WO2001090586A2 - Front access strip for holding boards - Google Patents

Front access strip for holding boards Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001090586A2
WO2001090586A2 PCT/ZA2001/000061 ZA0100061W WO0190586A2 WO 2001090586 A2 WO2001090586 A2 WO 2001090586A2 ZA 0100061 W ZA0100061 W ZA 0100061W WO 0190586 A2 WO0190586 A2 WO 0190586A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
strip
formations
cover strip
front access
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2001/000061
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001090586A3 (en
WO2001090586B1 (en
Inventor
King-Wah Chui
Original Assignee
Chui King Wah
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Chui King Wah filed Critical Chui King Wah
Priority to AU2001268759A priority Critical patent/AU2001268759A1/en
Publication of WO2001090586A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001090586A2/en
Publication of WO2001090586A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001090586A3/en
Publication of WO2001090586B1 publication Critical patent/WO2001090586B1/en

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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
    • F16B5/0607—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 sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0621—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 sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
    • F16B5/065—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 sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship the plates being one on top of the other and distanced from each other, e.g. by using protrusions to keep contact and distance
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/245—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto by means of screws, bolts or clamping strips held against the underside of the supporting construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B9/00—Ceilings; Construction of ceilings, e.g. false ceilings; Ceiling construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B9/22—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction
    • E04B9/24—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto
    • E04B9/26—Connection of slabs, panels, sheets or the like to the supporting construction with the slabs, panels, sheets or the like positioned on the upperside of, or held against the underside of the horizontal flanges of the supporting construction or accessory means connected thereto by means of snap action of elastically deformable elements held against the underside of the supporting construction
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F19/00—Other details of constructional parts for finishing work on buildings
    • E04F19/02—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves
    • E04F19/06—Borders; Finishing strips, e.g. beadings; Light coves specially designed for securing panels or masking the edges of wall- or floor-covering elements
    • E04F19/065—Finishing profiles with a T-shaped cross-section or the like
    • E04F19/066—Finishing profiles with a T-shaped cross-section or the like fixed onto a base profile by means of a separate connector
    • 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
    • F16B5/0607—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 sheets or plates to each other
    • F16B5/0621—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 sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
    • F16B5/0664—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 sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
    • 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
    • F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
    • F16B5/0056—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels or the interlocking key perpendicular to the main plane
    • F16B5/0068—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels or the interlocking key perpendicular to the main plane and using I-shaped clamps with flanges moving towards each other
    • 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
    • F16B5/12—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips
    • F16B5/126—Fastening strips or bars to sheets or plates, e.g. rubber strips, decorative strips for motor vehicles, by means of clips at least one of the sheets, plates, bars or strips having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a front access means for holding ceiling boards, panelling boards, cladding boards and analogous things.
  • Ceiling boards have in the past been held by nailing into purlins, which are fixed below the rafters and usually cover strips at the joints between adjacent boards were nailed over the joints. In more recent times the cover strips were replaced by sheet metal strips rolled into H section beams. The strips have to be nailed to the purlins and the edges of the boards fitted to the grooves in the beams as fitting of the ceiling boards progresses. Inverted T section beams have been used in "commercial" ceilings, i.e. suspended ceilings.
  • a front access means in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip.
  • the invention provides a method of installing ceiling boards using the front access strip and base strip of the invention, which comprises the steps of fixing the base strip to overhead structure, for example by nailing, gluing, clipping or mounting at appropriate centre distances matching the boards to be used, then positioning the boards with their edges on the flanges of the base strips, then connecting the cover strip to the base strip, to hold the edges of the boards.
  • the base strip gripping formations comprise one or two arms extending away from the flange(s) and having wedge shaped formations inwardly directed, the thinner ends of the wedge shapes facing away from the flange(s).
  • the connecting formations of the cover strip preferably comprise one or two arm(s) extending away from the strip and presenting co-acting wedge shaped formations outwardly directed, with their thinner ends of the wedges facing away from the strip. Where one of the two strips has two arms, the other may have one, the springiness for interlocking action being sufficiently provided by the two arms. Or both could have two arms.
