topped tank with side walls, the side walls being generally flat but usually having raised vertical bars to provide reinforcement to the structure. The present invention may also be used to attach rigid or flexible sheet material to other appropriate structures such as greenhouses or conservatories. With greenhouses and conservatories the glass panels are connected to a support structure which often has raised bars between the panes. The clips may be located behind the raised bars to connect the sheet material.
- Preferably, the clips are formed from a strip of metal bent to the correct profile. Moulded plastics material can also be used to form the clips. It is preferred that the base portion and spring arm are formed from a single strip of resilient material. The free end of the spring arm may be curled away from the panel, when located there against, as this aids positioning of the sheet material.
- The present invention also provides the use of such a clip to connect sheet-like insulating material to an above ground pool.
- As discussed above the clip may also be used for connecting sheet material to structures such as greenhouses and conservatories, but it has been found to be particularly advantageous for connecting insulating material to the sides of above ground pools. The clip may be used to attach a variety of flexible sheet material to structures. The term insulation material as used herein encompasses both material intended to keep heat in but also material to keep heat out. Such heat excluding materials could include shading material that (in particular on greenhouses and conservatories) is used to reduce internal heat build up caused by solar radiation. The sheet material may also panels or sheets whose function is purely decorative.
- The clip of the present invention does not damage the structure to which it is attached, and by suitable pressure and manipulation it or the sheet material may be removed from the structure.
- In order that it may be better understood, but by way of example only, two embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more details, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the clip against a panel; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the clip with the base portion located between the panel and a frame member; -
FIG. 4 is a similar side view with the clip holding a thin sheet of an insulating material against the panel; -
FIG. 5 is a similar view toFIG. 4 but showing a piece of thicker insulating material; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the side part of an above ground pool with insulating material held thereon by several clips of the first embodiment; and, -
FIG. 7 is a view similar toFIG. 2 but of a second embodiment of clip. - The first embodiment of clip generally indicated 10 is shown in perspective in
FIG. 1 . The clip comprises abase portion 12, amiddle portion 14 extending at approximately right angles to thebase portion 12, and aspring arm 15. Thespring arm 15 has acurved lip 16 formed at its outer end. Theclip 10 is formed from a single elongate strip of metal such as spring steel, as this exhibits the necessary resilient deformability. The strip has been bent to achieve the desired configuration and define the base portion, middle portion, spring arm and lip. -
FIG. 2 shows a side view of theclip 10 resting against the surface of apanel 20. As can be seen, the lower most part of thespring arm 15 extends below the plane of thebase portion 12. This ensures that when thebase portion 12 is slid into the gap between thepanel 20 and a frame member 21 (as seen inFIGS. 3-5 ) the arm is deformed upwards by the panel, even when no insulating material is inserted. This ensures that even a thin layer of insulating material is gripped firmly, and that the clip is held in place between the frame member and panel with or without the presence of the insulating material. - In
FIG. 3 a cross-section through aframe member 21 located adjacent thepanel 20 can be seen. Agap 22 between theframe member 21 and thepanel 20 is present. This gap may be formed by slight relative movement of those two parts on insertion of thebase portion 12, or it may be formed at the desired width beforehand in construction of the structure. As can be seen, thebase portion 12 may be slid laterally between theframe member 21 and thepanel 20, moving generally parallel and across the surface of thepanel 20. Thebase member 12 is a resilient fit therein and consequently resists removal of the device except by a reverse lateral force of sufficient strength. The deformation of the spring arm by the panel causes a downward force on the furthermost end of the base portion and an upward force on the inner end tending to enhance the strength of the engagement of the base portion in thegap 22. - In the configuration shown in
FIG. 3 thespring arm 15 is sufficiently deformed to bear down on thesurface 20 and force the upper end of themiddle region 14 back against theframe member 21. - As can be seen in
FIG. 4 ,insulating material 25 can then be slid between thepanel 20 and the lowermost point of thespring arm 15. The clamping force exhibited by the spring down towards thepanel 20 holds the sheet of insulatedmaterial 25 in place. -
FIG. 5 shows a similar view but one in which a thicker sheet of insulatingmaterial 26 is shown. The clip is adapted such that the spring arm may accommodate insulating material of a significant range of thicknesses. -
FIG. 6 shows the side view of an above ground pool to which a sheet of insulatingmaterial 30 is being attached usingseveral clips 10. As can be seen, theframe member 21 extends vertically with respect to thepanel 20, the panel being the side of the pool itself. A plurality ofclips 10 are provided down one edge of theframe member 21 to connect one end of a sheet of insulatingmaterial 30 thereto. Whilst not shown, the other end of the insulating material could be similarly connected by further clips to another frame member or the reverse side of the same frame member once the insulating material has passed round the pool. Indeed, as long as a clip could fit between theupper rail 31 and the panel, the upper edge of the insulating material could also be fixed down in a similar way. -
