Clip system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fastening device (4) for attaching a construction panel (3) to a frame element (2), said fastening device comprising a first fastening means (41) and a second fastening means (42), the first fastening means being used to attach the device to the frame element, the second fastening means being used to attach the device to the construction panel, wherein the second fastening means comprises a first connector element (421) configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element (422) located on the construction panel. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 9

Description

Title of the invention: Clip system

[0001] This description relates generally to construction surface products, for example, construction panels and connectors adapted to form a construction surface.

[0002] DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND

[0003] Construction panels, such as gypsum plasterboard, commonly known as drywall, are often used to construct building surfaces. The building surface can be a wall or a ceiling. The construction panels are fixed to a supporting structure, such as the wood or metal studs of a wall or ceiling frame. Once the construction panels are fixed to the supporting structure, the building surface can be finished using a joint compound or other material to create a smooth surface. The building surface can then be painted or wallpapered.

[0004] The construction panels are fixed to the support structure by means of screws, nails or other suitable fasteners.

[0005] When construction panels are also used to construct a ceiling, the supporting structure is generally a metal frame comprising metal frame elements. Metal hangers are used and fixed to the solid ceiling of the building. Metal frame elements are connected to these metal hangers so that several metal frame elements are parallel to each other, thus forming a series of frame elements. Additional frame elements can be connected perpendicularly to the frame elements to form a frame grid. The construction panels are fixed to the frame grid.

[0006] One problem with these prior art systems is that removing the construction panels is not easy, as the fasteners generally cannot be removed, and the construction panel must therefore be broken to be removed. This means that neither the construction panel nor the fasteners can be reused. Removing the construction panels can also damage the frame. It is increasingly important to reduce waste and create reusable products. Therefore, there is a need for construction surfaces that can be disassembled, thus reducing the amount of waste.

[0007] Furthermore, attaching construction panels to the frame can be a lengthy and physically demanding process, particularly when attaching ceiling construction panels, where the panel must be supported vertically during attachment. Attaching the panels to the frame elements can damage and weaken the frame. Furthermore, fixing through the plasterboard leaves the end of the fastener (e.g., the screw head) visible after installation. Therefore, finishing compounds usually need to be applied to cover it and produce a smooth, monolithic surface. This also creates a need for faster and easier-to-install construction surface systems. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a device, a system and an installation method which remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a device for fixing a building panel to a chassis element, said fixing device comprising a first fixing means and a second fixing means, the first fixing means being used to fix the device to the chassis element, the second fixing means being used to fix the device to the building panel, in which the second fixing means comprises a first connector element configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element placed on the building panel.

[0010] According to one example, said first connecting element is a plug and the second connecting element is a receptacle so that the plug and the receptacle form a male-female connector, the first fastening means comprising at least one hook.

[0011] According to one example, said first connecting element is a receptacle and the second connecting element is a plug so that the plug and the receptacle form a male-female connector, the first fastening means comprising at least one hook.

[0012] According to one example, said fastening device comprises a main plate element from which the first fastening means and the second fastening means extend.

[0013] According to one example, the second fastening means comprise at least one secondary plate element from which the first connecting element extends.

[0014] According to one example, the first fastening means include at least one arm from which at least one hook extends.

[0015] According to an example of the invention, the second fastening means comprises at least one projecting part that protrudes from the main plate.

[0016] According to one example, said at least one secondary plate element extends from the main plate element perpendicularly or at an angle, said secondary plate element being straight or curved or at a right angle.

[0017] According to one example, said at least one arm extends from the main plate element perpendicularly, said arm being straight or curved.

[0018] According to one example, the second fastening means comprise two secondary plate elements, said secondary plate elements being symmetrical.

[0019] According to one example, the first fastening means comprises two arms, each of these arms being equipped with a hook, said arms being symmetrical. Alternatively, the first fastening means may comprise one arm equipped with two hooks on either side of the arm.

[0020] The invention also relates to a construction surface system comprising a chassis structure, said chassis structure comprising at least one chassis element, the construction surface system further comprising at least one construction panel fixed to said chassis structure, in which said construction surface system further comprises at least one fastening device according to the invention for supporting said construction panel and in which each construction panel comprises at least one connector element being configured to engage with the first connector element of the fastening device.

