Retaining Clip Assembly

Abstract

A means for releasibly attaching an article such as a decorative panel to a supporting surface such as a cabinet door. The means comprises a generally V-shaped clip having one end for engaging the article and the other end engaging the body on which the article is to be retained. The clip comprises one end defining an elongated opening, and a stud having an enlarged head is adapted to be received in an enlarged portion of the elongated opening with the shank of the stud then being retained by sliding this clip portion relative to the stud whereby a narrower portion of the elongated opening is positioned around the stud. The same end of the clip defines a ledge engaging portion which engages a ledge positioned adjacent the stud whereby the clip will be retained in position when the shank is received by the elongated opening and when the ledge engaging means engages the surrounding ledge. The clip is located in place by sliding the end defining the opening relative to the associated stud. Reverse sliding action is required for removing the clip.

Description

This invention relates to a retaining clip construction. The invention is particularly concerned with a retaining clip of a type suitable for positioning a panel of material on a supporting structure. In the specific example of the invention to be described, the retaining clips are used in conjunction with breakfront cabinets. These cabinets comprise doors holding glass panels, and lattice work panels are often associated with these doors for decorative purposes.

In securing panels of the type described, and many other applications, the secured article must be removable for various reasons. In the case of a breakfront, the glass panel must be cleaned periodically, and this is a very tedious task with the lattice work in place. Accordingly, these structures are usually manufactured so that the lattice work can be removed.

Typical retaining means for the lattice work involve members which are screwed into place. This requires a rather extensive amount of work to release the retaining means, particularly if several of these retaining means are employed for holding a single panel or other article.

The use of screws for securing retaining means also creates problems during installation and shipping, and particularly if glass panels are involved. If the person responsible for applying the retaining means should make these too tight or too loose, then breakage of the glass panels can readily occur. Thus, if the retaining means are too tight, a rather severe jolt may cause fracture. If the retaining means are too loose, then bouncing of the glass relative to its support will eventually lead to fracture.

It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved retaining means for removably attaching articles such as panels on a supporting structure.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a retaining means which is particularly useful for securing panels of glass or other fragile material on cabinet doors or the like whereby the opportunity for damage during installation, shipping and other handling is greatly minimized.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide retaining means of the type described which can be very easily removed and then reattached. These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door having a glass panel and a decorative lattice held in place through the use of the retaining means of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary view illustrating the retaining means of this invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the retaining means and associated structure shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components of the retaining means;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative form of this invention; and,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an application of the alternative form of the invention.

The construction of this invention generally comprises means for releasibly attaching an article to a supporting structure. These means include a retaining clip having a generally V-shaped body portion with one end of the body portion defining an article engaging surface; and with the other end of the body portion defining an elongated opening.

The clip is employed in association with a stud having an enlarged head positioned on the supporting structure. A ledge is located adjacent the stud, and a portion of the shank of the stud is exposed between the head of the stud and the supporting surface. The elongated opening in the clip includes an enlarged end for receiving the head of the stud, and the opening then extends to a slotted section which receives a shank of the stud by sliding the clip relative to the stud. This sliding movement provides for engagement of the end of the clip with the adjacent ledge whereby the clip can be locked in place. Releasing movement of the clip is accomplished by sliding the clip in the opposite direction. The clip is formed of spring material, and this composition combined with the V-shaped configuration provides spring action which serves to hold the clip in a locked position while permitting the necessary sliding movement.

FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, clips 10 are associated with a cabinet door 12. This cabinet door defines side frame members 14 and upper and lower frame members 16 and 18. The opening defined between these frame members removably receives a glass panel 20 and a lattice panel 22. As best shown in FIG. 3, a flange 24 is defined by the frame members whereby the panels can be readily located in position.

The clip structure 10 comprises a V-shaped member defining end portions 26 and 28. The end portion 26 includes a curved section 30 which provides a smooth surface for engagement with the glass panel 20. The other end 28 defines an opening which includes an enlarged end portion 32 and a slotted portion 34. A dimple 36 is also formed in this clip portion 28.