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of clip which is very similar to the first embodiment, and is generally indicated 40. The only difference between this clip and thefirst embodiment 10 is that thebase portion 20 is provided with anupstanding tang 41. Thistang 41 extends upwardly on the face of the base portion opposite to that which lies against the panel. The purpose of thistang 41 is to enhance the security of the location—in particular lateral removal—of thebase portion 20 behind aframe member 21 of suitable shape. Many frame members, particularly on above ground swimming pools, comprise three-sided U-shaped elongate metal or plastic sections. These sections outwardly appear solid as the open side is directed against the panel. As thebase portion 20 of thesecond embodiment 40 is located behind such a frame member, the angled leading face of the tang will pass easily under one edge wall of the frame member. The trailing edge of thetang 41 will then abut the inside face of that edge wall to resist removal. Thetang 41 may be spring-loaded to deform as it passes under the edge wall. - The present invention may be used in combination with the U-shaped clips forming the subject of our co-pending application No. 05 15274.9, to attach insulating material to an above ground pool or other structure. In particular the present invention can be used in combination with the clips of that application in situations where the U-shaped clips thereof are not effective—for example when the frame members are not of an appropriate shape to accommodate a clip therearound.
Claims (6)
1. A sheet material retaining clip to hold sheet material onto a structure having a panel and a frame member adjacent the panel, the clip having an elongate base portion adapted to be located in a gap between the panel and the frame member to hold the clip in place without separate fixing means, a middle portion having an inner and an outer end, the inner end being connected to an end of the base portion and extending at approximately right angles away from the panel, and a spring arm connected to the outer end of the middle portion and extending at an acute angle therefrom on the opposite side to the base portion whereby the spring arm bears on the sheet material to hold it against the panel.
2. A sheet material retaining clip as claimed in claim 1 , in which the base portion has a tang that resists removal of the base portion from between the panel and frame member.
3. A sheet material retaining clip as claimed in claim 1 which is adapted to hold sheet material to an above ground pool, greenhouse or conservatory.
4. A sheet material retaining clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the base portion, middle portion and spring arm are formed from a single strip of resilient material that has be appropriately shaped.
5. A sheet material retaining clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the spring arm has a free end that is curled round to aid positioning of the sheet material.
6. Use of a clip having an elongate base portion adapted to be located in a gap between a panel and a frame member to hold the clip in place, a middle portion having an inner and an outer end, the inner end being connected to an end of the base portion and extending at approximately right angles away from the panel, and a spring arm connected to the outer end of the middle portion and extending at an acute angle therefrom on the opposite side to the base portion whereby the spring arm bears on sheet like insulating material to connect it to an above ground pool.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0526189.6 | 2005-12-23 | ||
GB0526189A GB2425147B (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2005-12-23 | Retaining clip |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070144091A1 true US20070144091A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 |
Family
ID=35841027
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/613,662 Abandoned US20070144091A1 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2006-12-20 | Retaining Clip |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070144091A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1801321A3 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2571432A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2425147B (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050246985A1 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2005-11-10 | Blair Farrend | Floor bracket |
US10156066B2 (en) | 2017-05-11 | 2018-12-18 | Calaco Solutions Ltd. | Corner bead clip for attaching to steel members |
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US3300924A (en) * | 1963-08-21 | 1967-01-31 | Us Plywood Corp | Panel assembly and concealed panel fastener |
US4187658A (en) * | 1976-05-20 | 1980-02-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Panel clamp |
US5355646A (en) * | 1993-03-18 | 1994-10-18 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Ceiling clip |
US5369928A (en) * | 1990-08-08 | 1994-12-06 | Goodworth; John P. | Panel clip |
US5419656A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1995-05-30 | Mckinnon; Gordon | Pool apparatus and method of making |
US5644883A (en) * | 1993-02-25 | 1997-07-08 | National Gypsum Company | Multiple use corner clip |
US5678369A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1997-10-21 | Ig-Technical Research Inc. | Refractory/heat insulating panels |
US5722212A (en) * | 1994-08-03 | 1998-03-03 | Struve; David C. | Roof tile retaining clip |