[0021] According to one example, each construction panel is supported by at least two fastening devices.

[0022] According to one example, the chassis structure comprises at least two chassis elements, said chassis elements being parallel or perpendicular to each other.

[0023] According to one example, the fastening device comprises at least two first connecting elements, each of said first connecting elements being inserted into a second connecting element of a different construction panel.

[0024] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a construction surface system according to the invention, said method comprising the following steps:

[0025] - the formation of the chassis structure comprising at least one chassis element;

[0026] - the supply of at least one fastening device and its fastening to the element of chassis;

[0027] - the supply of at least one construction panel, said construction panel including at least one second connector element

[0028] - activation of the fastening device to connect the first connector element of the fastening device to the second connector element of the construction panel. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Other features and special advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is provided by way of example and in a strictly non-limiting manner, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] - Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a surface system of construction according to the invention;

[0031] - [Fig. 2] is a schematic representation of a chassis structure of the system construction surface area;

[0032] - Figures 3 to 5 represent a fastening device according to a first mode of realization of the invention;

[0033] - Figures 6 to 8 represent a fastening device according to a second mode of realization of the invention;

[0034] - Figures 9 to 11 represent the construction surface system in detail.

[0035] - Figures 12 to 14 represent another embodiment of the connector according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Figure 1 represents a construction surface system 1 according to the invention. This construction surface system is used vertically to cover a wall or horizontally to form a ceiling as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0037] This construction surface system 1 comprises at least one frame element 2 to which at least one construction panel 3 is fixed. The construction panel 3 is fixed to this frame element 2 by means of a fastening device.

[0038] The construction panel 3 used is a gypsum-based construction panel, the panel comprising more gypsum by mass than any other constituent. For example, the construction panel may be a plasterboard (also called drywall) or a fiber-gypsum board. The construction panel includes a body comprising a front face, a back face, and a thickness between the front and back faces.

[0039] The chassis element 2 can be a profile having a C-shape or other suitable shapes such as an open circle. A C-shaped chassis element is defined as a metallic or non-metallic sheet comprising a pair of wings substantially parallel to each other and connected substantially perpendicularly at their base by a web, the pair of wings having return edges directed inwards substantially parallel to the web.

[0040] When the chassis element 2 has an open circle shape, the shape of the chassis element 2 can serve as wings.

[0041] This chassis structure 1 comprises a plurality of chassis elements 2. In this case, the chassis elements 2 could extend parallel to each other. However, it is possible to have a first set of chassis elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of elements of chassis 2 extending perpendicularly to the first set of chassis 2 elements so as to form a network as shown in [Fig.2].

[0042] The construction panel is attached to at least one frame element 2 by means of a fastening device 4. Said fastening device 4 is made of a material selected from the list including metal or one of its alloys, plastic, wood, or ceramic. The fastening device 4 comprises fastening means 40. More specifically, the fastening device 4 comprises first fastening means 41 and second fastening means 42. The first fastening means 41 are used to attach the device to the frame element, and the second fastening means 42 are used to attach the device to the construction panel 3 as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0043] The first fastening means 41 include a clip for fixing the fastening device 4 to the chassis element 2. The clip includes at least one hook or a projecting part 410 intended to cooperate with the chassis element 2.

[0044] The second fastening means 42 uses complementary means to secure the fastening between the fastening device 4 and the construction panel. To this end, the second fastening means 42 includes at least one complementary connector 420 such as a male-female connector. This complementary connector 420 comprises a first connector element 421 configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element 422. In particular, the second fastening means 42 are arranged so that the first connector element is located on the fastening device 4 and so that the second connector element is located on the construction panels. In the case of a male-female connector, the male component, called the plug 421, is located on the fastening device 4 and the female component, called the receptacle 422, is located on the construction panel. The plug 421 and the receptacle 422 are designed to be clipped together.Alternatively, the 421 plug could be placed on the construction panel as the second connector element and the 422 receptacle placed on the fastening device 4 as the first connector element.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the plug 421 is a spherical end and the receptacle 422 is a hole equipped with a clipping system. This hole may be a through hole, which is a hole with two open ends. Alternatively, this hole may be a blind hole, which is a hole with only one open end. When the spherical end is inserted into the hole, the spherical end activates the clipping system to hold this spherical end in this hole or blind hole.

