U.S. patent application number 12/436901 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for panel retention clip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Edell, Shapiro & Finnan, LLC. Invention is credited to Francisco L. Garza.
Application Number | 20090276988 12/436901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41265670 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090276988 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garza; Francisco L. |
November 12, 2009 |
Panel Retention Clip
Abstract
A clip operable to secure panels of sheet material includes a
generally H-shaped unit having pair of opposed arms separated by a
central beam forming a pair of aligned receptacles, each operable
to receive a panel therein. At least one of the arms includes
biasing members operable to apply pressure to the panels inserted
into the receptacles. The clip secures adjacent panels together in
edge-to-edge orientation such that the panels are coplanar. Panels
utilized with the clip include sheets of building material such as
plywood, drywall, and roofing materials.
Inventors: |
Garza; Francisco L.;
(McAllen, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDELL, SHAPIRO & FINNAN, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Assignee: |
Edell, Shapiro & Finnan,
LLC
Rockville
MD
|
Family ID: |
41265670 |
Appl. No.: |
12/436901 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61051419 |
May 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/568 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/6112 20130101;
Y10T 24/44966 20150115; E04D 12/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/568 |
International
Class: |
A44B 21/00 20060101
A44B021/00 |
Claims
1. A clip for securing adjacent panels of building material, the
clip comprising: a first arm; a second arm oriented generally
parallel to the first arm; a beam oriented transverse to and
extending from the first arm to the second arm, the beam disposed
inboard from each of the first and second arms to form a first
receptacle and a second receptacle, wherein each receptacle is
operable to receive a panel of sheet material and orient the panels
adjacent each other, wherein the second arm comprises a biasing
member operable to apply a continuous pressure to the panels of
sheet material inserted into the clip.
2. The clip of claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the second arm
differ from the dimensions of the first arm.
3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is disposed
inboard of the second arm.
4. The clip of claim 3, wherein the biasing member comprises a
generally elongated paddle extending distally from the second arm
at a predetermined angle.
5. The clip of claim 1 further comprising plural raised ribs
provided on a surface of at least one of said first arm and said
biasing member in at least one of said receptacles to frictionally
engage a panel of sheet material inserted into said at least one
receptacle.
6. The clip of claim 1 further comprising plural raised ribs
provided on each of mutually facing surfaces of said first and
second arms to frictionally engage a panel of sheet material
inserted into the receptacle defined therebetween,
7. The clip of claim 1 wherein said first and second arms, said
beam and said bias means are all part of a unitarily molded
structure.
8. A method of securing panels of building materials together, the
method comprising: (a) providing a clip comprising: a first arm; a
second arm oriented generally parallel to the first arm; a beam
oriented transverse to and extending from the first arm to the
second arm, the beam disposed inboard from each of the first and
second arms to form a first receptacle and a second receptacle,
wherein each receptacle is operable to receive a panel of sheet
material and orient the panels adjacent each other, wherein the
second arm comprises a biasing member operable to apply a
continuous pressure to the panels of sheet material inserted into
the clip; and (b) inserting a first panel into the first
receptacle.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising (c) inserting a second
panel into the second receptacle.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein step (a) includes forming said
clip as a unitarily injection molded member.
11. A panel retention clip comprising a unitary generally H-shaped
member having first and second generally parallel arms connected to
and spaced by a beam such that first and second panel-receiving
receptacles are defined between said arms on respective opposite
sides of said beam, said second arm including first and second
resiliently pivotable biasing members depending into said first and
second receptacles, respectively, to resiliently guide edge first
insertion of a panel into that receptacle and apply force to
enhance retention of the inserted panel in that receptacle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/051,419, filed 8 May 2008 and entitled "Clip
Device," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a clip device that connects
adjacent panels of sheet material together.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The roof of a structure is typically formed by mounting
panels onto a truss and then applying a set of shingles to the
panels. The panels used--plywood, particle board, etc., are subject
to warping; consequently, roofing clips are utilized to limit the
movement of the panels. Specifically, clips are positioned between
the adjacent panels to align the panels and maintain them in a
planar relationship. Conventional clips are small, fixed structures
formed from metal or wood. The clips typically include a planar
base and U-shaped portions extending from each surface of the base.
In use, adjacent panels are slid into each U-shaped portion,
securing the panels together. Conventional clips, however, suffer
from several disadvantages. First, the clips have fixed dimensions
and thus only accommodate panels of a corresponding thickness. If
other sheet thicknesses are desired, the operator must either
utilize appropriately-sized clips, or use ill-fitting clips, which
invites shifting between the panels. Second, the clips do not
accommodate the expansion and contraction panels during the change
of the seasons. Therefore, over time, fixed clips may not
adequately secure adjacent panels together during the lifetime of
the structure.
[0004] It is desirable to provide a clip that securely connects
adjacent sheets of material together, adjusts to fit between
building materials of varying thicknesses, accommodates for sheet
expansion and contraction, and installs easily.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The clip of the present invention has a generally H-shaped
configuration configured to secure together two panels of sheet
material in edge-to-edge orientation. The clip includes a pair of
opposed generally parallel arms secured to and separated by a
central beam. This structure forms a pair of open receptacles or
cavities, each operable to receive a panel therein. At least one of
the arms includes resilient biasing members operable to apply
pressure to retain the panels inserted into the receptacles. The
clip serves as a connector securing successive or adjacent panels
such that the retained panels are generally coplanar. The biasing
members, moreover, resiliently flex to accommodate panels of
various sizes, as well as to accommodate expansion and contraction
of the panels. Opposing surfaces of each biasing member and the
opposite arm may include raised ribs which are urged against the
retained panel to increase the local applied pressure and thereby
enhance non-slip panel engagement. The panels typically utilized
with the clip include sheets of building material such as plywood,
drywall, and other roofing materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a front plan view of the clip of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the clip
device of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the clip device shown to
FIG. 1
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device
in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a clip device
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a front plan view of the clip device
shown in FIG. 6.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view in accordance with
a further embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of a portion of the
embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0015] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate views of a clip device in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the clip device 10
includes a beam or brace 100 extending from a first or lower arm
105 to a second or upper arm 110. The beam 100 may be in the form
of a rod centrally disposed on and perpendicular to each of the
arms 105, 110. The ends of the beam 100 terminate at respective
arms 105 and 110 so as to position the arms in spaced, generally
parallel relation. With this configuration, a structure defining a
first or left panel receptacle 115 and a second or right panel
receptacle 120 is formed. Each receptacle 115, 120 is contoured to
receive the edge of a respective panel of building material such as
drywall, plywood, etc. In this manner the panels are engaged
substantially edge-to-edge, separated by beam 100.
[0017] Beam 100 may possess any dimensions suitable for its
described purposed. For example, the height of the beam 100 may be
selected to provide the desired height for each receptacle 115,
120. The beam 100, furthermore, may possess any thickness operable
to provide a desired level of lateral spacing between adjacent
panels of sheet material. By way of example, the beam 100 may
possess a width of 1/8 inch to provide an expansion gap between the
aligned pieces sheet material. The beam 100, moreover, may taper
inward proximate its lower and upper ends (i.e., toward the first
105 and second 110 arms) to create a central bow or bulge 125.
Providing this bow 125, where the beam is wider at its center than
at its edges, assists in air circulation between the adjacent
panels of building material.
[0018] Arms 105, 110 are configured to capture the edge portion of
a panel within each receptacle 115, 120. The first arm 105 may
include a generally planar element or plate oriented generally
transverse to the beam 100 and having a first terminal end 130 and
a second terminal end 135. The beam 100 may be centrally disposed
along on the first arm 105 such that it divides the arm into left
and right portions which are mirror images of each other. The first
arm 105 may possess a generally uniform thickness; alternatively,
as illustrated, each end 130, 135 of the first arm 105 may taper
downward, away from the second arm 110. For example, the ends 130,
135 may taper at an angle of approximately 3.degree. to provide a
greater receptacle opening, as well as to provide a ramp operable
to guide/direct the edge of a panel into a receptacle 115, 120.
[0019] Similarly, the second arm 110 may include a generally planar
element or plate oriented generally transverse to the beam 100. The
second arm 110, furthermore, includes a third terminal end 140 and
a fourth terminal end 145. The beam 100 may intersect the second
arm 110 at its center, creating left and right mirrored portions.
With this configuration, the first and third ends 130, 140 define
the mouth of the first receptacle 115, while the second and fourth
ends 135, 145 define the mouth of the second receptacle 120. As
with the first arm 105, the second arm 110 may have a consistent
thickness, or may taper at its ends 140, 145 (e.g., at a 3.degree.
angle) to provide a wider receptacle opening, as well as a ramp
that guides the sheet toward the receptacle 115, 120 as it is
inserted therein.
[0020] One of the arms 105, 110 may further include a resilient
biasing member operable to apply a biasing force onto the panel
inserted into a receptacle 115, 120. In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4, the second arm 105 includes a first resilient biasing
member 150 and a second resilient biasing member 155. Each biasing
member 150, 155 may be in the form of a tongue or paddle
resiliently movable with respect to the second support arm.
Specifically, each biasing member 150, 155 may be in form of a
generally planar paddle having a proximal end 160 serving as a
pivot edge and a distal end 165. Each biasing member 150, 155 may
further include a notch or groove 167 at its proximal end 160
configured to enhance the flexing/pivoting ability of the biasing
member. By way of example, the notch may have a depth equally to no
more than about half the thickness of the biasing member 150,
155.
[0021] The proximal end 160 of the biasing member 150, 155 may be
coupled to second arm 110 at a point inset from its respective end
140, 145. That is, each biasing member 150, 155 may be set inboard
along the second arm 110 (and not at the ends of the arm). The
biasing member 150, 155 may incline in the direction of beam 100,
positioning the distal end 160 of the tongue within the receptacle
115, 120. The proximal end 160 of each biasing member 150, 155,
moreover, pivotably flexes from its normal position (indicated by
arrow R (FIG. 2)) when a force is applied thereto. For example, the
biasing member 150, 155 may be pivoted from its normal position to
a position in which the paddle is generally coplanar with an
aperture 175A, 175B formed into the second arm 110. Once released,
the resilient nature of the biasing member causes it to return to
its normal position.