US6098344A (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 2000-08-08 | Albracht; Gregory P. | Gutter protection system and installation thereof |
US6115977A (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-09-12 | Krueger International, Inc. | Knock-down panel partition system |
US6164029A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2000-12-26 | Lee; Yu-Hong | Slabstone positioning device |
US6253496B1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-07-03 | John D. Gilchrist | Temporary gutter retainer |
US20010015041A1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-08-23 | Lippy William A. | Assembly and method for attaching insulation material |
US6381915B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2002-05-07 | Selectrim Corporation | Architectural molding and mounting device therefor |
US6408589B1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2002-06-25 | Donavon G. Bousquet | Clip for attachment to flanges of structural steel |
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US6718717B2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2004-04-13 | Herman Miller Inc. | Modular wall panel and mounting member |
US6725619B1 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2004-04-27 | Alan E. Barber | Siding clip for supporting a panel |
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EP1059461B1 (en) * | 1998-12-31 | 2006-08-23 | Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria S.A. | Metal-plastic system for fixing pieces |
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2005
- 2005-12-23 GB GB0526189A patent/GB2425147B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-12-18 CA CA002571432A patent/CA2571432A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-12-20 US US11/613,662 patent/US20070144091A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-12-20 EP EP06126736A patent/EP1801321A3/en not_active Withdrawn
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US3300924A (en) * | 1963-08-21 | 1967-01-31 | Us Plywood Corp | Panel assembly and concealed panel fastener |
US4187658A (en) * | 1976-05-20 | 1980-02-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Panel clamp |
US5369928A (en) * | 1990-08-08 | 1994-12-06 | Goodworth; John P. | Panel clip |
US5419656A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1995-05-30 | Mckinnon; Gordon | Pool apparatus and method of making |
US5678369A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1997-10-21 | Ig-Technical Research Inc. | Refractory/heat insulating panels |
US5644883A (en) * | 1993-02-25 | 1997-07-08 | National Gypsum Company | Multiple use corner clip |
US5355646A (en) * | 1993-03-18 | 1994-10-18 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Ceiling clip |
US5722212A (en) * | 1994-08-03 | 1998-03-03 | Struve; David C. | Roof tile retaining clip |
US6098344A (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 2000-08-08 | Albracht; Gregory P. | Gutter protection system and installation thereof |
US6115977A (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2000-09-12 | Krueger International, Inc. | Knock-down panel partition system |
US6397533B1 (en) * | 1998-09-11 | 2002-06-04 | Krueger International, Inc. | Tile and mounting arrangement for a wall panel system |
US6164029A (en) * | 1998-09-17 | 2000-12-26 | Lee; Yu-Hong | Slabstone positioning device |
US6381915B1 (en) * | 1999-01-19 | 2002-05-07 | Selectrim Corporation | Architectural molding and mounting device therefor |
US20010015041A1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-08-23 | Lippy William A. | Assembly and method for attaching insulation material |
US20020011042A1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2002-01-31 | Lippy William A. | Assembly and method for attaching insulation material |
US6408589B1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2002-06-25 | Donavon G. Bousquet | Clip for attachment to flanges of structural steel |
US20030051431A1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2003-03-20 | Bousquet Donavon G. | Clip for attachment to flanges of structural steel |
US6637172B2 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2003-10-28 | Donavon G. Bousquet | Clip for attachment to flanges of structural steel |
US6253496B1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-07-03 | John D. Gilchrist | Temporary gutter retainer |
US6718717B2 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2004-04-13 | Herman Miller Inc. | Modular wall panel and mounting member |
US6641325B2 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2003-11-04 | Schwarz Verbindungs-Systeme Gmbh | Plate unit mounting system utilizing spring clips for adjustably and detachably mounting items |
US20020108327A1 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2002-08-15 | Certain Teed Corporation | Detachable lineal for doors and windows |
US6625941B2 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2003-09-30 | Certainteed Corporation | Detachable lineal for doors and windows |
US20020189171A1 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2002-12-19 | Parshad David A. | Mounting arrangement for whiteboard |
US6725619B1 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2004-04-27 | Alan E. Barber | Siding clip for supporting a panel |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050246985A1 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2005-11-10 | Blair Farrend | Floor bracket |
US7392626B2 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2008-07-01 | Blair Farrend | Floor bracket |
US10156066B2 (en) | 2017-05-11 | 2018-12-18 | Calaco Solutions Ltd. | Corner bead clip for attaching to steel members |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2425147A (en) | 2006-10-18 |
EP1801321A3 (en) | 2008-05-28 |
GB2425147B (en) | 2007-02-28 |
GB0526189D0 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
CA2571432A1 (en) | 2007-06-23 |
EP1801321A2 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |