Arrangement for attaching panels to support structures, a construction support structure and fastening means, and their use in modular building elements

Abstract

The invention concerns an arrangement for attaching panels to support structures, a construction support structure, fastening means for panel elements and the use of such panel elements to create modular room building elements, e.g. wet-rooms. The inventive arrangement is based on fastening means having an skillet attachment strip made of a sheet-like material having a first edge and an integral tab having a second edge. The tab is then formed as a clip protruding transversally from the strip and having a first side and a second side and with a generally nose-shaped tab on the first side. In the support structure is provided a notch for receiving the clip in a locking engagement, with a cross-section having a first side and a second side, a waist part that is narrower than the dimension of the clip and including an integral element formed as a tongue on said first side. The panel element is engaged with said support structure by aligning the clip with the notch and by the appliance of force to move the panel element towards the support structure, whereby the nose-shaped tab of the clip is caused to slide over the tongue-shaped element to attach the panel to the support structure with a snap-like action.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to mechanisms for fastening boards or wall elements to support structures. More specifically, the invention describes an arrangement for attaching panels to support structures comprising wall-forming panel elements having fastening means with an elongate attachment strip, for an interlocking arrangement for the fastening of wall elements to support structures. The inventive wall elements are suitable for all kinds of building activity, including wet-room facilities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Snap and interlocking mechanisms for joining boards or wall elements together in a planar fashion is well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,204 describes a snap-in-place mounting arrangement for securely attaching generally flat panels to a support structure. US Patent Application 2011173914 relates to interlocking floor panels having a separate clip in a retaining profile. Canadian Patent No CA2776113 concerns a building panel ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The inventive arrangement is designed to be used when assembling complete room modules, for example. Other non-exclusive applications examples include decorative glass walls, dividing walls, exhibition structures etc. The panels used in the invention are designed to be assembled from the inside. This makes it possible to assemble e.g. wall panels also on existing walls, making the panels suitable both for in construction or remodeling. Special advantages emerge when using the inventive components in wet-room modules like complete bath- and

Problems solved by technology

Currently known modules have not all these combined featu

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