[0022] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the distal end 165 of each
biasing member 150, 155 may further include a hub 210 defining a
generally flat shoulder 220 operable to contact the sheet material.
When the biasing member 150, 155 is in its normal position, the
shoulder 220 may be generally parallel to the surface of the first
arm 105. The shoulder 220 provides an area of increased surface,
increasing the frictional force the biasing members 150, 155 apply
to the panels.
[0023] The dimensions of the clip device 10 may be any suitable for
its described purpose. It is important to note that the first arm
105 may possess dimensions that differ from that of the second arm
110. By way of example, the first arm 105 may have a length greater
than that of the second arm 110 (best seen in FIG. 5).
[0024] The operation of the device is as follows. A first panel of
sheet material (e.g., a piece of plywood, roofing material, etc.)
is axially inserted into the first receptacle 115 (between first
130 and third 140 ends). As the first panel is inserted, it drives
the first biasing member 150 resiliently upward from its normal
position, toward the second arm 110. The first panel is inserted
into the first receptacle 115 until it contacts the beam 100. The
resilient biasing member 150 attempts to return to its normal
position, engaging the first panel and applying pressure thereto,
securing it within the receptacle.
[0025] Then, a second panel of sheet material is axially inserted
into the second receptacle 120 (between second 135 and fourth 145
ends). As the second panel is inserted, it drives the second
biasing member 155 upward from it normal position, toward the
second arm 110. The second panel material is inserted into the
second receptacle 120 until it contacts the beam 100. As with the
first biasing member 150, the resilient second biasing member 155
attempts to return to its normal position, applying pressure to the
second panel.
[0026] Once both panels of sheet material are inserted, the
adjacent panels are aligned such that they are generally coplanar.
The clip device 10, moreover, secures the panels such that relative
movement of the panels is prevented. The biasing members 150, 155,
in addition to applying a frictional force to each panel,
accommodate panels having varying thickness. That is, panels having
a thickness substantially smaller than the height of the receptacle
115, 120 may be securely contained by the clip device 10 because
the biasing members 150, 155 extend a predetermined distance within
the receptacles 115, 120 to secure the panel therein. By way of
example, a panel of sheet material having a range of thicknesses of
7/16 of an inch, 15/32 of an inch, and 1/2 of an inch may be
secured utilizing a single clip device 10. This avoids the need to
coordinate the size of the clip with the thickness of the panel, as
is the case with conventional clips.
[0027] In addition, the biasing members 150, 155 accommodate the
expansion and contraction of the sheet material. That is, as the
panels contracts/expands (with temperature changes, for example),
the angle of inclination of the biasing members 150, 155 changes,
maintaining contact with the panels throughout the
expansion/contraction.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a clip device 50 in accordance with
another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the grooves
167 have been omitted.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a clip 60 in accordance with still
another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the arms 105,
110 are no longer oriented parallel to each other. Instead, each
end of the second arm 110 slants downward from the beam 100. In
addition, the hub 210 formed along at the distal end of each
biasing member has been omitted.
[0030] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the invention
in which an array of several raised ribs 300 is formed on the
interiorly facing surface of arm 105. Ribs 300 are longitudinally
spaced from one another and each extends along the entire width of
arm 105. Another array of several raised ribs 310 is defined on the
interiorly facing surface of each of biasing members 150, 155. Ribs
310 are longitudinally spaced from one another and each extends
along the entire width of its biasing member. The mutually facing
arrays of ribs serve an anti-slip or friction producing function to
minimize inadvertent relative movement between the retained panels
and inadvertent removal of a retained panel from the clip. The
ribs, as shown, have a sawtooth transverse cross-section with one
side oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface from which
it is raised, and the other side oriented at an angle to that
surface so as to converge at an apex intersection edge with the
perpendicular side of the rib. The apex edge configuration
concentrates the compression force acting to retain the panels in
the receptacle. It should be noted, however, that the rib
cross-sectional configuration need not be sawtooth and may, in some
instances, may have a rounded edge so as to minimize penetration
into the surface of the retained panel.
[0031] The material forming the clip device 10 is not particularly
limited. By way of example, the material may be a thermoplastic
resin including, but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene (e.g., polypropylene,
talc-filled polypropylene, calcium filled polypropylene, and
polypropylene copolymers); polyethylene (low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE)); polyamide, polyester; and polycarbonate. The clip 10 may
be formed utilizing injection molding, co-injection molding,
profile extrusion, ram extrusion versus injection molding or
co-injection molding, or computer controller cutting or building
process such as machines using computer numerical control (CNC),
and selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA). The
clip device 10 is preferably a unitary (one-piece) structure
requiring no assembly after being unitarily formed.
[0032] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. It is to be understood that terms such as "top", "bottom",
"front", "rear", "side", "height", "length", "width", "upper",
"lower", "interior", "exterior", and the like as may be used
herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the
present invention to any particular orientation or
configuration.
* * * * *