[0046] The fastening device 4 further includes a main plate element 400 on which the first fastening means 41 and the second fastening means 42 are placed.

[0047] In a first embodiment, the fastening device 4 is provided to be placed so that the chassis element 2 is placed between the construction panel 3 and the fastening device 4. In this first embodiment, the fastening device 4, via the main plate element 400, rests on the chassis element 2. Thus, the chassis element 2 is interposed between the fastening device 4 and the construction panel.

[0048] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the fastening device 4 comprises a main plate element 400 from which the first fastening means 41 extend. The first fastening means 41 comprises hooks 410 used to cooperate with the chassis element. In particular, the hooks 410 of the first fastening means 41 are designed to cooperate with the wings of the chassis element 2 to clip the fastening device 4 to the chassis element 2.

[0049] The second fastening means 42 includes at least one secondary plate element 402. Said secondary plate element 402 extends from the main plate element 400. The secondary plate element 402 extends towards the construction panel. The secondary plate element 402 may be perpendicular to the main plate element 400 or inclined relative to the main plate element 400.

[0050] The secondary plate element 420 has a free end in which at least one plug 421, the first connecting element, of the second fastening means 42 is disposed. Alternatively, a receptacle 422 may be fixed to the free end of the secondary plate element 402.

[0051] The secondary plate element 402 could be a straight plate or a plate having an inclined or right-angled part or a curved plate.

[0052] In the case of the straight plate, the plug is placed on the free end of this straight plate and in the case of an inclined or right-angled part, the plug is placed on this inclined or right-angled part as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the second fastening means 42 comprises two secondary plate elements 402 extending on either side of the main plate element. In this case, the secondary plate element encloses the chassis element 2 supporting the fastening device 4.

[0054] These two secondary plate elements 402 could be symmetrical, but it is also possible that the two secondary plate elements 402 extend asymmetrically. Indeed, it is possible to have one secondary plate element being a straight element extending perpendicularly to the main plate element and the other secondary plate element extending from the main plate element at an angle.

[0055] It is also possible to have a single secondary plate element 402 designed to present two plugs, these plugs being spaced apart from each other.

[0056] In a second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the fastening device 4 is provided for placement between the construction panel 3 and the frame element 2. In this second embodiment, the fastening device 4 is retained, via the main plate element 400', and supported by the frame element. Thus, the fastening device 4 is interposed between the frame element and the construction panel 3.

[0057] In a second embodiment, the fastening device 4 comprises a main plate element 400' from which the first fastening means extend. Said first fastening means 41 comprises two arms 412, extending parallel to each other. Preferably, the end of each arm 412 comprises hooks 410, said hooks 410 being configured to cooperate with the chassis element 2. Preferably, the hooks 410 of the first fastening means 41 are provided to cooperate with the wings of the chassis element 2 to clip the fastening device 4 to the chassis element 2. The arms 412 could have a shape adapted to the chassis element 2, such as a curved shape as shown in [Fig. 7]. The arms 412 can be configured to deform so as to be positioned on the chassis element 2 and so as to engage with the wings of the chassis element 2 and to fix the fastening device to the chassis element 2.In examples of the invention comprising hooks 410, the hooks 410 can be configured to deform so as to engage with the wings of the chassis element 2 and to fix the fastening device to the chassis element 2.

[0058] The main plate element 400' further includes at least one connector 421 for the second fastening means 42. This at least one connector extends from the main plate element on the opposite face to that from which the arms of the first fastening means 41 extend. Indeed, the position of the fastening device 4 between the construction panel 3 and the chassis element requires that the first fastening means 41 and the second fastening means 42 not be on the same edge of the main plate 400'.

[0059] If the second fastening means 42 comprise two plugs, these plugs are spaced apart.

