CLIP ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH CANOPIES AND WALL PANELING CONSTRUCTIONS

• US 3,590,543 A
• Filed: 02/01/1968
• Issued: 07/06/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1968
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: William C. Heirich
• Original Assignee: William C. Heirich
• Inventors: Heirich, William C.
• Application Number:
  US04/702,240
• Time in Patent Office: 1,251 Days
• US Class Current: 52/298
• CPC Class Codes: E04D 3/36 Connecting; Fastening
• CPC Class Codes: E04D 3/362 by locking the edge of one slab or sheet within the profiled marginal portion of the adjacent slab or sheet, e.g. using separate connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 13/0814 fixed by means of clamping action
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 13/0842 specially adapted for thin sheet-like materials, e.g. sheet-metal or plastics

Abstract

Clip assemblies of varying configuration enabling decorative and functional fixtures to be attached to the interlocking flanges of adjacent panel elements characterized by varying techniques for permitting the clip assemblies to press outwardly against the locking flanges thus securing the clip assemblies within the locking flanges while resisting any tendency to slide or otherwise become unfastened.

Claims

1. A paneling assembly, comprising:

A. a plurality of flexible panel elements having side portions adjacent each other, said adjacent side portions of adjacent panels defining first and second locking flanges permitting said panels to be assembled as a wall, said first locking flange of one of said adjacent side portions overlying said second locking flange of the other of said adjacent side portions, said first locking flange having inwardly converging side portions defining an opening while said second locking flange has an inwardlY converging side portion complimentary in configuration to and abutting the closest of said inwardly converging side portions of said first locking flange, said second locking flange terminating in an end portion exceeding the expanse of said opening for engagement within and between said inwardly converging side portions of said first locking flange, said inwardly converging side portion of said second locking flange and the inwardly converging side portion of said first locking flange oppositely disposed constituting supporting surfaces, said locking flanges preventing said panels from unlocking by reverse action;

B. a clip assembly secured to said locking flanges, said clip assembly including arms abutting said supporting surfaces of said first and second locking flanges, said clip assembly further including means regulatively forcing said arms outwardly against said supporting surfaces of said locking flanges;

C. a fixture; and

D. means securing said fixture to said clip assembly.

2. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, including means withdrawing said arms inwardly from said supporting surfaces permitting said clip assembly to be relocated, as desired.

3. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, said means regulatively forcing said arms outwardly against said inner supporting surfaces of said locking flanges forming an integral part of said clip assembly, one of said flanges terminating in a generally U-shaped portion within which the other of said flanges is snapped in place resulting in said arms being pressed outwardly.

4. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, wherein said means for regulatively forcing said arms against said supporting surfaces includes an element for compressing first portions of said arms in one direction so as to move those portions of said arms in contact with said supporting surfaces in the opposite direction by rolling action.

5. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, wherein said means for regulatively forcing said arms against said supporting surfaces includes a resilient intermediate portion connecting said arms capable of being compressed after which said arms are released outwardly by spring action.

6. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, wherein said means for regulatively forcing said arms against said supporting surfaces includes a cam element located between said arms.

7. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, wherein said means for regulatively forcing said arms moves said arms outwardly.

8. A paneling assembly as in claim 1, wherein said means for regulatively forcing said arms against said supporting surfaces includes a bolt for wedging insertion between selected portions of said arms, said portions being tapered.