  • the front access means may be provided specially adapted for application at an edge of a ceiling installation, e.g. against a wall, differing from front access strips which are adapted for general use, between ceiling adjacent boards.
  • a need addressed by a preferred embodiment of the invention is the removal of ceiling boards which have been erected using the front access means described.
  • the need to do so can arise in a number of circumstances.
  • the erector may find that the boards have been incorrectly erected, or erected not in accordance with the architect's or owner's requirements or they may change their requirements after erection.
  • a problem may arise in regard to services installed above the ceiling, e.g. lighting or other electrical wiring, air conditioning ducts or others.
  • problems may be found to exist in the support structure for the boards, e.g. the purlins or rafters, etc. requiring removal of boards.
  • a board or boards may be damaged, during construction work. Often only one board needs to be removed whereas remaining boards may be left in position.
  • the present invention provides a front access means which comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip, characterised in that the connecting formation is made to be flexible in a manner permitting flexing it out of position in which it co-acts with the gripping formation, to release the cover strip from the base strip.
  • the present invention further provides a tool adapted to flex the connecting formations of a cover strip of a front access strip according to this invention, the tool comprising a pair of pincers which are adapted so that they can be inserted between a cover strip and a board and brought together to flex the connecting formations of the cover strip into a position in which they do not co- with the gripping formations of the base strip.
  • the pincers should therefore be thin to enter a narrow opening between the cover strip and the board. They may be mounted on a tool of scissors-like action so that closing the pincers by manipulating the tool can act in the required way with the connecting formations of the strip.
  • Other tools including the possibility of a powered tool, or a tool with a hand grip and a trigger mechanism, are covered by this invention.
  • a method of removing a ceiling board in accordance with this invention thus comprises applying a tool according to the invention to a front access strip according to the invention to allow removing the cover strip to release the board and allow removing it from its mounted position.
  • figure 1 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with a plastic embodiment of the invention
  • figure 2 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 3 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 4 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 5 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 6 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 7 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 8 is an end view onto a metal base strip for front access means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
  • figure 9 is an end view onto a metal cover strip for front access means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • figure 10 is an end view on a removable front access means according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • figurel 1 is an end view of a removable front access means holding two ceiling boards in place against an overhead purlin, and
  • figure 12 is view of a tool in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the front access means 1 comprises an elongate base strip 2 of constant cross sectional shape which has two flanges 4 and 5 and gripping formations 6 and 7, together with an elongate cover strip 8 again of constant cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation 9 adapted to co-act with the gripping formations for connection of the cover strip to the base strip.
  • the gripping formations have wedge shaped formations 10 and 11 with the thin ends 12 and 13 facing away from the flanges.
  • the connecting formation has wedge shaped formations 14 and 15 with their thin ends 16 and 17 facing away from the cover strip. The gripping formations and connecting formation co-act with each other to hold them together when pressed together.
  • the base formation is glued to overhead timbers or steel structure which supports the roof. It is a feature of the invention that it is not necessary to have purlins fixed under the rafters for support of the ceiling, the base strips can be glued direct to the underside of the rafters. This again reduces material costs and time. Then the ceiling boards are fitted onto the base strips up to the outer edges 18 and 19 of the gripping formations. When each ceiling board is set up the cover strip is then pressed onto the base strip, to be held there by the co-acting gripping and connecting formations with the ceiling panel clamped between them.
  • Figure 2 shows a front access means that is made for joining two strips together, should this be desirable in a particular area. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to.
  • the edge 20 is given a nick 21 and an enhanced curvature.
  • the base strip has only one flange to accommodate the proximity to the other strip which is to be joined. The edge of the other strip goes into the nock.
  • Figure 3 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to.
  • the edge 21 of the cover strip is curved away from the base strip, to give another finish to the edge region, the surface 22 bearing against the wall. The appearance of a cornice is suggested.
  • Figure 4 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to.
  • the edge 23 of the cover strip is given the suggestion of a more ornate cornice edging to the ceiling against a wall.
  • Figure 5 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to.
  • the one side of the cover strip is removed altogether at 24 and also the one flange of the base strip at 25.
  • Figure 6 shows a front access means for general use, e.g. between adjacent ceiling boards, having prongs 26 and 27 to bite into the ceiling board somewhat and help to hold the edge of the ceiling board in place against the outer edge of the gripping formation.
  • Figure 7 shows a front access means which has an edge region 30 which is relatively stiff. This will be suitable where a wall edge is accurately straight and smooth.
  • a special non-water base glue has been found to be suitable, about one hour setting time is sufficient for enough strength to develop.
  • the glue is one which does not have a water base.
  • the front access strips described can be used with different types of ceiling boards including the conventional based boards and with lightweight ceiling boards, i.e. not conventional based boards, but boards having air spaces in them. This gives not only good heat insulation, but lighter weight to work with, a not inconsiderable consideration when working overhead. Transport is cheaper as more can be loaded for the same total weight on a vehicle, manhandling into a building is easier and lifting the board up and holding it there. Less demand is made of the fixing of the strips, as well. Tests using such a board have shown temperature drop from above the ceiling to below of around 11 degrees centigrade.
  • a U value of 3.37 watts per square metre degree Kelvin can be achieved with a corrugated cardboard ceiling board, compared with a U value of 26,5 W/m 2 .K for conventional ceiling boards.
  • a weight comparison with conventional boards is 1 kg/m 2 for corrugated cardboard ceiling boards against 6.4 kg/m 2 .
  • the corrugated ceiling boards can be treated with a sealer to prevent moisture being absorbed (especially for use in high humidity regions) and pre-painted.
  • the combination of the invention with such lightweight boards provides a new approach to ceilings, which is superior to conventional.
  • the base strip and the cover strip can be made preferably by roll forming or alternatively could also be formed by pressing and bending techniques using a press brake, from metal, e.g. a light metal, as shown in figures 8 and 9, or a they can be extruded using a polymeric or other plastic (extrudable) material, for example as shown in figures 1 to 7 and 10.
  • a trial of prototypes of the invention have shown that a ceiling for a 30 square meter area can be installed for a total cost of materials and labour of about 40% less than the cost typical for conventional ceiling.
  • Lightweight ceiling boards which have been pre-painted can be used, in which case a 50% saving against total cost of materials and labour can be achieved, compared with conventional ceiling board installation.
  • an elongate base strip 42, for front access means, of constant cross sectional shape has two flanges 44 and 45 and gripping formations 46 and 47.
  • an elongate cover strip 48 again of constant cross sectional shape which is characterised by having two connecting formations 49 and 50 adapted to co-act with the gripping formations for connection of the cover strip to the base strip.
  • the form of the connecting formations is such as to make a wedge shape directed inwardly, to co-act with the gripping formations of the base strip.
  • the base strip 102 co-acts with the cover strip 103.
  • the base strip has flanges 104 and 105 and arms 106 and 107.
  • the gripping formations have wedge shaped formations 111 and 112 with the thin ends 113 and 114 facing away from the flanges.
  • the connecting formations of the cover strip have arms 108 and 109, with wedge shaped formations 110 and 117 facing outwardly, their thin ends 115 and 116 facing away from the cover strip.
  • the gripping formations and connecting formations co-act with each other to hold them together when pressed together.
  • the connecting formations of the cover strip have a gap 118 between them which allows for their flexibility if pressed by pincers acting as the arrows 119 and 120 indicate.
  • the gap also saves plastic material as compared if the space were filled with solid plastic material.
  • the flexing caused by the pincer action causes the wedge shaped formations of the connecting formations to disengage from the wedge shaped formations of the gripping formations, thus releasing the cover strip from the base strip, after they have been connected.
  • Figure 11 shows a front access means 150 comprising the cover strip 151, and base strip 152 joined together by their co-acting gripping and connecting formations and holding two ceiling boards 153 and 154.
  • the base strip is fixed to an overhead purlin 155 by nails (not shown) or glue.
  • Figure 12 shows a preferred pincer tool 130 for removing the cover strip from an installed front access strip.
  • the tool has a pair of pincers 131 and 132 at the distal ends of arms 133 and 134 which are pivoted at 135 and extend to proximal ends 136 and 137 where handles 138 and 139 are located for manipulating the tool.
  • the points 140 and 141 of the pincers are chisel shaped.
  • the tool can be used to remove the cover strip by the pincers being inserted into the gap between the cover strip and the ceiling boards and closing the pincers. This places pressure on the connecting formations of the cover strip causing them to disengage from the gripping formations of the base strip and so release the boards.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Building Environments (AREA)

Abstract

A front access means (1) for mounting ceiling, panelling and cladding boards comprises an elongate base strip (2) of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges (4, 5) and a gripping formation or formations (6, 7), together with an elongate cover strip (8) again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations (9) adapted to co-act with the gripping formation (6, 7) for connection of the cover strip to the base strip. A tool is provided for removing cover strips if it is required to remove an installed board. The front access means is best used for all types of ceiling board installations, in particular with a new light weight ceiling board, made of double wall corrugated board from virgin liner and fluting, sealed with a special sealer on both sides and pre-coloured. This board is much lighter and a much better heat insulator than conventional boards. A saving of total installation cost, including the labour component, of between 40% and 50% is obtained, using the invention.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a front access means for holding ceiling boards, panelling boards, cladding boards and analogous things.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ceiling boards have in the past been held by nailing into purlins, which are fixed below the rafters and usually cover strips at the joints between adjacent boards were nailed over the joints. In more recent times the cover strips were replaced by sheet metal strips rolled into H section beams. The strips have to be nailed to the purlins and the edges of the boards fitted to the grooves in the beams as fitting of the ceiling boards progresses. Inverted T section beams have been used in "commercial" ceilings, i.e. suspended ceilings.
The work of nailing boards and the alternative of fitting their edges into H section beams is difficult and tedious because it must be carried out overhead and a level of skilled artisanship is needed to get a secure and long lasting job with a good finish. When using H section beams, the board is often not set fully into the groove, because when the edge of the board is offered to the groove and nailing or other fixing on the other edge is commenced, one can no longer see easily how far in it is in the groove. These sorts of difficulties cause significant labour cost to be incurred installing ceiling boards, and considerable time must be allowed in a building program.
In modern times it is desirable to reduce the time required and the level of artisanship required, hence to reduce cost, while still making possible the achievement of a consistently good standard of finish and a secure job.
There are various ways of approaching this challenge, the present invention focuses on providing a front access strip and base strip. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A front access means in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip.
The invention provides a method of installing ceiling boards using the front access strip and base strip of the invention, which comprises the steps of fixing the base strip to overhead structure, for example by nailing, gluing, clipping or mounting at appropriate centre distances matching the boards to be used, then positioning the boards with their edges on the flanges of the base strips, then connecting the cover strip to the base strip, to hold the edges of the boards.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the base strip gripping formations comprise one or two arms extending away from the flange(s) and having wedge shaped formations inwardly directed, the thinner ends of the wedge shapes facing away from the flange(s). The connecting formations of the cover strip preferably comprise one or two arm(s) extending away from the strip and presenting co-acting wedge shaped formations outwardly directed, with their thinner ends of the wedges facing away from the strip. Where one of the two strips has two arms, the other may have one, the springiness for interlocking action being sufficiently provided by the two arms. Or both could have two arms.
The front access means may be provided specially adapted for application at an edge of a ceiling installation, e.g. against a wall, differing from front access strips which are adapted for general use, between ceiling adjacent boards.
A need addressed by a preferred embodiment of the invention, is the removal of ceiling boards which have been erected using the front access means described. The need to do so can arise in a number of circumstances. For example, the erector may find that the boards have been incorrectly erected, or erected not in accordance with the architect's or owner's requirements or they may change their requirements after erection. Alternatively a problem may arise in regard to services installed above the ceiling, e.g. lighting or other electrical wiring, air conditioning ducts or others. Problems may be found to exist in the support structure for the boards, e.g. the purlins or rafters, etc. requiring removal of boards. Or a board or boards may be damaged, during construction work. Often only one board needs to be removed whereas remaining boards may be left in position.