[0060] In this second embodiment, the main plate could have a length equal to or greater than the width of the frame element. A length of the main plate element greater than the width of the frame element is useful for increasing the stability of the construction panel attachment as shown in [Fig. 8].

[0061] In a third embodiment, the preceding embodiments can be combined. In this case, the fastening device 4 comprises arms extending from one side of the main plate element, the hook(s) being placed on said arms. The fastening device 4 further comprises at least one secondary plate element on which the first connector element, such as the plug, is placed.

[0062] To install a construction panel, the frame structure must first be installed. This frame structure comprises several frame elements 2. The frame elements 2 could extend parallel to each other. However, it is possible to have a first set of frame elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of frame elements 2 extending perpendicular to the first set of frame elements 2 so as to form a grid.

[0063] A method for installing the system according to the invention includes a first step of attaching the fastening devices 4 to the chassis elements 2. To do this, the first fastening means 41 is engaged with the chassis element 2. The first fastening means 41 are preferably configured so that the fastening device 4 can slide along the chassis element 2 after engagement. The engagement of the first fastening means 41 with the chassis element 2 preferably includes deforming the first fastening means 4L

[0064] A second step in the installation process of the system according to the invention comprises attaching the fastening device 4 to the construction panel 3. This is accomplished by activating the second fastening means 42. The second fastening means 42 is activated by engaging the first connector and the second connector of the second fastening means 42. Engaging the first connector with the second connector preferably involves deforming at least one of the first and second connectors. The number of fastening devices 4 placed on the frame elements 2 and the corresponding number of second connectors on the construction panels 3 depend on the size, type, and weight of the construction panels 3 and the requirements of the system being constructed. These construction panels 3, used as walls or ceilings, could have various dimensions.If the construction panel 3 is small and light, it is possible to use a single fixing device 4. If the construction panel 3 is large or heavy, it is possible to use at least two fixing devices 4 as shown in [Fig.9].

[0065] Several configurations are possible. These configurations depend on the size and weight of the construction panel 3 or the chassis structure 2.

[0066] Regarding the size of the construction panels 3, if the construction panel is long and narrow, the fastening devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors can be positioned so as to be in the middle of the width and distributed along the length of the construction panel 3. If the construction panel 3 is wide, it is possible to have at least two fastening devices 4 and corresponding second connectors distributed over the width of the construction panel 3. Depending on the length of the construction panels 3, fastening devices 4 and corresponding second connectors could also be distributed along the length.

[0067] The configurations could also take into account the chassis structure. Indeed, if the chassis structure comprises only chassis elements 2 extending parallel to each other, the fastening devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors are aligned along the length of the construction panel 3 and / or along the width of the construction panel 3.

[0068] However, if the chassis structure comprises a first set of chassis elements 2 extending parallel to each other and a second set of chassis elements 2 extending perpendicularly to the first set of chassis elements 2 so as to form a grid, the positioning of the fastening devices 4 and the corresponding second connectors is more complex. In this case, the fastening device 4 and the corresponding second connectors are positioned according to the chassis elements 2 of the first set and according to the chassis element 2 of the second set as shown in [Fig. 10].

[0069] In the case where the fastening device 4 according to the first embodiment has only one secondary plate element 402 or where the secondary plate elements 402 are not symmetrical, two adjacent fastening devices 4 could be placed on the chassis element 2 to compensate for each other. To do this, the two adjacent fastening devices 4 are positioned opposite each other.

[0070] In another embodiment, the fastening device 4 is also used to fasten two adjacent / neighboring construction panels 3 together. Indeed, in this embodiment, the fastening device 4 comprises two first connecting elements and each of the two neighboring panels comprises a second connecting element. These second connecting elements are arranged so that, when these construction panels 3 are installed, one first connecting element is inserted into the second connecting element of one construction panel 3 and the other first connecting element is inserted into the second connecting element of another construction panel 3 as shown in [Fig. 11].

[0071] The advantage of this invention is that it is possible to remove the construction panel from the chassis structure.