The construction of this invention also includes the use of studs, which in the embodiment shown are associated with the frame members 14. In FIGS. 1 through 4, the studs are formed by means of a wood screw 38 and washer 40. The washer includes an upwardly extending cylindrical portion 42 which defines a central opening 44. The outer diameter of the cylindrical section 42 is less than the diameter of the head 46 of the screw. The opening 32 in the clip is sufficiently large to receive the head 46; however, the width of the slot 34 is less than the diameter of the head 46 but greater than the diameter of the cylindrical section 42.

In the use of the construction shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, a plurality of washers 40 are located on the cabinet door 12, the number of washers depending upon the degree of retaining force desired for a particular application. The washers are secured in place by means of the screws 38, and these screws are driven in until the underside of the heads 46 bear on the upper edges of the cylindrical sections 42. It will be appreciated that this will automatically provide precise spacing of the screw heads relative to the washer and the supporting frame. The bores in the washers 40 also serve as pilot means during insertion of the screws, and furthermore, this structure provides for locking of the screw. Thus, the screw head is brought home solidly against the collar 42 and this results in pressure of the screw threads against the wood which greatly minimizes the chance that the screws will become loosened.

The provision of the collar or cylindrical portion 42 also provides an exposed shank for engagement with the clip 10. The clips are engaged with the studs by first locating the enlarged opening 32 so that the head 46 passes through this opening. The apex 48 of the inverted V-shaped clip is then pressed downwardly which automatically results in sliding of the clip end over the washer surface with the cylindrical section 42 being received within the slot 34. The dimpled end 36 eventually snaps over the edge of the washer to provide a locking action. The dimpled portion preferably defines a radius corresponding with the washer radius to provide an over-all grip and smoother operation. As best shown in FIG. 3, the area 36 is preferably slightly spaced from the surface of the frame 14 to insure a uniform grip and to avoid scratching of the surface.

It will be appreciated that the clip 10 is manufactured so that a greater angle would be defined between the end 28 of the clip and the surface of the frame 14 in the absence of the stud. Accordingly, the clip surface bears upwardly against the head 46 to achieve the locking action, this spring action being at least partially controllable by the cut-out portion 47 defined by the end portion 26.

The clips 10 can be released by again pressing downwardly on the apex 48 while exerting rearward pull. Thus, the dimple 36 is drawn back over the ledge defined by the washer, and this can be accomplished without difficulty. Once the dimpled end is located on the washer surface and is moved to bring the opening 32 into the area of the head 46, the spring pressure will automatically lift the end portion 28 to completely release the clip.

The releasing movement described is obviously quite simple compared with a retaining means which requires the loosening of screws. Thus, the panels 20 and 22 can be quickly taken out of the door frame for cleaning purposes, and it will be appreciated that the clip structure is equally satisfactory for retaining articles of various other types on supporting structures of various designs. As an alternative to the releasing action described, in some instances the end 26 can simply be lifted upwardly, and the clip structure then pivoted around the axis defined by the stud to thereby remove the clip from engagement with the panel 20. The radius provided in the dimpled end 36 assists this action.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modified form of the invention wherein a sheet 50 is provided with outwardly extending portions 52. Each of the portions 52 is provided with a neck 54 defining a central opening. A rivet 56 is attached in the manner shown whereby the head of the rivet extends outwardly beyond the neck 54.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the structure described provides a stud arrangement for a clip 10 substantially corresponding with the arrangement previously described. The dimple 36 of the clip extends over the ledge defined by the outwardly formed portion 52 whereby the previously described locking action is achieved. The neck 54 provides an exposed shank portion, the dimensions of which can be precisely controlled by the forming operation. Accordingly, the attachment and removal of the clips 10 can be carried out with the same efficiency as described with reference to the previous embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sheet 50 is provided with a flange 58 for supporting a panel 60. Alternatively, a plurality of tabs may be formed in the sheet 50 so that the panel 60 will be supported when engaged by the clips 10. It will also be appreciated that the panel 60 could merely rest on the surface 62 of the sheet 50. In this instance, the dimensions and shape of the clip 10 may be varied for purposes of providing a suitable clamping pressure.