To address this problem, the present invention provides a front access means which comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip, characterised in that the connecting formation is made to be flexible in a manner permitting flexing it out of position in which it co-acts with the gripping formation, to release the cover strip from the base strip.
The present invention further provides a tool adapted to flex the connecting formations of a cover strip of a front access strip according to this invention, the tool comprising a pair of pincers which are adapted so that they can be inserted between a cover strip and a board and brought together to flex the connecting formations of the cover strip into a position in which they do not co- with the gripping formations of the base strip.
The pincers should therefore be thin to enter a narrow opening between the cover strip and the board. They may be mounted on a tool of scissors-like action so that closing the pincers by manipulating the tool can act in the required way with the connecting formations of the strip. Other tools, including the possibility of a powered tool, or a tool with a hand grip and a trigger mechanism, are covered by this invention. A method of removing a ceiling board in accordance with this invention thus comprises applying a tool according to the invention to a front access strip according to the invention to allow removing the cover strip to release the board and allow removing it from its mounted position.
THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully described by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : -
figure 1 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with a plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 2 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 3 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 4 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 5 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 6 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention,
figure 7 is an elevation onto ends of the front access means in accordance with another plastic embodiment of the invention. figure 8 is an end view onto a metal base strip for front access means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
figure 9 is an end view onto a metal cover strip for front access means in accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
figure 10 is an end view on a removable front access means according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
figurel 1 , is an end view of a removable front access means holding two ceiling boards in place against an overhead purlin, and
figure 12 is view of a tool in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in figure 1 , the front access means 1 comprises an elongate base strip 2 of constant cross sectional shape which has two flanges 4 and 5 and gripping formations 6 and 7, together with an elongate cover strip 8 again of constant cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation 9 adapted to co-act with the gripping formations for connection of the cover strip to the base strip.
The gripping formations have wedge shaped formations 10 and 11 with the thin ends 12 and 13 facing away from the flanges. The connecting formation has wedge shaped formations 14 and 15 with their thin ends 16 and 17 facing away from the cover strip. The gripping formations and connecting formation co-act with each other to hold them together when pressed together.
In use the base formation is glued to overhead timbers or steel structure which supports the roof. It is a feature of the invention that it is not necessary to have purlins fixed under the rafters for support of the ceiling, the base strips can be glued direct to the underside of the rafters. This again reduces material costs and time. Then the ceiling boards are fitted onto the base strips up to the outer edges 18 and 19 of the gripping formations. When each ceiling board is set up the cover strip is then pressed onto the base strip, to be held there by the co-acting gripping and connecting formations with the ceiling panel clamped between them.
Figure 2 shows a front access means that is made for joining two strips together, should this be desirable in a particular area. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to. In figure 2, the edge 20 is given a nick 21 and an enhanced curvature.. The base strip has only one flange to accommodate the proximity to the other strip which is to be joined. The edge of the other strip goes into the nock.
Figure 3 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to. In figure 3 the edge 21 of the cover strip is curved away from the base strip, to give another finish to the edge region, the surface 22 bearing against the wall. The appearance of a cornice is suggested.
Figure 4 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to. In figure 4 the edge 23 of the cover strip is given the suggestion of a more ornate cornice edging to the ceiling against a wall.
Figure 5 shows a front access means that is also made for and edge of a ceiling area, for example, against a wall. Parts which are the same as those in figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals and the description of them is referred to. In figure 5 the one side of the cover strip is removed altogether at 24 and also the one flange of the base strip at 25. Figure 6 shows a front access means for general use, e.g. between adjacent ceiling boards, having prongs 26 and 27 to bite into the ceiling board somewhat and help to hold the edge of the ceiling board in place against the outer edge of the gripping formation.
Figure 7 shows a front access means which has an edge region 30 which is relatively stiff. This will be suitable where a wall edge is accurately straight and smooth.
For example, for fixing the bases of the front access strips, a special non-water base glue has been found to be suitable, about one hour setting time is sufficient for enough strength to develop. The glue is one which does not have a water base.