[0072] In another embodiment, the main plate element 400 could also be used to facilitate handling of the connector. Indeed, the main plate element 400 could include gripping means or could be designed so that the user can manipulate the connector in order to connect said connector to the chassis element and slide it along the chassis element.

[0073] In a first solution, the design of the main plate element 400 is carried out so as to include a curved portion and a rectangular portion. This portion is used to grip the connector. This portion could also be used to deform the connector to facilitate its attachment to the rail element.

[0074] In a second solution, the connector is designed so that the first fastening means 41 extend from the secondary plate element 402. In this case, the main plate 400 could be a U-shaped part from which the secondary plates 402 extend, each secondary plate 402 being L-shaped as illustrated in [Fig. 14].

[0075] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, but may be subject to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to the person competent in the art.

[0076] Indeed, it is possible that the connector is different. For example, the second fastening means 42 could comprise more than two first connector elements. Several options are possible for this purpose.

[0077] A first option is to have a connector with more than two arms extending from the main plate element 400 as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. These arms can be grouped in pairs, the arms of the same pair being parallel or not.

[0078] In a second option, at least one arm of the connector could be provided to include several first connector elements. In this case, the end of the arm could include at least two branches, each branch supporting a first connector element as illustrated in [Fig. 13].

Claims

Claims

1. 1 A fastening device (4) for fastening a building panel (3) to a frame member (2), said fastening device comprising a first fastening means (41) and a second fastening means (42), the first fastening means being used to fasten the device to the frame member, the second fastening means is used to fasten the device to the building panel, wherein the second fastening means comprises a first connector element (421) being configured to engage with a corresponding second connector element (422) placed on the building panel and wherein said fastening device comprises a main plate member (400) from which first fastening means and second fastening means extend, said device being arranged so that the frame member is arranged between the building panel and the main plate.

2. 2 A fastening device according to claim 1, wherein said first connector element and said corresponding second connector element belong to a male-female connector, said male-female connector comprising a plug and a receptacle.

3. 3 A fastening device according to claim 2, wherein said first connector element is a plug.

4. 4 A fastening device according to claim 2, wherein said first connector element is a receptacle.

5. 5 Fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said first fastening means comprises at least one hook (410).

6. 6 A fastening device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said fastening device comprises a main plate member (400) from which first fastening means and second fastening means extend.

7. 7 A fastening device according to the preceding claims, wherein the second fastening means comprises at least one secondary plate element (402) from which the first connector element extends.

8. 8 A fastening device according to the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening means comprises at least one arm (412) from which at least one hook extends.

9. 9 A fastening device according to claim 7, wherein said secondary plate member extends from the primary plate member perpendicularly or at an angle, said secondary plate member being straight or curved or at a right angle.

10. 10 A fastening device according to claim 8, wherein said at least one arm extends from the main plate member perpendicularly, said arm being straight or curved.

11. 11 A fastening device according to claims 7 or 9, wherein the second fastening means comprise two secondary plate elements, said secondary plate elements being symmetrical.

12. 12 A fixing device according to claims 8 or 10, wherein the first fixing means comprises two arms, each of these arms being equipped with a hook, said arms being symmetrical.

13. 13 A building surface system comprising a frame structure, said frame structure comprising at least one frame member, the building surface system further comprising at least one building panel attached to said frame structure, wherein said building surface system further comprises at least one fastening device according to one of the preceding claims for supporting said building panel, wherein the at least one fastening device comprises at least one first connector member and wherein the at least one building panel comprises at least one second connector member being configured to engage the first connector member of the fastening device.

14. 14 A building surface system according to the preceding claim, wherein each building panel is supported by at least two fastening devices.

15. 15 A building surface system according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the frame structure comprises at least two frame members, said frame members being parallel or perpendicular to each other.

16. 16 A building surface system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fastening device comprises at least two first connector elements, each of said first connector elements being inserted into a second connector element of a different panel.

17. 17 A method of mounting a building surface system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, said method comprising the following steps: - forming the frame structure comprising at least one frame member; - providing at least one fastening device and fastening it to the frame member; - providing at least one building panel, said building panel comprising at least one second connector member - activating the fastening device to connect the first connector member of the fastening device to the second connector member of the building panel.

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