The structures described herein provide significant improvements when compared with standard clip arrangements. The attachment of the stud means in the case of washers 40 is very easily accomplished and does not require any skill or training since the screw heads 46 will be automatically located in the proper position, and since the pressure applied by the clips on a glass pane or the like is not dependent upon the individual involved in the assembly operations. With regard to the structure shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is also no danger of an assembler creating conditions which will result in extreme pressure on a glass pane or the like or which will result in articles which are not retained with sufficient force.

The arrangement described also provides a safer arrangement while the clips are holding a glass pane or the like in place. Thus, with standard arrangements, if a retaining means is secured too firmly, a jolt can result in cracking of the pane. Similarly, if the structure is exposed to direct sun, thermal expansion can increase pressure to the point where fracture will occur. The resilient character of the structure of this invention will avoid these problems.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described constructions which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. In means for releasibly attaching an article to a supporting structure, the improvement comprising a clip having a generally V-shaped body portion, one end of the body portion defining an article engaging surface, the other end of the body portion defining an elongated opening, a stud positioned on said supporting structure, said stud comprising an enlarged head, a shank extending downwardly from said head, and a ledge formed at the base of said shank and extending outwardly therefrom, the surface of said ledge extending from said base and being spaced from the surface of said supporting structure, the shank of said stud extending between said ledge surface and the head of the stud, said head seating on said shank whereby the height of said shank determines the spacing between said head and said ledge surface, said elongated opening including an enlarged portion adapted to receive the head of the stud to thereby position said shank within said opening, and a slot extending away from said enlarged portion, said slot being dimensioned to receive said shank but being smaller than said head whereby said other end of said body portion can be moved relative to said shank, and including ledge engaging means defined by said other end, said other end being locked in position when said shank is received in said slot and when said ledge engaging means engages said ledge.

2. In means for releasibly attaching an article to a supporting structure, the improvement comprising a clip having a generally V-shaped body portion, one end of the body portion defining an article engaging surface, the other end of the body portion defining an elongated opening, a stud having an enlarged head positioned on said supporting structure, a ledge located adjacent said stud and being spaced outwardly from the surface of said supporting structure, a portion of the shank of said stud extending between said surface and the head of the stud, said elongated opening including an enlarged portion adapted to receive the head of the stud to thereby position said shank within said opening, and a slot formed in said other end of said body portion as a continuation of said enlarged portion, said slot being dimensioned to receive said shank but being smaller than said head whereby said other end of said body portion can be moved relative to said shank, and including ledge engaging means defined by said other end of said body portion, said other end being locked in position when said shank is received in said slot and when said ledge engaging means engages said ledge, the shank of said stud comprising a hollow cylindrical member extending upwardly from said ledge, the head of said stud being formed on a separate member having a body portion extending within the opening defined by said cylindrical member, and means for securing the body portion of said separate member within said cylindrical member.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said ledge is formed by means of a washer, the ledge engaging means defined by said other end comprising a dimple formed in said other end and extending beyond the periphery of said washer for thereby restraining said other end against movement relative to said ledge.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein the head of said stud and the body portion of the stud are formed by means of a screw, the underside of the screw head being adapted to bear against the upper end of said cylindrical member to thereby maintain the head of said screw in precisely spaced position relative to said ledge.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein said ledge comprises an annular offset portion defined by said supporting structure, the ledge engaging means defined by said other end comprising a dimple formed in said other end and extending beyond the periphery of said washer for thereby restraining said other end against movement relative to said ledge.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein the head of said stud is provided by means of a rivet secured within said cylindrical member.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said supporting structure comprises a cabinet door defining an opening, a piece of glass filling said opening, and wherein said article comprises a decorative panel adapted to be retained in overlying relationship relative to said glass.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stud comprises a two-piece element including a hollow cylindrical member forming the shank portion of the stud, the head of said stud being formed on a separate member having a body portion extending within the opening defined by said cylindrical member, and means securing the body portion of said separate member within said cylindrical member.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said ledge is formed integrally with said shank portion.