It is notable that the convenience of mounting made possible by the invention means that scaffolding does not have to be installed, two workers can work form ladders, again a saving in equipment and time and hand tools are reduced, as well.
The front access strips described can be used with different types of ceiling boards including the conventional based boards and with lightweight ceiling boards, i.e. not conventional based boards, but boards having air spaces in them. This gives not only good heat insulation, but lighter weight to work with, a not inconsiderable consideration when working overhead. Transport is cheaper as more can be loaded for the same total weight on a vehicle, manhandling into a building is easier and lifting the board up and holding it there. Less demand is made of the fixing of the strips, as well. Tests using such a board have shown temperature drop from above the ceiling to below of around 11 degrees centigrade. For example, a U value of 3.37 watts per square metre degree Kelvin (W/m2.K) can be achieved with a corrugated cardboard ceiling board, compared with a U value of 26,5 W/m2.K for conventional ceiling boards. A weight comparison with conventional boards is 1 kg/m2 for corrugated cardboard ceiling boards against 6.4 kg/m2. The corrugated ceiling boards can be treated with a sealer to prevent moisture being absorbed (especially for use in high humidity regions) and pre-painted. The combination of the invention with such lightweight boards provides a new approach to ceilings, which is superior to conventional.
The base strip and the cover strip can be made preferably by roll forming or alternatively could also be formed by pressing and bending techniques using a press brake, from metal, e.g. a light metal, as shown in figures 8 and 9, or a they can be extruded using a polymeric or other plastic (extrudable) material, for example as shown in figures 1 to 7 and 10.
Just as an example, a trial of prototypes of the invention have shown that a ceiling for a 30 square meter area can be installed for a total cost of materials and labour of about 40% less than the cost typical for conventional ceiling. Lightweight ceiling boards which have been pre-painted can be used, in which case a 50% saving against total cost of materials and labour can be achieved, compared with conventional ceiling board installation.
In figure 8 of the drawings, an elongate base strip 42, for front access means, of constant cross sectional shape has two flanges 44 and 45 and gripping formations 46 and 47.
In figure 9 of the drawings, an elongate cover strip 48 again of constant cross sectional shape which is characterised by having two connecting formations 49 and 50 adapted to co-act with the gripping formations for connection of the cover strip to the base strip. The form of the connecting formations is such as to make a wedge shape directed inwardly, to co-act with the gripping formations of the base strip.
In figure 10 of the drawings, the base strip 102 co-acts with the cover strip 103. The base strip has flanges 104 and 105 and arms 106 and 107. The gripping formations have wedge shaped formations 111 and 112 with the thin ends 113 and 114 facing away from the flanges. The connecting formations of the cover strip have arms 108 and 109, with wedge shaped formations 110 and 117 facing outwardly, their thin ends 115 and 116 facing away from the cover strip. The gripping formations and connecting formations co-act with each other to hold them together when pressed together.
The connecting formations of the cover strip have a gap 118 between them which allows for their flexibility if pressed by pincers acting as the arrows 119 and 120 indicate. The gap also saves plastic material as compared if the space were filled with solid plastic material. The flexing caused by the pincer action causes the wedge shaped formations of the connecting formations to disengage from the wedge shaped formations of the gripping formations, thus releasing the cover strip from the base strip, after they have been connected.
The features and use of the front access strip remain in other respects the same as those described in the aforementioned specification and are referred to and incorporated herein by reference.
Figure 11 shows a front access means 150 comprising the cover strip 151, and base strip 152 joined together by their co-acting gripping and connecting formations and holding two ceiling boards 153 and 154. The base strip is fixed to an overhead purlin 155 by nails (not shown) or glue.
Figure 12 shows a preferred pincer tool 130 for removing the cover strip from an installed front access strip. The tool has a pair of pincers 131 and 132 at the distal ends of arms 133 and 134 which are pivoted at 135 and extend to proximal ends 136 and 137 where handles 138 and 139 are located for manipulating the tool. The points 140 and 141 of the pincers are chisel shaped.
The tool can be used to remove the cover strip by the pincers being inserted into the gap between the cover strip and the ceiling boards and closing the pincers. This places pressure on the connecting formations of the cover strip causing them to disengage from the gripping formations of the base strip and so release the boards.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A front access means for ceiling, paneling or cladding boards, which comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a bady and a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip, characterized in that at least the connecting formations are of wedge shape having a thin end of the wedge facing away from the cover strip body and a step or ledge facing toward the body, the base strip has a gripping formation including at least a step or ledge facing towards the flange(s), adapted so that when connected the wedge shape passes over the step or ledge of the base strip and the two steps or ledges co-act to join the base strip and cover strip, leaving a gap for ceiling, panelling or cladding boards to be inserted on each side between the base strip flange(s) and the cover strip.
2. A front access means as claimed in claim 1 , formed by extrusion process of a polymeric or other plastic material, characterised in that the base strip gripping formations comprise one or two arms extending away from the flange(s) and having wedge shaped formations with steps or ledges inwardly directed, the thinner ends of the wedge shapes facing away from the flange(s) and the connecting formations of the cover strip comprise one or two arm(s) extending away from the strip and presenting co-acting wedge shaped formations having steps or ledges outwardly directed, with their thinner ends of the wedges facing away from the strip.
3. A front access means as claimed in claim 1 , formed by roll forming or by pressing and bending process, from sheet steel material, characterised in that the base strip gripping formations comprise two arms extending away from the flange(s) and having inwardly turned flange formations with providing steps or ledges inwardly directed, and the connecting formations of the cover strip comprise two arm(s) extending away from the strip and presenting co-acting wedge shaped formations directed, with their thinner ends of the wedges facing away from the strip.
4. A front access means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises an elongate base strip of a cross sectional shape which has a flange or flanges and a gripping formation or formations, together with an elongate cover strip again of a cross sectional shape which has a connecting formation or formations adapted to co-act with the gripping formation for connection of the cover strip to the base strip, characterised in that the connecting formation is made to be flexible in a manner permitting flexing it out of position after connection of the cover strip with the base strip, in which it co-acts with the gripping formation, to release the cover strip from the base strip.
5. A front access means as herein described with reference to any one of figures 1 to 10 of the drawings and as illustrated.
6. A tool adapted to flex the connecting formations of a cover strip of a front access means as claimed in claim 4, the tool comprising a pair of pincers which are adapted so that they can be inserted between a cover strip and a board and brought together to flex the connecting formations of the cover strip into a position in which they do not co-act with the gripping formations of the base strip.
7. A tool as claimed in claim 6, in which the pincers are thin to enter a narrow opening between the cover strip and the board and are mounted on a tool of scissors-like action so that closing the pincers by manipulating the tool can act in the required way with the connecting formations of the strip.
8. A tool as herein described with reference to figure 12 of the drawings and as illustrated.
8. A method of installing ceiling boards using the front access strip and base strip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, which comprises the steps of fixing the base strip to overhead structure, in positions matching the boards to be used, then positioning the boards with their edges on the flanges of the base strips, then connecting the cover strip to the base strip, to hold the edges of the boards.
9. A method of removing a ceiling board, which comprises applying a tool as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, to a front access means as claimed in claim 4, to allow removing the cover strip to release the board and allow removing it from its mounted position.
PCT/ZA2001/000061 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Front access strip for holding boards WO2001090586A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001268759A AU2001268759A1 (en) 2000-05-25 2001-05-25 Front access strip

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2000/2593 2000-05-25
ZA200002593 2000-05-25
ZA200002861 2000-06-07
ZA2000/2861 2000-06-07

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WO2001090586A3 WO2001090586A3 (en) 2002-03-21
WO2001090586B1 WO2001090586B1 (en) 2002-05-02

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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1571270A1 (en) * 2004-03-05 2005-09-07 Groep Stevens International, Naamloze Vennootschap Connecting device
FR2905748A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-14 Airbus France Sas PANEL ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD
US20090277117A1 (en) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-12 Worthington Armstrong Venture Suspended ceiling cloud with flexible panel
FR2940988A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2010-07-16 Fabrice Liogier Slab e.g. heat/sound insulation slab, for suspended ceiling, has fixing unit subjected to action of return unit formed of pins, screw and magentizable parts for assuring withdrawal position of fixing unit to release plate
EP2573290A1 (en) * 2011-09-23 2013-03-27 Rockwool International A/S A support system for mounting a panel grid in ceiling or wall support structure
WO2013135414A1 (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Component connection
US20130240008A1 (en) * 2012-03-16 2013-09-19 Christopher Baker System and method for mounting photovoltaic modules
CN103375900A (en) * 2012-04-18 2013-10-30 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Shell positioning structure and air conditioner device with same
CN105905697A (en) * 2016-06-16 2016-08-31 苏州华驰机械有限公司 Connecting assembly of winder
CN105947788A (en) * 2016-06-16 2016-09-21 苏州华驰机械有限公司 Connecting rack
WO2017007345A1 (en) * 2015-07-06 2017-01-12 Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Sp. Z.O.O. Joining member with multiple connections
CN109853820A (en) * 2019-01-22 2019-06-07 深圳市库博建筑设计事务所有限公司 A kind of furred ceiling and its installation method based on BIM
AU2020100446B4 (en) * 2019-09-19 2020-10-22 Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd Sheet Connector

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US4385850A (en) * 1979-05-08 1983-05-31 Spacetrekker Products Limited Device for joining panels edge-to-edge
US4617772A (en) * 1984-06-12 1986-10-21 Jamestown Metal Marine Sales Inc. Wall panel joiner
EP0430921A1 (en) * 1989-11-20 1991-06-05 Austria Metall Aktiengesellschaft Wall made of box-like panels
US5791810A (en) * 1995-09-21 1998-08-11 Williams; Douglas Connecting apparatus

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1571270A1 (en) * 2004-03-05 2005-09-07 Groep Stevens International, Naamloze Vennootschap Connecting device
FR2905748A1 (en) * 2006-09-08 2008-03-14 Airbus France Sas PANEL ASSEMBLY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD
US20090277117A1 (en) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-12 Worthington Armstrong Venture Suspended ceiling cloud with flexible panel
US8096089B2 (en) * 2008-05-06 2012-01-17 Worthington Armstrong Venture Suspended ceiling cloud with flexible panel
FR2940988A1 (en) * 2009-11-03 2010-07-16 Fabrice Liogier Slab e.g. heat/sound insulation slab, for suspended ceiling, has fixing unit subjected to action of return unit formed of pins, screw and magentizable parts for assuring withdrawal position of fixing unit to release plate
EP2573290A1 (en) * 2011-09-23 2013-03-27 Rockwool International A/S A support system for mounting a panel grid in ceiling or wall support structure
US9855978B2 (en) 2012-03-13 2018-01-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Component connection
WO2013135414A1 (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-19 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Component connection
CN103987972A (en) * 2012-03-13 2014-08-13 宝马股份公司 Component connection
US20130240008A1 (en) * 2012-03-16 2013-09-19 Christopher Baker System and method for mounting photovoltaic modules
CN103375900A (en) * 2012-04-18 2013-10-30 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 Shell positioning structure and air conditioner device with same
WO2017007345A1 (en) * 2015-07-06 2017-01-12 Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Sp. Z.O.O. Joining member with multiple connections
CN105947788A (en) * 2016-06-16 2016-09-21 苏州华驰机械有限公司 Connecting rack
CN105905697A (en) * 2016-06-16 2016-08-31 苏州华驰机械有限公司 Connecting assembly of winder
CN109853820A (en) * 2019-01-22 2019-06-07 深圳市库博建筑设计事务所有限公司 A kind of furred ceiling and its installation method based on BIM
AU2020100446B4 (en) * 2019-09-19 2020-10-22 Kennedy Innovations Pty Ltd Sheet Connector

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Publication number Publication date
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WO2001090586A3 (en) 2002-03-21
WO2001090586B1 (en) 2002-05-02

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